Easy as Pie
D'Argo deactivated his comm and uttered a string of Luxan curses. One hand slammed into the side of the transport pod as he slid into words that Chiana's translator microbes were able to understand. "I should have known better then to leave them alone together."
"It was your idea to come with me." Chiana folded her arms in front of her. She was highly amused by the outburst, more so because she was not at the receiving end. The fact that Jool was at fault was icing on the cake, as John would say.
"Because none of you can be trusted to be left alone. I assumed John could handle the Interion. Obviously, I was wrong." D'Argo's long legs took him away from the transport pod and in the direction of the farming community.
"Hey, where do you think you're going? We're supposed to stay here."
D'Argo stopped and turned around. "You really believe Crichton is going to talk his way out of this?"
Chiana tried to think back to a time when John had successfully used words to get out of a bad situation. Her mouth hung open as she stood there thinking.
"That's what I thought." D'Argo spun on his heel and continued walking.
"And just what exactly do you think you're gonna do?" Chiana jogged to catch up but movement between a pair of docked spacecraft caught her attention.
Two Kinfea males huddled close together, speaking in low, conspiratorial tones. One of them inclined his head over the shoulder of the other, as if spotting Chiana standing there. He reached out and gently touched his companion's arm, drawing him further along the side of one of the parallel ships.
She muttered an apology and stepped out of their line of sight, but curiosity prevented her from going far. There was a familiar tingle at the back of her mind, a beckoning that she was growing accustomed to, but didn't understand. Chiana had no choice but to respond to it, although common sense said otherwise.
The yellow sun was dipping behind the planet's horizon, creating long shadows throughout the spaceport. One shadow moved apart from the others, flitting across the top of a transport ship. Chiana watched it closely until she could just make out the outline of a man crawling along the roof of the vessel. He stopped at the edge and produced a weapon that reminded her of Aeryn's pulse rifle. He aimed it at the two men standing below.
"Look out!"
One man spun around, the other ducked. The flashing light of the rifle shot burst against the side of a ship and showered sparks on what had been potential targets. Both men were propelled into action, fleeing from the scene.
Chiana did her best to make herself invisible as the first man ran past her. The second stopped long enough to meet the Nebari's gaze and mouth a quick word of thanks before darting in an opposite direction.
Spectators were beginning to mill about, drawn by the noise of weapon fire. The authorities would be here soon. Chiana pulled the hood of her traveling coat over her face and melted into the throng of onlookers. Sure enough, a group of Kinfeas in dark blue uniforms arrived and began dispersing the crowd, asking questions of anyone nearby.
Chiana was more then happy to leave.
***
"Help me understand, because I really want to know how this works." John paced along the back wall of Cabmauri's office. As he spoke, he turned his head toward Jool. She sat in a chair across from a sprawling desk of wood and stone. All he could see was the back of her head and tense, rigid shoulders. "For someone who keeps preaching how superior and civilized they are you did a really dumb thing."
"Bacria is a game of skill and aptitude. Only the intellectually elite can play it and win consistently."
"What exactly do you win?" John watched the ceiling as he walked back and forth. "I hope it's something real good."
"Prestige."
He came to a halt, staring at the Interion with an expression of disbelief. "Prestige? That's it?"
"It is an accomplishment worthy of respect."
"That's gonna do you a whole lotta good in the middle of the Uncharted Territories where the only people who know you, don't care."
"I should not have lost. The dealer cheated," Jool stated for perhaps the eleventh time since they were brought to the office.
John put his hands on his hips. "Real original defense. I'm sure no one has thought of that one before!"
"Stop yelling at me." Her voice started to rise, threatening to level out in a crescendo that made the fillings in John's teeth ache. "You should be angry at them!"
"I can be mad at more then one person at a time. It's a talent." John closed his eyes and counted to ten. Just once, he would like to visit another world and be bored. Was that too much to ask? Apparently so. Someone, call them fate, destiny, or the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man, had decided that John Crichton and company were the only players in a galactic game of dodge ball. He hoped the other him was having more luck.
Or depending on the situation, less luck.
"Are you positive he cheated? Be real sure."
"Yes," Jool answered. She looked back at him. "I am sure."
The office door swung open, permitting the bouncer from the Game Room admittance. He took a few steps into the room and moved to the side as a second person entered behind him.
