VFF The Book Continues Part 6 by Colt99

abbey was fuming as she went about making final preparations. Then Niska started making the introductions and for some reason, he seemed quite amused and excited when he did.

First was the "introduction" to Grayson. That went over well. If looks could kill, both of them would be dead.

Next was Li Chang and Tony Siringo. Both well known slavers. Just being in the same room made abbey nervous, but she was keeping her cool. You wouldn't know it if you looked at her.

Then Colt insulted everyone with the "drown some puppies" comment. If abbey could have kicked him from under the table, she would have. Was he trying to get himself or both of them killed?

Quote:
Originally posted by Colt99:
“I assure you Captain you have enough blood on your hands” Niska quipped.

What did he mean by that? Blood on his hands? And the word "enough" coupled with that? How many people has he hurt?

Then she tried to lighten the mood by asking them to take their seats. Then Niska got that devious grim on his face again. Something was going to happen again and soon.

Quote:
Originally posted by Colt99:
“Before we begin” Niska stated “Colt has agreed to do a job. I think he should meet who will be joining him.”

A JOB? He agreed to what? She looked over at Colt who seemed to be avoiding eye contact, but soon she realized that there was someone else there. Someone that Colt knew. And his name was Twister. And apparently he knew Sky too and their last meeting did not go well. Bad enough that it was a certainty that Sky would've shot him.

And there looked to be no love lost between the two. Her stomach dropped. This was not good.

Quote:
Originally posted by Colt99:
“Seeing how we’re going to be working together, don’t you want to introduce me to your little lady?”

Colt wasn't happy about it, but he introduced Twister Johnson to her and verified that they used to work together. Grayson pulled out CorPad and started typing. He didn't seem to worried about who saw him either.

Quote:
Originally posted by Colt99:
“Let me save you some trouble there officer. You won’t find any more hunting up my name than you did Colt’s. Now you want to see that thing light up light a Christmas tree…” Twister looked at Colt “If I were to say the name…”

Twister was baiting Colt and Colt fell for it. If he had a gun, this Twister man would have been dead.

And what was that about Colt's name not being in the Allied Law Enforcement's database. Wasn't everyone in there? Heck, she was in there and she had a new identity.

Quote:
Originally posted by Colt99:
“Now that’s mighty interesting. You acted just like I expected. But your pretty lady friend didn’t even flinch. Seems you haven’t gotten ‘round to telling her about your past” Twister stood and nodded to Niska. “Guess I’ll be letting you folks get on with your game. Be seeing ya Colt, real soon.”

abbey's eyes shifted to Colt's as Colt didn't bother to sit down until way after Twister left. abbey was getting a bad feeling in her stomach and it wasn't morning sickness.

When Colt's eyes turned to face her, she made a barely perceptible look with her eyes that said that he had some explaining to do later.

She just kept thinking about what kind of job had Colt agreed to. And how much that job will endanger their child.

"Shall we get started, gentlemen?" she asked, hoping to get in and out of this game as fast as possible. And with their lives.

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Saturday, August 28, 2010 1:49 AM

Colt was fuming, not with Niska, or even Twister. He was upset with himself. Twister had played him and he had fallen for it. Not that he normally maintained his decorum, but losing his focus when gambling, was costing him. He was down more than half his stack. To make matters worse, this was not poker night on the farm. There were games he had never heard of and Grayson’s comments each time Abbey had to stop and explain, were wearing on Colt. Would it be so hard to pick a game and stick with it? Colt wondered.

The plan had been simple buy in, don’t lose much, hell maybe even win a little. Once Spots got back to the ship Mobbex and the others would land at the Skyplex, cause a diversion and he would get Abbey out. Only thing that had gone to plan so far was getting into the game. The job Niska forced on him meant they would likely walk away from here, if he could get word to Mobbex not to attack the Skyplex.

One of Niska’s thugs entered and whispered to Niska. The old man nodded. Colt wondered if it had anything to do with his crew. Niska rose “Some business has come up that I must attend to.” He walked to the door and looked to Abbey “A break, yes? “

“Certainly Mr. Niska” The game will resume once your matters are attended to. Gentleman” Abbey said with professionalism that given the circumstances, Colt found amazing. “Please help yourself to a cigar, freshen your drinks and we will continue shortly.”

Grayson went back to work on his pad looking for information while the two slavers discussed business, the rising cost of chains Colt guessed. He was barely out of his seat and Abbey was next to him.

“We have to get out of here” She whispered.

“Ya think?” Colt said too loud. Abbey hushed him with a stern look “Seems I recall telling you not to come to begin with” Colt continued in a lower voice.

“You being here is why we have to go” She said as she pretended to straighten up the various wares on the table. “I had this under control…”

“Under control?” Colt interrupted “ You do see the man that not more than a few hours back was hell bent on taking you and our baby don’t you? Not to mention the two slavers who would be none too happy to add us to their bottom line, for no other reason than that’s what they do” Colt paused” Oh that’s right one of them does have another reason for wanting to.” His voice rising again.

Abbey was moved by his concern. As mad as she wanted to be she couldn’t find fault in his words. She could reach out and hug him, let his embrace assure her that everything would be ok, even if it might not be true. She could take his hand and look into his eyes and apologize for not causing him to worry. Instead… she changed the subject.

“Who the hell was that Twister character? “ She demanded “And how in the world did you end up taking a job for Niska?”

“Later” Colt said “We need to get word to Mobbex not to blow up anything. I’m guessing Niska’s not going to let me wander about so you need to get him the message, dock and wait.”

“What was he planning on blowing up?” Abbey said exasperated.

“Not to worry. Just get him the message” Colt glanced to the door half expecting Niska to enter before he could send word “Oh and one more thing. You have any more of those special chocolates you keep for players?” Colt smiled.

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Friday, September 10, 2010 8:37 PM

Mobbex, Spots and Rune crouched next to the airlock that would allow entrance to Niska's Skyplex.

"Why are we doing this again?" Rune asked. "I know I am new, but this is Mr. Niska. He might take offense to us blowing up something or shooting one of his employees. And I'd really rather not get skinned alive if we get caught."

Rune looked square at Mobbex and Spots.

"I know he has done unspeakable things to folks who cross him."

Mobbex shrugged.

"We're doing this cause the Captain said to," he said. "And I just love to see the faces of people when a grenade falls at their feet. It's priceless."

With that, he handed Rune a grenade and smiled.

"You ready?"

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Friday, September 10, 2010 8:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Colt99:
“Seems I recall telling you not to come to begin with.”

"Seems I recall telling you that I had this handled and you should stay away," she retorted.

Quote:
Origanally posted by Colt99:
“You do see the man that not more than a few hours back was hell bent on taking you and our baby don’t you? Not to mention the two slavers who would be none too happy to add us to their bottom line, for no other reason than that’s what they do. Oh that’s right one of them does have another reason for wanting to.”

abbey knew he was right about that, so she quickly changed the subject, not liking where the conversation was going. Instead she asked about Twister. And Colt blew her off. She would get an explanation later. She was sure of that.

“Who the hell was that Twister character? “ She demanded “And how in the world did you end up taking a job for Niska?”

Quote:
Originally posted by Colt99:
“We need to get word to Mobbex not to blow up anything. I’m guessing Niska’s not going to let me wander about so you need to get him the message, dock and wait.”

Blowing something up? That was his plan to escape? What was he thinking? Was Colt trying to get them killed. She would be discussing this with him later too, that is, if they survived.

She tried to think of a way to get Mobbex a message. She didn't have an explanation nor the time to actually walk down there. But then Colt was talking again and she stood dumbfounded and open mouthed at his comment.

Quote:
Originally posted by Colt99:
“Oh and one more thing. You have any more of those special chocolates you keep for players?”

And he had that smug smile on his face. Was he insane? She rolled her eyes at him, but would have rather slapped him into sanity.

But she had a job to do, contact Mobbex and cancel the distraction. She saw Grayson's CorPad. She could use that, if he would let her. She guessed she had no choice. She'd snatch it from him if she needed to.

She didn't get the chance though as an explosion rumbled through the station. She closed her eyes in annoyance.

"Now look what you've done," she said glowering at him. "We're gonna get killed... Or worse."

She looked at the other men and with the upmost professional demeanor, she spoke.

"What is the meaning of this?" she said with an indignant voice. "Our game is being disrupted by explosions on the station. I don't feel safe and according to the House, I am required to cancel the game. It is time to cash in your chips gentleman."

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Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:24 AM

WASHRULESBABY

***** rubs head as it throbs painfully*****

All i did was play with my gorram dinosaurs and those freaks got me ......

**** mumbles as i head back to the bridge****

hey Mobbex whats for break fast? mobbex do you have a spare gun i think i need one now . gorram feds

I am a leaf on the wind

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Saturday, September 25, 2010 10:09 PM

The floor was cold and it didn’t help Oram's mood by a long shot.

And she knew explosions would be involved.

This just set her foul mood even fouler. Explosions meant death or serious injuries which meant she'd have to stay up late and fix whatever body had been broken and burnt.

She didn’t even want to think about the Niska situation.

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Monday, October 18, 2010 6:21 AM

Colt cussed under his breath as he heard the muffled explosion followed by alarms. Abbey moved quickly, announcing the end of the game and cashing everyone out. Niska hadn’t returned yet but Colt could feel time was running out, if only Mobbex had waited. When did he become…reliable?

His thoughts were interrupted by Abbey “Colt…COLT!” He looked down. It was his turn to cash out. “Chips?” Abbey said impatiently.

Colt grabbed her satchel and scrapped all his chips, inside “We’ll settle up back on the Book” Grabbing her hand, he headed towards the door. He felt a tug. As he turned, he saw Tony Siringo had her arm.

“Well now…that’s a mighty interesting tattoo your lady friend has there.” Colt saw Abbey’s blouse had slipped off her shoulder as he pulled her towards the door. “What do you suppose the odd are of me running across two different women with the same tattoo in less than a few weeks?”

“I’d guess they're better than you getting out of here without a limp” Abbey said as she kicked Siringo in the thigh. Her spiked heel dug deep into his flesh, and he let out a yelp. Colt took the advantage and landed a solid left that sprawled him across the felt.

The other slaver, Li Chang, seemed just as interested in Abbey’s tattoo as Siringo had been, but bowed slightly to Abbey before extending his arm, directing her towards the door. Guess slavers don’t stick together, Colt surmised. They reached the door only to run into their next obstacle, Grayson.

“Do you still think he can protect you? “ He said sternly to Abbey.

Abbey wavered for a moment “You…You left me little choice.” She regretted her choice of words almost immediately. “Colt I didn’t mean it like…”

“It’s fine” Colt said matter of factly. Then he stepped in front of Grayson. “Move or I’ll have her kick your ass next”
………………………………………………………………………….
Colt and Abbey ran down the hallway. Colt had managed to grab his gun and Abbeys large gaming case on the way out but was wishing he had left her stuff behind. “What level is your shuttle on?” He said trying to steer the large case down the hallway.

“Three” Abbey responded. “What about the Book? “

“Plan was simple, Mobbex causes a distraction. Spots hack's the dock releases, and they fall back. Only thing getting off of here for the foreseeable future is your shuttle and the Book.”

They had just reached level three without any problems. The shuttle had been brought aboard and would exit through a space lock on the level. Colt tossed her case inside and ran back out to see Abbey arguing with Dock Master for this level.

“Sorry Ma’am, but we’re locked down until they find out all this commotion is about.” He said.

“Check again son. Niska said we would be able to launch” Colt said assuredly.

