"Apparitions"
Time: Twenty-five cycles after Fractures
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Part Six: Friends And Enemies
The plan was to remain inconspicuous as we searched through the fair-sized town, trying to get a line on Furlow and whoever was toying with wormholes.
At least, that was the plan.
The local population, however, had other ideas.
We had stopped at one of the many run-down saloons that surrounded the landing field. (Actually, calling it run-down was a compliment. Think of the worst dive you've ever been in then picture it ten times worse. That would still be better than this place.) The idea was to hook up with some of the local informants, provide the correct amount of persuasion (financial or otherwise) and get the information we needed.
Again, that was the plan.
By the time we reached the third saloon, we were starting to attract attention. Either word got out that there were strangers asking questions, or the fact that we stood out from the crowd caught up with us. It could have been the fact that three Sebaceans - apparently - and an Ilanic were traveling together, or many it was the fact that our clothes weren't falling apart and we bathed regularly. Or maybe we were onto something and just didn't know it.
It felt like everyone in the place turned to look at us as we stepped in, and the quartet in the back corner stopped playing. The four of us stood in the door for a microt, returning each and every stare, waiting for someone to do something stupid. When nothing was directed at us, I started for the bar, Mattis close at my side, Tashina close to Jack.
The bartender watched us like we were approaching with weapons drawn. "Wha'chu lookin' for?"
I leaned on the bar and noticed the people sliding in from both sides. "I need some information. I'm looking for an old friend of my family's. She goes by the name Furlow."
If the bartender had any reaction, he hid it well. His expression remained unchanged. "Nevah heard o'her."
"Really?" Mattis slipped around to my left and turned slightly, so he could watch the crowd. Tashina took up a similar position on my right, but she took an extra step away to cover Jack. "If you don't know, then who's selling? Maybe we can negotiate with them."
The bartender didn't say anything. His eyes, though, darted to one side. I turned as Tashina hissed. Several large men were starting to get dangerously close. For my part, I stayed calm. No sense setting them off if it wasn't necessary. "We don't want trouble. We're just looking for Furlow."
"So why are ye lookin' for her?" That was one of the men to my left. He was dressed in close-fitting black leather that almost looked like a uniform. Great; a PK wannabe.
"Do you know her," I said calmly, hoping we could talk our way out of this. "She's an old friend of my parents. They've disappeared recently and I was hoping to get her help finding them."
"A friend o' yer parents? I don't tink so; Furlow don't know no one wit' kids."
"Your logic is flawless," Tashina said. "I suppose you know everything Furlow knows, yes? She shares everything with you?"
One of the others jabbed a finger at her. "Keep your mouth shut, Luxan!"
Tashina blinked. "You should get out more. I'm not Luxan, I'm Ilanic. Would you like me to show you the difference?" She took a step forward.
Jack held up a hand and stopped her. "We don't have time for this, Vanessa."
I looked back at him. "I'm open to suggestions, Jack." I turned back to the bartender.in time to make contact with a fist.
It broke down into an all-out brawl from there.
Tashina, Mattis and I surrounded Jack and began to fight our way to the door. It seemed like the entire saloon was coming at us. But we made slow progress out.
I felt better once we were out on the street; at least out here, we'd have room to maneuver. But it also left us in the open and exposed.
Mattis looked around quickly. "I'd say we're on the right track. Any ideas?"
Tashina pointed down the street at the squad of Peacekeepers heading for the bar, all of them with weapons drawn. "I think a strategic withdrawal might be in order."
The Peacekeepers were coming down the main street that lead to the landing field. "The transport pod's out of reach at the moment." I looked around, trying to fight back the feeling of desperation that was beginning to grow in my mind.
We randomly picked a direction and started running. The Peacekeeper lieutenant that led the squad called out to us then ordered the soldiers to open fire. We rounded a corner and kept running as pulse blasts slammed into the walls on either side of us.
After what seemed like an eternity of running, we managed to lose the Peacekeepers. We found ourselves a deserted store to lay low in until the heat died down.
As Tashina took position by the door, Mattis and I quickly checked the store. Even when we found it clear, I didn't relax. "I guess we're on the right track. Now, how do we find Furlow?"