"Well, you kept us waiting long enough," Jool said. She directed a nearly physical wave of animosity toward the new arrivals.
"My apologies. It was not easy convincing the officials that there was nothing to be alarmed over. Just a slight misunderstanding."
"We appreciate your time," John said to the unidentified man. He came to stand beside Jool, resting one of his hands on her shoulder in silent reminder to be nice. It was his intention to try to reason with the owner of the drinking house. Perhaps offer to pay Jool's debt in currency instead of limbs.
"I am Cabmauri Mudest," the dark man said as he took a seat on the corner of the desk. "The card dealer you have accused of cheating is my closest friend. I am disturbed by your allegation."
"I'm disturbed at losing my hand."
John squeezed Jool's shoulder, eliciting a muted squeal but ultimately hushing her. He hoped all the time spent listening to Rygel would pay off now and at least make him sound as if he knew what he was doing. "No one is accusing anyone of cheating. I'm sure it was just a simple, honest mistake and there's no need to point fingers."
Jool drew in a breath of protest but she was interrupted by John's stern glare and tightening grip. "Ain't that right?"
"Yes," Jool hissed.
"So, misunderstandings aside, we'd be willing to make a monetary settlement in order to square up this whole fiasco."
Cabmauri seemed to give it a moment thought before shaking his head. "Sadly, this is impossible."
"Nothing's impossible," John said. Although he was beginning to have his doubts.
"There is honor at stake when Bacria is concerned. If word were to spread that my game allows exceptions, my reputation as a Master will be forfeit."
"We're not gonna tell anyone. We're good at secrets. Trust me."
Cabmauri graced John with a smile that was indulgently patronizing. "Trust is an interesting commodity to bargain with. Unfortunately, it is not a very lucrative one."
"Yeah, I can understand that. So, what else is there? I can't let you take her hand so I suggest you rethink our money."
Jool was trying desperately not to fidget in her chair but she could not stop clenching and unclenching her fingers together. "He can't take currency. It goes against the rules of Bacria."
John looked down at her. "Anything else you want to bring up now that might have been useful an arn ago?"
"You didn't tell me that was part of your plan."
Cabmauri seemed to hesitate before speaking. "There may be a way to settle the debt without dishonoring the rules of Bacria or maiming your friend."
The sensation that crept up John's spine was familiar and it caused a lopsided grin to turn up the corners of his mouth. Resignation. The whole thing was a setup from the get go. He should never have doubted his instincts. What did DK use to say? Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean they really aren't after you.
"And what way would that be?"
Cabmauri slid off the corner of his desk and walked around to the chair. "I have some items that I desperately need delivered to the settlement on our moon. You have a transport ship, correct?"
Jool's curiosity made her lean forward in her seat. "What sort of items?"
"The illegal kind," John said, looking from her to Cabmauri. "Am I right?"
The Kinfea nodded. "It is a small shipment, but a very expensive one once bribes are taken into consideration. Port Authority will require a tax for hazardous cargo. Legal Authority will ask for more currency to allow safe passage." He waved a hand as if alluding to other obstacles.
"And since we're nobodies, you think they'll let us fly out of here without paying the real stiff fees." John turned around and started pacing toward the rear of the room. He paused halfway there and faced back the way he came. "And that's it? No hoops or rings of fire?"
"You will of course need to make contact with my buyer and bring back payment." Cabmauri made a gesture imitating embarrassment. "Regrettably, I will require the female to stay here as my guest until completion of the transaction."
"I will not stay here," Jool said, rising from her chair to plant fists on her hips.
John did not like the idea any better then the Interion but he was not seeing many options. And for once, he would like to leave a planet without an exiting hail of pulse fire. Convincing D'Argo this arrangement was for the best was going to be dangerous enough. At least he knew he could count on Chiana to participate. This almost sounded like her idea of a good time.
"Jool. Either you stay here for a few arns or your hand stays here forever. Choice is yours."
She bit her lower lip, letting brilliant green eyes flash between Crichton and Cabmauri. "Since you put it that way," Jool said after a brief hesitation. "I don't suppose I could get something to eat while I wait."
Cabmauri instructed the silent bouncer to escort the woman from the room before turning toward John again. "I believe the best decision was made."
"Lets hope we still feel that way in the morning. Give me the details and let's get this show on the road."
