Chapter Seven
"We can't leave yet," said Avon as he followed Argus to the flight deck.
"Would you care to explain that? I would really like to deliver our guest before things get complicated," said Argus as he walked with a brisk pace.
"For whom?" asked Avon with a barely suppressed smirk.
"Don't say it. I wasn't the only one looking at her. I doubt if Cally would understand either."
Avon smiled sardonically.
"I'm assuming you found something on the computers?" asked Argus.
"That would be a reasonable assumption," said Avon.
"Can you tell me what you found, before I get a headache?" asked Argus.
Avon gave him a half-grin and said, "Well, since you asked, I did find something of interest. The files I accessed indicate that Ellis is having extensive medical research being carried out."
Argus's eyes widened with interest; he was instantly alert. "What kind of research? And where?"
"That's what I was trying to find out when you interrupted me."
"Damn. You should have told me. Going back in will be too dangerous now. If they haven't already found out that we've rescued Galena, they will soon," said Argus.
"There's no need," said Avon. They arrived at the flight deck and headed to their respective stations. "I've already downloaded the relevant portions of their files. The only problem now is the encryption."
"Can you break it?" asked Argus as he settled himself.
"Given time. ORAC would have been able to do it much faster." Avon checked some readings on the panel in front of him.
Argus said, "Zen, is there any indication from the planet that they're aware of our position?"
Zen responded, "There has been no sensor activity."
Argus said, "Good. That means that the anti-detector screen is still holding. We'll hold orbit here for now until you can break the encryption. Then we can decide if anything needs to be done."
"Alright." Avon finished what he was doing and headed back to the workshop to begin work on the files.
"Avon."
Avon paused on the top step and turned around.
Argus said, "Not right now. Get some rest."
"Is that an order?" asked Avon.
"No. It's a request. I know you've been working almost nonstop. Even if you are feeling better, you're still human. You need rest," said Argus.
"I didn't know you cared," said Avon sarcastically.
Argus sighed. "What do you want me to say? That I don't? You should know me well enough by now."
"Yes, you have an overdeveloped sense of responsibility to your own people," said Avon, there was still a sarcastic edge to what he said, but less of one.
"You would fault me for that?" asked Argus. Sometimes he had no idea where conversations with Avon would go.
Avon hesitated, as if he was trying to decide on something, and then he came back down the steps and walked slowly towards him. "You won't be able to reach your goals if your friends are more important to you than what you want to achieve."
Argus turned away from Avon and looked down at the panel in front of him; they were touching on a sensitive area for him. He said, "If it came down to that, I would rather sacrifice my goals."
"I don't believe you." Avon kept pushing.
Argus looked up. Avon had settled himself in the flight station next to him and was staring at him. "You're right. I wouldn't. But I still wouldn't sacrifice my friends."
"Even if what you're doing is bringing down the Federation?" challenged Avon.
Argus realized that the other man wanted to understand what motivated him. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Other than Reya, he had never told anyone before the thing which haunted him the most. Argus wondered if telling Avon would engender trust between them or if it would turn him away. But one thing he did know was that in order for there to be real trust between them, he had to tell Avon the truth.
"Yes. Even that." He looked down at this station again. Somehow it made it easier to say this without looking at someone and seeing their reactions. He began to explain. "You know that I was a commander in the Federation commando units. But I've never told you why I left. Do you remember the killing of the civilians at Zircaster?"
"Yes. It was broadcast widely on the news services. Travis was one of the people convicted of being involved in the massacre."
"I was there," said Argus in a subdued voice. "I was involved too."
"They ordered you to kill civilians and you refused? That's why you deserted?" asked Avon. His voice was in neutral information gathering mode and what he said was not meant to be offensive, but to Argus it felt like an accusation.
Argus grimaced. "I wish that was the way it happened." His right hand clenched in a fist and he said in a tight anguished voice, "I didn't refuse before."
"You killed them?" asked Avon, his voice remaining dispassionate. He was watching Argus very carefully, studying him. The other man's shoulders were uncharacteristically slumped, the normal confidence was gone.
"Yes." The admission came out in a voice full of anger and self-loathing. Sometimes when he closed his eyes, he could still see the faces. It always made him ill. "When they ordered my unit to go in again, I couldn't. I quit my commission. They sent military security to detain me but my men helped me to escape."
"That's when you decided to fight the Federation?" asked Avon.
"No. I ran. They sent a death squad after me. I stayed along the outer rim planets. Any place that didn't ask too many questions."
Avon could relate with that; he knew the life of a wanted fugitive long before he ended up on the London.
Argus continued, "Then one day, I got hold of a military Role of the Dead from the disaster on Zircaster." He lifted his head and looked at Avon again. Avon could see the anguish on the other man's face. "All of my men were on it. Every one. Not one of them survived. None of the other units were wiped out. Just mine."
