Chapter 26: Outside cells.

Ellida..

Next day..

I wake up to find a dip in my large bed.. As I slowly turn my head I then realise Tet'va had her left arm over me and her tendrils have slipped and ran across my neck, I gently run three fingers and my thumb over one of the fleshy appendices. Her eyes slowly open and she gives out a gentle huff.

"Morning sleepy head." I say with a slight smirk. But she prods my midriff again. "Rain.. That tickles.."

"Really now?" She asks lifting herself up by her elbow. The ribbon of sun hits her armoured body and the glare makes me squint.

I roll out of bed then head off to get sorted.

As I walk downstairs A whiff of a full breakfast hits my nose, I then see Mom and Ze'reikich'ja at the kitchen island. He is stood leant up against it while she is leant into him holding his sides while smiling.

His gaze slowly hits mine then mom look back to see me.

"Morning sprog.. Sleep well?"

"Like a log.. What's all this?" I ask holding my arm out to a sorted table with five plates.

"Hey.. I've been away for however many years.. I've missed good fresh food.. And coffee.." Mom says just as the brewer bleeps to say its ready.

"Want one Ellie? Z?" Her gaze hits behind me and mom flashes a toothed smile.

"Tet'va how about you? Impartial to coffee?"

"I'm sure it won't hurt to give it a try for once."

Z and I both nod.. "Alright.. Cream and two sugars.." I say walking up to the kitchen proper.

She has the full works going in a massive frying pan.. When I say massive.. It takes up all four hobs.

"Jebas mom.. There's only five of us! Are you planning to feed the whole station or something?!"

"No, just us five.."

Kaylum comes sliding down the banister..

"Bacon, sausage and eggs!" He shouts in a much more manly tone than those many years ago.

I'm sure he did it for a laugh.. And it worked.. Mom snorted and I let out a laugh. "Trust Kall to just.. Blurt that out.."

"Looks, you can't beat the monster gut buster mom makes.."

We all eventually sit down once we had set everything down then the morning goes on as we talk and pass various bowls and plates around, we were mainly talking about what we are doing today some was about our past events, until I had to set off to work.

I say my farewells then get my uniform on before getting in the car and heading off to Sisters Law Security HeadQuarters, I pull up to the Parking lot then park into a space.. I glance into the rear view camera. And let out a sighing huff.. I take my Kard from the glove box along with my Sidearm and I.D badge. The looming pyramid a shining glass prism.. I walk up to the security barriers then place my items on the conveyor belt walk through the barriers. There is a loud BIIIIII! As it says I'm clear. I take my items then enter the reception area.

"Morning Ellida, ready for the day?"

I glance at Kevin, a middle-aged guy with a clean kept mat of ginger hair and brown eyes with slight stubble. Wearing a formal SLSD uniform. It is white with black panels on the shoulders and sides.

I walk past his desk with holo monitors and enter the first floor up the stairs then take a second right as people walk down the corridors in various sections, I hear various chatter with handlers. Directing operations throughout the station.

I then find my bosses office and knock twice I open his glass door and it whispers shut.

He's wearing the same uniform as all members. Except his black panels have blue strips along the top, has stylised black hair and deep hazel eyes.

He slides a folder to the edge of his desk and stands up to greet me.

"Ellida, did you have a nice vacation? Do anything exciting or just.. Stayed at home?" his voice is soft but with a deep undertone. He folds his arms while leaning against his desk.

"You know me Joe, always about the place.. Always busy.."

"Believe me, I know your type of 'busy' been with family? Hows Dee and your bro?"

"They're good, Kall getting into all sorts of bad. Moms.. Back.. But we had an incident.."

"The United Systems Military? I thought you guys lost them? What about Z and the others? Were they on hand? Did you sort it?"

"In the middle of.. Sir.. May I ask a personal request?"

He pushes from the desk and walks up to me arms still crossed.

"Whaddya need? Protection? Security? Both?"

"Information.. Or rather.. A personal task.. I need to get into the GDR's mainframe.. I need to look up a chemical weapon called.. Aquinox."

"That's too dangerous Ellie.. If they caught you, not even my jurisdiction would be enough to free you. Is it something you came across on your, 'vacation'?"

I nod.

"Mom was hit by it, Ghardeh's EMC managed to rid her of it but i said i'd look into it.."

"The only way this would be sanctioned is if I went with you.. Now here is your current assignment for today but if you want we can check out this information tonight. I'm your handler for today, Marie is handling the others duties.. So, let's go.."

