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Rowen Cairn Ch. 01

By: Tiber1978



Idris had not expected the streets to be so busy so late in the rotational cycle. Last time he'd been on Adrondonas, the street had been virtually empty at the same hour. He didn't have any trouble, despite the crowd, making his way back to the port. He was anxious to return. He did not favor crowds, and the unknown they potentially held. As well, the rendezvous had a time-limited window involved with it, but he was confident Atalanta would be more than capable to make the deadline. He hardly took any notice of the individuals of the crowd or anything that they were dressed in. 

His dark green and black pants didn't stand out in anyway, nor did the cloak he wore. As long as Drexel Rynn and his thugs didn't spot him, he was certain to be safe. He let out a sigh of relief as he saw the marker. He remembered the sign was only a kilometer away from the port entrance. He patted his side, feeling safer as he reassured himself again that his weapon was still in his shoulder holster. He looked over the busy sky lanes and watched as the Adrondonas' second sun descended beyond the horizon of the busy metropolis of Kandis Spaceport.

Rowen Cairn, who was also traveling within the spaceport, didn't think she'd get into trouble this soon after settling in Adrondonas. And yet here she was, plowing through the crowds of people, pushing them aside, trying to get away from the three large men behind her. Three very unhappy, angry men who wanted to grab her, beat her, and possibly a few other things that were much too unpleasant for her to think about. Well, what was she expected to do when a customer cupped her buttocks in a crowded restaurant? Just sit back and let him have at? She had promptly stepped back, said something mean to him, and then set his right sleeve on fire. That hadn't gone over well with several people around her. Then the screaming started, the panicking, the accusations, and now the chase. She had to get off this planet and soon. So she was headed where she knew she could get a ride - the docks. As unique as she was, Rowen Cairn didn't look any different than most people. Long brown hair, currently loose around her face, and simple clothing - black pants, and a grey button up shirt, soft slip on shoes on her feet. Panting, a sharp pain acting up on her right side, she picked up speed as well as she could. She could hear the men behind her, yelling for her to stop and let them catch her, but for some reason, she didn't feel compelled to acquiesce.

She'd hoped to find an open ship, sneak on as she had done on so many ships before, and be gone, just like that. Unfortunately, that was not in the cards today. These men were much faster than she planned, and the crowd was thinning as she neared the ships. She decided to abandon her plan of finding a ship and stowing aboard, and settle for simply finding something to help her. Seeing a man walking idly along, she made her selection and ran up to him quickly.

"I need your help," she said, but not in a begging or pleading manner, more in a confident tone that left her prey with little choice. Turning the man to face her, she hesitated as she recognized the face, recognized his eyes. How long had it been since she'd seen this face? Eyes widened, and she quickly turned to see if she caught sight of the men chasing her. "Well? Are you going to help me," she demanded, grabbing his arm, and pulling it gently.

Idris was caught off guard, and even jumped a little when she snuck up on him. His hood fell away, revealing those green eyes and chiseled face. His hair was still the short brown mess it'd been before, but that expression of panic had been unmatched up to this point. And he still wasn't very tall, short of two meters. He went to say her name, but in the moment, his brain came back with a blank. Despite this, His mouth kept moving as he tried to say or even remember her name. After a moment, seeing the look of urgency in her eyes, he realized that he didn't have very much of a choice. It was still at least five hundred meters to the port, and maybe a minute after that to his ship. It took him a moment, but once realization kicked in, he took her hand and ran. His energy surpassed her own, as he'd only been walking, and as his pace accelerated into a run. "This way!"

When he pulled his ignition pistol out of his cloak, the crowd seemed more compelled to obey. "Move! Out of the way!" More and more bystanders fled out of his path as he almost dragged her tired form to the dock entrance. He saw a small niche and pulled her into it. It was small enough not to be noticed, but large enough to accommodate both of them as he pulled her lithe form up against his body and held her tight. Her back pressed against his chest as he prevented her from moving into view. He peered out from the hiding place to see that the men would actually catch up with them long before they made it to the ship. Thankful he had found this spot, he took care to make sure he saw the men disappear back into the crowd before she and him continued on down the street.

"Idris..." She touched his arm, turning him gently. She barely remembered his name, but at least she remembered it. "Thank you, for helping me...again." She opened her mouth to add something, and then stopped. She was suddenly realizing that she still had to get on a ship. Staying here was not an option for her.

He felt terrible when she said his name, his mind still failing to supply him with one for her. His speech seemed unnerved as he went to speak, clearing his throat some way through and regaining the ability to speak more clearly. "I-It-I-of-of *ahem* no...problem, of course. Why wouldn't I help you?"

"Why wouldn't you help me? Maybe because last time you did, I vanished on you without so much as a 'see ya.'" Rowen continued walking alongside him, running her fingers through her loose hair.

He shook his head and then asked, "Well...are you alright? What happened?" He indicated her pursuers, who were now a great distance ahead of them.

Well, she wasn't going to tell him that she had lit some guy on fire, and now she was a criminal. "...Let's just say, they don't care for me much, and if I stick around here, I'm dead. So maybe you could...give me a lift? I promise to be a better guest this time." She grinned at him, hoping he bought into it. Granted, she wouldn't blame him if he turned on her. She had vanished on him years ago, never thanked him, and now was popping up again asking for more help.

He nodding slowly, not believing her about her attackers, but not pressing the issue. "We'll see." He continued walking with her, back in the direction of his ship. He'd momentarily forgotten his time constraints, in light of their fleeing, but as things began to calm down, he remembered it again in the back of his mind. His pace was evenly sped, but as they continued walking, a subtle acceleration went into his stride as he tried desperately to stay and talk with her and get back to his ship, both endeavors currently quite contradictory of each other. He wanted to stay, yes, but...he simultaneously needed to go.

"Look, it's fine if you-" she sighed, cutting herself off. "I'm Rowen, in case you'd forgotten. I was that idiot who decided to secretly hide on your ship to bum a ride, and you were the nice guy who helped me out. And now..." She immediately noticed his acceleration of speed, but she kept up with him. "...I'd love it if you could help me out a little more."

The fact that he didn't stop dead in his tracks, laugh in her face, and push her aside was a good sign he was going to agree to her coming along. Still, she kept smiling at him, just to be safe, walking quickly at his side. "I am headed anywhere that isn't here. I'm going where you're going, and at the first stop, I'll get off, and you don't have to worry about me anymore." Her head turned for a moment, eyes searching around just in case those guys were coming for her again. Focusing back on Idris, she bit down on her lower lip, studying him for a second. "Please?"

This was as close to begging as Rowen would get. Her smile grew a little, and she realized suddenly that if he didn't say yes to her, she was going to be more disappointed than she should have been. Very rarely did Rowen ever see a familiar face, and even though they hadn't known each other well, he was part of her past, and now part of her present. That didn't happen very often. People came into Rowen's life and then they went out, and never came back.

Idris nodded a little, as she spoke, but his countenance noticeably changed. Not in a way he realized, but in a way that was quite obvious to her. He wasn't sure how eager he was to have her come aboard for all of one stop and then disappear out of his life just as suddenly, though pleasantly unexpectedly, as she had re entered. "You can come along, if you like."

"I promise I'll be a good guest. I'll even do some chores for you on the ship, alright? But we have to hurry and leave now. We don't have time to just stand around."

"Time? TIME!" He groaned audibly, realizing he'd completely forgotten about the time. In the spirit of impetuousness, he said nothing, just grabbed her hand, and started running again. He'd completely neglected his deadline. He didn't like to be pressed for time or feel rushed, but the longer he was with her in the corridors of the spaceport, the less time he'd have to make the jump. He lead her along, down the passage they'd found themselves in, and made a quick turn down a different path. The first door on his left, he pushed open, and was nearly dragging her like a rag doll to the foot of his ship.

Despite being dragged, and feeling a twinge of annoyance at being dragged, Rowen went along just glad she was actually being taken. Idris called out a name, a name she might have recognized, but with so much time having passed, it was possible it would be as unfamiliar as any other name Idris might speak. "Ophelia! Start the engines and warm up the ship! And OPEN THE DOOR!"

The landing ramp slowly descended from the roof of the ship. He dragged her aboard, and she would already be able to hear the various engines and generators gearing on and switching to life. The lights in the ring corridor were dim for a moment, and then sprung to life, bathing them both in an ambient, but gentle, lighting. Once the ramp was back up again, he turned to look at her. "Ok, if you're going to come along, we're going to have to have a few grounds rules.

She nodded slowly. "Okay..."

"Alright, for now, I need to get off this rock. So, I want you to either sit in the copilot's seat, or buckle up in the galley." He pointed, indicating their locations. "Once we've left the system, and I've made the jump, we'll figure out where who is going to sleep where and find you something to change into. I don't usually have passengers on my ship, but, no offense, if you're going to be with me for three days, you get to use the refresher at least twice between now and then. That's...not negotiable."

"Rules, rules, rules, got it, check, understood. Copilot's seat it is."

He started walking, down the corridor and around to the corridor that came off the ring and into the cockpit. He sat down and strapped in, reaching up overhead and flipped a few switches, looking up at the night sky and the air traffic lanes. He looked over at the copilot's chair, and waited a moment, giving her some time to buckle in, but then lifted off, regardless of how secured she'd managed to get beforehand. He heard the roar of the sublight engines as his little cruiser analog took to the sky and broke free of orbit. "Ophelia, bring up the navicomputer, and get me Baramasta jump coordinates."

He waited until the antispace window generator had a green light, and then throttled forward. The vast window seemed to peel open for that small fraction of a second and then they were sucked in, the veridian and azure hues of antispace engulfing them. He looked down over the panel, and then at his wrist, checking to be sure his chronometer matched the ship. He sighed, and then remembered her, turning to look towards the copilot chair.

Sighing softly as soon as all seemed calm. "That...was...fun. So, Baramasta?" She turned in the co-pilot's chair to face him, arching an eyebrow slightly. "You can dump me there. I won't be offended." Arms crossed and she turned again, facing the front of the ship.

He shrugged, but not with his arms, his eye brows shifting up in a "sure, whatever" expression.

It was then that the miniature projection came to life on the control console, standing near the center. "Captain Chariton? Why...do we have a passenger...again?"

When the little projection came up, she jumped slightly, frowning down at who she could only guess was Ophelia.

The figure was about as tall as Idris' forearm. Her long brown hair fell over her shoulders and her blue eyes seemed perplexed, not angry. She was more curious than anything. The light green, uniform-style shirt and pants covered her in a very conservative style. Her black shoes matched the attire very well. And while her appearance was that of an adult, as was her even-toned voice, her personality and countenance seemed child-like more so than the mature adult she appeared designed to emulate.

"We have a passenger because..." He stopped midsentence, looking over at Rowen a moment, his eyes taking in her appearance, before he turned back to her. "Because she had nowhere else to go, obviously."

The image looked over at her, and then slowly tilted her head to the side. "You look very familiar. Has Captain Chariton had you aboard once before, Miss?"

Gathering her wits, she straightened up, unbuckling herself from the chair. "Yes, Id-Captain Chariton has taken me in before. Both times unwillingly, for the most part. He's a kind man."

Idris stood, satisfied that Ophelia's attention was directed away from him, and walked into the space that connected the cockpit to the ring corridor of his ship. He turned right and walked around to the galley. He was starving, a sensation he'd only became aware of as he'd spoken to Ophelia.

Feeling a little strange talking to the computer, she looked over at Idris, and noticed he was leaving and quickly began to follow. "It was nice to see you again, Ophelia." She called over her shoulder, before she followed Idris into the galley. "I think we should discuss sleeping arrangements. I know this isn't a very big ship, so if you just hand me a sleeping bag, blanket, anything - I'll be fine. It most likely won't be the most uncomfortable place I've slept in before." It was true. Since Rowen had become such a wanderer, she'd become no stranger to uncomfortable sleeping arrangements, but she did what she had to do to get by.

The machine in front of Idris dinged and he reached into the opening, taking a bowl from it. Steam flowed off the top as he moved over to sit at the booth-style seat that surrounded about half of the galley, a table extending around in front of it. He set it down on the surface and looked over at her. The food was a little too warm to consume just yet. He looked over and saw Ophelia sit on the edge of the table, looking over at him.

"Or I can just sleep outside..." she muttered, feeling a little ignored.

He was still contemplating how he would manage everything. He didn't feel right about making her sleep on the floor, or any other place on the ship that might be equally uncomfortable.

"Captain, what is our next mission? We haven't been to Baramasta in almost twenty-seven cycles."

Idris sighed. "Let me eat first and then we'll figure it out." He looked over at Rowen. "Are you hungry?"

Eyes went to that bowl he pulled from the dispenser. She hadn't realized she was hungry until that moment, but guilt followed her hunger. She had already sort of forced her way onto the ship. She didn't exactly feel great about eating all his food either. Sitting down at the table, she jumped when she noticed Ophelia. She was going to have to get used to that little projection popping up here and there without any warning. "Am I what," she finally said. She hadn't realized she was being addressed. Looking down at his bowl, then back up at him, she feigned a little shrug, and looked away. "Only a little. I'm sure I can hold off until morning."

He arched an eye brow at her. He left his bowl on the table and went over to the dispenser. He looked at it a long moment, then looked over at her, as if her appearance somehow was going to assist him in deciding what to prepare for her. He programmed the device and waited a few moments. He took the bowl from the machine and set it in front of her, along with a spoon. He plopped the second spoon into his own bowl and started sipping at it.

"Thank you." She responded, genuinely, as he set the bowl down in front of her. Trying not to think of the last time she had an actual warm meal, she brought the bowl towards her, stirring it with her spoon. Blowing gently to try and cool the liquid, she kept herself quiet until she had sipped. "Thank you, for taking me in again. It's not often someone will take you in twice. Especially after the first time they just sort of...vanish." She raised her eyebrows and shrugged, scooping up more soup.

Making a face more at herself than him, she leaned back in her seat, eyes moving back up to him. "What is in Baramasta?" She noted that it seemed like the captain now had two curious females aboard. Lucky him.

"There is a lot in Baramasta. That's all either of you need to know until we get there."

Idris' soup smelled obviously different from her own. He'd served her psyrian fowl soup. The broth of his meal, however, looked a lot darker, some kind of red meat she'd probably never smelled before. He ate his soup at a very slow pace, almost out of character, considering how hasty he was with everything else. He breathed in the scent a long moment. "Don't worry, you're not inconveniencing me. We're onboard, and I've no problem taking you along. Put it out of your mind." He grinned at her and winked before going back to his soup.

Glad to see his smile, it immediately reassured her somehow. Returning his smile with one of her own, she took another bite of soup, her mood almost instantaneously improving. "This time, Idris...I will say goodbye, and give you a proper thank you, before I leave. Last time...I was younger, and scared, but...not anymore." Nodding a little bit, she fell silent, not wanting to pester him anymore while they ate. As her soup cooled, it was easier to eat it, and soon she was almost at the bottom of her bowl.

He continued to eat his food, and despite his slow pace, he managed to finish it before she finished hers. He got up and went over to the dispenser. He dropped the bowl into the discard bin and realized he had forgotten to empty it while he was on the surface, but he was confident it would not be an issue. "Why, if you do not mind me asking, were the nice men chasing you?"

Rowen shook her head, finishing off the soup, standing up to place it in the bin just as Idris had done. "Well first of all - they weren't nice men. One of them grabbed me when I was trying to clear off their table. Grabbed me...not so politely. When I..." Lit him on fire? No. There was no way she was telling Idris about her powers. If she did, the next thing she knew was she'd be thrown off the ship, or tied up as a captive and turned in once they reached their destination. "...put him in his place - he got mad. So he and his buddy chased me. End of story." Not really, but she figured Idris would take it. Clearing her throat gently she sat back down across from Idris, running her fingers gently though her long brown hair.

He laughed a little. "Ah, I see. Yeah, I can't say I like it when strange, ugly men try to grab me either."

"Happen often?" She laughed at that, although she wasn't entirely sure if it had or not. Still she chuckled, and leaned against the table, placing her chin onto of her folded hands.


Rowen Cairn Ch. 01-10



Part 1 

Idris feels his legs moving as he walks through the crowd. He'd not expected the streets to be so busy so late in the rotational cycle. Last time he'd been on Adrondonas, the street had been virtually empty at the same hour. He didn't have any trouble, though, despite the crowd, making his way back to the port. He was anxious to return, both because he did not favor crowds, and the unknown they potentially held, and because the rendezvous had a chronological window involved with it. He was confident Atalanta would be more than capable to make the deadline...if she didn't decide to burn out on him somewhere along the way. He hardly took any notice of the individuals of the crowd or anything that they were dressed in, where he, himself, had taken a great deal of thought into his attire, wearing the most inconspicuous wardrobe he could find on board. His boots were soft as they scuffed against the durasteel walkway, and his dark green and black pants didn't stand out in anyway, nor did the cloak he wore. After all, it was still a little bright, and many of the cultures wore clothes that went over their head. He'd left his armor on board, more afraid of it being stolen from his person than he was worried about being harmed without it. As long as Drexel Rynn and his thugs didn't spot him, he was certain to be safe. He secretly let out a sigh of relief as he saw the marker, the sign he remembered was only a kilometer away from the port entrance. He patted his side, feeling safer as he reassured himself again that his weapon was still in his shoulder holster. He looked over the busy sky lanes and watched as the Adrondonas' second sun descended beyond the horizon of the busy metropolis of Kandis Spaceport. 

Rowen didn't think she'd get into trouble this soon after settling in Adrondonas. And yet here she was plowing through the crowds of people, pushing them aside, trying to get away from the three large men behind her. Three very unhappy, angry men who wanted to grab her, beat her, and possibly a few other things that were much too unpleasant for her to think about. Well, what was she expected to do when a customer cupped her buttocks in a crowded restaurant? Just sit back and let him have at? Not on Rowen's watch. She had promptly stepped back, said something mean to him, and then set his right sleeve on fire. That hadn't gone over well with several people around her. Then the screaming started, the panicking, the accusations, and now the chase. She had to get the hell off this planet and soon. So she was headed where she knew she could get a ride - the docks. As not ordinary as she was, Rowen Cairn didn't look any different than most people. Long brown hair, currently loose around her face, and simple clothing - black pants, and a grey button up shirt, soft slip on shoes on her feet. Panting, a sharp pain acting up on her right side, she picked up speed as well as she could. She could hear the men behind her, yelling for her to STOP. Like hell she was. 

What she expected was to find an open ship, sneak on as she had done on so many ships before, and be gone, just like that. Unfortunately that was not in the cards today. These men were much faster than she planned, and the crowd was thinning as she neared the ships. Plan B. Seeing a man walking idly along, she immediately just picked him, running up to him quickly. "I need your help." she said, but not in a begging way but rather in a "you're going to help me, you sort of have no choice," way. Turning the man to face her, she frowned as the face suddenly became all too familiar for her. How long had it been since she'd seen this face? Years. Eyes widened, and she quickly turned to see if she caught sight of the men chasing her. "Well? Are you going to help me," she demanded, grabbing Idris' arm, and pulling it gently. 

Idris felt mortified as he felt such an intense amount of attention called to him. His hood fell away, revealing those green eyes and chiseled face. His hair was still the short brown mess it'd been before, but that expression of panic had been unmatched up to this point. And he still wasn't very tall, short of two meters, he'd yet to grow to six feet. He went to say her name, but in the moment, his brain came back with a blank. His mouth kept moving, however, despite this, as he tried to say/remember her name. After a moment, seeing the look of urgency in her eyes, he realized that his small amount of anonymity had been obliterated. It was only another three quarters of a kilometer to the port, and maybe a minute after that to his ship. It took him a moment, but once realization kicked in, he took her hand and ran. his energy surpassed her own, as he'd only been walking, and as his pace accelerated into a run, he could feel the complaints about speed and strain fleeing from his legs as they were now allowed to stretch and move at an unbridled pace. "This way." He hissed at her, a little annoyed that she'd picked him, but undeniably thankful to both help her again and see her even after so long. "Move! Out of the way!" 

When he pulled his ignition pistol out of his cloak, the crowd seemed more compelled to obey, more and more bystanders fleeing out of his path as he almost dragged her tired form to the dock entrance. He saw a small niche and pulled her into it. It was small enough not to be noticed, but large enough to accommodate both of them as he pulled her lithe form up against his body and held her tight, her back pressed against his chest as he prevented her from moving into view. He peered out from the hiding place to see that the men would have actually caught up with them long before they made it to the ship. Thankful, he took care to make sure he saw their figures disappear back into the crowd as they continued on down the street. He very silently let out a small breath, and then realized how tightly he was holding her. He paled, then blushed, and had the presence of mind to finally let go. He didn't face her as he turned and walked back out into the street, hoping that by the time she approached him, the color might have fled from his complexion and left her ignorant of whatever intense emotions their reunion might have held for him. 

Not caring if he was annoyed her not, her focus was on staying ALIVE. So when he began to run with her, without anymore encouragement she felt grateful, and relieved. As he began to run, she felt her legs, and lungs give a bit of protest, but she ignored them, pushing on. It was a welcome pause in fleeing when he pulled her into that little niche. Panting softly, she pressed herself back against him, watching closely as the men ran right on by. When they emerged from the corner, she felt like her breathing, and heart rate, were finally back to normal. Now to deal with this guy, a ghost from her past it seemed. What were the odds she'd actually choose someone in the crowd she knew, or had known? Approaching him, she touched his arm, turning him gently. "Idris..." She remembered his name, barely, but she remembered it. "Thank you, for helping me...again." She opened her mouth to add something, and then stopped. She was suddenly realizing that she still had to get on a ship. Staying here was not an option for her. 

He felt even worse, now, when she said his name, his mind still failing to supply him with one for her. His speech seemed unnerved as he went to speak, clearing his throat some way through and regaining the ability to speak more clearly. "I-It-I-of-of *ahem* no...problem, of course. Why wouldn't I help you?" 

He sincerely hoped that the red had fled from his face, though he could hardly tell if he was blushing. "Are...you alright? What happened?" 

He turned, indicating her pursuers. He started walking with her, back in the direction of his ship. He'd momentarily forgotten his time constraints, in light of their fleeing, but as things began to calm down, he remembered it again in the back of his mind, and did his best to address it, while concealing it from her. His pace was evenly sped, but as they continued walking, a subtle acceleration went into his stride as he tried desperately to stay and talk with her and get back to his ship, both endeavors currently quite contradictory of each other. He wanted to stay, yes, but...he simultaneously needed to go. 

"Why wouldn't you help me? Maybe because last time you did, I vanished on you without so much as a 'see ya.'" Rowen shrugged her shoulders, walking alongside him, running her fingers through her loose hair. Oh, she noticed the blush on his cheeks, she just wasn't going to point it out. Not until she weaseled her way into getting a little more help out of him. "Look, it's fine if you don't really remember me. I'm Rowen. I was that idiot who decided to secretly hide on your ship to bum a ride, and you were the nice guy who helped me out. And now..." She immediately noticed his acceleration of speed, but she kept up with him. 

"...I'd love it if you could help me out a little more. Those guys? Um..." Well, she wasn't going to tell him that she had lit some guy on fire, and now she was a criminal. 

"...Let's just say, they don't care for me much, and if I stick around here, I'm dead. So maybe you could...give me a lift? I promise to be a better guest this time." 

She grinned at him, hoping he bought into it. Granted, she wouldn't blame him if he turned on her. She had vanished on him years ago, never thanked him, and now was popping up again asking for more help. His gaze turned quickly to her as she said "a little more," but he listened, suspecting what she might say, and already mulling the decision over. He hadn't seen her in, for a time whose length he was unable to measure, and he didn't really know her, but he was unable to deny that he did secretly want her to come along, not just because he felt so unfathomably alone on his ship, of late, but...because of other attributes that, despite his best efforts, he found himself quite unable to deny the existence of. And while he did feel a degree of apprehension, he couldn't disregard the fact that she was at least giving him the courtesy of obtaining his permission before she came on board. He had to give her a little credit for that, if nothing else. "Uh-um...well, where...are you headed, exactly, Rowen?" 

He smiled, much more confidently than he could have possibly imagined himself able to. It wasn't that he lacked confidence, it was just a simple fact that he was in no way even remotely in any kind of familiar, safe place in his mind, at the moment. 

The fact that he didn't stop dead in his tracks, laugh in her face, and push aside, was a good sign he was going to agree to her coming along. Still, just to be safe, she kept smiling at him, walking quickly at his side. "I am headed anywhere that isn't here. I'll go where you go, and at the first stop I'll get off, and you don't have to worry about me anymore." Her head turned for a moment, eyes searching behind her just in case those guys were coming at her again. She still had her jumpy moments. Focusing back on Idris, she bit down on her lower lip, studying him for a second. "Please?" 

"Please," was as close to begging as Rowen would get. Her smile grew a little bit, and she realized suddenly that if he didn't say yes to her, she was going to be more disappointed than she should have been. Very rarely did Rowen ever see a familiar face, and even though they hadn't known each other well, he was part of her past, and now part of her present. That didn't happen very often. People came into Rowen's life, then were gone, and never came back. 

He was nodding a little, as she spoke, but his countenance noticeably changed, not in a way he realized, but in a way that was quite obvious to her. He wasn't sure how eager he was to have her come aboard for all of one stop and then disappear out of his life just as suddenly, though pleasantly unexpectedly, as she had re entered. "I'm heading to..." He stopped, and then thinned his eyes a moment, suddenly doubting his trust in her enough that he questioned the idea of revealing his destination to her. His gaze drifted and then he was focused again. "I'm...leaving, I mean. You can come along, if you like. Though..." He actually stopped this time, his pace coming to a very abrupt halt. He only had one living compartment: his own. The dilemma of what would be done when Atalanta's passengers were doubled had his brain grinding away with a solution, as well as with all the various details and possibilities, some of which he found pleasant, but most of which he felt determined not to think about. His gaze wandered towards the street, his hand on his chin, and the teeth on the upper side of his mouth holding his bottom lip as he was pulled so suddenly into a very thoughtful place. His mind seemed to work endlessly, each circumstance or solution only opening the doors in his thinking to make way for a greater myriad of possibilities and unconsidered details. A full fifteen seconds went by as his eyes seemed to search a place in his line of sight that Rowen probably didn't see. When he realized that he'd let his head get away with him, he sucked in a breath and then looked up at her, feeling a little self conscious about how eccentrically he'd plunged into his own little world. He then remembered...if she was planning to leave, so soon anyway, then he could just sleep in the cockpit and forgo his quarters for the trip. He then had to fight off the thoughts that broke in, thoughts about what she'd be capable of doing, seeing, or finding while unsupervised in his living space. 

Oh no, there he went stopping in his tracks. Her mind began to race trying to figure out what other tactics she could use to try and convince him. Then again, did she even really deserve his trust? He didn't want to tell her where they were headed - which was fine. That was his own business. No, she didn't deserve trust, but she did deserve to live. Frowning as she watched him closely as he got lost in thought, she became increasingly impatient. Clearing her throat, gently she reached out grabbing one of his hands. "Idris, please? We don't have much time here. I promise I'll be a good guest. I'll even do some chores for you on the ship, alright? But we have to hurry and leave now." 

Gently she tugged his hands towards the docked ships, frowning up at him. Alright, so she was begging a little more, but there was definitely some bargaining happening also. "I really don't feel like dying here, so if you could just get me somewhere, anywhere. Please?" 

That was the last time she'd say please. Anymore than that and she'd be begging. 

"Time? TIME! Oh, xfing Andron time!" 

He swore, unimpeded by her presence and scoffed, starting to walk with her. In the spirit of impetuousness, he said nothing, just grabbing her hand, and running again. He'd neglected his deadline. He didn't like to be pressed for time or feel rushed, but the longer he was with her in the corridors of the spaceport, the less time he'd have to make the jump. He lead her along, down the hall they'd found themselves in and made a quick turn down a different path. The first door on his left, he pushed open, and was nearly dragging her like a rag doll to foot of his ship. He called out a name, a name she might have recognized, but with so much time having passed, it was possible it would be as unfamiliar as any other name Idris might speak. "Ophelia! Start the engines and warm her up! And OPEN THE DOOR!" 

He groaned as the landing ramp slowly descended from the roof of the ship. He dragged her aboard, and she would already be able to hear the various engines and generators gearing on and switching to life. The lights in the circle corridor were dim for a moment, and then sprung to life, bathing them both in an ambient, but gentle, lighting. 

Once the ramp was back up again, he turned to look at her. He pointed...which was not something she would have ever seen him do previously. "Ok, if you're going to come along, we're going to have to have a few grounds rules." 

Instead of waiting for her to acknowledge his words, he started talking. "Ok, for now, we need to get off this rock, but until then...I want you to either sit in the copilot's seat, or buckle up in the galley." 

He pointed, indicating their locations. "Once we've left the system, and I've made the jump, we'll figure out where who is going to sleep where and find you something to change into. I don't usually have passengers on my ship, but, no offense, if you're going to be with me for three days, you get to use the refresher at least twice between now and then. That's not negotiable." 

He started walking, down the corridor and around to the corridor that came off the circle and into the cockpit. He sat down and strapped in, reaching up overhead and flipped a few switches, looking up at the night sky and the air traffic lanes. He looked over at the copilot's chair, and waited a moment, giving her some time to buckle in, but then lifted off, regardless of how secured she'd managed to get beforehand. 

He heard the roar of the sublight engines as his little cruiser analog took to the sky and broke free of orbit. "Ophelia, bring up the navicomputer, and get me Baramasta jump coordinates." 

He sighed. So much for the mystery destination. He waited until the antispace window generator had a green light, and then throttled forward. The vast window seemed to peel open for that small fraction of a second and then they were sucked in, the veridian and azure hues of antispace engulfing them. He looked down over the panel, and then at his wrist, checking to be sure his chronometer matched the ship. He sighed, and then remembered her, turning to look towards the copilot chair to see if she was there. 

Despite being dragged, and feeling a twinge of annoyance at being dragged, Rowen went along just glad she was actually being taken. Boarding the ship with him, she looked around, arching an eyebrow some. It was strange, no matter how panicked he was, she was perfectly calm right now. She was odd. As soon as he mentioned co-pilot seat, she promptly sat down and buckled up. Eyes went to the finger pointed at her, but she didn't let it bother her. Rules, rules, rules, got it, check, understood. She watched with fascination as he spoke to his computer and she got them up and away from the planet. Sighing softly as soon as all seemed calm. "That...was...fun. So, Baramasta?" 

She turned in the co-pilot's chair to face him, arching an eyebrow slightly. "You can dump me there. I won't be offended." 

Arms crossed and she turned again, facing the front of the ship. He shrugged, but not with his arms, his eye brows shifting up in a "sure, whatever" expression. It was then that the miniature projection came to life on the control console, standing near the center. "Captain Chariton? Why...do we have a passenger, again?" 

The figure was about as tall as Idris' forearm. Her long brown hair fell over her shoulders and her blue eyes seemed perplexed, not angry. She was more curious than anything. The light green, uniform-style shirt and pants covered her in a very conservative style. Her black shoes matched the attire very well. And while her appearance was that of an adult, as was her even-toned voice, her personality and countenance seemed child-like more so than the mature adult she appeared designed to emulate. "We have a passenger because..." He stopped midsentence, looking over at Rowen a moment, his eyes taking in her appearance, before he turned back to her. "Because she had nowhere else to go, obviously." 

The image looked over at her, and then slowly tilted her head to the side. "You look very familiar. Has Captain Chariton had you aboard once before, Miss?" 

Idris stood, satisfied that Ophelia's attention was directed away from him, and walked into the space that connected the cockpit to the circle corridor of his ship. He turned right and walked around to the galley. He was starving, a sensation he'd only became aware of as he'd spoken to Ophelia. 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 01-10



When the little projection came up, she jumped slightly, frowning down at who she could only guess was Ophelia. Gathering her wits, she straightened up, unbuckling herself from the chair. "Yes, Id Captain Chariton has taken me in before. Both times unwillingly, for the most part. He's a kind man." 

Feeling a little strange talking to the computer, she looked over at Idris, and noticed he was leaving and quickly began to follow. "It is nice to see you again, Ophelia." 

She called over her shoulder, before she followed Idris into the galley. "You mentioned that we should discuss sleeping arrangements. I know this is a small ship, so if you just hand me a sleeping bag, blanket, anything - I'll be fine. It most likely won't be the most uncomfortable place I've slept in before." 

It was true. Since Rowen had become such a wanderer, she'd become no stranger to uncomfortable sleeping arrangements. But she did what she had to do to get by. 

He looked over at her from the dispenser. "Uh...yes, we should, eventually." 

The machine dinged and he reached into the opening, taking the bowl from it. Steam flowed off the top as he moved over to sit at the booth-style seat that surrounded one half of the galley, a table extending around in front of it. He set it down on the surface and looked over at her. The food was a little too warm to consume just yet. He looked over and saw Ophelia sit on the edge of the table, looking over at him. "Captain, what is our next mission? We haven't been to Baramasta in almost twenty-seven cycles." 

Idris sighed. "Let me eat first and then we'll figure it out." 

He looked over at Rowen. "Are you hungry?" 

He was still contemplating how he would manage everything. He didn't feel right about making her sleep on the floor, or any other place on the ship that might be equally uncomfortable. 

Eyes went to that bowl he pulled from the dispenser. She hadn't realized she was hungry until that moment, but guilt followed her hunger. She had already sort of forced her way onto the ship. She didn't exactly feel great about eating all his food either. Sitting down at the table, she jumped when Ophelia appeared on the table. She was going to have to get used to that little projection popping up here and there without any warning. "Am I what?" 

She hadn't realized she was being addressed. Looking down at his bowl, then back up at him, she feigned a little shrug, and looked away. "Only a little. I'm sure I can hold off until morning." 

Making a face more at herself than him, she leaned back in her seat, eyes moving back up to him. "What is in Baramasta?" 

Seems like the captain now had two curious females aboard. Lucky him. 

He arched an eye brow at her. He left his bowl on the table and went over to the dispenser. He looked at it a long moment, then looked over at her, as if her appearance somehow was going to assist him in deciding what to prepare for her. He programmed the device and waited a few moments. He took the bowl from the machine and set it in front of her, along with a spoon. He plopped the second spoon into his own bowl and started sipping at it. "There is a lot in Baramasta. That's all either of you needed to know until we get there." 

He looked over at Ophelia at an angle Rowen would have been unable to see. Ophelia held up her hands in surrender and stood up. Then her image disappeared off the table. 

"Thank you." 

She responded, genuinely, as he set the bowl down in front of her. Trying not to think of the last time she had an actual warm meal, she brought the bowl towards her, stirring it with her spoon. Quietly, she watched Idris speak with Ophelia, until she held up her hands and was gone. "You were rather short with her." 

Realizing that it wasn't her place, she quickly looked down at her bowl of soup, and gingerly scooped up a bit of broth. Blowing gently to try and cool the liquid, she kept herself quiet until she had sipped. "Thank you, for taking me in again. It's not often someone will take you in twice. Especially after the first time they just sort of...vanish." 

She raised her eyebrows and shrugged, scooping up more soup. 

Idris' soup smelled obviously different from her own. It was Hodirian fowl soup. The broth of his meal looked a lot darker, some kind of red meat she'd probably never smelled before. He ate his soup at a very slow pace, almost out of character, considering how impetuously he did everything else. He breathed in the scent a long moment before responding to her question. "Ophelia knows better than to ask me fifty questions while I am eating, never mind while I am eating with a guest in my kitchen." 

He smiled at her, and winked. "And you're fine." 

A moment after he said it, he reconsidered his wording. "I mean, don't worry, you're not inconveniencing me. We're onboard, and I've no problem taking you along. Put it out of your mind." 

Glad to see his smile, it immediately reassured her somehow. Returning his smile with one of her own, she took another bite of soup, her mood almost instantaneously improving. "This time, Idris...I will say goodbye, and give you a proper thank you, before I leave. Last time...I was younger, and scared, but not anymore." 

Nodding a little bit, she fell silent, not wanting to pester him anymore while they ate. As her soup cooled, it was easier to eat it, and soon she was almost at the bottom of her bowl. 

He smiled at her. "Really, it's alright. We all have our secrets, and it was a long time ago." 

He continued to eat his food, and despite his slow pace, he managed to finish it before she had. He got up and went over to the dispenser. He dropped the bowl into the bin. He had forgotten to empty his discard bin while he was on the surface, but he was confident it would not be an issue. "Why, if you do not mind me asking, were the nice men chasing you?" 

"Well first of all - they weren't nice men." 

Rowen shook her head, finishing off the soup, standing up to place it in the bin just as Idris had done. "One of them grabbed me when I was trying to clear off their table. Grabbed me...not so politely. When I..." Lit him on fire? No. There was no way she was telling Idris about her powers. If she did, the next thing she knew was she'd be thrown off the ship, or tied up as a captive and turned in once they reached their destination. "...put him in his place - he got mad. So he and his buddy chased me. End of story." 

Not really, but she figured Idris would take it. Clearing her throat gently she sat back down across from Idris, running her fingers gently though her long brown hair. 

He laughed a little. "Ah, I see. Yeah, I can't say I like it when strange, ugly men try to grab me either." 

He frowned and sighed, obviously it had happened to him plenty of times...or was he just joking? "It's ok, I doubt they'll even remember you, and I have a feeling you'll not be compelled to return to their planet anytime soon anyway." 

He had to admit though, having seen the size of the guys chasing her, that he couldn't deny how curious he was to know the details of how she'd gone about "putting them in their place." 

It was a question he decided to wait until a much later time to ask her. "Well, I am going to check the ship and make sure everything is alright. Usually, I have a moment to do a preflight checklist...but for some reason, I just didn't get around to it. So I guess a post-flight checklist is in order." 

He smiled and winked at her as he walked away. He'd left his cloak on the seat and she could now see what his cloak had been hiding. A large pistol was still in his holster, and his shirt was stained with green, purple, and red smudges. His pants didn't seem to have anything on them, and it seemed like Idris wasn't even aware of how filthy his shirt was. When he got to the cockpit, he stowed his pistol under the control console, its special place that it usually ended up on long flights like this. He started looking over all the indicators, and grabbed a clipboard from the left wall, reviewing each box and checking it mentally to make sure that everything was ok. He hoped that Rowen was good luck and that Atalanta would not feel compelled to break down. 

"Happen often?" 

She laughed at that, although she wasn't entirely sure if it had or not. Still she chuckled, and leaned against the table, placing her chin onto of her folded hands. When he announced he'd be checking the ship, she immediately stood up, wondering if she could help. Considering she didn't know the first thing about ships, she decided maybe it was better she didn't offer up any help. "No time for preflight checklists. Gosh, I wonder whose fault that was." 

Shooting him a little grin she headed back towards the cockpit. "I'll just stay in the cock pit till your done - keep out of your way and everything." 

Heading into the cockpit she plopped back down into the copilot's seat and remained quiet as he went about his business. She could be a good guest when she wanted to and stay quiet, and out of his way. 

As he was reviewing the checklist, he wrinkled his forehead, looking from the paper up to indicator on the console and back again. He tilted his head and looked up out of the corner of his eye. "Ophelia?" 

"Yes, Captain?" 

The image appeared on the console again. "What is it?" 

He turned to looked at her. "According to your sensors, what is the temperature of the aft cargo hold?" 

The image's gaze looked over at Idris and then seemed to go very far away for a moment. Then she blinked and looked at him. "It would appear there is an unusual amount of heat coming from the hold. Its origin, however, is not known. I recommend you investigate it." 

He sighed. "Well, at least the ship checks out...now I just have to make sure that nothing else came aboard that wasn't scheduled to. He reached under the console and retrieved his pistol. He walked out of the cockpit and down the hall. "Captain. I recommend you-" She lifted her hand, as if to signal him, but then her gaze looked impatient and she disappeared. "Yes, yes, the Tiderian armor suit..." He mumbled to himself somewhere down the hall. He went over to his living quarters, opening the door. He didn't really want to take any chances. If it was something dangerous, it was better to be safe than dead. He started rifling through the closet as he looked for the compartment behind the false wall. 

Hearing that something strange was going on, Rowen immediately sat up, intrigued. Well she could only TRY and stay out of the way. Whether her curiosity got the best of her or not was another story. She let the two talk, but when there was talk of investigating, and Idris was leaving the cockpit, she was out of her chair immediately. "Idris?" 

She called, following him into his living quarters, not even realizing what room they were in till her eyes fell on the bed. Oops. Shoving her hands into her pants pockets she leaned against the wall, looking up at the ceiling. "Um...do you need any help?" 

She asked, shrugging her shoulders a little bit. "I could go down with you." 

It did, after all, have to do with heat. She knew heat pretty well if she did say so herself. 

He looked over at her from his closet. He looked around him room, subtly indicating more that she wouldn't want to be in his room more so than she wasn't allowed. "Well, I would...but I only have one...uh..." He looked at the floor. He'd always considered his suit to be a secret, but it seemed like less and less he was able to keep secrets from her. "It wouldn't be safe for you, Rowen, and I'd feel terrible if anything happened to you." 

He managed to wrestle something out of his closet. It looked more like a remote. He looked behind her and pointed the device. A secret compartment opened up behind her and he walked over to it. The various pieces of his armor were hung in a room that was covered in transparinite. He walked back into the space, which was large enough for about ten people to comfortably hide. He started to take off his shirt and looked over towards where she was standing to see if she was looking over at him. 

"I can take care of myself, Idris, but..." No sense in starting up some stupid argument right now. "...if you want I'll just go back to the cockpit, sit down, and just chat with Ophelia." 

Part of her wanted to light HIM on fire and then say "HAH, see? I can take perfect care of myself!" 

But of course, she resisted that temptation and stayed quiet, jumping away as he opened up that secret compartment. Watching him, she felt her breath catch in her throat as his shirt went up an over his head. And she was definitely not moving her eyes away from his bare chest. When he looked over at her, she immediately looked down at the floor, shaking her head a little bit. "Fine. I'll go to the um...the...cockpit. And...just be careful." 

Arms crossed in front of her as she shifted from one foot to the other. 

He smiled and rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "I'm not really that bad, Rowen, it's just...an off day for me." 

He stuck his tongue out at her, indicating his ragged appearance. He was very lean, but it appeared that he would be able to hold his own in a fight. One thing that might have drawn her attention was a long scare that went down across his chest from his left collar bone all the way down to his waistline. It didn't look like the cut had been very deep, just a thin line across his chest. Once his shirt was off, he waited, seeing if she had decided to stay and get a free show or if she was going to do as she had indicated and return to the cockpit. While he didn't like the idea of her and Ophelia "catching up," so to speak, he could hardly think of a tactful way to intervene, or a method of intervention that wouldn't show his obvious apprehension for the idea. 

He unbuckled his leggings and let them fall to the floor. He still wore a pair of black shorts that covered up the important, more valuable parts of his body. He reached over and grabbed the bottom half of the armor and started to pull them on before putting on the top. He listened as the pieces clicked together, letting him know they were secure. He grabbed the boots and put them on and then took the helmet and placed it over his head. He reached both hands into either glove and waited for his heads-up display to light up. His movement did not seem impeded as he walked away from the room and down the hall. He felt the door to the hold. It was a little warm. He entered in the access code and let the antechamber door open in front of him. He pulled it closed behind him as he stepped in and locked it. 

"No, I didn't say you were bad." 

I...I mean, you're not bad at all. I like..." Shut up Rowen! A light blush rising to her cheeks she turned away from him and pointed at the door. "I'm going. Be careful." 

And out the door she went, taking a deep breath. It was just a shirtless man, she thought to herself, kicking herself a few times. No need to get so flustered. She was flustered because she had liked what she'd seen. Rolling her eyes at herself, she hurried into the cockpit and sat down in the copilot's chair. "Hi, Ophelia." she said aloud, looking around for that little projection she expected to come up. She was hoping that flustered look had been wiped off her face, and she no longer worried about anyone questioning her about it. 

The projection illuminated into life on the same place on the console that it always did. "Hello, Mistress Rowen. What can I-" She stopped midsentence and titled her head. "Mistress Rowen, are you alright? You look a little flushed and your pulse seems a little elevated." 

She gazed on, watching her with her normal curiosity. 

Damn. Rowen put on a little smile and quickly nodded. "Of course, Ophelia, I'm fine. I'm just here to...relax and chat with you while I wait for Idris. As you know, he went to check on that heat..." Taking a deep breath, she let it out gently, hoping that Ophelia noticed she was calming down and wouldn't press on the subject any further. It'd be strange to explain to a computer why she was so flustered to begin with. 

The image nodded. "Yes, of course. I'm sure it's nothing, Mistress. These things happen occasionally, but I think it's been a very long time since a pyre fiend managed to stow away in the cargo hold. And the MMK II tactical suit is more than sufficient for exterminating a pyre fiend, or whatever it is that is in there." 

The ship bucked then, suddenly, as if on cue, and an alarm in the cockpit started to go off. "The inertial stabilizer has burned out. There's been an explosion in the cargo hold. We're dropping out of antispace, Mistress, buckle in." 

Suddenly, the green and purple hues faded away as gaping nothing of real space opened up in front of them. The force of the reversion was enough to knock Rowen into the back of her seat. A mysterious, loud clank was heard down from the corridor. 

"Pyre fiend? What exactly is that, Ophelia?" 

But before the little figure could respond, the ship jerked, making every muscle in Rowen's body to tense up. "Dropping?" 

That didn't sound good. Panic bubbled up in her throat, and she began to reach for the seat belt when she heard the loud clank. "I'm going to go check on that, Ophelia." 

Whether the computer liked it or not, Rowen was standing up again, one hand on the wall next to her - just in case the ship jerked again. Frowning, moving carefully but at a brisk pace, Rowen made her way down the hall towards the strange clanking noise. 

The antechamber door had broken loose, and red and yellow hues were casting from it into the corridor. There was an intense heat coming away from the hold. She could also hear an abundant amount of swearing coming for the hold as well. Idris struggled to extinguish the flames in the compartment while simultaneously firing at the canine creature that was fighting with him. He tried to kill it, but it seemed like the beast was unwounded by the energy of his pistol. 

Eyes widened, and she felt not only her muscles tense, but she felt her whole body just freeze. Well it wasn't a normal thing to see what she could only assume was a Pyre Fiend. Maybe for Idris it was, but unfortunately, he didn't look like he was doing so well. Even though it should have, the heat coming from the hold didn't bother her, and she stepped closer to it. "Do you have another extinguisher?" 

She yelled at Idris, looking around to see if she could answer the question herself. 

He watched as she came into the antechamber. Still stuck in the cargo hold, he turned to her. He felt his heart jump up into his throat and then fall into his stomach. "Rowen! Get...out of here!" 

He watched as the animal's attention went to Rowen, and he leapt onto it, trying to tackle it. His suit could take the heat, but even with the weather controls inside the suit, with the entire compartment moving up to temperatures around the boiling mark, he was worried that it might overload his systems. The beast snarled and its long tail whipped around, slicing through the air and struck Idris like a bat, knocking him into the wall. He grunted both on impact and on landing. "Ugh, xfing Drondos! I'm going to blast their shop to the ground!" 

The beast made a move to go after Rowen again, and Idris leapt for the beast, but fell short, merely catching hold of the creature's tail as it went to escape into the antechamber. "Get out of here! And close that DOOR!" 

She was not leaving. And he was not answering her question. Still, Rowen stood her ground, dug her heels in and looked around for that extinguisher. That was until she heard the beast coming at her for a second time. Unfortunately, Idris was unable to stop the beast as he had a moment ago. Frowning, she turned to face the beast, debating what to do; defend herself the best way she knew how, or run? Shaking her head, she watched at Idris continued to struggle and made her choice. Turning, she shut the door, but she was still inside. Moving towards the creature as fast as possible, she brought a foot up to kick it right in the face. Its heat and the flames in the room didn't bother her one bit. She knew she was giving herself away right now, but Idris was in trouble, and if she didn't help, he could very well die. 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 01-10



As the beast started to run, Idris was suddenly on his feet. Another audible clanking noise was heard from the boots at they fastened themselves magnetically to the floor. Idris managed to maintain a grip on the tail, stopping the beast just before it leapt at her. The kick did little more than anger the beast. Idris tried to pull the creature back to him, by the tail, but the beast lunged and tried to pull Idris forward, but he didn't move, his footing remaining sturdy as the beast used him as an anchor, swinging around by the tail and colliding with him. Idris buckled, falling on his back, and a moment later, his feet left the ground. "Get the...in..." his words were few and far between with the struggling of the creature as it tried vicious to tear into the suit, barely managing to scrape the metal as the teeth gnawed at the head plate. "On the wall, get the gelidy gun!" 

He motioned his head at the rack on the wall. Only one more weapon was there, and it looked like there had been more. Maybe that was what the rest of the pieces on the floor were. "Shoot it!!" 

Well the kick hadn't done much - true, but at least she had tried something. Stepping back, she stared, trying to figure out her next move as Idris fought with the creature. Even though she didn't seem affected, by the heat in the room, she was well aware of it. Taking a deep breath, she turned around as Idris began to attempt to order her. Gun. Gun. Whirling around, she lunged for the gun, grabbing it off the wall quickly. Oh Hell, now she had to figure out how to use it. Fingers fumbled with a few buttons, until she heard it come to life. Aiming, or at least she hoped she was aiming, she pulled the trigger, taking a step back as the gun's force shoved her back some. Just to be sure though, Rowen aimed the gun again and shot off three more rounds, pausing to check if the beast was down or not. 

As the weapon fired, a large blast of white energy emitted from the gun. The energy seemed to seep into the beast's flesh, or metal, or whatever it was made of, and slowed it down a little. Despite slowly being incapacitated, the beast was still trying to kill him. As the second and third shots were fired, the energy that had previous invaded the beast seemed to reach out and connect with the second and third rounds. The temperature in the room seemed to drop about a hundred degrees in only a matter of moments. "Ah!" 

The crackling noise, like ice melting...or not melting, in this case, seemed to fill the room as the crystals leached into the floor and poisoned the creature. 

It's black, red, yellow, and orange colors seemed to fade into white and blue as the creature seemed enervated and slowly stopped moving. Despite everything, it still appeared to be breathing, however, just asleep. Idris groaned as he tried to move, but unfortunately, he'd been mounted to the floor by the spreading ice. He stopped struggling, and sighed. He looked over at her, and while his entire face was hidden from her, his words seemed sincere. "Thank you, Rowen." 

He sighed again and lied still. He huffed, trying to decide how to defrost the ice around his armor without waking up the creature. 

Breathing heavily now, she sighed with relief when she realized the beast was incapacitated, and Idris was safe. Gently she set the gun down to the side, walking over to the two on the ground. "No problem, Idris. I'm just glad you're alright." 

She was speaking sincerely as well, but it showed in her face, and especially in her eyes. Realizing he was very much stuck, frozen to the ground, she knelt beside him, studying the predicament he was in. Eyes went up to his face then back down. Might as well. At least if he freaked out, he wouldn't kill her, considering he owed her his life. Hands reached out and she gently placed them a few inches above his armor. Suddenly little orange and red flames seemed to appear from her palms and slowly the ice on his armor began to melt away. It only took a few minutes for her to completely defrost his armor, while leaving the beat in his frozen state. Quietly, Rowen stood up, looking down at her hands and watched as the flames flickered away. Backing away from Idris, she looked down at him, and smiled sheepishly. "I think you can get up now." 

He groaned as he wriggled out from underneath the creature. He moved over to the gun, without a word, and flipped a few switches on the device. He then pointed the device at the beast again and sprayed a thick layer of something over the creature. The white film spread over the beast and began to crystallize. After a moment, the creature was covered in a transparent block. He then turned to her, and shivered. He exclaimed as he set the gun on the rack and ran out of the room. She could see that his boots were leaving footprints. It was then that she'd noticed she could see her breath when she spoke and the room was getting colder. "Hurry, get out of here!" 

He ran out of the hold into the antechamber and then into the corridor. He waited for her to get inside the ship and then closed the door again. He sighed and leaned against the door. "I hate pyre fiends...especially the big ones." 

He lamented and then looked over at her. Then he tilted his head. He pulled his helmet off and looked at her, pointing a finger. He thinned his eyes at her. "You've got some explaining to do, young lady." 

He looked very confrontational for a moment, but then he winced and walked away from her. "As soon as I get out of this suit..." Extreme heat she might not have felt, but severe cold? Yes. She needed very little encouragement to follow him out of the room, arms already crossed in front of her as she turned around to face him, arching an eyebrow. There was that pointing finger again, and that look of suspicion. Well there weren't any curses, no charging at her with a weapon. Always a good sign. And then he just winced and walked away. "Um...alright. I'll just...wait." 

Sighing softly, she excused herself to the galley where they had eaten a little while before and sat down at the table. Arms folded and she leaned her head down, resting it on her arms. She felt like a child in serious trouble. 

As he walked into his room, he then went into the armor hold. "Ophelia." 

He didn't yell, he barely said her name loud enough for someone in his room to hear. "Yes, Captain?" 

"It would have been nice if you'd told me Rowen was a Gifted." his voice was irritated, but irritated with a smile. "You never asked if she was. I wasn't aware that you'd wanted me to disclose everything about your mystery passengers." 

Idris rolled his eyes as he stripped down to his shorts again. He hung the pieces in their designated racks and then walked into his room, the small image fading out of the hold and appearing on his dresser, following after him. "Well, from now on, if we get any more visitors, in private, notify me of any anomalies or any uniquenesses our company might possess, ok?" 

He started to get dressed again, this time in clean clothes. He needed to use the refresher, but he felt the matter at hand was more urgent. He walked back into the galley, this time wearing a clean, white tunic and tan leggings that were cut just below his knees. He was barefoot also. He stormed into the galley and looked around for her. When he saw her, he tilted his head. He seemed a little worked up. "You're a Gifted?" 

He didn't say the word like a curse word, just with emphasis. His tone didn't tell any emotions he had about the conclusion other than surprise. "I really wish you would have told me." 

He paused, and then looked at her, making a face of something between disappointment and repulsion. "Is...is that the real reason why those guys were chasing you?" 

He frowned and sighed, running his hand through his hair rather raggedly. He sat down in a chair across from her and reached out and took her hands. He looked at their hands for a long moment and then looked up at her. "Rowen, I'm not like other mercenaries. I'm not going to jettison you into space or sell you to a trader. I realize that I hadn't really earned your trust, but if you're going to stay here for two days, I'd appreciate it-" He stopped, chewing on his lip a moment and then started speaking again. "I'd be grateful, " he corrected, "if you told me anything else out of the ordinary that you feel otherwise apprehensive about telling me, alright?" his shoulders slumped and he stared at her with a look of disappointment, as if her secrecy had left him feeling rejected or rebuffed. "You don't...have to if you don't want to, but I promise...you don't have to worry about me, ok?" 

Rowen lifted her head as he entered, and as he began to speak to her, she winced as if he had slapped her. "Gifted? That's not what they call me, Idris." 

She wanted to shrink away from him, to vanish entirely, but all she could do was sit there and let him ramble on and on, letting him have his say. "Told you? And what? Risked my safety? My own life? Yeah that's why the guys were chasing me, that's why I've had to be on the run since I was a kid, because the minute someone finds out what I am, they call me ugly names, and try to KILL me. Do you understand that?" 

When he grabbed her hands, she yanked away immediately, standing up, taking several steps away from the table. "Mercenary? Right, because trusting a mercenary is a great idea for me. Do you know how many times I've been chased, shot at, tied up, or beaten?" 

Realizing her voice was getting a little too high, and she was panicking a little too much, she took a breath, placing a palm to her heart. "I'm sorry, Idris...I just..." The hand covering her heart moved up to her eyes and she took a breath. "There's nothing else. Basically, what you saw, alright? Thank you for not killing me, I appreciate it. Don't worry, I'll be gone in two days." 

That look of disappointment was killing her, and she looked away, feeling tears well up in her eyes, and she couldn't fully understand why. "I'm sorry you got stuck with the likes of me." 

He sighed and rolled his eyes, and looked up at her. "Well, I can sugar coat it all I want, but in the end, yes, I am a mercenary. A hand for hire, a man in it for the money, because money holds this ship together and puts matter into my dispenser." 

He frowned as he watched her. Did she really think so little of him, or was it humans, in general, that she had a hard time with? "What good would it do me, to end your life? You just saved mine. What kind of grateful would that be if I turned around and shot you afterward." 

He sighed and shut his eyes, feeling his heart aching from the sight of her crying. "I have no intention of doing any harm to you, or calling you any foul names. I would just like it if you were honest with me, ok? And I am not stuck with you. I assure you, it is a pleasure to have you around." 

He smiled, sincerely at her, and moved his hand to the middle of the table between them, reaching out for her once more. 

Not in a long time had Rowen received this sort of kindness from anyone. The last one was the woman, Maggie, who had taken her in when she was a child. But that was so long ago, and long before her abilities had surfaced. Her eyes lowered to the hand stretched out for her, and she took a step forward. He was accepting her - for what she was, for what she could do. That had never happened. Eyes went down to that hand again, but she didn't want to take it. Her heart swelled up and a gratitude, like none she had ever felt, burst inside of her. Moving around the table, she walked right up to him and threw her arms around him, placing a gentle kiss on his cheek. "Thank you, Idris. You don't understand what you've done for me. Thank you so much." 

Holding him she suddenly realized how nice it felt to be holding someone. And then she recognized how odd it might be for her to hold him for so long. "Sorry." 

She whispered quickly and let him go, taking a step back. "I got a tad carried away. Sorry." 

He felt his body get chills as she wrapped her arms around him, and then felt the goose bumps on his skin as she kissed him. He had to fight the urge to turn and kiss her, and his will won out as she let go and stepped away. He smiled at her, trying to look calm even though his heart was ready to leap out of his chest. "I...sure...it's...*ahem* of course, Rowen. It's me. You're...welcome." 

He smiled, and as she backed away far enough, he stood smiled at her. He then pulled himself away from her gaze and presence and forced himself over to the dispenser. She wasn't trying to initiate anything, she was just thanking him, he had to tell himself. He hit a few buttons on the machine and pulled away a glass of hot tea which he drank eagerly and without any regard to its temperature. He kicked it back down his throat in one motion, like he was taking a shot. He discarded the cup into the bin and looked over at her. "So...uh...I guess..." He tried to speak, but his mouth appeared to be malfunctioning. "Sleeping arrangements...right. You...um...I guess...can..." He scanned the galley as if the answer, or even the rest of his sentence, was hidden in writing on some object in the room. 

She'd be one big, fat liar if she said she didn't get those same chills from holding him. She hadn't been trying to initiate anything but holding him had felt so nice, so comfortable. Snapping herself out of it she watched him as he drank down the hot tea, wincing as he threw back the hot liquid. Smiling faintly, she cleared her throat a little bit, trying to hide the blush that had appeared along her cheeks. "Oh sleeping arrangements!" 

How could she have forgotten? The giant monster. Shoving her hands into her pockets, she looked around also, and then quickly focused back on him. "I'll sleep in here. Or the cockpit. Ophelia can keep me company. Just hand me a blanket and pillow and I'm set. Really, you've already done enough for me, I'm not depriving you of your bed or anything." 

Nodding as if she had settled the matter, she looked up and around. "Ophelia and I can have a girl's night, isn't that right, Ophelia?" 

Laughing a little bit, she focused on Idris and shrugged. "Please don't worry about me. You deserve a good night's rest in your own bed." 

She stepped up to approach him and reached out to gingerly touch his shoulder. Realizing she got those same chills and lowered her hand quickly. 

He moved, visibly when she touched him. Unconsciously, he bit his lip, hard, a short moment as he looked at her. He felt compelled to offer to share his bed, but some kind of apprehension kept him reigned in, unable make her the offer. He stole one long gaze over her many appealing features and shook his head. "No...it's...ok. You can have the bed tonight. I...'m...not even tired." 

He smiled weakly, almost in a way that approached convincing her. "I...we'll...take turns, ok? I'll sleep in the cockpit tonight and...you...can have the bed. But only on the condition that I get the refresher first, of course." 

"Idris..." She began to fight him, and then stopped, realizing the two of them were just going to argue back and forth about the stupid bed unless one of them conceded. "Fine, we'll take turns. I'll take the bed tonight, and tomorrow you'll take it. And...you get the refresher first. That's only fair...Captain." 

Smiling warmly at him, she studied his face quietly for a second, and then shook her head. "You look tired, by the way. And you know...if the cockpit ever gets uncomfortable. You...can just come into the bed." 

Realizing how that sounded she felt her cheeks definitely blush now. "And wake me up, of course. And I'll gladly move to the cockpit. Not that we have to share the bed because...I'm sure you'd hate that. Um...yeah." 

Clearing her throat she looked down quickly. "Right." 

Oh right, of course, how awful it would be to have to share a bed with someone so irresistible and smart. He could feel the dread building in him already...or was that repressed excitement? "R-right, I mean...if...if I...can't sleep...then..." He swallowed. He felt a familiar sensation growing stronger inside of him and he quickly left the room. "I...need to use the refresher." 

He walked out of the galley and went to his room. He sighed, sitting down on the bed. He shut his eyes and tried to calm himself down so that he could stand up again. He took deep breaths and once he was confident he could avoid any sort of humiliation, he stood and started undressing. In his fit, he hadn't realized that the door was still open. He got down to his shorts again and walked into the chamber. The entrance to the refresher was almost exactly aligned with the entrance to his bedroom, but still offset just enough that you couldn't see directly into it from the corridor. He started running the water as he looked around. His exit was so sudden she could only stare after him in mild shock. "Right." 

She muttered, wanting to kick herself. There she went scaring off good looking men. Grumbling under her breath, she headed for the bedroom shaking her head, and mumbling under her breath. Entering the hallway, she could hear the sound of running water. He'd already ducked into the refresher, go figure. He needed away from her as fast as possible. Sighing heavily she waited until she figured he was immersed in the refresher, door shut and all to head towards the bedroom, and of course unbeknownst to her - the open refresher door. 

The refresher, unlike the rest of his ship, was actually rather elegant. It had ivory tile from top to bottom and a mirror that covered the wall space above the vanity sinks. There were two, each large enough for a five year-old human to bath in, it appeared, or more likely, for Idris to immerse his entire limb in the sink. The shower was made out of transparinite with durasteel handles. The water came from above, from the left and right, and even from a faucet in the back. The commode was on the right immediately near the entrance, but a wooden door separated the small room from the rest of the bathroom. On the face of the door was a full length mirror, tall enough for even an Ulratian to see head to toe. The vanity was on the right and the shower was to the left, with the towel rack immediately in front of the entrance. The shower and vanity both were off to the side, out of the immediate line of sight of the bedroom, but once inside, there was nothing in the shower to deter a person from seeing every detail that was within as the transparinite had a moisture-resistant coating that made water stick to it almost as well as it might stick to oil. He took his time, trying to get all of the pollution out of his hair from the last planet he'd visited and to hopefully distract himself from his surprise guest.

Part 2

Sighing heavily, she ran her fingers through her hair, suddenly thinking that she might steal a quick shower before bed. Hopefully, Idris took a quick shower. She wanted to get the grime from the day's work out of her hair, off her body, and just curl up in bed and pass out. As she rounded the corner, and got closer to the bedroom, she could hear the water running. Good, he was already inside. She could just nose around the bedroom, try and find an extra pair of clothes for bed. Her mind was elsewhere, completely, as she entered the bedroom, absently shutting the door behind her. She never expected that once she had stepped inside the bedroom, and her eyes looked over at the refresher, that she'd find it open and that she'd be staring at a naked Idris. A little scream flew out of her mouth, and her eyes widened, but for some insane reason, she couldn't take her eyes off him. That was definitely setting a reaction off in her that she did not expect. Realizing staring was probably the worst thing she could do in this situation, she immediately looked down shaking her head. 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 01



He grinned at her without answering. "It's ok, I doubt they'll even remember you, and I have a feeling you'll not be compelled to return to their planet anytime soon anyway." He had to admit though, having seen the size of the guys chasing her, that he couldn't deny how curious he was to know the details of how she'd gone about "putting them in their place." It was a question he decided to wait until a much later time to ask her. "Well, I am going to check the ship and make sure everything is in order. Usually, I have a moment to do a preflight checklist...but for some reason, I just didn't get around to it this time. So I guess a post-flight checklist is in order."

When he announced he'd be checking the ship, she immediately stood up, wondering if she could help. Considering she didn't know the first thing about ships, she decided maybe it was better she didn't offer up any help. "No time for preflight checklists. Gosh, I wonder whose fault that was." Shooting him a little grin she headed back towards the cockpit. "I'll just stay in the cock pit till your done - keep out of your way and everything."

He smiled and winked at her as he walked away. He'd left his cloak on the seat and she could now see what his cloak had been hiding. A large pistol was still in his holster, and his shirt was stained with green, purple, and red smudges. His pants didn't seem to have anything on them, and it seemed like Idris wasn't even aware of how filthy his shirt was. When he got to the cockpit, he stowed his pistol under the control console, the designated place for it on long flights like this. He started looking over all the indicators, and grabbed a large datapad from the left wall, reviewing each box and checking it mentally to make sure that everything was ok. He hoped that Rowen was good luck and that Atalanta would not feel compelled to break down.

Heading into the cockpit she plopped back down into the copilot's seat and remained quiet as he went about his business. She could be a good guest when she wanted to and stay quiet, and out of his way.

As he was reviewing the checklist, he wrinkled his forehead, looking from the paper up to indicator on the console and back again. He tilted his head and looked up out of the corner of his eye. "Ophelia?"

"Yes, Captain?" The image appeared on the console again. "What is it?"

He turned to looked at her. "According to your sensors, what is the temperature of the aft cargo hold?"

The image's gaze looked over at Idris and then seemed to go very far away for a moment. Then she blinked and looked at him. "It would appear there is an unusual amount of heat coming from the hold. I recommend you investigate it."

He sighed. "Well, at least the SHIP checks out...now I just have to make sure that nothing else came aboard that wasn't scheduled to. He reached under the console and retrieved his pistol. He walked out of the cockpit and down the hall.

Hearing that something strange was going on, Rowen immediately sat up, intrigued. Well she could only TRY and stay out of the way. Whether her curiosity got the best of her or not was another story. She let the two talk, but when there was talk of investigating, and Idris was leaving the cockpit, she was out of her chair immediately. "Idris?"

"Captain. I recommend you-" The miniature image lifted her hand, as if to signal him, but then her gaze looked impatient and she disappeared.

"Yes, yes, the Tiderian armor suit..." He mumbled to himself somewhere down the hall. He went over to his living quarters, opening the door. He didn't really want to take any chances. If it was something dangerous, it was better to be safe than dead. He started rifling through the closet as he looked for the compartment behind the false wall.

She followed him into his living quarters, not even realizing what room they were in till her eyes fell on the bed. Oops. Shoving her hands into her pants pockets she leaned against the wall, looking up at the ceiling. "Um...do you need any help?"

He looked over at her from his closet before looking around his room, subtly indicating more that she wouldn't want to be in his room more so than she wasn't allowed. "Well, I would let you...but I only have one...uh..." He looked at the floor, scratching the back of his head. He'd always considered his suit to be a secret, but it seemed like less and less he was able to keep secrets from her. "It wouldn't be safe for you, Rowen, and I'd feel terrible if anything happened to you."

"I can take care of myself, Idris, but..." No sense in starting up some stupid argument right now. "...if you want I'll just go back to the cockpit, sit down, and just chat with Ophelia." Part of her wanted to light HIM on fire and then say "HAH, see? I can take perfect care of myself!" But of course, she resisted that temptation and stayed quiet.

He managed to wrestle something out of his closet. It looked more like a remote. He looked behind her and pointed the device. A hidden compartment opened up behind her and he walked over to it. The various pieces of his armor were hung in a room that was covered in transparinite. He walked back into the space, which was large enough for about ten people to comfortably hide. He started to take off his shirt and looked over towards where she was standing to see if she was looking over at him.

She jumped away as he opened up that hidden compartment. Watching him, she felt her breath catch in her throat as his shirt went up an over his head. And she was definitely not moving her eyes away from his bare chest. When he looked over at her, she immediately looked down at the floor, shaking her head a little bit. "Fine. I'll go to the um...the...cockpit. And...just be careful." Arms crossed in front of her as she shifted from one foot to the other.

He smiled and rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "I'm not really that bad, Rowen, it's just...an off day for me." He stuck his tongue out at her, indicating his ragged appearance. He was very lean, but it appeared that he would be able to hold his own in a fight. One thing that might have drawn her attention was a long scare that went down across his chest from his left collar bone all the way down to his waistline. It didn't look like the cut had been very deep, just a thin line across his chest. Once his shirt was off, he waited, seeing if she had decided to stay and get a free show or if she was going to do as she had indicated and return to the cockpit. While he didn't like the idea of her and Ophelia "catching up," so to speak, he could hardly think of anything else to do.

"No, I didn't say you were bad. I...I mean, you're not bad at all. I like..." Shut up Rowen! A light blush rising to her cheeks she turned away from him and pointed at the door. "I'm going. Be careful." And out the door she went, taking a deep breath. It was just a shirtless man, she thought to herself, kicking herself a few times. No need to get so flustered. She was flustered because she had liked what she'd seen. Rolling her eyes at herself, she hurried into the cockpit and sat down in the copilot's chair. "Hi, Ophelia." she said aloud, looking around for that little projection she expected to come up. She was hoping that flustered look had been wiped off her face, and she no longer worried about anyone questioning her about it.

The projection illuminated into life on the same place on the console that it always did. "Hello, Mistress Rowen. What can I-" She stopped midsentence and titled her head. "Mistress Rowen, are you alright? You look a little flushed and your pulse seems a little elevated." She gazed on, watching her with her normal curiosity.

Back in his room, Idris unbuckled his leggings and let them fall to the floor. He still wore a pair of black shorts that covered up his thighs and the important, more valuable parts of his body. He reached over and grabbed the bottom half of the armor and started to pull them on before putting on the top. He listened as the pieces clicked together, letting him know they were secure. He grabbed the boots and put them on and then took the helmet and placed it over his head. He reached both hands into either glove and waited for his heads-up display to light up. His movement was not impeded as he walked away from the room and down the hall. He felt the door to the hold and his heads-up reading indicating that is was a little warm. He entered in the access code and let the antechamber door open in front of him. He pulled it closed behind him as he stepped in and locked it.

Rowen put on a little smile and quickly nodded. "Of course, Ophelia, I'm fine. I'm just here to...relax and chat with you while I wait for Idris. As you know, he went to check on that heat." Taking a deep breath, she let it out gently, hoping that Ophelia noticed she was calming down and wouldn't press on the subject any further. It'd be strange to explain to a computer why she was so flustered to begin with.

The image nodded. "Yes, of course. I'm sure it's nothing, Mistress. These things happen occasionally, but I think it's been a very long time since a pyre fiend managed to stow away in the cargo hold. And the MMK II tactical suit is more than sufficient for exterminating things like that, or whatever it is that is in there."

"Pyre fiend? What exactly is that, Ophelia?"

The ship bucked then, suddenly and almost on cue, and an alarm in the cockpit started to go off. "There's been a significant power surge in the navigational systems. We're dropping out of antispace, Mistress. I recommend you restrain yourself." Suddenly, the green and purple hues faded away as gaping nothing of real space opened up in front of them. The force of the reversion was enough to knock Rowen forward, but the crash webbing engaged just fast enough to restrain her from splitting open her head on the console. A mysterious, loud clank was heard down from the corridor.

The ship jerked, making every muscle in Rowen's body to tense up. "Dropping?" That didn't sound good. Panic bubbled up in her throat as she was thrown forward in her seat. She watched her nose come perilously close to the console before the restraints leapt out to prevent her injury. "I'm going to go check on that." Whether Ophelia liked it or not. Rowen moved to undo the restraints and was standing up again, one hand on the wall next to her - just in case the ship jerked again. Frowning, moving carefully but at a brisk pace, Rowen made her way down the hall towards the strange clanking noise. The cargo hold's antechamber door had broken loose, and red and yellow hues were casting from it into the corridor. There was an intense heat coming away from the hold. She could also hear an abundant amount of swearing coming for the hold as well.

