Previously on Warriors of Destiny: Docking at Pegasus station, the crew of the Ettik were given time to shop and relax. Luna, Eclipse, Tabris and Claron decided to go see Gabe, an old friend and the station manager.
Leaving the ship, the crew was met by Lilly, another warrior who had recently returned from her own adventure. Anxious to see everyone again and surprised by the new additions, Lilly began to integrate back into the crew she had been absent from.
Speaking to Gabe, the crew informed him of Katie�s kidnapping; and in turn, he informed them of a rumor that several �rogue fleet� ships had appeared in a limited-access system nearby that one Gabe�s associates operated out of.
Meanwhile: Katie was tortured by Calypso for information, but revealed nothing, much to the commander�s displeasure. Back on the station, the crew of the Ettik had time to waste while waiting for the hyperspace window to open, giving them access to the system that would be their destination.
*Time passed: Several hours*
Stryder folds his arms, watching Katie in her cell through the vid-screen in the security office. Sighing, he runs a hand through his red hair, �I�m sorry�� Turning to the door tone, he puts his mask back on as an armored security guard enters.
Elsewhere: Alexei scans his data pad, inventorying the standard supplies he purchased. �Everything looks to be in order, now just gotta wait for you to give us the signal,� he shakes his head realizing he is idly talking to the data pad.
DracBlue walks to Tza�s room, holding a bar of iron and chomping on it while he thinks to himself.
Valrash�s eyes perk up. �Ooooh, there is someone new on the ship. And they have fears. Most excellent.�
Shadow sits in the galley drinking an ale. He shakes his head, �Nothing happening here. I think it�s about time for me to wander this station.�
Lilly sits up, rubbing her eyes. She lets out a yawn, and then looks at the clock by her bed. �Ok, time to go shopping for something before we go.� She gets up and walks out of her room and heads off of the ship. Glancing at the stores as she walks around in the main square, she notices a familiar figure and places her hands on her hips. �Jonathan, where did you wander off to? You were supposed to be with me, I did not hire you for you to lollygag around the station.�
^Jonathan^ turns around. �Lilly, hi. I just went for a drink, that�s all. No harm done.� He flashes her a smile.
Katie glowers at the door, wheezing a bit. She dabs delicately at a cut over her eye, sticking her tongue out to touch another cut at the corner of her mouth. Sitting up again, she winces at the bruised ribs. �Screw you, bitch. I ain�t tellin� ye a damn thing.�
Lilly lets out a sigh. �Well, I came out to go shopping, so I�m going to do just that. However; I do not know when the ship is taking off, so you�d better stick close. Or else you WON�T get paid.�
Tabris hands the shopkeeper his credit chip, then hands the bag to Claron. �One bag of �taking away your troubles�. I�ll pass this time though, the last smoke was more than I cared for, babe.�
�Well, it�s not all about the money. Sometimes, it�s the adventure that counts.� Nevertheless, ^Jonathan^ falls into step behind her. �So, did your shipmates give you a warm welcome?�
Shadow stands up and heads to the ramp to find something to do on the station.
Tzaphiel wanders past the shops. She pauses in front of a weapons seller. �Might as well look around. Not like I really need anything,� she mumbles to herself.
In the med bay, Kyra broadcasts her miseries over all telepathic channels. ~Stryyyyderrrrrrrrrrrrrr, Helllllllllllppppppppppp~
Lilly scoffs slightly and shakes her head. �The ones that I saw, that knew me�yes. However; there were a few new recruits as usual, and some were not as �nice� as they could have been.� She glances at a few of the shops showing different accessories and realizes that yet again, nothing seems to catch her eye. �Ok, if I have to admit it�the main reason I came back out here was for you, and to find where in the hell you wandered off to.
Thankful that Tewyn decided to take a nap as soon as they returned from Medical, Clarice slips quietly out of their quarters and down the hallway.
The weapons offered in the shop are in various states of use, from shiny new to rust covered antiques. A boar-like humanoid sits behind the counter wiping down a particularly dangerous looking harpoon gun with a rag.
Valrash wanders around. Looking at people, watching them, discerning their fears and feeding off of them.
^Jonathan^ laughs. �I told you, I went to the pub. And to grab my stuff.� He holds up his bag. �All the bare necessities: clothes, swords and guns.�
Turning his head, Stryder frowns over the tall glass of alcohol. Turning on his seat at the bar, he sighs, ~Kyra?~
~Dark. I don�t like it, here.~ Kyra�s frame shudders slightly.
Lilly rolls her eyes. �Just shut up and follow me.� She stops at one of the item shops and glances around halfheartedly. �This is one of the many reasons that I don�t like shopping.�
^Jonathan^ teases, �What? Indecision?�
DracBlue stops at Tza�s door and knocks. Not hearing anything, he wanders to the station and decides to look around.
Meanwhile; Stryder walks up to the pale force field blocking Katie from the rest of the brig chamber. Leaning against the wall, he eyes her bruises, �You okay? I didn�t think she�d be so physical.�
Claron smiles at Tabris, then kisses his cheek. �Did you forget that we had a bag that didn�t have side effects already? Or is this your way of reminding me how foul my mood has been with everyone since Katie was kidnapped?�
�I figured you could use a fresh bag, that other one is a few months old,� Tabris smiles at the kiss, then takes her free hand.
�Yes, exactly that at times.� Lilly turns away and continues on to a few other shops. Turning around, she glances at Jonathan. �Well, there isn�t much more I think they are going to be selling to us. So, do you want to head to the ship�just to make sure we get there on time?�
~You�re healing in med bay�wait, what�s dark?~ Stryder questions, sliding a few credits onto the counter before walking out of the bar.
Katie flicks her gaze to Stryder and merely grunts before staring at the wall, again.