I take the folder and open up the holo pad.

"So Mains think that there is a movement with the GDR, they've been smuggling in imperial slaves and our systems never picked them up due to our current manifest scanners.. But since we installed the D5's we've been foiling their operations.. Both station and planet side. Here.. We'll be flying the Delta.. And by we I mean me.. Once I drop you at your objective I'll set down and monitor everything.. We need to acquire their manifests and future runs.. I have other handlers hitting different areas of the group.. With us being Cyber wetwork."

He leads me to a very angular ship then we enter the elevator at the front at the feet of the craft, as the elevator ascends the spine folds in and the floor closes up I enter the cockpit and smile with a huffy laugh to see a coffee machine.

"Typical bosses ship.. With a coffee machine.."

"Well when you do a few stakeouts you will be thankful of the pick me up.." He gives me a smirk and sinks onto the pilot seat then flicks several switches then places his hand on the sensor the engines whir loudly behind us as this ship is almost a fighter class.

It's tiny.

The wings spread but fold forwards at the ends it has a spoiler and nacells which are the weapon hardpoints the cockpit is almost devoid of obstructions. With one metal band along the top of the top of the canopy, blue lighting shows the hud and various monitors around the pilot seat, the top of the ceiling opens up as we ascend then we take off to our destination.

"Not going to lie Ell this may be somewhat boring.. But we'll start planetside.. If you really want to.."

I give him a twist of my lips.. Then pout..

"Yeah."

"Is..Is that it?! Yeah?!" He laughs out with a huffy few breaths.

I put on some blue ribbed shoulder pads, shin guards and thigh protection, then taking my Sat-com from my backpack and fit it on it clicks and clats over my arm and I tap several of the holo runes. I clenched my fist and two jagged blades extend out with a loud 't'sssing!' a wisp of gas ghosts the entrance of the wrist blades.

"Not exactly SLSD equipment Ell.. What is that? Looks.. Otherworldly.. Or should I just assume its something fancy?"

"You know about my mom right?"

"Oh.. He made that for you? A little excessive don't you think? Couldn't settle for a screwdriver? Or a lighter?"

I take my Sidearm and holster it as I look at Joe.

The vessel vibrates gently as we leave the letterbox entrance of the station.

Then we fly down towards the earth-like planet. As we fly through the blue clouded sky, I catch a glimpse of the concrete jungle below.. Towers of silver white and mirrors, terracotta coloured roofing of other buildings.. Blue leaved trees. I enter the SRV bay and get in when Joe walks into the side of the vehicle with an ear piece on. He slides the door shut then swipes several holograms to feel g's.. Then an upward lurch as the thrusters kick in so we don't leave a crater when we land. There is a huge shudder.. The interceptor is a very nimble vehicle with two sets of wheels on each axle.. It can tackle the harshest of terrain.

Joe receives a ping as we near our first objective.

He stops..

"We are close, personal intel first, ask around, find out what people know. But don't be too pushy on the subject. We don't want a repeat of Reita.."

"That was beyond my control.. That Tennavian was out of control.."

I say throwing a hand to my hip… As if to drive my protest home..

"Mmhmm.. Just like you threw the Drig from the 2nd storey window.. Into a river."

"I hate your face.." I say leaving the Interceptor..

I tap on my right gauntlet and connect to Joe's channel.

"I'm connected, do you echo?"

"Rebound, just to be clear Sassy Sue just ask the locals about any strange activity.. If you get a location then that's a bonus."

"Sass? Are you pulling my leg?"

I let out a soft throaty laugh.. But then compose myself.

I take a long breath, the air is crisp and somewhat clear.. I let out a sigh then walk on, the curved buildings and structures are set wide apart by pathways and roads that are melded together. Many citizens are walking about their daily lives.. Big and small.. Two arms.. Four.. Six.. Most are not human, I walk into the crowd and blend in, I take my hud specs and put them on then a turquoise hud sweeps downward.

Kernel system model 101.

Hud active.

Target acquisition online..

Search mode online..

Threat detection online..

System patch updated..

Translator online..

Inbuilt speakers active..

Transition lenses active..

The list of checks then sweeps inward then my hud outlines every person I look at in a turquoise outline then scans them for weapons.

"Ahem.. How many gadgets do you have that aren't sanctioned by the department?" I hear from my eye wear.

"Blame the Yautja.."

"Oh… I'd.. Rather not know, glasses suit you by the way!"