"You think it had to do with their helping you to escape?" asked Avon. He was getting what he wanted; he was starting to understand the why.
"Or they refused to follow orders after I left, but weren't lucky enough to have someone help them to escape. I should have stayed with them!"
"If you had, you would be dead now," Avon pointed out.
Argus faced away from Avon and stared at a point directly in front of his own station. In his mind's eye, he could see the faces of his men; his friends. All dead now. Because of me. "I should never have endangered them by letting them help me."
There was a pause as each man was caught up in his own thoughts.
"Your men must have cared about you a great deal. They must have known the risk. It was their choice," said Avon. His voice had lost some of its impassiveness. He could see that the other man was wracked by guilt so strong that it threatened consume him.
This is what drives you. Avon finally understood; it was something he was intimately acquainted with. For years, he had blamed himself for Anna's death, before he knew the truth. It became a debt that he could never repay; driving him to face death in order to help her brother, making himself undergo torture at the hands of the man who had made her suffer. None of it had been enough though. Responsibility to someone who was already dead was a burden that could never end; not unless you could forgive yourself. Avon hadn't been able to do it. Neither can you. He could not imagine being weighted down by so many deaths.
Argus was not a man who lived in half-truths. Avon respected what the other man had done in telling him this. He appreciated the trust and the power Argus had given him by revealing something which was so deeply personal.
"Yes. But I had no right to risk them." Argus's voice was still tight with anguish. He could not believe how raw the wounds still were; it was as if it had all happened yesterday and he had just found out that his men had died.
"You would rather risk yourself alone?" Avon understood.
"I wish I had." His voice was full of a wish which was too late.
"That's why you take such great pains to take care of your own people? Because you feel you owe it to them?"
Argus nodded slowly.
"I don't believe you," said Avon.
Argus looked at him, not understanding why Avon was saying this.
Avon continued, "You must have taken care of your men before any of this happened. It's in your character. That's why your men risked themselves for you."
"I wish they hated me. I wish they were still alive so that they could hate me."
"Don't be a fool. That sentiment will not bring them back."
"I know." Argus took a deep breath again, trying to clear his head. "Did you get what you wanted?" he asked, his eyes locked on Avon's. It was difficult to read what the other man was thinking or feeling, but there was no hardness there.
Avon stared back at him for a moment and then he said, "Yes."
"Are you still able to work with me after what I told you?" Argus wanted Avon to say yes; but that part of himself which was filled with self-loathing, wanted Avon to say no, wanted him to be disgusted and turn away.
On the other man's face, Avon could clearly see the fear and the hope, the expectation and the dread. There are many things we both regret. Avon's reply was a simple, "Yes."
There was a brief flicker of pain and then he said, "Thank you, Avon. I'm serious about this partnership."
"I know." The air was different between them now.
"Do you find something wrong with her?" Cally asked Reya as they were exercising together.
"You mean besides being so beautiful that all of the men are acting like idiots?" responded Reya. There was a frown on her face which had nothing to do with the weight she was trying to press. She was leaning back against an incline bench, pushing against a resistance arm.
"I'm not referring to her outward appearance. It's the men's reaction to her," said Cally as she lifted her arms over her head to stretch.
"Well, one is tied to the other," said Reya.
"I'm not so sure if that is the only factor at work. The reaction is too extreme."
Reya asked with a puzzled expression, "Have you been able to sense anything from her?"
"No. Nothing at all."
"That's odd," said Reya.
"Not necessarily. Some people are naturally closed," said Cally.
"She looks a bit like you," remarked Reya as she got up from the bench and joined Cally with some cooling down stretches.
"I don't see any resemblance," said Cally.
Reya suppressed a smile and decided not to say anything; even though she had recognized some similar facial structures between the two women.
"I've never seen anyone so beautiful before," said Vila wistfully.
"She is quite attractive," agreed Sester absently. He was waiting for Vila to make a move on the chess board. They were playing a game in Sester's cabin, trying to stay out of the way of the soldiers looking for things to do on the ship. Galena had not come out of her room yet.
"She'd probably never be interested in someone like me," said Vila as he moved a piece forward.
"I imagine a woman like her has a pick of whoever she wants," remarked Sester as he countered. Sester was finding it interesting playing Vila. There was never any question that he could beat him; that was not why Sester was playing. At times Vila showed a keen intelligence, making moves which Sester would not have expected; but the thief was erratic and undisciplined, not to mention he was only half concentrating on the game. His real attentions lay elsewhere.
"Do you think she's come out yet?" wondered Vila.
"Do you want to go and check?" asked Sester. They looked at each other for a second and then they both got up without another word and headed out.
Chapter Eight
Vila and Sester turned the corner to where Galena's guest cabin was situated and nearly bumped into Reya. She was escorting their guest to the flight deck for a debriefing session.
