Off-duty and with nothing to do but wait for reports, Commander Yilaan and Captain Freeman found themselves immersed in their favorite medieval era holodeck adventure. Their alter-egos, Lyssa and Siroc respectively, had just completed yet another successful mission for a local arms merchant by the name of Bradford and had arrived at his home to collect their fee.
"Welcome; please come in," Bradford offered to Lyssa and Siroc as they arrived. "I trust you were successful then?
Siroc eyed his employer for a moment; Bradford was a snivelly little fellow, but his adornments of furs and jewelry showed he was very successful in doing business, as did the magnificent array of tapestries and other valuables in his home. Whether or not that business was confined to selling arms he couldn't be sure. Siroc thought a moment about hitting Bradford up for more money, but decided discretion might be better; pressing for a raise might be grounds for dismissal, and arms dealers usually came up with very unpleasant ways of dismissing workers they were no longer pleased with. "We were successful sir," Siroc said at last, plopping a bag down on the ground. "We have brought you the head of the man who cheated your son."
Bradford forced a thin smile and picked up the bag. He gave a look inside and immediately averted his eyes and turned up his nose. "So you have Siroc; you have done well once again," he said, taking the bag and tossing it to one of his servants. "Dispose of that would you?" Bradford then snapped his fingers and another servant approached with a smaller bag. The merchant took the bag, glanced inside, and tossed it to Siroc. "Your compensation then," he said simply. "Care to share a meal this eve?"
Siroc smiled, "Very kind Bradford, we would."
"This way then," the merchant gestured and the three found their way to Bradford's dining area; an ornate room with a polished chandelier and finely woven tapestries on the walls. The silverware alone could've been sold for a small fortune.
"I feel a little under dressed," Lyssa murmured under her breath referring to the fact that both she and Siroc wore only simply traveling clothes.
Hearing her comment, Bradford smiled thinly, "Nonsense! You're my special guests this evening. Come, sit down." With several finger snaps over the course of a few minutes, dishes were brought forth and wine glasses were filled. "To a pair of fine warriors; may they continue to enjoy the fruits of their success!" Smiles were exchanged and wine glasses were clinked together. The three then proceeded to gorge themselves on a multi-course feast.
As he finished his drink after filling himself, Siroc sat back in his chair, sighing happily and belching to show appreciation of a fine meal. Bradford nodded and smiled, "Glad you enjoyed yourself Siroc. Will you and your lovely associate be off then tonight?"
"Yes, we have other matters to attend to yet this evening," Siroc said, rising. "We thank you for your hospitality," he continued, adding after a pause, "and your business."
"I look forward to doing business again soon," Bradford said. The generous host escorted his guests to the door. "I'll send word."
Siroc and Lyssa then left the man's house and got their horses ready for the short ride back to the village. "That was a magnificent feast, don't you agree?" Lyssa commented.
"Most assuredly. Of course a man of his means can probably afford to do that frequently."
"I'd hate to think how much weight I'd put on if that had been real food," Lyssa said lightly.
"What do you mean 'real food'?" Siroc asked.
"You know, non-holodeck food," she replied.
"Oh, but it was! I programmed the computer to generate food just as our replicators would," Siroc replied, smiling as he mounted his horse and encourage the beast to gallop off. Lyssa stood for a full minute and seethed at Siroc before she too mounted her horse and galloped off.
The two arrived wordlessly at their inn and tied off their horses. It wasn't until they entered their room that the silence was broken. "Dammit Siroc, I'm going to weigh a thousand pounds now!" Lyssa shouted suddenly, throwing some of her gear noisily to the floor and causing Siroc to turn about quickly to face her.
"Relax, I don't think that's going to happen," Siroc said, smiling at her.
"Maybe not. Maybe I'll work it off beating the tar out of my enemies," she replied, gesturing with one fist.
"That's the spirit."
"So where's my cut?" Lyssa asked, extending one hand.
"Pardon? Oh, you mean of the money we got from Bradford?" Siroc replied, causing Lyssa to roll her eyes and nod repeatedly. He dumped the pouch out on one of their beds and separated it out. He then picked up the smaller of two piles and handed it to her. "Here."
"When do I get the rest of it?" Lyssa frowned.
"What 'rest of it'? That's it."
"Bull. This is less than half," Lyssa objected.
"Of course it is," Siroc said, gesturing with his hands. "I'm you: 'Oh Siroc I'm afraid of big ol' nasty worms. Can you kill them while I guard the horses?' And I did; since I took most of the risk, I get most of the money."
"I never said it like that," Lyssa responded, growing angry.
"That was essentially what happened though," Siroc said, smiling, teasing her.
"Funny, that's not how I remember it. It was more like: 'Oh Lyssa could you kill the big ol' nasty worms? I'm too much of a coward.' Now give me the rest of my money; in fact, give me all of it," Lyssa said angrily, gesturing for the money pouch as Siroc's smile faded.
"Forget it. I suggest we get some rest and discuss this in the morning," Siroc said, turning away to prepare his bed.
"You dare turn your back on me? You'll be the only one resting; an eternity's worth," Lyssa threatened. "Computer, disengage holodeck safeguards," Lyssa, as Yilaan, ordered as she drew her sword.
Siroc only had time to turn and swear, "What the devil?" Lyssa charged him in an instant, smacking him in the face with the pommel of her sword, knocking him to the ground. Dazed, Siroc blinked his eyes and tried to reorient himself. He had just enough time to throw up one hand and scream "No!" before Lyssa's sword ran him through.
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