�Sure. Why don�t you tell me about your fine spacecraft?� ^Jonathan^ speeds up to walk alongside her. �You haven�t yet.�
Clarice passes by Shinta�s room, pauses for a second, �Well, if you aren�t going to check on him, my drow�I will,� she mumbles to herself as she moves closer to his door and knocks.
�It shouldn�t be too long�they�re bound to be getting closer,� Stryder says calmly to Katie, aware that she is less than happy with him right now.
Tzaphiel picks up a dagger and turns it over in her hands, feeling the weight and balance. She sighs and puts it back as her eyes move over the offerings to be had.
�There isn�t much to tell. It�s one of those that you have to see for yourself.� They walk past the pub and Lilly glances around. �I doubt that everyone is on the ship. Why don�t I see anyone?�
�Hmph.� Katie says noncommittally..
DracBlue wanders into a gem shop and looks at the shop keep. �You interested in buying gems?�
~Oh Kyra, if I could make it lighter for you I would.~ Cara mentally says to Kyra in return as she hears her mentally upon entering the ship from her excursion with Kabal.
Scratching his leg with his tail, Eclipse looks over at Luna, hand idly playing with the fork. �How was your meal?� He questions as his gaze drifts around the restaurant in the station�s arboretum.
~Cara?~ Kyra�s mental voice is small and far away, almost childlike.
Luna�s tail wraps around Eclipse�s as she smiles at him. �It was good. The view is lovely.�
Valrash gets tired of just sitting there and decides to walk back to the ship, bored.
A beady eyed alien, resembling a giant moth, blinks eight eyes at Drac, �Gems you sell? Show one gems?� Its fangs clatter together as it seems struggling to speak common.
�I have been pretty awful, I know. I bit Gabe�s head off when we saw him�I didn�t mean to do that. I probably should go and apologize to him, don�t you think?� Claron squeezes Tabris� hand gently, feeling somewhat calmer from the wandering through the garden earlier.
DracBlue brings out a few sapphires and diamonds and places them on the counter. �I�m selling, if you�re buying.�
�Yes, it is, you picked a good place,� Eclipse smiles at Luna, then tilts his head. �I hope you�ve got some credits, because I don�t have any on hand.�
Tzaphiel glances over at the shopkeep briefly, before picking up a leather whip and inspecting the intricate braiding work.
Clarice stands waiting for a reply to her knock on Shinta�s door. When she doesn�t hear anything, she places her hand in the indentation. �Ettik, override the lock,� when she doesn�t feel it budge.
Lilly sighs and continues walking, leading the way to the ship. Stopping at a gem store, she notices a man standing there and just glances around at the random gems. �Is this the only selection you have? Or do you have more?�
The door buzzes for a second, then clicks, sliding back into the wall.
The giant moth picks up the gems with several arms, half of its eyes shifting to focus on Lilly, �What gems you want?�
Luna chuckles. �Me? The queen of shopping, what do you think?� She folds her napkin and lays it on the table. �Is there something you want to get? Or just looking?�
Lilly shrugs and turns to Jonathan before turning back to the moth. �I�m not sure, just looking. Do any of these do anything, or are they just �pretty� gems?�
Clarice enters. �Shinta?� she calls out softly at first. �Shinta!� when she finds him laying comatose. �Oh my god! What have you gone and done?� trying to waken him.
DracBlue turns around and looks at Lilly. He sighs, as it isn�t Tza, and turns back to the shopkeeper waiting to get the credits.
The weapons shopkeeper eyes Tzaphiel, setting the harpoon gun back on a wall hang. �Fine craftsmanship. Human made.�
~Oh, Kyra! Don�t be afraid. I will come sit with you. I promise.~ Cara makes her way towards med bay, talking to Kyra mentally the whole way.
�No special, just gems. Want you magic, go find other.� The moth buzzes to Lilly, then finishes stacking some disk shaped credits and sliding them to Drac. �100 zatthma,� it pauses for a moment, thinking. �700 human money.�
Jonathan looks at the gems pretty closely. �Some of these are fake, not even worth 100 credits.�
�If you want to,� Tabris looks at Claron, �want me to come with you?�
DracBlue nods to the gem man and takes the money, then walks past Lilly. He nods to her as he walks past.
The moth buzzes at Jonathan several choice words he is unable to translate. �No fake...you no like, leave!�
Lilly turns towards Jonathan and sends him an evil glare. �Don�t even go there!� Lilly acknowledges him and says a soft �hi� as he walks away.
Tzaphiel nods at the man, �Yes, they are well known for their craftsmanship of items for torturous play.� She replaces the whip and moves on down the aisle. �Do you have anything unusual?�
�Fuck you.� Jonathan lifts up the moth with his telekinesis and sends him flying across the room, to crash into the opposite wall.
Tzaphiel hears a crash from the next shop over and wonders what happened.
�Yes�I would�I could use your moral support. And it might be better to have someone there that can remind me not to go off the deep end again.� Claron manages a pleasant smile.
The moth gets to his feet and curses again. Heavy boots against the metal flooring sound behind Jonathan, a giant armored armadillo scowls at him, �I�mma have to ask you to leave, human.� He pats his double barreled rifle softly.
Lilly grabs Jonathan and drags him away. �Ok, now it�s time for us to leave. And you need to learn manners. You can�t just shove people around.�
DracBlue hears the noise and turns around, shakes his head.
^Jonathan^ growls. �Yeah, well, I don�t do it that often. Besides, he�s a con man�or moth. He deserved it.�
~Cara�I�m�I�m losing me�~ Kyra�s mental voice seems more distant. ~Don�t know what is happening. You�ll take care of him, won�t you?~
�At it again,� the weapons shopkeep says to himself after the crash. Turning his attention back to Tza, he perks a brow, �What sort of unusual you looking for, pretty girl?�
Stryder smirks as he walks through the station market, idly listening to Cara and Kyra talk to one another.
