Chapter One
The full complement of crew was present; minus Jenna. Everyone was at their normal stations. There was an empty feeling on the flight deck, even though they were also joined by three additional guests. Everyone stole glances at the vacant pilot's station.
Despite everything that had happened, Jenna was still a friend and a valued team mate. They had been through a lot together. It was Jenna's choice to leave them but it was still hard to accept.
Additional pleas from Cally and Vila had produced no results. Jenna was determined to pursue her own course. She stopped responding to further attempts at contact.
"Is that it?" asked Vila. "Aren't we going to do anything else?"
"There's nothing we can do, Vila. We've exhausted all options. I've tried making contact with the rebels who were with her but Jenna seems determined to avoid us. She must have told them to steer clear of us," said Argus.
"She's made her choice," said Cally sadly.
"Yes. She has," said Argus.
No one wanted to voice their fears; the next time they met, they might no longer be on the same side.
Argus continued, "Even if we were able to find her. I don't we could have persuaded her from her path. You've both talked to her."
Vila looked depressed. He turned to Avon and said, "She really wants to kill you."
Avon was about to say that she would be joining a long list of people with the same intentions; but he refrained and stayed silent.
Cally looked at Avon curiously when he didn't say anything. He was actively listening to their conversation but had not participated; even though it concerned him.
"We can't let her back onboard. Not in her current mood," said Argus. "I've left a message for her. She will know how to contact us if she ever changes her mind."
"Hopefully it will be 'when' and not 'if'," said Cally. "And before the hatred consumes her."
Avon had been silent throughout this exchange of words. As the others continued talking, many thoughts went through his mind.
The crew had all made a decision to stand by him. He didn't doubt that they could care about him but he was one that others had used most of his life. Sometimes it was difficult to believe that it could ever change for him. Sometimes it was easier to believe that everyone just wanted him for his abilities. It was less disappointing when people inevitably betrayed him; when they no longer found him useful, or when they found him too useful.
It was an illogical impulse, but Avon wanted to believe that they cared; that he mattered more to them than what they could use him for.
Cally, Vila, Argus and even Reya had helped him when he was barely functional. They had done it when he was of no use to anyone; when there was doubt if he would ever be useful again. They weren't demanding him to change; they knew who he was and yet they had been willing to help him.
The most surprising one had been Vila. Of all of them, Vila had the most reason not to help him.
The other surprising one had been Argus. Avon had not wanted to like this man. But Argus had helped him and asked nothing in return.
Why is it different now? thought Avon. You are the same people. Some of you. Did you care before? Is it my perceptions which have changed? Is it because I've been too weak to push you away? Is it because you feel pity for me? Or is it something else?
Avon had noticed that Cally had been watching him when she thought he wasn't looking.
Does it matter why? Or is it enough that they do care?
Avon studied each one of his crew mates as they discussed the situation with Jenna. Perhaps it's time to take another step.
Avon said in a clear voice, "Thank you."
They all looked at him in surprise.
"What? Did I miss something?" asked Vila.
"What are you saying, Avon?" asked Cally.
For some reason, Avon felt embarrassed. He realized he wasn't just trying to convey gratitude.
While he was at the Detention Centre, they had tried to reduce him to something which was barely human; trying to finish a job which the Federation had been trying to do with him most of his life. A tool which was still human tended to be problematic when required to do things which were inhuman; it made him less efficient, less reliable. At times he wondered if he was still human.
They had never been able to wipe out his humanity completely. He no longer reacted to things as normal people did; in that they had succeeded in making him more like a machine. But he got very good at hiding that he cared, even from himself. No one could ever prove that he did. If they knew, he would have been sent for more nauseating bouts of retraining or readjustment. He developed a hatred of anyone who sought to manipulate him.
They tried to inspire attachment and loyalty to the Federation. It had backfired because he saw what they really were. The more they tried to control him, the more he sought to be free of them.
At the Detention Centre, he fought what they were trying to do. He clung to those things which still made him human. It wasn't the logic or the reason; it was the memories of his crew mates and his interaction with them.