"I may have that answer," Jack said. "During the fight in the bar, I was able to glean a little information form the minds of our attackers. I believe I have Furlow's location."
"So you just read their minds," Mattis said. "Why didn't you tell us you were telepathic? It would have saved us time and headaches."
"My mental capabilities are not that strong. However, Vanessa's questioning brought the information to the surface. I was able to sense it."
I could tell by the looks on their faces that Mattis and Tashina were becoming suspicious of Jack. "Anything else you can do that you failed to mention to us?"
"Nothing worth mentioning. The rest of my skills and knowledge will only be useful when we get back to Moya and work on the phase stabilizer. Now, I suggest we get to Furlow. If we wait any longer, we'll have to deal with more Peacekeepers."
Mattis exchanged a look with Tashina then nodded. "Then let's not stand here talking about it. How's it look out there?"
Tashina cracked open the door and peeked out. "Clear at the moment."
"Then let's not linger." Tashina hesitated a microt then slipped out. Mattis was close behind her.
Jack started after them, but I stopped him. "You'd better not be keeping any more secrets from us, Jack." He looked grim as he left the store. I found myself cursing under my breath as I followed him out.
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The building that Jack said was Furlow's location was very much like every other building in this town: Looking like it was on the verge of falling apart. There was nothing out of the ordinary about it, nothing to attract attention to it.except for the extensive security set up that was in evidence around the doors and windows.
As Tashina scouted around the back of the building, Jack, Mattis and I tried to remain inconspicuous across the street. It was a long twenty microts.
We all jumped when Tashina's whispered voice came from the comms. "It's all clear in the back. There was a guard, but he's.incapacitated."
How permanently incapacitated, I wondered. "We're on our way." I checked the street and started across.
In the back of the building, we found Tashina crouching behind a line of shrubs near the back door. Not far from her was the guard's body, his neck bent at an entirely wrong angle.
"Did you have to kill him," I wondered.
Without turning from the door, Tashina said, "A dead enemy can't stab you in the back, Vanessa. Haven't you learned that yet?"
"Too much of Dad in me, I guess. Mattis, you're up." He nodded and went to the door, taking a small device from a pocket. He worked for a few microts then nodded to us. The door swung open as he approached.
"The security system's extensive," Mattis said as he followed Tashina in, "but it's not very sophisticated. It was probably the best she could find out here."
We made our way through the building quickly. Most of the rooms we checked were empty. As we searched, we began to hear voices ahead of us. What we found was a large room, set up as a workshop. There were two people there, a short, chubby woman dressed like a mechanic, and a tall, slender alien I didn't recognize. He looked reptilian, dressed in a close fitting jumpsuit. On the side of his head were what looked like gills or slits.
Jack touched my shoulder. "That's Furlow," He whispered.
"What about her friend?"
"He's from a race called the Pathfinders, I believe. They're also engaged in wormhole research, but they're more concerned with the acquisition of knowledge, rather than it's use."
"If one of them is working with Furlow, they may have moved beyond simply acquiring knowledge." Mattis watched the Pathfinder leave the workshop through a back door. "Now's our chance."
I nodded, drew my pulse pistol and stepped into the workshop.
Her back to the door, Furlow didn't react. Which was a good thing; I love the look on people's faces when I sneak up behind them.
I raised the pistol "Hello, Furlow," I said in my best imitation of Mom's voice.
Furlow jumped and turned, her pudgy face showing fear. "Who the frell are you?"
I smiled. "Take a good long look, Furlow, and think real hard. Who do I look like?"
She frowned and studied my face. Her eyes quickly returned to my pistol. "You're Johnny's kid, aren't you? I'd heard he had a kid with that Peacekeeper tralk."
"Watch your tongue, Furlow. That's my mother you're talking about. Now, move. You're coming with us."
Furlow planted her fists on her hips. "Where are we going? And what's in it for me?"
"You get to continue drawing breath," Tashina said.
Furlow glanced at her then looked at Mattis. "You're a cute one. He looks like your Dad, don't you think?" She looked at Jack. "I thought you were dead, Jack."
"You can't help the Peacekeepers with wormhole technology," Jack said. "Didn't you learn anything twenty-five cycles ago?"
