A Fine Mess

Chapter 10: Tactics

The sleek black vessel raced at top speed to the coordinates of the Arbitrator's ship. Shl'nar had wasted no time tracking Kh'val and was intent to rendezvous before he changed locations. The aide had no idea why the blip on his scanner had not moved in more than 6 hours and did not want his luck to give out. Before leaving the clan ship Shl'nar had reduced the Elder's staff to a skeleton crew, consisting of two engineering techs, one pilot and the ancient healer Mr'aal. He had not had a chance to speak privately with the healer, but intended to once Kh'val had been dealt with. Mr'aal was a mystery Shl'nar was intent to unravel, and he thought it best to keep the old healer close on this adventure.

He was about to leave command for the medical bay when long range sensors detected an emissions trail leading away from Kh'val's position. Shl'nar studied the readings, and from the chemical make-up knew right away that it was from Kh'aan's ship – a vapor trail from his Masking Field. Shl'nar shook his head and laughed at the coincidence. He had assisted the Firstborn with that installation, sworn to secrecy under penalty of Kh'aan's wrath. Only Shl'nar, Kh'aan and the field's designer could know what such a strange collection of vapors came from, and though Kh'val could detect the trail he would not be certain of its origin. The aide quickly recorded the trajectory in his personal database before erasing the data from the memory stores. Kh'aan may have forgotten as I did, but he will still kill me if anyone else finds out. A plan began to form as Shl'nar left the command deck. It would take quite a bit of finesse on his part, but the aide was up to the challenge.

Upon entering the medical bay Shl'nar was surprised to find the healer not sleeping, but intently studying a star chart. When the aide cleared his throat Mr'aal quickly closed the data readout.

"Y…yes, honored warrior! What is it that I can do for you?" The ancient healer seemed particularly flustered and Shl'nar saw his opportunity.

"My previous reason for coming is now moot, Mr'aal." Shl'nar sat on the examination platform and motioned the healer to his chair. "We must have a talk."

Mr'aal had felt his first twinge of fear in nearly a generation when the door to the bay had hissed open. He had been studying the systems surrounding the ice planet in an effort to find a suitable hiding place for the Firstborn, if he had the opportunity to speak to the lost hunter. For the Elder to find out of this would bring grave consequences. The ancient healer eased into his seat and tried to hide his anxiety.

"What is it you wish to speak of?"

Shl'nar debated exactly how much to tell the old healer. For the moment he thought it might be best to simply gain the ally; later they could discuss the particulars of such an allegiance. "I am certain that you know, healer. I saw the knowledge in your eyes on the day that Kh'aan escaped. It has something to do with the star charts you were just studying, doesn't it?"

Mr'aal remained silent for several minutes. To reveal his activities would incriminate him to the Council, but the old healer was unsure if Shl'nar would even report him. It was not in Shl'nar's nature to be manipulative or deceitful in any way, but Mr'aal was nearly positive that the aide had intimate knowledge of what had happened with the elder's Firstborn. Finally he shrugged with a defeated huff.

"Very well." Mr'aal brought up the star system readout. "This is the ice planet. These surrounding planets are uninhabitable, but the Firstborn will need somewhere to hide with his new…friend…and so I was searching the surrounding star systems for a planet with breathable atmosphere for them both. If we find them," Mr'aal gave the aide a knowing look, "this information might save them some time." The old healer sat back down in his chair and did not meet Shl'nar's eyes. "Unless I am mistaken, honored warrior, and we are simply checking on the status of the Arbitrator."

Shl'nar released the breath he had been holding, pleased that his intuition about the ancient healer was impeccable. He stood from the platform and approached the healer, his tone gravely serious.

"I should know better than to try to hide something this important from one as experienced as you. You have made no mistake yet, Mr'aal, but should Kh'alik discover our true mission here, aiding me might well be your downfall." He placed a hand on the healers shoulder before heading to the door.

