Madina was lost in thought when Pilot contacted, "I'm sorry, Pilot. What
did you say?"
Captain, I am receiving and incoming transmission for you.
"I'm on my way to command." Madina ran down there. "Begin transmission, Pilot." A heavily scarred male Sebacean came up on the viewer, "Aurick, you have some information for me?"
Aurick had a deep gravelly voice that was only slightly louder than a whisper, I do, Captain. Meet me at Trellig Station, you know where, and I'll give it to you. Usual price.
Madina did some quick calculating on the nav console, "I can be there in twenty arns."
I'll be waiting for you.
"Pilot, plot a course for Trellig Station and please call the others up here." It didn't take very long for everyone to assemble in command. Madina slipped into command mode. "I have received information on Crichton's whereabouts. I have instructed Pilot to proceed to Trellig Station where I will meet with my contact."
Jool inquired, "So what information did you actually get from this individual?"
"Enough."
Jool snorted, "You don't have anything."
"Jool, this is not the type of information you want to discuss on an open channel. I have worked with this individual and trust that he would not contact me unless he had good information. He is reliable."
"A reliable rogue, there's something I want to trust in," Jool quipped sarcastically
Zhaan stepped up before Madina resorted to violence, "Please, both of you calm down. Jool it cannot hurt for us to meet with Madina's contact. He might actually have useful information for us. We are going to be together for a while and we should try to get along."
"I think it is best if I go down alone. The group of people that inhabit the station are a rather unsavory lot."
"Then you should not go down alone. I will accompany you," proposed Crais.
Madina didn't want to be around Crais after what she saw earlier, "That will be unnecessary."
Crais reasoned, "It is always best to have someone to watch your back when you are in a dangerous place."
"He has an excellent point. He is very useful in a dangerous situation," offered Stark.
"Very well. We will be there in twenty arns. Meet me in the transport pod at that time." She turned and walked out. Crais followed after her while the others optimistically discussed finding Crichton.
Crais couldn't see her when he stepped out of command. He had to run to catch up with her, "Madina, wait up!" She didn't stop so Crais grabbed her arm and spun her around.
She glared at him, his hand and back again, "I suggest you remove your hand before I remove it for you, permanently."
He let go, "Madina, we need to talk." She started walking again. He followed, "This is a ship, you can't get avoid me forever."
She stopped and shoved him into the nearest cell, "Fine, let's talk." She was in full defensive mode and stood in front of him with her arms crossed.
"What's wrong with you. Why are you being so short with me?"
"If there was something between you and Jool, you should have told me."
"Something between...You're jealous," he was smiling now.
"And you are fahrbot."
"No, I'm not. You're jealous of Jool and that I might be attracted to her."
"I saw the two of you talking and laughing it up in the center chamber."
Crais went tried to defend himself, "She cornered me. I figured the best way to maintain the peace was to talk with her."
"I saw the way she looked at you. Did you ever consider the possibility that she might be attracted to you and is trying to get to you."
"Madina, she is just clinging to a familiar face. I don't have any feelings for her. Yes, I find her attractive, but I am not attracted to her." He moved towards her and gently placed his hands on her arms, "It's you I am attracted to. Jool cannot change that."
She pushed him away. "For this mission I am in charge. You will do what I say or you can remain here. You will be Senior Officer Farkis if anyone asks. It will draw less attention."
Crais didn't want to force the issue. It would only drive her further away. He needed time to develop a plan. "I understand." She turned and left Crais wondering how he could get her to understand the truth.
He heard a voice in the back of his head ask, What's wrong?
Crais knew he had to answer Talyn's question, Madina is upset with me.
Why?
She believes I have a relationship with Jool.
But you don't.
It is sometimes difficult to get someone to see the real truth past the perceived truth.
That doesn't make sense. If you tell her the truth, she should believe you.
She should, but you and I have both learned the power of emotions. In time I believe she will see past her emotions.
I hope so.
So do I, Talyn.
Madina spent the next twenty arns avoiding Crais. She didn't want to see his lying face right now. She was irritated that he was involved with Jool, but she was angered that he hadn't told her. She had always preferred honesty to deception. As she had learned, that was not necessarily true of others. She knew Crais had been a liar and deceiver as he rose through the ranks. She had thought the last couple of cycles had changed him. She had been wrong.
