Lost and Found Pt 3 - A hunting We Will go.
By PhantomChajo
It had been several months since Lt. Quicksilver had been listed as MIA. Though no one had given up home in finding, it was becoming harder and harder to keep things quiet. Someone on Earth was helping the SilverHawks by keeping the Brass from writing him off as AWOL/MIA/KIA. The General populace of Bedlama was still as yet unaware of his disappearance, rumors had been spreading like wildfire with the Mob and other low-life scum that he was no longer in the picture. Several had even tried to take advantage of Quicksilver being gone, but found out the hard way that the SilverHawks were taking things a lot more serious.
Every square inch of Limbo Inside the Light Year Limit had been searched time and again with no success of finding him. Everything outside the Limit was outside the jurisdiction of the 'Hawks, legally that is. It didn't stop them from making occasional forays to Fense or the Casino.
There was only one person that was truly free to come and go as she pleased. And from the look of things, she was going to be getting help. Her brother was going to be coming to Limbo to take over her courier business so that she could concentrate on other things. That person was no other then Phantom.
Over the past several years, she had been buying land on Bedlama. She had been planning for a long time to give over the courier business to her brother, Raven so that she could take up the family business of Running a Horse Ranch. Along with settling down with Will until such time as he decided to retire that is. When that happened she would give in and head to New Eden to take up her duties as Duchess of Huntington. They had decided that when that happened, the property on Bedlama would be given to Emily, should she decide to accept it, and if not, it would go to one of Zan's other Siblings.
When Quicksilver vanished, the plans for building the Ranch house had been put on temporary hold. She had acquired a place on Fense to stay as she searched it and the surrounding areas. That was why Raven was taking over the business so early.
When he and his wife and children arrived, she met them at the Space Port on Bedlama. Along with Raven and family, a member of a small but exceptionally loyal group called the Royal Couriers.
"It hasn't been a year already has it?" she asked the young man in question.
"No your Grace, It hasn't. But I was sent just the same," he said with a bow.
She didn't comment as was handed a slim briefcase. Slipping off her signet ring, she inserted it into the small depression designed for it. A small LED started to blink. Blue and white, back and forth. She twisted the ring one direction, then twisted it the other was. The light switched from blue and white, to red and green. A small click was heard as the safty lock was disengaged. Upon opening the briefcase, she found several Royal documents and a hand full of letters to her.
"Hmm. How long will you be staying? Rather is this a fast turn around or are you staying for a while?" she asked the young man.
"I'm here until Needed your Grace. It's not often that we get to relax between trips." He said with a smile.
"Ahh, good, good. I had arranged for a suite at the Omni for Rave and his family, but I think I'll just go ahead and take them to my place. The Suite is registered under my name. Here's the Key card. I have it booked for several weeks."
"While I would enjoy that much time off, I would hate to take up someone else's rooms," He started to say.
"Don't worry about it. They are family, you on the other had are one of the poor sods that have to work for a living." Zan chuckled. "I'll get back to you as soon as I've gone over everything. More the likely there will be something to take back. Go on, you deserve a break." She said shooing the young man off.
"As your Grace commands." He bowed, still grinning and went to collect his travel bag then head to the Hotel.
With that taken care of she turned to the couple waiting to the side. "Heyla Little Brother!" Her arms open and a grin on her face.
"Heyla Sister!" Raven said as he wrapped his arms about her, hugging and pounding her on her back. "It's good to see you again, it's been too long."
"Aye, it has," she replied, turning to her brother's wife and hugging the woman. "Jenny, good to see you too." When she let go, she knelt down so that she was on eye level with one of the two children with them. "Come 'ere and give me a hug you little imp."
A young boy, no older then 4 smiled shyly from behind his father's legs. After a glance up and a nod from his father, the child barreled into his Aunt's arms. "Aunt Tasia!" he said, giving her a sloppy kiss on the cheek.
"Where's.." Zan began to ask but stopped once she saw the backpack like infant carrier on Jenny's back. "How did I miss that when I gave you a hug?"
"Maybe because you we're looking for it?" Jenny teased.
"Hehe Maybe. It's a shame I lost the last bet," Zan said as she stood up with her nephew in her arms.
"Not by much sis, not by much." Raven commented.
