Chapter Five

[maderr]

Chapter Five

Merchant class star ship 00061225, the dragonfly


"This is a bad idea, Captain."

Einn didn't bother to look up from the papers he was reading, "So you've said, Lark. Over and over and over again."

"It bears repeating!" Faller snapped. "Just because you've got your balls on the man doesn't mean it's a good idea to be carting him all around the stars."

Standing, Einn narrowed his eyes as he glared back. "Watch it. I might have a personal interest, but I'm not going to put it before my crew and ship. I'm far more interested in the million points he just tossed us. Unless you want to remain the tool of that IG scum."

"You know I don't," Faller grit his teeth. "But I don't think kidnapping Cyan Alexander is going to help us at all."

Einn started, "How the hell did you know?"

"I'm not stupid," was all Faller said. "It's in my bets interests - the crew's best interests - to know who exactly can afford to hire us to kidnap him."

In a flash, Einn had reached across his desk to fist his hand in Faller's shirt, dragging the man roughly across the desk. "You better hope to whatever gods you believe in that you're not playing more than one side. Did you contact him?"

Faller just glared mutinously. "Let me go, Captain. I haven't told anyone anything. This is your idiotic game to play. I'm just letting you know that it's a bad idea. Beyond that, your crew doesn't like playing host to a fucking Rehaber." He brushed himself off as Einn finally let him go. "I would almost say it's better to just blow off our stops and just light to Kreska, then double back."

"That'll look suspicious," Einn dropped back into his seat, expression still pissed. "So far our esteemed 'boss' hasn't seen fit to contact me. And I don't plan on contacting him." He glanced at Faller, "He probably thinks we either fucked up or are trying to mess with him. Either way, I'm sure we'll be getting bitched at shortly. All the more reason we should just stay our course - first we dispose of the haul, then the drop off, then we meander our way to Kreska."

"Fine." Faller turned to leave, "Just make sure you don't get too distracted. Things fall apart when the Captain stops doing his job."

"And when the hell have I ever failed to do my job because of a lover or possible lover? I don't think I'm the one that we need to worry about."

Faller whipped around, "And just what is that supposed to mean?"

"It means exactly what you think it means. Unless you always spar with someone who represents a group you've spent a lifetime hating. Don't know what to do with one who turns out not to be a cretin?"

"You're pulling things out of the air, Einn." Faller turned away in disgust, once more attempting to leave. "Maybe I'm just tired of fighting myself. Stars know the rest of you can't fight worth shit without some sort of firearm or magics."

Einn laughed, "Yeah, yeah. Why am I not surprised it's two humans who are obsessed with beating each other for no other reason than to beat each other? Humans make no sense."

"Just because you're too frail to take a beating doesn't mean the rest of us are strange."

"Frail? Che - try and break me, go ahead. I guarantee falling off a cliff is a lot more painful than anything you can muster."

Faller snorted, opening the door and stepping outside. "We'll just see sometime, Captain. Finish reading those inventory lists before we arrive at Bangkok."

"Just who exactly is the captain here?" Einn grumbled as he reached for the papers he'd tossed aside earlier.

An hour or so later, notes and signature given to the list, he rose and stretched and went in search of his first mate once more. Leisurely he made his way to the bridge.

"Faller, here are the reports." He paused, taking in the displeasure on the faces of his crew. He looked to Faller, "What's wrong?"

"We were just about to call you," his first mate replied. "We might have some minor trouble coming up."

"Oh?" Einn frowned at moved to take his seat overlooking the bridge. He looked briefly at Cyan, who stood quietly nearby, asking silently why he was on the bridge. Usually the Guard kept to his room and the exercise chamber.

Cyan shrugged, "I was bored. Thought I'd find someone to talk to."

"Mmm…" Einn replied, then shifted all of his attention to the problem at hand. "So what are the details, Faller?"

"There's a merchant-class vessel about thirty clicks away. They say they're having engine trouble and require assistance. I told them I awaiting orders from you before responding. Seems reasonable enough, but…"

"But."

"We're only about seventy two hours from Bangkok. An emergency ping should have been able to reach the planet…they say their equipment is too old for a ping that strong, which is feasible. It's an older model ship," Faller shrugged, "and often no one wants to waste money on equipment they don't think they'll ever have to use."

