***
Unlike Emmert Tower, Millway Tower, which served as the city spaceport, and upon which the Office of Frontier Security had built their local base, was in
rather good condition. When the drastically reduced population after the occupation had led to many of the Towers being decommissioned and abandoned, Crey had
focused their rebuilding efforts on what areas were still officially occupied. With Millway serving as both the base for OFS and any Crey shipments on and off
the planet, it had gotten a good deal of attention.
The end result was somewhat familiar to Fiona as she, Amy and Sato stepped out of an elevator onto a walkway over a rather busy street, deep inside the tower.
Vehicles moved down the road, with large numbers of people walking along the sidewalk. Unlike the wretches they'd seen in Emmert Tower, these people looked
well-fed and clean, their clothes in the various conditions one would expect to find in everyday life. As she looked down at a family walking along the
footpath, Fiona found herself wondering why the mood seemed so different. In Emmert Tower, and the walkways through the city, the people were broken,
terrified. Here, the people seemed nervous, but not of the men in Crey Security uniforms that were patrolling the streets.
"Secure zone," Amy said quietly, getting Fiona's attention. "Crey's actually in charge here," she elaborated. "They've
repaired the tower, they enforce the peace... possibly even actual peace, not just military law." She shook her head slightly. "I suppose that might
be a good thing. Then again, given the ethics of some corporations..."
Shrugging, Fiona leaned against the railing. "I guess they're safe," she mused. "Crey came in after the League took over. They fixed things
up, protect them... They probably run everything, but the people are safe." Watching an automated taxi drive past, she shrugged again. "I guess
that's something." She rested there for a moment, watching the people below, then straightened up. "So. Lunch?"
"I could eat," Amy admitted, heading for some nearby stairs. "I just wish we had something to show for the morning's work," she added,
thinking back to the OFS pencil-pushers they'd spent several hours dealing with.
Stretching, Fiona followed her. "Well, technically, we did make some progress," she noted. "Thanks to that last last officer-"
"-And his interest in your chest," Amy noted.
"-we now actually have confirmation that Crey has the Tower AIs," Fiona finished without pausing. "So, now we need to wait and see how the guys
do."
The Ragolian nodded. "Should we go help them?"
Fiona shook her head. "Nah. Better the two of us stay the hell away from Crey's offices, just in case temptation comes calling." There was a tone
of slightly bitter amusement in her voice as she said that. Amy nodded in sad agreement as they reached the ground level. "What'd you mean
yesterday?" she asked, expression shifting from resignation to curiosity. "About Crey probably liking the idea of getting a Newman," she added
as Amy looked over. "I mean, I know you're... what's the term?"
"Vat-grown, gene-engineered, something like that," came the response. Making sure Sato wasn't going to fly off exploring, she continued. "If
Crey really was created by companies like Manpower, then their genetic engineering capabilities are... crude," she said, looking for the right word.
"For all their talk about 'mastering the Helix' and 'improving the design of humanity,' they're just thugs with mutations and poisons.
Powerful and dangerous, but no real genius behind it." With a bitter laugh, she added, "That was why the companies founders got kicked off Beowolf
and ran off to colonize their own little corp world outside legal borders in the first place."
Fiona frowned slightly as they walked along, idly noting the odd looks and second glances they were getting from people on the street. Occasionally, Sato would
slow, turn, and regard them with wide optics before darting to catch up. "And your, um, creators weren't as bad?"
Her ears twitched as she laughed. "Oh, nowhere near. They make Manpower look like children with sticks." Smirking, she said in a quieter voice,
"For instance, Manpower's never been able to work out how to make meta-humans. Telekinetics, telepaths... Still far beyond them."
Understanding flickered across the younger woman's face. "Making you one a very inviting prize to them," Fiona said, before her eyes widened
slightly. "And you're just walking the streets here?" she asked, shock in her voice. "Why didn't you mention this sooner?"
"Because it's been tried before, and it always ended very badly for the people that tried," the Hunter replied with an evil smile.