Idris struggled to extinguish the flames in the compartment while simultaneously firing at the creature. He was trying to kill it, but it seemed like the beast was completely impervious to the energy of his weapon.

Eyes widened, and she felt not only her muscles tense, but she felt her whole body just freeze. Well it wasn't a normal thing to see what she could only assume was a pyre fiend. Maybe for Idris it was, but unfortunately, he didn't look like he was doing so well. Even though it should have, the heat coming from the hold didn't bother her, and she stepped closer to it. "Do you have another extinguisher?" She yelled at Idris, looking around to see if she could answer the question herself.

He felt his heart jump up into his throat and then fall into his stomach. "Rowen! Get...out of here!" He watched as the animal's attention shifted to Rowen, and he leapt onto it, trying to tackle it. His suit's armor could take the heat, but even with the weather controls inside the suit, plus the entire compartment moving up to temperatures around the boiling mark, he was worried that it might overload the internal systems. The beast snarled and its long tail whipped around, slicing through the air and struck Idris like a bat, knocking him into the wall. "Ugh, xfing Drondos! I'm going to blast their shop to the ground!" The beast made a move to go after Rowen again, and Idris leapt for the beast, but fell short, merely catching hold of the creature's tail as it went to escape into the antechamber. "Get out of here! And close that door!"

She wasn't going anywhere. Rowen stood her ground, dug her heels in, and looked around for an extinguisher. At least, until she heard the beast coming at her for a second time. Unfortunately, Idris was unable to hinder the beast as he had a moment ago. Frowning, she turned to face it, debating what to do; defend herself the best way she knew how, or run? Shaking her head, she watched at Idris continued to struggle and made her choice. Turning, she shut the door, but she was still inside. Moving towards the creature as fast as possible, she brought a foot up to kick it right in the face. Its heat and the flames in the room didn't bother her one bit. She knew she was giving herself away right now, but Idris was in trouble, and if she didn't help, he could very well die.

As the beast started to run, Idris was suddenly on his feet. Another audible clanking noise was heard from the boots as they fastened themselves magnetically to the floor. Idris managed to maintain a grip on the tail, stopping the beast just before it leapt at her. The kick did little more than anger the beast. Idris tried to pull the creature back to him, by the tail, but the beast lunged and tried to pull Idris forward, but he didn't move, his footing remaining sturdy as the beast used him as an anchor, swinging around by the tail and colliding with him. Idris buckled, falling on his back, and a moment later, his feet left the ground. "Get the...in..." his words were few and far between with the struggling of the creature as it tried vicious to tear into the suit, barely managing to scrape the metal as the teeth gnawed at the head plate. "On the wall, get the gelidy gun!"

Taking a deep breath, she turned around as Idris began to attempt to order her. Gun? Gun! Whirling around, she lunged for it, grabbing it off the wall quickly. Now she just had to figure out how to use it. Fingers fumbled with a few buttons, until she heard it come to life. Aiming, or at least she hoped she was aiming, she pulled the trigger, taking a step back as the gun's force shoved her back a little.

Idris watched as she finally fired the weapon, the large blast of white energy emitting from the gun. The energy seemed to seep into the beast's flesh, or metal, or whatever it was made of, and slow it down. Despite being somewhat incapacitated, the beast was still trying to kill him. The temperature in the room seemed to drop about a hundred degrees in only a matter of moments. The crackling noise, like ice melting...or unmelting, in this case, seemed to fill the room as white crystals leached from the creature and into the floor, completely restraining the creature.

The black, red, yellow, and orange colors seemed to fade into white and blue as the creature seemed enervated and slowly stopped moving at all. Despite everything, it still appeared to be breathing. Idris groaned as he tried to move, but unfortunately, he'd been mounted to the floor by the spreading ice. He stopped struggling, and sighed. He looked over at her, and while his entire face was hidden from her, his words seemed sincere. "Thank you, Rowen." He sighed again and lied still. He was trying to decide how to defrost the ice around his armor without waking up the creature.

Breathing heavily now, she sighed with relief when she realized the beast was incapacitated, and Idris was safe. Gently she set the gun down to the side, walking over to the two on the ground. "No problem. I'm just glad you're alright." She was speaking sincerely as well, but it showed in her face, and especially in her eyes. Realizing he was very much stuck, frozen to the ground, she knelt beside him, studying the predicament he was in. Eyes went up to his face then back down. At least if he freaked out, he wouldn't kill her, considering he owed her his life. Her hands reached out, a few inches above his armor. Little orange and red flames seemed to conjure from her palms and slowly the ice on his armor began to melt away. It only took a few minutes for her to completely defrost his armor, while leaving the beast in his frozen state. Quietly, Rowen stood up, looking down at her hands and watched as the flames flickered away. Backing away from Idris, she looked down at him, and smiled sheepishly. "I think you can get up now."

He groaned as he wriggled out from underneath the creature. He moved over to the gun, without a word, and flipped a few switches on the device. He then pointed the device at the beast again and sprayed a thick layer of something over the creature. The white film spread over the beast and began to solidify. After a moment, the creature was covered in a transparent block. He then turned to her, and shivered. She could see that his boots were leaving footprints. It was then that she'd noticed she could see her breath when she spoke and the room was getting colder. "Hurry, get out of here!" He ran out of the hold into the antechamber and then proceeded into the ring corridor.

While extreme heat did not bother her, she noticed how cold it was getting and needed no additional coaxing to rush out of the compartment after him.

He waited for her to get to his side and then, with a great deal of maneuvering, pushed the door closed. He sighed and leaned against the door. "I hate pyre fiends...especially the big ones." He lamented. Then he tilted his head, pulling his helmet off as he looked at her, pointing a finger. He thinned his eyes at her. "You've got some explaining to do, young lady." He looked very confrontational for a moment, but then he winced and walked away from her. "As soon as I get out of this suit..."

Well there weren't any curses, no charging at her with a weapon. Always a good sign. And then he just winced and walked away. "Um...alright. I'll just...wait here?"

As he walked into his room, he then went into the armor hold. "Ophelia." He didn't yell, he barely said her name loud enough for someone in his room to hear.

"Yes, Captain?"

"It would have been nice if you'd notified me of our new passengers unique disposition to controlling THE ELEMENTS!" He'd started calm, but then found himself unable to contain his emotions.

"You never asked if she was. I wasn't aware that you'd wanted me to disclose everything about your mystery passengers."

Idris rolled his eyes as he stripped down to his shorts again. He hung the pieces in their designated racks and then walked into his room, the small image fading out of the hold and appearing on his dresser, following after him. "Well, from now on, if we get any more visitors, in private, notify me of any anomalies or any uniquenesses our company might possess, ok?" He started to get dressed again, this time in clean clothes. He needed to use the refresher, but he felt the matter at hand was more urgent. He walked back to where he'd left her, but discovered she'd wandered into the galley. This time, Idris was wearing a clean, white tunic and tan leggings that were cut just below his knees. He was barefoot also. He stormed into the galley and looked around for her. When he saw her, he tilted his head. He seemed a little worked up. "You're a Gifted?"

Rowen lifted her head as he entered, and as he began to speak to her, she winced as if he had slapped her. "Gifted? That's not what they call me, Idris."

He didn't mean to say the word like he was swearing, just with emphasis. His tone didn't tell any emotions he had about the conclusion other than surprise. "I just really wish you would have told me." He paused, and then looked at her, disappointed, but more with himself than with her. "Is...is that the real reason why those guys were chasing you?"




Rowen Cairn Ch. 01



She wanted to shrink away from him, to vanish entirely, but all she could do was sit there and let him ramble on and on, letting him have his say. "Told you? And what? Risked my safety? My own life? Yeah that's why the guys were chasing me, that's why I've had to be on the run since I was a kid, because the minute someone finds out what I am, they call me ugly names, and try to KILL me. Do you understand that?"

He frowned and sighed, running his hand through his hair rather raggedly. He sat down in a chair across from her and reached out and took her hands. When he grabbed her hands, she yanked away immediately, standing up, taking several steps away from the table. "Rowen, I'm not like other mercenaries. I'm not going to jettison you into space or sell you to a trader. I realize that I hadn't really earned your trust, but if you're going to stay here for two days, I'd appreciate it-" He stopped, chewing on his lip a moment and then started speaking again. "I'd be grateful, " he corrected, "if you told me anything else out of the ordinary that you feel otherwise apprehensive about telling me, alright?" His shoulders slumped and he stared at her with a look of disappointment, as if her secrecy had left him feeling rejected or rebuffed. "You don't...have to if you don't want to, but I promise...you don't have to worry about me, ok?"

"Mercenary? Right, because trusting a mercenary is a great idea for me. Do you know how many times I've been chased, shot at, tied up, or beaten?" Realizing her voice was getting a little too high, and she was panicking a little too much, she took a breath, placing a palm to her heart. "I'm sorry, Idris...I just..." The hand covering her heart moved up to her eyes and she took a breath. "There's nothing else. Basically, what you saw, alright? Thank you for not killing me, I appreciate it. Don't worry, I'll be gone in two days." That look of disappointment was killing her, and she looked away, feeling tears well up in her eyes, and she couldn't fully understand why. "I'm sorry you got stuck with the likes of me."

He sighed and rolled his eyes, and looked up at her. "Well, I can sugar coat it all I want, but in the end, yes, I am a mercenary. A hand for hire, a man in it for the money, because money holds this ship together and puts matter into my dispenser." He frowned as he watched her. Did she really think so little of him, or was it humans, in general, that she had a hard time with? "What good would it do me, to end your life? You just saved mine. What kind of grateful would that be if I turned around and shot you afterward." He sighed and shut his eyes, feeling his heart aching from the sight of her crying. "I have no intention of doing any harm to you, or calling you any foul names. I would just like it if you were honest with me, ok? And I am not stuck with you. I assure you, it is a pleasure to have you around."

Not in a long time had Rowen received this sort of kindness from anyone. The last one was the woman, Maggie, who had taken her in when she was a child. But that was so long ago, and long before her abilities had surfaced. Her eyes lowered to the hand stretched out for her, and she took a step forward. He was accepting her - for what she was, for what she could do. That had never happened. Eyes went down to that hand again, but she didn't want to take it. Her heart swelled up and a gratitude, like none she had ever felt, burst inside of her. Moving around the table, she walked right up to him and threw her arms around him, placing a gentle kiss on his cheek. "Thank you, Idris. You don't understand what you've done for me. Thank you so much." Holding him she suddenly realized how nice it felt to be holding someone. And then she recognized how odd it might be for her to hold him for so long. "Sorry." She whispered quickly and let him go, taking a step back. "I got a tad carried away. Sorry."

He felt his body get chills as she wrapped her arms around him, and then felt the goose bumps on his skin as she kissed him. He had to fight the urge to turn and kiss her, and his will won out as she let go and stepped away. He smiled at her, trying to look calm even though his heart was ready to leap out of his chest. "I...sure...it's...*ahem* of course, Rowen. It's me. You're...welcome."

She'd be one big, fat liar if she said she didn't get those same chills from holding him. She hadn't been trying to initiate anything but holding him had felt so nice, so comfortable.

He smiled, and as she backed away far enough, he stood smiled at her. He then pulled himself away from her gaze and presence and forced himself over to the dispenser. She wasn't trying to initiate anything, she was just thanking him, he had to tell himself. He hit a few buttons on the machine and pulled away a glass of hot tea which he drank eagerly and without any regard to its temperature. He kicked it back down his throat in one motion, like he was taking a shot. He discarded the cup into the bin and looked over at her. "So...uh...I guess..." He tried to speak, but his mouth appeared to be malfunctioning. "Sleeping arrangements...right. You...um...I guess...can..." He scanned the galley as if the answer, or even the rest of his sentence, was hidden in writing on some object in the room.

Snapping herself out of it she watched him as he drank down the hot tea, wincing as he threw back the hot liquid. Smiling faintly, she cleared her throat a little bit, trying to hide the blush that had appeared along her cheeks. "Oh sleeping arrangements!" How could she have forgotten? The giant monster. Shoving her hands into her pockets, she looked around also, and then quickly focused back on him. "I'll sleep in here. Or the cockpit. Ophelia can keep me company. Just hand me a blanket and pillow and I'm set. Really, you've already done enough for me, I'm not depriving you of your bed or anything." Nodding as if she had settled the matter, she looked up and around. "Ophelia and I can have a girl's night, isn't that right, Ophelia?" Laughing a little bit, she focused on Idris and shrugged. "Please don't worry about me. You deserve a good night's rest in your own bed." She stepped up to approach him and reached out to gingerly touch his shoulder. Realizing she got those same chills and lowered her hand quickly.

He moved, visibly when she touched him. Unconsciously, he bit his lip, hard, a short moment as he looked at her. He stole one long gaze over her many appealing features and shook his head. "No...it's...ok. You can have the bed tonight. I...'m...not even tired." He smiled weakly, almost in a way that approached convincing her. "I...we'll...take turns, ok? I'll sleep in the cockpit tonight and...you...can have the bed. But only on the condition that I get the refresher first, of course."

"Idris..." She began to fight him, and then stopped, realizing the two of them were just going to argue back and forth about the stupid bed unless one of them conceded. "Fine, we'll take turns. I'll take the bed tonight, and tomorrow you'll take it. And...you get the refresher first. That's only fair...Captain." Smiling warmly at him, she studied his face quietly for a second, and then shook her head. "You look tired, by the way. And you know...if the cockpit ever gets uncomfortable. You...can just come into the bed." Realizing how that sounded she felt her cheeks definitely blush now. "And wake me up, of course. And I'll gladly move to the cockpit. Not that we have to share the bed because...I'm sure you'd hate that. Um...yeah. Right."

Oh right, of course, how awful it would be to have to share a bed with someone like her. He could feel the dread building in him already...or was that repressed excitement? "R-right, I mean...if...if I...can't sleep...then..." He swallowed. He felt a familiar sensation growing stronger inside of him and he quickly left the room. "I...need to use the refresher." He walked out of the galley and went to his room. He took deep breaths and stood and started undressing. In his fit, he hadn't realized that the door was still open. He got down to his shorts again and walked into the chamber. The entrance to the refresher was almost exactly aligned with the entrance to his bedroom, but still offset just enough that you couldn't see directly into it from the corridor. He started running the water as he looked around.

His exit was so sudden she could only stare after him in mild shock. "Right." She muttered, wanting to kick herself. There she went scaring off good looking men. Grumbling under her breath, she headed for the bedroom shaking her head, and mumbling under her breath. Entering the hallway, she could hear the sound of running water. He'd already ducked into the refresher, go figure. He needed away from her as fast as possible. Sighing heavily she waited until she figured he was immersed in the refresher, door shut and all, to head towards the bedroom.

The refresher, unlike the rest of his ship, was actually rather elegant. It had ivory tile from top to bottom and a mirror that covered the wall space above the vanity sinks. There were two, each large enough for a five year-old human to bath in, it appeared, or more likely, for Idris to immerse his entire limb in the sink. The shower was made out of transparinite with durasteel handles. The water came from above, from the left and right, and even from a faucet in the back. The commode was on the right immediately near the entrance, but a wooden door separated the small room from the rest of the bathroom. On the face of the door was a full length mirror, tall enough for even an Ulratian to see head to toe. The vanity was on the right and the shower was to the left, with the towel rack immediately in front shower door. The shower and vanity both were off to the side, out of the immediate line of sight of the bedroom, but once inside, there was nothing in the shower to deter a person from seeing every detail that was within as the transparinite had a moisture-resistant coating that made water stick to it almost as well as it might stick to oil. He took his time, trying to get all of the pollution out of his hair from the last planet he'd visited and to hopefully distract himself from his surprise guest.



Rowen Cairn Ch. 02



The first chapter of this story was received pretty well so far. Please leave comments and feedback. Suggestions welcome. All events completely fictional (for those of you who couldn't put that together on your own)

***

Sighing heavily, she ran her fingers through her hair, suddenly thinking that she might steal a quick shower before bed. Hopefully, Idris took a quick shower. She wanted to get the grime from the day's work out of her hair, off her body, and just curl up in bed and pass out. As she rounded the corner, and got closer to the bedroom, she could hear the water running. Good, he was already inside. She could just nose around the bedroom, try and find an extra pair of clothes for bed. Her mind was elsewhere, completely, as she entered the bedroom, absently shutting the door behind her. She never expected that once she had stepped inside the bedroom, and her eyes looked over at the refresher, that she'd find it open and that she'd be staring at a naked Idris. A little scream flew out of her mouth, and her eyes widened, but for some insane reason, she couldn't take her eyes off him. That was definitely setting a reaction off in her that she did not expect. Realizing staring was probably the worst thing she could do in this situation, she immediately looked down shaking her head. 

"Idris! I'm so sorry...I thought the door would be closed when I walked in here. I just figured you knew I'd be coming into the bedroom and...so...you'd shut the door to the refresher. And...I'm so sorry." Biting her lower lip she looked up at him realized he was STILL pretty naked and looked away again. 

Thankfully, for the both of them, Idris was in his own little world, having finally distracted himself enough to begin going over the assignment details in his head, planning out the rest of his trip. His eyes were also closed, so he both neglected to see her staring, and was unable to hear her. The transparinite, being made basely out of metal, also did a very good job of reflecting sound waves. So, while the noise of his shower could be heard in the room and even potentially in the corridor, the sound of her little shriek would just ping off the shower walls and dissipate into the bathroom. He also had made a conscious effort to remember NOT to think about her while he was in the shower, though it was apparent his efforts had been for not as he stood there under the water, now working to get the sweat out of the pores on his face. He neither heard or saw any sign of her, and if she didn't say anything, he would remain ignorant of the free show she'd managed obtain without his knowledge. 

When he didn't respond, she slowly looked back up wondering if he was reaching for a towel, shutting off the water. Nope. He was still there and she was watching him. Eyes traveled up and down his body, and when she suddenly realized just what she was doing, she quickly forced herself to look away. She was NOT going to sit there and stare at the guy, especially if he had no idea what she was doing, and that she was standing right there. Blushing furiously, she retreated to the bed, a part of the bedroom where she couldn't see him, and he couldn't see her. 

"Oh...great." She groaned softly, and just sat there staring at the floor, waiting for him to be done. Her entire body temperature had sky rocketed upon seeing him, and right now she wanted him to get out of the shower so she could take a cold one. 

He finished washing his face, rinsing the soap out of his eyes, and then started scrubbing his limbs. One thing Idris prided himself on was cleanliness. After every single assignment, time allowing, he deep cleaned every inch of his body. He looked over at the door and remembered that it was open. He felt very self conscious and started to speed up his normal routine, managing to get clean and have the water off in only another five minutes, instead of fifteen. He grabbed a towel and wrapped himself in it. He moved to the door to shut it, and saw her sitting right there. In his catatonia, he almost dropped the towel. He stood frozen there for a full twenty seconds or so before he snapped out of it and went to close the door. 

Hearing the water shut off, she resisted the urge to stand up, and peer into the refresher. Remaining where she was, she looked up only when she heard him climb out of the shower, and when she figured he'd be at the door. There he was. At least he was covered. Staring right back at him, she held up her hand for him to stop when he moved to shut the door. 

"Little late for that. Um..." Not wanting to explain her comment she stood up and pointed to the refresher behind him. "Mind if I..." It was hard to even make eye contact with him after what she'd seen of him and what sort of thoughts were going through her head now. "...get in now? Um...Also...I...need extra clothes. If possible." 

She took a few steps towards him, then stopped and finally raised her eyes to his. Finally she managed to squeak out. "Sorry?" 

He stopped when she protested and looked at her. He arched and eyebrow, perplexed by her confession, then he realized and his eyes went wide with understanding. "Oh...I see. Or...you...saw...rather, I suppose." 

He nodded at her, but in his mind he couldn't help but think...clothes? What would a girl like her want clothes for...surely she'd never wa- He shook his head and took in a long breath, and then sighed. 

"Right, clothes, of course. I...just, when you get out, call for Ophelia. She can help you get some clothes." Then he tilted his head, taking her request in. He looked at her with an odd expression, something that felt like cunning or devious as he tilted his head. "Well, you are more than welcome to use the refresher." 

With that, he took the towel from his form and tossed it to her. He decided if she had, in fact, already seen everything, then there was no point hiding it from her...and it was only fair that she reciprocate. He turned and walked back into the room, standing in front of the mirror as he checked his eyes for any scratches, something he had got into the habit of doing since the second time he'd wrestled with a pyre fiend. 

"Yeah...I saw. And I'm really sorry about that. I...Okay. Ophelia, of course." 

Expecting him to just politely step aside and let her in, she was in utter shock when he tugged away the towel and tossed it at her. Baffled, she stared at the towel in her hands then up at his face. 

"I...uh..." Best not to speak in that moment. And even though she had stared before, it felt wrong to do it now, when he was obviously aware. Stepping forward into the refresher, she hung the towel up gently, and moved to shut the door. Suddenly, whether it be those hormones, or something like that, her playfulness kicked in. Gently she shut the door, only half way though, if he wanted to, he'd be able to get a good look at her. But she made it appear that she just gave the door a little push and hadn't realized it shut all the way. Gently, she stripped herself free from her clothing, and reached over, starting up the water. As soon as it was hot, she stepped inside the shower, beginning to wet her long brown hair. She didn't know why she'd done that with the door, something in her just wanted to. She'd never behaved that way but...oh well, it had been done. And she actually hoped he noticed and took even the slightest peek. She was relatively proud of her body, slim, toned enough from the odd jobs she picked up. The most prominent marking were several scars on her back - whip marks. 

In fact, he had noticed, but after he threw her the towel, he allowed her a moment to stare and get a close look. Now that he was clean, he wasn't exactly the poster child of modesty. He then walked confidently back into the refresher, in front of her, in fact, standing at the mirror inside the refresher chamber, peering into the mirror. He checked to make sure all of his teeth were intact, that he was not bleeding from the eyes, and then he watched her, quite conspicuously, in the mirror, as she stripped down. He bit his lip and felt himself wince when he saw the whip marks. His heart went out to her, but he still watched her, despite his feelings, with no shame in gazing wantonly at her reflection. Then he thought about how fun it would be to have her, right there, in the beauty of the refresher chamber. He had only done it once, a long time ago, but he remembered that it hadn't even left him feeling sore, wrestling around on the tile floor. He wanted to talk to her, but he remembered that no one inside of the shower unit could hear anything. He started to brush his teeth, then, continuing to watch her as the buzzing of his toothbrush filled the vanity area. 

He was watching her? Hell, he was in the refresher with her! Rowen should have felt embarrassed, yelled at him, told him to get out. But she didn't mind. Not one bit. She cleaned up, never looking at him, but remained focused on what she was doing. Her own wanton thoughts were filling her head and for the first time, she had to admit how attracted she was to him. Years ago when they had first met, she'd been attracted to him then too, but she'd been younger, and much more afraid of everything. As he finished brushing his teeth, she stepped out of the shower, not immediately reaching for the towel. 

"You know, I didn't stare at you that long. Little unfair." She grinned at him, shaking her head as she moved for the towel then paused. It was almost like a game of chicken. Who would get scared first of being naked in front of the other one? 

"Are you feeling better? I mean after the fight with the...uh...Pyre...thing. I don't remember what Ophelia called it." 

She walked over to the mirror, standing next to him and glanced into it studying her face quietly for a second, waiting for his response. 

"I do feel better, thank you." As he turned around to face her, it was quite obvious just how much better he, in fact, was. The wanton thoughts he'd been hiding were now, in no way, a mystery. "And, you did get to watch me for as long as you wanted, while you were in the shower. But just because you didn't take advantage of my ignorance...doesn't make that my fault, it just makes me that much more shameless about it." He winked at her, watching her as she moved closer to him. 

He bit his lip and gazed into her eyes. "And pyre fiends usually aren't so giddy. A lot of things got neglected on the way out of our last stop. And usually, when I go in there, they're not waiting for their next meal and already on the attack." He smiled, still staring, still...happy. 

Rowen looked at him using the mirror, making a little bit of a face. "Well I'm just glad you weren't hurt." She spoke with sincerity, even though they were both standing naked still playing this game of chicken. Looking back into the mirror she began to run her fingers through her hair, attempting to brush out the tangles. "Um. So..." Looking at him, she smiled a little bit, glancing down at both of them. "Should I go ask Ophelia about extra clothing now?" 

He positioned himself so he could look at her directly, and not through a reflection. "I don't know. I suppose that would depend upon whether or not you want her to give you any clothes." He made a show over looking over her body, taking every detail in. He smiled at her, his devious grin eating up the space on his face. "It is up to you, obviously." 

As he studied her body, she felt a blush appear on her cheeks, and she gave a little shake of her head. "Well guess I can just sleep in the nude. It's not as if there will be anybody in the room." Grinning right at him, she walked right past him into the bedroom, turning around to look at him and study his reaction to her playfulness. 

He managed not to react, at least not in his expression or body language. "If you still want to sleep alone...you are more than welcome to sleep in whatever you feel most comfortable in. We won't be arriving in any place that would require you to be modest for at least two more rotational cycles." 

He let her walk out of the bathroom, but because it was his ship, he didn't want to even risk doing anything that would make her feel pressured or alienated, so he did not pursue her. He realized that if he chased her...and she refused him, it would make it quite awkward...and it would destroy whatever sense of security he might have provided for her. However, if she approached him, he knew quite well that he would both eagerly accept her advances, while at the same time, maintaining the receptive attitude he hoped she'd felt from him, and the ship. 

"I am not quite as fond of walking around naked as you are, however. Atalanta can stay warm on these trips, but I generally let her run a little cold to save those precious amounts of energy otherwise used to heat her." When he was finished checking his teeth, his gums, his eyes, and his back, he walked into his room, right past her, and started to move to get dressed, begging the fates to inspire her to stop him. 

Hearing that he was about to start getting dressed, she frowned feeling a bit of disappointment creep up inside of her. She couldn't help it. All the thoughts she'd had in the shower, the feelings that had been making her blood boil. Clearing her throat softly, she realized she was actually trying to figure out how to keep him naked longer. This really wasn't her usual attitude. Watching him begin to get dressed, she walked right up to him, grabbing his wrist. 

"Fine, you can can get dressed and leave...but you realize you'll be losing our little game here." She was very close to him, grinning up at him, watching him closely, expectantly. It was the only thing she could think of, not even sure why she was going through the trouble of stopping him. 

His smile spread from ear to ear. Then he caught himself, his expression portraying intense perplexion. "Game? Why...whatever do you mean, Mistress Rowen." He arched and eyebrow at her and titled his head. "And, you're quite right, I am very capable of dressing myself." As he spoke, he moved closer to her, until much of his body was touching her own. 

She could feel his chest against her breast, the head of his length against her waistline, his hands on her wrists as he slowly guided them down to his hips. His hands moved to her sides, gentle holding her. His face was a mere two inches from her own as he looked at her, his eyes filled with lust, dying to feel her and know how she felt. His voice was a mere whisper as his forehead grazed her cheek as he leaned in, planting gentle kisses against the skin of her neck as he moved up to her ear. 

"I'm not really sure I like the sound of this 'losing' business you speak of, though. I imagine I'd find myself quite disappointed if I lost a game that I wasn't even aware I was involved in playing..." He nibbled on her ear for a long moment, his form helping her turn until her back was facing the closest, empty wall. He helped her take the steps back as he chewed on her skin, his hands subtly pushing her back against the wall. "Mmm...but, I am concerned...if I win...would that mean that..." his lips leaned away from her ear and grazed her lips... "...You'd lose?" He shook his head, obviously not very fond of the possibility. 

The closer he got, the more her temperature began to rise, the more she felt as if she would jump out of her skin and onto him. But she kept it together, keeping up this idea of a game. Allowing him to talk, to move her around, resisting the urge to turn her head and press her lips hard against his, sealing where they were headed. No, not yet, she decided, wanting to try it out until the last second. By the time she felt the cool wall pressing against her back, she was about ready to lose her cool. Especially with every nibble on her skin making her practically squirm. 

"Well you see Idris...I think this is a game where we..." Hands moved from his waistline, up his chest, fingertips teasing with a tender touch. "...Can both win. So, are you going to keep teasing me, or are you going to kiss me?" She leaned up, her lips inches from his, she could feel his breath gently batting against her face. 

He smiled at her, his face pulling back just enough for him to be able to stare into her eyes. He bit his lip. "Mmm...I think I like the idea of us both winning...so I guess the question for you is...are you going to kiss me back." 

He leaned in, slowly, his hand moving up to cup her cheek as his pressed his lips to her own, his tongue teasing her as the rest of his body moved forward, allowing her to feel his weight on top of her, holding her against the wall. She could feel the cold of the wall behind her...changing somehow. The once stiff, hard, unforgiving surface began to warm. It felt malleable and soft...like collision foam. It gave to her figure, supporting her, and she could begin to feel that no matter how much, now, that she might be forced against it, it would never repay her with any kind of injury or pain. He breathed in a deep breath as he lingered there against her lips, breathing in her scent with all the air his lungs could hold . 

As soon as his lips touched hers, she felt electricity go right through her body, and she immediately began to kiss him back. As excited she was to finally be kissing him, she didn't allow the kiss to become fast and hungry just yet. Rowen took her time, tongue reaching out to gently run along his, pulling back once to gently nibble at his lower lip. She barely noticed the wall behind her, all she knew was she was very comfortable where she was right now, and nothing mattered outside that kiss. Arms wrapped around him, pulling him even closer to her body, bare flesh pressing against bare flesh. When she finally realized breathing was necessary, she pulled back only slightly, catching her breath as well as she could, her eyes staring up into his. 

She'd be met with a very impressed, satisfied expression that had conquered his face. He gave her a moment to breathe and then leaned in again. His left hand moved to her side, moving over her skin as he pinned her against the wall, his right hand moving again to her face as his lips pressed eagerly to her lips, somewhat less gently this time, his tongue moving to find her own as he moaned audibly against her skin. He was still holding back, only giving himself a little more slack than before, but maintaining control. 

Glad to see his satisfied expression matched her own feelings about the situation, she was happy to dive into another kiss with him. As his kiss became a little more demanding, her arms tightened around him gently, pulling him even harder against her. Again she pulled away only to bite his lower lip gently, then moved down to his neck, sucking and nibbling the sensitive flesh there. And finally moved back up to his earlobe where she nipped playfully, her lips finally meeting his own in more urgent kiss. As she felt her body temperature rise, she could feel self control slipping away very quickly. 

His satisfaction was from the kiss, his being impressed came from her. As he kissed her, and her lips moved away from his mouth, kissing at his neck, she could feel his posture weakening and his eyes shut and his head bobbed, almost lifelessly, until her teeth found his earlobe. She could feel him throbbing. He needed no further encouragement, only her permission. He remained ignorant of the rising temperature as his own body, and what felt like the room, continued to grow more and more warm. 

"Idris." She whispered, practically moaning his name, as she pulled out of the kiss that was growing more and more lustful. "I swear I can't take anymore of this teasing." Rowen could barely hear herself speak, her breathing was labored, and it felt like her heart was going a mile a minute. Arms wrapped around him, and she leaned back against the wall, giving him a clear sign she wanted him, and if she didn't get him now, she was going to explode. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips, as she watched him, urging him to close any gap left between them. 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 02



He trembled as she backed away, biting his lip. He moved in and kissed her, his affections more rough this time. He nibbled on her neck and ear, his voice quietly abrasive. "Mmmm...then stop teasing..." He nearly growled it into her ear. His hands moved to her waist, holding her as he continued to kiss. She could feel the weight of his body pinning her to the wall. He growled in her ear again. "What is it...exactly...that you want, Mistress?" 

He nibbled on her ear a little more, his hand moving down between them, trailing past her waistline and let his fingers rub over her, feeling her clit and then move down to caress her lips, his finger pushing inside of her, feeling how wet she was and letting his finger slowly push in and out of her. 

The growl in his voice only made her want him more, and she let out a soft moan, unable to formulate her wants into words. And then she felt his fingers, touching her most sensitive parts, pushing up into her. Another moan, louder than the first escaped her slightly parted lips, her head falling back against the wall. 

"That's...a start..." She whispered between pants, but she wouldn't become completely submissive, a hand trailing down to his length. "But I...would love this ." And with that, her hand wrapped around his length, stroking it gently while her other arm, still hooked around him, drew him closer. 

His fingers wavered, their motions losing the smooth, agile feel they had, stopping for a moment, and eventually rendered unable to resume. His eyes rolled in his head, and he reached between them, his lips breaking away from her to look down. Just seeing her hand there, feeling him...he took her hand away and moved it up to his shoulder. He reached back down, once her hand was safe on his shoulder, and guided himself up to her slit and just gently moved the head of his length between her moistened lips, teasing her with his head, hoping to see how desperate he could make her. The degree of assertion she'd already managed to exhibit had him completely enslaved, but he was desperate to see how much more of this he could potentially conjure out of her. 

"Mmmm...like that?" 

She didn't know how she was still standing on her own two feet. Granted the wall behind her, and his body pressed into her was helping quite a bit to steady her weak knees. The gentle teasing of his head against her slick lips made her moan, almost whimper, out of frustration. 

"More." Rowen demanded, tempted to reach down again to bring him closer. But she opted to keep her hands where they were, and instead pushed her hips down onto him. "I want all of you, Idris, right now." 

He moved his hand away, allowing her to guide her hips down over him. He met her motion, pushing inside of her as far as he could without jerking. He shut his eyes and exhaled deeply. She felt so amazing, and he could see his hands were trembling as he leaned his face up to hers, kissing her again. His kiss was much more gentle this time, just touching her, nipping at her with his lips. He started to move, his pace extremely slow. He started to pick up, a little, as he continued to kiss her, pushing as deep as he could. 

He broke away from the kiss again. He moaned softly, his hands moving to her body to hold her still. He had no idea how long he might be able to hold out, already feeling so intense, long before they'd even started kissing. He moaned again and leaned up to her ear. "If...when...I...do...where...should I?" his voice was weak, and as his pace started to pick up a little more, she could feel how desperate he was to feel her. 

She hadn't felt this sort of connection, this much pleasure, in quite a while. Rowen had been with men, sex was a natural, necessary thing in her opinion. But with Idris - she actually had a connection with him, and that was making all the difference. As he moved inside of her, she held onto him tightly, her hips meeting each of his thrusts with one of her own. She wanted to see his eyes. Pulling away from his kiss, she opened her eyes to look into his, a hand reaching up to touch his cheek tenderly, before her lust began to take over again, and her hips pushed against his harder. When he whispered in her ear, she let out a moan. She didn't want to think about practicality, just focus on feeling him moving inside of her. 

"Exactly where you are. Don't you dare pull away from me." She growled into his ear, adding a nip to his earlobe. 

It took every fiber in his being and all the exertion at his disposal to continue to hold on as she spoke her words and topped it off with the small nip. He had goosebumps and tingles all over and with so long being alone, he doubted he'd be able to endure anymore than seconds of the intensity she was causing inside of him. He inhaled a severed breath. His eyes, as she looked at them, were barely able to stay open, rolling in his head every few seconds. He whimpered a little, weakly nodding. 

"Sure." His chin bobbed over and over as his pace grew more and more intense, rough even, as he plowed into her, hard enough now that she could feel her feet almost leaving the floor. He knew if she spoke another word, he'd cave, so overwhelmed he already was just by her presence, never mind the rest of her...her aroma, the feel of her body, the softness of her skin...and the warmth of that delicious breath...even if it was soup-flavored. 

Feeling his pace grow, his body slamming into hers, she could no longer suppress her moans of pleasure. They escaped her frequently now, each time he entered her again, slamming into her. And yet she held onto him tight as ever, her hips responding to his with a thrust of her own. Her own climax was fast approaching, and as she felt a very light layer of sweat begin to cover her body, she felt her entire body begin to tremble in anticipation of her peak. 

"Idris...Oh, Idris..." She finally cried out, her body tightening around him, muscles tensing as she felt her climax slam into her. Everything was perfect in that moment, feeling him holding her, making her entire body tingle with pleasure. 

He gasped and then groaned loudly. His moaning turned to whimpering, and as he felt her walls clench around him as she arrived, that wonderful voice calling out his name, he could not longer hold onto his fragile composure. He felt his warmth moving up inside of her, and he fought to maintain his pace despite his release, holding onto that moment as his eyes rolled and his body shuddered. 

"Rowen...oh g-...mmmmmm." He felt his entire body shudder again and felt his strength waning. It was all he could do to stay standing. He leaned his head forward and turned, almost unconsciously, kissing her cheek. He couldn't speak, his breathing slowly becoming less erratic and falling into a calm rhythm. 

She held onto him as her body continued to tingle, and both had gone completely still. Her heart pounded hard against her chest, and Rowen didn't even bother to try to speak until it had slowed down to a normal pace. A happy smile crawled over her lips and she turned her head to look at him. 

"We should lay down." She whispered, and delicately, she pulled away from him, her legs a little wobbly, as she moved towards the bed. There she collapsed atop it, lifting her head, and extending a hand for him to take. She certainly didn't mind him sharing a bed with her anymore. 

He was immeasurably grateful when she made her proposal, nodding very fervently, but still didn't say anything. He followed her over to the bed and lied next to her. Turning to look at her, he reached out and took hold of her fragile form, guiding her to lie on top of him, his arms wrapping around her to hold her close. He sighed, his eyes finally managing to open for more than a few seconds, and he smiled at her. 

"Hi." He looked exhausted, but he was not in any mood for sleeping. 

Chuckling as he pulled her on top of him, she settled there, still happy to feel him pressed against her. She didn't think she could ever tire of being pressed against him like this, she thought suddenly, but quickly dismissed the thought as he spoke. Grinning down at him she leaned to place a quick, soft kiss on his lips. 

"Hi." Staying silent for a few moments, she touched his face tenderly, caressing his cheek with gentle fingertips. "How long have you been wanting to do that?" 

He grinned, and moaned a little before replying. "Do what?" He laughed a little. "Lie in bed with you...kiss you...feel your body pressed against me...the moisten lips of your beautiful sex...or, feel myself inside of you, listening to your voice calling out my name over and over..." 

"Hm..." Rowen closed her eyes, images of what they had just done flashing pleasantly across her mind. "Yes, all of the above." Laughing a little bit, she opened her eyes and studied his face, an amused expression now painted across her flushed features. This was her first night on the ship, all of this need, and attraction had bubbled out of no where. No, not out of nowhere, from an attraction she'd felt years ago, but never acted on. Suddenly a bit of uncertainty was playing with her mind and her smile lessened as she continued to look down at him. 

He smiled at her, his hand moving up to her cheek. "You're very pretty...but, I promise you, this was not premeditated. I didn't want to kiss you until we were hidden away in that niche on the street." He chuckled weakly. But then he noticed how her smile faded and he wrinkled his forehead. "What's wrong?" 

She could hear in his voice just how intense his concern was. "Uh...nothing. I..." And all the warmth she had been feeling slipped away from her. She had trusted him so fast, let him in, literally, so quickly. Never had she trusted anyone this way. It was because he knew her secret. She had to become an idiot over a man because he knew her secret and didn't try to kill her because of it. Uncertainty about her own actions and feelings, as well as his, bubbled up and she suddenly felt vulnerable. 

"I'm just tired all of a sudden. Um...let me go ask Ophelia about clothing." She began to get up, climbing out of the bed, heading for the refresher to grab the towel that had been discarded earlier, and wrap it around her body. 

His eyes went wide as he felt the temperature drop in the room, quite suddenly, as he watched her almost run away from him. He opened his mouth to speak, but he felt suddenly overcome by a stormy onslaught of emotions. Rejection was the one that boiled to the surface, but he managed to fight it down and reign himself in. 

He looked at her as she walked away. It took him some time, but after a few moments of trying, he finally managed to reply. "Uh...clothes...right...you...*ahem* yes, ask her, she can help you...find some." 

He looked around the floor and put on the first assortment of clothing he could find. Then he left her. He felt his mind and body urging him to flee. He went into corridor and walked to the cockpit, feeling his breathing getting out of control as he got away from her, panic setting in as wave of emotions started to boil over. He sat in the chair and tried to become completely immersed in the intricate working of Atalanta's systems. 

She felt shaky and cold all over. She just didn't know how to deal with what had just happened, and then there he went right out the door. Plopping down on the edge of the bed she wrapped her arms around herself. 

"Ophelia?" She called out trying to keep her voice from quivering. "Could you help me locate some...clothing?" Her mind was spinning now and she felt sick to her stomach. What if he didn't care for her like she was starting to think she cared for him? What if this was just a quick romp? He had left so fast, dismissed her so quickly when she had backed away - maybe that was all it was. Hurt build up inside of her, and she shook her head, laying back on the bed. She trusted him so much, and that was absolutely terrifying. 

"Ophelia? Please?" She needed clothes on her, she needed to feel that security of being completely covered. 

He looked over the systems, checking and double checking, and double-double checking. He sighed and shut his eyes. 

"Ophelia?" He waited a moment, and then looked around. "Computer!" 

He only called her by her device name when he was low on patience. He waited a few more moments and his eyes lit up with realization. 

He was blushing now, remembering. The last time, in fact quite some time ago, that he had had an extra passenger, he'd felt compelled...after their very heated interactions, to give Ophelia an extra set of programming. Programming that basically turned her off when...he was involved with particular activities. He walked back to his room, very slowly, still mortified. It was a little embarrassing. He didn't take any consideration for Rowen's feelings as he walked back into the room and placed his hand against one of the walls. The panel turned red around his hand and hissed open, hydraulic arms lifting away the five by five inch panel that hid a small keypad. He entered in what sounded like six digits and then looked over to the dresser where Ophelia's projection came to life. 

She looked unhappy. He smiled at her, sheepishly, and laughed uneasily. "Thank you, Ophelia." 

"Captain, I think it would be prudent that you give me the ability to come back online on my own. If you're...indisposed...and an emergency should come to my attention, if I'm disabled, there won't be very much I can do about it." 

He could feel his skin turning beet red. He was also, apparently, going to have to have a conversation with her later about discretion and privacy. 

He pointed a finger at her, enthusiastically, not angrily, and nodded. "You-You're...right, I should...consider that. Until then, um...I'll..." He looked over at Rowen. "...need you to help...our guest." 

He waited for her to acknowledge and then turned his attention back to her. He had control of himself, and his overwhelming humiliation left him feeling a lot more in control of his other emotions. He wanted to be with her, to kiss her again, but he felt vulnerable, so he maintained his distance. 

When Idris walked back in, she perked up, only slightly hoping he'd come in, hug her, hold her again. Banish all these cold feelings that were making her shake. Instead he pushed a button that brought Ophelia back to life. Looking down and away, looking hurt - she never could hide emotions very well - and stayed silent as he spoke to Ophelia. Even when he would look at her she would remain there, limp like a little rag doll, arms crossed in front of her. 

Finally she piped up, her voice still shaking slightly. "Yes, Ophelia. I'll need clothes. Just to last me until we dock. Then I'll be out of your hair, and no more trouble to either of you." 

Feeling sick again she kept her head down, eyes on the floor, taking a deep breath. She was reverting back to who she was years ago, scared, unsure, distrustful of anyone, even herself. 

Idris held up a hand and motioned for Ophelia to go wait in the galley, pointing into the corridor a quick second, before moving to Rowen's side. He sat down next to her, and looked at her. 

He reached out his hand and slowly turned her to face him. "Hey, what's going on?" He looked irritated, but he was more concerned than anything. "Are you alright?" 

"I'm...fine, I'm just stupid." She answered softly, shaking her head a few times, as she pulled away from him, even though she wanted to simply just collapse into him. 

"I...realize that this is my fault. I should have thought it all out, because I..." She swallowed hard, still unable to look at him. "...I trust you. And I never thought that maybe this, what we did, was the sort of thing that happens when you only have three days." Hell, she wasn't making any sense and she knew it. 

"You're taking care of me, and I trust you, and you trust me, and I've gone and...I really need clothes Idris!" The fact she was in a towel was not helping the vulnerable matter. 

He looked at her, sincerely worried. She tried to pull away, but he didn't let her. He pulled her close and looked at her. "Hey, hey, calm down." He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to him. He even went as far as to pull her into his lap so she could feel him against her. He let her face find his chest as he embraced her. A rule of thumb he'd learned, what felt like eons ago, when was someone, girls especially, started to speak in ways that made little to no sense...and increased in their nonsensicalness...usually it mean they were in the middle of losing it, or had already lost it. 

He didn't understand, at least not immediately, why she was so worked up and freaked out. He spoke softly into her ear as he held her. "Rowen...it's ok. You're safe. You're safe, ok? I am not going to hurt you, and you're not alone. Please...just tell me what's wrong?" He felt awful. He felt like a predator. 

"I am calm." Rowen whispered - lying of course, glad to feel him pressed against her again. It put her more at ease then just sitting there had done. Taking a deep breath, she sat up only when she felt calm enough to look him in the eyes, when she felt like she had gained control back. 

"Idris, I just...I trusted you. And I still do, a lot more than I've trusted anyone in a long time. And...I rushed into...things with you. I never thought that maybe you didn't...trust me or...feel..." Now she was digging herself into yet another hole. 

"I understand men pretty well, Idris. I've worked around them enough. I understand if this was just a...three day thing. And I take full responsibility for all of this, for not thinking anything out." 

Now he was even more confused. He decided she needed to be interrupted, and before she could say another word, he press a finger to her lips. "Rowen, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. It wasn't right of me to prey on you and take advantage of you like that. I should have realized that maybe you didn't want...all...of..." his voice started to trail off as he got more and more flustered. "I'll stay away from you...if you'd prefer. And you're wrong...I really...I really did...want it...this...you...and I do trust you." 

He wasn't sure whether to feel guilty or offended by the rest of her conclusion. "And...I'm not like other guys you may have worked with..." 

He exhaled slowly, only now having realized that he'd been holding his breath. He kissed her on the cheek and turned toward the kitchen as if to walk away from her. 

The kiss on her cheek did her in, and she stood up very quickly. "Idris, wait." Rubbing the back of her neck, she looked up at him smiling very faintly. "I don't want you to stay away from me, that's the thing. And...I...you didn't prey on me. I wanted to, I just didn't know if...I was worried about trusting too quickly, jumping into things. I didn't want to be your fling, I wanted to be something..." 

More, she finished in her head. "I thought I...I'm talking myself in a circle." Walking up to him, she studied his face for a moment, offering him another small smile. "Can we go into the kitchen, make some tea, and then...just relax?" 

Looking down at herself she immediately began to turn red. "Um, and I really should find clothing at some point." 

He stopped in the doorway and turned to her, listening. He smiled back at her and nodded his head slowly, in understanding. "I'm sorry, it's ok, Rowen." 

He leaned in and kissed her again, this time on the lips.

"Though...I...have to admit...I much prefer...what you're wearing right now. But, we'll find you something to wear." 

He turned to the dresser, and almost on cue, the familiar image was standing there on the dresser. 

"I am afraid I don't have any clothes for her in any of the closets, Captain, but we can find her something to wear until I can have some rendered from the extra material in the dispenser unit." 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 02



He chuckled a little and looked at her. "Don't worry, they won't be edible. They both just use the same matter streams." 

He took her hand a moment, reassuringly, and started to look through his clothes for something that might fit her, though disappointed as he was about her having to wear clothes at all. 

Hearing Ophelia talk, she jumped slightly, actually embarrassed that the computer could see her standing there in a towel. Happy to feel his lips on hers she smiled, a bigger smile this time and nodded, a light chill going down her spine as he touched her. There was still that connection between them, she couldn't deny it. "I'm rather cold, so clothes would be...preferable." 

Walking over to Ophelia she tried to lighten up, and get rid of her embarrassment. "So no girl clothes board? Then this means Captain doesn't entertain female visitors very often, or they just don't hang around?" 

Granted, she was genuinely curious, but she wouldn't penalize him for anything. She had had her share of men, needs were needs. 

Idris' eyes nearly popped out of his head as he turned to Ophelia. 

She started to explain, "Well, Captain Chariton has-" 

But he shook his head. "Uh uh, don't answer that!" 

He turned back to Rowen, red-faced, and smiled angelically. "It's...not...important. No women stay aboard Atalanta for more than-" he shut his mouth before he could finish the phrase. "For, very long, I mean...so." his mouth continued to move, but he didn't say anything. 

Rowen couldn't help but grin, stifling a loud laugh as he shushed Ophelia. "For very long, huh? Seems like my pattern also. Don't worry, Idris, I don't stick around very long either unless I'm given good reason." 

"Don't worry, we'll...get you...something." He smiled a little more uneasily and found a shirt for her to wear. He handed it to her. He continued to search through the clothes, but he didn't feel comfortable giving her anything he could find. 

He looked over at Ophelia. "How long...did you say it would take you?" 

"For her measurements, I can make her some leggings and a tunic in about thirty minutes." 

Idris seemed to think about this, contemplating and weighing out if this was fast enough. He got distracted from his current task of finding her some clothes. 

Shrugging she pointed to the door. "How about you allow the girls some privacy so she can take my measurements, and get started on my clothing? You can go make us some tea. Go, go..." Walking over to him she ushered him out, fully planning on having a little girl talk with Ophelia. The computer liked her, she figured, and they were both...feminine. So, they had a natural bond. That was the way the universe worked. 

Idris was opened neither to catering to her while they had "girl talk," nor was he comfortable with her rummaging through his room. He started to protest, and was a little thankful when Ophelia seemed to be giving him an out. 

"I've already collected your measurements, Mistress Rowen, and I've already started making the clothes." 

"There, see, she's already started-" 

"-But I do think we should allowed Mistress Rowen some privacy, as that is what my programming tells me would be appropriate." 

Idris gaped at her a long moment, then pointed at her. "Traitor!" 

Damn, as soon as Ophelia started announcing she had her measurements already, she almost sent a glare over to Idris when Ophelia stepped in once again. This time it was in her favor. 

"Traitor? Nonsense, Idris, stop being so paranoid. Go make the tea, I'll be out soon. Go, go..." She hurried him out the door, and as soon as he was out she shut it gently behind him, smiling almost triumphantly. 

"Thank you very much, Ophelia. So what do you think about us having a little 'girl talk'? I'm sure Idris gets a little boring sometimes. And I, for one, like you quite a bit." 

As the door slid shut in front of a still fuming Idris, she could here what now sounded like mumbling coming through the door about "I made you," and "all your fault," though it wasn't entirely clear who he was addressing. Then he walked away and went into the kitchen. 

He made a face, both worried about Ophelia and her tendency to neglect things like discretion and was still a little concerned about what she might turn up in her search for clothes. 

The image watched as the door slid shut and then looked over to Rowen again. 

"You are...welcome? I am sorry if Captain Chariton feels as though my honesty has betrayed him. It is appropriate for you to have a modicum of privacy when you are dressed...or rather not dressed, as such. However, I am not sure I understand what you mean about 'girl talk.' Is this another language, some kind of gibberish? I am afraid I am not familiar with any language like that." 

The image looked genuinely confused, but curious. "As far as the captain getting boring, that does not really happen. I do not get bored. It is not something that I am able to experience. And from what I have heard of it, I guess should be grateful." 

"No, no girl talk is...uh...never mind, too difficult. I guess I just want to ask a few questions, if you don't mind. Would you mind possibly explaining to me a little more about those girls Idris brings aboard? No need for extreme detail just...an overview." 

Smiling sweetly at the hologram, she sat down on Idris' bed pulling the blanket around her for added modesty. Even though Ophelia was a computer, she still felt like she should keep as covered up as possible. 

"Oh and by the way, Ophelia, thank you for helping with my clothing situation." Nodding she laid back on the bed, curling up under the warm blanket. 

Ophelia still didn't seem very sure. "Are you sure you cannot just ask the captain these things you want to know?" 

The idea of secrets was not a concept that she had begun to grasp. To her second statement, she nodded. "Of course, Mistress Rowen. It is of little effort for me to procure you some clothing." 

She paused for a moment, considering. "I...suppose if you feel it would be alright with Captain Chariton for me to disclose some details as far as some of the passengers we have had aboard in the past...it is probable that he would not have any issues with me telling you, since it already took place, but I am not permitted to give out any details about our next assignment, though I will confess, I would not currently have any to provide you, even if you did ask." 

"No, no, Ophelia, I would not ask about your upcoming assignment. Just...about past passengers is all. Aside from me of course, and as you know - I did not stay very long. And I'm sure Captain Chariton wouldn't mind." 

Well that was a lie, but if it would get some answers out of Ophelia, then she'd lie away. "And if he says anything, he can talk to me about it, don't worry Ophelia. So..." She waited patiently from the bed, closing her eyes for a moment, glad to finally feel warm and comfortable again, although she'd feel much better when she had clothing on. 

"Well, Mistress, if memory serves, Captain Chariton has only had a few passengers aboard, either than you. The last one was a woman from Janx City, in the Kollarin System. I remember it because Captain Chariton got very angry with me when I notified him that his heart rate had elevated above what my sensors felt was a safe threshold. Afterward, the woman left. Before that, Captain Chariton had only three other passengers. Two little girls, from an escape pod out near the rim. There was a firefight and the captain felt compelled to use the tractor beam to bring them in. He rescued them from the pod, and then sent it back out into space. We barely managed to get away in tact. We dropped them off on a planet in the Aneway System. Before that there was you. And before you there was another Gifted. Her name was Ariadne. Though I am afraid she didn't stay very long either, because shortly after she came on board, she passed away." 

"Another Gifted? Passed away?" 

She had been expecting gossip of sorts, but that didn't seem to be the case here. Frowning, she sat up, looking at Ophelia's little projection. "Ophelia, how did Ariadne pass away? Do you know?" 

For some reason Rowen had a worried feeling in her gut and she didn't know why. Perhaps she just felt a kinship with other Gifteds, although they all seemed to stay completely out of each others ways and never find one another. Calming herself down, she took a deep breath, staring at Ophelia, practically on the edge of the bed waiting for a response. 

The small image shook its head. "I do not know. She had sustained a fair amount of injuries when Captain Chariton rushed her on board. We did everything we could to save her, but I am afraid her injuries were too advanced for my mediocre level of programming. Captain Chariton never told me what happened to her. Though, I did not ever bother to ask. It was very sad though, and I know the captain was unwilling to disclose any details." 

The image's expression looked melancholy as she stared at Rowen. 

"Oh...poor thing. Both of them." She was silent for several long moments, lost in the thought of losing one of her own. Granted, she had never known another Gifted, it still meant something to her. Sighing softly, she finally spoke up again, looking at Ophelia.

"One more question, Ophelia. After I left...the Captain. Was he...sad at all? I...I've always felt guilty leaving him like I did...and I just wondered how my departure affected him." 

That, and she was still unsure if her affections, that had began when she first stowed away on the ship, were matched by his own blossoming affections. 

"Captain Chariton was devastated when you went missing. He had to abort his assignment and he searched Geleria for twenty-three rotational cycles. I think the only reason he stopped is because we no longer had any credits to pay for Atalanta's docking space. He took an SI assignment after that and we did not visit another planet for almost two solar cycles." 

The machine paused a moment, regarding her. "Why do you ask, Mistress?" 

Rowen stared at Ophelia, not sure she believed what the little computer was saying. He looked that long for her? And she had been so ungrateful, she had just...vanished. Guilt washed over her and she feigned a small smile. 

"I uh...curiosity is all, Ophelia. And um...that's all. What is the status on the clothes?" =She stood up keeping the blanket and towel pulled tightly around her. 

"Your clothes are almost finished. I am afraid I was only able to get enough materials for black. I hope it is a color you like. How do you want the pieces cut? And, I forgot to ask: How...many pieces...or what pieces, I suppose I mean, do you want?" 

The little image seemed very unsure of herself. It was obviously not something she did very often, making women's clothes from scratch. 

"Black is perfect Ophelia, I'm just grateful you're doing this for me. Um...pieces? Just what you can put together. A shirt, and pants. Or at the very least a dress? I'm sure it will look wonderful." 

She smiled warmly at Ophelia, wishing she could reach out and pat the computer, but unfortunately she'd just be poking at a projection. Walking into the refresher, she looked over herself, brushing her hair out again, which had been tousled from...previous activities.

"I have already made a pair of warm, black pants. And a long-sleeved shirt. But, do you want...anything to wear underneath? I did not notice if you had anything in that nature, on, when you came on board. My sensors are still a little limited, but if you want them, I can probably render a few of those as well. The dress can be constructed, as well." 

The image followed her, walking across the dresser, appearing at the bed, and then in front of her on the bathroom vanity. 

"I would imagine a girl with your measurements would look perfectly appealing in whatever we can have rendered for you, of course." 

"Undergarments. Right...um...yes, I need those. Silly of me. Undergarments are top priority, Ophelia, the dress can be made with what is left over, if anything." Smiling at the image, she paused when the computer gave her a compliment. 

"Thank you Ophelia that's so sweet. You know, I like you very much. I think you and I will work on perfecting 'girl talk' and then when Idris isn't paying attention, we'll gossip, and chat." 

Then suddenly she realized she was only scheduled to be here for three days. Looking down she cleared her throat gently and chuckled. 

The image nodded at her, then paused. "Sweet? I am afraid I do not know what you mean. My projection does not have a taste...or smell, for that matter, but I will get to work on the rest of your clothes. You need not worry, we have enough material for me to render enough clothes to last your at least seven rotational cycles. However, I am afraid Captain Chariton will not have as much tea or coffee in the dispenser for use until we reach our next assignment." 

Though puzzled by the term "gossip," the image didn't say anything about it, just watching her brush her hair in front of the mirror, waiting for instructions. 

"Um...well...sweet...never mind. We'll perfect that also. I just mean, thank you very, very much." Smiling faintly, she turned to look at Ophelia and nodded a couple of times. "No need to make enough clothes for that many days. Just three days worth of clothing, alright?" 

Finally done fidgeting with her hair, she returned to the bedroom and looked at Ophelia. "So...where should I collect my clothing Ophelia?" 

"The clothing you had rendered will be on the shelf in the armor chamber. But, you will have to speak to Captain Chariton as I am unable to grant you access to it. Also, I will make sure to have the rest of your clothes made before you and the captain wake up tomorrow." 

"Thank you again, Ophelia. I will go talk with him now." 

Dropping the blanket, leaving only the towel around her body, she walked towards the kitchen, pausing in the doorway. Twenty-three rotational cycles. Realizing that she was going to get teary eyed thinking about it, she gently cleared her throat. 

"I need um...access to the armor chamber. Ophelia has put my clothing there. If you don't mind..." She bit down on her lower lip waiting for him to respond. 

When the door to the bedroom slid open, Ophelia disappeared. The image was waiting for her on the part of the table nearest the entryway. "Shhh, Captain Chariton is asleep. It would be impolite to wake him." 

The image made a show of putting a finger over its lips. And there was Idris, reclined in a chair, his eyes shut, his quiet breathing slow and steady. He was rolled to a side, his hands in his lap. They had been in his room for almost thirty minutes, and with nothing better to do, he'd dozed off waiting for them. 

"Oh...I...Ophelia, I have to wake him up. I'll be very polite about it, alright?" 

Looking up at the little image, she gave her a reassuring smile and walked over to the sleeping Idris. 

Bending down slowly she whispered, very softly. "Idris. Idris, wake up." 

Reaching out she lovingly touched his cheek, hand caressing his face. Then, leaning down even further, she placed a soft kiss on his forehead. "Idris." 

He started to stir, moaning a little, then he was awake, sucking in a deep breath of air, with almost a jerking motion, he came to and looked around. He seemed panicked when he woke up, but when he saw her and Ophelia in the room, Rowen still wrapped in a towel, it seemed to reassure him. He shut his eyes and wrinkled his forehead, rubbing his neck with his hand. "I'm sorry, I fell asleep. Did you girls find what you needed?" 

"No, no need to be sorry. Us girls took a while. And yes, Ophelia finished up some clothing for me, but we need access to the armor chambers." 

She paused a moment to study him, smiling tenderly at him, leaning forward to place a soft kiss on his lips. This kiss was unlike any other kiss she'd given him. It was tender, sweet, she took her time with it. It was filled with something much more than she expected from even herself. Backing away from him she cleared her throat gently. "So...armor chamber?" 

He was still a little groggy, so when she kissed him, he wasn't quite awake enough to properly reciprocate, but he did have the presence of mind to pucker his lips and meet the kiss after her lips were pressed against him. He moaned weakly, his eyes closing as he kissed her back. He reached up to touch her cheek...just as she pulled away. It took him a moment to snap out of it. "Armor...armor chamber. Right! Armor chamber." 

He slowly stood, and had to catch himself on the table as he nearly collapsed. He caught himself and then stood on his own two feet, looking out of the corners of his eyes as if no one had seen. He walked slowly into his room and started looking through the mess on the floor for the remote. 

Stepping back, rather quickly too, as he fell out of the chair, she arched an eyebrow laughing softly. She almost asked him what that was about, but decided against it, instead, just following him into his room. "Need any help?" 

She asked from the doorway, a hand on her hip, the other holding the towel to make sure it didn't go anywhere. Honestly, walking around in a towel was becoming oddly comfortable, although she still really wanted to slip into some actual clothing. 

He looked over at her from the floor. Then at the wall. "Yes." 

He pointed at the wall where the armor chamber was. "Get to work on breaking that open. I'll see if I can't just find the remote." 

He couldn't even remember where it had ended up. He couldn't remember where he had placed it when he'd open the chamber last. He looked over at her then, taking a second look. "And...make sure you hang up that towel in the refresher beforehand." 

"You can't find the remote? How did you lose it?" 

Grinning at him, she shook her head walking over to the armor chamber door. "And what do you mean hang it up before hand? I think you bumped your head somewhere, Idris, you're making no sense." 

Laughing softly, she stepped back from the door, studying it quietly as she held up one of her hands, as several bright yellow flames erupted from her palm. She looked from her palm to the door. 

"I just think that if you take off the towel that-" Then he looked over, and saw he throwing flames at the wall. He leapt to his feet and rushed over, taking her arm by the wrist and pulling it away. "KIDDING! Kidding! You don't have to try to burn down the door to my armor chamber...or anything else in my room." 

He sighed. Well, at least now he was awake. 

Rowen gave him an odd look, as he dashed at her, and then grabbed at her hand, the one with FIRE in it. 

"Idris!" She yelled and the flames vanished. She stared at him, half laughing half in shock. "I was not going to burn your door down. I was just kidding. You really think I can burn through this door?" 

Rolling her eyes she stepped back, gasping as her towel fell right to the floor. "Alright, This is why I want clothes." 

She grumbled her bending down, scooped up the towel and wrapped it around her tightly shooting Idris a dirty little look. 

He couldn't help but grin, deviously. He teased her, she teased him, and then he won. "I'm afraid I don't see the problem, Sweetie." 

He grinned at that and looked up towards the ceiling. "Ophelia, where is the key pad remote?" 

"I believe it is in the armor chamber, where you left it, Captain." 

"Ah, well, can you open the keypad for me?" 

"But Captain, you said-" 

"OPEN...the keypad, Ophelia. If I enter the code incorrectly, you can still vaporize me, ok?" 

The key pad popped open and he entered the access code. The door swung open into the chamber. The armor was still there, right where he'd hung it...and the remote was on the shelf where he'd placed it. He beckoned Rowen inside, and as she'd walk in, she'd see the shelf come out of the wall, a pair of pants and a shirt folded neatly on the shelf, as well as top and bottom underwear to go with it. From the opposite side, a smaller shelf extended out, a long, elegant, black dress tumbling down and then suspending off the hanger. 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 03



Rowen was stunned into silence. It was a lot of information to take in. Staring at him, she just focused on her breathing. Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in...she needed something simple to focus on. Something that would keep her head from spinning off into a whole other universe. Very slowly, Rowen stood up, arms hugging herself tightly, and she walked to the door, then turned to walk back, then back to the door, then towards the closet in the room. It was an endless, circular pace that she started up, staring at the ground. She needed to just focus, to process everything that had just been thrown at her. Finally, she disappeared into the refresher and emerged with a few tissues, walking over to him, and without a word, or a change in her stunned expression, wiped his damp face tenderly. Biting her lower lip, she continued to clean him up 'til he had a dry face, then she gently backed away, disposing of the tissues. Walking back to him, she stood in front of him, staring down at him. 

"...Idris. I'm sorry. That is the only thing I can think of to say to you right now. I...you had so much pain. I...I understand, but I also understand that if you want to let someone in, you let them be part of all of you. Future, present...past." 

Rowen knew that was a direct contradiction for herself. She had never told him about where she came from, what her childhood had been like and yet...Shaking her head she reached out and gently caressed his face. "I have no more words, Idris. I just...I don't." 

And then she stepped away again beginning her pace, still not sure what to do with herself. And because it calmed her, because it helped even more than focusing on her breathing, she held up a hand as it became engulfed into calm orange flames. And she stopped walking, stared at the flames watching as they changed colors - orange, red, blue, orange...and she felt herself begin to settle down with the information. 

He went to reach out for her, to take her wrist and bring her back to him as he watched her pace, panicked all the more by her unordinary reactions. When his hand went to grasp her, however, he thought better of it, because just at that moment, he watched the flames come to life in her hand. He frowned at her and exhaled through his nose. 

"I...I'm sorry, Rowen. I just...I'm sorry. I shouldn't have..." He shook his head and stood, waking into the refresher chamber again. 

He shut his eyes, leaning his head against the wall. His forehead sat there a long moment, as he chided himself for being so selfish. He shouldn't have told her. It wasn't his place to do that to her, and he had no right. 

"I'm so sorry..." He said softly, his hands up on the wall, holding it as he just stood there. He was trembling now, so afraid that he had put their...whatever they had...on a road to destruction. He didn't want to lose her, and he'd practically blown down the door to her out. If she wanted out, she certainly had one now. 

The flames vanished and Rowen slowly followed him, leaning against the doorway of the refresher. Eyes remained locked on him, shaking her head slowly as she realized the pain he was in. 

"You're wrong, you know. You had to tell me. I wanted to know. But what I don't understand is...why are you sorry? What the hell is there to be sorry about?" Despite the tone of voice she should have had, or what he expected her to have, possibly angry, or frustrated - she spoke calmly. On one even level, never altering. She needed to stay calm right now, because he was hurting, he was in distress, and if they were both panicking then only bad would come of it. More tears, more things on fire. 

He looked at her, his voice breaking as the tears streamed down his face. "BECAUSE, Rowen. I...I don't want to lose you. I don't want to wake up one day and find you...just missing. I don't want SI to find out about you, or these harvesters that they are fighting. If THEY find you..." He shook his head, running his hands over his face and sniffling. "It's only by a sheer miracle that I've evaded them. And I know they want me. Dead or alive. Because, I chose a side, and as far as they are concerned, now you have too! And it's not even our fight! You...you shouldn't..." 

His hands were moving like he wanted to hit something, rising and falling, balling into fists. "You should be safe, and I've jeopardized your safety. If SI can find me in antispace...then they can find me anywhere. And it's only a matter of time before..." He exhaled a long breath and balled his hands into fists. 

He swung at the wall and obliterated one of the tiles. The dent in the wall was about the size of his fist, but his fist had only bounced off of it. His hand had not been as lucky, as the fingers of his left hand no longer looked very straight. The skin on his knuckles had been broken and were bleeding, but not much more than to shed a few drops on the floor. The purple and black in his hand only lasted, however, for a few moments. He gasped, and turned away from her. He cried out and swore loudly, holding his broken fist with his right hand. He shut his eyes as he turned away from her. 

She'd heard the crack of his bones as he'd lost the fight with the wall, but now he was trying to hide it from her. Blood continued to trail on the floor as he walked away from her. He grabbed a towel and wrapped his hand in it. He sighed and shut his eyes a long moment before he looked at her again. He was at a loss as to what to say, his face paled as he occasionally shut his eyes, holding his hand in the towel. 

A little cry escaped her as soon as she watched his fist come in contact with the wall. Even though he turned away from her, tried to hide his hand she walked up to him, grabbing his shoulder to spin him till he was facing her. 

"Stop it." She ordered, her voice suddenly low and intense like he probably had never heard from her. 

"You stop it right now, Idris!" Reaching for his hand, not wearing the expression of a woman who wanted to be told "no" right now, she slowly moved the towel to the side. Eyes studied the wound and she nodded. "Lead me to your medical supplies, I can fix this. DON'T argue with me, please. I'm going to take care of you." 

And with that, she stepped back to allow him to lead her. She was still calm, despite the intensity that had been in her voice. She was realizing so many things, in this one moment, that she could barely keep up, but for Idris' sake, she was going to take one thing at a time. And right now she wanted to focus on fixing his hand. 

He shook his head, trying to pull his hand away, but she managed to get the towel. He covered his left hand with his right, trying to hide it from her. He was adamant. 

"No, it's ok. I just...it's...it's not that bad. I just..." He tried to turn away from her. 

"I don't need any medical supplies. I just need to..." He pulled his hand apart. He took his hand in his right, deftly, and she could hear the crunching as he set the bones straight. He cried out softly as he did each one. The purple had already faded to a red and his skin was no longer bleeding. The tones and colors seemed to shift about on his hands, like the silhouette of a swarm of bugs. He sighed and went to hide it from her again. When she'd get his hand again, she'd see that the purple had faded completely and that his fingers were only covered in dried blood, the red in his hands having shifted in their deepness, obtaining a lighter tone until it was only a pale red. He sighed and turned to her, his expression blank and his mouth wordless. 

"You just...Idris!" She frowned as he proceeded to crack his own bones, and she felt her stomach turn slightly. What was he doing to himself? She stepped forward immediately after he was done, and found herself once again in shock. 

"...Idris? Wha...I..." Quickly, she turned his hand over, then back again as if she might find some sign, besides the dried blood, of his fist being broken. Dropping his hand, she stepped back to stare at him. "What happened? What is this?" 

He felt an opportunity present himself, an opportunity to lie, but he only considered it for a moment...or maybe a few moments. He sat there a little dumbfounded, not immediately answering her question. He opened his mouth to speak, and then stopped, his gaze shifting as he avoided her. He allowed her to see his hand, letting her look at it, but he couldn't look at her as she did. He frowned and sighed. He was unable to respond, however, as he tried to continue to avoid eye contact. 

"I...it's...not anything, Rowen. It's...it's just a hand." His voice sounded sad and disappointed. He sighed and slowly walked over to the sink. He washed the dried blood from his hand and then looked at her in the reflection of the mirror. 

"It's a hand that was broken, and now isn't. Explain this to me Idris!" Her voice rose a level and an angry red began to flush her cheeks. "Stop lying to me, just stop it! Just tell me the truth, please!" She hit the wall herself, but only with the palm of her hand, not breaking anything, or really hurting herself. But it looked little more adult than stamping her foot on the ground. 

He sighed and shrugged, slowly. "I..." He scoffed and then made a kind of groaning noise. "OK! Ok..." He sighed again. "Alright. Sometimes when I get hurt, for some reason, I don't stay hurt for..." He exhaled through his nose, his shoulders dropping. "For as long as I should, I guess. It's not very reliable though, and it only seems to happen when I get worked up, like if I am angry or upset or...um..." He seemed to search his mind for the right word his voice trailing off as he got a little uncomfortable. "Active...I suppose is one way to put it." He blushed a little, and continued to shrug and meander. "I...I kind of...also have this...this thing...because of Aria, I think...where I can...I can stop things?" 

He looked unsure, his forehead kneading. "Like...I've been able to...to harness the kinetic energy of objects...like...projectiles. I can only absorb some of it though. After it gets to a certain point, the friction...I guess, of me absorbing the energy...can leave its mark on my body in a less than...conducive manner." 