Lilly sighs as she drags him further away. �That�s not the point.� She stops and turns when they are quite a distance away. �If you are going to be paid, or around my crew as a matter of fact; you need to learn to control that �temper� of yours. And learn you are not the judge of everyone.� She lets go of him and gives him a shove before turning back towards the ship.
�She�ll be back eventually, and this time she�ll probably do worse,� Stryder says to Katie as he turns, glancing down the hallways.
DracBlue wanders down the corridor. Getting tired of people, he decides to walk back to the ship. Seeing Tza in the weapon shop, he stops and peeks in and pretends to window shop, watching Tza the whole time.
�Sorry.� ^Jonathan^ falls in step behind her. �That your ship? It�s beautiful.�
Clarice notices a paper with some strange lettering on it and picks it up. �Wonder what this is all about?� she thinks to herself. �Ettik, inform Alexei that their is a problem with the Warrior Shinta. And assistance is required.� She absentmindedly shoves the paper into her pocket, then turns her attention back to Shinta.
�That�s of great comfort, lad.� Katie says sarcastically, grimacing as she shifts position. �What a ray of sunshine you are. I�m so grateful for you.�
Luna reaches into a pocket and retrieves a credit token and hands it to the waiter as he walks by, �Keep the change.� She leans in close to Eclipse and whispers, �I have no clue what these are worth.�
The waiter seems exceedingly pleased with the tip.
Alexei turns from the pile of cargo containers to look at the ship. Sighing, he leaves the data pad and walks up the ramp.
Valrash walks past Lilly onto the ship.
Cara enters Medical and makes her way to Kyra�s bio-med-gel tank. Placing her hand on the tank, ~Kyra�I�m here. You are not alone in the dark, anymore.~
Eclipse shrugs, �Can�t say as I�ve ever really paid attention to money. Its value has changed so much over the millennia.�
~Best friend. Love you both�~ Kyra�s link fades off as she falls into a restless slumber again.
�Sarcasm aside,� Stryder frowns at Katie, �you could use some medical attention. If you want it, that is.�
Tzaphiel moves over to the shopkeeper and leans in conspiratorially, �Anything that would cause havoc and mischief,� she winks.
Lilly continues and nods at Jonathan. �Yes, it is the ship, and �the ship�s� name is Ettik.�
^Jonathan^ nods, �Ettik. Does that have a special meaning?�
�Havoc and mischief�and how much havoc are you looking to cause?� The boar-man eyes Tza suspiciously.
Katie raises an eyebrow and gasps softly at the discomfort. �Heal me so that they can hurt me more all over again?�
Lilly shrugs as she climbs the ramp. �That I�m not sure of. Why don�t you ask Ettik.�
^Jonathan^ looks puzzled. �Ask? You mean ask the ship�s computer?�
Luna nods, �Yes, and so many wars were fought over wealth.� She pushes her chair back and stands up. �So, did something catch your eye earlier?�
�It will help you keep your strength,� Stryder sighs, �I�m sorry, it�s the only comfort I can offer for now.�
~I refuse to let that happen, Kyra�I will NOT let you lose yourself. I can�t take care of him�I don�t want to take care of him, if it means losing you.~ Cara places her face tightly against the tank. ~Please, Kyra�don�t give in...I promise not to interfere with you and him...never again.~
Shaking her head, Lilly just continues onto the ship. �Just follow me.� She starts walking towards the bridge. �Maybe someone will be there now��
Tzaphiel holds his stare for several breaths. �As much as a girl can. Say destroy a ship or thirty?�
Katie�s mouth is a straight line, but she finally nods. �Aye. Suppose I�ll take what I can get.�
^Jonathan^ follows closely and mutters, �Hello, Ettik.�
�So what seems to be the...problem,� Alexei says as he enters Shinta�s quarters. Noticing him laying completely still, he moves over to Clarice. �What happened?�
Kyra�s soft serene smile is the only answer.
DracBlue gets tired of waiting outside the shop and walks in, listening to Tza and the man�s conversation.
Lilly arrives at the bridge and looks around. Noticing no one is there, she sits down. �Figures, no one is anywhere when I need them to be.�
Valrash walks onto the bridge and looks at Lilly. �Who are you?�
�I have no idea, Alexei! I found him like this. I don�t understand,� shaking her head, �and his tattoos are missing�� Clarice glances at Alexei.
Lilly turns to the figure. �The name�s Lilly. Surprised you haven�t heard of me, with the running reputation I have with this crew.�
Reaching Gabe�s office, Tabris looks at Claron. Giving the two guards a glance, he motions to the door, �Ladies first.�
Valrash sighs. �I�m not informed of most things around here. The name is Valrash, nice to meet you, Lilly.� Dismissively, he looks at the man accompanying her.
Lilly nods. �Yeah, figures they wouldn�t talk about me much.�
�Can I help you all with something?� Sikozu asks as she strides onto the bridge. Going to the holo-controls, she eyes Lilly, Val and Jon momentarily before bringing up info screens of the offspring�s status on the main view screen.
^Jonathan^ snarls, �What�s with the dirty look, Valrash?�
The guard near the door console looks at Claron, �Back again, eh?� He turns and presses the control, waits a second, then nods, �You can go in.�
Valrash turns to Sikozu, �Yes, any idea on when we leave this place?� Turning back, �Your just a hired hand, I bet. That�s why I give you a dirty look.�
Claron nods to Tabris as they approach the door, �Not that I have been much of a lady lately. Been more like a very pathetic, weak minded, whiney bitch is more like it.� Nods to the guard as she passes him and enters Gabe�s office. �Gabe?�
�Apparently the hyperspace window will be open in the next hour or so,� Sikozu says matter-of-factly as she goes over the readouts.
