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"You have until we get to the docking bay to clear your name, you bastard" Mystic stated evenly. The two stood just outside Shar's hospital room moments after hearing the news about bail. She held out her hands to have the cuffs removed. "I let myself trust you!"
Vehement freed her and gestured in the direction of the docking bay. "Sure, I deserve your contempt. I didn't do anything to lose your trust, though. You've made it very clear where the line is, as I have." Vehement opened a door for her, and continued speaking in the next hallway.
"As soon as we hit Union space, an escort met me. VPR HQ didn't want to chance losing Shar again. Even if I had woken you, there wasn't any way I could have disappeared you without being noticed. So I moved you out of your seat to the deck, where no one would notice you. It almost worked. You were SO close to waking up in an empty docking bay with all of us busy celebrating the recovery of Sharingan. But Strat was excited. He climbed up to meet me before I climbed down out of the Hog. I guess he thought I drugged you or something, but he was the one to make the arrest."
Vehement directed her through the hospital lobby and pointed in the direction of the docking bay. "You'd shoot me down if you had the chance, you said that more than once. I had the chance to arrest you; to put a huge positive mark on my record. But I didn't take the shot. I don't know what else I could have done in your defense. You know as well as I do that your arrest is meaningless. Bail came, and you are no worse for the wear."
"Everson-"
"For the same reason you will always act tough and put me down in front of your fellow pirates, I had to win this one for the Vipers. It is who I am. I hate pirates more than you can possibly comprehend. I'd rather die to kill one pirate for good than live and let one go free. And here YOU are, somehow the rules do not apply to you."
"Everson-" Mystic wanted to tell him to shut up, to tell him she wasn't angry whether it was a lie or not- she wasn't sure anymore- just so he would stop saying things that made her want to...
"And dammit- all I could think about was how cute you looked while sleeping. Two thirds of my being sees all the good in you. Blind love, the immeasurable trust that comes with saving one another's lives, and hatred circle one another in my mind. All three have an equal chance of greeting you every time we meet."
Mystic stopped walking, her eyes widening slightly.
"It is a compromise born of multiple points of view. Aren't you one of the luckiest women alive, to truly have a friend who cannot deceive himself about you or any decision you make? Frack, am I making any sense at all?"
"Stop." Mystic grabbed the Viper firmly by the collar. "Just stop." Vehement watched her uneasily while she looked up at him with eyes that still conveyed surprise. "You said you love me."
"Uh.."
Mystic shook him, though without a whole lot of success as she fumed while keeping her voice as low as she could, "What do I have to do to get Everson to love me?!? Two against one would always win right? Tell me!"
"He... had his heart set on another" Vehement stated delicately.
"That shouldn't matter anymore! This Nolan/Vehement is married right? How do the others still get a vote or any... satisfaction in that kind of environment?"
Vehement shook his head. "None of them get a vote." Seeing how perplexed the response made her, he continued. "While memories of all three still compete, my decisions are still final. I was a real man before the three experiments were born. I chose to continue Nolan's life for the sake of his wife. She stood to lose the most when the three were removed. And she has yet to complain when Pancakes or Everson flirt."
Mystic's hands left his collar limply as her mind raced to make sense of it all.
"Look, I bought you a ship since I know this joint would only sell you an 89. Your backpack and toys are inside. Third ship from that hatch right there, so I'll just make my pitch so we can both move on." The hatch to which he referred wasn't close, but wasn't hard to distinguish either.
"Fair enough." Mystic wasn't entirely sure she was in a hurry to leave anymore, but appreciated the gesture.
"The thing is... you know, or you said you knew, that I would never let you come to any real harm. I'm telling you that that is still true. Your arrest was not a threat to you, so there is no justification for me to break the law and betray Nolan's memory. I don't know if you can overlook this and trust me the way you did when you slept on my shoulder, but.. nothing has changed since that moment. I didn't know we'd have a half dozen escorts, I didn't choose to ensnare you. I don't see why, given your approval, we can't return to the level of trust we had then." After a short pause, he added quietly "hell even Nolan didn't find kissing you disgusting."
Vehement freed her and gestured in the direction of the docking bay. "Sure, I deserve your contempt. I didn't do anything to lose your trust, though. You've made it very clear where the line is, as I have." Vehement opened a door for her, and continued speaking in the next hallway.
"As soon as we hit Union space, an escort met me. VPR HQ didn't want to chance losing Shar again. Even if I had woken you, there wasn't any way I could have disappeared you without being noticed. So I moved you out of your seat to the deck, where no one would notice you. It almost worked. You were SO close to waking up in an empty docking bay with all of us busy celebrating the recovery of Sharingan. But Strat was excited. He climbed up to meet me before I climbed down out of the Hog. I guess he thought I drugged you or something, but he was the one to make the arrest."
Vehement directed her through the hospital lobby and pointed in the direction of the docking bay. "You'd shoot me down if you had the chance, you said that more than once. I had the chance to arrest you; to put a huge positive mark on my record. But I didn't take the shot. I don't know what else I could have done in your defense. You know as well as I do that your arrest is meaningless. Bail came, and you are no worse for the wear."
"Everson-"
"For the same reason you will always act tough and put me down in front of your fellow pirates, I had to win this one for the Vipers. It is who I am. I hate pirates more than you can possibly comprehend. I'd rather die to kill one pirate for good than live and let one go free. And here YOU are, somehow the rules do not apply to you."
"Everson-" Mystic wanted to tell him to shut up, to tell him she wasn't angry whether it was a lie or not- she wasn't sure anymore- just so he would stop saying things that made her want to...
"And dammit- all I could think about was how cute you looked while sleeping. Two thirds of my being sees all the good in you. Blind love, the immeasurable trust that comes with saving one another's lives, and hatred circle one another in my mind. All three have an equal chance of greeting you every time we meet."
Mystic stopped walking, her eyes widening slightly.
"It is a compromise born of multiple points of view. Aren't you one of the luckiest women alive, to truly have a friend who cannot deceive himself about you or any decision you make? Frack, am I making any sense at all?"
"Stop." Mystic grabbed the Viper firmly by the collar. "Just stop." Vehement watched her uneasily while she looked up at him with eyes that still conveyed surprise. "You said you love me."
"Uh.."
Mystic shook him, though without a whole lot of success as she fumed while keeping her voice as low as she could, "What do I have to do to get Everson to love me?!? Two against one would always win right? Tell me!"
"He... had his heart set on another" Vehement stated delicately.
"That shouldn't matter anymore! This Nolan/Vehement is married right? How do the others still get a vote or any... satisfaction in that kind of environment?"
Vehement shook his head. "None of them get a vote." Seeing how perplexed the response made her, he continued. "While memories of all three still compete, my decisions are still final. I was a real man before the three experiments were born. I chose to continue Nolan's life for the sake of his wife. She stood to lose the most when the three were removed. And she has yet to complain when Pancakes or Everson flirt."
Mystic's hands left his collar limply as her mind raced to make sense of it all.
"Look, I bought you a ship since I know this joint would only sell you an 89. Your backpack and toys are inside. Third ship from that hatch right there, so I'll just make my pitch so we can both move on." The hatch to which he referred wasn't close, but wasn't hard to distinguish either.
"Fair enough." Mystic wasn't entirely sure she was in a hurry to leave anymore, but appreciated the gesture.
"The thing is... you know, or you said you knew, that I would never let you come to any real harm. I'm telling you that that is still true. Your arrest was not a threat to you, so there is no justification for me to break the law and betray Nolan's memory. I don't know if you can overlook this and trust me the way you did when you slept on my shoulder, but.. nothing has changed since that moment. I didn't know we'd have a half dozen escorts, I didn't choose to ensnare you. I don't see why, given your approval, we can't return to the level of trust we had then." After a short pause, he added quietly "hell even Nolan didn't find kissing you disgusting."
JahelaJ hovered back to her office over the complaints of Jasmine. "You really need to rest, you're going to kill yourself and then, where will we be with the globe?"
"I've got to get the 'blades', then I'll rest.
"But look went to bail them out, you'll have to wait."
"No, I won't have to wait. I've waited all my life, now, I'm going after them. You can come with me in case anything goes wrong."
""JahelaJ, that's stupid. Neither of us is welcome in Itani space. If something happens in Itan, it's a long way to somewhere safe."
JahelaJ stuffed items in her kit and headed for the door. "I'm going, with or without you." She opened the door and moved towards the docking bay.
Jasmine ran to her room, gathered up some items and ran after JahelaJ.
JahelaJ was getting in her taur when the dock officer approached. "Where the hell do you think you're going, JahelaJ... you're grounded."
"I know... Jasmine's flying."
The officer turned to see Jasmine run up behind him. "Yes sir, I'm piloting this run. Don't worry, we aren't going far."
JahelaJ added "Can you swap out one of the swarms for an AGT, the other for an advanced mining beam and replace the neut with a mineral scanner? We're going to look for some Xith for a project."
"Yeah, I'll get it set up but I'm not happy about you going out."
"Don't worry about me, I'm not leaving this chair."
"Yeas, sir", Jasmine said. "I'll keep a close eye on her and beat it back at the first sign of trouble."
Within a few minutes, the weapons were swapped out and Jasmine was cleared to depart. She punched the taur out of the dock and boosted to 3000m. "Well, where to, JJ?"
"Itan D-09 and make a scissors jump once we get in-system."
"Roger that", Jasmine said and hit the jump button. She hoped she wouldn't get her n00b ass in a sling for this.
"I've got to get the 'blades', then I'll rest.
"But look went to bail them out, you'll have to wait."
"No, I won't have to wait. I've waited all my life, now, I'm going after them. You can come with me in case anything goes wrong."
""JahelaJ, that's stupid. Neither of us is welcome in Itani space. If something happens in Itan, it's a long way to somewhere safe."
JahelaJ stuffed items in her kit and headed for the door. "I'm going, with or without you." She opened the door and moved towards the docking bay.
Jasmine ran to her room, gathered up some items and ran after JahelaJ.
JahelaJ was getting in her taur when the dock officer approached. "Where the hell do you think you're going, JahelaJ... you're grounded."
"I know... Jasmine's flying."
The officer turned to see Jasmine run up behind him. "Yes sir, I'm piloting this run. Don't worry, we aren't going far."
JahelaJ added "Can you swap out one of the swarms for an AGT, the other for an advanced mining beam and replace the neut with a mineral scanner? We're going to look for some Xith for a project."
"Yeah, I'll get it set up but I'm not happy about you going out."
"Don't worry about me, I'm not leaving this chair."