He held up his clipboard and at that moment a green light appeared next to Abbey’s name on the list. “Clear the hole” He shouted, then he turned to Abbey” Get your ship in position Ma’am.”

Just as Abbey was shutting the shuttle airlock and announcement came over the intercom in the docking bay. “The intruders are trapped on level six. All F9 security forces report to level six”

Colt slapped the panel and stopped the door. As he ducked under Abbey caught his arm. She didn’t say anything but Colt could see the worry on her face. “Take off. Contact Wash, if you haven’t heard from us in 15 minutes, tell her to launch” Abbey started to object but Colt stopped her. “Don’t worry, that’s not plan A” with that he, grabbed one of the Book’s comm units, punched the door switch and was gone.

Colt examined the skyplex emergency evacuation map on the wall trying to determine the best way to level six. He heard the airlock shut behind Abbey’s shuttle and hum of the air cycle. He stood until he heard her shuttle launch from the lock then he made his way across the deck to the nearby staircase. “Three levels up” he said as he ascended the steps. Glancing down he came to a stop. Turning quickly he ran back down the stairs, taking them two at a time. He hit the deck and sprinted behind some nearby crates. Directly, across from him was Grayson’s ship, the Justice. “Pompous ass” Colt muttered. The ship was sleek, fast. Slung under her belly was Grayson’s hover. The same one he had parked outside the Book when he came for Abbey.

Colt searched the docking bay until he found a pair of coverall’s and a tool box. Donning the apparel and shoving his coat and sidearm in the tool box, he approached the maintenance crew, working on the Justice.

“Marty said the hover is scheduled for PM. He wants it up on level 6” Colt said confidently.

The tech looked down at his clip board “Not seeing a preventive maintenance on my schedule, who‘d ya say ordered it?”

“Marty, level 6” Colt replied indifferently.

“Don’t know a Marty, Simmons is on level 6. I’m gonna need to call this in” The tech said moving to the comm station.

“Go ahead, but you aint reaching Simmons. Marty is filling in” Colt said coolly then moved closer the tech “You didn’t hear it from me, but it seems Simmons came back with a little more than a smile from the red light district last night. He’s at medical getting it checked out”

The technician grinned. “No shit? Serves him right always talking down to us, sending us the shit details.” He reached towards the comm station and Colt thought he was caught. The tech keyed the comm “Billy, drop the hover."

Colt moved his new mule into the freight elevator and headed up to level 6. When the elevator started moving, he keyed the Book’s comm 3 times and waited for a response.

“Captain?” Mobbex’s voice came through the mike. “We’re clear. Got some help to get out there. Rendezvous back at the ship, but you best be fast about it”

“Didn’t we discuss a code to communicate so they couldn’t hear our voices?” Colt said into the comm.

“Oh right” Mobbex replied to Colt heard the repeated squawks as Mobbex became transmitting in code.

“Never mind it now Jackass, what level?” Colt said exasperated.

“Ah, six, dock 14”

As soon as the doors opened to the elevator, Colt gunned the hover. It moved like lightning across the docking bay. A security detail had gathered in front of the Book, and Colt could see them exchanging fire. He swung the hover in a wide arc across the bay then barreled down on the detail. One of them noticed and turned to fire. He was too late Colt jerked the controls, and spun the hover sideways into the group. As they ducked, rolled and bounced off the hull to cover, Colt spun the craft around and jetted into the Book’s bay. He cut the power and slid to a stop. He turned to see Twister hitting the door controls. Colt threw open the tool box and grabbed his pistol, spinning the gun to bear on Twister's lanky frame. Before he could fire, he was hit in the shoulder by one of the security detail. He fell back to the hover bashing his head on the controls. He could feel the Book move, disengaging from the Skyplex, then he black out.

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Wednesday, October 27, 2010 8:53 AM

abbey docked the shuttle with The Book just moments after the disengaged from Niska's Space Station.

She rushed out onto the catwalk and peered down into the cargo bay. The man that made Colt so nervous and tetchy was now on their ship, as was another man she hadn't seen before. She was nervous. She didn't like it when folks were around her that she didn't know. She saw Mobbex stand up and woot.

"WOOOO HOOOO!" he hollered. "Now, THAT was fun!"

He reached down and helped the other man up off the ground.

"Well, it was a bit more exciting than my normal day," Rune said.

Then she looked at Colt. He was still inside the hover, Grayson's hover, but he wasn't moving.

"Colt!" she yelled as she barrelled down the stairs.

She reached him with surprising speed. Checking him out, she could see the bullet wound.

"ORAM!" she yelled. "ORAM! Captain's hurt!"

She opened up his coat and revealed that he was bleeding pretty profusely from the wound. She put her hand over the wound to staunch the blood.

"MOBBEX!" she yelled. "HELP ME GET HIM TO THE INFIRMARY!"

It was actually Rune who arrived first, ready to pull the man out of the hover. Mobbex then joined him and together they lifted him up.

"Captain done got himself shot again?" he grumbled. "The man oughta invest in some armor."

As Mobbex and Rune were delivering him into Oram's capable hands, his gun clattered on the floor. But she didn't seem to notice it. She was looking at the blood on her hands.

Colt's blood.

Her baby's father's blood.

Then she heard someone approach her from the direction of the cargo bay doors.

That man from the game.

She reached down, grabbed his gun and turned on him.

"Now who are you?" she asked. "And why are you here?"

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Wednesday, October 27, 2010 8:53 AM

Whoops... Double post.

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Wednesday, November 17, 2010 11:41 AM

“Go easy little lady. Think there’s enough blood spilt on this day already” Twister said taking a step back.

Abbey kept the gun trained to the center of Twister’s chest as she stepped out of the hover. “Colt might thank me for it” She said, surprised at the venom with which she had said it. “He didn’t seem that pleased to see you. Don’t think he’ll mind if he doesn’t again.”

If Twister was afraid, it didn’t show. He moved over to a crate in the bay and sat down. “See some things never change. Colt still inspiring loyalty where ever he goes.”

“Wouldn’t go that far” Mobbex said walking into the bay. He stopped as scratched his head “Come to think of it you may be right. Sure as hell can’t be the pay that keeps me around.”

Abbey never took her eyes off Twister “How is he?”

Mobbex seeing the gun in her hand pulled his own and leveled it at Twister. “Orams looking him over, said he was bleeding good, not much else. Mind telling me why I’m pointing a gun at the guy that was helping us escape?”

“He helped?” Abbey said surprised.

“Yep Rune and I..”

“Rune?” Abbey interrupted.

Mobbex nodded his head in the direction of the infirmary “Some stray Spots picked up. Lots of new faces” He added shrugging his shoulders. “Back to what I was saying, Rune and I had set off the diversion and were surrounded a bit quicker than usual this time. I was trying to cut a path out when Slim there showed up and lent a hand.”

“And this is my thanks?” Twister said standing. He reached across his body, slowly, with his off hand and gripped the butt of his pistol, easing it from the holster and laid it on the crate. “Niska hired me to do a job with Colt. I was hired because of Colt and my…unique history together. One that Colt hasn’t seen fit to share with you. So you can keep asking me who I am and pointing ‘round them guns, but the question you should be asking is, who is Colt?”

“Tie him up and put him in one of the passenger’s rooms” Abbey said calmly despite the fact that her mind was filled with hundreds of questions. She kept him covered until Mobbex had him bound then she headed to the infirmary.

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Thursday, November 18, 2010 8:20 PM

Gunshots that made her jump rang out across the cargo bay. With that the ship took off at a sharp angle and Abbey began screaming Oram's name.

Racing down at a run to the cargo bay, she saw Mobbex and a man she didn’t know placing the captain on the infirmary bed with blood gushing from a messy shoulder wound and an angry looking head wound on the right side of his head. In no time flat she was scrubbed and ready for surgery.

As she scrubbed, she watched the new guy. He was handsome and he stirred things inside Oram that she had long given up on.

“What’s your name?” she asked.

“Rune,” he answered. “I came on board with Spots. I was looking for a change in scenery.”

She understood that. Getting a fresh start was something she’d done a couple of times. Now that she was all clean and ready to treat Colt, her attention shifted from the new hottie to Colt. The bullet had slipped behind the bone in the left shoulder, making the retrieval difficult but you don’t want to leave a bullet in the body if it could be helped. She stitched and cauterized what she could, cleaned the wounds, both his shoulder and head, and sewed the captain up. Looking up at the clock, she noted it’d taken three hours. It wasn’t bad. She was simply a doctor, not a brilliant surgeon who was trained in trauma wounds, though on the ship she was learning much too quickly.

Setting up a broad-spectrum course of antibiotics and painkiller in Colts IV, Oram opened the door to let Abbey in to see the father of her baby.

“Just … try and keep it quiet, no yelling or nagging him.” She said as Abbey took in Colt’s still unconscious form. “He'll be groggy, nauseated and in pain, but he should make a full recovery.”

She noticed Mobbex standing guard outside one of the passenger dorms.

“Who else is here? We have another new person?” she looked back at Abbey. “Does the Captain know this?”

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Sunday, December 5, 2010 11:33 AM

Three hours it took. During the whole time, abbey paced back and forth. Wash was good enough to come by with some food and drink for her, but she barely ate anything at all. The thought of losing him was more than she could bear.

The thought their child would be fatherless was even worse.

During those three hours, several times she almost went down to see that Twister fellow that Mobbex was guarding. She wanted to know exactly why Colt had felt the need to shoot him. That, added to the happenings in the game, was making her a little more than scared.

Finally Oram came out and abbey nearly flew to the door.

Quote:
Originally posted by Oram:
“Just … try and keep it quiet, no yelling or nagging him.” She said as Abbey took in Colt’s still unconscious form. “He'll be groggy, nauseated and in pain, but he should make a full recovery.”

"Nag him?" abbey retorted. "I'd like to-"

She halted herself. She indeed wanted to smack him up side the head for getting shot, but she was really much too happy that he'd make a full recovery.

"I'll be good," abbey promised as Oram noticed Mobbex and his prisoner guarding.

She noticed Mobbex standing guard outside one of the passenger dorms.

Quote:
Originally posted by Oram:
“Who else is here? We have another new person?” she looked back at Abbey. “Does the Captain know this?”

"Who do you think he was shooting at?" abbey answered as she left her mei-mei to go visit her... whatever he was.

The breath was sucked out of her when she saw him. He looked way more helpless than she ever remembered him to be. But they had a deeper connection now. Deeper than verbal sparring or sex.

She held his hand for a bit and talked to him about inane things. The news. The latest cinema works on the cortex. The fact that she still managed to garner a Hell of a lot of coin from the game. She was paid a percentage of the buy in at the beginning of the game. She was also well within her rights to leave, since House rules state that if a gamer was to feel unsafe, that the game would immediately be ended and the gamer could leave at once.

But none of it really seemed to matter. Even the money portion. She squeezed his hand and looked for any sign of him coming to. Nothing. She thought about Grayson and about his behavior. In a way, Grayson was right. If she needed an emergency change of scenery, things were now much, much more complicated. But she felt safe around Colt. He would protect her.

But could he do a better job if he knew the whole story? Probably. But was she still ready to tell him everything?

No.

She squeezed his hand again as a tear slid from her eye.

"I'm sorry," she whispered to him. "Sometime I will tell you everything. I promise."

Her words stuck in her throat. It was a few moments before she could move on.

"It's worse than you could imagine and even though things are different for us now, I'm still not ready. I'm sorry."

In the next few minutes, she shed a few more tears, then leaned up and kissed him.