Madina remembered seeing one of the cargo holds had been converted into a workout area. She headed down there to take out her frustrations, wondering how he could have treated her as he did on Talyn knowing what was waiting on Moya. After she had been down there for about half an arn, she saw Zhaan standing in the doorway. "What can I do for you, Zhaan?"
"That is the question I should ask you. I recently saw Crais and he is quite upset. Now, I find you down here, also quite upset. I find myself wondering if the are not related."
"If they are, it is between me and Crais."
"If it is between the two of you it will not be solved unless you talk to each other." With that Zhaan turned and left. Madina stared after her for a few microts. She wasn't interested in talking to Crais at present. She was afraid she would find him with her.
When they arrived at the station Madina summoned Crais to join her in the transport pod. She had already completed pre-flight when he arrived. "I need to pick a few things up from Talyn before we proceed," she stated matter-of-factly.
He informed Talyn before asking, "What do you need to get?"
"Weapons. Currency. Remember the role you are playing. Once we are there, do not speak unless addressed. My contact will probably want you to stay back so we can conduct business in private. Do you understand?" Her tone implied she was not interested in conversation.
"Perfectly, Captain." When they arrived on Talyn she left Crais in the transport pod. She went to her quarters, put her uniform and field jacket on, strapped on her hidden knives and fastened her sword onto her back. When she returned Crais eyed her curiously. He had not expected her to wear her uniform. After they landed at the station they proceeded to what was quite possibly the seediest dive Crais had ever seen, "Are you sure this is a good idea?"
"This is how we will get the information we need. I have been here many times. Just do as I say." She did not appear at all apprehensive.
"Yes, Captain," Crais replied sharply and sarcastically. She completely ignored him.
She entered and went straight to the bar, slammed down a credit chip and ordered, "Bottle of Damark brandy. The real thing, Arist." Arist took the chip and brought back a bottle and two glasses. Madina picked them up and proceeded to a table near the back door where Crais thought what had to be the ugliest Sebacean he had ever seen was seated. Madina slammed the brandy and glasses onto the table, grabbed a chair, turned it around and straddled it so she could see both the Sebacean and the door. "How are you doing Aurick, my old friend?" she asked as she smiled and began to pour.
Aurick grabbed the proffered glass, "Not too bad. Knee's been bothering me a bit lately, though. Good to see you again, Captain. It's been a long time. How is life treating you."
"Not well. I've had a bit of a falling out with High Command."
"I'd heard. I was shocked to hear from you. They reported you dead."
"Easier to be on a secret mission when everyone thinks that."
Crais was shocked. He had hoped they would come down here, get the information on Crichton and leave. He hadn't expected her to reminisce old times and catch up on recent news. He didn't like it here and this was definitely taking longer than necessary. Madina and Aurick spent the next arn babbling on as far as Crais was concerned. They had consumed nearly half the bottle of brandy, but neither appeared inebriated. Crais was getting more nervous as the microts ticked by.
Finally Madina got down to business, "I hear you might have some information of interest for me?"
"I do. I know where the man you are looking for is, at least as of this morning. He should still be there. His ship was pretty well tore up." Aurick slid a data chip across the table. Madina held a reader in her lap and slid the chip into it.
She scanned the data. "Looks good." She pocketed the reader and slid a handful of credit chips across the table.
Aurick immediately pocketed them. "If there is anything else I can do for you, just ask."
"Keep an eye out for him to move. If we miss him I might need your help again."
He nodded and she began to rise. He picked up the bottle and asked, "Don't you want to stay and finish the bottle?"
"Not this time, old friend. My shipmates will be getting anxious for my return."
As they turned to leave an alien approached the table. All three went on the defensive. "Aurick, you double-crossed me. That information you sold me was bogus." The alien grabbed Aurick by the collar. Madina was ready to draw her sword and Crais was ready to fire his pulse rifle. Aurick was trying to reason with the alien, but didn't get very far. The alien had friends. Crais was struck on the back of the head before he could react. He crumpled to the floor. Madina drew her sword and long knife. Fortunately she was against the wall and could only be attacked from the front. She stabbed the third attacker and leapt over the table to fend off Crais' assailant. The assailant had already stabbed Crais once and was moving to stab him again. Madina with one smooth swing sliced off his knife hand. The assailant ran from the bar screaming and grasping his stump. Aurick appeared to be holding his own in the knife fight with the alien. Madina turned to survey the rest of the room weapons at the ready. No one else appeared interested in helping the alien. She grabbed him from behind placing her knife under his chin.