"Yeas, sir", Jasmine said. "I'll keep a close eye on her and beat it back at the first sign of trouble."
Within a few minutes, the weapons were swapped out and Jasmine was cleared to depart. She punched the taur out of the dock and boosted to 3000m. "Well, where to, JJ?"
"Itan D-09 and make a scissors jump once we get in-system."
"Roger that", Jasmine said and hit the jump button. She hoped she wouldn't get her n00b ass in a sling for this.
Mystic's head was spinning, Everson's words rang true, her instincts told her this. They also told her that he was genuinely hoping things would continue they way they had been between them. She had called him every name in the book since waking to Strat reading her her rights, yet he had never wavered, never uttered a word in his defense, until now.
"hell even Nolan didn't find kissing you disgusting."
This made Mystic smile in spite of herself, “So the snake is giving in somewhat too huh?”
“Could you not refer to him..me as a reptile please?”
“Boy, here you are supposed to be making up to me and your asking me for hard favors...”
Everson smiled, something she hadn't seen him do, well, since right before she had fallen asleep. She sighed softly, “Ok I will concede that under the circumstances you laid out, you didn't betray my trust, but dammit, couldn't you have suggested that Strat NOT arrest me? After all I didn't shoot him when he showed up on my turf....”
He interrupted her, “But you did tell him specifically that if you saw him in space you would shoot him.”
Mystic had to concede that point, she had made a very direct threat well promise to do just that.
“Yes I did, ok I suppose with all the circumstances, things between us shouldn't really change...” she saw a couple of the Vipers headed their way, she couldn't resist just a bit of revenge, “especially considering that you love me and all” Just as he opened his mouth to speak she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him soundly, releasing him only when she heard someone clear their throat. “Sorry to interrupt, but we needed to know exactly how long it would be before you would be taking Sharingan? He seems very anxious”
“Oh please let him know that someone will be here very shortly, I want him leaving here under medical care, so they should arrive within an hour or so, depending on how quickly I reach them,” She turned back to Everson as they walked away, “Well I wont say it hasn't had its fun moments, but I have two pilots out of commission and if I don't miss my guess, look is probably smashed again, not to mention I still have a globe to decipher” She stopped when she saw the look on his face.
“You did that intentionally! “ He hissed between gritted teeth. Mystic smiled, “You bet I did, but don't pretend that you didn't enjoy it, and I got a bit of revenge in the bargain.”
They had reached the area where he had said her ship was, she gasped.”You bought me a marauder?”
“That is what you fly isn't it? “
“Yes but its even the right model and everything!” She beamed, “I will send you the funds back as soon as I get to headquarters, I promise“
“Don't bother, I owed you a ship remember?, but it isn't armed, so you might want to take care of that asap” He extended his hand to help her into the ship, just as he had done the first time they had met, but this time there was no hesitation as she took it, “By the way, this 'someone' that is coming for Shar....”
“Are strictly legit Mister Viper sir” she looked at him “They aren't part of the military, but they will get him what he needs. Speaking of what is needed, I need to get going before you decide to try to kiss me again or something.”
“You kissed me this time pirate queen, now get out of here before my superiors decide to change their minds and come up with something else to arrest you for, I have a couple of rookies to set straight about something.” He waited until she was moving toward her seat to secure the hatch.
As soon as she was undocked she sent the message to have Shar taken to Initros, then called Headquarters to let them know everything was fine and she was on her way home. Now that Shar was taken care of it was time to turn her attention to JJ and the globe. Her radar beeped and it took her only minutes to see the UIT Strike Force bearing down on her, “Bail only gets me one sector huh boys?” She plotted several empty jumps to throw them off, they weren't the brightest bunch. “I'm gonna need a serious vacation by the time this is all over with” she said to the ship as she jumped warp.
She made it back to Latos in record time, losing the Strike Force had been more fun than anything else, got her blood flowing again, didn't even stop for weapons. As soon as she docked and left her ship she knew something wasn't right, the dock officer had a worried expression on his face. “Whats wrong now?” Mystic wasn't sure she wanted to know.
“Well maybe nothing, I mean its only a bit of xith, wont take too long, but Jasmine and JJ took off in a hog...”
“You let JJ leave?”
“Well Jasmine was flying, so I really had no reason to stop them. They said they were making a quick run out to get some xith and wouldn't be gone long.”
Mystic sighed, “Ok, as soon as they get back tell them I want to see them please” She headed upstairs to her office, then changed her mind and went to her apartment instead, a nice shower and her own clothes would be a welcome change right now. “Then I'm going to call JJ and do a bit of yelling, xith my fanny, she is off chasing down a clue I bet.” As soon as she got inside she put a call in to JJ's ship,
“JJ get back here now! You gave me your word...”
“I will be back soon boss, don't worry Jasmine is doing all the hard work, I'm just playing navigator.”
Mystic sighed and softened her voice. “You better be taking care of yourself girl, I don't want to lose you, no treasure is worth that, not even one as big as this is promising to be.”
“Relax and take a nap or something boss, and don't worry so much, we will be back before you know it.”
Mystic hoped it was true, seemed nothing went as simply as it should lately.
"hell even Nolan didn't find kissing you disgusting."
This made Mystic smile in spite of herself, “So the snake is giving in somewhat too huh?”
“Could you not refer to him..me as a reptile please?”
“Boy, here you are supposed to be making up to me and your asking me for hard favors...”
Everson smiled, something she hadn't seen him do, well, since right before she had fallen asleep. She sighed softly, “Ok I will concede that under the circumstances you laid out, you didn't betray my trust, but dammit, couldn't you have suggested that Strat NOT arrest me? After all I didn't shoot him when he showed up on my turf....”
He interrupted her, “But you did tell him specifically that if you saw him in space you would shoot him.”
Mystic had to concede that point, she had made a very direct threat well promise to do just that.
“Yes I did, ok I suppose with all the circumstances, things between us shouldn't really change...” she saw a couple of the Vipers headed their way, she couldn't resist just a bit of revenge, “especially considering that you love me and all” Just as he opened his mouth to speak she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him soundly, releasing him only when she heard someone clear their throat. “Sorry to interrupt, but we needed to know exactly how long it would be before you would be taking Sharingan? He seems very anxious”
“Oh please let him know that someone will be here very shortly, I want him leaving here under medical care, so they should arrive within an hour or so, depending on how quickly I reach them,” She turned back to Everson as they walked away, “Well I wont say it hasn't had its fun moments, but I have two pilots out of commission and if I don't miss my guess, look is probably smashed again, not to mention I still have a globe to decipher” She stopped when she saw the look on his face.
“You did that intentionally! “ He hissed between gritted teeth. Mystic smiled, “You bet I did, but don't pretend that you didn't enjoy it, and I got a bit of revenge in the bargain.”
They had reached the area where he had said her ship was, she gasped.”You bought me a marauder?”
“That is what you fly isn't it? “
“Yes but its even the right model and everything!” She beamed, “I will send you the funds back as soon as I get to headquarters, I promise“
“Don't bother, I owed you a ship remember?, but it isn't armed, so you might want to take care of that asap” He extended his hand to help her into the ship, just as he had done the first time they had met, but this time there was no hesitation as she took it, “By the way, this 'someone' that is coming for Shar....”
“Are strictly legit Mister Viper sir” she looked at him “They aren't part of the military, but they will get him what he needs. Speaking of what is needed, I need to get going before you decide to try to kiss me again or something.”
“You kissed me this time pirate queen, now get out of here before my superiors decide to change their minds and come up with something else to arrest you for, I have a couple of rookies to set straight about something.” He waited until she was moving toward her seat to secure the hatch.
As soon as she was undocked she sent the message to have Shar taken to Initros, then called Headquarters to let them know everything was fine and she was on her way home. Now that Shar was taken care of it was time to turn her attention to JJ and the globe. Her radar beeped and it took her only minutes to see the UIT Strike Force bearing down on her, “Bail only gets me one sector huh boys?” She plotted several empty jumps to throw them off, they weren't the brightest bunch. “I'm gonna need a serious vacation by the time this is all over with” she said to the ship as she jumped warp.
She made it back to Latos in record time, losing the Strike Force had been more fun than anything else, got her blood flowing again, didn't even stop for weapons. As soon as she docked and left her ship she knew something wasn't right, the dock officer had a worried expression on his face. “Whats wrong now?” Mystic wasn't sure she wanted to know.
“Well maybe nothing, I mean its only a bit of xith, wont take too long, but Jasmine and JJ took off in a hog...”
“You let JJ leave?”
“Well Jasmine was flying, so I really had no reason to stop them. They said they were making a quick run out to get some xith and wouldn't be gone long.”
Mystic sighed, “Ok, as soon as they get back tell them I want to see them please” She headed upstairs to her office, then changed her mind and went to her apartment instead, a nice shower and her own clothes would be a welcome change right now. “Then I'm going to call JJ and do a bit of yelling, xith my fanny, she is off chasing down a clue I bet.” As soon as she got inside she put a call in to JJ's ship,
“JJ get back here now! You gave me your word...”
“I will be back soon boss, don't worry Jasmine is doing all the hard work, I'm just playing navigator.”
Mystic sighed and softened her voice. “You better be taking care of yourself girl, I don't want to lose you, no treasure is worth that, not even one as big as this is promising to be.”
“Relax and take a nap or something boss, and don't worry so much, we will be back before you know it.”
Mystic hoped it was true, seemed nothing went as simply as it should lately.
Vehement knew he was in for it when he tasted Mystic's lips. It was too late to fight it, so he made the best of it.
Nolan's mind was in a fog as he led her to her ship, she gushed at the Marauder, and they said their goodbyes. He had forgotten everything that had been said by the time her ship lifted off of the docking bay deck. He pulled out his PDA to request his ship be readied for takeoff and walked back toward the VPR ready room for what was coming to him.
"DUDE! Vehement, you are the MAN!"
At least a dozen hoots and hollers broke out as Vehement entered the room full of fellow pilots.
"So he arrests her, and she KISSES him for it?!?"
"Help us out man, how DOES a Viper woo a pirate queen?"
"Yeah tell us!"
Vehement was attempting to find a clever answer to the question when Lt. Verde pulled him aside. "You're making me nervous, nugget."
"Understood, Sir."
"I'm not sure you do. What happens when you have to choose between their side and ours?"
"Already done, sir. You know my history.. I could never choose them."
"Keep those words fresh in your mind, and don't let me catch you hesitating while you fly that Centurion."
"Yes sir."
The Lieutenant left the room, and the young pilots to their inquisition.
