The Thargoid and Fer-de-Lance

[insanephoton]

A jet black Fer De Lance gently docked inside the Gotham Park Orbiter. A smartly dressed woman emerged flanked by a man and a woman in business suits. The casual observer might assume that she was some high powered executive with her P.A.s. A more observant person might suspect that the assistants were bodyguards as they were wearing dark sunglasses and had suspicious looking bulges that suggested shoulder holsters. None of them would have realised that they had just seen the head of Federation Naval Intelligence, Admiral Vanessa Atalanta walking down the corridors of an Alliance station.

The party walked briskly to a private medical wing to be greeted by the senior doctor. "How are they doc?".

"They're doing well. They were concussed by the explosion but haven't suffered any long term ill effects. They just need to rest for a couple of days. If you'd like to see them they're in ward 10. I'll just sort out the documentation to discharge them.

The admiral thanked the doctor and went through to ward 10. Richard was sitting dejectedly reading his PDA.

"Hello Richard, what's up?"

"Hi Admiral, my ship is a write off and the insurers won't pay."

"Don't worry about it Richard. I've made arrangements and you'll be compensated. Anyway, where is your brother and Amber?"

Looking happier at the news, Richard nodded towards the adjacent curtained off bed from which the sound of giggling could be heard. Clearing her throat loudly the admiral opened the curtains to reveal Mark and Amber canoodling on the bed. "Commander, Major what is the meaning of this! Get dressed and report to my ship in 10 minutes to explain yourselves."

Amber flushed bright pink in embarrassment as she and Mark tried to regain some modesty whilst mumbling an apology to the admiral.

As the admiral turned to leave the room she smirked and winked at Richard.

 

[Elden]

“And by the way… Umm… Actually, I don’t have much to pay with” Elden said apologetically “but i'm ready to work my payment off. I am fairly versed in old tech and such…”

“Hold on with all that payment stuff” Miyako replied “Let’s take a look on the amount of work to be done first.”

“Yeah, you’ll be surprised to see how eager she gets to get her hands on some rare piece of starship tech” Mike added, smirking. “So if the lady wants to see your ship, you’d better not to get in her way”

“Ah, okay, I won’t. Just don’t want to seem as a sponger kind” El smiled, being relieved a lot.

So, having the transfer of the “sidewinder” arranged they continued chatting, as Elden given the chance to finally talk out to someone, was telling his story.

Having no heroic stories of his own, apart from stealing the ship in the moment of it being stolen, he ended up telling stories of his grandfather. It so appeared that he was raised on that stories and had a dream of following his granddad’s steps. According to the telling, he was a brave spacefarer, who brought food and medicine to the worlds at war, fighting pirates and other space villains, risking his life all the time as any true hero would.

Mike and Jenner have met eyes, thinking of the same. It was quiet obvious, that one with such a lifestyle could not live it out long enough to become a grandfather.

Then it turned out that he finally got handicapped and have grounded his harris fighter(another piece of old shipbuilding, that got laid off, not having factory FSD adaptation. 3-seater, cobra size, with articulated wing) for good at Titican mining colony, where his beloved lived. And that was the reason, why Elden’s father was concerned of his wishes of becoming “a hero pilot, just like grandpa”.

At this point of the telling El have frowned, and started leaning on the bottle maybe a bit too much. It was very likely that such a youngster might be quite verdant at drinking (he looked like some 21 or 22 years old), so Mike and Miyako, having a bit of fun of the situation, have taken some preventive measures. For some time they had him distracted, his drink spilled two times and finally nicked and changed with tea. That was the one simple amusement activity they needed to drop the tense anxiety of today’s events (they had one good chance to die today after all), and it worked fine in both purposes.

Finally all three of the lot ended up laughing and joking and having fun.

 

[Iglooman]

It had been a nice evening to relax and meeting a new face at the bar after the stress of the attack, but I had one thing left to do… I walked to my pad, my old Cobra MKIII sitting there. Jacob was just coming out of the hatch.

“Jacob, we need to talk.”

“I understand. It’s been fun working together, but we’re down a ship, and that ship is mine. It’s time for me to move on.”

“No, that ship is yours.” I pointed to the Cobra while Jacob’s eyes widened. “I’ll be working at the repair shop most of the time, no time to trade. I need someone to keep the tea flowing - I’ve built up the contacts and I don’t want to disappoint my customers. So… Here’s a manfest of jobs to work on, starting by priority. Lots of tea to move, mostly specialty stuff for the higher profits. I’ll have more by the time you’re done these runs. I need you to be my runner. Interested?”

