Chapter Thirteen
Nov. 13th, 2004 10:28 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
maderrHee hee!
Chapter Thirteen
Planet 1185911-3554 (moon of kreska), private settlement
"So no one has any idea why they just kidnapped Cyan." Sean raked his hands through his hair, frustrated. "I can guess why they want us," he looked at Mendel. "But I don't understand why Jade wants his own brother."
Einn motioned impatiently, "It doesn't matter. The point is that they took him. We have to get him back."
"We will. But we certainly can't go anywhere right now." Sean looked at him. "We have to wait for Summer, at the very least. And we also need more information than we currently have. I no longer have any idea what game we're playing. Gods, this is turning into a mess."
Mendel pulled Sean closer, stroking and soothing him. "We'll figure it out."
"What exactly is it you guys are doing?" Faller asked, looking around their office, which was filled with all manner of equipment and files.
Sean and Mendel were silent a moment.
"You've brought us this far," Einn said. "And whatever you're doing has to do with why my crew mutinied and Cyan was kidnapped."
Sighing, Sean nodded and began to explain. Einn and Faller remained silent as he spoke, faces stern as they absorbed all he said.
"I still don't get what Alexander has to do with this."
Mendel shrugged, "Neither do we. Winter mentioned once that he suspected him of some involvement, but he couldn't figure out what. And really - we have no evidence that whatever Alexander is up to involves the Draconis."
"But unless he was after the prestige from finding you - a trifling thing for a Lower Chancellor - he wouldn't seem to have any other reason," Faller pointed out.
"I don't know," Sean bit out. "I just don't. I thought everything was going so well and then Alexander just pulls the rug out from under our feet."
"I think I get what you're saying," Einn said. "But really I don't give a damn about the motives. Cyan's in danger - we have to save him."
Mendel looked at him, "We can't do anything until Summer gets here, as we've already said. He's your only hope of interstellar transport - and the only one that can go into the Infinitum territory without suspicion."
"Assuming that's where they took him," Einn said. He was sitting at a small table in the office that had been cleared of the stuff piled on it. Spread out before him were the pieces of Cyan's stunner, which he was slowly cleaning and repairing, using his own stunner for parts. He frowned at the charger, "What the hell? This sort of thing is illegal."
Sean looked amused, "Not for Rehab Guards, and Cy never settled for less than the best of anything when it came to his weapons."
"A normal charger won't work with his Stunner…"
"Hang on a minute, I've got a spare that'll work."
Mendel seemed as amused as his partner, "How is it you two found us?"
"We managed to track down Cyan by asking around. Lost the trail for a bit, but then we saw Val and eventually managed to pick it back up. Too little, too late - and remind me to start checking for his goddamn blasters whenever I see him. That's twice now the bastard has done that to me."
Sean returned with the charger, and Einn rapidly finished reconstructing Cyan's stunner. He tucked it into his own holster, then sat back and brought one knee up to tuck under his chin. "So who's this Summer we're waiting for?"
"One very pissed off individual," Sean said dryly. "He doesn't like to interact with the living world more than absolutely necessary. If it wasn’t for the fact that he has no damn choice in the matter, he wouldn't be coming."
"Sounds charming."
"I'm not sure we can afford to be picky," Faller reminded him. "So what is the plan?"
Sean's brows rose, "First I want to know once and for all that you two are solid. I don't feel like getting stabbed in the back later."
"He's fretting nonstop because his lover's really been kidnapped, after said lover slugged him and said riddance, and you doubt our sincerity."
"Faller," Einn glared blackly at his friend. "I hate you."
Sean and Mendel slowly recovered from their laughter. "So why did you work for Jade?"
"It's a long, boring story about being young, stupid, and desperate," Einn said shortly. "It's not worth hearing. It's enough to know that for the past seven years or so we've been attempting to pay off a loan that he increases for whatever penalty he pretends we've committed. Occasionally we've paid it back by way of information or certain items."
"And what does he hold over you, that you'd endure such a thing?"
"Besides our identities? That's plenty; believe me. The shit he could pin on us, we accepted a long time ago we were probably going to be his slaves for life. Until we could figure a way out of it. Guess it's not my problem anymore - at least until Alexander realizes my crew didn't kill us."
Sean stood and moved to his own computers, "Enough. I'm convinced." He slid a vaguely amused glance toward Einn, "Though you'll have to do a lot more than that before Cyan will forgive you."