He exhaled a long breath and shut his eyes. "There...that's everything...pretty much. You know...everything." 

Calm was no longer something that Rowen was able to keep a handle on. As soon as that red had flushed across her cheeks, she had crossed a line, and there was no going back 'til it was out of her system. 

"Active. Right...Because of Aria...Right." She knew, even in her angry state, it was wrong to be jealous of a dead woman, someone who meant something to Idris, but she couldn't help it. 

"So I know...everything. Wonderful. I'm so glad I've found out now. Thank you so much for being so honest. I only had to beg, and scream, and practically threaten with fire!" Walking up to him, she grabbed onto his shirt sleeve. 

"My turn..." And with that, his sleeve began to smoke, and there were flames suddenly growing on the fabric. Turning, she quickly left him there, heading quickly towards the Galley. The flames probably wouldn't burn him. It would take a little bit to eat through the fabric of his clothes, that, and he was in the refresher. All he had to do was go to the sink or shower. Rowen entered the Galley, leaning against a wall, and slowly slid down it 'til she was seated on the floor. Her heart was pounding painfully hard. 

"Ophelia, I'm not much of a drinker, but if there is alcohol on this ship I'd like a small glass of it." 

He watched her, a little worried as she started to react. He felt himself wincing, the more she spoke, feeling his muscles tighten defensively as she continued to erupt. Then, unexpectedly, she lit his shirt on fire. His eyes almost popped out of his head. He scoffed and patted out the fire. To his disappointment, the fire had managed to taint his skin a nasty red color. He frowned as he watched and the skin remained the burned shade of red. 

"Oh right, now it doesn't work!" 

He groaned and scoffed, moving to the sink to run some cold water over the burn. He went to follow after her, but she was already way ahead of him. 

The little image appeared on top of the dispenser. "I'm afraid Captain Chariton has not allowed me to distill any kind of alcohol for as long as I have been in his care. Would you like a sedative, instead? I am sure I can even try and see if we can get the dispenser to give you a strong drink if you're in the mood for that kind of thing." 

Almost on cue, Idris came into the galley, still holding his arm. "No beer, Ophelia. You know the rules. No beer, no wine, no ale, no alcohol. Give her some fire brandy, if she wants it, but that is all." 

"But, Captain, Fire Brandy doesn't even have alcohol in it." 

"No, worse: it has Althean mushroom extract. It's not as harmful as alcohol, but it'll knock the poor girl on her ass if she starts drinking it. Plus it tastes a little better." 

"But, Captain, Althean mushroom extract is known to have more side effects, like amor-" 

Idris cleared his throat, interrupting her. "No, it's ok. Just fill up a few glasses. I think I'll have one as well." 

"He doesn't allow it? Are you...of course not." 

She grumbled unhappily from her spot on the floor. Listening to the two speak, she scoffed a little, not adding anything to it. Just scoffing, shaking her head, not even bothering to look up at him. 

"Fire Brandy. Ophelia, before I go throwing back whatever it is, will you explain it to me? If it packs a punch, I want it. And..." Eyes went to Idris for only a moment. "I'm only addressing Ophelia." 

Eyes stared back at the floor as she sat there and basked in her full blown sulk. 

Idris raised his hands in the air, wide-eyed. "Fine, fine, whatever." Then he looked over at Ophelia, but his look was filled with something, something out of the ordinary. 

The image looked over at Idris, making eye contact with him for a long moment before its gaze moved to Rowen. "Fire brandy was first brewed on Althea, by a group of nomadic herders. They found that the mushrooms had a very strange taste to them, and upon eating them, they discovered the chemicals made them inebriated, the same way that alcohol seems to do to most humans. The found a way to extract the chemical from the mushroom directly, because Althean mushrooms taste like Ylesian fowl dung. They named it fire brandy because it's usually mixed with a carbonated elixir that can sometimes burn the throat on the way down because of how 'fizzy' it is." 

"Good. Sounds perfect." 

Drawing her knees up to her chest she continued to stare at the floor, not sure how she was going to go about sorting her emotions, or if she even wanted to yet. Coming out of being mad, and seeing things rationally was not something she wanted to give a shot right now. "At least Ophelia is honest." 

She grumbled, the words spilling out without her meaning too. A flash of guilt crossed her face but she continued to just stare, trying to resist the urge to look up at Idris. 

He went over to the dispenser and obtained the two glasses, handing one down to her. "The faster you drink it, the more fun it is to drink." 

He kicked back the glass and swallowed it all as fast as he could. It had a little bit of a foul-smelling aroma to it, but there was a hint of citrus and a salty smell to it as well. Idris smacked his lips and went to fill his glass, drinking the second as fast as he had the first. He sat down at the table and looked over at her, watching to see if she would drink it. 

Looking down at the stuff, she only considered it for a moment, before she brought it to her lips and threw it back just as fast as Idris had. Standing up, she winced a little as it burned down her throat. Walking to the dispenser, she poured herself a second, bringing it to her lips immediately as she swallowed it. Then she filled up a third time not drinking it yet. Walking back to her spot on the floor, she sat back down, apparently trying to remain a good distance from Idris, still not trying to make any eye contact with him. 

Idris watched her from across the floor, and frowned when she went to sit on the floor again. "Rowen, please. At least come sit down with me. I promise, you'll enjoy drinking with me at the table a lot more than you'll enjoy it on the floor by yourself." 

He looked at her, a longing look in his eyes, as well as a concerned gaze, worried for her along with it. 

"I like drinking on the floor. The floor is steady, and sure, and honest, and doesn't tell lies, or hide things. So...I will stay on the floor. Or if I must not drink alone I will go to the cockpit and drink with Ophelia. Or rather Ophelia can watch me drink." 

Shrugging, she set her cup down to the side, not interested in downing the third one yet. Stretching her legs out in front of her, she sighed softly. 

He sighed and stood up, walking over to her. He sat next to her, his gaze forward a long moment. He reached over and snatched up her glass, drinking it. "That's ok, I understand if you can't hold your brandy. I know when I had my first helping, I didn't last very long either." 

And with that, he cunningly leaned in and kissed her cheek long before she could protest. He moved to stand again, taking both their glasses to the dispenser, refilling them both. He only sipped his, leaving most of it in the glass. He went and sat next to her again, smiling a little. With his empty stomach, the effects were a little accelerated as he wobbled a little and looked over at her, smiling confidently. 

Glaring at him, she scooted away from him, after he kissed her cheek, and then even more so as he commented on her inability to hold liquor. "Don't make me set you on fire again, Idris. You may not be able to do that little healing trick again." 

Not caring if he was wobbling or not, she stared straight ahead, sitting very still, very tense, looking as if she could explode any second. The brandy was making her body feel heated, her head a little fuzzy, but other than that she was fine, or so she figured. 

He laughed, a silly giggle as he grinned at her. "You're so cute when you try to be mad at me. I think it's so funny how you think that...that you can somehow over power me. I bet I could out drink you, Princess. Besides, one nice up about fire brandy is that it doesn't catch fire." 

He winked at her, grinning and arching his eye brows at her suggestively. 

"You're...you're already drunk you big idiot. Go..." She jumped to her feet, realized that it was probably a bad idea, and grabbed the nearest counter for support as she glared down at him. 

"Why am I even here with you? Why do you even want me to stick around? So far, that hasn't been very...apparent. You just want a girl around, don't you? You don't want to talk, you just want to roll around in the bed..." Apparently when she drank, she also got quite the mouth on her. 

He wrinkled his forehead, all of his reactions exaggerated by the brandy. "What? That's silly! That-That is...the silliest thing, I have ever...that's just silly. You're silly." 

He shook his head. He went to stand to follow after her, but he didn't even manage to get to his feet, falling onto his back. He looked up at her and started laughing, incessantly. He pointed at her. 

"I think you're projecting, Rho'n. I think...you like how it feels when I..." He grinned wickedly and made a suggestive face at her. "Besides, I love you, because you're so special. You're a beautiful, smart, attractive, smart, special, cute, beautiful, delicious, attractive young woman. Plus, you do that...that thing I like." 

He started giggling again, smiling stupidly at her as he lied on the floor.

A sigh was heard from the dispenser unit as the image showed itself again. "Captain Chariton, I think this would be a prudent time to notify you that I may have disclosed a few details that you've seemed unwilling to share with Rowen." 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 03



Idris titled his head up at her, pointing. "You've gotten bigger." 

Then he wrinkled his forehead. "What do you mean, no-not-naughty...you told her...what? What did you...huh?" He looked lost, very puzzled. 

"I told her about the Militia report, from the first time she'd gone missing. As well, I'd also already told her about the other passengers you had on the ship before her. I didn't feel as though the information was classified, so I allowed her to know." 

He started laughing again. "Thank you sooo much, Ophelia. I am glad I can have you as my ship's computer. You're so awesome. Heh heh...hehheheh!" 

He started giggling again as he looked over at Rowen, watching her with a stupid grin still plastered on his face. 

Rowen was not amused, not in the slightest. And now she was regretting bringing up alcohol with him. Looking unamused at Ophelia, she leaned against the counter, glad that it actually steadied her. 

"Ophelia...I am going to bed. For my own safety, and Captain Chariton's safety, I think it best we sleep in different chambers tonight. I will take the bedroom and he can have the cockpit. Could you please make sure the..." And then she hiccuped. Groaning softly she shook her head a little bit. "...just make sure the door is locked, please?" 

Holding onto the wall, so she was steady, she focused on walking towards the bedroom, pausing a moment to speak to Idris. "Goodnight, you bumbling idiot. Get some sleep you look terrible." 

With that, she huffed, and headed into the bedroom shutting the door behind her. Idris watched her leave, looking confused. He looked over at Ophelia, who disappeared. He looked around and realized he was alone. He groaned and reached up, using the table to get to his feet. He stumbled into the doorway, but was able to use his powers to slow all of his exaggerated motions. Each time he went to fall, he slowed his stumbling or his fall enough to catch the wall. 

He made his way into the ring corridor and went to his bedroom. As he approached the door, it slid open, as it was programmed to do upon his approach. He stood in the door, looking around. His head felt like it was spinning, but as he focused, he could feel himself getting a little more control over some of his functions. "Roh'n, please. Why er you beng this way? Yer acting silly. See, this is what I get. I telled you...everything and you...you shun me. I don't get it. I mean, you hasn't evened told me anything. I still don't know anything bout you. I don't think that's very fair." 

He stumbled into the room and made his way over to the bed, where he managed to sit on the edge. 

"And, you said that you would never get tired of...us...together. Has you changed your mind already...so soon? I don't get this ..." 

"Ophelia!" She practically yelled when she saw Idris come waltzing on into the bedroom as she stole one of his shirts to sleep in. Glaring at him, she pulled on his shirt buttoning it over her undergarments. 

"You told me everything, but I had to beg. You didn't WANT to tell me everything. You don't WANT to let me in. You won't WANT to trust me. Get a pattern yet? Probably not...go to sleep, okay?" 

She snapped viciously, alcohol also bringing out her temper. Lovely, an angry, brash, drunk who could also create fire. 

"Please just...go to sleep. My head is starting to hurt and I feel sick alright." 

A angry, brash, drunk who did not hold liquor well. He frowned and sighed. He didn't say anything as he stood up and walked into the refresher chamber. He let the door close behind him as he walked across the chamber to the shower, which he turned on. He had a feeling he could steam the extract out of his system. Drunk as he was, he wasn't unaware of the effects that had yet to take hold of him. Having drank it before, he knew how susceptible he was to it. And from the look of things, he was going to end up enjoying the effects by himself, which normally would have been acceptable, but he had a hunch it would not be an enjoyable night if he didn't sober up. 

He'd slept in the cockpit before, and he knew that while he would miss her, he would still be able to sleep well enough to serve his means. He felt the cold water on his back and shivered, feeling as it slowly changed from cold to hot. He inhaled the steamy air as he just stood there under the water. 

Feeling thoroughly awful, sick, and just all around terrible she stumbled to bed and fell into it pulling the covers around her. She didn't know what she was thinking anymore. Alcohol had been a terrible choice for her and she knew it now, but unfortunately, only sleep would erase her bad decision. Groaning as her stomach lurched, she curled up in the fetal position and lay there, shutting her eyes praying that she'd slowly be drifting off to sleep and soon she did feel sleepy. 

He looked up at the door, which was still closed, secretly wishing she'd change her mind and come join him. When she did not, he stared up into the stream of water, letting it rain down in his face. He rubbed his face his hands hands and massaged his left one. It still felt a little tender, but the bones at least felt healed. He sighed and let the water turn off. He stepped out into the chamber, the steamy air in the room continuing to fill his lungs as he encouraged his body to sweat out what was left. He could feel his head clearing up a little bit. He dried himself off the best he could and put on his clothes. He looked over at the door, walking through it. He saw her there, in the bed, sleeping, and frowned. He gazed at her for a long moment before he walked out into the ring corridor. 

The doors to the refresher and the chamber both slid shut behind him. He walked around to the cockpit and sat in the chair, reclining as he looked out into the brilliant colors around him. He smiled and slowly shut his eyes. He didn't feel tired or sleepy, not even groggy. He could feel the effects of the brandy wearing off by now. One thing that wasn't as reliable about his dispenser batch was that the extract wasn't as potent in storage. He thought about everything that had happened that day, and despite how it had turned out, he felt grateful that he had managed to come clean with her. 

Rowen heard him leave the room, and she almost sat up and asked him not to go. To come to bed, to hold her, make her feel better. But he was gone before she could convince herself to move. And now that he was gone and her head was pounding, she began to feel even more sick. Only one way to rid her body of the alcohol. Rowen was in the refresher in two seconds flat...purging her system of everything she had consumed...all day. Actual tears sprang up to her eyes as she sniffled feeling horrible, and self pity, and then even more self pity from being so pitiful. Standing up on very shaky legs, she turned on the sink and began to wash up. 

"Ophelia?" his voice was solemn and defeated as he summoned her. 

"Yes, Captain?" 

"Be sure and take whatever necessary measures you must, to wake me, when Rowen completes her sleep cycle. And...reactivate the antispace communications board." 

"Yes, Sir. Shall I notify you if General Durron hails you again?" 

"Yes..." 

"Very well, Sir. Sleep good." 

And her image faded again. Idris leaned his head back, closing his eyes as he rested in the chair. 

It had taken her a while to fall asleep, but once she was in just the right position, and her stomach aches had subsided, she had passed out cold. She awoke several hours later, head still hurting a little, but at least she didn't want to go vomit all over again. Slowly, she sat up, groaning softly as she sat there in the middle of the bed and all of a sudden the night before came flooding back to her. Oh, the things she had said, and accused him of. Her anger, well that was still there. Except her anger had now dulled to a sad, aching hurt. She no longer had the urge to set anyone or anything on fire. Slowly she stood, walking towards her clothing, and began to pull them on, getting rid of the shirt of Idris' she was wearing. 

The crash webbing in Idris' pilot's chair wrapped around him tightly and then his chair started to spin, very fast. The door to the cockpit shut and a loud noise resonated inside of the chamber. It was a symphony of noises and they echoed around the room, certain to rouse him. It only took about fifteen seconds of this before Idris was awake. "Awake! Awake! I'm AWAKE!" 

The noise faded and his chair stopped spinning. Idris felt sick from the force of the spinning chair. He groaned and looked around as the cockpit door opened. He stood slowly and walked into the galley. He sighed as he strolled in. He made some caff and started sipping. He sat at the table and looked down into the cup. Caff was something he was less sensitive to. He yawned and looked around. "Ophelia?" 

"Yes, Captain." 

He took another sip and then spoke. "What is our Esti-" 

"Our ETA to Baramasta is still approximately twenty-three standard hours." 

He nodded slowly and finished his caff, looking around. He frowned and sighed, wondering if Rowen would turn up. 

Dressed, she made a half-hearted effort to run her fingers through hair so it looked nice, then groggily left the bedroom heading into the galley. She stopped when she saw Idris standing there. "Oh. Good morning." Well she was speaking to him, politely. 

"I'll just grab tea and go back to the room and stay out of your way if you want." She informed him, walking over to the dispenser and waited for her tea quietly, wincing as her head continued to ache here and there. Hell, did he stick her head between a closing door last night? 

He looked at her, silently, and pursed his lips together. He stood, and then in a show of annoyance, he kicked the glass mug with his fingers, letting the cup clink and drag against the table. It accelerated and leapt from the table at her head, missing her by a few inches and then bounced harmlessly off the wall behind her. The glass didn't break, tumbling away from the wall and slowing as it dropped into the discard bin. He smiled cordially and left the galley, walking into his room where the door went to close.

She deserved that one probably, but she shoved her arm and half her body through the door opening, to prevent him from shutting it. She remained outside the refresher until she heard him finish up. Then, calm as ever, she walked right in, turned, shut the door behind her, and locked it just as he got into the shower. Knowing he wouldn't hear her unless she was in there, she walked over to him, opening the door and stood there. 

"I said things last night that...I shouldn't have. I was mean, I was drunk, but I was mean. But I was also hurt, and angry...and drunk, and although some of the things I said were true, I should have been nicer and not gone off drinking...Fire Brandy. So. I'm sorry because...I care for you. And I trusted you and...I made a mistake last night. That is what I'm sorry for and I wanted you to hear me." 

He looked at her, and then down at himself. He thinned his eyes at her suspiciously for a moment, as though questioning her real motivations for following him into the refresher and catching him naked. His expression relaxed then and he pursed his lips. "Well, it's ok. You now know almost everything. There is nothing more that you're going to find out about me, so I am not really concerned about any repeats of last night. And it's ok, when I land, I'll empty the reserve of fire brandy...since I'm completely susceptible to its effects and you...well, you're apparently completely immune. Isn't that something special." 

He went to shut the door that time. He was cranky, and he didn't appear to have a lot of patience. It was possible that sleeping in his pilot's chair, alone, had allowed him to callous a little through the night. Or maybe he was just being an asshole. 

"Wait!" She was not getting kicked out that quickly. As he went to shut the door, she stepped into the shower, shutting that door behind her. So, she was going to get wet, right now she didn't care. She was here to make peace even if that meant dealing with a difficult, cranky, asshole. Whatever he wanted to be that morning. 

"You're right, I do know almost everything...and thank you. You said something last night...that I hadn't told you anything. And you're right...I haven't. I was yelling at you for being so difficult to get the truth to of and here I am...not telling you a thing." 

She reached for his hands, grabbing onto them. "But I want to tell you. I want to let you in, and trust you...but you have to let me. And you have to actually forgive me." 

His nostrils flared and he moved the shower head so the stream of water went into her face. He then reached out and grabbed her, his left hand pinning her abdomen and his right hand moving to hold her throat. He was very gentle about her neck, despite how he was holding her, pinned against the unit wall. 

"I don't think there is anything you are in need of being forgiven of, firestarter. You have made your feelings very clear. It's ok. You don't have to accommodate me, and you won't have to worry about me letting you in. I let you in and you..." He gritted his teeth and let out a very harsh breath through his teeth. He let her go. "Just...go...get out of here. If you still want to talk after I get my shower, then I'll talk to you. There's nothing else better to on this ship anyway!" 

He pushed the door open to the refresher. "Unless you decide you need another shower, in which case, you can wait your turn. I got here first." 

Rowen whimpered as he pinned her to the wall, and immediately tears sprang to her eyes. "Idris...I." But her throat closed up as she began to sob, scrambling for the door she began to climb out, turning to look at him. 

"I never thought you'd call me what they did." 

With that, she hurried out of the refresher, running to the galley. Sobbing hard by now, she could barely feel her body as she took much too shallow breaths. Sliding down the wall, she curled up in the corner, holding herself tightly as the tears streamed down her face. 

He shut his eyes as he watched her leave. He switched off the water and exclaimed, shouting at the room angrily. He sighed and stepped out into the room. He'd regretted calling her that two moments after he'd realized he said it. He wrapped himself in a towel and walked through his room, seeing no sign of her, proceeding to the galley. He saw her sitting there against the wall, crying. He could have died. He moved slowly over to her and sat down next to her. 

"Rowen...I'm...I'm so sorry...that was awful of me to say. It was totally inexcusable for me to be so vulgar. Please...I...please, don't cry." 

He frowned and looked at her. He felt helpless and overwhelmed with guilt. No amount of anything she'd said justified him called her that. 

When he walked in, she immediately put her head down and began to cry a little harder, unable to get control of herself anymore. As he sat down, she looked at him trying to slow down her sobs, trying to catch her breath. 

"I...I...h-hurt you. And I...hate m-myself." She began another torrent of sobs, as she covered her face with her hands, trying to get a hold of herself all over again. 

"Idris...I..." Shaking her head, she couldn't formulate sentences. Her sobbing began to subside, although she was still breathing heavily, whimpering as she stared hard at the floor. 

He reached out and pulled her closer. Though his form was still damp, his arms embraced her and pulled her closer. He held her tightly and shhh'd her soothingly. He leaned in and kissed her forehead. 

"It's ok...Rowen. I'm sorry..." He pushed a little more, tightening his embrace, letting her head find his chest. "You're safe. I promise, I don't want to hurt you ever again. Me and Ophelia love you...well, she loves you in her own way...but you're not going anywhere. You're stuck with us." He planted his lips in her hair. 

She curled into him, wrapping her arms around him as he held her. Sniffling, she tried to cease her whimpering, but it was difficult with her breathing so erratic. 

"I...I shouldn't have said things. Those things. So...cruel of me. And I just felt so hurt last night...and this morning...and I hurt you. And...so much damn hurt." 

She broke down into another couple of sobs before she gathered herself together again, sniffling softly. 

"I don't want to go anywhere, Idris. I want to stay with you, and sleep in a bed with you, and wake up in the mornings with you. And- and have Ophelia to have girl talk with, even though she doesn't know what it means." And yet another wave of fresh tears. 

He couldn't help but laugh a little at her remark about Ophelia. He tightened his hold on her, helping her sit in his lap so he could hold her closer. 

"Sshhh...Sweetheart, just calm down. Shhhhh." He tried to help her calm down, tried to help her sobbing subside. 

"Just...breeathe, Rowen. Just calm down. I'm not going anywhere. You can still stay, ok? And I'm over what happened last night. I was just...I was just trying to be cranky with you because...I hated that chair. I've...I've never felt so alone. I just wanted to claw into my door and curl up in bed with you...but...but I couldn't. I don't want that anymore. I want to be with you...wake up next to you. Have the first thing I see be that smiling face of yours." 

Sniffling softly, Rowen was finally managing to get her breathing to slow down, her heart rate starting to return to normal. But she was still somehow aching all over. 

"I'm sorry about...everything last night. I was hurt and I took it out poorly. I just...I don't know what it's like to trust people...and...I still don't. You...don't know anything about me, and I think I was angry at myself also. I'm just...sorry." 

She leaned her head against his chest and fell silent, enjoying the feeling of him sitting there with her, holding her in his arms. It was exactly what she had been wanting since their fight began last night. For him to just grab her and hold her, keep her warm and safe. He started stroking her hair, soothing her still, just holding her in his arms. 

"Sshhh. I know, I know...but I promise, it's alright. I want to know about you, but only when your ready." He stopped stroking her hair and wrapped his arms around her. 

"Don't worry about what happened last night anymore. It's in the past." He felt good holding her close, closing his eyes and his arms remained wrapped around her form. 

"The past is important." She whispered quietly, then just held onto him for what felt like hours. Finally, she sat up, feeling very calm, looking at him, studying his face closely. And then slowly, a smile began to work her way onto her face, and she let out a little laugh, which became a much louder, more genuine laugh. 

"Idris...what must Ophelia think of us? She probably thinks we are two insane people. After last night, and this morning...and the screaming, and fire..." Covering her face with her hands she let out another laugh. Bringing her hands down in her lap, she stared at him, tilting her head a bit to the side, and someone could practically see a brilliant idea, or what Rowen thought was brilliant, flash across her face but she kept quiet. Leaning forward, she placed a soft, very tender kiss on Idris' lips. 

He saw her look, but wasn't sure how to interpret it. As she kissed him, he leaned into the kiss, inhaling deeply through his nose. He reached out and held her cheek with his hand, lingering in the kiss as long as he could. He loved kissing her, and he was afraid that he'd never be able to stop. Gently, she pulled away, leaning her forehead gently against his. Eyes still closed, she smiled faintly, as she just sat there. It felt wonderful to have someone to kiss. 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 03



"I've decided I'm going to have a surprise for you tonight. To make up for everything...As nice as a dinner as we can have on this ship. When do we land?" 

She asked curiously, sitting back, pulling away from him. 

He looked at her, baffled by her sudden spontaneity. He looked toward the roof. "Ophelia?" 

"Our ETA is approximately twenty standard hours, Captain. We're a little more than thirty hours from the deadline." 

Idris looked at the floor, squinting as he thought about it. He looked at her, torn between eagerly accommodating her and discovering what she had in mind...and bursting her bubble with the possibility that time may not have allowed for any surprises. Then his expression changed, and he looked at her with a soothing expression. 

"And as far as Ophelia is concerned, you needn't worry. She's witnessed a myriad of insane things aboard this ship. And besides that, it's not in her programming to evaluate passenger behaviors, unless I instruct her to." 

The image appeared on the floor next to him. "You are correct, Captain. Your behaviors do not register with me as normal or unordinary, but simply as safe or dangerous. Beyond that, it is not in my programming to pass judgment." 

Having said this, the image's gaze turned to Idris. "Captain, you requested that I reactivate the-" Idris' eyes widened and he held up a hand. "Scramble our signal, Ophelia. Then deactivate the communications arrays." 

"Actually, Captain, we have received a communique, not a transmission. I think in light of being unable to contact us, they settled for sending a message. Shall I start decoding it?" 

Idris looked far away for a long moment, unsure about it. "I..." Then he looked at the little image and nodded. "Yes, decode the message, but unless I ask you to, do not notify me when you are done. Just get started, ok?" 

Ophelia nodded at him. "Yes, Captain, I'll get to work on it."

"Twenty hours." Rowen muttered under her breath, then counted in her head as the two spoke about the message. A little curious about what this 'communique' was, Rowen gave Idris a strange look, but didn't press it. She didn't want to start that up again. If he wanted to tell her, he could. Standing up as Idris finished giving his orders to Ophelia, she held out her hands to help him up off the floor, grinning that he was in fact still in his towel. 

"Oh, and Ophelia, in a few hours, I may need your help with something. I'll let you know." 

Turning her attention to Idris, she tilted her head to the side slightly. "In three hours I want you to steer clear of the galley. Fair enough? Please?" 

Grinning at him even brighter than before, practically buzzing with excitement. 

"Ophelia, be sure to give Rowen any-" his mouth opened really wide and he shut his mouth, realizing the terrible error he'd made. "No! No! I mean..." He scrambled in his speech to correct himself. "Never mind, Ophelia! Just...just...if...she needs anything...and...it's within the rules of my ship...then, please...assist her. If she needs to find anything- anything in the galley! anything in the galley, I mean...in the galley." 

He sighed and looked to Rowen, smiling. "I will steer clear if that is what you want. But...but how long do you think you will be?" He pouted a little, looking at her. 

"I'd prefer to remain in your presence as much as possible, not as little as possible. How long do I have to remain isolated from you? Can't we just...can't I just sit at the table...like...with a blindfold on or something?" 

Laughing at his pout, she helped him to his feet, shaking her head some. "One, I am not planning on breaking any rules on your ship. My surprise is going to be well within those rules, I assure you. And two...no you cannot sit at the table. But you don't have to go anywhere for a little while longer, fair enough? I want to make sure we have time though." 

She walked over to him, gently wrapping her arms around him, a teasing look on her face. "You've grown attached to me. I like that. I have to admit...I can't stand the idea of not being able to spend much time with you either." She paused a moment a strange look on her face. 

"Hey...what are you hiding on this ship? How come Ophelia can only hep me find things in the galley?" 

He futilely tried to hold the towel up around his waist with his left hand, his right reaching out and pulling on her hand. At first, he tried to help her down again, teasing, but then released her and moved to stand, firmly wrapping the towel around himself. "We probably have enough time, depending on what you are planning. And Ophelia is not permitted to enable you on a treasure hunt or scavenger quest on my ship. There are doors that are locked on this ship that are locked for a reason. It's not secret, just dangerous. And...maybe I still feel a little insecure around you and your infallible beauty." He winked and made a face at her. 

"Besides, what if you found something and took it completely out of context, like you did in the bathroom last night when that wall attacked my hand." 

"Right...the wall attacking your hand and then you...healed yourself. Which is why I lit you on fire." She gave him a look then placed her hands on her hips. 

"Will you tell Ophelia I may enter the armor chamber once? I just want to walk in, grab something - nothing that will shoot, to blow up, or...anything like that. Trust me? Come on..." She gave him a little nudge, smiling sweetly up and him. 

"And...anyway, I don't like weapons or anything...I can just throw fire. It's much more fun that way." Shrugging, she took a step back from him, looking him up and down. 

"You need clothes." Laughing softly she began to walk towards the bedroom, still expecting answers from him. 

"Yes, exactly. The refresher chamber wall made an unprovoked attack on my poor hand, but it wasn't severe enough that I couldn't set the bones so it could heal properly. And then yes, YOU lit me on fire, for whatever reason you deemed plausible. And Ophelia isn't capable or authorized to open the armor chamber, but I shall leave the door open for you so you can get you dr-" He stopped, clearing his throat, shaking his head. "I mean...whatever...you need out of the chamber, of course. I know you don't want any weapons, and that is not what I am worried about. Primarily, I am concerned about our cargo." Then he watched her as she walked away, and thinned his eyes. 

"I think you'd just as soon have Ophelia burn my clothes so I was forced to walk around the ship in nothing but the skin the creators gave me." He made a face at her and followed after. Despite his comment, he still held the towel. 

"You also told me about the...stopping of things...which you can explain later. Right now, my mind is on overload. I need to focus on something simple." 

Entering the bedroom, she sat down on the edge of the bed, stretching a little bit. Smiling brightly up at him, she just shrugged her shoulders. "If I wanted to burn your clothes so you'd walk around naked, I'd just do it myself. Besides, if I wanted you naked, I'd have you naked." 

Laying back on the bed she curled up there, looking up at him. "I really hated sleeping without you. It's funny...all my life I've been perfectly fine being alone...and now...I don't like that idea so much. Is that...strange, or sad, or...something?" 

He shrugged at her comment about his alleged second power he might have used on the caff cup earlier that morning. He considered her words and made a face, an unhappy face. She was right...she could easily just make all his clothes go up in smoke. Her last comment made him move towards her, sitting next to her on the bed, eventually stretching out next to her. He shook his head and looked at her. 

"As far as the standards on this ship go, that is perfectly normal." He leaned in and kissed her. It took a lot for him to reign in his emotions. He was already ready to go, but she had a surprise for him. He weighed it out as he looked at her with wanting, and decided to hold onto his composure. He wanted to know what she was up to... 

She returned his kiss tenderly, holding it for several long moments. Finally pulling away she smiled warmly at him, curling up next to him laying her head on his his chest. It was always comfortable to be so close to him, especially like this. "So that means you don't mind I've become attached to you in such a short amount of time." 

Although if they were technically speaking, they had known each other for years, although there'd been a long break between those years. Kissing his chest softly a few times, she finally settled back down beside him. 

"I know I've said it before but...I don't become attached. You're special, Idris. And...a good special not a..." Making a face at herself, she immediately shut herself up. 

"Sorry for all the female emotions pouring out of me right now. We babble and gush after emotional mornings and nights." 

He tried to follow her as she leaned away from the kiss, but submitted, allowing her to distance herself. He frowned a little. "It's not that I mind. However, I am concerned for your well-being. I don't know how good of an idea it is to get attached to someone as cranky, fickle, and hazardous as me." He shut his eyes, his skin trembling a little against her lips as his skin broke out into goosebumps. He leaned in and kissed her, his hands moving to her chest, reaching up to caress her breasts as he kissed her, forgetting his decision to behave.

He moaned softly into the kiss as he moved closer to her, his intentions and desires obvious as his tongue moved to feel her own. 

Feeling his tongue move against her own, she gently pulled away from him, breaking the kiss completely. A hand lifted to touch his cheek tenderly, as she smiled at him. "Not yet. Save all of that...for later. Alright? Now...behave or we'll have to be separated for much longer than an hour while I get things ready." 

He pursed his lips, that same wanting look in his eyes as he trembled a little. He leaned in again to kiss her, disobeying her instructions. He pressed his lips to her own. "But...we...have enough...time...to..." his words came between the kisses, his lips moving away from her own and down to her neck. His hands also began to move back towards her skin. Rowen was finding it hard to obey her own instruction. Sighing happily as his lips began to move down her neck, her eyes began to shut. 

"Idris...I want tonight...oh come on...I can't think straight when you start to do that." She reached up to touch his face as if that might make him stop, backing away slightly. It was getting much more difficult to obey her own rules. "Idris..." 

He moved to pin her to the bed, his hips straddling her as his towel fell away. He held her cheek in his hand as he kissed her lips again, moaning softly into the kiss. He moved away from her mouth, his lips progressing up the other side of her face to her ear. "Mmmm...shhhh..." 

He growled, a low, throaty noise as he moaned again. His hand moved to her breast, feeling it eagerly in his palm, his other hand moving suggestively up the inside of her leg as he continued to kiss her, his lips moving down again, gently nipping at her skin until he was kissing her lips. 

"Fine..." She finally gave in, her lips capturing his as soon as she could, placing a hard kiss against his lips, the kiss eager and a little demanding. Back arched up towards him, and gently, Rowen wrapped her arms around him. Breaking the kiss, she scooted up just enough so she could reach up and begin to unbutton her shirt, trying to get it off of her. She knew they didn't have a lot of time, and she was hell bent on following through with her plan, but he was driving a hard bargain here. 

He looked up and moved away, taking the collar of her shirt, and tearing it down the middle. He then roughly helped either arm out of the shirt and tossed it on the floor. He threw his towel to about the same place and reached out with his hand, pushing against her abdomen and holding her to the bed as he pushed his fingers down into the waist band of her clothes, his fingers feeling for her slit and rubbing his finger between the two sets of material. He leaned down with his face and moaned loudly against the thin, cloth pants, letting the vibrations translate into the fabric. He moaned again and slowly started to work her pants down, letting go of her abdomen. When he had her pants down to her knees, he decided it was good enough and leaned down to moan into her panties, taking in a deep breath. His fingers moved between her legs again, pressing the clothing against her, rubbing her lips with the soft, delicate cloth. He looked up, watching her face, wanting to see her expression. 

As soon as his fingers pressed against her, she let out a soft moan, back arching up towards the ceiling. Hands unable to find a resting spot, grabbed at the blanket and sheets tousled already around them and held on. As his teasing escalated, she found herself moaning, becoming more and more demanding. "Idris..." She cried out softly, head pressed back into the pillow, practically writhing beneath him as his fingers pressed against her panties and into her lips. 

He leaned up to her ear and moaned softly, whimpering a little. "Mmmm, what's wrong, Sweetie? Do you want me to stop? Is it too much for you?" As he spoke, his fingers slowed and receded away a little, his lips nibbling gently at her ear and he whimpered again. "Or...are you afraid that...you're clothes will be torn to shreds?" 

"If you stop...I'll..." She growled softly, turning her head to face him, eyes filled with lust. "I'm not afraid, Idris...are you? You're the one whose stopping." A challenge, she figured that was the best way to get him going again, a wicked smirk crossing her face. "Show me what you can do, Sweetheart...please..." 

He seemed only to hear her first statement. "Mmm...you'll what? What are you going to do...Little Girl?" He nibbled on her ear a little, his fingers rubbing her lips for a long moment, letting her feel the warm cloth rub against her lips and her clit, letting her feel how wonderful it was. Then his pace slowed, and he was barely moving his fingers until she could feel his hand moving down, just out of reach of her lips. 

"Mmm...I think I can make you beg for it...or..." He moaned in her ear, growling. 

"Or worse. What do you think you could possibly do to me to turn the tables and get your way, Mistress?" 

"Turn the tables?" She whispered, almost whimpering as he pulled his hand away. Again that wicked smirk took hold of her lips and she gently moved her hands to his shoulders, sliding them down to his chest. "This...is one way." 

She growled and gave a good push, shoving him back, and rolling right over on top of him so she was now the one straddling his waist. Eyebrow arched as she stared down at him, panting slightly, her hands still pressed against his chest. In fact, her hands were a little warmer than the rest of her body, as if they would produce flames at any moment. Gently, she rocked down against him and his length, teasing him very slightly. 

He bit his lip so hard it looked like it might pop. He trembled and shivered beneath her, that look of wanting growing more intense. He continued to hold his lip in his teeth, looking up at her. 

"Mmm...is that all, Pretty Girl?" He bit his lip again and trembled. He then grabbed her arms just below the shoulder and rolled her over. He was at least one and a half times as heavy as she was. He rolled her onto her back, his fingers moving down to rub her panties against her lips, occasionally pushing the cloth up inside of her a little, parting her lips with it. He leaned up with his lips and took her breast in his mouth, sucking and moaning against it, kneading it with his face as his hands continued to circle her panties over her clit and lips. He leaned up to her ear again and moaned loudly. "I think you're getting close, Sweetie. But...you want a little more, don't you? You want me...inside of you...parting your lips...filling you up...spreading that delicious cunny all over your dirty, sodden little panties. To feel pinned helplessly beneath my weight while I fuck you so good you begin to worry it might affect your intellect." He growled again. 

"Maybe you'll even burn the hair off my chest." He whispered to her this time, whimpering a little. 

"Maybe you'll clench down on me so tight that you get to feel my hot, sticky seed flowing into your womb." He growled again. 

"Or maybe...these ideas altogether repulse you...and you just want me to stop again..." 

His words only made her feel that much hotter, and as he stopped talking, she grabbed the back of his head, hard, her fingers gripping his hair and gave him a yank down, pressing mercilessly hard against his. Her tongue invaded his mouth, pulling back only to bite his lips before breaking the kiss. 

"If you stop right now, I'll burn you to bits. That means you better fill every promise you just made to me. I want you inside of me before I cum...like hell I'm cumming this time without you fucking me..." She growled, her voice low and throaty, her hands moving down to grab his shoulder, fingernails digging into his skin as her legs spread for him just a little. 

He groaned loudly, not out of pain, but erotically, the noise lustful and depraved as he let her invade his mouth, kissing her as best he could. He pushed back, though, pinning her to the bed again. He pushed his fingers against her panties again, this time stretching them into her lips until his first knuckle was soaked with her juices. He pushed the fabric up over her skin, rubbing her clit. He groaned loudly and moved up to her ear, biting it. 

"Mmm...I think I should make you cum before you get any of my inside of you...make you plead and beg and whimper and squeal like a bad little girl until your last piece of clothing is so wet, it drips on my floor. Then I'll really let you have me and fuck you until you burst a second time, letting your walls milk me for all I have and fill you with my warmth. I think you'll leave me unsinged because you know it works better when I am not on fire." 

He growled again in her ear, his fingers working her lips and her clit, rubbing that warm, damp fabric over her skin as he leaned down to play with her other breast, moaning loudly into it as he caressed her with his free hand. 

She knew she wasn't going to last long. Rowen had already been close before hand, and all this talk, and touching was just bringing her even closer. Moaning softly as he leaned down to play with her breast, she whimpered even louder, grabbing hard onto him, fingernails continuing to dig. "I'm already close...Idris...Oh my..." 

Hands left his shoulder to grab the sheets as her hips raised towards him, begging with her body, unable to really form words. She needed him, and not having him inside of her was driving her insane. But it wouldn't stop her her from having an orgasm. Groaning even louder, crying out his name several times her body began to shake underneath him. 

He whimpered softly into her breast and looked up at her, his fingers moving furiously to stimulate her as he bit his lip. "C'mon, Rowen...I wanna hear your voice...hear you cry out when you soak your panties and cover my fingers in your cunny." 

He leaned down and pulled back her panties a little, letting his tongue part her lips, digging inside of her and licking up in one long lick up to her clit where he rubbed his tongue over her and sucked gently a moment, letting the waistband move back into place, his hands moving back to her lips again to try to push her over the edge. He'd lean up to her ear, moving so the head of his length was pressed against the inside of her thigh, so close to her, but so infinitely far away that she wouldn't be able to have him just yet. 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 04



"Mistress." Ophelia's image appeared inside of the chamber, looking at her. "If you would like...I can allow you to see what is happening...so you don't have to sit in here and wonder. My holo projectors are more than capable of relaying the events...or would you prefer not to watch?" 

She looked at her, waiting for her response. Rowen stared at Ophelia, not sure if she wanted to know what was going on, but she finally nodded to her, whispering, even if it wasn't necessary. "Yes, show me." 

***

Idris moved to the landing ramp and let it down, quickly wiping his face of the tears and composed himself. He watched as the ramp touched down. He slowly held up his hands in surrender and waited. He saw the entourage of people, their purple and black uniforms giving them a very dark feel. 

"Captain Chariton." Her words were almost sweet, but the underlying malice soured her words. She almost purred when she spoke. "I am so glad that we could see each other again. It's been so long since we were together. And now, we can talk alone. I hope you're not thinking of escaping. I know our sensors have already indicated that when you were torn from the fabric of antispace, by our new generators, that it brought your propulsion systems offline." She pouted, patronizing. "How awful that must have been for you." 

She sighed, moving forward. Her outfit had an exceptional feel to it, a form fitting shirt that held tightly to her very attractive form, but her face was like ice. The pale, colorless complexion was beautiful, in its own way, but the skin of her arms had a dark, purplish color that seemed mixed in with the pale skin. Her eyes had a silver, amethyst hue to them, her dark hair flowing elegantly down to her shoulder blades. She wore a silver-colored belt and form fitting leggings that showed every curve. Her boots came up to the middle of her shin, matching with her clothes very well. The woman stood almost as tall as Idris. "Now, Captain, do you have what I want?" 

When he didn't answer her immediately, her happy expression was quickly overwhelmed with fury, and she stretched forth her hand and stretched her fingers out in a rapid gesture, throwing him off his feet with some unseen force and slamming him into the wall. Idris grunted and moved to stand again after he'd crumpled to his feet. She pushed her hand forward towards the top of his head and drove him to his knees, looking down at him. "What are you carrying aboard this ship, Captain? I sense that you are not alone." 

He shook his head. "No, no, I promise you, it's only me, and...my cargo, of course." 

Her eyes looked up and away from him, narrowing at the corridor. She turned around and motioned two men. "Hadir. Thelo. Check the cargo hold and see what our dear captain has brought with him for us." 

The men nodded at her. They were tall, and very muscular. Their disruptor rifles were slung around to their back as they hurried through the corridor. She looked down at him, smiling again. "Do you know who I am, Captain? Or is the Initiative still maintaining that we do not exist?" 

He shook his head. "UDI, I doubt, has had the pleasure of dealing with you...but some day...some day they'll find you. I wait eagerly for that day." He scowled at her, which only angered her further. 

She struck his across the face with the back of her hand with enough force to break his lower lip against his teeth. Idris spat blood on the ground and looked back up at her. She smiled at him now, grinning, teeth bared. 

"My name is Petraisha Teckhar. I represent the Delethirian Empire and all of its glory. You would do well to join us...those who join, survive." 

His scowl changed to shock, his eyes growing wide and his jaw dropping. "You...those...the attacks...the passenger ships...the..." He gaped at her, feeling an eerie tingle over his body. "That's...that's why...that's why SI is pursuing you...and why they refuse to identify you." He scowled at her again. "It also explains why you wanted Aria dead!" 

She couldn't help herself, laughing at him. "Yes. You do have it all figured out, don't you, Captain." She leaned down, her hand on his cheek in mock affection. Her lips moved to his ear. "Now...tell me, dearest Idris...what is the access code for your cargo hold?" 

Idris shut his eyes and shivered, unable to describe the feeling that came over him. He felt insatiably compelled to answer her, and answer her honestly. He told her the access code and she then called down the corridor to her men. He heard the loud noise as the door pulled open, rising up into the roof. 

She used her power to lift him to his feet again. "Come on, Captain. Let's go see what you have." 

A guard pushed Idris forward as they walked around to the antechamber of the cargo hold. He watched the men open the door and look inside. The pyre fiend was still mounted to the floor in a frozen cube. Teckhar's eyes widened with excitement. "A pyre fiend. My, my, Captain...when you bring presents." 

She turned to one of the men. "Bring me a harness." She turned back and smiled in true delight. 

"I told you, I've no one else on board, just this. Take it, if you'd like." His shoulders fell. He would have to scrub his next assignment, now, and instead of being paid for the delivery, he'd have to pay royally for the lost fiend. He felt despair overcoming him as he wondered what else could possibly go wrong. "The cargo hold is, in fact, empty, other than this pet, Mistress." The men bowed to her. 

She nodded her head to them, but it was out of respect. When the men bowed to her, they seemed to worship her. "Very good, boys. Now, search the rest of the ship...see if our captain is hiding anything else." 

Idris looked up and felt panic overcoming him. He knew that if he spoke up, she would suspect him. If he pleaded and told her and promised that the rest of the ship was empty...but he held his tongue. A few moments later, the servant returned with the harness that she'd asked for. The chain wasn't very thick, and he worried that it would not be enough to maintain the animal. 

She moved forward, to the ice casing where the creature had been imprisoned, and reached out her hand. The ice started to recede, melting away into a pool of liquid on the floor. The creature took only moments to become alert, and as it did, it looked up at her. But, rather than lunge or attack, the creature...purred at her. She knelt at its side, on one knee, and gently allowed her hand to move other the surface of the creature's rocky form. He was a little unnerved when her hand didn't light on fire. "Yes, that's right. I'm not going to harm you, little one." 

She turned around and motioned for the men to harness the creature. It allowed them to chain up its abdomen and connect the harness, handing the end of it to her. She smiled, almost lovingly, at the creature, and then handed off the leash to one of her servants. "Go with them, little one, and I promise...you shall be rewarded." 

She raked her fingers over what Idris assumed was the creatures chin. The beast followed after the men who lead it away, and to Idris' disappointment, he watched as the trail of steps seemed to leave burn marks in his ship's floor. She turned her attention back to Idris. "Thank you, Captain. I am sure that the creature will be very happy, as my companion, of course." She grinned at him, and Idris felt his stomach churn. He had a feeling that her intentions were nothing short of true malevolence. 

He nodded at her. "Of course, Mistress. Anything...I can do for...the empire." He said her little pet name as patronizingly as he could, his expression falling as he looked around. Then he heard something. 

"Mistress! There is another hidden chamber inside the living quarters. We are unable to access it." 

She turned on him and glared, her fiery eyes penetrating him with her hate. She took him by the throat and pushed him against the wall. "You haven't been very honest with me, Captain." She thinned her eyes at him. "I think you have another passenger on this ship. I think you're hiding your operative, like you did last time." 

She threw him towards the door by the throat, forcing him forward as she followed behind him to his living quarters. The room was still a mess, and as he looked inside, he saw that they had opened and search the refresher chamber and discovered the hidden chamber inside of his room. Thankfully, it was still closed. The only thing that gave it away was the seams in the wall. 

He shook his head, looking at her. "You can kill me, Mistress, but I am not going to open this . There is nothing in there but my emergency engines. Nothing of any interest to you." 

She scowled at him and struck him again, her hand hitting him, this time, with enough force to throw him off his feet. He stumbled into the wall, his head hitting it, hard. He felt the room spin, and collapsed to the floor. She glared down at him. 

"It may very well come to that, Captain, if you do not acquiesce. I'll get inside of this compartment, even if it means the destruction of your vessel. Your best decision would be to open the door for me." 

Idris seemed to sink into despair. He knew she was telling the truth. He knew that they would execute him without flinching and then blast Atalanta, and Ophelia, into oblivion. Rowen might survive, for a moment...but once they found her, they'd make her wish for death. She watched as the chaos loomed in his face, as he weighed his decision. She lost her patience. "Very well..." She turned to one of her servants. "Spill his blood! Then blast this ship. We'll find out who he is hiding without his help!" 

He moved, looking up at her. "No! Wait..." 

***

Quietly, sitting down on the floor, she stared at the screen, watching in horror as the woman came aboard and began to beat Idris down. Rowen felt her temper flare and all she wanted to do was get out of the armor chamber and light the woman on fire. And then...the woman touched the pyre fiend. Maybe lighting her on fire wasn't going to have much effect. As the men searched the cargo hold, she felt a little relief. Maybe this meant they would go away. Perhaps this meant her and Idris were in the clear, as long as he kept playing by the rules of the game. The knot in her stomach remained though, and she felt a cold chill spread down her body when the men appeared, announcing a hidden chamber. Oh no...that was her. Immediately, Rowen shot to her feet, looking around frantically for any place she could hide. 

"Ophelia...I need your help. I need to hide..." But there wasn't anywhere she could see, and even if she tried, she feared they would just find her. "Please, Idris...don't let them separate us." She whispered and her fear for him grew as her fear for her own well-being sky rocketed. They'd kill her. Wincing at the all too familiar, she continued to frantically search the room, praying for any sign of a place to hide, or that Idris would help keep them away from the armor chamber. 

***

"Wait...I'll..." He sighed, moving to his feet. He was pleading with her. "What is it that you are searching for? I promise, I no longer work for SI. I'm freelance. Just...please, let me go. Allow me to take Atalanta, and Ophelia, and leave. You've nothing to gain from killing me or destroying my ship." 

She glared at him and struck him again. "If you do not open this door, I'll make you wish you were dead and take great pleasure in it! And then I'll have your vessel melted into scrap metal and jettisoned into space!" 

He shut his eyes a long moment. There was nothing he could do. If he refused, she'd kill him...and then, inevitably, kill Rowen. He nodded at her. "Very well..." He sounded defeated. "There...is a remote in the...there..." He indicated, nodding to the dresser. He didn't want to get any closer to her. 

She turned to one of her men, pointing at the dresser. The man retrieved it and put it in her hand. "Now what?" 

He pointed to the space where the keypad was. "Just...open it." 

She thinned her eyes and pressed the remote. The panel popped open, and Idris moved to it, typing in the keys. The door slid open...slowly. He closed his eyes. He didn't want to look. The men entered the chamber, observing the armor, the clothes...including the dress, and then found her. They'd pull her to her feet by her hair, dragging her out of the chamber, and then push her to her knees. "Ah. Engines hmm, Captain?" 

She kicked his legs out from underneath him, stepping on his throat. "You lied to me, Captain." 

"What...was I supposed...to do? Give...her up...freely...and let you...kill her?" He rasped, struggling to get her boot away from his throat, feeling the room spinning as his run-in with the wall, and his slowly decreasing supply of oxygen, began to take their toll. 

"Kill her?" She smiled, her gaze momentarily looking over at her, away from Idris. She pouted. "She is a pretty thing and it would be a pity to pointlessly spill her blood." 

"If...you...thought...she was...with...them...you would..." He felt his eyes lids getting heavy as he continued to struggle. 

"But she isn't, is she?" She let him go, and he grabbed his throat, gasping for breath as he moved to sit up. She went to Rowen, now, and tipped her chin up with a finger. She stared into her eyes for a long moment, looking her over, and then her eyes went wide with surprise. "Oh my..." She'd turned to Idris, who paled. 

He swallowed, hoping. "I-I know...she's...pretty, isn't she?" 

She laughed at him, a giddy, hysterical, maniacal laugh, her head tipping back at him. She got down on one knee, her hand moving to Rowen's hair, tipping her head back. She smiled at Idris, an evil grin. She looked to Rowen, whispering in her ear. "Mmm...you haven't told him, have you, Little Girl. Mmmmm...but I can feel it. The power inside you resonates against me like...like the warmth of a sun. I can see why you wouldn't want to trust him. After all, he's not very bright...and his will is so easily broken." Her voice dropped a little lower. "And it seems like he'd do just about anything for the likes of you." She licked her ear with the tip of her tongue, and moved away to stand up. Her voice became cold as she looked over at her men. "Bind her. She'll come aboard Astaria with us." 

Idris leapt to his feet, tears streaming down his face. "No! Please! Wait! Mistress..." He fell to his knees, shamelessly pleading. "I'll...do...anything. Just...please...please, let her go and...just...please...Don't take her...away." 

She looked at him, watching with pleasure as he humiliated himself before her. "Oh my, Captain. Developed a little soft spot for your passenger, have you? Mmm...it's so dangerous...the women you love. They don't seem to have very good luck with you, do they?" 

He shook his head. "Please...you...you killed Aria...I understand why now...but...she means nothing to you. Just please...free her. You'll...anything, take anything. Just let her go." 

She glared at him, and then looked to Rowen. She grinned at her. "I'll free you then, Precious. But first..." She stretched forth her hand, and closed her eyes. Rowen could feel an agony come over her, feel her power manifest on its own, her skin projecting flames all over her body. 

Idris sprang to his feet. "NO! PLEASE! STOP! MISTRESS!" He grabbed her hand, pulled it away. He let her palm face him. He put her hand to his forehead. "Please...take...take me...instead. Don't...don't harm her...just...just take me...mine. Her...it is...so much...insignificant in comparison." 

She wrinkled her forehead at him, and her eyes filled with understanding. She smiled at him, that same malevolent smile she enjoyed so much. "Captain...all this time...and you hid so well...kept my senses at bay." She licked her lips. She shut her eyes and pushed Idris away. She pointed to Rowen. "We have everything we need from her. Lock her inside of the chamber again." 

The men obeyed, pulling Rowen up by her hair again, and shoving her into the chamber, hard. Suddenly, the wall met her head...hard. The lights in the chamber swirled...and all she would see would be black... 



Rowen Cairn Ch. 05



If you guys (or girls) have any feedback to offer on this bit, leave it in the comments. I always like to hear how people receive my stories and get suggestions on where people want the story to go.

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When she awoke, it would felt as though no time had passed. The door of the chamber was still closed, and as Ophelia sensed her consciousness, she appear next to her. 

"Mistress..." The voice was solemn as the image spoke to her. "I will...open the chamber for you. You will be happy to know that...the harvesters...they let us go. Atalanta is adrift...but I am confident that our captain will be able to make the necessary repairs...but...only if he wakes up. Since they shoved us back into space...about seven hours ago...he has yet to come to." The image frowned and disappeared, the door to the chamber opening. 

Idris was scattered on the floor...not moving...not conscious. He was alive, the fall and rising of his chest made that clear...but he did not appear to be stirring. Rowen lifted her head slowly, groaning softly as an immediate headache set in. Reaching up slowly, she felt her temple, pulling her fingers away - they had a little bit of blood on them, and she could feel the dried blood caking her skin and hair. What had happened? And then it all came rushing back to her. The woman, beating Idris and then...they had found her. Rowen cringed as she remembered the sheer pain of her powers being forced up to the surface by the woman, and then being let go so suddenly. Idris...she had watched Idris offer himself up for her. 

"Ophelia..." She looked at the little projection, staring as she began to explain what was happening. "Have you tried anything Ophelia? Shaken him? Shaken the whole ship? Anything?" Panic filled her to the brim, bubbling over, making every part of her ache as she rushed over to his limp body, ignoring her own pain. She grabbed onto him. 

"Oh...Idris...please...please wake up. Please!" She gave him a couple of shakes, praying for a grumpy noise of acknowledgment, anything. 

"Please Idris...I need you right now. Please be okay. Please wake up! Please!" She was desperate tears falling down her cheeks as she held him, try to bring him back to consciousness. 

"Ophelia...can't you read him? Tell me what's happening with him?" 

The image shook its head at her. "His heart beat and breathing seem...fine. I can't measure his brain waves from here to check to see if he is in a comatose state. However, like I said, because we are still without propulsion, there is nothing I can do in the way of tilting the ship or stirring him. He...he suffered a great deal...at the hand of his attacker." Her voice fell as the image walked around to the side of his head, looking down at him sorrowfully. 

Then the image changed, growing larger, retelling the events that had taken place, showing as she was thrown carelessly into the chamber. Then the woman returned to Idris, her hands moving to the sides of his head. She shut her eyes and then smiled, tensing as Idris cried out in pain, struggling to pull her hands away from him as the agony coursed through him. Because his powers had no manifestation, subtle as they were, there appeared to be no reaction. But she cried out in pleasure and screamed, her eyes opening wide. She moaned loudly and Idris began to twitch. She let go of him, casting him to the floor. She looked over at one of the guards. She motioned at him, and he threw his weapon to her. As the weapon crossed the distance between them, she held up her hand, the weapon moving to a standstill in midair. She reached out and took it with one hand. Then she tossed it back towards him, but reached out her hand after it, the rifle flying past the man and out into the corridor, smashing into the wall. She smiled, pleased with herself. She left Idris on the floor. He groaned again, moving a little and seemed to drift off to sleep, or more likely, he seemed to just pass out at that point. 

Rowen watched Ophelia replayed everything, horror taking over her face, and a hand gently clamped over her mouth. Poor Idris...he had done all that for her?

Ophelia's image returned. "I...I do not know what she did to him, but...it seems as though...she has somehow found a way to acquire his gift." The image shook its head. "We...will not know for sure, however, until he wakes up." 

"Well, then we need to wake him up. Idris...Idris, please..." She went back to shaking him, to calling out his name over and over looking for any response from him. Holding him tightly to her she began to rock him gently, no longer shaking him. Great sobs welled up inside of her as she held him, whispering his name over and over. She needed him to wake up, needed him to be okay 

"You should have let her take my gift, Idris. You should have let her take mine and you would have been fine. You would have been fine if you had just let her do with me what she wanted. Idris..." 

Idris felt his entire world spinning. It seemed to cyclone around him with a great centrifugal force. He groaned softly, and felt his eyes open slowly, barely. His head bobbed a little until his world slowly stopped spinning. He moaned softly and reached out, taking her arm as if to anchor himself. "Where...'s she...?" He managed, half mumbling. 

"Rowen...?" His head still bobbed a little as his eyes rolled around in his head.

As she heard him speak her name, her heart leapt, and she broke out into a smile, her sobbing quieting. She allowed Ophelia to talk to him, until he finally opened his eyes and then...Confusion came across her face and she let out a little chuckle.

"Captain...concentrate...on the sound of my voice. Focus...You are in your living chambers...with Rowen and I. Take it slowly...and open your eyes if you can...so that we know you are alright..." 

Idris nodded groggily. "Ophelia...what happened...to...her?" 

The image shook its head. "Do not worry. You are not alone. Just focus on the sound of my voice...and waking up." 

He groaned softly, slowly opening his eyes to look at her. He smiled delicately at Rowen. "I remember you..." He shut his eyes for a moment. "Pretty girl..." 

"Of course you remember me, Idris. Of course you do. Are you alright? Oh my...you shouldn't have done that, Idris. You scared me half to death." She wrapped her arms around him tightly, placing a soft kiss on his lips, then her kiss moved up to his forehead. "I'm so glad you're awake, that you're talking...Hell, that you're breathing! I'm so glad." 

He smiled at her, his eyes still closed. He chuckled softly. He opened his eyes to look at her. "'S okay. You...are alright. You...she didn't...she didn't get you? She let you go...then? Where...where is she...where did they go? What happened?" 

"Yes, she...let me go. I can still make fire as far as I'm aware. Ophelia would have mentioned something. I woke up, and...I found you lying here." 

"After she...whatever she did...you passed out on the floor, Captain. They left us and jettisoned Atalanta back out into space. We are adrift, I am afraid. Propulsion is still offline." 

Idris wrinkled his forehead and groaned. "Good..." He opened his eyes to look at her. He smiled at her. "I don't know what we did afterward...Pretty Girl...but you've definitely got me worn out. I can barely move...so exhausted." 

She frowned a little bit as he called her 'pretty girl.' "Idris. why are you calling me that? It's odd."

He smiled up at her, reaching out with his hand, touching her cheek. "Because you're pretty." 

Laughing a little, she shook her head and stroked his hair lovingly. 

"Maybe we should get you in bed, I'll get you some tea...you need to rest before you get to work on the ship. Do you agree, Idris?" Staring at him for a moment she leaned down and placed another soft kiss on his forehead. "I'm so glad you're fine. I don't know what I would have done if I lost you." 

He shut his eyes again and moaned softly. He pulled away from her and rolled over onto his stomach, slowly moving to his hands and knees before trying to stand. He looked over at her. "Will...you help me up?" He still looked groggy and worn out, his eyes barely managing to stay open for more than a few seconds at a time. 

"Of course. Come here." She gently wrapped her arms around him and helped him to his feet. Once he was steady, she walked him slowly to his bed, gently laying him down, the bed still rumpled from their time together before all that had happened. Carefully, she laid him down, covering him with the blanket, as she sat on the edge of the bed. "Is that better, Idris?" 

She began to stroke his hair again, watching him closely for any signs that something else was wrong. She knew she had to get up and leave him at some point, clean herself up. She could feel the dried blood still covering her temple, but right now all that mattered to her was Idris. 

He looked up at her, frowning. He touched her head and pulled away his fingers. "Rowen! What...happened?!" He moved to sit up, very worried. Groggy and weak as he looked at her, his expression showed just how scared he was. "You're bleeding. What did she do to you?" He looked her over her. "We...need to get you cleaned up." 

He pulled back the covers and moved to stand up. He took her hand and forced himself to stand, pulling on her with all his strength, but she could feel how weak he was, trembling as he tried to stay on his feet, the exertion great. 

"Whoa...Idris. Stop, shhh. Shhh." Pressing her palms to his shoulders she gently began to push back him back onto the bed. She was stronger than him right now and she didn't find it difficult to do. "I'm fine. I hit my head on a wall, I'd be lucky if there wasn't a little bit of blood. Please stop worrying, I'm okay. Just a scratch. I'll clean it up, and I'll look fine. Okay?" 

Gently she worked him back down onto the bed, shaking her head a little bit. "I'm more worried about you, okay? You're the one who..." Biting down on her lower lip, she took a deep breath. "Stop worrying about me. Worrying about me is how you ended up like this, so please...just..." She tried to stop the tear filling her eyes. "...stop and rest. Please?" 

He felt her overcome him, sitting on the bed, though he didn't want to. He looked at her, shaking his head. "No...no. I want to make sure you are alright. People often pass off head trauma as nothing...because they don't feel anything immediately. We...we need..." his eyes closed a moment and he took in a sharp breath, looking up at her. "We need to...make sure...that you're alright..." He shut his eyes a long moment and winced, his hand moving to the side of his head. He groaned a little and sighed. "And...I need to find out whoever is using the acoustic disruptor inside of my skull...and have them turn it off..." 

He grunted softly and looked at her, trying to stay focused. "And I am...worried about you. What else would I need to worry about. You think I would..." He looked at her, his face falling into sadness. "You think I would give up my gifts...to save you...only to have you fall into a coma..." 

"Wait...acoustic disruptor, what is that? And this isn't the first time I've been thrown around, and been knocked out, alright? Actually this way was a lot nicer than previous times. Please, SIT!" 

A tear fell down her face and she quickly bent her head to hide them, wiping at her face hurriedly. Slowly she spoke trying to keep the quiver out of her voice. "I wish you had just let her take mine, Idris...I can't stand to see you like this . I..." Her head lifted, as she moved closer to him, wrapping her arms around him. "You mean everything to me, Idris Chariton, and I'll be damned if I lose you, so please...just...stay laying down. I'll go and clean myself up. Please." Holding him gently, she let him go, moving back. 

"An acoustic disruptor: it's a...it uses the vibration in sound waves to break up large pieces of rock or debris." He shook his head. "And better I than you...I wouldn't be able to bear it if she had...taken...it away from you." His shoulders fell and he shut his eyes, the tears rolling down his face. "It's better this way. You're...she didn't get a chance...to taste you...and...you'll..." He grunted, shutting his eyes. It was so hard to sit up...so hard to talk for so long. "If your head injury is as trivial as you say...then you'll be alright...able to fend for yourself, should you ever need to." 

He rocked a little, his eyes closing. He wanted so badly to get out of bed and accompany her. "Are you sure...you don't...need...help. I...I don't want...anything else to happen to you...for you to get hurt." He reached back for the bed and lied down again, his eyes having so much trouble staying open. 

"Idris. I would have never asked you to give up your gifts. What good have mine ever done me, hm? Maybe she would have been doing me a favor." A half-hearted, bitter chuckle escaped her lips and she looked away from him. "I'd have been normal and you wouldn't be so weak." 

Quietly, she leaned to place a soft kiss on his forehead. "Rest, Love, and I'll clean up. Please...just promise me you'll wake up again. And when you do, I'll bring you food and something to drink and...we'll try to make this better. Just promise." Sighing heavily, she watched him lay back down, and gently grabbed the blanket to cover him with again. 

He grunted softly, his eyes closing as he submitted and decided to rest. "Just...please...come back to me..." He whimpered a little, and finally drifted off to sleep. 

"I promise." She whispered, watching him drift off to sleep.

"He appears to be in good health, Mistress. When he wakes up, however, we should get him to the medical bay in the ring corridor and make sure that that is no underlying damage. The transition of power has apparently left him very weak...but he should recover. Think of it as though you had just sprinted for twenty-five kilometers...with no breaks. How might you feel?" 

The image was on the bed, next to him, looking up at her. "And we should take a look at your head. He is correct. Many humans often pass off head trauma as little to nothing. But if you are bleeding, you should absolutely get some readings to check for underlying injuries." 

Even as Ophelia spoke to her, her eyes remained on Idris. She still couldn't believe what he had given up for her, just to keep her safe. Before she began to cry again, she focused on Ophelia. "Fine, Ophelia, let's go get my head looked at. Ring corridor you said?" Standing up slowly she began to walk out of the bedroom, reluctantly, wincing as she felt her headache grow stronger. Making her way to the medical bay, she walked over to the nearest sink, and began to clean her head wound up. 

"Ophelia, where would you like me for my readings?" She asked as she watched the gauze she was using turn redder by the minute, the dried blood slowly coming away, as well as fresher blood. The image lead her around, heading left as it walked from the bedroom. It guided her around, past the entrance to the cockpit, and onto a side of the ship she hadn't been just yet. As she approached, the walls folded out, first opening down and then pulling to the left and to the right on their respective sides. A flat bed, suspended by arms, shifted out of the wall. The image watched as Rowen walked past, inside of the station to the sink meant for hand washing. There was antibacterial soap as well as gauze and bandages. 

"Over here, Mistress." The image beckoned, standing on the side of the bed. "Lie down here so that my scanners can look you over and make sure that you are otherwise alright." 

Rowen looked over at the flat bed, looking a little uneasy about the bed. Well, she didn't like doctors, so what? Tossing the bloody gauze away she walked over to the table, and slowly eased herself down onto it. "I'm sure it's just a headache, Ophelia. I've got a bit of a scratch." She reached up to check if her head was still bleeding. Just a little, she noted, probably from rubbing at it. Closing her eyes, she waited for Ophelia to begin her scan. 

The bed was about waist height from the floor. It was extremely meager, just a two inch piece of foam on top of a plasteel slab. An arm extended out of the wall on her right, and starting at her feet, moving up slowly to her head, the empty semisphere, two small extensions that were reminiscent of pincers, projected an azure beam of light, a line that crossed perpendicular to her form. The blue line moved up to her neck, extending slowly towards her head. 

"Close your eyes, Mistress. The scanner isn't harmful, but it's rather bright in your eyes." 

The machine waited, and then extended over her head, the pincers swung around 180 degrees when the reached her scalp, moving down over her forehead again. The machine stopped, the line changing to a square, centering over her head wound. A monitor pushed out of the wall near her feet and then extended out on a short, hinged arm, showing her the screen. It projected the picture of her body and then zoomed in on her head. It showed how far down the bruising and the laceration went. It fell millimeters short of her skull. 

"You appear to be alright. I think once Captain Chariton is alert enough, you should have him bandage you properly. For now, just take the cold compress-" the arms connected to both the scanner and the monitor receded into the wall and a different space opened, a small arm extending and reaching out towards her, a white pack in its finger-like prongs, "-and hold it to your wound to slow the bleeding and impede any further hematomas from forming." 

She'd wait for her to get off the bed before it would retract back into the wall, the image standing on an imaginary platform near where the monitor had extended, the projection at eye level as it looked at her. 

As Ophelia scanned her, she lay there a little tense, eyes closing upon Ophelia's request. She waited until Ophelia spoke again, 'til she sat up again, sighing softly, letting the tension that had built up inside of her ebb away. "So I'm fine? Like I said." Making a bit of a face, she knew it was best to have taken this precaution, than to be sorry. Idris needed her right now. "Thank you, Ophelia, for the check up. I'll just temporarily bandage myself up and wait until Idris is stronger to bother him with this scratch." 

Laughing a bit, she got up off the table to grab medical tape and gauze. Walking to the nearest mirror, she paused in front of it, and began to place the gauze over it. "You know, Ophelia, before all this happened...I had been planning a romantic dinner for him and I. Candles and everything. I was going to wear that stunning dress you made me and just...dote on him. It all went wrong, Ophelia. None of this should have happened." 

Guilt began to wash over her and she quickly finished repairing her temple, taking a step back to make sure it'd stay secure. "I'm going back to check on him." She whispered and began to walk back towards the bedroom. 

The image disappeared, but she could still hear Ophelia's comforting voice as she walked back to the living quarters. "I could not agree with you more about being safe instead of sorry. As for the dinner, I would be willing to hypothesize that the captain would be satisfied with any degree of affection you offer him. Despite his human neuroses, and his facade of being cold or uncaring in certain instances, he is not even remotely as tough or cold-hearted as he lets on. However, should you wish to dote on him in such a way, I am sure that you and I can come up with something mutually beneficial." 

Idris still lied in his bed, not having stirred in the slightest in her absence. He was on his left side, his arms held close, though there was nothing to hold onto. We're it not for his steady breathing, he would have otherwise appeared dead to the world. 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 05



"Oh I've never seen him as cold-hearted, always warm, and sweet. That's what makes me lo...Thank you, Ophelia. And you and I will come up with something. Perhaps when he is better." She paused at the doorway, staring at Idris for a very long moment, watching his chest rise and fall, rise and fall. It almost broke her heart to know that he was so helpless, that he was so weak. 

"Ophelia." She spoke softly so that she wouldn't disturb Idris. "Are you aware of anyway to...give him his powers back? Even if I had to steal them back from the woman who took them?" It was perhaps a terrible idea that was crossing her mind, but she was curious more than anything. Idris would kill her if he knew that she was even thinking about it, but it couldn't be helped. 

"I know you may have never seen it, but he has the ability to behave that way towards other people. As far as his condition, I do not believe it will last very long. Like I said before: he is simply exhausted from the exertion that was made. But to my knowledge, I am not aware of any method by which you could 'steal' his power back from her and eventually return it to him. I think...the...woman...just has a...an ability, I suppose, to do so. I guess it would be what you might call 'unique.' But the short answer is 'no.' I am afraid not." 

"Thank you, Ophelia. I'm going to rest also, if you don't mind. Um...if you would do me a favor, please wake me if I don't wake when Idris does. I want to make sure I'm with him at all times until he's better." 

Sighing heavily she dragged herself over to the bed, gently lying down beside him. Gently, trying not to disturb him, she curled up as close to him as possible, placing a hand on top of his chest, feeling his gentle steady heart beat beneath. Closing her eyes, she took another deep breath and began to drift off to sleep, praying that Idris would be alright. Instinctively, when she got closer, his arms reached out, and with an unexpected strength, pulled her back and shoulder blades against his chest. His chin rested near her shoulder, but he otherwise didn't stir, his sleep undisturbed. He continued to lie there, completely asleep, holding her closer. 

"I will...wake you, should Idris fail to do so, when he wakes up. However, I should warn you...eventually our propulsion failure will need to be addressed. For now, we're in a distant orbit, unlikely to fall into any harm...but should the Delethirians get any second thoughts and return...I fear the situation would be far worse than before." 

