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| - Gundeck Hammocks, bundles of goods, pots and pans and fiberoptic cables dangle down over the two outward facing rows of blaster carronades and the cramped corridor between. Here a cooler is tucked under a bench and there a stim-chamber doubling as a head is bolted between bulkheads. The scents of old cooking, human sweat, ozone and whatever cargo the ship currently carries compete to batter the nostrils. A vent overhead half-heartedly puffs out recycled air and a stale, futile, pine scent. The gundeck serves as living quarters and bunkroom for all hands and passengers on the Courser: rec room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and all. This is it. Hope you're comfortable with yourself and very close quarters. Contents: Citizen Teel Citizen Jest'liana Geneticist Marson Port Guns Starboard Guns Interface Panel From Gundeck , Marson is close to Jest'liana, as still as a statue, From Gundeck , Marson telepaths, only to Jest'liana, "Its it okay if I leave, will you be able to handle Teel alright? My fate is being determined a few hundred meters away, and I might as well watch." From Gundeck , Jest'liana nods to Marson, still struggling to secure the ends of the bandage. "Aye.." N'Sha-El's head emerges from the cockpit, eyes fever bright in her dark face. Cheeks drawn, jaw set, hair carelessly swept into tufts standing here and there. Evidently she's been there since dawn, judging from the rumpled state of her clothes. "Sis?" From Gundeck , Marson nods, and floats out. From Gundeck , Marson disembarks from the ship. From Gundeck , Marson has left. From Gundeck , Jest'liana tilts her head and looks at Sha, shifting her body a little to make her arm not so visible to he other. "Yea, Sha?" From Gundeck , Teel is sitting on a crate, looking haggard and weary. She is telling the oddest little story... N'Sha-El's sharp eyes don't miss much. "If you're rewrapping that arm come here and let me help." Her voice is calm, perhaps too calm, the distance in her eyes unnerving. Almost as if the coming battle is what she is focused on, heart and soul. From Gundeck , Jest'liana grumbles some. "It doesn't hurt." she prefaces immediately, knowing it doesn't look good. She walks over. "I almost had it, I just can' secure it right." From Gundeck , Teel gazes distantly across the gundeck. "I told him that I was so sorry about what happened. I felt so guilty, cause I had promised him that I would protect Kip..." N'Sha-El hauls herself out of the cockpit stiffly. Jest'liana looks at Teel. "So..what did he say?" Teel gulps. "He said...h-he s-s-said that I wasn't Kip's father or m-mother. I was just a little punk miner who tried..." A tear runs down her face. "Tried N'Sha-El stretches, the sound of her spine popping loud and unnatural even amidst the whispering of the recycled air. She arches her back for a while, then moves to close the distance between her and Jest, glancing to Teel with a faint smile. "Hello Teel." Jest'liana glances over to Sha-El, and then walks over to quietly embrace Teel. "He's right Teel. It wasn't your fault." she murmurs. "We all did everything we could." Jest'liana(Jest) pages: The long and short of it is Teel wandered around Bunker Hill and apparently had a conversation with the Corpse of Kip's dad.... N'Sha-El watches the pair for a long moment. Then she moves over and kneels down in a gesture of surprising gentleness, laying her hand over Teel's. "Hey. Listen. You did what you could, you cared for him, you loved him. That's more than anyone could have done. And I promise we'll get him back." Her voice, quiet though it is, carries with it a steel-tempered determination. Teel's sobs echo through the room. Slowly, they lessen, and she sighs. "Really, Sha?" Her voice pleads, quavering. Jest'liana looks at Sha-El, her eyes startled and not too pleased. N'Sha-El's eyes never waver. "I'm going to try my best. The B'hiri may be able to help. Damned if I have to go on my knees and serve as a slave the rest of my life, Teel...I'll try to get him back." Teel nods. Her mouth thins to a hard line. "You guys...I've been a bit out of it, I guess. I'll do my best to make it up to you." Jest'liana stands up and turns to her bunk. "You see? Everything is going to work out, Teel. And you have nothing to make up for. We all go a little mad sometimes." N'Sha-El pats Teel's hand gently once. Then stands. "S'all right Teel. You ain't seen me go off on Captain Van when the nav systems go down for no reason." She glances to Jest. "Here. Let me see that arm sis." Teel smiles slightly. "Thanks. Um, are you two really sisters?" Jest'liana returns her music player to its place among her astonishingly few possession and walks over to Sha. N'Sha-El takes the end of bandage and begins to rewrap it deftly. A faint smile to Teel as she does so. "In the only way that matters Teel..." She tugs the bandage firm but not too firm, making sure that it doesn't constrict Jest's arm. "Stickin' together, caring 'bout each other...being family that we never had." Jest'liana deadpans, "Fighting over who gets the last of the hair-spray..or in this case the last tool to do repairs with." Teel gets up and begins to straighten up the main area. "Aw, that sounds like me and the Iron Dogs." She shrugs as she picks up a bowl. "Only we were boys and girls, and most of us had parents." N'Sha-El grins, breaking the unnerving stillness of her face. "Last as to who gets to clean out the Sanaens..." she murmurs, then looks to Teel. "You know I bloody never did finish getting dinner yesterday....I'll do it now while we still have time." N'Sha-El finishes securing the bandage, wipes her hands on her fatigues and moves over to where the vegetables are still sitting on the counter. Jest'liana raises her eyebrow at Sha, then grins at Teel. "Good thing is, she cooks. I can't boil water without burning it. Actually...I never even did that much." Teel puts away one of Genghis cat toys. "Did you ever get your knife back, Sha?" She grins back at Jest'liana. N'Sha-El pats her knife which she now draws out of its sheath. "M'lady's still here...." she says with a wicked grin. "Hot, purring and ready for some serious action." With that she collects a few eggs and cracks them into a bowl after setting the knife on the counter. Jest'liana considers a moment and then shakes her head. "Sha, I am going to check something with the engines. I will be back." N'Sha-El nods, glancing over her shoulder. "Ok. I wonder where Hua went." Jest'liana heads into Engineering . Jest'liana has left. Teel oohs and ahs at Sha's culinary expertise. "Can you crack an egg with one hand? My dad does that...except he's only got one arm." Jest'liana arrives from Engineering . Jest'liana has arrived. Teel is looking over Sha's shoulder as she cooks. "Wow..." N'Sha-El laughs softly as she cracks two eggs at once. "I've learned to," she returns simply as she breaks them into the metal bowl, tosses the shells into the disposal and rinses her hands quickly before wiping them on her fatigues. She retrieves a fork and starts beating the eggs up really quickly. Marson enters through the hatch of the ship. Marson has arrived. Jest'liana pretends to be disgusted. "Omelets again, Sha? Goodness. What I wouldn't give for some lobster or perhaps chicken cordon blue." her eyes glitter amusement and she laughs. Marson floats in, looking depressed. It floats down into a hammock, ignoring the "unsanitary" cat hair. "I have agreed to help the Ri'Kammi." A skillet is yanked out of a small compartment under the sink and set on the stove, the heat turned on and carrots thrown into it, as Sha-El grabs a small spatula and begins frying. "When we get back home, sis..I'll cook the lobster." She grins lopsidedly, glancing up at Marson. "Well join the group. Where's Genghis?" Marson slumps in the hammock and closes its eyes, looking the epitome of complete misery. Teel grins. "Yeah, or maybe some steak..." She turns to see the sad Centauran. "Heya...Marson or Dahan?" She looks much more healthy than before. Dahan enters through the hatch of the ship. Dahan has arrived. The kitten, having an uncanny sense of timing when it comes to food and possibilities of pampering meows plaintively from under a pile of clothing in the corner by Jest's bed. It pokes its head through, claws the jumpsuit to confirm its kill, and then settles on its haunches. Dahan telepathically sends, 'I assume they are sending us out...Oh, permission Teel blinks as she sees the second Centauran enter. "Oy vey! Um, heya...Marson? Dahan?" Marson opens its eyes, and sits up. It brushes the cat hair off. Jest'liana smiles at Dahan. "Permission granted, Dahan," she says easily. Dahan telepathically sends, 'I'm Dahan...You can tell us apart by the style of atmospheric breather we wear if not by other means.' N'Sha-El is in the middle of cooking. Right now she's pouring a little bit of something from a large bottle onto the carrots she's frying up. A chunk of chopped green spinach goes next, is fried for a little while then in go the beaten eggs. Whirlwind cooking and even Genghis mews plaintively. Marson looks at the green spinach. "Can I have some of this, N'Sha-El?" Marson floats over beside N'Sha-El, obviously trying to forget its misery. It looks at the spinach closer. Dahan floats over by Marson, 'Do you think you can eat that kind of food, in this atmosphere?' N'Sha-El glances up as she picks up the skillet and swirls it around to distribute the eggs. "Sure. Marson ain't it?" Marson telepaths, "It doesn't look bad. Maybe I'll try it." Jest'liana takes out a nail file and begins to absently give her nails some long neglected treatment. "Dahan? What do you mean you assume we are being sent out? I haven't heard anything from the Evil Mist Monsters since yesterday." Teel smiles. "And I wonder how you tell _us_ apart." She looks over at the omelets. "Mmmmmm, spinach and carrots..." Genghis claws his way out of the pile of Jest's clothes and scampers up to mew at her, tail waving. Marson telepaths to Dahan, "I'll probably be fine in this atmosphere if I don't *breathe it*" Dahan telepathically sends, 'I haven't heard much from them either lately, but yesterday they indicated they would send this ship out today.' Dahan dips in acknowledgment, 'It's your own health to risk, friend.' A familiar child's voice, giggling laced with menace, burbles up through the deck and in from the walls. "The time has come." Marson nods slowly to Dahan... N'Sha-El flips the omelet over with the expertise of long practice. "30 seconds and this should be ready to eat. Everyone's welcome to have some." In a little while she yanks a plate off somewhere and tosses the omelet onto it - and freezes, spinning around. Marson shoots up to the ceiling, the voice panicking him for a moment.. Dahan stills himself as he hears the voice, and shivers. Jest'liana finishes tending to the curve of her index finger...concealing the instinctive stiffening. She puts the file down and moves to pick up Genghis. The child's voice seems to make all the shadows seem a little darker, a little drearier, and yet he sounds merry enough. "The ship...is in readinessssss. Now, you musssst depart." Teel startles. She slowly breathes in and out, trying to gather her wits. N'Sha-El turns off the stove casually, wipes her hands and places the plate in the fridge. "Anyone can take a shot at the food. All right." She glances around with a faint, challenging grin. "On our way as soon as I collar my first mate and engineer." She raises her voice in a shout. "HUA!" Dahan telepathically sends, 'I wonder if he means the depart from the ship, or that this ship will depart this place. Hua appears from the cargo bay, wielding a wrench. He quietly sets the implement down upon a nearby bunk, listening. Teel sighs, smiling wearily in triumph. "I'll take some." She walks over to the fridge, opens the door, and retrieves the plate. "Gotta get it while it's hot!" Jest'liana looks to Sha. "Last time I checked the engines they were powered some, but not up to full capacity." she looks to the air, "You are going to have to return all the power, you know." she says sweetly, bitingly. Marson smirks beneath his atmospheric breather at Jest'liana, ... just the edges of his awkward smirk can be seen. Dahan tries to float out of the way of the crowded gundeck, and takes refuge from above. Marson follows Dahan, and also floats to the ceiling. N'Sha-El runs a hand through her short purple-streaked hair, her face as calm as if she's preparing for a visit to the beauty parlor. "I haven't been able to check bloody dammit with the power down. I need to test the ship out. We've been out of the running so long I don't know if all that bloody moisture's gotten into the com channels." The burbling voice returns: "No time." Dahan telepathically sends, 'Last time I saw them...They did try to select the crew. I wonder if they will try that again now.' Teel grabs a fork from some random drawer, forks some of the omelet onto another plate, sits down on a crate, and commences to eating, dropping the occasional piece to the cat. "Need some help, Sha?" Jest'liana tucks the file down her shirt and weaves her way towards the Engine room. She doesn't actually exit yet though. Marson reaches down for the spinach. It takes a small bit, puts it under its atmospheric breather into its mouth, causing a bit of a hiss. It munches on N'Sha-El's expression doesn't change. "You don't know bloody anything about my ship, Mr. Bloody Ri'Kammi. Can you guarantee my coms are working and the damn moisture you've spread all over the hull hasn't screwed us for shit and a half?" She moves towards the cockpit, but her tone demands an answer. The voice responds, sullenly, almost pouting, but with some trace of mirth: "No choice." Jest'liana waits, hand on her hip and expression somewhere between bored and annoyed. From Cockpit , VanMahr heads into Gundeck . VanMahr arrives from Cockpit . VanMahr has arrived. N'Sha-El's chin tilts as she tosses her head at the unseen Ri'Kammi. "Y'know bloody Ri'Kammi...If I have to rebuild this damn ship thanks to your cold and bloody misted up atmosphere you're gonna learn what PAIN means." With a growl and an arrogant toss of her head