"I highly doubt forgiveness is forthcoming," Einn said heavily. "It's not like I really deserve it."
Mendel looked thoughtful, "I don't know…he did save you from the Temperast."
One of Sean's screens flicked on, "This is the Brilliant. Approaching 1-3554. Confirming clearance for landing."
"You're cleared for landing, Brilliance."
"Understood. ETA five minutes."
Sean smiled, "Shall we go to the landing bay?"
"That was a weird voice. A talking ship?"
"Something like that," Sean said with another smile. "This way." He led them down a long hallway out into a massive hangar. A few minutes later what looked like a petite version of a merchant-class ship glided gracefully into the it. The doors of the hangar slid shut behind it almost soundlessly.
"What in the hell kind of ship is that?" Faller examined it, fascinated. "It's too small to be of much use for transport. It looks like it couldn't even hold the crew needed to pilot it."
A small door on the side slide open, and a metal ramp extended out and down to the ground. Einn examined the figure as he reached the bottom and faced them all in a stony silence - because his delicate features were definitely shaped into an expression of severe displeasure. His features didn't like the expression much - he clearly would look ten times more amazing if he smiled. He looked much like Mendel, except that he had a great deal more scales and his skin matched them - creamy gold to match the slightly darker shade of the scales.
His eyes were the same color, as he turned his glare on the Fornarian.
And then all Einn knew was a searing pain in his head, bad enough to force him to his knees. Distantly he heard a pained cry similar to his own, followed a bit later by several extremely colorful curses. Eventually, he looked up to see the golden Draconis flaying Sean and Mendel alive.
"I'm going to kill you both. Do you hear me? This is why I stayed on my damned ship and away from the breathing! I didn't want this gods damn you all."
Mendel glared at him, usually gentle voice full of steel. "What were the chances? And it doesn't matter what you like or don't like - it's the natural thing for us, it was going to happen eventually. You can't hide in the stars forever."
"I was happy enough trying. Was I not working hard enough that you had to call me here and inflict me with a match?"
"What," Einn struggled to his feet, still wincing, and tried again. "What in the fuck was that?"
The new Draconis stared at him, his angry expression almost a pout. "We've matched."
"What?" Einn blinked and gaped. Turned to look at Mendel and Sean. "Oh, no. I've heard all about that shit. No fucking thank you. I don't need a damned battery following me around."
"You think I want to be your damned 'battery' rock-climber?" the Draconis spat in reply. "I was perfectly happy with no one that needed me to babysit them!"
"I don't need a damned babysitter!"
Faller quirked a brow, and looked at Sean and Mendel. He rolled his eyes, "So what exactly is all this? Someone explain it to me." He looked at Mendel, "You look like the most sensible one."
"Do you know much about Draconis?"
"Not really."
"Then I'll start at the beginning," Mendel replied, and proceeded to explain why the newly matched pair continued to bicker and ignore Sean's attempts at placating.
They grew quiet as he concluded his explanation. "At least it means I don't have to date him," Einn said with exaggerated relief. "I'm already sick of him."
"The feelings entirely mutual, Stick."
Einn shot him a warning glare.
"I think they both need a babysitter." Faller said with a huff of annoyance. "What a horrible fate, to be forced into a partnership that makes you both stronger. I mean, I can see the downsides, but really. This might make it a lot easier for you to save Cyan, you know."
That made Einn pause.
"I still don't see why I've been dragged into this. Rescue missions unrelated to the cause have nothing to do with recon work."
"No, but this rescue mission very much does have to do with the cause," Mendel said in that hard voice again. "And who knows what you'll find out, skulking around Alexander's private property."
Faller frowned, "We still have no real reason to think Alexander would have Cyan taken to his private residence - or even anywhere on Zero."
The Draconis snorted.
"Figure out something useful, Karmikel?" Mendel asked.
"Of course. I'm good at what I do, aren't I?" Karmikel scoffed, "Picked up the trail of a light-jumper leaving from the general vicinity of Kreska. Star Patrols recorded an arrival of ship # 00061225 by light-jump at the outskirts of Parthan approximately two hours later. The ship then continued on its course - to deliver a "special package" to the Lower Chancellor Jade Alexander, who authorized a light-jump."
"Rather bold of him." Faller said.
