Previously on Warriors of Destiny: As the Ettik finished taking on supplies and finishing repairs, the crew was given more time to rest and relax. Alexei also made an unusual request on the crew, name Ettik�s offspring.
The ship�s new addition, Skirmir, also adjusted to the spaceship lifestyle, having been from a rustic �pre-nuclear tech� planet. Another addition to the crew, Wraith, continues to be a mystery to the others, but seems to possess knowledge of events yet to pass.
Seeking a cure for Kyra�s condition, Stryder took her to the Ettik�s med-bay, where the med-bots advised surgery and immersion in bio med-gel as the treatment. Choosing to wait on the surgery, Stryder requested an alternative; nano-med bots would be injected in order to begin the recovery process.
Having difficulty keeping his own condition in check, Stryder fled the ship, moving to an isolated area of Port Aegis so that he would not harm anyone in his madness. And, seeking some answers, Tabris decided to use the mystical herb to see spirits; however, those that appeared were not who he had expected.
*Time passed: Several hours*
Though the artificial daytime of the station makes it hard to tell, the shipboard clocks read morning. Ettik�s internal illumination is low, as always in unused areas, but in the common areas bright, simulating a soft morning sun.
The low hum of docking thrusters blares off the Ettik�s starboard bow, as a pair of large Terran Alliance cruisers dock, making the total Alliance ships up to 5. Alexei raises a brow as he sips something steaming from his mug, �A lot of Alliance ships...wonder why?�
Syne paces quietly in the mess, taking occasional glances out the viewport, �Who to ask��
DracBlue walks back towards the ship with parcels and paintings in hand. Carrying many, many boxes, he motions Tza to follow him back to the ship.
Shadow looks in Syne�s direction. �Are ye going to sit down? Ye might just wear a hole in the deck.�
Valrash lays in his room, sleeping.
Tabris rubs his eyes and stares at himself in the mirror, recalling the strange hour of near-silence spent with the spirits of the dead shape-shifters from a war long over.
Tzaphiel slowly follows Drac to the ship, she falls further and further behind as she pauses to look in shop windows.
Syne smirks, �I doubt it,� he moves over to the replicator, scrolling idly through the list as he continues to think.
Claron sits at the foot of the bed watching Tabris curiously.
DracBlue slows down, allowing her to catch up. Not wanting her to buy more, he pretends to be interested, but obviously isn�t.
�Something on your mind there, lad?� as Shadow takes a drink from his glass.
Noticing Claron�s reflection in the mirror, Tabris manages a smile, �Couldn�t sleep...kinda glad I was crazy the first time, those guys creeped the hell out of me.�
Katie leaves Shinta to his meditation in the cargo hold, slipping quietly out the door and heading back to her room�
Wraith passes Katie in the corridor, taking a moment to gaze at her from behind strands of pale hair, before returning to his walk, invisible wind still blowing around him.
Katie gets goose-bumps as she turns to watch Wraith walk away. �Weird kid,� she mutters as she reaches her door.
Clarice sits in Katie�s room, replaying the harsh words that passed between Tewyn and herself, over and over again.
Skirmir yawns a lion�s yawn as he stretches. Sliding off his bed, he looks around his room, �No sunrise...this will take some getting used to.�
Kyra cries softly. �Way to go, dummy. You sent him running. When will you learn?�
�What guys?� Claron tilts her head toward her shoulder.
Tzaphiel slips into a store while Drac isn�t paying attention to her. Making her way quickly to the salesman, she smiles and speaks with him softly. She waits for him to package up a small object, which she slips into a pocket quickly as she returns to the walkway outside.
�That obvious?� Syne glances over his shoulder at Shadow. Shrugging at the list, he turns. �I�m not sure what to do about a situation, and not sure who would give me a good answer.�
Eclipse blinks tiredly, watching the blurry ceiling become detailed. Looking down the bed, he carefully unwraps his tail from around Luna�s waist.
Shadow nods, �It is very obvious. Well, I have been known to give good advice from time to time, and I have been around for awhile. Or you could always go to Eclipse, he is the oldest here.�
With a long sigh, Katie enters her room, then stares at Clarice�s tear-stained face. �Oh no. What�s wrong?�
DracBlue pretends that he didn�t see her going into another store. He sighs as he prepares to carry another package for Tzaphiel, but just keeps walking when she comes out empty handed.
�Oh you know,� Tabris splashes some water on his face then grabs a towel, �ugly, look like black blobs, bad personality.�
Luna�s breathing is deep and even as she sleeps with a satisfied smile on her lips.
Tzaphiel steps closer to Drac and reaches for a couple of the bags he�s carrying. �Here, let me carry some of those.�
�I�m not sure I�d ask him,� Syne sighs and sits on the tabletop across from Shadow. �Well then, old man, there�s this woman and I need to know if she cares for this one guy, or someone else.�
DracBlue doesn�t let Tzaphiel carry any of the packages. �They�re nothing, don�t worry about it.�
~Hopefully, you learn it before he does to you what he did to me...~ Kyra mentally hears Cara�s thought invade her own.
Clarice shakes her head slowly at Katie, �Me...me and my big mouth.�
Eclipse quietly pushes the covers aside and slides out of the bed. Taking silent steps across the floor, he looks out the viewport before going into the bathroom.
Tzaphiel tilts her head to the side and studies Drac. �I know they�re nothing, but I don�t expect you to be a pack mule.�
At Cara�s words, guilt washes over Kyra. She reminds herself of her promise, and sniffles miserably. ~He�d never have hurt you if he�d been in his right mind, Cara. He...he cares deeply for you.~
Shadow raises a brow at the situation and rubs his beard, thinking. �Have you seen how she reacts around both of these men?�
Luna rolls over as Eclipse�s weight moves the bed. She snuggles into the warm empty spot with a soft sigh.
�Recognize some of them, didja?� Claron teases.