***
It was a simple matter to pay off the dock master so they could fly off world before daylight. No one had bothered searching through their newly purchased supplies after paying the extra tax. The narrow boxes that Cabmauri had given them were securely hidden among larger crates of rations and fresh produce.
"This is a very bad idea, John." D'Argo sat in the co-pilot's chair. His broad shoulders were squared with tension as the craft lifted off the planet and followed the coordinates leading to the orbiting moon.
Chiana leaned her elbows on the console between the two men, watching through the forward view screen. "You worry too much, D'Argo. Considering everything that's happened so far, John got off easy."
"First off, this wasn't my fault." John glanced quickly over his shoulder toward the Nebari, only partially appeased by the teasing smirk on her face.
Chiana reached up to run her fingers along John's arm, putting just enough pressure behind the touch so it could be felt through the leather jacket that covered his torso. "Of course not. It's that trelk, Jool, who got us into this mess."
"I see no reason why we should resort to name calling," D'Argo growled. It was uncertain if he felt a need to defend Jool or was just trying to relieve stress by bickering with Chiana. Everyone was edgy. After so many cycles on the run, they should be used to dealing with intense situations. But their experiences only made them more cautious and wary. John was not sure if that was a bad thing.
"I don't see why you need to take her side-"
"Secondly," John interrupted, speaking loud enough to draw the attention of both his shipmates and silence the potential argument. He tilted his head from one side to the other until the vertebrae in his neck popped. His gaze remained riveted on the forward screens. "There isn't a secondly. All we need to do is meet up with this Bonyon person, deliver the goods, get Jool, then put as much distance between us and this frelling planet as we can. Nothing to it."
D'Argo shared a look with Chiana before directing his own eyes forward. "Right. Simple."
"I'm not worried at all." Chiana shifted her slight weight from one foot to the other in a show of indifference. The effect would have been perfect had she been around strangers that did not know her. She tugged on the front of her bodice. "Besides. I need some new clothes to wear."
"We will not have the time to shop, Chiana."
The Nebari glanced at D'Argo with a tightlipped grin. "Of course we will."
John nodded, disturbed by the lilt in Chiana's voice. He didn't want to ask if this was one of her premonitions. He was not sure she would answer him honestly anyway. "Just a walk in the park," he muttered under his breath.
D'Argo deactivated his comm and uttered a string of Luxan curses. One hand slammed into the side of the transport pod as he slid into words that Chiana's translator microbes were able to understand. "I should have known better then to leave them alone together."
"It was your idea to come with me." Chiana folded her arms in front of her. She was highly amused by the outburst, more so because she was not at the receiving end. The fact that Jool was at fault was icing on the cake, as John would say.
"Because none of you can be trusted to be left alone. I assumed John could handle the Interion. Obviously, I was wrong." D'Argo's long legs took him away from the transport pod and in the direction of the farming community.
"Hey, where do you think you're going? We're supposed to stay here."
D'Argo stopped and turned around. "You really believe Crichton is going to talk his way out of this?"
Chiana tried to think back to a time when John had successfully used words to get out of a bad situation. Her mouth hung open as she stood there thinking.
"That's what I thought." D'Argo spun on his heel and continued walking.
"And just what exactly do you think you're gonna do?" Chiana jogged to catch up but movement between a pair of docked spacecraft caught her attention.
Two Kinfea males huddled close together, speaking in low, conspiratorial tones. One of them inclined his head over the shoulder of the other, as if spotting Chiana standing there. He reached out and gently touched his companion's arm, drawing him further along the side of one of the parallel ships.
She muttered an apology and stepped out of their line of sight, but curiosity prevented her from going far. There was a familiar tingle at the back of her mind, a beckoning that she was growing accustomed to, but didn't understand. Chiana had no choice but to respond to it, although common sense said otherwise.
The yellow sun was dipping behind the planet's horizon, creating long shadows throughout the spaceport. One shadow moved apart from the others, flitting across the top of a transport ship. Chiana watched it closely until she could just make out the outline of a man crawling along the roof of the vessel. He stopped at the edge and produced a weapon that reminded her of Aeryn's pulse rifle. He aimed it at the two men standing below.
"Look out!"
One man spun around, the other ducked. The flashing light of the rifle shot burst against the side of a ship and showered sparks on what had been potential targets. Both men were propelled into action, fleeing from the scene.
Chiana did her best to make herself invisible as the first man ran past her. The second stopped long enough to meet the Nebari's gaze and mouth a quick word of thanks before darting in an opposite direction.
