Chapter Three
Jenna was trying to hold her temper and her biting remarks as she smiled sweetly and showed personal interest in the Federation inspections officer who had boarded the ship. She was doing very well, the man found it difficult to concentrate on what he was doing. More importantly, he was glossing over some of the more detailed checks he should be doing as part of his job.
Just flash those pretty teeth and smile. I'll take care of the rest. Those had been Redden's orders. He was a bearded old smuggler who had been willing to allow her to join his crew. The man was a fool but Jenna didn't have many options, she needed the credits in order to get back to Earth and she needed to build up her resources. Revenge against a man like Avon was going to be expensive.
Jenna's anger flared at the thought of the man who had killed Blake.
The Federation officer looked at her strangely. "Is there something wrong?"
I have to concentrate on what I'm doing. She gave the officer an enticing smile, "What could possibly be wrong now that you're here?"
**********
Avon and Argus were having a match of three-dimensional chess in Argus's cabin while they conversed about the situation with Sester.
Avon watched Argus make his next move. "He agreed?"
Argus replied, "Yes. That's what Reya said. She wasn't very pleased at being asked to do it."
Avon glanced at Argus before he moved his own piece. He asked, "Did you clarify the situation with your usual skill?"
Argus asked, "Are you trying to say something?" He followed Avon's move with his own.
Avon said, "As a matter of fact, yes. I've noticed that when you speak to the Commander, the information conveyed is, shall we say, less than ideal." He studied the board; Argus appeared to have shifted his strategy again. "You like doing that, don't you?"
"Only when I'm playing you," said Argus.
Avon responded by moving one of his pieces, "Well, it appears you will have to find another strategy, you have a possibility of losing in six moves with this one."
Argus sighed and studied the board. "Sometimes I wonder why she puts up with me."
"Yes, it is one of the galaxy's great mysteries," said Avon.
"Maybe not the entire galaxy." Argus picked up a piece on the top tier and shifted it to the middle one.
"That's better," said Avon as he assessed Argus's move. "You might only lose in ten moves."
Argus said with light sarcasm, "Lucky me. I only wished that things were easier with Reya."
As the two men continued playing, Avon wondered if he was expected to make a comment. He also wondered how many unhappy people there were on the ship and if he was destined to speak to all of them. Avon decided a little proactive action was required; he should pay more attention to Cally before she also developed this problem.
The game progressed further and Argus's strategy kept forcing Avon to continually adjust his own. They both enjoyed the challenge; it was like a chess game of cat and mouse.
Avon asked, "You're having difficulties with her?" He knew it was a rhetorical question, but it was a direct one.
"I'm the problem. It's not Reya," said Argus. "I'm afraid that if I make her unhappy enough, then I'll be forcing her to go to someone else."
"To Sester?"
"Yes." Argus was filled with self-doubt and worry.
"You're an idiot if you think that. I would not recommend repeating this to her," said Avon.
"I know. Sometimes…I wish that she would choose someone else, and then she'd be much happier."
"She wouldn't. You would both be miserable." Avon may not have understood the confusing complexities of human relationships, but this kind of deep bond he did have experience with, with Anna and now with Cally. He shifted another piece.
"I suppose so," said Argus as he frowned at Avon's latest move.
"Cally has been trying to encourage me to talk to people," said Avon.
"I was wondering why we were having this conversation," said Argus.
"Do I have to say anything else?" asked Avon.
Argus reached out and lay down his king. "No, I know where this is going and you're right, I need to work on my relationship with Reya. Women like to talk about things."
"Good. Another game?" asked Avon. The two men began setting up the pieces again. "Let's get back to the topic of Sester. I'll talk to him but I'm afraid that my natural hostility and suspicions towards him will preclude any unbiased assessment. You have the same problem, as does Cally. We need someone to keep an eye on Sester, who hasn't had any dealings with him yet."