"That wasn't a fake one either. He got the whole effect! She had to throw herself at him just to reach his mouth!"
"Shit- guys- what's his wife gonna say?" The room went silent.
"My wife will say what you'd expect. It'll be ammo in her pocket for years to come. And as far as Mystic goes-" Vehement paused for dramatic effect, "I've now got two girls that are hotter than any of yours."
Everyone's eyes fixed on another Viper who had what most of them considered the hottest girlfriend, while chants of "ooooh" and the like filled the air. It was a direct challenge, but Nolan didn't stay for the fireworks. Instead, he ducked out of the room and headed to his ship. The last thing he heard from the ready room was a shouted question, "Who's next man, JahelaJ or Huntress?!"
It was about time he got home. With luck, he could make it in time to cook the weekend pancakes. It took two wormholes before the conversation with Mystic started coming back.
"Aw hell."
Nolan's mind was in a fog as he led her to her ship, she gushed at the Marauder, and they said their goodbyes. He had forgotten everything that had been said by the time her ship lifted off of the docking bay deck. He pulled out his PDA to request his ship be readied for takeoff and walked back toward the VPR ready room for what was coming to him.
"DUDE! Vehement, you are the MAN!"
At least a dozen hoots and hollers broke out as Vehement entered the room full of fellow pilots.
"So he arrests her, and she KISSES him for it?!?"
"Help us out man, how DOES a Viper woo a pirate queen?"
"Yeah tell us!"
Vehement was attempting to find a clever answer to the question when Lt. Verde pulled him aside. "You're making me nervous, nugget."
"Understood, Sir."
"I'm not sure you do. What happens when you have to choose between their side and ours?"
"Already done, sir. You know my history.. I could never choose them."
"Keep those words fresh in your mind, and don't let me catch you hesitating while you fly that Centurion."
"Yes sir."
The Lieutenant left the room, and the young pilots to their inquisition.
"That wasn't a fake one either. He got the whole effect! She had to throw herself at him just to reach his mouth!"
"Shit- guys- what's his wife gonna say?" The room went silent.
"My wife will say what you'd expect. It'll be ammo in her pocket for years to come. And as far as Mystic goes-" Vehement paused for dramatic effect, "I've now got two girls that are hotter than any of yours."
Everyone's eyes fixed on another Viper who had what most of them considered the hottest girlfriend, while chants of "ooooh" and the like filled the air. It was a direct challenge, but Nolan didn't stay for the fireworks. Instead, he ducked out of the room and headed to his ship. The last thing he heard from the ready room was a shouted question, "Who's next man, JahelaJ or Huntress?!"
It was about time he got home. With luck, he could make it in time to cook the weekend pancakes. It took two wormholes before the conversation with Mystic started coming back.
"Aw hell."
Things had been going steadily downhill ever since the ion storm in Jallik, the Tiny did not surrender and inflicted only minor damage to iry's rune before being destroyed. The behemoth's reactor had gone critical, vaporizing flesh and steel alike within its blast radius, there were no survivors.
Iry continued on his course to Coranis watch, but upon arrival in the Divinia system he found the comm nets a total mess. A HAC had suffered a major engine malfunction and was ground to pieces in a nearby astroid field before control could be restored. It didn't make sense though, HACs were military vessels, engine malfunctions don't just happen to take out flight control. Systems aboard HACs are required to be independent of one another to prevent a failure from cascading throughout the ship, iry strongly suspected this "malfunction" was deliberate sabotage.
The wreckage was easy enough to find, all iry had to do was follow the stream of scrap ships bound for the crash site. The HAC was indeed ripped to shreds, and the swarm of ships gathering the remains would be done before the day was out. If iry wanted to learn the cause of the malfunction he'd need to somehow recover the shipboard logs.
After a tedious search iry was successful in recovering one of the HAC's computer cores hopefully it would contain some clues as to what lead to the ship's destruction. Iry arranged for the shipment of the core to Jallik Watch with the local trade guild before belatedly continuing his previous task of moving his belongings to his new quarters in Jallik. If all went well he'd make it back before "dawn" at the watch.
Unfortunately the day proved it was destined to become even more trying when the [Itan] sensor relay posted on the Jallik E-15 wormhole interrupted his request for docking clearance with Coranis Watch, a CLM ship had entered Itani space. Luckily this pilot lacked standing with the Itani nation so there wouldn't be any awkward repercussions for engaging within monitored space. Iry set a course for O-11 and would lie in ambush on the wormhole. The pirate ship would be inside weapons range and under fire while its engines were still cycling from the wormhole exit. Iry would demand the vessel's surrender only after sufficiently crippling its ability to fight or flee.
It became apparent that iry would have to reschedule his move for another day.
Iry continued on his course to Coranis watch, but upon arrival in the Divinia system he found the comm nets a total mess. A HAC had suffered a major engine malfunction and was ground to pieces in a nearby astroid field before control could be restored. It didn't make sense though, HACs were military vessels, engine malfunctions don't just happen to take out flight control. Systems aboard HACs are required to be independent of one another to prevent a failure from cascading throughout the ship, iry strongly suspected this "malfunction" was deliberate sabotage.
The wreckage was easy enough to find, all iry had to do was follow the stream of scrap ships bound for the crash site. The HAC was indeed ripped to shreds, and the swarm of ships gathering the remains would be done before the day was out. If iry wanted to learn the cause of the malfunction he'd need to somehow recover the shipboard logs.
After a tedious search iry was successful in recovering one of the HAC's computer cores hopefully it would contain some clues as to what lead to the ship's destruction. Iry arranged for the shipment of the core to Jallik Watch with the local trade guild before belatedly continuing his previous task of moving his belongings to his new quarters in Jallik. If all went well he'd make it back before "dawn" at the watch.
Unfortunately the day proved it was destined to become even more trying when the [Itan] sensor relay posted on the Jallik E-15 wormhole interrupted his request for docking clearance with Coranis Watch, a CLM ship had entered Itani space. Luckily this pilot lacked standing with the Itani nation so there wouldn't be any awkward repercussions for engaging within monitored space. Iry set a course for O-11 and would lie in ambush on the wormhole. The pirate ship would be inside weapons range and under fire while its engines were still cycling from the wormhole exit. Iry would demand the vessel's surrender only after sufficiently crippling its ability to fight or flee.
It became apparent that iry would have to reschedule his move for another day.
Aight then.
Moments before the Tiny warped in the ion storm.
"Sir, there's an UIT convoy nearing our position!" The pilot spoke through the PA system.
"Ask them if they could take us in"
"Already did Sir...but..." he mumbled, as if unsure.
"Yeah?"
"They are asking for 15 mil..."
"Ugh...well, somewhat high, but its a good price, considering the situation..."
"Err...15 million...per person, sir"
"....."
One of the troopers started counting with his fingers, uttering something.
"That would be 525 million for all of us sir"
"*sigh* We'll have to pay them when we get out of here" Said the captain looking weary.
"They also said that if we did that, they'll raise it to 700 million for the interests"
"Damn weasels...Alright then, tell them we'll pay. Now, everyone, put on your space suits. Pilot, set the timer to switch it into auto pilot, and set nav point to nearest ion storm...and set turret AI to aggressive mode"
After everyone was ready, they opened the cargo doors, and floated towards one of the heavy moths which had already opened its doors. They floated through the jettisoned cargo crates and into the cargo bay. Moments after the two pilots exited, the Tiny automatically closed its back doors, turned on its engines, and warped away, empty.
Moments before the Tiny warped in the ion storm.
"Sir, there's an UIT convoy nearing our position!" The pilot spoke through the PA system.
"Ask them if they could take us in"
"Already did Sir...but..." he mumbled, as if unsure.
"Yeah?"
"They are asking for 15 mil..."
"Ugh...well, somewhat high, but its a good price, considering the situation..."
"Err...15 million...per person, sir"
"....."
One of the troopers started counting with his fingers, uttering something.
"That would be 525 million for all of us sir"
"*sigh* We'll have to pay them when we get out of here" Said the captain looking weary.
"They also said that if we did that, they'll raise it to 700 million for the interests"
"Damn weasels...Alright then, tell them we'll pay. Now, everyone, put on your space suits. Pilot, set the timer to switch it into auto pilot, and set nav point to nearest ion storm...and set turret AI to aggressive mode"
After everyone was ready, they opened the cargo doors, and floated towards one of the heavy moths which had already opened its doors. They floated through the jettisoned cargo crates and into the cargo bay. Moments after the two pilots exited, the Tiny automatically closed its back doors, turned on its engines, and warped away, empty.
Following Look was not nearly as easy as I had first anticipated. I couldn't tell if he was flying so irratically because he could see me back there or if he had really had so much to drink that he couldn't keep a constant nav path logged into his ships computer. Look did manage to make it to a TPG station and dock his ship without further accidents so I docked next to him, careful not to draw attention to myself. I watched as he made his way to, surprise, the bar where he sat down next to a man I didn't recognize. Look handed the man a credit chip, downed his drink and abruptly stood and left. With no further leads to go on I assumed he was just doing business unrelated to the globe so I left too.
Since I was here I decided to get myself a Raptor and loaded it with a couple sunflares. I undocked shortly after Look but decided not to follow when my ITAN comm flared up reporting an unauthorized entrance into Jallik by as yet unidentified pilot bearing CLM in a taur. I quickly adjusted my course towards Jallik.
[guild]iry-Elbryon, you there?
[guild]Elbryon-yea iry what you need
[guild]iry-did you receive that transmission
[guild]Elbryon-yep sure did I'm makeing my way that way now I'm only a few jumps away. do you want me to wait for you?
[guild]iry-yea once you get to Edras hold position at the border and wait for me. Make sure they don't come back through and we will go get them together.
[guild]Elbryon-will do sir I'll be the one in the shiny Raptor
[guild]iry-heh Raptor huh ok I'll get there as soon as I can iry out.
I had no trouble getting to Edras the storm season must have slowed down alot so I sat waiting at the border for iry to arrive. Thirty-five minutes later iry showed up and we were off. Now if we could just find them. If CLM was up in itani space I was betting it had something to do with the globe as they weren't known for ventureing very far from their comfort zone and ITAN patrolled this space regularly. This might just be the break we've been waiting for.
Elbryon[ITAN]
Since I was here I decided to get myself a Raptor and loaded it with a couple sunflares. I undocked shortly after Look but decided not to follow when my ITAN comm flared up reporting an unauthorized entrance into Jallik by as yet unidentified pilot bearing CLM in a taur. I quickly adjusted my course towards Jallik.