“Of course! I’d rather be flying than… Well, anything else. I’ll head out as soon as I grab a few supplies for the trip.”

“Sounds good. Although, I may have to borrow her for a flight or two… Ok?”

Jacob grinned. “She’s still yours.”

Yes, I thought, she is, but my path seems to be pulling me away from her. She deserves someone that will be more dedicated to her. I walked inside for a look around, running my fingers along the all-too-familiar bulkheads. I’d transfer her deed to Jacob’s name in the morning. He’d take good care of her, and it was easier to trade at unfamiliar stations when the ship you flew was in your name…

I headed to my apartment with what little belongings I had left on my ship for a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow was a new day, and I figured Akashi would be busy given all the new repair work. I wondered if anyone would take notice of the sacrifices made today to keep billions safe.

I’d also have to try and file the insurance papers for the Redemption… I wondered if they’d give anything for a ship lost “blown up to save the universe”... Ha...

 

[GIR_mk_2]

Gir settled into the alcove with her drink and began talking with Darkoba about Lacus, she would have called Jenner and Mike over to apologive again and join them but the pair seemed busy talking to the newest arrival at the bar

"Where do I start, she was my whole world no my whole universe, my soul mate. She was beautiful, smart, caring but also stern when the need arose. She knew when I needed support, when to pull me back when I went to far and when to give me a push in the right direction." Gir stared into the bottom of her glass, she spoke tenderly and emotionally as her eyes began to water once more

Darkoba sipping his drink stayed quiet simply intent to listen for the time being

"She wasn't much much for confrontation and always worried about me when I got into trouble,she was a good listener and always seemed to know just what I need to hear. She never asked or wanted anything from me expect my love and heart which I had given to her 100%" A small smile appeared on Gir's face as she recalled all the things that had made her love Lacus but it soon turned to a pained expression

"But all that doesn't matter now, she's gone and the only image I get when I think of her is her lying on the ground covered in blood and her face the last time I saw her with her dying smile and HER...that women standing there holding the gun!" Gir's voiced became furious and her hands clenched so tight on the glass she was holding that in shattered in her grasp

"I'm adding that to your tab Gir!" Sven called angrily across the bar, Gir shot to her feet sending the chair she had been sat on flying to the floor. She spun on the spot towards Sven rage filling her eyes as she pulled her machine pistol from its holster and pointed it at a shocked Sven blood trickling from the cuts in er hand from the glass

"DON'T PUSH ME SVEN! I SWEAR TO GOD IF YOU DO GARTHYRE WILL NEED A NEW BAR MAN!"

 

[Iglooman]

I was heading past the bar as the thoughts of not having my Cobra at my beck and call was getting the better of me. I was feeling a bit dark, and knew sleep would elude me… Maybe a nightcap…

I walked in to see Gir waving a machine pistol at Sven and yelling. Poor girl’s lost it, I thought. Not the first time… Wait, was that drifting in my direction? Crap.

“Gir, you silly girl! Put that think away!” I called as I attempted to cross the gap between us as fast as possible. I saw Jenner looking at me, and I threw a wink at her, but she only looked more concerned. Really, was my luck with women that bad? Gir was standing away from the table, so chances of me spilling a drink on her were slim.

I knew I couldn’t go on the attack with Gir. I’d not see the morning if I did. My only option was surprise, so I did the only thing I knew not one person in the bar would ever think I’d do.... I reached her, brushed the machine pistol down and to the side, pressed up against her with both arms around her, and locked lips passionately to the most surprised face I had ever seen. At least, I couldn’t see Jenner’s, which was either surprised or icy death… Gir dropped the pistol and started to wrap her arms around me as well, at which point I pulled away with a grin on my face. “Now Gir, dear, please, there are many ways to surprise a person. I’d rather not get myself in trouble trying to surprise the gun out of your hand again, and no one wants to be killed today. Except maybe me if Jenner is giving me the death gaze. Look over my shoulder, and if she is, maybe you could just take care of it quick, otherwise let’s just sit and have a drink instead, ok? I know how you feel, so let’s talk about our mutual loss without the death threats.”

Gir did manage a laugh, and she just patted the neck I had exposed for her death blow with her hand as she regained her composure. “Oh Mike, that was the worst kiss I think I’ve ever had. Poor Jenner is going to have a lot of work there…” She laughed again and winked at my dejected face, then sat back down. I did manage a look at Jenner as I sat and tried my best “Oh goodness help me please and I’m so sorry about that…”

A manner of calm came over the bar as we took our seats.