Argus asked, "You're thinking of Vila?" He looked up from the board. "Or have you already asked him to? I have noticed that he's been spending time with Sester."
"Has he?" Avon's eyebrows raised in mild surprise and curiosity. He wondered what Vila was up to. Avon had already warned him about the dangers of dealing with Sester.
Avon made the opening move and Argus immediately countered with his own.
Argus said, "You didn't know?"
Avon said defensively, "I have been somewhat busy." Trust was a work in progress for the two men.
Argus nodded in apology. "You're right. I almost got the impression that Vila was trying to get along with Sester."
Avon said, "That may be useful for our purposes, but only as long as Vila appreciates how dangerous Sester is."
"Yes. Do you think he'll agree?"
"I'll talk to him," said Avon as he picked up his rook and placed it on the middle tier.
"Good."
"There was something else I wanted to discuss. This also concerns Vila."
**********
After the game, Avon went looking for Vila. He knew that Vila usually liked to eat after his shifts and sure enough, Vila was in the dining area. Avon went over to Vila's table and sat down across from him. "We need to talk."
"This must be a record, that's twice in four hours. I'm going to have to start keeping a schedule," said Vila as he shoved some of his food items out of Avon's way.
"Is that ice cream?" asked Avon as he noticed one of the bowls. Unlike Vila, he had not gone through the whole menu of food stuffs that the dispensers were capable of producing. Until now, he had restricted himself to a narrow range of choices; it hadn't seemed important to expand his choices. The daily familiarity had been comforting but he realized that what was reassuring was the lack of choice he had become accustomed to at the detention centre. In many ways, what they had done to him there was still influencing his life. He had gotten used to being a prisoner. Working was not a problem, that was what they had conditioned him to do but personal choices were a different matter. They had tried to destroy his sense of self by controlling his life and environment.
Avon was aware of a faint fear threatening to surface. He hadn't felt it in weeks because he had managed to create a routine that minimized the kinds of stress he couldn't handle yet. He knew that he had to overcome it eventually.
"Close enough. Do you want some?" asked Vila as he moved to get up. Even though it had been slight, Vila recognized the look in Avon's eyes. He had seen it enough times in those first weeks after Avon had been rescued.
Avon got up before Vila did and said, "I can get it." He walked slowly towards the dispensers, like a man who didn't know what he would find when he got to his destination.
Vila didn't know whether to be concerned or not as Avon went to get some ice cream. Sometimes Avon seemed perfectly fine. His mind was functional and his wit, though rarely nasty now, was still as sharp but Vila knew that something as simple as choosing what to eat still produced great stress for him. He wasn't sure how it was possible that someone could handle complex technical problems but still have trouble with the simple things. But, of course, Avon had always been a complicated man.
Avon came back with a bowl containing vanilla ice cream.
"It's not black," said Vila with a teasing grin.
"I couldn't find a liquorice flavoured one," said Avon with a deadpan face.
"Uh…I'm glad." Vila shuddered at the thought of black, liquorice flavoured ice cream.
Avon took a spoonful and tasted it tentatively, it wasn't bad. He ate a few more before addressing why he was there. "Vila, what are you doing with Sester?"
Vila nearly dropped his own spoon, but he managed to ask innocently "Doing? I'm not doing anything with him."
This was a question Vila had hoped that Avon wouldn't ask him. It meant that Avon might suspect what he was up to with Sester. Either Avon had seen him with Sester, or someone had mentioned it to him.
Most people would welcome the help, but Vila knew that Avon wouldn't. He knew that Avon hated the fact that he could no longer function the way he used to; he would see anyone's help as pity. Vila knew he would have to be careful with his answers. He would only reveal the other reason why he had decided to watch Sester.
"Vila." Avon pressed for the truth.
"Alright. Alright. I've talked to him," admitted Vila reluctantly.
"Are you aware of how dangerous he is?" asked Avon.
"Of course I am. You already told me before," said Vila indignantly.