[guild]iry-Elbryon, you there?
[guild]Elbryon-yea iry what you need
[guild]iry-did you receive that transmission
[guild]Elbryon-yep sure did I'm makeing my way that way now I'm only a few jumps away. do you want me to wait for you?
[guild]iry-yea once you get to Edras hold position at the border and wait for me. Make sure they don't come back through and we will go get them together.
[guild]Elbryon-will do sir I'll be the one in the shiny Raptor
[guild]iry-heh Raptor huh ok I'll get there as soon as I can iry out.
I had no trouble getting to Edras the storm season must have slowed down alot so I sat waiting at the border for iry to arrive. Thirty-five minutes later iry showed up and we were off. Now if we could just find them. If CLM was up in itani space I was betting it had something to do with the globe as they weren't known for ventureing very far from their comfort zone and ITAN patrolled this space regularly. This might just be the break we've been waiting for.
Elbryon[ITAN]
Another week of classes had concluded. For once, this one had not experienced interruptions. It was just what Nolan needed to build up his grade prior to midterms.
There were only two activities in the universe that would suffice for Nolan's entertainment on a weekend; spending time with his wife, or flying a light fighter. Since his wife had plans this weekend, the choice was clear. Nolan boarded his "blue toy," the pet name he had for an IBG he rarely got to fly, and set course for Pelatus. The hive there was usually pretty intense.
Passing through O-11, Vehement was hailed by an 'old friend.'
"That you Everson? In an Itani vessel no less! Never thought I'd see the day."
"Take a picture, it'll last longer iry."
"So what's new- standby one." Iry closed the channel and swiveled his ship to engage a vessel that had just emerged from the wormhole.
They had very poor luck with their jump, Nolan thought, seeing as iry didn't even have to move his ship to be within range. The ship attempted to evade, but only succeeded in catching more of iry's burst than he had intended. The taur sheared clean in half, and two bodies floated into space.
Nolan knew that feeling. He knew that for several minutes, they could still be alive, as he had been more than once. Before iry even asked, Vehement had collected one of the two bodies.
"Everson, did yours make it? This one's had it. Not sure I've heard of a Jasmine in CLM before."
Lying on Vehement's deck in a shivering mess was a pilot whose name tag read JahelaJ. "I don't think this one will make it either" he reported.
"Dammit. Well it looks like I'll have time to move after all."
"Good luck with that." Vehement closed the channel and turned back to his visitor.
"So you're gonna kill me, is that it?" JahelaJ asked, still defenseless on the floor.
"Nah, thought you were gonna give up though."
"Frack, Vehement? Why am I on YOUR ship snake?" she spat, without anything left to vomit by this point.
"I can let you try your luck outside again if you like."
"You won't."
Vehement sat her up and wrapped her in a blanket. "Shame you know me so well, or I could actually intimidate you."
"What kinda ship is this, it's so darn small."
"IBG. Where would you like to go, Sedina?"
"To get tracked down and shot again? No thanks. Can you drop me off on the other side of blue space? I'm kinda grounded, so I could use a tour guide like yourself."
Vehement tried to think of something better to do for the day, but came up dry. "Sure. This thing only has one seat though, so you and all your guts here are going to need to ride without a window." He climbed back into the cockpit with difficulty, and slid JJ a headset so they could communicate.
There were only two activities in the universe that would suffice for Nolan's entertainment on a weekend; spending time with his wife, or flying a light fighter. Since his wife had plans this weekend, the choice was clear. Nolan boarded his "blue toy," the pet name he had for an IBG he rarely got to fly, and set course for Pelatus. The hive there was usually pretty intense.
Passing through O-11, Vehement was hailed by an 'old friend.'
"That you Everson? In an Itani vessel no less! Never thought I'd see the day."
"Take a picture, it'll last longer iry."
"So what's new- standby one." Iry closed the channel and swiveled his ship to engage a vessel that had just emerged from the wormhole.
They had very poor luck with their jump, Nolan thought, seeing as iry didn't even have to move his ship to be within range. The ship attempted to evade, but only succeeded in catching more of iry's burst than he had intended. The taur sheared clean in half, and two bodies floated into space.
Nolan knew that feeling. He knew that for several minutes, they could still be alive, as he had been more than once. Before iry even asked, Vehement had collected one of the two bodies.
"Everson, did yours make it? This one's had it. Not sure I've heard of a Jasmine in CLM before."
Lying on Vehement's deck in a shivering mess was a pilot whose name tag read JahelaJ. "I don't think this one will make it either" he reported.
"Dammit. Well it looks like I'll have time to move after all."
"Good luck with that." Vehement closed the channel and turned back to his visitor.
"So you're gonna kill me, is that it?" JahelaJ asked, still defenseless on the floor.
"Nah, thought you were gonna give up though."
"Frack, Vehement? Why am I on YOUR ship snake?" she spat, without anything left to vomit by this point.
"I can let you try your luck outside again if you like."
"You won't."
Vehement sat her up and wrapped her in a blanket. "Shame you know me so well, or I could actually intimidate you."
"What kinda ship is this, it's so darn small."
"IBG. Where would you like to go, Sedina?"
"To get tracked down and shot again? No thanks. Can you drop me off on the other side of blue space? I'm kinda grounded, so I could use a tour guide like yourself."
Vehement tried to think of something better to do for the day, but came up dry. "Sure. This thing only has one seat though, so you and all your guts here are going to need to ride without a window." He climbed back into the cockpit with difficulty, and slid JJ a headset so they could communicate.
Iry was in luck, the CLM ship materialized just shy of 500 meters from his ship. The Centaur was a large target and the thin armor of its belly quickly yielded to the neutron fire, allowing successive bolts to chew away at the frame. With its structural integrity seriously compromised the centaur would be unable to withstand the g forces of turbo. Unfortunately the pilot thought otherwise, or was unaware of the severity of the damage. Iry watched the main engines sputter to full power, and winced as the ship buckled and tore.
The recovered pilot was still alive but only barely, iry dug out his med kit and quickly injected her with a stimulant, there'd be hope as long as her heart and lungs held out. Satisfied iry turned his attention back to the comm.
"Everson, I'll need you to transfer the body to me at Coranis watch, it needs to be taken in for identification. Meet me in the primary docking bay, I'll have a med team standing by to take it off your hands. See you shortly, iry out."
Iry took down the vector of the wreckage, there was always the possibility of finding out what the pilots were up to from the ship's computer. At least one hauler should up for hire by now, if not iry would be spending a good deal of time running down the wreckage. With his course dialed in he began the jump sequence to Divinia M-14, a glance at his sensors showed Everson had yet to move. Something was holding the Serco up, but iry had no time to spare as his "passenger" needed treatment.
The recovered pilot was still alive but only barely, iry dug out his med kit and quickly injected her with a stimulant, there'd be hope as long as her heart and lungs held out. Satisfied iry turned his attention back to the comm.
"Everson, I'll need you to transfer the body to me at Coranis watch, it needs to be taken in for identification. Meet me in the primary docking bay, I'll have a med team standing by to take it off your hands. See you shortly, iry out."
Iry took down the vector of the wreckage, there was always the possibility of finding out what the pilots were up to from the ship's computer. At least one hauler should up for hire by now, if not iry would be spending a good deal of time running down the wreckage. With his course dialed in he began the jump sequence to Divinia M-14, a glance at his sensors showed Everson had yet to move. Something was holding the Serco up, but iry had no time to spare as his "passenger" needed treatment.
"Oh shit! Everson, please don't turn me in! Please" JahelaJ didn't have her wits about her to ask any more effectively.
"So you want me to kill you?"
"No. No! Mystic said we could trust you!" JJ tried to inch further away from the cockpit in the tiny cargo compartment but there was nowhere to go. She felt her pockets for anything to help her out, and came up empty.
"I'm just kidding." Everson sent iry a short text message. I'll save you the trouble; it's JahelaJ. A Viper ought to know his pirates, don't you think? She doesn't have anything helpful on her either, so I'll just toss the body into the nearest star.
"So what -are- you going to do with me?"
"We'll just fly around till you tell me what you're doing in Itani space. Once you do, I just might help you get it done and give you a lift home. It's all in your hands at this point." Vehement set course for an empty sector just in case iry decided to look for him while JJ writhed in the back considering her options.
"So you want me to kill you?"
"No. No! Mystic said we could trust you!" JJ tried to inch further away from the cockpit in the tiny cargo compartment but there was nowhere to go. She felt her pockets for anything to help her out, and came up empty.
"I'm just kidding." Everson sent iry a short text message. I'll save you the trouble; it's JahelaJ. A Viper ought to know his pirates, don't you think? She doesn't have anything helpful on her either, so I'll just toss the body into the nearest star.
"So what -are- you going to do with me?"
"We'll just fly around till you tell me what you're doing in Itani space. Once you do, I just might help you get it done and give you a lift home. It's all in your hands at this point." Vehement set course for an empty sector just in case iry decided to look for him while JJ writhed in the back considering her options.
What could JahelaJ have been trying to accomplish, pirates typically used a warthog or some other relatively nimble ship to wreak havoc within monitored space, a centaur was just too bulky to properly menace a fleeing trader.
Iry was sitting in his old quarters on Coranis Watch trying to think over what to do. Two CLM pilots had violated Itani space and only one had survived his ambush at the wormhole.
He sighed and reached for his comm,
"Elbryon, the intruders have been dealt with. I'd like you to pick up their ship's remains from the wormhole and meet me in Coranis Watch. There's someone here you may wish to speak with. iry out."
Iry queried the computer for MysticRogue's comm frequency, at least one was bound to be on file. She possessed high standing with the Itani which meant she'd be able to follow up on the lack of communication from JahelaJ despite being the commander of CLM. Informing Mystic of JahelaJ's fate would hopefully give him a little bit of warning to if/when she'd show up asking questions.
The computer spat out a frequency from the Itani public records, and iry attached a short message.
-----
JahelaJ
Status: Dead
Cause: Decompression
Engaged and destroyed by defense forces in Divinia O-11
-----
His PDA beeped with a status update on Jasmine, she was regaining consciousness. Iry grabbed a small wooden box off his shelf and headed down to the Med Center. Hopefully Elbryon will have arrived by the time the doctors deem her able to answer questions.
Iry was sitting in his old quarters on Coranis Watch trying to think over what to do. Two CLM pilots had violated Itani space and only one had survived his ambush at the wormhole.
He sighed and reached for his comm,
"Elbryon, the intruders have been dealt with. I'd like you to pick up their ship's remains from the wormhole and meet me in Coranis Watch. There's someone here you may wish to speak with. iry out."