"Mmm…"

"You think it's a trap?" Cyan asked. "But why would anyone be here searching for you?"

"They're not searching for us," Einn corrected. "They're searching for ships to raid. They're pirates. And they don't recognize us as the same." He and his crew grinned, "Which means we're doing all right, aren't we men?"

Cyan ignored the gloating, "I though pirates attacked larger vessels. What's the point in attacking another merchant-class ship?"

Faller spoke before Einn could, "I don't think how we operate is any of your business, Rehaber."

"Maybe I can help."

"What could you possibly do to help us?"

Cyan frowned, "In case you've forgotten, I've at least as much interest as the rest of you in making sure we complete the journey. And I have knowledge and the like that you don't."

"Such as?"

"Such as the codes and clearances you need to escape suspicion and attack."

Einn quirked a brow at that, "What do you mean?" He motioned Faller to silence, "But first, to answer your earlier question. We're traveling as actual merchants; most of the goods on our ship are just for show. So if we're stopped and inspected - no one is the wiser. It's a fairly common way of transporting our stolen goods."

"As to the ship out there - that's a rather common trick with vessels like ours. As Faller said, the ship's story is plausible - it's genuinely happened. And when an honest, upstanding merchant such as we're pretending to be stops to help the unfortunates it's rather an easy raid to make. Much easier than attacking the sorts of vessels we attack. Often merchants double as private transports for goods, hired by wealthy clients who don't want to shell out twice that for an armed ship of their own."

"I see. But can't you just somehow signal that your pirates yourselves?"

"No," Faller answered sourly, obviously angry with Einn. "Because they could just as easily be authorities out for a day of pirate fishing. Which is our main concern. If we just ignore them, either their pirates and they'll attack us anyway, or they're authorities who will be immediately suspicious."

"So how do normal pirates deal with such a dilemna?"

"They travel well armed," Einn said dryly. "There's no real good way to avoid this kind of trap once the distress call reaches you."

Cyan grinned, "So all you need is a good reason for not stopping, right? Something that would warn off pirates and authorities alike?"

"Yes…" Einn said. He and Faller both eyed Cyan, frowning. "What are you thinking?"

"Well - Faller hasn't given any reply yet. I came up here just a few minutes before all this started. So - I had an idea."

"Which would be?"

"Tell them that you can't stop because you're on a priority mission, on route to 3175, Facility 3.5, Priority Code 4114-7518." He laughed at the confusion on the faces in the room.

"Mind explaining what you want us to say. I'm not familiar with any of those numbers except 3175 - that's the small Rehab center in this area.

Cyan smirked, "Facility 3.5 is a lot like 6.0 on my Rehab. The code means you're transporting a particularly dangerous criminal - and it's not a code that just anyone would know or use carelessly."

"That'll keep pirates and authorities from us?" Faller asked.

Einn was looking pleased, "Yeah, it will. Because authorities will recognize the codes and let us pass. Pirates will at least recognize the 3175, like we did, and most likely opt not to mess with us on the chance that authorities are aboard." He motioned to Faller. "Do it."

"Aye, Captain." Faller grumbled and then hit a button on the consul he stood beside. "This is the Serpent, Crystal do you read?"

"This is Crystal," a nasally voice responded. "You're nearly in range, Serpent. Care to give us a hand?"

"That's a negative, Crystal. We're currently on a priority mission en route to 3175, Facility 3.5. Priority Code 4114-7518. We are unable to come to your assistance."

"Understood, Serpent."

"We'll send help once we've landed."

A slight pause, as if the other ship had not expected the offer. "That would be appreciated, Serpent."

"Understood. Over and out."

Einn exchanged a look with his first mate, "Keep alert until we're well away."

"Aye, Captain." Faller turned away to give orders to the bridge.

Reaching out a long, thin arm, Einn latched onto Cyan's wrist before he could think to move away. In one swift, smooth motion he jerked the Guard down until he was half sprawled across Einn's chair. He used his free hand to hold Cyan's head in place, and leaned in to kiss him hard, briefly, before letting go and laughing at the sputtered curses that resulted. "Thanks for the help, Rehaber. Ever consider taking up piracy?" Einn winked, "I could offer you a position."