"I also warned you to stay away from him," said Avon.
"Well, I can decide that for myself," said Vila. "I don't need you to tell me."
Avon's eyes narrowed in suspicion at Vila's defensive tone. Vila was trying to hide something, of that he was certain. "Your decision led you to ignore my warnings?" asked Avon.
"You think I'm an idiot because I didn't listen to you," said Vila.
"I didn't say that," said Avon.
"Well, you didn't have to, did you? That's what you were thinking."
"Vila, stop avoiding my questions, I don't want this to become an argument. I need you to watch Sester, but I have to know that you're aware of the dangers." Avon almost sighed. He realized that his own past dealings with people was proving to be a handicap in his attempts at relating with people now.
Vila's mouth opened in astonishment. "You need me? To watch Sester? "
Avon said, "Yes, the rest of us have a less than friendly association with him. You're the only one who doesn't."
"Well, now that you've mentioned it. I was doing that already."
It was Avon's turn to be surprised. "You decided to do this on your own? Why, Vila?"
"I knew that you said he was dangerous. And I knew that you already had too many things to do. I wanted to help."
"Dealing with Sester is more than just help, Vila."
"I know. Like you said, the Federation tried to condition me to be someone who is easily led and who is afraid all the time. I want to change that. I wanted to see if I could do something on my own."
"Alright. But be careful."
"Don't worry, I plan to be."
**********
After arriving at Borel's headquarters on Zirgon, Argus and Reya immediately went to see Kameron Reve. They were waiting outside of the official chambers.
"Are you sure you don't want me to go in with you?" Argus asked her. There was a concerned look on his face. Neither one of them knew what Kameron's reaction would be to finding out the truth about the woman whom he had loved to the point of obsession.
"I have to do this alone," said Reya. She had an air of quiet resolve. The door opened and they could see the formidable figure of Kameron Reve sitting at the far end, surrounded by a mixed group of civilians and military officials. Reya squared her shoulders and went inside. The officials all filed out, greeting her as they passed. One of the people exiting the room was the young General.
The door closed again.
"Commander, it's good to see you again," said Borel.
"General. It's good to see you as well." Argus was only half paying attention to the conversation. His ears were straining to hear what was going on through the closed door.
Borel noticed his preoccupation and asked, "Is there something wrong?"
At that moment there were sounds of a male voice shouting in anger from inside the room. Argus moved forward to open the door but Borel put his hand on the other man's arm, holding him back.
Borel said, "You don't have to worry about Reya. She can take care of herself. Always has. Now tell me what happened. Where is Galena?"
Argus told him everything about the woman who had tricked them all.
Afterwards, a thoughtful Borel said, "I thought there was something wrong with that woman. Kam was acting so strangely."
"Yes. She was able to manipulate men because of her abilities," said Argus.
"Kameron must be livid," said Borel as he glanced at the door. They could still hear Kameron Reve's angry voice. Intermittently, they could also hear Reya's also loud but much calmer and more controlled voice. The thickness of the door and walls prevented them from hearing anything more than muffled words.
"But will he believe it?" Argus wondered out loud.
He said, "You have to trust Reya. Kameron is no match for her. None of us ever were."
"I know she can take care of herself. If she were trying to." Argus was still very worried.
Borel said, "Well, if anyone can make Kameron see reason, it's Reya."
Argus said, "She feels guilty about what happened and she still blames herself for Vanora's death. Even though it wasn't her fault."
Borel sighed. "Yes, she has a tendency to do that. Guilt is an overriding theme with my sister. You're afraid that she'll take on the responsibility and not explain it properly to Kameron?"
"Yes." Argus wished he was in the room with Reya and her angry brother.
They both continued listening until the sounds of angry shouting finally died down. After awhile, the door opened again and Kameron motioned them inside. He didn't look happy but he appeared to be calmer.