DracBlue smiles. �Don�t worry about it, it�s just proper not for you to have to carry them.�
�Yes,� Syne traces his fingers atop the table idly. �And I�m wondering how I go about finding out which is the guy she likes.�
Tzaphiel shakes her head, �Do you carry her stuff, too?�
Sitting down on the bed, Katie sighs, nodding. �Oh I�m very familiar with that affliction. My big pie-hole has gotten me into plenty of trouble. So what did you say this time?�
~He cares just as deeply for you.~ Cara sends mentally to Kyra.
Kabal leans back in the chair, staring at the holo-screen in front of him, thinking about the conversation between Clarice and his father.
Katie runs a hand idly over the package still on the bed. The feel of the material of the dress so smooth. Then she picks up the ring, sliding it on her hand, and holding it out at arm�s length to admire it. The ring glows softly, and fits like it was made for her.
�More than I�d like to admit.� Tabris tosses a clean shirt on and looks over at Claron, �But you did warn me, so it�s my fault. Just wish they�d have been more insightful, instead of staring at me like I was a piece of meat.�
Shadow seems to think back to his time with his wife and notes, �If you want to know�you either have to be very observant and see, or you can just have both the men walk up to her and ask her. The only other way to know, would be to rip it from her�which I don�t think you want.�
�That easy?� Syne sighs again and shrugs. Muttering to himself, he looks out the viewport, �Walk up to her��
�The things you instantly regret...the �oh why not stick both feet in your mouth,� dumb-ass kind.� Clarice sighs.
�Ah yes.� Katie nods sagely, her eyes never leaving the ring.
Clarice sees Katie slide the ring on her finger. �So, what ya got there?�
DracBlue frowns and shifts his weight as he looks at Tza. �I would not let her carry them if it was detrimental to her running to get away, or to be polite. But because of the way I was raised, it�s just not right to make others carry things when you can do it for them.�
�Syne brought it. Said a courier delivered it, saying it was for a Lt. McKinnon. I haven�t been a Lt. in years.� Katie frowns.
Elsewhere; Stryder withdraws his hand, staring at the smear of blood from his knuckles on the viewport glass. His eyes a mix of confusion and hostility, �Why can�t you leave me alone!�
~But I am right, you know...We cannot have both of them.~
Shadow continues, �If both of them can�t be present... Then you can judge it by how she reacts to each of them at a time.�
Tzaphiel raises a brow at Drac. �Well, I would think that it would be more important for you to have your hands free to fight. She could drop them and run, if running was the thing to do.�
Claron tries to suppress a smirk, �Well...I dunno, after all, you�re choice cut.�
~That�s a matter of opinion.~ Kyra sighs.
�Interesting idea there, old man,� Syne ponders for a moment, rubbing his chin. �Thanks for the advice.� He raps the table with his hand and hums as he leaves the galley.
DracBlue sighs. �At most times, when someone has to carry packages, it�s not near a combat situation. If it was, then I wouldn�t allow her to carry it. And if she had to have it, for her life sake, then I might let her carry it while I defended her.�
Glancing in the mirror, Eclipse looks at Luna sleeping in the bed, �So, how long have you been awake?�
�Hmm, no idea who sent it then?� Clarice smiles, �Secret admirer...eh?�
Shadow smiles, glad he could be of some service, and goes back to drinking his ale.
Tzaphiel reaches for the bags again. �Well, where I come from, we spread the load out equally. So no one person is more burdened than another.�
Eclipse looks over his shoulder and sighs, �Guess not�� Moving quietly, he closes the bathroom door and turns on the shower. Ducking under the warming water, he sighs again.
�No clue. And I think if I get any more admirers, I�m in for serious trouble.� Katie grasps for a memory, but it eludes her as usual. She shrugs and gets up, slipping into a pair of short shorts, and a netted rhinestone top that bares more than it conceals.
DracBlue smiles, but still doesn�t allow her to carry any them, already being at the ship.
Skirmir strolls into the galley, moving over to the replicator with determination, knowing how to work it this time. He nods to Shadow, �Morning, or at least I assume it is.�
Shadow chuckles. �I�m only on my third ale, it must be morning.�
Tzaphiel huffs at Drac and leads the way into the ship. �Don�t blame me when your tired then.�
Standing quickly, Stryder watches the faint reflection in the glass, �But...I don�t want to hurt either,�
~Pain is inevitable, boy...you know my choice, I choose power over emotion.~
DracBlue walks into the ship, �I�ve ripped trees out of the ground with my bare hands. I don�t think a little carrying will make me tired.�
�I must admit, all this machinery makes me miss the open farmland,� Skirmir sighs a bit then goes back to preparing the cuts of meat on the stove.
�Men. Can�t live with �em, can�t figure out what to do without �em.� Katie looks at Clarice, her mind going back to their previous conversation.
�Ain�t that the truth,� as Clarice curls her legs into the chair, underneath her.
Tzaphiel shakes her head again at his comment. Her hair turns a golden blonde and grows long, reaching the back of her knees and swaying as she walks towards her room in front of Drac.
Tabris leans close to Claron and smirks, �Good thing you bought the last piece then.�
Shadow watches Skirmir. �It is hard to get used to it, but once your used to it�it�s real handy. I still miss my homeland. I don�t think you ever get used to being away from your home.�
Claron giggles, then steals a kiss from Tabris.
�I...no, only one. I�ll fight you, to protect them both,� Stryder growls at his reflection, the fire in his eyes gazing back in amusement.
~You�ll fight, and you�ll lose. You are alone, isolated, nobody can help you.~
�I suppose you are right,� Skirmir moves the meat onto a plate, sprinkling some pepper on it. �So make the best of it, I may not get used to it, but I will adapt.�
Luna lays on the bed, purring loudly in her sleep, her tail hangs off the side of the bed, twitching.