"The best way to hide is out in the open," Karmikel said. "The Masters estimate we could be there in three days if we use the short jump gates -though it'll cost."
Sean waved the concern away, "I'll take care of the cost." He led the way back inside, "Now - let's get to work on a plan."
Chapter Thirteen
Planet 1185911-3554 (moon of kreska), private settlement
"So no one has any idea why they just kidnapped Cyan." Sean raked his hands through his hair, frustrated. "I can guess why they want us," he looked at Mendel. "But I don't understand why Jade wants his own brother."
Einn motioned impatiently, "It doesn't matter. The point is that they took him. We have to get him back."
"We will. But we certainly can't go anywhere right now." Sean looked at him. "We have to wait for Summer, at the very least. And we also need more information than we currently have. I no longer have any idea what game we're playing. Gods, this is turning into a mess."
Mendel pulled Sean closer, stroking and soothing him. "We'll figure it out."
"What exactly is it you guys are doing?" Faller asked, looking around their office, which was filled with all manner of equipment and files.
Sean and Mendel were silent a moment.
"You've brought us this far," Einn said. "And whatever you're doing has to do with why my crew mutinied and Cyan was kidnapped."
Sighing, Sean nodded and began to explain. Einn and Faller remained silent as he spoke, faces stern as they absorbed all he said.
"I still don't get what Alexander has to do with this."
Mendel shrugged, "Neither do we. Winter mentioned once that he suspected him of some involvement, but he couldn't figure out what. And really - we have no evidence that whatever Alexander is up to involves the Draconis."
"But unless he was after the prestige from finding you - a trifling thing for a Lower Chancellor - he wouldn't seem to have any other reason," Faller pointed out.
"I don't know," Sean bit out. "I just don't. I thought everything was going so well and then Alexander just pulls the rug out from under our feet."
"I think I get what you're saying," Einn said. "But really I don't give a damn about the motives. Cyan's in danger - we have to save him."
Mendel looked at him, "We can't do anything until Summer gets here, as we've already said. He's your only hope of interstellar transport - and the only one that can go into the Infinitum territory without suspicion."
"Assuming that's where they took him," Einn said. He was sitting at a small table in the office that had been cleared of the stuff piled on it. Spread out before him were the pieces of Cyan's stunner, which he was slowly cleaning and repairing, using his own stunner for parts. He frowned at the charger, "What the hell? This sort of thing is illegal."
Sean looked amused, "Not for Rehab Guards, and Cy never settled for less than the best of anything when it came to his weapons."
"A normal charger won't work with his Stunner…"
"Hang on a minute, I've got a spare that'll work."
Mendel seemed as amused as his partner, "How is it you two found us?"
"We managed to track down Cyan by asking around. Lost the trail for a bit, but then we saw Val and eventually managed to pick it back up. Too little, too late - and remind me to start checking for his goddamn blasters whenever I see him. That's twice now the bastard has done that to me."
Sean returned with the charger, and Einn rapidly finished reconstructing Cyan's stunner. He tucked it into his own holster, then sat back and brought one knee up to tuck under his chin. "So who's this Summer we're waiting for?"
"One very pissed off individual," Sean said dryly. "He doesn't like to interact with the living world more than absolutely necessary. If it wasn’t for the fact that he has no damn choice in the matter, he wouldn't be coming."
"Sounds charming."
"I'm not sure we can afford to be picky," Faller reminded him. "So what is the plan?"
Sean's brows rose, "First I want to know once and for all that you two are solid. I don't feel like getting stabbed in the back later."
"He's fretting nonstop because his lover's really been kidnapped, after said lover slugged him and said riddance, and you doubt our sincerity."
"Faller," Einn glared blackly at his friend. "I hate you."
Sean and Mendel slowly recovered from their laughter. "So why did you work for Jade?"
"It's a long, boring story about being young, stupid, and desperate," Einn said shortly. "It's not worth hearing. It's enough to know that for the past seven years or so we've been attempting to pay off a loan that he increases for whatever penalty he pretends we've committed. Occasionally we've paid it back by way of information or certain items."
"And what does he hold over you, that you'd endure such a thing?"
"Besides our identities? That's plenty; believe me. The shit he could pin on us, we accepted a long time ago we were probably going to be his slaves for life. Until we could figure a way out of it. Guess it's not my problem anymore - at least until Alexander realizes my crew didn't kill us."