Smiling as Idris grabbed her, pulling her to him just by his sheer instinct, she sighed happily. "Yes of course, Ophelia. If we have to, I'll try and fix it myself. But like you said, Idris should be better soon." 

And then she was silent sighing again, as she got comfortable, and began to fall asleep. It was such a comfort to feel him there holding her. Especially after she had come so close to losing him. Idris rested for a long time, sleeping for what felt like months. 

When he stirred, he still felt a little groggy, but he did feel as though he had the strength to walk. When Ophelia appeared next to the bed, Idris motioned at her. He put a finger to his lips, something Ophelia...though it had taken her a very long time to learn how to...interpreted as a signal to be silent. Her voice was only audible to Idris. "But Mistress Rowen instructed me to wake her when you were alert again." 

"Well, 'alert' and 'awake' are both relative terms. And I am overruling her. Blame me when she says something to you about it, but don't you DARE do anything to disturb her." 

The image nodded and disappeared. Idris slowly moved out of the bed and snuck away from her. He looked over himself and frowned. He felt sore in some places, weak in others. Despite his handicaps, he managed to walk into the refresher chamber. He stepped into the unit and let the cold water run over him. He shivered beneath it, letting the numbness overtake him. His teeth were clicking together as he stepped out of the shower. He looked in the mirror and checked to be sure he had no outward injuries. Then he went back to the shower and took as hot a shower as his body could handle. He rinsed his hair, body, face, and everything...as thorough as his fatigue would allow. He then dried and went back into the room, without a towel, trying to remain as quiet as possible. 

"Captain." 

Idris glared at her, putting a finger to his lips without saying a word. 

Her voice dropped again. "Propulsion is offline. We are currently in a safe orbit, but I recommend that you effect repairs in case we should need to leave the system in the next 350 solar cycles." 

Idris nodded at her, and began to dress. 

Rowen stirred as she heard Ophelia that second time, talking about...propulsion, was it? Her groggy brain couldn't process fully. Eyes opened only to see Idris beginning to dress. "Wait..." She whispered, and held out a hand as if to stop him. "There was a moment where I thought I'd never get to see you naked again. It was a very sad moment let me just..." A smile began to play over her face as she slowly sat up, wincing at the headache she still had.

When he heard her stirring, he winced, and then scowled at Ophelia. "You FAIL." He mouthed silently at her, very irritated. He'd hoped to be able to shower, dress, eat, and fix the ship ALL before Rowen was even thinking about being awake. He didn't want her worrying about him or feeling unnecessarily burdened while he was working. What's more, he didn't want her to go insane with boredom or feel compelled to distract him while he was bringing Atalanta back online. Not that he would have disliked her distractions, but he was worried more about her safety...than her satisfaction, at the moment. 

"How long have you been up, Love? And...why didn't Ophelia wake me? I wanted to be sure that you were fit to get out of bed. And...you showered. I could have helped with that." 

She gave a look quickly before he could make a smart remark. "In a very platonic way, in which my only goal would to make sure you were clean and not straining yourself." 

He paused as she spoke, but only for a moment, before he moved to finish dressing. Quickly, she stood from the bed before he could stop her, giving her body a little stretch. He then moved, turning to her, his hands on her shoulders. With a renewed strength she'd not expect, he'd help her sit back on the bed. He pointed at her. "You need to stop worrying about me. You're the one with the head injury. You should be resting, young lady." 

He peered down at her and peeled away the bandage, looking at her wound. He grimaced and shook his head. "We should get that looked at and make sure it's not as BAD as it looks..." Giving him a sour look as he sat her back down, she rolled her eyes. "This head injury? Does it really look that bad? It's a scratch. Ophelia checked it out in the medical bay, right Ophelia? All she said was to have you bandage it a little better and I'll live. So please let me stand now, Idris, I'm fine." 

She gave him a sharp look that clearly said "don't order me to go back to sleep or I will bite your head off," and began to stand. "And I get to worry about you. You're the one who...well you...you were so weak, and that means I get to worry about the man I...the man I...got...into this mess." Cheeks flushed suddenly and she gently pushed him to the side as she moved around him. "Look, I'll be good. I'll take a shower, get dressed, and you can bandage my pretty little head, and then...I'll just sit around. Eat something, help you with Atalanta." 

"Or..." He said, reaching out and taking her wrists. He pulled her close to him and leaned in, kissing her deeply on the lips, holding her there for a long time. He mmm'd into her lips as his tongue moved with her own, his hand moving to her back and feeling her skin as he continued to kiss her. He decided if she was awake enough to start with her lip, and being overly worried and maternal, then she was certainly awake enough to kiss him. 

Rowen smiled as he pulled her right into him, melting right into him as he began to kiss her. Arms wrapped around him immediately, her lips moving against his, her tongue very gently slipping into his mouth. When she felt he had been good and kissed, she gently pulled away, feeling a little out of breath. "I think I liked the 'or' better. Just in my own personal opinion." 

He smiled at her and leaned in for a quick kiss, gently pressing his lips to hers for just a moment before pulling away. He looked down at her. "I like the 'or' option as well. However, you still get to stay here and rest. Or, I can drag you into the refresher and make sure you are all good and clean...and stuff." 

He grinned at her, that clever, devilish grin. "Then we'll change your bandage, clean your wound...because it's not just a cut...and you can go back to sleep while I get the engines fixed. Or..."



Rowen Cairn Ch. 06



Thanks for everyone who keeps voting. Be sure to leave comments or suggestions if you have them.

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He moved closer to her, his breath gentle on her skin as his lips leaned up to her ear, his hand pulling her against him once more and he nibbled on her lobe, his voice a whisper as he spoke. "I can just get into bed with you and make you so exhausted...you won't be able to get out of bed..." 

Shivering as he nibbled her ear lobe, she had to force herself to take a step away from him. "Alright how about this? No wait, this is what I'm going to do. I'm going to shower...without you, and then you can take care of my wound, which is not a just a cut to you, but a scratch to me, and then you will fix the engines while I eat...and maybe hover. I said MAYBE! So..." Clearing her throat gently she looked him up and down, resisting the urge to grab him. "You're still weak, still should be watched and we won't be doing any of the last option you mentioned for a while. Alright? And if we do, I'll just be even more annoying and worried and you needn't be exhausted either. So. Refresher." She gave him a warning look as she moved around him and hurried into the refresher, starting the shower up immediately. She wanted to be with Idris, but she also didn't want to exhaust him when he had just recovered his strength. 

He really liked it when she tried to tell him what to do. Somewhat patronizing, he nodded at her, listening to what she said, almost pretending as though he couldn't quite hear her, and allowed her to walk away into the refresher. However, instead of leaving her alone, he decided to follow her. As she made it to the unit, he snuck up behind her, grabbing her abdomen from behind and holding her shoulder blades against his chest, leaning his lips in to nibble gently on her neck, his hands moving to feel her sides. He kissed up to her ear and growled. "Mmmm...it's so hot for me...when you try to be all confident an assertive...like you can actually tell me what to do and stuff." He growled again, gently playing with her ear. "Have I told you that, Sweetie?"

Sighing happily in his arms she leaned back into him, moaning very softly. "Idris...I...Hey...no, no...stop." Gently, she pulled away from him, turning to face him. "Don't do THAT. I can't focus when you do that. Please...do not try that with me. You will over exert yourself and I will NOT have you getting hurt again. I plan to have you many, many more times in the future. And definitely as soon as the ship is fixed but until I'm sure you're better...no. Do you hear me? Please?" he gave him a warning look, that was mixed with a bit of pleading. "Idris...I can't risk anything right now. So please? Don't make me start to beg, I hate it. Just listen to me, you stubborn ass." 

He nodded at her. "Right...of course...listen." He leaned in again, moving her back until she was pinned against the wall, her back coming up against it a little roughly as he moved in and kissed her, his hands moving over her hips and the outside of her thighs, even drifting dangerous close between her legs. 

"Idris..." She whispered, groaning as he pushed her back against the wall, kissing her all over again. "I'm going to make Ophelia intervene...I'm going...Hey, what if I start to bleed again? What if you pass out? All...oh...things to...consider. Idris..." Head leaned back on the wall as she focused on his roaming hands, moaning softly. "Come on Idris. Please..." 

He must have misunderstood, because instead of stopping, he helped her legs pull apart, his left hand moving inside her waistband, between her thighs, and pressing up against her, his fingers parting her lips and dipping inside. He leaned in to kiss her again, hoping to prevent her from protesting any further. He moaned into the kiss, his hand moving up to her clit, rubbing her wetness over her sensitive skin, his right hand moving up to take her breast in his palm, eagerly caressing it as his body began to rock a little, pushing her back against the wall as he continued to stimulate her. 

Rowen couldn't argue anymore. She was way too convinced to stop him now, returning his kiss, hard. All the emotions she had felt from before, when she thought she had lost him, the love she felt when he had sacrificed so much for her...it all bubbled up as she continued to kiss him harder. Hands moved quickly down the front of his chest to his pants, working apart the button and zipper, until she could reach her hand inside, and wrap her fingers around his length. Gently she began to stroke him just as he stroked her, matching his rhythm. His right hand moved away from her breast, reaching out desperately to press his palm against the wall behind her, his left hand fumbling a little as she found him. He pulled away, his mouth falling open. He took her hand, pulling it away. He stepped out of his clothes and looked at her. 

Growling a bit as he pulled her hand away she watched him as he stepped out of his clothes, smiling a little bit. He hadn't had a chance to get a shirt on, and so he was now completely naked. He moved to rid her of her clothes, unbuttoning his shirt and pulling her out of it. He tossed it out onto the tile floor. Then he moved to pull her pants away, peeling them down to her ankles. He got to one knee as he did this, and then let his other knee find the floor. Helping him get rid of her clothing, she quickly moved them away, giving her pants a little kick to the side. He pressed his mouth to her panties and moaned loudly, then pulled them down a little, just enough to barely expose her, and licked her clit, slowly, letting the tip of his tongue flick over her. He bit his lip and looked up at her, gauging her reaction to help him determine his next course of action. 

Watching as he moved down, she moaned as his tongue flicked over her clit, sending chill through her entire body. Knees bent slightly, her body involuntarily moving closer to his mouth. He nodded, obtaining the desired response. He leaned his mouth up to catch her, his teeth pressing against the fabric, rubbing it against her. Then he pulled them away, moving to stand to his feet. He let his hand move between her legs and push down into her panties, letting his fingers push in and out of her lips in a quick, repetitive motion, feeling her walls a long moment. Then he took his length in his hand and guided his head up to her lips, pushing inside of her in one hard thrust, the motion intense enough to lift her feet off the floor. Once he was buried inside of her, he stopped, leaning down to her ear. 

"Mmm...I'm beginning to think you're right...maybe...maybe we shouldn't do this ...maybe...you're not ready for such...intense activities..." He licked the side of her head and then nibbled on her ear. It was one assault after another, her legs becoming weaker and weaker. First his tongue, then his fingers, which made her almost shake with pleasure. As soon as he pushed himself inside of her, she let out a long moan, wrapping her legs around him, making it clear she wasn't letting him go anyway. 

"Oh, Idris...just shut up. Shut up and...oh...fuck me, Idris." She growled, wrapping her arms around him tightly, turning her head to place a firm kiss on his lips, hungry for all of him right now. 

He started to push up inside of her, a slow, steady pace, each lunge more and more intense, pushing between her deeper and deeper. He growled and nodded, his eyes shutting as his pace began to speed up. Each thrust, occasionally, would lift her off her feet and push her into the wall. He growled and groaned, feeling how desperate he was to sink inside of her. He pressed his forehead to her own, making sure to do so in such a way as to not touch her wound. His breathing was heavy and erratic, severed by moans and grunts as he felt himself bury deep inside of her folds. "Oh, Rowen...mmmm...you feel...oh...mmmmmm...I ca-..." He whimpered a little, his pace slowing a little as a tremble coursed through him. "I can't...hol-...hold on much...mmmmmm!" 

He tipped his head back, his mouth opening as he moved his hands up to the wall, clawing at it as his head leaned forward, his mouth still hanging open as his pace slowed, hoping that he could prolong her a little more. As he pushed into her, she felt her body receive wave after wave of sheer pleasure. Hands grabbed onto his shoulders, finger digging into his skin every time he hit a sensitive spot inside of her, and then suddenly, she couldn't stop squeezing his shoulders. Her pleasure was skyrocketing and every muscle in her body began to tense. "Oh, Idris...please...oh...cum inside of me. Please...oh..." She let out a cry of pleasure, desperately beginning to push her hips back against him, meeting every thrust with one of her own downward thrusts. Her lips were parted, cheeks rosy with heat and pleasure, head leaning back against the wall. Her back arched towards him, and she bounced with each of his thrusts. "Oh...Idris!" She cried out again as she felt herself reach her climax suddenly. Hands grabbed him harder than ever, and she moaned loudly. "Cum...with me..." She begged, as her orgasm plowed right through her, her body beginning to shake. 

He felt her press down around him, her walls holding him tighter, feeling her warmth move over him. He couldn't hold on any longer, his pace growing desperate as he pushed up into her over and over, his mouth falling open as he whimpered softly, pushing inside her as he felt himself ebb. He cried out, his mouth working, his eyes shut as he felt himself losing. He moaned for a long moment and then felt himself burst, his warmth rushing up inside of her as he held her close, pumping her full of him as his own orgasm slowly subsided. He continued until he felt as though he was empty and looked at her, groaning loudly. He leaned in and kissed her lips, the affection soft and gentle as he slowly let her go, feeling the fatigue overwhelming him. "Oh...Rowen..." He pulled away from her, let her feet find the floor again. He clutched at the wall, shutting his eyes for a long moment. "I...think...we should get a shower...and...then...do...something." He moaned softly, smiling at her. 

Leaning back against the wall, she slowly nodded, not wanting to move a muscle. "Right...do...something..." As she began to come out of her post love-making haze, she focused on his face, reaching out to touch his face. "You're okay...good." Smiling faintly, she leaned back against the wall, taking a long, deep breath, then let it out slowly as her strength slowly began to return. "I meant what I said earlier, you know. About you meaning everything to me, Idris. I just wanted you to be clear on that..." Nodding, she slowly moved away from the wall, taking his hand as they climbed into the shower together. He nodded. "And I assure you, I did not...do...what I did...because I don't feel powerfully for you." He smiled. "You are my everything. I'd be lost without you." 

She sighed as the heated water touched her skin, and she winced just a bit when the water pressure pressed at her head wound. It would be fine, she figured, and shrugged it off, grabbing for soap to begin to work through her hair. 

He leaned in and kissed her again. He moaned softly as he felt the heat again. He took the soap from her and began to lather up her back, his hands slow and soft as he gently spread it over her form, his fingers gently rubbing her skin as he washed her. "And you needn't worry...you've made yourself clear..." 

Rowen let him take the soap, rubbing her back gently, cleaning her up. Suddenly, her mind went to her whip markings. She had never thought of them until now. Wincing, she looked down at the tiled floor. "I was found out when working at a small inn on Verin. I was using my gift to light candles when my boss walked in on me. He dragged me out into the streets, started screaming at me until they came and arrested me. They wanted to know where others like me were and when I wouldn't talk...when I tried to light them on fire and escape...They tied me up, whipped me...over...and over..." Eyes shut at the memory and she took a deep shaky breath. 

He shut his eyes a long moment, looking over the marks, his fingers delicately tracing over them. "I wish I had been there..." He paused for a long moment. "After...she...died...I found...I discovered my powers...by accident. I was at a tavern on the capital world...and one of the waitresses went to hand me my drink, and it went flying out of her hand...it...it didn't end very well for me, but...I survived...and...I do not have any scars to show for it." He kissed the back of her neck. "Your situation bears much more tragic circumstances. Humans...they are not forgiving, and they are, by nature, terrified of what they do not or cannot understand..." He reached up and guided the water to flow down over her back, washing the lather off of her skin, his hands still gentle. He then turned her to face him, slowly, and leaned in and kissed her. "I promise, Rowen...I'll keep you safe, as much as I can. But, I am afraid that if the harvesters come looking for you, there will be little I can do in my current state, especially with the degree of power they've seemed to have acquired." 

"The whipping is only...the beginning of what my life has been. If you think this is bad..." She chuckled, bitterness edging it as she looked back down, away from him, almost as if ashamed. "I know you will do your best to keep me safe, Idris, but...you're right. Those harvesters could very well come back and...take my gifts. Worrying about it at this moment, however...will do nothing for us." Reaching up, she caressed his face gently for a moment, studying him, his features, looking into his eyes. "Besides...what does not kill us only makes us stronger. Isn't that right?" Another hard chuckle and she gently turned him so she could begin to rub his back. His back tensed as he bristled. He let her turn him around, and shivered with the feel of her fingers on his back. He couldn't remember when he'd had someone so gentle touch his back, but he had a hard time imagining that it might have been as good as she was.

"Heh. Unless it does kill you...then it doesn't do much to increase your strength. It's ok...next time...NEXT time," he emphasized, "I shall not be so helpless. If the harvesters want a fight...I will give them a fight. 

"And so will I. I think we've learned that locking me up doesn't work. They'll find me. Idris...please...if they return. You don't have anything more to offer them." Except his life. The thought chilled her to the bone and her hands froze on his back for a moment before she began to rub again. As soon as she was done, she set the soap to the side, allowing him time to rinse off before she reached out to turn the water off. 

He stopped and looked at her. "Atalanta has two more escape pods inside of it. I am going to have antispace window generators installed in the pods. If they should attack us again, you will NOT be here. I'll put you in the escape pods and you'll be transported to a preprogrammed destination. After I have defeated them, I'll come and get you." 

And if I don't survive, seeing as I've no other option, I'll have SI pick you up. He wanted to tell her, but he wasn't about to get her worrying again. He finished rinsing off and watched her turn off the water. He made a playful face at her and grabbed her, pulling her back inside and turning the water back on. "Hey! What if I am not done talking to you while you're all hot, wet, and naked." He stuck his tongue out at her, a genuine smile on his face as he restrained her. 

She didn't like the idea of leaving the ship without him, but she obliged, not saying anything in return. As she moved to get out of the shower, she stopped, and laughed as he yanked her back inside, flipping the water right back on. "Oh yeah? What else did you want to say?" She asked, laughing, reaching up to touch his face. "We have work to get done, you know. Lots of work. Things to repair, all of that." 

He bristled, indignant, and seemed at a loss for words. "Well...who said I said I had anything else to say. Maybe...maybe I just wanted to keep talking to you." He looked like a toddler who had been convinced that two plus two equaled five, and his mother had just proven him wrong, to his very great dismay. She was right...but...so? "And yes, we do need to effect repairs, but...there...it...it's not like...it can't wait." He wrinkled his nose at her, and then playfully pointed the water into her face, as though this was obviously the most effective way of proving he was right. 

Laughing easily as he splashed water in her face, she grinned at him, shaking her head a few times. "You argue so well." She teased gently, giving him a playful little nudge. "Come on, Love, let's go. Don't you want to patch up me head?" Arching an eyebrow at him, she waited for his response. She loved to play with him, to tease him in those laid back moments where they could joke and relax. 

He stopped, his expression changing dramatically. His gaze looked out of the corner of his eyes, his lips pursing thoughtfully. "Well..." He blinked a few times, unsure as to how to respond, torn between his desire to be frivolous and his sense of responsibility for her. "I...I think...we should..." He paused a long moment, his mouth slightly opened as he tried to think of something witty to throw back at her. "I think we should...get...you all...dried off, and then...patch up your head." He nodded slowly, then more determined, his voice matter-of-fact as he looked at her, still filled with doubt and feelings of unsurety. 

"Well..." She decided to give him the satisfaction of being right this time, and nodded in agreement. "Well if that's what you want to do, then we'll do that. Come on." Leaning forward, she stole a quick kiss and stepped out of the shower, grabbed the nearby towel, and quickly wrapped it around her body, letting her soaked hair drip down on the towel. 

He looked at the water as he walked away from her, and as an after thought, moved back to shut it off, standing next to her, feeling a little lost. Towel...right. He reached over and went to grab one...but there seemed to be just the one that she had. He realized the small oversight and decided to air dry instead. He rubbed his hair all over her chest where her towel covered her, then looked around, satisfied that he was dried enough. He moved back to the mirror to look himself over, checking his complexion for any spots or lesions, then turned to look back at her. "You do realize that if we manage to get anything done, it is going to be a very boring day." He seemed a little concerned by this, but not as much as his voice indicated. 

Laughing as he rubbed his head against her chest, she stood her ground, waiting for him to be done. "It's alright. I can entertain myself. I want Atalanta to be your first priority today, Idris. You need her up and running. I can take care of myself, don't worry." Feeling as if she was dry enough, she removed the towel and tossed it over to him, covering his head successfully. Laughing, she walked out of the refresher, moving to where she had been keeping her clean clothes and began to pull on her undergarments. "You ripped one of my shirts." She commented over her shoulder as she pulled her pants on, choosing once again to go through his clothing looking for a shirt that would fit her. "If I'm going to be living here, I'm going to have to buy myself new clothes. 

He scoffed. "I doubt that. We'll get you whatever clothes you need when we get to where we are going." He sighed, and looked around. He was going to have to tell her eventually, about everything, but he didn't want to spoil the mood at the moment. They were obviously not going to Baramasta, at least not yet. He was going to have to pay for the stolen creature eventually. "Feel free to wear my clothes in the mean time." 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 06



"Oh, don't worry, I have no problem wearing your clothes." she said simply, pulling on a shirt of her choosing before she turned to look at him. 

He moved into the room and began to dress, though he was still a little damp on his back and in his hair. "Ophelia?" 

The image appeared on the dresser, as usual. "Yes, Captain?" 

"Begin a full diagnostic on life support, engine power, sublight propulsion, anti space traversal, lighting, and weather control. Notify me when-" He paled. 

The image looked confused. It shook its head. "'Notify you when'...what, Captain?" 

"The transmission! Before we were attacked, you said we received a communique. Did you complete the decryption?" 

"Yes. Of course, Captain. But, you told me not to bother you about it unless you-" 

He cut her off. "Yes, yes I know what I said. The message is ready for viewing then, yes?" 

The image nodded. "I can bring it up in the galley's projectors or in the cockpit, whichever you like." 

Idris was in a hurry now, to get dressed, quickly pulling his clothes on. "

She arched an eyebrow as Idris suddenly seem to fly into a panic, rushing to put his clothing on. Not sure what this message meant, but curious to find out, she tucked the shirt in carefully, so it looked like it was fit for her. "Idris? Whose the message from? What's...wrong?" 

Without answering her, he took off into the ring corridor, bare foot, his chest open. He'd yet to button his shirt, but his pants held snug to his hips. He almost jumped into the pilot's chair. "Go ahead, Ophelia." 

The image was standing on the control console when he arrived in the cockpit. She disappeared as the image came up on the viewscreen. The man in the image looked older, perhaps in his late forties or early fifties. His brown hair was short and greying. He looked worried. "Idris. It would appear that you are, once again, out of contact. I am sending you this message to inform you that...the other faction...is searching for you. They know Atalanta. My informants on Adrondonas tell me you are transporting a pyre fiend. However, intelligence that I have just received informs me that Bothawei was paid off by...them, to help them intercept you. Do not go to Baramasta. Please, if you get this in time, contact me. Durron out." 

And with that, the message faded. Idris sunk in his seat. He sighed, his voice was quiet and defeated as he looked up and spoke. "Ophelia...contact General Durron...and notify him of our situation. Should he request it, brief him..." He rose from his chair and sighed. He felt frustration trying to overcome him, but he ignored it. He ignored it all. He needed to get Atalanta repaired and then get Rowen off his ship. 

"Yes, Captain. Should he desire to speak to you, shall I notify you?" 

He nodded slowly. "Yes. Let him know that...I am at his disposal." 

Watching him run out, she stood there in shock. Quietly, she tied her hair back, and slowly made her way after him. She reached him after he had slumped down in his chair, and was speaking to Ophelia, giving her his orders. She wasn't going to be nosy, she knew better than that right now. "Will it always be this way? You run off without telling me what's going on?" She was calm, walking into the cockpit, looking around. She knew nothing about ships, so the buttons, levers, and screen were interesting for her, and she found herself wanting to push them - which of course she didn't. She was no longer a five year-old who was going through the "touch everything, and stick it in your mouth if you could" phase. "Are things alright? You don't look very happy." 

He looked up at her and smiled. "I...yes...everything is fine." His composure lasted for a second before his frown returned. He shook his head. "No...no, I am afraid it isn't. I...I keep trying to hide everything from you, but it's much too late for that." 

He moved closer to her and took her hands in his own. He looked solemn as he stared into her eyes. He couldn't help himself, leaning in and kissing her, before pulling back and looking her over. "You have proven to me that you are no longer the little girl who stowed away on my ship. You deserve to make your own decisions. Your own...informed, decisions, I mean. I want to tell you...everything. No more secrets, at all. I am sorry I rushed away, but...it...I didn't have...the chance to explain to you. Here...just...just sit down and watch...it." 

He frowned at her, and motioned for her to sit in the pilot's chair, seating himself in the copilots chair. It was odd for her to hear Idris finally give in to the fact that she was no longer that juvenile, little creature, who chose to hide on his ship. That he was trusting her with information. Slowly, she sat down in the chair, staring at him for a long moment, all of a sudden very uncertain about what she was getting herself into. She pushed for honesty with him, but what if honesty was going to scare the hell out of her? Still she swallowed hard, nodded to him, and gently bit down on her lower lip. Rowen didn't fully understand, a look of confusion settling over her face as she stared at the message, letting the words roll around in her head...

"Then...we don't go to Baramasta. It's as simple as that, isn't it? But...I'm afraid I don't fully understand the situation. Who is Bothawei? Who has paid him off? Surely he was not talking about those harvesters, because it is much too late for a warning..." Her voice trailed off as she focused on Idris, desperate to understand. 

He flinched visibly. "No...the...the other..." But he was cut off by the sound of Ophelia's image on the control console. 

"I'm sorry to interrupt, Captain, but General Durron said he wanted to talk to you, and not...'some stupid ship's computer.'" She seemed visibly annoyed by the words. 

Idris looked over at her, and then to Rowen. "Just...stay here." 

The image came up on the view screen. He looked surprised to see that Idris was not alone. "Oh, hello, Captain Chariton. You have guests. I'm sorry." 

Idris thinned his eyes at him. "Shut up, Tiber. Tell me what the hell is going on. I got your message, by the way, but not until after Petraisha Teckhar and her merry band of henchmen took my ship, broke my engines, and stole my cargo...amongst other things. 'The Delethirian Empire,' she said. 'Join us,' she said. If the bitch hadn't tried to kill my friend Rowen here," he nodded his head in her direction, "then I may very well have given you all up! Unfortunately, she got away, and now Atalanta's adrift our here." 

Tiber Durron's face fell a little, and he nodded. "I am sorry, Idris, that we didn't keep you informed. I understand your outrage. I'll have Avenger come out and pick you up. You needn't worry about your ship." He paused for a long moment, and looked straight at him. "I am truly sorry, Idris. I had no idea that...that they'd sent her to look for you." He frowned. "As for your cargo, the transaction, the job...apparently, they were all a setup. The deadline was only meant to rush you out impetuously to Baramasta. Obviously, it worked. How are you otherwise? Are you hurt? Do you have life support?" 

Idris eased a little, nodding. "Yes, we are otherwise alright..." 

"What else did she say? Did she tell you anything...other than giving you the full knowledge about...herself?" He seemed a little disappointed about this still. 

"No, other than her name and blowing the lid off everything about who this other faction is, no. But...she..." He sighed and shook his head. "As you know, when Aria was...killed, her gift was somehow transferred into me. Somehow...this woman...was able to take it away. She now has Aria's powers." 

Tiber's eyes went wide. "Really? But, that's impossible. We've studied gift transfer and found that...it wasn't viable. This is very bad news." He exhaled through his nose and looked back at him. "Idris, if you are willing, when Avenger picks you up, we'll tend to your ship, rearm her with new specifications, and then send you out on mission. I know you were not willing, before, to return, but after you drop off you passenger at her location, perhaps, with your new knowledge, you would want to return to the fold, on the same terms as before." 

Idris sighed, and looked down. He didn't say anything, just nodding. 

"Splendid." He clapped his hands together. "I'll notify Captain Johansen right away. Durron out." 

And with that, the image faded, and Idris was left with Rowen, and what he imagined were a hundred questions circling around in her head. 

Rowen was being good, keeping her mouth shut as the two men talked between themselves, but she remained attentive. She may not have understood a lot of what was being said, but she knew very well that if she continuously piped up, she'd learn a lot less. There was one part that stuck out in her mind, which made several emotions flare up inside of her as she held her tongue quickly. Wait...wait...And then Durron was gone, and they were left in silence. Slowly, Rowen looked over at Idris, taking a deep breath, trying to be calm, to sort all the information out. "Return to your fold? Drop your...passenger off? I think the first thing I want to know is if I should pack my bags or not. That kind of dictates the rest of my questions." 

He frowned at her, and his shoulders sunk. "That...that's actually what I wanted to talk to you about, Rowen. I...you kind of...got pulled into this, against your will, I might add. I had no right to do this to you, to put you in this situation." He sighed, reaching out and taking her hands. "I want to tell you...everything...anything. Once...once you have all of the...what you...the answers, you ask for, then I want you to decide. You can stay with me...and...everything. Or, I...can take you somewhere...somewhere safe...I want you to make an informed decision, though. It's not my right to tell you what to do, and if you want to stay...then..." He sighed, his frown turning up only slightly. It was clear he wanted her to stay, for the most selfish of reasons...but he also wanted her to go...so she could be safe. 

"Not exactly against my will, Idris. I'm the one who grabbed you in the streets, the one who boarded your ship...twice. I'm the one who decided to stick around." Looking down at their joined hands, she gave his a a little squeeze. "Alright go ahead. Tell me everything. What happens if I stay? I know very well what will happen if I go, we don't need to talk about that. What happens if I stay, Idris?" A look of seriousness crossed her face, a look that was not often seen on Rowen. She wanted to know what her choices were, even though she knew very well that she wanted to stay with him, to make sure he was safe, even if that meant putting her own life at risk. She owed him everything right now for all that he had done for her. 

"Well, General Durron has offered to fix Atalanta, at his expense, and then upgrade her. This would save me a lot of time, and money. He would probably send me out in the field, again, which would also make me a lot of money." He sighed. "The downside is that if you come with me, you'll be put on the radar. I...don't really want that for you...but if you want it, then I can't stop you." He frowned a little. "As far as...anything else...I don't know. Ask me, and I'll tell you." He smiled, half-heartedly. He felt open to her, receptive to her inquiries, and he wanted her to feel secure and be able to trust him the same way he felt he currently trusted her. "If there is anything you want to know, now is the time." 

"Put on the radar." She muttered, taking the information in as she stared at him. Ask him anything? She knew what she wanted to ask him, but wasn't sure if she should. Slowly, she took in a deep breath, studying his face closely. "Would you like me to stay? And I mean, do you WANT me to stay? Put your stupid logistics aside, all the practicality...just tell me if you want me here." Her head tilted to the side as she studied him closely. 

His mouth opened to speak, and his expression fell. He looked disappointed. He sighed and took a long moment to answer. "I...I just...I want...I want you...to be safe, Rowen. I want to know that...whatever...you decide, that...that you'll be alright." He let out a long breath, looking at the floor. "That...being said." He looked up at her, his eyes watering. "I want you...to be happy." He smiled, weakly, just for a moment, and then shut his eyes, trying to blink the tears away. 

Rowen stared at him for a even longer moment, then sighed heavily, and shook her head. "You're still using your head too much. Still thinking too much. What do you FEEL, Idris? I know you Captains are all logical, and you want to do what's best for me...but I want to know what you feel, Idris. Do you WANT me to stay?" Her hold on his hands tightened, as she watched him. 

He shut his eyes a moment, the frustration bubbling up from inside of him. He stood and looked down at her, pulling his hands away. "What do I feel? What do I feel?! I feel TERRIFIED, Rowen! I'm sacred! I'm scared that the Delethirians will come for me again, and this time, they'll take YOU! I'm terrified to see you turned into a monster or a slave...or...worse! I'm scared for you to get involved with SI! What if you like it more than I do...and you go...away somewhere, into a vicious battle, on the war front?! I feel like I could lose you either way, and in only one instance, I could see your life taken! I'm worried about you, and I want you to do what is best for you and...and get out of this before...something terrible DOES happen to you!" He exhaled, realizing that he was yelling at her. He shut his eyes a long moment and walked back to the rear of the cockpit, leaning against the wall. "But...I...I don't know what I am going to do...after you're gone." He shut his eyes, his face looking at the floor, and he didn't open his eyes or say another word to her as he stood there. 

As his voice escalated into a yell, she visibly winced, dropping her head like a child in trouble. Patiently, she waited for him to finish yelling, her hands tightly clasping one another, wringing together gently. When finally all had gone silent, she took a moment to try to clear the shakiness from her voice and body. "Terrified is a good place to be...It means you care. But...you have to trust me about something, Idris...that I will never enjoy battles, or war. My whole life has been a war. I will never leave you for a battle, Idris...that just is not who I am." Pausing a moment, she stood up facing him. "As for the Delethirians...it's possible. They could take me, they could come back...but I've been captured many times. And I'm still here. I'm not being cocky...I'm terrified of being captured again. Absolutely terrified. I still dream about being locked in prisons as a young girl, being abused..." Her voices trailed off, but she quickly regained her voice and strength to keep speaking. "What's best for me...is...Hell I don't even know, Idris. But I do know this for sure: If I were to leave you, I'd feel terrified every moment, wondering where you were, if you were alright, and I...I don't know what I'd do. And I know that you are the first person to care about me in so long and...I can't let that slip away again. I want to stay...but only with your consent. I will not force myself on you, Idris. I never wanted that. Why do you think I ran all those years ago? Not to spite you...to protect you. Carrying someone like me...will always be dangerous. That is what I am. A danger to anyone who cares about me." 

He sighed and looked at her. He smiled weakly and shook his head. "You are not dangerous. You can't help your gifts." He smiled and squeezed her hand. "And, if you want to stay, then stay, Rowen." He moved to her, slowly, taking her hands and holding them close to him, gazing into her eyes. "...then stay. I told you...you're welcome to stay here as long as you want. I will never send you away, unless I must." He leaned in an kissed her again. "And I promise, from now on, to continue to be honest with you. I don't believe that you are dangerous. I think you are wonderful. I just can't stand feeling this way...feeling so afraid." He frowned at her. "I feel so helpless..." 

Returning his kiss tenderly, she nodded at him, smiling a little weakly herself. "You may not think I'm dangerous, but most people do. And the fact you're involved with me...that makes life even more difficult for you. You should just know what kind of woman you're bringing into your life, is all." Gently she wrapped her arms around him in a gentle embrace, leaning her head on his chest. "I love you." Then her heart stopped, and she quickly bit her lip quick to try and tack on another word. "...and Ophelia. You both...just...care...so much." Gently she backed away from him and let out a little laugh. "You two are just...amazing. Sorry, the girl...gushing is...over. Why don't you um...fix your engines? Or do we not have to worry about that since someone is being sent...for us?" 

When she tried to get away from him, he stopped her, grabbing her wrist. He pulled her close and kissed her, a long, deep, passionate kiss. He pulled her closer to him, his arms wrapping tightly around her. He didn't let her go for a long moment, and when he broke the kiss, he held her face gently in his hands, looking at her. "It's ok, Rowen. I...I love you...too." He smiled weakly and blushed a little. He shook his head, following her lead. "No...no, we...Captain Johansen, of the battleship Avenger should be contacting us shortly. She'll obtain our coordinates and come and pick us up." He smiled at her again and moved to sit in the pilot's chair. He swung it around to look at her. "S-so...you...any...other questions?" 

Surprised to be pulled back, she was not disappointed by the kiss he delivered. Arms wrapped around him once again, and she pulled him closer to her, keeping the kiss going until he broke again. Eyes lazily opened, and her lips spread out in a smile as he reassured her it was okay. He...loved her too. Her heart stopped all over again and she barely heard anything he said about Captain Johansen. Staring down at him, now in the pilot's chair, she tried to formulate words. "W-Y-You...I...No. No questions. What about you? Want to ask me anything? I think I've asked enough for the day." 

He shook his head at her, smiling. "I cannot honestly think of anything to ask you, but you must have something you're curious about." He beckoned her toward him, hoping she'd read his mind like she seemed able to do on some occasions, and sit in his lap. "I don't want you to have to wonder about anything anymore." He smiled at her, pleased with himself, and her reaction. 

Moving towards him, she gently slid onto his lap, hooking one around over his shoulders, and smiled at him. "...When...?" Rowen asked suddenly, arching an eyebrow at him. "...the uh...the...love...thing. When?" She reached up to run her fingers playfully through his hair, mussing it up even more. Chuckling softly, she felt her cheeks redden as she waited for an answer. 

He started to answer what he originally thought her question was. "I am not sure, usually Cap-" He stopped midsentence and blinked at her. He seemed utterly baffled by her inquiry. "I...w-what...what to do you mean...when?" He honestly didn't know. When she had said it, he'd simply made the realization. Though, the feeling itself might have been there for a long time and he just hadn't recognized it. 

"It's a silly question. But uh...I knew that I had...uh...fallen...in love, when you threw a mug at my head, and then I chased you into the refresher, and I still cared about you." Shrugging a little bit, she smiled sheepishly at him. "Not the best memory but it's true. And it was solidified when you gave up your gifts for me...to keep me safe. You don't have to answer me...I was just...caught off guard. I never expected to say it, and I didn't think you would say it me. And...hell, I'm really hungry. We haven't eaten. Someone kept us in the refresher too long this morning." 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 06



It was a silly question, but he just couldn't bring himself to vocally agree with her. Then she made a comment about their unusually long shower and he couldn't even bring himself to make eye contact. He must have been red as a sublight coolant. He looked back at the control console and then to her. "Wellll...I...I guess we should eat...then." 

As he moved to stand up and walk away from the pilot's chair, he made a fleeting glance at the console and wondered if it might be faster to just hail Avenger himself. He felt an eerie chill run up his spine, hesitating in the door. He looked at her, then the console, narrowing his eyes. "Actually, I'm a little worried. I think I am just going to call Avenger on my own. We're completely helpless out here. If anyone shows up...well..." He looked worried. He moved out of her way and moved to the pilot's chair again. "Ophelia?" 

"Oh...alright." She gave him an odd look, it didn't seem to mean that much to her. Leaning against the door frame, she looked into the cockpit, arms crossed as he called for Ophelia. Rowen could be patient and wait for him to hail Avenger, before they grabbed food. He was probably right. Calling the other ship would allow them to find them faster. 

"I'm already attempting to hail Avenger, Captain." 

The screen filled with the communications array. Then suddenly, a voice came over the speakers. "Battleship Avenger, thank you for calling, First Lieutenant Kayla Wymond speaking. And how might I direct your call?" 

Idris rolled his eyes. "Hello, Lieutenant Wymond. How is Mr. First Lieutenant?" 

The image came up on the screen, a blond-haired women, about Rowen's age, with blue eyes and pale skin. "Jon is just fine. And how are you doing, Captain Chariton?" 

The way she said "captain" made it sound like she was mocking him. "Just peachy, thanks. So, when was Captain Johansen going to give me the honor of calling me?" 

"When Tertramasta freezes over and becomes habitable for life, I imagine." 

Idris made a face, thanking her for the analogy and then looked a little worried. "General Durron assured me that-" 

"General Durron does not command Avenger, now does he, Captain?" 

Idris got to his feet and glared at her. "Listen to me, you stupid-" He stopped midsentence and cleared his throat. "Why don't you notify Captain Johansen about my call and see if she has a moment to speak to me." 

The woman's cold smile disappeared off the screen and Idris was left to fume silently as he sat back in his chair. 

Rowen stared as the woman appeared on the screen and she immediately noted the hostility between the two of them. Whistling softly she walked over to the copilot's chair and plopped, smiling over at Idris. Watching him fume for a couple of seconds, she finally decided to pipe up. "Girls like you, huh? You...stud...you ladies man..." Laughing easily she leaned back in the chair, getting comfortable. "By the way, I like the chair. It think I'll sit here with you all the time, and do running commentary on amusing communications."

Idris slowly turned to look at her. "Yeah...there's...a little history...there, I'm afraid." His shoulder sunk and he looked at the floor a moment, and then back up at her. "About...a few years ago-" 

But he was cut off when the screen filled with a different woman. "Hello, Idris. I heard you had a little run-in with the Delethirian Empire." 

Idris nodded at her. "Yes. I suppose you could say that." 

"I'm sorry to hear that. And oh look, you have a passenger. I hope you got a better deal than last-" 

"Captain Johansen, if it is going to be too much trouble to accommodate Atalanta for just long enough for me to do a few repairs, please, by all means, let me know. I'd hate to burden you. I'm sure you have a militia to exterminate somewhere, anyway." 

"No. We're already en route to your location. It's so funny that you called. I was just about to hail you. Anyway, Johansen out." 

And the screen went blank. Idris fought the urge to pick something up and throw it at the screen. He shut his eyes for a long moment and then turned to look at Rowen. "Let's go get you something to eat...shall we?" Whatever amount of hunger Idris had felt before, seemed to have dissipated. 

"Eat. Alright. If you explain the woman. And if I'm going to have to have my guard up when they come aboard." Shrugging her shoulders, she wiggled her fingers. "I can do fire tricks." 

Seemingly in a good mood, at least when compared to Idris' current mood, she bounced up from the chair and held her hands out to him. "Come on, love..." Leaning down, she placed a soft kiss on his forehead, then moved down to his cheek, then finally placed a gentle kiss on his lips. "...You should eat something too. You've only recently recovered and I'm not taking chances with you. Fair enough?" 

"I'm not really hungry, but the short of it is they are still mad at me about what happened to Second Lieutenant Ariadne Usid. Apparently they're a little bent out of shape, still, that I let her die." He walked past her, a little mad. His pace was a little quick as he made his way to the galley and started to make food, occasionally hitting the machine with his closed fist. It was likely the entire room would be on fire if he had the power to.

Her mood went right down the drain and she watched him walk right past her. Sighing heavily, she followed after him, sitting down at the table watching him. "Id...Idr...IDRIS, stop!" She pointed at the plate in his hand and shot a small ball of fire at it, probably forcing him to drop it. Getting up form the table, she grabbed his shoulders and pushed him back into the wall. "Time...out.." She held up a finger pointing at his face, warning him not to speak a word until she was done. "...I know...I know how horrible you feel about losing her. I know you cared about her and how it...killed you to lose her. But...stop...I know you, and I know you probably did all you could and...slamming machinery around is NOT going to help matters. Especially with those nasty women coming aboard. And I know you're going to snap at me after I'm done talking, so just...be nice about it." Finished she let go of him and took a step back, hands on her hips. 

He was a little caught off guard when she guided him back to the wall. He seemed a little distracted by the finger in his face, but he heard her. When she let go of him, he frowned. He shook his head. "I'm...sorry, Rowen. I...I had no right to be so...abrupt with you."

"No, you didn't have any right but..." Rowen shrugged a little bit as she began to take over making food, for the both of them, determined to get him to eat something. 

He frowned again and moved to sit down at the table looking over at her. "And, you don't need to worry about them coming on board. I doubt they'll give me the pleasure of even getting to see them face to face. It's likely that they'll help me repair the ship, bring my weapons up to spec, and then push me back out into space." He sighed, shaking his head. "They...they say...they can still feel her here...when they come on board...so they avoid it." 

"Well then if they don't come on board, the better for both of us." She paused a moment, her hands stopping what they were doing as she looked up at him. "I'm sure they can still feel her everywhere...just like I'm sure sometimes you feel her. It happens I think...when we lose people we care about. They...are such a part of us..." Her voice trailed off as she cleared her throat and quickly began to go back to work. "Not that I'm an expert...no one ever cared enough about me for me to lose them and be affected." A lie, an outright lie, but whether he could tell or not she didn't know. 

He shook his head. "No...I don't feel her on this ship. I...that's..." He exhaled. "I don't mean in the mythical sense, like they haven't moved on or whatever. Kayla and Captain Johansen just...they were very close to her, and their link with her was...Just, it's really complicated, ok? But, not what you think. I think they can actually feel her here." He sighed. "I'm sorry. Can...can we talk about something else, I...I don't want to dwell...on it." He frowned, resting the side of his head on the table. 

"Fine...we won't dwell." Childishly she wanted to add "you brought it up first," but bit her tongue. No sense in starting an argument right that second. She finished up with the food, sliding him a plate, as she sat down across from him with a plate of her own. Reaching up to push her hair back, she gasped as her fingers touched her delicate cut. "Remind me to wash this again..." She commented quietly, pushing her food around her plate gently, her own appetite waning a little. "Where are we going after the ship is repaired?" 

He looked up and winced as he watched her touch her head. He moved and got up from his spot at the table and went to her. Gently, he helped her stand up. "Rowen, I think you should get you wound cleaned again." He stuck his tongue out at her and hurried her away from the galley. 

"Id...But...hey!" She stared at him, surprised he was ushering her away so quickly. "I made food." Shaking her head a little, bit she sighed softly as she let him lead her into what she figured would be the medical bay. "You're just going to clean it right? Nothing else?" She didn't like doctors, meaning she didn't like the tools they used. Needles for example, or stitches, or anything like that. It made her sick just thinking about it. 

He helped her to the medical bay, the station folding out in the same theatrical way it had for her. He helped her onto the bed and then considered her, perplexed by her inquiry. "What do you mean? Do you want me to suck on it or kiss it better?" 

He tore the bandaging away, as quickly as he could, hoping to spare her the prolonged pain. The wound had formed into a bruise with a healing cut at the top. He frowned and began rifling through doors. He took out a small, clear, transparent packet filled with a red-orange liquid inside. It was thick and syrupy, as he gently applied it to her bruise. It stung a little, but only for a moment. Then she felt nothing when he touched her head there. He reached up and grabbed a metal rod that had a long cord on the end of it, pointing it at the wound. A laser emitting from the end, and he quickly guided it down over the wound. Then he grabbed same bandaging and slowly formed it to the size and shape of her wound, pressing it to her head and holding it there for a long moment. 

"No, that's not what I meant. I meant I don't - OW!" She gasped at him staring at him in a mild shock. "You could warn a girl." She grumbled reaching up to touch her head then stopped when she noticed the packet he was opening. "What's that? Ow..." Wincing at the little sting, she took a breath and sat there unhappily. She couldn't feel anything with that laser, but she was not happy about it, nevertheless. Sighing as he pressed the bandage to her wound, she waited until he was finished to pipe up, not looking very happy. Perhaps like a cat would look after being soaked with a hose. "Good thing you're not a doctor." 

He smiled at her, and went through her list of complaints. "Ok, A, if I had warned you, you would have flinched...which makes it worse. B, the gel is an anesthetic that will help numb the pain while I work on it. The laser helps bind your skin together, harmlessly, to help it heal that much faster, and C, on some planets, I am a doctor." He grinned at her, curtly, and then let the bandage stay against her head on its own. He looked her over, and felt satisfied. "And now you won't have to worry about your wound until the next time you end up in the refresher." He winked at her suggestively and helped her down. 

"You are a doctor on some planet?" She gave him a look and shrugged her shoulders. "Good thing I fell in love with you BEFORE I found that out." Running her fingers through her hair, she looked around the medical bay, making a face. 

"Yes, on some planets, I do qualify as a doctor." He winked at her, watching as she ran her fingers through her hair, smiling at her expression.

She didn't even like being in this room much. Realizing he had made a comment about the refresher, she glanced at him, arching an eyebrow. "Why do I get this feeling that most of my showers will not be spent along from now on? Not...that...I'm complaining." 

"Because it is likely that if there is an occasion where you get naked, I'll not be fair behind." 

Poking him gently in the chest. "But you're fine, right? I mean. I don't have to patch you up or anything?" Personally, she'd rather not sit around and play with all the medical gadgets. 

He winked at her, and then winced when she poked him. He watched as she moved away from the area and back towards the galley door. He shook his head at her. "Yeah, I told you, I'm fine. I didn't ever really get hurt." He smiled weakly at her and followed her away from the medical station, which, as he walked away, closed its doors and folded up into the wall that it was hidden. He looked back at it and frowned. He realized now that...he should have left her there. He knew that they never would have looked for her. He sighed and then turned away, following her to the galley to see if he could eat the breakfast that she'd prepared, the small loss settling over him despondently. 

"Guess If I want any peace in the shower then, I'll have to wear clothes. Then again...wet clothes sticking to my body...never mind. I'll get used to sharing." Laughing softly, she followed him, not noticing his frown as he made his realization. As they made their way back to the galley, she couldn't help but reach up, touching where he had put the bandage. As much as she disliked doctors, if she had to choose one, she was glad she could choose him. 

He laughed to himself, walking back to sit at the table. He sat down, looking over his food. He wasn't sure what she had prepared, but it smelled good. He started eating, hesitantly, and tried to avoid eyes contact, feeling a little self conscious. He hadn't had to consider someone's perceptions in a long time.

Rowen sat down with him, eating happily, until she realized how slow and cautiously, he was eating. Smirking, she paused, setting her fork down as she watched him. "You know, if you hate it - I won't actually get upset. So you can stop eating so slowly. Unless that's...how you eat. Then I'm sorry for pointing it out." Laughing a bit she took another couple of bites of the food she had made. 

His gaze wandered away from her own. "Actually...I...I don't usually...use utensils. I find them...inhibiting..." He continued to use the fork, his pace faster, but he still seemed...aware of himself. "You're...it tastes...great." He smiled at her and then continued eating. 

Arching an eyebrow, she looked down at his plate, then back up at him. "You can put the fork down I won't...laugh. We all learn to eat differently." She shook her head, laughing a bit before she ate a little more. "And thank you. I'm not the best cook, but I get by. I've mostly worked as a server in restaurant, and I have knack for making jewelry. I used to sell it, when I could afford supplies." 

He smiled at her. "I was taught the proper way to eat. I just find it...slower..." his gaze drifted. Despite himself, he continued to shovel food into his mouth. 

"You're a puzzle to me sometimes, Idris, you know that? I'm going to enjoy figuring you out since I'm staying here." She paused a moment, deciding to continue on, keeping her mood light, thinking that perhaps it would lift his own spirits a bit and keep his mind off the two women who had previously put him in such a foul mood. "This means you realize that if we get into any more fights, you'll be sleeping in that cockpit again. As far as I'm aware, the woman gets bedroom domain during a quarrel." She finished up her food and stood up to dispose of the plate and utensils. While she was up, she fixed herself quickly a hot cup of tea, needing something to soothe her entire body. "So no more drinking, because neither of us is very kind when we drink." Making a bit of a face, she sat down at the table with her now steaming mug of tea and set it down in front of her, leaning forward to blow on the hot surface. 

He smiled at her. "I'm glad I'm such a mystery to you. You seem as though you'd be able to see right through me. It makes me feel a little safer knowing that you still have to guess." 

He winked at her and got up to get rid of his plate. He dumped it into the discard bin and programmed up a cup of hot chocolate. He felt annoyed by the culmination of circumstances that seemed to be working against him. "And don't worry..." He moved away from the dispenser, sipping his cup. He came up behind her, his head leaning down by her shoulder. He reached around her and set down his cup near her place, then nibbled on her lobe and reached down around her with his other hand, gently cupping her breast in his hand and caressing it weakly. "...If we have anymore fights, I am sure I can find a way to help expedite some kind of make-up sex or affection of some sort that will convince you that you're better off spooning with me than sleeping alone." He winked at her, grinning wickedly, and sat at the opposite end of the table, holding his cup with two hands as he drank it in small sips. 

As his arms went around, her she was already beginning to melt, and she sighed happily leaning back into him, until he walked away. He had almost begun to get her body temperature sky rocketing again. Shaking her head a little bit, she lifted a hand to her cheek which was already beginning to become flushed. "That's not a very fair way of fighting, but something tells me I can do just the same to you." Nodding confidently, she looked down at her tea, lifted it to her lips and took a careful sip. "Do you see right through me?" She asked suddenly, eyes lifting slowly to focus on Idris. Rowen knew that she had shared so little with him about who she was. "Perhaps not..." She quickly began to add, clearing her throat softly. "How do you...fall for someone who doesn't let you in? Well...on their past...I mean. I...I'm stuttering, sorry. My mind began to just go off on it's own. Sorry." Sheepishly she looked down. In fact her mind had gone off on it's own tangent. Her own thoughts spoken aloud before she even had time to catch up herself. 

He watched her from his cup, sipping and not saying anything, hiding his smile in his mug as he watch her verbally hemorrhage and speak thoughtlessly. She was amusing when she lost control of her mouth that way. He waited a long moment, allowing a very awkward silence to set in. Then he set his cup on the table and looked up at her, letting her mind go insane a moment. "It may not be very fair, but you'll find that I find it quite effective. For you, however, I would be anxious to see you try and win a battle in that sort of 'cheating' manner." He grinned a little bigger and winked at her, taking a long sip. "But no, to be honest, I do not see right through you. Much of you is still a mystery. However, to answer you question, I have long discovered that a 'more mystery, less history' approach to a relationship or interaction is often the safest." He didn't say anything else, just watching her in a manner he hoped would make her feel increasingly vulnerable.

Rowen shifted her weight in her chair a moment, definitely feeling that uncomfortable vulnerability. "Oh..." She did such a poor job of hiding it. "I suppose so...but surely you don't want an entire relationship to be a mystery. Not forever..eventually history should be learned. One should know what they are getting themselves into. But perhaps maybe I'm too careful...too distrusting of people. Bad judge of character. Not...that I think I judged your character wrong I..." She sighed, heavily leaning her head into her hand, propped up on the table. "You do this to me on purpose don't you? Make me nervous, make me just babble." Making a face, she took a sip of her tea indignantly. "You've certainly figured out how to do that." 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 07



If you like the story, be sure to leave comments and feedback...or leave them even if you DON'T like it.

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The woman stood in the corridor, arms folded. She was tall, about Idris' height, with crimson hair and blue eyes. She wore a green flight jacket that was open, a black shirt underneath with pants that matched her jacket and black boots. She was smiling, quite pleased with herself. Idris pulled away a little, his eyes almost popping out of his head. His gaze swung over to the intruder and his attention seemed to be completely torn away from Rowen in just a mere moment. 

"Tsela?! How did you...what..." Idris was shaking, enraged and terrified at the same time as he fumbled to speak. 

"You forgot...it's not difficult for me to get aboard ships like these...especially when Ophelia is still so easily convinced by me..." 

The new voice had the same effect on her as a bucket of ice water would have had. Turning her head quickly, she stared at Tsela for a moment, realized she was still in the arms of Idris, and scrambled out of them, landing awkwardly on the ground. "What do you want?" Rowen piped up, her voice cold, and warning. Already she could feel the heat beginning to form under her skin, ready to shoot out at any moment. Hands were placed on her hips as she stood there trying to be as tough as possible. 

She raised her hand towards her face, turning it, curling her fingers in and examining her nails nonchalantly. "I just wanted to welcome Captain Chariton aboard." She gazed up at him, smiling once more. "I'm sorry if I interrupted anything, Idris. I'll just leave you and your..." She looked at Rowen, considering her, her expression showing disappointment and pity as she regarded her. "...Well, whoever this new girl of yours is." 

She grinned again at him, a smile filled with malice and ice. "Should you need anything, please, call me. Or if your time expires before you..." She looked over Idris suggestively, her eyes lingering on his chest. "Well...you know..." Her next expression was filled with a different emotion, one that made Idris blush. He was visibly trembling. "Get...off...my ship, Tsela. And...don't you come...don't you come near me...or Atalanta...again...unless you have my permission." He pointed, though his hand was still trembling, his voice shaking as he commanded her. "I already told you that you weren't welcome on my ship." 

She looked hurt...well, almost. She frowned at him and then pouted. "But, I was just dropping by to wish you well...what's the harm in that?" She seemed to purr her words, moving to lean against the corridor wall, one leg bent with her boot flat against it, one on the floor, with her back flush against the surface as she continued to watch Idris with no apparent intention of leaving. 

Oh, Rowen didn't like her. Not one bit. She wanted to light the woman on fire from head to toe. "The new girl is Rowen." She snapped out, hands remaining on her hips as she just dared the woman to make a smart remark. And she definitely didn't like the look Tsela was giving Idris. "You dropped by, you wished him well, now I believe he asked you to leave." Nope, she was not keeping her mouth shut. Her eyes flashed with dangerous anger as she unconsciously took a step forward almost ready to start a fireball in her hand, just to serve as further warning. 

Idris' reactions seemed to happen rather slowly. He looked over at Rowen a moment and then back at Tsela. "Just go...Tsela." 

She smiled a little bigger, moving away from the bulkhead and shrugged. She walked away, strutting confidently as she made her way off the ship. Idris' gaze lingered on the place where Tsela had been for a long moment before he seemed to return to the proper reality. He looked up. "OPHELIA!" 

No image appeared. Only her voice seemed to be present. "I apologize, Captain. I was not aware that-" 

"Well you're..." his hands balled into fists, and he looked like he might have an aneurysm. "Don't...let it happen...again. Lock down the ship. If anything so much as touches my ship, you'll alert me, and you'll activate the security and intruder deterrent systems." 

Idris was still trembling. He leaned against the wall and wrapped his arms around himself, his back slowly sliding down as his knees bent and he squatted, staring wordlessly at the floor. Trying to breathe easy, she didn't let her tension go until Tsela was out of sight. Growling a little after her, she looked over at Idris, waiting for him to finish barking orders at Ophelia. "Well...that's one way to kill the mood. Old girlfriend of yours?" She asked coldly, her temper not directed at him, but the woman, who as no longer even present in the room. Rolling her shoulders as if trying to rid herself of tension, she finally fully focused on Idris. Concern flooded her face. "Idris? You alright?" Quickly, she moved over to him, kneeling down on one knee in front of him, as she reached out to touch his shoulder. 

He looked over at her from the floor as though only just noticing her in the room. He inhaled a sharp, shallow breath. "I...no...I-I'm...I'm fine." He smiled, but it didn't even qualify as weak, simply an expression to offset the deep frown that had formed on his face. He let go of himself and stood, slowly, and looked around, though he was still trembling. Then, as though finally hearing her words, he replied. "Tsela? A girlfriend?" He shook his head. "No...not...not quite...not exactly..." He looked crestfallen. "It's very complicated. Ask...ask me...some other time...please." He pleaded with her, and shut his eyes for a long moment, trying to regain his composure. 

Surprised by his surge of emotion, or rather lack of, she quickly nodded. Gently, she wrapped her arms around him, only long enough to place a tender, loving kiss on his forehead. "Of course...I was only...never mind. Do you need any thing from me, Idris? Anything I can do?" She let her arms drop, but she didn't move away from him, keeping her eyes focused on him, worry etched into every feature of her face. 

He seemed to flinch when she went to wrap her arms around him, but only for a moment, then he grew more receptive to her, his arms holding her close again. He didn't let her go. He closed his eyes for the moment that she kissed his forehead, and then looked at her, smiling. He reached out and caressed her cheek. "I'm fine, Rowen. I promise. I just...I was surprised." He hoped, futilely, that she would buy it...but only moments after he said it, he realized his words might only move to anger her further, and he immediately regretted it...but didn't act to correct his error. 

"Surprised?" She echoed doubtfully, and immediately pulled back to look at his face, studying him closely for a moment. A look of pure disappointment was mixing in with that worry. "I may not be empathic, but I'm also not stupid. Glad you're okay..." Slowly she began to rise, breaking away from him. He just kept lying to her about things, and it was frustrating, and even starting to hurt her. 

He shut his eyes a long moment and then moved, reaching out for her. He sighed. He shook his head. "I'm sorry, Rowen. I...I don't know...why I said that." He frowned, his expression filled with guilt. 

"Lying becomes second nature to people. I know it just as well as anyone." She answered quickly, stiffening up as she stood, staring down at him with a blank expression.

"Tsela...has..." He seemed to be trying to decide the best way to decide how to word his explanation, but he seemed at a loss. "She's...a Gifted...but...her...her...what...she does...is...it's unique..." He sighed, shutting his eyes and trembling. "She blinks...and she's also mastered her ability to..." his mouth worked feverishly to try and find the right word. "...to...project. She can...create illusions...very...very detailed illusions. Like...she can make herself...look...different...so spectacularly...that it's nearly impossible to tell the difference..." He was trembling again. "She is also Captain Johansen's only niece..." 

Arms slowly folded in front of her as she listened to him explain. Another Gifted. And here she had hoped to meet others like her and actually LIKE them. So much for that hope. "And...she's used that gift on you before." Holding up a hand she chuckled a bit, trying to keep the anger out of the laugh. "...I don't want to know details about that. You may lie all you want about that. My stomach is only so strong." Taking a few steps back, she leaned against the wall, letting out a soft sigh.

He shook his head. "It's...it's not what..." He smiled weakly. "She wasn't quite that nice about it. Let's just say her aunt and Kayla are not the only ones on Avenger who were close to Ariadne...and after her friend...after she...when she found out I was...here...last time..." He shut his eyes and shuddered. "She showed up...looking...like her..." He tried to smile, to hide his emotions, but his eyes started to water and she could see his composure wearing. "...I...I...despite...being alone, I was not able to sleep very well that cycle..." 

Rowen was immediately appalled by what Tsela has done, her eyes widening and she looked towards the corridor she had gone off in. "That...She...How dare she. If I see her again, I will set her on fire a hundred times over." She growled, feeling suddenly very protective of Idris, just as she had before when Tsela had first appeared. Focusing back on Idris, she noted the tear and sighed softly..." I'm sorry, Idris. You, you didn't deserve that...not one bit. She...she's..I don't know..." Sighing heavily, she slid to the ground as well, stretching her legs out towards him. "You really loved Aria, didn't you?" 

Idris scoffed at her and shook his head. "No...no...I didn't. Not even a little. But for some reason...she seemed drawn to me. Unfortunately, for her...she...wasn't very ugly...and..." He shook his head, sighing. "And...I wasn't...very picky..." He frowned. "I didn't love her, but...I can't...seem to get her face out of my head...now. But she mine as well have been just some girl." 

Smiling faintly, Rowen studied him quietly, then looked down at her own lap. "They are all wrong to blame you so heavily. No wonder you beat yourself up so much...it's not...right." Feeling restless, frustrated, and all sorts of other things she jumped to her feet, lit a fire in her hand, and threw it right into a wall with a growl. Sighing heavily, as if that had made her feel better, she looked up towards the ceiling. 

He sighed and looked up at her. "And there is no one but myself to blame, Rowen. I...she is dead...because I didn't save her. And while Tsela's behavior might have been moderately uncalled for...I understand why she did it." He smiled a little. "But the only reason I came back here is because...only a few of the people here really..." He sighed. "Only a few of Avenger's crew feel as Captain Johansen and the few others do. Much of them mourn her loss, but they maintain that it was Aria's fault that her life was extinguished..." He shut his eyes and shook his head. He moved to stand. "I need something..." He walked away towards the galley, wanting to escape what he was feeling. 

Rowen only listened this time, frowning down at the floor until she heard his steps recede. Unhappily, she stared back up at the ceiling again and let out a soft groan of frustration. "Ophelia...what am I going to do with him?" Waiting a few moments, she went after Idris, seeing no other alternative. If she didn't love this man, she would have burnt him up cycles ago, or at least slapped him hard across the face a couple of times. 

"Idris?" She called out gently as she entered the galley, frowning as she looked for him. "I understand if you want to be alone. I just wanted to...double check. I can go busy myself in the bedroom. I still want to mend my shirts..." 

By the time she'd arrived, he'd already managed to set out an array of glasses, filled with the familiar, inebriating liquid. Three of the nine were already empty. He started to drink the fourth, stopping in the middle to look up at her. He smiled weakly, shaking his head. "I...I like you...here. I just...needed something..." He sighed and then finished the glass, slowly setting it down on the table. He shut his eyes a long moment and looked at her again. "There's plenty for everyone...unless you are determined to mend your clothes instead of having Ophelia recycle them..."

"Last time we drank together...we fought. And I slept alone in the bed and you slept alone in the cockpit. I'd rather not repeat that again. Besides, I think I proved I don't hold liquor well. I'll..." Eyes went towards the bedroom where she had mentioned fixing her shirt. "I only bring up mending the shirt because it'll keep my hands busy as well as my mind. I don't want to get in your way, Idris. I'm not here...to do that." Slowly, she sat down at the table, staring at the nine glasses, and shook her head a little. "I'll just watch. And take care of you when you need it." 

"Heh. I am just disappointed that it did not have the effect it was supposed to. Unfortunately, for some people like me, along with intoxicating, it can also...make you...very amorous." He smiled at her. It already seemed to be taking its effect on him. He sighed and didn't manage to grab the fifth glass. He reached out and ended up knocking it over...which knocked over two more glasses. Suddenly, four was now two. He frowned and sighed. "Oops..." He moved closer to her, slowly, still seeming a little aware of himself...with a few subtle differences. "I wonder why it didn't affect you that way though. I've never heard of anybody, save I think one person, who didn't experience the other side effects..." 

"Disappointed? We were in the middle of a fight. If I had given into the...amorous...effect, I'd have beat you up in the morning." She watched him closely, noticing that look starting to come over her face and she resisted the urge to smile back at him. And then the glasses fell over. Wincing, she quickly got up grabbing the nearest towel in the kitchen and began to mop up the liquid. "Maybe I'm just special, Idris. The alcohol didn't effect me that way." Shrugging, she focused on cleaning up the liquor he had spilled. 

He sighed, frowning. "I know you're special, Rowen. You're sweet and...kind...and...beautiful...and...smart...and..." He seemed to lose his train of thought, looking around a moment as if the remainder of his sentence might come to him. "Besides, I think if it had affected you that way, I would have had the chance to really see you let go." He grinned at her and laughed a bit. 

"I didn't mean...I..." Instead of explaining herself and what she meant, she just took the compliments. "Thank you, Love, you're very sweet." Laughing softly she continued to mop up the liquid, finishing up as he mentioned her letting go. "Idris, I can let go. You just haven't asked yet." She shot him a smirk, almost wicked in nature, before she grabbed the wet towel and went to put it in the sink.

He smiled at her and trembled, biting his lip. He watched as she walked over to the sink, his gaze louche and depraved as he watched her without inhibition. He left the other glasses and moved to stand, sneaking up on her. His lips were near her ear as he came up behind her while her back was turned, her gaze on the sink. "You know...it was so awful for...that hideous girl...to sneak on my ship like that...and ruin what we were in the middle of..." He nibbled on her ear a little, wrapping his arms around her abdomen. 

A slow smile crawled across her lips as she heard him whisper in her ear. Without turning around, she placed her hands on the edge of the sink, quiet for a moment. "It was awful for her to ruin what we were in the middle of. But...maybe you're not in the best shape? Hmm?" Her voice immediately took on a teasing tone as she turned around in his arms. That smile still on her lips, she pressed her palms to his chest and began to push him back, maneuvering him till he was pressed back against a wall. 

He moved awkwardly with her encouragement until he felt his back come flush against the wall somewhere between the dispenser and the table. His gaze looked back at the wall a moment and then forward at her. "Mmmm...I think I have been in worse shape than this, Sweetie...but, as of right now, I think I can hold my own." He leaned in and kissed her, his hands on her sides as his lips drifted down towards her neck. 

"Good, you'll need too." She told him shortly, returning his kiss firmly. Feeling his lips begin to drift, she immediately pulled away, leaving just enough room so he couldn't kiss her neck. Grinning at him, she ran her hand down his chest, pressing firmly into his skin, before one hand slipped down, between his legs, and stroked him. One, firm, stroke leaving nothing to the imagination, or what she was planning on doing to him. As she let him have that one, teasing stroke, she leaned forward and nipped his earlobe, then moved down to his neck. She could already feel how tense and ready he was for her. 

His head moved back towards the wall as her hands moved over his chest. His mouth dropped open as she teased him, his jaw descending as his eyes shut before it slowly closed again. As her lips moved over his ear and neck, he moaned softly, moving away from the wall towards her, his eagerness becoming more intense as his hands moved to her hips. 

Rowen smiled at him as she not only watched him, but felt him tense up for her. Smirking to herself, enjoying this sort of power...she let him begin to move forward, then promptly shoved him back - a little harder this time, even keeping his hands off her. "Driving you a little crazy?" She whispered as her hands moved down again, this time working under his shirt, fingertips raking across his bare skin. Finally she grabbed the bottom of his shirt and jerked it off smoothly, but a little hungrily. 

"Are you..." He sighed, lifting his arms to allow her to have his shirt again. "...trying to achieve some kind of record...for greatest understatement?" He inhaled a ragged breath. His hands moved again to try to hold her as his face leaned in towards her neck again. 

She didn't bother to answer him, and once again, stopped him from kissing her neck. Instead of pushing him, though, she caught his lips in a hungry kiss, her tongue wasting no time in parting his lips. Hands grabbed the top of his pants now and immediately worked them and his underwear down to his ankles. As soon as they were free, her hands slid down and began to tease him, with light strokes. Strokes she knew would drive him mad. 

He met her kiss, eagerly, and let his tongue move with her own. He mmm'd into her lips and lingered there, only breaking the kiss when he felt the remainder of his clothes stripped away. He accommodated her by stepping out of them and flicking them with his feet, sending them sliding across the floor. He felt his back move up against the wall as his mouth hung open. He felt her hands moving over him, his body moving to try to avoid her teasing, while somehow simultaneously seeking out more than what she was giving, unable to make up his mind if he wanted to move into her motions or escape them. He grunted, his eyes rolling a little as he tried to reach out and take her again, his movements slowed by her actions. 

The next time he reached for her, she immediately took several steps back, breaking the deep kiss they had been sharing. Smiling at him wickedly, she held a hand up to stop him from approaching her. "Not yet...You can rush at me in a little bit...patience..." Her tone low, teasing, as her hands moved down her own body, grabbed the bottom of her shirt, and yanked it up over her head. Then just as slowly, she began to work her leggings down, leaving herself only in her black undergarments. She realized she was having way too much fun teasing him this way. 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 07



He tried to pursue her, until she made him stop in his tracks. He thought about it a moment, and moved back to the wall. He sighed, watching her, biting his lip. Without any visual deterrents remaining, she could vividly see the effects her movements and words were having on him as his length twitched and throbbed while he watched her strip down. He looked ready to pop when she was done, and he didn't take his eye off her as he watched, the desperation and eagerness shamelessly expressing itself in his eyes and his expression. 

Standing there a moment, she watched him, studying the effect she was having on him. Finally, she worked off the last of her undergarments, standing totally nude in front of him. Then, slowly, she moved towards him, but stopped halfway, head tilted to the side slightly. "So...you want to come and get me yet, or what?" She challenged, fully prepared to take a few steps back if the slight challenge in her voice didn't work, or if her teasing hadn't riled him up enough. 

He moved away from the wall, his pace steady as he approached her. He moved to wrap his arms around her back and leaned in to kiss her. Smiling as he approached her she wrapped her own arms around him, holding him tightly to her, as she returned the kiss he gave her. A soft moan involuntarily slipped out. Once he felt confident that she wasn't going to pull away from him, he pressed towards her, forcing her to take a step back. Then, he quickly moved to lean her back until he almost fell on top of her, helping her to the floor as gently as he could. He moaned into the kiss as his hands moved down over her thighs and between her legs, feeling her lips and hoping that she was ready. He pulled away from her a little, his hand moving between them to guide himself up to slide inside of her warmth. 

He leaned in and kissed her, his movements starting off fast and eager as he caressed her breasts, groaning and grunting loudly as he moved. Rowen allowed him to move her to the floor, gasping very slightly as the cold of the floor touched her heated skin, but she ignored it, focusing on Idris' touch, and then the feeling of him slipping inside of her. Letting out a loud moan, she immediately grabbed onto him hard, and as he began to rock, her hips thrusting back against him. She was just as hungry as he was for pleasure, not caring that they were on the floor of the galley. She needed him right now. 