"Get better soon," she whispered as they parted. She looked up into his eyes to see him looking at her. She smiled at him. "About time!"

She kissed him again, this time lingering a little longer.

"abbey-" he started, his throat dry.

She put her finger on his lips signifying that he shouldn't talk. Then she got him a drink and carefully lifted his head so he could drink a bit.

Once she put away the drink, she looked at him again.

"You rest," she said. "I'll be back in a few moments to stay for a longer span. In the meantime, I am going to go visit our little prisoner. Twister is his name? I'm gonna get the truth out of him whether he likes it or not."

Then faster than he could object, she left the room and headed over to where Mobbex was guarding him. She entered and stood in front of him, eyes blaring in anger.

"Just who are you? Colt felt the need to try to shoot you when he noticed you were on board," she asked firmly. "You are going to tell me the truth now.

All of it."

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Sunday, December 5, 2010 11:59 AM

Rune watched from afar, studying his new crewmates. He was trying to figure them out. See what makes everyone tick. The doctor was pretty straight forward in her approach to people. He liked that. Plus she was kinda cute. A little on the short side, but then again, he liked that.

The captain, whose name was Colt, seemed pretty straight forward too, but then again, he really didn't get much of a read on him.

Mobbex was definitely the hired muscle. And definitely not too bright. Did his job very effectively though. Befriend him and he'd always be on your side, like a faithful puppy.

Spots was a no brainer. He came with references. Didn't know his whole story, but he didn't need to. He got the AOK from higher ups on Ezra. He didn't know his whole story, but he didn't feel the need to inquire. One of these days when he knew him better, Rune would have to tell him about the freaky girl he saw in the Slave Marketplace. If he said anything now, the man would just think him crazy.

The pilot, Wash, only came down for a moment. She brought food and drink for the Gamer, but no one else. And she seemed extra concerned about her. Strange.

The Gamer though. She was a mystery. She must have something going on with the Captain. He wondered if she was slumming, because it was obvious she was much higher up on the sophistication scale. She cared about him though. She paced back and forth for the whole 3 hours the Captain was in surgery. While she did, she kept whispering to herself and every once in a while, she would absently rub her stomach as she did.

After thinking for a moment, the reason was clear as day. The stomach, which he could now see a clear bump in it when she turned a certain way, and the food and drink?

"Captain knocked her up!" Rune whispered in surprise. He wondered if they were married or not.

Seeing that the doctor was free, he sauntered over to her.

"Is she pregnant?" he asked. "I take it that it's the captain's baby?"

Before she could even answer, he pressed on.

"Strange to see a Gamer traveling on a boat like this. What's her story?"

Then he saw her march herself over to the place where Mobbex was guarding the other guy. She was full of determination. He looked at her again, noticing something else.

"She looks kinda familiar to me," he said. Then he turned and looked at Oram. He stared at her for a moment too. "And in a way, so do you."

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Monday, December 6, 2010 7:33 PM

Colt watched Abbey walk out with a determination he had seen many times before. “Abbey wait..” he said surprised at the weakness in his voice. He started to rise and the room spun. He fell back onto the exam table. A few deep breaths and he had struggled to the cabinets. He rummaged through the drawers until he found what he was looking for, a stim shot. He opened the package with his mouth, his right arm in the sling Oram had put on him. He drove the needle into his arm and pressed the plunger. He stumbled back to the table and sat.

Abbey stood in the doorway of Twisters cell/room. He was stalling and she was furious. “I’m going to ask you again. What are you doing here?”

Twister looked her up and down slowly and replied with an amused tone. “You are a fierce one aren’t you?”

“Yeah, she can be very persistent.” Colt said from behind her.

Abbey turned “Colt” she said surprised and relieved to see him up. She hugged him, only to hear him muffle a whelp, as she did. She jumped back. “What are you doing here?”

“That the only question she knows?” Twister interrupted.

Abbey shot him an evil look then began to push Colt back towards the infirmary. “You should be lying down. Oram said you need to rest.”

Colt stopped her. He put his good arm around her waist and pulled her close. “I know you were worried. I’m sorry.”

Tears started down Abbey’s face and she put her head on his chest. “I kept thinking about the baby, what if you had…”

“I’m ok.” Colt said kissing her forehead.

“Niska said you knew him, that you hurt people. Then he shows up and you tried to shoot him…What’s going on?” Abbey asked.

“That’s what I’m about to find out.” Colt said as left her standing in the hallway and entered Twister’s room shutting the door behind him.

The crew with the exception of Wash and Brit had gathered near the dorm rooms. Colt had been inside for over an hour. Abbey used the time to get to know the other stranger on the Book, Rune. Where Abbey had used meeting him to distract her thoughts of Colt and what was going on in the room, Oram’s interest seemed more straight forward. Was she flirting? Abbey wondered.

When the door opened everyone turned. Colt came out looking weak but determined. He hit the comm box at the dorm entrance “Wash, set a course for Shinon.”

“Shinon?” Wash questioned. “Kinda tight on fuel for that run”

“Make it work, without a fuel stop if possible, if not plot something in route, and discreet” Colt turned to Abbey “Guilds run that planet, we should be able to land with you on board right?”

“Of course but why are we…” Colt moved past her.

“Spots, strip all the ID from that hover, wipe the computers, anything that leads it back to Grayson. Shinon should have those that want this bit of pretty and the means to purchase it. Also get on the Cortex and shop us up a shuttle. Mobbex give him a hand.” For the first time Colt noticed Rune. He approached him “Niska send you to keep an eye on us?”

Before Rune could answer Spots step between them.“Captain, he’s with me. I think he might be able to help me find my sister. It’s possible that Niska knows something of her whereabouts. I managed to hack some files while I was locking down the Skyplex. It will take some time to sort through all of it but there could be some info.”

“If she’s there we’ll be back for her, you have my word, but till we do this job we won’t be welcome.” Colt turned his attention back to Rune. The extra gun could come in handy. “Not sure you twos arrangement, but you’re on my ship, you follow my orders first. Do what’s asked of you and you’ll earn a share. “

“I’ll think about that” Rune said, sizing up the Captain.

“Wouldn’t think too long, unless you have plenty of coin for passage, or a space suit to take a walk.” Colt headed back towards the infirmary. “Doc, I need something for the pain.”

Oram followed Colt and prepped a shot. “You’re not really going to charge him to stay, he helped us escape.”

“He takes the job, pays the coin or takes a walk, his choice, something I don’t have many of at the moment” Oram jammed the needle in less than kindly. Colt winced but didn’t comment. As he left the infirmary he ran into Abbey.

“Colt talk to me” her eyes pleaded with him.

“I need to speak with Niska, then we’ll talk.” Colt headed up to the bridge. Shortly after he entered Wash exited looking confused.

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Thursday, December 30, 2010 10:14 PM

"You think we look familiar?" Oram asked as her heart started to pound. No one had ever thought that she looked familiar, let alone adding Abbey in the mix as well. "Do you know from where?"

The man, Rune, watched her closely as if trying really hard to place the young woman standing beside him, but gave it up as a bad job, so he came at it from another angle. “Have you ever been to a slave auction?”

Having no idea where he was going with this, and trying not to show any reason to rush away, Oram tried to play it easy. “Do I look like I'm from a family who can afford it?”

“S’pose not,” he replied simply with a shrug.

“No, I suppose not,” she said. “I have errands to run and stuff to do.” And without a backwards glance she headed for where Abbey was hiding.

“That mans going to be nothing but trouble,” she muttered to herself.

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Saturday, January 1, 2011 3:57 PM

abbey was upset when Colt blew her off. He was shutting her out. Again.

So she went in search of Oram, just to triple check that he was OK. As she came across the cargo bay, she saw Oram coming towards her, her gait just a wee bit faster than normal. Behind her was Rune, watching them from afar.

"Are you sure he is going to be OK? Colt doesn't know when to slow down, you know," abbey asked her, forcing a smile so she wouldn't cry.

"He'll be fine," Oram said shortly. "The new guy though-"

"Did I see you flirting with him?" abbey interrupted, her smile a little more genuine.

"Shut it, abbey!" Oram said a little too forcefully. It was too abrupt so she apologized. "I'm sorry, but he may be trouble."

"Trouble?" abbey asked, her brow knitting into a frown. She looked up and saw Rune emerge from the dorm area and lean up against the wall. He was far enough away to not hear them talking, but she kept an eye on him anyway. "What kind of trouble?"

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Wednesday, January 26, 2011 8:35 AM

“I spent a good deal of time and money putting that in the past. You go digging it up and expect me to do your bidding?” Colt sat on the edge of pilot seat staring at the image of Niska on the screen.

“Captain, you and I are men of business. I see an opportunity and I think who could get me such an item? I too invested time and money, finding someone. Someone who knows the interworking’s of the IVA Tchotchkus.” Niska clasped his hands together and leaned closer to the screen. “Then I find Lieutenant Mar...”

“Twister” Colt cut him off.

“Yes. Twister” Niska’s mouth twisted in to what Colt assumed he considered a smile. “He was very eager to do the job, so much so that, he was very forth coming about your past together. In doing so he pointed out how you could help.”

“Still not seeing what’s in it for me and mine.” Colt leaned back in the pilot’s chair. “You threatened my crew, but it’s a big Verse. I’m thinking we won’t be seeing each other again.

“You’re so sure of that Captain?” Niska said confidently. “Have you discussed this with Abbey? Is she so willing to give up her career? If not, it will not be hard to find you. I’m sure Twister has informed you of your cut. A very generous offer. You can decide how or if you wish to split it with Twister. Let me know when you have reconsidered.”

“I’ll be in touch” Colt said flatly as he flipped off the monitor. He had planned on running. The take from the game, selling Grayson’s shuttle, it would be a hefty sum in his wallet, enough to put some distance between Niska and himself. Twister going out the airlock would take some explaining, but the man deserved worse for going back on his word. But Niska wasn’t wrong. He would find them. Abbey wouldn’t stop gaming. Hell why should she? The baby? Colt hadn’t made any commitment to her beyond supporting her decision to have it. Sure she knew he cared but he had never put it into words. Now…this job…he would have to tell her the truth of it. Best he never put it into words, seeing as how she’s likely to leave after she finds out who he really is.

Abbey was waiting at in the crew corridor when Colt left the bridge. “You should be resting?”

Colt took her hand. He held it tight. Thinking it could be the last time he ever held it. He kicked opened the ladder to his bunk and followed her down.

Abbey could tell Colt was troubled. She wanted to voice her concerns about the slavers, Grayson, Twister and the new guy Rune, but held her tongue.

Colt began “Niska’s job is risky. It involves getting onto a Tohoku-class cruiser, the Tchotchkus.”

Abbey interrupted. “One of those floating cities? They don’t even let the Guilds dock for work without weeks of advanced notice.”

“Yeah…that one of the hurdles.” Colt went on. “Seems those long range cruisers are clued in on all the local schedules in their region. Pay roll shipments, supply drops, delivery routes, all logged into their databases. Once on board, Twister will hack the mainframe and…

“Hack a database? He knows how to do that? “Abbey asked.

“Yeah he’s got a knack for it.” Colt continued. “Once he’s in he will install a program that will give Niska remote access to the data. With that info, he’ll be able to plan heists all over.”

“So let him...I mean Twister, let him do it. Why are you involved?”

“Not that easy. Any access on that level has to be initiated by an officer who has served on the ship.” Colt could feel his mouth go dry. “I can...I can get him that access.”

Abbey looked confused “Wash mentioned you were with the Alliance for a time during the war, but you changed sides. Why would you still have access?”