she marches towards the cockpit, almost cannoning into Van. "Hello Captain....sweet dreams?" The child's burbling voice, sounding stern yet mirthful: "Now is the time. GO! Victory awaitsssss!" VanMahr mutters to himself. "Systems check out fine. Well? What are you all standing around and waiting for?" Jest'liana laughs a breath. "Must have been sweet dreams..." Jest'liana heads into Engineering . Jest'liana has left. Teel looks up from her (and the cat's) food. "Heya, Cap'n!" She looks weary, but better. Genghis mews and chows down with every evidence of more enjoyment than anyone in the scene is having. N'Sha-El glances at Hua. "Let's go Hua....kick some ass." With that she slides down into the den of the cockpit. VanMahr nods to Teel brusquely. "Have you assignments yet?" Cockpit An amber glow seeps through the dim claustrophobic cockpit of this small craft. Three padded slabs are arrayed under heavy banks of electronics, avionics and other displays. Of the stars themselves there is no sign as a portal or viewscreen is absent. Instead, the bridge crew extends their senses out into the void with the digital and wave arrays of data swept up by the very sensitive passive and active detection systems on board. The first bench is the navigator's station with its bewildering melange of CRT monitors and a dangling set of headphones, the second signals the pilot's position with its joystick and holographic positioning sextant, and the third features the distended periscope-style targeting mask and firing solution monitors of the gunner's place. One exit is a portal to the rear leading into the gundeck and living quarters. The second is a small pressurized hatch near the feet of the gunner - likely leading to a small armoury and boarding bay. Contents: Weapons Console Command Chair Navigation Console From Gundeck , Hua dusts off his palms, and wordlessly treads towards the cockpit. From Gundeck , Teel places the plate with the rest of the omelet on the ground near Genghis. "I'll see if I can help Jest." From Gundeck , Teel heads into Engineering . From Gundeck , Teel has left. From Gundeck , VanMahr's gaze lifts to Marson's floating form. "And what can you do for us?" [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Unknown] - Webrunner Twelve, launch and remain in orbit on standby - EOT - From Gundeck , Marson telepaths, "The Ri'kammi made me come here. I'll do what I can, Captain VanMahr." From Gundeck , Marson telepaths, "I'm not very good with a console, really." [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Unknown] - Understood Webrunner Four - EOT - From Gundeck , The ship begins to hum and vibrate slightly as the engines come to life. From Gundeck , LeBeau enters through the hatch of the ship. From Gundeck , LeBeau has arrived. From Gundeck , VanMahr nods to himself. "Just secure yourself, Centaurian." He calls back into engineering. "Jester, Teel, I don't suppose either of you knows much about guns but if we should come under attack I'll need you on the carronades. One to port and the other to starboard. Consider it a crash course in gunnery..." The captain breaks off to consider LeBeau. "Miss Jest, belay that. Teel and LeBeau on guns. I trust you can handle them Gambit?" [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Unknown] - Webrunner Twelve, adjust course to aim for the Harrower, and standby - EOT - [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Unknown] - Acknowledged - EOT - From Gundeck , LeBeau grins slightly ""m a pilot, I'm usually doing guns an a hundred oder tings ad da same time N'Sha-El stiffens suddenly. "Captain..." From Gundeck , LeBeau mans the Port Guns. From Gundeck , Teel arrives from Engineering . From Gundeck , Teel has arrived. From Gundeck , VanMahr smiles. Almost. "Excellent." He climbs into the cockpit. "Miss Sha?" From Gundeck , VanMahr heads into Cockpit . N'Sha-El glances over as she straps herself in. "We're getting strange transmissions...." From Gundeck , Teel mans the Starboard Guns. N'Sha-El turns towards the gundeck and yells, "Places...undocking in 10 second!" She punches a button on her console and the calm, computerized voice begins its rhythmic chant. "10...9...8...7..." VanMahr straps himself into the command console - mirroring Sha's actions. "How strange? My threshold of that concept expands with each passing day." From Gundeck , LeBeau settles into the gun turret and secures the seat strap around him [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Unknown] - Webrunner, raise shields. - EOT - N'Sha-El shrugs it off as she tosses her head, eyes fever bright and intent now on her task. The voice continues smoothly. "...4...3...2...1...Launching." Sha-El punches a button. "Undocking." Hua flips a few switches on his console, and wordlessly observes the play of light. From Gundeck , Teel straps in, smiling. [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Webrunner Four] - Hostile on sensors! - EOT - [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Webrunner Twelve] - I read - EOT - [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Webrunner Twelve] - locked, Sir - EOT - [Ch: 102.50 Contact: You] - 1 Halt your fire... - EOT - [Ch: 102.50 Contact: You] - 1 Ship Courser, please identify. - EOT - VanMahr watches a number of white spots drifting through his holo-sextant turn flashing red. "We have troublemakers, Miss Sha. Identify. Set course between them and set speed to 1000." N'Sha-El nods, flicking a few switches. "Aye Captain." Her voice is curt, concentration intent on her work. From Gundeck , Teel carefully flicks a few buttons. "Um, starboard weapons up, too. Wow...you can see everything..." From Gundeck , LeBeau maneuvers the turret around slightly to get the feel of the motion and the controls From Gundeck , LeBeau looks on as the all to familiar sight of space debris from a battle "Dare yu can see da blast marks on da ships, I wonder wha type o energy wepon day use From Gundeck , Teel wipes her sweaty palms on her pants and puts her hand back on the trigger. "Maybe the same that we're gonna use, Jet jockey." [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Webrunner Four] - Webrunner Twelve, move within 100 and form on my wing. - EOT - From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "I doubt id, 've ne're seen makes like dat before, ids like id cut true da hull no smash into id" VanMahr takes hold of the pistol grip between his knees and begins rapidly scaling the starfield and objects as well as rotating them around the small representation of The Courser. From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "Wha's going on up dare?" [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Webrunner Twelve] - Acknowledged - EOT - VanMahr mutters. "93 percent?" [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Webrunner Four] - Contact moving! - EOT - N'Sha-El punches a few buttons, her eyes never leaving the starburst grid of her navigation console. [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Webrunner Twelve] - Acknowledged, adjusting - EOT - VanMahr bahs and calls over his shoulder. "Two unknown vessels have weapons lock on us." From Gundeck , Teel says, "That's just the way this ship flies, man. Jerk, jerk, jerk." VanMahr says, "Hold fire until our joyrider gives the orders." The unknown ships fire on the Courser, the impact sending everyone thudding against their posts: N'Sha-El growls as the ship jolts, the shields absorbing most of the impact. "Setting courser for B'Hiri. Damned runners!" From Gundeck , Teel mumbles, "Got it, Cap'n." From Gundeck , LeBeau begins to rotate his gunnery capsule towards the rear of the ship [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Webrunner Four] - Hold fire, Twelve. Alien vessel, surrender! - EOT - VanMahr bounces a bit on his couch. "Runners, Miss Sha?" [Ch: 102.50 Contact: You] - Identify yourselves. We are the Courser, course set for B'Hiri. - EOT - The ship shudders as it is impacted by weapons fire, but shields seem to absorb it. N'Sha-El punches in a key; the lights on the communication console flicker. "Dammit those bastards aren't answering hails..." she growls savagely. "Let's try this again..." The ship rocks once more and she curses fluently. "Hua! Gunnery status?" From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "Hey captain, I tink I can lay down a From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "I'll try no to hit dem" VanMahr grunts. "Well, if the Hivers don't mind? By all means." Hua punches a few buttons. He replies, calmly, "Weapons systems holding at ninety-four percent efficiency." From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "Yu got id" [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Webrunner Four] - Forward! - EOT - [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Webrunner Four] - Slow to full stop and hold, Twelve! - EOT - [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Webrunner Twelve] - Acknowledged - EOT - From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "Nav wha ship is firing on us?" The ship shudders as it is impacted by weapons fire, but shields seem to absorb it. [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Webrunner Four] - Hold fire, Twelve. Alien vessel, surrender! - EOT - N'Sha-El yells back, "Sir! Runner aiming at us!" From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "Day ar both on yer side Teel"
* You gaze in awe as the Webrunner Eighty shatters and explodes! VanMahr clears his throat, rather loudly. "Might I suggest you trade positions?" [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Webrunner Four] - ANIMALS! - EOT - VanMahr's words are evidently meant for the gunners in the rear section. From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "I jus sent one o dem flying" [Ch: 102.50 Contact: You] - That was self defense sir! Now let us pass, we don't want any more casualties! - EOT - VanMahr says, "Good job, Mister LeBeau." From Gundeck , Teel mumbles, "Uh huh. Cool." From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "Day ar both behind us" N'Sha-El punches in keys, her fingers flying as she growls into the communications channel. She looks up, eyes fever bright, voice cool as ice. "They wont' answer communications Captain. Let the bastards have it." VanMahr glances over to Sha. "Bring us about for another run, Miss Sha" N'Sha-El nods. "Set course 197 mark 10, headed straight for vessel sir." [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Webrunner Four] - Twelve, hold position! - EOT - [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Webrunner Twelve] - Understood - EOT - VanMahr says, "Very good. Lock on the unknown contacts and fire at will." [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Webrunner Four] - Alien vessel! Back off - EOT - From Gundeck , Teel yells, "Die die die die die!" VanMahr blinks as one of the contacts shifts from red to white. "Interesting. Hold fire. Hold fire." [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Webrunner Four] - Servants of the Ri'Kammi, we die with pride in defiance! - EOT - From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "Holding fire" [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Webrunner Four] - Thrusters damaged! - EOT - [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Webrunner Four] - The Ri'Kammi shall prevail, thanks to their puppets! - EOT - White to red again is followed by a curse. "Shoot anything that dares lock onto my vessel. Fire at will!", cries The Captain. [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Webrunner Four] - Iskatich, it has been an honor serving with you in defiance of the Ri'Kammi. I only wish...we had had our chance at victory. - EOT - [Ch: 102.50 Contact: Webrunner Twelve] - It has been likewise an honor to serve under your command in our fight - EOT - N'Sha-El glances up to VanMahr for a fraction. "What's going on Captain?" before she turns back to her console, thin face intense. From Gundeck , Teel wipes her sweaty palms again, one at a time. "I wonder what's up..." [3749] Tightbeam Message from Webrunner Four You animals! This is the Webrunner Four, piloted by Chief Minister Okaskitich! -EOT- VanMahr glances back to Sha. "Unsure. Pull us to a stop. Try a hail again. Gunners hold fire. N'Sha-El shoves her hair from her face. "I've sent a hail. Now here's hoping they /answer/ this bloody time..." Her voice is quiet and calm. "Wait. They've answered." N'Sha-El glances up. "Vessel identified as Webrunner 4, pilot Chief Minister Okaskitich." She flicks a few switches on her console. "Waiting for reply Captain." VanMahr says, "Yes, but what the devil are they? Can we get a visual, Miss Sha? Does it match the target we saw in the console?" [3749] Tightbeam Message from Webrunner Four You are servants of the Ri'Kammi, come to gloat! What more do we need to know! Finish it! -EOT- From Gundeck , Teel gasps as she hears the voice, but otherwise stays silent. N'Sha-El flicks a switch. "Vessel paused Captain." She bends over the comlink again. [3749] Tightbeam Message from Webrunner Four And you seek our help by destroying our vessels? -EOT- N'Sha-El mutters calmly, "Hold on a second Captain...attempting to get a visual scan." On visual, you see a translucent vessel with graceful sloping wings. [3749] Tightbeam Message from Webrunner Four You came from the Harrower, the belly of the Ri'Kammi vessel, like all the others! -EOT- N'Sha-El releases the button of her comlink with a hiss. "Dammit. Well, we've destroyed a B'Hiri vessel by accident." VanMahr leans back in his chair. "Well, I'm entirely sure our broadcasts are being monitored. Let's power down engines and pretend to be crippled. Do I have any volunteers for extra-vehicular activities?" N'Sha-El chuckles faintly. "Captain, please go update sis on what's going on. And captain, HOW many times do I have to tell you tightbeam transmissions are secure?" VanMahr glances to Sha. "You're certain about that?" N'Sha-El tilts her chin up. "With my life, Captain." VanMahr says, "Tell them we're Janissaries, Miss Sha. Slave warriors and we want to make a deal." [3749] Tightbeam Message from Webrunner Four State your...purpose...Courser. Then be done with us. We tire of the war. -EOT- VanMahr