"I should not be surprised that you saw through my ruse, Mr'aal. I am new to this, after all." Shl'nar shook his head. "My only concern is if anyone else did."

"Oh no, of the few on board none are aware of your intentions. I am only surprised that you have freely shared them with me."

Shl'nar stopped in the doorway. "I have no choice. It seems that you share my anxiety regarding this situation, and I fear that before this is over Kh'aan and the human will need our assistance." He was about to leave when another thought occurred to him. "Healer, when I contact Elder Kh'alik in a few hours I would like for you to be there with me. It would seem much more…validating if I gave my report with another of the Elder's trusted in attendance to prove that I do not lie."

Mr'aal chuckled lightly at the insinuation and nodded. "It would be my honor."

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Kh'val growled and slammed down the cover panel to the navigation sensors. The past several hours had destroyed what little patience the Arbitrator had left, and with half of the vessel's systems still off line he was ready to throttle someone. Recalibration of the sensors had improved directional guidance, but they were still incapable of course plotting or tracking. He managed to repair the cooling system before his food stores were rendered inedible, but a breach in the conduit had bathed the engineering deck in coolant that was nearly impossible to clean up once congealed. The environmental controls had been the least difficult to repair, but he could taste a contaminant in the air that he did not have time to filter. And on top of everything else the automatic repair system had been completely destroyed by an overload explosion, and so he continued to make repairs manually. Kh'val's aggravation served to increase the hatred growing within him towards his 'human-loving' brother, and he worked without rest in order to resume the hunt.

The Arbitrator was waist-deep under the command console when the proximity alarm sounded. He banged his head crawling out of the wiring and all but pounded the console to dust in order to shut off the alarm. His faulty external sensors detected a large ship nearly on top of him and Kh'val scrambled to a viewport to see Elder Kh'alik's vessel landing several meters from his current position. The Arbitrator swore as he made a quick sweep of the chaos on his ship, hiding anything that the Elder may deem "inappropriate", including a particular skull from his collection and several unorthodox weapons. He had just stashed the items under the deck plating when the external hatch opened – admitting not Elder Kh'alik but his aide, Shl'nar. Kh'val's unease increased.

"Shl'nar. This is unexpected."

"I am not surprised," the aide replied smugly. "Elder Kh'alik has sent numerous transmissions, but now I see why you have not responded." He looked around at the varying degrees of destruction. "I would assume that you have encountered some problems?"

Kh'val clenched a fist behind his back. "Your powers of observation are keen, honored warrior. I have had a setback that I am currently attending to."

Shl'nar struggled to appear indifferent and commanding. The amount of damage to the Arbitrator's ship gave him hope for Kh'aan's chances. "What was the cause of this, Arbitrator?"

Kh'val growled. "The High Elder's Firstborn." His fury prevented him from mentioning Kh'aan's name. He noted that the aide seemed less than surprised.

"Truly?" Shl'nar asked, hoping to sound incredulous. "Kh'aan is many things but I find it hard to believe that he would attack anyone unprovoked. As it is his ship is simply a modified scout vessel. It is not equipped with weapons." He was not prepared for the grating snarl from the Arbitrator.

"Considering that you were not here when he rammed my ship with his own, I would not expect you to believe me. Thankfully your opinion means little." He smiled inwardly when the aide bristled at that remark. "Why are you here?"

Shl'nar reigned in his anger and returned to the task at hand. "As I said, Elder Kh'alik has sent several transmissions and having received no response has sent me to ascertain your status and report back to him." Even if you despise me, Arbitrator, you would not dare to cross your sire.

Kh'val could not hide his rage any longer and roared in Shl'nar's face. "You dare to accuse me of not tending to my duties? I am an Arbitrator, third-born to the High Elder and you will show me the respect my status deserves."