Colt motioned for her to sit. Abbey could tell he was troubled, and that it was deeper than just this job.

“The story I tell ain’t the truth. It’s just…just the lie that makes me feel better.” He sat beside her “I have access because I did a tour on the Tchotchkus. Fresh out of the academy, I served two years. It was before the war. I bounced for station to station after and earned a command. Small vessel, a surveyor ship, working deep in the verse, good crew, Twister one of them. “Abbey noticed that Colt wouldn’t look at her “War came and we were outfitted for it, made us a reconnaissance vessel. We stayed out of the fight for the most part. Then that changed.” Colt shifted, uneasy “We were ordered to fall in with an armada. We were ordered to Shadow.”

Abbey tensed. Everyone knew of the destruction of Shadow. There were still debates today, about why it was done. Many believe the war would have ended much sooner had Shadow been spared.

“I tell people I refused to fire. That’s not the truth of it. We fired…I fired.” Colt hung his head. “I objected of course, waved every ranking officer in the fleet. It was clear if we didn’t fire they would fire on us. So I did it. No telling how many people I killed that day.” Colt looked to Abbey for the first time. He saw the shock on her face. It broke his heart. “After, we decided to run, join the Independents. Twister and most of my command joined me. After the war only Twister and I were left. We were brought up on treason charges, sentenced to death. Finally some justice for what I had done. But that didn’t happen. There was lots of talk about charging those involved with the attack on Shadow as war criminals. Coarse the winning side don’t have to listen to that nonsense, but it wouldn’t look good them killing us that objected to it either. So we were stuck in limbo for a while. Then one day it all they came in and kicked us loose like nothing happened. Reinstatement, back pay for our time on both sides of the war, even while they had us locked up. There were still plenty of hardliners that wanted us dead. Sure they still do. We made a deal. They list us and MIA, we fade away. We took the money, made new identities, implants to fool any scanners. Niska says they still have my ident listed in the logs. Doc will have to remove the implants, but once she does, if we can get on board I can access the database.”

Abbey didn’t know what to say. What do you say when someone tell you they were involved in the biggest atrocity in the war. “I…I need to think” She stuttered then climbed up the ladder, leaving Colt alone.

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Sunday, March 6, 2011 5:40 PM

She didn’t know how to tell Abbey her findings about Rune without causing a scene he'd notice. It was all understandable after all they’d been through, what’d been said and done.

“Trouble?” Abbey asked, her brow knitting into a frown. She looked up and saw Rune emerge from the dorm area and lean up against the wall. He was far enough away to not hear them talking, but she kept an eye on him anyway. “What kind of trouble?”

“The kind that we don’t want following us.” Oram said bluntly, her own anexity getting in the way of tact. “He’s worked with slavers and … Abbs… I think he knows me.”

The colour in the gamers face drained faster than as if someone had pulled a plug, she managed to stand and her voice was surprisingly strong. “Do you know him? Tell the truth Oram.”

She racked her brain from past patients to collegues, friends and family, but no trickle of anybody like him emerged.

“No,” she said finally, “not that I know of.”

“Good,” Abbey breathed, “unless he needs medical attention, stay away from him. We shouldn't push our luck in case his memory gets clearer.”

“Or maybe it’d be better if you just told Colt everything so that if the go se hits the fan, he’ll know and not dump us out of an airlock in case someone lets it slip.” Oram said a little more bluntly than intended, before turning and leaving the gamer to ponder what to do in the cargo bay.

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Sunday, March 6, 2011 6:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Oram:
“Or maybe it’d be better if you just told Colt everything so that if the go se hits the fan, he’ll know and not dump us out of an airlock in case someone lets it slip.” Oram said a little more bluntly than intended, before turning and leaving the gamer to ponder what to do in the cargo bay.

abbey's hand went up to her mouth as she contempleted what Oram had suggested. It shook just a little too much. She covered it by crossing her arms.

"Maybe..." she whispered.

abbey left the cargo bay and made her way up to the door of Colt's bunk. She thought about whether or not she should tell him. The funny thing was that she knew as soon as she took her first step away from Oram that she wouldn't be able to. She was a coward when it came to this subject.

It was a stupid thing. They were having a child together and she still couldn't tell him. She was getting ready to leave when Colt came out of the bridge.

“You should be resting?" was what came out of her mouth. Not the truth.

He took her hand into his and they went into his bunk. She hoped to God he didn't realize how bad she was shaking. He didn't. At least she didn't think so.

It was then that he laid out the details of the job as well as a whole other chunk of information. He told her about his past. All of it. Or at least a good chunk of it.

It wasn't pretty. It was War.

Then she felt a pang of guilt. This man... The father of her child... The one she... Well... He just told her about the worst times of his life and how it made him who he was today.

And she couldn't do the same.

“I…I need to think” she said lamely as she turned abruptly and left.

It wasn't that she was horrified by what Colt did during the War. It was that she was horrified by herself and what she wasn't able... or willing... to do now.

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Thursday, March 17, 2011 6:21 PM

Rune watched the conversation between the doc and the gamer with a certain amount of fascination.

He wished he could be a fly on the wall, especially since he saw the Gamer get extremely pale extremely fast.

Plus she kept looking over at him. What was her problem?

The Gamer's body language was obvious. Or nearly so. He had two options of what was going on.

So he'd go find out. Plus it would let him talk to the cute doc. And maybe he could sort out where he'd seen her from.

He set a intercept course for the doc and tapped her on the shoulder as she got close.

"Is the Gamer OK?" he asked. "She didn't look too good there the end of your conversation."

He looked at Oram.

"I hope it isn't some kinda complication, is it?" he continued to question. He smiled at her. "I have a soft spot for moms and their babies."

He shrugged a bit.

"But if it isn't, there is only one thing left," he stated. "She don't like me very much."

He looked Oram straight in the eye.

"So Oram... I gotta ask, why would she have a problem with me when we haven't actually been introduced proper like?"

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Thursday, March 24, 2011 8:43 PM

Oram considered her next move on the subject of their new passenger. She glanced in his direction to find him gone. Wondering where the hell he’d gotten to, she then felt a tap on her right shoulder.

Rune was lucky she didn’t have her gun on her hip, or a bullet hole to where his chest was would have been bleeding onto Colts lovely floor. He was watching her intensely and it made her uncomfortable, especially as she knew few men who’d looked at her before and it never ended well for either.

“What?” she not at all that warmly.

“Is the Gamer OK?” he asked, glancing to where Abbey had stood. “She didn't look too good there at the end of your conversation.”

“She’s fine. Getting over a flu.” She answered shortly.

“I hope it isn't some kinda complication, is it?” he continued to question. He smiled at her. “I have a soft spot for mums and their babies.”

“No, it’s a flu,” Oram didn’t like the fact that he was asking questions about Abbey, especially with her pregnancy. “There’s nothing wrong with her and you shouldn’t concern yourself with her or with the baby. I’m here for that. Got that?”

Ruse shrugged, probably tyring to find something else to ask to make her slip a few secrets. Yeah, and hell would freeze over.

“But if it isn't that, there’s only one thing left,” he stated. “She don't like me very much.”
Oram, for once, remained tight lipped.

“So Oram... I gotta ask, why would she have a problem with me when we haven't actually been introduced proper like?”

Raising an eyebrow, it was her turn to shrug, more so because she was growing uncomfortable with him. “Abbey don’t much like people she don’t know or work for or who aren’t family.” Oram rubbed the small of her back, which was beginning to ache a little. “You’re neither to any of us, so don’t expect a warm reception with us.”

Something flickered across his face and handsome features, and for a moment, Oram thought she was gonna have to deal with a violent end to the conversation… she’d taken on Mobbex once but she’d mainly caught him off-guard and she didn’t think she could take Rune on in a fight and win.

Then he settled himself, gave a dismissive ‘whatever’ and continued to watch her.

“Yeah, whatever,” Oram said softly and without a word or glance backwards (she had to suppress herself a shudder) walked to the infirmary where a pack of painkillers, twelve year old whiskey, and hopefully sleep, awaited her.

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Friday, March 25, 2011 11:45 AM

Twister lay back on the bunk and stretched. He rolled his shoulders then sat up and looked at his watch. “It’s time” he said. He moved to the door and tried the handle, locked. He knelt and pulled a pick set he had taped to the small of his back. He released the lock in under a minute. Quietly open the door he stole a quick glance into the hallway. The merc he had help in the gunfight had his back to the door at the end of the hall. Past him he saw the gun hand talking to what he assumed was the medic. He slipped quickly across the hall into another dorm room. He searched the room. It looked like it belonged to a female from the attire in the wardrobe. No weapons. He glanced back into the hall. Guard duty was not this group’s strong point. He ducked down the hall towards the last dorm, and climbed the access ladder to the reactor. He disabled the sensor that would notify the bridge that the hatch was open and climbed up. He shut the hatch, he sensed someone behind him. He stepped backwards toward his assailant, closing the distance. He spun and caught Colt in his peripheral.

Colt was cussing in his mind. He had planned on smacking Twister with the rifle butt, but the man had closed to fast on him, now the end of the weapon he needed was pointing the wrong way. Colt shot his elbow out, both hands firmly grasping the rifle. His elbow caught Twister’s cheek, but he paid the price as Twister delivered a blow to his gut. He pulled the rifle back dropping the butt stock down and sweeping it across, blocking Twisters follow up.
Both men grappled for control of the firearm.

“You’re slowing down Colt” Twister popped off, as he brought a knee up. Colt twisted taking the shot to his thigh.

“Never had to be that fast to take you” Colt remarked as he stomped down on the bridge on Twisters foot.

“May be true, but you weren’t shot then.” Twister jabbed two fingers into the center of the bandage on Colt’s shoulder and twisted. Colt screamed as pain shot through his shoulder, he fell to one knee. Twister stepped back and kicked Colt in the chest.

Colt fell back on the deck. He looked up and tried to focus. Twister was standing over him rifle in hand. Colt blinked twice while his mind tried to process what he was seeing. Above Twister hanging from the ceiling was Brit. She was holding a large can of beans.

Twister never saw it coming. Brit swung the can of beans against his head. He fell to the deck unconscious.

Colt watched as she gracefully dropped to the deck beside him. “He’s going to be problematic” She said helping Colt up.

“Yeah he always is” Colt’s shoulder was bleeding again. “I’ve about given up how you know these things, but thanks.”

Brit smiled and produced a length of rope from behind her back and went to work binding Twister.

“Any idea what he was after?” Colt asked.

Brit shrugged her shoulders “He’s hard to read, like you.” She pulled Twister up and leaned him against the bulkhead. “He was coming to you. Coming for you?” She shrugged again.

Twister began to stir “Gorramit Colt” Brit retrieved the can of beans and stood ready. “Easy girl I wasn’t out to harm no one”

“Blood squirting from my shoulder tells me different” Colt said.

“Just a little tussle…got carried away.” Twister shifted against the bulkhead “Just coming to remind you we’re on the clock.”

“By slipping about the ship out of site?”

“Thought I’d get the lay of the things, easier to do undetected.” Twister replied seemingly genuine.

“Not possible” Brit interrupted brandishing her can of beans.

“Oh I like this girl.” Twister grinned “Look no more sneaking around. I got just as big a stake in this job as yo…”

Colt cut him off jamming his forearm into Twister’s throat “You have no idea what I have at stake. You bring this mess down on me and mine and expect things to be like the old days?” He drew his pistol and leveled it at Twisters head. “We had a deal. You went your way I went mine.”

