Dave's Not Here
D'Argo's head snapped around the moment the Human spoke, and rage flashed through him like wistwyn fire. With a growl, he fisted the front of John's jacket in both hands and rose to his feet, lifting the smaller man with him. Long strides carried them across the floor. He stopped only when John's back crashed into the wall.
"If she dies-" D'Argo choked back his words with effort. He should not blame John. Even if this frelling plan was the Human's ridiculous idea. No one had forced him or Chiana to go along with it. And as Chiana had told them all many times before, she did what she wanted. She had wanted to help free Jool just as strongly as any of them. As much as she complained about the woman, as much as all of them complained, they would not leave one of their own behind. Even if it meant someone might die in the process.
D'Argo swore it would not be Chiana. The Nebari meant too much to him. After everything, he still loved her. He would always love her.
Forgive her? That he could not do. Not yet. Not even as she lay dying.
No, he should not blame John. But he did anyway.
There was fear in John's eyes and it fueled a primal impulse inside D'Argo. He bared his teeth, hands tightening around leather. But he saw something else in his companion's face. Something that kept him from slamming the Human's head against stone.
Guilt.
John would take responsibility for Chiana the same way he did the death of Zhaan. Or Gilina. Or Aeryn. Or countless others. He would take the blame and let it eat him alive.
For now, that was punishment enough as far as D'Argo was concerned.
A scratch at the door turned his head.
"The healer," said the Kinfea from where he had been kneeling, watching the confrontation between Luxan and Human. He rose and moved toward the door, cautiously checking to confirm the visitor was whom they expected.
D'Argo opened his fingers, letting John slid to the floor. He walked away, returning to Chiana's side as the healer passed quickly through the door and into the room.
"You have done well to hide, Tionar." The healer pulled the hood of his cloak away from his head, revealing parched and wrinkled flesh. His voice was heavy with age, mirroring the stooped nature of which he walked. But his eyes were not the same colorless orbs as the other Kinfea. Instead, they were brilliant yellow. "Although I question your continued safety among these mercenaries."
D'Argo scowled at the accusation, but managed to keep himself in check around the one individual who might be able to help Chiana.
"No, healer. They are allies. The girl saved my life. I must repay the debt." Tionar took the elder Kinfea's arm and led him toward the Nebari. "Can you help her?"
The healer did not appear convinced the strangers were harmless, but he followed Tionar to where Chiana lay. Kneeling, he revealed a satchel bag and began to pull out bottles and small medical tools. "I will do what I can. But I have never seen a creature such as her before. There is a chance I will do more harm than good."
D'Argo watched every move the healer made, from removing the ruined garments to cleaning the wound itself. Every moan the unconscious Nebari made at the healer's ministrations pained him. "This is taking too long."
"Patience," Tionar murmured. "He is the best at his craft. Give him time."
After applying a final dressing to the wound, the healer rested his hands on his thighs. "I am finished." He took a blanket from Tionar and covered Chiana. "She will need rest and should not be moved."
D'Argo looked down into Chiana's face, not comforted by the shallow breath that passed through her dark lips. "Will she recover?"
Tionar helped the kneeling healer to his feet. "If she wakes," the elder man said, "she will live." He gathered his bag and replaced it inside his robe before addressing the younger Kinfea. "Vieo's allies are crying for retribution. House Daul is still denying responsibility. Violence is escalating. The heads of every House have gone to ground until the guilty are brought forward for judgment and execution. It is good that you are hidden here. It would not be safe for you on the street. "
Tionar nodded. "I must ask one more favor, my friend. As dangerous as it is for me, it is more so for my allies. I must arrange passage for them off Gital Deep."
The healer looked toward D'Argo, still kneeling beside Chiana. "The Council has closed the spaceports. I cannot help you without risking their anger."
"Thank you," Tionar said. He escorted the healer to the door and let him out.
"If Bonyon is to blame, I will personally tear him apart, limb from limb."
Tionar glanced at D'Argo, appearing to choose his words carefully. "Vieo stopped short of openly accusing Bonyon of creating the rift between the Houses. But it was known how she felt. Now she is dead."