Sean stood and moved to his own computers, "Enough. I'm convinced." He slid a vaguely amused glance toward Einn, "Though you'll have to do a lot more than that before Cyan will forgive you."
"I highly doubt forgiveness is forthcoming," Einn said heavily. "It's not like I really deserve it."
Mendel looked thoughtful, "I don't know…he did save you from the Temperast."
One of Sean's screens flicked on, "This is the Brilliant. Approaching 1-3554. Confirming clearance for landing."
"You're cleared for landing, Brilliance."
"Understood. ETA five minutes."
Sean smiled, "Shall we go to the landing bay?"
"That was a weird voice. A talking ship?"
"Something like that," Sean said with another smile. "This way." He led them down a long hallway out into a massive hangar. A few minutes later what looked like a petite version of a merchant-class ship glided gracefully into the it. The doors of the hangar slid shut behind it almost soundlessly.
"What in the hell kind of ship is that?" Faller examined it, fascinated. "It's too small to be of much use for transport. It looks like it couldn't even hold the crew needed to pilot it."
A small door on the side slide open, and a metal ramp extended out and down to the ground. Einn examined the figure as he reached the bottom and faced them all in a stony silence - because his delicate features were definitely shaped into an expression of severe displeasure. His features didn't like the expression much - he clearly would look ten times more amazing if he smiled. He looked much like Mendel, except that he had a great deal more scales and his skin matched them - creamy gold to match the slightly darker shade of the scales.
His eyes were the same color, as he turned his glare on the Fornarian.
And then all Einn knew was a searing pain in his head, bad enough to force him to his knees. Distantly he heard a pained cry similar to his own, followed a bit later by several extremely colorful curses. Eventually, he looked up to see the golden Draconis flaying Sean and Mendel alive.
"I'm going to kill you both. Do you hear me? This is why I stayed on my damned ship and away from the breathing! I didn't want this gods damn you all."
Mendel glared at him, usually gentle voice full of steel. "What were the chances? And it doesn't matter what you like or don't like - it's the natural thing for us, it was going to happen eventually. You can't hide in the stars forever."
"I was happy enough trying. Was I not working hard enough that you had to call me here and inflict me with a match?"
"What," Einn struggled to his feet, still wincing, and tried again. "What in the fuck was that?"
The new Draconis stared at him, his angry expression almost a pout. "We've matched."
"What?" Einn blinked and gaped. Turned to look at Mendel and Sean. "Oh, no. I've heard all about that shit. No fucking thank you. I don't need a damned battery following me around."
"You think I want to be your damned 'battery' rock-climber?" the Draconis spat in reply. "I was perfectly happy with no one that needed me to babysit them!"
"I don't need a damned babysitter!"
Faller quirked a brow, and looked at Sean and Mendel. He rolled his eyes, "So what exactly is all this? Someone explain it to me." He looked at Mendel, "You look like the most sensible one."
"Do you know much about Draconis?"
"Not really."
"Then I'll start at the beginning," Mendel replied, and proceeded to explain why the newly matched pair continued to bicker and ignore Sean's attempts at placating.
They grew quiet as he concluded his explanation. "At least it means I don't have to date him," Einn said with exaggerated relief. "I'm already sick of him."
"The feelings entirely mutual, Stick."
Einn shot him a warning glare.
"I think they both need a babysitter." Faller said with a huff of annoyance. "What a horrible fate, to be forced into a partnership that makes you both stronger. I mean, I can see the downsides, but really. This might make it a lot easier for you to save Cyan, you know."
That made Einn pause.
"I still don't see why I've been dragged into this. Rescue missions unrelated to the cause have nothing to do with recon work."
"No, but this rescue mission very much does have to do with the cause," Mendel said in that hard voice again. "And who knows what you'll find out, skulking around Alexander's private property."
Faller frowned, "We still have no real reason to think Alexander would have Cyan taken to his private residence - or even anywhere on Zero."
The Draconis snorted.
"Figure out something useful, Karmikel?" Mendel asked.
"Of course. I'm good at what I do, aren't I?" Karmikel scoffed, "Picked up the trail of a light-jumper leaving from the general vicinity of Kreska. Star Patrols recorded an arrival of ship # 00061225 by light-jump at the outskirts of Parthan approximately two hours later. The ship then continued on its course - to deliver a "special package" to the Lower Chancellor Jade Alexander, who authorized a light-jump."