Avon desperately wanted to be human again.
I have never understood why it should be necessary to become irrational in order to prove that you care, or, indeed, why it should be necessary to prove it at all.
Avon almost laughed as this memory came unbidden into his mind. He remembered it well. None of the others understood what he had been trying to convey; none except Cally. He was certain that Cally would understand what he was trying to do now. It didn't make it any easier.
Perhaps it is necessary sometimes. Perhaps it is not enough to only take action which is needed.
He said again clearly, "Thank you for doing this. None of you had to. I know that it is difficult for all of you. I appreciate that you did." There was unfamiliar warmth in his voice. It sounded strange coming from him.
Vila's jaw dropped. "I can't believe my ears. Cally, I think something's wrong with Avon. Or maybe this is not Avon. Maybe it's one of the aliens."
"Don't be a fool, Vila," said Avon.
"That sounds more like Avon," said Vila nervously.
"It is Avon," Cally said with certainty. Her senses had been concentrated on him since his silence had made her curious. She was aware of his feelings of embarrassment.
"Are you sure?" asked Argus. The last thing he needed was to protect an Avon who was not real.
"I'm sure," Cally said firmly. Her eyes never left Avon.
"Is it that alien a concept that I could express appreciation?" asked Avon.
Vila said, "Well, yes. I mean, no. I mean…you have before. But this time it's different…I'm confused." He looked around for help.
"You're not just thanking us for what we're doing, are you Avon?" asked Cally.
Avon stared at her without expression for a moment. Sometimes he felt very naked with her. It was disconcerting.
Avon smiled mischievously. "Perhaps Vila is right. I am an alien."
"I'm going to quietly have a heart attack now. Don't anyone stop me," said Vila.
"It's not that bad," said Argus said to Vila. "I'm sure we can all adjust."
"You mean to Avon? Or me having a heart attack?" asked Vila.
"Both," said Argus.
Avon turned to Vila, "If it makes you feel any better, I still plan to insult you. That won't change."
"Thanks awfully," said Vila.
"Don't mention it," said Avon.
"I'm going to keep insulting you too, you know."
"I'd be disappointed if you didn't," smiled Avon.
Has anyone seen Sester?" asked Cally. She preferred knowing where the psychostrategist was; she still didn't trust him.
Argus said flatly, "He's no longer on the ship."
From the couches where she, Allren and Ture were sitting, Reya looked sharply at Argus. He hadn't told her that. Even though he had forgiven her and said that he understood, from his attitude she suspected that it wasn't quite true.
"That's a relief," said Cally. "Do you know where he went to?"
"He didn't say. I didn't ask," said Argus curtly.
"Well, that's rude of him. Going away without saying goodbye," said Vila.
"You've never met him. Why would he say anything to you?" remarked Avon dryly. "On the other hand, perhaps you have met."
"Well, next time you leave the ship, see if I say good bye to you," said Vila with mock seriousness.
"Please don't," said Avon. A grin touched the corner of his lips.
"What do we do now? We seem to have exhausted all the entertainment value from this planet," said Vila.
"There is something I need to discuss with all of you first," said Argus. They all turned their attentions to him. After all that had happened, the old routines felt strange.
He explained to them about the temporary alliance with Servalan.
"Avon and I have agreed to this arrangement but I'd like to hear what all of you have to say. Especially you, Cally. I know that you have a strong reason to hate Servalan."
"You agreed to this?" Cally asked Avon. There was a tone in her voice indicating that she found it hard to believe. "After all she's done to you?"
Cally studied him as he answered her question. They had spent a night together in her cabin; Avon sleeping on a makeshift cot near her bunk. Even though it was a small step, for Avon it was a large one. She wondered if things would be different now between them now.
Avon turned to her and answered, "I still have an overriding desire to kill her. If that's your concern."
"You know it's not."
He gave her a wry smile. "I also have an overriding desire to survive. None of us will if the aliens or these invaders gain a foothold in our galaxy. What we're facing is as dangerous, perhaps more so than what we faced at Star One. This threat is more insidious. For that I would be willing to go into an alliance, even with Servalan."