"I suggest you listen to Aurick. If you pay the requested fee, he always delivers accurate information." By this time the bouncers had arrived and taken possession of the alien. Madina sheathed her sword and looked at Crais' wounds. He would live, but she needed to get him back to Moya. Madina commed Moya, "Pilot, we were just in a bar fight. Crais is injured, but he will survive. We're on our way back to the transport pod."
Very well, Captain. I will tell Talyn and the others. Talyn was quite upset when he lost comms with Captain Crais. This news should help him calm down. I will have everyone meet you at the transport pod.
"Thank you, Pilot." Madina fastened her sword about her waist and hung the pulse pistol around her neck. She then hefted Crais onto her shoulders. She was glad the transport wasn't too far away. She left out the backdoor, once again thanking Aurick. As they approached Moya she could see Talyn behaving excitedly. If the news had calmed Talyn, Madina could only imagine what he must have looked like before. When she arrived Stark came into the pod to help her carry Crais to the gurney. Zhaan and Jool rushed him tot he med bay leaving Stark and Madina to follow in their wake. Both were asked to remain outside. After what seemed like an eternity but was only a quarter arn, Zhaan came out. "Crais is still unconscious, but his knife wound is not severe. I don't know when he will regain consciousness. You may go in, if you like."
Madina was going to enter, but she saw Jool standing by Crais' side holding his hand and brushing his hair back from his face. "No. I should go to command and review the information I received," she turned and left. When she arrived in command she could see Talyn was still behaving erratically. "Pilot, how is Talyn?"
Pilot's face came up on the clamshell, "He is still distressed by Captain Crais' injuries. Moya was wondering if you could go over there and help calm him. He might find your presence reassuring."
"Very well, Pilot. Have Moya inform him I'm coming over." Madina wasn't sure what she could do to reassure him. She couldn't understand him, but if Moya thought it might help, she would go.
Captain, I am receiving and incoming transmission for you.
"I'm on my way to command." Madina ran down there. "Begin transmission, Pilot." A heavily scarred male Sebacean came up on the viewer, "Aurick, you have some information for me?"
Aurick had a deep gravelly voice that was only slightly louder than a whisper, I do, Captain. Meet me at Trellig Station, you know where, and I'll give it to you. Usual price.
Madina did some quick calculating on the nav console, "I can be there in twenty arns."
I'll be waiting for you.
"Pilot, plot a course for Trellig Station and please call the others up here." It didn't take very long for everyone to assemble in command. Madina slipped into command mode. "I have received information on Crichton's whereabouts. I have instructed Pilot to proceed to Trellig Station where I will meet with my contact."
Jool inquired, "So what information did you actually get from this individual?"
"Enough."
Jool snorted, "You don't have anything."
"Jool, this is not the type of information you want to discuss on an open channel. I have worked with this individual and trust that he would not contact me unless he had good information. He is reliable."
"A reliable rogue, there's something I want to trust in," Jool quipped sarcastically
Zhaan stepped up before Madina resorted to violence, "Please, both of you calm down. Jool it cannot hurt for us to meet with Madina's contact. He might actually have useful information for us. We are going to be together for a while and we should try to get along."
"I think it is best if I go down alone. The group of people that inhabit the station are a rather unsavory lot."
"Then you should not go down alone. I will accompany you," proposed Crais.
Madina didn't want to be around Crais after what she saw earlier, "That will be unnecessary."
Crais reasoned, "It is always best to have someone to watch your back when you are in a dangerous place."
"He has an excellent point. He is very useful in a dangerous situation," offered Stark.
"Very well. We will be there in twenty arns. Meet me in the transport pod at that time." She turned and walked out. Crais followed after her while the others optimistically discussed finding Crichton.
Crais couldn't see her when he stepped out of command. He had to run to catch up with her, "Madina, wait up!" She didn't stop so Crais grabbed her arm and spun her around.
She glared at him, his hand and back again, "I suggest you remove your hand before I remove it for you, permanently."