"Shut up!" I say with a sighed laugh and smile. Some of the Aliens look at me and a female Llamia looks at me.. Her angular cheek bones jut upward with a needle toothed smile.. Her eyes crease... I'd recognise that red and cream mass of coiled muscle anywhere..

"Vi'rassi? What a pleasant surprise! It's so nice to see you! Looking very well, doing some shopping?"

I give her a warm hug she wraps her arms around my back and brings me close. "It's good to see you also Ellida, I'd say the same about you! I'm just patrolling the streets. Keeping the locals in check. You know how it is."

I look her over and i smile.. She's wearing a combat harness with a weapon slung over her back.. I didn't realise, the Llamia are known for their high tech attire. And good looks.. For a serpentine race. And she is no different.. Hell Kaylum back in the day gawked at her.. And admittedly so did I.

"So what division are you in? Sisters Law? So much for accommodation liaison!"

She bows her head with slight leathery creaking. "I wished for a new opportunity, and law enforcement came up, we are usually a warrior race so it made sense." Her head cocks slightly.

"What is your business here Ellida?"

"I'm looking for individuals to tell me about the GDR, they have activities in this city. Mainly with imperials.. Bringing in slaves.."

"Imperial slaves you say?" She leans her mass towards me lowering her heightened back, her triangular head nearly touching mine.. But i don't move, she is a good friend of mine. In fact I almost put my head to hers.. But that would be classed as a sexual move to her race.. Don't ask how i know…

"Go to the alley on Segray gate, second storage unit on the right the code is changed daily, take this. It is a universal decoder.. There is a plethora of illegal contraband that we have confiscated over the weeks.. Including files.. It may help you.. Just don't take anything.." I nod.. Then she nudges her forehead to my own.. It was solid bone.. But not a long enough gesture to ascertain much else. She twists her coiled body and we walk our separate ways.. Well.. I walk.. She glides with an elegant sway.. It always fascinates me how the Llamia get around.

I move on to Segray gate.

"Is there some love thing between you two Ellie? You sure do have some amazing talent.."

"We are good friends Joey, you don't want to know what lady friend I've wrapped my legs into.."

"Oooh let me guess.. A yatty?"

"Pffff.."

"Male or Femmy?"

"Female."

I hear him take in a suction of air..

"Shit I don't want to say anything too conspicuous.. She might rip off this roof and slam my brains out of my asscrack.. If that's ever possible.."

"You'll never know, so try and stay focused boss.. It's not the Yautja you have to worry about."

"Why? Have they been teaching you junior kung fu? Weee yaaa! Haaaaiii!"

I smile and try not to laugh..

But when I hear a high pitched..

"Hoooooooo! Aaaaahh!"

I let out a belly laugh.. Probably looking a little crazy in the head to all the people I'm walking passed.

"No! It is called Xui'jhi'deh actually, and Ze'reikich'ja taught me it.."

"Good paps, well search that evidence dump then move on, I'll make a visual copy of anything you see.. I'm patched in."

I see the holo sign showing Segray gate then enter the alleyway way behind the buildings. I unclip my sidearm holster just in case, then follow Vi'rassi's directions. I see the red numbered keypad with a slatted barrier, bringing up the Universal Decoder then as i connect it wirelessly up to the keypad numbers sweep and with each beep a number from 0-9 flashes up.

6,2,3,4,1,9,8,7,5,0.

I put in the code then the keypad flashes yellow and green with a chimed bleep then the barrier opens up. Something hit me.. Why would Vi'rassi want or need a UD? A flush hits me.. No, she would need it to get into areas of importance, like gang territory.. Jebas Ellie.. I enter the storage dump and I see several laptops, file drives and storage boxes with holo pads.

I press a tiny button on the left frame strut of my hud specs..

"Alright boss, linked you up.. Let's see here.."

I search through the majority of the crap, it is mainly just rosters and set routes to bypass the law enforcement. Small time hits on stores and corporate hits.. Nothing major..

"Eh.. Nothing.. Was worth a shot though.. I hear movement I aim my weapon to see Vi'rassi slink up to me.

"Anything of use Ellie?"

"Unfortunately no but it was worth a shot, thanks for the help anyway. Here."

I hand her back the Universal Decoder.

"Interesting piece of kit V.."

"I could say the same.." She says touching my specs frame.

I clip my holster then walk back to the city proper.

"See you around Ellida, good luck on your task.." Vi'rassi says with a long bow of her head.

"Be seeing you." I say with a flick of my two fingers in salute, we move our separate ways once more.