Argus went over to stand by Reya's side. He looked at her and then at Kameron, trying to assess how things went. Reya didn't seem any different than when she had entered the room. She looked at him and gave him an imperceptible nod. That meant that things were going to be fine. Argus breathed a sigh of relief.
Kameron addressed Argus, "I knew you were going to be trouble when you pledged with Reya."
Argus asked with shocked surprise, "Sir?" He glanced sharply at Reya. His look clearly conveyed, I thought you said things were going to be alright? Reya shrugged.
Kameron said in a strict tone, "Just how many of our soldiers do you plan to steal?"
Argus realized this must be another example of Reve humour. He asked, "So you're fine about what happened with Vanora?"
Kameron replied, "Fine? No. But as Reya pointed out, quite forcefully and numerous times, I have to face the facts."
"Yes, she can be forceful," said Argus. He glanced quickly at Reya to make sure she wasn't going to poke him with her elbow for saying that. She looked at him but didn't do anything.
Borel said, "You're a brave man, Argus."
"Brave isn't quite the word I would use," said Reya acidly.
Argus grinned at her in apology. He said to Kameron, "As for the soldiers, I was going to broach you on that matter."
He explained the request of Lieutenant Dain and the soldiers.
Kameron asked, "You believe that the lives of these children will be in danger if the aliens find out they're still alive?"
Argus said, "Yes. If they're able to create a psi-enabled army that has the ability to influence or control the actions of humans..."
"Like Galena did, with me? Yes, you're right. That is a danger we cannot afford." Kameron's face was full of regret and sadness. "Do you know if she was working with Ellis and the aliens from the beginning? Even when she first met me?"
Reya knew this was a question Kameron needed to know the answer to. Unfortunately, no one had one for him. She replied, "We haven't been able to determine that. Vanora was not very forthcoming about her role in what happened. She did seem shocked at the discovery of the children, but we all know that she's an accomplished actress. It's hard to know what was real with her or not."
Argus added, "There may be one way to find out. Avon was able to download some files from the research complex. He hasn't had time to break the encryption on them yet."
Kameron said sadly, "I'm not sure I want to know." He paced the room in thought as they waited. "Very well. The children are important. The men on Kaarn can stay. If the Auronar need anything else in terms of resources or soldiers, let them know that we will be glad to offer assistance."
Argus responded, "That's very generous of you, sir. I will convey your offer to the Aurons."
Kameron said, "The children are innocent victims in all of this and from what you've said, they're nothing like Galena."
Reya said, "They seem to have naturally sweet dispositions. In a way they are very much like the Vanora we first met. But in the children's case, it appears to be real."
Kameron said, "Well I hope the Aurons will be able to raise them properly."
Argus asked, "Have you decided on Dain's request?"
Kameron said. "They can remain with you." He took on a sterner tone. "But don't make it a habit."
Argus said, "Yes, sir." He really had no idea why Reya's brother always made him feel like a junior lieutenant.
Kameron asked, "When are the two of you getting bonded?"
Argus nearly choked at the unexpected question. "Well, we…"
Reya said, "That's none of your business, Kam."
Kameron said mischievously, "But I'm only thinking of you. It's time he made a more serious commitment."
Reya knew her brother's sense of humour and was not going to take any nonsense from him. "Leave Argus alone."
Kameron grinned. "You're no fun, Reya."
**********
Servalan listened with great interest as Senior Controller Tarvin from Central Security gave her his report from the vidscreen on her desk.
She asked, "When was the signal intercepted?"
"Several hours ago. I contacted you right away when I saw the report." Servalan had left standing orders that anything connected to Avon and the Justice be forwarded to her immediately. "What do you want done, Madame President?"
Servalan's mind was imagining all of the useful things that could be done with this piece of information. She said, "Let the signal get through."
"But Madame President, this is the perfect opportunity to neutralize…" Tarvin began objecting but Servalan cut him off.
"There are more important objectives than ridding the Federation of a few minor troublemakers."