She immediately took a step in front of Galena, blocking their view. "What are the two of you doing here?" she asked in a not very impressed tone. After having already asserted her authority and chasing away almost a dozen soldiers who were either visiting or trying to hang around Galena's cabin, she was not in the mood for additional nonsense from anyone of the male persuasion.
Vila was too entranced by Galena's beauty to be able to give any coherent answer other than, "Oh…we…uh…Hello." This last bright greeting was accompanied by a big smile. "Fancy meeting you here." He craned his neck to catch a better glimpse of Galena around the impeding obstacle of Reya's body.
Sester elbowed Vila in the side. "Ow." Vila looked down at the source of pain and then gave his companion an irritated glare. "What was that for?"
Sester ignored the question and replied to Reya in a much more controlled and in what he hoped was a more dignified tone, "We were wondering if Galena would like a tour around the ship."
"You mean a tour of all the places you can go to?" asked Reya sarcastically.
Sester looked embarrassed. Vila decided that it was time for him to poke his companion in the ribs. Sester grimaced and took a quick step to the side, away from Vila's sharp elbow.
Vila said, "Well, you don't have to worry about that, wherever he can't go, I can."
"You have it all worked out, do you? Between the two of you?" asked Reya.
Sester looked even more embarrassed. Having both women here was producing conflicting feelings for him. He wasn't sure why but he felt as if Reya had just caught him cheating with another woman; which was odd since he had never had that deep a relationship before where he could have these kinds of feelings. For some reason, he felt a sudden need to explain himself. "I still…" He stopped himself as he realized what he was about to say. His eyes held Reya's for a moment and then he looked away. "We're only trying to help."
"Yes, help," repeated Vila in agreement. "We're very helpful."
"There are too many helpful people on this ship all of a sudden," said Reya. She was still staring at the psychostrategist; she had never seen him embarrassed before.
Galena looked on with a faintly amused expression on her face.
Reya suggested, "Since you two have so much time on your hands to help people, I know that Cally has wanted to do a detailed inventory of the ship's medical stores but she's been too busy. I'm sure that you wouldn't mind lending her a hand. Would you?"
"Inventory?" asked Vila, making it sound like the last thing on his mind; which it was.
"Yes, Cally will explain the concept to you. Tell her I sent you," said Reya. She took Galena by the elbow and steered her firmly past the two men.
Vila and Sester were still staring at the empty corridor after Reya and Galena were no longer in sight.
"What just happened?" asked Vila.
"Don't you remember? We were just volunteered to help Cally," said Sester.
"Not that. Weren't we here to see Galena? Why are we doing inventory now?" Vila was not happy. "I don't want to do inventory."
Sester looked at Vila and then he headed off.
"Where are you going?" asked Vila, following him.
"Going to do inventory," replied Sester as he continued walking.
"But I just said I don't want to do inventory," said Vila.
"I heard you," said Sester.
"Then why are you still going?" He was lagging behind but still following. "And when did you start following orders? Aren't you supposed to be the Federation liaison? What are you trying to prove?"
Sester slowed down and turned to look at Vila for a moment, and then he resumed his pace, "I'm not trying to prove anything."
"Then why are you doing inventory?" asked Vila, as if it was the last thing he would expect Sester to be willing to do. "The last time I did something like that willingly, I was trying to impress a girl."
"You don't have to worry, Vila. If I was trying to get Galena's attention, I would find a much more effective means," said Sester.
"I wasn't talking about Galena," said Vila as they arrived in the medical bay. To Vila's dismay, Cally was present and when she found out why they were there, she welcomed their help enthusiastically.
"Doesn't it bother you to have all those men staring at you? Or are you used to it?" Reya asked Galena as they took a less frequented but longer way to the flight deck. She had to admit that the other woman was very beautiful.
"I'm used to it," said Galena with a sigh. "I don't have much of a choice. I envy you."
"You do?"
"Yes. You have someone who loves you deeply."
Reya looked embarrassed. "You have a sharp eye. You only saw us together for a few minutes."
"It's very obvious."
"We try not to wear a sign," Reya said wryly.
"Most times, when I'm with a man, I know they're not really interested in me." There was a resigned sadness in Galena's voice.
"I never thought about it like that," said Reya.
"Most people don't."
"I'm sure my brother loves you," said Reya.
"I'd like to believe that."
"Well, if he doesn't, I'll give him a piece of my mind."
Galena smiled warmly. "You don't have to keep protecting me; I can take care of myself. But it is appreciated."
There was genuineness in this woman's manner that Reya found hard to dislike. Unlike some beautiful women she had come across, Galena didn't carry herself as one. She also seemed strong and independent; something which Reya respected.
"You're a guest and I'm responsible for security on this ship. I will not let anyone bother you. It's my job," said Reya. They came across two soldiers walking along the corridor towards them. At a glance, or rather a glower from Reya, the two men walked briskly past them.