Ze'reikich'ja..

After finishing up helping clear up the table and island I see Delilah holding a folded up yautja bow.. Specifically mine.. Or rather the one I had lent her.

"So.. About this bow… How on earth did you expect me to draw the cable?!"

"I'll show you.."

I take her outside and place the quiver across the front of my belt, she stands in front of me and she unfolds the bow..

"It's already almost as long as I am tall you headasshole.. Hnnnnn… See?!" She slams a fist into my abs, I press a rune just below the first set.. The weapon clicks.

"Try again.."

She literally pulls back so fast her elbow slams again into my front again.

"Oh.. And you couldn't of told me of that.. Little button?"

"It is a rune.. And you didn't ask.."

"Fffff! Ze'reikich'ja!" She slams her forearm into me for a third time and it causes me to laugh, she takes an arrow from my quiver pulls back.. It bleeps to alert the user the draw is at full strength.. She lets it loose.. Then flinches as the arrow explodes with a flash as it hits the ground her mouth drops open..

"You gave me explosive arrows?! How ridiculous are you?! I'd have used it in the house!"

I let out a loud laugh and she slams her arm repeatedly into me laughing.

"Here then! Show me how it's done!"

She holds out the bow to me, as I take it I playfully shove her out of the way, but her hand connects with my left backside cheek letting out a loud clap.. I hiss and look at her who is crying with laughter.. Until with a growl I draw back the bow with an arrow nocked.

"Nooooo! I was playing you bully! Tet'va! Give a sis a hand would you?!"

I turn around and aim the bow diagonally to the right then let the arrow loose on the distant circular target.. Before it exploded, I ready another arrow, when Delilah is watching me again..

"What?" I ask looking at her in the corner of my eye, I let loose without looking and still hit the target.

"Now you are just showing off."

She says with a beguiling smile.

"You need to practice.. I've set the draw strength back to WKBW mode. Take these.."

"What's WKBW?"

"Wimpy Kiddy Baby Whiner."

As I say the last two words she inhales with a hiss of air and fumbles with the bow.

"Get out of here!" She tries to aim but I engage my cloak while I hear Tet'va's clicked laughing. I jump into the roof and watch as she aims.. Body straight arms level.. Bow straightened. I decloak and wink at Tet'va.. I have a flashbang distraction in my hand.. I twist the cap then roll it.. It lands next to Delilah..

Kaboooom!

Her arrow goes way off target..

"Fuck! Z I'm going to blow you up!"

She turns around.. Aims and lets loose.. The arrow flies towards me but I grab it before impact dodging slightly.

"Holy shit!" She shouts.

I throw it back at her and she dives as the arrow explodes metres from her.

"Once it is primed.. Don't aim it near anyone.. Just a safety rule.." I say calmly.. Though the arrows are duds.. The real arrows would have blown my left arm off… But I think she knows.. Delilah tends to throw me towards the edge.. Though she'll never intentionally harm me.. She turns back then carries on. I jump down as she flies her last arrow. "Please tell me you have non-explosive variants of arrows.."

I shrug my head to the right.

"We have arrows that pin people to walls.. Explosive arrows that actually explode.. Poison arrows.. Plasma arrows that burn.. And scatter arrows.."

"Ok then.. Stupid question.. Here.." Delilah hands me back the bow folded up then looks across the vista. Kaylum walks out of the house and nods at Tet'va on the roof.. She nods her head back and jumps down.

Delilah begins to cough it sounded chesty. But then it turns into a fit of coughs.. She holds her arm out with two fingers as if to tell us to stay where we are..

"Uhh.. I'm.. Fine.. Just.. Mmm.. Swallowed my own spit.."

I detected that lie a thousand kilometres away but I don't push her about it. Guessing by Tet'va's close proximity to me also.. She felt it too but Kaylum is none the wiser.

My hud pings.

"Sei'i?" I blink.. Qah'dah is on my right opt-shield.

"Qah'dah, what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I just thought I would take the time to contact you leader, Ghardeh has relieved me, told me that you are on the station. How goes it? How is the ooman family?"

"They are well, Ellida is currently working, Kaylum and his mother are.."

I look to see them enter the ship hangar.

"Well.. How was your time as Wuis't'kei's leader? Anymore hassle?"

"M'di, all went well. There were several moments I had to think about how you would handle certain situations.. But other than that I cannot complain."

"And how are you doing personally?"