"I wouldn't call…"
Servalan cut him off again, "You have my orders, Tarvin."
"Very well, Madame President."
Servalan shut off her vidscreen and smiled thoughtfully. She missed Avon; it was going to be exciting to play with him again. Servalan looked forward to having fun with all of her men.
Chapter Four
"This had better be important. It's my day off!" Vila grumbled to himself as he went to the flight deck. He had been absorbed in studying specs from a new type of electronic locking mechanism when Argus had requested his presence. Vila loved the intricate ones. This one was proving to be quite a challenge and Vila didn't appreciate being interrupted.
There didn't seem to be any general danger but Argus had been very insistent that he drop what he was doing and come immediately. He hadn't explained why. Vila grumbled again.
When he arrived at the flight deck, everyone was already there, those Argus called the command crew. Avon was leaning against Cally's flight chair as they conversed together. Argus and Reya were arranging items on the table. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned towards Vila as he came down the steps.
Vila looked around in confusion. There was a feast laid out. It looked like real food, not the stuff that came from the dispensers. If this was an unannounced party, it was the kind of interruption that he wouldn't mind at all.
Vila asked cheerfully, "What's going on? Are we having a party? What's the occasion?"
Avon walked towards him and said, "A birthday."
Vila asked, "Whose birthday is it?"
Avon replied, "Yours."
Vila's jaw dropped open in surprise. "Mine?"
Avon said, "Yes. We're somewhat late but the sentiment is genuine. Happy Birthday, Vila."
Vila remembered that it had been his birthday a week ago. He'd almost forgotten. He hadn't had anyone to celebrate with in such a long time that he usually let it pass; until it had become a day just like any other day. On a ship it was even easier. The artificial days and nights were so monotonously the same that unless you made a real effort, even the days of the Federation standard week were hard to distinguish. Everything tended to run according to the duty schedules.
Vila was still flabbergasted, "I don't know what to say." Everyone gathered around the table where the food had been laid. The aromas were enticing.
Vila could barely contain himself, it all looked so delicious and it had all been prepared for him.
Reya said, "I had my brother's kitchens prepare it especially for you. The food is all natural. None of it is synthesized."
"This is amazing! I've never had a feast full of real food before!" Vila was beside himself with joy and without warning, hugged her.
Reya was startled but smiled and hugged him back. "You're welcome. The idea for the celebration was Avon's. He's the one who planned it."
Vila turned in surprise to Avon, "This was your idea?"
Avon almost seemed to look embarrassed. He said, "Sometimes actions and words are more effective when they're combined."
Vila smiled and as he was in a hugging mood, he hugged Avon. "Yes, they are. Thank you, Avon!"
For a moment, Avon looked embarrassed at the unfamiliar gesture from someone other than Cally, but he relaxed and a slow, almost shy smile spread across his face. "You're welcome." It was such a strange and unfamiliar look on Avon's face that they all stared at him, making him feel even more uncomfortable.
Argus said, "We've all prepared something to give you, Vila."
"Presents!" exclaimed Vila with delight as Argus handed him a package.
With almost trembling fingers, Vila carefully removed the wrapping. Inside was a dark brown satchel. When he undid the clasp and opened it up, it spread out to reveal an assortment of tools, each neatly in its own compartment.
Argus explained, "I had one of the engineers from Athol find this for me. It's a kit like yours but much more compact and there are some special tools that I understand are normally very hard to obtain."
Vila pulled out several of the instruments and studied them closely. "With these I can break into anything! I bet…" His eyes were wide with the possibilities. There was one special tool he was certain would be very useful with the new locking mechanism he had been studying earlier. "I can't wait to use this! Thank you!"
"I'll try to find something suitably challenging for you to play with on our next mission," said Argus with a grin.
Next was Reya's turn. She picked up a long, black metal tube from the couch and gave it to him. "Happy Birthday, Vila."
