CHAPTER 14:KARRASS
What is he going to do? Karrass paces back and forth in front of his scoop. He knows that Mariel can't stay with him and he also knows that she will bolt again if he tries to take her home. Why couldn't she be like all of the other females on the planet? Then she wouldn't be so…so…
>Alright, let's go,> Mariel announces. At the sound of her voice, Karrass jumps. He wonders if she knows what he was thinking.
>Go where?>
>You want to take me back to the base now, don't you? I can't really blame you. I wouldn't want to be responsible for me either.>
>I wish I didn't have to,> Karrass starts wistfully, and then stops.
>It's not your fault. Running away is never a good solution. I'll just have to face it.> She looks down. It sounds like she has accepted her fate, but Karrass still thinks she looks a little mutinous.
>That's the Mariel I know,> Karrass says with a half-smile.
They start off in the direction of the base. They don't talk, but as they approach the perimeter, Mariel maneuvers herself closer and closer to Karrass. At the last moment, she reaches for his hand. He is surprised, but he gives her a reassuring squeeze before dropping her hand.
>Present name, registration, and reason for entry.> The automaton is as dry as ever.
>Karrass-Semitur-Ashul. 1576213. Routine inspection code:426.>
>Cleared. Welcome, Forman.>
Karrass and Mariel pass into the base.
>Forman? You never told me that you were the head mechanic.> Mariel says with a surprised look.
>What's there to tell? I supervise the cannibalization of scrapped fighters.> Karrass tries to sound nonchalant, but he has to admit that he has an important job.
>When I first met you, you were relaying a message. Then the other day, you were unloading the Skrit-Na raider.>
>I relayed the message because I had taken a break and was asked to do it. About the Skrit-Na ship, I always inspect every vessel that docks at this port. That's in my job description. It was my misfortune, however, to come upon that Hork-Bajir.>
Karrass is pleased to have surprised Mariel. He has a feeling that not many people had ever done that.
>Why did you lie?>
>What did I lie about?>
>You said that you were entering to make rounds.>
>I am. I can still walk around even if there isn't anything new that needs my attention. Maybe I'll go bully some of the trainees,> he added mischievously.
>You'll do no such thing. You are going to walk me to med bay, and then wait on me.>
>If you insist,> Karrass bowed low and Mariel walked past him. He watches her, admiring the way she moves. She's so graceful. He shakes it off and takes a short bound to catch up with her. She leads the way, even though she doesn't know where to go.
>Turn left here,> Karrass instructs her silently. She knows that he is letting her lead and she gives him a warm smile.
>Here we are. I'll wait for you out here. It might not be such a good idea for us to be seen here together.> He looks at her sheepishly.
>It shouldn't be long.> Mariel disappears into the office.
Karrass waits outside for her. As he waits, he looks around at the base. He is greeted by some of the regulars, returns their greetings and goes back to waiting. Presently, he sees Ajaht in the distance. He knows Ajaht, everyone does, and he doesn't like him.
He and Ajaht don't get along, to say the least. Ajaht has no respect for Karrass job. Once, while serving on the same ship, he and Karrass got into a fight. Ajaht likes to jeer and make fun of Karrass's choice to stay planetside and Karrass likes to embarrass Ajaht however he can. Mostly that implies sliding things in Ajaht's way so that he trips over them in mid brag. Theirs is a bitter rivalry that is the subject of many conversations around the base.
>Good day,> Karrass calls good naturedly as Ajaht walks by. He is in need of a diversion and Ajaht is a much better target than a bunch of trainees.
>Good indeed,> Ajaht replies stiffly. He is mellow today.
>Something gone awry, has it?> Karrass says brightly.
>As a matter of fact, it has. Maybe you had something to do with it. You see, today is my wedding day and I am still missing my bride. I think you know Mariel. You haven't by any chance seen her about, have you?>
>I know her very well indeed>, Karrass said meanly, >but I haven't seen her for quite a number of days.> Karrass knows that he shouldn't taunt Ajaht, but he can't help himself. He is shocked to learn that Mariel is supposed to be marrying Ajaht, but is not surprise that she is begging not to be returned to him. He wouldn't want to marry this arrogant pup either if he were a girl.
Ajaht glowers at Karrass, >I cannot begin to think where she could be. This base was my first guess, but no one has seen her as of yet. Be a good boy and let me know if you do.> Ajaht says the last part with a sneer and stalks off.
Karrass is just thinking that he would love to beam Ajaht with a rock when Mariel steps out of the office building.
>That was an experience,> she starts to say, but Karrass interrupts,
>Let's go. He's here looking for you.>
>He? He…Oh. You know?> Mariel looks down, ashamed for not telling him in the first place.
>I do now. He walked by and asked after you.>
>I'm sorry that I didn't tell you sooner.>
>It's alright. You were upset. You still look pretty tired. We should get out of here.>
>Yeah, let's go.>