"I would be lying if I said I was well, your friend Nina came by. Asking for you she said something about your brother Osh'ikeille. That he was injured by another clan attack. She has some more news but wished to tell you face to face, I can't help but wonder Ze'reikich'ja if I am cut out for doing the things I had done. I never thought of myself as a leader but I get the feeling.. This horrible feeling, that you are in the most immediate danger.."

"What do you mean Qah'dah? Are you saying that the past is repeating itself?"

"I'm saying.. That soon.. There will be a path, and whichever road you take. It may lead to your demise.. Or someone else's .. I can't explain it any better.. But we have had this before.. Be careful.."

I shake my head in confusion.. Has she been having dreams of my death? She seems.. Conflicted, unsure..

"A lot of people over the past have tried killing me and I'm still the one standing, I'll be fine.. Trust me.. And so will all those around me."

She nods.. "But not like this.. This.. Is new.."

She disconnects..

I stare at the vista trying to process what she was talking about.. Has she heard something regarding me? Something has her on edge.. I walk towards the hangar. Then notify Delilah and Kaylum I'll be taking my leave… I enter the hangar to see Delilah's pride and joy, the scorpion. I'm surprised Ghardeh parted with it but she agreed it would just be sat in the Shadow's Wraith for all eternity. So she gave it to Delilah, after it received repairs from my generous landing on Aurora, I catch their conversation..

"We can't exactly force him to go, besides.. I don't think.. I mean.. I don't know how to tell him that I.. Shit.."

"Mom, he's been here all this time for us, but he can't keep dragging himself down by being with us.. He is no longer human.. Whatever part of him was.. Obviously died on that table.. He has a family.. Long before he met us.. It isn't right.."

I don't understand what they are saying but, I decide not to tell them I'm leaving.. I let go of the door and walk back to Tet'va.

"I'm going back to Wuis't'kei.. I'll see you later.." I say to her with a nod..

"What is it Ze'reikich'ja? You don't seem.. Content.. You were standing at the door for some time.."

"It was nothing, I just want to go home."

I make my way to the Transport hub when Delilah calls my name while running up to me.

"Where do you think you are going? Thought you could sneak off without saying goodbye?"

I leave my opti-shields on and turn back to the transport hub to be taken back to the landing pads.

"I'm going home, i have some things to think about. Go home and enjoy the rest of your day."

She walks closer to me.

"Hey.. I've known you long enough to read your body language.. And right now.. You seem.. Tense.. Talk to me.. What's wrong?" She tiptoes while holding my forearm gauntlets.

"I don't want you thinking you are a burden. We chose to bring you in.. Not the other way around.. So you both thinking I'm dragging myself down.. Won't help at all along with whatever it is you are questioning also.."

The transport arrives and I step back.

"Take some time to think.. I mean really think down to the bone.. Because if this isn't what you want as in you and I.. Maybe it would be best.. If I left.."

I say just as I enter the transport then the door closes shut.

"No.. That's not.. Z.. Open this door!"

I hear her shout my name again as I ascend then taken to the landing pads.

Delilah…

"Ze'reikich'ja! Wait!"

I can only watch as he is taken to the landing pads.. He must've heard me and Kall talking about the relationship in general, lately I've felt like I wasn't doing enough.. I was too engrossed in work.. But which part did he hear? I bring up my Sat-com and ping him but I just get a blinking icon.. Which usually means unavailable.

"Shitballs.." I walk back home and see Tet'va she's sat on my roof talking with Kaylum.

"Rain could you try and get hold of Z for me later? I think he may have taken something out of context."

"I will see what I can do." She says dropping down, I give her a slow nod while frowning..

Seriously what's got into him? We've never argued or gotten into a doozy. I've never intentionally angered him if at all, maybe it is with all the crap getting to me in the first place? That's the only forgone conclusion, no.. No I'm having this out with him.. If he's thinking of a misunderstanding then that's on him..

"Kall get some things we are going to Wuis't'kei, I'm going to sort something out with Z."

"What do you mean sort something out?"

I ignore his stupid question then look at Tet'va.

"Are you coming or staying on the station for Ellie?"

"I'll remain here for Ellida, see you soon Delilah." I nod then turn and walk to the hangar I get in the Scorpion as Kaylum follows suit then after I close up the ramp I begin the take off sequence. Allowing the ceiling of my hangar to open fully then flying my way out of the station, there are three bleeps.

"D.S.S Tarei'hsan this is flight control please be mindful of the stations traffic proceed with caution."

