Chapter 3: Cat Fight
Sara doesn't take kindly to people attacking her family...
"So if you move this bit back here, see how much more easily the shaft turns?" Gil pointed to a piece of the Nomad engine as Jaal looked on.
"I see. And what happens if you move this one as well?"
Gil was about to answer when the cargo bay door opened. They were docked on the Nexus while the Pathfinder met with Director Tann to update him about their progress on Havarl. She also mentioned visiting her brother. In the Hyperion med-bay. Jaal had asked Gil to show him some of the Nomad's systems while they waited, which led to a full-on gearhead session.
They both looked up as the Pathfinder walked up the ramp. She was back early. Her normally neat black hair was mussed and she had a fresh bruise around her eye, as well as a few scratches on her cheek. "What the hell happened to you?" Gil asked, coming over.
Sara rolled her eyes. "Somebody was looking for a fight."
"And you gave it to them. Let me guess, it was Tann."
"No, some girl on the Hyperion," Sara said. "Basically, she thinks my dad took advantage of Jien Garson and forced us all to come out here and that we're all gonna die. Long story short, I kinda punched her in the face."
"And this is how she responded?" Jaal asked, pointing to her bruised eye.
"How do you 'kind of' punch someone in the face?" Gil asked.
Sara shrugged. "Things got heated. Nexus security had to separate us," she said, answering both questions.
"Hope you gave her a good fight."
Sara laughed, then rubbed her side. "Hell, yeah. I almost used my biotics on her, but punching her felt so much better. She put up a good fight, though."
"Are you alright? Maybe you should see Dr. T'Perro," Jaal suggested.
"I'm fine. I've been in fights before. I'll just grab some aspirin and medi-gel packs and be as good as new."
Gil crossed his arms. "Why not have Lexi examine you?"
"Cuz she's going to fuss and lecture me about taking care of myself, and I just don't want to deal with that. I'd rather just bite back the pain."
Jaal shook his head. "You really should see her. You could have more serious injuries."
Sara glared at him. "I'm fine," she insisted.
Gil and Jaal looked at each other and nodded. In unison, they each grabbed one of Sara's arms and picked her up. "If you're going to be too stubborn to take care of yourself, we'll step in and do it for you," Gil said over her protests. They carried her down the hall and into the med-bay.
Lexi was working at her desk when they walked in. "What in the- Ryder, what happened?"
"She got into a fight..." Jaal answered.
"...and was refusing to get checked out," Gil finished.
Sara gave them a dirty look. "Traitors..."
"Hey, someone's got to help you stay in one piece," Gil replied.
Lexi immediately began looking over the injuries. "What have I told you about taking care of yourself? Does it hurt anywhere else?"
"My ribs hurt a little. And before you lecture me, know that I had just motivation. Some bitch was disrespecting my dad."
"I'll save the scolding for later. For now, I need you to take off your shirt."
Gil grabbed Jaal's shoulder. "Well, we've done our part. Let's leave them to it, shall we?"
"I'll get revenge on you two later," Sara threatened as they left.
An hour later, Lexi released Sara from the med-bay. Aside from a couple of bruised ribs and a black eye, her injuries were minor. Most of the time had been taken up by the lecture Lexi had insisted on delivering. Sara only escaped when Kallo sent her a message to tell her they were ready to depart.
Gil's omni-tool pinged, alerting him to a new email. It was from Ryder and was short and to the point.
You guys are in so much trouble for turning me in...