It was eerily quiet in the landing bay for a freighter that was supposedly undergoing a massive riot. The Malocchio's landing bay more resembled a loading dock than the usual utilitarian bay they were accustomed to seeing in the fleet. Crates of Empyrean ale and fumarellos were stacked high, awaiting the next shipment to more eager consumers. Starbuck followed Apollo's lead, his eyes sweeping the vast space, as he moved into position. He nodded towards Boomer who joined him quickly.
"Must be a new kind of riot that we're not aware of." Boomer suggested, feeling a bit ridiculous as he covered his friend's back. There wasn't a rebel in sight.
"They like to do things differently here." Starbuck agreed, muttering over his shoulder. "Very civil and dignified for a insurrection. I like it." He looked back at the shuttle to see a very amused Ama hovering at the entrance. "Care to explain?"
"I don't know what you mean, Lieutenant." Ama replied formerly. "Is it safe to come out now, Captain Apollo?"
Apollo paused, assessing her. She didn't play the part of helpless female very convincingly. "What's happening here, Ama?" Even he felt a bit foolish organizing his forces in a defensive position when there was clearly no reception planned for them.
"Perhaps they are simply gathering elsewhere in the ship." Ama suggested.
"Or they announced 'last call' at the Tankard." Starbuck quipped, a slow, satisfied smile creeping across his face at her answering glower.
"I'm certain someone will be along." Ama assured them. "Ah, here they are now."
"All three of them." Boomer muttered aside to his friend.
The three Empyreans entered the bay cautiously, approaching the warriors only after an encouraging nod from the Captain. Apollo recognized Kella as one of the Imperial Guard. Two men accompanied her, one about his father's age with a long white beard, and the other perhaps a deca-yahren older than himself with black hair and a darker, almost sun-burnt complexion.
"Allow me to make our introductions. I am Yehudi. This is Kella and Roldan. Our representatives are prepared to see you now, but only our Quorum members, the princesses, Lieutenant Starbuck, and Captain Apollo may accompany us from the landing bay, unarmed of course. The rest of your warriors are to remain here." The older man told them as he stroked his beard absently.
"What is the situation, Yehudi?" Ama asked as she stepped down from the transport.
"The masses have been quelled through the issuance of the Act. They now await the meeting of the Empyrean Quorum." His eyes sought out his princesses and Starbuck with interest. He had never met Lia or Luana, but he had had the occasion to have a drink with the Lieutenant in the Tankard a time or two. It had been a pleasant diversion. "I believe Sires Regus and Albus desire that we complete the Test to satisfy our people's concerns regarding Lieutenant Starbuck . . . if it's really necessary."
"I suspected as much." Ama nodded. "And of course it's necessary."
"Wait a centon," Apollo interrupted. "The riot is over?"
"No, not over." Yehudi denied calmly. "Rather suspended."
"Say again?" Starbuck interjected as he joined them. "How do you suspend a riot, Yehudi?"
"We are reasonable people, Lieutenant," he explained. "We are all aware of the issues, and know if we proceed logically that by the end of the conflict we will have a resolution."
Starbuck stared at the man in utter disbelief, every bit of incredulity and bewilderment plainly illustrated upon his face. Boomer's hand whacked him hard in the shoulder, shaking him from his contemplations. "I . . . don't think you people quite understand this whole riot concept."
"On the contrary, Lieutenant. I believe it is proceeding entirely to our satisfaction thus far." Yehudi disagreed.
"Leave your weapons and follow me, warrior." Kella turned to leave, brooking no argument.
"I don't believe this." Starbuck muttered to Boomer as he passed over his laser. The inclusion of the Empyrean Guardswoman made it disturbingly similar to his visit to the Empyrean caves.
"What's this test they're talking about?" Boomer asked.
"Danged if I know. I just hope it's not written. I didn't have time to study for it." Starbuck smiled weakly, fighting back his growing apprehension as Kella turned to glare at him.
"Well, good luck. I just hope they return you in the same condition in which you left." Boomer smiled.
"How do you mean?" Starbuck asked, as Roldan purposely took his arm, Kella still glowering from the entryway.
"Single." Boomer replied, shaking his head at the look of dismay that crossed the blond lieutenant's face, as the Empyrean tugged him purposely towards the corridor.