"Correcting those mistakes is another of the Guilds standing contract. Manpower was taught that lesson about a decade ago, and they've gotten a few
reminders since then. Crey... oh yeah, they'll have people wanting to grab me, and larger people that are more likely to be in the line of fire sitting on
them." Stopping at a street crossing, she shrugged and admitted, "Okay, they may try something. It is entirely possible that they are that stupid.
They might try and grab me. But, I'm already here, they certainly know I'm her, so it's not worth worrying about too much. That's why I have
guns." There was an annoyed chirp from her Mag. "And Sato."
Smiling slightly, Fiona nodded. "Of course. He's vital to our defense."
"Absolutely. We couldn't get by without him." Sato's optics brightened up and he gave a happy chirp, before pausing and glancing at them,
giving off a lower chirp that did a surprisingly good job of conveying his belief he was being messed with. Both women laughed as they crossed the street, the
tiny droid following, chirping rapidly at them.
***
Chris suppressed a scowl as he looked at the Crey executive. "You'd prevent Fiona from leaving New Wales." he said slowly, using the moment to
properly reign in his temper. "I have to wonder why. Global security sounds like a rather... unconvincing justification," he pointed out as Wentworth
stepped around his desk and sat down in the large chair behind it. "How could one young woman that's spent forty years in a cryo-pod pose a threat to
this planet or your company?"
"Here, those both mean the same thing," the man pointed out. "And it's not Miss Lockley directly. Due to the events that led to the collapse
of the previous administration and the League declaring this system as a protectorate, New Wales suffered a mass exodus. The tight controls on passports and
space approvals were established in response to strained relations with neighboring systems. They tend to get upset when a few hundred thousand people show up
in a crudely converted super freighter."
Duskwalkers captain raised an eyebrow. "A few incidents?" he asked.
Shrugging, Alex smiled faintly. "Before my time, but a few. It's improved somewhat, but Miss Lockley would need to follow proper procedure to gain
approval to leave again. And then there's Emmert Tower," he added, smile fading to be replaced by a faint scowl.
"The Trolls," Ben scowled. "Charming things."
"Disgusting things, I think you mean," the executive replied. "They've begun appearing in multiple towers, ever since Dyne became the drug
of choice in the poorer sections of the populations. Given the end result of the drug abuse, Crey Industries would prefer that such knowledge remain here,
where it can not embarrass the company."
Growling, Ben took several steps towards the desk, anger flickering across his face. "You think I give a damn about embarrassing your-" he shut up as
Chris shot a glare at him. His friend held the expression for a moment, then turned back to Wentworth.
"That's an interesting story," he said. "Even has the benefit of being mostly true, I suspect. But it's not the whole story, is it
Mister Wentworth?" That comment got a curious expression from the businessman, so Chris continued. "If it was simply a matter of a New Wales citizen
being denied the right to travel off-world, the largest response would have been a company official, backed up by a security squad if you felt we needed our
positions made clear. If we objected, she'd have been taken into 'protective custody', and we'd be kicked off the planet, probably with a
deadline to get the hell out of the solar system as well. And we'd have no choice," he admitted with an annoyed shrug. "We're more then a
little outgunned, after all. Instead, you let us wander around the city freely, to the point of finding something in Emmert Tower that you'd prefer we not
find, and it still takes us coming to Crey Tower before we get any reaction. And being brought to meet you, the most powerful man on the planet? That seems a
little excessive."
Leaning back in his chair for a long moment, Alexander Wentworth studied Chris, before his smile returned. "Very observant Captain."
"I'd say it's kinda obvious," Chris said with a faint shrug. "You're not exactly playing it subtle here." Carefully, he stepped
towards the desk. "What is it about Fiona that makes this situation so different? What requires your personal attention here?"
"Do you know what happened to the Sea of Stars?" he asked in reply. "The details, not just 'attacked by pirates'."