“Drreeel” slipped from Twisters mouth. Colt eased the pressure on his throat. Twister coughed and spat on the floor “Deal? You kicked me out. We had a good thing going. You, Me, Sky, those Balder brothers. We could have robbed every patron from Persephone to Arial.”

“You were careless and stupid.” Colt holstered his gun and pulled a folding knife from his pocket. “You would have gotten us all killed” He leaned Twister forward and cut the rope “You still may”

Twister stood and rubbed his wrists. “I don’t expect you to understand Colt. I drug this to your doorstep, truth enough, and I don’t know all that’s at stake for you, but you don’t know what’s at stake for me either. So let’s just do the rutting job.”

Mobbex’s head spun from the site of Colt and Twister walking the catwalk above him, to the dorm rooms, then to Rune “How did he?”

Colt stopped at the bottom of the stairs and said something to Twister that Mobbex couldn’t make out. Then he went to the infirmary.

Twister walked up. “You boys must feel all kinds of stupid bout now huh?”

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Tuesday, March 29, 2011 12:07 PM

abbey was pacing just inside her shuttle, berating herself for not having the courage to tell Colt the truth.

She was brought out of her thoughts when she heard Colt scream out in pain. She bolted outside, moving towards the sound.

Her hand flew to her mouth as she saw him and Twister duking it out. She was going to try to help, not that she could do much, but was happy to see Brit step in. She relaxed a little, her hand lowering to her side.

Quote:
“Look no more sneaking around. I got just as big a stake in this job as yo…”

abbey set her jaw as Twister decided to mitigate his role in the upcoming caper, but was startled again at the fierceness that Colt displayed in return. He was violent. And passionate. What he said to Twister, he meant.

Quote:
“You have no idea what I have at stake. You bring this mess down on me and mine and expect things to be like the old days?”

Then she listened to their conversation regarding their past together. Obviously, Colt still had some secrets, but she wasn't going to press him.

Then the gun came out and Colt pointed it straight at Twister's head.

Quote:
“We had a deal. You went your way I went mine.”

Whatever happened was significant. She listened further.

Quote:
“Deal? You kicked me out. We had a good thing going. You, Me, Sky, those Balder brothers. We could have robbed every patron from Persephone to Arial.”

Robbing? abbey wondered.

Quote:
“You were careless and stupid. You would have gotten us all killed. You still may”

But then he cut Twister free and their conversation got more civil.

Quote:
“I don’t expect you to understand Colt. I drug this to your doorstep, truth enough, and I don’t know all that’s at stake for you, but you don’t know what’s at stake for me either. So let’s just do the rutting job.”

They went down the stairs together, the anger in the air palpable. At the bottom, they spoke again, but she couldn't hear what they said. Then they parted. Twister was heading back towards the dorms and Colt was going to the infirmary.

abbey looked at Colt more intently. Her attention had been drawn to what they were saying, but that was over. She noticed how there was a pretty good sized blood stain on his shoulder. He had re-injured himself in the fray.

She started down the stairs quickly. She was worried. Colt was always downplaying his injuries, so the fact he was voluntarily heading to the infirmary meant one thing. He was hurt. She went to nearly the door before she saw Rune sitting in there with Oram.

She stopped dead and thought a moment. Rune worked at a slave auction. He probably knew all the players. What if he did suddenly realize that he had seen her before? Her eyes went from Colt to Oram to Rune.

Then she realized. Colt would protect Oram. Oram would send Mobbex to her if Colt needed her.

She didn't want to be seen. She didn't want Rune to think too much on her identity. After all, she had a child to think about now.

So slowly... very slowly... she began to retreat before she was very nearly running for her shuttle.

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Tuesday, March 29, 2011 4:12 PM

Colt entered the infirmary to see Oram with a hand full of pills and uncorked bottle. “Best hold off on that. Can’t have my doc pass out before the work is done.”

Oram was startled and quickly put the hand of pills behind her back. Her eyes dropped to the bottle in her hand and she tucked that one behind her too. “I just needed to take the edge off”

“More like the week off, you go taking all of that at once.” Colt remarked.

The stern looked on his face reminded Oram of her school days and one of her many trips to the principal’s office. Then she saw the blood. “Goram Captain, what happened?”

“Lost my balance and fell.” Colt said removing his shirt and sitting on the exam table. He took the bottle from Oram and took a long pull. The liquor burned his throat but the warmth that spread over him as he drank made up for it. Guess we both need to take the edge off he thought. He offered the bottle back to the Doc.

“I’ll wait till I patch you back up” She said, still somewhat miffed that he had walked in and caught her.

“I saw your stitch work last time” Colt said nodding his head towards his bleeding shoulder “Might help you make em straight this time.”

He handed her the bottle and she took a swig. She looked at the wound. Clearly he had not ripped from a fall. She could see pieces of the thread in the wound, something had punctured his shoulder.

Colt didn’t want to go into the apparent substance abuse issue with Oram. He didn’t want to deal with Twister, he didn’t want to tell Spots when they might resume the hunt for his sister, he didn’t want to listen to Mobbex go on about how much the job was going to pay. All he wanted to do was hold Abbey close and pretend she had never taken that game with Niska. But that’s not an option he almost said out loud. Time to be Captainy. “There something bothering you?”

Oram looked up. Had Colt seen her uneasiness with Rune? “No, what makes you think that.”

“We’ve addressed this drinking yourself blind thing.” Colt said matter of factly. “Your face down in your bunk when I need you, and what good are you?”

“Not face down now” Oram replied pulling the stitch firmly just to watch Colt flinch.

“Yeah, but if I was bleeding a half hour from now?” Colt watched as she dabbed the blood with a gauze pad. “Something’s under your skin. You don’t want me poking around, fine, but whatever you’re trying to forget, in that bottle or those pills, still going to be there when you come to.”

Oram wondered if it was this obvious to everyone. She thought she had done a fair job of hiding her emotions about the past she had lost. Rune had upset her, made her slip maybe, or maybe she just wasn’t as good as Abbey when it came to such things. Colt was genuinely concerned. She was a little taken back by it. Abbey had been her confidant since they fell in together. Now Colt offering her the same shoulder if she wanted. She thought about telling him about Rune, hell about everything. Put it all on the table and see if she would still be welcome on the ship after, but she didn’t. “All patched up just let me get a bandage”

Colt examined the stitches “Nope still crooked” He had given her a chance. She hadn’t taken it. He pulled on his shirt and stood. Oram came back and taped the gauze over the wound. The weight of being Captain was wearing on him hard. As she turned to step away he grabbed her arm. “Tonight you pop as many of those things as you can and still live. You finish that bottle, sleep as late as you want tomorrow. Then I want you to lock the meds in the cabinet and give me the key and deliver every bit of that rot gut you have stored around my ship to Abbey. Tell her to lock it up tight. Next thirty days your either sober or your off my boat”
He turned and walked out the door.

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Wednesday, March 30, 2011 6:09 PM

She was feisty. He liked feisty.

He watched Oram retreat into the infirmary. He wanted to follow her right away, but a woman like that would come out swinging if she felt too pushed.

He liked that too.

He smiled and edged closer, but was interrupted by the fight that broke out above. It was the Captain and Twister. Even injured, the Captain was a fighter. He was holding his own against Twister. Just when he thought things were going south, a girl appeared from above and twacked Twister in the head with something. Was that a can of beans?

Odd girl. She was freakishly strong and stealthy.

Interesting, he thought. There is more than meets the eye with this crew.

He saw abbey watching from above with an ultra concerned look on her face. She obviously loved Colt, but it looked like she was denying that fact. Weird since she was having his baby. There had to be some kind of lovin' going on at some point. He wondered if they even told each other they loved one another yet. He turned when Mobbex spoke to him.

Quote:
Mobbex said:
“How did he?”

Rune shrugged and kept watching. The fight broke up soon enough and they descended the stairs. At the end of the stairs, Colt said something to Twister and stalked into the infirmary. He saw the blood on the Captain's shirt. He had reinjured himself.

Twister came towards them.

Quote:
Twister said:
“You boys must feel all kinds of stupid bout now huh?”

"Cap'n didn't put me in charge," Rune answered smiling.

Mobbex smirked at him in irritation.

"Well, he's obviously been just about everywhere on the ship. No need for me to sit here doin' nothin'," he said as he gathered up his stuff. "I got guns to clean and some shuteye to get."

He left and Rune was distracted again. He saw that abbey noticed Colt's injury too. She came rushing down the stairs, but when she nearly got to the infirmary, she froze. He followed her gaze into the infirmary. He was looking at what she might have, but suddenly got that someone is looking at me feeling. He glanced out of the corner of his eye and saw abbey staring at him with a terrifying look. Then she bolted.

What's with that? he wondered.

He inched closer to the infirmary.

Quote:
Colt said:
“Tonight you pop as many of those things as you can and still live. You finish that bottle, sleep as late as you want tomorrow. Then I want you to lock the meds in the cabinet and give me the key and deliver every bit of that rot gut you have stored around my ship to Abbey. Tell her to lock it up tight. Next thirty days your either sober or your off my boat”

Huh... He never would have pegged Doc for a drunken druggie, but he saw what she was trying to hide. He slipped inside after the Captain had left.

"Havin' a little problem?" he asked. "I kicked drops myself about eight years ago. If'n you need to talk, I'm your guy. I understand."

He paused for a moment.

"Do you? You know... Want to talk about anything?"

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Thursday, March 31, 2011 7:17 PM

As Colt walked out of the infirmary, Oram withheld the urge to throw said JD bottle in the direction of his stupid captain head.

He was one to talk. He and Abbey rutting all over the place like a pair of rabbits. Turning away from the door and quelling the rage and tear, and also the thought of what a shit-hole her existence had become, Oram just breathed, put the bottle back in its cupboard and instead pulled out some medical equipment. She drew up a few CCs of painkiller and slipped it into her thigh. She wasn’t interested in talking to Rune, or discussing their pasts. She just wanted sleep and her body to stop aching.

If Colt wanted her off the booze, he'd have to deal with the consequence.

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Monday, April 4, 2011 6:06 AM

Colt went to the bridge to find out when they would arrive on Shinon. He hoped Abbey would still be willing to help with the landing. Shinon airspace was closely controlled and if you didn't have legitimate business you would be turned away.
They hadn't spoken since he had told her about Shadow. Would she stay?
He kicked himself for being so hard on Oram. If Abbey didn't have enough reason to leave, him threatening the Doc would give her more cause.
Not that the Doc didn't need help, but who was he to force people to face their demons.

He walked on the bridge. "Wash give me an update"

Wash checked out the screens in front of her and rechecked the fuel readings. "Just gonna make on fuel. We should be there day after tomorrow."

"Good enough" Colt replied dropping into the left seat. "Why don't you go give Spot's a hand stripping out any ID on that hover and get some rest. I'll take first watch."

"I could use a change of scenery" Wash said flipping the control switch. "Seems like I haven't left this chair in months"

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Monday, April 4, 2011 6:22 AM

Twister was left alone in the bay. He really wanted his weapons back. Being without them left him feeling naked. He had seen the gamer start towards Colt when he was heading to the medic, but she had reconsidered and headed towards a shuttle. He headed up the stairs. When he reached the shuttle door he knocked. There was no answer. He knocked again.

Abbey heard the knock at the door. Colt? Was the first thought that leapt to mind. She started towards the door but froze. He rarely knocked before they started their relationship, why would he knock now? Rune? Her heart raced. Had he recognized her? She grabbed her pistol and pulled on a jacket tucking the snub nosed revolver into the pocket. She reached the door just as a second knock sounded. She opened the door and saw Twister standing at the entrance. “What do you want?” escaped her mouth. Rune would have been better than this, she thought to herself.

