'Torn', 3.5 - Season 3, Episode 5

[Star Trek Liberator]

FOUR YEARS AGO . . .


He took a deep breath.

Straightened his back.

Steadied his frantic heart.

Calmed his erratic breathing.

Swallowed hard and then…..turned around and darted back the way he came.

Not quite but Kenria was certainly fighting such an urge. If he was going to do such a thing, it needed to be soon. He had been standing outside the house for nearly ten minutes, staring at the steps that led up towards the porch and the door. He knew what awaited him inside – and who.

This was insanity and he knew it. How hard had he worked for this moment? And here he was now, contemplating throwing it all away because of some last minute nerves. Well, hardly last minute if he was going to be utterly honest. As a child, the other kids would make jokes of it. The silent vacuum of space would make him jump, those were the jibes in the classroom.

In an odd way, this had actually been to a benefit. While the other children were focused on games or dating, his lack of confidence pushed him in a direction he felt far more at ease. Education became his only real friend. Learning about physics or the history of interstellar propulsion didn’t require charisma, it required brains and dedication. So he let his peers pass love letters back and forth between each or compete for the best fashions.

He stayed in at break times and even indoors when there was no school to attend. Like a sponge, he absorbed every drop of academic knowledge he could with an unquenchable thirst. It paid off. He graduated top of his class and that was only the beginning. He sailed through his further education, even skipping a whole year since his qualifications were of such an advanced level. Although he would never have had the audacity to say it, on the occasions he passed his class mates in the streets, he felt a satisfaction with his own success.

But success would only depend on reaching his own personal goal. And he had known what that was by the time he graduated. Given his grades, he could easily have pioneered in any direction he chose. But there was one he had a particular interest, one he gravitated to more than the rest.

Diplomacy.

Studying the history of politics had fascinated him, the complexities and nuances were like the best kind of novel. Be they the history of his own world or off, he yearned to learn more and more.

His focus eventually moved from the past to the present. He looked into the current policies of his world and quickly realised that he wanted to be a part of making those policies. His heart was set. And with remarkable speed, the goal was actually achieved. He applied for a position within the ruling council of his home world, Narden. His expectations had been low. He had may have the certificates to prove his worth but his own belief betrayed them.

He had expected a lowly position in an office, administration duties perhaps. That was if he even got a reply at all from his application. Which he did. And to his disbelief, it was for far more than filing paper or stamping seals of approval on documents. He had been offered an interview as ambassadorial aide to Banar.

Banar, leader of Narden.

He felt sick as he read the invite. Even after a fifth, he still felt like his legs were going to buckle beneath him. A week on things were no better. He had tried to push his anxieties away but now he was outside Banar’s house, it had all come flooding back with a vengeance. This was all too much. Maybe they had made a mistake and sent the offer to the wrong address? Maybe it was meant for someone else with the name Kenria?

‘No!’ A defiant voice from somewhere within him urged. ‘You aren’t backing out now. Get up those stairs and in that house! Prove them all wrong. Show them…..show them that you finally did it.’

And that was all Kenria needed to hear.

He marched up the steps, clonking on the wood and knocked at the door with a new passion. It dropped out of him when Banar himself answered. He was stood there camly, the leader of a planet with a calm smile. His long white hair and beard almost glowed from the soft illumination coming from inside.

He took one hand off his walking stick and gestured to come in. “I take it you are Kenria?”

“Y-yes B-B-Banar.”

“Just one B will suffice,” He replied and his eyes glistened with a cheeky warmth. They radiated a remarkable control yet also an unshakable strength in of such a vintage age. “And please do come in. I don’t intend to interview you on my porch.”

Kenria stepped in and found an impressively sized abode. Not as big as he would have expected. He knew Banar was a humble man and had denied himself excessive luxuries, even though he was more than entitled to them. The fireplace in the corner crackled near a large desk, filled with heaps of paperwork and equipment. Banar slowly made his way over to it, discarded the stick and sat down behind it. He indicated for Kenria to do the same.

Banar then slowly picked up the closest folder to him, flicking through the various files within. Kenria came to realise they were his records, covering everything from his academic achievements to family history. Banar finished on the last page and flipped it shut with a snap. “I know what you’re thinking.”

“Y-you do?”

“Yes. You’re wondering why I chose you. Why I invited you here when you’re freshly graduated, to apply for a position of this prestige and importance.”

“I-it…….had crossed my mind, y-yes………”

Banar smiled and Kenria believed it to be the most genuine and compassionate one he had ever seen. The elderly Narden continued. “Because you want this position for the right reasons. The others don’t. I read your application and saw what you wrote. You aren’t interested in politics for the perks or the power. And there are plenty of both, don’t get me wrong. You want to make a difference and help your people. You know the history, the rights and the wrongs. You want to make sure we do more of the rights too. And I need someone like that beside me, more than ever now.”

Banar leaned forward and spread his hands out across the desk. His tone and posture changed as the conversation took a heavier meaning. “You know that the Vectari have turned on their former allies, disregarding treaties with us, the smaller worlds they once protected.”

Kenria lit up now. He had expected to be asked on interests or hobbies, not discuss sensitive matters of galactic affair. But he was drawn in, unable to resist. “I have heard the rumours. The mutters that the Vectari are even invading former allied worlds. With no explanation or warning.”

“Those rumours are true. The Vectari have changed. And every planet, every person in this sector will be changed as a result. We need to meet those changes. I wont see Narden or any other worlds fall. We must unite. Where one alliance has broken, another must replace it.”

Kenria was exhilarated and any nerves now were far away. He was far too excited, swept up in the moment. “An alliance? To what? Stand against this sudden Vectari aggression?”

Banar closed his eyes and gave a little nod. “That and more. We are about to propose a new alliance, formed between the smaller worlds that the Vectari once protected. A collection of worlds who are weak divided but united, strong.”

Kenria smiled, beaming white teeth. “I think it an excellent idea. The Vectari may have looked after all our interests but I think that came with a price. We followed their policies, perhaps blindly. This way, we make our own rules. Ones that work for us and other small worlds, not on the whims of a star spanning empire.”

Now it was Banar who was smiling. “As impressive as it was, I dont think your resume did you justice,” He got up a lot quicker than you would have expected and flung a hand across the table. “I’m glad you came here today, Kenria. And I’d very much like you to join me as my aide.” Kenria took his hand without a hesitation and shook it.

The offer was accepted.

“And…if I may ask Banar…what will you call this new alliance? Do you have a name?”

“As a matter of fact we do,” Banar came around the table now. He was so excited himself that he didn’t even need the stick. He reached out and clasped Kenria’s shoulder. “An old friend gave me the inspiration. It shall be called the Free Republic. And under that banner, we shall unite all different peoples from across the stars. One goal, one vision. A collection of alien worlds, united as brother and sister. I can picture it now…………….”

Kenria came out of his daydream and back to the present.

Yes, he had pictured it four years ago - given form to Banar's inspiring words - and it certainly didn’t look anything like what was before right now, in the here and now.

“Let me go! Let me go! I’ll kill him with my bare hands!”

Vrek and Gensa, two people from two different worlds. And they certainly weren’t united as brothers. In fact, it seemed the only thing the pair wanted to unite was their fist with the others face. It would have happened too, were Banar not in-between them, keeping them apart. They struggled to slip past and it was taking everything Banar had to prevent a full on scrap.

He desperately looked to Kenria. “Go, get some help! I need to separate these two before they tear each other apart!” Kenria didn’t need to be told twice. He went bolting out the room and off to find some assistance. And as he raced along, he realised that from every mans dream comes the day you need to wake up.

And face the nightmare of the reality before you.

[Carlos_B_Fly]

“Captains Log Stardate 43657.5 – The Liberator is on course for Avalon, the trading station that serves as the heart of activity for this whole sector. It’s now also housing a contact waiting to meet us, who claims to have vital information on the Lost Voice.

“Since our earlier investigation have uncovered nothing on this mysterious organisation, I have chosen to meet with this individual to see what leads they have. Since their first appearance, the Lost Voice have proven to be a destabilising presence and distressed diplomatic ties within the Free Republic.

“Their willingness to use violence to resolve the issue of relocation for the Marandan people is weakening the bonds of trust between former allies. As part of our mission to the region, we must ensure those bonds are restored. A civil war within the Republic could tip this whole sector in utter chaos….”


Carlos looked up from his desk as Arman laid down a PADD before him. He took it and flicked through the data on it. “Another one?!” He asked, looking to his first officer to be sure.

Arman nodded and sat down in the chair across the desk from Carlos. He would have preferred the luxury of the Ready Rooms sofa but business had to come first. “Yes, another one. And I hear a few people from the science department are putting together a request as well.”

Carlos sighed and leaned back with the PADD to finish reading it. “What are we on? A pleasure moon? At this rate, the whole crew will be requesting time off for a month on Risa!”

“It has been a while since any of us had an extended break. We may get breaks in our shifts but it doesn’t make up for a proper holiday. And remember, we’re on a deep space mission. It takes more out of a crew than a normal Starfleet posting. They wrote a paper on it a few years back.”

Carlos flicked an eyebrow and grinned. “You read a paper?”

“No. Omega told me over lunch once. I just nodded and pretended to listen. But I’m sure it made some valid points. We need to give a good few people some down time.”

Carlos got up from his desk and started to pace. His legs were getting cramp and a brief stroll was the best way to kick them off. “I’m not disputing that Peter. But this is a delicate time. We still know nothing about the Lost Voice, who they are and what their next move will be. We know their planning something and I’m willing to bet it wont be good. And that’ll cause yet more grief.”

“Things still not warm and fuzzy in the Free Republic then?”

Carlos shook his head. “Not the last time I spoke to Banar, no. Ever since the Lost Voice started speaking out on the FR policy, the Marandan’s have got a lot more vocal. Someone’s lit a fire under them and it’s raging out of control. They wont rest now until the issue of finding them a new home world is addressed – and sorted.”

“And there was me thinking things were so much better off with the Vectari being so quiet. At least with them, we knew who the bad guys were and what to do with them. This situation is a lot more messy.”

“Tell me about it. It’s not that the Republic don’t want to help. The Marandans are their allies. But they cant give them what they want. A suitable planet for them to settle on cant just be pulled out of thin air.”