�Okay, let�s try and start off on a good note. I�m Jonathan Sisko. Lilly hired me because she thought you guys might need some help.� He proffers his hand.
Lilly shakes her head. �No, not much can be done for me. Just trying to find where everyone is�so I can not be bored with my time here��
Valrash chuckles. �If she wanted a bodyguard, she should have just wooed the bird boy.�
Gabe, glancing up from the data pad he was reading while sitting on the half-circle couch in the corner of his office. �Ahh Claron, Tabris, come in and have a seat.�
�I don�t need a bodyguard. I can take care of myself. I thought that we could always use some help. I�ve been hearing some rumors that the crew has been running into a few problems. Nothing new, and I know how it goes where it�s like the more the merrier...for the most part anyway.� Lilly states matter-of-factly.
�Afraid I don�t handle items that big, you may want to check the ship armaments shop over at Bay 5.� The weapon shopkeep says to Tza.
�Strange�� Alexei glances over Shinta, �We should probably get him to the med bay to get a better idea.�
Valrash just nods to Lilly and walks out heading for his room.
^Jonathan^ smirks, �He�s a charmer, isn�t he?�
�Quite,� Sikozu comments from the control console. Shifting a glance to Lilly and Jon, she questions, �You looking for Alexei? Or taking the tour?�
Tzaphiel shakes her head, �We both know that sometimes the biggest surprises come in the smallest packages.� She glances up and catches Drac�s reflection in a shiny shield hanging on the wall behind the counter. She turns around quickly and looks at him, blushing like she�s been caught with her hand in the cookie jar.
Lilly nods back at Valrash as he leaves. �No, I just think he has a problem with men that have no idea how to control themselves.� She looks at the screens on the bridge, checking out all the radars and remembering what everything does. �Man. I missed this place.�
�I came to�� Claron glances at Tabris, then back to Gabe as she takes a seat. �Well�I owe you an apology for the rude, sharp tone I had with you earlier. It�s just so much has happened lately��
Jon looks around the bridge, his eyes alighting on the engineering displays. �So, does this thing have a killer engine to go with its killer looks?�
�No need to apologize, I understand how much Katie�s disappearance has troubled you,� Gabe gives her a reassuring nod. �Can I get either of you a drink?�
Shadow finishes walking the station, mutters to himself, �Nothing out of the ordinary here. I think I�ll go back and have another pint.�
Lilly shakes her head. �Well I thought Alexei would be here, but I wasn�t really looking for him. Just some extra company�and trying to get the crew to meet Jon, make him feel at home. Although, I have no idea why I bother. He probably won�t be here long.�
�Standard cruiser class engine, slower then the young one�s,� Sikozu answers Jon�s question with a casual glance to the readouts, �but Ettik�s made for transport, whereas the offspring is a warship.�
^Jonathan^ raises a brow, �Offspring? You mean this thing�s alive? I�ve heard of living ships, but I always thought they were a myth.�
�Enough to take down thirty ships, huh?� DracBlue kind of ignores her blushing, �Man, this shop looks tasty.�
�Yes, that�d be nice. I really didn�t mean to snap your head off. I just want Katie back, alive and in one piece. We have suffered too many losses of those we hold dear already.� Claron tries to fight back the tears that are beginning to well up.
Tzaphiel makes at face at Drac for eavesdropping as she turns back to the shopkeep. �Don�t mind him, he always thinks with his stomach.�
�Not a myth,� Sikozu smirks lightly, then glance to Lilly. �Looks like Alexei�s dealing with some sort of emergency down in crew quarters.�
Shadow heads to the galley and gets himself a pint. �Well, more peace and quiet for now�just great.�
�Not much, I guess some armor couldn�t hurt,� Eclipse shrugs as he and Luna walk through the arboretum. �Clothes are good, but they do little to stop lasers.�
Lilly nods and gets up. �Well thanks for your time�I am a bit hungry, so I�ll head to the galley. Don�t work too hard, Sikozu.� She heads to the door and opens it. �You coming, Jonathan, or are you just going to stand there stupidly?�
DracBlue nods. �I�m always thinking with my stomach, eh?�
�Coming.� Jonathan^ gathers up his stuff and follows her. �So, where�s my bunk gonna be?�
Clarice nods her head. �Wouldn�t have asked for assistance otherwise,� smirking as she slips one of Shinta�s limp arms around her shoulders.
Sikozu chuckles before she goes back to the console. �Try saying that when you have a young warship singing in your head 26 hours a day,� she muses to herself as she glances at the readouts once again.
Lilly rolls her eyes. �Just come. And don�t worry about your bunk. It will be provided; and you will know when you need to.�
"Right, sorry. I suppose I�m just tired, but that�s insomnia for you.� ^Jonathan^ laughs.
�I�ve got him,� Alexei says as he hoists Shinta into his arms.
Luna slips her arm around Eclipse�s waist. �True, you did lose your armor when you lost that other body.�
Shadow sits back as he watches Lilly and Jon enter the galley, tips his glass to them.
Gabe stands and moves over to the collection of drink bottles on a nearby counter. Opening a few of the bottles, he smells them, then pours three glasses of a dark blue liquid. �I understand. Zach has volunteered to accompany you in your search.� He moves back, handing a glass to Tab and Claron.
Eclipse nods, �Maybe something in a nice dark color. You�re good with clothes, I�m sure you�ll find fashionable armor as well,� Eclipse smirks at Luna before kissing her gently on the cheek.
Lilly notices a figure and nods. �Hello. You the only one in here?� She asks the figure before heading over to the fridge.