Wiping down himself, using his tail, Eclipse watches Luna with a smile, �Wonder what you�re chasing in your dreams.�
DracBlue continues walking and finally comes up to Tza�s room. �Now we can finally decorate your room.�
�I�m in the mood for a lil mischief. Something to take our minds off our man troubles.� Katie grins wickedly.
Shadow smiles, taking another drink of his ale, �Adapting is the main battle.�
�Mischief making?� Clarice smirks, �What�cha got in mind?�
Tzaphiel opens the door and moves out of his way, plopping down on the bed. �So let�s see how good you are at decorating then,� she smiles at Drac.
Valrash sits up in bed, staring in the direction of where he believes Stryder to be. �It�s like there are two of �em.�
�I do not believe we�ve been introduced.� Skirmir bows his head to Shadow, �I am Skirmir.�
DracBlue sets the packages down and starts digging through them. Pulls out some curtains, and he puts them up. Returns to the bags, pulls out a painting that she picked out and sets it on the wall. Stands back, admiring it for a moment.
�We should go check on our son, see if he�s up yet, and ask if he�d like to have breakfast with us,� Tabris suggests to Claron as he looks for his boots.
�Dunno.� Katie purses her lips. �I�m just feeling daring right now.�
Shadow bows his head slightly and replies, �And I am Shadow. A pleasure to meet you, lad.�
�I won�t lose!� Stryder punches the glass again, pausing after the hit as he notices the hissing air escaping from the crack. Narrowing his gaze, he teleports away as the glass breaks and sucks the contents of the room into space.
~Careful boy...you�ll kill yourself before I get the chance...~
�They�re under the bed,� Claron stands up, �breakfast with our son, sounds perfect to me.�
Luna�s tail goes stiff. She rolls over onto her belly, facing away from the bathroom door, and purrumbles as she pulls Eclipse�s pillow closer to her.
�Ahh,� Tabris leans down and fishes his boots from under the bed.
�Good dreams?� Eclipse comments as he finishes putting on his clothing.
Valrash turns and nods to no one in particular. �I think it�s time I saw this up close and personal,� as he walks out of his room and starts to walk off in the direction of Stryder.
Tzaphiel sits on the bed, running her fingers thru her hair. �It�s a little low on the left.�
�I mean no offense, but are you human?� Skirmir raises a brow as he questions between bites of meat, �You seem smaller than most I�ve seen.�
Shadow chuckles. �No, lad. I am a dwarf,� as he takes a drink of his ale. �Not many humans are my height.�
�Too bad I don�t have any �special herb�. That might be good start towards mischief making.� Clarice runs her fingers through her hair, brushing it back.
In his usual hangout in cargo bay 3, Syne lays several punches into the punching bag, �Just walk up to her and ask...it�s worth a try.�
�Aye, that would fit the bill well. And I�m not sure if yer sister still has some. Haven�t seen her with any in a long time.� Katie wrinkles her nose.
�A dwarf, interesting," Skirmir nods, taking mental notes. �I am a Laguz, humans can mistake some of us, but the ears and tails tend to give us away.�
DracBlue lifts the painting a little on the left, then going back to the packages. He pulls another painting out and hangs it. He then takes an afghan from the bags and folds it, sets it on the edge of her bed.
Clarice�s eyes light up, �There�s one way to find out. We�ll just have to ask Claron.�
�That works.� Katie�s eyes gleam.
Tzaphiel peeks into a bag and smiles. �Where are you going to put those beads?�
Shadow nods. �Well that might just do it. So how did you end up in that camp, if you don�t mind me asking?�
�Well come on then,� Clarice leaps up from the chair. �Maybe she�ll even join us in whatever shenanigans we muster up.�
�Well,� Skirmir takes a breath, �I accidentally got stuck aboard a trading vessel that came to my home world. Though our technology is not that advanced, we trade with space-faring worlds. And it was my first time onboard a starship, and with my luck, that ship was captured by those Bane.�
DracBlue sits down and pulls string out of another bag. He starts pushing it through the beads, making a welcome mat. �We have to have something for people to wipe their feet on. Now don�t we?�
Shadow sighs. �The best of us have the worst of luck at times.�
Skirmir nods, �Everyone onboard seems to possess great skills, the humans have abilities I have seen on no other humans before them.�
�I�m with ya.� Katie kicks her shoes under the bed and pads out into the hall.
Tzaphiel reaches over and grabs the afghan and throws it over Drac�s head, playfully.
Clarice follows after Katie, �Y�know, I don�t remember the last time I smoked any herb.� Then raises her hand to knock on Claron and Tab�s door.
Valrash begins following where the inferno of Stryder has gone.
Standing on a catwalk in the maintenance area of the station, Stryder glances down into the dark abyss of the ventilation shaft, �What do you want with me��
~You know what I want. Everything you desired to do but didn�t, kill, destroy, the dark lusts. Your sibling was easier to control.~
�It�s open. Come on in.� Claron calls out as she finishes making up the bed.
DracBlue pulls off the afghan and pulls out a feather from his wing, then walks over to Tza, �Now, don�t make me have to use this on you.�
Tabris raises a brow as he looks towards the door, securing the laces on his boots.
Shadow nods. �Aye, they all do their part in battle. You don�t seem too shabby at it yourself.�
Tzaphiel blinks at him innocently. �What would you do with that?�
Clarice enters Claron and Tab�s room, �Hey, sis,� smiling lightly as Tabris bends over lacing his boot.
�When necessary, yes, but I am agricultural merchant by trade,� Skirmir takes hold of the large glass of juice and takes a sip. �My abilities are natural, and vary among my race. My family is descended from the ancient lion tribe.�
DracBlue places the feather on Tza�s leg. �I�ll let you think of that on your own.�
Valrash keeps following Stryder, getting closer by the minute.
Tzaphiel picks up the feather and tucks it behind her ear. �What do you think?�
Katie stares at her bare toes, thinking that she and Clarice should take the goodies to the botanical bay.