says, "And tell your sis to bring power down to just enough for shields and weapons." Tightbeam transmission sent. [3749] Tightbeam Message from Webrunner Four Indeed? *a clacking hiss* And perhaps you are puppets of the Ri'Kammi, come with a new ploy to get our last numbers within your grasp! -EOT- VanMahr grunts. "We're making friends and influencing people, Miss Teel. Hold steady. And on my ship, Mister LeBeau? If you have an observation or insight I'd damn well like to hear it, and peppered with curses for clarity." The young navigator's face is calm, serene. Only her fever bright eyes and tightened fingers show just how tense she is as she bends over her comlink, engaged in quiet and deadly serious conversation. From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "Well I hav a lock an clear shot on da ship dat we ar speaking wit, day would be dead if we really wanted dem to be" VanMahr says, "But we're willing to send one of our own out to deal." From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "Inform dem dat we only destroyed dare ship in self defense day did start shooting ad us first" VanMahr says, "My ship, Miss Teel. And I intend to explain the latter in person." From Gundeck , Teel says, "Oy, Jet, use the com. It's better than yelling." From Gundeck , Teel grins faintly. [3749] Tightbeam Message from Webrunner Four After a long pause, punctuated now and again by thoughtful clicking sounds, you hear the voice on the other end say, "We will hear what you must say. Proceed on course to B'hira. We will open fire and make your landing appear forced." -EOT- N'Sha-El looks up. "Captain. Get the weapons lock off that ship. Please. It may be my only chance to convince them." A sudden pause, then her face tightens. "All right...we're going back on course to B'Hira. They're going to open fire on us and pretend to make the landing appear forced in case the Ri'Kammi are watching." VanMahr says, "Unlock gunnery sights and proceed on course." N'Sha-El draws a sharp, quick breath and glances over to Hua with a ghost of a smile. Then to Van. "If this goes wrong...someone shoot me and make it bloody painful." With that she flicks a switch on her console and punches in a few keys. From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "Port weapons unlocked" VanMahr stretches out cat-like on his couch. "Very good. Steady. If our shields get too low then be ready to relock weapons." From Gundeck , LeBeau maneuvers his bubble manually "Understood, leds jus hope day keep to dare word" VanMahr calls back. "Miss Teel? You're about to go on a very short tense leave. Nothing to be worried about." N'Sha-El nods, her eyes set on the flashing green lines of the 3-D models on her astrogation screen. "Aye aye Captain..." From Gundeck , Teel rubs the sweat off her hands. "Gotcha, Cap'n." N'Sha-El's fingers fly over the console keyboard. "They're at least willing to listen to us after we bloody blew their ship to shreds. That's a start." Her eyes track the course of the ship steadily. A hail of firepower (for show but nonetheless daunting) streaks for the Courser. N'Sha-El snaps, "Don't fire!" VanMahr grunts and taps a series of codes into a panel. "Miss Sha?!" From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "Don worry no fire has been returned" N'Sha-El glances up briefly. "It's only for show." N'Sha-El reaches to flick a switch. "Secure for landing...30 seconds to countdown." From Gundeck , The ship shudders as the drop rockets engage and the ship begins its descent. From Gundeck , You feel a slight force as the ship glides to a halt ... From Gundeck , LeBeau secures his turret and braces for the familiar planet drop From Gundeck , The ship sways and bumps as it makes contact with the ground surface. VanMahr nods and turns to Hua. "Very good. Keep an eye on the situation. You're on point, Mister Hua. I'll be second and the rest of you just come along as you will." From Gundeck , Teel gives a little burp as the ship lands. N'Sha-El punches in a few keys. "Landing secured. Prepare to disembark." She glances up. "Sir. Since I made contact, may I go first?" From Gundeck , Teel unmans the Starboard Guns. From Gundeck , LeBeau unbuckles himself from the turret From Gundeck , Jest'liana arrives from Engineering . From Gundeck , Jest'liana has arrived. VanMahr unmans the Command Chair. From Gundeck , Jest'liana smiles at Teel and LeBeau. "Nice shooting." VanMahr takes a deep breath and pads ahead. N'Sha-El stands from her console, stretching briefly. Her spine cracks unpleasantly as she pulls herself from the navigation console. Gundeck Hammocks, bundles of goods, pots and pans and fiberoptic cables dangle down over the two outward facing rows of blaster carronades and the cramped corridor between. Here a cooler is tucked under a bench and there a stim-chamber doubling as a head is bolted between bulkheads. The scents of old cooking, human sweat, ozone and whatever cargo the ship currently carries compete to batter the nostrils. A vent overhead half-heartedly puffs out recycled air and a stale, futile, pine scent. The gundeck serves as living quarters and bunkroom for all hands and passengers on the Courser: rec room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and all. This is it. Hope you're comfortable with yourself and very close quarters. Contents: Citizen VanMahr Citizen Jest'liana Citizen Teel Lt_Colonel LeBeau Port Guns Starboard Guns Interface Panel Teel whispers to Jest'liana. VanMahr marches on to the airlock, squeezing past the other crewmen and sundry obstacles. He taps a code into a keypad. "Hua. I do believe you are on." N'Sha-El draws a deep breath as she marches for the airlock. "Genghis, STAY..." she tells the kitten severely as he miaows, cowering from under a pile of clothes. Then she tosses her head, sets her face proudly, tilts her chin and follows Van. Teel stands and stretches. "Ya know, if it wasn't for all the people shooting at me...I might like this." VanMahr pauses to glance at Sha. "We have any idea of the atmospheric content out there?" Jest'liana's eyes flicker as she watches the procession. "Man the fort, Captain?" Hua nods, stepping over to VanMahr's side. He stands silently before the airlock's door, waiting. VanMahr shakes his head. "We all have a stake in this and only one shot at it. We'll stick together. Agreed?" N'Sha-El nods. "A little. Breathable but thin oxygen Captain." She rubs her temple. "Enough." Jest'liana relaxes visibly and nods. Teel nods. "Okay." The airlock hisses open. "Breath deep and often people. Try not to get excited." VanMahr gestures for Hua to precede him. Hua calmly steps forward, laying his hand upon the butt of his blaster. N'Sha-El glances over at Teel and Jest. "Go next after the Captain Teel...Sis go with her, I'll bring up the rear." Teel says, "Yes ma'am." The party disembarks, with understandable trepidation, to the surface of the B'hiri homeworld, encountering: Ruined City Center - B'hira Once, this city might actually have been called elegant. Delicate twisting spires like spun crystal now lie broken and toppled, brittle bones crushed by the careless actions of others. Greasy black smoke hangs over the ruins like a burial shroud. Among the remnants of the native structures can be seen the wreckage of small alien fighters, torqued out of shape and charred amidst the rubble. A chill wind whips through the debris-strewn streets, fluttering the jacket sleeves that cannot warm the skeletons of warriors, humanoid and otherwise. Up and down the street, where buildings still stand, doors are marked with X or some other sigil suggesting that raiding parties have been through and scavenged for all they could. Contents: Citizen Jest'liana Citizen Teel Lt_Colonel LeBeau Citizen VanMahr Citizen Hua Webrunner Four Boarding Tube - Courser Webrunner Twelve A gull-wing door arches upward on Webrunner Four with a hiss. VanMahr's bland gaze fixes on the vista before him with something like disappointment. Okaskitich scuttles down the landing ramp from its vessel. Hua's eyes track to the motion, fixing on the emerging creature. Okaskitich Gleaming black compound eyes like bunches of obsidian grapes reflect your image a hundredfold from the round head of the arachnoid creature that crouches here on six fragile, crystalline-looking white legs around a grim, gray bulbous thorax. The alien looks rather like some nightmarish snowman, with a pair of claws and mandibles that clack as it moves. LeBeau tightens his jacket around him as he looks around the ruined landscape Okaskitich lets its compound eyes drift to survey the wreckage. "B'hiri do not surrender." N'Sha-El's eyes glance around as she disembarks after Jest. "What a damned bloody waste..." she murmurs softly, more to herself than anything. The cold air makes her shiver slightly, but as the B'Hiri speaks, she moves forward. Iskatich Translucent silver with a bulbous canopy and graceful swooping wings, this agile-looking craft crouches with a delicacy and elegance that is belied by the arsenal of weaponry slung beneath the sloping nose and wings. Thrust nozzle cones jut from the rear of the fuselage, just below the tail. Iskatich comes out of the ship in a semi-pathetic hobbling-scuttle. His middle right leg and front left legs are lifted from the ground. He has scars on his body and a small wound that he is holding his claw over, telepathically he states, "I must attend to myself, goodbye". He looks over to Okaskitich and then departs. Iskatich heads into Toppled Towers. Iskatich has left. Okaskitich raises its slender arms and clacks at Iskatich. VanMahr turns to consider the alien. He frowns. "How did this war come about?" Hua gives his head a minute shake, but not for one minute do his eyes leave Okaskitich's form. He says nothing. Okaskitich clacks chitteringly. "Enough time for talk later, think I. You wish to strike the Ri'Kammi?" Jest'liana wraps her arms about herself and studies Okaskitich with curious eyes. VanMahr nods dubiously. "If that were possible I'd think you'd have already done it. But I didn't come off my ship to argue. What do you suggest?" Okaskitich maneuvers its slender, chitinous arms. "It is possible. But the Ri'Kammi, clever shades, find slaves to keep us at bay." Okaskitich swivels around on airy, sharp-angled legs and clacks across the wreckage, heading toward the towers. Okaskitich heads into Toppled Towers. Okaskitich has left. Hua casts a brief, questioning glance VanMahr's way. LeBeau says, "I guess we follow?" N'Sha-El draws a breath. "Well...let's go I guess Captain?" she murmurs, after another long glance around. Teel says, "Sounds like a plan to me." Jest'liana is quiet, eyes roaming over the shattered landscape again. VanMahr follows after a short pause and a shaking of his head. "There are some days you just want to stay in bed." N'Sha-El smiles faintly. "After you sis...." she murmurs. Jest'liana glances to Sha, sighs that she apparently won't let her take rear and goes. Jest'liana says, "Damn" Following Okaskitich, the party passes shattered vistas of landscapes and curious structures before coming into: Toppled Towers Like fallen trees in an ancient, dying forest, twin crystalline towers lie toppled one atop the other in the perpetual, hanging haze of their own destruction. A gaping pit stands tribute to where one of the towers was uprooted, its sister structure appears to have snapped off at the base. Beyond, the jagged edges of a once majestic arched roof rise to split the horizon. Contents: Citizen Hua Citizen Jest'liana Citizen Teel Lt_Colonel LeBeau Citizen VanMahr Chief Minister Okaskitich Okaskitich continues its scuttling, clattering journey through the wreckage, and teeters on the edge of the pit, gazing down. "Answers await." Okaskitich heads into Pit. Okaskitich has left. Pit Wind whips in a swirling circle within this underground chamber that might once have been a basement for one of the twin crystalline towers toppled above. The floor is overwhelmed by chunks of rubble and debris, and scattered amidst the detritus are the corpses of fallen warriors. Some of the combatants appear to have been arachnoid in origin. Contents: Citizen Jest'liana Citizen Teel Lt_Colonel LeBeau Citizen VanMahr Citizen Hua Chief Minister Okaskitich Okaskitich clacks into the darkness to the north Hua heads into Dark Passage. Hua has left. LeBeau heads into Dark Passage. LeBeau has left. Jest'liana tenses, not quiet liking this. N'Sha-El gestures for Teel and Jest to keep moving. Her arms wrap tight around herself, then she abandons the gesture and simply tosses her head back. Dark Passage Through a rupture in the passage overhead can be seen the drifting clouds of smoke intermingling with what appears to be a permanent grim overcast sky above the city. A pile of rubble that appears scaleable leads up toward the light. Perhaps it is nothing more than the wind whistling through the passage, but you sense sounds coming from somewhere to the northwest. Contents: Citizen Jest'liana Citizen Teel Lt_Colonel LeBeau Citizen Hua Teel looks back. "Where's the Cap'n?" N'Sha-El emerges from the rear, glancing back a moment. "He's coming Teel..." After more scrambling through vault-like passages, archives and the like, they emerge into: Commons Cool blue light gleams from lamps suspended on strands from the arched ceiling of this silvery chamber, which carries the whispering echoes of air circulated through overhead vents. The temperature is chilly, but not unbearably so. Contents: Citizen Jest'liana Citizen Teel Citizen VanMahr Lt_Colonel LeBeau Citizen Hua Chief Minister Okaskitich Okaskitich stops, then turns, clicking. "Here, the last of the B'hiri stand." Okaskitich regards each of you in turn with its gleaming compound eyes. "Do you truly wish to assist in the downfall of the Ri'Kammi?" VanMahr nods fractionally. "It's become something of a hobby." There's a subtle rage in his tone that belies any possible interpretation of levity. N'Sha-El glances around as she emerges from the dark passage. Her eyes travel each and every architectural detail, turning her attention to Okaskitich as it speaks. Her fingers go to her head as she draws a long, deep breath. "We know they haven't bloody bodies to fight with, that's why they