Spectators were beginning to mill about, drawn by the noise of weapon fire. The authorities would be here soon. Chiana pulled the hood of her traveling coat over her face and melted into the throng of onlookers. Sure enough, a group of Kinfeas in dark blue uniforms arrived and began dispersing the crowd, asking questions of anyone nearby.
Chiana was more then happy to leave.
***
"Help me understand, because I really want to know how this works." John paced along the back wall of Cabmauri's office. As he spoke, he turned his head toward Jool. She sat in a chair across from a sprawling desk of wood and stone. All he could see was the back of her head and tense, rigid shoulders. "For someone who keeps preaching how superior and civilized they are you did a really dumb thing."
"Bacria is a game of skill and aptitude. Only the intellectually elite can play it and win consistently."
"What exactly do you win?" John watched the ceiling as he walked back and forth. "I hope it's something real good."
"Prestige."
He came to a halt, staring at the Interion with an expression of disbelief. "Prestige? That's it?"
"It is an accomplishment worthy of respect."
"That's gonna do you a whole lotta good in the middle of the Uncharted Territories where the only people who know you, don't care."
"I should not have lost. The dealer cheated," Jool stated for perhaps the eleventh time since they were brought to the office.
John put his hands on his hips. "Real original defense. I'm sure no one has thought of that one before!"
"Stop yelling at me." Her voice started to rise, threatening to level out in a crescendo that made the fillings in John's teeth ache. "You should be angry at them!"
"I can be mad at more then one person at a time. It's a talent." John closed his eyes and counted to ten. Just once, he would like to visit another world and be bored. Was that too much to ask? Apparently so. Someone, call them fate, destiny, or the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man, had decided that John Crichton and company were the only players in a galactic game of dodge ball. He hoped the other him was having more luck.
Or depending on the situation, less luck.
"Are you positive he cheated? Be real sure."
"Yes," Jool answered. She looked back at him. "I am sure."
The office door swung open, permitting the bouncer from the Game Room admittance. He took a few steps into the room and moved to the side as a second person entered behind him.
"Well, you kept us waiting long enough," Jool said. She directed a nearly physical wave of animosity toward the new arrivals.
"My apologies. It was not easy convincing the officials that there was nothing to be alarmed over. Just a slight misunderstanding."
"We appreciate your time," John said to the unidentified man. He came to stand beside Jool, resting one of his hands on her shoulder in silent reminder to be nice. It was his intention to try to reason with the owner of the drinking house. Perhaps offer to pay Jool's debt in currency instead of limbs.
"I am Cabmauri Mudest," the dark man said as he took a seat on the corner of the desk. "The card dealer you have accused of cheating is my closest friend. I am disturbed by your allegation."
"I'm disturbed at losing my hand."
John squeezed Jool's shoulder, eliciting a muted squeal but ultimately hushing her. He hoped all the time spent listening to Rygel would pay off now and at least make him sound as if he knew what he was doing. "No one is accusing anyone of cheating. I'm sure it was just a simple, honest mistake and there's no need to point fingers."
Jool drew in a breath of protest but she was interrupted by John's stern glare and tightening grip. "Ain't that right?"
"Yes," Jool hissed.
"So, misunderstandings aside, we'd be willing to make a monetary settlement in order to square up this whole fiasco."
Cabmauri seemed to give it a moment thought before shaking his head. "Sadly, this is impossible."
"Nothing's impossible," John said. Although he was beginning to have his doubts.
"There is honor at stake when Bacria is concerned. If word were to spread that my game allows exceptions, my reputation as a Master will be forfeit."
"We're not gonna tell anyone. We're good at secrets. Trust me."
Cabmauri graced John with a smile that was indulgently patronizing. "Trust is an interesting commodity to bargain with. Unfortunately, it is not a very lucrative one."
"Yeah, I can understand that. So, what else is there? I can't let you take her hand so I suggest you rethink our money."
Jool was trying desperately not to fidget in her chair but she could not stop clenching and unclenching her fingers together. "He can't take currency. It goes against the rules of Bacria."
John looked down at her. "Anything else you want to bring up now that might have been useful an arn ago?"
"You didn't tell me that was part of your plan."
Cabmauri seemed to hesitate before speaking. "There may be a way to settle the debt without dishonoring the rules of Bacria or maiming your friend."