"First you save her, and then you kill her?" asked Vila.
"Exactly," said Avon.
"You're saying that the invaders and the aliens are not the same group?" asked Cally.
"It's highly unlikely that they are. Their technology is more advanced than ours but its source is not alien. More a natural progression from our current level."
"That's all we need. Two groups of hairy aliens with designs on us," said Vila under his breath.
"Then we're in real danger," said Cally.
"Do I take it that we all support this alliance then?" asked Argus.
"Well, if it's down to being eaten by hairy aliens or not being eaten by hairy aliens, my choice is not being eaten," said Vila.
"I agree," said Cally.
Argus looked at Avon and said, "Then it's unanimous, we all chose Vila's not-being-eaten-by-aliens option. And we all fight together."
They all nodded in agreement. Their three guests, Reya, Ture and Allren also nodded.
Argus continued, "We have a lot of preparation work to do. Not the least of which is making contingencies in terms of working with Servalan. I don't have to remind any of you that we will have to watch our backs the entire time we are working with her."
"Yes, she can stab you in the back while looking you in the face," said Vila.
"Yes, I wouldn't trust her as far as I could throw her. I believe that's one of your Earth expressions," said Cally.
"Before we do that. I think some rest and recreation is in order. We're all tired. And we've been stressed beyond our limits these past weeks," said Argus.
"A holiday! I can't remember the last time I had one of those," said Vila.
Argus pointed out, "And since we have this alliance now. We can go anywhere, even within Federation borders. There's a place not far from here. In the adjoining sector. Pleasure City."
Vila said enthusiastically, "I know the place. They've got the ultimate in sensory experiences. Anything you want, they can do. And I mean anything. I've always wanted to go there." He was clearly relishing this idea.
"I don't know if that sounds like a place I want to go to," said Cally.
"I don't know. It might be interesting," said Avon speculatively.
"You're interested in such a place?" Cally asked.
"I'm not adverse to a little pleasure," said Avon.
"Am I hearing a unanimous vote for Pleasure City?" asked Argus.
"Yes. Avon agrees as long as he only has a little fun," said Vila with. "And if Cally will go with him," he added with a smirk.
At this Avon glared at him.
There had been an embarrassing situation during the morning cycle on the ship. Avon had exited Cally's cabin and run into Vila. He had given Vila the same glare then.
"I don't know why you have to be so shy about it," said Vila. "It's about time. We're all very happy for you."
Avon continued glaring at him. Vila didn't seem to notice that he wasn't joking anymore.
"Leave it alone, Vila," said Cally warningly.
The tone in her voice stopped Vila from adding another comment.
The others watched this encounter curiously.
Argus interjected and said, "Ture. Allren. We can drop both of you off wherever you want to go. Or you can go to Pleasure City with us."
Allren looked at his partner. Ture nodded.
"We'll join you. I've always wanted to visit the pleasure centres," said Allren.
Argus said, "Zen, set course for Pleasure City in Sector Eight. Speed standard by six."
"Confirmed."
Servalan studied her psychostrategist. They were both in her office onboard her command ship; currently on its way back to Earth sector. She had not talked to him or asked him a question since he had sat down; she watched him impassively.
Sometimes Servalan found that silence was more intimidating than actual words; especially if her target was feeling guilty or was actively trying to hide something.
Sester had not answered her question the previous day; the one concerning the woman who had escaped with him. He had been very clever with his deflections. Servalan found that intriguing.
A psychostrategist was most vulnerable when they were personally involved. That's why they were trained, almost conditioned, to treat others as puppets. Sester didn't seem to realize that she suspected something between him and the woman. This blindness pointed to something very personal.
Sester didn't seem concerned by the silence. He appeared relaxed, almost amused. This tactic wasn't working on him.
I should have known, thought Servalan.
She smiled and said, "How are you feeling? I understand that you received a serious injury?"
"I'm fine, Madame President," he answered her; wondering what she was up to now. So the games are starting again. He was not fooled by her concern in the least.