“Did you mention about offering more medical supplies?”

Carlos sighed. “I did. They’ll take them but the Marandan’s don’t want hypo-sprays and med kits. They’ve lost their home and they want a new one. Their not going to settle for wandering space like refugee’s or outcasts. With the Lost Voice egging them on, they want results now. I can feel all this coming to a head. And it wont be pretty when it does.”

Arman stood up, is tall and slim body straightening out. “Then we meet this contact on Avalon and see what they know. Then we shut down the Lost Voice, which will hopefully settle the peace a bit. Then we work on the Marandan problem.”

“And after that, what? Galactic peace?”

“That was next on my list. After lunch.”

Carlos looked back to the table where the PADD’s was. “Mind you, if I think the Marandan’s are pissed, I better think about my own crew too. By the sounds of it, they’ll be tying me to the nacelles if they don’t get some downtime….”

“I saw Rinao preparing her pitchfork on the way in. Charlie even had a few burning torches at the ready…………….”

With a mixed laugh and sigh, Carlos threw out his hands before he took the PADD. “Okay, okay, I get the point. I approve the holidays. It’s the perfect time anyway. Avalon has plenty on offer besides shady deals and market stalls. The crew can get all the R and R they need there while we’re docked. I’ll let you organise that.”

He handed the PADD back to Arman.

“Now,” Carlos continued. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to scan the inventory to find something decent to trade for on this information.” He sat back down in his chair, cramp gone and ready to continue his work. Arman was headed out the door but stopped for a moment.

“Carlos, one thing?” The CO said, sounding a bit worried. “You aren’t offering everything the ships inventory, are you?”

“I already took the vodka off the list Peter,” Carlos grinned, not even looking up.

“Nice one, cheers.” Arman added before departing.

[Duo Maxwell]

TWO DAYS AGO:

"You have gotta be fucking kidding me," Duo said in all seriousness as he stared at the com screen in his quarters. "You're coming here? For shit's sake... why?"

"Because the Federation needed someone out there... Quatre and Relena were available."

"And, because Relena's coming, so are you." Duo rolled his eyes. "Heero..."

"Don't start," came the flat reply.

Duo made a face.

"Mature... considering you're holding your own son."

"Don't even go there," Duo shot back. "Especially if you're not gonna let me tease you back." Duo sighed and then smiled a bit at the person on the other end. "It'll be good to see you guys again..."

Heero nodded. "It will..."

[Seamus Zelazny Harper]

[OOC:Due to the nature of this post I asked for permission to put it up. Enjoy! :end OOC]

The last thing Seamus expected was the bloody lip he got from Ensign Avakar in transporter Room One. Needless to say, he had to go to his quarters for a uniform change since his tunic had blood on it now. He looked in the mirror and could see the uniform tunic he just got from the replicator draped over a chair in the living area of his quarters. He then looked at his haggard face and sighed as he turned on the water and washed off the blood.

The Chief Engineer's thoughts traveled back. Just before the mission that got the Liberator stuck in a void.

Seamus said to the comm panel =/\= Patch it through, Skylar. =/\=

Mason's face appeared on the screen as Seamus slowly took his feet off the desk and faced the Admiral. He said flatly "Admiral, to what do I owe this dubious honor?" He was in no mood for dealing with Mason and it showed.

"We've misplaced a mutual acquaintance, Lieutenant," Mason said.

Seamus had no idea what the Admiral was talking about. It could have been just about anything. Then the light went on and he said, "the question I should be asking is ‘why are you calling me?’ I knew Sloan a lifetime ago. That doesn't mean I still associate with him anymore."

"I suppose not, Lieutenant. Even though you met him on the Endeavour when he took control of her for R&D" Mason revealed. It was generally known by the former crew of the Endeavour that she had been taken to an out of the way shipyard so she could be studied since her return to Federation space. Most recently Sloan had been one of the lead investigating officers for the R&D Department. Before that he had worked for almost every other branch of Starfleet at one time or another. He was more versed in how Starfleet was run than many of the High Command.

Seamus didn't flinch at the recalled memory and scoffed, "what’s that got to do with anything?"

"Oh nothing, Lieutenant. I know that he orchestrated your assignment to the Liberator along with many of her crew. Didn't you find it odd that you and so many of the crew from the Endeavour had been allowed to stay together and move to another ship?" Mason said. The man wasn’t about to mention the others that were placed there for other reasons that had nothing to do with Endeavour, but his own plans.

Seamus looked away from the monitor. The Admiral was right. Normally, a crew would be broken up and reassigned to different commands once all the debriefings and psych evaluations had been completed.

"...And that he had his own reasons for doing so? The man has been playing you and the rest of the Liberator's crew for fools this whole time and you're going to just sit there and deny it," the Admiral said. What he didn’t say was how Sloan had made most of those changes without his knowing it. "Here at Starfleet Intel we are well aware of your background with Sloan. Trust me we didn't feel we had a choice in contacting you... considering how he escaped."

Seamus looked back to the screen and said, "what's that got to do with anything? His guards screwed up. You know how slippery he is."

"He used a portable Tesseract Generator, Lieutenant. He could be anywhere," Mason revealed.

Seamus scoffed, "Yeah, right… I know damn well it's still being developed at Galor IV because of the side effects." The Tesseract Generator was theoretically capable of transporting matter over a greater distance than the standard transporters found on a Starbase, which was three times as far as any starship. This was a separate project than the Transmat Transporter that left the subject with headaches and dizziness as normal side effects. Unfortunately the Tesseract Generator had it's own set of problems. Some of the test subjects had materialized either half way, stuck in something else or scrambled into something unrecognizable. Fortunately, it hadn't been used on any living subjects…that is, until Sloan used it to escape his captors.

The Tesseract Generator was first conceived after Starfleet found out there were some cultures using dimensional shifters, otherwise called "Inverters". These devices were breaking down the DNA of those who used the technology. The lofty idea the R&D scientists took was the Tesseract Generator could remedy the problems of all the transporter technology currently employed by Starfleet. Longer range, pinpoint accuracy and several other improvements would make everything currently known about transporter theory obsolete.

Seamus wondered if Sloan had someone on the inside helping him. It was rather suspicious he would use a piece of equipment that was still undergoing testing on himself. The young engineer knew Sloan always made sure he looked out for number one. For all Sloan knew, he could have ended up stuck in a bulkhead or turned into goo. The thought made Seamus cringe.

"He got his hands on the prototype when it was being moved from Galor IV to Zeta Cordi. The Dev Team was going to try using..." Mason said.

Seamus blurted, "Borg technology! Are you insane!" The young engineer was well aware of what went on at Zeta Cordi. Experimentation with Borg technology had been shown to be the most promising as of late. The applications it had been used for included new Shield technology as well as Armor for Starships and Bases and Cloaking Device technology. He figured Sloan had stolen the device about the same time he stole that infernal Borg Time Travel device. Who knew what else he had taken.

"Lieutenant, I'm not going to explain why things are done the way they are. You served a spell in R&D yourself. You should know this already," Mason said.

Seamus smirked at that and said, "yeah, I was still at the Advanced Engineering School when that happened. I still remember when Phantom Project went on the drawing board." The far away look left his face quickly and he continued, "...it makes me wonder if those idiots in R&D bothered to take my recommendations to heart when they designed her."

Admiral Mason shuffled his feet under his desk for a moment. "I need you to take command of the Shadow and find Sloan. He's become too dangerous" he said. The fact that Sloan had also become someone he couldn’t trust any longer crept into his voice.

Seamus' jaw dropped open in shock and he asked, "you're joking, right?"

"No, I'm not joking, Lieutenant. Effective immediately you are now a Lieutenant Commander and Commanding Officer of USS Shadow…" He watched the look on the young engineer’s face become one of interest at the idea of command. He continued, "…She's the Phantom's sister-ship. Some changes were made to the design that matched your personal recommendations for the Phantom Project and then some. Shadow is only a sister-ship in base design though. You'll see from the specifications book just how much more was built into her."

Still in a state of disbelief, Seamus said, "w-w-wait a minute. I had nothing to do with the Phantom Project. I just gave my opinion of the design before it was ever built."

"...It's essentially a reconnaissance vessel with passive weapons for her main armament. Though she does have some Gatling Phasers as a precaution,” Mason said with a slight smile.

The Chief Engineer screwed up his face and asked "w-w-what's the catch?"

"Seamus," it was the first time he called the young engineer by his first name. "You're damn lucky to have had the remarkable career you've had... the Academy... Advanced Engineering School with an R&D apprenticeship... Starfleet Intelligence... The Norway... The Endeavour... Intrepid and Liberator... hell of a career so far..." Mason was buttering him up.

Seamus finished for him and said, "... and no chance for a command of my own... Until now of course. So what?" He really didn't like his career being paraded in his face like that. It usually meant something was expected of him. Something he wouldn’t like. And this time was no different.

"So what?.... you're one of the brightest minds in Starfleet and I'm offering you a command of your own," the Admiral said. It was a recruitment poster from Hell.

Seamus crossed his arms and looked at them before looking dead on at the man on the screen. He asked again, "what's the catch?"

The Admiral pulled a PADD from the side of his desk and read from it. "First of all, you need to send that Jay IX of yours back home. It's not outfitted properly for service and the Liberator can't spare the space. Starfleet Command has already signed off on another project that's going to be built on the Liberator and your hot rod is in the way." He sounded a little more like the Intelligence officer that Seamus knew just then.

Seamus raised an eyebrow and replied, "and?" He didn't bother showing the Admiral how he felt about the remark about his father's fighter. If he had been as hotheaded as he used to be he would have flipped him the bird.

"I need you to retrieve the Tesseract Generator and any other technology from Luther Sloan and return it to Starfleet control." Mason acted as if he was reading from a script.
Seamus had a hard time believing this was all that Mason wanted. It was too easy. He asked, "what else, Admiral?"

And then a bombshell dropped. "When you find Sloan I expect you to handle it," the Admiral said.

Seamus narrowed his eyes and asked, "what's that supposed to mean, Sir?" The tone he placed on that last word was by no means one of respect.