The aide stood his ground until Kh'val backed down from his tantrum. "It is not I who questions you, Arbitrator. I simply follow the orders of the High Elder. Should you have an issue with my assignment here, I suggest you use our communicator to contact him yourself." Shl'nar's chest ached from holding in his laughter – Kh'val's eyes were nearly bulging from their sockets. The Arbitrator turned away for a moment and the aide took the opportunity to cough in an attempt to relieve the pressure. It still sounded like a chuckle.

Kh'val waited until his fists were no longer shaking before turning back to Shl'nar. "You may inform him that I will contact him when I have Kh'aan in my custody." He turned his back on the aide to indicate that the discussion was over, but to no end.

"Very well. Inform me when you are ready to depart; we are under orders to follow you." Kh'val spun around, his eyes alight with contempt.

"Elder Kh'alik ordered you to follow me? Why do I find that hard to believe?" He paused to consider his options. "If the Elder is in such a hurry to find his Firstborn, it seems only prudent that you assist me with repairs so that I can get under way."

Shl'nar had not expected this and knew that he could not refuse the Arbitrator without raising the suspicions of the High Elder. He nodded assent. "We are running with a reduced crew, but I will send one of the two technicians..."

"Send them both." Without waiting for a response Kh'val disappeared down through an access hatch to the lower level.

Shl'nar turned on his heel and walked back through the docking hatch to his ship, cursing the unforeseen delay in his plan. He called for the technicians and instructed them to take their time and be thorough. Once certain that Kh'val would remain occupied for some time he headed for the medical bay. Mr'aal was waiting for him.

"Well, has he found them?" The ancient healer's concern was tangible now that he was free to express it.

"We have bigger problems. We must remain here until Kh'val's ship is repaired."

Mr'aal shook his head in confusion. "Why? How badly is it damaged?"

"It is not the damage," Shl'nar explained. "It is Kh'val. He insists that our technicians assist him with the repairs since his automated drones are not functioning." The aide shook his head in defeat. "I did not anticipate this; it may ruin everything."

The healer turned to the counter and fiddled with several instruments, deep in thought. "But no word of the Firstborn, yes?"

"No." Shl'nar wondered what the healer was thinking. "Only that Kh'aan caused the damage to his ship by ramming it."

Mr'aal nodded more than necessary, deep in thought. "Yes, this is good." The old healer turned abruptly and crossed the room in three strides. "Assist him in any way we can. Gain his trust. This is very good!"

Shl'nar's earlier idea returned to him, its pieces coming together. "I have no doubt that he will insist that the Elder order us to return, which will free us to…"

He abruptly spun and ran to the command deck. It took three frantic attempts before he was able to input his pass code correctly, and the aide downloaded the sensor log containing Kh'aan's trail. He rushed back to the confused healer and brought up the log on his screen.

"Kh'val was furious when I told him that the High Elder had ordered us to follow him."

Mr'aal eyed him strangely. "The High Elder gave such a command?"

Shl'nar grunted while adjusting the display. "Not exactly; I provided him with the idea. The important thing is that Kh'val will take that as a strike against his honor and demand that our orders be rescinded. Elder Kh'alik will acquiesce of course, which will free us to take an 'unavoidable' detour on our route back to the clan ship."

"A detour? I do not understand." The ancient healer watched Shl'nar in confusion before gesturing to the display. "And this?"

Shl'nar grinned proudly. "This is our detour – Kh'aan's trail." The healer leaned forward intently, observing the winding track of chemical gas before shaking his head.

"All I see are a few wisps of vapor."

"That vapor is from a device on Kh'aan's ship." Shl'nar suddenly clamped his mouth shut and then sighed. "And now that I have told you he will kill me."

Mr'aal opened his mouth to ask another question when a communication alert sounded. Shl'nar brought up the comm. system in medical and saw a message from the High Elder. Exchanging glances with Mr'aal, he collected his thoughts and opened the frequency.

"I was just about to contact you with my report, High Elder."