Vila took it eagerly and removed the lid from one end. He shook out several rolled up pieces of flexible but strong paper-like material. Vila's breath caught in his throat as he unrolled them to reveal several drawings of the children they had rescued. Each was lovingly rendered in soft pastel colours. One scene was of himself performing magic tricks for the children. Vila was stunned. He blinked back tears, not wanting to them to fall on the precious drawings.
"Thank you so much!" This time Vila wrapped his arms around Reya, and kissed her on the cheek. "You're not scary at all," he said as he let go of her.
"Not today," agreed Reya. They both smiled.
It appeared to be Avon's turn as they all turned their heads towards him.
Avon said, "I don't have a package for you."
Vila tried to not sound disappointed. "You've already done a lot arranging this birthday for me, Avon. Thank you."
Avon said, "My present is something that couldn't be wrapped. I have to show it to you."
They were all intrigued as Avon went to his flight station and entered some commands. He said, "Watch the main view screen."
They all turned to look at it. On the screen appeared an official looking display.
Federation Central Registration Bureau
User Access Code and Encrypted Data Stream required.
Enter Access Code: __________
"This will only take a few moments." Avon began working on the panel in front of him. Before anyone could ask what Avon was doing, he had already gained access to the system. Screen after screen of library and archive listings appeared.
They all looked at each other with puzzled expressions on their faces. Even though it did not show on his face, Cally could sense that Avon was excited and happy about what he was doing.
They all reacted in surprise when Vila's face appeared on the screen. A much younger Vila. "Hey, that's me!" He unconsciously ran his fingers through his own much thinner hair. "That's my Federation file. What are you doing with my file?" He asked nervously.
"Don't worry," said Avon reassuringly. The screen view changed from the picture to another screen.
Name: Restal, Vila
Place of Birth: Earth Sector, Central Dome West
Privilege Grade: Alpha
Vila stared hard at the screen and then he rubbed his eyes. They all seemed to have the same need but the screen still read the same.
Argus asked, "Vila, have you been an Alpha in disguise all along and didn't tell the rest of us?"
Vila said in bewilderment, "No."
At the same time, Avon said, "Yes." They all stared at him.
Vila asked, "Avon, did you do this?"
Avon looked self-conscious at the attention being directed at him. "Yes. The Federation Grading System is an obsolete method of classification that fails to recognize the true value of the people it tries to categorize. I took the liberty of making a correction to your details. If you're agreed, this will become part of your permanent record."
Vila said, "It's not that the Grade is that important to me. But since you've gone to all that trouble…"
"You wouldn't want to disappoint me? That's very thoughtful of you," said Avon with an amused smile.
"That's me. Thoughtful is my middle name," said Vila.
"That doesn't appear to be on your permanent record. Would you like me to add it?" asked Avon, putting his fingers on the controls in front of him.
"Don't you dare!" said Vila with mock warning.
Everyone laughed. They were all relaxed and enjoying this time together.
After Avon concluded what he needed to do, the screen returned to the star field.
Cally spoke up and said, "My gift is also something that couldn't be wrapped. But neither is it something that you can see."
Vila wondered what it could possibly be.
* Can you hear me, Vila? * Cally's voice spoke in his mind.
Vila responded in surprise, it was as if she was talking right next to his ear. "Yes, I can hear you."
Cally said, "Good. When I talk to Avon like this, we discovered that the children could follow my connection to him and talk to him too, even over long distances. With their combined powers, they are capable of a much greater range than even the most powerful Auronar. We are at the outer limits of their current reach but they can still communicate with us. That is my gift to you."
"That's wonderful, Cally! Thank you!" Vila gave her a great hug. Tears were threatening to escape again. As Cally hugged him back, there was an expression of fondness on her face.
Argus said, "Often we get so busy with our lives and agendas that we forget to appreciate the people around us."
Vila let go of Cally and turned to listen.