"Don't look good for our boy, Bonyon."
D'Argo looked over his shoulder where John sat against the wall. He suspected it had been an exercise in willpower for the Human to stay still and silent as Chiana was treated. Now they both had little to do except wait and see if the Nebari would wake. Bringing his gaze back around to Chiana, he brushed his fingers through her pale hair. "Then Bonyon will have much to answer for."
Tionar walked toward the Luxan. "I know where you can find him."
***
Bonyon Daul kept a mistress. Actually, he kept three. And neither of his wives objected, which only occasionally caused him any concern. As long as they made no demands of him, he was happy to indulge them with currency and whatever luxury Gital Deep could offer. Everyone was happy and that is all that really mattered. Bonyon was in the business of making people happy. Or at least thinking they were for a period of time.
Dull purple smoke drifted from the vents of the Leu pipe and hung along the ceiling of Belava's quarters. The girl leaned across Bonyon's lap so she could inhale deeper from the smoldering dust.
"Careful, my pretty one," Bonyon murmured, resting his hands on her slender shoulders. "You breath too deep and I will lose you to the bliss."
Belava giggled, pulling away from the twirling column of smoke. The scent of the intoxicant lingered in the air, invading the minds of anything it touched. She rolled onto her back and lifted a hand to her lover's face. "And you should not be here. I have heard rumors. It is dangerous for you."
His answering shrug was foolishly confident and it made him grin. "My guards are close. But no one would dare act against me directly."
"Someone acted against Vieo Alendar directly." The serious nature of her tone was short-lived and caused both of them to erupt in hysterical laughter. They did not hear the noise outside.
As the door burst open, Bonyon leapt to his feet, spilling Belava onto the floor. She continued to laugh but he ignored her. Expecting his guards or even representatives from one of the Houses, Bonyon was not prepared for a pair of hostile aliens. "Who are you?"
"I'm Starsky," said the shorter of the two. "This is Hutch. We've got a bone to pick with you."
He waved his hand through the column of smoke, trying to disperse it so he could better see his adversaries. Starsky was a strange creature of too many colors. His skin could not make up its mind between yellow, pink, and red and his hair was a different shade altogether. The eyes were similarly disturbing. White, blue, black. An ultimately absurd species. Hutch was a Luxan. Bonyon had dealt with the ugly things before and found them wholly disagreeable. Fortunately, he had only interacted with them on rare occasions.
"Ah yes. I recognize you. Associates of Chiana. Is she with you?" Fascinating creature, she was. He entertained a brief thought of his dark hand against her pale skin. A study of monochrome he would surely enjoy. He was reminded suddenly of Belava, still crouching at his feet but no longer laughing. The girl was watching the men at the door with a rather sober expression.
Hutch crossed the floor in a rush, catching Bonyon around the throat in one big hand. The Kinfea felt his feet leave the ground.
"Yo, chill. He's gotta be able to talk." Starsky used his foot to close the door, and then stood in front of it. His hands were crossed casually in front of him, but a pistol was grasped firmly in his fingers.
Bonyon coughed as the Luxan's grip loosened. "Is there something wrong?"
"We are in no mood to play games," Hutch growled. "You stole our transport."
"Me? Steal?" It was enough to send Bonyon into a fit of laughter. The quizzical expression on the Luxan's face made him giggle all the more. "I would never steal," he said when he finally managed to compose himself. "Is that not right, Belava?"
"Totally disagreeable work," the girl said. She eased up off the floor by Bonyon's feet and scooted onto the cluster of seating cushions.
Bonyon favored the Kinfea with a proud smile. She was smart when she wanted to be, and vapid when it was necessary. He appreciated that quality. "Why would I steal your cargo after I had already agreed to its sale?"
"Discredit Cabmauri," said Starsky from his position at the door. "Take over the monopoly. Buy up all the hotels and drive around in the little sports car."
The conversation was starting to steer toward the insulting. If he understand the implications of Starsky's words, that is. The creature had a peculiar way of talking. "House Mudest and I have had an honest and profitable cooperation for many cycles. I feel I have been more then fair by overlooking his current troubles."