 

[GIR_mk_2]

Gir leant down from her she and took her machine pistol. That she had dropped in hand quickly holstering it, Darkoba looked across the table to her concern on his face

"well that was unexpected, are you sure your ok Gir?" Darkoba leaned across the table and took Gir's hand examaning the cuts she hand inflicted upon herself from the shattered glass

"I'm not really sure I know the answer to that myself anymore my friend" Gir smiled honestly as Darkoba dressed her hand Mike had taken the seat next to him and was awaiting his tea he had gestured to Sven for

Gir looked at Mike who seemed to be trying to avoid Jenner's gaze for fear of what he would see, her hand went to her lips and she couldn't help but laugh to herself

"Well Mike that was an interesting way of defusing the situation that you chose" She was still laughing her emotions where unstable at the moment and raw, Mike was about to speak when Jenner appeared and sat next to Gir at the table

 

[Iglooman]

“......You see Gir, I nearly lost the woman most important to me simply because I gave in to my anger over my loss. Don’t follow the same path, because you don’t know what the future has for you. You wouldn’t want to miss it. I almost did, although I really keep messing it up. I may have just did again with that stunt...”

“If she’s smart, she’ll forgive you. It was really quite brave, not everyone faces down an assassin with a weapon, and yet if you had shown one… Well, the state I was in, you’d be dead. Sven was already inching towards the stowed firearm under the bar when you intervened. He was 3 inches from getting shot.”

I was about to respond when Jenner came from behind me to sit down beside Gir.

“Oh, Jenner dear, please sit down beside me. Gir’s really having trouble, no doubt from the stress of the day making it that much harder to accept the loss of Lacus. Please, she really needs a good female friend to lean on. Sit here and face her.” I offered the seat to Jenner, who gave the face of death. This wasn’t going to go over well… At all. Especially not judging by the way her boot was putting pressure on my foot.

“Oh Jenner, you’ve got a live one there, and smart too. Can really think his way out of a situation.”

“That’s debatable.”

Gir leaned in close to Jenner “But you’ve got your work cut out for you. He’s a horrid kisser…”

Pain lashed into my foot as Jenner squinted her eyes at me. What the heck did Gir whisper to her?

“Can I get you a drink?” I managed.

“Yes.” was the curt reply.

“What would you like?”

“You pick something. You know me so well.” Another shot of pain into my foot. I lept up and limped to the bar.

I hoped Gir would say something that might ease Jenner’s fury, rather than incite it… I didn’t have high hopes…

I thought about quickly typing a message to Jenner at the bar, but it was too risky. She’d be seen reading it, if she did, and Gir could look over… Sven passed me the drinks and I returned to the table. As I approached Gir moved over “Sorry, I bet you want to sit beside Jenner.” Jenner flashed me a look that said I didn’t, but I did anyway.

Under the table I grabbed her hand and forced it on my leg. She tried to resist, but I insisted. As a thank you I got her nails biting down hard into my flesh. I wouldn’t doubt it if she drew blood. It was ok, because I knew that through her anger and grip she’d feel the trembling in my body, if she couldn’t feel it sitting beside me already. My nerves were getting the better of me. It had been too much for one day. All I wanted was a nightcap to ease the fact that my ship wouldn’t really be all mine anymore… Not to face down death at the hands of a grief crazed female assassin… I should have just walked back out. Why’d I have to want to help… And why’d I pick that? Oh right, because it seemed like the only option that might not lead to death… It was, wasn’t it? No others had sprung to mind yet, except maybe shooting her. Maybe that would have been best, I’d be dead. I kept my trembling hand on hers, and she kept digging.

I turned to Jenner. She turned to me and I could barely stand the look she gave. Why didn’t Gir shoot me? I felt a tear well up in the corner of my eye. I wasn’t sure if it was from the pain, or knowing I had caused her pain from my brash action… No, it was definitely both. She had a nasty grip… I couldn’t take it anymore… Gir seemed to be doing better…

“Gir, would you mind if I borrowed Jenner for a minute. We’ll be back.”

“Of course, you two behave!”

I took Jenner’s hand and beelined for the bar exit. Once outside, we rounded a corner out of sight and I evacuated the contents of my stomach, then wiped my mouth with a napkin I had palmed.