Argus continued, "You're an important member of this team, Vila. You make a valuable contribution with your skills and you have a common sense and perspective that the rest of us don't. You're quick witted and you ease the tensions with your gift of laughter. You make this a more complete team. But beyond that, you are also a friend. And as a friend, I would like to extend our best wishes." He leaned down and took a glass of clear golden liquid from the table; the others did the same.
They all followed Argus as he lifted his glass to offer a toast. "To Vila, a valued friend and team mate. May you live to see your dreams realized and to be able to enjoy them."
**********
After the celebration was over, all of the food had been eaten and drinks imbibed, Cally and Vila retired to his room. Vila took the sketches Reya had given to him and unrolled them onto the table.
Cally said, "I only have to contact the children and give them a direction to your mind. They will be able to do the rest themselves."
Vila asked with surprise, "You don't have to be here?"
"No. The ability to do this lies with the children. I only help them get a location fix on your mind. Are you ready?"
Vila nodded. He was both excited and nervous.
Cally said, "Then sit down and relax." They both sat next to each other.
* Can you hear me, Vila? *
"Yes. Loud and clear. Wait a minute; I know they can talk to me with their psi abilities. You've done that before, but will I be able to talk to them?"
Cally smiled, "Yes. That is an ability the children have that I don't. They can pick up thoughts from your mind."
Vila asked with alarm," You mean, they can read minds?" He was really looking forward to being able to communicate with the children but the thought they might be able to know all of his thoughts was disturbing.
Cally said reassuringly, "So far, they do not seem to be able to. They are only able to read surface thoughts. They cannot go deeper."
Vila said nervously, "So far?"
Cally had started exploring the breadth of the children's when she was working with them on Kaarn. What she found had constantly amazed her. "There is no knowing how far their abilities will grow as they mature."
Vila said, "I'm glad we rescued them. We couldn't leave them to the aliens."
"I'm going to contact the children now." Cally closed her eyes and concentrated.
* Brina, * Cally projected her thoughts with as much force as she was capable of.
It didn't take long for an answering response, the children were already waiting.
* Auntie Cally! * the young voice was excited and full of joy. * Is Uncle Vila there? * Cally could 'hear' intermittent chatter from the other children.
Cally responded, * Yes. He's here. Do you remember what I said before? *
Brina said, * Yes, Auntie Cally. We won't forget. Uncle Vila is like Uncle Avon, we will not scare him. *
* You're good children. * Cally touched Vila's hand and projected to him. * Vila, the children are here. If you wish to speak to them, just think the words consciously in your mind. You can verbalize the words if that will help you. *
Vila's eyes took on a faraway look as he tried to remember the children's faces. He said tentatively, "Children?"
* Happy Birthday Uncle Vila! We're so glad to hear you! We miss you so much! *
Trying not to disturb Vila's time with the children, Cally got up silently and headed to the door. Before exiting, she turned to look at Vila, to make certain that things were going smoothly before she left. She smiled as he picked up one of the sketches and looked at it lovingly as he continued speaking to the far away children. He seemed to need to verbalize his words. She suspected it was a human thing, communication needed to be tangible for them.
Cally smiled softly to herself. She was glad that Avon lived more in his head than most Earth people. Mental communication seemed to come naturally to him.
Seeing that everything was more than fine, Cally left quietly.
**********
Without giving any warning, Avon used his override command to open Sester's door. It slid open to reveal Sester rubbing a towel through his damp hair. Sester's eyes widened slightly in surprise at seeing Avon and then he smiled. "You know, one of these days you're going to do that and I might not be dressed."
Avon's lips curled in an unpleasant smile, "If you don't like the circumstances of your stay on this ship, you could always leave."
There was still a friendly smile on Sester's face as he dropped the towel on the table and sat down. "One of these days, you will reach the limits of what I'm willing to accept from you."
Avon sneered sarcastically. "Is that meant to be a threat?"
"Just a friendly piece of information," said Sester.
Avon's tone became deadly cold. "I doubt I will reach your limit before you reach mine."