"Business is business, Jack. My deal with the Scarrans fell through, so I had to lay low for a while. When I heard the Peacekeepers were starting up on wormholes again, I offered them my services. For a price, of course."
My head tilted to one side. "Enough, Furlow. Start walking."
She shook her heard slowly. "Well, kid, I'm sorry but I ain't going anywhere. I've got things to do, places to go, people to see and all that."
I stepped closer to her. "As I see it, you only have two choices: You can come with us on your own, or."
"Or.?"
"Or I can shoot your kneecaps off and we'll drag you out of here."
She considered. "You've got a real knack for negotiation, kid." Furlow glanced back at the workbench then started forward.
I started after her then turned when I heard footsteps and the voice. "Furlow, the Captain wants to know.who are you?" The Pathfinder looked at us as the gills on the side of his head flared open.
"Don't move. We're just on our way out. Now be smart, don't say anything and we'll be on our way." As I turned from him, I felt several sharp pricks on my cheek and neck. Reaching up, I felt what could have been stingers or quills. "What the frell.oh!" My head began to spin and I started to feel cold.
Mattis was at my side immediately. "Vanessa?" He grabbed me as my knees gave out.
"Didn't I mention my friends have poison quills for defense?" Furlow was trying to sound sad but failed. "Sorry about that."
"Poison.great. Let's get.get going." I took two steps and dropped to the floor.
My senses were beginning to abandon me. I was vaguely aware of yelling voices, running feet and gunfire. I was sure Jack was now carrying me, and I was certain I saw Mattis returning fire with two pistols. I was beginning to wonder where Tashina was until I heard her calling for Mattis to retreat.
There was blackness for a little while. When I opened my eyes again, I found things to be terribly out of focus. I knew, somehow, that we were back on the transport pod. Mattis was hovering over me as Tashina piloted. He was saying something but I could hear him.
I tried to talk, but I couldn't get my mouth to work. Too bad. There were things I wanted to say.
Mattis, tell Pilot and Moya that I'm sorry I let them down.
Tell Chiana I'm sorry I wasn't paying attention.
Ask Stark to pray for me.
Mattis, I love you.
Mattis.
.I'm.
.dying.
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TO BE CONTINUED
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Part Six: Friends And Enemies
The plan was to remain inconspicuous as we searched through the fair-sized town, trying to get a line on Furlow and whoever was toying with wormholes.
At least, that was the plan.
The local population, however, had other ideas.
We had stopped at one of the many run-down saloons that surrounded the landing field. (Actually, calling it run-down was a compliment. Think of the worst dive you've ever been in then picture it ten times worse. That would still be better than this place.) The idea was to hook up with some of the local informants, provide the correct amount of persuasion (financial or otherwise) and get the information we needed.
Again, that was the plan.
By the time we reached the third saloon, we were starting to attract attention. Either word got out that there were strangers asking questions, or the fact that we stood out from the crowd caught up with us. It could have been the fact that three Sebaceans - apparently - and an Ilanic were traveling together, or many it was the fact that our clothes weren't falling apart and we bathed regularly. Or maybe we were onto something and just didn't know it.
It felt like everyone in the place turned to look at us as we stepped in, and the quartet in the back corner stopped playing. The four of us stood in the door for a microt, returning each and every stare, waiting for someone to do something stupid. When nothing was directed at us, I started for the bar, Mattis close at my side, Tashina close to Jack.
The bartender watched us like we were approaching with weapons drawn. "Wha'chu lookin' for?"
I leaned on the bar and noticed the people sliding in from both sides. "I need some information. I'm looking for an old friend of my family's. She goes by the name Furlow."
If the bartender had any reaction, he hid it well. His expression remained unchanged. "Nevah heard o'her."
"Really?" Mattis slipped around to my left and turned slightly, so he could watch the crowd. Tashina took up a similar position on my right, but she took an extra step away to cover Jack. "If you don't know, then who's selling? Maybe we can negotiate with them."
The bartender didn't say anything. His eyes, though, darted to one side. I turned as Tashina hissed. Several large men were starting to get dangerously close. For my part, I stayed calm. No sense setting them off if it wasn't necessary. "We don't want trouble. We're just looking for Furlow."
"So why are ye lookin' for her?" That was one of the men to my left. He was dressed in close-fitting black leather that almost looked like a uniform. Great; a PK wannabe.