“What, you had to bring me outside to watch you vomit? Gir leave a bad taste in your mouth? Good. Serves you right you… you... you… jackass.” Jenner’s eyes flared pure anger.

“If you couldn’t feel my trembling Jenner, I don’t know why - I thought I was shaking the entire bar. Miyako, I came back to the bar for two reasons, one to get a nightcap, the other to give you something. I had just gone to my ship to get what was left of my things. Jacob will take possession of it tomorrow to continue his trade runs for the tea business. It’s easier that way for his station passes. I remembered something I had put away in a safe place… One of three things that I still have that belonged to my dad, then my mother. I want you to have this one.” I put a small object into her hand and closed her hand around it. “My dad gave it to my mother as a promise. A promise that showed he always thought of her. A promise that, even though he wasn’t always the brightest, the smartest, especially when it came to my mom, she was the only one that ever meant anything to her. He failed at showing it at times, but he never faltered in his love for her. There is no one I want to have it other than you. It’s simple. It’s not much. But it comes with the same promise. I was scared today during the battle. I knew I wanted to give this to you tonight. Then I walked into the bar to a crazy woman holding a gun. I don’t want to wait any longer… Please take it.”

I took my 10mm from my holster and put it in her other hand. “I could have tried to use this, but I know I’d be dead now. That would be preferable to losing you. So I give you the choice, either way I want you to have the ring. No one else deserves it. But if your anger is too much to forgive me for making an insane choice in an insane moment to live, please use the gun.”

Miyako opened her other hand to see the promise ring my father had given my mother so long ago...

 

[Jenner]

Jenner felt the weight of the pistol in her one hand and the lightness of the ring in the other. The world was spinning out of control and she didn't know how to feel about Mike anymore. She looked into his eyes and saw a frightened, desperate man staring back.

"Here" she said, handing him the pistol. Then, she held up the hand with the ring and opened her palm. "And this." She said, pushing it toward him.

"But..." he stammered, taking the ring back.

"Yaffle-san told me once that I was emotionally immature." Jenner said, leaning against the wall of the corridor. "At the time I didn't really appreciate it. The past few days have shown me the wisdom behind his words. And," she said, pausing, "I also see that you are, too."

"Jenner.... Miyako... You know how I feel about you. I thought you felt the same? Weren't we just talking about making a go at this relationship?" Mike said.

"If we're immature apart what good are we together?" she said. "I don't know. You're impulsive, Mike. You don't think before you act. You're a good man, but... I just...." she turned away. Mike stood dumbfounded.

"Tonight you forced my hand on your leg. You forced me to the ground the other night in a drug induced fog. You make me uncomfortable. I haven't felt like it since...since...." she paused to rub her tattooed wrists. "

"You say you love me but you just kissed Gir for no reason.." she said, releasing her hold on her wrist.

"She was going to shoot Sven! I had to do something!" Mike protested.

"Oh, ****, Mike! How do you know what she was going to do? And maybe you could, I don't know, call station security?" she protested, turning to face him again.

"Goodnight, Mike." she said, giving him a curt, formal bow. "I think we need some distance in our relationship. I need time.... time to get my feelings straight."

She took a few steps away, then turned her head to address the despondent man over her shoulder. "And I suggest you get your ship back. I don't want you blaming me if you loose it."

She continued on, disappearing into the dim gloom of the hall light.

 

[Darkoba]

Dar'koba felt he was able to face Gir with openness and honesty, without fear that Gir would turn on him.

"Gir, let's have another drink and settle down. We all understand your pain. We're your friends, and we also understand how your training and conditioning affects you with lightning reflexes. But understand how people can, and will, become afraid of you if you keep losing it at the drop of a hat."

"I know, I understand, but I seem unable to control it. It's as though there's another me inside this one, and that other me takes over when that 'hat' drops. When that other me takes over, this me isn't here to control it, and it's almost as though the 'other me' enjoys the feeling of cruelty and inflicting pain."

"Is there anything anybody can do about it? Would you allow anybody to help, if they could?"

"Lacus knew how to control the other me," Gir sobbed, "But I don't know if anybody else could."

They continued to discuss the problem, trying to come up with possible solutions until deep into the station's night.

...

 

[illu Minti]

It had been several days since the tech station assault, the main Imperial fleet had reached Empire space without incident

The "volunteers" of the Chronus scientific community were spread out to several high security military Skunk works facilities, to work on "unusual innovations that would naturally help keep peace in the Galaxy"

Agent Illu himself was on his way back to Barnards station on an Imperial shuttle craft, and Cas had found her husband fine and well, they were allowed some R&R together for her courageous undercover work Cas had done, the Emperor rewards those well that please him.