"I want you to report to the medical section," she told him.
"That's not necessary. I told you. I'm fine."
"I still want the medical staff to clear you first. I have many things for you to do. Not to mention all of your normal duties which I have had to take up."
"Of course, Madame President."
"I have made a temporary alliance with the Justice crew. To deal with the alien threats," Servalan informed him. She decided he didn't need to know about her private agreement with Argus.
Sester reacted in surprise. "Is that why you came to Papos?"
"Yes," Servalan acknowledged.
"But knowing you, that's probably not the only reason. One of the reasons has to do with Avon, doesn't it?"
She smiled. "Of course. He is never far from my thoughts. You will be my liaison with the Justice crew."
"I would prefer not to," said Sester. This was the last thing he needed. Sester wasn't sure what Argus would do to him the next time they met.
"Did I say that it was a request?" asked Servalan.
"Avon still holds me responsible for what was done to him. I would be the last person he would want to see on a regular basis."
"This is not a choice," said Servalan.
"For me or for him," said Sester.
"I'm glad we both understand each other. Go and report to the medical section," said Servalan in dismissal.
After Sester left, Servalan contacted senior agent Gorman from the Central Security team on Papos.
"Have you been able to discover anything more about the female prisoner?" asked Servalan.
"We've found out her name is Reya. We haven't been able to identify a last name. We are in the process of running her through the Federation database. Shouldn't take long to find out who she is, as long as she's in the system. It appears that she and your psychostrategist were captured together."
That's very interesting, thought Servalan. You were together even then.
"Keep investigating. I want all the information you can find on her."
"Yes, Madame President."
Servalan closed the connection and smiled speculatively. She enjoyed the games with her psychostrategist. This one was going to be interesting.
She knew very well what forcing the continued association between Avon and Sester would do. The agreement with Argus had been not to harm Avon; she had never promised not to keep him off-balance.
It was also good to remind Sester who was in control. He had been away from her for too long. He needed a reminder.
Chapter Two
Avon was keeping Cally company on the flight deck during her shift. Argus had still not allotted Avon a spot in the rotation and with Jenna gone, there were only three of them to keep watch.
"What is your interest in this place?" asked Cally.
"Pleasure City?"
"Yes."
"There are some aspects of the simulation technology used there which interest me. It may prove useful in fixing the sopron projector. Perhaps even improve it."
"I should have known," said Cally. "Do you plan to get even a little rest?"
"Did I promise that?"
"Not in so many words. It may do you some good to take advantage of the more recreational aspects of the facility."
"I thought it was a place you weren't interested in?"
"I could be persuaded, if you came with me," said Cally.
"And we both could get a little rest?"
"Just a little."
Avon gave a light laugh. "Well, if you put it like that. How could I refuse?"
His laughter was boyish and mischievous. It reminded her of the laughter he used to have before things got grim.
It's been along time since you've laughed like that, thought Cally.
Cally turned serious. There was concern in her voice, "Avon, are you sure that you'll be alright working with Servalan?"
"I should ask you the same thing," said Avon.
"I wasn't tortured by her for three years."
"I'm not going to work with her directly," said Avon. "I'll leave that to Argus."
"Are you trying to test him?" Cally asked.
"I know you think he's a good man, Cally. But I need more than that before I can trust him. When we finally deal with the Federation, I have to know what he's capable of."
"How are your therapy sessions with him going?" she asked.
"I don't think he enjoys them." There was a trace of a smirk on his face.
"I'm sure you do your best facilitate that."
"Well, therapy is not meant to be enjoyable, for either party."
"Is that a special Avon guide to therapy?"
"It might be useful if both of you are present during the sessions," said Avon.
"Yes. If only to protect Argus from you," said Cally.
"I would like you to be involved, Cally. I know Argus would prefer if you took over the task. But I will need both of you when I begin to access the deeper nightmares and memories. You will be able to keep me focused better than he does. But we may need him if something goes wrong."
"Do you think you're ready?"
"I have to be. There has been an increased frequency of triggering events. Once the memories begin, I no longer have control. It doesn't make me the most reliable or safe person to be around. I can't trust myself. I need to be able to."