The psychostrategist's casual affability was in sharp contrast to Avon's barely disguised hostility. Without any indication of concern, Sester said, "Now that does sound like a threat."
Avon stared daggers at his nemesis, the man who had tortured him without mercy. He was not going to be able to rest until this man and the woman whom he served were dead. At times when Avon stared into Sester's ever friendly face, he had an involuntary shiver of fear. This man was always most dangerous when he was being pleasant. Avon hated that he had this reaction; he could not afford any weakness when facing Sester.
Avon said, "I like to be clear. I would hate for you to have any doubts."
They watched each other carefully, two wary opponents looking for an opening to press their advantage.
"How thoughtful of you," said Sester. "Why are you here, Avon? I don't think my arm has recovered from the little lesson you gave me the last time you were here so I would appreciate if we keep the pain to a minimum."
Avon said with controlled hostility, "I will give you the same consideration you gave to me."
At Avon's words, Sester had a brief flash of guilt and an unbidden image came to his mind; Avon moaning in agony in the isolation chamber, pushed beyond the point of exhaustion because Sester would not let him rest.
Sester said with resignation, "Do what you came here to do, Avon." Unconsciously he touched the tracer bracelet on his wrist.
Avon said angrily, "Do you think that accepting torture from me will absolve you of any guilt in what you and Servalan did to me?"
Sester sighed. "Like you, I'm a realist. I know nothing will. But I know that it will make you feel better, temporarily."
Avon spat out an angry, "Don't try to manipulate me, Sester."
"That was not my intention," said Sester.
"You expect me to believe that?" Avon asked cynically.
"It happens to be the truth."
"Truth to you is just a piece in a game. You use it when you think it will produce the effect you want," said Avon.
Sester said, "Normally what you say is true. I don't deny it. Except when I feel that I owe you the truth."
Avon said challengingly, "Then tell me what Servalan's plans are."
Sester paused and then he burst out laughing. "Not that kind of truth. I was referring to a more personal honesty. Now who is trying to manipulate whom here?"
Avon took the small control unit for the tracer bracelet from his pocket. Sester asked, "Are you going to try to torture me for the information?"
"It is tempting," said Avon, holding the unit while a menacing smile spread across his face, one that did not touch his eyes. "But Servalan might consider it a breaking of our agreement."
Sester said half jokingly, "Yes, the President does prefer to do that type of thing herself."
Avon glowered at the reminder. He knew only too well the kinds of things Servalan liked to do personally. Avon demanded, "Leave the Commander alone."
"Ah. That's why you're here." Sester was puzzled. He was almost certain that Avon and Argus had been behind Reya's request to keep the information about the children and the Aurons secret. He asked mischievously, "Which Commander?"
It was most likely that Avon wanted to introduce some doubt about what had occurred. They wanted to keep their unwanted guest off-balance. Sester almost smiled, this kind of tactic didn't work against a psychostrategist, not when he knew all of the players involved. It was a game of cat and mouse, with each one vying to be the cat.
Avon lifted the control unit up and said, "Guess."
Sester said, "Of course. Are all of our conversations going to be like this?"
"Yes."
Sester laughed again. "I have always appreciated your honesty, Avon."
For the first time since Avon entered the cabin, Sester became serious, "I also have a piece of honesty for you. You cannot get rid of me that easily, Avon. Neither one of us has a choice on whether I stay or not."
"We shall see," said Avon. He shoved the small control unit back into his pocket and left.
As Avon walked back to his own cabin, he stopped and extended a hand out towards the wall for support. He felt drained and his whole body was tight with tension.
Neither one of us has a choice on whether I stay or not.
Avon's hand curled into a fist and he hit the wall in anger and frustration. He refused to feel helplessness again. He leaned against the wall and tried to rest. Can't let Cally know. He didn't want her to worry about him, she was already worried enough.
At least one thing had been achieved; the stage had been set for Vila's work.