"Very understanding since you are the cause of his trouble," the Luxan said. "And the destruction of Vieo's residential compound."
"You dare accuse me of that treachery? I will have you executed for such defamation."
"Not gonna happen, pal." Starsky rubbed his eyes before glaring at the smoking Leu pipe. "You're boys are taking a nap. And my friend here ain't known for his patience or subtlety. So why don't you just fess up, pay us what you owe us, and give us our transport pod back. No hard feelings."
"There will be one hard feeling," Hutch rumbled under his breath.
Bonyon wavered between concern for his own safety and outrage at the accusations. He was at a clear disadvantage. By the looks, the individual at the door was starting to feel the effects of the purple haze saturating the room. If he could stall them, Bonyon was sure Starsky would surrender to the bliss given time. The Luxan was a different matter. The Leu was wasted on them, poor creatures. "I will pay you what I agreed to, but I can not return your ship."
"Well, that's just not gonna work. We kinda like the pod. It's part of a set."
"Then you are just going to have to kill me." Bonyon flopped down onto the cushions. "Because I do not have your ship." Belava curled into his lap, making it difficult for him to remain serious. He smiled and looked upward toward his adversaries. "Perhaps you only misplaced it and this has been a very large misunderstanding."
Belava rolled onto her side with muffled laughter and Bonyon was rather pleased to see a smirk flicker briefly over Starsky's face.
"It was not misplaced." Hutch kicked the Leu pipe violently, scattering burning embers across the carpeted floor. He reached down and pulled Bonyon back to his feet, rolling Belava onto the ground once more. "And your greed has cost many their lives."
Bonyon was relieved to see Starsky move forward, placing a halting hand on Hutch's elbow. He was even more pleased to see Belava rush to put out the burning Leu. The stench of charred carpet was distracting from the narcotic smoke.
"Why would you pay us if you didn't have the crystals?"
He redirected his attention to Starsky. "I can afford the currency if it saves the trouble. The Leu trade is extremely profitable for me. And it requires a bare minimum of effort. Unlike this entire hassle with the Mabry Crystals lately. I will have to think of something to tell my buyer since the shipment is gone again. Fortunately, he is just as understanding as I am."
"Who's your buyer?"
"That is confidential information. I have a duty not to reveal his name to anyone. Especially not for free."
Hutch barred his teeth in a scowl that melted the grin off Bonyon's face. "How about I pay you with your life."
He knew he should be afraid, but the effects of the Leu still coursed through him. It took much of Bonyon's willpower just to keep a grin from his face.
"Spill it, Bonny boy. This is the only bargaining chip you've got." Starsky gave Hutch free reign, removing his hand from the Luxan's arm.
"I believe his name is Dartoi."
"I'll be damned." Starsky turned immediately for the door. The Luxan hung back reluctantly, glaring at Bonyon.
"If I learn you are responsible-" Hutch left the threat uncompleted, but it was not necessary for Bonyon to understand what was implied. He was glad to watch the creature turn to follow his companion.
***
"He's the fuzz, D'Argo." John gestured widely with his arms as he walked. "Five-oh. Barney Fife. The Man."
"You are making even less sense then usual."
John stopped moving, scrubbing at his eyes and trying to clear his head. "Damn. Didn't that stuff get to you? I feel like an extra in a Cheech and Chong movie."
"Crichton! Why did we leave him? We should have given him to Tionar to be turned over to the Council." D'Argo rounded impatiently on John.
"Because they would have killed him." He realized his voice was a little too loud and glanced nervously at the other pedestrians before stepping closer to D'Argo. "We don't let innocent people die."
"I can assure you that Bonyon Daul had no such conflict of conscience when he planned the assault on Vieo."
John laughed. "That boy's so strung out on happy dust, he couldn't spell bomb let alone detonate one."
"He could have ordered someone else to do it."
"Yeah. But I don't think so. He's got no ambition. The motivation just isn't there."
"You do not think Bonyon is behind this."
John tapped the side of his nose and smiled. "I'm thinking the cops are more corrupt than the criminals."
"Then what is our next move?"
He drew in a breath of air and looked around the street. Exhaling slowly, he shook his head. "I'm still working on that part."