need us. We think they're afraid of you, that's why they damned well won't fight you themselves." She draws yet another breath. "They have a child of ours. We need to know how to stop them from doing this to anyone else." Okaskitich clacks. "The child...he is a conduit?" Jest'liana nods. Okaskitich lowers its head a moment, in sadness or contemplation, you cannot tell. VanMahr glances to LeBeau. "And they have hostages on their ship as well..." He breaks off to return his attention to Okaskitich. Sha-El's voice is quiet, intense. "Unwilling. But yes. Can you help him?" Teel looks down. "They already used up another shipmate of ours." Okaskitich brings its head back up. "How recent was his turning?" LeBeau says, "Id was only last night" LeBeau says, "Perhaps 24-25 hours" An eyebrow climbs on Van's rugged brow. "He's not dead?" Okaskitich clacks its claws. "You must take me to the Harrower. Children are resilient vessels - he will be damaged, but he may be salvageable." Okaskitich raises a clacking claw. "But you must do one more thing as well." LeBeau says, "Den yu will help us free our friends an den send dat entire Hive ship to da Hell dat spawned dem?" Okaskitich clacks. "Key is that ship to destroying the Mind." For a moment a flash of pure joy brightens Sha-El's already fever-bright eyes. "Name it sir." Her fingers reach to her temple again, as she looks at Oskakitich again. "The Harrower?" Her lips purse in concentration. Okaskitich jabs a claw toward VanMahr. "For you, I have something. Remain." VanMahr grunts. "I need to know how. If there are more of them...." Okaskitich clacks around in a rough circle on its slender legs, then scuttles south Okaskitich has left. Jest'liana tilts her head, expression neutral. Teel clenches a fist. "Destroy that damn ship...I like that." Okaskitich has arrived. Okaskitich scuttles back in, with a slender cylindrical object in its claws. Hua crosses his arms, eyes still locked on the alien. He maintains his silence. Okaskitich says, "Handle the Hive ship, can I. This, you need to destroy the Core." Okaskitich hands the object to VanMahr Okaskitich drops Hiver Bomb - 3308. LeBeau says, "Can yu undo da power drain dat da Hive has placed on our ships once id has come time to leave da vessel?" VanMahr turns the object around in his gloved hands as he examines it. "And how?" N'Sha-El moves silently to stand beside Hua, minute beside his massive frame. "The core...that must be where they bloody wouldn't let us up that damned stairwell...." Okaskitich clacks its mandibles in a rough approximation, perhaps, of laughter. "None of this can be done while here we stand. Come. Mask will I your thoughts as we approach. And...the Core is in your universe, yes?" VanMahr nods slowly. "Aye. Well, what are we waiting for then? I'm late for an appointment." VanMahr says, "We'll talk on the ship." LeBeau nods Okaskitich bows its head. VanMahr pauses. "If we are all agreed?" Jest'liana looks at Okaskitich. "How long is the countdown on that?" LeBeau says, "Leds show da Hive dat day picked on da wrong group o people" Teel nods. "Let's do this." N'Sha-El spins on her heel and moves towards the passageway. "I've a promise to keep..." is all she says, a savage exultancy in her eyes. Okaskitich says, "Thirty seconds. Do not hold it longer." Okaskitich scuttles east. Hua nods silently to VanMahr, removing his gaze from Okaskitich for the first time. Okaskitich heads into Shelter Entrance. Okaskitich has left. LeBeau heads into Shelter Entrance. LeBeau has left. VanMahr glances down at the bomb. "Now he tells me." Jest'liana chews her lip and shakes her head. N'Sha-El grins faintly. "Die one die all. Go sis." Fired with determination, new hope and a very strong desire to blast the Ri'Kammi to hell and back, the group, along with Okaskitich, scramble for the Courser: Gundeck Hammocks, bundles of goods, pots and pans and fiberoptic cables dangle down over the two outward facing rows of blaster carronades and the cramped corridor between. Here a cooler is tucked under a bench and there a stim-chamber doubling as a head is bolted between bulkheads. The scents of old cooking, human sweat, ozone and whatever cargo the ship currently carries compete to batter the nostrils. A vent overhead half-heartedly puffs out recycled air and a stale, futile, pine scent. The gundeck serves as living quarters and bunkroom for all hands and passengers on the Courser: rec room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and all. This is it. Hope you're comfortable with yourself and very close quarters. Contents: Citizen Jest'liana Citizen Teel Citizen Hua Lt_Colonel LeBeau Chief Minister Okaskitich Citizen VanMahr Port Guns Starboard Guns Interface Panel Okaskitich clacks and clatters toward the cockpit. N'Sha-El clambers aboard and presses a few buttons. The airlock hisses tight. She sets off towards the cockpit, pausing to turn. "Oh. There's juice in the fridge if anyone wants...and Genghis, that is NOT a spider!" as the kitten mews and crouches for a pounce. From Cockpit , Okaskitich seems oblivious to the activity around him as he crouches over the nav console. From Cockpit , Okaskitich mans the Navigation Console. LeBeau says, "Well we should try to make dis look real" LeBeau mans the Port Guns. Sha Van and Hua head into the cockpit to man their stations: From Gundeck , Jest'liana takes a long breath, holds her tongue and moves to the engine room. From Gundeck , Teel nods. From Gundeck , Teel mans the Starboard Guns. VanMahr says, "How does a fighting retreat sound, Mister LeBeau? Just, please don't hit anything?" Okaskitich glances back with its compound eyes. "Allow me. I will for them simulate the emotions of satisfaction of a task well completed and jubilation at victory." From Gundeck , LeBeau sits in the Port turret once again and begins to strap him self in an prepare for departure Okaskitich says, "Is all in readiness?" VanMahr nods to Oskakitich. "Well, victory would work better, perhaps." He mutters into a throat mike. N'Sha-El ranges by. "Ready as she'll ever be sir....purring like a cat in heat." She glances over to VanMahr. "Relocate my position sir?" Hua glances wordlessly to VanMahr, then to Sha. He returns to his console. From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "I here yu Capt, I'll fire a few rounds into da atmosphere da ill harmlessly fade off" VanMahr says, "Secure yourself, Miss Sha, on the gunnery deck. Liftoff." Okaskitich clacks its claws on the console. "Familiar are these consoles. Scavenged many ship." From Gundeck , The ship sways and shudders as it slowly lifts from the ground surface. N'Sha-El nods and hauls herself out of the cockpit with ease. Teel straps into the now more familiar starboard gunnery position. N'Sha-El emerges from the cockpit. "Teel, want me to take those?" From Cockpit , Okaskitich clacks and hisses violently. "There, there it is - the bane of our existence these many centuries." From Cockpit , Okaskitich says, "Much pleasure will I take in its seizure." The ship shudders slightly as LeBeau sends a barrage or simulated cover fire towards the atmosphere in a shallow angle Teel turns to Sha. "If you wish. I'm startin to get the hang of it, though." Teel scoots over to her favorite hidey hole. N'Sha-El unslings her blaster and nods. "Will you take care of Genghis? He's terrified." This as the kitten mews piteously in fright. From Cockpit , Okaskitich says, "Good, so far." From Cockpit , The Courser pushes forward as it glides in and docks. From Cockpit , VanMahr mutters to himself. "Well, we'll all be pleased if this works. If not we'll all be dead before it can bother us terribly." From Cockpit , Okaskitich glances around, clicking. From Cockpit , Okaskitich scuttles aft Jest'liana arrives from Engineering . Jest'liana has arrived. From Cockpit , Hua unmans the Weapons Console. "Sure." Teel carefully crawls over to the kitten and picks it up. Okaskitich clatters toward the hatch Jest'liana says, "Wait..." VanMahr disembarks from the ship. VanMahr has left. Jest'liana scowls and exclaims in frustration. "Bloody hell.." N'Sha-El unstraps herself and slides out from the starboard gun ports. She slides her knife from its sheath and gestures for Jest to go. "What's wrong sis?" Teel rubs the kitten behind the ears. "Yeah..." Jest'liana turns to Sha and points outside. "Out there they can hear us maybe. And we have yet to figure out how to fuck'n plan this? what? we ALL troop up to the core and HOPE we all get back in 30 seconds? Will the bomb just destroy the core or the whole damn ship! We are running blind. N'Sha-El just shakes her head. "Sis....don't worry. Trust me. Now go before Captain yells." She chuckles faintly. Teel shrugs and disembarks. Jest'liana glares coldly at Sha, more coldly than Sha would have been on the receiving end before, at being dismissed so cavalierly. The party disembarks and runs into the: Monodimensional Habitat Hub Pale mist spills from a broad tube overhead and forms a rolling, swirling haze in this rather warm chamber, a gridwork structure reminiscent of being inside a mechanized apple. The deck seems to rumble soundlessly. A ladder stretches upward into the shadows. Two archways lead into other segments of the habitat. Contents: Citizen Jest'liana Citizen Hua Lt_Colonel LeBeau Citizen VanMahr Chief Minister Okaskitich Okaskitich scuttles upward. VanMahr glances to LeBeau. "If our Confederation representative has no objections?" N'Sha-El brings up the rear calmly, after a very cross looking Jest. Teel says, "Hooo boy." Jest'liana looks at Sha and says very quietly, "Blind lemmings." A horrifying screech echoes throughout the ship. Upwards the party heads into the: Hive Passage The mist grows thicker and the air warmer in this hexagonal passage, which seems to run perpendicular to the one below. Suffuse blue light glows from behind the metal gridwork of the walls and the floor. Hot air hisses from vents above and below and on both sides. In the distance, on either end of the corridor, you can barely make out other chambers. Contents: Citizen Jest'liana Citizen Teel Citizen Hua Citizen VanMahr Lt_Colonel LeBeau Chief Minister Okaskitich Jest'liana says, "I hope we have a plan?" Okaskitich swivels its head toward aft. Okaskitich begins to click and hum again. Jest'liana folds her arms across her chest. With a flash and sizzle, the field aft pops and vanishes. VanMahr nods and gestures to Okaskitich. "Him. Follow him. Plan B runs along much the same lines." LeBeau looks towards the aft as the field falls Okaskitich scuttles aft. Hua's blaster slips into his hand. Okaskitich heads into Transdimensional Habitat . Okaskitich has left. LeBeau heads into Transdimensional Habitat . LeBeau has left. N'Sha-El's eyes glow with savage pleasure, strangely out of place on her calm face. Her knife is out, and there's a distance about her that shuts her off from everything else except the battle at hand. VanMahr draws his blaster as well, more out of habit than any utility. And onward again into the: Transdimensional Habitat Expansive doesn't even begin to describe this chamber, filled with swirling mists and light blue shadows and the rippling presences of things that seem to reach out and brush your consciousness as you stand here. The hissing of the vents from the passage lessens here, drowned out by the rumbling roar of a million sibilant whispers in the dark. Contents: Citizen VanMahr Citizen Teel Citizen Jest'liana Citizen Hua Lt_Colonel LeBeau Chief Minister Okaskitich Citizen Kip Preparation Coffin Kip A tow-headed human boy, no older than ten. His eyes are deep blue like the sea after a storm, his round face dimpled at the cheeks. Hair golden like cornsilk frames his beautific face. On his slightly too thin body, he wears a loose-fitting gray jumpsuit and sneakers. A patch on the upper left of his jumpsuit front bears the name Kip Caspar. Okaskitich clacks amusingly. Kip is on his knees in an apparent swoon. Teel starts to move forward, but stops when she sees the boy. "Kip!" LeBeau says, "Minister, can we destroy dat machine" Jest'liana steps forward towards Kip. Okaskitich swivels its head to LeBeau. "When left we have, perhaps. More important destruction." LeBeau nods "Den leds get to id Okaskitich clacks in agreement. Okaskitich scuttles forward. "Kip!" Sha-El almost springs forward, but catches herself. "Teel...Sis. See to him?" She glances around, eyes glowing savagely. "Lead the way sir...I'm ready." Teel nods and approaches the boy, slowly. "Kip...is that you? Are you okay?" Kip raises his face and blinks uncomprehendingly at Sha. His head tilts and after a moment, his mouth opens as if to speak, then closes. Jest'liana kneels down, a foot away from Kip. She raises a hand to Teel, warning her about getting to close. "Go with the others if you want Teel.." Kip raises his small, pale hand toward Jest'liana's face. "Did you bring the angel ship?" Jest'liana lightly reaches out a hand to Kip's shoulder, but doesn't touch until she hears him speak. Then she smiles and reaches out to take his hand. "It will be okay, Kip..." N'Sha-El's face softens just a fraction. "Kip...It's me. Sha..." A moment longer then suddenly she tosses her head. "Bloody hell." With that she moves beside Kip and kneels down. "We've seen the angel ship...come on. I'll carry you." Teel halts her progress. "I'm being careful, Jest." She mumbles, "Please let this be Kip please let this be Kip..." Jest'liana looks at Sha. "Sister...no. We wait." Kip puts a weak arm around Sha's neck and allows himself to be lifted, his warm cheek against her neck. Jest'liana stands up very slowly, jaw tightening. The boy seems to be having trouble staying awake. His eyes seem heavy lidded and his speech is slow and slurred. N'Sha-El slips her arms around the boy and lifts him as if he were no more than a feather weight. "Hold tight sweetie..." she murmurs. Then she looks at Jest. "He's safer with us in there altogether than with just us 3 here, sister." A quiet, level glance. "Trust me. I won't let him get hurt." N'Sha-El moves towards the fore. "Cover me?" Kip slowly blinks once more, then surrenders to sleep. Hive Core Red and green and orange holographic displays can be seen wavering amidst the thick, hot, swirling