Jonathan peers in the fridge. �Hey, fudge!� He grabs a piece and gulps it down.
Shadow nods to Lilly, �No, he�s here,� pointing to Zach. He stares weirdly at Jonathan, �I don�t think that�s fudge, I think it�s rotten meat.�
Jon spits it out and coughs. �You�re right.�
�Heh�� Zach chuckles, watching Jon at the fridge. Leaning back in his chair, he swirls his cup before taking a sip, �So Lilly, who�s the dude?�
Lilly shrugs. �Just a useless dud who I hired to add to the crew. Don�t worry about him.�
�Oh? It will be nice to have him among us.� Claron takes the glass from Gabe, then gives Tabris a questioning glance.
Jon perks up at that remark. �Hey, I�m not useless. I can cook, you know.�
�I didn�t hire you to cook. I hired you to be a number in the crew.� Lilly says as she sits down next to Shadow.
Tabris downs the glass with a refreshed �mmm�, �Your boy. eh? Should be a good addition to our motley band.�
Luna laughs softly at Eclipse, �Fashionable armor, that�s an interesting thought.� Stepping out of the arboretum, they move towards what looks like a smithy�s shop. �We may find something in there.�
Shadow chuckles. �So you can cook. Are ye any good in battle?�
�If anybody�s a cook, it�d be that big red-haired cat-guy I saw in here about an hour ago, cooked up a mean steak and eggs.� Zach comments.
Jon shoots him a glare. �I�m ex-Army. I was at the fall of Arcadia. Someday, I might even come to terms with that.�
�Worth a look,� Eclipse shrugs as he looks ahead.
Shadow smiles. �Then I welcome you to the group.�
Stryder returns to Katie�s cell. Lowering the force field, he steps inside, putting the field back up after he�s enters. Leaning down, he holds a small circular device over Katie�s bruises, a warm light relieving the pain almost immediately.
Lilly glances at Shadow. �So how long have you been with the crew? You weren�t here when I was here last.�
Shadow thinks about it, �I believe it has been about three weeks.�
Alexei looks at Clarice as he sets Shinta down on the exam table in the med bay. Stepping back, he lets the pair of med-bots skitter up the table to examine Shinta.
Katie sighs, a small grateful smile appearing, then disappearing quickly. �My thanks, lad,� her soft murmur is barely heard.
Lilly nods, glancing at Jon. �Are you just going to stand there, or sit down?� She glances at Zach. �And what about you? Since your so silent over there.�
Shadow shakes his head. �No, I think has been longer. I�m not quite sure.�
Jon sits down at the table across from Lilly.
Luna looks around as they step into the shop full of protective clothing. �Hmmm, lots to pick from.� She moves carefully through the shop choosing pieces for him to try. �Here, see if these fit.� She hands Eclipse several items as she motions to the cleared area at the back of the shop.
Clarice shakes her head, �I just don�t get it�� She turns to face Alexei, �Thanks,� then leaves Medical without so much another look or word, heads for the galley.
Kyra wiggles a bit, then wrinkles her nose. ~My best friend. Truly.~ Her sleepy mental voice wafts over Cara.
�It�s the best I can do for a friend of my folks,� Stryder sighs, a sad look crossing his face at mention of parents.
Tzaphiel looks over her shoulder at Drac, �Well, you do, don�t you?�
Alexei raises a brow watching Clarice leave, �You�re welcome�� Turning back to the med-bots, he nods, �Send the results to the bridge when you�re done.� He turns and heads out.
DracBlue looks at Tza, �No, I tend to think with my head.�
Claron sips the blue liquid. �Mmmm, this is quite tasty. And how do you feel about Zach joining us? Or better yet, Gabe...was this his decision alone...or did you have some input in it?� watching Gabe closely.
Katie reaches a hand out to brush his sleeve. �Sometime I�d like to discuss things with you, lad. There�s so much I still don�t understand.� Her soft voice holds a hint of affection.
�He showed a desire, I simply said he could be of use to you.� Gabe takes a drink with a light smile, �Being a father has some advantages��
Tzaphiel raises one eyebrow, �Oh really? Which one?� She calls out to Drac in an irritated tone.
Lilly glances at Zach more fiercely. �Fine don�t answer me.� She lets out a sigh before taking a sip of her drink and decides to head to her room soon. �So�Jon, you can stick around here and mingle if you want.�
�There�s probably a whole lot that needs discussed,� Stryder says to Katie as he brushes some hair aside to get to a bruise on her cheek.
Jon looks up at her. �If it�s all right with you, I�d like to get settled in. This bag is getting kind of heavy.�
Zach smirks at Lilly, �I�m here for the adventure.�
�The one on my shoulders usually.� DracBlue doesn�t understand why she has an irritated tone with him.
�Oh? Any particular reason for why you think he could be of some use to us,� Claron looks Gabe directly in the eyes with more of the old Claron inquisitiveness and intuition coming through.
�Unfortunately that�s not up to me.� Lilly sighs getting up. �If you want a room, talk to Ettik.� She gives Zach another nod in answer before heading towards the door.
Jon sighs. �Okay. Um, Ettik, could I have a bunk, please?�
Eclipse takes the armful of armor to the back area and tries them on one at a time, pausing at the pants, �Ugh�having a tail can be such a bother.�
Tzaphiel turns back to the shopkeeper with a sigh. �Never mind.� She turns and walks out of the shop without Drac.
A holomap of the passenger decks pops up near Jon on the wall, numerous blinking rooms indicate empty quarters.
Luna smiles wistfully, �I like your tail,� she teases.
�Aye.� Katie nods, tilting her head to make it easier. �I just wish there was a way to let them know that you�re�that he�s�� She sighs.