"Public records didn't have much in the way of details," Ben responded, his temper under control again, curiosity taking control. "Just that
the ship was lost with no survivors. Well, until Fiona," he added.
Alex frowned slightly. "When the Office of Frontier Security told us of her situation, we investigated. It turns out that anti-piracy raids carried out by
the Perian Republic confirmed how the ship was destroyed. Her slip-point manifold was sabotaged and the ship was forced back into real space at a planned
location. Rescue efforts literally had no idea where to begin looking. After all this time, the odds of anyone finding her... Well, I've had some very
smart people tell me it's nearly impossible."
"So, she got lucky," Ben replied.
"That's my conclusion as well. However, there are others that don't agree with us. The package she received on Ragol, the money and a rather
interesting sword, were from one such group. You've been wondering about that?"
Snorting, the pilot crossed his arms over his chest. "Someone sends us a large chunk of cash? Only natural to wonder and worry," he muttered.
"But we don't have the ability to find out who sent it."
The frown on Alex's face shifted to a faint smile. "We do," he replied, before the smile faded again. "I'll spare you the minor details
for now, but the group that have taken an interest in both you and your crew member are not entirely rational men. They are men of religion."
"Hey," Ben scowled.
"Not men of faith," Alex said quickly. "Fanatics. Those that see prophecy where we would see good fortune and opportunity. These men are the
sort to use violence and murder to get what they want. And for whatever reason, they believe that Miss Lockley is part of their faith. That her being found is
part of something larger... and it's related to whatever you found under the surface of Ragol." He smiled slightly as both men didn't quite manage
to suppress their reaction. "I wonder what you found," he said quietly. "Miss Lockley only really came to their attention after you returned
from the planet to Pioneer Two. Whatever is down there, whatever destroyed Pioneer One and transformed it into a hell world, they're interested in it.
Obsessed even," he finished, eyes narrowing as he studied their reactions. Unease, shock, and slight understanding, and annoyance at the fact that this
was coming up in a discussion with a Crey executive.
Getting his bearings, Chris frowned slightly. "You realize of course, that we can't discuss that operation with you," he stated, knowing that, in
reality, he didn't need to say anything. Alex Wentworth knew far too much about Ragols secrets already, and was merely using them for minor confirmation.
"Of course," he agreed with a smile. "I understand completely. Non-disclosure agreements. Given the potential of the organic technology the
creature offers, and the risks it poses, I can understand why Ragol would want to keep it quiet." For a brief moment, the smile became slightly more of a
smirk, just long enough for the pilot and captain to recognize it, before the more social, friendly smile returned. "Anyway, this group, these Children of
Falz, as they call themselves... odd name really... it seems that Miss Lockley came to their attention after the event. And for whatever reason, she is the
focus of their interest. Not any of the other people down there, just her. If they're as violent as evidence suggests, I'd rather not have them
threatening New Wales, or Crey Industries."
Chris took several steps closer, now standing right in front of the mans desk. "Then give them no reason to look here," he suggested. "Even if
her family has survived, there's a very good chance Fiona won't want to stay here. She'll likely take up the fresh start we can offer her. In
space, away from New Wales, we draw this groups attention." He resisted the urge to add 'if they even exist', merely giving the man a steady look.
"Let us find her family and be on our way. The problem is out of your hair, nothing to worry about."
Leaning back in his chair, Alex looked at Duskwalkers captain for a long moment, tapping a finger against the desk. "That's quite a risk you're
taking Captain. These men have killed before," he pointed out.
Shrugging, Ben stepped up and stood next to Chris, a faint smirk on his face. "Nothing too unusual there. And she's part of our crew."
"We count that as being worth the risk," Chris finished, smiling.
For a long moment, the Crey executive said nothing. After nearly a minute, he nodded, before taking a data crystal from his desk and tossed it to Chris.
"All the data on her family," he said. "Her mother passed away twenty years ago, she was buried in a cemetery north of the city. It's still
intact. Her sister married, and now lives in Mahoron Tower. I have people informing her of Miss Lockleys rescue as we speak."