�So, what can we do for you two gals today?� Tabris looks between Clarice and Katie with a questioning glance.
�Katie and I were just wondering, if by chance, you have any herb?� Clarice glances at Katie, then back at Claron.
DracBlue smiles approvingly. �You look lovely like an angel.�
Tzaphiel laughs. �I�m far from an angel, bubba.�
Shadow nods. �Well then, you seem to be just as talented as some of us.�
~The demon is coming...no doubt enticed by our little conversation.~
�Val? Why would he bother�� Stryder shakes his head, �No, I�ll take care of you myself, I don�t need his help.�
Tabris gives Claron a look, then eyes the yellow bag on the counter.
Skirmir chuckles, �When you want a good crop, or need someone to price vegetables, then perhaps.�
Shadow shrugs. �We all play our parts.�
Claron�s gaze meets Tab�s, then with a sigh, she looks at Clarice and Katie. �Actually, we do.�
DracBlue stops, wondering what in the world bubba means. But then says, �Just because you look something, doesn�t necessarily mean you are that thing.�
Syne stretches, despite it being a futile action, and nods, �Now that we�ve got the plan down, timing is what matters.�
Tzaphiel nods. �Many things are not what they seem. Looks can be deceiving.�
Eclipse reaches down and touches Luna�s cheek gently, then stands straight and moves towards the door. Pausing, he looks back over his shoulder, debating whether or not to wake her.
DracBlue walks back to the beads. Now trying to finish the welcome mat, he nods. �Many things are deceiving, I just hope that people aren�t pushing to deceive others.�
Luna�s purring softens as Eclipse touches her, but she doesn�t wake up.
Valrash walks up to Stryder, keeping his distance. With a sparkle in his eye, he just asks, �What are you?�
Stryder grips the railing of the catwalk, his expression a veritable battle of emotions. �I can�t stay...I don�t want to hurt anyone.� Stryder�s gaze changes, becomes darker as he glances to Valrash, �Who am I? You amuse me with your question, demon. Do you not see? Do not feel my power growing?�
Katie looks up with a smile. �Looks like we�re in luck, Clarice.�
Valrash looks at Stryder and bows. �I said what�not who. No mere mortal would possess the power to lose his own mind to himself like this.�
�Any reason you guys are after my babe�s stash?� Tabris questions Katie and Clarice.
Tzaphiel watches Drac string beads. �Who do you mean?�
�Ummm, like not having any to begin with.� Clarice says in her best valley girl impression.
�What I am is eternal, demon,� Stryder�s eyes blaze. �The boy is troubled, his broken mind was a good place to rest while I regained my power. His madness, merely a tool, I twist his thoughts to get what I desire.� Stryder lifts a hand that becomes engulfed in black energy, �Now leave, before I destroy you.�
DracBlue drops his head and sighs. �I�ll give you three guesses.�
Tzaphiel shrugs. �I don�t know these people yet, except for Syne and you. And Syne may look like many things, but evil motives are not his style.�
�So, what do we do on this ship?� Skirmir says looking around the galley.
Valrash turns and walks away, satisfied with the answer.
Kyra wipes her eyes. ~It will all come out okay. I won�t be here forever. And he�ll come to realize his choice was clear all along.~
DracBlue takes a deep breath. �The one I am to protect�never is truthful. She seems to always have to be deceiving another.�
Shadow takes a drink of his ale. �Relax. We usually just relax in-between battles here. As far as I am aware, these people seem to get into a lot of fights.�
Tzaphiel nods. �It�s a shame you feel so honor bound to stay with her.�
DracBlue just sighs.
�Awfully possessive there. Are ya, dear brother-outlaw-of-mine?� Clarice teases Tabris.
Stryder narrows his gaze and lowers his hand, black energy disappearing. Stryder sways a bit, holding his head, ~I...I will fight you~. He turns, staring at the abyss of the ventilation shaft again.
~No, boy�you will go somewhere were you cannot bother me.~
Tabris smirks and shakes his head, �Far be it for me to deny you your vice.� He looks over at Claron, motioning at the yellow bag, �Going to let them borrow it?�
Tzaphiel reaches over and smoothes his hair. �You�re pretty good at bead stringing. Did you take lessons, or just pick it up on your own?�
�A lot of fights?� Skirmir nods, �I guess I should be prepared then.�
Claron smirks, �Oh hell no. I ain�t going to let them borrow it. No sirreee! Smoking is something totally different. Suppose we should warn �em, though. Don�t you think, Tab?� looking over at the yellow bag next to Clarice.
DracBlue smiles. �I have seen the shaman doing it a lot, and I thought it would help my jewel crafting.�
Meanwhile on the bridge, Alexei continues watching the Alliance ships loading up, noticing a lot of munitions. �Gearing up for a fight, that�s for sure. Sikozu, are you seeing this? Any idea what they�re up to?"
Sikozu�s image pops up on the view screen, �Considering the arsenal, I�d say their going after something big. I�ll check the intel-nets and see what I can find.�
Tzaphiel sighs. �Is there anything else?� glancing at the bags Drac had been pulling things out of.
�Help yourself. Just smoke at your own risk...if I were you.� Claron mumbles.
DracBlue pulls out one last package and debates opening it. �Just something I got myself, that�s for your room.�
�Probably,� Tabris looks around. �Should probably give them the other bag, hun. I think we�ve had enough of the yellow.�
Katie thinks this must be some pretty good stuff, if they�re being warned.
Clarice smiles, then moves over towards the yellow bag. �I�ll just roll one, and then Kat and I will be on our way. Unless the two of you want to join us?� looks at Claron and Tab, holding up the joint she just rolled.
Tzaphiel lays down on the bed, looking out the viewport. �This is an awfully busy station. Look at all those ships.�
Tzaphiel notices most of the ships out the viewport are of the same design, and bearing the same logo. They are also loading up numerous pallets of missiles, torpedoes and weapon crates.