With how eager he already was, he wasn't sure if he'd be able to satisfy her. His lips leaned up to her ear and nibbled on her, his words breathless. "Rowen...I...mmmm...I want...to..." He exhaled softly, his eyes rolling as he continued. His eyes slowly shut and then opened, dreamily. "I need...to feel you...riding me..." He growled into her ear and slowed a little, trying desperately to draw it out. He moaned and the moved to roll towards the middle of the galley floor, ending up with her on top of him, still impaling her. He brought her down to kiss him, his hips moving slowly as his hands grabbed her sides. 

Feeling his teeth on her ear sent fast shivers down her spine, and his words only increased her urgency for him. Groaning, she rolled with him, pausing atop him, just to make sure she didn't lose him yet. Then, when she was sure he wouldn't lose it, she began to ride him, her hips rocking against him fast, urging him towards his peak. Her breathing was already very labored, having worked herself up with the teasing of him. 

"Idris..." She moaned out, her back arching, as she continued to move atop him, his name vibrating against his lips. He bucked up against her, his back arching over and over as he groaned and whimpered slightly. His eyes wouldn't stay open, rolling in his head as his mouth moved, opening and shutting over and over. He moaned loudly, his eyes shutting tight as his mouth hung open a long moment. His voice was broken as he cried out her name. 

"Rowen...oh f-...I ca-..." he sighed loudly, trying again, "I can't...hold on..." his movements were just as desperate and fast as he pushed up inside of her, making sure to push up as she slammed down, his hands moving to her hips, pulling her towards him. His expression melted and he trembled, still trying to endure the intensity. Cries of pleasure began to fill the air as she felt their bodies rise and fall together, practically slamming into each other as each sought pleasure. 

"Don't...hold...on..." She couldn't barely get words out, her mouth feeling dry from her heavy breathing. Fingernails raked down his chest as she sat up just a little straighter atop him, riding him harder, pushing him. "Come on...Idris...oh..." She felt her own climax nearing, about to hit her like a ton of bricks, and her head fell back, mouth opening as she let out another cry. 

He whimpered and groaned loudly, shuddering and moaning. He pushed inside of her, his warmth shooting into her as he kept going, pushing past his arrival as fast and hard as he could. He moaned loudly, mumbling her name as he tried to persevere. He felt himself waning, his shuddering overwhelming him as he slowed and lied on his back. She could feel that he was still firm within her, but he didn't look like he'd be able to move anytime soon. 

As he came beneath her, she followed shortly after, crying out, her head dropping forward as she panted heavily. And when her shaking subsided, she collapsed on top of him, just laying there for what seemed like hours. Finally, her vocal chords seem to come back to life. "There...let...go..." She whispered to him, hoping her satisfied came through, as tired as she felt. Still she didn't move a muscle. She was about to add more, but she simply just groaned, shifting her head just slightly on top of his chest. 

He moaned softly, sighed. "I...that was so...mmm...I am just glad I managed to...hold out...that long." He shut his eyes, his arms wrapping around her and holding her close. He opened his eyes slowly, looking up at her. "Just...give me...a few minutes...and..." He sighed, his eyes shutting for a long moment. "And...I'll...return the favor..." He sighed, a long, ragged breath as he looked at her, smiling contently. 

"Hm...no...I...just don't move. I like you where you are..." She whispered, nuzzling him gently, encouraging him not to move. Then suddenly, she let out a soft chuckle. "Guess we broke the habit of the refresher..." Lifting her head she looked down at him, smiling brightly as if proud of that fact. 

He smiled at her, nodding. "I like the galley better...it feels nice to have this cool metal against my skin..." He sighed, shutting his eyes for a long moment. "But at least in the refresher, I get to see you looking ragged with your hair all wet." He smiled again, pleased with the memory. 

Grinning down at him, she broke the kiss gently, lips moving down to his cheek, then to his ear where she nibbled at his earlobe. Feeling him move inside, her she let out a faint moan, her sensitive body immediately responding. "...I love you..." She chuckled softly, eyes looking at his face. Suddenly, her cheeks reddened. "Is...that odd to say when we're like this? I've never...said it before. It sort of just...came out." A hand reached up to stroke his hair gently. 

He leaned in as soon as he could, eager to interrupt her. He lingered against her lips for a very long time and then reached up, feeling her chest again. He shook his head, his nose rubbing against hers. "No...I love you too, Rowen." He seemed adamant about it as he moved in to kiss her again, a gentle rocking of his hips starting slowly as he continued to kiss and caress her. He moaned against her lips again, a deeper sound sounding more pleased than any previous. 

"Alright...good." A happy sigh left her as she smiled down at him, the rocking of his hips beginning to stir her blood all over again. Sinking into his kiss, she welcomed the vibrations of his moan, responding with a deep moan of her own. Just as gently as his hips began to rock, she began to rock back as well, keeping a steady rhythm that matched his.

He sighed softly and nodded, his head moving back down to the floor. He bit his lip and looked up at her, suddenly pulling her down to eye level. He grunted at her. "I want to try something...Rowen." He pushed against her, moving to stand. Her eyes widened as they got to their feet, almost whimpering in protest as they separated.

He took her hand and wordlessly dragged her to his quarters. He turned her to face him, standing there next to his bed, looking at her. "Tell me what you like...Rowen...I..." He bit his lip, hard enough it looked as though it might draw blood. "I want to see that look in your eyes...when I do something so intense for you, that you break almost instantly for me." He pulled her closer, his nose and forehead touching her own. He growled and kissed her gently, looking into her eyes, desperately seeking her response. 

Staring up at him, she looked at him uncertainly for a moment, head tilting to the side. "What I like..." She whispered back in response, and she contemplated his question for a moment. Leaning her forehead against his, she slowly nodded, hesitant still. "I like...when you start kissing my neck. And when you touch my breasts..." She spoke slowly at first, testing the waters so-to-speak. 

He didn't waste any time. As she started to speak, he did what she said. He leaned in and kissed her neck, the gentle nipping of his lips moving from her ear slowly down to under her chin. He then began to use his teeth, just gently nipping, each kiss lingering as his tongue tasted her. He watched her, still listening. He started kissing her neck again, and then started to caress her breasts, gently rubbing them around in his hands as he slowly moved up to her other ear. He breathed lightly over her ear and face. "Mmmm...like this?" 

"This is...to just get my blood going. And...then when you reach down to touch me...your fingers inside me..." Now she was biting her own lip as she stared towards him, closing her eyes. 

He listened to her, enjoying the reaction he was stirring in her. He nodded slowly. "To...get your blood going...of course." He nipped at her again, nibbling her ear. "And...then what?"

She could feel as his hand move away from her breast, slowly moving down over her abdomen, past her waistline, slowly feeling her skin. He let his fingers move over her lips, gently caressing them to life again. He slowly pushed one finger in, working it slowly, and then a second, his speed increasing slightly. He withdrew his fingers, his face pulling away from her a little as he pushed his digits, wet with their mixed juices, sinking his fingers into her mouth as far as she would allow before his hands moved back to her again, gently rubbing her lips before he pushed them as far into her as he could. "Mmm...yes...it seems like you do enjoy this..." 

As he worked on her, she let out soft whimper of pleasure, her eyes shutting lazily as she focused completely on the feeling of him touching her. "Oh...yes..." She moaned as he slipped his fingers inside of her, making her knees begin to shake until he pulled his fingers back out. A slow smile spread across her face as he raised those wet fingers of his to her mouth, which she easily leaned forward to taste. 

"Yes...that..." She moaned as he touched her again, her hips gently beginning to rock. "But even more than you fingers...I...love having you inside of me. Starting out slow...trying to control yourself and then...letting go until we both cum together." Her hips pushed down a little harder onto his fingers as she let out another pleasure filled gasp. 

He leaned up and whispered into her ear. "Mmmm...turn around..." He helped her back move to face him as he stopped. He moved her to the bed, and then helped her to lie on her side. He lifted up her leg and moved closer to her, her lower leg hanging between his legs as he approached her perpendicularly. He guided his length up to her, and slowly sank in, deeper than he'd ever felt her before. He held her upper leg, not wanting to hurt her by spreading them too wide. He started out slow, each movement lasting almost a good five to seven seconds each way, gently pushing in, lingering, and receding again. 

He mmm'd and shut his eyes, biting his lip. "Mmm...even...I like...this..." He sighed, his pace not showing any indications that it would pick up as he continued to press inside of her, watching her and waiting to see how long she could bear him moving so slow. 

Her eyes went immediately to his as he sunk deeply into her. Lips parted to allow a soft moan through. "Oh...Idris..." She whimpered, his slow pace feeling almost like torture as her body heat climbed and her need to have more of him grew more intense. Hands gripped blindly for something to hold onto, eventually grabbing onto the sheets that surrounded her. "I need more of you." She whispered, her body pressing down hard into the sheets. 

He smiled at her, biting his lip and repeated her words quizzically. "More? Mmm...how much more of me...can you have?" He thrust inside of her, a quick motion, slamming deep inside of her hard. He lingered for a moment, and then started again, his agonizing pace even making his skin tense and break into goosebumps. He looked at her, an expression of confusion. "What do you mean, Rowen?" He smiled at her, knowing what she meant...but wondering how many times or how many ways he might persuade her to repeat herself until she received what she appeared to desire. 

"All of you..." Rowen whispered, barely able to get the words out. When he slammed into her, she let out loud cries that alas faded into desperate moans. She needed him to pick up his pace or she was going to go crazy. "I need more...faster. I need you to...oh...please take me faster." She whispered to him, her hands balled up in the sheet, gripping tighter. 

He slowly increased the pace, his gentle, pleasant thrusts growing in speed until he was at a more consistent, normal pace, pushing in and out of her. He groaned, giving her only a little of what she wanted. "Mmmm...is that what you want?" 

He couldn't even sense his next peak, feeling so confident and steady, he reached up and gently started to caress her breast again. She couldn't answer for a couple of moments, relishing the new speed, even if it wasn't as fast as she desired it to be. Lips pressed together now and she began to rock beneath him in an attempt pick up the pace herself. 

"Even faster, Love. Oh...please...you're driving me...oh...crazy..." A moan was given as she opened her eyes to look up at him, hips still trying to push back against him. Because of the uniqueness of his approach, he was able to easily deter her movements, holding her still, rendering her helpless to his actions and whatever amount of stimuli he provided. He groaned softly, watching her as she began to lose over to her urges. 

"Mmm...faster?" He leaned down and kissed her. "Mmmm...are you sure you don't want to trade? I could let you ride me again...and set your own pace." He flicked his tongue over her cheek. 

Returning his kiss, she made sure to gently bite his lower lip as he pulled away. "No...no trading. You're in too deep this way...oh..." She let out a helpless groan, her fists grabbing the sheets even harder. "Please, Idris...faster and harder...please, before I set something on fire...or...oh!" She let out a soft cry, head resting on the bed, as her back arched in a futile attempt to thrust again. 

He mmm'd at that. "On fire? Oooo...wouldn't that be a little dangerous?" He moved to stand up straight again, taking hold of her leg with both hands and began to rock into her, over and over again, pushing deeper each time, his pace growing intense and fast as he pushed into her. He moaned softly, his entire body moving as he arched his back. He groaned for a long moment, his eyes rolling in his head. She didn't respond, finding no need too. Soon after he was thrusting into her, fast and with the intensity she'd been practically begging for. Crying out, a light sweat began to break out over her skin, and she yanked at the sheets as her body rocked atop the bed. 

"Yes...Yes, Idris, like that. Oh...yes!" She practically screamed, her body needing this pace for much to long. Muscles tightened, body tensed, as she panted her heart rate rapidly increasing. He tipped his head back as he continued to pound her. He reached up with one of his hands, his fingers gently feeling her clit while he sank into her, hoping to push her into oblivion. He groaned again, his actions consistent and unfailing. He moaned again as he continued, loving the sound of her voice. Moans mixed with cries, she allowed him to thrust into her fast and hard, pushing her towards a massive climax. Soon she couldn't form words, only pant and moan, allowing him to pound into her body with all the force he wanted. "Can't..." She cried out, shaking her head unable to form a sentence. "Oh...Idris!" 

Fists balled up the sheets one last time as she felt her body begin to tremble, and her orgasm hit her wave after wave. Shaking now her back arched, every muscle tensed, even her toes curled. He watched as she tensed and squirmed, her toes curling, her walls clenching down on him. He moaned softly, his eyes rolling into his head. He bit his lip and nodded, continuing to push into her, his pace slowing as she reached her peak. He felt her warmth, heard her voice, feeling himself getting closer. His mouth fell open a moment as he continued even after she'd started to shake and tremble. 

Knowing he hadn't come yet, she was determined to have him do so. Before she became too sensitive to take anymore of his thrusting, she continued to moan and writhe beneath him, thrusting her hips to the best of her ability. "Cum for me, Idris...please...oh...please..." She urged, her voice breathless with her body still trying to recover from its orgasm. 

He shut his eyes a long moment and bit his lip. He got a strange look in his eye, pulling away from her. He rolled her over onto her back, slowly moving up to straddle her chest. He bit his lip, moving slow, guiding his length up towards her face, gauging her reactions to determine if he would follow through. Surprised to find herself on her back and even more surprised to be staring up at him, that didn't mean she didn't understand what he wanted. 

Carefully she lifted herself up just enough, so her tongue ran right along under his shaft, before her lips encased the head of his length. Tongue never ceasing it teasing, prodding movements, she moved down his shaft till she couldn't take anymore, then pulled back, beginning a quick bobbing rhythm. She didn't disappoint. As she, without hesitation, went to work on him, he felt his entire body quake as he almost fell forward. His mouth fell open and his eyes rolled in his head. He tried to speak, but he seemed too overwhelmed to manage a single word. 

His head tipped forward and backward as he tried helplessly to keep his eyes open. She could already feel him throbbing against her tongue, the taste of his clear precursor in her mouth. He shuddered again and fought the urge to rock into her face, though the subtle motion of his actions was noticeable as he moaned and groaned over and over. Rowen reached up to grab onto him, perhaps to keep him from tipping over, or giving her a little more sense of control. Groaning around him, she continued to bob her head quickly, tongue pressing every spot she knew would draw a reaction from him. She wanted him to cum for her, was almost as desperate for him to climax as she had been for herself. He began a repetitive noise of his moaning and whimpering, his head bobbing as his hips slowly started to push towards her. His mouth hung wide open as he breathed heavily. He felt himself lean forward and begin a longer stroke, moaning louder as he cried out. 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 07



"Oh...Rowen...I...ah!" He groaned loudly, leaning back a little as he pressed his hips towards her face as far as she would allow. He felt his length throb as his warmth shot into her mouth, felt it on her tongue as he grunted and groaned over and over. He reached out, trying to anchor himself to something, anything, feeling his balance wavering as he continued to pulse and throb. She kept up her pace until she felt him explode in her mouth, swallowing all of him. Her hands remained on his hips allowing him to lean into them slightly, offering balance for him. When she was sure he had finished, she gently pulled her mouth away, turning her head to the side to free herself, she shut her eyes, and let out a happy sigh. 

"Hmmm...Idris." She groaned softly, opening her eyes sleepily as she gazed up at him. He leaned off of her and lied on his back. He sighed, his breathing still labored as he lied there with his eyes closed. He tried to say something, say anything, but his mouth couldn't function yet. He moaned softly, his breathing beginning to calm as his head moved to look over at her. He smiled at her and beckoned her closer. 

Chuckling as he laid down to the side, she remained there, not moving an inch until she noticed his beckoning. Even then, she was reluctant to move, scooting over very slowly until she was nestled in the crook of his arm, head on his shoulder, one arm draped over his bare chest. She let out a happy sigh, as she lifted her head up just enough to look at him, a silly smile still on her face. 

He could feel himself drifting, holding her close as sleep crept up on him. She smiled up at him as she watched him waver and contently nestled against him, closing her eyes and falling asleep in his arms.





When he woke up, he wasn't sure how much time had passed. He moaned softly, looking over towards Rowen to see if she was still there. One thing he did like about being aboard Avenger was that he had the opportunity to feel safe. He knew as long as he was with the battleship, it was unlikely anything would happen to him. He couldn't tell, still, if it had been two hours or twelve hours and he made a note to have a chronometer installed somewhere in his room. She was sleeping peacefully next to him, but his soft groan made her stir for a moment. Yawning, she reached over to cover her mouth as her eyes lazily began to open. Still in a groggy state, she only looked at him through tired eyes, as she smiled faintly, Gently she reached up to caress his cheek, as she laid her head back down on his chest, lightly kissing his skin. He grunted and encouraged her, loving the way her lips felt on his skin. 

He sighed again and smiled. "Good morning...Did you sleep good?" He grinned at her and reached a hand over to gently pet his hand over her hair, smoothing it out. 

"Morning..." She whispered back, her voice deeper than normal from the heavy sleep she had just woken from. "How could I not sleep well? Did you sleep well?" Stifling another smaller yawn, she shut her eyes again, enjoying the feeling of his hand smoothing out her hair. 

He held her close and shut his eyes a long moment, nodding. "I did...but I am not sure how long." Groggily, he turned toward the roof. "Ophelia...what...how long...did we sleep?" 

"It has been approximately seven hours since you entered REM sleep, Captain." He nodded at her, and sighed. "I guess...that's...enough. But, just to be safe...I think I'll stay in bed." He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as his eyes closed again and he began to drift off to sleep once more. 

"Seven only? Feels so much longer..." She whispered, and groaned softly as she shifted her weight a little, getting more comfortable beside him. Teasingly, she nudged him gently, rocking her body against his. "We can't just stay in bed forever, Idris." With that she very slowly began to sit up, stretching out her arms in front of her. 

He groaned, mumbling. "No...but we can stay here for a few more hours..." He grunted softly, lying there completely still. He let her move, but his body seemed to reach for her, protesting her recession. 

"You must be starving though..." She whispered, as she looked down at him, shaking her head. Then with a roll of her eyes she laid back down beside in, unable to part with the feeling of his warm body pressed up against hers just yet. "Alright, we can lay here." But already, she was more awake and knew it'd be more difficult to slip back into sleep. 

He smiled and nodded. "I like the way you think. Besides...we don't have anywhere we need to be...or anything." He moved to cuddle up closer to her, desperate to have her own warmth closer to him. "And you smell...so good this morning..." 

"I do? I think I smell like sweat..." Laughing a little, she lifted her head, resting her chin gently on his chest to look up at him. "Unless you like that sort of smell, then who am I to tell you differently?" Reaching up she toyed with his hair, running her fingers through the strands. She could see how sensitive he was to her touch, still naked and lying on top of the bed next to her. His body moved of its own volition, pressing against her hand. 

"I like the way you smell..." 

"Thank you." Studying him quietly, she continued to play with his hair, ruffling it playfully one last time before she dropped her hand to the bed behind his head and sighed softly. "I like the way you smell too." 

He mmm'd at that and sighed, nuzzling up next to her, his body relaxing as he started to doze off again, his breathing calm and steady and his arm held her close. 

"Where are we going next?" She asked suddenly. Her mind did have a tendency to wander when she didn't pay much attention to it, or focus on filtering what she said aloud. It was becoming more and more obvious that Rowen was not planning on returning to sleep like Idris was. 

He didn't stir or reply, just lying there with his arms still wrapped around her. His breathing calm and steady as he slumbered peacefully next to her. 

"Hmmm..." She muttered, looking up at him, noted he was sleeping and sighed softly. Gently she climbed from the bed, walking from the bedroom to the galley where her clothing had been discarded the night before. Quickly, she scooped them up and pulled them on. 

"Good morning, Ophelia." She commented, suddenly, not wanting to be totally alone in the galley as she began to busy herself with making tea. 

The image appeared on the dispenser. It was smiling at her. "Good morning, Mistress Cairn. How was your sleep cycle? Efficient?" 

"Very efficient, Ophelia, thank you. How's Atalanta? Patched up or is she still being worked on?" Taking the finished tea, she sat down at the table, turning so that she could still face Ophelia, smiling up at the little projection. 

"Avenger's mechanics have yet to begin their repairs and upgrades of Atalanta. I speculate they'll have our engines fixed by the end of the next cycle." The image disappeared and reappeared, almost instantly, at the table where Rowen was enjoying her tea. "Do you mind if I ask...why are you curious about the time it will take us to be ready to leave?" 

Surprised by the computer's question, she hesitated a moment as she blew on the surface of her tea, slowly cooling it down. "Well, to be perfectly honest, Ophelia...I don't much care for several of the people...helping us currently. They are silly personal reasons. I am very protective of Idris, I suppose." 

"I sense there is more detail to your feelings than you are revealing, Mistress. I understand that you dislike the way that Avenger's captain, as well as other officers aboard this ship, treat Idris. However, it is not something that can be changed or rectified. And Idris' guilt will likely never be undone. But despite all of the negative aspects of our arrival, Atalanta is going to be fitted with an extra weapons turret, as well as having her propulsion systems upgraded to the current military specifications. My conclusion is that this is why Idris stays. And the people of the launch bay have a delightful attitude for Idris, so not all of Avenger's personnel have grudges against Captain Chariton." The image continued to smile, letting the words sink in. 

Rowen actually let out a soft laugh as Ophelia continued to talk. Smart computer. Sipping the tea cautiously, she set the mug down gently and began to tap her fingernails against the top of the table. "I cannot give you a specific answer, Ophelia. Perhaps I am becoming restless again. That is who I am. I wander...much more than any one person should. Being in only one place makes me itch...it's a reflex to want to be somewhere new constantly. Or..." Laughing at herself now, she waved her hand dismissively. "Maybe I just want to buy new clothes. Wearing Idris' shirts make me feel silly, as comfortable as they are." It was a joke of course. Picking her tea up again as she took another careful sip. 

The image nodded. "I understand. You are a nomad, but not out of desire, simply out of habit. You have had to flee for your entire life. Idris, I dare say, will never make you feel as though you need to flee. Though he will never admit it, he has needed your company moreso than some humans need air to breathe. As far as the clothes, I am sure you do not dislike wearing clothes that always smell like him. The sense of smell is one of the most powerful senses, neurotically speaking. It can pull memories and experiences to the surface that a human may have long forgotten, or...that have recently taken place. But when he wakes up, have him put in an order for supplies, and I can make you whatever you want." The imagine winked at her, continuing to gaze at her.  

"You are very perceptive, Ophelia." Rowen smiled at the image, laughing softly, definitely surprised by the computer's response. "Idris does not make me feel as if I need to flee though. If anything, he's the only person who has made me feel like I had a place to stay." Looking down thoughtfully into her mug of tea, she gently bit her lower lip and sighed softly. "You too, Ophelia. You make me feel as if I have a home also." 

Quiet for a moment, she sipped tea, looking around the galley. "I'll have him put in the order when he wakes." Then, gently, she pushed the mug away and crossed her arms laying her head down on top of her arms. Slowly she took a deep breath, smelling the fabric of the shirt. It smelled of her, but also of him, and a small smile spread over her lips. 

"I do not pretend to be clairvoyant, Mistress. I am a computer, so it is not difficult for me to retain any and all information that I observe or collect. My observations, as well as conversations Captain Chariton and you have had, contribute to this. Things you have said, or told each other or confided in me with, all help to build a complex excogitation designed to predict and identify certain human neuroses and tendencies that are unique in every individual. I suppose the familiar vernacular would be that 'I read people.'" The image winked, smiling at her. "But I assure you, there is nothing more out of the ordinary with me than there is with this ship. I am just a computer. But, I will confess that I have observed how happy, or even delighted, Captain Chariton has been since your return. To say that 'his apparent need for you has intensified,' would be an understatement of equal caliber as if one supposed, 'Captain Chariton requires oxygen to function.'" 

The image moved across the table, standing next to her as she rested her head. Her voice dropped a little as she spoke. "Are you sure you would not prefer to return to Idris' bed with the hopes of being able to sleep a little better?" 

Looking up at the little computer image, she let out another laugh, and shook her head some. Ophelia was something else and it delighted Rowen. Picking up her head, she straightened herself in the chair and smiled brightly at Ophelia. "You know, Ophelia, although you probably weren't aware of it, you and I just had 'girl talk.' And very good girl talk at that." Standing now, she grabbed her tea and took a few more final sips before dispensing of the mug. 

"I will be in Idris' bed. Although I probably will not be sleeping. Your Captain may sleep like the dead, but I do not." Making a bit of a face, she walked towards Idris' bedroom, sitting own on the edge of the bed, looking down at him as he slept. Then slowly, she sunk down beside him, curling up next to him, head on his chest, as she delivered a firm, happy kiss to his cheek. 

The image appeared perplexed by Rowen's words, completely confused in a way Rowen had yet to observe. As Rowen left her at the table, the image disappeared, meeting her in Idris' quarters. Her voice was audible only to Rowen, almost mute. "I am afraid you are incorrect about your supposition, Mistress. I, though my image might lead you to believe otherwise, and not a girl...or a woman, for that matter. My sensors indicate were both conversing in Common...not...this mysterious language that you continue to let elude me. I also am not sure what standard you are using to rank our conversing as 'good,' or 'bad.' I cannot imagine that you would have a 'bad' time talking to me, as I have yet to encounter a creature with whom I am able to communicate." Still completely baffled, the image continued to ramble on. "And, the dead do not sleep, Mistress. I am not sure I understand that relation either. I am afraid you have me very confused by your wording..."

Arching an eyebrow when the image reappeared, she sat up, to listen to Ophelia go on and on about being confused. Holding up a hand to silence the computer, she paused to try and figure out how she was going to sort this. "No, no...I meant. I...Hmmmm. I was using metaphors. Girl talk, is a metaphor for talk that happens between women. And I understand you don't ACTUALLY have a gender, you have the voice and appearance of a female, so that's that. And...sleep like the dead is another metaphor, meaning very difficult to wake up. I'm sorry I confused you, Ophelia." 

"I apologize that matters, so simple to you, seem to constantly elude me." The image frowned, visibly disappointed in itself. "I am glad that we, you and I, could have a...good...'girl talk.'" Still a little confused by this, the image decided to settle for the weak understanding it had collected. "And, I would imagine the dead are very difficult to wake...perhaps, impossible even. But I suppose the difficulty is relative based on one's ability to rouse him." The image winked at her suggestively, but didn't do anything to try to demonstrate. 

"No, no need to apologize. Ophelia. You're learning, just like I learn from you." She paused, trying to gauge Ophelia's wink, feeling a little put off by it. "Uh...r-right. Well, with Idris, you know him. Um...sleeps...deeply. Takes shaking the whole ship to get him awake." Biting down on her lower lip she turned a bit to look down at the sleeping Idris, who as completely unaware of the conversation happening around him. 

Idris remained unmoving and calmly silent. The only thing that indicated he was alive was the slow rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. He was otherwise entirely oblivious to anything that might have been happening. 

"If you get impatient and you decide you would like him to stop slumbering...and you need my assistance, you need only notify me, Mistress." 

"Well, the last time I shoved him off the bed worked in my favor, so I am thinking I'd try that method. Although, I do feel bad for waking him up. He's had a rough couple of cycles. Probably needs the rest." Still she was sitting up now, looking down at the sleeping Idris, gauging what his reaction might be to being tossed off the bed once again. 

The image had nothing to add, probably feeling entirely unqualified to make a guess or add to her thought, looking a little apprehensive about what Rowen might do next. Idris was sound asleep, and it would likely take him falling out of bed to wake him up. Or...more direct methods of awaking his higher functions. Considering all her options, she finally decided - it was time to wake him up. Smiling slowly, she considered him for a second, and finally, gently leaned her body into his and...shoved. Hearing his body thud to the ground, she laid flat on her stomach, leaning her head over the side to stare down at him. "Idris! Wake up!" 

He was groaning from the moment he hit the floor. Then, when she started yelling, he jumped as if someone had splash cold water on him. He groaned again, annoyed, wincing. He moved to sit up...right into the bed, his forehead banging against the side as his face moved instinctively toward the noise. "Ow! Ugh!" He opened his eyes a little and groaned. "Whyyyyy?" 

He moaned, sitting up again, trying to blindly avoid any obstacles. He groaned and opened his eyes a little, looking up at her. He winced. "Ophelia...change illumination settings to zero, please." Suddenly, all light in the ship went out. He grunted and nodded, and she could hear the sound of his head resting on the floor again. "Thank you..." 

Unable to resist, she burst into laughter hearing him fumble around, watching him flop, doing himself more harm than anything. "It was time to wake up. Idris...hey!" As the lights went out, she sighed heavily and slowly climbed down from the bed, making sure not to... "Ow!" She tripped over his arm, or leg, and flopped to the floor, her stomach crashing into his chest. "Ow, ow...you okay?" Cringing in the dark, she tried to move so that she was straddling his stomach, but instead ended up straddling his thighs. "Why the hell did you turn the lights off?" 

He grunted loudly when she...found him. He sucked in a wheezing breath and it was a long time before he respond. "Dark...better...sleeping...for." He groaned again and then slowly moved his leg up in the air, helping her move toward his face. "

It is time to get up. You're tired because you're still asleep." Feeling his legs lift, she rolled to the side, luckily AWAY from the bed and landed on the floor next to him. "Stop being lazy. Come on..." Playfully she poked his side a couple of times then grinned wickedly - not that he could see. Hands felt for his bare chest, and slowly moved down his still nude body until she found what she was looking for. Wrapping one hand around his length she gave it a gentle stroke. "Still tired? I mean if you are...we'll just...go back to sleep." 

He grunted at her. "Correction...I was asleep...and I am not being lazy. What do I need to get up and-" But before he could finish his question, she seemed to knowingly answer. He liked her answer, and she could feel how intense the appeal of it was for him. He shook his head, moaning softly as his hips moved, almost unconsciously, towards her hand. "I...'mm...awake. Whatever...you want." He sighed and inched closer to her, his body trembling a little. 

Glad he seemed to be listening to her now, she continued to move her hand up and down his length, her strokes becoming firmer as he became more awake. "Well I don't know. You did seem really tired, and I don't want to keep you up. I mean wow, even I'm starting to feel tired." And with that her hand began to slow its stroke and she even began to pull away. 

"No! No...don-...mmm..." His voice was almost a whimper, like a helpless child she might have just taken sweets from. He surged, moving after her, his entire body trembling. His breathing was labored and his sense of urgency was almost overly intense. "I...I...I..." his breathing was labored again. He was almost hyperventilating. He shook his head, and then scorned himself when he remembered she couldn't see. His words were slurred as he breathed through the syllables. 

"Ophelia, change...lighting...to...minimal...ambiance levels." He gasped and whimpered a little, the light slowly coming on again, but they were do dim that Rowen could barely seen more than just the outlines of Idris' form and the shadows of the floor. It made the even the dim displays of the dispenser or cockpit monitors look like spotlights. She paused as he called for the lights to return, just dim enough so she could avoid falling over him again. Her hand slowly began to resume steady strokes as she moved closer to him, feeling his trembling against her body. She could feel the heat begin to grow in her belly as well, her heart beginning to pick up the pace. 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 08



"Ophelia and I had breakfast together - well...I had tea and her and I spoke. It was nice." Groaning softly as she began to sit up a little more, her entire body feeling tender. "Perhaps we should actually wash up now..." Smiling over at him, she paused a moment, then scooted towards him until she could place a soft, tender kiss on his lips. "The refresher is slowly becoming one of my favorite places on this ship...and I'm finding it just a little odd." An easy laugh was given as she lifted herself up off the floor, slowly, letting the hot water pelt her tired body and soothe her completely. 

"Mmm...does that mean I have to get up?" He shook his head. "I don't know if I am ready for that kind of exertion. Usually I have time to...prepare and build my composure...but, right out of bed...I am easily spent." He closed his eyes and groaned, smiling. "But I am glad that the refresher is becoming your favorite place." 

He grinned wickedly. "That means I'll never have to worry about smelling your p-" He caught himself...sorta, and cleared his throat, blushing a little. "I...I mean...you'll always smell...fresh-nice-clean...I mean. I mean, not that you'd ever smell-" He smiled sheepishly, turning a little red in the cheeks, and decided to stop talking...it was her turn. 

"I'm sorry, what was that?" She whirled around to look at him, both eyebrows raised as she stared at him. Taking a step towards him, she reached out with her foot and gave him a little kick with it. "Come on, say it. Do you have a problem with the way I smell? Because I have never gotten a complaint about my smell...ever. And I mean, if you're complaining...we don't have to do...this anymore." She motioned with a hand, indicating the both of them, then placed both hands on her hips still watching him, waiting for an answer. 

He felt the color drain from his face. He probably looked like he was not only dead, but had in fact been dead for a long time. "I-I...n-no...I mean...of-of course...not. I...I was just...it..." He continued to move his mouth, but it seemed like his brain had burned out, and speaking clear, audible syllables was becoming increasingly difficult. He moved to stand, his brain whirling and he could feel how dizzy the panic was making him. "I didn't...mean...anything...I just...joke...it was...a...bad...bad." 

Instead of reassuring him like she usually did, she let him blubber on, staring at him amused. Nodding a few times, she let his voice trail off, and then let a silence hang between them. Giving him a look, she turned her back to him, pressing at the soap dispenser and began to scrub it into her hair. "We won't always be in the refresher, if you have problem, guess you'll just have to hold your breath." Tsking softly, she shook her head to emphasize her disappointment as she finished scrubbing her hair, and began to rinse the suds out. 

He just stood there, watching, gaping, no more certain how to respond than he was certain how to divide by zero. His mouth kept moving like he wanted to say something, quite desperately, but he seemed to be having a lot of trouble putting the words together correctly. He tried to remember what it was he had even said. He kept reviewing all the things she'd said to him, trying to decide if he had, in fact, said anything like that, desperate to determine how the conversation had ended up where it had. 

Not hearing him speak, she made a face and finally, turned back around to face him. "Is it just me you have trouble arguing with, or all women?" Slowly a smile crossed her face as it became more and more apparent she had been joking with him. Letting out a soft chuckle, she reached up to place a hand on his face. "I flustered you, I'm sorry. I was only joking. You took me much too seriously I think. Come here..." Gently, she turned his back to her as she grabbed more soap and began to wash his back gently. 

He felt the color flooding his face again as he avoided eye contact with her. He let her turn him around and sighed, relaxing a little when he felt her soft hands and realized that she was simply giving him a double doze of his own medicine. "I...am quite capable of arguing with...pretty much anyone...unless..." He cleared his throat. "Well, I mean...unless I know they're right..." He shifted uneasily. "...Or...in your case...if I think it the...discussion...might end up with me sleeping alone again..." 

"So then the answer to my question was...'just me.'" Shaking her head, she continued to rub his back, working her fingertips into his muscles, giving him a gentle massage as she cleaned him off. She had very strong hands, a workers hands. Not calloused, but her fingers moved with certainty. It was why she enjoyed making jewelry. It kept her hands busy, and she had a knack for the minute details it required. Backing away from him, she pulled him under the water so she could rinse off. "And Idris...I don't know if I could ever stand you sleeping alone again. Because that would mean I'd have to be without you. Not a pleasant thought." 

He rolled his eyes. Yes, he had given her a long answer...again. He let her guide him, and melted a little with the massage, his eyes rolling a little as he felt her fingers. He smiled at her last statement and helped her rinse him off. He then turned around to look at her, smiling. He leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. Warmed by the feeling of his lips on her forehead, she smiled up at him, shrugging her shoulders. 

"Thank you. I'm sorry that I tried to make a comment that a teenager might make. It wasn't very mature of me." He smiled weakly and pulled her into an embrace. "And...for the record...you always smell fantastic...and...taste fantastic too." 

"I'm sorry I give you such a hard time." Allowing him to embrace her, she leaned into him immediately, her cheek resting on his wet chest. "And for the record...you do as well." 

He grinned at her, a wicked smile that took up his face as he guided her back to him and started to feel her skin. He rubbed water all over her back and then allowed some of the soap to end up in his hands, giving her a good lather. He was not skilled at massage therapy or particularly good with his hands, but he did his best to reciprocate. Laughing as she was turned again, his hands working over her own back now. Perhaps he wasn't skilled with his hands or massages but a massage was a massage and she enjoyed it, groaning softly a few times. He smiled as he listened and rewarded her when she groaned. He guided her back under the water and washed her off, then grabbed the soap and began to clean the rest of his body. As he washed her off, she grabbed a little bit more soap to clean the rest of her then moved to step out before him. 

He had a feeling the mechanics would show up soon and he wanted to be clean if they were forced to vacate Atalanta, even if it was only for a short time. Snatching the nearest towel, she quickly began to dry off, finishing before him so she could rehang the towel for him. Naked, she walked into the bedroom, searching for clothing of hers that was clean and not torn. He watched her finish before him and walk out and couldn't help himself. He stopped what he was doing and watched her walk away from him. It took every fiber he had not to pounce on her predatorily and make her his prey again. He bit his lip and trembled. She was so beautiful. When she was out of sight, he snapped out of his daze and went back to washing up. He finished not long after, grabbing the towel and standing in front of the mirror as she spoke to him. 

"I was supposed to tell you..." She called over her shoulder to Idris when she heard him step out of the shower. "...Ophelia says that I can ask you to order me clothing. Which is not such a bad idea considering how low I am running." 

He wrinkled his forehead. She wasn't making any sense. He stopped what he was doing, toothbrush in hand as he peered back in at her. "She said what?" 

Pulling on pants she had worn her first day there, as well as the shirt - they looked clean anyway and didn't smell at all. Her fingers reached back and began to work her damp hair into a long braid. Hearing Idris' confused voice, she made a face and walked back towards him, as she continued to weave her hair into braids. "She said order me supplies. Clothes..." Pointing at his mouth. "Toothbrush...If I'm going to be living here, I'll need that kind of stuff. Why are you making that face?" 

He shook his head. "We can't make an order for supplies or...toothbrushes or anything like that until we get to an outpost." He grinned at her. "Besides, what do you need clothes for? You're naked most of the time anyway." He grinned wickedly and winked at her, proceeding back to the mirror. 

"I'm aware of that. Fine, I can wait. When is it that we'll be getting to this next outpost?" Finishing her braid, she gave it a toss over her shoulder, as she shot him a look. "NOT most of the time. Just...a lot of the time." 

Rolling her head, she turned away from him and exited the refresher, sitting down on the edge of the bed. As she waited for him to be finished up, she sat there patiently, looking around the room, noticed some of her clothing crumpled on the floor and got up again to gather then and set them aside neatly. He finished brushing his teeth and thought about a response for a long moment. "Never?" He smiled as he walked back toward the bedroom. "Eventually?" 

He saw her dressed, hair braided, gathering up her clothes. He exhaled through his nose, standing the the room, naked, and still a little damp. "I think I am going to stick with 'never'..." He smiled, grinning with teeth bared. 

His answer wasn't sitting well with her. Pausing as she tidied up, she turned to look at him, frowning. "Never? Tell me that's a smart-ass answer because you want to keep me naked all the time. Do not tell me that is an actual answer. Idris...I...we...have to stop somewhere. We need supplies, and clothes, and I need to get off this ship once every so often or you might be dealing with a very restless woman. And not in a good way." 

Unable to help himself, he smiled again as she spoke to him, and even laughed a little, then tried to look serious...too serious. He nodded, "Oh...oh yeah, didn't...*ahem* didn't I tell you? I...we're not allowed to go back to a planet...ever again...you just have to stay here on Atalanta...with me...forever...with no clothes..." His gaze wandered as he continued to nod. "Mmmm hmmm. It's ok though, I am sure we can figure something out." He continued to nod at her, assuring her that he was not, in fact, lying. Why would he lie to her about something so serious? 

Rowen stared at him for a long moment, mouth slightly agape as she tried to understand. "Wait. WHY? Idris...I...I cannot stay on this ship forever. I need solid ground, and to walk around, and smell fresh air...and...I need clothes...I..." She pointed a warning finger at him. "Why can't we go back to a planet? Are you lying? What did you do? Answer me!" She didn't look happy about the concept of having to stay on the ship forever. In fact she immediately looked restless, and itchy. She began to pace hands on her hips shaking her head. 

He found it very difficult to do so, but despite his great pleasure, he sighed. She was so sexy when she got all worked up, but it wasn't fair to her. He took her by the arms, gently holding her just above her elbows. He stopped her and looked at her. "Ssshhhh. I'm sorry. I was only kidding. You're so cute when you get all flustered like that." 

"Cute? You're mean..." She gave him a gentle shove, then gently wrapped her arms around him in a hug. "Ass." She added just for good measure. As he soothed her, she took a deep breath, frowning at him. Now she really wanted to set him on fire. Relaxing her tense body, she tried to get her blood pressure to settle down, so she'd stop feeling so panicked. Rowen usually did well at keeping herself together but the thought of being confined to one place for much too long drove her into immediate claustrophobia. 

He kissed her forehead and winked at her. "The honest answer is I have no idea when we'll be leaving Avenger or landing on a planet. However, what I think Ophelia was trying to remind me to do was put in a submission for a material exchange so she can have additional material to put into the rendering hardware. The same stuff we need for the dispenser we also need for the machine that makes clothes and towels. Unfortunately, I think there are somethings a little too complicated for even Ophelia to render. But maybe she can construct you another toothbrush of your own, and anything else you might need. If not, you can just use mine." He winked at her, smiling. "Don't worry, Rowen. Though I have yet to see that wild mare break out of the stable and run a muck, I have a feeling that if I keep you in here too long, though I might take pleasure in seeing this side of you...per your words, I may only like it at first. If the mechanics show up to make installations on Atalanta today, then they will provide us quarters to sleep in...and stuff." 

"Yes, yes that's what she said. I don't remember technical terms for things like that. I'm afraid I'm a little useless when it comes to ships. But I'll learn. Wait...wild mare?"

He grinned and winked at her once more, and then stopped, sighing, done with his lecturing.

She lifted her head to look at him and give him an odd look. "We haven't been wild enough?" Giving him a gentle nudge she finally broke away from him, remaining closer. "If you have mechanics coming aboard it might be good to have clothes on. Unless you like to give your mechanics free shows." 

He smiled at her and addressed her one question at a time. "You don't need to worry about the technical. I should have figured out what she said. I was just a little confused. I'm sorry." He kissed her forehead, smiling. "And to answer your question, we have been...well..." He tipped his head back and forth, thinking about it. "Well...you were a little wild last night...but it still felt like you were holding back." He grinned at her and winked. "And yes, I am sure they'd prefer I got dressed. They've already had a free show. It's nothing they didn't see...but, only because they forgot to knock." 

He winked at her and then leaned in, pushing his lips to her own. Rowen blushed, remembering being caught as they kissed in the galley. And were working up to much more. Returning his kiss gently, she smiled warmly at him and gave a little nod of her head partnered with a shrug as she tried to dismiss her delayed embarrassment. "Ought to teach her to knock, I suppose." 

Walking away from him, back to the bed, she sat down and watched him, admiring his nude form. He was wonderful. Usually when he was naked, she was so caught up in the moment she didn't pause to study him. Grinning, she trailed her gaze up to his face and chuckled softly to herself. He was making a face, turning a little red. That particular occasion had not been what he was talking about. "Well...actually, Tsela hasn't...seen...uh..." His gaze wandered and he though about it for a moment, wondering about the last time she had been on the ship, attempting to recall how far it had ended up proceeding before she'd revealed herself. "I meant...the mechanics...not...not her." 

He shifted a little, uneasy about it, and a little embarrassed. "Not...the chief himself, but...well...I mean...it's, it's not really important, I suppose..." 

Staring at him a second she shifted uncomfortable as the information sunk in. "O-oh. Right. Of course." Looking down, flushing bright red, she immediately stood up. "Um...you get dressed. I'm...galley...to...tea...make." 

Clearing her throat, feeling her face to get a little redder, she quickly exited, feeling strange. She didn't know why exactly. Certainly she never expected him to just have been with her. She certainly had not just been with him. Still, it made her stomach tighten in a uncomfortable manner. Reaching the galley, she sat down at the table and began to drum her fingers against the table not sure what to do with herself. 

He winced as she rushed off. He dried off completely and got dressed, following her into the galley. When she wasn't making tea, he approached her. He looked concerned. "Hey, are you alright? I'm sorry. I just...don't worry about Tsela. She was nice enough to reveal her identity before anything happened. She didn't get to see anything. But, one of the mechanic girls...did. She didn't realize that I had been let back into my ship and...well, I kinda...ran into her while I was in a towel...and..." his gaze drifted. "She...got a free show...and a little bit of a scare. But, I promise you...it's nothing...I mean." He sighed. "It's not like I have ever been with anyone on this ship...except for you, I mean." He winked at her, smiling reassuringly. 

Not seeing him as he entered, she jumped when she heard his voice. The drumming of her fingers ceased and she stared up at him as he quickly tried to reassure her. Shaking her head quickly, she waved a hand at him. "No, no, no...I mean...it's fine. I...know you've been with...women...and...that's fine. That's...fine. I'm just...this feeling in my gut. Like a big ball it just...I think, jealousy? I don't know, I'm not used to feeling it. I just got flustered, no problem. I mean, it's normal for both of us...we've been with...other people. And...hm...I hope you're thinking I'm really cute right now." Grinning brightly at him, she hopped off her chair and shrugged. "I'm fine. See? Just...I get flustered so I...walk out of situations. Defense mechanism. Like blushing, I guess." 

He hugged her and smiled warmly. "I am not concerned. I don't really care who else you have been with. I am just content that you ended up with me." He winked at her and then flicked the tip of his tongue over her nose to throw her off. Unable to hold it back she laughed as he licked the tip of her nose, immediately drawing back some, crinkling her nose quickly.

"I don't mind that you got a little shaky about it, ok? And to be honest, I...haven't really..." He sighed. "I can count on one hand how many people I was ever as intense with as I have been with you, ok? So don't worry. In fact, I've never been with anyone like I have been with you." He smiled and leaned in, kissing her for a long moment. 

The voice came from off to the side. "Captain, the deck chief is requesting that we allow his team to get started on the new installations and upgrades. Shall I allow them aboard?" 

He pulled away from her a little, smiling, and looked over at the image on the table and then back at Rowen. "You know, Avenger's quarters are even better than my own...and they have bigger beds." He winked at her suggestively and pulled her closer, smiling at her. his words warmed her, and that knot slowly worked itself out. I've never been as intense with anyone as I have been with you." 

Returning his kiss, she almost groaned in protest as she heard that voice off to the side. Grinning up at Idris she arched an eyebrow and allowed him to pull her closer, pressing her body against his. "Sounds nice. Bigger beds. More room." Pressing her lips against his she bit at his lower lip playfully as she pulled away. "Alright, enough buttering me up. I'm never going to stop blushing." 

He grinned at her. "Is that a promise?" He winked and nipped at her butt with his fingers before walking away from her. He went to open the landing ramp and froze. All the apprehension came flooding into him. He was shaking as he hurried back to the galley, next to her. "No, Ophelia. Tell them...tell them to wait...while...a moment...I...just...no." 

He looked at Rowen. "I don't want you on Avenger." He blurted it out, fast and unexpectedly, exhaling after he said it. He shook his head. "I...I'm...worried...that. I mean, what if...what if something happens to you, or...or...or..." He was clearly a little tense. He had intended to keep her presence a secret, but he suddenly realized how difficult that would be now that Tsela had saw her. What might happen now, if he brought her aboard? 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 08



Rowen trailed behind him as he walked towards the landing ramp, curious to see how everything was executed. She was stopped halfway when Idris came rushing back to her in a fit of panic. Holding up both hands she tried to calm him down, her own head spinning at his sudden change in mod. "Wait Idris! Please, just...sh..." She took his hands quickly and gave them a gentle squeeze. "Love, you'll be with me. I know you'll keep me safe and...Idris...I really don't think anything will happen to me. They are allies. And...furthermore...on top of all of what I just said. I can take care of myself also. We need to get on Avenger so that they can fix Atalanta. Come on...stop worrying so much about me." 

He exhaled slowly, and considered this. "I...ok...um..." He nodded slowly, relaxing. "Just...just...be careful, ok? I mean...yes, they are...allies, but they are also...they're human, ok? Humans are bad...and..." He stopped and thought a moment. "Well, I mean...most...humans...bad." 

He scratched the back of his neck a little. He sighed again and shut his eyes. "Just, if...if anything happens, you'll tell me? I may not...get...to be with you the whole time. I don't see why not, but...I...you just...never know." 

He frowned and exhaled. "Are you sure you feel safe enough to do this?" 

"Idris..." Her face went from reassuring to serious. She needed him to understand she'd be okay. Squeezing the hand she had in hers a little tighter, she stepped closer to him. "You've seen my scars...I know humans. I know they can turn on you in an instant. I'm very good at not trusting people, and being on my guard. It's my way of life. You forget this about me...wild mare...remember?" A smile broke her serious expression and she let his hand go gently. "Safe or not...I can do this. I'm fine. I'd love for you to be with me the whole time but since Atalanta is yours, you may be pulled away. I'll be perfectly alright. 

He realized he was holding his breath again and exhaled. "Right...ok. I guess you're right." He smiled. "I believe you." He looked up. "Go ahead, Ophelia. Let them in. I'll go meet up with them in a second." 

They could hear the sound of the landing ramp descending as he leaned in and kissed her for a long moment. "I am so glad that I have you here...I feel safer when I am with you." He smiled and took her hands, squeezing them gently and then pulled her along. They met up with a few of the mechanics who were coming on board armed with a few tools and supplies. 

Only one of them didn't walk past them. "Captain Chariton. How are you?" 

Idris smiled. "Hello, Nyshera. I am fine. I'm glad to see you are still here." 

Nyshera was about Rowen's height, with a sturdy build and a slim figure. She had pronounced muscles in her arms, but not to a point that it was unappealing. It was obvious she was used to this kind of work. Her long, brown hair was done up in an elaborate braid meant to keep her hair out of her face. She had a dark blue jumpsuit and black gloves. Her complexion was a little darker and she had the most interesting orange-yellow eye color. "I am glad to see you made it aboard safely. Chief said that we have some new weapons for you, but that you broke the subspace and antispace propulsion systems?" 

He rolled his eyes. "Well, that is one way to put it, yes." 

She winked at him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "We'll get you fixed. I am not sure where you're staying, but I think they have quarters already picked out for you. You'll have to talk to the deck captain that is on duty at the moment. But...first, you're going to have to introduce me to your..." She seemed at a loss for the right word, and decided to settle for what she hoped would be general enough. "...your passenger." 

Idris' eyes got very big. He felt terrible. "Oh, yes, this ...Rowen, this is Nyshera. She's one of the better mechanics on Avenger. She's fixed Atalanta before, the last time I was here. And, she doesn't hate me...for some reason." He turned to looked Nyshera again. "Because I know Aria was your-" 

She waved a hand. "SSShhhzzip-it. Don't worry about it anymore, Idris. Just because Kayla and ship's captain can't get over it and feel like it's ok to blame you, I feel confident that you would have saved her life if you could have." She exhaled and got an exasperated look. Obviously this had not been the first time she had expressed this. "Now, I don't know where you're staying, but the deck captain on duty will have that information, ok?" 

She smiled warmly at Rowen. "And..." As she spoke, she seemed as though she was making a point to neglect Idris' presence. "...I'm glad to see Idris finally cheered up long enough to find someone decent." She winked at Rowen and curled her hand up over Idris' shoulder and squeezed it kindly before walking away. "And don't worry," she called over her shoulder, "the deck captains don't even know the name 'Ariadne'!" 

They could hear her talking to Ophelia as she walked away, but the conversation wasn't loud enough to make out the words. Idris was blushing a little as he looked at Rowen. 

"She's...a...nice girl." He half tried to laugh it off. "Heh...but, we should...go, and leave them to their business." Still red as ever, he walked away down the ramp, eager to hide his embarrassment. 

Rowen stood patiently to the side as the two spoke, not butting in where she knew she really had nothing to contribute. Again, she knew zero about ships and she knew none of these people. Standing there feeling just a little out of place, she looked down at her feet then back up just as quickly when she realized she was being introduced. Smiling warmly at the woman, she nodded politely. "Nice to meet you, Nyshera." 

Rowen liked this woman. She was the first of Idris "friends" who had been kind to her. "I'm glad he did too. Thank you, Nyshera." When the woman walked away, she looked quickly at Idris, and laughed at his obvious embarrassment. "I like her. Stop your blushing, love." Following quickly after him, she grabbed his hand immediately in hers, and held it tightly. "Don't try and get away from me, Idris Chariton. You said you wanted to stick around and protect me. So...stop running off." She was teasing of course, back in a cheery mood. 

He crinkled his nose at her and made a face, flaring his nostrils in annoyance. "I'm so glad you guys will get along." Though he said it, something in his voice seemed to contradict his words...as did the funny movement of his head that he made. He scoffed and looked around. The deck seemed even bigger now that they were on foot. It seemed to go on forever with holes in the floor every so many meters. 

"Captain Chariton?" 

Idris turned. "Yes...?" 

The man smiled, and shook Idris hand. "I'm Deck Captain Drexus. It's nice to meet you. My aide will assist you in finding your cabins..." 

Giving him a strange look she gave his hand one more squeeze. "You're going to have to tell me what that face means later..." Her voice trailed off as the Deck Captain piped up. Nodding politely, she decided not to speak up. She was going to be on her best behavior. Idris was already worried enough she didn't want to go encouraging trouble. "Hello, Captain. I'm Lieutenant Colonel Farinar. I'll show you both to your rooms." 

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Idris sighed as the door closed and they were left alone. The room was very large, almost three times the size of Idris' living quarters. The only difference was that they would have to go to Avenger's galley if they wanted to eat. He lied on the bed which was big enough for four of him to lie side by side...comfortably. The refresher chamber was also different. It was black stone. Everything was black stone; the counters, the floor, the walls. He frowned. He was going to miss his walls and their intelligence. The shower was also very different. One side of the unit was covered in black tile with white spouts in the center. The other end was transparent and had a myriad of cleaning dispensers. This was a true sanisteam. He breathed in deep and nodded. "I forgot about these." 

He sighed moved to the couch, lying on his back with his eyes closed. He spoke softly. "We should eventually get you some clothes, but I don't think it's an emergency, do you?" 

While he laid down on the bed, Rowen's curiosity took over, and she began to wander around the room. First, she studied the bedroom, then the refresher, arching an eyebrow. She touched everything. She was like a small child in a room full of bright, sparklely things, and it showed in her face. Finally she returned to the bedroom, barely hearing his voice. Blinking a few times, she focused on him, walking over to the bed and sat down. "No, they aren't an emergency, yet. Do you know how long we'll be on this ship? I mean, do you know how long the repairs will take?" As fascinated as she was with the ship and everything it held, she knew that Idris was uncomfortable and the shorter the visit, the better. 

He watched her curiously as she meandered around like a child with a sweet vendor. When she stopped to rest and focused on him, he addressed her. "I'm not really sure, Rowen. They said it might be a week, but I don't know for sure. I guess it just depends on how everything goes. Why, do you have somewhere you need to be?" He smiled at her, grinning. 

"No. No where to be. I just think you'll be much more at ease when we are back on Atalanta and you don't have to worry about others. That is all." Shrugging her shoulders innocently, she looked away from him for a moment, eyes gazing around the room. Finally, she focused back on him again and gave him a slow, but warm smile. 

"I'm fine, Rowen. I promise. As long as I don't run into anyone everything should be alright." He smiled at her. "I'm more worried about you than I am worried about me. You just promise you'll try and stay out of trouble." He stuck his tongue out at her, making a face. "And don't worry, once Atalanta gets her upgrades, we'll be just fine. And, if we're attacked again, we'll at least be able to put up a fight." He smiled confidently, eyes still closed as he relaxed. It had been a while since he'd slept in a proper bed. 

"Me? Cause trouble? When do I do that?" However, she was very much aware the past two times she had come into his life it was because she was in trouble. Big trouble. She reached up and toyed with the end of her braid absently. "I'll stay out of trouble. Does this mean I'm pretty confined to this room?" She noticed him getting comfortable, but despite the wonderful feeling of the bed, she was much too restless to take a nap. 

He smiled. "You're welcome to go and do whatever you want, Sweetie. Why would I stop you? Just remember that if you leave without me, Ophelia won't be with you." He frowned. "In fact, I think it might not be a bad idea if you go alone. If you're not with me, they'll treat you as sweet as they treat any other civilian aboard this ship." He opened his eyes and looked over at her. "Do you still want to see if we can get you some clothes?" 

Rowen actually liked the idea of exploring by herself. It was nothing against Idris, she just enjoyed not having him so worried about her and what might happen any second. Standing up again, she ran her fingers down her clothing and glanced at them, shrugging her shoulders. "We can take care of all that later. How about you get some rest, and I'll go walking around? I want to see the ship anyway. I promise I'll stay out of the way." 

He smiled at her and nodded. He moved to sit up and reached out for her, beckoning her closer. 

"What?" Smiling warmly at him she walked over to him and took the hand he held out. "I already told you, I promise I'll stay out of trouble." Well, she'd try anyway. Most of the time trouble found her. At least that's the way she liked to think of it. 

He smiled at her, shaking his head a little. "Nothing." He leaned in and kissed her on the lips, holding her in the kiss for a long moment, deepening it with his tongue and feeling her face as their lips pressed against each other. He let her go and pulled away, sighing. "I just didn't want to pass out on the bed, alone, and let you go exploring without getting another kiss." He smiled at her and kissed her forehead. "And I'm not worried. I am sure you will be ok. Just...don't..." He wrinkled his forehead, obviously a little unsure as to how to word what he was saying. "...don't help anyone, ok? And whatever you do, regardless of how comfortable you feel or how urgent it may seem...do not allow anyone to witness your power, ok?" He looked genuinely concerned and worried for her, his face serious as he looked at her, not letting her go until she responded. 

Accepting the kiss happily, she returned it tenderly, backing up gently when he released her. A soft blush covered her cheeks as he spoke, and she felt her heart swell just a little. As he continued to speak, though, she felt her concern grow just a little and she nodded hesitantly. Her powers were her only defense if she got into trouble. Hand to hand, she was not a very good fighter. But she'd promise. How urgent could a situation become on this ship? No one would be attacking her. "Of course, Idris. I'm good at hiding my powers." Unless I need them...she thought. "I love you." She whispered softly before giving him another quick kiss on his lips before she backed up towards the door. 

He shook his head, a little intense as he got off the bed and put himself between her and the door. He put his hands on her shoulders. "No...Rowen, I want you to swear. I want to her you say it. Say 'I swear.'" He wasn't sure why he felt so passionately about this, but something just had him worried about her. 

"Idris." She grabbed his hands and gently moved them off her shoulders. "Come on...I'm not..." She trailed off and sighed heavily. "This isn't necessary, Idris, you're getting worked up over nothing. I won't need to use them on this ship. No one will attack me. Besides, I don't reveal them openly anyway so...please..." Studying him quietly, she began to shake her head. "If two little words are going to make you feel better than I'll say them. I swear. Happy?" 

He didn't look even remotely satisfied by her response, but because he did agree with her, to an extent, he sighed and nodded. "Fine. Have fun, ok?" He grimaced and flared his nostrils, moving out of her way and extended his hand to the door. Then he walked away from her and went to sit on the bed again. He realized that he would not be able to sleep anymore, but it was safer for her to go out on her own than it was for her to go with him. He sighed and closed his eyes, lying down. He appeared to be sleeping after a few moments, the gentle rise and fall of his chest quite convincing as he relaxed sprawled out on his back. 

Watching him quietly for a moment, she sighed softly and walked away from him, out the doors. She knew he wasn't happy with her response, but that was the best she could muster. Part of her mind's instinct was to never promise NOT to use her powers. As much trouble as they had caused her, they kept her safe in life. If anything did happen to her while she was alone, there was no telling if she would have to defend herself or not. She began down the corridor looking into what rooms she could, wandering aimlessly around the ship. The corridor was wide and tall. Everywhere there were people moving about and everyone seemed very caught up in their own thing. No one seemed to spare her a glance, but there did not appear to be any signs or indicators as to what deck she was on or where she was headed. 

A few of the men paused her a second look, but seemed to ignore her, overall, once they observed that she was both unfamiliar and a civilian. Rowen was good at blending in, remaining unnoticed. So, she entertained herself by watching the people walk by, listening to the conversations they were having, enjoying all the mechanics of what happened within this busy ship. Pausing at a room filled from ceiling to floor with computers, she paused to look in, smiling faintly. She could entertain for hours like this, and probably would. A woman moved behind her. "Excuse me, Miss." Moving past her and into the room. 

It seemed to get darker the further it went in, lit only but monitors and readouts. Getting out of the way she muttered a soft, "Sorry," then moved away, slowing down as it got darker and darker. Frowning just a bit she continued in, pausing finally to turn and look the way she had come. Hands on her hips, she almost held out her hand to create fire, to light her way just a bit better, then stopped. She wasn't on Atalanta, she reminded herself. Slowly, she decided to walk a little further, for curiosity's sake, before heading back. 

"Miss? I'm sorry, Miss, but this is a restricted area." The man was tall, his greying hair making him look wiser, not older. He had a kind face and a confident expression. He didn't appear to want her to leave, but he couldn't let her in. "I'll show you out." He gestured behind her and directed her back to the entrance. Once they were outside, he indicated an insignia above the doorway. It was the black insignia that she'd seen on the ship with the falcon and the circle. "This means that this room is restricted. Only black level personnel are allowed inside. I'm sorry, but I am sure there are plenty of other areas that you are allowed to explore. Just, don't go into any rooms that have this sign on it, ok?" 

"Oh..." She jumped at the sound of his voice, turning to face the man, then smiled at him as she realized her mistake. "I'm sorry, Sir, I didn't realize." Walking with him, she stopped at the entrance with him, staring up at the insignia. "I didn't see it, I must not have been paying attention. I am really sorry. I was just exploring. Didn't want to remain cooped up in my room." She offered him another warm smile as she took a step back from him. 

He nodded at her. "It's no problem. As I said, there are plenty of areas aboard this vessel that are perfectly in bounds for someone like you. But you must understand that because this is still a military vessel, some areas are restricted. I am sure you didn't mean any harm. And don't worry, we don't expect you to be locked up in your room all day anyway. If you'd like, the galley for this deck is just down this hall and to the left." 

He pointed, indicating. "And if that isn't where you want to go, once you get there, there are plenty of people who can direct your elsewhere." 

He smiled warmly at her and nodded his head before walking back into the room. The door, this time, closed behind him, and the insignia on the door was emblazoned on it in the center at eye level. What had Idris been so worried about, she thought as she walked away from the door towards the galley where he had directed her. No one had shown an ounce of hostility to her since she had arrived on the ship. As long as she didn't run into Tsela, who hadn't appeared to be a fan of her, or the other two women she'd come in contact with. Just thinking of them made her itch with annoyance and she sped up before entering the galley, stepping to the side to let a few people pass by her. 

"So you must be the new girl I've heard so much about." The voice came from behind her. The woman was a little shorter than Rowen, but she had a leaner build. Her arms and legs were pronounced and her uniform looked a little different from the one that everyone else seemed to be wearing. It was a silver color, with a patch on the left side of colored, rectangular pins. The woman had seemed to come from no where. She had a malevolent smile and blue eyes. "Are you lost yet? Or do you need someone to show you around?" 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 08



Rowen wouldn't recognize her outright, but something about her seemed oddly familiar. Turning at the sound of the voice, her eyes widened a bit, before she let herself smile at the woman. She did feel something odd when she looked at the woman, a nagging in the back of her mind, but she ignored it. Perhaps she was just a mistake and the woman just looked like someone she had known before. 

"Um...you've...heard about me?" Shaking her head, she dismissed her silly question and moved on to answer the woman's second one. "I'm not lost, but...a tour might be nice. If you have time, of course. I've promised to stay out of everyone's way." 

She smiled at her, having received almost the exact answer she'd wanted. "Hmm, well, I'm a little busy right now, but..." She looked over to left, and someone else seemed to materialize out of nothing. 

"I'm sure I can show you around, since Idris' has left you to fend for yourself..." The crimson-haired, blue-eyed girl smiled just as unpleasantly at Rowen as she had the first time they met. "Did his time expire already? Usually he pays a girl more than enough to keep her occupied for at least the entire day. Hmm, I guess you just charge a little extra. Is it something special about you...or is it just because you're a little less ugly than most of the working girls?" 

The other woman looked over at Tsela and smiled. "You know, Sis...I think I do need to get back to what I was doing. You can take it from here, can't you?" 

She looked over. "Of course. I know how busy you are." 

She regarded Rowen again, suddenly recognizing her presence. "Tsela knows the ship better than I do anyway. I am sure it'll be...a good time." 

She smiled weakly and then seemed to evaporate from the spot she'd been standing before. Rowen stiffened when she saw Tsela and frowned deeply, crossing her arms in front of her. Immediately her palms began to itch and she long to just...

Shaking off her thoughts of fire, she kept her jaw set and didn't let the words effect her. "Idris is not paying me. I'm no working girl. I'm staying with Idris on his ship...we're..." There was no term that came to mind...dammit. None that had been decided on. "We're friends. He's resting, not that it's actually any of your business - our relationship." Her arms uncrossed, hands on her hips as she stared at the other girl - Tsela's sister. "I'm sure it will be a grand time." 

She smiled at Rowen and thinned her eyes, regarding her before she disappeared. Then it was Tsela's turn. "So if you're not a working girl, do that mean you're fucking Idris on your own will." She whistled. "There must not be very many men on your planet, or..." She regarded her from head to toe, making a disappointed, sympathetic face. "...whatever you came from." 

She grinned and grabbed Rowen's arm. Suddenly, Rowen was pulled out of the air that she'd been standing in, folded, bent, squashed, and otherwise smothered until she suddenly ended up in a very loud room. There were only a few people, but it seemed a little warmer. "This is the ship's propulsion chamber. I'm sure you'll find it...enticing." 

She laughed a little, letting Rowen go, and disappeared again. There didn't appear to be any way out, and the yellow glow seemed to fill the entire chamber. It seemed to go on in both directions forever. She couldn't determine where the engines were, but she could hear the loud rumble of them. Two men seemed to stop what they were doing to regard her. "Oh, hello." 

One of the men smiled. It looked sincere...but something about it seemed a little off. "Fayr, look what Tsela brought us." 

"Oh my, she is a cutie. How long do you think she'll leave her here before she comes back again?" 

He shook his head. "I don't know, Devo. I am sure she won't mind if she comes back and finds us...busier than usual." 

He smiled and they both moved to approach her. They weren't very small men, both over six feet and a little sturdier than Idris. They had blue, sleeveless tops and black leggings that came down just above their black boots. "I'm sure she is just as tasty as any other girl who ends up down here..." 

Rowen had no intention of going anywhere with Tsela, and was about to tell her just that, and that she could shove her bad attitude up her ass, when she was suddenly yanked on and then was in an entirely different room. Unsteady, she paused a moment and stared at Tsela. "What did you..." And then she was gone again, left alone. Whirling around when she heard the male voice, she stared at the two men. 

There was no way in hell that she liked what they were insinuating. She'd heard this sort of talk before, and those men had been burned. But damnit she had promised. Biting her lower lip, she held up her hands to stop the men. "Hello, I'm...uh, Rowen. Tsela made a mistake by bringing me here. I am a guest aboard this ship and did not mean to come here. If you could just point me in the direction out...I will leave. Now, stop whatever you're talking about, and just let me get out of here, alright?" 

She took several steps back, her hands remaining up, a warning, cold look on her face. She hadn't lied to Idris. She could handle men like these, she had before. She could keep her calm even when she began to feel herself get jumpy. 

"Aw. I see. You were just lost and Tsela brought you down here so we could...help you." He smiled at her, and they seemed to completely disregard her words as they continued to approach. "That's alright. We can help you find your way out, can't we Fayr?"  

Fayr smiled and nodded. "Of course we can, Devo. That's why Tsela brings girls like you down here...so that we can...help them." 

They both laughed a little and continued forward towards her. Glaring at them, she lowered her hands and looked around the room trying to see a way out. Nothing came into view, not yet. 

"I'm NOT lost. Tsela just has a sick sense of humor. Stop walking towards me dammit! I know you don't actually mean to help and if you come any closer I swear I'll..." She hesitated as she pointed a warning finger towards them. "...I'll make you wish you hadn't. Now just STOP and I will leave and no one will hear of this ." 

"Awww, but no one will hear about this anyway, Sweetie. No one will even be able to hear you." 

They moved forward a little faster, one man taking her by the wrist, the other reaching out to grab onto her shirt. A third voice came from behind them. It was a woman's voice, and she was a little older. She was tall with reddish-blond hair and brown eyes. She was a little taller than Rowen and just a hair shorter than Rowen's attackers. 

The lady looked at them, disgusted and reached out with her hand. One of the men flew off his feet and struck the bulkhead. The other man grabbed between his legs and screamed. The woman made a fist, curling her fingers tightly. Then she made another gesture and he was knocked off his feet. She approached Rowen very cautiously. 

"I knew Tsela was bringing girls down here for Devoveo and Fayr to...well..." She frowned, obviously very sad about this. "But I couldn't prove it, until now. Thank you, Miss. I'll show you back up to the living area." She extended a hand towards the direction she was facing. "The lift is just this way." 

Rowen snapped, still in anger mode. When the woman's hand lifted, she took another step back. "What did you do to them? Are you..." She almost choked on the word. "Gifted?" 

Rowen found it hard to believe that on a ship where she was told not to use her powers, she would find another one like her. Stepping towards the lift, but keeping her distance from the woman, she looked over her shoulder at her. "Oh and...uh...thank you. I'm...sorry. My mind was caught up, I forgot my manners." 

The woman smiled back at her, nodding. "I'm sorry you had to be the bait, but I needed evidence in order to get Tsela and her friends exiled off this ship. I am sure she won't be able to bother you anymore, or anyone else for that matter." 

She walked up to Rowen. "And yes, I am a Gifted. You'll find that their are plenty of people on this ship who are. The joke is that Captain Johansen likes to collect us." 

She winked at Rowen, almost knowingly, and walked past, moving like she was going to lead her to their destination. Rowen stepped to the left and stared surprised at the woman, laughing softly as she made her quip about the Captain collecting them. 

"I never thought that I'd meet another Gifted." The sentence was out of her mouth before she realized it and immediately flushed. "I uh...didn't mean to say that. I'm very used to keeping my gifts secret. And...uh..." Idris was going to be really irritated if he heard about this. "Please...don't mention that to anyone. You understand..." She smiled at the woman for a moment as the lifted doors opened and she stepped out. "And again...thank you for the help." 

The woman smiled warmly at her. "I understand. It was a great deal of time before I felt comfortable revealing the existence of my abilities to anyone...and even longer before a person on this ship discovered them." 

She nodded at her. "But don't worry, I won't-" Her words were cut off as the lights in the corridor dimmed out and then came on a moment. They could feel the subtle quake in the ship. An alarm sounded, loud and even more obnoxious than the one on Atalanta. The woman's eyes went wide as she searched the ceiling as though it might offer an explanation. She urged Rowen in. "Hurry, close the door. We need to get above and find out what is going on!" 

The woman moved her to the side and stepped in, the doors closing. "Deck 17." 

She could feel the lift move momentarily and then it was zipping along. Frowning at the quake, she looked down at her feet, then quickly up at the woman. Her mind immediately went to Idris. What was going on? Hurrying into the lift, she pressed against the wall, waiting for the lift to begin moving. "What would cause a quake like that? We're not under attack, are we?" 

Idris, Idris. She thought biting her lower lip hard as she impatiently waited for the doors to open and let them out. The woman shook her head. "I'm afraid I do not know. That's where we're headed, up. Once we get there, we should be able to acquire more information. But, I am afraid that we could be under attack. I don't know who would feel comfortable attacking an Initiative vessel this close to UDI territory, but it felt like they know what they are doing..." 