“Sorry?” Twister said.

Abbey tried to find her composure “I’m not sure you should be here.”

“And why is that?” Twister said stepping into her shuttle. He looked around at the lavish décor. “Nice place. Glad to see Colt is living well.”

“Colt…the Captain does not stay here” Abbey said.

“Oh?” Twister said surprised. “I just assumed” His eyes dropped to her stomach, but not before they lingered at her breasts. “Guess Colt hasn’t changed that much after all”

“What does that mean?” Abbey asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

A smile crossed his face when she inquired. He quickly erased it and continued. “Let me guess, you two have been seeing each other for a while. You’re clearly smitten with him, so much so that you’re having a child with the man, but there something missing.”

Abbey tried to assert herself. “I think you should leave, and don’t take that as you have an option.” She pulled the revolver from her jacket.

“Lady, I saw you were armed when I walked in.” Twister said calmly “You may want to hear me out. I’m probably the person that knows Colt. The real Colt.”

Abbey interrupted “Colt told me about Shadow”

“Heh” Twister laughed “Shadow? Colt hadn’t done what he did he would be just as dead as that planet, me along with him. He saved his crew same thing Niska’s banking on. No I’m not talking about Shadow. I’m talking about love.”

Abbey stiffened, the gun in her hand felt heavy. A soft “Go on” escaped her lips.

“Let me guess, Colt never told you them words” Twister turned and scanned the room for weapons. He saw a long gun mounted near the shuttles exit door, too big. He spotted the grip of a pistol concealed under a portable roulette table.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but I know how Colt feels about me.” Abbey was perturb, but continued. “Neither of us has expressed it in words”

Twister raised an eyebrow “Beautiful woman like yourself, I’d bet you’ve had scores of men spouting their love for you after the first date. You don’t find it strange that Colt hasn’t, especially with a baby on the way?” Twister moved to the table and sat down.

“Again this doesn’t concern you. I want you to leave” Abbey said firmly.

“Right” Twister said raising both hands. “You don’t want to know why Colt can’t tell you how he feels that fine” He dropped his hands to chairs arms and pushed himself out of the chair, quickly using his body to shield his left arm, he snatched the pistol from its holder and slid the weapon behind his back.

“Why?” Abbey said.

“The man’s jinxed.” Twister said with a sly smile, but real sadness in his eyes. “Long as I’ve known him, I’ve heard him tell two women he loved them. Both died within a week of him telling them.”

“That’s ridiculous” Abbey said, as the same sadness found a place inside her.

“Maybe” Twister said walking to the door. “Don’t change the fact that those girls are dead. I for one hope he never tells you. Be a shame to lose someone as pretty as you.” Twister gave her a nod and walked out.

As Twister made his way down the stairs and towards his bunk he pulled the pistol out and checked the magazine, fully loaded.

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Tuesday, April 5, 2011 8:42 AM

abbey just stood there near the doorway, frozen as she thought about Twister's words.

Were they a lie? Were they the truth?

It was true that neither of them had told each other those dangerous but small three words.

Perhaps she should say it first? But then again... she knew how that happened the last time.

This time, there were hormones involved. It was like the baby wanted to know how Dad felt about Mom.

Her feet traveled quickly to Colt's bunk. She was about to knock when she saw him on the bridge.

She thought about whether or not this was a good thing to address right now.

Quietly, she walked up behind him as he sat in the pilot's seat and hesitantly placed her hand on his shoulder.

He startled, jumped up and truned towards her drawing a fist back.

"COLT!" she screamed, putting her hands up in front of her in a defensive position.

He dropped his stance right away and his expression softened.

"abbey!" he exclaimed softly. "You shouldn't sneak up on a man in thought like that."

She stepped backwards.

"Maybe I should leave," she whispered. "Maybe this was a bad idea."

She turned to leave but he reached out a grabbed her arm very gently.

"No... I'm really sorry... I'm just a little on edge."

"About what you told me about Shadow?" abbey asked. He stood still for a moment then nodded.

"Do you want to leave now?" he asked. "I won't stop you if you do. I know you think I'm a monster."

"No!" she reassured. "Way I see it, you didn't really have a choice. It's not like you personally gave the order to scorch that planet."

She stepped closer to him, her hand resting on his chest.

"I just have to ask you a question though," she started. "I am pretty sure I know the answer, but I want to hear you say it."

She looked into his eyes.

"How do you feel about me?" she asked. "Neither one of us have talked about it, but with the baby on the way..."

She paused for just a second.

"If you feel strongly about me, you can say it. I'm not going anywhere," she told him. "No matter what happened in your past with previous women."

She searched his face looking for some kind of reaction. She took his hand and laid it on her stomach. The baby kicked just at that moment like it was in on the plan.

"Feel that?" she asked as Colt's gaze fell to where the baby kicked him. "That's our baby. That's a bond that will never be broken.

"Those two women that you loved? The ones that died? Things happen in the 'verse and it doesn't have to mean anything. They just are. You're not jinxed. No matter what Twister says-"

Colt's eyes snapped up to meet hers, a definite anger shone in them.

"Twister? You've been talking to Twister?"

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Wednesday, April 27, 2011 9:31 AM

"Twister? You've been talking to Twister?" Colt said.

Abbey took a step back. “I…I should go.”

Colt stood “Now wait a minute. Who died?”

Abbey hung her head. Why had she said anything? She thought. “He mentioned you had told two girls in the past that you…you loved them, and after you told them they died. So you felt cursed”

“Oh he mentioned that did he?” Colt could feel the anger rising inside him. “Anything else you two discuss? Maybe how my cat ran off when I was a kid, or the time I had to flush the gold fish that died. Abbey he played you.”

“No…what?” Abbey stood there confused and feeling that sinking sensation in her stomach.

“Christie Lee.” Colt stated.

“Who”

“Christie Lee. Met her at street dance when I was 16, my first love, told her as much on our second date. She broke my heart three months later. Then there was Maggie, we went on for nearly a year. Last I heard she was married living on Boros with a passel of kids. Abbey I’ve been engaged twice. Sure some of the women I’ve known have died but that’s the way of things.” Colt took her hand.

“Then why...” Abbey started.

“That’s what I intend to find out” Colt said walking to the door.

“No” Abbey said tears filling her eyes “Why haven’t you told me?”

Colt stopped. He locked the door to the leading to the cockpit. He looked at Abbey. She looked so beautiful. He took her hand and led her down the stairs to the storage area in front of the consoles. They sat on a small couch. “Abbey…you’re stubborn, head strong, argumentative and…and the best thing I’ve ever had in my life.” Colt took her hand. “I never said it because I didn’t want to spook you.” He dropped his head. “All of this happened so fast, you’re respected gamer, ties to money and all that. I’m struggling to keep this boat afloat. I figured I add that pressure to you and it might send you running.” He met her eye and brushed a tear from her cheek. “Of course I love you.”

“I love you” Abbey said softly and they kissed.

Colt broke of the kiss and went back up the stairs, checking the coarse twice he set the auto pilot and joined Abbey again.

“This couch is filthy” Abbey said softly.

“Did I mention your little uppity” Colt said before kissing her deeply.

Later

The two laid on the old couch covered with a blanket, staring at the stars through the port windows.

“Why do you think Twister said those things?” Abbey said.

Colt stirred “Huh…What?”

“You’re supposed to snuggle after not fall asleep.” Abbey joked.

“I was shot, I thought it was a pretty good performance considering”

“Eh” Abbey said shrugging her shoulders and smiling

“Eh?” Colt said smiling back. “You were saying something before you insulted my masculinity?”

Abbey ran her hand over his chest “Twister. Why do you think he said those things?”

“To cause trouble most likely, it’s what he does best. He say anything else?” Colt said kissing her hand.

“No he just came in sat down and started telling lies”

“Wait he was in your shuttle?” Colt leaped up and pulled on his pants.

“Yes but just for a couple of minutes” Abbey said concerned.

“He’s armed!” Colt said taking the stairs two at time he grabbed his pistol and opened the door.

Twister stepped out from the side of the bulkhead and leveled his pistol at Colt head. “Been out here near an hour, not bad seeing how your shot and all. Drop the piece.”

Colt laid his pistol on the floor and backed up. Twister followed him in and relocked the door.

“Hello gamer” Twister said nodding to Abbey.

Abbey cursed under her breath. He sidearm was lying on top of her clothes out of reach. She pulled the blanket up to cover herself.

Twister motioned Colt down the stairs. “We’re going to do a little detour before we board that ship.”

“That a fact” Colt said.

“Yeah” Twister said “I had no choice but to drag you into this. Niska has my daughter. He planned on snatching her to leverage against you.” Twister said motioning towards Abbey “Before that man ape merc of your started tossing grenades about.”

“You’re lying” Colt said plainly.

“No…no I’m not. I don’t see her much, lives with my ex on Persephone. That’s where their holding her. I didn’t go back on out deal till I had no choice.” Twister looked at Abbey “I’m betting you woulda done the same if he had grabbed her.”

“We do the job, you get her back. Niska’s big on reputation. If he gave you his word he’ll stick to it.” Colt said eyeing Abbey pistol on the floor.

“And if we fail?” Twister said using his boot to push Abbeys pistol further out of reach. “What are the odds we get on and off that ship alive much less pull off what Niska wants done? We fail she’s dead.”

Colt rubbed his forehead. Twister was right. He looked at Abbey. She looked back and nodded. “We’ll do it, but you’re unarmed until we get there.”

Twister spun the pistol in his hand. He tossed onto the couch next to Abbey “Nice gun” he went back up the stairs pausing at the door. “Thanks Colt.” Then he left.

“You believe him?” Abbey said laying back.

“Not sure but it makes sense” Colt leaned over and kissed her “Not too late to change your mind and run”

“Oram would miss me, and all my stuffs here.” She said kissing Colt back.

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Thursday, April 28, 2011 8:07 PM

DRJACEYGARNER

Oops... Wrong Person...

*Curses the fact that she has very similar e-mail addresses.*

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Thursday, April 28, 2011 8:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Colt99:
“Not too late to change your mind and run”

abbey thought about whether or not she should run like Colt may have just suggested, but she knew that if Twister was telling them the truth, Niska would do everything he could to get her in his clutches. Things were complicated already. Adding one more thing would be unfathomable. She decided against it right away.

Quote:
Originally posted by Colt99:
“Oram would miss me, and all my stuffs here.”

They resumed kissing, pulling themselves closer to each other with each one. She pulled back after a few minutes.

“I love you,” she told him again. She wanted to make sure he knew that she just didn’t say it earlier as a whim. She meant it. By God, she really meant it. “I love you Colt.”

He stopped and looked into her eyes.

“I love you too,” he whispered.

That just sparked the fire inside them even more. They got back to kissing hungrily as abbey worked to relieve Colt of his pants. Some time later, she laid on his chest, looking into his face as he looked out into the black.

“I was just kidding earlier,” she said to him. His eyes snapped down to hers in a flash with a slightly hurt expression. “Oh NO! That’s not what I meant! I meant it when I said I loved you. I was talking about your technique earlier. Maybe you should get shot more often.”

“Hey!” he retorted. “I don’t think we need to go that far… We do well on our own.”

She smiled as she drew lazy circles on his chest.

“That we do.”

She thought some more.

“I was thinking about Twister,” she started.