Jon smiles. �Thanks.� He commits the route to memory and heads out of the galley. �See you all later.�
�As do I, but a universe of pants would disagree,� Eclipse mutters as he looks at himself in a nearby mirror.
Clarice enters the galley. She heads straight for the replicator, punches in the appropriate button for a cup of coffee, then takes a seat.
Zach gives Jon a wave, then watches Clarice as she enters the galley.
�That he�s not me?� Stryder stands and turns to the force field, �Sending a message would blow my cover�and they don�t take kindly to traitors.�
DracBlue just looks confused as Tza leaves. After a moment, he shakes his head, not understanding what just happened. He leaves the shop, but loses sight of Tza and just stands there, �What did I do this time? I always screw things up.�
Lilly�s groan fill the halls as she wanders around the ship, her mind wandering, trying to figure out what everyone was up to.
Reaching the bridge, Alexei notices the blinking icon on the console. Moving to it, he presses it, �Hmm...it�s gonna open soon. Best get everybody back to the ship.�
Jon finally reaches his bunk, unpacks his things and lies down, grateful to have some alone time. His thoughts drift off in random directions until his eyelids become too heavy to keep open and he falls asleep.
Luna smiles at Eclipse as he checks himself out in the mirrors. �How does it fit, besides your tail problem?�
�Aye. I ken that well enough, lad. But it seems so unfair that she�s spent so much time believing�� Katie nibbles her lip.
DracBlue sighs and shakes his head. �Does she seriously think I think with my stomach?�
�If this new enemy is as dangerous as you all believe, I�d think any help would be welcome,� Gabe glances to Claron, before noticing a beeping from his desk. Moving to the desk, he presses a button, a large screen appearing on the back wall. �Sir, the hyperspace passage to the Matano system is starting to open again.�
Lilly reaches her room and slides the door open. �Always love the roomy feeling,� glancing back before entering her room and sliding the door shut. Slipping her clothes off, she grabs her �pj�s� and slips into bed. Her eyes droop closed and she drifts off to sleep.
�Sturdy, but flexible enough to allow movement,� Eclipse moves in the armor a bit, testing it out.
Cara perks up a bit, hearing Kyra in her mind, ~Oh then�don�t lose yourself, Kyra. I would very much like to prove to you that I am deserving of being called your best friend.~
�Looks like you�ll be leaving soon,� Gabe turns to Claron and Tabris.
DracBlue heads to the ship, unsure of what to think.
Luna nods and motions to the smithy that is watching from nearby. �Looks good from here, and the pants can be fixed fairly quickly.�
�Then I suppose we should head back to the ship,� Claron finishes up her drink. Something about Gabe�s answer to her question bothers her.
Tzaphiel storms into the botany bay of the Ettik and plops down in the far corner, hiding behind some rather large white blooms.
The smithy nods, �Quick mend should help with the tail.� Turning, the apron�d humanoid grabs a small device as he walks towards Eclipse. Eclipse hands the pants over and the smithy runs the device along the backside, making a smooth cut wide enough for his tail.
�Thank you for your hospitality,� Claron rises from her seat. Placing her glass on Gabe�s desk, she then mover closer to him. Giving him a hug, �Thanks for your understanding, my friend.�
DracBlue walks to the galley, grabs a couple bars of iron, and then heads to his room. Eating them, he chuckles. �I guess I do eat a lot. Maybe that�s why she thinks I think with my stomach.�
Gabe nods to her, green eyes pulsing for a second, �Your most welcome, old friend. Bring my boy back safe, he�s the only one I have.� He smiles softly, giving Tab a hearty handshake.
Luna hands the smithy all the credit chips she has. �If this doesn�t cover the cost of his suit, charge the balance to Gabriel Saturnes account.�
�I�ll do my best�but if he�s anything like you, he�ll probably come back unscathed,� Tabris comments to Gabe.
�Station manager, eh?� The smithy nods, �Not a problem, it�ll be fine.�
Claron feels her heart sink, a pang of guilt surfacing, �We will try, Gabe. That�s the best we can promise,� knowing her own track record for keeping their children safe isn�t that great.
�Good luck finding Katie,� Gabe bows his head to the two of them before sitting down at his desk.
DracBlue paces his room, humming something from his childhood.
Luna bows her head to him briefly, �Thank you,� she purrs to him as she moves towards the door with Eclipse. �I think we should get back to the ship, since we don't know when the clearance will come.�
Claron slips her arm around Tabris� waist as they leave Gabe�s office. As soon as they are out of hearing distance of the guards, she shakes her head. �Tab, I think Gabe was holding something back when I questioned him about Zach.�
Stryder sighs, �Waiting has been hard�� Lowering the force field, he sighs heavily, �But I�ll right this wrong, I just hope my parents can forgive me for being gone so long.�
�He did seem to glaze over it,� Tabris nods to Claron. �I�m sure he has his reasons.�
Tzaphiel pulls one of the blooms to her nose and allows the sweet scent to soak into her being.
Clarice sips her coffee, quietly lost in her own thoughts.
DracBlue strips down and heads for the bathroom to take a cold shower in order to help him think.
�Probably a good idea,� Eclipse says, looking over the new armor as they walk. �This should help come our next fight.�
�Forgive you? Of course they will. I just fear what the shock of it may do to Claron, in the beginning. She�s been through so much�� Katie chews her lip again.
Zach studies Clarice, red eyes drifting over her as he tries to read her expression.