Illu too had received a gift from Smiley herself on the behalf of he Emperor

The Empire medal of Faithful Service

Spoiler

He felt good to be back in his crisp clean Imperial Attaché uniform, he fumbled the medal but decided to hide it away upon returning to the bar, proud as he was in serving the Empire, any friends he had left there at the bar would probably not understand his reasons for his erratic behavior

He looked up to the on-board tv screen to see bulletins of sketchy reports of past unusual fleet movements appearing and disappearing, rumors of mass military actions and the sudden fall in shares of Cronus stocks

What made Illu smile however was the usual oddball miner appearing on screen claiming they had salvaged great internal ship equipment from abandoned war ships, but then unable to remember where they found them, Illu thought he saw Frank on the TV but the bulletin came and went so fast he wasn't sure!?

He looked out of the shuttle craft to see they were here and entering the docking port of Barnards

He stood up "right then, only one place to go, Thargoids and a well deserved Jinx!" he wasn't sure of the reception he would get from the others, but weirdly more pressing on his mind was what were the results of he latest rounds of the Galaxy Football championships since he had been away!

 

[Elden]

It was all ok, until the sound of shattering glass. Sven started resenting, and two blinks later Gir was holding a gun, pointing at him.

"What? She's going to shoot?! For real!" El, thought "Is that happening? No way, how this can be?!"

That moment Mike shows up and resolves the situation in the most unexpected manner. And it worked.

El's got his jaw dropped. The sudden tension of mortal danger have waned, as the machine pistol hit the floor, but some some nasty alarm could be heared at the edge of his mind.

Something was going wrong."Oh, ... , Jenner is here!" he thought. As he turned he expecting to see her in the same stance, holding a similar gun but she was not. Instead he saw a stern look, a glare, almost ready to start burning holes in things, mixed with shock and surprise.

As it was over, Miyako headed there. As she strode by, El could almost hear the air humming around her. Elden struggled to follow her for a moment, but caught Sven's look as he shook his head mildly, saying "don't" only with his lips. Sven have managed to keep his face calm, like nothing happened. No one noticed a small droplet of sweat that appeared on his forehead, as he knew he had no chance of surviving a gunfight with Gir.
Elden have finally made his mouth shut and dropped back to his chair.

"These two have been so nice to each other all the evening." He thought as he continued with his tea. "Why would Mike do such a thing? Was there an other way to resolve the situation" Then he have recalled the fear he felt himself, as Gir was going to shoot Sven. He somehow knew that it was not for show. She could have shot him for real. And he was gratefull for Mike having showed up when he did. Now when they both have left, El could not stop thinking of how their strife could unfold. He was hoping to see them both allright tomorrow, when he'll be showing his Saker at Akashi Repairs.

 

[Iglooman]

It had been a rough night. I awoke hoping it was all a bad dream, but the knot in my gut and the clock saying 4am said it was not. I really had no idea how I’d make it up to Jenner. I showered, grabbed a thermos of my strongest tea blend, and heading to Akashi. I really wanted to make sure I wouldn’t run into her in the locker today…

I passed by the Thargoid on my way and bumped into a figure leaving. Clean, crisp uniform… “Illu! You’re back! How are you feeling?”

“Long live the empire!” came his instant reply. “All hail our glorious Emperor!” Illu saluted, then pulled his wallet out and took out a picture of the Emperor himself. “Look at him, isn’t he all you ever wanted in a leader???” With that he kissed the picture, lovingly put it back in his wallet, and continued, “How have you been, my good tea trader? I heard mention you were recently successful.”

“You heard wrong.”

“But you won your fight against Cronus!”

“But I lost what I value most.”

“Oh, I heard you lost a ship.”

“If only it were that easy. You can replace ships. I need to head to work. Glad to see you back on your feet…”

“May the emperor smile on you!”

“Umm, sure.” I turned away from Illu thinking Imperial control techniques were a little over the top… There was really only one person I wanted to have smile at me, and it wasn’t the dude in that photo, that’s for sure. As I walked away, Illu grinned. Who was to say you couldn’t have a little fun after a hard mission… Maybe it’d get him some pity tea and cheesecake…

I walked into Akashi at about 4:20am and looked around. Things were still a little disorganized from the pre-battle preparations. I looked up at Jenner’s banner. It was already showing signs of its time in a shop environment with its smoke and fumes… I got to work and took it down, calling Mrs Soon. WIthin minutes a laundry runner was there. I gave him the banner and instructions to clean and put a protectant on it to help it repel the toxic fumes.