"Rather bold of him." Faller said.
"The best way to hide is out in the open," Karmikel said. "The Masters estimate we could be there in three days if we use the short jump gates -though it'll cost."
Sean waved the concern away, "I'll take care of the cost." He led the way back inside, "Now - let's get to work on a plan."
no subject
Date: 2004-11-14 05:48 am (UTC)Oh, and I almost woke my entire house when I saw that Einn matched.
*love, love, love*
no subject
Date: 2004-11-16 04:48 pm (UTC)Heh. I'm glad the match went over well. I've been *dying* to write this part since I started the story.
no subject
Date: 2004-11-14 06:05 am (UTC)"stroking and soothing him" sounds a bit... ahem, pronographic. *wry* ;p
Sean looked amused, "Not for Rehab Guards, and Cy never settled for less than the best of anything when it came to his weapons."
Should that be a fullstop before the dialogue? (
(Again, not commenting on the stuff I pointed out previously...)
[/beta]
*huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuugs* I love this. <3 And mmm, more plot! I'm curious as to why Jade wants to get his hands on Cyan so badly though. *ponders* And Einn and Faller are just... FUUUUUUUN. Even more fun now. >D
no subject
Date: 2004-11-14 06:21 am (UTC)Should that be a fullstop before the dialogue?
A full stop probably would be better. Openings like that typically are written with a full stop before the quote.
no subject
Date: 2004-11-14 06:22 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-11-14 06:22 am (UTC)If you'd like, I can e-mail you my notes and such. But I got the impression you were more concerned with the flow and believability of it all...
[feels really bad now]
no subject
Date: 2004-11-14 03:22 pm (UTC)Flow and believability were my first concern. As much as I like grammar stuff pointed out, there's a good bet a lot of this will change once I start to go back and edit, so it's really a moot point until then.
no subject
Date: 2004-11-14 08:23 am (UTC)...
*doubles over*
Ha!! I can just see it now! This looks quite interesting... though I feel sorry that Einn and Faller were mutinied by their crew, but at least they weren't killed!
Ooh... Jade shows his claws? Or is this just the tip of the iceberg??
no subject
Date: 2004-11-16 04:50 pm (UTC)^_^ Einn and Karmikel are a trip. Wait until it's just them and Faller alone on K's ship - going to be a riot (if I write it well, anyway).
no subject
Date: 2004-11-14 03:31 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-11-14 05:58 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-11-15 01:08 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-11-14 06:47 pm (UTC)Cool! When are you going to be around?
no subject
Date: 2004-11-15 01:09 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-11-14 03:46 pm (UTC)I loved the way Jade figured in, and dude, I so did not see that coming. O_O You're amazing. *tackle glomps you* And now I'm really curious as to what Jade has in store for Cyan. I'm a bit worried for Winter. (<--Er, that was a bit random, but if he's so close to Jade, that's not sounding good for him. ^-^;;)
I love how Faller got all caught up in things, and I love, loved that Einn got matched with Karmikel. *snickers* That ought to make life interesting.
"I think they both need a babysitter." Faller said with a huff of annoyance. "What a horrible fate, to be forced into a partnership that makes you both stronger. I mean, I can see the downsides, but really. This might make it a lot easier for you to save Cyan, you know."
*dies* I <<<333 Faller!! *snickers* ^_____^
no subject
Date: 2004-11-16 04:52 pm (UTC)I loved the way Jade figured in, and dude, I so did not see that coming
You make me happy - I was hoping someone would be surprised by that. I tried *so* hard not to make it too obvious that Jade was that much of a schemer.
Faller's a riot - he was supposed to be a non-entity little shadow of a character, and then he gave me the smack down and became a real char. I'm glad you like him.
Winter too seems to acquiring a following. And he'll manage, even through the rough spots.
*glomps you*
no subject
Date: 2004-11-14 09:56 pm (UTC)Had to make up for the 3 days I missed ^_~.
And now they are all paired off except Faller. Let's see..... maybe a draconis who is matched with his best friend/captain would be good. Know anyone like that? <.<
And I think Karmikel should smile anyway.
no subject
Date: 2004-11-16 04:53 pm (UTC)And now they are all paired off except Faller. Let's see..... maybe a draconis who is matched with his best friend/captain would be good. Know anyone like that? <.<
*remains silent*
Karmikel will smile...eventually.