Cally suggested, "Now that we have an alliance with Servalan. Perhaps we should seek some professional help. Maybe a psych specialist?"
"No."
"Why not, Avon?" she asked.
"I don't trust Servalan. She must know the type of help I need. The number of specialists who could deal with what she did to me would be limited. And she would control all of them. It would be too easy for her to gain access that way. Argus's rebel group found one of them, a Professor Tarkson. In reality he was working for Servalan. She used him on me while I was at the Detention Centre. I'm not taking that chance again."
"Alright. Then I will join you."
Vila, Ture and Allren were in Vila's cabin sharing what they were going to do once they reached Pleasure City. For some reason this involved a lot of boasting. They were also drinking Vila's favourite green alcoholic beverage; which might explain some of the bragging going on.
"Avon and I went down to Freedom City once and won five million credits at the Big Wheel casino," said Vila. He was excited and clearly looking forward to their holiday. "It's too bad ORAC isn't fixed yet. We could have done that at Pleasure City."
"ORAC was able to adjust the odds in your favour by controlling the computer?" asked Ture. He sounded very interested in this.
"Yes. It was wonderful. The casino never stood a chance against us," said Vila.
"Hmm," said Ture. There was a far away look on his face.
"What are you thinking?" asked Allren worriedly. He knew the "hmm" from his partner and that 'look' always meant he was planning some hi-tech mischief.
"We don't need ORAC," said Ture. "If I could just talk to Avon and if you can help with some of the tech stuff, Allren."
"You think you can rig up something?" asked Vila excitedly.
"I don't think I like the sounds of this," said Allren. He was looking between his partner and Vila. Having the two of them encourage each other was not a good idea and made him feel outnumbered.
Reya moaned softly. Argus was being slow; agonizingly slow. His hand was on her hip, preventing her from moving or controlling the pace. After the flight deck, he had led her back to his cabin. Before she could ask him about what happened between him and Sester, he had them both out of their clothes and in bed again. Neither of them had slept much the previous night. It had been a night of passion. Argus seemed intent on erasing the memories of the last few weeks and making new ones.
After he finally brought them both to a climax Reya asked, "Can we take a break?"
"You're tired?" asked Argus. He lay facing her, his hands caressing her body. Despite her weariness, her body was reacting to his touch. This was something Sester had done, though he had been trying to overcome her reluctance. Argus was doing something very different.
Reya realized that Argus's lovemaking was not just motivated by love or pleasure now. There was an element of control to it. In the past, they had always approached each others as equals. By telling Argus what had happened, their relationship had changed. Sester had been right.
"You can't erase everything that happened by doing this," she told him.
"I don't know what you mean."
"Are you angry with me?" she asked him.
"I told you. I'm not," he answered.
"But you kicked Sester off the ship."
"Yes," said Argus. There was a coldness in his answer. "It had nothing to do with you."
"How can you say that?" asked Reya. She was uneasy. He had never used this kind of tone with her before.
"I'm not going to discuss it with you," he told her.
"Do you want me to leave too?" she asked in a quiet voice.
"Is that a threat?" he asked.
Reya looked into his eyes, trying to understand what was happening. Everything he said to her hurt.
She said in a subdued voice, "Don't do this, Argus. You know I didn't mean it like that. I don't want to leave. Not unless you want me to. Please don't ask me to leave."
"Then don't bring this up again," he warned her.
Reya nodded. "I never meant to hurt you."
What she said shook Argus out of the mood he had been in. When he looked at her face, he was shocked by the misery and guilt which he found there. He realized that he had been so wrapped up in his own problems that he had not truly 'seen' her since the day she had told him what happened with Sester.
"I know." His voice softened and he stopped what he was doing. He shook his head. "I don't know why I'm doing this." Argus took her into his arms and held her gently. "I'm sorry. I do understand, but I can't seem to help myself."
"You're angry."
"Not at you. There are so many things I can't control. I'm afraid I'm going to do something..." Argus stopped. He couldn't tell her what he was really afraid of.