D'Argo's head snapped around the moment the Human spoke, and rage flashed through him like wistwyn fire. With a growl, he fisted the front of John's jacket in both hands and rose to his feet, lifting the smaller man with him. Long strides carried them across the floor. He stopped only when John's back crashed into the wall.
"If she dies-" D'Argo choked back his words with effort. He should not blame John. Even if this frelling plan was the Human's ridiculous idea. No one had forced him or Chiana to go along with it. And as Chiana had told them all many times before, she did what she wanted. She had wanted to help free Jool just as strongly as any of them. As much as she complained about the woman, as much as all of them complained, they would not leave one of their own behind. Even if it meant someone might die in the process.
D'Argo swore it would not be Chiana. The Nebari meant too much to him. After everything, he still loved her. He would always love her.
Forgive her? That he could not do. Not yet. Not even as she lay dying.
No, he should not blame John. But he did anyway.
There was fear in John's eyes and it fueled a primal impulse inside D'Argo. He bared his teeth, hands tightening around leather. But he saw something else in his companion's face. Something that kept him from slamming the Human's head against stone.
Guilt.
John would take responsibility for Chiana the same way he did the death of Zhaan. Or Gilina. Or Aeryn. Or countless others. He would take the blame and let it eat him alive.
For now, that was punishment enough as far as D'Argo was concerned.
A scratch at the door turned his head.
"The healer," said the Kinfea from where he had been kneeling, watching the confrontation between Luxan and Human. He rose and moved toward the door, cautiously checking to confirm the visitor was whom they expected.
D'Argo opened his fingers, letting John slid to the floor. He walked away, returning to Chiana's side as the healer passed quickly through the door and into the room.
"You have done well to hide, Tionar." The healer pulled the hood of his cloak away from his head, revealing parched and wrinkled flesh. His voice was heavy with age, mirroring the stooped nature of which he walked. But his eyes were not the same colorless orbs as the other Kinfea. Instead, they were brilliant yellow. "Although I question your continued safety among these mercenaries."
D'Argo scowled at the accusation, but managed to keep himself in check around the one individual who might be able to help Chiana.
"No, healer. They are allies. The girl saved my life. I must repay the debt." Tionar took the elder Kinfea's arm and led him toward the Nebari. "Can you help her?"
The healer did not appear convinced the strangers were harmless, but he followed Tionar to where Chiana lay. Kneeling, he revealed a satchel bag and began to pull out bottles and small medical tools. "I will do what I can. But I have never seen a creature such as her before. There is a chance I will do more harm than good."
D'Argo watched every move the healer made, from removing the ruined garments to cleaning the wound itself. Every moan the unconscious Nebari made at the healer's ministrations pained him. "This is taking too long."
"Patience," Tionar murmured. "He is the best at his craft. Give him time."
After applying a final dressing to the wound, the healer rested his hands on his thighs. "I am finished." He took a blanket from Tionar and covered Chiana. "She will need rest and should not be moved."
D'Argo looked down into Chiana's face, not comforted by the shallow breath that passed through her dark lips. "Will she recover?"
Tionar helped the kneeling healer to his feet. "If she wakes," the elder man said, "she will live." He gathered his bag and replaced it inside his robe before addressing the younger Kinfea. "Vieo's allies are crying for retribution. House Daul is still denying responsibility. Violence is escalating. The heads of every House have gone to ground until the guilty are brought forward for judgment and execution. It is good that you are hidden here. It would not be safe for you on the street. "
Tionar nodded. "I must ask one more favor, my friend. As dangerous as it is for me, it is more so for my allies. I must arrange passage for them off Gital Deep."
The healer looked toward D'Argo, still kneeling beside Chiana. "The Council has closed the spaceports. I cannot help you without risking their anger."
"Thank you," Tionar said. He escorted the healer to the door and let him out.
"If Bonyon is to blame, I will personally tear him apart, limb from limb."
Tionar glanced at D'Argo, appearing to choose his words carefully. "Vieo stopped short of openly accusing Bonyon of creating the rift between the Houses. But it was known how she felt. Now she is dead."
"Don't look good for our boy, Bonyon."