mist that fills this huge dome, with eerie blue light gleaming from behind a gridwork frame supporting the structure. Indistinct blurs of refracted light and distorted mist hover around and slide through the displays, occasionally pausing in apparent study of the alien statistics scrolling through the visuals. Contents: Citizen VanMahr Lt_Colonel LeBeau Citizen Hua Chief Minister Okaskitich Crates Engineering Console Navigation Console VanMahr glances to LeBeau. "Does it matter?" Okaskitich clacks as it lowers its head again in concentration. The boy is asleep in Sha's arms, small arms wrapped around her neck. Jest'liana arrives from Hive Passage . Jest'liana has arrived. A deep hum can be heard coming from deep within the ship, along with the rising chorus of alien voices. Teel arrives from Hive Passage . Teel has arrived. N'Sha-El enters quietly, knife held securely in one hand, keeping her arms around the boy. "He's safe Captain." Her eyes narrow at the noise. Teel walks in. "Man, you can get lost in here." Suddenly, you feel dizzy, as if jarred suddenly from a dream of running. LeBeau says, "No really, bu wit da destruction o da drives we will all be sent back hundreds o years, unless wit da Hive gone da test on Consort drive will no longer mysteriously fail" N'Sha-El gasps suddenly and staggers. "No! Dammit!" she growls and backs up a pace, her head tilted defiantly. LeBeau steadies himself and grabs his head as the dizzy spell passes over him VanMahr's regard shifts to Sha and the blaster in his hand lowers. He holsters it. "Good." No other emotion is revealed. Then to LeBeau after regathering his wits from whatever it was. "Of course there are other drives." He gestures to Okaskitich. Hua closes his eyes for a moment. Teel shakes her head. "Wha?" Okaskitich clacks its mandibles. Okaskitich looks up slowly. Teel says, "Hundreds of years? Like the Hive was trying to send us forward fifty?" Okaskitich clacks. "We are there." VanMahr nods. "On the planet's surface?" N'Sha-El gives her head a quick shake. "Sorry Captain..." she mutters quietly. Her arms shift around Kip, holding him closer to her protectively. She looks up at the B'Hiri's words. "Where are we?" Okaskitich says, "A vessel this large may not land." Okaskitich says, "In your ship, again, must we go." VanMahr grunts. "I suppose you know where to lead us?" Okaskitich scuttles aft. LeBeau says, "Den leds get dis over wit" VanMahr says, "Doesn't talk much does he?" The band of intrepid self-appointed commandos head out and are forced to make a pause at: Hive Passage The mist grows thicker and the air warmer in this hexagonal passage, which seems to run perpindicular to the one below. Suffuse blue light glows from behind the metal gridwork of the walls and the floor. Hot air hisses from vents above and below and on both sides. In the distance, on either end of the corridor, you can barely make out other chambers. Contents: Citizen Jest'liana Lt_Colonel LeBeau Citizen Hua Citizen VanMahr Chief Minister Okaskitich Okaskitich scuttles down the ladder, a truly unsettling sight. Okaskitich touches the field and snaps back from the shock Okaskitich clacks angrily Okaskitich begins to click and hum. LeBeau says, "Day actually tink da can stop us now?" As you shift, Kip stirs in his light sleep. One small hand moves to your cheek as you move With a pop and fizzle, the field dissipates. You whisper, "When we get back to the Courser...take care of Kip? And Genghis?" to Teel. Teel nods. Back on the Courser: Okaskitich clicks its mandibles. "The automated defenses must you neutralize." VanMahr clambers into the cockpit. "Any suggestions?" LeBeau says, "Can yu do dat, or will id take some physical skill?" Okaskitich clicks three times. "Fire accurately." LeBeau nods LeBeau mans the Port Guns. Teel coos, "Oh, Genghis...come out, your friend Kip is here..." Jest'liana heads into Engineering . Jest'liana has left. N'Sha-El moves to lay Kip down in her hammock as soon as she enters. "Teel...watch him?" she murmurs as she slowly detangles the boy from her. Lightly, she bends and kisses his cheek. "Sleep well..." Then she heads to the cockpit. Cockpit An amber glow seeps through the dim claustrophobic cockpit of this small craft. Three padded slabs are arrayed under heavy banks of electronics, avionics and other displays. Of the stars themselves there is no sign as a portal or viewscreen is absent. Instead, the bridge crew extends their senses out into the void with the digital and wave arrays of data swept up by the very sensitive passive and active detection systems on board. The first bench is the navigator's station with its bewildering melange of CRT monitors and a dangling set of headphones, the second signals the pilot's position with its joystick and holographic positioning sextant, and the third features the distended periscope-style targeting mask and firing solution monitors of the gunner's place. One exit is a portal to the rear leading into the gundeck and living quarters. The second is a small pressurized hatch near the feet of the gunner - likely leading to a small armoury and boarding bay. Contents: Citizen Hua Citizen VanMahr Weapons Console Command Chair Navigation Console From Gundeck , LeBeau retakes the gunner seat on the Port side and begins his setup procedure From Gundeck , Kip yawns, stretches, then curls his legs up to his chest and continues his sleep. VanMahr ahs. "Well, I do so value good counsel. Are we ready for liftoff?" He straps himself into the command couch. N'Sha-El straps herself into her console and flicks a few switches. "Aye Captain. 10 seconds to undocking." From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "Teel, man da oder gunners seat" From Gundeck , Teel mans the Starboard Guns. From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "We ar ready back here" From Gundeck , Okaskitich scuttles about, canting at an odd angle. From Gundeck , Teel takes a last look at the boy and cat as she straps down in the gunnery seat. N'Sha-El calls back, "10 seconds to undocking." The automated voice calmly chants, "10...9...8...7...6...5...4..3..2..1...Launch sequence powered." VanMahr calls out. "Status, Miss Sha?" VanMahr says, "Fire at all targets gunners." N'Sha-El glances up. "All engines online, all comm and gunnery functional and a 100 percent. VanMahr says, "Sha, we need to move this lady. Get her running! And where are my shields?!" N'Sha-El snarls as the ship shudders and keels with the blast. "Setting course." N'Sha-El punches a few buttons on her console. "Fore and aft shields, 96 and 94 percent. Hull at 94 percent.
* You gaze in awe as the Defender Two shatters and explodes! From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "One target down"
* You gaze in awe as the Defender One shatters and explodes! From Gundeck , Teel yells, "Way to go, man!" N'Sha-El reaches up to flick a switch. "Good work gunnery." From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "Got da second, da way is clear" From Gundeck , Okaskitich clacks in approval VanMahr grunts almost happily. "Are you certain you'd like to stay with The Consortium, Mister LeBeau? I think we may have opportunities for a man of your talents in The Fringe...aye, Miss Teel, take her down." From Gundeck , Teel yells, "Kip, get back here!" From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "No save da ship" From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "We may still need id" VanMahr says, "Hold fire. Set course for Sagittarius." From Gundeck , Teel sighs. N'Sha-El calmly reaches to punch in a few more buttons. "Setting course Sagittarius, 74 mark 4. From Gundeck , Okaskitich clacks. "Two other vessels must be returned, yes?" From Gundeck , Kip blinks in past Sha and looks to VanMahr, "It's not over, is it Captain?" From Gundeck , LeBeau nods "Dare ar still two vessels, an da rest o our friends From Gundeck , Okaskitich lowers its compound eyes and clacks. "Safe are they now. It is good." N'Sha-El twists back to look at Kip through the dim yawping hole of the cockpit. "It will be over soon Kip. Very soon." A faint smile breaks the battle savagery in her eyes. VanMahr peers over his shoulder and almost smiles to the lad. "Not yet. Now secure your skinny arse, lad, before it gets blown off." N'Sha-El adds, turning back to her console but not before giving Kip a wink, "And secure the kitty cat, Private Caspar!" VanMahr says, "I need an ETA on the planet, Miss Sha. Mister LeBeau, do we have any other hostiles incoming?" From Gundeck , Kip turns on his heels, small hand raised in a salute. His voice cracks on a first attempt, but then clears to his normal squeak. "Aye... Aye,Sirs" From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "No dat Icansee from here, only contact is da Hive ship dat we came in on" N'Sha-El punches a button and a large grid with 3-D models imposes itself upon the screen. "73 hm sir." N'Sha-El nods and twists to glance back into the gundeck. "Sir. I need coordinates." VanMahr says, "Master Hua, are you ready to stretch your legs again?" From Gundeck , Okaskitich clacks. "A ravine near a rocky plain. Little else can I tell you." Hua only nods once, in response to VanMahr's query. VanMahr squints at Okaskitch's reply. "And how many of those might you suppose exist on this planet?" From Gundeck , Teel comes down from her adrenaline high as the ships slows. She sees Kip on the hammock. "Pyew, Pyew!" She cocks a finger and 'fires' it in the air. From Gundeck , Okaskitich clicks and turns its head slightly. "A significant ravine, with signs of constructed form." N'Sha-El flicks a few switches, eyes never leaving her screen. "ETA 10 minutes Captain." From Gundeck , Kip inclines his head and, fingers loaded, takes a halfhearted shot at Teel. "Pyew, Pyew" From Gundeck , Kip shakes his head and holds the kitty closer. "I don't want to shoot anybody" From Gundeck , Teel nods happily. "Good, Kip. I'm glad to hear that." VanMahr sighs heavily. "5 minutes to orbit. Prepare for landing shortly after. Hua, you'll monitor geologicals until we've a likely profile?" From Gundeck , Kip looks almost pleadingly up at Teel. "You can sit by me if you want" Hua nods again, his fingers dancing over his keypad. N'Sha-El glances up and reaches to secure a cable from an overhanging bundle, jacking it into her head. "ETA 3 minutes." VanMahr grunts. "Well, there are two special assignments I need filled. I'll need two volunteers to keep an eye on my ship, Miss Teel. Know any candidates?" From Gundeck , Teel says, "Hold on, Kip...we're landing." From Gundeck , Okaskitich clacks. "I must remain." VanMahr says, "Make that three." From Gundeck , Kip laces his fingers into the hammock N'Sha-El glances back into the cockpit as the Courser begins her descent. "Hang on there!" she calls. "30 seconds to contact." From Gundeck , The ship sways and bumps as it makes contact with the ground surface. From Gundeck , Okaskitich scuttles forward a bit. "Captain, remember - activate the bomb and toss it into the Core immediately. Do not wait! The timer is brief." VanMahr braces himself but calls back to LeBeau. "I disagree. We've only on shot at this and if I go down the next man will need to deliver our present. And if he falls the next. I want every spare body on this one." N'Sha-El flicks a few switches, punches some buttons rapidly and unjacks the cable from her head. "Prepare for disembark." N'Sha-El unstraps herself and stands from the navigation console. From Gundeck , LeBeau unmans the Port Guns. From Gundeck , Kip hops clumsily down from the hammock and falls in line near the hatch. From Gundeck , LeBeau secures the gunnery bubble and unstraps himself From Gundeck , Jest'liana arrives from Engineering . From Gundeck , Jest'liana has arrived. VanMahr nods grimly to Teel and Kip. "Very good. I want everything just the way I left it." Kip frowns. "I was coming with you." Teel steps out of the gunnery bubble. "No prob." She makes her way over to Kip. Okaskitich clacks, scuttling backward. Kip takes a step toward the captain. "You might need me." Okaskitich bows its head. "The boy earned has he the right to see his captors vanquished. N'Sha-El hauls herself out of the cockpit and glances to Kip. "I need someone to take care of Private Genghis, Kip." She almost smiles, her eyes softening from their brightness. VanMahr pads over to the airlock and keys in a code. With his off-hand he draws his blaster. "I shouldn't have say this, but cover me." Then to Kip. "Next time, mate. For now take care of Teel and Genghis, I want your word you will." Hua shadows VanMahr, his own blaster having somehow returned to his hand. Okaskitich looks up, with compound eyes reflecting those in the gundeck as it swivels its head. "Would that I could share in the witnessing." Kip looks crestfallen, but salutes. "My word, Sir" VanMahr glances at Okaskitich. "Why must you stay?" Kip screws up his mouth and kicks at the floor on his way back to the hammock and Teel. Okaskitich clacks, lowering its head. "Harm me, such a weapon would." Teel shrugs. "Hey, he's the captain, Kip. We gotta follow his orders. We gotta stay on the ship and guard against invaders and stuff." Jest'liana gazes at the Captain, Hua and Sha, arms folded over her chest, eyes walled. N'Sha-El moves over to Kip and put a hand on his shoulder. "Kip." She kneels down and reaches to undo something from her neck, pressing it into his hand. "Keep this safe for me." Okaskitich says, "Had you continued as invaders for the Ri'Kammi, used that for a doomsday device would we." VanMahr says, "Hua's on point. Jest, you have my back. The rest of you fan out and keep moving once we hit the ground." Kip leans an elbow on the hammock and nods solemnly. Looking down into his hand, he fingers the silver trinket. "What is it?" Jest'liana draws her blaster, apparently feeling absolutely no pain from her bandaged right arm whatsoever and nods. Kip looks up at Van and knows time is short. He wraps his small arms around Sha's neck and gives a tight squeeze. Kip whispers, "Please come back." Teel meets Jest's gaze for a second. "Give em hell for me, wouldja?" She smiles grimly. N'Sha-El smiles, touching the boy's face lightly. "Something...very special. Keep it safe. It makes you brave." She holds him tightly to her for a long moment. "I will..." she whispers with a smile. Then she bends, kisses his cheek and detaches his arms from her neck. VanMahr offers a quick salute to Kip, perhaps so fast he wouldn't notice. VanMahr says, "Master Hua, what are we waiting for?!" You whisper, "Love you Kip...