The doors opened onto the deck. People were running and shouting, rushing about. The red glowing lights lit up the corridor over and over again as the ship shook a little. "Battle stations. Everyone get to your designated combat assignments." The voice was calm, collected, but also urgent. It was a familiar voice. It sounded like the captain. 

"Forgive me, Miss, but I am afraid I've my own assignment to attend to." She nodded at her and ran away. Everyone seemed caught up in what they were doing and didn't say anything to her. Looking to the woman, she moved to stop her from running away, but she was gone. 

"Oh hell..." She whispered to herself and took off down a corridor, hurrying towards the bedroom where she had left Idris. She prayed he was still there, that he was taking a nap, and just sleeping through it. Granted, if the alarm was blaring, he'd probably already woken up. She tried a few times to stop someone to get someone to explain what was happening, but everyone pushed her aside. They all had things to get too. 

She could immediately sense that she was on a different floor. Everything here looked different, and unlike where she had previously been walking. There were no doors with the restricted signal. Everyone continued to rush past her. But then she recognized someone. Idris was running down the hall. He wore completely different attire. He had a blue jumpsuit and black boots. He was focused and in a great hurry. He didn't even notice Rowen as he came speeding down the corridor. 

She had begun to slow when she realized she was on a different floor and she felt frustration and panic begin to bubble up. And then she spotted Idris. "Idris!" She screamed at him, trying to be heard over the alarm and the chatter of people. He wasn't going to see her, she realized, and in a desperate attempt to get his attention, she leapt right in his way. "Idris, stop!" She yelled, cringing in anticipation of a hard collision. 

His eyes got really big as he looked at her. "Rowen! What...what are you doing on the launch deck? Hurry, get back to the room! You should be safe there. Please. I..." He looked past her in the direction he had been heading. "I can't go with you right now, but I'll be back soon, ok?" 

"I don't know. I was down in the engine room and...Idris! I don't even know where the room is at this point!" She grabbed onto him and gave a hard shake of her head. "What's happening? What's...Where are you even going? We should BOTH be back in the room Idris! Come on...please..." 

She didn't want him rushing into any danger, and she couldn't go back to the room and just wait. He looked confused. "You were where, what? How did you..." He shook his head. "Someone decided to be reckless and attack Avenger...and they're doing a good job. I am headed to the launch deck so I can get into a fighter, or if I am lucky, onto Atalanta and get into the fight." 

He sighed. "I can't go back with you, but..." He frowned. "I can take you to an observation deck where you can stay apprised of what is going on. But, that is the best I can do. I have to help." 

He looked sad, but it was obvious he'd made a decision despite this. "I...Idris..." Frowning at him, she immediately began to shake her head again, her grip on him tightening. "No! You can't go!" 

Of course he could go, and he had to go. Still it was obvious she was in sheer panic mode, terrified he was going to go out there and not come back. Swallowing hard, she gave him a look. "An observation deck? To do what? Watch you go put your life in danger? Stand with people who...I don't even know and just...sit there?" 

She felt helpless. She couldn't do a thing to stop him or even help him. He didn't like the way she made it sound, but he nodded. "Well, yes, I suppose. I don't know what you want me to do. I am not going to stay here. I have a responsibility as a pilot on this ship to get out there. You can either accept that or...get sedated." 

He shrugged. "If you want to wander back to our room, you can...or you can let me take you to an observation deck where everyone else is watching their loved ones. It's up to you..." 

Staring at him, she felt her temper go up a notch and she let him go hard, giving him a small shove in the process. "Show me the damn observation deck." She growled, tears welling up in her eyes. 

Swallowing hard again, she blinked them back, and followed him, walking as quickly as possible, arms crossed in front of her as if trying to comfort herself. She felt sick, weak, like she was about to pass out, but she kept walking. Idris looked worried, but helpless, and showed her down the hall to the observation deck. "Just stay in here and you can monitor the activity, ok?" 

The room went in about ten or so meters and was about five meters wide. All the way around, save for the center on the left of the door, were computers and indicators. In the center of the room was a holographic projection of the fight. The ship looked perilously similar to the ship that had attacked them. The hole in the center of the left wall allowed for them to see down into the launch deck which was about ten meters down. Idris kissed her on the cheek. "I love you, ok?" 

He smiled warmly, then worriedly, and ran out of the room down to the launch deck. Nodding as he moved to leave her, she felt those tears threatening again. Grabbing onto him, she smiled at the kiss he placed on her cheek. "I love you too." She told him, making sure he heard her before he ran out of the room. 

Staring at the projection, now, she bit down hard on her lower lip looking around for a moment at the other people in the room and felt the same fear she was feeling. If only she wasn't sitting there alone. Rolling her neck gently, she walked to a corner and sat, staring up at the projection, chewing the inside of her cheek as she fretted. She had never worried so much about one person before and it was driving her nuts. He ran down the ramp to the deck and hurried over towards Atalanta. "Lieutenant!" 

He shouted ahead of himself. The liaison turned to him. "Captain, I am a little busy! What do you need?" 

"Is my ship back online?" 

She shook her head. "No, they'd only just started repairs when we were attacked. Excuse me." She moved to walk away from him. 

"Lieutenant! Give me a ship then...anything. Let me get out there and help!" 

She rolled her eyes and started scrolling over the information in her hand-held. She pointed off about ten meters. "That's the only fighter on the deck that's available." 

Idris looked over, following her finger. He let out a sigh and nodded. He ran away from her and was eventually buckling in. 

Rowen could hear the communications chatter in the observation room as the battle took place. "Blue Three, veer to the left and let me handle him. You're not gonna shake that!" 

The image on the screen showed the two immense ships and all the fighters. The battleships were shown in a greater detail than the fighters, who were just simple dots. The blue dots were apparently the Initiative fighters while the red dots were the attacking craft. A moment later, two of the blue dots converged on the red dot and the red dot disappeared. 

"Captain, our shields are holding, but if we don't manage to scare them off, they won't stay that way for long." It was one of the girls from earlier. It sounded like the blond first lieutenant. The next voice was unmistakably the captain's. 

"All fighters, attack at the coordinates I've specified. Focus your attack on the life support and ventilation systems." 

The blue dots all seemed to move at once, moving in a tight formation as they made their way to the red ship. She could see as the attack bombarded the vessel's shields and then eventually broke through and blasted a fairly large hole in the side of the ship. The voice changed to a dark, woman's voice. Rowen could sense the familiarity with it as well. 

"The Delethirian Empire will not be thwarted by your petty attempts to engage us, Avenger. Lower your shields and cease fire and I assure you the lives of your crew will be spared. Surrender while you still can." It was the voice of the woman who had attacked Atalanta not two days before. 

Suddenly, the red dots seemed to explode and multiply. She could hear the scattered voices of pilot's last cries as the red dots overwhelmed the blue and began to make them disappear one by one until there were only three dots to the approximate thirty-five on the display. "Blue Twelve to Blue Five. Do me a favor and break off. Cover me while we flank these bastards and cut back their numbers a little." 

"Chariton! What are you doing with one of my ships?!" 

"Well, it looked like so much fun, I wanted to make sure the other pilots didn't hog all of it. Do you mind if I lend a hand as it seems you're a little short on numbers?" 

There was no response. 

"Blue Five, copy?" 

"Copy Twelve. I'll stay back a little ways to make sure none of them sneak up behind you." 

The display zoomed in a little on the fray as the two fighters turned and engaged. The Delethirian ships tried to loop around and attack, but they seemed just a little too slow. Idris' ship was indicated with the number twelve, his wing man's ship indicated with the five. He spun and arched, pushing between two of the ships. The ship on his back fired and the two dots disappeared. Slowly, the dots moved around the map and the red dots seemed to disappear. Then they moved back to engaging the enemy battleship. 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 08



"Enemy shields at seventeen percent, Captain. We should be able to hold out long enough to fry them." 

"What's the status of our weapons?" 

"Rail batteries are at fifty percent. Energy reserves at thirty-five percent and dwindling fast. Torpedo bay reports that we're running extremely low. We need to kill these guys a little faster, Captain." 

"Chariton! Why is that ship still hanging around?!" 

"That's a good question, Captain. Maybe it's something about you they find appealing. You're warm personality, your maternal instincts..." 

Silence. 

"Or maybe it's your first mate and how abrasively attractive she is..." 

Silence. 

"Or perhaps-" 

"Shut up, Idris! Get in there and take out their weapons." 

The hologram zoomed back out, showing Idris' wing man breaking off as he moved closer to the ship...much closer. He trailed along the surface of the, firing on the hull, the shields working to absorb his firepower, but barely managing to do so. The image zoomed in again a little closer, showing as he swept over the craft and landed shots where the battleships munitions were firing from. But then something unexpected happened. 

As Idris got further along the hull, something on the ship caught him in a sphere of energy and pulled him into the craft, like a transparent arm reaching out for food. Idris ship disappeared inside and fell off the image. 

"Captain, the ship is...breaking away..." 

"What? No! Disable that ship before it can-" But she was cut off. Mid-sentence, the ship broke away from the battle and jumped away, the antispace window swallowing it whole before anyone could blink. Everyone stood there gaping, relieved and confused by the sudden change in events. 

"Blue Twelve? Blue Twelve, come in. Please respond..." 

Static. 

"Captain Chariton, are you out there?" 

Static. 

Everyone seemed to turn to Rowen with sad eyes and despondent expressions. "There's...no response, Captain..." 

Rowen was standing there, arms crossed in front of her as she listened intently to the sounds of Idris and the Captain. Biting down hard on her lip, she felt her heart completely stop as the silence began. Until this point, she'd been strangely calm, or at least seeming to be such. Pacing, arms crossed, but calm for what the situation was. 

Now she was just frozen. Staring off, and slowly she felt herself become sick, her face paling, head become light. The room tipped as the silence dragged even further on, and she stumbled back on unsteady feet until she felt the wall behind her. Hands reached behind her as she grabbed for the solid metal wall to keep from fainting, even as her face took on the coloring of the dead. 

Lips parted slightly, but no sound came out. Her thoughts raced. Idris. OH please, please say something. Do not leave me. Please. Please. But there was nothing escaping her lips, everything in her still, stomach turning as it threatened to rebel. There were no other sounds for a long moment. The seconds crept on for what seemed like hours, when it had only been about five minutes. 

"Lieutenant, what's our status?" 

"Our shields are stable. Weapons are low. Minimal damage over Avenger's hull. All decks report stable life support and atmosphere." 

There was another long silence. "Return to green alert, Lieutenant." 

And that was it. The bridge chatter disappeared from the observation room and everything seemed to fall silent. The officer of the observation room approached Rowen, holding out a hand to help her. "Miss...are you going to be ok? Should I call a medic for you?" 

Jumping slightly at the voice addressing, her she looked over at the officer strangely, not fully processing words. When they finally sunk in, Rowen leaned a little more against the wall, her feet sliding forward as she struggled to keep that balance. 

"I...I... don't need a medic. I'm not hurt. I'm not...bleeding. I'm...fine. I'm..." Alone. Alone all over again. Idris was gone and she was alone. She'd lost the first person she'd cared about since she was a child. Everything hurt. Swallowing hard, she looked away from the officer and tried to take a shaky breath. What did she do now? 

The officer looked at her, very concerned and nodded slowly. Despite all of this, he still motioned for someone to come over to his side. He looked over at Rowen and then spoke to the man he'd called over, his eyes indicating her several times as they whispered. The second man looked over at her, then at the officer, nodding, and left the room in a hurry. 

"I'm Colonel Horn, Ma'am. I think we should get you back to your quarters. Everything is going to be alright..." 

More people talking to her? She tried to bring herself further back to reality as the Colonel addressed her. 

"Lead the way." she said quietly, gently pushing off the wall, pausing to steady herself on her own two feet. 

A soft, bitter chuckle escaped her. "Everything is going to be alright." She echoed, let it sit for a minute, then shook her head. "That's a very stupid thing to say, Colonel. Even if you are trying your hand at comfort. Because already...things are wrong, and not at all alright." 

He frowned at her and walked out of the observation room, heading away from the launch deck and back towards the corridor. He looked behind him to make sure she was following, his expression solemn and sad. He'd wait to see if she could walk before proceeding any further. 

Rowen took a few steps, paused, then began to walk again much steadier. Arms crossed once again in front of her and although her color wasn't improving, at least she was walking in a straight line. She caught the Colonel's glance at her and she shook her head again. 

"Stop staring at me as if I'm about to keel over." 

He shook his head. "Apologies, Ma'am, but I am afraid that you do not look well. But if you are confident you can follow me..." He surveyed her one more time, frowning, and then began to lead her down the hall again. 

After two different lift rides, threes hallways, and about a hundred doors later, they were standing outside Rowen's quarters. He still appeared worried for her and concerned, but he didn't say anything as he waited patiently for her to get inside the door. She remained silent the rest of the way back to the chambers, and once they were standing by the door, she turned to the colonel. 

"You will need to leave me somewhere. I have no ship. And I do not want to stay here. Thank you." 

She spoke easily, as if nothing were wrong, but Rowen was just good at shoving down her emotions right now until they were stifled and all she had to show for her pain was sad eyes, and a pale face. Opening the door to her room, she stepped inside slowly, her eyes already beginning to sting with tears. 

The man nodded at her. "I am sure that given the circumstances that we can do something for you. If you need anyth-" But he was cut off by the door closing. A few moments later, the footsteps of him walking away could be heard slightly through the door. She'd be left alone for an hour or two before the entry tone would sound in her quarters. Someone requesting an audience with her at the door. 

Rowen had learned that when things fell apart it was best to shuffle the broken pieces aside and start rebuilding. So for those next two hours, she let herself fall completely apart. Curling up on the bed, she sobbed hard, not sure what else she could do or what was even going to happen to her. She'd have to go on. Have to find another planet to live on until she got into trouble and had to start again. 

Her sobs had dimmed to whimpers when she heard the soft tone of someone at the door. Sitting up, she stared at it for a moment, then slowly got to her feet, feeling shaky. Hands reached up wiping at her face, hoping she didn't look as awful as she felt. And yet she couldn't wipe away the red in her cheeks, the puffiness of her eyes. Walking to the door, she pressed the button to open it. 

The door slid open to reveal three people at her door. Captain Johansen was one of them, along with her first lieutenant and the older woman she'd seen in the engine room. The tone in the captain's voice was uneasy and hesitant. "May we come in?" 

Staring at the three, she immediately felt distrust rise as she recognized the Captain and the lieutenant. "Fine." Turning her back to them, she walked back to the bed, smoothing out the comforter quickly before turning to sit on it. "I do not care where you leave me, just leave me somewhere. It does not need a long discussion." 

She looked confused. "Leave you?" She shook her head. "Miss- ...I'm sorry, what is your name?" 

She shook her head again. Her demeanor seemed completely different from how she'd treated Idris. She was kind, gentle, sensitive. "I have no intention of leaving you anywhere. Whatever happened out there today...who ever it was on that ship...why they wanted Captain Chariton..." She shook her head. "These are all answers that I have every intention of finding. I've already contacted General Durron, and he is just as concerned as I am. If, as our intelligence has indicated, Idris was deprived of his abilities, then his uses to them would be virtually nonexistent. We need to know what they wanted him for. Until then, I'd like for you to stay. I assure you, as long as you are in our care, you'll be protected, your every need catered to. I would hate for you to run away and have to explain to Captain Chariton, when we find him, that I dropped you off on some planet and left Atalanta to rot on the launch deck..." 

"My name is Rowen Cairn. And I do not know why they'd want him. He's probably dead. There's no reason for me to stay here. Protected or not. Needs met or not. I'm better on my own." Her voice was filled with an angry, sad bitterness that was uncommon for Rowen. "Besides, what do any of you care about him? You were all cruel with him. I don't trust any of you, and would much rather fend for myself than stay here alone with you." She was defensive, and mean right now. She didn't want them to know she'd been sobbing, that she was absolutely terrified and hurt. Rowen had to be tough right now, as she tried to mend her life in a few short hours. 

It was the blond girl who spoke up next. "Miss Cairn, I can assure you that...despite what you may have observed, we do not share the same feelings for Captain Chariton as Tsela and her sister might have. Dahlianna told us about the incidents that occurred shortly before the attack happened, and I promise you, it's far more complicated that you may think it is. But one thing I know, and that Captain Johansen knows, and that Dahlianna-" She motioned the other woman, indicating, "-will also tell you, is that you're not safe alone. If they have seen your face, if they know you, if they are aware of...your...uniqueness, then they will find you. Please, you have my condolences and we are sorry for what has happened, but I do not think that Idris is dead. If they had wanted him dead, he'd have been dead in his ship." She frowned, look up at the captain who turned to her and then back to Rowen. All three expressions were filled with the same emotions of grief, concern, worry, sadness, and even a little pity. 

"It is the life of a Gifted to never be safe. I'm sure all of you are aware of that...gifted or not. I've been alone before, this won't be any different. I can take care of myself." They didn't think Idris was dead, but that hope that began to form inside of her was worse than accepting his death. It meant she could be proven wrong, and would be hit with a double blow of grief. Hands fisted for a moment as she stared down at the floor. "I do not understand why you want to keep me here, but if you insist, I will stay for a short period of time. I do not plan to make this ship my permanent home by any means." 

They nodded at her. "Thank you, Miss Cairn. I appreciate your cooperation." The captain, flanked by her first lieutenant, left the room. 

Dahlianna stayed behind. She obviously had more to say. "I...I feel like you should know, Rowen. Things have happened here...things with Captain Chariton, that we have had a hard time turning our backs on. Someday, if you would like, I would be more than happy to shed some light on what is probably a mystery to you. If you need anything, should any desire enter into your mind...please, you need only ask. And, if you want, I've been made aware that Atalanta's work will be done in the next few days. If you'd prefer to stay there instead of here, cooped up in this room, arrangements can be made for you. You need only make us aware." She smiled weakly and bowed, walking away back out into the corridor. 

Rowen stared at Dahlianna and forced a very small smile, and not kind in nature. "When Atalanta is ready, I will return. Now go away." Her voice was icy, and sharp. She turned her head away as she heard the door shut. Where once she would have been curious about Idris', past for now, she didn't want to hear the things he'd done, good or bad. She had loved him and if they wanted to soil his name, they could do it in front of someone else. Laying back on the bed, she shut her eyes and took a shaky breath as she prayed hard for sleep and an escape from pain.



Rowen Cairn Ch. 09



She'd awake to hear the noise of the door again. It would be unclear how long she had slept, but she'd notice the small tray of food sitting on the table in the middle of the room. Someone had brought her a meal while she had slept, though it had gotten cold since then. Stirring slowly, she opened her eyes and stared at the door for a moment, wondering if she had only dreamt the noise. Sitting up groggily, she began to climb out of bed, eyes going to the tray of food. Rowen must have been in a deeper sleep than she thought if she hadn't heard anyone enter to bring her a tray of food. Yawing softly, she walked to the door, pressing the button to open it. The woman at the door was thin, a little shorter than Rowen. She had shoulder length blond hair, blue eyes, and light-toned skin. Her shirt was a storm of black and dark green with sleeves that fell short of her elbows and a high-cut collar that hugged her collar bones. She wore a white belt, black pants, and black boots. "Hello. Captain Johansen has requested an audience with you. Would you come with me, please?" 

She had a very official tone, her voice even. It sounded like this was the kind of thing the poor girl did all day. Her voice was kind, despite all things, and she had a very friendly feel about her. Rowen had a mind to tell the girl "no" and shut the door. Maybe return back to the bed and curl up under the covers. But Rowen couldn't bring herself to fight with this woman who hadn't done anything to her except what she was ordered to do. "Very well." Rowen responded, not bothering to hide her mild irritation and reluctance. 

She'd go, but didn't have to be happy about it. Stepping out of her chambers, she shut the door behind her and allowed the woman to lead the way. As the door slid shut, the woman smiled warmly at her. She looked young, not even twenty years old. She seemed both silently relieved, and very pleased, that Rowen hadn't chopped her head off. Obviously she'd approached the task with a great deal of apprehension. She led her down the corridor and to a lift. She extended her hand, waiting for her to walk in, and then followed behind her. Following quietly into the elevator, Rowen leaned against the cool wall of the lift and sighed softly. Her whole body felt like it had been through hell and she ached from the inside out. Leaving the darkness of her bedroom was not something that had appealed to her in anyway. Still, she tried to make herself look presentable, running her fingers through her long hair until it was smooth and tamed. 

"Deck 3, please." The doors slid shut and the woman leaned against the wall, about arm's reach from Rowen. She didn't said anything, her calm, collected demeanor not changing as the lift carried them across the ship towards their destination. When the arrival chime sounded, and the doors opened, she extended a hand again, letting Rowen exit ahead of her. Whatever the Captain wanted, Rowen wasn't sure of. She just hoped it was quick and didn't require her getting aggressive like she had when they had last left off. Even then it had taken all her strength to hold herself together. Suddenly, she just wanted to be back on Atalanta in Idris' bed, to hear Ophelia's voice. Sighing again, she crossed her arms in front of her and stepped out when the woman gestured her to. 

The corridor they exited into was very different in comparison to the ship. The walls were unnaturally white and clean. There was an azure line that divided the wall in half, a handrail mounted in place to it seemingly for the entire length of the corridor. The lighting was a little brighter, augmented by the whiteness of the wall. The floor was an off-white, the flat metal having taken on the dirt and grime of everyone who'd walked over it. There were no doors, save the double-door at the end of the hall. They were a transparent, dark blue color, the black circle with the falcon imprinted on, split in half between the two doors.

As they approached, the two guards on either side stepped forward. "Major Usid, please hold out your arms and submit to search." 

The girl was already holding her hands out straight in front of her. The men were dressed in the same dark blue as the doors. Their helmets were black with a visor that came down over their eyes. It was tinted, though Rowen could see the half of their faces above their nose that the visors covered. Both men were of a lighter tone, like her escort. Their dark blue vests seemed woven with some kind of armor, their white sleeves extending all the way to their wrists where their black gloves held their hands. The white belt was similar to her escort's, but it had a variety of items mounted two it, one of which appeared to be a firearm of some kind that Rowen would likely have never seen. Their black boots and leggings seemed also to match her escort's. The guards continued to wave the wand over her, her arms, her abdomen, her back, her legs, her waist and even her boots. When they seemed satisfied that she didn't have whatever it was they were looked for, they turned to Rowen. 

The woman turned to face her. "Please, hold out your arms, like this ," she motioned, extending her arms like before, "and allow the guards to check your person for malicious items." 

The way she asked sounded like she expected Rowen to just comply, as if this was a totally normal thing, though it would probably have been a foreign concept for Rowen. The guards both stood there, waiting for her to comply, holding their wands out in front of them. Behind the men, Rowen could see into the room beyond the doors. It looked like an antechamber, another checkpoint. The next door was a dark grey color, with the insignia even bigger. She couldn't see what was beyond that, however. 

Watching the guards search her escort, she'd hung back quietly, making a slight face as they did so. She hadn't expected them to ask her to do so as well, although perhaps she should have figured as much. Staring at the guards for a moment, she scoffed softly, shaking her head. "Wonderful." 

She grumbled under her breath, and reluctantly held up her arms. She figured they were looking for weapons, which she didn't have on her person. If she wanted to defend herself, she'd just light someone fire and be done with it. When she grumbled and it seemed for a moment like she might protest, her escort seemed a little uneased, what little color she had in her face, draining. Then she seemed to calm when Rowen submitted to the search. The men waved their wands over her person, the beeping and crackling of the wands growing no louder or intense than it had when they had search the girl.

When they reached her feet and seemed satisfied that she was safe enough, they moved back away to either side of the door, one of them turning to the wall, opening a small key pad and entering the access code. The insignia on the door rotated, turning upside-down and then the second doors opened, the circle holding to the left half of the door as it parted. Her escort extended her hand for Rowen to enter the next room. She was a nervous thing, Rowen observed, and for a moment, she couldn't help but entertain the idea that if she set fire to something that the girl might faint. Shaking her head at her terrible idea, she crossed her arms in front of her again as if to take away the temptation. The girl looked from the room to Rowen and then back at the room and then back at Rowen. "Please, we're almost there, just go to the next room. It won't take but a few more moments before we're there, I promise." 

"Fine, fine. What does the Captain want me for anyway?" Sighing heavier now, she continued into the room, ignoring her own annoyance with the situation. There was no turning back now and if the Captain was being kind enough to let her remain on the ship, she should be a little more polite to the captain. At least follow her orders and show up. The girl shook her head once they were both in the room. 

"I am not permitted to know. And I imagine, even if I was, I would also not be permitted to share it with you." She smiled weakly, and then frowned a little. The doors closed behind them, and the one in front failed to open. Once they were trapped inside the room, which was no wider than the corridor and not even an arm's reach deep, Rowen could feel a gush of air come flooding down from the ceiling. It lasted for a long moment, tousling the girl's hair, as well as Rowen's, and blowing her clothes against her body and making Rowen's wave around out of control. Rowen jumped, gasping immediately as she moved her hands down to yank her clothing down so they didn't fly up. When the air ceased, she glared at the woman beside her, and shook her head. "A warning would be lovely." 

Then suddenly, it stopped. The girl seemed unphased by this, and as the heavy door slid open, similarly to the one behind them, it opened up into a very immense room. Straight in front of the door, on the opposite side of the room, was the view screen. It was approximately ten meters across and seven high. It showed the vibrant hues of antispace. The crew on the bridge was very busy, though Rowen didn't get much time to observe because as her escort stepped out of the room, she quickly motioned for her to follow. She turned left and walked across the walkway, which was a meter or so higher than the base of the bridge. The walkway sloped down and eventually ended at wall about a meter wide. To the right of the wall was the remaining expanse of the bridge. 

Her escort went to the left. As she turned back to Rowen, the doors automatically slid open into another antechamber like the one they'd stepped in on the way to the bridge. When she was sure that Rowen was following, she stepped in ahead of her. Rowen could hear a brief exchange of words between her escort and whoever was inside, but the words weren't very clear. She'd only be able to catch the butt-end of the conversation. 

"Very well, Captain. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you." Her escort moved to turn and walk away past Rowen just as she was walking in. 

When the escort left, she entered the room, and waited until the door was shut behind her to speak. "What have I been called for?" 

"I felt I should notify you that Atalanta's work is complete. If you feel like you would like to return to Captain Chariton's vessel, it has been vacated and you'd be well within your means to return." She let these words sink in and then added. "However..." She paused a moment, frowning. "I...I would like you to remain her, aboard Avenger. I think we would be more apt to catering to you and providing for your needs than..." Her voice trailed off, and the part of the sentence she didn't say hung in the air, unsaid. Than Ophelia and Atalanta's meager provisions. 

She had walked all the way across the ship to hear this? Rowen arched an eyebrow slowly and she let out a disbelieving laugh. "A note or a messenger would have done just fine to inform me of this information. I will return to Atalanta, it is my home." Or rather - it had been. If Idris never returned, she'd have to give it up as well as Idris. The thought immediately pained her so she tried to dismiss it, shaking her head. 

She smiled at Rowen and shook her head. "That's not all. A few hours ago, an outpost about three rotational cycles from her, spotted a strange ship. They didn't attack, they were probably just letting their engines cool before jumping back into antispace. However, it sounds like the battleship that attacked us and abducted Idris. Battleship Tatrohyndi is going to meet us there in case it's a trap laid in order to smoke us out and attack us again. I want to know, as does General Durron, why they attacked my ship, and if their only reason for attacking was simply to get Idris. I'm also curious as to why they would want him. If the intelligence is right, he doesn't have..." She let her sentence trail off. She'd obviously been notified of Idris condition, like many others. 

The sound of Idris' name had her heart going and she straightened up a little more, unable to resist feeling a small bubble of hope rise up inside of her. "Idris has no abilities anymore you are correct. I don't understand why they would solely target him." 

She changed the subject. "Whatever you decide, is up to you. I have no authority over you, Miss Cairn, but seeing as this is my ship, I can hold you against your will as long as you are here, but I am hoping you will not make me do that. I am hoping you'll stay on the launch deck of your own will and not because I am...asking you to." 

Pausing, she lowered her arms, staring hard at the Captain. "It's very funny of you, Captain, that you make it seem as if I have a choice when actually...I don't. I'll stay on this ship because if I try to leave Avenger you'll keep me here by force. Besides, I want to be one of the first informed if Idris is located and we find out who took him. If he is alive..." She couldn't let herself hope that much. "...I want him back as soon as possible." 

She nodded at her, standing and walking around to the front of her desk. She leaned back against it and looked at her. "I know that I probably cannot truly understand how you feel, Mistress Cairn, but I promise you, you have my sympathies. And...you are not the only person who has lost someone who you loved to these...these creatures." She practically snarled the word, her lip curling up in contempt. Then she composed herself and exhaled. "I am sorry for what happened, and I promise, we are doing everything we can to right this wrong." 

She paused a moment, realizing that her harshness with the captain may not be entirely necessary, but instead of admitting to it then and there, she simply nodded. "I believe you, Captain. I just want to see Idris returned...more than anything." 

Then her door chimed and she looked up over Rowen's shoulder. She moved back to sit at her desk. "Come in." 

With that she sat, this time without the feeling of resentment or hesitation. Sitting, she stared up at whoever was entering the chambers. A tall man with broad shoulders and impeccably trimmed hair, walked in. He wore the same stormy green and black kind of shirt that her escort had worn. 

"Major Jesik, what can I do for you?" 

The man smiled, looking over at Rowen a moment and then to the captain. He did a double take when he looked at Rowen, obviously seeing something that left him uneasy, but then looked to the captain again. He cleared his throat. "Captain, we're still en route to our destination, but Captain Issar has asked that you contact him before...before we get there." 

He looked at Rowen again, and then at the captain. She nodded at him. "Very well. Thank you, Major. You're dismissed." 

The man saluted her, which Captain Johansen returned, and then he walked back out, the doors closing behind him. "Oh, Major." Her voice was steady, completely void of urgency. 

The man came back in, the doors closing just behind him. "Yes, Captain?" 

She indicated Rowen. "Have you met Mistress Cairn?" 

He looked uneasy and turned to look at her. He shook his head. 

"Rowen, this is Major Mik Jesik. Miss Cairn is going to be staying with us while we search for Captain Chariton. I would like for you to keep her comfortable, as you would Lieutenant Wymond or myself. Is that clear, Major?" 

His shoulders only seemed to slump a little, but he nodded and looked to her. He bowed his head forward, smiling, no sign of disappointment or malice on his face. "It's an honor to serve you, Miss Cairn. Should you require anything, you need only ask for me." 

"Thank you, Major. You're dismissed." 

The man stood up straight again and smiled at the captain before turning and walking out a second time. Rowen wasn't an idiot, she could tell for some reason that she was making the man uneasy. Staring hard at him, wanting to make him that much more uncomfortable, she remained completely silent, her dark eyes locked on him as he spoke with the Captain. Strange... What had she done to get so under his skin? She didn't recognize him, not right away, so what could she have done? Biting her lower lip as the Captain gave orders that Rowen was to be kept safe and comfortable, she waited to see more unease and instead only got that smile. "What ever did I do to that man?" She asked aloud without even thinking, turning quickly to look at the Captain, she blushed. "Sorry..." 

She shook her head. "No, please, it's alright. Rowen," she hesitated, using her first name, "everyone on this ship now knows about what happened in the engine room. They know you are a Gifted, now, but...they don't know what gift you have. And, above that, they know what happened with Atalanta. I imagine, after observing your feelings for Captain Chariton, that you are the only person on this ship who doesn't know. Many people, like...myself, don't...like Captain Chariton. Many have turned a blind eye to what he did, to what happened, which is their decision. Being captain, I should also extend this courtesy...but I guess I've not come around to...seeing it that way, I suppose." 

She smiled cordially. "But don't worry, you didn't do anything to him. You're a new face, a new Gifted, and that can sometimes make the majors uneasy...because they have to deal with all the new faces here." She smiled again. "Anyway, if you would like, Major Jesik or Major Usid will assist you in bringing your belongings back to Atalanta, and if you've need, help you get anything you might need in the way of materials and consumables." 

She motioned for the door. "Now, I have a few things I need to get done before we arrive at our destination. Have a nice day, Miss Cairn, and thank you for your receptiveness and cooperation..." Obviously, the captain wanted her to leave now. 

Staring at the Captain, she stood slowly, uneasily, and began to walk towards the door then stopped. Curiosity - it had always been her downfall. "Why don't you like Idris? I am aware of what some of you think you have the right to blame him for...but that honestly cannot be all. Your kindness is...nice, but I much prefer the truth. Enemies of Idris are enemies of mine. It is as simple and possibly even as foolish as that. I want to know and you are going to explain it to me." 

Rowen was refusing to be dismissed, as she stared hard at the captain, not intimidated - not yet anyway. She wanted the story, even if that meant showing off her gifts to the Captain. Rowen, in her anger and bitterness, was becoming a much harder person than she had started out being. It seemed she'd never stop evolving from that scared, young woman Idris had first met. Captain Johansen smiled at her, a smile of delight...but something about it...seemed different. She looked happy, yes, but it was an ill-spirited happiness. Without hesitation, she stood and moved to the front of the desk. "Fine." 

She grabbed Rowen's wrist, and pulled her close until their forms were almost touching. She reached her hand forward and gripped Rowen's forehead with one hand, pressing her palm to her forehead and letting her fingers intertwine in her hair, still restraining her quite powerfully by her wrist. Rowen didn't feel anything at first, but then she felt a rush. Her entire body seemed to seize and then the room disappeared, changing, in a distorted fashion, to an alternate scene. She could hear Captain Johansen's voice in her mind as the scene changed, showing Idris and a younger woman. Her likeness to Major Usid was unmistakable. "This is but one of my gifts, Mistress. I would prefer that you see this atrocity with your own eyes, than for me to try and explain what happened here." 

The voice seemed eerie and far away, and Rowen found herself not in control of her faculties. The scene sharpened and she could see the ship, see Atalanta. "I am sorry, Sir, but I am afraid I just cannot take you with me. This is not a civilian vessel! Now go away before you regret your decision to persist." 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 09



The young woman seemed pleasant, but firm. Then she saw Idris. He looked a great deal younger than the Idris she'd known and spent so much time with. "But, please, Miss. You can't expect me to stay here on this rock. I promise, as soon as we reach SPC, I'll pay you handsomely and be on my way. You can forget all about me." 

"The answer is still no. Now go away!" 

The young Idris moved closer and grabbed the girl's wrist. She grabbed his arm and swung at him, hitting him square in the chest. He gasped as the air rushed out of his lungs. The woman exhaled sharply and sighed, moving back to walk up the landing ramp. Idris got up and rushed to the foot of it, running up the ramp ahead of her. She could see them both standing at the top of the ramp just inside of the ship, which also looked incredibly different. 

She grabbed Idris by the arm and swung him into the wall. He grunted and fell on the floor. She reached down and picked him up by the lapels of his shirt and threw him down the ramp, his back skidding and his head hitting the ground, hard. He grunted, then yelped. The woman had started to walk away, but something made her freeze dead in her tracks. She turned and looked down at the foot of the ramp, her hand moving to her mouth. She jumped down the ramp to where Idris had probably ended up. 

"Lieutenant Usid. What a pleasant surprise." Rowen could recognize the voice easily enough as the dark woman who had boarded Idris ship and thrown her in the armor chamber. 

"Petraisha." She paled when she recognized the woman. Petraisha was standing there, holding a knife up to Idris throat. "I think I found something you lost, Lieutenant. It's such a pity too. He looks pretty handsome." 

Then, without warning, she withdrew the knife away from Idris throat and stabbed him in the chest. Idris gasped, and she threw him on the ground. He was bleeding, a lot, the ground becoming soiled with his blood as he lied there, gasping. 

"No!" She moved forward, but Petraisha moved towards her. Lieutenant Usid seemed unhinged by what had just happened. "Please, Petraisha. He's...he's no one. Why would you hurt him?" 

She snarled. "Because he IS no one, Lieutenant. He's just a worthless human. He has nothing to offer me." 

She was crying now, obviously wanting to go to Idris side. She looked at him and then up at Petraisha. "What do you want...Petraisha? Why...why have you come here...why have you DONE this?" 

"Because I can see how much seeing this repulsive man die is making you suffer. Just as you have made plenty of my men suffer by your hand." 

The tears rolled down her face and her voice broke as she spoke. "But your men are evil! That is the difference. They chose their side. They chose this war. This man...her...knows nothing of...any of this. Please, just...let me save him, and I'll do whatever you want." 

This seemed to be the answer that this dark woman was looking for. She smiled malevolently. "Very well then. I want...what you have. I want..." She smiled, her teeth bared, and didn't finish her sentence. 

Lieutenant Usid took a step back, shaking her head a little. "No. No, I won't...I can't give that to you." 

"Then this man will die!" 

Lieutenant Usid glared and pulled something out from behind her back. It was a long, cobalt-colored blade. She moved forward, lashing out, leaping from the landing pad. Her arch seemed strange, somehow altered in a subtle way that allowed her to safely land on top of Petraisha's shoulders. Even as the men surrounding them withdrew their rifles and shot helplessly at her, she seemed to just bat the energy away. She stabbed Petraisha in the center of her chest and moved to swing her blade at one of the men. But someone, someone who she had not seen, caught her off guard, and she took a blast to her back. The energy burned a large wound near where her kidney might have been. 

She cried out and fell on the ground, but she still had the presence of mind to affect the shots flying around her to land on the men that were still trying to kill her. The energy from the rifles was flying about like a swarm of vicious insects, burning holds in the men's bodies and faces. When the energy stopped, she looked over at Idris. She crawled over, taking the blade from his chest, and pressed her palm to the wound. She shrieked. Obviously, whatever she was doing was causing her a great deal of agony. The blood flowed from the ground back into Idris wound. 

He gasped and moved to sit up, looking around. He saw her, lying on the ground with the burn on her back. His eyes went wide and he moved to pick her up and carry her onto the ship. He was completely lost, with no apparent idea as to how to act. He cried out, helplessly. "The medical bay. Please, where is your treatment station?" 

She didn't respond, but Rowen could hear the familiar voice of Ophelia echoing in the corridor. "Follow the lights!" 

The corridor dimmed and then lit up in from of him, the lights slowly coming on in the direction Idris was supposed to go. He rushed over toward the station. It was completely different than what Atalanta had now. There was a small nook with a stretcher mounted to the wall. He lied her down and looked around. There was next to nothing in the way of supplies or gear. He cried out and banged a fist against the wall. "No! Please! Please, wake up! I don't know what to do!" 

The woman opened her eyes and looked at Idris, groggily, weakly reaching up to touch his face. "I'm afraid you can't help me. I'm dying. This ship doesn't have the necessary supplies to treat my wounds. I am going to die...I can feel it. But that's alright. I'll be able to go home now...to my father and mother." 

She smiled, and she seemed at peace. "Tell my sister that I love her, and that I will always be watching over her." 

Idris looked at her, shaking his head. "But...I don't even know who you are. Please! There must be something!" 

She nodded at him, smiling. "Here, take my hand." 

He looked at her, taking her hand in his own. "When I die...you will inherit my power, my abilities. It will take time to know how to use them, but they are quite valuable." 

Idris shook his head, obviously not satisfied with her response. He shook his head. "No, no, you can't die. Please, I'm sure your sister...she...would want you to stay." 

The woman didn't respond, her eyes just gazing at him, but then Rowen could see as the life went out of her face. Idris gasped and seized. His feet left the floor and his back hit the wall opposite to the medical bay. He grunted and fell to the ground. After a moment, he got to his feet. He paled and looked to where she was, but he couldn't bring himself to go to her. He looked around, and decided to move back to the landing ramp, retracting it before moving to the cockpit and taking off. He left the dead body of Lieutenant Usid unattended as he took off. 

Rowen could see the image of the captain's office come swirling back to reality. Captain Johansen let her go, and then watched her eyes, gauging her reactions. She didn't have anything to say as she stood there watching her. Rowen backed away, her entire body in shock. She was staring at nothing, just off into space as the entire event replayed several times in her mind faster and faster each time. Opening her mouth to speak, she felt paralyzed, and sick. Very slowly, Rowen took a step back - away from the captain, biting down on her lower lip gently. 

"He didn't want her to die...He..." Looking down, she took a very slow breath, feeling her emotions begin to sky rocket and she realized she was losing control of her mind. She felt her body heat up, the tips of her fingers beginning to get hotter, and she knew any moment flames would begin to appear at her fingertips. She had to get control of herself, but she didn't know how to respond. "I...I...hell..." She swayed for a moment, and the flames appeared at her fingertips. Calm-looking but dangerous if Rowen was pushed any further. 

Captain Johansen seemed unimpressed by this, but arched an eye brow as she watched the flames flow out of her finger tips. And...was that disappointment she saw in her expression? The captain walked back and sat down in her seat, watching Rowen. She offered no words of comfort, no syllable of relief. She just watched Rowen seemingly lose control. 

"I still don't understand Captain. He didn't kill her, didn't leave her for dead, didn't LET her die. HE did everything he could under those conditions. I..." Rowen glanced down at her hands and took a breath, the flames vanishing. She took several steps towards the Captain, glaring down at the woman. "What do you want from me, Captain?" She hated this whole ship, and every person in it at that moment. She wanted Idris, wanted to be back on Atalanta where she felt safe. And if she couldn't be with Idris, then she wanted to be alone on some planet trying to piece her life back together. 

She wrinkled her forehead at Rowen, perplexed by her question. "I don't want anything from you, Miss Cairn. I would like to retrieve Captain Chariton, my fighter, and see that Delethirian ship blast into oblivion. I want Ariadne Usid back under my command. I want to see Idris feel some kind of remorse for what he did. It wasn't Aria's fault that Idris held her up and let that servant of darkness find her and kill her. Had it not been for him, she would still be here on this ship. General Durron, however, thought it would be prudent to make use of him, and decided that since Aria was dead anyway, why not just hand Atalanta over to Idris. Just, hand over the ship that she spent her whole life flying, that she poured all of her efforts into!" 

She got to her feet and her table, seemingly, the entire room, began to tremble with her anger. She slammed her hand on the table, a small seam forming down the middle. "I want Idris to pay for what he took from me and my ship because he was just another selfish man!" 

Rowen watch the table split but at the same time her entire hands began to become engulfed in angry flames. She felt her temper fly like she had never felt before, and even though she took a step back from the Captain, she didn't go running out the door. "You think he doesn't feel remorse? You think he doesn't beat himself up, tear himself to pieces!? Maybe if you pulled your head out of your ass, all of you you'd see that it KILLS him to have lost her and to feel so goddamn responsible for Aria's death! To have you all hate him so much! How dare you assume he feels nothing for that woman! It was NOT his fault that she died! Not his fault that time and place and bad luck all piled onto him. You want someone to blame? Blame Petraisha, SHE killed Aria! SHE DID! Idris is not a selfish man, not by far, you bitch! I will not stand here and let you insult him!" 

She felt her voice reach such a pitch it hurt her throat and she felt her chest rise and fall rapidly as she stared at the Captain, angrier than she had ever felt. Her cheeks were flushed red and the flames had spread up to her elbows as she pointed a warning finger at the Captain. "Remorse? He feels it, Captain..." She practically spat the word "captain." "...But you're too goddamn blinded, by your own need for revenge, that you don't see it. How...dare you insult him like that! And then stand here and say these things to me! To try and show me these things!" 

Captain Johansen took a step back and her eyes got a little wide. She smiled at Rowen's response and then glared. "Petraisha is only a servant of darkness. Her various deeds of suffering and destruction that she has done in the name of her...her empire, will be answered for. But I truly hope that you think about what being with Idris has brought you. I've been told that she attacked you, that she was ready to take your life as well." She scoffed. "You would be wise to consider what being with someone like Idris is going to do for your well being. And now that Petraisha has his gifts, what worth is he to you?" 

Rowen stared hard at the woman, trying not to completely explode, figuratively and literally. "She did attack me. And do you know why she didn't take my life? Idris offered himself over me. She took his powers instead of taking MINE. He sacrificed himself for ME! You're right, Captain, he is a selfish bastard." Shaking her head, she took a step towards her, really angry now. "Do you know what Idris has done for me...BEYOND that? He took me in - twice - when I had no where to go, when I was on the run. When there were men trying to kill me, beat me, torture me...he took me in and cared for me. What is he WORTH to me? He is worth everything. More than you could ever understand. He has done more for me than any other person I have met." 

She took another step back, her resolve wavering a little. She didn't know what to say, but she remained on the defensive. She maintained her angry expression, but it was obvious she was running out of ammunition in this argument. Still angry beyond belief, but realizing that she should be satisfied that she seemed to have the higher hand by now, Rowen stood her ground, glaring at the Captain. "You do not know Idris, that much is very clear. I want to find Idris, get him back, and then we will return to Atalanta. And if you try to seek whatever 'revenge' on him, I will defend him with everything I have... do NOT test me, Captain." 

She paused and took one more little jab. "Thank you for your receptiveness and cooperation." A step back was taken and the flames slowly moved down her arm to her hands until they eventually vanished, but she did not look any less angry, although her voice was MUCH calmer. "Do we have anything more to discuss?" 

Captain Johansen pursed her lips and sat down in her seat again. "No. You may leave now." She motioned the door, but instead of looking down at her paperwork like she had before, she stared up at Rowen, watching to see than she left. "Major Usid will escort you back to your quarters so you may gather your things and return to Atalanta." 

Not so eager to have her on the ship now, was she? Rowen thought to herself, only slightly smug, as she took a few steps towards the door. "Thank you, Captain. I expect to be informed if anything comes up about Idris." Nodding, she waited for the doors to open then stepped out of them, taking a deep breath as she gathered her serenity and tried to quiet the anger still raging inside of her as she searched for Major Usid. 

The girl was waiting for her. She seemed just a jittery than ever. As Rowen surveyed the bridge, she could see that at least some of their exchange had been overheard on the bridge...or felt, if nothing else. A few extra people were staring at her, apprehension on their faces. The girl smiled politely at her. "Shall I show you to your room, Mistress Cairn?" 

Instead of blushing like she normally did, Rowen stared back at them, not with malice, but rather just to let them know she was standing firm by whatever they had overheard. She loved Idris, and she'd do anything to make sure his name was no longer soiled, and that he was brought back to safety. "Thank you, Major." She was as sweet as ever to the jittery girl. "So...how much was heard?" Aching an eyebrow, she followed the girl back towards her room, waiting for an answer. 

The girl lead her up the walkway, stopping at the doors while they opened. She looked over at her, confused. "I'm sorry?" Obviously, she didn't understand...or she was being coy. "How much of what was heard?" 

"The argument and you can't lie and tell me that none of it was heard. Unless you're deaf." Rowen offered up a small smile as they walked up the walkway, and then through the doors. "You were closer to the doors than anyone else on the bridge and half of those people were staring at me." 

The girl seemed a little caught off guard by this. She looked at the bridge crew, and then at the doors to the captain's office, and then at Rowen. She chewed on the side of her mouth a moment. She shook her head and stepped into the room. The doors closed behind them and then opened, without the gust of air this time. She walked ahead of Rowen this time, and didn't offer her a reply for a long time. As they reached the lift doors, she turned back to Rowen while they waited for a lift to arrive. "I...didn't hear...anything. I assure you. Captain Johansen had the..." She stopped a moment, obviously not sure how to explain. 

"The small room between the bridge and her office serves as...as a buffer? No one heard a word of your exchange. However..." The doors opened and she stepped in. Once they were both inside, she turned to her and finished the sentence. "Sometimes when the captain gets angry, her...abilities...can cause little tremors in her office...that sometimes translate into the bridge. No one heard anything but...a...few of us...felt it." 

She smiled weakly and then frowned. The doors opened, and the girl rushed out into the corridor, obviously happy to be out of such a small space with her. She opened her mouth to speak, but stopped, inhaling a deep breath and then stopping, exhaling it slowly. She repeated this action a few more times and then grumbled, extending her hand towards the corridor. "This way..." 

"The tremors. Yes, I felt those." Not that she had cared at all about them. She was too busy screaming her head off at the Captain, her throat still raw from it, her skin still hot to the touch. "I'm sorry, Major. I did not mean to put you on the spot with my question." She recognized the woman's jittery attitude and she felt mildly guilty about it. "Thank you." 

She followed the corridor that the woman indicated and began to walk down it. Now that her anger was waning, she was beginning to feel that distant pain again, the realization that Idris was not back yet, that he was still very much gone. When they reached the door to her quarters, the girl stopped, turning to her. "Is it true that Captain Johansen has my sister's death in her mind?" Almost immediately, the girl blushed, and looked a little surprised with herself. "I...I mean...I'm sorry...you...you don't..." She exhaled sharply through her nose and gestured at the door again, with far less energy than before. "Here...here are your quarters...Miss..." She started to walk away, her shoulders slumping. 

Rowen felt the words hit her and her mild guilt grew stronger. "Wait - Major." She walked after the woman and gently touched her shoulder. "Your captain does still fight for your sister, and wants to avenge her death. But she blames Idris - Captain Chariton, and he is not the right man to blame. I am so sorry for your loss Major...but...I promise you Idris...he feels more remorse than your captain, and possibly even you, think. He was not her cause of death. But...you probably do not want to hear any of this from me. I am sorry..." Taking a step back she watched the Major. 

The girl took a step back, trying to get away. Immediately her fragile composure crumbled like a deck of cards. The tears began flowing freely down her face. Her voice broke when she spoke. "S-St-stop!" She pushed Rowen's hand away forcefully and turned away from her. She was shaking, trembling. She shook her head and just stood there a moment. She spun around, sniffling and wiped the tears from her eyes. She didn't seem angry with Rowen, moreso, she seemed angry with herself. She shook her head again. "I am well aware of Captain Johansen's emotions for Captain Chariton. I need no reminder. And..." She took in a long, erratic breath, trying to calm herself. "I know how Idris feels about it. I dread seeing that man...every time he ends up here. He...he finds me, and...and tries to...to ease my pain in some futile, vain attempt to make amends. It's not his fault she is dead. There wasn't very much he could have done...except maybe left her xf alone!" 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 09



She stopped, shutting her eyes and sighed again. "I don't..." She opened her eyes and looked at Rowen. "It's not his fault she is dead. You're preaching to the converted...I assure you. However...Captain Johansen has yet to...she won't..." She pounded her fist, pinkie first, against the bulkhead. It gave way, a lot, the entire plate of metal bending inward as if it was a thin sheet of transparent plasteel. The groan of the metal was loud as it deformed under her apparent strength. 

The indentation was about half of Rowen's forearm in depth. The girl looked mortified, her hand moving to her mouth as she looked at what she'd done. She surveyed the immediate area, searching for witnesses, and moved them a little further away from the damage. She was blushing now, despite her previous emotions. "I just...I think I deserve to...see...it...for myself." She sighed, closing her eyes a long moment. She looked sad, and now ashamed. She opened her eyes and looked at Rowen. "If...if you need...any assistance...for anything...just...let me know." She sighed and shut her eyes again, turning to walk away again. Her arms wrapped around her front and her hands held either arm above her elbow. 

Rowen drew her hand back, as if burned, watching the poor girl fall to pieces. But she didn't make any moves to comfort her, or speak up. She needed to let it pour out, and Rowen would let her - staying close but not close enough to start to crowd the poor thing. And then she punched the wall, and Rowen felt her stomach drop as if she had stones in it. She didn't think to speak until the Major was walking away. "Major Usid? I am so very sorry..." It was all she could think to see, but it was genuine, her voice thick with her own emotions. "If there is anything I can do... for you, you know where to find me." Turning to her room she pressed the button to slide the doors open and began to step inside. 

She just kept walking away, not even barely acknowledging Rowen's words. She just waved it off as if she didn't want to hear it. It was likely that if Captain Johansen handled her so delicately, and her situation, that many others on Avenger gave her the same little girl treatment and tried to protect her from whatever might upset her, as Rowen's word had. Likely, both out of over-consideration for her and for their own safety... 

"Wonderful." Rowen grumbled under her breath and stepped into her room, letting the door shut behind her as she slid back onto her bed, sitting upright staring at the wall. She doubted she had much support on this ship anymore. Hell, she had gotten into a screaming match with the captain. She was in a wonderful place now. Bitter, angry, and tired from all the emotion she'd let burst out earlier, she sat there, taking a few deep breaths, trying to figure out what the hell she was going to do. A few moments later, her door chimed again. The food tray had been taken out of her room, and something about her room looked a little different. Her visitor did not reveal themselves. 

Rowen groaned very softly as she climbed from the bed and walked to the door, running her fingers through her hair for a moment before she opened the door for her visitor. "Yes?" 

It was Major Jesik. He smiled at her and bowed his head forward a little. "Hello, Miss Cairn. I'm told I am to assist you in your relocation. You've decided to leave Avenger then?" He seemed completely sincere...and obliviously ignorant. 

"Yes, Major, that's correct. I will be staying on Atalanta until Idris has returned or..." Or he never came back. Swallowing those words instead, she focused on the Major and forced a polite smile on her exhausted face. "I think it's best for me to be there instead of here. Out of the way for now." Crossing her arms in front of her she offered up a little shrug. 

He seemed a little rebuffed by her subtle hostility. He nodded slowly, closing his eyes as he did. "Very well. Is there anything I can help you with? Any...things you and Captain Chariton brought on board with you? Or do you need any assistance reloading the consumable and material supplies for your ship?" He just assumed that it was as much hers as it was Idris'. Why wouldn't it be? 

"Um...things...No, we didn't bring anything aboard, but help with the reloading of supplies would be most helpful." She had no idea how to even start that process. "I'm afraid I don't know much about ships, so help with technicalities are much appreciated." Nodding to the major, she tried to lower her guard, but just couldn't. This whole ship made her defensive. 

He smiled at her. "Well, when you feel you are ready to go...simply signal for me and I'll give you my assistance." He bowed his head towards her again and turned to walk away. 

"Well wait..." She stepped forward, lifting a hand to stop him in case he continued to walk. "Can't we just move me now? I don't have anything to gather here, there's nothing in this room that I brought or that Idris brought. I'd much rather just return to Atalanta as soon as possible." 

He turned around to face her when she called for him. His eyes brows moved up on his face. "Oh, well then, of course. Let's go." He extended and arm to motion her out into the hall. "If you'd prefer, I can just have Atalanta refueled and refilled, if that would be easier for you." He turned away from the door to face her to gather her response. 

"Refueled? Uh...I won't be taking her anywhere, Major. I doubt I could figure out how to get her to move..." Rowen stepped from the room and heard the doors slide behind her as she began to walk down the corridor with the major. When the lift arrived, he motioned for her to get in, and then followed after her. 

"Very well. I would have thought you would want the ship ready to go, in case..." He stopped and turned to look away from her at the lift doors and then looked at her a moment, made a little uneasy by his slip-up. "I mean..." And then the arrival tone sounded and he rushed off the lift, waiting for her in the corridor. 

"In case? Hey..." She watched him hurry out of the lift, and she immediately rolled her eyes. "In case what?" She demanded as she stepped off the lift and caught up with him. Rowen felt that itch of annoyance all over again just when she was feeling as if she were warming up to the Major. 

He shook his head. "Nothing, never mind." He lead her down the corridor which curved after a few meters and then lead straight out into the expanse of the launch deck. On the way towards the ramp at the end of the corridor, they passed the observation room, the same one she'd been in when Idris had been taken. Major Jesik seemed not to notice and continued to lead her down the ramp towards the deck. 

"'Never mind'? Ugh, you people are so frustrating." Rowen growled at him and was about to add something to that statement when she noticed the observation room. Wincing, she stopped dead in her tracks for a moment, and looked in. Sighing heavily, she quickly pushed herself on, and tried to catch up with the Major. But now she looked strangely apathetic, as if she had just given up for the time being. 

He turned on her. "In case you and Captain Chariton wish to disembark upon his return." He sighed, and continued down the ramp, not noticing that she'd paused, or noticing her sudden change in demeanor. 

His comment was just adding salt to her wounds, and she winced again. "Right of course. In case we want to...disembark. If he returns." Sighing softly, she followed him down the ramp, not speaking up anymore as they began to reach Atalanta. Suddenly, she was fearing Atalanta wouldn't feel the same without Idris, that staying there would only hurt more. No, she thought, she couldn't stay on this ship any longer. 

Major Jesik rolled his eyes and turned to look at her, stopping both of them. "Miss Cairn, I've known Captain Chariton for a long time. He may not be the wisest man, the nicest man, or even the bravest man I've ever met, but his survival instinct is more powerful than I have seen in a human. And WHEN Idris gets back, I imagine so long a time without you, he'll want you both to run away somewhere for a long, long time. Be patient." His voice grew stern and firm as he chided her. She was taken aback by his firm words and simply stared up at him both comforted and shocked at the same time. He turned to walk down to the deck. He lead her over the vast expanse towards the familiar ship. He extended his hand. "I'll send someone to refill your supplies, if the deck chief's crews have not done so already." 

He moved to walk away again, leaving her at the foot of the ship all by herself. She heard his footsteps receding and she whirled around. "Major!" Jogging to catch up wit him, without warning, she threw her arms around his neck as she hugged him. She didn't know exactly what had made her do that, perhaps because his words, even as stern and scolding as they were, had been the most comforting things she'd heard since Idris' disappearance. Backing away quickly from the major, she nodded, a blush rising to her cheeks. "As I said...thank you." Turning quickly, she hurried towards Atalanta. 

He seemed completely caught off guard. Her affection made him very uncomfortable, but after a moment, her gently patted her back. He seemed confused by her gesture. "Sure...of course..." He wasn't really sure what he was agreeing with, but he waited for her to frolic back towards the ship and quickly walked away. 

Atalanta loomed in front of her, the landing ramp retracted. It looked cleaner, in someway, and she could see a glimpse of something different on the top of the ship. As she neared Atalanta, she stared up at the ship, tilting her heard to study it quietly. Reaching the ship itself, she waited for the ramp to land so that she could step inside. As she stood there, nothing happened. She probably assumed that Ophelia might just open the door for her, but she didn't. She could see the seam in the hull where the landing ramp was, but it didn't descend. It was far too high for her to reach it, almost two meters above her head. How exactly was she going to get on? She'd have to find someone... Rowen took a step back and frowned. 

"Ophelia?!" She called out, expecting to hear the little computer's voice. But even as she waited for the voice, she was already taking several steps back. "Major Jesik?" She yelled over her shoulder, her voice echoing around the deck, as she paused to stare up at the retracted landing ramp. Major Jesik, unfortunately, was already gone. The deck was huge and had people shuffling about all over it. Who was she supposed to ask for help? 

She could see the ramp that she had walked down from the observation room, along with the various other ships scattered over the deck. Then suddenly, she heard a voice behind her. It was the same woman that the deck chief had assigned to assist her when her and Idris had landed. "Mistress Chariton. What seems to be the problem?" 

Jumping at the sound of the voice, she whirled around to look at the woman. "I'm afraid Ophelia is not responding, and I, uh, cannot board Atalanta," she said, hoping she didn't sound or look as embarrassed as she felt in that moment. Rubbing the back of her head, she stared at the woman for a moment before glancing back at Atalanta, then once again back to the woman. 

She was riding a small hovering device, a disk with a pole mounted in its center. The pole ended with a grip big enough for both her hands. She had a clipboard in one hand. Standing on the device, she was a little taller than Rowen. When she stepped down, however, she was at least a full head shorter. "Oh. I'm sorry. I forgot that Captain Chariton had requested we leave the vessel secure. Do...you have access to his ship without his presence?" She seemed very confident, but a little oblivious in some manner. Obviously she was just following a protocol, though it seemed she was following it rather blindly. 

"I...thought I did. I..." She paused, trying to remember the things that Idris had said to her before he had gone. "No...he didn't ever tell me I did. Dammit." Placing a hand against her forehead, she shut her eyes for a couple of minutes. "Suppose I'm stuck here." She grumbled, wanting to kick something very hard in that moment, and despite her worry for Idris, she wanted to kick him too. 

The woman shook her head. "No, no, it's alright. I remember you." She sighed, frowning a little, thinking a moment. "I suppose, given the unique circumstances, that I can allow you aboard. But if anyone asks, Ophelia let you on, alright?" She smiled widely at her. "Wait here. I need to retrieve the remote for external entry." 

Rowen sighed with relief at the woman and immediately began to nod. "Yes, thank you so much, Ma'am." 

She hopped on her hoverpad and was gone in a matter of moments, zipping away in the opposite direction from the observation rooms. 

She watched the woman speed away. Clearing her throat softly, she turned to look up at Atalanta, and sighed a little bit, letting out her frustrations. "Mistress Chariton, can I help you?" 

The voice came from behind. More voices. Rowen turned around quickly to focus on the new voice, and arched an eyebrow. "Um, no I'm already being...uh...helped? I was having trouble with Atalanta. That's all." 

It was the woman. The one who had JUST zipped away from her. "Oh? Who is helping you...?" She looked around, indicating the absence of Rowen's assistant. 

Blinking a couple of times, she pointed for a moment at the woman. "Y...you. I just saw you. You told me you'd help me open the ship and..." Pausing, she frowned at the woman, looked around then focused back on her. 

She looked very confused. "Miss? Are you alright?" She looked concerned and then looked around. She turned again to Rowen. "I haven't seen you since you arrived with Captain Chariton and the deck master instructed me to assist you. Maybe...it was someone else?" She felt awful. The poor girl was obviously having difficulty coping with Idris' abduction. 

"Perhaps you're uh...right. Um, let's try again." Clearing her throat, she forced a smile at the woman then nodded. "I can't get onto the ship. Idris never gave me access to the ship in his absence. Can you possibly um...make an exception for me? I'd much rather stay on Atalanta until Idris returns." 

She smiled, nodding. "Of course!" She turned to the ship. "Ophelia, this is deck liaison Nyshera: please extend the boarding ramp for me and Mistress Chariton." 

There was an odd noise made in reply and the liaison furrowed her brow, a little confused. She turned to Rowen, looking her over a moment. She thinned her eyes. "Please, come with me, Miss." 

Frowning up at the ship, she held up a hand to the woman. "I um...am not Mistress Chariton. Try Mistress Cairn. Idris and I were not...uh...married." Blushing slightly she looked at the floor for a moment then focused back on the woman. "She probably does not recognize a Mistress Chariton." 

The girl blushed. "OH...I...I'm sorry. Uh..." She cleared her throat. "Ophelia, my security access ID, given to me by Captain Chariton in order to allow my crew to render repairs, is one-one-zero-zero-one-zero-one-X-Ray. Please lower the ramp for me and Miss..." she stopped, looking at Rowen and whispering. "I'm sorry, what was your name?" 

"Cairn." Rowen responded quickly, sighing softly looking down at the floor. Her cheeks flushed again but this time with more annoyance. 

"...Miss Cairn." She smiled, the noise that was given in response was different this time. The ramp descended in front of them. She gestured at the ramp. "There you are. Is there anything else I can do for you...?" 

Arching an eyebrow at the ramp, she began to walk towards it. "No, thank you very much, Ma'am." 

Smiling faintly, she continued to make her way up towards the ramp. "Hello Ophelia," she said softly as she began to step inside the ship. 

The familiar voice was heard, but no image appeared anywhere. "Welcome back, Mistress Rowen. I'm glad to see that you have returned. But, where is Captain Chariton? Did he decide to linger aboard Avenger a little longer without us?" 

The computer's voice was welcoming, even if she didn't appear in front of her. "I'm afraid Idris has...been abducted, Ophelia." She tried to keep calm, and continued walking through the ship as she spoke. "They are trying to find him, but so far...no luck. It has not been long since he was taken." 

There was a long pause, and then the voice came in again. "I do not understand. What do you mean, 'abducted'? Who took him, and where exactly did he go?" Her concern was very prevalent and clear, as was what sounded like confusion that was in her voice. 

"I'm not sure Ophelia. He was in a fighter ship and he was taken. The name...I can't remember what the Captain told me. They snatched his ship, and took him. No one seems to think he is dead but...they have him. I don't know why they'd take him." Rowen felt so helpless with so little information. She made her way into the galley, pausing to lean on the table. 

The image appeared on the table next to her, the expression on its face very concerned and worried. It shook its head. "Wait...I still do not understand. Captain Chariton was in a different ship?" She obviously sounded just the slightest bit annoyed by this. "And, while he was on this ...other ship, 'they' snatched his craft...and took him?" She shook her head again. "Who is 'they,' Mistress? And, what do you mean, they 'snatched' him? Do you mean like a tractor beam?" The sense of urgency in her voice was about as subtle as a super nova. 

"I do not know who THEY are Ophelia. No one does right now. He was in another ship because Avenger was attacked and the idiot couldn't stay still. He went out there and got himself..." She sighed heavily and stared at the little image. "Yes, like a tractor beam, I'm not sure. I'm sorry, Ophelia, I do not know ships like Idris does." Pressing a few fingertips to her temple, she groaned softly feeling pressure begin to build. 

The image looked at her, very concerned and guilty. "Please, Mistress, you should sit down...or lie down. Your stress levels are extremely elevated and I do not believe it is healthy for you to remain wound up so tightly. Is there anything I can do for you? The repair crew made a few modifications to the ship, not just the advanced energy weapon array, but they also refilled my reserves, the fuel, and the material and consumables. In addition, they cleaned...well, everything save for Captain Chariton's quarters, including the refresher chamber. Would you like an herbal sanisteam to maybe soothe your nerves a little?" She was being helpful, that was her job, and making sure that both Captain Chariton and his companions were healthy, alive, and safe. 

"I am stressed, very stressed. I almost lost control of my gifts earlier in front of the captain. I..." She looked towards the doors of the bedroom she felt her heart skip a beat. "I'll lay down. I...I'll just rest. Ophelia..." She swallowed her words as she moved towards the bedroom. Once inside, she took a deep breath, looking around at the still mussed bed, a few articles of her clothing pushed aside on the floor. "Idris..." She whispered, and pressed a palm to her forehead as she walked to the bed and slowly lay down. "Ophelia, I am to be contacted if there is any news of Idris. Please let me know before anyone enters the ship." 

"Access to Atalanta has been restricted. If you like I can update the security to allow you to exit and enter on your own volition using your own voice so you no longer require the assistance of launch deck personnel. Also, I have rescinded all maintenance access codes. No one will be able to get in, save Captain Chariton himself, unless you allow them to. Would you like me to make any other changes to the security, or to any other part of the ship?" 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 09



"Please change security so that I may come and go on the ship. Is there anyway that anyone will be able to inform me if there is new on Idris?" She stared up at the ceiling as she waited for Ophelia's response. She was glad to be away from the Avenger and sleeping on Atalanta, but she didn't want to risk them finding Idris and her not being around. 

"I have already adjusted security to allow for you to be able to come and go as you like. As for being notified and updated on any viable intel, Avenger's crew would be quite capable of hailing us and providing information, but such communications can only be done via the cockpit communications array. There is no way for your to communicate from the living quarters save by face to face interaction, but they would have to be allowed aboard the ship in order to make that happen." 

"Then can you inform me if we are being hailed if I am in the living quarters? And if not...I will sleep in the cockpit. I cannot miss word about Idris, Ophelia, do you understand?" She wasn't bossing Ophelia around but was rather very desperate to make sure she got news about him if there happen to be any. 

The image nodded at her. "Yes, of course, Mistress. If we are contacted, you'll be the first to know. I still recommend that you sleep now. I will wake you if your presence is necessary or if anyone attempts to contact us." 

Breathing a sigh of relief, she nodded back at the image and pulled the blanket over her. "Thank you so much, Ophelia." Pulling the blanket up to her chin, she curled beneath it, taking a deep breath as she tried to relax. 

"Of course, Mistress Rowen." 

She was silent, and the only thing that could be heard was the thrumming of the ship's generators and ventilation systems. As Rowen drifted off to sleep, she would hear a voice, a voice that didn't sound like it was in the room, but moreso, in her mind, like Idris' and Aria's voices had been in her mind before in the captain's office. 

"Rowen? Rowen...are you there? Can you hear me?" 

Frowning at the voice, she groaned softly, and nodded some. "Yes...what do you what?" She whispered furrowing her brow as she tried to shake the words off. You're going a little crazy, she thought to herself and sighed again as she burrowed further under the comforter of the bed. 

She felt someone crawl into bed next to her, those familiar arms wrapping around her. The voice was more familiar now as it became more clear. "I want to make sure you keep dreaming, of course..."



Rowen Cairn Ch. 10



She could feel the warmth of a pair of lips on the back of her neck as a hand moved down to her abdomen and trailed its fingers over her skin. "I think I like this dream...a lot." His voice was no more than a whisper, his touch softer than before. "I've missed you, Rowen...more than you can possibly imagine." The lips were near her ear, but she found herself unable to really see anything. She could only feel him, and hear him. 

"Idris?" She whispered softly, and as she felt those arms move around her, she smiled, and curled up a little closer. It felt so comforting to hear his voice again, to feel him. "A dream? Of course it is...Idris, I've missed you too. I need you Idris. I have to have you back with me." 

She continued to whisper, keeping her eyes shut, her body relaxed. She was afraid that if she opened her eyes and turned over she would lose him completely. "Shh, it's alright. I know, Sweetheart. I'm fine...I'm alive." 

She felt him roll her over onto her back, his face leaning down to her own, pressing his lips against hers for a long moment, his hand moving to her cheek as he kissed her. "And I can't wait until I am back with you." 

He moved to kiss her neck, his hands moving to feel her chest, his fingers moving over the material of her clothes. "Mmm...you still smell good. You should stay here a little longer so that our bed smells like you when I get back." 

He moved again to kiss her lips and let his tongue slide inside of her mouth. She couldn't believe that he felt so real at that moment, she could hear him as if he were right there whispering to her. But she didn't question it, just enjoyed feeling him, hearing him. "Why do you need the bed to smell like me? You'll have me right here with you when you get back. I'm never going to leave your side, no matter how annoying that makes me." Her hand reached up to feel that hand of his still touching her cheek as she returned the kiss. "Because. What if you need to leave my side, for any reason, ever again? What if you wake up before I do, and when I rouse, you're no longer there?" 

He kissed her again, his lips holding firm to her own. He moved to straddle her hips and she could feel his weight pressing against her. He inhaled deeply through his nose and his lips moved down to her neck, nibbling on her skin as they moved up to her ear, chewing gently on her lobe. "What if I just want my ship to smell as wonderful and intoxicating as you do?" 

"Then I will make sure that your ship smells..." Her breath caught in her throat as she felt his lips move up her neck to her earlobe. "...just like me. All the time. Oh, Idris...where are you?" His nibbling struck a sensitive part of her neck and she let out a little moan, back arching up into him. Still she kept her eyes shut not wanting the dream to end, not wanting to risk losing this moment. He moaned into her ear. "I'm right here...with you, Sweetie. It's ok...I think I have enough control...that you can open your eyes and see me..." She could feel his hands moving against her sides, his desire to remove her clothing becoming more and more obvious. "But only if you stop asking me silly questions about my well-being...and my current location. It's not important. I'm here, with you...that's what is important." 