He let go, "Madina, we need to talk." She started walking again. He followed, "This is a ship, you can't get avoid me forever."
She stopped and shoved him into the nearest cell, "Fine, let's talk." She was in full defensive mode and stood in front of him with her arms crossed.
"What's wrong with you. Why are you being so short with me?"
"If there was something between you and Jool, you should have told me."
"Something between...You're jealous," he was smiling now.
"And you are fahrbot."
"No, I'm not. You're jealous of Jool and that I might be attracted to her."
"I saw the two of you talking and laughing it up in the center chamber."
Crais went tried to defend himself, "She cornered me. I figured the best way to maintain the peace was to talk with her."
"I saw the way she looked at you. Did you ever consider the possibility that she might be attracted to you and is trying to get to you."
"Madina, she is just clinging to a familiar face. I don't have any feelings for her. Yes, I find her attractive, but I am not attracted to her." He moved towards her and gently placed his hands on her arms, "It's you I am attracted to. Jool cannot change that."
She pushed him away. "For this mission I am in charge. You will do what I say or you can remain here. You will be Senior Officer Farkis if anyone asks. It will draw less attention."
Crais didn't want to force the issue. It would only drive her further away. He needed time to develop a plan. "I understand." She turned and left Crais wondering how he could get her to understand the truth.
He heard a voice in the back of his head ask, What's wrong?
Crais knew he had to answer Talyn's question, Madina is upset with me.
Why?
She believes I have a relationship with Jool.
But you don't.
It is sometimes difficult to get someone to see the real truth past the perceived truth.
That doesn't make sense. If you tell her the truth, she should believe you.
She should, but you and I have both learned the power of emotions. In time I believe she will see past her emotions.
I hope so.
So do I, Talyn.
Madina spent the next twenty arns avoiding Crais. She didn't want to see his lying face right now. She was irritated that he was involved with Jool, but she was angered that he hadn't told her. She had always preferred honesty to deception. As she had learned, that was not necessarily true of others. She knew Crais had been a liar and deceiver as he rose through the ranks. She had thought the last couple of cycles had changed him. She had been wrong.
Madina remembered seeing one of the cargo holds had been converted into a workout area. She headed down there to take out her frustrations, wondering how he could have treated her as he did on Talyn knowing what was waiting on Moya. After she had been down there for about half an arn, she saw Zhaan standing in the doorway. "What can I do for you, Zhaan?"
"That is the question I should ask you. I recently saw Crais and he is quite upset. Now, I find you down here, also quite upset. I find myself wondering if the are not related."
"If they are, it is between me and Crais."
"If it is between the two of you it will not be solved unless you talk to each other." With that Zhaan turned and left. Madina stared after her for a few microts. She wasn't interested in talking to Crais at present. She was afraid she would find him with her.
When they arrived at the station Madina summoned Crais to join her in the transport pod. She had already completed pre-flight when he arrived. "I need to pick a few things up from Talyn before we proceed," she stated matter-of-factly.
He informed Talyn before asking, "What do you need to get?"
"Weapons. Currency. Remember the role you are playing. Once we are there, do not speak unless addressed. My contact will probably want you to stay back so we can conduct business in private. Do you understand?" Her tone implied she was not interested in conversation.
"Perfectly, Captain." When they arrived on Talyn she left Crais in the transport pod. She went to her quarters, put her uniform and field jacket on, strapped on her hidden knives and fastened her sword onto her back. When she returned Crais eyed her curiously. He had not expected her to wear her uniform. After they landed at the station they proceeded to what was quite possibly the seediest dive Crais had ever seen, "Are you sure this is a good idea?"
"This is how we will get the information we need. I have been here many times. Just do as I say." She did not appear at all apprehensive.
"Yes, Captain," Crais replied sharply and sarcastically. She completely ignored him.
She entered and went straight to the bar, slammed down a credit chip and ordered, "Bottle of Damark brandy. The real thing, Arist." Arist took the chip and brought back a bottle and two glasses. Madina picked them up and proceeded to a table near the back door where Crais thought what had to be the ugliest Sebacean he had ever seen was seated. Madina slammed the brandy and glasses onto the table, grabbed a chair, turned it around and straddled it so she could see both the Sebacean and the door. "How are you doing Aurick, my old friend?" she asked as she smiled and began to pour.