I went and changed, then got to work cleaning. The door buzzer went again at 5:25am and I had Jenner’s banner up again at 5:40am and looking amazing. You just couldn’t beat a good chinese laundry for speed and cleaning. By 7am I had the shop organized, the work orders in order, and Elden’s ship cycled into the shop. I sat back in the chair and looked around. Not bad. I put my feet up and thought I deserved a little closing of the eyes...

 

[Doctor_Demento]

Doc walked into the Akashi Repair shop and caught Mike with his feet propped up on the desk. Doc walked up behind him quietly then loudly said right behind Mike's head "Hey Mike!!". The chair fell back and of course so did Mike. He jumped up from the floor and loudly proclaimed "Hey don't do that! Scared the hell out of me! OK Doc what can I do for you?" Mike grinned sheepishly when he realized how funny it actually was. "Well I see they got my ship wheeled in with everyone else's. I don't think it's too bad off Mike. Not as bad as some of them. Hey isn't that the new guy's ship? What's his name, Elden?" Mike shot back "Yeah Doc that's right. Man that ship is ancient. He stole the ship and escaped slavery. Rough time. He don't really have any money. Wants to work the bill off." Doc's eyes softened. "Hey Mike, look. I know the guy's got his pride. Let him work some of it off. But fix his ship up right. I'll take care of the bill. Don't tell him. He's had it rough enough. He deserves a break for once in his life." Mike smiled. "Up to saving the world again eh Doc? OK Doc I can do that. That's mighty nice of ya. Yeah he seem's like a nice enough chap." Doc turned to go and said "Thanks Mike. Oh and I heard what happened mate. Don't worry. Things have a way of working out. Keep your chin up. Take care". With that Doc turned and walked out the shop in a leisurely pace with a smile on his face.

 

[Iglooman]

It was a fairly uneventful morning, given that when Jenner walked in I was already on top of Doc’s ship patching holes and giving it a thorough checkup. We avoided each other, and when lunch came, I slipped out for a quick bite. I thought of Doc’s comforting words. Maybe he was right. Things always kind of worked out around here, even when they got bad. Eventually Jenner would see I was sorry, wouldn’t she?

I stopped by to talk to Alison and give her a report on things to relay to Mark, Amber, & Richard, as well as to relay thanks for the information they had acquired. “Oh Mike, here, take these.” She handed me two tickets to the Federation Veteran’s Ball. “Maybe you could take Jenner.”

“Umm, yes, thanks, that would be wonderful. Thank you Alison.”

I left the shop quickly, not really wanting to chitchat in case talk turned to how Jenner and I were doing. Two weeks away… Surely even I could patch things up by then. I called Mrs Soon and asked if she’d could procure an elegant Imperial styled dress worth of a princess going to a ball. Sure, it would cost me a mint in tea but she was always willing to barter. Ok, just keep the charm slow and steady, and maybe…

I hurried back to work, grabbing a McThargoid’s to munch on the way. My step felt lighter and hope was returning. Bernard’s Star station was filling me with hope again.

 

[insanephoton]

Mark and Amber were unusually subdued on the journey back to Barnard's Star. The Admiral had bawled them out about the incident at the hospital and set out their punishment.

"Obviously I don't want to take this to the formal level of a court martial. We can all do without further embarrassment, but you two have been increasingly out of control. I'm disappointed with both of you. You can do amazing work and then let your selves down like this. I half expected it of you, Mark. You've always been something of a loose cannon. But Amber... I expected better of you. Now it appears that quite a backlog of paperwork has built up in your office since you left. I know how much you two 'love' paperwork, so I expect everything to be up to date by 17:00 on Tuesday and that will be the end of the matter."

"But we've been gone for months, we'll never be able to catch up in just a few days" protested Mark.

"Well you two will just have to work harder then. Perhaps if you kept your hands off each other for 5 minutes you wouldn't find it so challenging. You have your deadline, don't miss it. Dismissed."

Later in the voyage home, Richard tried to intervene. Nervously he asked to speak privately with the Admiral. She invited him into her quarters.

"Ah Richard, do come in. What's on your mind?"

"Umm Admiral, don't you think the punishment is a little harsh for such a minor transgression? You know we've been through a lot in the last few days."