Iry queried the computer for MysticRogue's comm frequency, at least one was bound to be on file. She possessed high standing with the Itani which meant she'd be able to follow up on the lack of communication from JahelaJ despite being the commander of CLM. Informing Mystic of JahelaJ's fate would hopefully give him a little bit of warning to if/when she'd show up asking questions.
The computer spat out a frequency from the Itani public records, and iry attached a short message.
-----
JahelaJ
Status: Dead
Cause: Decompression
Engaged and destroyed by defense forces in Divinia O-11
-----
His PDA beeped with a status update on Jasmine, she was regaining consciousness. Iry grabbed a small wooden box off his shelf and headed down to the Med Center. Hopefully Elbryon will have arrived by the time the doctors deem her able to answer questions.
Mystic was staring at the message she had just received, not believing what it contained. “It has to be wrong...It just has to be.”
“Whats up Myst?” Yoda sounded concerned, they had been in the middle of one of their normal banter sessions when the message had come in, now she was silent and looked pale., “Mystic..whats going on?”
All she could do was hand the printout to Yoda as she sat down, numb, “JJ...dead, it can't be true, I just talked to her, she promised she would be careful, and Jasmine, no word on her at all.”
“Calm down hun, you know these reports are often inaccurate, what were they doing in Itani space anyway?” He asked noting where the message had originated.
“Its the globe, JJ was on to something, she has worked so hard on deciphering those damn clues, till it made her sick, now its taken her life.” She looked at Yoda with pain in her eyes, “How much more does it want from us to prove who we are?”
Yoda looked away, he could face anyone down in a fight, but looking into the eyes of his wing-mate, with that expression, wanting answers he couldn't provide. “We will have to find out for ourselves what is going on, so quit sounding so pitiful and lets get to it.” He spoke harsher than he normally would, but he knew Mystic, it would spur her into action and she would be ok...he hoped.
“Your right, I'm not doing JJ or Jasmine a bit of good like this, we need more Intel, let me see that message again.” Mystic looked at the transmission code, it was Itani, but it wasn't from the law enforcement division, which is usually where such information came from. Sitting down at her computer she ran the code and was momentarily shocked at the results. “This message is from a member of ITAN...that changes things drastically.” Anger was slowly taking over where the numbness had been. One pilot stated as dead, the other not heard from and getting the notification from a member of the very group that had been trying to steal the globe? It was no coincidence she was sure.
Yoda was glad that Mystic was pulling herself together, getting back to business always helped, he knew later she would let herself worry, after she had the full story. “Why would they be sending the information? Its not like ITAN and CLM are best buddies.”
“Thats an understatement, and if my guess is right, this so-called defense force, was a member of ITAN, and if thats the case....” She didn't finish the statement but started gathering her gear together.
“Where are you going?” He didn't need the answer, he already knew...she was heading back to itani space, with a determination that made him feel sorry for whoever got in her way. She didn't respond immediately as she grabbed a few extra credit chips and a second blaster, never knew who she might have to pay, or shoot.
“I'm going to Divinia......to find out what happened with my pilots...”
“Whats up Myst?” Yoda sounded concerned, they had been in the middle of one of their normal banter sessions when the message had come in, now she was silent and looked pale., “Mystic..whats going on?”
All she could do was hand the printout to Yoda as she sat down, numb, “JJ...dead, it can't be true, I just talked to her, she promised she would be careful, and Jasmine, no word on her at all.”
“Calm down hun, you know these reports are often inaccurate, what were they doing in Itani space anyway?” He asked noting where the message had originated.
“Its the globe, JJ was on to something, she has worked so hard on deciphering those damn clues, till it made her sick, now its taken her life.” She looked at Yoda with pain in her eyes, “How much more does it want from us to prove who we are?”
Yoda looked away, he could face anyone down in a fight, but looking into the eyes of his wing-mate, with that expression, wanting answers he couldn't provide. “We will have to find out for ourselves what is going on, so quit sounding so pitiful and lets get to it.” He spoke harsher than he normally would, but he knew Mystic, it would spur her into action and she would be ok...he hoped.
“Your right, I'm not doing JJ or Jasmine a bit of good like this, we need more Intel, let me see that message again.” Mystic looked at the transmission code, it was Itani, but it wasn't from the law enforcement division, which is usually where such information came from. Sitting down at her computer she ran the code and was momentarily shocked at the results. “This message is from a member of ITAN...that changes things drastically.” Anger was slowly taking over where the numbness had been. One pilot stated as dead, the other not heard from and getting the notification from a member of the very group that had been trying to steal the globe? It was no coincidence she was sure.
Yoda was glad that Mystic was pulling herself together, getting back to business always helped, he knew later she would let herself worry, after she had the full story. “Why would they be sending the information? Its not like ITAN and CLM are best buddies.”
“Thats an understatement, and if my guess is right, this so-called defense force, was a member of ITAN, and if thats the case....” She didn't finish the statement but started gathering her gear together.
“Where are you going?” He didn't need the answer, he already knew...she was heading back to itani space, with a determination that made him feel sorry for whoever got in her way. She didn't respond immediately as she grabbed a few extra credit chips and a second blaster, never knew who she might have to pay, or shoot.
“I'm going to Divinia......to find out what happened with my pilots...”
I went to the spot where iry said he splashed the pirate ship to see if I could locate any remnance of Jasmines taur. I must have spent half of the day flying back and forth sweeping the area around the worm hole. When I finally did find what was left I was pleasantly surprised at what I found. Iry had split the taur clean off right behind the cockpit. I manuvered my own ship in as close to the wreckage as I could and began to pull in the different pieces of the ship.
Piece after piece made its way into my ships hold. I slowly sifted through the parts that I thought iry could use and jettisoned what I didn't want. All said and done I ended up with three crates full of computer parts a lock box that I was unable to get into.
I was just getting ready to head for Coranis watch when my radar gave a loud chirp. Expecting it to be iry coming to check on me I sat motionless at the wh entry point to wait for him.
"I thought you were...." I began a transmission to the incoming ship before I realised that it wasn't iry at all but instead MysticRogue the pirate queen herself. I quickly manuvered my taur into fire position and waited for her to clear the worm hole. As soon as she did I made my announcement.
"Hello Red! If you would be so kind as to shut down your engines I have the drop on you and you won't get very far."
Without missing a beat Mystic brought her maud to a stop and slowly turned to face me, "How could I guess that one of you would be sitting right here where iry killed JJ and Jasmine."
"Now Mystic, you know as well as I do iry was doing his job and that is it, as I must do now. Please make your way peacefully to Coranis watch iry is waiting there for me and I'm sure he would be glad to see you as well."
"Sorry hun, can't let you take me in I aim to find out what happened to my pilots and at the moment you are simply in the way!"
Luckily I was more than ready for what happened next and as soon as Mystic cut off her conversation I made my move coming 90 degrees off her port side and opening fire with all my guns. Her pair of suns still splashed me a little since my taur moves like a turd but it wasn't enough to shake my aim. The jacks and suns connected squarely on her ship as my AGT pummeled her as well. I smiled at the amount of damage I was able to cause in such a quick burst. I manuvered to make another pass but Mystic had other ideas she rolled over and fired a shot at my engines and hit. My starboard engine ground to a stop I was a sitting duck. Useing my side and stability thrusters I was able to keep her in my sights enough to get a few more hits with my AGT before she moved below and behind me.
"This is your lucky day Elbryon, you got the drop on me otherwise it would be you leaving and not me. I will see you again it seems we have some unfinished business to take care of."
With that I watched as Mystic cleared the sector and I was left to limp this boat down to Coranis watch. I hope something I have in this thing will be what iry is looking for. I might as well go down and see what he wants.
Elbryon[ITAN]
Piece after piece made its way into my ships hold. I slowly sifted through the parts that I thought iry could use and jettisoned what I didn't want. All said and done I ended up with three crates full of computer parts a lock box that I was unable to get into.
I was just getting ready to head for Coranis watch when my radar gave a loud chirp. Expecting it to be iry coming to check on me I sat motionless at the wh entry point to wait for him.
"I thought you were...." I began a transmission to the incoming ship before I realised that it wasn't iry at all but instead MysticRogue the pirate queen herself. I quickly manuvered my taur into fire position and waited for her to clear the worm hole. As soon as she did I made my announcement.
"Hello Red! If you would be so kind as to shut down your engines I have the drop on you and you won't get very far."
Without missing a beat Mystic brought her maud to a stop and slowly turned to face me, "How could I guess that one of you would be sitting right here where iry killed JJ and Jasmine."
"Now Mystic, you know as well as I do iry was doing his job and that is it, as I must do now. Please make your way peacefully to Coranis watch iry is waiting there for me and I'm sure he would be glad to see you as well."
"Sorry hun, can't let you take me in I aim to find out what happened to my pilots and at the moment you are simply in the way!"
Luckily I was more than ready for what happened next and as soon as Mystic cut off her conversation I made my move coming 90 degrees off her port side and opening fire with all my guns. Her pair of suns still splashed me a little since my taur moves like a turd but it wasn't enough to shake my aim. The jacks and suns connected squarely on her ship as my AGT pummeled her as well. I smiled at the amount of damage I was able to cause in such a quick burst. I manuvered to make another pass but Mystic had other ideas she rolled over and fired a shot at my engines and hit. My starboard engine ground to a stop I was a sitting duck. Useing my side and stability thrusters I was able to keep her in my sights enough to get a few more hits with my AGT before she moved below and behind me.
"This is your lucky day Elbryon, you got the drop on me otherwise it would be you leaving and not me. I will see you again it seems we have some unfinished business to take care of."
With that I watched as Mystic cleared the sector and I was left to limp this boat down to Coranis watch. I hope something I have in this thing will be what iry is looking for. I might as well go down and see what he wants.
Elbryon[ITAN]
"This is your lucky day Elbryon, you got the drop on me otherwise it would be you leaving and not me. I will see you again it seems we have some unfinished business to take care of."
As she was leaving the sector it occurred to her that maybe she should have let him kill her, would have been sweet to see that smurf set upon by his own people for firing on a favored visitor, maybe next time and she knew there would be a next time. Right now, she had to find out about JJ and Jasmine, Mystic's heart clenched as she thought about the loss of her two friends.