"I want nothing to do with any position you're interested in offering me."

Einn just laughed harder, ignoring the glares shot him by both Cyan and Faller.

Cyan looked to Faller, "You called this ship the Serpent. I thought this was the Dragonfly?"

Faller regarded him in silence a moment. "We have five different 'personae' for our ship. The Dragonfly is its real name, but thanks to certain members of our crew, we can make it look like any of four other ships, all of them registered as legitimate merchant or freelance vessels. Seldom will you actually see us fly as the Dragonfly.

"I see. That's pretty impressive. Is it a common practice with pirates?"

The red-skinned human shrugged off the compliment. "No. It's too expensive to create the type of high-quality holo-skins we need to generate four different kinds of ships."

"So how do you afford it?"

"Now, now," Einn interrupted. "We're already telling a Rehaber far more than we should. Suffice to say we're damn good at what we do."

"Right," Cyan said. He looked at Einn, "You know I wouldn't ever say a word about any of this. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't. I'll be in bigger trouble than you if anyone finds out I paid pirates to kidnap me and carry me to quadrant three."

"All the same," Einn said. "You already know plenty to hurt us, and one never knows what will drive a person to reveal his secrets." He stood, running his fingers through Cyan's hair before he moved away. "Though if you ask real nicely, I would be tempted."

Cyan rolled his eyes, "I'm going back to my room."

"Oh, good. I was just leaving, I'll escort you." Einn grinned and dropped his arm around his shoulders, guiding him out of the room. "You're in charge, Faller. Call me immediately if trouble arises."

"Aye, Captain." Faller said flatly, taking the seat Einn had just vacated. He watched them depart with a carefully blank expression, then turned his attention to running the bridge.

"Get your arm off me," Cyan said as they walked through the halls.

"No."

Cyan came to a sudden halt and jerked away. "What are you playing at?"

"Isn't it obvious by this point."

"All too obvious, and I'm getting sick of telling you no."

"Good, because I'm getting sick of hearing it. Why don't you try 'yes' instead."

"No." Annoyance appeared on Cyan's face. "Maybe this whole venture is just a game to you, but it's not to me. I have bigger things to worry about right now - I've no time for a relationship - fling or otherwise. And I'm not sure I'd be interested anyway."

Einn looked torn between amusement and irritation. "That was harsh."

"It was true. What am I supposed to think? Do you always go after people you barely know like this? It's obnoxious."

"I don't have a lot of free time for long, drawn out games. If I want to get anywhere, it's best to just skip them. That doesn't mean my interest is any less sincere."

Cyan scoffed, "Whatever. I fail to see what you find interesting - besides possibly the money."

"Oh, make no mistake. I like the money fine. But I'm more interested in a Guard who'd blithely break the law and hand over large sums of money to pirates just for transport to a rather boring planet."

"Che," Cyan replied. "I think you just jump at anything new."

"Hardly. I'm a pirate; we're notoriously picky about everything. No point in going after the cheap stuff - only the best will do."

Cyan rolled his eyes. "Whatever."

"Do you really find me that unappealing?" Einn asked tiredly. "I don't see what you're so hung up about."

"I don't date criminals, and I don't do flings."

"And no Fornarians, because of the whole fling thing." Einn was unimpressed. "I’m not sure where a Rehaber gets off thinking he can demand permancy from anyone."

Cyan narrowed his eyes, "What is that supposed to mean?"

Einn stared back, "Try and tell me it isn't true. Guards are even harder to date than star travelers. At least you might see us once in a while. You damn Rehabers spend every waking moment on that stupid planet. One piece of every Term you leave it for more than a day or two?"

"You've dated a Guard before."

"No," Einn replied. "But a friend did - a noncriminal friend. It wasn't a very fun relationship, in the end. So I really don't know where you get off being all high and fucking mighty."

"I don't really care what you think. I don't do flings, even if a relationship is hard to manage." Cyan turned away, "And really, you keep overlooking the fact that I'm a Guard and you're a pirate. Maybe right here and now it doesn't matter, but it will later." He turned to look over his shoulder when Einn grabbed his arm, unprotesting but with a warning glint in his eye. "There's no point in starting something that's only going to end in a very short time."