DracBlue opens the box. �It�s pro�bly not gunna look to good on me. How bout you wear it?� as he shows it to her. It is a pearl necklace. He doesn�t admitting to her that he traded in more of his gems to get it.
Claron shrugs her shoulder, �Lil late for that now, Tab.� Watches Clarice, �Really, Sis...it has some strange �side effects�.�
Tzaphiel looks over her shoulder to see what he�s talking about. She sits up again with her mouth open. �Oh my god, where did that come from?�
�The fountain. It was multicolored.� Katie mumbles absently to herself, looking at her toes again. �Multicolored lights.�
DracBlue looks down at the floor. �Some merchant traded it for something I was holding on to.�
Stryder closes his eyes and they move rapidly under his lids. Opening them, he smirks, �That�s better...now, back to business.� He releases his grip on the catwalk railing and turns, the spot where his hand was melted and charred.
Tabris looks at Katie, �You feeling alright, Katie?�
�What? Oh. Yeah. Crazy dream.� Katie shakes her head, her eyes lustful, smiling at Tab.
Tzaphiel reaches out and takes the pearl necklace in her hand to look at it closer. �They�re gorgeous,� she whispers.
�We�ll pass, Clarice.� Tabris looks at Claron, then back to Clarice and Katie, �Just be careful with that stuff��
�Honestly, Sis...we�ll consider ourselves forewarned.� Looking over at Katie, �Right, Kat?� Not waiting for Katie�s reply, Clarice moves out into the hallway and calls back over her shoulder, �It�s not like we gonna talk to the dead.�
Katie gives Tab and Claron a guilty shrug, then follows Clarice.
�Interesting you should say that, Clarice.� Claron whispers as her sister disappears from her view.
Teleporting his way back across the station, Stryder gazes up the ramp towards the Ettik, slowly removing his smirk and replacing it with a somewhat solemn look.
DracBlue smiles. �I�m glad you think so,� as he pats his empty bag, unconsciously.
�Well...I only hope their surprise guests are not as surprising as mine were,� Tabris shrugs at Claron. �So, about that breakfast��
�Oh hell. I forgot to say thanks,� Clarice grumbles to Katie as they reenter Katie�s quarters.
Kyra gets up and walks into the bathroom, splashing water on her pale face and wobbling a bit. She stares at her reflection. �Just watch over him when I�m gone,� she murmurs.
�Let�s take it to botanical.� Katie smiles. �More room for us to relax.�
Wandering down the hallway, Stryder glances around, debating whether or not to go check on Kyra.
Claron nods her head, �Don�t know if we really have choices in the who and why. And yes, breakfast with our son. I�m famished, too.�
Tzaphiel closes the box the necklace is in. She smiles and reaches into her pocket, bringing out her own little box. �I got something for you, too.� Holding out the box to Drac with a smile. �It�s not much, but I couldn�t resist.�
Kyra pulls off her tunic and leggings, staring at her body in the full-length mirror. Her skin seemed to hang from her bones like a suit that was a size too big. �You�re hideous, Darnier.� She rummages through her drawer for something to wear.
�Okay, botanical it is then,� Clarice changes her direction and heads for the botanical bay. �Wanting to be a naturalist all the way, Kat?�
�Absolutely!� Katie�s grin gets bigger.
DracBlue smiles and takes the box, opening it.
Clarice smirks at Katie, �Then we should smoke it naked.�
Katie laughs and shakes her head, looking down at her outfit. �I�m half naked already.�
Clarice slips into the botanical bay, turns and waits for Katie to position herself, then lights the joint. Takes a hit from it. Then passes it to Katie.
Tzaphiel watches Drac�s face to see his reaction to the gift.
Katie takes a hit, coughing a bit. �Been a while since I�ve done this. Think the last time was before Claron and I became officers.� She passes it back.
Sikozu pops up on the bridge com line again, �Couldn�t get much from the intel-net, but seems they�ve got a sizeable force out looking for something in the nearby systems. No information saying what exactly, but with this many ships after it, it�s bound to be important.�
DracBlue opens it and finds an intricately woven dream catcher. The threads are golden and the 4 inch outer ring is wrapped in blue leather. Picking it up out of the box, he sees there are 5 lengths of leather holding various Indian symbols.
Alexei nods, �Interesting, I�ll look over our archives about any nearby systems, see if anything pops up that may give us a clue.� He begins typing on the holo-controls, streams of data flooding across a large holo-screen.
�You don�t say,� as Clarice takes the joint from Katie, hitting on it before handing it back to Katie.
DracBlue stares at the gift, smiling even greater at the craftsmanship, unable to speak.
Tzaphiel asks excitedly, �You like it?�
Katie holds the joint for a moment, then takes a smaller hit this time. Then she nods. �After I reached officer status, I became a bit of a stick in the mud. Didn�t want to act improper in front of my squad.�
Eclipse sighs as he walks down the corridor, having chosen to not awaken Luna. �She could use the sleep.� He comments to himself as he stops by a large viewport and looks out at the docking bay.
The air in front of Clarice begins to look fuzzy for her, a faded shape trying to come into view.
Katie staggers over to a bench and sits, rubbing her face fuzzily. �Wow. I�m a lightweight.�
DracBlue admires the dream catcher. �I love it, but I don�t know what it is.�
�From what I have been told, you were a bit of a stick in the mud...but you know what?� Clarice stares at the air in front of her.
Tabris opens the door and stands in the doorway looking at Claron, �Stryder�s probably still in his room, we should go there first.�
Katie giggles. �Yeah. Sometimes I was a real prissy bitch. But not when yer sister and I would get shit-faced.� Then she looks over at Clarice. �What?�
Stryder knocks on Kyra�s door, eyes studying her name on the panel.
Kyra looks down at herself, still clad only in her undergarments. �Yeah?� she calls warily.