D'Argo looked over his shoulder where John sat against the wall. He suspected it had been an exercise in willpower for the Human to stay still and silent as Chiana was treated. Now they both had little to do except wait and see if the Nebari would wake. Bringing his gaze back around to Chiana, he brushed his fingers through her pale hair. "Then Bonyon will have much to answer for."
Tionar walked toward the Luxan. "I know where you can find him."
***
Bonyon Daul kept a mistress. Actually, he kept three. And neither of his wives objected, which only occasionally caused him any concern. As long as they made no demands of him, he was happy to indulge them with currency and whatever luxury Gital Deep could offer. Everyone was happy and that is all that really mattered. Bonyon was in the business of making people happy. Or at least thinking they were for a period of time.
Dull purple smoke drifted from the vents of the Leu pipe and hung along the ceiling of Belava's quarters. The girl leaned across Bonyon's lap so she could inhale deeper from the smoldering dust.
"Careful, my pretty one," Bonyon murmured, resting his hands on her slender shoulders. "You breath too deep and I will lose you to the bliss."
Belava giggled, pulling away from the twirling column of smoke. The scent of the intoxicant lingered in the air, invading the minds of anything it touched. She rolled onto her back and lifted a hand to her lover's face. "And you should not be here. I have heard rumors. It is dangerous for you."
His answering shrug was foolishly confident and it made him grin. "My guards are close. But no one would dare act against me directly."
"Someone acted against Vieo Alendar directly." The serious nature of her tone was short-lived and caused both of them to erupt in hysterical laughter. They did not hear the noise outside.
As the door burst open, Bonyon leapt to his feet, spilling Belava onto the floor. She continued to laugh but he ignored her. Expecting his guards or even representatives from one of the Houses, Bonyon was not prepared for a pair of hostile aliens. "Who are you?"
"I'm Starsky," said the shorter of the two. "This is Hutch. We've got a bone to pick with you."
He waved his hand through the column of smoke, trying to disperse it so he could better see his adversaries. Starsky was a strange creature of too many colors. His skin could not make up its mind between yellow, pink, and red and his hair was a different shade altogether. The eyes were similarly disturbing. White, blue, black. An ultimately absurd species. Hutch was a Luxan. Bonyon had dealt with the ugly things before and found them wholly disagreeable. Fortunately, he had only interacted with them on rare occasions.
"Ah yes. I recognize you. Associates of Chiana. Is she with you?" Fascinating creature, she was. He entertained a brief thought of his dark hand against her pale skin. A study of monochrome he would surely enjoy. He was reminded suddenly of Belava, still crouching at his feet but no longer laughing. The girl was watching the men at the door with a rather sober expression.
Hutch crossed the floor in a rush, catching Bonyon around the throat in one big hand. The Kinfea felt his feet leave the ground.
"Yo, chill. He's gotta be able to talk." Starsky used his foot to close the door, and then stood in front of it. His hands were crossed casually in front of him, but a pistol was grasped firmly in his fingers.
Bonyon coughed as the Luxan's grip loosened. "Is there something wrong?"
"We are in no mood to play games," Hutch growled. "You stole our transport."
"Me? Steal?" It was enough to send Bonyon into a fit of laughter. The quizzical expression on the Luxan's face made him giggle all the more. "I would never steal," he said when he finally managed to compose himself. "Is that not right, Belava?"
"Totally disagreeable work," the girl said. She eased up off the floor by Bonyon's feet and scooted onto the cluster of seating cushions.
Bonyon favored the Kinfea with a proud smile. She was smart when she wanted to be, and vapid when it was necessary. He appreciated that quality. "Why would I steal your cargo after I had already agreed to its sale?"
"Discredit Cabmauri," said Starsky from his position at the door. "Take over the monopoly. Buy up all the hotels and drive around in the little sports car."
The conversation was starting to steer toward the insulting. If he understand the implications of Starsky's words, that is. The creature had a peculiar way of talking. "House Mudest and I have had an honest and profitable cooperation for many cycles. I feel I have been more then fair by overlooking his current troubles."