Now that he was trying to make sense of what he had been feeling, Argus realized with horror that he had been taking out his anger and frustrations on Reya. The guarded wariness and adversarial association he had with Servalan over the past few weeks was colouring the way he was relating to someone he loved deeply.
"I'm sorry, Reya. I'm such a fool. Can you forgive me?"
"It seems we both have things to forgive and to be forgiven for," said Reya.
"At least you have a reason for yours. I really am sorry. I know I tend to do idiotic things when it comes to our relationship. If I do this again, please hit me or something."
"Is that an order?"
"I don't think you need one to hit me," he said with a quick grin.
She put a hand against his chest. "Were you serious about what you said before? That we we're both independent adults? That we have no hold over each other?"
"No. I was fooling myself. And you. I've always treated our relationship as something different. I wanted to tell you but I was too much of a coward to bring it up. This level of commitment scares me but for you, I would be willing."
"You're wonderful," she told him.
"Don't say that. I'm not. I'm terrible and I don't deserve you," he told her.
"You are wonderful," she told him. Her voice became quiet. "Were you serious about the level of commitment?"
Argus hesitated. He had not expected the question. "Yes. I am."
"I am too." She leaned forward and kissed him passionately.
He said in surprise, "I thought you were tired?"
"Not now," said Reya. She added playfully, "And I thought I might give the 'or something' a try."
"Well, I have been treating you badly."
She rolled on top of him and said firmly, "Yes, you have."
"Then I should make it up to you, shouldn't I?"
"Do you have anything in mind?" she asked innocently.
"Now who's being bad?" he asked as he kissed her.
This time the passion they shared was very different and had a depth which had not been present before.
"Ture," Cally came up to the computer technician as he was sharing a meal with Vila and Allren in the dining area.
Ture looked up at her; he was still chewing on a piece of something purple.
"Hmm? Yes, Cally?" he asked.
"I know that you like working with Avon but can you give him some space?"
Ture swallowed what he had been eating. "Oh. He hasn't said anything."
"No he wouldn't. He enjoys working on the technology and the problem solving. But he tires easily and would never admit it. I need you to be more careful about his health."
"Alright, Cally. I'll be careful," said Ture.
"Thank you."
Vila watched Cally speculatively as she left the dining area. He wondered if there was another reason why she would be concerned that Avon would be too tired.
"Are Avon and Cally together?" asked Ture. He had been wondering since the scene on the flight deck.
"It looks like it," said Vila. "I always suspected there was something between those two. But I never had any proof."
"Are you still interested in Cally?" Allren asked his partner.
"I would never compete with Avon," said Ture.
"Don't tell me. You're another one of those who thinks Avon is wonderful?" groaned Vila.
"He is," said Ture.
"I don't think I can stand any more," said Vila.
An hour later Avon was running simulations at the computer terminal in his workshop while Ture watched. Avon glanced at the man beside him. The tech's enthusiasm for all things computer related reminded Avon of Tess. He had the same quick mind though he tended to be less outgoing; unless technology or computers were involved. Ture seemed to absorb information.
Avon missed working with people like this sometimes. That was why he had enjoyed being with Tess. There was simplicity of truth in what they did; not complicated by illogical human sentiment. It was a world that made sense.
"The programming is sound," said Avon.
"Then I don't understand it," said Ture. "It should work. But it doesn't."
"Let me take a look at your transceiver unit."
Ture picked up the requested unit from the table and handed it to him.
Avon opened it up and studied it carefully. "Hand me the optical meter." Ture put the meter into his extended hand.
Avon began testing the readings of the various crystals with the meter and dictating the values to Ture who entered them onto a datapad. "This is a clever design," remarked Avon.
"It was your idea. We adapted what you did with the diffuser crystal and the comm unit," said Ture. He continued with great admiration in his voice, "What you did with the comm unit. That was amazing. Allren said that he would have never thought of that. It was pure genius."
The man's attitude made Avon uncomfortable. The last thing he needed was someone who idolized him as Tess had, and definitely not as Meegat had.