Aurick grabbed the proffered glass, "Not too bad. Knee's been bothering me a bit lately, though. Good to see you again, Captain. It's been a long time. How is life treating you."
"Not well. I've had a bit of a falling out with High Command."
"I'd heard. I was shocked to hear from you. They reported you dead."
"Easier to be on a secret mission when everyone thinks that."
Crais was shocked. He had hoped they would come down here, get the information on Crichton and leave. He hadn't expected her to reminisce old times and catch up on recent news. He didn't like it here and this was definitely taking longer than necessary. Madina and Aurick spent the next arn babbling on as far as Crais was concerned. They had consumed nearly half the bottle of brandy, but neither appeared inebriated. Crais was getting more nervous as the microts ticked by.
Finally Madina got down to business, "I hear you might have some information of interest for me?"
"I do. I know where the man you are looking for is, at least as of this morning. He should still be there. His ship was pretty well tore up." Aurick slid a data chip across the table. Madina held a reader in her lap and slid the chip into it.
She scanned the data. "Looks good." She pocketed the reader and slid a handful of credit chips across the table.
Aurick immediately pocketed them. "If there is anything else I can do for you, just ask."
"Keep an eye out for him to move. If we miss him I might need your help again."
He nodded and she began to rise. He picked up the bottle and asked, "Don't you want to stay and finish the bottle?"
"Not this time, old friend. My shipmates will be getting anxious for my return."
As they turned to leave an alien approached the table. All three went on the defensive. "Aurick, you double-crossed me. That information you sold me was bogus." The alien grabbed Aurick by the collar. Madina was ready to draw her sword and Crais was ready to fire his pulse rifle. Aurick was trying to reason with the alien, but didn't get very far. The alien had friends. Crais was struck on the back of the head before he could react. He crumpled to the floor. Madina drew her sword and long knife. Fortunately she was against the wall and could only be attacked from the front. She stabbed the third attacker and leapt over the table to fend off Crais' assailant. The assailant had already stabbed Crais once and was moving to stab him again. Madina with one smooth swing sliced off his knife hand. The assailant ran from the bar screaming and grasping his stump. Aurick appeared to be holding his own in the knife fight with the alien. Madina turned to survey the rest of the room weapons at the ready. No one else appeared interested in helping the alien. She grabbed him from behind placing her knife under his chin.
"I suggest you listen to Aurick. If you pay the requested fee, he always delivers accurate information." By this time the bouncers had arrived and taken possession of the alien. Madina sheathed her sword and looked at Crais' wounds. He would live, but she needed to get him back to Moya. Madina commed Moya, "Pilot, we were just in a bar fight. Crais is injured, but he will survive. We're on our way back to the transport pod."
Very well, Captain. I will tell Talyn and the others. Talyn was quite upset when he lost comms with Captain Crais. This news should help him calm down. I will have everyone meet you at the transport pod.
"Thank you, Pilot." Madina fastened her sword about her waist and hung the pulse pistol around her neck. She then hefted Crais onto her shoulders. She was glad the transport wasn't too far away. She left out the backdoor, once again thanking Aurick. As they approached Moya she could see Talyn behaving excitedly. If the news had calmed Talyn, Madina could only imagine what he must have looked like before. When she arrived Stark came into the pod to help her carry Crais to the gurney. Zhaan and Jool rushed him tot he med bay leaving Stark and Madina to follow in their wake. Both were asked to remain outside. After what seemed like an eternity but was only a quarter arn, Zhaan came out. "Crais is still unconscious, but his knife wound is not severe. I don't know when he will regain consciousness. You may go in, if you like."
Madina was going to enter, but she saw Jool standing by Crais' side holding his hand and brushing his hair back from his face. "No. I should go to command and review the information I received," she turned and left. When she arrived in command she could see Talyn was still behaving erratically. "Pilot, how is Talyn?"
Pilot's face came up on the clamshell, "He is still distressed by Captain Crais' injuries. Moya was wondering if you could go over there and help calm him. He might find your presence reassuring."
"Very well, Pilot. Have Moya inform him I'm coming over." Madina wasn't sure what she could do to reassure him. She couldn't understand him, but if Moya thought it might help, she would go.