Admiral Atalanta laughed. "Your brotherly concern is touching but misplaced. Do you seriously believe that I would allow an office under my command to get so behind with it's admin? The staff there have kept everything under control. However there are some documents that require urgent attention, mainly to do with recompensing you.""

"So there is no real punishment then? it's all a joke?"

"Not entirely. I've known them for a long time and I know what they are like. Hell, I even got them together. Mostly I give them a free rein, but sometimes they need a nudge in the right direction. I was annoyed but also amused by their behaviour back in the hospital. The verbal admonishment is sufficient, but it is more effective if they don't find out until they get back. It will give them time to reflect on things. Just let them stew until theyget back to their office."

 

[Jenner]

The shop was quiet for lunch break - Mike and Velma had departed. Mike had finished with some quick fixes on Doc's ship and now Elden's was back inside. Jenner wasn't very familiar with this make and model and was having a hard time delving into its systems. In particular one hydraulic cylinder in the port landing leg assembly was casing her trouble. It was sticking a bit when the leg was extended so she wanted to remove it and do some tests.

"Come..... ON!...." she grunted, heaving against the wrench in her hands. The wrench slipped off, almost sending her head over heels in the low gravity. She whacked the assembly with the wrench in response. It didn't free the mechanism, but it made her feel better.

She took hold of the hull again, planing her feet to gain some purchase, and heaved again with the wrench.

"Huunnnghh!" she shouted, her muscles tensing against the wrench.

A loud hiss tore through the shop as the cylinder erupted from its housing and buried itself in Jenner's chest.

She screamed, but all that came out was a gurling noise. The wrench she was holding slowly fell to the floor in the low gravity as Miyako staggered backwards, her hands clutching the metal rod now sticking out of her breast. Some hoses running across the shop floor tripped her and she fell backwards, landing on her back.

She could feel the blood pooling around her...her vision was getting blurry... each heartbeat seemed to vibrate through the metal rod she clutched in her blood soaked hands.

Turning her head she could see the 'Lost Time Incident' board hanging prominetly on the wall. If she'd been able to she might have chuckled at the irony. As it was she had no strenth left for anything.

Another heartbeat. Her fingers loosened. Another. Her hands slipped from her chest to rest on the floor. Another. The pain subsided. She felt almost at peace. Another.

Silence.

 

[Darkoba]

The Thargoid and Fer-de-Lance had all but emptied out. Gir and Dar'koba were still in the alcove. The conversation had lightened up some, as more Jinx was consumed. The newest bar customer, a guy named Elden was still sitting at the bar, nursing a drink and looking a little lost. With Gir's agreement, Dar'koba waved and invited Elden to join them at the table.

Elden walked over and sat down. They all introduced themselves. Elden seemed a little insecure around Gir. Dar'koba could fully understand that, so sat between the other two. Dar'koba asked Sven for a round of drinks. Elden hesitated.

"Er, I'll pass on the drink, if you don't mind. I'm a little short of cash at the moment."

"That's not a problem," Dar'koba said, "It happens to us all at times."

"It hasn't happened to us for a while though, my old friend," Gir giggled, under the influence of her emotions and a lot of Jinx.

"True, fortune has smiled upon us."

Gir immediately went quiet again as Lacus re-entered her consciousness.

The drinks arrived. Elden said thanks and accepted his.

They asked, and Elden told his story; the story of enslavement, determination to escape and finally the theft of the old ship which, miraculously, had brought him to the Barnard's system.

"Yes, my ship is now at the Akashi repair shop. I am hoping to be able to work to pay the repairs bill."

"Things have a way of working out right around here, even when they seem to go wrong." Dar'koba said.

"Yes," Gir agreed, sobering up slightly, "Maybe I can learn from that."

"I'd like to see your ship" Dar'koba said, "I hear she's almost a museum piece?"

"Yes, she is being very old. I was lucky she was able to bring me so far. It is business opening time already." Elden said, looking at the wall clock, "Maybe Akashi is open already. We could go to see my ship, if you like?"

...

 

[Elden]

They've arrived just in time to see Jenner standing there, under the curved saker's wing near the port-side landing strut, holding a wrench. Elden smiled, recalling the Mike's words about her, being eager to get into some unfamiliar tech. But then...