"Do you know her," I said calmly, hoping we could talk our way out of this. "She's an old friend of my parents. They've disappeared recently and I was hoping to get her help finding them."
"A friend o' yer parents? I don't tink so; Furlow don't know no one wit' kids."
"Your logic is flawless," Tashina said. "I suppose you know everything Furlow knows, yes? She shares everything with you?"
One of the others jabbed a finger at her. "Keep your mouth shut, Luxan!"
Tashina blinked. "You should get out more. I'm not Luxan, I'm Ilanic. Would you like me to show you the difference?" She took a step forward.
Jack held up a hand and stopped her. "We don't have time for this, Vanessa."
I looked back at him. "I'm open to suggestions, Jack." I turned back to the bartender.in time to make contact with a fist.
It broke down into an all-out brawl from there.
Tashina, Mattis and I surrounded Jack and began to fight our way to the door. It seemed like the entire saloon was coming at us. But we made slow progress out.
I felt better once we were out on the street; at least out here, we'd have room to maneuver. But it also left us in the open and exposed.
Mattis looked around quickly. "I'd say we're on the right track. Any ideas?"
Tashina pointed down the street at the squad of Peacekeepers heading for the bar, all of them with weapons drawn. "I think a strategic withdrawal might be in order."
The Peacekeepers were coming down the main street that lead to the landing field. "The transport pod's out of reach at the moment." I looked around, trying to fight back the feeling of desperation that was beginning to grow in my mind.
We randomly picked a direction and started running. The Peacekeeper lieutenant that led the squad called out to us then ordered the soldiers to open fire. We rounded a corner and kept running as pulse blasts slammed into the walls on either side of us.
After what seemed like an eternity of running, we managed to lose the Peacekeepers. We found ourselves a deserted store to lay low in until the heat died down.
As Tashina took position by the door, Mattis and I quickly checked the store. Even when we found it clear, I didn't relax. "I guess we're on the right track. Now, how do we find Furlow?"
"I may have that answer," Jack said. "During the fight in the bar, I was able to glean a little information form the minds of our attackers. I believe I have Furlow's location."
"So you just read their minds," Mattis said. "Why didn't you tell us you were telepathic? It would have saved us time and headaches."
"My mental capabilities are not that strong. However, Vanessa's questioning brought the information to the surface. I was able to sense it."
I could tell by the looks on their faces that Mattis and Tashina were becoming suspicious of Jack. "Anything else you can do that you failed to mention to us?"
"Nothing worth mentioning. The rest of my skills and knowledge will only be useful when we get back to Moya and work on the phase stabilizer. Now, I suggest we get to Furlow. If we wait any longer, we'll have to deal with more Peacekeepers."
Mattis exchanged a look with Tashina then nodded. "Then let's not stand here talking about it. How's it look out there?"
Tashina cracked open the door and peeked out. "Clear at the moment."
"Then let's not linger." Tashina hesitated a microt then slipped out. Mattis was close behind her.
Jack started after them, but I stopped him. "You'd better not be keeping any more secrets from us, Jack." He looked grim as he left the store. I found myself cursing under my breath as I followed him out.
----------------------------------------
The building that Jack said was Furlow's location was very much like every other building in this town: Looking like it was on the verge of falling apart. There was nothing out of the ordinary about it, nothing to attract attention to it.except for the extensive security set up that was in evidence around the doors and windows.
As Tashina scouted around the back of the building, Jack, Mattis and I tried to remain inconspicuous across the street. It was a long twenty microts.
We all jumped when Tashina's whispered voice came from the comms. "It's all clear in the back. There was a guard, but he's.incapacitated."
How permanently incapacitated, I wondered. "We're on our way." I checked the street and started across.
In the back of the building, we found Tashina crouching behind a line of shrubs near the back door. Not far from her was the guard's body, his neck bent at an entirely wrong angle.
"Did you have to kill him," I wondered.
Without turning from the door, Tashina said, "A dead enemy can't stab you in the back, Vanessa. Haven't you learned that yet?"
"Too much of Dad in me, I guess. Mattis, you're up." He nodded and went to the door, taking a small device from a pocket. He worked for a few microts then nodded to us. The door swung open as he approached.