Tzaphiel breathes a sigh of relief, �It�s a dream catcher. It�s from a planet called Earth. The Indians believed that if you hung these over your bed, it would catch the bad dreams.� She reaches out and runs a finger over the symbols hanging down. �I just got it because these items caught my eye.�
�Okay. Even though, I do wonder why he hasn�t really had much to say to either one of us since their return.� Claron sighs, then slips her arm through the crook of Tabris�.
�You okay, Kyra?� Stryder asks with concern.
�I think I am seeing spots, no wait...looks like�� Clarice shifts her head as she continues to watch thin air.
�Peachy.� The sarcasm is heavy in Kyra�s voice. She shrugs and grabs a robe, pulling it around her loosely. �It�s open,� she calls out, sitting on the edge of her bed.
Katie looks around. �I�m seeing�plants. Lots and lots of plants.� She blows a breath out and leans her head back.
The form becomes a humanoid shape in front of Clarice, beginning to take on a familiar appearance before settling in final detail. Pushing aside a strand of long hair, the figure tilts his head, �Darling daughter, so, calling me back for what? You cannot kill me again.�
Katie stretches out and lays down on the bench, looking over at Clarice�s horrified expression with a frown.
Katie begins noticing a figure taking shape in front of her as well.
�I wouldn�t call you back if you were the last man standing,� Clarice says defiantly.
DracBlue smiles at the symbols. �They�re very original. They�re all lovely, thank you very much. And how did you know I was having bad dreams?�
Tzaphiel shakes her head. �I had no idea you were having bad dreams. All these are shapes you might see me in some day.� Runs a finger gently over the ivory bird. �This is my favorite.�
DracBlue points to the bear, �I think other than the bird, this one is my favorite.�
�And yet here I am.� He sits in mid-air, folding his hands together with a grin, �So, where did you and that little blonde haired experiment go to after you so lovingly killed me?�
Tzaphiel giggles. �So you like large and furry?�
�Clarice? What the hell was in this crap?� Katie blinks owlishly at a faint outline in the air ahead.
DracBlue looks at her funny. �It�s not large. It�s tiny, look at it. And it�s made of stone. How is it furry?�
�As far away from you as possible. Or at least...so I thought.� Clarice stares out in front of herself, then turns to look at Katie. �Hell if I know��
As the figure takes detail for Katie, it leans over to look closely at her. �My my, if it isn�t Katerina McKinnon.� Tossing her black hair to either side of her well trimmed bodice, Shaiya smiles playfully, �You�re a little late, dear. Your drow friend saw to that.�
Tzaphiel falls over on the bed, laughing. �I didn�t mean the carving, I meant the shape I take!�
Katie scowls. �Well, well. The UberBitch returneth to taunt me. It�s certainly a pity I didn�t get to kill you for what you did to those kids. All the years Claron missed. You needed to pay far more than you did. Instead, I�ll content myself with making sure your daughter learns to hate you as much as we do.�
�And this is how you deal with things?� He laughs from behind his hands at Clarice, �Weak, just as I said. Kill me and flee, always running from your problems.�
DracBlue laughs as he puts it back in the box. �Ohhhhhhhhhh. Well, I didn�t know that it is large and furry. I thought it was a tiny thing.�
�Oh, hate, such a strong emotion,� Shaiya touches Katie�s cheek with her ethereal hand. �I didn�t know you cared.� She leans in to whisper in Katie�s ear, �My life may be over, but my work is not. My plans continue��
�And that drow ain�t no friend of mine.� Katie grumbles. �He�s a royal buttinski.�
Stryder enters Kyra�s room, looking at her in her robe, �Feeling any better?�
Katie laughs. �You�re a puff of wacky weed. Think what you want. So long as I�m around, no one is gonna hurt my family.�
Tabris knocks again on Stryder�s room door, �Maybe he�s not in there?�
Tzaphiel smiles up at Drac, �It was still funny.�
�If memory serves me correctly...let me correct you, Father. I didn�t kill you.� Clarice growls back.
Kyra conjures up a fake smile. �Yeah. I�m fine.�
DracBlue smiles back. �Yes, it was.�
Shaiya chuckles, �The drow has betrayed once, no telling when he may do it again. And your family...yes, your family may hurt itself,� smirking she turns, taking a few decisive steps.
�Maybe Stryder is already in the galley?� Claron glances at Tabris.
Katie looks fearful for a moment. Then she spits out, �Go to hell, you cracked-out lunatic!�
�The boy, you, it does not matter.� He drifts his gaze over to Katie, �Your friend, Lt. McKinnon, looking well for a dead woman.�
Shaiya smirks, �Such passion, such hostility, we begin to be more alike with each passing moment.� She turns again, �Perhaps you protect them, your family...but at what cost?�
�Still a bastard, I see, daddy dearest.� Clarice takes a deep breath in, then releases it.
�I will never be a backstabbing bitch like you. And as to protecting my family, any price I pay is worth it, if they are kept safe.� Katie is trembling with emotion now.
Tzaphiel glances back to the windows and out at the ships with all their weapons. �They look serious about their business.�
�And the disobedient bitch of a daughter, a trait your clones did not share. A few of them yet live, destroying that pathetic excuse for a military you held dear.� He stands and motions at her dismissively, �I am done with you, daughter. Perhaps in death you shall be more...amiable.�
DracBlue gets up and looks out the window. �They sure are keeping busy. That�s for sure. �Looks like they�re going to war.�
�We shall see,� Shaiya turns and leans next to Katie, planting a ghostly kiss on her cheek. �Enjoy the betrayal, darling. And let the drow know his spot in Hell is waiting for him, right next to mine.�
�Been to Shaman School there,� Clarice taunts her father.
Tzaphiel watches it for minute, but her gaze wanders elsewhere and she just lays on the bed, smiling.
Katie gives her the finger.
Clarice gives her father the finger.
Turning he fades, leaving Clarice staring at empty space and a botanical bot looking very confused as it �blinks� between Clarice and Katie.