I slowly pick up speed as we leave the stations no fire zone.

"You have cleared the stations exclusion zone.. Fly safe, FFC signing out."

I activate the star map then plot a course for Maia, Wuis't'kei..

4,3,2,1.

We jump through the wormhole..

Ellida…

I walk through the city.. It isn't long before I see what appears to be a suspicious place there seems to be a lookout on the balcony of the villa, my hud notifies me that the Drigg is armed with a plasma based weapon, I turn around and ask a Covian.. A massive brutish mountain of meat about it.

"Hey there.. Sorry to bother you, I'm kind of new around here! I was just wondering about those villas.. I'd really like to get a closer look.. Is there anyone around to talk to about getting in?"

He looks at the villa behind me then sniffs. His voice deep and throaty.

"That particular villa belongs to Vecra Burdas. . And he isn't well known.. Purely because he is barely in the city.."

He wipes his mouth which is coated in saliva.

"Do you know when he will be back? What does he do?"

The slobber mouth snorts.

"He usually arrives during the night, but only for several hours. He is a very busy Tennavian.. You'll have to talk with him if you want inside.." He points to a spindly looking creature who looks like nothing but skin and bone.

"Thanks sir.. Enjoy your day!"

I take my leave and walk towards the little critter. He is tall.. Just a head above me. But an ugly sonuva..

"Whaaaat?" he asks with a hiss.

"I was told to see you about the head Tennavian.. I'd really like to see these villas.. Could you set up a meet?"

"Yeeess.. Name?"

"Ellida.."

His eyes shift from the pad.. Then to my eyes..

"As in.. Ellida Berkley?!"

"Y-Yes… how do you know that..?"

"We have friends you helped not two months ago.. On Rexis Tao.."

"I.. Well I'm honoured.. Could you help me with a certain request? Or at least your boss?"

"Very much so what can he help with?"

"I need information on the GDR.."

He tilts his head then nods.

"Is that all? That is too easy.."

"Alright.. How about getting me into the mainframe.."

He lets out a creaky laugh.. "That is a challenge.. I will add this to your request.."

"Great, so when is this meet?"

"Tonight.. 25:00.."

"I'll be there.."

I take my leave and patch into Joe's connection. "Please tell me you got all that?"

"Every morsel. Get back to the interceptor.."

I make my way back to the interceptor, I walk up to the vehicle then press on the hand scanner it flashes green then the large door. Slides with a moan to the left revealing the interior and Joe sat in the wheeled swivel chair. With the monitors and consoles.

"So.. Who's the snake lady? She seems to have an interest in you.." Joe asks taking off his ear piece.

I huff at him with annoyance.

"She helped us when we first moved to this station, we've been very good friends ever since. That's all there is.. Can't I have friends?"

"Well I mean you are a cyber wetwork field agent so… I suppose so." He says with a cheeky tone.

I rub my face in increasing frustration, even though Joe is my boss sometimes I want to throttle the guy..

"Right, so hopefully this Tennavian will give me clues as to where this mainframe is and how to gain access to its contents. I'll have a plan B in case anything goes awry.."

He brings his hand up in a questioning manner.

"Whoa.. Whoa.. What do you mean.. Plan B? We've barely figured out plan A yet.."

"I've got it covered.."

His eyes widen at the sudden answer.

"You've got it covered?! And I was in this conversation where?!"

"Joe, trust me on this.. OK? Will you be able to bring the flyer into close proximity? In case of emergency?"

He brings his hands up to his head and taps his finger tips on his forehead.

"Yeah I suppose, don't be doing anything recklessly stupid Ellida.."

"Relax Joe, It's all going to fall into place.."

"It should be me telling you to relax not the other way around." He turns his chair around at the monitors.

"So to get this whole plan into gear, you are going to meet this Tennavian, he's going to tell you where to get our info.. How to get in then what? You just walk away and start mission? Something doesn't add up.."

"It doesn't have to.."

"So what if he doesn't give you the information?"

"Then I'll turn him over to security, the information I got from those files are enough to bring the guy down."

"Well if it is in there, and the law has it why didn't they arrest him already?"

I bring up my Sat-com, then show him the files.. He blinks.

"I don't understand the data.."

I tap on my Sat-com and pair it up with the glasses..

The data begins to shuffle and fizzle into understandable data.

"Because it was encrypted, leverage.. If he doesn't comply I'll transmit the data.. Simple."

"You used your wristwatch to decrypt the data.. Man.. Where can I get one?"