"Yeah, well as they say, almost only counts in Horse shoes and hand grenades." She motioned for the pair to follow her. "Come on, we'll grab something to eat while we're waiting for your stuff to be unloaded. Looks like you get to move in sooner then expected." She remembered to grab the briefcase at the last moment.
"That's fine. We can see what we'll need to get and can start looking." Jenny said.
"Help! My first paycheck is already gone. Spent on.." he didn't get to finish as he was elbowed in the ribs.
"Spent on things your going to be using, James RunningHorse."
Zan just laughed at the antics of the couple. She knew that deep down they truly and deeply loved each other. Just as she loved Will.
For the next several hours they sat and talked as the Blue Goose was loaded with her brothers stuff. By mutual decision, only the family heirlooms had been brought. The rest could be purchased here in Limbo or Imported. The only talk was of family doings, all that involved business could wait until later.
Unbeknownst to any one, another private courier had come to Limbo at the same time. Though the courier was not a member of the Royal Courier group, they were delivering to Nobility none the less.
"With found wishes Mr. Shade," said a young woman as she handed over a small package.
"Ah, such a delightful person to bring me a gift," he said as he took the package. Inside was a few well worded letters. "Anything of interest?" he asked as he looked the letters over.
"Dragons of Red, Dragons of Blue, Power comes from the Dragon of the Midnight Hue."
"I see." He knew now what it was he was looking for in the letters.
"Oh, and I was also told to let you know, your suppose to see to it that I have a good time while I'm here." The young woman said.
"Indeed. I ensure that all such lovelies enjoy the stay here on this delightful world." He smiled at her then snapped his fingers. "Terry, Show her to our guest quarters."
"Yes Sir," Terry said as he pushed himself away from the wall where he was leaning casually. "Right this way baby doll," grinning as he draped an arm over her shoulder and lead her away. He was already whispering something in her ear.
After the pair left, Mr. Shade motioned the other person in the room over to him. "Selly, see to it that he entertains her tonight, properly. Along with the rest."
"Sure thing Mr. Shade," Selly said with a wicked grin.
"And Selly, Be sure you get it all on tape. For my Private collection."
"Okie Dokie Mr. Shade. Not a problem," she replied as she made her way out of the room with a saucy hip-swaying walk.
Later that evening, Terry was the first of more then a dozen men that had their way with the young woman. But only Terry's time with her was recorded. Another item in a growing collection. It would be several days before the body of the young woman would be found. Her face disfigured and her body looking as if it had been clawed at viciously. It followed the same MO that the Mon*Star was known to use when he got a hold of a new play thing. The Authorities on Bedlama as well as the SilverHawks considered the case an open and closed one. Another black mark on the long list against the Planet Master.
When Terry later asked about the girl, he was told that she had already left on an important assignment. He accepted it with a shrug and went on with what he had been doing.
Raven, Jenny and the children settled into their new home with ease. Other then personal items, the place was mostly furnished. Zan on the other hand had a fun time setting her place up on Fense. Going to the thrift stores and second hand shops to find what she wanted. The only thing new and up to date was the security system and the computers. Everything else of hers had been put into storage until her home was built.
In that time, she had also managed to reply to the Official Business and reports she had received. Most were about the infrequent but hard hitting raids that had been plaguing both Huntington and The Wind Walker Plains. She also received information about the so called harsh conditions that Drakon was suffering.
"Harsh my ass. The ones suffering are those that can't suck up to the bastard. Or those that have pissed him off some how." Zan muttered to herself as she read everything.
Of the private letters, most were about gossip amongst the Nobles, unofficial observations and suspicions of what Duke Drakon was doing. Also in the letters were information about one of the Duke's men being expelled from his small court. The Duke claimed the man had been stealing from the public coffers, but refused any offer of Royal investigation into it. While it was his right to do so, it made him look as if he was hiding something. And since the man in question had vanished, there was nothing that could be done.
Also in the letters was a note from the Ducal Regent of Huntington. He told of how the people that settled close to the Drakon boarder were being harassed by raiders, having cattle and other livestock stolen. Minor stuff that was slowly amounting to a lot more. He also told of the number of protected animals having been found, killed for their furs and a select few organs.