Shaiya fades with a giggle, fingers clasped around Katie�s extended finger.
DracBlue turns back. Looking at Tza, he smiles back at her.
Katie shakes her hand with a shudder, then wipes her cheek. �I don�t think this was such a great idea.� She whispers to Clarice.
Tzaphiel blushes a bright red as she�s caught staring at Drac.
�You don�t have to lie to me, Kyra,� Stryder sits on the bed next to her.
Clarice sits down on the floor of the botanical bay quickly. �I still hate you, you bastard,� she whispers.
The botanical bot chirps its confusion, then goes back to watering the plants, humming electronically to itself.
Katie lets her arm go limp as she stares up at the ceiling.
Just for a second Katie can swear she sees a small grey figure fading out of view just below the ceiling.
DracBlue pretends not to see the plain blush on her. �So what do you want to do? The day is young.�
�What the fucking hell?!?� Katie shakes her head violently.
Tzaphiel shrugs. �I don�t know. What do you want to do?�
Elsewhere on the ship, Wraith perks a brow, �Another one? This is unusual...unless�� He stares at the invisible wind surrounding him, �I see now. Our destination is clear...yes, we will tell the pilot.�
Clarice raises her gaze and looks at Katie. �Man. She was right about strange side effects.�
Kyra shrugs. �You took off so fast�� She changes the subject.
DracBlue sits on the bed next to Tza. �Relax. Who only knows when we will be able to do it again.�
Katie nods. �Tell me about it, sister.�
�Yes, I know I did. I wanted to apologize about that,� Stryder gives a look of concern, though his mind is still a-race with thoughts, �I had a lot on my mind.�
�I see.� Kyra looks at her dresser.
�Maybe we should ask the ship, it seems to know where everybody is,� Tabris raises a brow at Claron.
Luna stretches slowly as she opens her eyes a tiny bit and looks around the room. �Eclipse?� She calls out softly, her ears twitch as she hears no response. Sitting up slowly, she knows she�s alone and sighs.
�And you are just now remembering that?� Claron gently teases back, raising her brow in return.
Tzaphiel moves over to give Drac room next to her, �Relax? That�s so over rated.�
Tabris shrugs, �Yeah, kinda forgot we have a GPS tracker for everybody.�
DracBlue sighs. �It may be overrated, but it all depends on the company you keep while you relax. For it could all be over so soon.�
Luna stands up and moves around the bed to stand in front of the altar. She picks up the small Goddess figure and looks at it, purring. �We found the kids, but all is not well, Misstress.�
�Oh wait...you outrank me,� Claron giggles.
Valrash walks onto the ship, noting that Stryder is already back. He walks towards Cara, thinking only at her. ~We need to talk.~
On the bridge, Alexei is interrupted by Wraith, who walks over and looks at the star charts. As Wraith scans the chart, he raises a hand and points at a star system, �Here...we must go here. In this system is what they are searching for, we cannot let them find it first.� He speaks with a straightforward voice as he eyes Alexei.
~And why would I have any need to talk with you, Valrash?~ Cara sends mentally back.
�What? How can you be su�� Alexei questions Wraith only to have the young man leave the bridge as quietly and quickly as he entered. Left staring at the star chart, he studies it. �Strange, very little data on that system, maybe we should check it out.�
Luna sets the statue back in its place and goes to take a shower. As she stands under the hot water, she closes her eyes, thinking about names for the new ship.
Eclipse re-enters Luna�s quarters, sitting on the bed, listening to the water running in the shower.
Valrash simply replies, ~Stryder. I need to know what you plan to do about him. Him being the one that stabbed you through the chest.~
Tzaphiel smiles. �I like the company.�
DracBlue smiles. �I enjoy the company as well.�
�Okay, big girl. Where�s our son at?� Tabris looks at a wall, questioning it. Feeling somewhat silly as he does. Ettik responds with a simple map, a dot blinking in a set of quarters a corridor over.
~I don�t see where it is any of your concern.~ Cara�s dismissing inflection, crystal clear in Valrash�s mind.
Stryder reaches over and touches Kyra�s cheek, �What�s wrong? Tell me.�
Valrash responds back with, ~If you don�t do something about him, I will. He is becoming more out of control. If you couldn�t tell, whatever it is inside of him is growing, and fast.~
Luna turns off the water and reaches for a towel. She steps out and slowly rubs the towel over her head. She drops the towel and picks up the brush to fix her mane. As she reenters the bedroom, she sees Eclipse sitting there and smiles. �I didn�t know when you left.�
�A while ago, went for a walk,� Eclipse returns her smile. �You were asleep, I didn�t want to bother you.�
~Mind your own business, Valrash. Stay out of mine!~ Valrash hears Cara in his own mind.
�Nothing. I�m fine. Just trying to decide what to wear. I think the crew wouldn�t really appreciate me walking around in my underwear.� Kyra tries for a light tone.
Clarice looks up at Katie, �That�s the last time I joke about talking with dead people.�
Luna stands looking at Eclipse. �I�m surprised you woke up before me. I thought I wore you out? Guess it was the other way around,� she teases.
~Fine. But when he tries to kill you again, leave me out of it.~ Cara hears Valrash clear as day in her mind.
�Yeah. No shit.� Katie agrees, still looking up at the ceiling.
�Well, not all of them,� Stryder smirks lightly then looks at her closet. �How about that light one, over there?�
Kyra�s face lights up in her first genuine smile. She turns to look where he�s pointing. �Which one?�
�Um�� Stryder rubs his head, �The one on the left?�
DracBlue lays back, laying his head on Tza�s lap. He smiles, looking up at her. �I could spend a lot of time with this company.�
Kyra shakes her head. �You are hopeless at fashion.� She walks to the closet and pulls down the cream colored baby doll dress Stryder indicated. Holding it up to herself, she raises a brow. �Well?�
Katie sighs. �I�m hungry.�
�Looks good,� Stryder smiles a bit. �Yeah, well, I am a guy. Fashion�s not exactly my specialty.�
Tzaphiel closes her eyes and lays her hand on Drac�s head, playing with his hair slowly. �Ditto.�
Tabris continues down the hall, with Claron in tow, looking at the doors, �Okay, he should be in the one up here��
Kyra nods, then tugs on the belt of her robe. The edges start to part�.then she giggles, darting into the bathroom to change. Emerging a few minutes later, she twirls, then nearly falls over, laughing because she�s still too weak for such foolery.