Chris looked at the crystal for a moment, then put it away. Next to him, Ben scowled slightly. "Now, and not a month ago?"
"We wanted to be certain of the situation first," Alex replied, his smile returning.
"And if she wants to leave?" the pilot asked.
"Then she's free to do so," he answered. "And with that... I'm afraid I have a meeting in a few minutes, so I won't be able to speak
with you any longer. The guards outside will show you to the elevator," he said, standing up.
Both men shook the executives hand, keeping the situation polite. "Thank you for your assistance," Chris commented.
"And thank you for yours," Alex replied. Quietly, they turned and left, finding a guard waiting outside for them. Neither man said anything until
they were in the elevator and on their way down to the lobby.
Putting his hands in his pockets, listening to the rather catchy elevator jingle, Chris glanced over at Ben. "You know, usually I'm the one that has
the temper," he pointed out, getting an amused snort from his friend. "No, I'm serious. You've had to pull the damn Diggers Nerve Pinch on
me."
Snorting again, louder this time, Ben shrugged. "What, I'm not allowed to get pissed off from time to time? Saying he couldn't let Fiona
leave..."
"He was playing us," Chris replied. "He wanted to confirm some details, nothing more. I don't even know how much we actually told him, or
what we even confirmed... I hate cloak and dagger shit." He sighed, looking up at the camera in the corner. "And when we mention this to Amy..."
Growling, Ben closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. "She'll send a report back to Ragol," he finished. "He's using us as
messengers." Opening his eyes, he looked over at Chris. "Yeah, I hate the cloak and dagger nonsense too," he said.
Reaching into his pocket, Chris pulled out his comm-link and tapped in a command. A moment later, a tiny hologram appeared above it, showing a flat screen
image of Amy. "Hey guys. Any news?" she asked
"Something like that," he replied with a grimace. "Head on back to the ship. There's things we need to talk about."
***
Unlike Emmert Tower, Millway Tower, which served as the city spaceport, and upon which the Office of Frontier Security had built their local base, was in
rather good condition. When the drastically reduced population after the occupation had led to many of the Towers being decommissioned and abandoned, Crey had
focused their rebuilding efforts on what areas were still officially occupied. With Millway serving as both the base for OFS and any Crey shipments on and off
the planet, it had gotten a good deal of attention.
The end result was somewhat familiar to Fiona as she, Amy and Sato stepped out of an elevator onto a walkway over a rather busy street, deep inside the tower.
Vehicles moved down the road, with large numbers of people walking along the sidewalk. Unlike the wretches they'd seen in Emmert Tower, these people looked
well-fed and clean, their clothes in the various conditions one would expect to find in everyday life. As she looked down at a family walking along the
footpath, Fiona found herself wondering why the mood seemed so different. In Emmert Tower, and the walkways through the city, the people were broken,
terrified. Here, the people seemed nervous, but not of the men in Crey Security uniforms that were patrolling the streets.
"Secure zone," Amy said quietly, getting Fiona's attention. "Crey's actually in charge here," she elaborated. "They've
repaired the tower, they enforce the peace... possibly even actual peace, not just military law." She shook her head slightly. "I suppose that might
be a good thing. Then again, given the ethics of some corporations..."
Shrugging, Fiona leaned against the railing. "I guess they're safe," she mused. "Crey came in after the League took over. They fixed things
up, protect them... They probably run everything, but the people are safe." Watching an automated taxi drive past, she shrugged again. "I guess
that's something." She rested there for a moment, watching the people below, then straightened up. "So. Lunch?"
"I could eat," Amy admitted, heading for some nearby stairs. "I just wish we had something to show for the morning's work," she added,
thinking back to the OFS pencil-pushers they'd spent several hours dealing with.
Stretching, Fiona followed her. "Well, technically, we did make some progress," she noted. "Thanks to that last last officer-"
"-And his interest in your chest," Amy noted.