"It means 'I want him DEAD!' Let me spell it out for you Commander. I expect you to bring me Luther Sloan's head on a pike by God!" Mason roared.

Seamus didn't even blink. He couldn't believe his ears. He said 'K-K-Kill Sloan?'

"You sound surprised..." Mason said. "You know damn well he hasn't been the same in quite some time. You're Godfather is gone! It's time to put an end to him before he destroys everything we've done."

Seamus was in shock.

"Hell, Seamus. You still spit venom at the mention of his fracking name!" the Admiral finished.

Seamus hated Sloan for several reasons but he never thought he would be ordered to kill his own Godfather. He stuttered, "...I-I-It's just t-t-that..." He was silent for a few seconds as his head spun. He considered his position on the Liberator… Mally… this offer of a new command… Finally, he looked across the room at a picture of his brother on the wall and said, "...I want my old team back." He wanted to argue about his orders but couldn't see how he could possibly change the Admiral's mind. It seemed he was quite resolute about the whole matter already.

"Already done! They're waiting on the Shadow for you already," Mason replied.

Seamus' face still looked flushed when he said, "you knew I couldn't say no." He felt trapped and it made him feel sick to his stomach.

Admiral Mason smiled wickedly. "It was either tell you the truth or remind you of your involvement with Section 31 and the Maquis,” he said without pause.

Seamus’ gaze turned ice cold as he said softly, "y-y-you sonofabitch." He knew Mason could play that card but didn't think he actually would. Now, he wasn't so sure. It made him wonder if this whole thing was a suicide mission. After all, Harper Industries was worth quite a bit to Starfleet. This would be one way of getting rid of the last of the Harper's and consolidating the company. It chilled Seamus to the bone. Was this just a ploy to take over the company? Was it about money? The thought of someone killing for such things was not unheard of in the past... even in some societies outside the Federation now. But such things were outlawed with the highest penalty in the Federation that Seamus knew.

Mason could see he struck a cord with Harper and decided it was time to change the direction of the conversation. "I'm sending your promotion letter and orders to Carlos. Make sure you thank him. I’m sending a copy of the promotion letter and orders to you as well." Grabbing another PADD from the other side of his desk, Mason waved it at the young engineer and handed it to someone out of the field of view and said, "...and I'm having a copy of the Shadow's spec manual beamed over to you. You should receive it in about twenty minutes."

Seamus thought Mason was about to sign off and blurted out, "wait a minute, Admiral! I want to clear up one more thing before you go."

"Anything for you, Commander," Mason said, sounding like a favorite uncle.

Seamus caught the tone of voice and ignored it as he stated, "Lieutenant jg Malisade Tinnerman."

"Ahhhh... Yes, the debacle of Sloan and Malisade," the Admiral said smugly, like a cat with a bowl of cream. He knew it was going to be another hook in Harper to make the man tow the line.

Seamus shook his head and asked, "you know about Sloan recruiting her?"

"Of course I do. I ordered him to do it just before she reported to the Intrepid." Mason said matter-of-factly. He could see the news vexed the young engineer. Instead of letting him stew he cleared his throat. "Commander, all charges and specifications against Lieutenant jg Malisade Tinnerman will be discharged and expunged from her active record. However…" He paused and waved a finger in the air before continuing, "… she has a sealed record just like you do. Her after-action report will go there, as is standard procedure. Don‘t worry about her. She will be taken care of."

Seamus fumed a little at the news. He wasn't bothered so much by the fact that she was an Operative. He was bothered by the fact that he hadn't known about it until now. He asked, "are you telling me she's been one of yours the whole time?"

Admiral Mason let his finger hover over the button before him, blithely ignoring the question. "Since you're the investigating officer I'm assuming you were most thorough… Lose the report, Commander. And if you need any help when it's time to take it to Captain Carlos direct him to me and I'll take care of it," he said. "When Starfleet Intelligence is finished with Lieutenant jg Tinnerman she will be released of anymore obligations, unless you believe her type of skills will be required on your mission. Just for you, Seamus, it can be arranged.” Pausing to give the young engineer a moment to contemplate what was placed before him. “Oh, and keep in mind that your command of the USS Shadow expires once the mission is complete. Your promotion however, could be permanent on your return to the Liberator as long as Carlos files the proper paperwork. Mason, out," he said with a smile before cutting the channel.

Seamus wanted to puke at the memory. He was also torn about Mally, but deep down he knew she’d be entirely too much of a distraction on his new assignment. Especially given her history with Sloan. Most likely she would be more then willing to ’take care’ of Sloan with her own two hands if given the chance, but he never, never wanted to see her become a cold blooded killer like he could be.

Instead of doing what his stomach wanted, he put on what some would consider being a new uniform, while others would consider being his old uniform. Exiting his quarters, Seamus made his way to DC Central. A few crewmen cast him odd looks when they saw the grey over black uniform.

continued . . . . .


[OOC:Written with input from Cin to make it more believable. LOL :end OOC]

[Seamus Zelazny Harper]

Seamus entered DC Central and breezed past the current crew that was on duty monitoring the ship’s overall status. He could feel eyes on him and hear whispering voices. Raising his hand to the call button on the bulkhead, he hesitated and then turned around to look at the crewmen. Everyone clammed up and shifted their gazes back to the monitors and comm systems before them. The Chief Engineer half smiled to himself and turned back around as he hit the call button.

The Damage Control Assistant was busy writing a report when she heard the chime. She said, “come.”

The Chief Engineer entered the small office and plopped into one of the two chairs in front of the desk.

Harley quickly recovered from the shock of seeing Harper not only wearing gray over black, but the rank of Lieutenant Commander as well. At first when she peered up she thought it was just another Intel type. She asked, “what’s all this?”

“I need a drink,” was all the Chief Engineer said as he exhaled forcefully. He then scrubbed at an itch on his chin and swung his feet up on the DCA’s desk. This wasn’t entirely out of character for the man when he was on a social call to see one of his closest friends and colleagues.

Harley blinked once and half smiled as she stood and went to the replicator. She ordered two scotches on the rocks in tumblers. After handing the Chief Engineer his drink, she took her seat once more and set her drink down without trying it. She looked across the desk with fingers meshed together in front of her as she tried to size up her boss.

After taking a long pull from the tumbler, Harper swallowed and gave a sigh of satisfaction. “Now THAT hit the spot!” he said as he readjusted himself in the chair.

The DCA had enough at that point and called his bluff, “bullshit, Seamus Zelazny Harper! That crap is just synthehol from the fracking replicator. You know I keep the real stuff in a bottle in my drawer… just like you do.”

Pushing forward, she asked, “now… do you want to tell me what the Hell’s going on?” The worry she was starting to feel crept into her voice.

The Chief Engineer took another pull from his tumbler and captured an ice cube with his tongue. As he began to crunch on the ice cube he winked at her. “Have I ever told you how much I admire you,” he said with a slight edge.

Harley nearly fell out of her chair and blurted, “oh, crap! It’s for real!”

Harper chomped on the ice cube until it was gone and fished out another before she could grab his tumbler and say “I think I’ll join you for this one.” She grabbed the tumbler off her desk and put them in the replicator to recycle them. Then she asked for two fresh tumblers with ice only.

Sitting back in her chair, Harley pulled a bottle of very old scotch from her drawer and poured two full glasses. After she handed the Chief Engineer a ‘real’ drink, she said, “you want to tell me just what the Hell is going on here, Shay?” She was getting tired of asking the same question and it was showing in her voice.

Harper leaned forward and clinked his tumbler to hers as he said “grazie… cin cin.”(thank you, cheers.

She loved speaking in Italian with Harper when they were able. It kept her in practice. And it was easy with him since they had known each other for so long. She said, “prego… cin cin.”(you’re welcome, cheers.)

When he still didn’t offer anything, Harley said, “¿che difficoltà voi così?”(what troubles you so.)

“Sono in un po'di difficoltà al momento,”(I'm in a bit of trouble at the moment.) Harper said.

Harley understood all to well the kind of trouble that gives out promotions and new orders was NOT a good thing. She asked, “¿è circa Sloan?”(is it about Sloan?) After all, she didn’t get to where she was by being naïve or stupid.

“Sì, il bastardo sdrucciolevole realmente ha scopato su questo tempo. Desidero che aveva rimasto appena interferito questo volta,”(Yes, the slippery bastard really screwed up this time. I wish he had just stayed caught this time.) he said. He took another sip from his tumbler.

The DCA took a long pull from her tumbler after hearing that. She knew more about Seamus’ history with his Godfather than anyone else, including Starfleet Command and Starfleet Intelligence. There were only a select few that even knew Sloan was his Godfather. She asked, “¿potete dirmi qualche cosa a questo proposito?”(Can you tell me anything about it?)

“I’d rather not put you in any danger,” Harper replied in English. He sipped his drink again and sighed before continuing, “I need you to keep an eye on things while I’m away.”

She replied, “¿che cosa circa Deming? ¿Spaulding? ¿Granger?”(what about Deming? Spaulding? Granger?)

“I’m not worried about Spaulding or Granger. While I’m away I just want you to watch over things,” he said.

Harley knew what that meant. She was to watch over Lieutenant jg Deming. She figured the Chief Engineer had his reasons so she didn’t question them. And besides, he didn’t say he wasn’t coming back. That fact prompted her to ask, “how long do you think it will take to find him?”

“I don’t know. He could be anywhere,” he said as he lifted his tumbler again. After taking another drink he revealed, “they gave me my own command so I can find him.” Even though he had a hard time hiding details from her, he didn’t give away anything else about his orders.

Harley asked the next question on her mind, “you tell Mally yet?”

Harper grunted in his tumbler as he sipped again.

Harley was hoping he would have a better response than what he gave. She raised her eyebrows at him expectantly as she set her tumbler down on the desk.

She got out of her chair when he hesitated further and blasted him, “Seamus Zelazny Harper, you son of a BITCH!”

She grabbed his foot and pulled… HARD!

The Chief Engineer slid from the chair and smacked his head on it when his bottom hit the floor. The last of his scotch sloshed and some spilled on the deck. “OWWW! You made me spill my drink,” he said. His whole attitude set the DCA off more than anything he did ever could.