*quietly, so softly she can barely be heard*" to Kip. Jest'liana's lips twitch. "And all the levels of purgatory too.." she murmurs. Kip watches the group leave, his chin high, but his eyes moist. Kip waves to VanMahr. N'Sha-El draws her knife from its sheath and waits for Jest to disembark, her face set, calm and distant. Hua turns his head towards VanMahr, raising a brow, and silently vanishes through the airlock. Teel places an arm around Kip's shoulder as the group leaves. Kip leans against Teel, seeming to take comfort in the contact. Dahan awakens from his slumber by the ceiling. LeBeau says, "Well leds do dis"" N'Sha-El pauses, then draws her blaster and tosses it to Teel. "Safeguard..." she murmurs and vanishes out the airlock with a salute. Rocky Plain A desolate rock-strewn wasteland sprawls beneath the cinnamon glow of the red dwarf star Il'ri'kamm. The air is thin and chill, but not perilously so. On the distant western horizon, one can make out the jagged peaks of an ancient mountain range. Save for that and a scattering of toppled stone pillars on either side of a narrow rock defile to the southwest, the landscape is bleak and virtually featureless. Contents: Citizen Jest'liana Citizen VanMahr Lt_Colonel LeBeau Citizen Hua Orandius exits from the Courser. Orandius has arrived. Jest'liana takes up position behind Van, eyes keen and searching. Dahan exits from the Courser. Dahan has arrived. Hua strides ahead, blaster in hand. His eyes scan the land ahead for signs of movement. Dahan floats along behind and above, his 360 degree vision scanning the horizon. Orandius moves quietly down the ramp from the Courser. His hands are tucked in his sleeves. His head is slightly inclined, eyes apparently on the ground. N'Sha-El brings up the rear, eyes darting to and fro, occasionally turning to scan behind the group, knife held steadily. LeBeau says, "Well wha ar we standing around for now dat we ar so close to an end" VanMahr's long hair billows back and the battered coat flaps in the breeze. He looks unnervingly like an old Earth officer named Custer for a moment. "I need to...there!" The captain points to the south west. "Now see if you can keep up, fly-boy." VanMahr begins to run. Dahan floats southwest. Jest'liana follows after.. Narrow Defile A narrow slope cluttered with chunks of rock spills down from the broad plain into a brief gash in the planet surface, which stretches for a few hundred yards before reaching a dead-end in a sheer rock face, roughly one hundred feet high. Cut into the western wall of the canyon, one can make out a low, shadowy arch framed by carved heiroglyphs, with tall stone pillars - similarly etched - flanking the opening. Dahan billows his wide 'head' in making the necessary speed. LeBeau says, "Dat cave mus be id" N'Sha-El darts up, turning behind to scan the landscape behind carefully. "All's clear so far Captain." Her voice is as calm as if someone had taken her to the beauty parlour. Well...maybe the gun shop. Orandius's sandals clop uncomfortably on the rough terrain as he pursues the rest of the group, his cowl slipping halfway from his head to expose an irregularly spiky mass of silver hair. Dahan points two feelers to the west. 'Look at that writing above that arch...wish I could read it.' VanMahr jogs along and nods to the younger combat pilot who is easily out-pacing him. "Aye...aye...LeBeau and Hua, you two in first and greet...our hosts...properly...." Hua slows as he approaches the archway, trying to catch a glimpse of the interior. At VanMahr's words, he moves forward again. Jest'liana flashes a quick smile and stifles a laugh. VanMahr grunts. "Jester, I'm glad you're enjoying this. You're with me." He follows the first two in with blaster drawn. From Cavern , LeBeau yells, "Ids all clear" Orandius slows his own pace to match VanMahr's, his face a mask of intensity. Dahan stops to take a moment to point his 'head' in the direction of the sun, and maximize his surface area. N'Sha-El stays paces behind VanMahr and Jest, grimly calculating. "Go in. I'll cover." Dahan sends with a note if disappointment, 'Star is too dim.' Dahan floats over in the direction of the arch. Cavern Shadows hang heavy in this domed chamber, part of which appears to be natural - but much of which seems to have been carved from the rock by artificial means, eons ago. Descending in staggered increments from the ceiling are what at first glance seem like eerily angular stalactites. But as one looks with clearer eyes, it becomes more apparent that the objects are inverted stone pillars, chiseled from the original rock and etched with curious heiroglyphs. Contents: Councilman Dahan Seer Orandius Citizen Jest'liana Citizen VanMahr Lt_Colonel LeBeau Citizen Hua Pedestal Jest'liana follows Van closely, eyes searching out the shadows. LeBeau says, "Dare is a print in da top o dis ting, almost like dat o a hand" VanMahr pulls out the bomb and nods. Dahan floats over by the pedestal, and examines it for a moment. 'However made this had a humanoid in mind to activate it.' N'Sha-El darts in, covering the rear of the group. Eyes scan the outside of the cavern, then the inside. She doesn't' say anything, but her eyes gleam eerie in the light. VanMahr says, "Well, we don't have all day." A four foot high stone column topped by a flat square, embedded with the imprint of a hand. It looks as if one could *touch* the *imprint*. VanMahr slaps his hand against the print while holding the bomb in his off-hand. Jest'liana shifts her position appropriately to Van's moves. VanMahr places a hand on the pedestal. A grinding sound rumbles all around the chamber, and you feel the sensation of descending even before the exit leading out disappears and a new one appears, leading into darkness. Before doing anything else, you glance back at the pedestal and notice it has cracked down the middle. LeBeau looks around "Well dat seems to hav been da doorbell Orandius closes his eyes, nods, then says, "That is the way to the Core. I feel it." VanMahr raises a brow. "Puzzling." But he doesn't puzzle very long. "And I don't see anyone at home, Mister LeBeau. Shall we pay a call anyhow?" Dahan remains oddly still, not touching anything rumbling during the unusual events following VanMahr touching the pedestal. Jest'liana murmurs, "We should at least leave our card. To be polite." Hua strides towards the southeast. LeBeau says, "Well no very hostly o den to no be here, bu day left da door unlockes" VanMahr nods. "Manners do count." He jogs after Hua. N'Sha-El waits calmly for the rest to file in before she herself slips into the passage. Dahan floats along with the rest of the group. Orandius tugs his cowl back up, then follows the rest. Twisting Passage In this torturous tunnel with rugged stone walls etched with the inexplicable swirls and hash marks of some long lost alien race, one can hear the distant whispering of infinite voices, chanting gutterally. The sound seems to grow louder toward the southwest. Just around the bend to the northwest, one can make out the massive entrance cavern. Contents: Citizen Jest'liana Citizen VanMahr Seer Orandius Councilman Dahan Lt_Colonel LeBeau Citizen Hua LeBeau has taken up a position along the far wall near the open of the next passage LeBeau bends over in minor pain VanMahr moves quickly behind LeBeau and Hua. "Jest and I will move ahead and then cover LeBeau and Hua. We'll continue trading places until we find a suitable setting for our gem, shall we?" In your mind's eye, you see VanMahr dying when he sets off that bomb. It's a trap! N'Sha-El stiffens at the sudden whispering voices, her free hand darting to her temple. Not for long however as she tosses her head back and stands guard at the passageway. Then suddenly she hisses. "No! Captain stand back!" She leaps forward. Hua treads the opposite side of the passage from LeBeau, a bare half-step behind. Or perhaps not even that much. He pauses at the mouth of the passage, nodding in response to Van's words. Jest'liana pads after Van lightly, breath a little rapid in her throat, but otherwise very composed. VanMahr stands back. "Sha?!" Dahan flattens himself against the ceiling above, trying to minimize his targetability. LeBeau seems to stop as his entire demeanor changes Orandius's gaze falls on Sha for a long moment, then he inclines his head slightly. LeBeau says, "I can no go on" N'Sha-El catches herself, the hand that holds the knife trembling. "No....there's got to be another way here....it's a trap. Set it off here, we'll all die." VanMahr's eyes widen on nothing. Nothing at all. Hua glances to LeBeau, then to VanMahr. LeBeau squeezes his eyes shut as if trying to fight off something LeBeau begins to mumble something to himself but to quite to be heard When you think of those around you, it is with dread and suspicion. Jest'liana looks sharply at LeBeau and then to Sha questioningly. Her eyes slowly narrow. Dahan flattens himself flatter against the ceiling, and looks about the area wildly. VanMahr shakes his head like a bull and growls. "No! Move! Keep moving! It's blasted quicksand!" He stumbles ahead without much tactical regard and with his blaster raised. LeBeau looks around the room and slowly begins to place his back against the wall to not allow anyone behind him Dahan lowers himself slightly, and shoots down the passageway southwest very quickly. Hua frowns. He shakes his head minutely once, then again. His blaster rises, tracking nothing in particular as of yet. N'Sha-El's fingers travel to grip at her hair tightly. She trembles, then shakes her head. "No...no....dammit..." she growls as she shakes her head. "Fight it Sha...." With that she glances up to Jest. "Go sis...." Jest'liana stares at Van. And then growls....She follows, but the motivation is unclear LeBeau lowers himself to one knee and looks up and screams "GET OUD O MY HEAD" Orandius's hands slide into his sleeves. He turns his back to the nearest wall, pressing up against it, eyes darting to each member of the party in turn. He says, with no lack of venom as the others disappear, "Oh no, you're not getting out of /my/ sight." N'Sha-El draws herself up. She murmurs wildly to herself as she stumbles down the passage. Hive Periphery Bluish-white light, like flashes of summer lightning, stutters to the accompaniment of a mournful wailing whoosh of wind, heard and seen through a crevasse leading down deeper into the planet from this massive chamber. The glimmering light occasionally catches the ancient heiroglyphs etched into slate gray pillars arranged in a rough stepped circle around the crevasse. Rough-hewn steps lead down into the chilling storm of noise and light below. The room seems to spin and roll. Dahan descends a few feet, looking very panicked and in pain. Jest'liana chokes out a brief whimper as she wavers, her blaster still clutched in hand. Hua drops to one knee, his empty hand clamping onto his temple. Dahan begins to whirl about like a gyroscope, twisting and turning in all directions with is feelers clamping his 'head'. The room settles, then seems to plunge horrifyingly downward. LeBeau scurries into the room like a scare child N'Sha-El stumbles in from the cavern and tumbles against a wall, a faint sound emitting from her, like a moan. One hand clutches her head tightly. "Captain.....Nooooo!" she screams as she slides to the floor. VanMahr collapses to his knees. A death-grip on the bomb.... A booming multitude of voices cries out: "Abandon this effort!" Orandius slips in, hugging the wall closely, eyes locked on the backs of the others...Then suddenly, he pitches to the side, staggering, barely managing to catch himself on the opposite wall. His eyes close. The room seems to lunge upward. LeBeau braces him self against a nearby pillar Dahan starts to ease his spinning, but moves about the room almost randomly. Jest'liana gasps and then, shuts her eyes...vertigo sending her to her knees. VanMahr spits out between clenched teeth. "Dammit! Dammit! Dammit!" Like a mantra, over and over, as he struggles to regain his feet. LeBeau looks towards Van "Capt. do yu tink dat yu can throw da bomb down into da corridor?" Orandius hisses through his teeth, stumbling almost to his knees. N'Sha-El is shaking wildly as she forces herself to her feet, hands clawing at the cavern walls, veering like a drunkard. Her sienna-brown eyes are wild, fever-bright as she catches her breath painfully and screams, "NO! We won't dammit!" Even as she falls again she catches herself on her arm, the criss-cross mark she cut into it yesterday staring straight up at her. "My pledge!" she screams, holding her arm up, eyes blazing. Hua slowly begins to crawl towards VanMahr, sliding one hand out, gripping the floor, and dragging the rest of his body behind. He clutches his blaster still. Jest'liana's lips twitch in a smile. "s-sound scared don't they?" Blinding white light seems to fill the chamber. Dahan in his acrobatic flying about the room, he collides into VanMahr. He wraps a tentacle around his waist to steady himself. LeBeau reaches up and covers his eyes VanMahr manages to rise until meeting inauspiciously with Dahan. The bomb tumbles away as the captain falls. "I..." Orandius shakes his head from side to side, eyelids pressing even more tightly together, a hand trailing up to cover the eyes as though the lids aren't enough. It suddenly seems very difficult to breathe. LeBeau lets go of the pillar and begins to scurry towards the bomb Jest'liana whimpers, vision blinded. "Throw it..." she manages. The sound of Dahan's atmospheric unit on his mechanical collar begins to get louder and raspier. N'Sha-El gasps in pain as the light blinds her. "Captain...Captain throw it...." Her breath is cut off and she chokes, clawing at her throat, dropping to her knees. She squints and crawls towards VanMahr and Hua, judging their position by sound as best as she can. Orandius coughs into the back of his hand, the coughs