Einn relaxed his grip some, but didn't let go. "Don't you know how to play, Rehab?"

"My name is not Rehab," Cyan snapped. "Use my name or stop speaking to me."

That made the captain pause. "I wasn't aware we were on a first name basis. Fine. Cyan - don't you play?"

"No, I don't."

"That's a pity. Because this is the perfect chance, wouldn't you say?"

"I don't follow."

Einn tugged him a bit closer, quietly pleased when Cyan didn't protest but went along with it. "So in the end I'm a pirate, and you're a guard. But right now we're neither of those. You're just a passenger, I'm just the Captain. And all those problems you keep fretting about can't be taken care of until you reach Kreska. Instead of moping and hiding and picking fights with Faller - okay, keep picking fights with Faller - why not try having some fun? It won't kill you or anyone else."

Cyan shook his head and pulled away. "No," he said. "I won't take risks like that."

"Risks like what?"

"Like getting attached. Maybe it's easy for you to just brush me aside and forget when this is all over, but it's not that easy for me. I think I'll just stay in my cabin. Good day, Captain."

Einn watched him go in silence, then turned and stalked to his own quarters.

Comments

[rykaine.livejournal.com]

You already know I approve this one, but once again, I absolutely enjoyed it. Cyan and Einn just make my day.

I never did give you a grammar check. But you mentioned before that you weren't supposed to do that, so I've been trying to hold myself off from it. Give me the word though, and I'll pick it up again.

Once again though--[heart].

heh guess I'm not drunk enough yet if I can still type coherently. More brandy, then.

Lush

[maderr.livejournal.com]

And yeah - like I told Ki - no point in correcting stuff when I'm already making notes on what needs changed, elaborated on, etc etc. I'll send you guys the full version at some point and you can destroy that.

Re: Lush

[rykaine.livejournal.com]

I'll pretend to understand. But I've just half a bottle of Brandy, not certain it's getting through...

forvie me?

Re: Lush

[maderr.livejournal.com]

*cracks up* And there went the typing.

Re: Lush

[rykaine.livejournal.com]

my typing did not 'wnt'

stop being mean

Re: Lush

[maderr.livejournal.com]

Dude, you're typing is going the way of the titanic.

NO XP

Re: Lush

[rykaine.livejournal.com]

is not

Re: Lush

[rykaine.livejournal.com]

am perfedly ochrent to type. waht arey ou taking about?

[kiyoshi-chan.livejournal.com]

Cyan and Einn are way too cool. *pets them*

I didn't do a beta-check, since my brain is a bit fuzzy at the mo. >_o;

Grammar Nazi-ing, part da fifth

[tygati.livejournal.com]

"It's in my bets interests - the crew's best interests

bets = best

I would almost say it's better to just blow off our stops and just light to Kreska

just/just. Lose one of them. :)

"Oh?" Einn frowned at moved to take his seat overlooking the bridge.

frowned at whom? Or was that supposed to be 'and'?

But can't you just somehow signal that your pirates yourselves?"

your = you're

If we just ignore them, either their pirates and they'll attack

their = they're

"Isn't it obvious by this point."

Question mark

Instead of moping and hiding and picking fights with Faller - okay, keep picking fights with Faller

^_________^ I just like this sentence. *beam*

>.> And I still want the master copy of this. -.-

Re: Grammar Nazi-ing, part da fifth

[maderr.livejournal.com]

Master copy? As in print? I'm actually editing this, prisoner, and planning on a few more things to finally do lulu come january or thereabouts. I'm really and truly sick of dithering, and I don't think Iris is ever going to tell me yay/nay for Sandstorm (which is also on the list).

So I'm happy to have someone helping me edit. It's hard to find time to do it, though I know *I* should do it and not make someone else.

Re: Grammar Nazi-ing, part da fifth

[tygati.livejournal.com]

Pfft. You simply took advantage of the fact that I was gonna read it again anyway. ;)

Yay! Hardcopies! *victory dance* Things to make you autograph! *beam*