Luna takes his hand in her paw, �I hope it�s light enough. Your current form could tire from carrying all that extra weight.�
�But why? Why would he do that? What is it he doesn�t want us to know?� Claron continues to shake her head, �That�s not like him�not like him at all.�
Valrash wanders into the botany bay and acts like he�s talking to the flowers. �What a sweet scent.�
�I know, and I�ll do what I can to help her,� Stryder steps outside and raises the force field again. Glancing down the hall, he curses silently, �The guards will be here soon to take you back.�
Clarice takes another sip of her coffee, then softly speaks. �I can feel your eyes on me, trying to stare a hole into me? Or is there something in particular you find interesting?� never once looking in Zach�s direction.
Eclipse squeezes Luna�s paw gently, �I should be fine. Got a good deal of strength still, seems I�ve kept more of the physical traits than the rest.�
Tzaphiel looks up at Valrash, but doesn�t respond to his comment. She shrugs and releases the bloom as she watches him warily.
�Just wondering what�s on your mind,� Zach perks a brow. �Looking a little lost, there.�
Luna giggles, �You don�t have to tell me. I�m glad you kept the physical traits.�
Valrash continues talking to the flowers. �If something is wrong, I always find it best to talk about it.� Never looking away from the flower.
�It�s been a while since he was part of the team,� Tabris sighs as they walk. �Whatever he�s hiding, there has to be a good reason for him to keep quiet.�
Eclipse chuckles, �Maybe with time I�ll get some of the supernatural traits back.�
Katie swallows hard and nods, her face paling a bit.
Luna sobers again. �But still, a mortal body can grow weary and require rest. If it�s pushed beyond its limits, it can become ill or broken.�
Tzaphiel huffs as she stands up. �I don't know what your rambling on about.�
DracBlue gets out of the cold shower. Still not thinking properly, he puts on his waistcoat and pants, then wanders the halls of the ship.
Clarice shakes her head, not admitting to being lost in thought. �Oh, sorry�Zach...isn�t it?� having finally looked up at him. �Just a little overwhelmed at finding one of our fellow warriors unresponsive in his quarters,� she lies.
�If you need to, take yourself somewhere else. A good memory, a beautiful place,� Stryder turns his gaze from Katie. �It can help with the pain. Once they bring you back, I�ll return to mend your wounds again.� Taking a step, Stryder turns, �I�m sorry, I truly am.� Sighing again, he walks down the hallway.
�I know,� Eclipse pats Luna�s paw gently with his other hand. �Don�t you worry about me. I can take good care of myself.�
�Oh? What happened?� Zach gives a quizzical glance to Clarice.
�I suppose you�re right, Tab. Guess we�ll find out in due time.� Claron sighs.
Valrash continues on, �The best thing for people to do is forgive others. But why would you care, you�re a flower.� He gets up from kneeling and walks out of the botany bay, smiling as he turns his back to Tza. After he gets out of ear reach, he says, �Now, if only to help to break his heart later.� He chuckles lightly.
A single tear leaks from Katie�s eye, now that there�s no one around to be brave for. �I�m sorry, too. For more things than I�m likely to be able to rectify.� She leans her head back, closing her eyes. �A good memory? What kind of memory?� Unbidden, her thoughts turn to a warm night, a camp party, and a waltz.
Tzaphiel walks over and looks at the flower Valrash was talking to. �What an idiot.� She shakes her head as she moves out of the bay with a sigh. �Can�t even enjoy a solitary moment on this ship,� she grumbles to herself.
�That I don�t know. I have no idea. So what brings you to our group? Miss us so much that you felt a strong need to join us?� Clarice smirks as she tries to change the subject.
Luna steps into the Ettik and pauses, sniffing the air for a moment. �Someone else has entered the ship.�
�Something like that,� Zach smirks at Clarice. �Last time was a blast, I�m up for a second helping.�
�Oh?� Eclipse looks around, �Any idea who?�
�Hmmm, sounds like there�s more to it than just having a blast,� Clarice watches Zach closely.
Luna steps back to the door, sniffing lightly. �Zachiel? But I think there is another, the smell is mixed with Lilly�s.�
�Alright, you got me. The space station�s boring, hanging with you guys I�m bound to see some action,� Zach finishes his drink and looks at Clarice.
�Interesting�� Eclipse shrugs as they continue into the ship, �How�s that human saying go? �The more the happier�?�
Luna smirks at Eclipse, �It�s �the more the merrier�, babe.�
Stryder passes the med bay, pausing a moment to glance in on the med-gel tank with Kyra floating in it. Giving a small wave, he smirks slyly and continues down the hallway.
�That�s right�� Eclipse shakes his head, �I�ll get these expressions right eventually.�
Luna leans up and kisses him lightly. �I wouldn�t bother with most of them.�
�No doubt you will. Never seems to be a dull moment around here,� Clarice chooses not to say what she is really thinking; her old friend, distrust, making its presence known to her once again.
Alexei glances over the console at the new window popping up, �Results inconclusive? Great�find him unconscious in his room and you can�t tell me what�s wrong with him?� Giving a sigh, he looks back at the other screens. �Almost there.� Hitting the ship com, he speaks, �This is Alexei, we�re going to be leaving soon. If you have any business, get it done now or save it till we�re back in port.�
~Guess Stryder doesn�t want to enjoy both of our company, Kyra.~ Cara thinks, having caught a glimpse of his reflection in the glass.
Tzaphiel walks into her room and closes the door before lying down on the bed and shifting into a different body type.
Clarice rises from her seat. �Now if you will excuse me, there is something I need to check on,� having remembered the paper in her pocket. Picking up her cup of coffee and carrying it with her, she leaves the galley and heads to the computer room.
DracBlue decides that he should check up on Cara and he asks Ettik where she is. Getting a blip in the med bay, he walks there hurriedly to see if she is alright.
Luna leads Eclipse to their room. �Do you want me to help you take this armor off?�
�Dunno, if we�re leaving I may end up putting it back on again soon,� Eclipse looks at Luna and shrugs a bit.