The sensation that crept up John's spine was familiar and it caused a lopsided grin to turn up the corners of his mouth. Resignation. The whole thing was a setup from the get go. He should never have doubted his instincts. What did DK use to say? Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean they really aren't after you.
"And what way would that be?"
Cabmauri slid off the corner of his desk and walked around to the chair. "I have some items that I desperately need delivered to the settlement on our moon. You have a transport ship, correct?"
Jool's curiosity made her lean forward in her seat. "What sort of items?"
"The illegal kind," John said, looking from her to Cabmauri. "Am I right?"
The Kinfea nodded. "It is a small shipment, but a very expensive one once bribes are taken into consideration. Port Authority will require a tax for hazardous cargo. Legal Authority will ask for more currency to allow safe passage." He waved a hand as if alluding to other obstacles.
"And since we're nobodies, you think they'll let us fly out of here without paying the real stiff fees." John turned around and started pacing toward the rear of the room. He paused halfway there and faced back the way he came. "And that's it? No hoops or rings of fire?"
"You will of course need to make contact with my buyer and bring back payment." Cabmauri made a gesture imitating embarrassment. "Regrettably, I will require the female to stay here as my guest until completion of the transaction."
"I will not stay here," Jool said, rising from her chair to plant fists on her hips.
John did not like the idea any better then the Interion but he was not seeing many options. And for once, he would like to leave a planet without an exiting hail of pulse fire. Convincing D'Argo this arrangement was for the best was going to be dangerous enough. At least he knew he could count on Chiana to participate. This almost sounded like her idea of a good time.
"Jool. Either you stay here for a few arns or your hand stays here forever. Choice is yours."
She bit her lower lip, letting brilliant green eyes flash between Crichton and Cabmauri. "Since you put it that way," Jool said after a brief hesitation. "I don't suppose I could get something to eat while I wait."
Cabmauri instructed the silent bouncer to escort the woman from the room before turning toward John again. "I believe the best decision was made."
"Lets hope we still feel that way in the morning. Give me the details and let's get this show on the road."
***
It was a simple matter to pay off the dock master so they could fly off world before daylight. No one had bothered searching through their newly purchased supplies after paying the extra tax. The narrow boxes that Cabmauri had given them were securely hidden among larger crates of rations and fresh produce.
"This is a very bad idea, John." D'Argo sat in the co-pilot's chair. His broad shoulders were squared with tension as the craft lifted off the planet and followed the coordinates leading to the orbiting moon.
Chiana leaned her elbows on the console between the two men, watching through the forward view screen. "You worry too much, D'Argo. Considering everything that's happened so far, John got off easy."
"First off, this wasn't my fault." John glanced quickly over his shoulder toward the Nebari, only partially appeased by the teasing smirk on her face.
Chiana reached up to run her fingers along John's arm, putting just enough pressure behind the touch so it could be felt through the leather jacket that covered his torso. "Of course not. It's that trelk, Jool, who got us into this mess."
"I see no reason why we should resort to name calling," D'Argo growled. It was uncertain if he felt a need to defend Jool or was just trying to relieve stress by bickering with Chiana. Everyone was edgy. After so many cycles on the run, they should be used to dealing with intense situations. But their experiences only made them more cautious and wary. John was not sure if that was a bad thing.
"I don't see why you need to take her side-"
"Secondly," John interrupted, speaking loud enough to draw the attention of both his shipmates and silence the potential argument. He tilted his head from one side to the other until the vertebrae in his neck popped. His gaze remained riveted on the forward screens. "There isn't a secondly. All we need to do is meet up with this Bonyon person, deliver the goods, get Jool, then put as much distance between us and this frelling planet as we can. Nothing to it."
D'Argo shared a look with Chiana before directing his own eyes forward. "Right. Simple."
"I'm not worried at all." Chiana shifted her slight weight from one foot to the other in a show of indifference. The effect would have been perfect had she been around strangers that did not know her. She tugged on the front of her bodice. "Besides. I need some new clothes to wear."
"We will not have the time to shop, Chiana."
The Nebari glanced at D'Argo with a tightlipped grin. "Of course we will."
John nodded, disturbed by the lilt in Chiana's voice. He didn't want to ask if this was one of her premonitions. He was not sure she would answer him honestly anyway. "Just a walk in the park," he muttered under his breath.