“Lady, you really know how to make a guy feel good,” he teased her as he looked down at her. “We’re here like this and you’ve suggested I should get shot up more often and now you’re thinking about another man? It was bad enough Twister stood outside the door earlier while we were... you know... but now you’re thinking about him too?”

She slapped his shoulder lightly and looked up at him as her expression sobered a bit.

“What would we do if Niska had our child? How far would we go to make sure that no harm came to them?” she asked him. Colt wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. “Because I will do anything to make sure that little girl doesn’t get hurt.”

She paused for just a second.

“Do we have a plan yet?” she asked. “How are we going to do this?”

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Tuesday, June 28, 2011 6:48 PM

“Tell me again why he had to come along” Abbey said quietly motioning her head towards Rune.

“Would you rather I sent him with the Doc?” Colt said “Could be worse, Twister could have come with us. Besides I’m still not sure he’s not in bed with Niska. Best to keep him close.”

The crew sat down on Shinon two hours ago. Abbey had no problem getting them the landing clearances. Spot’s had lined up a buyer for Grayson’s hover, which Colt, Abbey and the new guy, Rune were handling. Mobbex and Oram had gone to stock up on the essentials while the rest of the crew kept a close eye on Twister.

“This is Shinnon not some backwater moon. You don’t need the extra firepower.” Abbey said half believing and half covering her uneasiness that the merc had joined them.

“Spots lined this up through a broker. We don’t know these folks meeting us so I’d rather have him along.” In truth Colt would have rather had Abbey stay on board for the deal, but she dug in her heels.

“I told you I could have found us a buyer in the Tryon Parrish. The Gamer Guild has connections we could have used.” Abbey argued.

“We’re selling a stolen hover, to replace a shuttle we plan to use to sneak aboard an Alliance base station, to embed a program into their secure servers that will allow Niska to steal any shipment they have in the quadrant, not such a good idea getting your guild wrapped up in this. Better to do it on the whore side of the planet.”

“They prefer being called Companions” Abbey interjected “I did study with them for quite some time”

“That where you learned that trick with the feather?” Colt said grinning.

Abbey blushed and slapped him playfully.

The sound of the shuttle approaching cut off the banter. It came in fast and low. Before it even touched the ground the door sprang open and two armed men leap to the ground. Colt drew his pistol and grabbed Abbeys arm pulling her towards him. Before he could get her behind him Rune stepped between the men and Abbey, rifle at the ready.

There were a few tense seconds and each side readied for the other to fire, and the shuttle landed. Then the engines shut down and a third man stepped from the shuttle. He was large Hispanic, with a scar running from his temple down his neck and disappearing under the collar of his shirt.

“You must be Colt” The man said.

“And you’re…” The man cut Colt off.

“Louterio Ocho” he said said stepping forward and waving for his men to lower their weapons. “I was wondering if you would show. Not many like dealing on Shinon. Lots of heat here.”

“Lots of coin too” Colt said.

“That is true” Louterio agreed. He let out a whistle as he eyed the hover parked behind Colt. “I’ll need to inspect it, but if it’s as good on the inside we can deal”

“I’ll have to do the same” Colt said. Rune started towards the shuttle but Colt stood him down with a glance. “You can see my hovers empty. I expect the shuttle to be the same before we step on her.”

Louterio locked eyes with Colt. As soon as he did that sinking feeling hit Colt in the gut, he’s trying to screw us. Colt’s realization must have been easy to read. Louterio smiled and nodded. Before his men could bring their guns up Colt snapped off a shot drilling one of them in the shoulder as he shoved Abbey to the ground. The second opened fire but his aim was off, due to the bullet Rune had put into his leg. Colt turned from them expecting Louterio to shoot him in the back any second. He was stunned to see Ocho, hands raised high. He looked down to see Abbey lying on the ground with a pistol aimed dead center of Ocho’s chest.

“Easy easy…It’s cool. We can deal. I don’t need to inspect it. I take your word.” Ocho said frantically.

Colt looked back at the shuttle. The men had dropped their weapons. Ocho let out a whistle and another man came out of the shuttle tossing his rifle on the ground. Rune quickly checked the men for hideouts and moved them away from the shuttle. He took look inside. “It’s clean” he reported then stepped back outside covering the bandits.

Colt helped Abbey to her feet. “You ok?”

“I liked this dress” She said looking at the torn fabric.

“You up for checking out the shuttle while we finish this deal?” She nodded and headed to the shuttle.

“This didn’t have to go this way” Colt said to Louterio. “We could have both made out on this deal but you had to go get greedy. Can you think of a compelling reason for me not to take the shuttle and hover and leave you bleeding on this civilized chunk of rock?”

“Coin?” Louterio answered. He lowered a shaking hand to his waist band and pulled out a wallet stuffed with cashy money and tossed it Colt.

Colt tossed it in his hand, feeling the heft of it. “This is a start.” The shuttle fired up “I’m thinking this and your weapons should square the deal.”

Colt and Rune backed to the door of the shuttle and boarded. Even over the roar of the engines Colt could hear Ocho cussing.

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Tuesday, July 26, 2011 6:58 PM

abbey was uneasy when Colt had Rune come along. Why couldn't he have picked Mobbex? She knew Mobbex. She trusted Mobbex, at least as far as she could throw him, but she knew what she could expect with him.

But Rune? Rune was a wildcard. abbey didn't like it.

She asked why he came along again.

Quote:
Originally posted by Colt99:
“Would you rather I sent him with the Doc?” “Could be worse, Twister could have come with us. Besides I’m still not sure he’s not in bed with Niska. Best to keep him close.”

So Colt had Spots, Wash and Brit keeping an eye on the unwanted passenger. That made her feel marginally better.

But this was Sihnon. Shouldn't their job and transactions go better in a Core environment?

Quote:
Originally posted by Colt99: “Spots lined this up through a broker. We don’t know these folks meeting us so I’d rather have him along.”

She knew he was right, but she still had to come. She didn't know why, but she wanted to be the voice of sanity should Colt piss off their buyer. If the guy was a proper(-ish) businessman of Sihnon, then the Captain seemed to have ways to tick off a person like that.

She reminded him of the option she had presented. Something a wee bit less risky.

Quote:
Originally posted by Colt99: “We’re selling a stolen hover, to replace a shuttle we plan to use to sneak aboard an Alliance base station, to embed a program into their secure servers that will allow Niska to steal any shipment they have in the quadrant, not such a good idea getting your guild wrapped up in this. Better to do it on the whore side of the planet.”

Then she went and blurted out the fact that she studied with the Companion Guild for a bit. He turned it into a sexual reference faster than fast. She blushed readily as she looked at Rune. She didn't trust him, but that was gorram personal!

The shuttle landed without much fanfare, but thing started going south when two armed men leapt from the shuttle door. As fast as fast could be, Colt had grabbed her arm in order to protect her and put himself between her and the armed men. But then a most surprising thing occurred.

Rune took that position himself. How odd... a show of concern from a man who worked for slavers.

Another man entered the scene. He introduced himself as Louterio Ocho and then stated that he was surprised that Colt had shown with the heat of a Core world would have.

Louterio inspected the hover. Colt gave him a broad threat, explaining that he expected things to go off without a hitch. Or else.

Apparently Louterio had other plans, because all of them had guns drawn and she found herself on the group. Colt had shoved her down to keep her under the line of fire.

She landed just right of her abdomen and the pain lit up her insides. It hurt worse than she expected, but the pain went away. No harm, no foul.

Bullets were fired and abby actually did her part. Now Colt should be able to see why she insisted on coming. No one would have expected the pregnant lady to be packing heat. And that definitely fit Louterio's reaction.

Louterio backpedaled as he realized he was out gunned.

Quote:
Originally posted by Colt99: “You ok?”

She muttered something about her dress being torn and the fact that she liked it, but most of all, she couldn't help but shoot him a zinger.

"And you didn't think I'd be able to contribute to this little soiree," she said. "And lookee here, had to go and save you butt again."

She got up and dusted herself off. With a smirk on her face, she went inside the shuttle to give it a looksee.

Somehow, they had managed to close the deal, grab the coin and get a bunch of weapons.

"Are you getting a little better at this?" she asked. "They didn't even shoot you this time."

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Wednesday, July 27, 2011 5:04 AM

Although the market was on a core planet, small stalls for ones who didn’t want to be noticed seemed to materialise before ones very eyes. Shifting her backpack, Oram was able to keep ahead of Mobbex ignoring his mutterings of being a mule or something. The sun was high and hot and Oram could feel the sweat start to trickle down her back as she made her way through the smothering crowd.

“Don’t see why Colt had to send me with you,” he grumbled. “Can’t have sent that new bloke, he seems to enjoy your company.”

“One; you need the exercise,” she threw a smile over her shoulder to show she wasn’t serious, “and two; we don’t know him well enough.”

“What’s the worst he’ll do?”

“Well, seeming as *I* have an accumulative total of the money for the ship at the moment?” Oram let the sentence hang.

“It’s not that much,” Mobbex scoffed.

“Enough for medical supplies, food and ammo.” Oram shrugged. “Then you can commandeer a ship or even kick the crew, sans pilot and mechanic, off.”

“You’ve thought that through.” Mobbex stopped and a few people bumped into him. “You ain’t gonna act on it any time soon.”

“Only if my shooting aim improves.” Oram joked darkly.

They wandered around the different market stalls for a while, buying necessary inventory for the ship and people. Not in a rush to get back to the ship and not worried as they had their comms turned on, both took the opportunity to enjoy the sun, crowd and something that wasn’t a mind-numbing task.

“What the hell…” Oram said in surprise.

In the middle of the crowd a young boy held an old and frayed leadrope to a Buckskin horse, who stood with his head drooped in boredom and a leg cocked in rest.

Knowing no harm would come in looking Oram went ahead to have a look. Back home she had a paint she hadn’t seen in a few years and she missed him along with the long, and sometimes wild, rides they’d go on.

“You like horses?” The kid, trying terribly to be a grown up, asked.

“Grew up with them.” Oram replied, noticing the rough coat even though it wasn’t winter. “He’s a bit far from any grass.”

“Dad told me to sell him or give him away.”

“Hmm.”

A look came over Mobbex’s face. “No!”

“We can let him free on the next planet!” She pleaded.

“Uh huh,” he said, “what’s in it for me?”

“Rest of my whisky stash.” She said without hesitation.

“Colt get pissed at you?” he said to be a smart arse.

“Shut up.”

Giving the boy the required money out of her own bag, they made their way back towards the ship, Mobbex being forced to carry a bale of hay that Oram had also bought.

Colt stood on the ramp, looking at them with a dumbfounded look.

“Hey Captain!” She called brightly, giving the animal an affectionate pat. “I got myself a horse!”

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Monday, August 1, 2011 11:58 AM

Colt tried to put the shuttle through the paces on the way back to the Book. Clearly out of his element Abbey took over the controls. The ship dipped and dodged through the busy airspace of Shinon. Abbey made a comment about it handling better than her own. Colt felt a sense of satisfaction that was few and far between these days. The job had gone south as they seemed to do, but with better than average outcome. Rune had pulled his weight and they had snagged some extra coin in the process.

As they dropped to the deck to dock with the Book, Colt noticed Abbey wince. “You ok?” he asked.

“It’s just…think the little ones squirming, that’s all” Abbey replied.

Docked and locked the group exited the shuttle. Twister and Spots met them at the door. “Bout time you got back.” Twister popped off “You mechanic did a fine job birddogging me while you were gone.”

“Glad to hear it” Colt shot back then turned to Spots “Give the shuttle a look let me know if there’s anything wrong with it.”