"The security system's extensive," Mattis said as he followed Tashina in, "but it's not very sophisticated. It was probably the best she could find out here."
We made our way through the building quickly. Most of the rooms we checked were empty. As we searched, we began to hear voices ahead of us. What we found was a large room, set up as a workshop. There were two people there, a short, chubby woman dressed like a mechanic, and a tall, slender alien I didn't recognize. He looked reptilian, dressed in a close fitting jumpsuit. On the side of his head were what looked like gills or slits.
Jack touched my shoulder. "That's Furlow," He whispered.
"What about her friend?"
"He's from a race called the Pathfinders, I believe. They're also engaged in wormhole research, but they're more concerned with the acquisition of knowledge, rather than it's use."
"If one of them is working with Furlow, they may have moved beyond simply acquiring knowledge." Mattis watched the Pathfinder leave the workshop through a back door. "Now's our chance."
I nodded, drew my pulse pistol and stepped into the workshop.
Her back to the door, Furlow didn't react. Which was a good thing; I love the look on people's faces when I sneak up behind them.
I raised the pistol "Hello, Furlow," I said in my best imitation of Mom's voice.
Furlow jumped and turned, her pudgy face showing fear. "Who the frell are you?"
I smiled. "Take a good long look, Furlow, and think real hard. Who do I look like?"
She frowned and studied my face. Her eyes quickly returned to my pistol. "You're Johnny's kid, aren't you? I'd heard he had a kid with that Peacekeeper tralk."
"Watch your tongue, Furlow. That's my mother you're talking about. Now, move. You're coming with us."
Furlow planted her fists on her hips. "Where are we going? And what's in it for me?"
"You get to continue drawing breath," Tashina said.
Furlow glanced at her then looked at Mattis. "You're a cute one. He looks like your Dad, don't you think?" She looked at Jack. "I thought you were dead, Jack."
"You can't help the Peacekeepers with wormhole technology," Jack said. "Didn't you learn anything twenty-five cycles ago?"
"Business is business, Jack. My deal with the Scarrans fell through, so I had to lay low for a while. When I heard the Peacekeepers were starting up on wormholes again, I offered them my services. For a price, of course."
My head tilted to one side. "Enough, Furlow. Start walking."
She shook her heard slowly. "Well, kid, I'm sorry but I ain't going anywhere. I've got things to do, places to go, people to see and all that."
I stepped closer to her. "As I see it, you only have two choices: You can come with us on your own, or."
"Or.?"
"Or I can shoot your kneecaps off and we'll drag you out of here."
She considered. "You've got a real knack for negotiation, kid." Furlow glanced back at the workbench then started forward.
I started after her then turned when I heard footsteps and the voice. "Furlow, the Captain wants to know.who are you?" The Pathfinder looked at us as the gills on the side of his head flared open.
"Don't move. We're just on our way out. Now be smart, don't say anything and we'll be on our way." As I turned from him, I felt several sharp pricks on my cheek and neck. Reaching up, I felt what could have been stingers or quills. "What the frell.oh!" My head began to spin and I started to feel cold.
Mattis was at my side immediately. "Vanessa?" He grabbed me as my knees gave out.
"Didn't I mention my friends have poison quills for defense?" Furlow was trying to sound sad but failed. "Sorry about that."
"Poison.great. Let's get.get going." I took two steps and dropped to the floor.
My senses were beginning to abandon me. I was vaguely aware of yelling voices, running feet and gunfire. I was sure Jack was now carrying me, and I was certain I saw Mattis returning fire with two pistols. I was beginning to wonder where Tashina was until I heard her calling for Mattis to retreat.
There was blackness for a little while. When I opened my eyes again, I found things to be terribly out of focus. I knew, somehow, that we were back on the transport pod. Mattis was hovering over me as Tashina piloted. He was saying something but I could hear him.
I tried to talk, but I couldn't get my mouth to work. Too bad. There were things I wanted to say.
Mattis, tell Pilot and Moya that I'm sorry I let them down.
Tell Chiana I'm sorry I wasn't paying attention.
Ask Stark to pray for me.
Mattis, I love you.
Mattis.
.I'm.
.dying.
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TO BE CONTINUED