In reply to the official reports, she authorized an increase in the local militia to deal with the problem areas along with the authorization of increased funding for the area settlers. It wasn't like Huntington was a poor fief and had to request Royal aid. Though she did pen a request for extra Military patrols in the borderlands. As a precautions, she advised her Regent that if anyone came from Drakon requesting to resettle in New Huntington, to arrange for them to be put in areas of in which there would be little worry of any type of sabotage.
As a second precaution, she sent a copy of her authorizations to the Crown archives. Though she had no fear of any of the people of Huntington trying to claim the Regent was attempting a coup against her, she didn't trust any of the Nobles, especial those located or allied with Duke Drakon, to try and claim it was happening and managing to get one of their followers as Regent.
With that all done and taken care of she put everything in the briefcase and locked it. It was on the next flight out of Limbo along with the Royal courier. Her next bit of business was to have Raven meet with Commander Stargazer and the other SilverHawks. Now that he was taking over, he should get to meet his clientele. She also arranged for Raven to drop messages off to the Commander. Merely keeping him informed of going-on's past the light year limit. Not that they could do anything about it, but forewarned was forearmed.
That night she spent her time in Will's arms. It would be the last time for a very long time. Either until she found Jon or until the ranch house was built. Which ever happened first. A couple of months at least.
When morning came, he saw her off. "Be careful out there Zan."
"Don't worry, this is me we're talking about." She replied with a grin.
"That's what I'm worried about," he chuckled then enveloped her in a hug, easily picking her up as he did. "Come back in one piece Wolfie." Burring his face against her neck as he said it.
"I will Teddy Bear, I will. And I'll have found Quicksilver by then." The unspoken words of 'one way or another' hung at the end of the sentence.
"Hope so."
"And you can make up the list time then lover."
"Sounds like a winning game plan to me," he said enthusiastically.
She laughed kissing him one last time. "You would. I gotta get going."
"He let her go and stood back, watching as she climbed into the Hummingbird. A few moments later, it was gone from site. He felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry lil'bro. She'll be back before you know it."
"Yeah.guess your right."
"Hey, I'm your big sister aren't I? Don't I know what's best? - Don't answer that. - Now come on you big softie, we've got a briefing this morning. Don't want to be late for it." With that Emily turned and headed for the lift.
Will just laughed and joined her.
~Fini~
It had been several months since Lt. Quicksilver had been listed as MIA. Though no one had given up home in finding, it was becoming harder and harder to keep things quiet. Someone on Earth was helping the SilverHawks by keeping the Brass from writing him off as AWOL/MIA/KIA. The General populace of Bedlama was still as yet unaware of his disappearance, rumors had been spreading like wildfire with the Mob and other low-life scum that he was no longer in the picture. Several had even tried to take advantage of Quicksilver being gone, but found out the hard way that the SilverHawks were taking things a lot more serious.
Every square inch of Limbo Inside the Light Year Limit had been searched time and again with no success of finding him. Everything outside the Limit was outside the jurisdiction of the 'Hawks, legally that is. It didn't stop them from making occasional forays to Fense or the Casino.
There was only one person that was truly free to come and go as she pleased. And from the look of things, she was going to be getting help. Her brother was going to be coming to Limbo to take over her courier business so that she could concentrate on other things. That person was no other then Phantom.
Over the past several years, she had been buying land on Bedlama. She had been planning for a long time to give over the courier business to her brother, Raven so that she could take up the family business of Running a Horse Ranch. Along with settling down with Will until such time as he decided to retire that is. When that happened she would give in and head to New Eden to take up her duties as Duchess of Huntington. They had decided that when that happened, the property on Bedlama would be given to Emily, should she decide to accept it, and if not, it would go to one of Zan's other Siblings.
When Quicksilver vanished, the plans for building the Ranch house had been put on temporary hold. She had acquired a place on Fense to stay as she searched it and the surrounding areas. That was why Raven was taking over the business so early.
When he and his wife and children arrived, she met them at the Space Port on Bedlama. Along with Raven and family, a member of a small but exceptionally loyal group called the Royal Couriers.
"It hasn't been a year already has it?" she asked the young man in question.
"No your Grace, It hasn't. But I was sent just the same," he said with a bow.
She didn't comment as was handed a slim briefcase. Slipping off her signet ring, she inserted it into the small depression designed for it. A small LED started to blink. Blue and white, back and forth. She twisted the ring one direction, then twisted it the other was. The light switched from blue and white, to red and green. A small click was heard as the safty lock was disengaged. Upon opening the briefcase, she found several Royal documents and a hand full of letters to her.