"Don't do that," he told Ture.
"Do what?" asked the computer tech, not understanding.
"You can respect the technology but don't idolize me. People held up to be admired often have a tendency to disappoint."
"If you hadn't done the mods with the comm unit first, we would never have thought of this. And if you hadn't helped us with realigning the crystals, it would never have worked."
"Then a simple thank you will suffice."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome," said Avon as he took the last readings and then began studying the data using various analysis tools.
Ture watched Avon as he worked. He respected this man a great deal; even after seeing some of his flaws. In fact it was the flaws which made Ture respect him even more; it made him more real. The things this man struggled with were things Ture couldn't even imagine. But despite it all, he was still brilliant. Even his enemies respected and feared him.
After the analysis was done Avon said, "It's what I suspected."
"You see something?" Ture leaned forward expectantly.
He said, "There's a minor flaw in one of the crystals. It puts a slight shift in the transceiver's signal spectrum. You'll need to make an adjustment to your program to compensate. These are the new values." Avon began pointing out the numbers on the screen.
"Alright. That should be easy enough. I can adjust the programming," said Ture.
"I also have an idea on how you can reduce the size of the unit by forty percent."
"That would be great," said Ture. "I know Allren would prefer that we not get caught." He grinned.
"That's always a good thing to be avoided," said Avon in a deadpan tone. "Speaking of things to be avoided. Watch out for Vila. He has a tendency to be enthusiastic. Especially when he's winning. He doesn't know when to stop."
"I'm sure Allren will keep both of us out of trouble," said Ture.
"Yes. Try to bring Vila back in one piece. He's the only thief we've got. It would be inconvenient if we had to find a replacement," said Avon dryly.
Ture grinned at him.
Avon went over to the work-table and began sketching out the modifications on a datapad.
Ture watched him work for a few minutes, fascinated by the changes he was making in the design.
"Avon?"
"Hmm?" Avon asked distractedly.
"I forgot to ask. Are you tired? Cally told me not to tire you out."
Avon looked up at Ture. He gave an irritated sigh. "Sometimes Cally can be too concerned about my health. I feel fine. If I don't I'll let you know."
"I think she's worried about you," said Ture.
"I have no doubt. But too much concern can be counter-productive." He continued working on the datapad.
"You're sure you're going to tell me if you're tired? I wouldn't want to upset Cally."
"Did I mention that over-concern can also be irritating?" asked Avon without looking up again.
"Right. Sorry." Ture went back over to the computer terminal and began making the adjustments to his program.
Argus was taking his shift on the flight deck. It was the night cycle on the ship now. Most of the crew was asleep. Even Reya. Argus smiled. He was still tired but he didn't mind. Reya could be very energetic when she set her mind to it. His smile disappeared. It was time to contact the other woman currently in his life.
"Zen. Use my personal contact protocol. D18."
"Confirmed."
Argus checked some readings at his station while he waited.
After a few minutes, Zen said, "Communication channel established."
"Put it on the main viewscreen."
"Confirmed."
Servalan appeared. She was wearing a nightgown. Argus wasn't in the least apologetic if he had woken her up.
"We must talk about these irregular hours you keep," said Servalan.
"If we are to keep this agreement confidential, that's the way it has to be," said Argus unrepentantly.
"You've arrived at Pleasure City?" asked Servalan.
"Not yet. We're on the way. You have the additional information I need?"
"Yes. Routing the information now." Servalan could be seen activating some controls on her desk. "I don't have to remind you to be careful."
"I'm a professional, Servalan. Reminders are not appreciated," he said coldly.
"I expect to hear some good news the next time we communicate," she told him.
"If that's meant to be a threat, save it for your decorative staff. For me, even as entertainment value it falls short."
"Your temper hasn't improved since the last time we talked."
"That's none of your concern."
"You're right of course. You temper doesn't concern me. At all. Until next time, Argus."
After Servalan closed the communications channel, Argus stared at the starfield. He had an uncomfortable feeling that she was up to something; though he suspected that this would always be true.