"You might be very busy," said Galena.
Argus and Avon were waiting nervously on the flight deck. Argus was seated in the conference area and Avon was fiddling with some of the controls at his station.
"Do you want to talk to her?" asked Argus.
"No," said Avon. With one hand he was holding a pair of metal bearings he had picked up absently from the workshop and had not set down.
"I knew you were going to say that," said Argus.
"Then why did you ask?" said Avon.
"You will try to stop me if I say something...silly, won't you?" asked Argus.
"I'm sure Reya will," remarked Avon.
Argus winced. "She's definitely going to say something afterwards. But I'm hoping that you'll stop me before that."
"You should have asked Cally then," said Avon.
"And explain what? That it's a medical emergency?"
"It's definitely an emergency of some kind. It might become medical," said Avon without a hint of sarcasm.
"That's very funny," said Argus. "You should take lessons from Vila."
"I wouldn't recommend volunteering for escort duties, unless Cally goes with you," said Avon.
"Are you quite finished?" asked Argus.
There was a partial smirk on Avon's face. He heard footsteps behind him. "You might be."
Argus glared at him for a brief second before he stood up and moved forward to receive their guest.
"Welcome, Galena. I hope you've had an opportunity to get enough rest?" Argus greeted her with professional but friendly neutrality. He could almost swear that he had heard Avon mumble behind him, "You're safe so far."
"Yes, you're very kind. In fact everyone has gone out of their way to make me feel welcome," said Galena. Her voice was still as melodic and gentle as he remembered.
"I'm glad." He gestured towards the couch. "Please, make yourself comfortable."
She sat down gracefully and Reya seated herself opposite her. Avon stayed at his station and watched the proceedings with faint amusement.
Galena said, "I want to thank you and all of your crew for rescuing me. I thought that I would never be able to get away."
"We were sent by Kameron," said Argus.
A beautiful smile lit up her face. "He never gave up."
"He never did," said Argus. Galena's smile had a warming effect; Argus adjusted his collar. It was starting to get hot. He was glad that Reya was facing Galena at the moment and wasn't paying attention to him.
Reya added, "He kept looking for you. He even refused to enter the war until you were found."
"Oh." There was a troubled look on her face.
"Did they mistreat you?" asked Argus. "Did Ellis do anything?"
Reya looked at him sharply. This was something no one had dared mention. It was a potentially sensitive subject.
Argus found that having Reya here made him nervous but also made it easier to remind himself to stop staring at Galena. His love for Reya was paramount, but he still found himself fascinated by this womans beauty and he was by no means immune to her considerable charms. He tried to concentrate on his task.
Galena replied, "No. He didn't. He was a gentleman. I think he wanted to avoid antagonizing Kam."
Argus nodded thoughtfully as Reya looked relieved. He was glad that nothing had happened. Something about Galena made him want to protect her.
"Can you tell us anything about what he plans? Did he talk to you? Did you overhear anything?" asked Argus.
"Not really. He didn't talk about the war or anything like that when he was with me. I'm sorry," replied Galena.
"Don't be. He seems to be a cautious man," said Argus with disappointment.
"Yes, he was very careful."
Avon said from his station, "How did you know that he kept sensitive information on the computers in the residence?" There was a note of curiosity and near suspicion in his voice. Beautiful woman or not, he needed to understand.
Galena twisted around to face him. "Sometimes, he would turn the computer off the moment I entered the room. I just assumed that it was something he didn't want me to see. He was careful never to let me have access to one."
"You were right in your assumption," said Avon. Being able to study her while the others interacted with Galena, Avon saw how effortless she was in the impressions she gave. She wore her beauty like a second skin but that was not all that she was. Her manner made people comfortable. He found that he envied this quality; it was something he didnt have.
"Did you find something?" asked Galena.
"We may have. But it will take time to decode the information."
"I'm sorry I can't help anymore than that," said Galena.
Argus said, "Don't worry about it. Avon will be able to crack it. Unfortunately we won't be able to bring you back to Athol until we find out if some action is required here."
"I understand," said Galena.
"I can arrange for you to talk to Kameron though," offered Argus. He got up.
"Have you told him yet?" asked Galena as she and Reya stood up as well.
"No. I was going to let you do that," said Argus.
"He will be so surprised. Thank you!" Galena came towards him and without warning, gave him a warm hug. Argus looked awkwardly at Reya. I'm not enjoying this. Really, I'm not.
Reya was not glaring at him; both she and Avon had the same amused looks on their faces. Argus frowned at them. I'm glad both of you find this so amusing.
After Galena let go of him, Argus coughed and said, "Zen, establish a communications link with General Borel Reve's flagship in quadrant six. I want to speak to Kameron Reve."