“Don't worry I will make it right, somehow..now that I know for sure exactly who it was that caused this” Getting confirmation on her on what her gut had already told her had been easier than she would have imagined. Elbryon drew the cross hairs on iry all nice and pretty and gave her a location as well. A comm message back to CLM HQ'swas in order. The rookie that took the message had never heard the commanders voice quiver before, he imagined it to be rage. “All CLM members take note, the person responsible for what happened to JJ and Jasmine is Iry of ITAN.....I'm off to Coranis Watch to have a 'chat' with him now”
The rest of the trip to Coranis Watch was incident free and as the ship slipped into the dock, Mystic jumped out, tossing an extra credit chip to the dockworker that noticed the damage. “Take care of that for me please? I also need my ammo reloaded if you don't mind.” She flashed a smile and headed inside. Ten minutes later had her breathing a bit easier, seems the 'incident' as they called it with JJ and Jasmine had left the latter in serious condition but she was alive. Mystic was waiting outside the medical ward where Jasmine was when she caught sight of Iry headed down the hallway, he hadn't noticed her yet, which gave her a couple of seconds to paste a phony smile on her face before he got to her. As he approached he looked up and right into her eyes, Mystic would love to have a picture of the expression on his face when he recognized her.
“What are you doing here?” he asked.
“Now hun, where else would I be after my pilots unfortunate “accident” except by her side?” She kept the smile as she stressed the word accident, but Mystic was sure he realized she knew it was no accident.
“Maybe the question should be HOW are you here? The Itani do not favor pirates as a rule”
“Well maybe not as a rule, but the Itani look very favorably upon me” She smiled a bit brighter, “It helps in my business to be friends with all sorts of people”
Before he could reply a young intern joined them “Commander?”
Mystic turned at the sound “Yes? Is everything set up now?”
“Yes Commander, you may go in to see your pilot now, she has just recently regained consciousness so you might want to make it a short visit” The intern smiled and led the way. Mystic turned to Iry with a smile that didn't reach her eyes, “I will be seeing you soon Iry” before following the intern.
Even knowing how serious Jasmine's condition was, didn't prepare Mystic for the sight of the young pilot lying on the bed. When she say Mystic she tried to sit up “Commander I...”
“Shush Jas, just relax and don't strain yourself.” She took a seat on the bed beside the patient, “I seem to be seeing my pilots lying on medical beds a lot here lately” Mystic kept her tone light
“Commander JJ...”
Mystic placed a finger on the young pirates lips “I know, don't think about it right now, the important thing is to get you better and take you home”
The doctor entered just in time to hear the last of her statement. “That wont be as easy as we first thought Commander..seems ITAN wants to ask this young lady a couple of questions before we release her into your custody.”
Mystic sighed, she should have known they would pull something like this. “Is that really wise doctor? My pilot has endured a great deal and really shouldn't be subjected to a long drawn out inquisition I wouldn't think” She stepped a bit closer to the doctor as she spoke. “Is there anything you can do to speed things up?” she finished hopefully.
The doctor shifted a bit as if pondering, “Well I can not refuse them access, but I can restrict it to a limited time and insist that they allow you to be in here with her, as emotional support due to her weakened state” Mystic smiled, “Thank you doctor, I do appreciate your concern and willingness to help your patients, it speaks volumes as to your dedication” Flattery never hurt and he was basically making her a buffer between Jasmine and whatever ITAN had up their sleeves.
“Very well I will leave you to your visit now, excuse me” the doctor left quietly, leaving them alone again.
“Commander what does ITAN want with me?” Jasmine asked a bit fearfully.
“Well its just a guess, but I'm pretty sure it has to do with the globe and what you and JJ were doing in itani space, your not exactly on the best of terms here and I know JJ isn't....wasn't either.”
Jasmine wince a bit at the reminder, “I cant really tell them anything, all I was doing was flying to JJ's directions, I don't even know exactly what she was planning and we didn't get anywhere near ..”
Mystic cut her off before she could finish,”Don't..” she leaned closer to whisper in Jasmine's ear, “Don't reveal any directional information, even with just us here, ITAN are a sneaky bunch, a listening or video device wouldn't surprise me.”
“In my hospital room? Is that even allowed?” Jasmine looked perplexed.
“Well I'm not up on Itani law, but I would assume that it wouldn't be exactly legit, but with ITAN, they could probably bypass any regulation somehow, by claiming you were an enemy of the nation or whatever.”
“I'm not an enemy, I just haven't done anything to help my standing here. I have always spent most of my time in UIT, until I joined CLM. As for anything about the globe, I don't know anything of any importance..JJ did all the research and she is....” her voice broke a bit and Mystic hugged her briefly.
“Just tell them exactly that, and nothing more, now you just lie back and relax, I'm not leaving your side”
“I am very tired,”she said lying back against the pillows, still gripping Mystic's hand as she drifted off. Mystic sat just where she was, never letting go of her pilot's hand, waiting.
“ITAN you have cost us a lot....” She thought aloud....
As she was leaving the sector it occurred to her that maybe she should have let him kill her, would have been sweet to see that smurf set upon by his own people for firing on a favored visitor, maybe next time and she knew there would be a next time. Right now, she had to find out about JJ and Jasmine, Mystic's heart clenched as she thought about the loss of her two friends.
“Don't worry I will make it right, somehow..now that I know for sure exactly who it was that caused this” Getting confirmation on her on what her gut had already told her had been easier than she would have imagined. Elbryon drew the cross hairs on iry all nice and pretty and gave her a location as well. A comm message back to CLM HQ'swas in order. The rookie that took the message had never heard the commanders voice quiver before, he imagined it to be rage. “All CLM members take note, the person responsible for what happened to JJ and Jasmine is Iry of ITAN.....I'm off to Coranis Watch to have a 'chat' with him now”
The rest of the trip to Coranis Watch was incident free and as the ship slipped into the dock, Mystic jumped out, tossing an extra credit chip to the dockworker that noticed the damage. “Take care of that for me please? I also need my ammo reloaded if you don't mind.” She flashed a smile and headed inside. Ten minutes later had her breathing a bit easier, seems the 'incident' as they called it with JJ and Jasmine had left the latter in serious condition but she was alive. Mystic was waiting outside the medical ward where Jasmine was when she caught sight of Iry headed down the hallway, he hadn't noticed her yet, which gave her a couple of seconds to paste a phony smile on her face before he got to her. As he approached he looked up and right into her eyes, Mystic would love to have a picture of the expression on his face when he recognized her.
“What are you doing here?” he asked.
“Now hun, where else would I be after my pilots unfortunate “accident” except by her side?” She kept the smile as she stressed the word accident, but Mystic was sure he realized she knew it was no accident.
“Maybe the question should be HOW are you here? The Itani do not favor pirates as a rule”
“Well maybe not as a rule, but the Itani look very favorably upon me” She smiled a bit brighter, “It helps in my business to be friends with all sorts of people”
Before he could reply a young intern joined them “Commander?”
Mystic turned at the sound “Yes? Is everything set up now?”
“Yes Commander, you may go in to see your pilot now, she has just recently regained consciousness so you might want to make it a short visit” The intern smiled and led the way. Mystic turned to Iry with a smile that didn't reach her eyes, “I will be seeing you soon Iry” before following the intern.
Even knowing how serious Jasmine's condition was, didn't prepare Mystic for the sight of the young pilot lying on the bed. When she say Mystic she tried to sit up “Commander I...”
“Shush Jas, just relax and don't strain yourself.” She took a seat on the bed beside the patient, “I seem to be seeing my pilots lying on medical beds a lot here lately” Mystic kept her tone light
“Commander JJ...”
Mystic placed a finger on the young pirates lips “I know, don't think about it right now, the important thing is to get you better and take you home”
The doctor entered just in time to hear the last of her statement. “That wont be as easy as we first thought Commander..seems ITAN wants to ask this young lady a couple of questions before we release her into your custody.”
Mystic sighed, she should have known they would pull something like this. “Is that really wise doctor? My pilot has endured a great deal and really shouldn't be subjected to a long drawn out inquisition I wouldn't think” She stepped a bit closer to the doctor as she spoke. “Is there anything you can do to speed things up?” she finished hopefully.
The doctor shifted a bit as if pondering, “Well I can not refuse them access, but I can restrict it to a limited time and insist that they allow you to be in here with her, as emotional support due to her weakened state” Mystic smiled, “Thank you doctor, I do appreciate your concern and willingness to help your patients, it speaks volumes as to your dedication” Flattery never hurt and he was basically making her a buffer between Jasmine and whatever ITAN had up their sleeves.
“Very well I will leave you to your visit now, excuse me” the doctor left quietly, leaving them alone again.
“Commander what does ITAN want with me?” Jasmine asked a bit fearfully.
“Well its just a guess, but I'm pretty sure it has to do with the globe and what you and JJ were doing in itani space, your not exactly on the best of terms here and I know JJ isn't....wasn't either.”
Jasmine wince a bit at the reminder, “I cant really tell them anything, all I was doing was flying to JJ's directions, I don't even know exactly what she was planning and we didn't get anywhere near ..”
Mystic cut her off before she could finish,”Don't..” she leaned closer to whisper in Jasmine's ear, “Don't reveal any directional information, even with just us here, ITAN are a sneaky bunch, a listening or video device wouldn't surprise me.”
“In my hospital room? Is that even allowed?” Jasmine looked perplexed.
“Well I'm not up on Itani law, but I would assume that it wouldn't be exactly legit, but with ITAN, they could probably bypass any regulation somehow, by claiming you were an enemy of the nation or whatever.”
“I'm not an enemy, I just haven't done anything to help my standing here. I have always spent most of my time in UIT, until I joined CLM. As for anything about the globe, I don't know anything of any importance..JJ did all the research and she is....” her voice broke a bit and Mystic hugged her briefly.
“Just tell them exactly that, and nothing more, now you just lie back and relax, I'm not leaving your side”
“I am very tired,”she said lying back against the pillows, still gripping Mystic's hand as she drifted off. Mystic sat just where she was, never letting go of her pilot's hand, waiting.
“ITAN you have cost us a lot....” She thought aloud....
"What do you mean one of them survived?" Vehement challenged his source and old friend.
The blond pilot studied him suspiciously. "Iry shot down the 'taur, and recovered one of the pirates inside. Jasmine survived."
"He told me she was dead."
"Wait, you were there?"
"Yes. That lying piece of-"
"Everson, please. Since when have you and iry been able to trust one another?"
Nolan noted the familiar look of disinterest in her pretty blue eyes. "You're right. I got a lot further with uc and Ghost."
"Your wife told me what you got her for Valentine's day. Good job proving toasters have hearts too" her eyes glistened with mischief.
"Careful blue-eyes, I might get flashbacks and shoot you down again. Speaking of shot down.. where is Jasmine now?"