The wrench have slipped out of her hand and started sailing towards the floor. The time have slowed, as he realised that something was terribly wrong. Looking at her from behind he could not see the wound, but her still inclination was telling enough to him. Then the wrench hit the floor, sending the clank sound echoing around the repairs shop. It wasn't very loud, but have filled all the air, burning in his ears. Time have stopped. A drop of blood have hit the floor, leaving a bright red blotch on the metal floor. Then another one. And more. Then she stumbled and started collapsing. In half gee and with the time streatched it seemed like eternity. She fell an her back, revealing the horrible wound.

When Elden saw it, he had a rough undersanding of what have heppened. He started rushing forward only to see Darkoba and Gir already on their half way to her. He realised, that it was his ship, that wounded her. It was his fault to bring it here. It was totally his fault.

As he ran he have got his eyes soaked and his vision dimmed. Things have become blurry. He did not knew what to do, he was absolutely out of all the medicine stuff. He closed in, he saw Jenner staring somwhere sideways with a wry smile across her face. Her chest covered in red.

Gir was already off for a first aid kit on the wall and Darkoba have already summoned a medical emergency team with his comm. the answer was as short as "ETA - two minutes". Elden could not help it but falling to his knees beside her. He've got a chance to see her face right before she have lost consciousness. He got that look imprinted deeply to his mind. Now, if she dies he is going to never forgive himself. Mike would never forgive him as well, but this was not the thing he cared about now. What he cared of, was her look, he saw, before she closed her eyes. It was taking hold of him.

When medics arrived they got him pushed off, doing their job. He have dropped down by the wall, staring helplessly through the air in front of him, as they've got Miyako taken away to the station's med bay. He even could not approach his own ship, as he saw the red puddle of her blood near the landing leg. So he sat there, staring nowhere.

 

[GIR_mk_2]

The medical team arrived in a matter of minutes and began working on jenner pushing all aside Mike hovered close by peering over shoulders and pacing whilst Elden had slumped against a wall he had gone pale staring of into space, Darkoba had walked over to him and sat next to him trying to tell him it wasn't his fault

A few more minutes passed as the medical team stabilzed Jenner enough to move her to the mediacl centre he breathing was swallow strained beneath her oxygen mask as they carted her out on a stretcher with Mike following closely, Gir peered over to where Darkoba and Elden had taken a seat her eyes narrowed recent events had made her far less trusting and she didn't trust this new man

She wandered over to El's shipand began circling it looking it up and down till she stopped suddenly she had stepped in something whilst concentrrating on the ship, her gaze fell to the floor and she realized she had stepped in the pool of Jenner's blood. Terrorclawed at her very soul as she jumped back falling to the floor her boots squeaked as she frantically pushed herself away along the floor she had begun mumbling to herself

"God no, please no more loss. Not my friends please I don't want to be alone again" Her voice tembled barely making it past her teeth as the fear choked her from within

 

[Darkoba]

"Gir! Gir! Snap out of it! We got to her in time. She'll be OK!"

Dar'koba shook Gir's shoulder as he tried to talk her out of her shocked reaction.

<Oh, gods, I've got two of them in shock, needing looking after>

Gir's hysteria escalated until Dar'koba considered slapping her. Knowing her possible reaction to THAT, he held off as long as possible. El was still against the wall, mumbling to himself about it being his fault.

"For crying out loud, will you two get a grip!?!?! Miyako will be OK <I hope>, the facilities here are at least as good as my med-bay, and that has cured worse than what Miyako has! And it was an accident which goes with the job. It wasn't anybody's fault, Elden, except perhaps the mechanics who didn't look after your ship properly, before you stole it. It's definitely not your fault!"

Gir made an attempt to gather herself and settle down. She took several deep breaths and composed herself. With an effort, she spoke.

"Elden, Dar'koba's right. It was not your fault. Actually, Jenner is a little bit to blame for not taking the right precautions. It looks like she used brute force to get that open, instead of getting the right extraction tool to do it. No blame here, man."

"Look, you two go back to the bar and get some breakfast." Dar'koba suggested, "I'll clean up here then join you in, say, half-an-hour?"

Gir and Elden nodded and left the plant. Dar'koba looked through the stores and found a bucket, mop, suction syringe and a supply of detergent. With a sigh, he set to his unpleasant, grisly but necessary task.

Within fifteen minutes there was no trace of Miyako's blood on the work deck, and five minutes later. the tools and materials had been sonically cleaned and put back in the stores.

Dar'koba closed the gates to the yard and headed to the medical centre to see how Miyako was faring, and also to see how Mike was bearing up. Gir and Elden would be alright for another quarter of an hour or so.

...