Harley pulled him up off the deck by his shirtfront and held him in place while he still held the tumbler. She grabbed it from him and slammed it on the desk. She spat, “non avete avuti intenzione di dirle. Li ha fatti!" (you had no intention of telling her. Did YOU!) It was by no means a question.

Harper struggled to find the chair that had been knocked behind him so he could get off the deck and sit back down in it. But Harley wasn’t having any of that. She asked him, "LA AMATE o NON!"(do you LOVE her or NOT!) She drew back her right fist and let fly at his face.

The resounding CRACK of cartilage let them both know she had just broken his nose.

Harper’s head whipped back from the force of the blow. “OWWW! Not again!” he moaned, but he didn’t grab his nose as it throbbed in pain. Instead his face changed as he looked at his best friend. He looked like he was in pain, but not from the broken nose. “Yes,” he said in a small voice. Seeing the look on Harley’s face, he said louder, “yes… yes… YES I LOVE HER!”

Harley picked up the chair behind him and sat him down in it gently. She then retrieved a towel from the replicator and applied it to his nose as it bled freely. She looked in his eyes lovingly and said, “you know… you can be the biggest jerk sometimes.” She noticed his lip was bleeding as well and dabbed at it, too.

Harley already knew Harper hadn’t told Mally he loved her. She could see it in his eyes.

She huffed and said, “you need to say SOMETHING to her, Shay! How the Hell do you think she’s going to feel not knowing how you feel about her. She’s going to think you just abandoned her to go traipsing across the galaxy. Do you really think that’s the right thing to do?”

“She’s a Operator, too,” he said in a low voice under the towel as she held it to his face.

Harley wasn’t surprised at all. Nothing much fazed her anymore since her own time in the Teams. That’s one of the first places she served with Harper. She knew better than to trust everything at face value. She raised her shoulders and said, “so what. We all have our jobs to do.”

Checking his nose under the towel, Harley then said, “you need to tell her how you feel about her… No strings attached… Because if you don’t you might just lose her forever.”

“But…” he started to say as a fresh stream of blood gushed forth.

Harley put pressure on his nose again and said, “no, Shay. No buts. If you can’t make peace with your own conscience and tell her how you feel… And that you’ll be back for her… She may just give up on everything. Do you really want that?”

To emphasize the importance of Harper coming clean with Mally, Harley said, “if you don’t say something to her it may very well get you killed out there… And I don’t want that… You and I have known each other too long.”

The Chief Engineer knew what she meant. Distractions got people killed in combat. If he couldn’t get it off his chest and at least tell Mally that he would be back for her then he could very well seal his own fate.

Harley helped Harper to his feet as she continued to hold the towel in place. She said, “you think you can make it to sickbay on your own? Or do I have to hold your hand quello piccolo(little one).” She punched him in the arm when he growled at her.

Before he could leave her office, Harley said “congratulations, Seamus. Really. You deserve it.”

She grabbed her half full tumbler and saluted him with it as she said with a smile, “I’ll be looking forward to your return… Commander.”

Harper took the towel from his nose. Seeing he wasn’t bleeding anymore he smiled back and said, “Thanks for everything… The scotch… The broken nose… The concussion.” He left out the busted lip since it hadn’t been her that did it to him.

With that, the Chief Engineer left the DCA’s office through the door that led straight to the corridor and made his way to Sickbay to have his nose re-set.

Harley sat back in the chair behind her desk and put her feet up as she reclined back. She downed the last half of her scotch in one gulp. As it burned on the way down, she said to herself, “God help you, Seamus… May he watch over you and bring you back safe.”


Continued . . . . .

[Mally]

I must’ve dreamed a thousand dreams

‘Harper’s gone. Carlos…’ She didn’t even want to get into what her captain thought of her anymore. Their rather spectacular blow out was enough to make her hate all males. Tinnerman knew she had to get off the Liberator…again. No matter what. But she knew it’d have to be quickly from the talk she’d gleaned off the guards. They’d be docking in Avalon where Carlos was going to be turning her over to Excala Banar to face trial for collaboration with the Lost Voice. He said he wanted her off his ship, but neglected to bother to mention that tidbit.

Malisade was still sane enough to know that there would be no way to prove her innocence to anyone. No one wanted to hear it, the Captain had made that crystal clear. Regardless of what the truth was. Her friends were few and getting to be very far between. Seamus stood a chance of convincing them she had no part in it…but he was being transferred. All they had to do was wait long enough.

She couldn’t wait. She had to act. As much as she longed for an end to this whole frelling mess she wasn’t ready to die in some Delta Quadrant prison simply because she made a good scapegoat and had pissed off both her Captain and Commander. ‘Some Intelligence officer you made…try monumental screw up.’ Mally had known as soon as she had encountered Sloan that she should have said no and walked away. Going fast, racing, doing dares, having fun…that was who she’d been. That was what brought her the most joy.

Been haunted by a million screams

Now she no longer had sight of who she was, what brought her happiness, or what direction to even think of trying to call home. Two years ago…she’d have said the Liberator was her home. Three years before that it’d have been her folk’s house. Gasping at the pain that thought caused her. No one from her family had ever returned her messages. They gave up on her. It hurt as badly as Harper leaving. She knew Mason was turning the last screw behind that one. Deliberately making certain she remembered what it was like to have emotions used against her.

The answer to the whole issue was simple. Turn off her emotions… yeah right, that was a frelled up wet dream if ever she’d had one. David Avakar checking in on her at regular intervals was another frelled up notion, but they were having it happen that way. If it were to make her a complete basket case by the time they reached the space station… it was working. Wonderfully. Not that he’d done anything to her lately to make her terrified of him…there was nothing needed to add to that rather healthy fear.

But I can hear the marching feet

It might have been Haruto or even Charlie who’d taken to changing the guards to mostly female at her door unless somewhere in the back of David’s mind he realized just how much men scared the hell out her now…atleast men in uniforms. Her nights torn up by nightmares involving Carlos, Arman, Avakar, Harper, and Bounty as the occasional guest executioner. Malisade didn’t need any others standing outside her door or just inside it talking about her where she could hear them.

Thankfully most of them did leave her alone. Not tormenting her anymore then she was already. No one figured her to be a danger to herself. So no one constantly monitored her and left her bathroom unwatched. It was going to work to her advantage in the end. Putting her letters together with great care.

Their moving into the street.

Haruto - my sole friend. Thank you for being able to believe in me. I would tell you this in person but given the circumstances, it’s best for us both that I tell you in this message instead. I can’t face Banar’s inquisitors. I have nothing to tell and no one would listen to me when I told them that. If I end up dead… just know that I will always value your friendship. It’s one of the few steadfast truths that has held solid in this hell that has become my life. Move forward with your life Sakaki. Find love and live. Mally

Simple and heartfelt and every word of it to her friend was truth. The letter to Harper was simple.

Seamus - I know you‘re leaving. Carlos will no longer see reason when it comes to me. Forget me. Move on with a light heart. Mally

There was nothing she could protect him from anymore. He was leaving. So it was best if the Engineer moved on without any strings binding him to her. She’d love him in some fashion…always, but Tinnerman had been self destructing for sometime and refused to drag that man with her.

The next letter was the hardest.

David - Ask Kelley for forgiveness…then forgive yourself. Forget me. Please. I’m the poison that’s made you sick. Kelley’s sweetness and Annie’s attentions will heal the worst of it. Don’t let my wound to you taint you any further. Mally

Now did you read the news today

Tinnerman had very little to say to Carlos or Pete. Not that either of them would seriously read anything she’d send them anyway so she wasted very little of her time.

Captain - Do what you will with this note. You wanted me off, I simply have chosen the terms. Do what you will, in the end it saves you some reports to file. Tinnerman

She was not close enough to anyone else to send out messages. Annie would only worry, but that was the Counselor’s nature. Charlie had a little one to worry about as did Duo…again they were not close enough to her. She just left it at that.

Focusing instead on how to get out of her quarters when they docked. It was daunting especially with them limiting her replicator usage to food and essentials. So to replicate what she really wanted was impossible. But creative tinkering with items that were already in her quarters. Making a show of her minor temper tantrums that conveniently broke various items so she could scavenge the pieces she’d need out of them without anyone really giving it any thought when she’d dispose of the broken shards later. Having squirreled away the bits she needed.

They say that danger’s coming our way

No one searched her. No one really did more then a cursory walk thru the little space. It was a miracle she wasn’t in the brig but Annie must’ve gotten to Carlos enough to keep her in familiar surroundings. Malisade would’ve completely lost it in the brig. Even in her quarters she’d thought about what she’d have done if she’d been in the brig like Carlos had wanted. The only resounding idea that kept coming to her mind was that she’d have thrown herself against the shield and let herself fry against it. Repeatedly. But thankfully it hadn’t happened that way.

Didn’t matter. None of it did now. They were getting close to Avalon. She’d already stuffed basics in a little pack…clothes, what latinum was still hers, some food and water pouches. All that was left was the last step. Lifting the sonic trimmer to her scalp, set to shear off her locks an inch from her head, and not to miss a strand. It was disturbing to see the brown curls that had been a troublesome glory falling to the floor around her, but it had to be done.

But I can still see the fire still alight.

Shorn short her scar stood out or so Tinnerman thought as she examined her reflection. It wasn’t her anymore. The green eyes that reflected back weren’t the same anymore either. Haunted and sunk in from where they’d been when she’d joined the Intrepid and then Liberator all those years ago. She’d been fresh faced and very naive for being an lt. jg. Death, betrayal, battles of all sorts…the toll they’d taken were high. Instead of appearing near 30 that she was, even with her inherited beauty, she looked so much older in appearance.

It didn’t matter. None of it did now. Not now that they had docked at Avalon. Mally made her bid for freedom. Her little distraction timed for a lull between guards at her door and their docking. The little device she’d insinuated between the wiring of her replicator, during one of her fits of destruction, started spewing smoke promptly as she had set it up to do. Setting off an alarm in her quarters that immediately overrode the security lock, opening her door, to let the white smoke billow out into the hallway as it filled her quarters completely, letting her escape in the midst of the confusion that ensued.
They would find her notes for Sakaki, Avakar, Carlos, and Harper when they searched her room for her but would never find her in there. Just the remains of her hair.