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Four hours later the exhausted techs returned to the Elder's vessel as quickly as they could. Kh'val had been relentless ordering them about, and the apprentice suffered a fractured mandible as a result. Shl'nar received their report and gave both time to rest and see Mr'aal before crossing through the docking hatch himself. He found the Arbitrator in his command chair running diagnostics.

"Is everything repaired to your specifications, Arbitrator?" Kh'val jumped in his chair, not having heard the aide enter.

"Do NOT sneak around on my ship, Shl'nar. The High Elder will not save you if you startle me again." The Arbitrator growled before continuing. "Most systems are at 80% efficiency, which will suffice to resume the hunt. I thank you for your assistance." Kh'val's skin crawled at the thought of thanking the pesky aide for anything. "I need only complete final alignment calibrations on the sensor grid and we will be ready to depart." He hid a smile; the Arbitrator had no intention of keeping this pest on his heels.

"Excellent. I spoke with Elder Kh'alik two hours ago and he is anxious to speak with you." Shl'nar hoped to entice the Arbitrator to demand the aide's reassignment, but it meant making him angry again. "I can only imagine how he must be feeling, knowing that his Firstborn has abandoned his birthright for an ooman."

Kh'val bristled but his eyes remained fixed on the sensors. "It was his mistake. He will regret it."

Shl'nar tried again. "What do you suppose will happen now? The High Elder will have to name a new heir, and your next sibling is not even blooded yet." He glanced away while noting Kh'val's death-grip on the console. "Perhaps some concessions can be made. Kh'aan is, after all, Firstborn. It is he who must take the Elder's place." He was satisfied to hear a growl from Kh'val.

"Kh…the Firstborn will never be High Elder," the Arbitrator ground out between clenched teeth. "He is a disgrace and his dishonor will be remembered for generations."

Shl'nar shook his head and turned to leave. "I suppose you are right. I must prepare our ship. Inform me when you are ready to depart." The aide slipped out of command, leaving a snarling Arbitrator in his wake.

Kh'val activated communications as soon as Shl'nar left. He refused to allow such a waste of a sniveling hunter slow him down on this mission. If Elder Kh'alik did not see reason and order them to return to the clan ship, the Arbitrator had other ways to eliminate such a pesky shadow.

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Far away on a dead moon, two fugitives roused themselves from slumber. Kh'aan rolled over to his back on his sleeping platform, stretching his mandibles wide in a yawn that came out as a growl. He felt thoroughly rested after nearly eight hours of sleep and after rising from his furs made a quick trip to the bathing room before checking on the human. The hunter was thankful that his sleep had been dreamless; any dreams involving the human might have cracked his resolve to see this escape through to the end. He knew that dealing with her would be trying enough, and adding his brother to the mix just made his head hurt.

Kh'aan entered the bay to see Kayla seated on the counter with her feet propped on the stool. She seemed asleep but when the hunter moved closer her eyes shot open and she leapt from the counter to dash across the room. The female stopped abruptly in mid-step and turned around to face him.

"Sorry. You startled me." Kayla looked away from the hunter while stretching and cracking the kinks from her spine. She heard similar sounds from across the room and glanced back to see him imitating her movements. The sight made her smile a little. "Did you sleep well?"

Kh'aan was surprised how much better his back felt after mimicking the twisting that she was doing. He made a mental note to try them whenever he awoke and then stepped forward, his proximity halting the human's movements.

"Sleep well. Must go."

Kayla looked up at him in confusion. "Go? Where are we going?" She saw a look of unease cross Kh'aan's features before his expression hardened.

"Away from Kh'val." The hunter paused trying to remember the human equivalent of an Arbitrator. "Police."

Kayla realized the severity of their situation when their eyes met – his blazed a deep orange-red. "We're in trouble, aren't we?" The look he gave her as they left the medical bay confirmed her suspicions and the hunter growled.

"Yes."

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{Greetings! Sorry for the delay…Turkey Day and all takes the oomph out of inspiration, and birthday madness almost made this chapter a farce. But not to fret! Came through just in the nick! Enjoy!}