"-we now actually have confirmation that Crey has the Tower AIs," Fiona finished without pausing. "So, now we need to wait and see how the guys
do."
The Ragolian nodded. "Should we go help them?"
Fiona shook her head. "Nah. Better the two of us stay the hell away from Crey's offices, just in case temptation comes calling." There was a tone
of slightly bitter amusement in her voice as she said that. Amy nodded in sad agreement as they reached the ground level. "What'd you mean
yesterday?" she asked, expression shifting from resignation to curiosity. "About Crey probably liking the idea of getting a Newman," she added
as Amy looked over. "I mean, I know you're... what's the term?"
"Vat-grown, gene-engineered, something like that," came the response. Making sure Sato wasn't going to fly off exploring, she continued. "If
Crey really was created by companies like Manpower, then their genetic engineering capabilities are... crude," she said, looking for the right word.
"For all their talk about 'mastering the Helix' and 'improving the design of humanity,' they're just thugs with mutations and poisons.
Powerful and dangerous, but no real genius behind it." With a bitter laugh, she added, "That was why the companies founders got kicked off Beowolf
and ran off to colonize their own little corp world outside legal borders in the first place."
Fiona frowned slightly as they walked along, idly noting the odd looks and second glances they were getting from people on the street. Occasionally, Sato would
slow, turn, and regard them with wide optics before darting to catch up. "And your, um, creators weren't as bad?"
Her ears twitched as she laughed. "Oh, nowhere near. They make Manpower look like children with sticks." Smirking, she said in a quieter voice,
"For instance, Manpower's never been able to work out how to make meta-humans. Telekinetics, telepaths... Still far beyond them."
Understanding flickered across the younger woman's face. "Making you one a very inviting prize to them," Fiona said, before her eyes widened
slightly. "And you're just walking the streets here?" she asked, shock in her voice. "Why didn't you mention this sooner?"
"Because it's been tried before, and it always ended very badly for the people that tried," the Hunter replied with an evil smile.
"Correcting those mistakes is another of the Guilds standing contract. Manpower was taught that lesson about a decade ago, and they've gotten a few
reminders since then. Crey... oh yeah, they'll have people wanting to grab me, and larger people that are more likely to be in the line of fire sitting on
them." Stopping at a street crossing, she shrugged and admitted, "Okay, they may try something. It is entirely possible that they are that stupid.
They might try and grab me. But, I'm already here, they certainly know I'm her, so it's not worth worrying about too much. That's why I have
guns." There was an annoyed chirp from her Mag. "And Sato."
Smiling slightly, Fiona nodded. "Of course. He's vital to our defense."
"Absolutely. We couldn't get by without him." Sato's optics brightened up and he gave a happy chirp, before pausing and glancing at them,
giving off a lower chirp that did a surprisingly good job of conveying his belief he was being messed with. Both women laughed as they crossed the street, the
tiny droid following, chirping rapidly at them.
***
Chris suppressed a scowl as he looked at the Crey executive. "You'd prevent Fiona from leaving New Wales." he said slowly, using the moment to
properly reign in his temper. "I have to wonder why. Global security sounds like a rather... unconvincing justification," he pointed out as Wentworth
stepped around his desk and sat down in the large chair behind it. "How could one young woman that's spent forty years in a cryo-pod pose a threat to
this planet or your company?"
"Here, those both mean the same thing," the man pointed out. "And it's not Miss Lockley directly. Due to the events that led to the collapse
of the previous administration and the League declaring this system as a protectorate, New Wales suffered a mass exodus. The tight controls on passports and
space approvals were established in response to strained relations with neighboring systems. They tend to get upset when a few hundred thousand people show up
in a crudely converted super freighter."
Duskwalkers captain raised an eyebrow. "A few incidents?" he asked.
Shrugging, Alex smiled faintly. "Before my time, but a few. It's improved somewhat, but Miss Lockley would need to follow proper procedure to gain
approval to leave again. And then there's Emmert Tower," he added, smile fading to be replaced by a faint scowl.