It’s burning, into the night.

Liberator was secured. All the docking rings were open and letting those with passes off. Pack on her shoulder, short hair almost like a skull cap with what remained of her hair now dyed black, Malisade made it to the docking ring without anyone even looking at her as they dashed to do damage control in her quarters. She couldn’t stop and couldn’t look
back. Once her absence was noticed, given Carlos’ anger toward her, there would be a search for her so she’d have to vanish on the station quickly. Ur’Graa would not be a good choice no matter what the situation became. He’d turn her over to Carlos without a second thought. Same with Bounty and Edar.

Best way to avoid detection was to be completely normal, Tinnerman’s stride never faltered nor was her pace rushed as she made her way to the worst and seediest part of Avalon station. Security would get permission to look for her from Avalon. They would look every where they could…and quickly. She’d have to work faster. Determined. Her gaze fixed ahead of her, looking toward the less reputable docking area, where ships for hire could be found. So focused, in fact, that she failed to notice that she had picked up a follower.

There’s too many men

Kincaid had done a double take from his seat in the seedy little bar. Her face was creamy pale, those green eyes snapping out and slapping him, and the fading scar sticking out in his mind. He knew this woman, knew of her. He’d lusted after her. It was Tinnerman that his boss had warned him against. His heart caught in his throat for a second while he wondered what the hell she was doing there like that.

So he got up to meet her. Following her, only to realize that she was focused on going somewhere specific on the station and judging by how she was moving along, it wasn’t a good thing. Matching his gate to hers so that his feet didn’t make any additional noise, not that it mattered in this rowdy part of Avalon that was naturally noisy, Hunt followed.

There’s too many people

He heard, or more accurately felt, the pursuit before she did. Running feet on the plating vibrated long before the noise would be heard. The enforcer had been on the station long enough to know how it felt beneath his boots. Catching up with Malisade, wrapping an arm around her waist, catching her fist in another one, hauling her into a dark alcove, and out of sight of her pursuers. “Quiet.” He hissed in her ear.

Malisade was poised to scream when she felt hands on her, but it would’ve given her away. Pure will alone kept her from giving herself away. Too much had been done to get to this point. The way her captor had them wedged in she could just see around him out into the walkway they’d just been in. When she saw a mixture of uniforms, Starfleet and Avalon, Mally tucked her head against this man’s neck to keep herself from being seen. The appearance would be that they were doing other things that would make most look away. “Who are you?” Whispering back against his neck.


There’s too many problems

Holding back a shiver of delight, Hunt bent closer to answer her. “Taylor Kincaid, but Mr. Maddux calls me Hunt.” He felt her stiffen but other then that she didn’t move, wisely enough. It was the truth. Benjamin Maddux had given him the name for being very good at hunting down whatever it was that was needed. Why lie? “I know you’re Tinnerman.” Bright green eyes looked sharply at him in the dark space they were in, surprised to be recognized.

“What do you want?” Mally regarded him cautiously now on the edge of being terrified. Why would he spare her from security only to fulfill some hit that the Maddux’s had ordained for her? Feeling him shrug. “Do the Maddux’s want me dead?”

“If they had wanted you dead, it’d have happened already, I can guarantee that.”

“Then why did you keep me from being caught?”

“Well, truth is I was hoping to meet you.” Feeling very childish. “You stayed in the Dolmaner house and when I stayed in that room it smelled of your perfume. Ben told me about your time in that house. I guess I got lucky.” He spilled it out like a schoolboy instead of the hardened killer he generally was.

And not much love to go around

Tinnerman blinked at him in incomprehension at first before blushing. This was not what she would have ever expected. “Hm, as much as that’s sweet…I can’t stay here.” She stated as forcefully as she dared. A scuffle to gain attention was not on her list of things to help her right now. “I’ve got some very miffed off superiors and they will be more then willing to tear apart each level of this station looking for me.”

“I did kind of notice that. But I have a ship…” Kincaid pointed out, trying not to be too hopeful. From the vibe he was getting off this woman there were so many issues going on that he was realizing his boss’ warning was a legit one. “That is if you want to return to the Syndicate.” Making an offer that really wasn’t his to make.

“Would they be willing to have me back?” Her voice came across as a timid squeak in the tiny little alcove. Knowing damned well her match stick bridge was burning brightly behind her.

Can’t you see this is the land of confusion.

“They only returned you to settle the debit owed to the Liberator Captain for their assistance.” Hunt saw the flash of anger in her eyes but wasn’t certain who it was for. Her Captain or the Syndicate bosses. Either way, they’d have to decide now if they wanted a chance in hell to get away from her ship’s resources. “So…what are we doing?”

“We?” Malisade didn’t really like the notion of riding in a small craft with a man who admitted to being a stalker after a fashion.

“Well…yes…atleast until I get you a meeting with Ben.” Kincaid was confused. Severely confused. Tinnerman had seemed to be confident in the vids even in the face of Mrs. Maddux’s displays of random violence…this woman. “What the hell did they do to you?” Not able to help himself by brushing fingers along her scarred temple and jaw.

This is the world that we live in.

She couldn’t stop the trembling. She couldn’t even think to answer him, Mally was so afraid. Locked up, because he was touching her with kindness.

“Mally?” The tough enforcer was getting afraid now. “Hey…come back to me here.” Patting her cheek lightly.

Former Ops heard voices she knew too well. Blinking at Kincaid. “We need to go…now.” Knowing Sakaki and the others wouldn’t relent until they had checked every hiding spot on Avalon.

These are the hands they gave them.

Taking her hand, Kincaid hauled her from the hiding spot across the short distance to the first entranceway that led into one of the places he’d been meaning to get to. The Parlor. “Bartkop! I need an outfit for my girl now.” Tossing latinum strips at the strange looking creature that came scurrying from somewhere along the far wall out of sight of most of the patrons who were watching the scantily clad dancers on the stage.

“Master Kincaid, but, but she is too large.” The alien protested. Tinnerman looked abashed, she really hadn’t eaten much over the last month as a whole and had dropped several pounds during her ordeal so the notion of her being too large was outrageous.

Use them and lets start trying

“She is not.” He snapped. “Not when you show Dehiedla several times a night and she tops out above most short range vessels maximum capabilities.” Hunt’s temper flashing out at the shop keeper.

“Master Kincaid…”

“Bartkop…find her something now or I will return in two days time and level your establishment.” Even Mally knew it wasn’t an idle threat.

“Yes Master Kincaid.” Taking Tinnerman’s hand and pulling her in a different direction. “I will bring her to your cube when she is re-dressed.”

To make it a place worth living in

“Perfect.” Mally wasn’t so sure about that but went anyway, listening to the various grumblings about the short comings of pale females with no fur. Any other situation and she might have even found it funny, but too much hung on her getting off this station.

The Syndicate enforcer made himself appear comfortable in his cube. Glancing calmly out the window to watch various officials and security types break off and take to searching various sections on that level.

“But…”

“No, no, no buts. You’re with Master Kincaid. He told me to dress you. Means you only carry what fits in that.”

“Nothing else is going to fit in here.” Mally hissed, trying to hide the last couple strips she had but what little space had been left over in the scant material was already full. The crabby little creature snatched the last couple of strips and shoved them in a place that Tinnerman wasn’t so inclined to retrieve them from later. “Hey!”

Superman where are you now

“Never been a dancer have you. Never will be either. Never manage to walk off the stage with any money if you don’t make full use of the space.” Slamming the masked headdress at her. Black and silver triangles with green center accents for a top held on by adhesive. Silver and black belt with front and rear sashes of matching green hiding her main assets. Green arm bands with black studs… topped off with this silver full face mask with green gem lined eye sockets and a spray of black feathers tumbling from crown to shoulders.

Tinnerman was never going to argue about that. She wasn’t sure she was going to be able to walk normally, let alone dance, with that distraction… but she wanted her freedom so she would.

When everything’s gone wrong some how

Bartkop scuttled up before Malisade came into Hunt’s view. “Destroy the rest of her belongings.” Kincaid ordered. Liberator was bound to try to track her by something they could have hidden in anything she took with her. “I’ll replace all her belongings as a gift.” He smiled to the alien before waving him off as he watched Mally walk toward him. God his libido was loving the view. She could easily clean out Bartkop’s joint nightly if she chose to dance. It would’ve been better if she still had that wild hair he remembered from the vids, but regardless of that, he was stunned.

The look on her savior’s face was enough to make her want to run. There’d have been a time and a place where she’d have truly appreciated that expression on any man’s face. Time’s changed. Malisade had changed. That expression meant nothing but trouble for her. Just that desperate times required desperate acting. Striding slowly into the cube.

The men of steel

“Do you know what a hired Domino is?” Kincaid asked her immediately. Walking around her slowly examining the details of what was there and what wasn’t.

“No.” Watching her flinch when he met her eyes through the mask.

“Hired dancers who do more. Often taken to ship’s for parties.” He watched the light dawn in her eyes. “You’re going to be my cheating fiancé whom I just found getting her jollies doing time as a Domino.” Reaching out to turn the mask on since it seemed that Tinnerman had no clue. “Think you can play act that?” Watching her real eye color vanish behind a silver flawless curve that made the dancers appear inhuman.

“I have to.” Mally replied, surprised at how clear her voice came out from behind the mask. “I’m going to have to keep away from speaking. They’ll know me just by my voice.” Trembling from the coolness of the room and fear that would’ve been a thrill a lifetime ago.

These men of power

“Then don’t talk. Regardless of whom addresses you, keep your mouth shut. I’ll badger and argue.” He didn’t need to tell her to act terrified. He hated to do it but he’d have to play to her flinches for now. “You’ll need to wear these.” Producing three glowing bands from his pocket. He’d actually won them in a game not too long ago. “One around the neck and one on each wrist.”

“What are they?” Guessing by their design what they were. Just wanting clarification before she put herself into bondage to a man she’d never met until just now.

“Tethers. I have the control here.” Hunt imagined her pretty green eyes would be round as saucers about now if it were for the mask hiding her eyes. Looking out of his cube, finding a representative from both the Federation ship and Avalon Security making inquiries. Hastily slapping the last of the bands on Tinnerman he activated his control and started hauling her out of the cube.