"In the hospital on Coranis Watch."
"You're priceless to me, just like your eyes."
"Aww can it bolt-bucket" she replied, though smiling slightly.
"Well we need to get her out, then" JJ commented.
"What is this 'we?' You aren't even in shape to walk."
JahelaJ had come to the realization rather quickly that she had more to gain by trusting Everson. She told him everything she knew, and he did the work while she rode in the back seat of the Warthog he switched into, just as he had promised. She slept through most of it. Everson was only a few jumps from dropping her off in Sedina when he called his ITAN friend.
"Then what will you do?"
"Don't worry about it. Mystic will kill me if you strain yourself."
"Where was that chivalry right after you picked me up?"
"Enemy combatants abandon their right to chivalry when they take up arms. I don't care how cute they are."
JJ found it frustrating that she couldn't read his face during that comment, but didn't have the luxury. While considering what to say, JJ dozed off again, as had become her habit.
Minutes later, the hog docked. Vehement carried JahelaJ and her prize from his ship to the CLM infirmary without waking her, and was gone.
Even good intelligence was imperfect, Nolan reminded himself. Before him was Jasmine sleeping peacefully, but on the far side of the bed was Mystic herself. He had not even considered what to say to her yet.
"Everson?" Mystic racked her brain for why he was visiting her pilot.
"Hello Mystic. How is she holding up?"
"Jasmine? well uh.. she'll recover. Just needs to take it slow and- what're you doing?" Mystic lost her train of thought as Nolan moved around the bed and to her side.
He kissed her cheek in greeting, further blasting to pieces any coherent theories on his appearance. "And how are you doing?"
"I'm.. Everson, JJ's dead. I.. she's dead..." Mystic looked about to cry, and with Nolan so close, it would feel good to be held..
"Shit..." Nolan had his limits; he couldn't let her cry on his shoulder given what he knew.
"You're a hard man, Everson" Mystic accused, crushed as he refused her hug.
"Mystic, she's alive." Awkward silence followed.
"What? How?"
"I picked her up in time, I guess. I thought Jasmine was dead, honestly."
"Who told you that?"
"Who told you JJ was dead?"
"Don't play with me Everson, I can't take it right now!"
"JJ is sleeping in your infirmary even now, she's made it her new favorite pastime. I just came from dropping her off." Nolan said all this in a low voice, close enough to smell Mystic unintentionally.
Mystic wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. "That is the best news you've ever given me Everson."
Nolan removed her arms gently. "I need to get going. Knowing you, Jasmine won't need my help."
The blond pilot studied him suspiciously. "Iry shot down the 'taur, and recovered one of the pirates inside. Jasmine survived."
"He told me she was dead."
"Wait, you were there?"
"Yes. That lying piece of-"
"Everson, please. Since when have you and iry been able to trust one another?"
Nolan noted the familiar look of disinterest in her pretty blue eyes. "You're right. I got a lot further with uc and Ghost."
"Your wife told me what you got her for Valentine's day. Good job proving toasters have hearts too" her eyes glistened with mischief.
"Careful blue-eyes, I might get flashbacks and shoot you down again. Speaking of shot down.. where is Jasmine now?"
"In the hospital on Coranis Watch."
"You're priceless to me, just like your eyes."
"Aww can it bolt-bucket" she replied, though smiling slightly.
"Well we need to get her out, then" JJ commented.
"What is this 'we?' You aren't even in shape to walk."
JahelaJ had come to the realization rather quickly that she had more to gain by trusting Everson. She told him everything she knew, and he did the work while she rode in the back seat of the Warthog he switched into, just as he had promised. She slept through most of it. Everson was only a few jumps from dropping her off in Sedina when he called his ITAN friend.
"Then what will you do?"
"Don't worry about it. Mystic will kill me if you strain yourself."
"Where was that chivalry right after you picked me up?"
"Enemy combatants abandon their right to chivalry when they take up arms. I don't care how cute they are."
JJ found it frustrating that she couldn't read his face during that comment, but didn't have the luxury. While considering what to say, JJ dozed off again, as had become her habit.
Minutes later, the hog docked. Vehement carried JahelaJ and her prize from his ship to the CLM infirmary without waking her, and was gone.
Even good intelligence was imperfect, Nolan reminded himself. Before him was Jasmine sleeping peacefully, but on the far side of the bed was Mystic herself. He had not even considered what to say to her yet.
"Everson?" Mystic racked her brain for why he was visiting her pilot.
"Hello Mystic. How is she holding up?"
"Jasmine? well uh.. she'll recover. Just needs to take it slow and- what're you doing?" Mystic lost her train of thought as Nolan moved around the bed and to her side.
He kissed her cheek in greeting, further blasting to pieces any coherent theories on his appearance. "And how are you doing?"
"I'm.. Everson, JJ's dead. I.. she's dead..." Mystic looked about to cry, and with Nolan so close, it would feel good to be held..
"Shit..." Nolan had his limits; he couldn't let her cry on his shoulder given what he knew.
"You're a hard man, Everson" Mystic accused, crushed as he refused her hug.
"Mystic, she's alive." Awkward silence followed.
"What? How?"
"I picked her up in time, I guess. I thought Jasmine was dead, honestly."
"Who told you that?"
"Who told you JJ was dead?"
"Don't play with me Everson, I can't take it right now!"
"JJ is sleeping in your infirmary even now, she's made it her new favorite pastime. I just came from dropping her off." Nolan said all this in a low voice, close enough to smell Mystic unintentionally.
Mystic wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. "That is the best news you've ever given me Everson."
Nolan removed her arms gently. "I need to get going. Knowing you, Jasmine won't need my help."
JahelaJ awoke with a pounding headache and could not see out of her left eye. She rang for an orderly but the doctor came in instead.
"Glad to see you're awake. I've got some bad news. The scans we just did found a tumor behind your left eye. It's detached the optic nerve. We are sending you to a Serco specialist to correct the problem."
"Shit."
"Don't worry, JahelaJ, your situation is not as bad as you think. We've stopped the tumor growth and Professor toshiro himself will be performing the surgery and equipping you with a new eye."
"How long before I go?"
"You'll be leaving tomorrow and should be back here and up to no good in three days. Oh, this was left for you with instructions to leave it alone until you awoke."
The doctor reached under JahelaJ's pillow and pulled out a satchel. He handed it to JahelaJ and asked if she had any questions about what was going to happen.
"No, Doc. Thanks for everything."
The doctor left and the orderly entered. He straightened her up and ordered her some food. Before he left, JahelaJ asked him to get look.
JahelaJ opened the satchel and removed the two gleaming daggers. Made of yellow gold and xith, they seemed to glow. The ornate, jewel-encrusted handles were a work of art but the balance and strength of the blades indicated that a master had made the weapons. JahelaJ re-wrapped the blades in the satchel and silently thanked Everson for everything.
look came in and looked like death-warmed-over. JahelaJ could tell he'd been drinking heavily but he also had a sorrowful look on his face.
"JahelaJ, I didn't know... you could have killed yourself going off like that."
"No worries, look. I'm fine now and I'm going to get better." She raised her hand and caressed look's cheek. "You need to stop being so protective of me. You're going to kill yourself with so much guilt."
A sheepish grin crossed look's face.
"look, you need to get these to the lab and let MR know they are there. Put my kit there too until I get back."
She handed look the satchel and pointed to a table in the corner. look grabbed the kit and turned back to JahelaJ.
"Really good to have you back, kid."
After look left, JahelaJ took stock of her plight and drifted off to sleep.
"Glad to see you're awake. I've got some bad news. The scans we just did found a tumor behind your left eye. It's detached the optic nerve. We are sending you to a Serco specialist to correct the problem."
"Shit."
"Don't worry, JahelaJ, your situation is not as bad as you think. We've stopped the tumor growth and Professor toshiro himself will be performing the surgery and equipping you with a new eye."
"How long before I go?"
"You'll be leaving tomorrow and should be back here and up to no good in three days. Oh, this was left for you with instructions to leave it alone until you awoke."
The doctor reached under JahelaJ's pillow and pulled out a satchel. He handed it to JahelaJ and asked if she had any questions about what was going to happen.
"No, Doc. Thanks for everything."
The doctor left and the orderly entered. He straightened her up and ordered her some food. Before he left, JahelaJ asked him to get look.
JahelaJ opened the satchel and removed the two gleaming daggers. Made of yellow gold and xith, they seemed to glow. The ornate, jewel-encrusted handles were a work of art but the balance and strength of the blades indicated that a master had made the weapons. JahelaJ re-wrapped the blades in the satchel and silently thanked Everson for everything.
look came in and looked like death-warmed-over. JahelaJ could tell he'd been drinking heavily but he also had a sorrowful look on his face.
"JahelaJ, I didn't know... you could have killed yourself going off like that."
"No worries, look. I'm fine now and I'm going to get better." She raised her hand and caressed look's cheek. "You need to stop being so protective of me. You're going to kill yourself with so much guilt."
A sheepish grin crossed look's face.
"look, you need to get these to the lab and let MR know they are there. Put my kit there too until I get back."
She handed look the satchel and pointed to a table in the corner. look grabbed the kit and turned back to JahelaJ.
"Really good to have you back, kid."
After look left, JahelaJ took stock of her plight and drifted off to sleep.
"I need to get going. Knowing you, Jasmine won't need my help."
Mystic watched as he left, a bit bewildered by his appearance, yet comforted by the news he had shared. JJ was alive and safe in Latos, Jasmine was lying here, safe for the most part, yet the message she had received had one dead and no mention of the other. Just what did ITAN and specifically iry have up their sleeve she wondered.
The nurse came in to check on Jasmine a bit later and informed Mystic that she was much more stable, and would be able to be moved as soon as the interview was done.
“Any idea how long they are going to be? I would really like to get her home soon.”
“I'm sure they will be here soon, we can't rush them you know”
“Maybe YOU can't, but considering that Jasmine is not being held legally for anything, we are hanging around as a courtesy, and it seems rude for even ITAN to prolong the situation.” Mystic stated.
“I will pass along your eagerness to be off Commander” This nurse was not as friendly as the earlier ones, which made Mystic suspicious. It would not surprise her if she wasn't a nurse, or at the very least one on someone's payroll. Then again, to be fair, she could just be having a bad day or any number of things.
Once the nurse left, Jasmine spoke up. “Commander? Whats going on?”
“Nothing for you to worry about Jas, I'm just trying to hurry ITAN along so we can get you home, I do have some good news though,” she lowered her voice and leaned closer “ JJ is alive....and in our infirmary right this minute”
“How?...”