�Not me, don�t seem the least bit hungry.� Clarice tells Katie. �But I�ll go to the galley with you...Could use a good stiff drink, methinks.�
Katie gets shakily to her feet. �Imma go raid the pantry.� She wobbles out of the botanical bay, tugging the mesh top back down to cover her nearly exposed breasts.
Stryder gets to his feet seeing Kyra stumble but sighs in relief that she doesn�t fall. �Wow, looks nice.�
�Was you getting a lil hot back there, Kat?� Clarice tosses out at Katie as she follows her.
Kyra smiles. �Glad you approve.� She puts on some dainty strappy sandals, then sits beside him on the bed, again. �I�m finally a little hungry.� She tells him in a quiet voice.
Katie laughs. �No. Damn thing rode up when I was laying on the bench.�
�If you say so.� Clarice answers, even though she can�t get the ghostly image of her father out of her head.
Katie passes the cargo bay where she left Shinta, then looks at the door of the next one. �I think I�m going to have a big fat sausage. It just sounds good.�
�You were getting hot back there. I knew it.� Clarice teases Katie.
�And some eggs.� Katie adds.
�Oh shut up.� Katie laughs again.
Luna sits on the bed next to Eclipse. �Did you find anything interesting on your walk?�
�Fresh cream, too.� Clarice continues to joke.
Katie pokes her tongue out as they reach the galley. Ordering sausage, eggs, and fruit juice, Katie settles at a table and digs in.
Clarice follows Katie into the galley, ordering hot coffee, spiked with Bailey�s Irish cream, a lil Kahlua and a dollop of whipped cream.
�Sounds like an idea, lunch it is then,� Stryder stands and opens the door, only to find Claron and Tabris standing outside it. �Mom, Dad...what are you two doing here?�
�Only when I came back,� Eclipse leans over and kisses Luna on the cheek with a smile.
Kyra smiles shyly at his parents, then looks at the floor, stepping behind him a bit.
�Looking for you. Isn�t that obvious?� Claron smiles jokingly at Stryder.
Luna chuckles. �You�re so sweet.�
Syne enters the galley. Noticing Clarice and Katie, he moves over to their table, �Mind if I join you?�
�Not at all.� Katie waves a hand at an empty seat, still attacking her food.
Shadow continues drinking his ale.
�Sure, why not,� Clarice tips her steaming coffee mug in Syne�s direction.
Valrash heads to the galley to get something to eat.
Sliding into a chair, Syne looks at Katie, �You�re really going at it, Kat��
Katie gives Syne a smile around a bite of egg. �Hungry,� she says, swallowing. �Mornin�, Rogue.�
Tabris motions at the two, �Well come on, you two. Let�s go get something to eat. You doing okay today, Kyra? Our son treating you alright?�
�Must have been one hell of a sizzling buzz of Katie�s,� Clarice taunts.
Kyra nods and follows the DuVallis troupe.
�Morning...geeze, slow down there,� Syne glances over at Clarice with a shrug, then back to Katie. �You�re eating like the foods going to run away if you don�t.�
Katie polishes off the sausage, then wipes her mouth daintily with her napkin. Smiling, she twists the ring under the table.
�So...not to pry,� Syne watches Katie. �But what was in that box you got?�
Katie blinks a few times. �Oh. Uh�that dress we saw in Aventine, and a ring I was eyeballing on the station here. I get the feeling I�m being followed.�
�Followed? Anybody we know?� Syne looks at Katie, then glances around. �If someone�s following you, we better keep an eye out.�
�Our Kat�s got a secret admirer.� Clarice adds cheerfully.
�Damn, Kat, that clip of yours sure is glowing,� Clarice comments. �Really wish I knew how you made it do that.�
�Or a stalker.� Katie frowns at Clarice, before turning back to Syne. �Well it does seem rather odd that someone bought me something from my past, a night I barely remember, then buys me something I just found and wanted, but decided not to splurge on.�
Katie touches her clip. �I wish I did, too.�
�Weird...wonder who the mystery man is?� Syne questions nobody in particular as he ponders up possibilities.
Katie shrugs. �He�ll out himself eventually, I guess.� She sits back, exposing her shirt and short shorts.
As they walk down the hallway, Stryder quietly smirks to himself for a second, whispering deep in his mind to himself as he does. ~And so the wheel begins to turn...~
After studying the limited data, Alexei nods, looking at Sikozu in the view screen, �That�s the system he said. And if we leave soon, the Alliance won�t get there for a while. We�ll have time to find whatever it is they�re looking for�and what that kid thinks is important.�
Setting course, Alexei comes over the ship-wide, �Alright, guys. We�re repaired and stocked up. I�ve been given a requested destination by one of our passengers and we�ve decided to check it out. If you have any business on the station, please get it done, we�re leaving within the hour.�
Elsewhere: An Alliance commander looks at the tactical displays of his command center, a com tech motions from his console, �Sir, intercepted transmission, seems a pair of Gul-Qian ships are heading for the Strennus system. It�s in our search grid, sir. Shall we pursue?�
The commander tilts the brim of his hat, �Gul-Qian ships, eh? Hmm�� Looking at the display grid, he speaks to himself, �They must know something we do not, prepare for departure. We will trail those Gul-Qian ships, but give us some time to avoid suspicion.� He eyes the Strennus system, �What are you hiding��