"The Trolls," Ben scowled. "Charming things."
"Disgusting things, I think you mean," the executive replied. "They've begun appearing in multiple towers, ever since Dyne became the drug
of choice in the poorer sections of the populations. Given the end result of the drug abuse, Crey Industries would prefer that such knowledge remain here,
where it can not embarrass the company."
Growling, Ben took several steps towards the desk, anger flickering across his face. "You think I give a damn about embarrassing your-" he shut up as
Chris shot a glare at him. His friend held the expression for a moment, then turned back to Wentworth.
"That's an interesting story," he said. "Even has the benefit of being mostly true, I suspect. But it's not the whole story, is it
Mister Wentworth?" That comment got a curious expression from the businessman, so Chris continued. "If it was simply a matter of a New Wales citizen
being denied the right to travel off-world, the largest response would have been a company official, backed up by a security squad if you felt we needed our
positions made clear. If we objected, she'd have been taken into 'protective custody', and we'd be kicked off the planet, probably with a
deadline to get the hell out of the solar system as well. And we'd have no choice," he admitted with an annoyed shrug. "We're more then a
little outgunned, after all. Instead, you let us wander around the city freely, to the point of finding something in Emmert Tower that you'd prefer we not
find, and it still takes us coming to Crey Tower before we get any reaction. And being brought to meet you, the most powerful man on the planet? That seems a
little excessive."
Leaning back in his chair for a long moment, Alexander Wentworth studied Chris, before his smile returned. "Very observant Captain."
"I'd say it's kinda obvious," Chris said with a faint shrug. "You're not exactly playing it subtle here." Carefully, he stepped
towards the desk. "What is it about Fiona that makes this situation so different? What requires your personal attention here?"
"Do you know what happened to the Sea of Stars?" he asked in reply. "The details, not just 'attacked by pirates'."
"Public records didn't have much in the way of details," Ben responded, his temper under control again, curiosity taking control. "Just that
the ship was lost with no survivors. Well, until Fiona," he added.
Alex frowned slightly. "When the Office of Frontier Security told us of her situation, we investigated. It turns out that anti-piracy raids carried out by
the Perian Republic confirmed how the ship was destroyed. Her slip-point manifold was sabotaged and the ship was forced back into real space at a planned
location. Rescue efforts literally had no idea where to begin looking. After all this time, the odds of anyone finding her... Well, I've had some very
smart people tell me it's nearly impossible."
"So, she got lucky," Ben replied.
"That's my conclusion as well. However, there are others that don't agree with us. The package she received on Ragol, the money and a rather
interesting sword, were from one such group. You've been wondering about that?"
Snorting, the pilot crossed his arms over his chest. "Someone sends us a large chunk of cash? Only natural to wonder and worry," he muttered.
"But we don't have the ability to find out who sent it."
The frown on Alex's face shifted to a faint smile. "We do," he replied, before the smile faded again. "I'll spare you the minor details
for now, but the group that have taken an interest in both you and your crew member are not entirely rational men. They are men of religion."
"Hey," Ben scowled.
"Not men of faith," Alex said quickly. "Fanatics. Those that see prophecy where we would see good fortune and opportunity. These men are the
sort to use violence and murder to get what they want. And for whatever reason, they believe that Miss Lockley is part of their faith. That her being found is
part of something larger... and it's related to whatever you found under the surface of Ragol." He smiled slightly as both men didn't quite manage
to suppress their reaction. "I wonder what you found," he said quietly. "Miss Lockley only really came to their attention after you returned
from the planet to Pioneer Two. Whatever is down there, whatever destroyed Pioneer One and transformed it into a hell world, they're interested in it.
Obsessed even," he finished, eyes narrowing as he studied their reactions. Unease, shock, and slight understanding, and annoyance at the fact that this
was coming up in a discussion with a Crey executive.