“Shh, just relax..Everson brought me the news while you were sleeping, now all we have to do is get you out of here. “
“What is taking them so long?”
“Who knows my friend, who knows...”
They both grew quiet, each to their own thoughts as they continued to wait...
Mystic watched as he left, a bit bewildered by his appearance, yet comforted by the news he had shared. JJ was alive and safe in Latos, Jasmine was lying here, safe for the most part, yet the message she had received had one dead and no mention of the other. Just what did ITAN and specifically iry have up their sleeve she wondered.
The nurse came in to check on Jasmine a bit later and informed Mystic that she was much more stable, and would be able to be moved as soon as the interview was done.
“Any idea how long they are going to be? I would really like to get her home soon.”
“I'm sure they will be here soon, we can't rush them you know”
“Maybe YOU can't, but considering that Jasmine is not being held legally for anything, we are hanging around as a courtesy, and it seems rude for even ITAN to prolong the situation.” Mystic stated.
“I will pass along your eagerness to be off Commander” This nurse was not as friendly as the earlier ones, which made Mystic suspicious. It would not surprise her if she wasn't a nurse, or at the very least one on someone's payroll. Then again, to be fair, she could just be having a bad day or any number of things.
Once the nurse left, Jasmine spoke up. “Commander? Whats going on?”
“Nothing for you to worry about Jas, I'm just trying to hurry ITAN along so we can get you home, I do have some good news though,” she lowered her voice and leaned closer “ JJ is alive....and in our infirmary right this minute”
“How?...”
“Shh, just relax..Everson brought me the news while you were sleeping, now all we have to do is get you out of here. “
“What is taking them so long?”
“Who knows my friend, who knows...”
They both grew quiet, each to their own thoughts as they continued to wait...
Meanwhile in CLM's HQ...
Shar strolls up and down the empty hallways, drawing lines and weird figures out of boredom on the walls. Messing around with the PA system, rolling down ramps on the commander's million credit chair, making prank calls to the VPRs emergency comm channel, and jumping on everybody's beds.
Finally, he decides to resume his project of painting a large painting of the Sistine chapel on the main command room's ceiling using food, tooth paste, and Mystic's makeup.
Sighing every now and then, wondering:
"Da hell is everybody??"
Shar strolls up and down the empty hallways, drawing lines and weird figures out of boredom on the walls. Messing around with the PA system, rolling down ramps on the commander's million credit chair, making prank calls to the VPRs emergency comm channel, and jumping on everybody's beds.
Finally, he decides to resume his project of painting a large painting of the Sistine chapel on the main command room's ceiling using food, tooth paste, and Mystic's makeup.
Sighing every now and then, wondering:
"Da hell is everybody??"
OOC stuff in ' s are in my head, stuff in " s are dialog. /OOC
I grabbed the satchel and wished JJ good luck recovering as I headed for my ship. After a good 20 minutes of stumbling around I found it, or at least it was close enough. Ignoring some guy with a wrench I climbed into the cockpit only to find the seat was gone, 'oh well, I've flown worse' I said to myself. I slammed the canopy down and boosted out of the dock in something that didn't really fly too good and made my way back to HQ in the half assembled hog, or maybe it was a hornet or something.
Once I arrived at HQ I noticed my new hire mechanic scrubbing the walls with a portable sander, It kinda looked like cave drawings all over the place. "What the hell happened here?", the mechanic put down the sander, "Shar is making a god awful mess, can ya go kick his ass please?". I smiled and looked at the poor mechanic, covered in sanding, clearly numb from the vibration, "Go get some rest, let Mystic see it, then Shar will have to clean it up".
I left the mechanic to packing up his tools and made my way to the command post, admiring the doodles on the way, for a tin can he wasn't too bad, I recognized myself several times with prosthetic hands waving a shotgun and a can of beer around.
When I finally arrived at the command centre I could barley move, piles of crap everywhere, old canisters of freeze dried food, tubes of toothpaste and a pile of lipstick cases everywhere. And what did I see near the main control panel?, Shar standing atop two rocking chairs, a bucket, a barstool, and a box of junk all piled on mystics brand new hoverboy mk.IV. I grabbed a piece of debris and heaved it at Shar as he was trying to glue an orange to the ceiling with peanut butter. He hit the floor with a loud thud, followed by an avalanche of junk.
"What the hell was that for?". It was all I could do to keep from belting him right there, "Do you have a clue how pissed Mystic will be when she sees this? JJ and Jasmine are in intensive care, I come down here to make sure everything is okay and you're painting the fucking ceiling with fruit and lipstick, not to mention you've poked holes in a custom built chair."
After a minute he seemed to recover from the verbal lashing, "So I should clean this up now?", 'deep breaths, he's not the enemy', "get the pressure washer and the sandblaster from my quarters. Run this ceiling down with the washer, everything else use the blaster, then hire some people to help vacuum it all up. If you're lucky you'll be done before Mystic gets here, and I won't say anything"
With that I brushed the crap off the punctured chair and proceeded to check the status of all active CLM pilots.
I grabbed the satchel and wished JJ good luck recovering as I headed for my ship. After a good 20 minutes of stumbling around I found it, or at least it was close enough. Ignoring some guy with a wrench I climbed into the cockpit only to find the seat was gone, 'oh well, I've flown worse' I said to myself. I slammed the canopy down and boosted out of the dock in something that didn't really fly too good and made my way back to HQ in the half assembled hog, or maybe it was a hornet or something.
Once I arrived at HQ I noticed my new hire mechanic scrubbing the walls with a portable sander, It kinda looked like cave drawings all over the place. "What the hell happened here?", the mechanic put down the sander, "Shar is making a god awful mess, can ya go kick his ass please?". I smiled and looked at the poor mechanic, covered in sanding, clearly numb from the vibration, "Go get some rest, let Mystic see it, then Shar will have to clean it up".
I left the mechanic to packing up his tools and made my way to the command post, admiring the doodles on the way, for a tin can he wasn't too bad, I recognized myself several times with prosthetic hands waving a shotgun and a can of beer around.
When I finally arrived at the command centre I could barley move, piles of crap everywhere, old canisters of freeze dried food, tubes of toothpaste and a pile of lipstick cases everywhere. And what did I see near the main control panel?, Shar standing atop two rocking chairs, a bucket, a barstool, and a box of junk all piled on mystics brand new hoverboy mk.IV. I grabbed a piece of debris and heaved it at Shar as he was trying to glue an orange to the ceiling with peanut butter. He hit the floor with a loud thud, followed by an avalanche of junk.
"What the hell was that for?". It was all I could do to keep from belting him right there, "Do you have a clue how pissed Mystic will be when she sees this? JJ and Jasmine are in intensive care, I come down here to make sure everything is okay and you're painting the fucking ceiling with fruit and lipstick, not to mention you've poked holes in a custom built chair."
After a minute he seemed to recover from the verbal lashing, "So I should clean this up now?", 'deep breaths, he's not the enemy', "get the pressure washer and the sandblaster from my quarters. Run this ceiling down with the washer, everything else use the blaster, then hire some people to help vacuum it all up. If you're lucky you'll be done before Mystic gets here, and I won't say anything"
With that I brushed the crap off the punctured chair and proceeded to check the status of all active CLM pilots.
“In my hospital room? Is that even allowed?” Jasmine looked perplexed.
“Well I'm not up on Itani law, but I would assume that it wouldn't be exactly legit, but with ITAN, they could probably bypass any regulation somehow, by claiming you were an enemy of the nation or whatever.”
“I'm not an enemy, I just haven't done anything to help my standing here. I have always spent most of my time in UIT, until I joined CLM. As for anything about the globe, I don't know anything of any importance..JJ did all the research and she is....” her voice broke a bit and Mystic hugged her briefly.
“Just tell them exactly that, and nothing more, now you just lie back and relax, I'm not leaving your side”
“I am very tired,”she said lying back against the pillows, still gripping Mystic's hand as she drifted off. Mystic sat just where she was, never letting go of her pilots hand, waiting.
“ITAN you have cost us a lot...”
"I see..." Iry mused.
He glanced at the wall chrono, Elbryon was certainly taking his time. but that'd have to wait there would be no way to tell how much longer Jasmine would remain on the station now that Mystic had the medical staff catering to her whims. Iry closed the recording and brought up a sizable list of forms. After a quick scan he began to mark several into a download queue. Satisfied, iry loaded them into a blank datapad and made his way back to the hospital level just in time to see Everson leaving through a lift and Elbryon entering through it.
Iry entered the room and strode over to Mystic.
"It would serve you well to learn some humility Ms. Rogue, or perhaps next time I should consider returning the favor pilots from your organization so kindly paid a certain Itani senator. Here." Iry held out the data pad to Mystic.
"If you want your pilot back you'll need to fill that out, and for future reference. All critical care wards are monitored." Iry pointed out the surveillance strips embedded in the walls while motioning for Elbyron to come inside.
“Well I'm not up on Itani law, but I would assume that it wouldn't be exactly legit, but with ITAN, they could probably bypass any regulation somehow, by claiming you were an enemy of the nation or whatever.”
“I'm not an enemy, I just haven't done anything to help my standing here. I have always spent most of my time in UIT, until I joined CLM. As for anything about the globe, I don't know anything of any importance..JJ did all the research and she is....” her voice broke a bit and Mystic hugged her briefly.
“Just tell them exactly that, and nothing more, now you just lie back and relax, I'm not leaving your side”
“I am very tired,”she said lying back against the pillows, still gripping Mystic's hand as she drifted off. Mystic sat just where she was, never letting go of her pilots hand, waiting.
“ITAN you have cost us a lot...”
"I see..." Iry mused.
He glanced at the wall chrono, Elbryon was certainly taking his time. but that'd have to wait there would be no way to tell how much longer Jasmine would remain on the station now that Mystic had the medical staff catering to her whims. Iry closed the recording and brought up a sizable list of forms. After a quick scan he began to mark several into a download queue. Satisfied, iry loaded them into a blank datapad and made his way back to the hospital level just in time to see Everson leaving through a lift and Elbryon entering through it.
Iry entered the room and strode over to Mystic.
"It would serve you well to learn some humility Ms. Rogue, or perhaps next time I should consider returning the favor pilots from your organization so kindly paid a certain Itani senator. Here." Iry held out the data pad to Mystic.
"If you want your pilot back you'll need to fill that out, and for future reference. All critical care wards are monitored." Iry pointed out the surveillance strips embedded in the walls while motioning for Elbyron to come inside.