"It isn't a wristwatch, and you can't get one.."

"Oh damn."

We switch the subject and talk more about personal events, which we usually do when we wait patiently to begin the mission.. Though he is always fascinated by my way of life, with that being living with Yautja..

Delilah..

"Mom, why are we going to Wuis't'kei? Is there something wrong?"

"I've already told you, I'm going to sort some things out with Ze'reikich'ja. I think he might've gotten the wrong end of the stick.."

The ship shudders as we exit witch space and enter super cruise towards the blue-white gargantuan.

I then plot the course for Wuis't'kei, as we enter the atmosphere of the planet I start to have second thoughts, I didn't come here for an argument or fight. But I realise this is Z's home.. I shake myself off mentally, he won't do anything too drastic maybe blow out my eardrums with his rumbling roar, I see the light seconds ticking down when I see Skri'jash'n as we fly across.. Then the large settlement of Wuis't'kei with the throne room overlooking the ocean.. Near Ze'reikich'ja's and Ghardeh's home, I begin the landing position then slowly descend, deploying the landing struts.. Then power down the engines.. I sit there for several moments as I watch the view screen slatted cover slide over the canopy I leave and make my way towards the ramp. I lower it then Kaylum and I take our leave of the ship.

The warm tacky air and heat hitting me immediately as well as the lower oxygen here.. The air almost smells like.. Copper.. I've never gotten used to it I walk to the large metal front door of the home looming over us.. They sure do have an eye for style. I pound on the door when Z opens the door with rapid clicking. His green jewels hitting my own eyes.. He steps aside opening the door wider.

"What brings you to Wuis't'kei Delilah?" He asks.. Almost like nothing is wrong.

"You know what, don't play coy.. What the hell was that on Sisters Law? You've got the wrong end of the stick mister!"

"What did you hear pa? We weren't saying anything derogatory at all.. Why would we? If anything, it was us asking if we are being a problem for you.." Kaylum says..

We both walk in and sit on the curved giant seat.

"Can I offer you both a beverage?" He asks walking over to the food stocks.

"If you must know, I thought I was being the problem. What with the events of Aurora.. I know you want to go back. And I digress.. A part of me wants you to return.. But the fact remains, if you go back.."

Ze'reikich'ja stops.. I look to see him staring out of the window to the beautiful vista of the cyan sea and purple sand.

"You think you will lose us?" I say.. Presuming that's what he is implying.

"A lot happened on that planet that was my fault Delilah.. You don't know if you can go back.. And the last thing I would want is for you to hit danger once more."

"You are a Yautja! You are not my Protector! What makes you think we will be in danger? The USM are long gone.. Ten years we've been away.. You are not the problem.. Never have been.. It was just Kaylum and I discussing life as it is.. With me being with those bastards.. If you really must know.. We were talking about going back to Aurora.. But we didn't know if you'd understand why.."

He tensed up.. Almost like I said something I shouldn't have..

"I've had many homes Delilah.. What do you mean I wouldn't understand? Earth.. Asteria.. Wuis't'kei.. Sisters Law.. I understand completely.."

I stand with a hand to my hip.

"Is that it?"

"Sei'i.."

"Ok.."

His gaze hits the front door just before it opens.

Ghardeh opens it but lets it open fully.. She can sense something is strange.

"What is this? Am I interrupting something Ze'reikich'ja?"

He turns to the large water butt and begins to boil the water.

"No…. We had just finished our conversation, cleaning up a misunderstanding. That is all."

She nods slowly as if deciding what to say as she closes the door.

She sits next to Kaylum. Then we drink some herbal tea together.. With Kall trying to lift the mood.. Surprisingly it works..

Ellida..

After sitting around waiting for night-time I finally get ready.. I take my sidearm and several magazines then leave the interceptor, I decide to bring in my training Z taught me. It helps a great deal in focusing my mind and committing to the task at hand, during my time with him I always admired how calm and collected he would be. Maybe it's an age thing but even in stressful situations he would be as cool as a.. Cumber.. I walk down the white lit streets and come up to the villa at the time agreed. I approach the large bolted door and use the door knocker, moments later a blue six armed Tennavian answers.. His orange large eyes frowning at me.

"Ellida I presume? You are early.. You don't disappoint, come.. I have news for you.. Information you seek.." I nod silently then enter.

"Now I know your secret, news gets around of a family being protected by Yautja, I also know you are the one known as 'The Bad Star'.. The bad omen of the GDR.. And USM.. I Also know you own an extremely rare piece of equipment.. The Ekso' Oota.."