Getting his bearings, Chris frowned slightly. "You realize of course, that we can't discuss that operation with you," he stated, knowing that, in
reality, he didn't need to say anything. Alex Wentworth knew far too much about Ragols secrets already, and was merely using them for minor confirmation.
"Of course," he agreed with a smile. "I understand completely. Non-disclosure agreements. Given the potential of the organic technology the
creature offers, and the risks it poses, I can understand why Ragol would want to keep it quiet." For a brief moment, the smile became slightly more of a
smirk, just long enough for the pilot and captain to recognize it, before the more social, friendly smile returned. "Anyway, this group, these Children of
Falz, as they call themselves... odd name really... it seems that Miss Lockley came to their attention after the event. And for whatever reason, she is the
focus of their interest. Not any of the other people down there, just her. If they're as violent as evidence suggests, I'd rather not have them
threatening New Wales, or Crey Industries."
Chris took several steps closer, now standing right in front of the mans desk. "Then give them no reason to look here," he suggested. "Even if
her family has survived, there's a very good chance Fiona won't want to stay here. She'll likely take up the fresh start we can offer her. In
space, away from New Wales, we draw this groups attention." He resisted the urge to add 'if they even exist', merely giving the man a steady look.
"Let us find her family and be on our way. The problem is out of your hair, nothing to worry about."
Leaning back in his chair, Alex looked at Duskwalkers captain for a long moment, tapping a finger against the desk. "That's quite a risk you're
taking Captain. These men have killed before," he pointed out.
Shrugging, Ben stepped up and stood next to Chris, a faint smirk on his face. "Nothing too unusual there. And she's part of our crew."
"We count that as being worth the risk," Chris finished, smiling.
For a long moment, the Crey executive said nothing. After nearly a minute, he nodded, before taking a data crystal from his desk and tossed it to Chris.
"All the data on her family," he said. "Her mother passed away twenty years ago, she was buried in a cemetery north of the city. It's still
intact. Her sister married, and now lives in Mahoron Tower. I have people informing her of Miss Lockleys rescue as we speak."
Chris looked at the crystal for a moment, then put it away. Next to him, Ben scowled slightly. "Now, and not a month ago?"
"We wanted to be certain of the situation first," Alex replied, his smile returning.
"And if she wants to leave?" the pilot asked.
"Then she's free to do so," he answered. "And with that... I'm afraid I have a meeting in a few minutes, so I won't be able to speak
with you any longer. The guards outside will show you to the elevator," he said, standing up.
Both men shook the executives hand, keeping the situation polite. "Thank you for your assistance," Chris commented.
"And thank you for yours," Alex replied. Quietly, they turned and left, finding a guard waiting outside for them. Neither man said anything until
they were in the elevator and on their way down to the lobby.
Putting his hands in his pockets, listening to the rather catchy elevator jingle, Chris glanced over at Ben. "You know, usually I'm the one that has
the temper," he pointed out, getting an amused snort from his friend. "No, I'm serious. You've had to pull the damn Diggers Nerve Pinch on
me."
Snorting again, louder this time, Ben shrugged. "What, I'm not allowed to get pissed off from time to time? Saying he couldn't let Fiona
leave..."
"He was playing us," Chris replied. "He wanted to confirm some details, nothing more. I don't even know how much we actually told him, or
what we even confirmed... I hate cloak and dagger shit." He sighed, looking up at the camera in the corner. "And when we mention this to Amy..."
Growling, Ben closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. "She'll send a report back to Ragol," he finished. "He's using us as
messengers." Opening his eyes, he looked over at Chris. "Yeah, I hate the cloak and dagger nonsense too," he said.
Reaching into his pocket, Chris pulled out his comm-link and tapped in a command. A moment later, a tiny hologram appeared above it, showing a flat screen
image of Amy. "Hey guys. Any news?" she asked
"Something like that," he replied with a grimace. "Head on back to the ship. There's things we need to talk about."
***