“Traitorous bitch! Cheating on me with strange men.” Mally jumped at how vicious Kincaid’s voice was suddenly. Stumbling a little when he jerked on the bonds, pulling her out of the cube roughly, almost slamming her into the Liberator Security officer who was staring at both of them in startled fashion. Gasping at the next sharp pull, Mally scurried to follow, completely amazed that she wasn’t recognized.

Are losing control by the hour

“You’re lucky, I found you before your father came looking for you.” Hunt bellowed. “He’d disown you in an eye blink and then where would you be? Working on your back the rest of your life…that’s where you’d be tramp. I want no more words from you.” He stopped suddenly, pulling her up close to get in her face. “Or I’ll make certain you never speak again.” It was in the middle of the hallway in full view of everyone… security, shop keeps, patrons.

Malisade shivered, nodding furiously, making the feathers rustle with equal vigor. No need to play act fear… she was terrified. Seeing faces who knew her…and some that knew her well… watching the display with only mild interest. Letting her mind blank completely in terror while the Syndicate Enforcer led her.

“Finally.” The man stated, smiling faintly as he passed the various security forces. “She actually decides to listen to me.” Shaking his head. Keeping her close behind him just in the case that someone tried to be brave. Avalon Security wouldn’t. Worse things happened in that part of the station then a minor argument like the one they were portraying. It was the Federation lot that were unpredictable. He was sincerely hoping they were more focused on where a single woman would’ve gotten to.

This is the time

Eyes closed. Not thinking. Following Hunt blindly. Tinnerman focused on putting one foot before the other. Not knowing where Jones or Flynn where, it was best not to make additional mental noise. Keeping her head tilted down, that way no one would think she looked at them to pull their attention to her. Even the fear faded as Kincaid kept quiet.

They walked through three guarded sections of Avalon before getting to the section where his personal craft was docked. Not once where they detained. However it was too early to be congratulating himself of getting them free. Hunt still had to get clearance to leave. That could be a problem.

The air was warmer suddenly. Mally opened her eyes and found an entirely different color scheme and layout from Avalon’s. Blinking, looking around, she realized it was a craft bigger then a shuttle or runabout but smaller then Rache’s tacky yacht. She cleared her throat not wanting to speak if it was not safe.

“Oh. Sorry. Should’ve told you we’re in my ship now.”

“Ok. You going to let me go now?”

“Not quite. I’m going to stick you in the seat at the back of the bridge. Just in the case that C2 or one of her controllers suddenly decides to question my reasons for leaving the station.” He didn’t mention that he intended to sedate her.

This is the place

“Oh…” Not that she really had much choice. He’d gotten her this far. She prayed he’d get her atleast to Ben Maddux’s doorstep. After that she was fairly certain she’d be able to find someplace away from Liberator that she could be useful. Malisade wasn’t even hoping for happiness anymore. She was hoping simply to survive.

That mental voice in her head asked her how she hoped to survive without Seamus, but she kept telling it they would simply have to. There was no other option.

Where we look for the future.

Guiding his reluctant partner to her seat, adjusting her binders so they simply held her to the seat, he pressed the injection against her bare arm, watching her go completely limp in the seat before leaning it back so she wasn’t so awkward. Walking through the door just off the bridge to his sleeping space, Kincaid found a blanket and brought it out to cover Mally.

Thankful the mask covered her face but still fascinated by the creamy curve of her neck and the playful bounce of other parts of her anatomy that he really shouldn’t be focusing on. Returning to his seat at the front of his craft. “Bold Hunter to Avalon control, requesting permission to depart.”

“This is Avalon Control.” He knew it was C2 herself. “Mister Kincaid, we have you listed to depart tomorrow. Why are you deviating from your plan?”

There’s not much love to go around

Keeping his poker face on. “You want the good news or the bad news?” He could all but hear C2’s annoyed scowl as the silence stretched out.

“Elaborate.”

“Well, if I win anything more at the Do’by tables I’m likely to be found in the lower levels tomorrow in pieces… bad news is I caught my betrothed playing Domino on me.

“I was not aware you had a betrothed, Mister Kincaid.” The cyber path’s expression did not change.

“Yeah well, I was half hoping to forget her myself.” He sighed. “But things have turned bad for her father so they’re pressing the issue. So I guess I won’t be visiting here as often as I’d like from now on. Unless I’m looking for where she’d run off to.” Shooting an annoyed look over his shoulder at the form at the back of his bridge.

Tell me why this is the land of confusion

He was guessing that she was confirming where the costume had come from. He had no doubt that it screamed Bartkop’s. Kincaid also had no doubts at all that she was viewing the records of their little display in the main corridor. “Very well Mister Kincaid. Permission to leave Avalon, granted. Your remaining docking fee will be credited to your account for your next visit with us, whenever that may be.”

C2 cut him off before Hunt could say anything further. Suited him fine. Getting the coordinates sent to him for which he was supposed to leave Avalon space by so he didn’t interrupt anyone else’s flight plans. It took him right past the USS Liberator in all her grand glory. Scared the hell out of him actually. Wondering if Liberator had some way to pick out who Mally really was just by passing in close vicinity. Kicking himself mentally in the ass for even thinking it. Syndicate didn’t have technology like that and from what the Syndicate knew of the Federation, they didn’t either. She’d have to be wearing her badge thing.

This is the world we live in

Clearing Avalon space at the impulse speed that was mandatory, Bold Hunter vanished out into the stars on a course for what Kincaid was calling home right now. Which just so happened to be Mr. Maddux’s cruiser. “Tangled web, this is Bold Hunter.”

“Go ahead Bold Hunter.”

“I need to speak with the Boss.”

There was a delay while the switch board hunted down Mr. Maddux. “Kincaid.” Ben stated in greeting.

“Sir, I’ve encountered a snag.” Watching his Boss’s expression go stony.

“What kind of snag?”

And these are the hands they gave them

“Malisade Tinnerman.” Maddux frowned.

“I warned you about her.” Kincaid nodded.

“I know sir. But she’s jumped the Liberator again. I encountered her while she was running away from her crewmates and Avalon Security.” Pausing to glance back at her prone form. “Got her free from them.”

Benjamin’s eyes narrowed. “You’re not being followed are you?”

“No sir. I know better then that.”

Use them and lets start trying

“Regardless, I want you to detour. I’ll send you the coordinates. I don’t trust this Federation lot. They’re a little too high and mighty for my tastes. They might be using her to get back inside with us to destroy us.”

“Sir…I hate to disagree, but in this case, this girl was terrified out of her mind. I seriously doubt she is a mole for them.”

“No matter. Take her there. Have her checked out. Once my business here is done, we’ll join you and discuss this issue further.”

“Yes sir.”

To make this a place worth living in

The location he was sent was much further away then Hunt had planned for. He expected to let Tinnerman wake in a room of her own, but now there was no way that would happen. Setting the course in his computer and getting them under way, Kincaid went to the back of his bridge. Unfastening Tinnerman from the seat, removing the glowing binders, removing the mask from her face, wrapping her in the blanket before lifting her out of the seat, and carrying her into his bedroom to lay her on his bed.

She would be out for another couple of hours easily. He’d been awake 24 hours straight. Their destination was 6 hours away at the cruising speed of the Bold Hunter. So he’d leave her sleep and he’d catch some winks. Taking his jacket off, setting it on the chair, removing his shirt to toss it over the jacket, slipping his shoes off, and climbing into bed on his side.

I remember long ago

She wasn’t sure where the hell she was. But she was warm and there was an arm slung over her waist. ‘It’s all be a bad dream.’ She thought. Letting herself think it was Harper’s ever possessive arm flung across her. Shifting a little bit, she was poked rather uncomfortably by something in her under drawers and it only got worse as she tried to settle it.

Waking a bit more then she really wanted to, Mally blinked. The coloring of the room was all wrong for Harper’s quarters. The more she thought about it, it didn’t smell like Seamus either. Sheets were too soft for standard issue. Ceiling was too low.

When the sun was shining

Sound asleep. Dreaming of Mally dancing. Kincaid didn’t feel her stir under his arm. All his drinking and gambling catching up with him. It generally was the first rule. Never sleep soundly with a strange woman, you may never wake up if she shoots you in your sleep. He got lucky in the fact that that was not Malisade’s way.

Reality rushed back in. She remembered being put in the chair. Realizing he must’ve knocked her out for sake of appearances. But how had she ended up in his bed? Taking stock of the fact that he was under his sheets and she was wrapped in a blanket… and still clothed, such as it was. Tinnerman wasn’t sure what to make of that. What she did know was that his well muscled arm was not about to let her go.

All the stars so bright all thru the night

“Hey.” Someone was nudging him in the ribs with something hard. “Hey…wake up.” There it was again.

“Huh?” Pulling the warm body closer to him. It’d been so long since Kyla left him. So long since he’d even been interested in a body next to his.

“You’ve got to let me go.” More nudging with what must be an elbow. The slight annoyance in the voice was sinking in, too.

“What?”

“Let me go.” It was a complete growl.

In the wake of this madness as I held you tight, so long ago.

Coming completely awake, blinking at the curve of Tinnerman’s bare neck and shoulder, Kincaid swallowed hard and let go of her. “Sorry.”

“You were sleeping.” Mally stated, making it sound like that forgave everything. “Don’t suppose you’ve got some real clothes I can change into now?” Not trying to sound pissy but really not enjoying the pinching and poking parts of her attire were causing.

“Hm…” His first thought was to tell her to just strip and be done with it for now, but figured she’d beat the hell out of him for it. Opting instead to get up, reluctantly, from his bed and find her a shirt or something for the time being. “This should work until I fire up the replicator.”

I won’t be coming home tonight

“Thanks.” She answered catching the long shirt that had been pitched her way. “How about a bathroom?”

“In there.” Kincaid pointed to the door just off the bed, closest to her. Before he could say anything else he watched the black/silver/green streak dash off his bed and into the bathroom. He had to admit he found the sight entertaining. Especially the way everything bounced.

