The Dark Side of the Moon
Rated: T
Disclaimer: See first chapter
Chapter Two: Meetings
The sounds of the market place swelled around Caitlin. Having been stuck on board a commerce freighter for two weekens the fresh air, the vibrant colours and tantalising smells were a much welcomed change. Food, she thought to her self. Now there was a good idea. She made her way over to the nearest market stall to see what she could find.
"Well it's the most impressive range of goop I ever have seen." she mumbled under her breath as she caught sight of the produce on sale. At least fifty containers lined the table each filled some kind of sticky substance in varying colours. It was another price one had to pay for living in this region. Food did not always agree with sebacian physiology.
"If you are going to try the 'goop' I'd go for the purple it's the local speciality."
Caitlin let out a small gasp she hadn't expected anyone to overhear her statement. Too many problems for her in the past had arisen from something she had said that was construed as an insult. She was also not very happy that this individual had gotten close enough to whisper in her ear. She was getting sloppy she should be paying more attention to her surroundings. Caitlin turned to look at the man so as to decide whether to run, knock him out or perhaps just thank him for his kind help in choosing her meal. All thought left her mind however as she caught sight of the man next to her. He was a Sebacian. Not at all what she had suspected. He was older probably the age her would be maybe a bit younger. He had dark hair, tanned skin and was wearing an old order peace keeper uniform – overall completing the very typical Sebacian look. It had been so long since she had seen anyone that looked remotely like her own race that for the first time in her life she had trouble putting words together instead she just stood their looking at him utterly dumbfounded. The man's brow furrowed and a few awkward microts passed by without her being able to say anything.
"Well" he said before Caitlin was yet to get anything out " I must say it has been the most stimulating conversation. Are you always this chatty or do you just prefer to mutter to yourself? In which case I apologise for the interruption."
Caitlin couldn't help but give a small smile at the man's sarcasm.
"No" she replied having trouble hiding the happiness in her voice " I do not generally make a habit of talking to myself. Its just been a long time since I've seen any Sebacians I was just a bit shocked that's all"
"I known I'm shocking aren't I" he gave a big grin as he said this and Caitlin let out a soft laugh. God it had been ages since she had reason to smile let alone laugh. Who was this man?
"I'm Valarak by the way". In her shock that he answered the question that was running through her head so promptly she replied with "Caitlin". She cringed inwardly. Stupid. Very, very stupid. Out here Caitlin meant nothing to most people but he was Sebacian. For all she knew he was a peacekeeper sent out here to track her down and here she was introducing herself. And even if he was not a peacekeeper if he had been in peacekeeper territory or Scarran or Nebari territory for that matter he would have heard her name mentioned and probably would not have forgotten it. After all being a human name it was not a common name and the bounty that must be on her head by now would probably leave the innocuous name of Caitlin Sun Crichton fairly firmly ingrained in your mind. Valarak showed no sign of recognition and Caitlin let out a soft breath she had been holding.
"So you going to try gurslinret" he asked her.
"Woah, I think my microbes went a bit farbot on that last one there. Am I going to try what?"
"Gurslinret. It is the innards of the very rare gursliarayret bug or as it is otherwise known as 'goop'" he said this as he pointed over to the stand in front of them
"Oh boy, am I glad that you told me it was the innards of a critter" she replied
"Really most people don't like being told that"
"Yeah, but I now know that im sure as hell not going to eat that". Caitlin gave a disgusted face that made Valarak laugh.
"yeah, well…"
"Valarak, where in the hezmana are you?" an irritated male voice came over Valarak's comms, interrupting him.
"Danus, I'm in the market square" Valarak replied in an equally irritated voice
"Have you got the supplies yet?"
"Danus, I just got here at least give me two microts before you start harassing me for taking too long". Valarak gave a soft apologising smile to Caitlin
"Valarak you know we can't spend to much time round here. It's not safe" Valarak let out a weary breath at this statement.
"For you perhaps but not for me. You and Mira stay up in Arliya and you will be fine"
"Stay up in Arliya I wish. We're down on the surface. Mira was convinced that they wouldn't come after us, hijacked a pod and came down. I of course have come down to hall her sorry arse back up to the ship"
"What! Have you found her" Valarak sound distressed at the news and Caitlin gave a concerned look at his obvious alarm.
"Nope not yet … oh wait I see her craft and there she is. Oy Mira" the Comms carried the sound of Danus calling out to Mira. "What did you think you were… hey let go of me… Mira…Mira…I said let go of me" the harsh sound of gunfire suddenly blasting through the comms made both Valarak and Caitlin jump.
"Danus, Danus you there" Valarak said urgently into the comms but only silence greeted him before… "down both of you put your hands behind your back. Its about time the two of you came back home" was faintly heard through the existing comm. link. "Search them". Heavy breathing could be heard on the other end and then a harsh scrunch and piercing squeal. The comm. link was broken.
"Dranit" Valarak cursed loudly
"Your friends have been taken?" Caitlin questioned. The answer was obvious but she thought it best to make sure she had interpreted it right.
Valarak gave a faint nod
"By slavers. I have to get them back"
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