"Very understanding since you are the cause of his trouble," the Luxan said. "And the destruction of Vieo's residential compound."
"You dare accuse me of that treachery? I will have you executed for such defamation."
"Not gonna happen, pal." Starsky rubbed his eyes before glaring at the smoking Leu pipe. "You're boys are taking a nap. And my friend here ain't known for his patience or subtlety. So why don't you just fess up, pay us what you owe us, and give us our transport pod back. No hard feelings."
"There will be one hard feeling," Hutch rumbled under his breath.
Bonyon wavered between concern for his own safety and outrage at the accusations. He was at a clear disadvantage. By the looks, the individual at the door was starting to feel the effects of the purple haze saturating the room. If he could stall them, Bonyon was sure Starsky would surrender to the bliss given time. The Luxan was a different matter. The Leu was wasted on them, poor creatures. "I will pay you what I agreed to, but I can not return your ship."
"Well, that's just not gonna work. We kinda like the pod. It's part of a set."
"Then you are just going to have to kill me." Bonyon flopped down onto the cushions. "Because I do not have your ship." Belava curled into his lap, making it difficult for him to remain serious. He smiled and looked upward toward his adversaries. "Perhaps you only misplaced it and this has been a very large misunderstanding."
Belava rolled onto her side with muffled laughter and Bonyon was rather pleased to see a smirk flicker briefly over Starsky's face.
"It was not misplaced." Hutch kicked the Leu pipe violently, scattering burning embers across the carpeted floor. He reached down and pulled Bonyon back to his feet, rolling Belava onto the ground once more. "And your greed has cost many their lives."
Bonyon was relieved to see Starsky move forward, placing a halting hand on Hutch's elbow. He was even more pleased to see Belava rush to put out the burning Leu. The stench of charred carpet was distracting from the narcotic smoke.
"Why would you pay us if you didn't have the crystals?"
He redirected his attention to Starsky. "I can afford the currency if it saves the trouble. The Leu trade is extremely profitable for me. And it requires a bare minimum of effort. Unlike this entire hassle with the Mabry Crystals lately. I will have to think of something to tell my buyer since the shipment is gone again. Fortunately, he is just as understanding as I am."
"Who's your buyer?"
"That is confidential information. I have a duty not to reveal his name to anyone. Especially not for free."
Hutch barred his teeth in a scowl that melted the grin off Bonyon's face. "How about I pay you with your life."
He knew he should be afraid, but the effects of the Leu still coursed through him. It took much of Bonyon's willpower just to keep a grin from his face.
"Spill it, Bonny boy. This is the only bargaining chip you've got." Starsky gave Hutch free reign, removing his hand from the Luxan's arm.
"I believe his name is Dartoi."
"I'll be damned." Starsky turned immediately for the door. The Luxan hung back reluctantly, glaring at Bonyon.
"If I learn you are responsible-" Hutch left the threat uncompleted, but it was not necessary for Bonyon to understand what was implied. He was glad to watch the creature turn to follow his companion.
***
"He's the fuzz, D'Argo." John gestured widely with his arms as he walked. "Five-oh. Barney Fife. The Man."
"You are making even less sense then usual."
John stopped moving, scrubbing at his eyes and trying to clear his head. "Damn. Didn't that stuff get to you? I feel like an extra in a Cheech and Chong movie."
"Crichton! Why did we leave him? We should have given him to Tionar to be turned over to the Council." D'Argo rounded impatiently on John.
"Because they would have killed him." He realized his voice was a little too loud and glanced nervously at the other pedestrians before stepping closer to D'Argo. "We don't let innocent people die."
"I can assure you that Bonyon Daul had no such conflict of conscience when he planned the assault on Vieo."
John laughed. "That boy's so strung out on happy dust, he couldn't spell bomb let alone detonate one."
"He could have ordered someone else to do it."
"Yeah. But I don't think so. He's got no ambition. The motivation just isn't there."
"You do not think Bonyon is behind this."
John tapped the side of his nose and smiled. "I'm thinking the cops are more corrupt than the criminals."
"Then what is our next move?"
He drew in a breath of air and looked around the street. Exhaling slowly, he shook his head. "I'm still working on that part."