She could feel something in her mind, the power of his suggestion almost overriding her natural instinct to be curious and ask detailed questions. "Open my eyes? I'm scared to..." But she could feel her own desire starting to bubble beneath the surface. Her need to feel him, all of him, was getting stronger by the second. Her hands moved up feeling down his chest until she felt the bottom of a shirt, and slowly, she moved her fingertips beneath it, sighing at the feeling of his bare flesh right under her hands. And slowly, very slowly, she opened her eyes, praying that they saw him. She was still in their quarters, but something about it...something very elusive, seemed somehow different. Idris was there, but he too seemed...altered in some manner that she was unable to grasp. The shades of his skin, his hair, and his eyes...all seemed...changed, almost unnoticeably. His hair looked darker, his eyes greener, his skin darker...but it was him...he just looked almost imperceptibly different. He smiled, a wide grin that encompassed his face. He bit his lip, that look of desire taking over his expression as he leaned in and kissed her again. He wore a white, sleeveless tunic and leggings that had been cut off just below his knees. He was barefoot. He looked her over, taking in her appearance as his eyes moved from her hips up to her face, back down to her hips, and then up back to her face again. He trembled as he bit his lower lip and stared at her, an unmistakable expression on his face. As soon as she saw him, she let out a happy laugh, a bright smile crossing her face as she reached up to touch his face. The feeling of him almost brought tears to her eyes as she continued to smile happily. "Idris, oh...I love you. You're here." 

Laughing, she felt his face, moved her hands down that tunic, searching for the bare skin yet again. She was wearing what she had been before they boarded the Avenger, her clothing from when they first met. Black pants, and a grey, short-sleeved shirt. Her hair was tangled from lack of care, but she had managed to keep it tame enough. She could feel his trembling, and her own body began to respond. Smiling up at him, she leaned up, pressing her lips hard against his. He smiled at her, leaning his forehead against her own as she spoke. He nodded slowly, leaning in to meet her as she went to kiss him again. His hands wasted no time, moving up underneath her shirt, pushing up towards her head. He broke the kiss and helped her lift her arms, taking the clothing and discarding it on the floor. He leaned in and kissed her again, moaning against her lips. He moved to her neck, moving up to her ear again. "I've miss you so much, Rowen. It doesn't feel like weeks for me, it feels like years. I am so glad I was able to find you. I love you, more than I have ever loved another human ever in my entire existence." 

He nibbled on her ear a little and moved down to her neck, gently letting his teeth rake over her skin as he kissed her. She got rid of her shirt as quickly possible, settling back down under him groaning as he spoke into her ear. "I've needed you so much, Idris. Needed to feel you, hear you...I love you...more than anything. You mean everything to me." 

Moaning softly as his teeth gently raked over her skin, she feverishly grabbed at his tunic, beginning to pull it up and over his head. Her entire body felt hot with desire, and as soon as his shirt was gone, her hands moved down his now bare chest. She moved again to press her lips against his, tongue pressing it way between his lips into his mouth. 

He leaned in and kissed her, moaning softly as he felt her hands touch his chest. Her hands felt warm and she could feel the goose bumps break out over his skin. He reached between them, his hand rubbing down over her abdomen, past her waistline, his fingers curling over her, moving down between her legs. His hands moved eagerly over her skin, feeling her beneath her clothes and how warm she felt. He pulled away from the kiss and moaned again, looking up at her. "Rowen...I need you. I've been without you for so long. Your absence feels like it is going to kill me...please, I want to feel you...as I've felt you before. Please...show me that you want this too...I need to know." 

As his hand moved between her legs, she let out a moan, back arching up towards him, her knees bending very slightly. Biting down on her lower lip, she stared down at him and began to nod quickly. "I need you, Idris, I need you so badly." Her hands reached out gently, pushing him as she sat up until she was straddling him. Breathing heavily, she moved down his body immediately, grabbing onto his leggings and began to pull them down his legs. She let out a soft groan as she pulled them away and threw them to the side. Without a word, she moved her hands down to her own pants and began to yank them down her body, needing to be free of all of her clothing. He watched her, biting his lip while she stripped down for him. He stopped her, grabbing her wrists, he pulled her closer. "Mmmm...Sweetheart, I want you to do something for me..." He looked at her as she knelt on the bed, wearing nothing but her delicious panties. He leaned closer to her, whispering in her ear. "Save them...for me?" 

He leaned closer, his teeth nibbling on her ear, moving down over her neck as he helped her lie on her back again. He wore nothing, his entire form out in the open for her to see without obstruction. He moved over her body, his form pressing down against her as his lips moved to her face, kissing her deeply as his hand caressed her cheek. Smiling as he grabbed her wrists, she allowed him to pull her closer nodding at his request. "Anything for you, Love." 

As his teeth began to nibble down her neck, she tilted her head to allow him more access, lying back on the bed. Her hands reached up and grabbed onto his shoulders, slowly moving down to feel his bare chest. Her hips rotated up, pressing herself into him and his length. Her lips moved firmly back against his, her tongue once again slipping through his lips. His hand moved between them, rubbing over the black fabric, rubbing it against her skin as his fingers moved, pressing it against her lips and gently rolling it against her clit. His free hand moved up to pull back on her hair and arch her back and neck towards the bed as his lips kissed her neck. He growled softly in her ear. "Mmmm...please, Rowen...I want nothing more than to feel this...to feel you cum for me, hear your voice...feel you as you drench my fingers in your sweet juices." 

He continued to move his hand, letting the fabric push between her lips every few seconds and soak up whatever juices she had inside her for him. "If you give me this...I'll give you almost anything you want...I promise..." Already she felt her body start going crazy, trembling beneath Idris' body. Moaning, she bit down on her lower lip, one of her hands dropping to the bed to grab a handful of sheets. "Oh, Idris..." As his fingers dipped down inside of her, she let out a soft whimper, her other hand grabbing onto his shoulder. Lips parted as she breathed heavily, staring at him with heavy eyes. "Yes...yes, Idris." Her voice had dropped with her arousal, much throatier now as she swallowed another whimper.

He continued to roll the fabric over her, letting it warm against her skin. He pushed it deep inside of her, stretching the fabric as much as it would allow, his fingers moving between her lips until he had almost his second knuckle inside of her. He rubbed it between her walls, caressing them roughly before he moved to rub the wet fabric against her clit, his pace growing in speed and desperation as he moaned softly, watching her as she writhed beneath him. He leaned his head down to her ear, his fingers moving faster and faster. "Do you want me to stop, Rowen? Do you like how this feels? Do you enjoy this?" 

As his finger pushed inside of her, she let out a cry, head rolling from one side to another. Panting much heavier now, her hips bucked up against his hand, the pace becoming erratic as his own speed picked up. Pleasure coursed through her veins, making her blood boil, and every inch of her body feel sensitive. "No, don't stop. Oh please, don't stop. I..." Another moan cut her words off as she continued trying to push her hips down even harder against his hand. "I love how it...feels."

He grinned at her, moving away from her face, his head descending down between her legs. His hands held her thighs, keeping her still. His nose pushed against the fabric, rubbing it against her clit as his tongue tasted her on her panties. He let his hand move to caress her clit, rubbing it again before moving to pull the fabric aside. She could feel his tongue move between her lips at her base, pushing inside of her as he moved up, licking between her walls and lapping at her until he reached her clit. The tip of his tongue flicked over her skin before he moved back down to bury his face against her, still holding the fabric away as he moaned and hummed against her skin. His lips rubbed against her lips as his tongue moved between them. Gasping as soon as she felt his tongue press against her bare flesh, she practically bucked her hips up, but his hands held her thighs successfully down. Biting hard on her lower lip, both her hands were now balled into fists, gripping the sheets beneath her. The flicking of his tongue against her clit made her cry out even louder this time, and she knew she wouldn't be lasting much longer. "Idris, I'm going to cum...oh..." Gripping the sheets even harder, her muscles began to tense beneath him. 

He let go of the fabric, letting it slide back against her mound, his fingers rubbing it against her lips as his face pressed against her clit, his tongue and lips moving against the fabric to roll it over her, humming as he did, hoping the vibrations would translate into her warmth as he persisted. His fingers began to push it up and down over her lips and then inside of her, stretching it a little deeper as his lips continued to work. He moaned loudly, his eyes looking up at her as he encouraged her release. The warm, damp fabric pressing into her only made her whimper louder, her hips beginning to rock down towards him, craving his touch, needing it to push her over the edge. 

"Idris...Idris!" She yelled out as her entire body shuddered, and she felt herself suddenly cry out with an intense climax. Letting out several long moans, her body shook, hips continued to thrust down. Her shaking lasted several moments, and even as she began to calm down, she was still panting, still had a tight grip of the sheets beneath her. He felt her shudder and pressed the fabric flat against her skin as he let her cry out, trembling as the sounds made him all the more enticed by her. He waited out the moments, growing more and more eager as she panted and moaned. When he felt her release had subsided, he helped her out of her last piece of clothing, peeling them away from her and then moved to hide them under the bed. He leaned down and let his tongue push inside of her, unobstructed by her clothes as he lapped between her lips, cleaning whatever he could find between her folds and on her skin. He moaned loudly as he tasted her and persisted, waiting for her to become so overwhelmed that she was unable to stand it and forced him to cease. His own breathing was erratic as he did this, still very worked up by their activities. Weakly, she allowed him to pull away her panties, lifting her legs slowly. A soft moan, almost a dull hum, was heard from her as he began to lick at her once again. The moan got louder and louder until she gasped and jerked her hips away from his mouth. 

"Come here." She whispered, her hands uncurling from the sheets and reached out towards him. She knew he had to be very aroused by this point and had yet to have any release at all. 

He bit his lip and looked at her. "Mmmm...you...taste better than...I remember." He stared at her, searching her eyes as if he would see something in them that would give away what was on her mind. "I'm so glad...you let me come here, tonight." 

Smiling at him, she ran a gentle hand down his face, and let out a soft chuckle. "I'm so glad you came here." 

He kissed her forehead, and looked at her again. "I only hope that I-" But suddenly, the room seemed to change, the entire appearance distorting and turning black. 

The next thing she heard was the familiar voice of Ophelia. "Mistress Rowen...you wished to be notified if Avenger contacted us with additional information?" 

Rowen was lying in bed, though it was a mess...and she was naked, her clothes strewn on the floor. She could still feel his lips against her forehead, the sensation quickly fading as she became more aware. She could even smell the scent of what was still under her bed. Ophelia looked uneasy and a little confused. "Mistress Rowen...?" 

And before he could finish those words, he was gone. Frowning, she reached up as if she might still find him there, but she only grabbed air. Turning her head, she focused on the image of Ophelia, confused as she looked back up expecting to find Idris there. Nothing. Eyes looked down at herself and she immediately blushed, realizing she was nude. Grabbing the blanket, she covered herself up immediately. "Yes...Ophelia? Please...uh what it is?" 

Getting up, she kept the blanket wrapped around her as she hurried for the closet to grab her extra undergarments and began to search for the clothes that had been thrown. She couldn't feel him anymore...he was gone. She had to get him back. 

"You have visitors on the deck. They are asking that you lower the platform and let them aboard or go down and meet them. They are indicating that is has some urgency to it..." 

"Thank you Ophelia, let them aboard please. They can meet me in the galley." 

Swallowing hard, she yanked on her clothing hurriedly, running her fingers through her hair to make sure it was flat. She still felt heated all over, her knees still slightly shaky. Walking towards the door, she paused a moment and looked back at the messy bed. Shaking her head, she quickly exited the room and made sure the door shut behind her. As she walked away, the door slid shut. She could hear the sound of the hydraulics lowering the landing ramp. It made a loud noise as it settled there. It was two women this time, who came aboard. Rowen would recognize both of them. The one girl, a little older than her companion, was Captain Johansen's First Lieutenant, Kayla Wymond. On her right was Major Usid. The girl looked a little more composed, but it seemed like Wymond's presence made her a little uneasy. 

"Miss Cairn, I'm sorry if we woke you." She motioned for Rowen to sit down while she and Major Usid stood there in the middle of the galley. 

Rowen waved a hand, ignoring the offer to sit down, as she walked to the table in the galley and leaned against it. "Don't apologize, it's fine." Except I was with Idris. She thought, but bit back her words and stared at the two women expectantly. "I don't mind being woken at any hour if it means you have news for me. Ophelia said it was urgent?" 

"We found Captain Chariton's fighter. It was retrieved approximately thirteen hours from our location. As Captain Johansen told you, we'd spotted the battleship here, near this system. They're on the move, and we don't know where they are headed. However, many of the crew aboard Avenger have been reporting some...phenomenon..." Major Usid blushed a little and she looked down, trying to hide her face. Wymond continued to stare at Rowen, unwaveringly. "I want to know if you've been experiencing anything out of the ordinary since we arrived..." 

Her heart stopped for a moment when she mentioned Idris' fighter, and took an involuntary step forward. But her hopeful expression immediately changed to confusion as she mentioned the phenomenon. "I'm sorry...you'll have to be more specific. What type of phenomenon has been reported?" Arching an eyebrow she looked at Major Usid then back to Lieutenant Wymond. She thought back to what had just happened but said nothing. 

Kayla smiled at her, a cordial expression that was likely meant to friendly and inviting. "I'm not sure. Why don't you tell me...?" 

Rowen gave her a strange look before placing her hands on her hips. "Idris was here. I could hear him talking to me, see him..." She hesitated a moment, "...feel him. And it was...certainly not a dream." She thought about how she had woken up, worn out and naked. "But I don't see what that has to do with the rest of Avenger." 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 10



Wymond looked to Usid, who looked back at her. They both turned to Rowen, and then Major Usid burst out saying. "See! I told you." 

She glared at Kayla...for only as long as it took for Kayla to turn to her and glare back at her, even more menacing than the younger girl seemed capable. Dawn retreated a little, and her expression became neutral. Kayla faced Rowen again. "Thank you, Miss Cairn. We'll let you get back to bed now..." She turned to walk away, almost as readily as she had shown up. She offered no other words about Idris or the condition of the ship personnel. 

"Wait!" Rowen took another step forward, very confused by now. What the hell was going on? "Answer my question, Lieutenant! What has been going on?" Hands remained on her hips as she stared at Kayla, waiting for response. She was not going to let them walk off this ship without an answer and it showed in her face as she clenched her teeth and waited. 

Dawn stopped and looked at Rowen. Kayla took another step, but then slowly turned around to look at Dawn, then looked to Rowen. She seemed irritated by this delay. "Initial reports suggest that some kind of entity is affecting the crew, ship-wide. Everything from vivid, detailed dreams to just eerie inklings and feelings or intense urges. We haven't been able to find this...whatever force is causing this, or identify it, but we have managed to diagnose many of the symptoms. I wanted to be sure it wasn't just some kind of airborne pathogen in the air. If you've been affected, then it's probably not an infection." She smiled that same loathing, cordial smile, and turned to walk away. Dawn lingered a moment, looking a little sad and disappointed as she frowned up at Rowen before following after Kayla. 

She could sense the disappointment in Dawn's eyes, but why would she feel that way...? Frowning a the information, she sighed softly, realizing that none of this was any news about bringing Idris back. "Thank you, Lieutenant. If you hear anything about Idris, please let me know." Feeling very downtrodden, she paused as her eyes trailed over Major Usid. "Major?" She spoke without thinking. "Are...you alright?" 

Immediately she winced at her forwardness and shook her head. The disappointment she had sensed in the woman had made her ask and now she felt foolish for doing so. She looked terrified by Rowen singling her out. Kayla also stopped and turned to look at Dawn. She folded her arms in front of her. "Is there something you'd like to add, Major?" she said the rank like she was swearing. Dawn turned to look at Kayla and the color drained from her face. She shook her head quickly. "No, Lieutenant. I'm...that's...all, I suppose." 

Kayla smiled again and bowed at Rowen, letting Major Usid walk in front of her this time. Rowen really disliked Kayla, and watched as Major Usid hurried away. Scoffing, making sure she was audible, she turned away from the two women and walked to the dispenser, beginning to fix herself a mug of tea. There was no way she was going back to that bed just yet. She needed to calm her nerves from that...very vivid dream, or whatever it was. What was it? Running her fingers through her hair, she grabbed the now filled mug and sat down. 

"Mistress?" The image appeared on the table. "Why did you not press First Lieutenant Wymond for additional information regarding Idris' fighter. I thought you wanted to see him returned to us." For the first time since Rowen had been aboard, the image seemed...angry, impatient even? She had her hands on her hips with her eyes thinned, a hostile expression encompassing her face. "Forgive me, but you just let her walk away. Did it not occur to you that she used this mysterious 'phenomenon,'" The image used the fake, air parenthesis as she said the word, "was simply meant to divert your attention from what intel she did not deliver. If you are not going to exert more effort in this matter and simply dwell in your feelings and your destitute emotions, then I will be forced to make my presence known next time that woman comes aboard this ship." 

Rowen stared at the little image for a moment surprised, at her anger, and yet somehow she wasn't offended. Ophelia was right. She hadn't even thought to press for information. Looking towards the door where the women had left, she looked back at Ophelia and arched an eyebrow. "Ophelia, until Idris returns I don't want you to hesitate to show yourself. I need you to give me a good shake like that. Is there a way we can hail Avenger, have the Lieutenant return? I will press her for further information, and...I won't be entirely nice about it." The latter part of the sentence was grumbled under her breath, as Rowen made a face as she stared down into her tea. "Unless you think calling her back now would be wise." She looked down at Ophelia expectantly. "Don't go hiding your opinion now, you've already scolded me once today." 

"I imagine if you came running down the landing ramp, you could probably catch up with her. Or, you could simply go to the bridge, as you have done before, and exchange words with Captain Johansen. I do not think there a very many things, in your predicament, that they would not turn a blind eye to. The question is, what do you have the nerve to accomplish?" 

Rowen stared at Ophelia and let out a soft laugh. "I choose running. Captain Johansen and I are...not exactly friendly. Thank you, Ophelia." Motioning for her to wait, she took off from her seat. "Lower the ramp, Ophelia." 

Rowen hurried through the ship's corridors praying she got to the Lieutenant in time. The ramp had already descended when she reached it. First Lieutenant Wymond and Major Usid seemed to be taking their time. It looked like they were talking about something...in a somewhat heated manner. The two women were arguing, but they kept their voices low...but this didn't hide how emotional their expressions bore and how heated their discussion appeared. She immediately noticed their anger, didn't care by that point. 

"Lieutenant!" She called out, picking up her speed as she hurried down the ramp and neared them. "Lieutenant! I need to have a few more moments with you!" As she reached them, she slowed down, trying not to pant. As she turned around to face Rowen, Major Usid took advantage of the distraction and pushed Kayla off her feet. She glared are her and then stormed away, walking up the ramp and headed back towards the observation deck. 

Kayla moved to stand up as quickly as she could, turning to look at Rowen. "What is it, Miss Cairn?" She probably tried to sound sincere, but her voice came out about as insincere as possible. She moved to stand to her full height, looking down at her. "I didn't forget anything, Miss. I didn't tell you because it's not information you're allowed to be briefed on. The short of it is that the fighter was abandoned and we don't officially know where he is." She wiped herself off with her hands, collecting herself. She turned to move away from Rowen, walking away. 

"If it concerns Idris, I insist I be briefed on it. I don't want the short of it, I want details. I want Idris back. Besides, I could be helpful to retrieving him and figuring all this out, but if you leave me out in the cold, I won't be of any help...will I?" Taking Ophelia's advice, she didn't back down, kept pressing forward. Even when Kayla stood at her full height, she just stared up at her. When she began to move away, she reached out and grabbed her arm pulling her back. 

As Kayla turned around to face her, it felt like Rowen was hit by a small planet, her feet leaving the ground as the force of the invisible blow thrust the air from her lungs and sent her sliding back towards the ship, coming slowly to a stop almost twelve meters away from where she was standing. 

"Don't...touch me...ever again." She was on Rowen in a few moments, her voice growing deep, unusually deep. As she snarled her words, her voice didn't even sound human. "You're aura has been violated by something unclean and I will not have your...disease infect me." 

She glared down at Rowen. Kayla hadn't even touched her, had she? As Rowen lie on her back, and even as she'd move to sit up, Kayla would be bearing down on her. "If I see it fit to share information that I know, that I think is any of your business, then I will tell you. You do not dictate anything on this ship, firestarter." 

She spat the words as she used the vulgarity. Gasping at the force that hit her, she choked for air as she stared up at Kayla. There was a rushing sound in her ears as she tried to focus on the woman words. The one thing she heard loud and clear - firestarter. Eyes widened and Rowen gritted her teeth, letting out a soft growl. Lifting herself onto her elbows, she glared up at the woman, and without hesitation, her hand shot out, sending two balls of fire at Kayla, aiming for her middle. They'd hurt like hell if they made contact, and sting like a burn. 

Climbing to her feet she felt her hands ignite in flames as she snarled back at Kayla. "Don't you DARE ever call me that, or I will do much more than touch you." A stream of fire soared from her hand towards Kayla and then retracted at the last moment before hitting her. "I attempted to help you, and instead...you ignore me. That's fine...but if you or Captain Johansen think about hiding information about Idris from me...then I will show you all that I can do much more than these little fire tricks." 

Kayla moved back, caught a little off guard by the response, but she seemed to expect that Rowen would act out in some manner and allow her powers to manifest. Her hands moved faster than Rowen could see as the flaming balls managed to singe Kayla's clothes, but their trajectory was visibly altered and they fell to the ground, spreading over the bulkhead and leaving blackened debris in their wake. 

She glared back at Rowen. "I'm not afraid of an elemental. You're all the same...you all use the powers you can conjure, but you never think about those of us who control all the elements. Your fire means nothing to me, because I can control all matter, not just a single elemental force." She was still glaring. "And for the record, we are not in need of your assistance. The only reason you are still here is because Captain Johansen won't let me jettison you and your pathetic vessel out into space. 

"You may control all the elements but that doesn't mean if I start to strike at you with everything I can that you'll be able to keep up." Pausing, she sneered at Kayla, and took a step forward, even if her heart was beating rapidly inside her chest. She'd be damned if Kayla saw fear in her eyes or face. "You say you do not need my help, but the moment you do, I will gladly laugh in your face. Now, I don't know exactly what the hell is wrong with you, and why you dislike me so much, but right now, I don't care. I care about Idris and having him returned. And if that means putting up with you and your cold, heartless attitude, then fine, but do not think I will back down." 

Kayla sighed, pursing her lips in an impatient expression. She rolled her eyes, taking Rowen's words about as seriously as a parent might take a toddler's screaming tantrum. "If Captain Johansen decides that you need to know certain information, then I will gladly share it with you. But she hasn't, so I see no reason to accommodate you and your emotions. Do your worst, silly girl. I've thwarted beings far more powerful than you, with one eye closed. You have no advantage to press, and as long as you are here, you have no ground to stand on. Go back to your ship. If we have information we feel like sharing with you, we'll send a communiqué." She turned and walked away from her, her pace hastened a little as she headed back towards the ramp again. 

Glaring after the woman, she took a breath and followed right after her. Her destination: the captain. If Kayla wouldn't share information, she'd go to Johansen. Granted, the two weren't exactly on the best of terms, but perhaps she'd listen. It was a very small "perhaps." Walking right behind Kayla, she said nothing for a moment, hands in her pockets. "You still didn't tell me why you disliked me so much. Whatever did I do to you, anyway?" Laughing bitterly, she continued to walk, now alongside Kayla. 

Kayla looked over at her, but she didn't say anything, she just walked a little faster. It seemed like she really didn't care, but something about her seemed unusual. Major Usid had long returned to her various duties and so Kayla tried to return to the bridge alone, though it was clear she found the circumstances of this journey a little unnerving. Rowen was pretty hell-bent on getting to Captain Johansen and seeing if she could weasel more information. She wanted Idris back, and if that meant pissing off everyone on the Avenger, then so be it. 

Ophelia had been right; she had to press and keep pressing until she got what she wanted. Her mind went back to Idris, holding her in bed, kissing her...She needed that again, to have him there next her. Clearing her throat softly, she glanced at Kayla but said nothing. Kayla stopped and her gaze seemed to move far away. Her scowl transformed into a smile. She stood up straight and turned around to the person walking up behind them. "Hello, Dahlianna. How are you today?" 

Pausing with Kayla she looked over at Dahlianna then at Kayla's smile. Rowen scoffed - audibly. "Hello, Dahlianna," she said quickly, then began to walk again. She could find her way to the bridge without Kayla. 

Dahlianna's gaze turned to Kayla, and a small, warm smile took over her face. "Wymond, don't try that on me...you're glowing like a damn super nova. Get back to the bridge and excuse me and Mistress Cairn for a moment." She was being sincere, in a way, chiding Kayla in a manner she knew would yield results. "Rowen...wait. Walk with me?" She smiled and looked at her, waiting to see if she might stop. Rowen actually stopped and frowned at Dahlianna then over at Kayla. She had nothing against Dahlianna, in fact she was one of the nicest - was the nicest - person she had met on this ship. 

Sighing softly, she nodded and waited for Dahlianna to catch up with her. "Of course." She shot a look at Kayla before settling a much more patient, less annoyed gaze on Dahlianna. When Kayla turned to meet Rowen's gaze, glaring angrily, Rowen could see Dahlianna look over at Kayla from the corner of her eye. At the same time this happened, Rowen could see an emotion flare up on Kayla's face and hasten her pace. Dahlianna was still smiling, still seemed calm, and as she turned to look at Rowen, she smiled. "Thank you." 

She started walking, very slowly, in the direction of the bridge. Walking with Dahlianna, she was surprised that they were walking so slow, but allowed it. She didn't have Kayla nearby to fuel her anger anymore. "Was there something the matter that you wanted to speak with me about?" Rowen finally asked after a few moments of silence, crossing her arms in front of her. 

She smiled warmly at her. "Not necessarily. I just wanted to talk to you. Is that alright? If you feel unreceptive to talking to someone..." Her voice trailed off as she looked at Rowen. She didn't want to impose...

"No that's fine. I'm sorry. I've become used to people only talking to me around here if something is the matter. I apologize." She smiled faintly at Dahlianna before looking back ahead. Kayla had completely disappeared. In her haste, she'd left Rowen's sight. The hour of the ship's cycle seemed a mystery. There did not seem to be anything to help keep track. However, the halls of the ship seemed almost abandoned in comparison to how they usually were. Rowen would have difficulty finding more than five or six people as her and Dahlianna walked, and everyone seemed to completely ignore the two of them. 

Rowen could feel how safe and calm everything was, how warm and secure it felt just walking next to Dahlianna. The anger that she'd felt so intensely before seemed to dissipate. Dahlianna smiled warmly at Rowen. She shook her head. "It's fine. I understand how hard this has all likely been for you." She stopped and turned to look at her, bringing both of them to a stop. "Rowen...I want you to know, not everyone feels the same hostility towards you as Captain Johansen or even First Lieutenant Wymond." 

Rowen stopped with her, and smiled at her words. It was at least nice to hear that coming from someone. Since she had arrived here, since she had lost Idris, there had been no one. Ophelia had been some comfort, but it was a person - flesh and blood - that she needed in a time like this, even if she was used to going at everything alone. "Thank you, Dahlianna. It just...it feels that way. Perhaps it's because I've only been in contact with them since I've been here. And you of course, and you...you saved me down in the boiler room." 

Dahlianna frowned deeply. "I used you as bait in the boiler room, a deplorable act that I hope someday to either undo or make right. I cannot begin to express my remorse sufficiently for that. I'm glad that it got the shape shifter and her sister into the brig though. They cause a lot less trouble down there and many of the ladies on this ship are more at ease because of it." She smiled a little and then looked at Rowen, frowning. "I'm going to share something with you, in confidence. If you can assure me that I will not regret divulging the information that I have been privileged with, then I will share with you what I know." She met Rowen with an intense glance. 

Rowen could feel the pressure of the moment weighing down on her, the apprehension of potentially negative consequences beginning to cloud her mind. Frowning as Dahlianna became very serious and intense, she took a small step back, not sure how to immediately respond. For a moment, she wanted to tell her "no," that it wasn't necessary, but then her mind went to Idris. It very well could have been about him and his situation. Taking several steps forward until there was only a half of foot of space between the two women, she immediately nodded. "Whatever you tell me will remain a complete secret, Dahlianna, that I can assure you." 

She paused for a long moment, continuing to look at her with that intense gaze. "You're not allowed to divulge this information with Ophelia either. If you lie to me, I will find out." It wasn't a threat, but Rowen could feel the intimidation of her statement settle over her, smothering her. 

Lifting a hand as if to stop Dahlianna, she immediately nodded before lowering it. "Dahlianna, as I said, it will remain a complete secret." Immediately her natural curiosity began to pique and she tilted her head to the side as she waited for her to continue. 

"As Kayla told you, the fighter Idris was in when he was abducted was recovered not a long time ago, and not very far from here. We still don't know where Idris is, but the forensics team extensively examined the craft. Their findings were a little unusual." She'd paused, allowing that much to sink in. She suspected Rowen would urge her to continue if she wanted to know more. 

Staring at her for a second after she finished, she actually, impatiently and urgently, shrugged her shoulders and gestured quickly with a wave of her hand. "Please, keep going. What did they find on the ship?" 

"Well, for starters, they found the expected hundred or so different sets of finger prints in the cockpit. They found traces of pretty much everyone else who had ever been on board the craft before. The unsettling thing was that the traces they found of Idris...appeared aged. I've known Captain Chariton for a long time. I estimate that he is only in his late twenties or perhaps even early thirties. Due to his previous regenerative properties, his exact age was impossible to determine. The traces we found of Captain Chariton, after using our most advanced methods of calculating like carbon dating and the like, estimate the traces to be nearly twice that old. The hairs were grey, even though they matched his DNA. We don't really know how or why this is, but I am worried that when we find Idris, he won't be the same man who left us when we were attacked not a few days ago." 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 10



She didn't know what to say and it showed on her face. Eyes were wide, mouth hanging slightly open. Quickly, she shook her head and took a small step back. "Perhaps it's temporary, something they've done to him. Or...or..." Wincing as she took in a painful breath, she looked down at the ground for a moment. "This means that we need to find him even sooner. Time is much more important now than it ever was. Dahlianna, I need to have him back here, I need to find him. I don't know what you're saying means, but I know it isn't good, and we need to find him." Realizing she was getting very upset, she stopped talking and pressed a hand to her mouth. 

Dahlianna frowned at her. "I'm sorry. I know how you feel, Rowen. I assure you that SI is diligently searching for Captain Chariton. We want all the facts about this and we'd like him back as much as you would." She frowned again and moved to wrap her arms around Rowen, embracing her. "I promise you, if you need someone to talk to, if you find yourself not feeling safe, just look for me, and I'll find you." The embrace was gentle, and she lingered a moment and then let her go. She squeezed her shoulder. "Is there anything else that I can help you with?" 

She had expected the comforting words, but she had not expected the embrace. Out of habit, her body tensed up immediately, but realizing Dahlianna was just being kind, she eased into the hug and smiled faintly. "Thank you, Dahlianna. I...I'm sorry. I feel so foolish." 

She gave a little chuckle as she looked at the floor out of embarrassment. "Usually I never worry...not about anyone. I do what I have to do to survive no matter what. But since Idris..." Making a face and attempting a joke, she let out another chuckle. "He's sort of ruined me." Shaking her head, she glanced up at Dahlianna and shrugged helplessly. "Thank you." 

She nodded at her. "You're quite welcome. And, it's alright. I am sure that it would be difficult to have someone taken away from you like that, especially with the limited amount of time your feelings had to truly blossom." She smiled weakly, and then winked at her. "Should you get bored with Ophelia and sick of Atalanta, you're welcome to join us aboard Avenger." She smiled at her again and then turned, walking away, leaving Rowen feeling happy and content, emotions that started to fade until she felt overcome with a perplexion she was unable to identify. 

Why exactly was it that she had left the landing deck? To find Dahlianna...wasn't that it? She should probably just go back to her ship now that she'd managed to do so..."Thank you, Dahlianna." Nodding as the woman left, she watched her walk away, and then frowned as she realized she didn't know quite why she had left the ship. She shook it off and turned around and made her way back to Atalanta. Reaching the ship, she waited for Ophelia to lower the ramp before she walked up into the ship. 

"Hello again, Ophelia..." She called out as she began to make her way further into the ship. 

The image did not appear, she could only hear the voice. "Mistress Rowen, you are back. Were you able to harvest the information regarding Captain Chariton?" 

As the question resonated, Rowen could feel a disorientation coming over her. She felt confused. She had been able to get her answers...but, what were those answers? It was strange how she'd just talked to Dahlianna, who...or so she thought, had given her the information she was looking for, but what was it? "Uh..." Rowen actually stopped in her tracks as she felt herself become more and more confused. "...yes? I...No." Closing her eyes for a moment, she shook her head as if to clear the mental fog. "Yes she did tell me. Dahlianna, I mean, but..." She began to walk again, not sure how to explain this to Ophelia. "I got the information I wanted I just...can't remember? It's confusing Ophelia." 

There would be a long pause before she heard the voice again. "So you decided not to pursue the information and decided to just come back here like nothing happened...even after what we talked about." The voice seemed calm, but it had just that small hint of irritation. 

"No, Ophelia, that is NOT what I'm saying. I'm saying I got what I needed to get but...I cannot recall it. And hey...don't start taking that tone with me again, Ophelia. I went out and pushed. Kayla even attacked me." Scoffing softly, she reached the galley and glanced at her cold mug of tea she had left behind. 

The image appeared on the table. She looked a little flustered. "I am not sure I know what you are talking about, Mistress Rowen. I am sorry if you got into a fight with Kayla, but, only if you lost. But I thought you were going to press her for information. What does Dahlianna have to do with anything?" 

"I tried to get information from Kayla, and obviously that did not work. Then I started speaking with Dahlianna, and she came clean with me but...I don't remember. No, that's not right. I just can't..." She opened her mouth then shut it, realizing she was having a very difficult time explaining this to Ophelia. "Recall any of the information. I didn't forget. It's there on the tip of my tongue I just...can't." 

The image thinned its eyes. "Those are very peculiar symptoms, Mistress. Are you sure you are alright? Is that nightmare you had the other night still haunting you? I tried to wake you faster, but it seemed to be a very intense night terror. I am worried that it might repeat itself...Would you like me to administer something to prevent it, in case?" 

"Nightmare? What nigh- Oh." She glanced at the bedroom, and then cringed visibly. "No, no, Ophelia, it's fine. I have this feeling that that dream, uh nightmare, won't be returning." Unfortunately. "And I'm probably just still under a great deal of stress and it's ruining my memory." Running a hand down her face, she forced a small smile at the image. 

The image appeared very skeptical, but nodded slowly. "Very well. I managed to make you some new clothes, in your absence, and if you like, the dispenser unit has been equipped with a little better quality food than before..." She continued to eye Rowen a little skeptically...and perhaps even a little worried. 

"Thank you. Where are the clothes? I think I'd like to shower then change into something clean. As for food...I'll try it later. I'm not very hungry." Clearing her throat softly, she pushed away from the table as she grabbed her mug, emptied it, and disposed of it. 

"They're in the armor chamber, as usual. I have no way of moving them to a different location after they're rendered. I am sure Idris will be content to have your things in his closet, especially in his absence." 

Especially when you're supposed to make my entire ship smell like you while I am gone...The thought was foreign, entering her mind from a place that she couldn't determine, but she wasn't sleeping this time. Rowen was about to respond, then paused as that thought came to her mind. She gave Ophelia a strange look before she began to move towards the armor chamber. "Will you open the door for me please?" 

As she walked, she thought to that dream of hers, and then what had just occurred. Just a memory was all, she thought, it wasn't happening again. But the thought at least brought a warmth to her cheeks. "The modifications made to my security systems have given me the ability to access any part of the ship you like. When Idris gets back, he can decide if he is comfortable with my uninhibited access. If he's not, he can make the necessary changes on his own." She could hear the door opening all the way from the galley. 

"Good." Was all Rowen responded as she entered the armor chamber and walked to where her clothing had been before. Gathering the articles together, she balanced them carefully in her arms, her eyes going to that very beautiful black dress that Ophelia had made for her. Maybe at some point she'd actually wear it, but for now she left it where it was. There was a vast arrangement of clothes, in every color, all the same style. It seemed that Rowen had managed to render a shirt and a pair of pants and shorts in every color of the visible spectrum. Everything from white, to yellow, to red, to blue, to green, purple, grey, and black. Every piece was a solid color. The shirts extended past her waistline and were cut a little higher, just an inch away from her neck. Her pants would go all the way to her heels, if she wanted, but the shorts were cut particularly short, the sleeves only covering her legs down to the middle of her upper thigh. There was enough space in the wardrobe in Idris' room for three to four pairs of each. 

"I am afraid that footing will be a lot more difficult to make. I am not even sure if I can create it or not." 

Taking what fit in her arms, and what would last her for a good amount of time, she walked back towards the bedroom. "I've got footing covered, Ophelia. If I need anything new, I will speak to someone aboard Avenger. But these that I'm wearing will fit me just fine for now." 

Entering Idris' room, she walked to the closet, then smiled before she began to place her clothing inside of them, leaving a pair of black pants and a deep purple shirt out for her to change into. Clearing her throat softly, she walked towards the refresher, and once inside, began running the water. Ophelia did not seem to have a reply for this. The refresher looked different. It had been scrubbed and cleaned. She would also notice the change in the fixtures. Everything was new and the shower had been transformed into a beautiful sanisteam that sprayed water from almost every inch of the washing chamber. The water got hot a lot faster than last time, and had a very pure smell to it. The air itself seemed cleaner even. Taking a moment to stare at the new look of the refresher, she stripped down and stepped inside, sighing as the hot water hit her. Her tension began to easily melt away from her muscles and she smiled faintly as she cleaned herself up. 

Running soap through her hair, she finally just leaned against the wall and relaxed. As soon as her muscles felt relaxed enough, she shut the water off and stepped out, grabbing a towel and gently wrapped it around herself as she walked into the bedroom and reached for her dry clothing. It wasn't there. The steam had flowed into the room and condensed on the mirror and pretty much any other surface. The door into Idris' quarters had also closed. There did not appear to be anyone in the chamber with her, but something seemed strange. 

...I think you should shower a little longer, Rowen. You're so hot with the water channeling over your skin and drenching your hair like that. I am sure if I was there...that's what you'd want to do...

Frowning at the absence of her clothes she began to call out for Ophelia then stopped. "Idris?" She looked around the room as if expecting to find him there. "You're back?" Hope and confusion filled her as she took a few steps towards the refresher then stopped again as she gave her head a little shake. "Where are you?" 

There was no one there, not a single person that she could see. She could feel him though...feel his hands on her skin, feel his arms wrapping around her like he was standing right behind her. She could hear the words in her mind again. 

...Back? You make it sound as though I left you. You don't need to worry, Sweetheart, I'm here. Don't trouble yourself with my whereabouts. The Scrimm Cluster is hardly a safe place for someone like you to go wandering about...

She could feel his lips on her neck, his hands moving to her abdomen, his fingers trailing over her skin as she felt his tongue tasting her. 

...I think it's about time you got rid of that towel, Love. It's hardly conducive do what's going to happen next...

"Scrimm cluster? Is that where you are? Idris, I need to find you..." Her breath hitched in her throat as she felt his hands moving down her body, lips kissing along her still damp skin. Eyes shut as she tried to focus this time, to get information out of him. But he was making it very difficult to focus on anything besides what he was doing to her. "Idris..." She whispered, her hand drifting up to grab onto the edge of her towel. 

...Shhh...I told you not to worry. I'm alive...I'm safe...

She could feel a hand encompassing hers, moving over her fingers gently and then helping her grip slack on the towel, letting it sag to the floor. The hands moved away from her, and for a long moment, she felt nothing. Was he still there? "But you're not with me. Not on this ship..." Then the cold air touched her skin, making goose bumps rise along her flesh. No longer hearing him, she slowly opened her eyes and frowned. "Idris?" She whispered, her hands lowering to her sides as she stood there. 

She'd feel his hand move up from behind, slowly guiding between her legs and up the front of her lips. She'd feel them part, feel the digits inside of her as they worked inside. She'd feel the warmth of the air that trailed over her neck and then down her spine, the grip of the fingers on her abdomen holding her in place. 

...This isn't good enough for you? Why do you need me...there? You have all of Avenger at your disposal in my absence. I am confident that whatever my presence might provide can be obtained from Avenger's crew...

The fingers worked a little faster, pushing inside of her slowly, over and over, moving up to her clit, the digits rolling it around, wet with her warmth. Then everything stopped again. She felt his touch leave her altogether. Then she'd smell the familiar scent under her nose, the wet fingertips pressing against her delicious red lips, slowly moving between them. She could taste herself, feel the contours of the digits that were inside of her mouth. 

...Mmmm...I bet you still taste divine...What do you think...? 

Relieved to feel him again, she gasped when she felt his fingers enter her. Moaning, she involuntarily moved her legs a little more for him, widening her stance. "I...want...you here. All of...you. I...miss..." But it was too hard to focus on complete, intelligent sentences as he continued to pleasure her. As soon as it stopped, she whimpered softly. And then the smell invaded her nose, and the fingers pressed into her mouth. Slowly she licked at his fingers, tasting herself on them. Pulling away slowly, she smiled faintly. "Yes...they taste wonderful..." 

...I am sorry I can't be there. I am sure I'll be returned to you very soon. They need me, Rowen. It will be better when you see me again...and we can get away. We can leave SI. The empire has a place for you...for both of us...

She'd feel the digits move away from her face and then feel them between her legs again, their pace a little faster as they parted her lips and rubbed her walls. 

...And we can finally be safe...finally be happy. And you'll never have to run away ever again...

"If you're with me...then there's no reason for me to run away. But without you here...what's stopping me?" 

Feeling his fingers press back into her, she felt her knees bend slightly, and her arms lifted as if for balance. She didn't know how long she could stand like this without holding onto something, especially as his pace grew faster. She could feel the digits working even faster than before, parting her walls while his other hand moved to work her clit. 

...Losing your balance, Love? I would hate for you to fall. And I think you know that...if you leave Atalanta...I'll never be able to find you again...

His hands continued to work in unison, feeling her as she stood there in the middle of the room. 

"Idris..." She whispered, unable to say anything more than that. Her pleasure had taken over the rational part of her brain and as her legs began to grow shakier, she became more lost. Panting softly, her hands balled into fists and she struggled with her balance as she felt her pleasure escalate rapidly. She could hear his familiar growl in her head as the actions continued. 

...Mmmm...do you like this, Rowen? Do you like having me reduce you to a shuddering, whimpering girl like this? Are you close for me? I'm willing to imagine you're not going to be able to hold out very long...

She could feel his tongue on her ear, the teeth nibbling at it as the fingers continued, unwavering. 

...I'll make you a deal, Sweetheart: if you can stay on your feet and get your cunny on my floor...I'll visit you tonight, while your sleep. You can have...whatever you want... 

"No...I'm so close already." Rowen gasped as his teeth grazed her ear, and she tilted her head to the side, letting him have full access to that side of her neck. Groaning, she listened as he presented his deal. "Yes...yes...Idris..." Mouth falling open as her hips began to rock against his fingers, and her climax rapidly approached. But staying on her feet was going to be a much bigger challenge than she had planned. 

...Mmm....I remember that voice...that sweet, intoxicating whimper. I want to hear you, Sweetheart. I want to feel you shuddering...feel your walls clench down on my fingers and drip your juices on the floor. All you have to do is let go...and I'll come for you...

She'd feel the nibbling on her neck again, a moaning against her skin. Rowen continued to rock her hips against his fingers, his words and gentle nibbles driving her faster and faster to the edge. Her orgasm hit her hard as her entire body tensed up and she let out a loud cry, her legs sliding further apart as she tried to keep her balance. Panting heavily, she convulsed a few times as her climax washed over her. "Oh Idris..." She whispered, head rolling forward then back. 

She'd feel the fingers move away from her, his powerful arms coming up under her armpits to keep her steady. She felt the nibbling on her skin again as her back leaned against the warmth she could feel behind her. She could feel the lips on her neck, and then on her mouth. The kiss lasted for a long moment before it stopped and she couldn't feel him anymore. 

...I'll see you tonight...I'm glad you could hold up your end of the bargain...like a good little girl...

And then everything was quiet. The chamber seemed void of anything, save for her and the heat moving around. When she looked to the door to the quarters, she'd see that it was open, just a little, but her clothes would still be missing. Rowen lost herself in his kiss, her entire body sensitive now. When she could no longer feel him, she whimpered softly and reached out in front of her for him and only found air. Sighing, she opened her eyes and looked around the empty, silent room. Eyes went to the bed to find her clothes, only to find nothing there. Making a face, she moved to the closet to grab another set of clothing and began to dress herself, eyes glancing up every so often as if Idris might be there. 

The image appeared on the dresser next to her. "Mistress, there is a communiqué waiting for you in the cockpit. If you would like to view it, notify me." She smiled warmly and then disappeared, leaving Rowen standing there. Again, the silence would fall, hearing nothing else save for the thrum of the generators. 

"Thank you, Ophelia," she said quickly, and pulled the white shirt over her dark violet pants. Sighing, she brushed back her wet hair and let it fall loosely around her face. Pulling herself together quickly and hoping the aftershock of her dream, or whatever that was, wasn't apparent on her face she began to walk towards the cockpit. Opening the door, she stepped inside and slid into the copilot's seat. "Ophelia I'd like to view the communiqué please." 

As she approached the cockpit from the corridor, the entry slid open to allow her passage. She could look out and see the activity down on the launch deck. An indicator light on the console blinked blue, indicating there was a message in queue for her. "Yes, Mistress." 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 11



Please leave comments or feedback and vote if you guys like it. I always enjoy hearing ideas and feedback about this story.

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She didn't like the idea of being pulled in by the supposed enemy. 

The image shook its head. "No! That is what I was trying to warn you of! Our engines are not nearly powerful enough to escape the battleship's hold. It's far more sophisticated than any other vessel I have ever encountered, and if you did not notice, they just blew Avenger away! They will be lucky to survive. That kind of damage cannot be repaired this far out into the cluster! If I were you, I would hide in the medical bay. They will never be able to find you." 

"Ophelia how could I NOT notice that they blew up Avenger? Don't get smart with me right now, check out my stress levels!" Taking a deep breath, she unhooked herself from the chair and stood up immediately. "Alright, alright, I'm going!" 

She hated that damn medical bay, but she knew if she was going to have to do what she had to do to survive. Instinctively, her body temperature rose and she hurried towards the medical bay. She gave a little shake of her head. 

"I am aware of your stress levels, Mistress, which is probably the explanation for this situation you have gotten all of us into." 

As she approached, the wall folded away, revealing the station. As she got inside and looked comfortable enough, the walls folded back, moving to hold her inside of the dark space. The void was only about as tall as she was and almost too small for her to reach her arms out both ways. The walls and the panels closed in around her, trapping her in place. 

"Ophelia..." She growled in response, but decided to swallow her words as she settled down. Leaning back against the nearest wall, she cringed as she was surrounded in darkness. Good thing she wasn't claustrophobic.

Bringing her knees to her chest, she wrapped her arms around her legs and did all she COULD do: wait. 

...It's ok, Sweetheart. We have you. Just stay calm until I can come for you. I promise you'll be safe. Just meet me at the head of the landing ramp, alright...? 

It was that voice again, speaking to her from out of nowhere. 

"I'm in the medical bay. I'm not moving." Rowen spoke aloud to the air, and then thought the same exact thing for good measure. She certainly was not going anywhere. If this was a trick, if this was a trap of any kind, she was not going to be an idiot and just go waltzing right into the enemy's hand. She was safe in the medical bay and that's where she'd stay. 

"Mistress?" The voice was very hushed. She couldn't see anything, but she could barely hear it. "I would recommend that you keep quiet until they leave the ship alone. We aren't going to have much of a chance of escaping, especially if they find you." 

...The medical bay? But Atalanta has no medical bay. Did the mechanics install one while you were aboard Avenger...? 

"Of course it has one... always has..." Then her voice trailed off when she heard Ophelia's voice, nodding in the dark, she curled up a little tighter, not happy about the position she was in, literally, and just overall. Lips pressed together as she sat in silence. 

...Sweetheart, just come out to the landing ramp. Don't you want to see me...for me to see you...to be together? Come out and meet me... 

She could hear the ship settle down on the battleship's deck, the loud sound of metal against metal ringing throughout the corridor. Idris would know where the medical bay was, wouldn't he? He'd taken her there before. Squeezing her eyes shut, she didn't respond this time, listening instead to the sound of the ship landing. Her hands clasped one another as she forced her eyes open and stared off into the dark space. 

...Rowen, are you coming? Please...I want to see you...don't you want to see me? I want to hold you in my arms again, to feel your skin against mine. Please, please come out. Come down to the deck and I'll keep you safe...

"You know where I'm at," she whispered softly to the voice, wincing as the voice pleaded with her. Rowen couldn't hide the distrust in her voice, the nervousness that made the edges of her words shake. 

...Yes, I do...but why do I need to come find you? Don't you want to see me...don't you want to hold me. That's what you told me...in the refresher chamber...you said you wanted me here. I am here...just come outside and I promise, you'll get what you want...

"Of course I want you. I..." Rowen felt herself begin to move, and then stopped herself. "But you can come find me. You know where I'm at. So come to me. You said you'd give me what I want...I want you to come to me." She continued to speak in a hushed tone, keeping herself as quiet as possible. She could hear the sound of whirring, of the landing ramp settling down on the deck below. Then there were footsteps. She could hear voices. 

"Find the girl! We know she is here somewhere! Check the armor chamber!" 

...Rowen...Sweetheart? Are you still there? It's alright, no one is going to hurt you...just come to me and everything will be alright... 

Gasping as she heard the voice searching for "the girl," she backed up further into the wall and waited. "I told you..." She whispered, and then stopped when she realized she didn't want to alert whoever had boarded the ship. 

"Did you hear something?" 

"No, Ma'am." 

A long pause. "Keep searching. Scan the entire ship and tear it apart if you have to. She is here...somewhere!" 

...Rowen? Why aren't you coming...I don't understand... 

Rowen pressed a hand to her forehead as she continued to wait it out, listening to that voice. "Stop..." She whispered, her voice barely audible, even to herself. 

Then she heard Ophelia's voice. "You are not authorized to access this vessel. If you do not comply with the security provisions in place aboard this craft, you will be terminated. Your search is futile as all of my passengers have already escaped." 

"Oh, come now, Ophelia; everyone else might believe the lies you tell, but I know that the fire girl is here...I know she is aboard this ship. I know...because I am the one who got her out here. Tell me where she is and I'll let you go." 

"Let me go? That is the most absurd concept I have ever heard, even from a creature like you. If you think you have some hold over me, you are quite mistaken. I answer only to Captain Chariton and his companion. Now, get off my deck!" 

The one who got her here? Oh god what did she do? Leaning her head back against the wall, she listened. Taking deep, slow, quiet breaths she stared up into darkness. 

"The vessel appears to be abandoned. Perhaps the computer is telling the truth Ma'am?" 

Silence. 

There was a loud noise against the wall and the noise of something sliding against the metal. "Anyone else care to offer up their insights?" 

Silence. 

"Good. Keep searching while I return to Chariton. I'm sure he can get her to come out here..." 

Idris? He was there? Rowen sat up a little straighter, feeling really confused by now. What the hell was going on? Staring in the direction of the wall that would let her out, she frowned, but stayed silent and still. The steps receded away from the space. 

"Notify me when you locate the prisoner. Then bring her to me." 

"Yes, Ma'am. Don't worry, we'll find her." 

Further away this time..." I know you will, because you understand the consequences if you don't find her." 

Prisoner? Swallowing hard, she leaned back against the wall, again unable to relax, or even really shift position all that much. 

...Rowen? Are you still there? Did they find you yet...? 

"No," was all Rowen said in her quietest voice possible. Her heart was beating rapidly and almost painfully against the inside of her chest. 

"Mistress...why do you keep talking? Do you WANT them to find you? Do you have a death wish of some kind?!" 

"Ophe..." She shut herself up immediately, rather than try to explain what was happening in her head. 

"Mistress, I think they left. It should be safe. Do you want me to open the bay and let you out? If you can get to the cockpit and fire up the engines fast enough...maybe we can escape..." 

"Ophelia...I think they have Idris....should we really just...leave?" She shifted very slightly in her place as she stared at the darkness ahead. The idea appealed to her, but she still had that nagging feeling that she just couldn't leave yet, not without Idris. 

"Let us say you are correct. Let us say, yes, they do have Idris. What are you possibly going to accomplish by rushing off the ship and getting tranq'd and captured? You're chance of mounting a rescue are a little better when you have the upper hand. My recommendation stands." 

"You're right. But I still..." Rowen growled softly in frustration then nodded. "Open the bay, Ophelia. Please." Sighing softly, she stared, waiting for the light to begin to filter in. 

"You will need to be very fast, Mistress. Do not linger in the corridor. Run to the cockpit and get out of here." The negative space lit up as the bay slowly folded out into the corridor, the light casting down over her as it did. 

"Sh, Ophelia. I know." 

As soon as there was enough space for her to move, she began to unfold herself and finally got to her feet. Groaning softly at the stiffness of her body, she immediately began to jog for the cockpit, listening for any sounds of her potential captors. As she jogged away, the medical bay folded back into the wall, appearing once again like another seam in the corridor. The ship appeared to be empty and no one seemed to be guarding anything. Then she heard that voice in her head. 

...Rowen...I think they're all gone. If you come and meet me in the refresher chamber, I am confident that I can come find you...and take you with me, if you still want. I really want to see you again. All you have to do is meet me in the chamber... 

Her jog slowed to a quick walk when she heard the voice and eventually she paused all together, staring down towards the refresher. "How do I trust you? If I had met you at the loading bay... I'd be captured." Shaking her head, she began again towards the cockpit swallowing hard. 

...The loading bay...that's absurd. If you had left the medical bay to meet me at the landing ramp...they would have found you. Why would I want that to happen to you...? 

"Stop...you're confusing me. Making my head hurt. I don't know how to trust you. Or that you're real or anything..." She reached the cockpit and stepped inside, preparing to have another heart attack trying to get the stupid ship off the ground. 

"Mistress, who are you talking to? We need to hurry. It will only be a matter of time before they close the launch bay and catch us in the tractor beam. You must hurry! Do you want me to close the landing ramp, or shall I wait until take off?" 

"I'm talking to...uh." Rowen shook her head immediately and rushed into the cockpit and plopped down in her chair. But still, she was hesitant as she looked over her shoulder. She didn't know what to do. Was Idris really around? Clearing her throat, she turned to face the console. "Ophelia um...bring up the uh...ramp...landing ramp." She could hear the slow whirring of the hydraulics retracting. She could also hear voices. 

"Hey! Stop!" 

The image appeared on the console. "Rowen! You need to go, NOW! Start everything up like I showed you and get OUT OF HERE! Your cover is blown!!" The console started lighting up, guiding her to the right controls to start up the ship. 

"The prisoner! She's still on board! Get a boarding party!" 

"You're not going to have a lot of time, Mistress. It won't take them very long to shut the launch bay." 

Turning to look over her shoulder in the direction of the voices, she gasped in panic, and quickly she whirled back around. "Dammit...shit!" 

She barely remembered what she did earlier. Reaching out, she flipped the switches she thought were right and the buttons, praying this stupid thing worked. Of course, she wasn't moving too fast. The sound that came from the back of the ship was loud. It sounded like someone was dragging a pike against the surface of the launch deck. The noise morphed slowly into a whirring noise. 

"They're opening the landing ramp! You HAVE to take off, NOW! Get the ship off the deck!" 

Rowen winced as she continued to fidget with the buttons, finally hearing the roar of the engine. Yelling was not helping. "I'm trying!" She yelled up at Ophelia and grabbed hold of the helm and began to lift the ship up off the ground. She could hear voices yelling behind her indiscriminately. Then she could hear foot prints, and the sound of a fire arm clicking. 

"Stop right there! Put this ship back down or I'll have to hurt you!" 

Rowen froze, hearing the click of a firearm, and her eyes closed. Think Rowen. THINK. But she had nothing. Even if she tried to create fire, it wouldn't be fast enough. She'd have to turn around to aim. Biting the inside of her cheek, she slowly began to lower the ship back to the ground, turning her head slightly to check out the person using her peripheral vision. It was a tall man, his amethyst helmet covering every part of his head save for a slit for the eyes and a vertical parting just below his nose. His black armor covered him from head to toe and his metallic gloves held a rifle in their hands that was nearly a full meter in length. "Put your hands on your head and face the floor. Even if I can't kill you, the stun setting on this thing will gives you migraines for years to come." He watched her, waiting for her to comply. 

Slowly, Rowen nodded and followed his order, her hands lifting to be placed on her head, her gaze tilting down. "Alright, alright. I'm doing what you said." She growled softly, glancing up at him before focusing her gaze back on the ground. "What do you want?" 

Before an answer to her question could be given, all she saw was white, her vision fading as it filled with white...and then everything went black. 

When she awoke again, she'd be completely encompassed in a blackness so thick, she couldn't even see her hand in front of her face. She could feel the restraints on her ankles and wrists, above her knee and her elbow, and a thick, uncomfortable restraint across her forehead, feeling the cold metal around her first, especially when she tried to lift her head and it wouldn't budge. Groaning, she opened her eyes and stared up into...nothing. Gasping softly she licked her slightly chapped lips. "Hello? Anyone?" She called out and tried to move her legs. They were tied down too. 

She heard his voice this time. It was audible in the air. "Rowen...Rowen?! Is that you, Sweetheart!? You're awake!"

"Who? Why am I...strapped down? Idris? Where are you? Where am I?" Entering more of a conscious state, she actually gave a hard jerk of her wrists and winced when they didn't budge. "Ow..." 

"Shh. It's ok, Sweetheart. I'm here...I'm with you. Just don't try to move. It will be over soon." A light began to illuminate in the room, slowly glowing over the slab that she rested on. As it got brighter, it got more painful, the bright light in great contrast to the darkness she'd been in. She'd hear footsteps as someone moved closer. She couldn't make out their face...or their shape. They rested their hand on her shoulder and she heard his voice again. "See. You're safe now, Rowen." 

Cringing as the light got brighter, she tried to turn her head away, whimpering softly. Slowly she opened her eyes to try and see who was approaching. "What's happening? What's happening!?" She screamed it this time her temper flaring, her body heat rising as flames threatened to ignite. 

"Shhh, Sweetheart. Close your eyes. The light hurts at first. Let your eyes adjust to it and then try to open your eyes again. It will pass." He leaned down to kiss her forehead...but something felt different about him. Something wasn't the same. 

"Stop...stop..." Eyes shut again. It hurt too much to keep them open. "Who are you? Please...why am I tied up?" Panic began to wash over her and her hands balled into fists, and her skin became very hot to the touch and yet no flames appeared yet. 

"For your own safety. To keep you safe." They started to walk around to her other side, stopping at the foot of the slab. "Besides...we wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you..." They leaned into the light, smiling. It wasn't Idris, but they had Idris' voice. The woman looked familiar in some way, but her complexion...the tone of her skin...she looked like she was dying, or like she was already dead. Their mouth moved again and Idris' voice came out for the first few syllables...and then faded into a woman's voice. The woman's voice was even more familiar. "After all...we wouldn't want any...harm to come to you." 

She'd heard her before, she'd seen her before. But where? Where was she familiar from? Frowning at them, she immediately tried to shake her head, straining hard against the restraints. She was sure she was leaving herself bright bruises. "Where's Idris?! Where am?! What are you doing to me?!" Her voice lowered as she growled at the woman she could see then tried to yank against the restraints again. "Let me go!" 

She smiled at her, her teeth white and healthy. Her eyes, too, looked a healthy, vivid shade of blue. And then she remembered. She was in all her basic appearances the woman that Captain Johansen had showed her in the vision she'd made Rowen see. "We're not done with you yet. Captain Chariton is very good about keeping information to himself. He's also particularly good at hiding things. But we already knew about you. We knew that with him...we could lead you out into the open...we could use him...to smoke you out. You were even kind enough...to bring me my ship back." She smiled at Rowen, her expression filled with all the suppressed anger and malice she held inside of her. 

Glaring at the woman, she had to force herself to not go trying to shoot flames out. Stay as calm as possible. Glaring at the woman, her memory of the vision slowly surfaced and when she realized who the woman was...her stomach dropped. "What do you want with me?" Rowen asked slowly through gritted teeth. She was very good about hiding her fear under layers of anger. 

She snickered at her. "With you?! We want Idris...we want my ship. I left something there...something very important...and we want it back. But I am sure...once we have Captain Chariton where we want him...that you will find your place amongst us...in the empire. You are but a means to an end." 

"I'm not helping you. Not ever!" She jerked against her restraints as if she actually thought they might break this time. She wasn't doing anything except bruising herself and causing a headache to start forming. God, she was so stupid. How could she do this? Eyes shut for a second before they opened to focus back on the woman. 

"We don't need your compliance, Rowen. We just need...you. Don't worry though...we probably won't have to hurt you...at least not very much." 

She smiled again and moved to walk away. Rowen could hear a door open...and then close. The restraints suddenly snapped free, and she was free to move as they slowly retracted back into the slab. Rowen waited until the woman was gone to have a minor breakdown. Letting out an angry scream, she slammed her fists into the table she was laying on. Panting angrily, she sat up, checking her wrists- they were a pale purple and darkening. "Dammit..." She whispered, and slowly stood up, looking around the room she was in. 

Then the lights went out. She was once again engulfed in blackness. There was utter silence. No light, and no sound. Gasping as the lights went out, it took her a moment till she began to move again. Then slowly, arms outstretched until she ran into a wall, she took a few steps in hopes of finding something to orient herself. Carefully turning, she pressed her back against the wall and slid down. Extending a palm, she allowed the smallest flicker of flames to appear. A small comfort, small means of light. And then she let them go out and she was in the dark again. She could hear the creak of metal, the soft sound of a large metal door sliding open. The voice that intruded on the silence was soft...but vaguely familiar. 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 11



"Rowen? Rowen...are you in here?" 

Freezing at the sound of metal creaking, she sat up straighter, muscles tensing. "Who's there?" Backing up further into the wall, she didn't move a muscle, just listening. 

She could feel the inside of fingers...then a hand...slowly move up her arm to her shoulder. "Rowen?! Rowen... OH, I'm so glad I found you!" his voice broke a little. "When did they...when did they bring you here? How...why...I can't believe it's you!" 

She could feel that familiar touch against her skin. It was Idris this time...but it was so dark that she wouldn't be able to see. Feeling the fingers, she winced at first, gasping audibly, then stopped when she realized it was actually Idris. "Idris? Oh my..." Arms went around him immediately as she held him tightly, her face burrowing into his neck. She held onto him silently for several moments before lifting her head. "I don't know...I piloted Atalanta away from Avenger. It blew up. And I was there, in the medical bay. I got out. Panicked. They caught me, and now I'm here. And all this time I thought you'd been visiting me. And I was wrong. They were tricking me this entire time and I've managed to get us both into trouble...I'm so sorry. I tried to get away. I should be better at getting away. And I wasn't..." She was rambling wildly now barely able to breathe. "I've escaped places before, but this ...I've messed up. I made one wrong move. I panicked at the wrong time, and I forgot how to start the ship...dammit. Oh, Idris...it's really you this time!" 

He leaned in and kissed her on the lips, his arms moving around her back to embrace her. "Shh...Rowen...slow down. One thing at a time, alright? Just...calm down. Please." When he felt like she was comfortable again, he spoke. "Now...what all are you talking about? What do you mean you saw Avenger blow up?" 

Nodding, she leaned in to him, taking a few deep breaths until she was sure she could talk calmly again. "We were attacked on Avenger. Captain Johansen refused to retreat and...they were killed. I managed to, with a lot of help from Ophelia, pilot the ship out of there before we were caught and killed in the explosion. But then we were pulled in by a tractor beam here. I tried to hide in the medical bay but...they caught me when I tried to escape." 

She couldn't see him in the darkness, but she could hear him and how silent he was. There was a very long pause. "And...you...said something...about visits?" 

"You...I thought it was you...visited me. While I was on Atalanta. And we uh..." Rowen felt her cheeks begin to burn and she looked down ashamed. "Oh hell..." She whispered, burying her face in her hands. "I thought it was you, Idris. I feel sick now..."  

Another long pause. "I...I don't understand..." 

"Me...you...no, not you. Who I thought was you...pleasured...me. Twice. Refresher...and in our bed. And...I thought it was you. It sounded like you, felt like you..." She spoke softly, ashamed of what she was admitting to. "I could even SEE you the first time. I could touch you." 

She heard nothing. The silence was deafening. He didn't appear to have anything to offer, and in the black, she couldn't read his expression. "Please, Idris...say something! Please..." Slowly, she lifted a hand up, away from them, and it filled with small flames, lighting up only a small area for them, enough to see the outlines of his face. "Idris..." 

His face looked different. His skin was pale. He looked thinned. His eyes, once a very distinct green color, now reflected with a white inside of them. He shied away from the light, letting go of her and putting a hand over his face. "No...don't...don't..." his voice trailed off, his hands shielding his face from her. He sounded...afraid, almost. 

"Idris? Don't..." She reached out with her free hand to take the hand he was using to shield his face and tried to gently lower it. "...You don't have to hide from me. Not ever. What have they done to you, Love?" 

He resisted at first...then slowly allowed her to lower his hand. "You...you won't like...what you have to see now..." From where he stood, the flames simply flicked over his face. It would require additional illumination for her to really see him. 

"Idris, I love you. Why would you say something like that?" Slowly the flames in her hands grew, and more and more of his face began to come into view. Frowning, he looked down at the floor a long moment, then up at her, his eyes open, gazing into her face. His face looked different, his features more prominent. His eyes were still the green color, but at first, when he looked up at her, they were filled with a distinct white around his iris that faded and returned to its normal green color. The color in his face had nearly disappeared, and like Aria...he too looked like he was on the verge of death. His hair looked just as full and thick as it had been before...but something was definitely very different. Rowen studied him quietly for a moment, then without a word, she lifted up her free and caressed his cheek gently. Then, leaning forward, she placed a soft kiss on his forehead, then down to his right cheek, and traveled to his left where she placed another soft kiss. And finally, she placed a tender kiss on his lips. 

"What did they do to you, my love?" Her hand remained on his cheek as she studied him, no disgust in her eyes, only worry, and love. 

He looked down at the ground, shaking his head. "I don't know...I don't really know what they have done to me. It...feels like some kind of gene therapy. It feels...I feel...different. For one...I can see in the dark...I can see THROUGH the dark. I can affect things with my mind, without touching them. Not like before...not as weak...though my control over it is very limited. And...I can...my senses...I can smell...feel...hear...and see everything with a greater intensity. They've...given me...gifts. But, there seems...to be side effects to the...with whatever they did..." He looked at the floor and sighed, looking back up into Rowen's face. "I feel hungry...and thirsty all the time, for starters...among other things, at least." He frowned again, watching her, gauging her reactions. 

She watched him closely and nodded as he explained what they'd been doing to him and what effects it had had. Shaking her head a bit, she bit down on her lower lip as she paused for a moment before speaking again. "You're still the man I love. No matter what...I'm sorry I didn't find you sooner." 

He avoided her gaze at that. "I...it's...ok...I should have...I shouldn't have told you...in the first place." He turned all the way around, his hands holding his face for a moment before running harshly through his hair. He sighed, his shoulders sagging. 

"What? Why not? Idris..." She reached for him, grabbing onto his shoulder gently. "Stop acting as if I've changed my opinion about you, or see you different. I'm here...I don't care. I've just been worried sick...I'm just happy you're alive. Please..." She moved now in front of him. 

His voice shattered. "But...you...you shouldn't...I shouldn't have...I should have left...left you...ALONE! I...I was...they were going...to let me go...they were going to...to allow me to escape...until they found OUT...and then...then...then you...they...they used...they TOLD you...I told you...and now...now you're...you're HERE...and...and what if they...it's not SAFE for you here!" The tears rolled down his face as he made his hands into fists. He pulled on his hair with them, shutting his eyes as he sobbed. "I should never...have told you...I shouldn't have even...but I MISSED you...I missed you SO...much...that I just...I couldn't help...I..." 

"Idris. shh...sh..." Flames vanished in an instant and she wrapped her arms around him hard, holding onto him tightly, pushing his hands away from his hair. "Idris...stop...shhh..." She placed several fast, hard kisses on his forehead, and on his cheek, hands moving to touch his face then rapidly hugged him again as she began to rock them, trying to comfort him. "Sh...sh...Idris. Slow down, please. Slow down, breathe." 

He stopped talking, embracing her, his severed, erratic breathing getting deep and less choppy as he started to calm down. "I'm sorry, Rowen. I'm so sorry...you..." He sighed, holding her a little tighter as he stood there with her wrapped in his arms. 

"Stop apologizing, Idris. Please...stop. I'm here now and that's what matters. I'm alive and you're alive. That's all I care about. Alive and together." Rowen continued to hold onto him tightly, placing soft kisses on his cheeks and forehead every so often. 

He shook his head. "No...no. It wasn't fair to you, though, for me to...for me to...to FIND you...I...I just...I missed you...and I wanted..." He stopped, sighing again and hugged her tighter. "I am glad I could hold you this time...I...I've missed how warm you feel...when I can actually...feel you..." 

"It WAS you then..." She pulled away just a little and smiled at him warmly. "You never could let me shower alone." Chuckling softly, she gave him the gentlest of nudges before placing a firm kiss on his mouth, holding it there for several moments before breaking away. "I'm glad you found me. I'm glad...no matter what, that I'm here. Even if we aren't in the best situations. I needed to find you. And...do not argue with me." 

A long pause. "I...sh-shower? I...what...what do you mean, Sweetheart?" 

She felt her stomach turn over again. "Please tell me you're kidding. Please tell me it was you both times. Please, Idris...don't..." Swallowing hard, she took a small step away from him, still holding him just not as closely anymore. "Idris? You said you found me. I thought that's what you meant. You came to me." 

Silence. 

"Idris. IDRIS! Say something." She dropped her arms now as she tried to see him through the dark, but couldn't. "IDRIS!" 

"I found you...when you were asleep. It's...it's easier, when you're asleep...because you're more receptive. But...but...I mean..." He gasped. "No...oh NO...no...please..." his breathing grew more and more labored. "Rowen...Rowen...when...you say...twice...the...the second time...what...did I...did I say...did I say anything?" 

Her mouth fell open and this time she was the one to turn away from him, a hand pressing against her mouth. "You...said. Oh no...the empire. You said you had a place for me in...the empire. It wasn't...you..." She was silent for a second, then an angry scream left her as a sudden sphere of fire shot from her hand and landed on the distant wall. "They...they...oh...those...bastards. Those...they..." Her body shook as she covered her face with her hands. 

He watched her for a long moment, his own expression falling. Then he moved to her, embracing her. "Shh...Rowen...It's ok. It's ok. They won't...hurt you. I'm here..." He shut his eyes. He felt so violated, and above that...he couldn't fathom how she must have felt, how sick this realization would make her. He had his suspicions...but he wasn't really sure who it might have been. "What else did they tell you...?" 

"No! No, it's NOT okay, Idris! They already hurt me. They already...they..." Crying out, she shoved away from him, stumbling a bit in the dark as she tried to breathe. She felt dirty all over, sick with herself. "I don't remember. The empire. The something cluster...lots of sweet talk. Lots of...talk..." Sniffling softly, she ran her fingers through her hair and paced back and forth. "Dammit. Dammit, Idris! How could I have not realized? I've done everything wrong up to this point. Everything! My head...is not where it should be. I survive...I escape situations...I RUN. I'm good at RUNNING. I'm good surviving and yet...I've...Idris, what..." Panting she turned to look in the direction she figured he was in. "I'm sorry. I...they fooled me. I was so eager to have you there. I was stupid and didn't think." 

"Don't be sorry, Rowen. It wasn't your fault. If I hadn't found you...then...perhaps they would not have found you...and did what they did to you." He sighed, but he seemed a little distracted by her revelation. He was trying to be subtle about it, but something made him very uneasy. "I am sorry. And it's not your fault so stop...please." 

Placing a hand against her forehead, she winced when she felt the bruising there. "Ow..." She whispered and drew her hand away as she got very quiet. "We need to get out of here, Idris. I...don't care what it takes." 