"Don't believe everything you hear.. Vectra.."

He tilts his head at my use of his name.

"So it seems you know my name.."

"And much more, I need access to the GDR mainframe, and also Ever heard of the name, Aquinox?"

We sit down at a large glass table as he lead me through elaborate silver and white halls that had armed guards on every corridor.. Must be his personal protection.

"Never heard of Aquinox in these parts.. No.. But in the west.. Hmmm.. USM.. Are mass producing the toxin.. On an industrial planet.. In the Bernards Star sector.. Now i would never suggest how to use this information.. Me.. I never choose sides.."

"Too bad there's a war coming.. If the GDR get hold of Aquinox, you me and this whole establishment will be nothing more than a death count.. I've seen what it does to people.."

He nods almost sympathetically.. Tennavians aren't known for their sympathy..

"And in order to know, you need into the mainframe, yes?"

"How ever did you guess?"

"It will be costly.."

"I didn't say sell me.. I said give me.. Information.."

He laughs..

"For a favour.." I finish..

"Hmm.. Hmmm…. I like you.. You are a good negotiator.. For a Sisters Law Cyber specialist.. Very well.. But I will call upon you the moment i need the favour.."

A guard in blue walks up to me with a data pad.

I take it then swipe across accessing the data. Desorier looks at my Sat-com and nods.

"You earned this device yes? You really do live with 'The Predators?' whatever caused an event to make it so?"

"I don't have the heart to tell you, but I'll tell you that those.. Predators.. Are my family.."

"You would die to help them? I find this most peculiar, they are an intriguing race yes?"

I shoot him a frown. "What are you getting at Vectra? Do you want me to kill a Yautja?"

"Yes.. Her name is Qah'dah.. This is my favour.. Go to Wuis't'kei, she always watches over a throne room, we have had dealings with her years ago but she killed several of my people after a dispute.."

"It can't be done.." I say leaning into the desk.. I know very well who Qah'dah is and she is not an enemy of mine..

"She's alone when she goes to her home after her duties.. Kill her there.."

"It doesn't matter where she is.. It can't be done.. She serves under a Yautja Leader.. If he finds out I killed her.. I'll be putting everyone in danger.. Then the High council get involved.. I'll be dead by the week.."

"That's why you need to be discreet.."

"Is that the only thing that happened? I need more information.."

He huffs and stands up.

"Very well.. Let me put it in a way you'll understand.."

He swiftly reaches for his sidearm.. My reflexes kick in.. I grab the top pressing the chamber lock.. I swiftly pull it away and throw the slider at the guards head to my right.. He grabs his second sidearm.. I disarm him and take my own sidearm when he spins me around.. But I grab his third sidearm and aim both at him as he drops his arms.. He points at me.. Then places his fourth sidearm on the table.

"How does someone with your skills become just a cyber wetwork flunky? I could use someone of your calibre.. A human who has been training as a Yautja for the best part of ten years.. I know.. I've read your files.. The moment you had helped my fellow comrades.. It is the only reason you stand here today.. But.. I can see that killing Qah'dah is.. Difficult.. How about another favour.. One that is suitable to your.. Particular talents? Take this data pad to your boss.. I know he is listening in this entire time.. I've placed a team around his interceptor.. Did you really think I would put a meeting with you without insurance? If you won't kill Qah'dah, then take this.. I've given you all I can.. Think about it.. When you are ready.. Come back to me.. Now.. Leave me.. I have a home to keep.."

I take my leave with the Data pad then return to the interceptor. The guards have moved off.

Joe opens the door and brings me in.

"Good you have what we need.. Ok, lets get to the mainframe.. We have to do this tonight.. Lets go.."

As I mull over the schematics and entry points, Joe jumps into the pilot seat and we make our way to GDR territory..

Author note: Seems like Ellie is just about to take on an epic mission of secrecy! Will she get caught? And what surprises does Vectra have for her? Find out in the next chapter! Speaking of the next one, because of Christmas coming up the next one won't be released until Early Jan, my work life at the moment is extremely busy. I don't have enough time to properly sit down and write.. (As much as I love it, I need a break as well.. Keep my mojo.)

I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year!

Ellida, Delilah, Ze'reikich'ja and co will return next year for chapter 27! Nearly there! Eight chapters remain!

Reviewers circle: NeverNeverLady: I'm so glad you are still enjoying it! Thanks for your continued support! Merry Christmas to you! Xx