DracBlue enters the med bay and sees Cara sitting there next to Kyra�s body. He breaths a sigh of relief before walking in. �You doing alright, Cara?�
Luna nods in understanding, �True, but we don�t know how long it will take to get there even after we get thru the space weather.�
Cara turns away from the tank. �I�m just fine. Why, Drac? Afraid you failed in keeping watch over me, parasite?� she teases.
DracBlue frowns. �I did worry for a bit when I saw you in the med bay.�
�Can�t hurt to take it off for a little bit at least,� Eclipse says as he slides the armor off.
Luna helps him pull the upper half of his new armor off. �Those pants look good on you,� she purrs.
A pair of heavy booted guards plod past Katie�s cell, grunting their conversation to each other. The closer one eyes Katie for a moment, then chuckles to his companion.
�Well I�m glad you approve,� Eclipse smiles again, letting Luna pull the armor off his arms.
Upon entering the computer room and taking a seat at one of the terminals, Clarice takes out the paper she found in Shinta�s room. Scanning it and using her training from the past, she begins deciphering it.
DracBlue stands next to Cara and looks into Kyra�s tube, �Is she okay?�
�I don�t know. I hope so.� Cara looks at Drac, her eyes showing great concern and more sincerity than he has ever seen on her face before.
�Yeah, I noticed, everybody onboard,� Alexei nods to the console, retracting the ramps and beginning the undocking sequence. �Undocking complete. Time to go,� he says to the ship as it eases out of a the docking bay.
DracBlue notices Cara�s concern. �Well�if you hope so, than I do as well.�
As the ship clears the edges of the station, it glides towards the hyperspace gate. Receiving a destination request from the gate, Alexei inputs the code Gabe gave him into the console, �Access to Matano system granted for 48 hours.� A quaint message flashes on the screen.
Claron smiles as Tabris sweeps her off her feet as they near their quarter�s door. �Have I told lately how much I love you? I promise to try to control my emotions, and focus my energies on finding Katie. I know she would want me to. It�ll be hard...and I know I�ll slip from time to time. I just want her safe. She�s been a part of my life for a very long time. I miss her.�
Cara notices Drac�s frown, �I�m sorry. Shouldn�t have teased you. I�m fine�really.�
�I understand, she�s a good friend. But keep those emotions, they�re one of the reasons I fell so hard for you,� Tabris leans into Claron and kisses her.
DracBlue nods to Cara. �It�s fine. I�m used to it, it�s like your nickname for me�parasite, that is.�
�All hands standby, entering hyperspace,� Alexei�s Russian accent fills the ship-wide com. The usual low rumble of Ettik�s jump engines warming up fills the halls. And in the timeless rainbow explosion, the blossom of time and space colliding to form a tunnel between the two; floods space, giving access to hyperspace.
Cara smiles. �Thanks for your concern, friend.�
Ettik glides inside the rift, a light turbulence causing a light shaking throughout the ship.
DracBlue stops as she says �friend�. �Your welcome,� he smiles back. �Well, I�ll leave you alone for now�until we get off the ship. I know how much you dislike having me around.� He smiles as he says it, then turns and begins to walk out of the med bay.
Claron feels herself melting into Tabris� kiss, thoughts of Katie slowly slipping away for the moment.
DracBlue walks to Tza�s room and stands outside, trying not to knock. But he stands there holding his hand up to the door.
Kyra�s eyes open for a moment, her gaze fixing on Cara through the glass. ~I�m sorry for everything, Cara. Be happy, please?~ Her words whisper in Cara�s head, sounding weak and more distant than ever.
~Don�t think I can do that�not without you here to keep me walking the straight and narrow.~ Cara presses her face back against the glass.
Luna sits on the bed and lays Eclipse�s armor next to her. �I guess we�ll see how long it takes.�
Katie smiles softly with the memory, her mind taking her far away from what awaits her�her happiest place found and secured against the upcoming pain.
From the viewports of the Ettik, this hyperspace trip would seem like any other, save an odd fluxation in the yellow glow surrounding the ship. From different perspective hyperspace would seem to fold shut behind the ship, blazing through unaware.
At least an hour later, with an unusually bright flare of rainbow colors, Ettik glides from hyperspace into the Matano system. A dying blue sun brightens the nearest planet. A grey world stringed with lines of lava, snaking their way down from the planet�s volcanic northern pole.
A small cluster of derelict ships hang in orbit next to the planet�s moon, an icy hunk of rock with an unusually large amount of craters, pot-marking its surface. A static-filled distress call buzzes to life on the ships� com system, �General distre�help�gue fleet atta�requesting assist�repeat.�
Alexei glances at the console, then turns on the ship-wide, �It�s coming from the planet, beacon�s indicating a facility on the planet�s equator. The code looks like the one Gabe gave us�looks like his associate is under attack. Saddle up everyone, we gotta save this guy if we want to get information.�
Elsewhere: With a chuckled snarl, a heavily armored guard yanks Katie up by her arm. Glancing to the other guard, he snarls, �Fragile hu-man, boss will break her like twig!� The two guards bellow, grunting laughter as they escort Katie down the hallway.
Meanwhile: Glancing down at the dead alien, Syne grimaces, �You�re a fugly one, but you�ll have to do.� Placing a hand on the corpse, Syne closes his eyes, his body rippling and taking on the alien�s form. Giving a look over the creature�s armor, he quickly replicates it on his own form.
�Now then�ugg�not hoarse enough,� Syne coughs, adjusting his voice as he recalled the ugly alien sounding. �There we go. You better have been right, or I�ll find some way to kill you again,� he spits at the corpse before stepping into the black shuttle. �I�m coming for you, angel�though I�ve been a demon to find you.