becoming racking. He staggers away from the wall blindly. LeBeau stops half-way as if exhausted LeBeau takes in a deep breath and make one last effort to reach the bomb Dahan extends one of his feelers out toward the bomb he made VanMahr drop, while holding onto VanMahr with another. VanMahr rolls over and shoves himself to his elbows. "I...where did it go?" He slits his eyes open to find the weapon. Somehow, some way, he regains a measure of strength. "LeBeau! Do it now!" Orandius stumbles, quite blindly around the room, one hand outstretched, the other clasped over his eyes. LeBeau crawls over and touches the bomb the same time Dahan does Orandius staggers into a pillar. Hua blinks away tears, choking, and murmuring something unintelligible. But a foot from VanMahr, he yet makes no effort to reach the device. Dahan helps LeBeau get a grip of the bomb with a nudge of his feelers. Suddenly, you can breathe, but the wailing sound grows louder The multitude of voices shouts: "Cease!" VanMahr says, "Now!" Dahan gasps, and after a few deep breaths begins to breathe easier. Jest'liana sways backward with the sudden release of pressure. Orandius smacks the pillar hard, a grunt escaping him. He curses softly. LeBeau takes a deep breath as the air returns to his lungs and he huddles himself around the bomb to keep the light away from his eyes N'Sha-El drags herself forward, her breathing harsh gasps as air fills her hungry lungs. "No!" she gasps with all the strength she has. "We...will...not....cease!" With that she digs her arms into the ground and forces herself up, reaching for Hua and VanMahr as best she can. LeBeau crawls to his feet with a determination unlike ever before and he walks towards the arch as if nothing can stop him Through the brilliance, the steps down briefly become visible Dahan eases his tight grip on VanMahr as he regains his balance. Jest'liana opens her eyes with a snap and looks at Sha. Orandius's hands trail up, and he pulls his cowl back over his head. LeBeau says, "When I say, run" VanMahr steadies himself and moves after LeBeau with halting steps. "I think, I think that's the first sane thing I've heard from The Consortium." Dahan lets go of VanMahr entirely, and flaps his 'head' wide, ready to move quickly at a moments notice. Jest'liana mutters to herself, "Warren...Warren..." as her own personal litany. She stands up.. Hua rises himself, but a pair of paces behind his captain. N'Sha-El is trembling as she slips her knife back into its sheath numbly. Then with a toss of her head she stumbles after Jest. Hive Core A cyclonic whirlwind whips around this massive chamber, churning a glowing blue cloud of dust and ethereal mist around a shining vortex. A narrow ledge encircles the maelstrom, offering scant security against the chaotic storm of light and shadow that clutches at your consciousness with dark, icy fingers, scraping like nails on a blackboard within your mind. The cavern walls, ancient basalt, may once have been rough or hung with stalactites - but the tempest trapped here would seem to have worn it fairly smooth. It is unclear how deep the storm goes further into the planet, but it does seem certain that a step off the ledge would be a step into oblivion. LeBeau sets the bomb, tosses it into the core, and everyone begins to run like hell. VanMahr keeps, of course, running. LeBeau says, "Our job here s done, leds ged back to da ship an head home" Orandius stumbles a bit, as he hits the incline, losing a sandal, but he continues running. N'Sha-El stumbles after, still bringing up the rear gamely. Dahan moves quickly, convulving its head in the process. Jest'liana turns and grabs Sha by the arm. Jest'liana says, "Come on!" Hua pauses to grab Sha's other arm. Jest'liana bites back a whimper...she of course grabbed with her right. N'Sha-El shakes herself free of Hua and Jest with a gasping, "Thanks...get up sis..." The successful bombers now race hurriedly to the Courser, trying to outpace the bomb. They burst out of the defile and tumble onto the: Gundeck Hammocks, bundles of goods, pots and pans and fiberoptic cables dangle down over the two outward facing rows of blaster carronades and the cramped corridor between. Here a cooler is tucked under a bench and there a stim-chamber doubling as a head is bolted between bulkheads. The scents of old cooking, human sweat, ozone and whatever cargo the ship currently carries compete to batter the nostrils. A vent overhead half-heartedly puffs out recycled air and a stale, futile, pine scent. The gundeck serves as living quarters and bunkroom for all hands and passengers on the Courser: rec room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and all. This is it. Hope you're comfortable with yourself and very close quarters. Contents: Citizen Jest'liana Seer Orandius Lt_Colonel LeBeau Councilman Dahan Citizen Teel Citizen Kip Chief Minister Okaskitich Port Guns Starboard Guns Interface Panel Okaskitich begins to click and hum, waving its claws over the boy's head. Jest'liana heads into Engineering . Jest'liana has left. LeBeau says, "Everybody strap n an ged ready to go home" N'Sha-El tumbles in and staggers for the cockpit, closing the airlock behind her with a hiss. From Cockpit , Hua slaps his blaster back into its holster as he straps himself in. N'Sha-El yells, "Undocking, engines online??" VanMahr says, "Sha, Jest, let's away!" From Gundeck , The ship sways and shudders as it slowly lifts from the ground surface. From Gundeck , Dahan has secured himself in a hammock and spun around once. Its firm netting protects Dahan from acceleration and jolts. From Gundeck , Teel straps in to the gunnery. "Let's roll!" From Gundeck , Okaskitich lowers its claws. "Now, he rests. Soon, must he be treated by one not such as I." N'Sha-El punches a few switches and straps herself in all at the same time. "Setting course!" VanMahr says, "Set speed for as fast as a Demarian after a rabbit! N'Sha-El yanks at a cable from above her savagely, thrusting the jack into her head. "Bugger it...." she mutters, her voice strangely calm as her fingers fly over the keys. From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "Jus ged us back to da Harrower, dare is still unfinished business to do dare" From Gundeck , Teel nervously glances at Kip occasionally as she views her gunnery screen. VanMahr nods. "You heard the man, Sha, he's got a crew to see to." From Gundeck , Orandius closes his eyes, leaning his head back against the bulkhead. VanMahr twists on the couch and glances at Sha. "Nothing?" N'Sha-El shakes her head. "Nothing." From Gundeck , Okaskitich scuttles forward. From Gundeck , Dahan attempts to extract itself from the hammock, but has gotten itself to tangled in its webbing. He stops struggling, and relax. Okaskitich clacks. "May I?" From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "I hav a sensor readout back here can feed you da heading from here" From Gundeck , Orandius's eyes snap open as the B'hiri enters. His gaze follows him forward, then his eyes close again. N'Sha-El nods and tears the straps loose. "Yes sir." Okaskitich angles its legs around in unnerving fashion as it settles over the nav console in a crouch. N'Sha-El glances back into the gundeck. "Let me have them, sir!" she calls. Okaskitich clacks its claws along the console. VanMahr grunts. "We may take you up on that Mister LeBeau. But let's see what our B'hiri Minister can do for us." Okaskitich says, "Ah...yes...there we go. Static interference from the bomb, perhaps." From Gundeck , LeBeau says, "Very well" VanMahr says, "Get us to the Harrower, if you'd indulge us." Okaskitich clacks. "On final approach." From Gundeck , Dahan rocks in the hammock as the ship accelerates and decelerates. N'Sha-El smiles faintly. "We've unfinished business..." she murmurs. "Let's go!" But she pauses and gazes at Okaskitich. "Kip? Is he.....?" Okaskitich lets its compound eyes drift to Sha. "He will survive. But another must see to him, in the longer term." From Gundeck , Orandius stands carefully, as though uncertain of the support of his knees. From Gundeck , Dahan telepathically sends, 'If we are to be deboarding..could someone help me out of this thing?' N'Sha-El nods quietly. "He'll be taken care of." With that she hoists herself out of the cockpit rather quickly. From Cockpit , Okaskitich clicks its legs as it scuttles aft Orandius chuckles softly, then moves towards Dahan. "I will aid you, Councilman. Dahan sways in the hammock like a towel on a clothesline. Jest'liana arrives from Engineering . Jest'liana has arrived. Teel walks over to Kip's hammock. "Is he okay?" Orandius gingerly tugs at the hammock, wary of the Centauran's delicate structure. VanMahr clomps back wearily into the gundeck and the amazing press of creatures here. Okaskitich scuttles through the chaos to click its legs and mandibles, poising itself next to the hammock. N'Sha-El makes straight for Kip, stooping down to touch his forehead. Her expression is neutral but her eyes say more than words ever could. Dahan tries to remain as still as possible, lest his additional motion should tangle itself worse. Okaskitich says, "Suffered much has he, these past days. His link to the Ri'Kammi...was not fully severed." Jest'liana leans against a wall, out of the way. She pushes a stubborn lock of auburn hair out of her eyes and then looks at Kip with concern. At the cool touch of Sha's hand, Kip's blue eyes (don't they seem darker since you first met him?) flutter open. He instantly smiles. "You came back." VanMahr finds himself near Jest and Sha. "Well, what can we do for the lad?" Teel looks sadly at Sha. "He said he wasn't feeling good, and he looked overtired. I gave him some water. And then...Kip!" LeBeau says, "Well whos up to helpping me desstroy dat machine dat did dis to da kid" One by one, the various appendages of Dahan are untangled from the hammock by the Seer's nimble hands. He then nods slightly, "I believe you have your freedom, Councilman. In all ways." Hua grunts at LeBeau's words, then turns his gaze on Van in silent supplication. N'Sha-El's breath catches. At once she drops to her knees and strokes his hair. "Yes...I came back...." she whispers. "Shhhh...rest....You'll be all right now..." Okaskitich turns, clacking, to follow LeBeau. Dahan floats up slowly, and extracts itself from the hammock. It is covered with cathair and lint, but doesn't seem to mind. 'Thank you, Seer. I will assist if I may.' Jest'liana looks at Van, smiles a moment and then sighs deeply and shakes her head. He just had to call her Jester, didn't he. VanMahr glances to LeBeau wanly. "I believe you have a ship full of Marines but...I can think of at least one volunteer from my crew. Hua, do you have a spare moment?" Kip moves his gaze to Teel. "I fell asleep" Kip says, "I think I did some bad stuff. It's hard to remember." N'Sha-El touches Kip's hair again lightly. "Shhhh..." she murmurs. "Rest up, Kip...Captain's here...so's Jest....and Teel...and Genghis!" VanMahr collapses heavily onto a bench. "If you need help you know where to find me." He looks exhausted. LeBeau says, "Well, I hav some work to do up stairs den" Okaskitich clacks toward the hatch. Hua disembarks from the ship. Hua has left. Okaskitich disembarks from the ship. Okaskitich has left. Orandius inclines his head to Dahan, his gaze shifting to Okaskitich, though his expression remains veiled by his cowl. Silently, he moves to follow the B'hiri. Dahan disembarks from the ship. Dahan has left. Orandius disembarks from the ship. Orandius has left. LeBeau stops at the hatch "Tomorrow den" LeBeau disembarks from the ship. LeBeau has left. Kip nods at Sha's words and scoots over on the hammock to make room. Jest'liana lowers her arms from her chest as the Courser empties a little. N'Sha-El glances up at once. Lightly she touches Kip's cheek. "I'll be right back...." she murmurs. Then she stands and darts over to VanMahr, her eyes shadowed with concern. "Captain...?" she murmurs kneeling down beside him. Genghis mews and fairly scrambles up onto the hammock with amazing agility, purring against the boy with delight. Kip takes a deep breath and rolls over, already sleeping by the sound of his breath. Teel hmphs. "I still think that pilot guy has a cold." VanMahr lays himself out on the hard, flat surface. The man seems older than his thirty odd years as his weathered face turns to the gathering around Kip. "There are just some days you'd rather stay in bed." But he sounds pleased enough. "Teel, Jest, Sha....good work back there." Jest'liana looks over to Kip, smiles faintly, realizing that she hasn't even gotten to say hello to the boy yet...Then she looks at Van. "Good Captain's make it easy, Sir." N'Sha-El smiles faintly, then reaches to brush at the captain's tangled hair. "Genghis fur..." she whispers. But her voice is trembling, and there's sudden, sharp pain visible in her eyes. VanMahr glances up at Sha with somewhat softer eyes than usual. "Bah. If you've enough energy to stand it, run diagnostics on that nav console, Miss Sha. I'll be..." He yawns, "...on edge awaiting your report.." His eyes flicker shut. Teel looks at Kip, but her smile is for VanMahr. "Thanks, Cap'n. I'm glad to serve, and all that." N'Sha-El very lightly brushes the captain's hair again, her fingers briefly touching the weathered cheek. Then she rises, grins at Teel and Jest shakily, makes it halfway to the cockpit before her knees buckle and she sinks to the floor with a low whimper of pain, holding her head between her hands. Jest'liana walks over to Sha, seeming unsurprised. Teel looks puzzled at Jest's reaction. Jest'liana kneels by Sha and studies her face for a moment. "Teel? Could you help me get Sha in bed?" N'Sha-El's face is white, her hands shaking. "Dammit....bloody...implants..." she manages defiantly. "I'll...be..ok...." Jest'liana smiles very very sweetly at Sha. "For once on this damned ship you WILL consider what I say, N'Sha-El. I can just about take you right now." Teel walks over and helps Jest pick Sha up. "Sure." Teel murmurs, "Remind me to never get implants, yeah?" Jest'liana isn't able to help Teel much, her arm slowly wakening to pain again. But full sensation is quite a ways off. N'Sha-El makes no protest