“Sure thing Captain” Spots said, relieved to be off guard duty.

“The others make it back yet?” Colt added.

“Not yet.” Spots answered before disappearing into the shuttle.

Abbey moved past them and waited at the top of the catwalk. Rune stood next to Colt. “Want me to take over the watch?” he volunteered.

“Hell I can’t even take a piss without an escort” Twister interrupted.

“You can go back to being confined to quarters if you like?” Colt said.

“Didn’t that work out sorta poorly last time you tired it.” Twister smirked.

“True it did that’s why I’ll be sure to tie you up personal this time.” Colt stood staring at Twister until Twister thought the better of it.

“Guess you’re the new guard dog” Twister said to Rune and started down the hall.

Colt joined Abbey on the catwalk. ”So we’re trusting Rune now?” She questioned.

“Trusting? No. But he did put himself in harm’s way to protect you, so that buys him something.”

As Colt and Abbey made their way to the cargo hold they saw Doc and Mobbex returning. Colt froze in his steps as he saw the doc coming up the ramp.

“Hey Captain!” She called brightly, giving the animal an affectionate pat. “I got myself a horse!”

Colt stood dumbfounded. “I don’t recall that being on the supply list” he said quietly. He shook his head and regained his senses. “What the hell you have need of a horse for?”

Mobbex stepped up slinging the bale of hay to the deck “I told her it was a moon brained thing to do Colt, she just wouldn’t listen.”

Colt moved beside the horse and ran hand down its neck “Doc, we can’t be taking no horse on. Aint natural to keep a horse in space. Where the hell did you even find it? We’re miles for what passes as rural on a core world.”

“I found it in the market and I understand we can’t keep it. I’d just like to find it a better place to run. You said yourself. This ain’t exactly the rolling plains. We’ll put it off on Persephone, hand to God Colt. You won’t even know it’s here.” Oram said.

“That were the case we wouldn’t be having this conversation.” Colt looked at the animal. “We already picked up a couple of strays, in Rune and Twister. We got a time table to keep. The horse has to go.” Before Colt could make it an order Wash squawked in over the com.

“Captain getting a lot of chatter about some stolen goods.” Wash said “Talking about locking down the dock and doing ship searches”

Colt cussed. “Ocho must have sold us stolen shuttle” He grabbed the lead rope from Orams hand and led the horse up the ramp, hitting the door switch as he passed. “Wash get us in the air now” he said into the com. Turning to Oram he said “You can build a pen out of the cargo boxes and that railing we store on the wall. I don’t want to as much as smell a horse dropping much less see any on my deck.”

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Monday, August 29, 2011 3:54 AM

The spare boxes provided well enough for temporary fencing to house the horse in, though he was tied up to the side of the ship so as to prevent him getting lose and causing havoc. Finding another two discarded containers (that had yet to be thrown) she filled it with water and the other with lose hay and other foodstuffs.

For a moment the horse seemed to consider the door, possibly waiting for it to open and freedom to be given, but since it was a grazing animal and had ‘opportunistic greed’ in its DNA he turned to his bucket and began snuffing and grinding the stale food bars to his contentment.

Oram watched as he steadied himself to the rising of the ship as it exited the atmosphere and went right back to munching, occasionally taking deep drinks. His ears swivelling to her voice as she spoke soft nonsense words to keep him assured no danger was lurking in the shadows.

“Just hope none of the crew throw me out of the airlock over you,” she murmured more to herself than to the horse.

The horse, in question, continued to munch his food none too quietly.

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Sunday, September 4, 2011 1:36 PM

Rune smiled as he watched the Captain and abbey banter back and forth during the job. As much as they fought, you'd think they'd be at each other's throats, but they actually seemed to enjoy it.

It was funny when abbey pushed Colt out of the way in order to push the shuttle to it's limits. Then she threw the zinger in about how it handled better than hers. He nearly laughed out loud. These two were more entertaining than a cortex comedy.

Then they got back to the ship and as soon as she winced, he noticed it too and frowned a little.

Quote:
Posted by Colt:
“You ok?”

Quote:
Posted by abbey:
“It’s just…think the little ones squirming, that’s all”

She had been knocked down kindly hard. Rune made a point to keep tabs on her. To make sure she was OK.

But there was something else about her... Something was itching at the back of his brainpan. She looked so familiar...

Then there was Twister and Spots. Twister was being combatant, complaining about being babysat.

I might be a little ticked off too, if I was in that situation too, Rune thought.

Colt asked about the others and Rune looked about, noticing that the Doc wasn't around. He wanted to talk to her and see what she had planned for later, but for now that would have to wait.

So he volunteered to watch Twister. As he got closer to the guy, he noticed abbey looking at him from up above the catwalk. She didn't trust him. He could see that plain as day, but the Captain seemed to be more comfortable around him.

That was good.

Quote:
Posted by Twister:
“Guess you’re the new guard dog”

"Guess I am," Rune answered as he walked the man back to him quarters. As he watched Twister being all sour and complaining, he thought about abbey.

God she looked familiar.

"So the Captain's woman?" Rune asked Twister. "You know much about her? I mean, you and Colt seem to have some past connection, but what is her story?"

Rune shrugged a bit.

"She just looks so gorram familiar. Like I've seen her picture somewhere."

He kept an eye on Twister though while he talked.

"But I was on Ezra for a while. This is the furthest I've been in a long time. It's just driving me nuts."

Like Firefly? Like online role playing? If so, check out theverseonline.com.

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Sunday, September 4, 2011 2:42 PM

abbey nodded slightly in agreement with the fact that Rune did indeed put himself into harm's way to protect her. But she still didn't trust him. He made her nervous, especially since she knew where he came from.

abbey was jolted from her thoughts when Colt stopped dead in his tracks. She followed his shocked gaze to see Oram and Mobbex entering the cargo bay.

With a horse.

abbey giggled softly as Colt went down to question her about their new "pet."

Colt balked at the idea of a horse on board, but it seemed to make Oram so happy. And she promised to put it off on a planet more suitable for a horse. Mobbex was just as sour as Twister was, but then again, Mobbex was usually grumpy when he was paired with the good doctor.

Then Colt moved beside the horse and ran hand down its neck. abbey realized that Colt had a familiarity with horses. A new facet to him. She'd have to ask him about that later. In that instant, she thought he might actually enjoy having the animal around, even if it was just for a little bit.

Then Wash's voice over the comm returned them to reality. They had to make a hasty departure... again.

Colt led the horse inside and gave Oram some last minute directions before heading off to the bridge.

abbey followed after him.

"You didn't get shot, but we still have fallen our pattern of having to do the hasty exit," she jabbed. "And here I thought I might actually get to go shopping or something."

Once on the bridge, she slipped her hand in his.

"I'll be needing some new clothes soon. These are getting a little tight."

Then she got an impish grin on her face.

"And a refresher class at the Companion Training House would have been good."

If he was going to poke fun at her, then she was going to sling it right back. And it worked, because he had changed his gaze from out the window to her.

"They have those?" he asked wide eyed.

She just giggled and stepped forward until she was behind Wash.

"How's it looking Wash? Are we clear?"

Like Firefly? Like online role playing? If so, check out theverseonline.com.

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Tuesday, December 27, 2011 5:24 PM

Twister rolled his eyes and tried to block out Rune as he went on about Abbey. He dismissed his ramblings as just another possible beau, thinking about making a play for Colt’s very attractive “catch of the month” Hell Twister had been down that road a time or two in the past. It was beyond him how Colt managed to find a woman at all. He must drug em, he thought.
Then he caught the word Ezra coming out of Runes mouth.

“Ezra?” He turned and stared down the merc.

“Yeah I was there awhile” Rune responded.

“Dung heap of a rock filled with opium dealers, slaver trash and inbred back births. Which one are you?”

“What did you say?” Rune said stepping closer to Twister.

“I’ll rule out druggy, since your eyes ain’t glazed over and you ain’t shanking for your next fix. Guess that leaves Slaver or my guess judging by dull look on your face, inbred.”

“That’s it” Rune yelled slamming Twister into the bulkhead.

Twister bounced off the wall and tried to spin out of the incoming punch. He didn’t make it. The punch stunned him and he grabbed Rune to stay up. A quick sweep of the legs, send Twister to the grating below.

“Whoa! I give” Twister hollered just as Rune ready his boot to smash.

Twister got up off the deck and rubbed his elbow. “Guess I was wrong” He said bowing politely “Only a Slaver would be kicking a man while he was down”

Rune readied himself for a counter strike, but none came. Twister made his way to the common toilet in the bunk area.

“You wanna come in and shake it for me?” He smirked at Rune.

Twister went into the bathroom and splashed water on his face, then inspected the whelp on his cheek in the mirror. He frowned as he moved his fingers over it. Then a smile formed on his unshaven face as he held up the com he had lifted from Rune during the scuffle.

“Bunch of Rubes” he muttered under his breath as he pulled the mirror off the wall and exposed the access panel behind it. He quickly opened the panel and removed the back of the com. Jumping two leads from the panel into the com interface he tapped out a quick code. Three times then he unhooked and squared the room away. The signal would mix in with the nav pulse and even if detected would just seem like a data resend. Only Twister and his contact on Persephone knew the code.

He stepped back into the hall where Rune stood, ready to go another round. “Listen about earlier. I’m sorry. They have my little girl. My guess is they used slavers to grab her.” Twister hung his head in shame, while moving back to the spot they had tussled and slipping the com out of the cuff of his pants to the floor. “Anyways…not my place to pry… I’m sure you were an upstanding whatever you were on Ezra”

Rune eyed him suspiciously but could see nothing but sincerity. “It’s fine” he said nodding “Like it didn’t happen.”

“Great. I’m hungry, you hungry. Let’s head to the galley I’ll make some lunch. Bygones right?” He grinned and turned, walking away.

Rune started to follow then noticed the com on the floor. He patted his pocket and noticed his gone. Scooping it up, he slipped it back in and followed Twister.

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Friday, October 19, 2012 4:57 PM

Rune couldn't help it, but it felt good to put the beat down on Twister. They guy really got on his nerves.

But Twisted had him pegged. He wasn't a dullard or a druggie. He worked in the slave auction. He wasn't one of the ones who procured the people they sold, but he didn't exactly go out of his way to help any of them.

Quote:
“Listen about earlier. I’m sorry. They have my little girl. My guess is they used slavers to grab her.” Twister hung his head in shame, while moving back to the spot they had tussled and slipping the com out of the cuff of his pants to the floor. “Anyways…not my place to pry… I’m sure you were an upstanding whatever you were on Ezra”

"I was a guard, if you wanted to know," he told Twister like it would matter. "And sorry about your kid."

They buried the hatchet between them right there.

Quote:
“Great. I’m hungry, you hungry. Let’s head to the galley I’ll make some lunch. Bygones right?”

Rune nodded slightly in agreement again. His mind was distracted for a moment as he spotted his comm on the floor. How did it get there? Didn't matter, at least he had it back and the Captain didn't need to know.

He was following Twister upstairs when he had a light bulb moment. His gait nearly came to a complete stop. He remembered where he had seen abbey before. It was a picture in the locker room at the auction place.

He also remembered the hefty bounty that was attached.

"Son of a bitch..." he whispered aloud. "That's where I saw her from..."

A smile grew on his face.

"Son of a gorram humping bitch..."

Rune started to follow then noticed the com on the floor. He patted his pocket and noticed his gone. Scooping it up, he slipped it back in and followed Twister.

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Friday, October 19, 2012 5:34 PM