"Hmm. How long will you be staying? Rather is this a fast turn around or are you staying for a while?" she asked the young man.
"I'm here until Needed your Grace. It's not often that we get to relax between trips." He said with a smile.
"Ahh, good, good. I had arranged for a suite at the Omni for Rave and his family, but I think I'll just go ahead and take them to my place. The Suite is registered under my name. Here's the Key card. I have it booked for several weeks."
"While I would enjoy that much time off, I would hate to take up someone else's rooms," He started to say.
"Don't worry about it. They are family, you on the other had are one of the poor sods that have to work for a living." Zan chuckled. "I'll get back to you as soon as I've gone over everything. More the likely there will be something to take back. Go on, you deserve a break." She said shooing the young man off.
"As your Grace commands." He bowed, still grinning and went to collect his travel bag then head to the Hotel.
With that taken care of she turned to the couple waiting to the side. "Heyla Little Brother!" Her arms open and a grin on her face.
"Heyla Sister!" Raven said as he wrapped his arms about her, hugging and pounding her on her back. "It's good to see you again, it's been too long."
"Aye, it has," she replied, turning to her brother's wife and hugging the woman. "Jenny, good to see you too." When she let go, she knelt down so that she was on eye level with one of the two children with them. "Come 'ere and give me a hug you little imp."
A young boy, no older then 4 smiled shyly from behind his father's legs. After a glance up and a nod from his father, the child barreled into his Aunt's arms. "Aunt Tasia!" he said, giving her a sloppy kiss on the cheek.
"Where's.." Zan began to ask but stopped once she saw the backpack like infant carrier on Jenny's back. "How did I miss that when I gave you a hug?"
"Maybe because you we're looking for it?" Jenny teased.
"Hehe Maybe. It's a shame I lost the last bet," Zan said as she stood up with her nephew in her arms.
"Not by much sis, not by much." Raven commented.
"Yeah, well as they say, almost only counts in Horse shoes and hand grenades." She motioned for the pair to follow her. "Come on, we'll grab something to eat while we're waiting for your stuff to be unloaded. Looks like you get to move in sooner then expected." She remembered to grab the briefcase at the last moment.
"That's fine. We can see what we'll need to get and can start looking." Jenny said.
"Help! My first paycheck is already gone. Spent on.." he didn't get to finish as he was elbowed in the ribs.
"Spent on things your going to be using, James RunningHorse."
Zan just laughed at the antics of the couple. She knew that deep down they truly and deeply loved each other. Just as she loved Will.
For the next several hours they sat and talked as the Blue Goose was loaded with her brothers stuff. By mutual decision, only the family heirlooms had been brought. The rest could be purchased here in Limbo or Imported. The only talk was of family doings, all that involved business could wait until later.
Unbeknownst to any one, another private courier had come to Limbo at the same time. Though the courier was not a member of the Royal Courier group, they were delivering to Nobility none the less.
"With found wishes Mr. Shade," said a young woman as she handed over a small package.
"Ah, such a delightful person to bring me a gift," he said as he took the package. Inside was a few well worded letters. "Anything of interest?" he asked as he looked the letters over.
"Dragons of Red, Dragons of Blue, Power comes from the Dragon of the Midnight Hue."
"I see." He knew now what it was he was looking for in the letters.
"Oh, and I was also told to let you know, your suppose to see to it that I have a good time while I'm here." The young woman said.
"Indeed. I ensure that all such lovelies enjoy the stay here on this delightful world." He smiled at her then snapped his fingers. "Terry, Show her to our guest quarters."
"Yes Sir," Terry said as he pushed himself away from the wall where he was leaning casually. "Right this way baby doll," grinning as he draped an arm over her shoulder and lead her away. He was already whispering something in her ear.
After the pair left, Mr. Shade motioned the other person in the room over to him. "Selly, see to it that he entertains her tonight, properly. Along with the rest."
"Sure thing Mr. Shade," Selly said with a wicked grin.
"And Selly, Be sure you get it all on tape. For my Private collection."
"Okie Dokie Mr. Shade. Not a problem," she replied as she made her way out of the room with a saucy hip-swaying walk.