Flinching as she pulled the ‘top’ off, collecting what she could fish out of her ‘bottoms’ before taking it off. Still having a few bits of latinum clink to the tiled floor as they came free from her skin. Malisade made real quick use of the shower. Scrubbing adhesive off… scrubbing everything off. Wishing she could scrub her fear off along with everything else.

My generation will put it right

Putting his shirt and jacket back on, Taylor went out to the bridge to check status. They were still on course. About an hour out. He was a bit surprised that his guest had actually slept that long.

Thankful he’d left her alone. Mally searched thru his closet finding a pair of boxers that fit very loosely, but didn’t fall off. Getting them on before she took the door she guessed went out into the main area.

When she stepped out, it was all the Enforcer could do not to laugh. Her tiny frame in one of his oversized shirts and boxers, just made her look like a little girl playing dress up in Daddy’s clothes. She didn’t look as haunted either. The circles under her eyes weren’t as noticeable. “You hungry?”

Mally nodded.

“Did you sleep well?”

“Better then I have in a long while.” She answered quietly. Never having said anything to Narai or anyone else about her nightmares. Hunt’s sedative induced sleep had done her a lot more good then her fitful naps had done in weeks.

“We’ll have to work on that.”

We’re not just making promises that we know we’ll never keep.

Lyrics are from Disturbed’s version of this song.

[N'Jai]

"I would truly hate to be cause for trouble with your superiors, but when are you both expected back to your duties?" The Royal stated dreamily while she smoothed the soft fur Mira had and stroked fingers through Sunny's hair slowly. Both were such beautiful children to behold. Cinder seriously did not wish them trouble or harm but knew well how distracting, and delaying, their entertainment could be.

Twas bad enough the quiet had been disrupted by some sort of alarm that was silenced rather quickly. Efficiency was valued regardless of where one served or in any capacity. Just as thoroughness and attention to details were valued. The pair she was savoring seemed to understand that in partial measure given their youth and still exploring much in life.

The Federation had it's delightful distractions. So many in fact, that the Norya'n had not even bothered to attempt contacting her Staz for whom she was still rather perturbed with. She would let her well being known soon enough. Not figuring herself missed in the slightest.

<Tags to Sunny and Mira>

[Seamus Zelazny Harper]

After a visit to Sickbay the Chief Engineer returned to Main Engineering . . . .

Entering through the double-doors, Seamus went straight to the EOOW Station and met with Ensign Granger, who was currently on watch. Needless to say, Ensign Granger gave him a look as if to say, ’why the Hell are you dressed like that?’

Seamus said, “I want all the Chiefs and senior officers in my office in thirty minutes… Not a minute early… And I don’t want them all standing outside my door waiting out the clock.”

“A-a-aye, Commander,” came the reply from a stunned Ensign Granger. He sent a general announcement over the local PA system as the Chief Engineer entered his office.

“Attention all engineering Chiefs and senior officers. Report to the EOOW station in 28 minutes,” he said.

Meanwhile in the Chief Engineer’s office, Seamus sat at his desk and scrunched up his nose as if to test it. Exhaling forcefully through pursed lips, he said, “computer, create holo-cube graphic and standby for dictation.”

Seconds later the computer was ready. Seamus said, “Mally, I know things haven’t been the best between us lately. For that I’m truly sorry. I’d like very much to start over and try to get back what we had before everything went FUBAR. I hope you feel the same.” The cube recorded his image dressed-up in grey shirt with Lieutenant Commander pips.

“Oh, I’ve got some good news. I spoke with Admiral Mason recently and found out you have been cleared of all charges and specifications. I suppose your after-action report was just what the Admiral hoped for.”

He didn’t speak of her being an Operative and felt it best not to breach the subject. After all, even though she knew he had been one, Mally didn’t know he was being called away to do THAT job again. Unless, of course, she put grey shirt together with Lieutenant Commander pips and came up with ’Oh, CRAP!’ At one time Seamus had been amazed at how she thought he had been finished with that part of his life. Hell, he had thought the same thing for some time when the missions stopped coming his way. ’I should have know better than to think you can run away from being an Operative.’ he thought to himself. He wondered if she was aware her use to Intel wasn’t finished either.

He rethought bringing up the fact that he knew she was an Operative and continued, “By the way, Spooky says hi.” That was the way Operatives communicated they were headed off for a mission when they didn’t want anyone knowing what they were doing. Those that created the mission parameters didn’t condone such behavior, that was for sure, but nevertheless it turned out to be a good thing at times. There had been plenty of missions gone awry that required another Operative or Team to render assistance if they were in the area. Harper figured she would understand the code and hoped she would realize he knew she was an Operative, too.

The only thing Seamus didn’t know was if Mally had ever worked in the Teams like he had. Considering her age, he figured the answer was ‘no’.

He went to the replicator and asked for a six-string guitar. Sitting on the edge of the desk he checked the tuning and then began to strum. Once he hit the right spot he started to sing in a low voice that gradually increased in volume until it was just right:


”I stepped out into the blue felt the wind hit my face
Before my chute opened I felt my heart race,
I was falling
Oh but that’s just falling

Off the coast of Australia I dove way down deep
For all that I saw of that Great Barrier Reef,
It was nothing, compared to you it was nothing

I got lightning in my veins, and thunder in my chest
All tangled up with you and trying to catch my breath
I’ve been chasing that sensation halfway ‘round the world
And looking back, on what we had
Well, I’ve done it all, I’ve seen it all, but I can’t find a feeling like that

I wound up in some town in Spain running with the bulls
Trying to catch another thrill with a thousand other fools
We were running, oh but that’s just running

When I started pushing 30, it started pushing back
Well how was I to know ‘till now that you’d be such a hard act to follow,
Now nothing seems to follow

I got lightning in my veins and thunder in my chest
All tangled up with you and trying to catch my breath
I’ve been chasing that sensation halfway ‘round the world
And looking back, on what we had
Well, I’ve done it all and I’ve seen it all,
But I can’t find a feeling like that

It’s like flying down some back road at midnight with you eyes closed and the headlights off
Girl I’ve been searching everywhere, can’t find that feeling anywhere
You’re all I want, now all I want

Is that lightening in my veins and thunder in my chest
All tangled up with you and trying to catch my breath
I’ve been chasing that sensation halfway ‘round the world
And looking back, on what we had
Well, I’ve done it all and I’ve seen it all, but I can’t find a feeling like that
That’s right, Well, I’ve done it all and I’ve seen it all, but I can’t find a feeling like that.”


Not knowing what else to say, the Chief Engineer said, “I… I lo… I love you, Mally Tinnerman.” His voice was small and squeaky when he made his proclamation after singing such an energy charged song to her. It would have been a miracle if she even heard it. Clearing his throat, he said, “computer, end.”

The Chief Engineer was glad he finally did it. He got out of his chair and grabbed the cube from the receptacle. He tossed it in the air and caught it. The small smile that started to appear on his face left quickly when the chime at the door came.

He said, “come.”

The door opened and the senior engineers entered one by one. They all stood around the desk as Seamus waited. Once they were all there, Seamus took his seat again.

Seeing the questioning looks, the Chief Engineer said, “most of you know being in Special Ops is as much a good thing as it is a bad thing. Volunteers make the sacrifice to defend the Federation and sometimes it can be a tall order. We make friends wherever we go and sometimes we have to move along to make more…”

“Chief, we get it. You’re going on an Op,” Ensign Spaulding said.

Seamus looked at the faces and even though the age difference wasn’t much, he could see himself in each of them. He took comfort in them knowing he would be back. After all, that’s how Special Ops personnel worked. They were assigned to regular fleet duties with a ship or station until called upon to ship out either with their Team or on their own. It just depended on the mission requirements. In the case of Seamus Zelazny Harper, though he had done his share of soloist Ops he had mostly been involved with Prime Team 22. Known as ‘The Prowlers’ they were rather well known in the Intelligence community.

The rest of the engineers gathered in the Chief’s office, save Lieutenant jg Deming, were all still part of different Teams. That was the history behind them and Seamus. At one time or another they had all served together during Ops that required more than one Team. One Op Seamus remembered involved ‘The Prowlers’ and ‘The Stalkers’. Harley Danson, who was still working in her office, was a member of that Team, also known as Prime Team 23.

Before Seamus could figure out the rest of what he had to say, Ensign Granger said, “congratulations on Lieutenant Commander, Chief.” Subdued applause started around the office and didn’t stop right away.

Feeling awkward, the Chief Engineer motioned for them to stop and said, “thanks, gentlemen.” He didn’t bother saying anything about the conditions of his promotion. He figured that it didn’t really matter at the moment.

He glanced to Lieutenant jg Deming and said to everyone else, “just remember that while I’m away Mike here is in charge.”

“Aye, Sir!” Deming said just a little louder than the rest.

Seamus said, “now go on and git. I’ve got a couple of things to tie up here and then I gotta head to Transporter Room 1.” He had no idea they intended to see him off at that location.

It was then the fire alarm went off.


continued . . . . .

[Kincaid]

The look on her face was priceless. A mixture of surprise, seasoned with fear and worry, and tinged with something that flickered back in her green eyes… hope. God he wanted to step up to her and hug her tight even though she was only in his boxers and shirt and likely to run.

“We’ll work on that?” It seemed she finally found her voice.

“Yeah.” Kincaid answered. “Not sleeping isn’t conductive to a long life in my line of work or yours.” Handing her a plate of light foods. “Nor is eating.” Picking up easily on her uncertainty, taking the three strides between them, catching her hand and shoving the plate into her grasp before letting it go. “I know you’ve dropped weight beyond what’s right for your size so I expect that plate to be cleaned up.”

Again the expression was worth more then anything. “That’s a lot of food.”

“No, it’s not.”

“But…”

“Do not make me sit on you and feed you.” Flashing Tinnerman a wicked grin. “It’d only lead me to tickling you and other methods of torture to get you to eat.” The entire idea seemed to appall his guest instead of calling up a smile he expected at his teasing. Watching her turn away from him to pick out a seat, before folding up into it, and proceeding to eat in small deliberate bites while staring off at a section of bulkhead opposite her. It didn’t make any kind of sense to him at all.