as the girls haul her up. "Room in....my hammock for me with....kitty and...Kip?" she manages, visibly steadying her shaking voice. "Here...I can...walk...." Pulling herself upright and wincing in pain. Jest'liana shrugs, "You take my hammock." She moves to steer Sha that way. N'Sha-El shakes her head. "I...promised...." she murmurs, indicating the space the boy left for her. "Please." Hua enters through the hatch of the ship. Hua has arrived. "Walk, my pale Ungstiri butt." Teel tries to prop Sha up as much as possible. Jest'liana's eyes flicker. She mutely nods and helps Sha to get into her hammock. Hua appears in the airlock, scanning the interior expressionlessly. In his sleep, the boy snuggles back against Sha, his back warm against her. Orandius enters through the hatch of the ship. Orandius has arrived. Hua immediately steps towards Sha's hammock. "What happened?" N'Sha-El tumbles onto the hammock, one hand slowly reaching to lay around the sleeping boy in her hammock. She glances up to Jest and Teel with a wan smile, eyes shadowed by intense pain. "Thanks....sis....Teel...." she whispers. "I'll be...fine...." Genghis purrs up a storm from where he's cradled against Kip's tummy. Jest'liana backs away from the hammock, not meeting Sha's eyes. "Her implants got fried a bit earlier. Until they are fixed, they are sending fire through her brain. It just caught up to her again." Orandius pads up the gangway. His gaze moves to each person in the room in turn. He then nods to himself, and walks back out. Orandius disembarks from the ship. Orandius has left. Teel huffs as Sha falls into bed. She looks up and up and up at Hua. "Sha's implants gave her a headache." Jest'liana touches Sha's shoulder and then walks away. Hua nods, frowning, and turns to open a cooler, rummaging through it for a few moments. In the meantime Jest enquires of Hua whether he has anything alcoholic in the cooler he's rummaging through. Hua replies, "No." In a moment, he retrieves the object of his search; it seems to be some sort of portable injection unit. N'Sha-El closes her eyes, two tears slowly coursing down her cheeks as her brow screws up in pain. Hua moves towards the hammock. "This should help her sleep. We need to get her real medical attention, though, and soon." Teel grabs a stray blanket off of a cargo crate. Finding an empty patch of floor, she lies down and covers up. "Wake me when I have to shoot something." She glances up at Sha. "Hope you feel better." She drops off to sleep. Jest'liana's lips quirk strangely. Eyes shadowing for a moment. "She needs to sleep." she says finally, nodding to Sha. "She hasn't for a while." she nods agreement and easily moves out of Hua's way. N'Sha-El opens her eyes, gaze settling on Hua. "I'm...ok Hua...." she mouths. "Just...dickens of a ...bloody...headache.... Hua flicks the cover off of the unit, activating it. He lays his empty hand upon Sha's nearest arm, steadying it. "You need your sleep," he says. Jest'liana strides to her bunk and digs in some medical packets. N'Sha-El reaches up in protest with her other arm, pulling the massive Mongolian closer, murmuring something to him. You whisper, "Sis's arm....please....see to it?"" to Hua. Hua nods once to the prone woman, raising the injector. "Sleep well," he says, as he applies it to her arm. N'Sha-El gives a faint murmur of protest once more before the drug takes effect. Her eyes close and her head falls to the side slightly. Jest'liana calmly uses the last of Blackface's supplies and sighs. Hua carefully withdraws the unit, closing it again. His empty hand brushes briefly across Sha's forehead as he turns, moving back towards the cooler. Genghis miaows in the throes of kitty sleep, pawing at the air. Hua repacks his own equipment, then rises again, treading towards Jest'liana. Jest'liana stares at the wall for a moment, then straightens. She turns to face the room again, blinking a little as she sees Hua walk towards her. She raises an eyebrow. Hua says, quietly, "Your arm." Jest'liana's eyes widen just a moment before she raises her chin a little. "It is bandaged up fine, as you can see." Hua's brow rises. "I was asked to examine it. If you please?" He extends a hand. Jest'liana glances at the peacefully sleeping Sha..she has to lean sideways to see around Hua to do so, but she does and glares at her. Grumbling she rather roughly presents her arm to Hua. The injections she has been pumping herself with blocking out all pain. "Busy body," she murmurs, apparently to Sha. Jest'liana keeps that chin raised pride in her manner, but her eyes are a bit wide. Hua gently grips Jest's arm, just above the bandage. With the other hand, he begins to unwind it, with extreme care. N'Sha-El stirs faintly in her sleep. "Van...don't die...." she murmurs thickly. Her hand still keeps itself around Kip and the kitten. Jest'liana shifts her weight, and her gaze moves rapidly from side to side. She bluffs ease. Hua dispassionately studies the hideous wound thus revealed, in its blistered, pus-soaked glory. Without further comment, he drops the bandage to the hammock and reopens the cooler, this without releasing Jest's hand. Jest'liana's bluff doesn't quite work, of course, but she keeps it up. Jest'liana leans back a little, not quite pulling away but very uneasy. "What are you going to do?" Hua retrieves a black plastic container, which he balances on one knee. "First, I am going to apply this ointment. It will hurt like hell. Then I am going to get some water and wash that arm. Then I am going to rebind it -correctly-." Jest'liana looks at him. "Well if you put it THAT way." she drawls. She tugs a little against his grasp, experimentally. Hua's arm might as well be a cast-iron manacle, for all Jest's unconscious efforts avail her. He opens the container one-handed, carefully removing the applicator from the cap and dipping it into the vile, pasty-looking substance within. Genghis twitches an ear and stirs from his sleep. A miaow as he lightly leaps off the hammock to land perfectly on his paws and pad over to Hua, purring. Jest'liana looks at Genghis. "Maybe you should let me get the cat out of the way first? He hasn't eaten in forever and he will keep bugging you until he does." She rather rapidly suggests. Hua doesn't budge. "I will feed him momentarily. Brace yourself." He pauses for an instant after this pronouncement, then brings the applicator carefully down on the edge of the wound. Genghis seems determined to be discommodating as he merely curls up against Hua's feet and purrs up a tea-kettle storm. Jest'liana stiffens and sharply jerks her arm. "OWW!" she yelps, "What is that acid or something?" she snaps, color flushing her cheeks and jaw setting as she glares at him. Hua continues spreading, carefully. "It's better than having your arm fester and drop off," he remarks. Genghis darts up in fright, back arching and hissing, ears flattened back. Jest'liana shifts her weight, tries the indignity of pulling away again briefly before stomping her foot in frustration as tears come to her eyes. "It bloody well ISN'T. It was feeling FINE! I stuck the needle in and it hasn't hurt for hours! Will you Stop it!" she wails. Hua's calm is unbroken, as solid as a mountain. He continues his task, placidly. "Filling yourself with pain-killers does nothing to heal your wound. It only dulls your awareness of it. The less you struggle, the more quickly this will be over." N'Sha-El shifts positions, deep in the throes of dreaming sleep. She whimpers faintly, her words indistinct and broken. "....sis....cavern's n...Kip....Van n'...Hua..." Genghis flattens his ears once more, then tries a tentative lick at Hua's boots. Hua A tall, stocky man. He is well over six feet in height, and every inch of his frame seems to have been packed with muscle; the type of man, one might say, who seems to have been hewn rather than born. His features are somewhat flat, save for his cheeks, high and ruddy under hazel eyes. His jet-black hair is brushed away from his face, tied into a single braid that hangs to the middle of his back. His garb is colorful, bits of metal and leather and ribbon wrapping about his body in some indeterminate pattern which may at first be taken for randomness. A blaster rides his right hip, sitting comfortably in its leather holster. His black boots, in sharp contrast to the rest of his outfit, are spotless, spit-shined, gleaming. His expression is one of quiet detachment. Jest'liana's hands clench into fists and she growls as the tears break free to course down her face. She stands very still then, finding a hook to focus on. And the hook is Hua. Every line in her body tense she bites the inside of her cheek hard and glares with her whole being at Hua. Unblinking. Jest'liana grates. "At least it didn't HURT." Hua returns Jest's stare with one of equal intensity as he completes his task, returning the applicator to its place in the bottle's cap, and closing the container once more. "You can only use the pain-killers so long. I will not have the safety of this ship compromised by an untreated injury, and that is the end of it. Will you come to the sink now, to bathe the wound?" Jest'liana tosses her head. "Well I wouldn't want the Ship compromised," she shoots back sharply. Chin raised again, the glare lessened now that the pain slowly eases off. "And I suppose if I don't go to the sink you'll drag me there? Hua nods, once. Jest'liana's eyes narrow. Then a very very faint flicker of a smile touches her lips. She bites down on the bawdy remark, inclines her head with dignity and takes a long breath. "In that case, Mister Hua, I would be delighted to accept your gracious invitation." She says smoothly, edges lessened but still there. "Wanna lead the way, or are you going to bloody put a blaster to my back as seems to be the custom on this ship?" Hua rises, slowly, not releasing her wrist. "I wouldn't use a blaster in here. Might damage sensitive systems." Genghis mews and scampers over to the sink with a whisk of a waving tail. Jest'liana just stares at him, her face falling. Then her grey eyes get suspiciously bright and her lips tremble in a faint pout. "First LeBeau, now you!" she wails. Her foot stomps again and she fiercely turns to look at the floor, hair curtaining her face as she begins to mutter a steady stream of curses. "Delicate systems indeed!" Hua begins to move towards the sink, tugging gently. "Come now. You will feel better when the wound is bathed and dressed. And then you can rest, and I will stop bothering you." Jest'liana continues to mutter, feet following Hua, but body leaned back so it looks like she is being dragged. "I will Not feel better." she finally emerges from the ocean of profanity to declare. Hua does not bother to respond to this, choosing instead to activate the water flow, filling the small basin with the recycled fluid. He urges the woman's arm towards it, carefully. A faint whimper from Sha-El again, this time a little louder. "Mother..." she murmurs, her brow furrowing sharply. Genghis stops to paw experimentally at a pile of clothes. A few choice words are audible from under her breath as she sags and resignedly holds her arm out. "...barbarians....uncultured...insensitive...bloody Captains...Delicate systems..." She sniffs and wipes her face with the back of her sleeve on her left arm and then shoots a glance at Hua as if daring him to say anything. Then she rolls her eyes realizing how really gross that was to do and where is a handkerchief when you need one? Hua lets the arm soak for a few moments, producing a remarkably clean handkerchief from somewhere on his person, as if by magic. This is offered wordlessly to the woman. Jest'liana takes the handkerchief, eyeing Hua. "Thanks," she says resignedly, beginning to intense as the water soothes the initial pain away. She delicately wipes her face of tears and then, mischief flaring in her eyes, a bit vindictively blows her nose. She laughs then, as if this little display of bitterness helped make everything better. She shifts her weight and tucks the handkerchief in a pocket. "I'll have it laundered." she tells Hua, smile friendly and a brief tentativeness in her eyes. Hua shrugs, beginning to tug her back towards the hammock. "I have others." Jest'liana again pulls the reluctant child posture, but this time it is in play. "But its yours. And I am certainly not going to return it like this.." Hua makes no reply, instead retrieving a wound bandage from beneath his own bunk-space. He flips it with one hand, causing it to unravel, and begins to wind it gently around Jest's wounded arm. Jest'liana watches this for a moment. Then watches Hua for a moment, unobtrusively studying. Hua is silent as he goes about his task, his face as inscrutable as ever. It is completed swiftly, and he moves to fasten the bandage in place, removing his hand from her wrist for the first time to do so. It is almost like having come full circle. Jest gives him that same uncertain look, this time fringed with more curiosity. "So...?" Hua studies the bandage for a moment. "I am finished. You may return to your bunk, if you wish. I believe I will get some sleep, now. Assisting in the overthrow of the functioning of the universe is tiring." Jest'liana nods, "Aye. Battling cosmic evil tends to drain one." she says slowly. Hua dusts off his palms, and moves to seat himself on his bunk. "Be sure not to overuse that arm." N'Sha-El moves, throwing her free arm out as if to ward off something. "...stay....stay please..." she murmurs, tossing her head restlessly. Jest'liana looks at her arm and shakes her head. "We do what we have to, Mister Hua. I can't really promise anything." Hua raises a brow. "I ask only that you try." Jest'liana moves to get into her bunk after slipping her boots off, the lack of her nightly rituals an indication of her tiredness. Genghis pads up and mewls at Hua noisily, asking to be picked up and taken to bed. Hua does not appear to be sleeping just yet, despite his earlier pronouncement. He sits, contemplating infinity, his musings broken only long enough to return the kitten to his place. Genghis settles philosophically and goes to sleep, curled up in a furry ball.
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