Later that evening, Terry was the first of more then a dozen men that had their way with the young woman. But only Terry's time with her was recorded. Another item in a growing collection. It would be several days before the body of the young woman would be found. Her face disfigured and her body looking as if it had been clawed at viciously. It followed the same MO that the Mon*Star was known to use when he got a hold of a new play thing. The Authorities on Bedlama as well as the SilverHawks considered the case an open and closed one. Another black mark on the long list against the Planet Master.
When Terry later asked about the girl, he was told that she had already left on an important assignment. He accepted it with a shrug and went on with what he had been doing.
Raven, Jenny and the children settled into their new home with ease. Other then personal items, the place was mostly furnished. Zan on the other hand had a fun time setting her place up on Fense. Going to the thrift stores and second hand shops to find what she wanted. The only thing new and up to date was the security system and the computers. Everything else of hers had been put into storage until her home was built.
In that time, she had also managed to reply to the Official Business and reports she had received. Most were about the infrequent but hard hitting raids that had been plaguing both Huntington and The Wind Walker Plains. She also received information about the so called harsh conditions that Drakon was suffering.
"Harsh my ass. The ones suffering are those that can't suck up to the bastard. Or those that have pissed him off some how." Zan muttered to herself as she read everything.
Of the private letters, most were about gossip amongst the Nobles, unofficial observations and suspicions of what Duke Drakon was doing. Also in the letters were information about one of the Duke's men being expelled from his small court. The Duke claimed the man had been stealing from the public coffers, but refused any offer of Royal investigation into it. While it was his right to do so, it made him look as if he was hiding something. And since the man in question had vanished, there was nothing that could be done.
Also in the letters was a note from the Ducal Regent of Huntington. He told of how the people that settled close to the Drakon boarder were being harassed by raiders, having cattle and other livestock stolen. Minor stuff that was slowly amounting to a lot more. He also told of the number of protected animals having been found, killed for their furs and a select few organs.
In reply to the official reports, she authorized an increase in the local militia to deal with the problem areas along with the authorization of increased funding for the area settlers. It wasn't like Huntington was a poor fief and had to request Royal aid. Though she did pen a request for extra Military patrols in the borderlands. As a precautions, she advised her Regent that if anyone came from Drakon requesting to resettle in New Huntington, to arrange for them to be put in areas of in which there would be little worry of any type of sabotage.
As a second precaution, she sent a copy of her authorizations to the Crown archives. Though she had no fear of any of the people of Huntington trying to claim the Regent was attempting a coup against her, she didn't trust any of the Nobles, especial those located or allied with Duke Drakon, to try and claim it was happening and managing to get one of their followers as Regent.
With that all done and taken care of she put everything in the briefcase and locked it. It was on the next flight out of Limbo along with the Royal courier. Her next bit of business was to have Raven meet with Commander Stargazer and the other SilverHawks. Now that he was taking over, he should get to meet his clientele. She also arranged for Raven to drop messages off to the Commander. Merely keeping him informed of going-on's past the light year limit. Not that they could do anything about it, but forewarned was forearmed.
That night she spent her time in Will's arms. It would be the last time for a very long time. Either until she found Jon or until the ranch house was built. Which ever happened first. A couple of months at least.
When morning came, he saw her off. "Be careful out there Zan."
"Don't worry, this is me we're talking about." She replied with a grin.
"That's what I'm worried about," he chuckled then enveloped her in a hug, easily picking her up as he did. "Come back in one piece Wolfie." Burring his face against her neck as he said it.
"I will Teddy Bear, I will. And I'll have found Quicksilver by then." The unspoken words of 'one way or another' hung at the end of the sentence.
"Hope so."
"And you can make up the list time then lover."
"Sounds like a winning game plan to me," he said enthusiastically.
She laughed kissing him one last time. "You would. I gotta get going."
"He let her go and stood back, watching as she climbed into the Hummingbird. A few moments later, it was gone from site. He felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry lil'bro. She'll be back before you know it."
"Yeah.guess your right."
"Hey, I'm your big sister aren't I? Don't I know what's best? - Don't answer that. - Now come on you big softie, we've got a briefing this morning. Don't want to be late for it." With that Emily turned and headed for the lift.
Will just laughed and joined her.
~Fini~