Replicating himself a plate of his own before giving it orders to start working on clothing for his guest then picking out his own seat across from her. Eating quietly for several minutes. Studying the scar along the side of her face, the shades under her eyes, and the way she seemed perched for flight. “Relax Mally.”

Another sharp look, paranoid and worried. “Why?”

“Because you’re a nervous mess and if you’re this jumpy around the Boss he’s going to want to know if you’re going to snap.”

“Let me guess… your idea of relaxing is a roll in your bed and a smoke after?” Kincaid had to frown at her choice of words and tone of voice.

“I’d be lying if I said I haven’t done that to relax in the past but regardless of how much I wanted to meet you, I don’t know you and there is nothing short of an order from one of the Maddux’s that would make me tumble you against your will.” His thoughts had been running more toward just holding her. Given the reactions he kept getting he wasn’t going to broach that subject either. “They really tore you apart, didn’t they?”

That got him something that resembled normal. Tears. Setting aside his plate, taking Tinnerman’s and setting it down as well, leaning down he picked her up and sat them both back down on a wider seat toward the back of his bridge. Tears he could deal with. Gave him a little hope that there was something real left in the girl to salvage…but he kept getting the impression it wasn’t him who’d be lucky enough to put the pieces together. For once he hoped his gut was not right on this.

[Wild Boyz]

Roland watched from the bar. It was passing strange to have so many uniforms out in force on Avalon. "Oy...know what's going on?" He asked a passing Fleeter. He was thinking the person looked rather familiar but couldn't rightly say why. He wasn't inclined to dwell on it much beyond trying to figure out what was going on.

<Open tag to someone from Lib who's met the boyz before>

[Annie Flynn]

Annie sighed. Down time... and she just saw that several requests for leave were approved. She smiled. Everyone needed this. As they approached the station, the fire alarm sounded.

"Fire?" She frowned a bit. "Computer... status of the fire alarm?"

=/\= "The alarm is originating from Malisade Tinnerman's quarters."

"Mally!" Annie left her office and headed that way.

[Edward Elric]

Ed flexed his right hand. He was bored. Looking desperately for some downtime after the latest crisis, he wanted to hit the station for some off-ship adventure. He headed over to Rhiannin's quarters and pressed the chime.

Testing... he pushed a bit. You home?

[Haruto Sakaki]

Haruto was nearby when the alarm sounded, indicating a fire in Mally's room. He headed that way.

"What's going on?" he asked the two women outside Mally's door. The smoke had covered the hallway by now.

"It's Tinnerman," Miho told him. "She's gone."

"GONE?!"

Miho sighed. "She set the fire in her quarters to get the doors to override the lock. That allowed her a smokescreen cover as she left." Miho crouched down. "She's cut off her hair... probably as a disguise effort." She carefully touched the hair, closing her eyes as she did so. "She's very lost and upset," she told Haruto. "Seeking escape... feeling that this is what everyone here wanted."

Haruto nodded. He spotted the stack of PADDs, left behind in a conspicuous place. He walked over and looked at them. "I'll get these to the right people," he said. "Mark this place off. We'll have to see if she left any other clues behind as to a possible destination."

[Syndicate]

Benjamin had taken his lovely wife back to his office to discuss her current fascination with ‘thinning the herd’. Sienna had found it an amusing sort of discussion to have with her husband.

“He was weak Benny.”

“You were weak.”

“Yes, and I asked you to do to me what I did to him. Does that make you weak?”

“Sienna…” Benny sighed getting annoyed with the whole logic she was using and thankfully had been interrupted by Kincaid. It was Sie’s expression that gave him more pause then the notion of the Federation trying to put a mole in their midst. “Sweetheart?”

It wasn’t adding up in her head from what she had known of Tinnerman. “Something’s not right Ben. That girl shook once the entire time she was here and that was because I had cornered her in the shower.” Watching her husband’s face quirk into a faint smirk at whatever mental picture that provided him. “Benny.” Smirking back slightly. “Behave for now.”

Giving her a mock innocent expression before returning to business. “What do you think is up?”

“I’m not sure, but I want to do a little test.”

“Just what kind of ‘little test’ do you have in mind?” Benny asked leaning back in his chair.

Smiling, Sienna left her chair on the other side of the desk to walk around and sit on the edge of his side of the desk right in front of him. “Avalon.” Knowing her husband didn’t fully comprehend what she meant, straddling his knees to lean down and kiss him. “Let Hunt keep her for now but have them escort us on our shopping trip at Avalon.”

“Put her in plain sight of the Liberator crew?”

“Yes.”

“Do you really want to play with a loaded pistol like that Sie?”

“Benny…darling, you need to read your reports today.” Turning around to pull up some information that came in through their information network. “There’s nothing loaded in this one. Liberator was going to dump her off.”

“What?”

“They wanted her off the ship. I’ve got two different sides to this but one said they were handing her over to Banar’s people for questioning about the Lost Voice. The other one was that the Captain made a deal to ship her off to some prison colony. Either way, they wanted her gone. You know Banar won’t mess with us. He knows where his backing comes from.” Sienna smiled. “I want to see which one is the truth. It’ll be one way to cull out our informants.”

“Ever thinking my dear.”

“That’s why you love me Benny…” Kissing him quickly. “So…have Hunt meet with us and arrive to Avalon in style?” His answering smile was more then enough. Sienna was going to enjoy this.

[Dan_Janis]

Once the Liberator had docked with Avalon, Daniel Janis had made a fair beeline off fthe ship. In the days they'd been in transit, he'd been in contact with several vendors aboard station about several items he wanted. As he'd done aboard the Endeavor, it had taken him a while to amass enough things of value before he could actually begin procuring things.....but....he'd finally been able to strike the right deal with the right people and today his ship was about to come in. Figuratively speaking that was. It wouldn't literally come in for a while yet.

Being off the ship, he had donned his civvies and blended in with the rest of the crowd a lot better than he did in Uniform. Consulting the notes he'd made on his PADD, he turned the final corner and found himself in yet another dingy looking hallway, at the end of which stood one of the myriad stores on the station. This one...held several things he wanted.

Moving through the doorway and picking his way through the piles of parts that were stashed here and there, he came to a counter. Looking through the dim lighting, Dan didn't see anyone. "Hello? Anyone back there?"

There was no answer for a moment. In fact...all that greeted him was more silence.....till that silence was shattered by a loud crash in the back, followed by several bits of what could only be swearing. The pilot didn't recognize the language...but that didn't mean terribly much out here.

"Just a second.....just a second. Musta dozed off there, young man," came a wizened old voice from the back. The same direction that the crash had come from.

A moment later, from amonst the piles behind the counter, an old man emerged. "You must be Mr. Zaxloc. We spoke over subspace....."

"Yes, Yes...but everyone calls me Abe. It's short for something most people can't hope to pronounce...so you can just call me Abe too." The old man reguarded him for a moment, "Oh...that's right...you're the young man who called about Sonerian Impulse Drive I got not too long ago. I've been meaning to ask what you wanted with that thing. It's overpowered for most things....unless you're going to be hauling about 50,000 metric tonnes."

Janis smirked, "Well.....I know they're overpowered....but they'll be perfect for my application. Speed is a factor here."

Abe looked concerned for a moment, "You're not one of those racers, are you? I don't have time for that lot.....buncha cheapskates that lot is."

Sensing his deal might actually be in danger, Dan held up his hands. "Oh....no sir....I'm not building a racing craft."

"Ok then...that's different." Zaxloc appeared to be placated by this, which made Janis feel that much better. "Well...did you bring those power inverters you spoke of on Subspace?"

"Not yet...but give me a second and I'll get you one to look at." Fishing into his pocked, he pulled out his Starfleet Comm Badge. Pressing it between his thumb and forefinger, "Janis to Transporter Room 3......please beam the package to my location."

His request was acknowledge by the Transporter Chief and a moment later a case with one of the power inverters materialized next to him. He picked it off the floor and set it up on the counter. "These are the best you'll find in the sector."

Old Abe picked up the device and took a long, careful look at it. "This is good craftsmanship. Interesting design too."

Placing the inverter back in it's case, "Ok.....so assuming they're all like this.....you've got yourself a deal, Young Man. The Sonerian Impulse Engine....a Putomayan deflector array and 5 Triserian waveguides for 12 of your Power Inverters."

Janis nodded. Abe was sticking with the deal and that's all he asked. He had nothing against people making a buck so long as everyone got what they wanted. "Good. Why don't we see to delivery...and then I'll see to it you get your payment."

Abe nodded and waved Janis back behind the counter. As he followed the man back along the winding path, "My name is Dan Janis by the way....and I'll probably be back to see you a few more times before my project is complete."

"Good to meet you, Young Man. I'll be glad to have the business if you keep bringing me stuff of the same quality." When Abe smiled, it showed a several rows of uneven teeth. They were in good condition though.....which said a lot about how the man did things.

An hour later, secured inside one of the Liberator's cargo bays were the purchases that Janis had made along with a couple extra pieces. The Katayama would basically be built around her engines....which is why he was getting those pieces first. Based upon everything he'd read, the Sonerians made some of the best Impulse engines anywhere. He'd gotten a screaming deal on this particular one. Also based on his research, he didn't think they'd have any issues mating the engine with a Starfleet Warp Core. That was always a big plus when you could say something like that. Dan didn't remember how many hours he'd spent making the Aurora's diverse systems talk to each other.

This time he didn't plan to have such issues. Having the blessing of your CO usually made things that much easier. He'd be able to use mostly Starfleet equipment this time....though some of the bigger items would have to be scrounged up. Such as the computer core. Those were never a good idea to replicate and well.....the spare parts the Liberator carried for her own core were hard to come by. That wouldn't matter though. He'd picked up a line on a core with great processing power and plenty of storage space that had come off of a Dellarite Science Vessel. And then there were things like the thruster assemblies, fuel cells, sensor package and so on and so forth....

Sometimes he wondered if this was the part he enjoyed more: the scavenger hunt. Sure, building and flying the Katayama would be great....but....the real adventure was sourcing the parts he needed. Once he had the main big ticket items.....they could start putting the frame together...which was something he was looking forward to.

And then he'd see about Peter's larger runabout.