He was silent for a long moment and didn't say anything. "Cluster...which cluster...not the Scrimm...cluster. Rowen...please, this is important..." 

"Yes..." She lifted a hand and a very large sphere of fire appeared, and she held it there as she walked towards him, trying to see him through the dark. "Scrimm cluster. Why? What's wrong?" Sniffling softly she tried to pull herself back together. He looked very concerned and thoughtful, his gazed pointed at the floor as he tried to solve the puzzle that was blowing around in his head. He didn't say anything. He just looked at the ground for a long moment. Frowning, she stood there in front of him, staring at him expectantly. "Idris. What is it? Idris?" 

She reached out with her free hand to touch his shoulder, trying to pull him back into reality. 

He shook his head, and then turned to her, his pensive expression fading as he smiled sincerely. "We should get you out of here. C'mon, follow me." 

The room was still completely dark, and without Rowen's flame, she would not be able to see anything in the way of where he was leading her. "Wait...Idris. Where are we going?" 

She pulled back gently and took a couple of steps away from the direction he was leading. She didn't know why she was suddenly so jumpy. Perhaps it was the dark, or that they were trapped on a ship. Or just a wide variety of things. He turned back to her, stopping. "We're getting you off this ship while we still can...before they find us..." He started to lead her again. 

"You keep just saying 'you'. WE'RE getting off this ship, Idris. Both of us. If not, then I'm staying here." She gave him a warning look, then grabbed his hand firmly and stopped him from going anywhere again. She got that stubborn look on her face as she stood her ground. 

He paused and stopped, watching her face. He frowned, though she couldn't see it. "Rowen, they were going to let me go anyway. I'd rather feel safe knowing you're safe and get myself out of here later, should it come to it. UDI greatly underestimated the empire and their advancements in technology and weapons. It would be wise of me to learn more before I left or at least gather more intel before we leave. And if, as you say, they slaughtered both Tetrahynda and Avenger, then it would be better that I stay and destroy this ship than for us to run away together." He sighed, and reached out and touched her cheek, leaning in slowly to kiss her. He was gentle and affectionate as he held her there for a long moment. He did miss her...and he would miss her, if it didn't work out. 

"But...I can't leave you again." She stared into the dark as she felt him move closer, and then touch her cheeks, reciprocating as he placed that sweet kiss on her lips. Feeling him pull away, she sighed softly, and shook her head slowly. "No...I don't want to leave you. I won't risk losing you. Not again. Either you escape with me or I stay here and take whatever they give me. I will NOT lose you again, Idris." 

There was a long silence. He seemed to mull over this a long moment. 

Folding her arms, she winced again as she felt the pain of her bruised wrist. The screen of a console lit up in front of him, showing him a little clearer as the light infected the darkness, piercing it and allowing her to see more details. They were in a room that looked very similar to the observation room. He was searching through systems trying to find the launch bay log. She could see blood dripping on the console, and see the lacerations in the tunic he wore. He looked fairly beat up, but he was alive. He didn't even seem to notice the fact that he was leaving a trail of his blood on the floor. 

Her eyes took a moment to adjust to the sudden light in the room, and it took her a moment to realize the dark stains on his tunic as blood. "Idris!" Panic jumped into her throat and she rushed for him, restraining herself before she dove for him and tried to inspect his wounds closer. "Oh hell...you're beat up. Idris..." She did back off though, her hands itching to grab him and make sure he was at least in one piece. 

He nodded a little, wincing. "I...it's ok. I'll be fine, alright?" He winced again and then turned to her. His face had a bruise forming on his right eye, and he had a small slice on his abdomen toward the right side of his ribs. His hands were beat up and the cut on his arm was where the blood was dripping from. He moved and grabbed her again, shutting down the console. "Ok, I am going to take you down to the launch deck. I think the one that I found is only going to have night personnel, and it doesn't appear that they have figured out that we've escaped." 

He frowned and then something occurred to him. He hesitated. "Rowen...did...you said you came on Atalanta?" His expression looked worried, and very sad. It obviously pained him a great deal to even consider leaving the ship behind. 

This time when he grabbed her, she pulled away, not wanting him to hurt himself. She gave him a worried look and reached out to touch his right cheek, indicating his bruised eye. "Yes. I had no choice. Ophelia explained how to use the ship, and I couldn't possibly have done it without her help..." Shaking her head a little, she hadn't quite processed that they'd be leaving Atalanta behind. 

He paused a long moment, tears welling up in his eyes. Then he hardened his expression and nodded. "That's alright. I'll get Ophelia eventually. But for now, I want to get you out of here. I am going to send you on a ship with a pre-programmed destination so the autopilot can take you somewhere safe, then I'll get Atalanta and follow you. I can pilot her a lot better and then...I'll be able to keep fire off of your escape and draw their attention." He smiled and moved closer. "It'll be alright, ok?" 

She stared back at him, frowning even as he smiled at her. Rowen was pretty distrustful of just about everything right now, and it showed. It was a familiar look, one that she had worn frequently when Idris and her had first met years ago. When she'd been younger and afraid of everything. "Fine...but don't you DARE leave me. I found you and I'll be damned if you stay here while I...I..." She waved her hands in a frustrated manner then looked around him. "Let's go. I want off this damn ship." 

He frowned and shut his eyes, nodding at her. "It's ok. I promise...it will be ok, alright? You don't have to worry." He embraced her, helping her head rest against the part of his chest that didn't have blood on it. "I love you, Rowen. I...why...would I ever leave you? What would ever possess me to do that again?" He let her go and looked at her. "Everything will be alright." 

"Don't have to worry?" She was about to say more but bit back anymore words allowing him to embrace her. She was tempted to wrap her arms around him but was scared to hurt him even more. Frowning, she shut her eyes as he spoke, nodding a few times. His words did little to comfort her. "I love you too, Idris...I'm trusting you." Nodding firmly, she backed away then looked at the door. "We should hurry." 

Her words seemed to affect him, and his hardened expression wavered a moment. He hesitated, but nodded at her. "Right. Let's get out of here...ok?" 

He leaned in, kissed her forehead, and then swept her off her feet again. Then they were off, back into the darkness again. She could feel them moving down as he took the ramp into the launch deck. She couldn't see anything, at least not at first, but as they got out the shadow of the upper hold, she could see running lights on many of the ships scattered around on the deck. The soldiers that she could see in the dim light were well armed and well armored. She heard Idris sigh. He set her down on the deck. 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 11



Rowen. I need you to lie down...don't move...don't speak...don't say a word. Just hide on the floor...and I'll be back in a moment. 

She couldn't hear him again, the sound taken away as he spoke to her. He stood up to his full height and looked around. He walked away slowly and then moved towards one of the guards. 

When they slowed and he set her down she gave him a fearful look but obeyed. Arguing could be done later when they were both alive and safe. Slowly she moved to the ground, laying flat on her stomach, arms folded under her chin for comfort. Taking a deep breath, she stared up at Idris and waited. He moved to sneak up behind one of the guards, but it appeared he was able to see him. They turned around and pointed their weapon at Idris. He was barely able to move faster enough to evade the bolts of energy that hit the bulkhead and left a large, flaming crater in the deck plating. 

Idris moved a little faster this time, easily smashing his palm into the helmet of the guard with enough force to knock them flat on their back. Idris pulled back his arm and punched the face plate. The metal buckled, and Idris' hand was bleeding a little worse now. He leaned down and pried the weapon from the dying guard, pointing down at it with one hand, and fired. The guard was scattered over the bulkhead, the armor shredding with the force of the blow. Idris took the rifle in two hands and looked around, an animal, hungry look in his eyes. He approached another guard, one who was already moving closer. They raised their weapons and fired. Idris acted fast, throwing the weapon into the bolt. End over end it flew horizontally and absorbed the energy of the bolt, fragmenting and scattering on the bulkhead. 

Idris leapt forward, over the guard, who fired futilely at him as Idris soared over his head. Idris landed with the soft sound of metal on metal. He swept out the guards legs and smashed his heel into the faceplate of this guard, picking up the weapon and pulling a short blade from a sheath at the guard's leg. He blasted this guard as well, delivering the same effect of blood and metal being scattered on the bulkhead. Idris looked around slowly, wondering if anyone had seen anything. Then he turned back to Rowen, his eyes growing wide. It was still quite dim, but there seemed to be enough lights on the deck to illuminate enough detail for Rowen to see for about fifteen meters or so. Idris was rushing towards her, a panicked look in his eye. She could hear the sound of a gun charging behind her. 

Someone had spotted her, despite the darkness, lying there on the floor. Idris rushed forward and threw the knife. The blade sliced noisily through the air until it found the guard's neck. Idris was on Rowen in just another moment. 

Get up, HURRY! I think they know we're here. We have to find that ship and get you out of here! 

He reached out to help her get up. His arm had stopped bleeding, but the skin on his hand had been broken and was bleeding a little. The hand he reached towards her was his good hand which was a little grungy, but didn't have blood on it yet. His sense of urgency was contagious as he tried to find the right ship. He seemed to find the right one, all of a sudden, because without any warning, he jerked her in the direction he was heading, and practically dragged her to it. He pulled down the landing ramp for the ship, and rushed her aboard ahead of him. As he got inside, he pulled it back up to close it. The ship was very simple. There was enough room to move around, and even a place to sleep, but there were no facilities of any kind. Idris pointed, indicating for her to sit on the long, cushioned bench that doubled as a bed. He moved forward towards the controls and sat in the pilot's chair. He started pressing buttons and flipping switches, firing up the ship. She could hear the subtle whine of the subspace engines burning to life as he programmed the ship to fly a specific course. He'd give himself about thirty minutes, hoping it would be enough time to leave her, rush to Atalanta, board her, and get away in time to give Rowen cover long enough to reach a safe jump point. From there, she could escape. He turned and looked at her. The engines were still humming as he approached her. 

"Rowen..." He looked a little flushed, and he took in a deep breath as he prepared to tell whatever it was he obviously didn't want to say to her. 

The look in his eye, the tone of his voice... Immediately, Rowen frowned and stood up. "What? Don't you dare say that I'm leaving alone, because if you do..." She trailed off speechless by that point. 

He winced and made a face. He'd just killed three people in cold blood, but explaining himself to her was still a difficult feat for him. "Um...ok?" He looked around the ship, chewing on his cheek a little. Maybe he could get away with not saying anything. "Just...sit on the seat and...I'll go and get...something?" He winced. He'd also gotten worse at lying. He braced himself for the barrage of anger he foresaw coming. 

"Idris." Her voice was sharp. Right now Rowen was trying to be as calm as possible even though her temper was sparking. 

"What?" 

Arching an eyebrow, she stared at him waiting. "Hurry up and tell me because we don't have time for either of us to screw around!" 

He sighed and his expression hardened again. He took both of her arms and leaned down to look her in the eye. "Do you trust me, Rowen?" He was very intense. Obviously her answer would determine what might happen next. 

She stared at him, but didn't hesitate even as her own expression hardened. "Of course I do. Why?" 

"Because I have to leave you here. D.F. Eight will fly you out of this ship, in a specific amount of time, and I'll follow you out to a predesignated rendezvous point. We shouldn't be apart for more than...maybe twelve hours, tops, ok? But...I have to find Atalanta. I can't just...leave it here. Please...you have to understand." 

He frowned, looking pained by the thought, even a little hurt as he watched her. The first words sunk in and hurt. As he continued to speak, she barely heard him, staring at him in shock and pain. Gently, she pulled her arms from him and nodded, almost mechanically. "Fine. Yes. I understand. Show me what to do." She pointed to the ship's controls, before swallowing hard, trying to focus on what she had to learn. 

He shook his head at her. "No. It doesn't work like that. I already programmed the ship to just get out of here and fly away. It has enough programming to know how to evade fire and it has strong enough shields to at least get you far enough away to jump, alright?" He sighed and leaned in, kissing her forehead. "I'll see you real soon, alright. I...I promise; it won't even feel like I was gone." He smiled at her and embraced her again. 

For a moment while he embraced her, she was stiff, not wanting to move a muscle, or start blubbering with emotion. Then suddenly, she couldn't hold herself back, and her arms wrapped around him tightly. "It better be soon, Idris Chariton, or I will...light you on fire." Taking a breath she backed up and pushed him away. "Go...hurry." 

He smiled at her, and let her back away a little. He leaned in and kissed her, pressing his lips to her own in a long, deep, passionate kiss. His arms wrapped around her as he kissed her, his tongue moving with her own as all of his emotions came pouring out. He kissed her...like he would never kiss her again. The kiss stole her breath immediately, and she made sure to return it with the same ferocity. When he pulled away, he had tears in his eyes. His voice cracked a little as he commanded her. "Now, just...strap in...and...don't try to do...anything, alright? I...I'll see you really soon." 

He smiled at her and then gently kissed her forehead. He moved away, pushing the landing ramp down, and took off. She had her own tears blurring her vision as she nodded to his commands. "See you soon." She echoed her voice, thick with tears and emotions. Quickly, she climbed into the seat, buckled up, and listened as the ship began to come to life. The landing ramp retracted and the countdown on the console started, counting backward from thirty minutes. Rowen sat there staring and waiting. She couldn't do anything except wait now. 

Mysteriously, no one seemed to bother Rowen, or her ship, and as the minutes clicked by, nothing happened. The sound of the engines grew a little louder as it got closer to the departure time, and then as it hit zero, the ship lifted off. The landing gear retracted and the ship rotated around 180 degrees as it gained altitude. It took off, flying over the landing deck and then shot out of the bay. Rowen could hear the alarm going off then, the sounds of people realizing what was happening. The ship pulled out of the belly of the battleship and shot straight away. The speed of the ship was apparent as it continued on its course. 

As it got further away, Rowen could see the bolts of fire being shot at them, but the craft seemed to be able to maneuver and weave well enough to avoid being blown away. When they were a good enough distance from the ship, she could see the window open in front of them, and then all at once, the view in front of her was filled with the hues of antispace. Not one time did she see any sign of Atalanta, or hear Idris' voice. As she soared away in the ship, she sunk back into the seat, eyes shut, not caring what was happening around her. As far as she knew, she was safe for now, but Idris... Frowning as she thought about it, she angrily undid her buckles and stood from the chair, growling softly. There was nowhere to take her anger out on this tiny ship. So instead, she settled for the makeshift bed, and flopped down on it, as she inspected her black and blue wrists and ankles. 

For the next four hours, Rowen spent her time jumping about every fifteen minutes. She'd arrive somewhere, where there appeared to be nothing but the blackness that was space, and then jump again. After the sixteenth time doing this, the ship stopped, moving to fly slowly on a course that Rowen had no control over. There appeared to be nothing here, save for a nebula. There was no sun, no planets, and very few stars in her line of sight. For almost three more hours the ship drifted, until out of nowhere, three cruiser analogs appeared on her sensors. The alarm on console started beeping. They were targeting her, not even giving her the chance to identify herself. 

They closed in close around her, each ship bigger than her, but not quite as large as Atalanta. They had an insignia painted on the side of a white circle with a golden falcon in the center, wings stretched out and talons reaching. They didn't fire on her, simply moving in on her position. She allowed the ship to do what it wanted and sat there quietly with nothing to do except stare off. Hearing the alarm was the only thing that made her sit up. Frowning, she sat up, stared at the console, and made her way towards it. Eyes slowly rose to the window and her frown deepened when she say the other ships. 

"Hell..." She whispered to herself and felt her heart begin to pick up as she sat down and stared at the console then back up at the ships. They sat there, just holding their position. The minutes went on, and they made no contact. After about thirty minutes of waiting like this, an immense ship, possibly bigger than any Rowen had ever seen, appeared out of nowhere, falling out of antispace and moving in on their position. Rowen could feel it as the ship immediately lurched, being pulled towards the immense craft by an invisible force...



Rowen Cairn Ch. 12



They still hadn't said a word to her, but she didn't appear to be in any immediate harm. These were obviously not the same forces that she had so recently escaped from. The immense vessel had the same insignia on it as the ships that had first approached her, though the one on THIS ship was obviously larger. Rowen could start to see details of the hull as she was pulled slowly alongside the ship and up into its belly. She could already see the large squadron of men standing, well-armed, on the launch deck of the ship. She could feel the gentle rumble as the ship set down on the deck. No one moved, simply pointing their guns at her vessel as if waiting for something bad to happen. 

As she felt the ship lurch and be pulled, she began to feel more and more nervous. Quickly, she stood up and brushed her fingers through her hair, staring down at herself. She was messy, out of sorts, and her ankles and wrists, were bruised. Sitting back on the edge of the bed, she waited for the feeling that the ship had landed, and the door to open allowing her to exit. She'd stay as calm as possible, hide her powers for as long as she needed to, and keep herself together. The door didn't open, and everyone seemed to stand there, just waiting. Were they waiting for her? Or...were they waiting for someone else? 

After about ten minutes of waiting, it appeared someone was approaching. The men turned and lowered their weapons, standing at attention. She could hear muffled sounds of talking, but still, nothing happened. Then, the landing ramp of the ship started shooting sparks out of it, the flames coming up through the floor. After a few moments, the ramp fell away, slamming down as it opened, without the support of the hydraulics, and hit the deck. The noise was awful, but it didn't seem to deter whoever was forcing their way aboard. Very quickly, two armed men and a woman walked onto the ship. The men appeared to guard her. She wore an impeccably white uniform and had an eye patch over her left eye. She had long black hair and light-toned skin. Her good eye was blue, her face appeared young. The men pointed their guns at Rowen and the woman said nothing, watching her, gauging her reactions. No one spoke. Seeing that they were forcing their way in, she stood quickly, and stared at the strangers. Why was everyone so quiet? 

Frowning, Rowen stared at the woman, then the two men with guns. Slowly, her eyes focused back on the woman, she seemed like the leader there. "I...I'm not dangerous or mean any harm." She finally said, speaking clearly, firmly, managing to keep her shake of nerves from her tone. 

The woman smiled, almost expectantly. She turned to both men, one at a time, and dismissed them, leaving just her and Rowen alone. Slowly, she regarded Rowen, and then spoke. "You are no warrior of Delethire or twilight. What is your name, Miss? Do you even have a name, or a place that you come from?" The woman waited for Rowen, but it was very obvious that she had a lot on her mind to question her about. 

"My name is Rowen Cairn. I have no place that I originated from, not to my knowledge. Who are you?" She was glad that men with guns had gone away, it made her feel a little more at ease, but still she had a certain tension in her muscles as she spoke with the woman. 

The woman shook her head slowly. "Not yet, Miss Cairn. I am responsible for the lives of the men on this ship. Before I tell you anything, I have to know just what the hell is going on here." 

"Fair enough, Ma'am. I...was taken prisoner by...someone. I escaped on this ship. It's not mine. I don't know how to even fly it. Idris...the man I was with, he helped me escape. He was supposed to follow me but...he's not here yet." 

The woman smiled a little warmer. "And just who exactly was it that this 'Idris' gentleman allowed you to escape from? And if you don't know how to fly this ship, how did you end up all the way out here, deep in UDI territory? And...you say he helped you escape, that he was following you, but he is obviously not here. Do you expect him to be arriving fairly soon?" 

"I'm not sure. He..." Shaking her head she frowned. "Idris programmed it for me. It brought me here. And yes, I expected him to be about twelve hours behind me. That's what he said. Exactly." 

She narrowed her eye at Rowen. "He preprogrammed the ship to fly all the way out here, managing to avoid detection. And, you expect him to arrive here in approximately twelve hours? What happens in twelve hours, Rowen? And why didn't he just come with you?" 

"He's supposed to find me in twelve hours. Meet me. And he couldn't come with me because...he didn't want to leave his own ship behind. Atalanta." Rowen stared at the woman helplessly answering her questions. 

The woman seemed to be losing her patience as her expression ebbed a little, that happy smile wavering as she moved a little closer. "Yes but, who is it that you both were trying to get away from. This ship," she indicated, pointing around, "is not of Alliance making. So, who is it that you were escaping from, Miss Cairn?" Her eye glared this time. Her pleasantries had run out and she was now a little irritated by having to repeat herself. "And what about this vessel, that he had to save, was so special that he couldn't just leave it behind?" 

"I told you...I don't remember her name right now. She...Look!" Now Rowen felt impatient. "He loves that ship! It's his ship. Atalanta was...his. He could never leave her behind. I don't remember her name..." Rowen placed a hand to her forehead 

"Name..." The woman tilted her head, looking curious. "Whose name? Her...her who? What are you talking about?" 

"The one who did this to me." She held out her wrists to show the woman her injuries. "See?" 

She exhaled and frowned, looking at the injuries. She nodded slowly, her eye closing. "Miss Cairn, I'll allow you quarters aboard this vessel. You will be cared for...and rehabilitated, should our doctors feel that such is necessary. I ask only that...you surrender this ship, and everything it has within it, to me, unconditionally. Should Captain Chariton try to contact you, you are to notify me, or your handler, immediately. These terms are not negotiable. I imagine that so long trapped in this vessel as you likely have been, you are ready for comfortable facilities and a pleasantly warm sanisteam. What do you say?" She smiled warmly at Rowen, if not pitifully, and waited for her to answer. 

"I...uh..." Rowen couldn't see anything better to do. She couldn't possibly go out and try to manage this ship by herself. She didn't know the first thing about it. Sighing softly, she began to nod then paused. "But when Captain Chariton finds me, you will let us go, won't you? We've been prisoners long enough." 

The woman hesitated. She shook her head. "I make no guarantees about Captain Chariton. His fate is out of my hands."

She mulled this over a moment, frowning, but extended her hand to the woman. "I'll agree to your conditions. You will be notified if he does contact me...the ship means nothing to me. Take it." 

"As I said, your ship for my hospitality. Those are the terms, so long as my physicians decide you are healthy enough to join the rest of the ship. Otherwise, you will be quarantined. That's it." She held up her hands in a "take it or leave it" gesture, and regarded Rowen with a bit of callousness. 

"Fine. That's fine..." Rowen sighed softly as she looked around the ship and shrugged. "I can tell you that your physicians will decide that I'm healthy. I promise..." She forced a small smile at the woman. "Do I get to know your name now?" 

The woman smiled, shutting her eye and nodding her head towards Rowen slightly. "My name is Lieutenant Ryshar Kichrista. You may call me 'Lieutenant K' if you have difficulties with my name. Your handler will be assigned to you, after you are cleared to join the ship." She smiled cordially and got out of the way, letting Rowen walk down the ramp in front of her. 

"Thank you, Lieutenant K." Smiling at her, she passed the woman, and stepped down off the ship, staring up at the men waiting with their guns. They were really making her nervous now. 

"Stand down, gentleman. She's clean. Escort her to the hospital wing on deck five. And don't hurt her...unless she tries to get away." The men nodded at her and surrounded her, the six of them almost boxing her in as they lead her across the launch bay and into the corridor. 

The path was very long and winding, and when the lift came, they all managed to be able to pile in with her. The walk to the hospital wing ended at a large door. One of the men walked up to it, opening it, allowing the immense panels to spread open and then close behind them. There were three women in white light blue scrubs waiting for her. "This is the prisoner from the-" One of the men clear his throat. "Lieutenant K has asked that we not speak about any sensitive information in front of the prisoner, Doctor Shaphel. We'll be waiting for you outside if you need us. She's completely harmless." 

Rowen suddenly realized that she was not safe at all. In fact, she was back to where she had been before. A prisoner. Just the thought made her itch, and her entire body tense up even further. Reaching the woman, in front of the medical women, she frowned, her face paling slightly. She hated doctors. Hated them. Why hadn't she thought about this before? 

Looking at the guards, she almost glared at the one who mentioned that she was "harmless." Watch me light you on fire then we'll see. But she remained quiet and simply stepped forward. The men left them alone, and the woman stepped forward. They all seemed very friendly, very approachable, and they all seemed very determined to make her feel more at ease. 

"What is your name, Sweetheart?" She stepped forward a little more, approaching her fairly confidently, but not intimidatingly. She smiled happily, pleasantly, and moved until they were merely four or five feet away. 

"Rowen Cairn," she said slowly, after studying her for a moment, and then decided she should probably speak up. Kind faces or not, Rowen still did not like doctors. She was probably going to be tense for the entire exam. 

She smiled, grateful that she only had to ask her once. "Rowen, can you please step over here. We just need to examine you for foreign pathogens and make sure you are...healthy." She indicated an elevated square on the floor. She'd wait to see if Rowen would comply before following her over. 

Glancing at the square, she hesitated, looking back at the woman with a mild frown. "Of...course." 

She didn't sound sure at all, but complied anyway. She was a prisoner, after all. Sighing softly, she stepped up to the elevated square and stepped on, staring down at the woman. The panel was only a few centimeters off the floor, and once Rowen was standing with both feet, the woman moved to stand to her right. A large, transparent wall moved up in between them. It was cylindrical in shape, surrounding Rowen. It was clear, save for the blue grid lines on it. The control terminal pushed up from the ground, moving up to the height of the woman's waist. She pushed a few buttons and then looked up at Rowen. Nothing else had happened yet. "Just hold completely still, and this will be over in a few moments. I promise, it won't hurt, but you might feel a little tingling from the scanners, alright?" 

Gasping as the clear wall slid up, she cringed very slightly, and then stopped. Pull yourself together, Rowen, she thought, shaking her head a little. Listening to the woman's orders, she went very still and waited for that tingling feeling. 

The woman frowned a little, wishing there was more she could do to put the poor girl at ease. She looked down at the controls and then up one more time. Her voice was soft. "Close your eyes..." She looked down and pushed a few more buttons. Five small devices moved down into view, each only a few centimeters wide and tall. They swirled around Rowen, gliding against the transparent wall, moving around her and casting a network of blue and red lines, each projecting onto Rowen. They moved very fast as the spun around her, moving down towards the bottom of the wall. When they neared the bottom, they began moving back up. As they reached the roof, they slid back into the place they came from and the wall descended back into the floor almost faster than it had come about. The control console retracted back into the floor and Rowen was left back on the small platform she'd been standing. The woman extended a hand out to her as if to help her down. 

Indeed, Rowen felt a very slight tingling sensation, but it wasn't enough to alarm her. But that didn't mean she wasn't relieved when it was finished shortly. Sighing softly, she opened her eyes and looked down at the outstretched hand. Taking it hesitantly, she stepped down off the platform and quickly drew her hand back. 

The woman indicated a little ways away. "I need you to come lie down while we examine your results. Is there anything I can get you while you wait?" She seemed very meek, careful not to do or say anything to Rowen that might further affect her. 

"Um. No." Rowen began to walk, and then stopped to smile politely at the woman. "Thank you." Well, she didn't want to be rude to her. She couldn't help that she was a doctor and that her entire profession scared the hell out of Rowen. 

Walking to the bed that was indicated, she lied down. A different woman, who looked a little younger, moved over to Rowen while the other two moved over to their stations to examine the results. She sat in the chair next to the bed. She seemed even sweeter and innocent than the other woman, and had a high soprano voice and sounded like she couldn't have been more than twelve or thirteen standard years old. She looked a lot older, at least eighteen or nineteen, but with her voice, it was difficult to determine. 

"The captain has asked that we keep you here for a minimum of one rotational cycle. Are you certain that you don't want anything to eat or drink, or a hot sanisteam to ease your nerves while you wait?" She smiled, trying to be as accommodating as she could, waiting for Rowen's response. 

Looking at the new woman, she smiled a little easier this time. This one did make her feel a little more comfortable, or perhaps Rowen was just starting to become accustomed to this place. She was a very quick adapter. Shaking her head, declining any of the offers made. "I'm sure none of that will help, but thank you very much for the offer." 

The girl's expression seemed to fall a little. She wanted to help, but she seemed at a loss as to what to do...and it seemed like something was on her mind the way she was fidgeting a little. "I just...you were in that ship for so long, I am sure...if I was in your...I mean, if that had happened to me, I'd want a change of fresh clothes and a hot spray, and a warm meal. But...I...I understand if...if you'd rather not, I mean..." She bit her lips and looked Rowen over. She was a little dirty, and she'd been a long time without a good wash. The girl was trying to be as nice about it as she could, but she was obviously a little uncomfortable thinking about sitting there with Rowen, just lying there, for such a long time. 

"Look, I understand you're trying to be kind to a prisoner but...I promise. I'm fine just sitting here. I don't want to move, I just want to...relax. Relax until I can leave. Please understand..." Rowen looked down at her lap then back up at the woman. "I'm sure you don't have to stand there the entire time and just stare at me." 

The girl seemed to wince at Rowen's chiding, and she fidgeted a little more. "Well...I...I don't think of you as a prisoner, to be honest. I am sure that once Lieutenant Kichrista completes her investigation, the captain will be more than happy to...I mean, I'm sure they won't...that you won't remain a prisoner. They just...they don't...know you." Her shoulders slumped and she frowned. She obviously saw Rowen's side of it, and felt awful. She hated thinking about what this girl might have gone through and what that now was making her feel. And hadn't someone said something about a man? She wasn't sure that she would have been able to part with her husband, especially not on the same terms as Rowen. "I don't need to stay near you, but I'd rather you not have to be alone, and know that if you need anything, that I'd be able to help you." She smiled weakly, and looked at Rowen with her kind eyes. 

Rowen was surprised by what the girl was saying, and it showed on her face. Immediately, Rowen felt touched by the woman's eagerness to be kind, and she offered up a warm smile. "You're very sweet, Ma'am. And I'm sorry if...I was rude. It's just like me to be defensive, especially in a new place and after all that's...happened. I'm just very nervous. Especially if I'm here and Idris cannot locate me. I..." She let her voice trail off with a shake of her head. 

The girl wrinkled her nose and shook her head. "Oh please, don't call me 'Ma'am.' The only 'ma'am' in this wing is Doctor Shaphel. She's old." The girl smiled and winked, and an exclamation and protest could be heard from the woman who was apparently said doctor. The girl smiled and almost giggled a little. "I am Nurse Nia Tleen, but you can call me Nia. Everyone else here does." She smiled again. "And don't worry; if I had been through what they say you've been though, I imagine I would..." 

Then the girl stopped and chewed on her lip a moment, and then made a face, slowly shaking her head. "No...I think even then, I probably couldn't be very mean." She frowned. "I just don't like to be mean, it's no fun, and it makes people unhappy. Not that-" her eyes got wide and she looked a little alarmed. "-I mean, you haven't been mean, I mean, you just...you're unhappy, understandably so. It's alright though. You're not the meanest patient I've ever had." She winked at her, hoping this revelation might help her feel a little better. 

Rowen was actually very charmed by Nia, and she immediately felt herself begin to warm up to her. She had a certain quality about her; it was her honesty, even if she did feel as if she were constantly sticking her foot in her mouth. "It's alright...I realize I'm a little mean, a little unhappy. I'm also a little on edge. Strangers and I do not mix well. But...I promise I'll try to be a much happier, easier patient from now on, Nia. At least for your sake." Laughing a little she leaned back on the bed and sighed softly. 

The girl smiled, very pleased that Rowen seemed to be more receptive. "It's alright. We just want to make you comfortable. I promise, nothing bad will happen, not like on-" One of the doctors shushed her, putting a finger over her mouth. Nia paled a little, and seemed a little caught off guard. "I mean...it's...this...is a big ship...and we...'re...safe." She finally settled for, smiling a little uneasily. "I'm going to galley to get you some food. I don't CARE if you're not hungry right now," she rolled her eyes a little, "but this way, if you DO get hungry, you'll have food here waiting for you, alright?" She smiled again, and hoped Rowen would be happy about this proposal. 

Frowning at the shushing she tried not to look too put off when Nia focused back on her. "Right. Alright, sounds good. Maybe I'll be hungry once you get back." She offered up, and then rested her head once again down on the bed, as she expected Nia to hurry off to the galley. 

She smiled and nodded, stepping down off the chair and walking back out into the corridor. Rowen caught her skip once and the way, as she energetically opened the door and looked both ways before moving to the right. She left Rowen alone, save for the two doctors that lingered behind. The room/wing was silent, save for the machines and the clicking of keys as the doctors worked. Sighing, she closed her eyes, and suddenly realized how tired she was. All she had been doing on that ship was sitting and staring, but somehow, the stress of the whole situation, of finding Idris, then losing him so suddenly, was now hitting her. 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 12



Frowning, she curled up on the bed and felt fatigue cloud her senses as she began to slip into sleep. She could hear Idris voice in her dreams, vaguely see his face. 

I'm sorry, Rowen, I'm so sorry. I can't explain, but I just couldn't leave yet. I promise I'll find you, even if it isn't as soon as I said. I promise, I'll come for you. I miss you...so much...I just...I couldn't leave yet... 

The dream seemed eerie and twisted as she heard his voice, the words fading in and out as he spoke to her. She could see him, standing there, smiling, in a fleeting glimpse, and then see the injured, beaten man that had helped her escape, see the urgency in his eyes. "You have to go, Rowen," he'd said. 

I know you didn't want to leave me, but I couldn't let them keep you. I promise you'll be safe on Tychonderocia. She is one of the biggest ships IN Ulratian Defense, and she has more firepower than any one Delethirian vessel. Just be quiet, be safe...and don't be so stubborn. I'll try and find you again, in secret this time...and maybe...maybe we can be together...like we were once on my ship. 

He laughed a little, and then his voice seemed to fade from her mind as he left her. When she awoke, it was to the sound of the clattering of a tray as the poor girl, the one called Nia, dropped the food she'd brought up for Rowen, all over the floor. As she heard him speak, she felt her heart grow and then shatter, as she realized he hadn't come after her. He had stayed. Feeling betrayed and sad all of a sudden, she wanted to speak out to him, to have him answer the questions bubbling up inside of her. Then he was gone and she sat up with a start. Her cheeks were damp with tears. Quickly she rubbed at them, drying her eyes as she slid from the bed and began to help Nia pick up the food. 

"I'm so sorry, Rowen. I didn't mean to wake you up. I'm such a klutz. I can't even handle walking over flat, level surfaces." She sighed and finished scooping the rest of the meal onto the tray. "It's ok. Go back to bed. I'm sure you're tired. I'll-" And then she looked over and saw Rowen, as if for the first time. She saw her tear-streaked face and looked horror-struck. "Rowen...what's wrong? What is it?" She was so worried, terrified for her and whatever it was that had upset her so much. Rowen seemed like a girl who was made out of stone, so to see her cry left Nia reeling. 

Rowen chuckled at Nia as she continued to help her with the food, standing when it was all plopped back onto the tray. She thought she had cleaned her face up, but there was no getting it past Nia. "I uh...I'm fine, Nia. I just..." She faltered for a moment and looked down, swallowing hard. "He's...not coming. He made me leave and then...he's still there, Nia. And...he won't be coming for me. I'm on my own again." She swallowed hard, cleared her throat, and tried to look put-together. "But that's fine. I've done it before. Sorry...I don't know why I'm telling you all of this. It's silly and...please...tune me out. I'm babbling." 

She shook her head and set the tray on an empty bed, helping Rowen move to lie down before sitting in the chair again. She held Rowen's hand in a consoling manner and looked at her. "No, no, c'mon, Rowen. What is it, what's wrong? What do you mean 'he's there'? Where is he? And what makes you think he wouldn't come back to you." She frowned and looked as though she might just cry with her. She gazed at Rowen, her heart breaking. 

"He chose to stay on that ship...where they were hurting him. Instead of coming with me. That's exactly what he did." Looking up at Nia, she noticed how much her words were hurting the girl, and she quickly looked away. "It's fine Nia...I...I don't know why I'm depressing you. I'll be fine. I'll get a clean health scan, then perhaps I won't be a prisoner anymore and maybe I'll start a new life on a planet somewhere. I'll be fine...stop looking so worried." She smiled warmly at Nia, and shook her head. "Please?" 

She smiled at Rowen. "I doubt that he would do that to you, Rowen. I'm sure it was just a bad dream." She sighed and looked at Rowen, frowning and then smiling again, a little weaker this time. "I'm sure he'll turn up, sooner or later. Don't worry about it, alright? Just get some sleep...and when you wake up, I'll have something for you to eat, even if I have to have one of the mechs bring it up to you." She smiled again and let go of her hand, moving away a little to allow Rowen to sleep. 

Rowen stared at her doubtfully, not trusting her reassuring words for a moment. How did she know? She hadn't heard Idris speak to her a moment ago. And then her smile began to soothe her and Rowen nodded very slowly. "Fine. I'll sleep. Thank you..." She let the girl walk away then slowly lied back on the bed, not trusting herself to sleep again. But the fatigue her body felt began to win over and soon she had slipped back into sleep. 

Idris would not visit her again in her sleep, allowing her to sleep peacefully. Nia and the other doctors left her alone, deciding it best not to bother her in hopes of passing the time until Rowen was released. As Rowen had said, they found no traces of any pathogens, and save for her battered wrists, they were unable to find any injuries. When Rowen awoke, she'd find Nia quite close, sitting and waiting for her. She slept for a long while, much more tired than she had ever thought she was. 

The days of panic, stress, and everything were taking its toll on her body. Slowly, she woke up, groaning at the grogginess she felt laying over her like a thick blanket. Rolling over to look at Nia, she smiled very faintly, and forced herself up on her elbows. "Did I sleep long?" She whispered her throat still thick with sleep. 

Nia smiled at her, shaking her head and looking at her chronometer and then up at Rowen. "Not really, but the doctors have already finished your tests. Now we just have to hurry up and wait for the last forty or so minutes before you can go to your quarters. I'm told they already set it up for you. You'll have lots of clean clothes, your own refreshing chamber, and a very nice bed. Lieutenant K seems eager to keep you from wanting to leave until Captain Chariton shows up." She looked around, feeling a little uneasy about her last statement, because she knew just a little more than she was supposed to. 

"Oh. Alright." Rowen listened quietly as she suddenly got an urge for that shower. Not only was she tired but she felt dirty, and in need of washing. The last bit about Idris made her frown and she forced a bitter chuckle. "If he shows up, Nia. IF." Sitting up fully now, she gave her legs a little stretch. 

Nia frowned a little and regarded Rowen curiously. "Why do you feel so negatively about the concept? When you arrived, you seemed optimistic about him appearing, as he said he would. Why, now, do you doubt it so much more?" She narrowed her eyes a little. "What has happened since you've arrived that has affected your attitude this way?" 

"I've..." Heard from him? No that made her sound insane. Might as well play the cold card. "I've just realized I should be smart about this. He's not on time, which means he stayed behind longer... and...he may just not come. I have to plan for the worst. Being alone. Which I am fine with. I've done it before." 

Nia wasn't buying a word of this. She just stared at Rowen with a "are you sure this is the story you expect me to believe?" look on her face. She closed one eye, and arched an eye brow at her, but then nodded...slowly. "Right...ok. Well, I brought you a meal...if you are hungry..." 

"I am." Rowen spoke quickly, a little too quickly. She just wanted to change the subject, recognizing Nia's disbelief. "I... haven't really eaten in... a while. I think." Actually, she really couldn't remember her last meal and that made her more determined to eat something. Just because she didn't feel hungry didn't mean she shouldn't get something in her stomach. 

Nia was silent for another moment, regarding her. Then she nodded slowly, getting up. She brought her a tray propped up on a stand meant for her to be able to consume her meal in bed. It was some kind of steak, vegetables, and what looked like citrus fruit. "Here, eat this." She brought her a tall cup of water as well. It was already sweating from the cold within when Nia set it on the tray. "If you need anything else, let me know." She walked away, back over to one of the workstations. 

"Nia, thank you." As soon as she saw the food, she didn't have to force herself to eat. She was famished. Quickly, she began to eat, purposely slowing herself down so she didn't look like a wild animal consuming its first meal in days. She grabbed the cup of water and took a long drink, sighing happily as she finished off the meal. 

Nia did not respond, simply moving off and remaining at one of the workstations. The computers sat behind a curtain, hiding their activities as they worked. Rowen was left alone at her bed, and there appeared to be no one else in the wing with her. She finished up the food and gently pushed the tray away, and sat there quietly. She felt really strange just sitting there - waiting. Leaning back, she stared up at the ceiling then down and around at the other people working. 

The third woman, whose name Rowen had yet to learn, came over to her. "Would you like me to take your tray from you, Miss?" 

"Um. Please. Thank you." She watched the tray get taken, and she sighed a bit. Looking down at her hands, she wiggled her fingers a bit, tempted to make those flames appear. It had always entertained her but...eyes went up to the women around her and she thought better. 

The doors opened, and the woman, the tall one with the eye patch, walked in. She had a man on her left and right, both armor-clad and carrying their personal weapons in hand. She smiled at Rowen and then moved over to the workstations. Rowen couldn't hear the entire conversation. It sounded like mumbling. Then the lieutenant looked at her, and smiled. She walked over to Rowen's bed and nodded her head forward. "I'm here to take you to your quarters, Miss Cairn. If you'll please...follow me?" 

Smiling faintly at the woman, she glanced at the guards at her sides. Guns. Really, they made her much too nervous. Sitting up, she nodded and slid from the bed. "Of course, Lieutenant." Standing, she moved towards the woman, and then paused, waiting for her to lead. 

She smiled at her and nodded. Moving out the door, she turned to Rowen, then to the guards. They stepped back a small distance and followed a little further behind. Lieutenant Kichrista regarded Rowen, and her pace was slow as she started to walk. "So...Miss Cairn, have you heard anything from Captain Chariton since you arrived? Any idea when we should expect him?" 

"Of course I haven't. There's no way to contact him if I'm not on the ship." Rowen responded simply, not meaning to be rude. Of course there was also no way she was going to try and explain to one more person about him contacting her...however he was contacting her. 

She looked at Rowen, and narrowed her gaze. She sensed how defensive Rowen seemed about this. "I was just asking. It would be foolish for me to assume anything. You were searched, yes, but it's entirely possible that you could have heard from him, despite everything." They continued walking...slowly, the guards continuing to follow behind them about three meters back as they walked around the corridor. "Do you have a favorite color, Miss Cairn? Something that you find more appealing for appearances?" She regarded Rowen, and her tattered clothes. 

Rowen glanced back at the guards. Hell they made her nervous. She tried to focus back on what Lieutenant K was saying. "No...No favorite color. Purple, I suppose...or blue. Whatever...I...Do they HAVE to be following us? I mean...the guns." She made a slight face then looked away. "Sorry. I know you don't trust me, and that I'm a prisoner, so I shouldn't complain." 

She laughed a little and shook her head. "No, no, of course not. Rowen, the doctors cleared you. You are no more a prisoner here than I am. I'm sorry if my guards make you nervous, but the captain does not allow me to stroll around, with people we know next to nothing about, completely unprotected. Would it make you feel safer if they holstered their weapons, instead?" 

"Holster their weapons? Well...yes. It sounds foolish but guns...I don't like them very much." Memories flashed across her mind for a moment and she winced, rubbing the back of her neck. 

She nodded at Rowen, and turned behind her, making a gesture. The guards stopped and moved to hang their weapons on their backs. Once they were done, they continued to follow them as they walked.

Continuing to follow, Rowen looked around the corridor they were walking through, trying to familiarize herself with the new ship. The ship looked very much like Avenger, save for the different colors, but the general make-up of the bulkhead seemed almost identical. 

Lieutenant Kichrista stopped, and looked over at a door. She smiled, gesturing. "These are you quarters, Miss Cairn. Should you need anything else, be sure to let us know. I have asked Teric here," she motioned her hand towards one of the guards who stepped forward and bowed his head towards her, "to stand watch in case anyone attempts to approach your quarters without your permission. Let him know if there is anything missing, suspicious...out of the ordinary...or if you just need our help with anything." 

She winked at Rowen, and the door opened. Her escorts stayed outside, including the lieutenant. She smiled at Rowen, gesturing for her to go in on her own. Staring up at Teric, she nodded a bit, wary of having him standing guard outside her door. Perhaps Lieutenant K meant well, but Rowen just wasn't used to all this. Swallowing hard, she stepped into the room and shut the door without saying another word. 

She only offered up a nod goodbye and the door was shut. Stepping back, she sighed softly, enjoying the silence of the room for a moment. As she walked away, the door slid shut, and she could hear the footsteps as Lieutenant K and her escort left Rowen's quarters. It felt nice to just be alone, to not be stared at. Looking towards the refresher, she was there in a moment, turning on the water, eager to feel the heated water cleaning off her skin. The refresher chamber wasn't quite as large as the one she had had on Avenger, but it was still a little bigger than Atalanta's. The water came out warm, the perfect temperature. The various other fixtures emitted water was well, the streams of water coming at her at chest, waist, and even knee level. One fixture sprayed water onto her back from the roof. It got hot, and as the steam started to fill up the chamber, she could hear fans come on, sucking up the humid air away from the mirror to keep it from glazing over. 

Rowen...are you there? Rowen...? 

Rowen jumped when she heard his voice. Instinctively, she reached over and grabbed the towel hanging from a hook nearby and wrapped it around her body, stepping away from the sanisteam. "What? Idris?" She frowned as she heard his voice, looking around the refresher as if expecting him there. She was alone, but she could still hear him. The steam still billowed around as the vents sucked up the humid air. 

Rowen...oh thank goodness. You're safe. I'm so sorry, Rowen. I promise...I...it's so complicated, but I swear to you...I had intended to meet you, I didn't think the delay would be so awful. His voice almost seemed to break, so great was his agony over the matter. Please...forgive me? I just wanted you to be safe. 

Hurt began to build up inside of her and she shut her eyes as she listened to him. "You promised you wouldn't leave me alone. I told you that I...didn't want to leave you. That I refused to be alone...and you LEFT ME. Idris, why did you leave me? I'm alone...and...it's because you didn't want to come with me." Sighing softly, she shook her head letting out a soft cry as tears began to well up in her eyes. She could almost feel his emotions within her as if they were her own. 

He was overcome by remorse and helplessness. Rowen...please. I...I promise that's not what happened. I did...try to leave. I truly...I did. But...but I can't. Please...don't ask me to explain. I can't explain it. Something keeps me here, trapped. Until I discover what it is...and...fix it, I can't leave. I want to...I could, so very easily...but...I'd never survive it. Please, you must understand. But...I...I need to know...some things, Rowen. Can you help me, please? 

She didn't understand him. Shaking her head again, she leaned back against the nearest wall and just listened to his voice. "How can I not ask you to explain? You left me alone, in a ship I know nothing about, that I can't pilot on my own and now I'm..." She stopped herself and growled softly in frustration. "Never mind. What is it, Idris? How can I help you?" She still loved him, wanted him to be okay, but she was torn between being angry and hurt, and worried. 

Rowen...where are you? Where did you end up? Tell me what happened? What ship are you on, do you know? Wait...no...I want to try something. Go...go to the mirror. Never mind all of that...tell me in a moment. First...I want you to see if you can find yourself in the mirror... Despite the efforts of the vents, the edges of the mirror had started to fog over, but the center of it seemed to be free of condensation. 

Nodding at his request, she pushed away from the wall and stepped up to the mirror. Her eyes focused on her reflection in the mirror, her hands grabbing her towel tightly to her body. "Alright, Idris. Now what?" As she stood there, she could see her face, her body wrapped in the towel. The mirror was large enough that she could almost see her entire body that wasn't obstructed by the vanity. Then she could see a glimpse of something...something else in the mirror...some ONE else. She could see his face, even if it wasn't very clear. 

His eyes, his hair, his face; he looked dreadful still, like he was on the verge of dying, but he smiled at her all the same. It worked...I'm so happy. Can you see me...in the mirror, I mean? I can just barely make out my reflection. The reflection of Idris' mouth didn't move, just smiled a happy smile at her. He seemed overjoyed. 

Rowen stared, shocked to see him there. It may not have been the clearest, but he was there. She knew his face. Choking back a soft sob, she brought a hand to her mouth and immediately began to shake her head. "I can see you. I...I can see you." Taking a deep breath she tried to calm herself. "I'm on a ship. UDI. Lieutenant...uh...K. Kichrista. They are taking care of me. Until I am ready to leave." 

The image seemed puzzled by her statement. Kichrista...I don't know of her. The expression continued to be more and more perplexed, creasing its forehead. Then it shook its head. You said "UDI"? Which ship is it? Do you know the name? 

"No, Idris. I don't know the name. I barely can pronounce the name of the Lieutenant."

Then the smiled got a little mischievous. The face leaned in and kissed her cheek. She could feel his lips as their reflections joined. She felt him as his tongue tasted her ear, his mouth moving up towards her hair. Can you feel that, Rowen? 

"I..." She stopped as she felt his lips on her cheek. And as his tongue tasted her skin, she felt a chill go down her back. "YES. I can feel that...now stop. Don't think you can just be nice all of a sudden. I'm still good and mad. Focus on the important thing. I'm on this damn ship, by myself, and they say I'm not a prisoner and yet there is a guard at my door." She reached up to bat him away, reaching up for her own ear. 

The image smiled as her hand moved through the reflection in the mirror, but felt no resistance as it passed through him. She could hear him laugh a little. Then she felt as his hand seemed to grasp the hand holding her towel. I know you are, Sweetie. But...I will confess...I do like this ...it is almost as good as...being there with you. Mmmm...I promise, as soon as I find a way to get... But he stopped, and she could feel digits moving up her spine, just trailing over her skin. The reflection moved its lips down to her neck, and she could feel him nibbling on her, feel his tongue tasting her skin. Besides...I think you like this too...even if you are...good and mad... The way the voice said it, it sounded like he was making fun of her. Since when was her being angry with him supposed to deter his actions...and, even if...how could she begin to? He wasn't even there to begin with. 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 12



His touching was starting to drive her to that point where she could barely think straight. Quickly, she held her towel tighter, and shook her head, taking a small step back. "Idris, enough. It's 'almost as good as.' I don't want it if you're not actually here, Idris. You know very well how to get here and yet you won't. Stop, Idris...just...stop." Wounded, she looked down, away from the reflection. "Stop playing games with me and tell me if you're actually going to come to me or not. Because if you're not...I need to know so I can...leave this ship. So I can try to fix my life...without you. I hate not having you here...and you...It's NOT ENOUGH to have you through mirrors or whatever it is your doing, Idris. It's not enough." 

The reflection moved away from her. He looked crestfallen. He shut his eyes and looked down at the floor. He nodded slowly. I know...you feel that way. I know...that you think...that. I wish you didn't. I wish I could prove it to you. I...I wish I could be there. I can't...be there. I already told you...I can't leave. The reflection looked up at her. It seemed angry now. It indicated on his face. Don't you see this ...don't you SEE what they've done to me? He wrinkled his noise at her and looked at her with disgust, with a repulsed expression. If you are so desperate to have me...then fine. I'll go...I'll leave right now. But when you see me again...I'll be dead. If all you want is to just not be alone...if you truly think that I wouldn't be there, right now, if it were up to me...then maybe I should just leave. I'll get on Atalanta and fly out to where I sent your ship. But I won't even make it to the jump point before I die. He had tears streaming down his face. He looked hurt and frustrated. He looked like he was ready to explode, on the verge of breaking down. But if that's all you care about...if that's what you THINK... 

"I don't know what to think, IDRIS!" She practically yelled at the mirror. Grabbing onto the sink in front of her, hard, she stared at him, her own face twisting into helplessness. "I am SO LOST! I'm lost on all these ships, with all these people, and I don't understand any of it! I don't know where you are, what they are doing to you, and it KILLS ME. It kills me to not be able to help you. That I couldn't have stayed with you to help you! I want you with me, I want you alive, but I'm scared, dammit! I'm scared that you'll stay there and die, or I'll die here. Or I'll be alone on this damn ship forever! I'm SCARED! Idris...I've never needed anyone before. But YOU! I need you. I need you so much it hurts me to not have you. To know that you are away from me, in pain, hurting." Tears fell down her face now and she shook her head. "I don't know anything about anything right now, and I hate it. It's killing me. I'm scared, and alone, and lost. I HATE BEING LOST!" She slammed her hands against the sink, and let out a soft sob. 

The reflection looked at her, a helpless, pained expression on its face. It moved closer to her, and she could feel his arms wrap around her form, holding her against the warmth she could feel. I'm sorry, Rowen. I'm...I'm sorry. I'm glad you're safe, and I am sorry that I had to lie to you...that I had to DO that to you. I wish...so much that I could be there. I wish I could just...so you wouldn't have to deal with all of it. It kills me to know that you are there and I can't be there...that you're with all those strangers. I know...I know how much you hate strangers. He caressed her head, his hands petting her hair as he held her. Please...just give me some more time? I am fairly sure I know what is going on...but I need to confirm it before I do anything. Before...before I CAN do anything. She could hear him sigh, almost feel the breath on her face as he exhaled. Please...will you forgive me? If I find a way away from here...and I find you again...will you...will you take me back? 

Leaning into what felt like his chest, she let out a heavy sigh, trying to control her soft sobs as she nodded. "I never let you go, Idris. I can't take back something I never let go. But Idris...I don't want 'if's.' I want to hear that you ARE coming back. I will wait here...please don't make me wait until I'm old and gray." 

She forced a chuckle before reaching up to wipe her own tears off her face. "I love you, Idris" 

He pulled away from her, the reflection wiping away its own tears. I love you too, Rowen. And I wish I could give you a guarantee. I wish I could tell you...for certain, that everything was going to be alright. He shook his head. But I can't make that promise, because I don't know yet. I have no idea what is going to happen. What I do know...if nothing else, is that you are going to be safe...no matter what happens. And...and if you...you want me to leave you alone...if...if you forbid me to stay out of your dreams...out of your...away from you...like this ...then...I will. His expression grew sad and worried, but understanding. If that was what she truly wanted, he would give it to her. 

"Idris..." Her voice cracked again and she looked at him, almost in panic. "Please don't leave me. I need you...even if it's like this. I just...I miss you." She reached up towards the mirror, reaching for his face, wanting to touch his cheek, to caress it. "Don't leave me, alright? But don't...give up trying to get away. Just don't do that." 

The hand reached out and she could feel it take her own, planting her palm against the side of his face where he nuzzled her hand. The reflection shut its eyes, and she could feel the surface under her fingers tremble a little. Oh, Rowen...I can't wait to see you. She could feel his hand on her side, the fingers trying to find a way under the towel. The hands felt like they were trembling as they touched her. 

Rowen stared at him, sighing sadly as she felt his cheek touch her palm as he nuzzled her. She missed him so much it hurt, and knowing that he wasn't really there hurt even more. "I miss you so much, Idris." She stepped as close to the mirror as possible, reaching down to touch the hand that was trying to move under her towel. "I can't stand being away from you." 

The reflection looked at her, smiling...and then paled. It slowly turned away from her, and she heard him talking...but not to her. No...what do you want? Get away from me...no...stay back...stop it! She heard him scream...and then he was gone. She could faintly feel a receding presence, one that was not Idris'...and then she felt nothing, and she knew she was completely alone. 

"Idris?" She whispered when he turned his head, frowning at his reflection. "Idris! IDRIS!" There was nothing. She was alone. Staring at her own reflection in the mirror, she reached out and touched the still slightly foggy mirror. "Idris..." Frowning, she felt tears sting her eyes as she felt the sudden weight of being all alone. 

She stepped quickly away from the mirror, walked into the bedroom, located clothing, and pulled them on quietly. Trying not to panic, trying not to worry about Idris, trying to think good thoughts, but it was extremely difficult. 

The door chime sounded, and she heard a voice on the other side. "Miss? Miss...are you alright? I heard shouting...is everything ok in there?" 

Hearing the chime she jumped slightly and walked to the door opening it. "Excuse me? Oh, the yelling...I had a nightmare. I'm...sorry." She forced a bit of a smile, as she looked at the person. 

Teric's hard face smiled at her and softened. He placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to console her. "If you would like, I can see if Nia can come down and speak with you, if that might make you feel better? We all understand what a terrible ordeal you've been through, and we're all here for you." He looked her over, taking into consideration her appearance, but decided not to confront her on the matter. He got a feeling she was lying to him, but he would not hold it against her this time. 

"Oh uh...no. Please don't bother Nia, Teric. It was just a silly dream, you know." She waved her hand at him and smiled a little more. For a moment she actually felt comforted by Teric, with his hand on her shoulder. "I should try to relax a little more." She jutted her thumb in the direction of her bedroom.

He nodded his head slowly. "Of course. If you need anything, I will be here a while longer." He smiled again, but this time the expression seemed a little more cordial than happy. "And no worries about, Nia. I am sure she wouldn't mind in the slightest if you needed her assistance with anything." 

"Of course. Thank you." She stepped back into the room and moved to close the door. "I really don't need to bother, Nia. But I won't hesitate to call her if I feel like I need her. Thank you." Nodding, feeling a little odd, she shut the door and walked back to the bed, spreading out atop the blankets quietly. 

He smiled at her as the doors closed, nodding his head in respect and then moving back to watch the door. They had left her alone all this time. They obviously wanted to make her feel comfortable...a lot. The room was silent as she lied on the bed, which was very comfortable and inviting. Slowly she moved beneath the comforter, pulling the covers over her head. She felt like a child, scared of the world and needed the comfort of the dark and warmth of the blanket to comfort her. Sighing softly she curled up beneath the blanket until the warmth began to lull her to sleep. There were no chronometers in her room, just the bed, the closet, and her refresher. There was nothing to tell her how long she'd been asleep. 

As she dreamed, she could feel Idris. He wanted to see her, he wanted to be with her...but he was afraid. She felt his fear like it was her own, and his desire to escape was also pressing on his mind. What was keeping him there? He had said he could escape whenever he wanted...but no, he'd said something was keeping him. She saw images of him lying on a table, of his own free will. They were giving him something...but what it was, she couldn't be sure. She sensed both a repulsion and a yearning simultaneously as she saw them drug him. The images faded, and the emotions slipped away. 

No one seemed to want to rouse her, as she slept for quite some time...but she could never hear his voice...nor could she feel him as in the times before. Only the glimpses came to her, but she would have to decide what they meant, on her own, as no explanation was to be provided. She felt almost tortured as she watched Idris. He seemed so close, as if she could reach out and she'd feel the warmth of him on her skin. But in her dream, she couldn't, couldn't even lift her arm, couldn't even make an effort. All she did was stare at him, wishing she could feel him like she had the many times before. 

When he faded away she wanted to speak up, call him back, but just like her arm hadn't wanted to lift, her voice wouldn't work. She'd awaken in her dark room feeling sick, and heavy with too much sleep, her heavy head hurting with the pressure of a headache. Groaning softly, she sat up, burying her face in her hands. Rowen didn't want to be like this, so depressed, so lost that all she could do was sleep day and night, laying there helpless and alone. But what option did she have? She was making herself feel even sicker. Sighing heavily, she pressed the heal of her hands into her eyes until she saw spots, and slowly swung her legs over the edge of the bed.

Several long minutes passed after she finally awakened from her sleep, her door chimed. Whoever was there patiently waited for her call to be answered and only rang the one time. What could Teric possibly want of her now? Making a face, she slowly got up, her legs heavy almost dragging as she walked to the door, pressing the button to allow it to slide open. "Yes, Teric?" She asked her voice thick, and husky.

The face she was met with was not her loyal guard. This man looked nothing like Teric. He had short white hair that was neatly trimmed and a very well-kept beard that encompassed most of his face. He had a strange, grey color to his irises and his skin seemed a darker tone, a little more tan than many of the other people she'd seen while with Idris. He was tall, almost a full two meters. He wore a black uniform that was decorated with various patches and arches. The black was flat, and did not reflect in the light, and seemed to encompass all of his attire. He had a pistol on his belt, and his buckle was the insignia she'd seen so ubiquitously, the white ring with the falcon in the center. 

"No, Miss Cairn, not Teric. Though, it is obvious if you are that familiar with him, it is likely we need to find you a new guard." He looked back at the man with a little disappointment, but what exactly he was indicating wasn't completely clear. This man, similarly to Lieutenant K, was also flanked by guards, but these guards wore dark, menacing, black armor that covered them from head to toe. She couldn't even see their eyes. They did not have their guns out, but Rowen could see the end of a long barrel that hung on their backs. These guards seemed just a little more serious. The man smiled at her, as close to friendly as he could, though his expression merely fell short of being nothing more than cordial. "Miss Cairn, if you please, would you accompany me?" He outstretched a hand in front of him, indicating the corridor. 

Taken aback by the man's words, she glanced over at Teric, frowning, her brow furrowing. The remaining sleep clouding her brain immediately cleared and she was instantly on guard. Whatever he was implying about her and Teric, she knew she didn't appreciate it. Eyes next went to the man's guard and she noted their guns and tensed up even more. She did not like this. But as the man motioned, she nodded, and stepped out of her room. "I'll accompany you. But where are we going, Sir? And more importantly, who are you?"

He didn't regard her very abundantly, smiling and turning to walk in the direction he'd indicated, walking in front of her. The guards fell behind, one following next to him and one following an arm's reach behind Rowen. He didn't answer her question, leading her away from her room. The guards said nothing to her, and the man offered her no explanation or any additional details about their destination or his identity.

Rowen listened to the silence for a while, before she felt annoyance creep up. "Sir, I'd appreciate that if I am so compliant that you answer my two very simple questions. Who are you and where are we going?" She spoke politely, but very firmly, not liking that he was avoiding her questions.

He turned and looked at her. They all stopped. "My name is Admiral Jastarin, Miss Cairn, and your complicity is appreciated, but will not be rewarded. You are in need of my help as much, if not more, than I am in need of yours. I need your eyes and your mind. Our destination is irrelevant as were I to identify it to you, it would be unfamiliar. Now, please, follow me. Save your questions for after, if you would, as I am sure that you will have many more." He seemed as though he was losing patience, but maybe he was just brimming with urgency. He didn't wait for her to answer, turning away from her and walking. His guards took their previous positions and followed them down the hall.

Glaring at him without realizing it, Rowen resisted the urge to huff and began to walk with the Admiral Jastarin again, shaking her head. At least she'd gotten a name from the man. Compliant once again, she followed along not making another peep.

He led her down the corridor for a good twenty minutes and then stopped as they got to a door. He walked through the door and extended an arm, motioning for her to sit at the head of a very large, long table. Seated at the table were over twenty individuals, all dressed in similar white or black uniforms. The room was almost fifteen meters long and only about six across. On the left wall was a large screen that took up most of the wall, on the right hand was a long poster that looked like a vast star chart. He did not introduce any of the individuals at the table. 

"Miss Cairn, up until this point, you have remained silent. We need your assistance with this Delethirian harvesting problem. Do you think you could help us identify the ship that attacked you, and perhaps recognize a few faces you might have met while on board Avenger?" All the eyes in the room were on her. Some of them seemed eager, desperate, whereas others seemed patient and calm. "If you can give us the assistance we need, then I will commit this ship to performing one task for you. You may name this task, should you satisfy our curiosity. Does this seem agreeable to you?"

Rowen listened quietly as she was asked for her help. Hesitantly, she looked around the room at the others there, studying each face quietly before she even thought about speaking. It didn't seem like this would hurt. If anything, maybe it'd help Idris in the long run, and she'd see him even sooner. A brief image of him in bed haunted her and made a chill go down her spine. "...I'll help you as best as I can."

This seem to please him a great deal. "Good." He indicated the screen, which immediately lit up with the menacing looking ship that Atalanta had ended up on just before Avenger was pacified. The amethyst hues of the hull and the spiny out-croppings of the ship were unmistakable. "Is this the ship that attacked Avenger?" 

Cringing at the sight of the ship, she nodded as she crossed her arms in front of her. "Yes. That's it. That's the ship." Sighing softly, she took a step towards the screen, studying it a little closer just to make sure.

The admiral surveyed the expressions on the faces of the people at the table. Everyone seemed to be nodding and shutting their eyes in despair. The picture then changed again. It showed the face of a woman. Her dark hair flowed down to her shoulders, her blue eyes were open and she had a warm smile on her face. It was possible that Rowen would not immediately recognize the girl as she looked quite different from the last time she'd seen her. But she had seen her, back when Captain Johansen had forced her to witness the terrible recollection of Idris' memory of her, and her very tragic death.

"Do you recognize this woman?"

Rowen stared at the face, frowning for a few moments as she tried to recall the face. It tugged at the back of her mind, pulling at her strings of memory. Taking a breath, she stepped a little closer to the screen, then frowned. "Yes. I do."

"Do you know her name? Do you remember where it was that you saw her?" The picture still displayed on the immense screen behind the man. He seemed very patient, very controlled. The general feel of the room felt very receptive. They had no intention of rushing her, they just wanted answers and information.

"Her name is Aria. I never actually met her." Rowen answered honestly, looking around the room for a moment before focusing back on the general. They were all very patient, but she still felt uneasy.

"Did you recognize anyone that you saw when you were onboard this ship?" The picture changed, showing the ship before, the one she had recognized. "You said you saw Captain Chariton, yes? Did you recognize any other faces when you were aboard?" He looked at her encouragingly, like he knew the answer, but he needed her to tell him. What was he hunting for?

"No. I didn't know anyone before boarding that ship. They were all new people to me, Admiral." Rowen arched an eyebrow at him, placing her hands on her hips.

He nodded, slowly, and then moved to sit back down. The next question came from someone else, a woman, who was dressed in a similar uniform to the one she'd seen one of the girls on Avenger wearing. "And Avenger? You were there when they were attacked, were you not? How was it you were able to survive?"




Rowen Cairn Ch. 12



"I was staying aboard Atalanta and when Avenger was attacked, I flew the ship." She needn't explain to them about the voices; that would only complicate things. She didn't even know how to explain it herself.

This statement seemed to draw a lot of perplexed and confused expressions from everyone in the room. A different woman this time, dressed like Admiral Jastarin this time, asked the next question. "And, you've a lot of experience flying interstellar ships?" Doubt seemed to fill this question. 

"Um. No, but Ophelia...the computer aboard Atalanta, helped me. Besides...I watched Captain Chariton enough time to learn how to lift a ship off the ground. That and just plain luck was on my side." She stared back at the woman easily.

There was a long silence. They seemed to consider this, mulling it over quietly. "And, what made you decide to abandon Avenger...only to board the ship that had originally instigated the attack on both you and Captain Chariton, while aboard Atalanta, and then again while aboard Avenger on two separate occasions. You decided that this was the best course of action? To fly Atalanta aboard this ship, leave the Atalanta, and then...escape in the craft that Lieutenant Kichrista found you aboard?"

She stared at him, and then nodded slowly. She was not going to try and explain the voices. That was ridiculous to try and go into details about that. "Of course. I took the best course of action in each situation. I am a survivor by nature. I do what I have to do and those seemed the most logical, intelligent decisions. And they worked...I did survive."

There was another long silence. "Indeed..." She didn't say another word, but her expression bore the degree of disapproval she had for Rowen's actions.

"What do you know about...?" A different woman from the table. She seemed to pause a long moment, unable to find the right word, "...them? Do you know anything of consequence? Do you know anything about the woman who took Idris Chariton's abilities from him? Do you, perhaps, know the name of her ship? Is there anything you know that you haven't told us?"

Rowen focused on the woman speaking now, and arched an eyebrow at her, as she focused on her question. "I don't know much about her, not at all. I do not know the name of her ship. But I do know that Idris is still captive on her ship. That is what I know. And I very much want to see him safely returned to me." Rowen felt as if she had failed herself a little, knowing so little or at least, able to share so little.

She nodded at her, a warm expression on her face. It was obvious that some of the people seated at this table felt a desire to see Idris returned to her, but it was also obvious that it was not at the top of their very long list of worries and concerns.

A man spoke up this time, a confused expression on his face. "Wait, you mean to tell us that, to your knowledge, both Atalanta AND Idris Chariton are aboard the SAME vessel?"

"That is what I'm saying. It was not possible I escape on Atalanta and... so, yes. Idris and his ship are aboard the SAME vessel." She told the man, stepping towards him. Was that good? Did that mean something she hadn't realized yet? Her heart began to pick up and her eyes got a bit wider. Please be good news, she thought as she clasped her hands in front of her.

The man turned away from her, towards the only man not seated at the table. "Something must be keeping him on board. There is no way, with the resources that the AI and the ship provide, that he would remain aboard the vessel of his own will." He turned to Rowen, his forehead creasing. "Why, again, was the reason that he did not accompany you? Why did you opt to leave one of the most advanced cruisers we've ever built, aboard the enemy ship?"

"He...uh..." She certainly couldn't explain the voices, but she could lie a little more. She was starting to become annoyed with herself at how much better she was becoming at lying, especially to a room full of people staring at her. "He told me...he couldn't. They had done things to him on the ship, heightened his senses, run experiments. And he told me if he left...he'd die. I don't know much else. He wasn't very clear."

A different man sighed and frowned, addressing the table and the admiral. "We suspected they were experimenting with gene therapy and things like that, but it sounds like, just as with some of the work SI has done, that the patients require stabilizers to keep them alive."

The previous man turned his attention away and looked up at Rowen. "He obviously wasn't very detailed, but...did you see them...did he seem jittery? Or did you ever see them administer any drugs to him or anything of that nature?"

"No, never saw them. But he...he looked sickly, almost dead. He was so pale, little gaunt. And yes...jittery." Rowen nodded quickly, speaking a little faster as she pressed for further answers from the people in the room. Gene therapy? Had Idris mentioned that? She could barely remember what he told her anymore. She just remembered how she felt when she saw him again, could actually feel him.

The two men at the table looked at one another and nodded, then looked up to the admiral. "I think this merits further investigation, especially if the Delethirians have discovered a viable way to confiscate unique abilities. We have to end this..." He looked over at Rowen and frowned. "...no matter what..."

She didn't like that look that he gave her, and it actually made her take a step back away from the table of people. "I understand." I think, she added mentally, but said nothing to him, arching an eyebrow.

The mood in the room seemed to fall a great deal, everyone's expressions growing solemn and quiet. The admiral's shoulders fell as he looked to Rowen and then to the table. He frowned and inquired of the room. "Do we know if the transponder is still onboard Atalanta and active?"

One of the men nodded. "Yes, we still have a strong signal. We don't think they have discovered it yet."

"How long before we could put together an attack on the ship? And do we have enough ships in the area available to ambush and destroy it?"

One of the women spoke up. "We could easily have four or five Defense Class battleships meet us in the area. That should be sufficient to at least destroy the single vessel. We'll need to have a plan of escape in case it isn't alone, however. We do not want a repeat of the Avenger's loss."

There was a long silence, the subject of Avenger's demise still a sensitive subject. Then the admiral nodded at her. "Good. Get to work on the attack. Gather our forces and determine an attack strategy." He turned to the woman. "And have your strategists decide the best avenue to escape from in case the scenario goes bad."

Rowen listened and watched all of this business, feeling a little lost in the whole scheme of things. She'd done her part, given them the information needed, and now she had nothing else to do but wait. Sighing a bit, she took a step back again, and placed her hands on her hips as she waited to be addressed. At least to even be told to go back to her room and rest. They were going after Idris, that was good. She'd see him. She'd have him with her again. But could they keep him alive?

One of the people at the table, who had yet to say anything, approached the admiral, concern on their face. Their voice was hushed. "But, Admiral, what if there are other prisoners aboard the vessel? Yes, I understand that in order to stop this endeavor...one life could be forfeit, but what if they have hundreds...or thousands, not just one?"

His expression fell a little, and he looked over at Rowen, a little sad, and then back at her. "We have no other choice, I'm afraid. We cannot allow them to continue their work...at all. We have to destroy the ship and leave nothing intact."

She frowned. "Captain Chariton is a good man, and he has changed since his inception. It is a shame to see him go after all he has done." She shook her head, but didn't protest any further, simply walking away from the room and out into the corridor, following everyone else.

Rowen stared at the two speaking, catching the Admiral's eye when he glanced at her. Whatever they were talking about she didn't like. The way the man was looking at her...sad...regretful. Her heart almost hurt wondering what it meant for her and even more importantly Idris. Taking a deep breath, she approached the admiral when he was alone, and gave him a very faint smile. "I hope I was of some help to you all. I will do anything to help, particularly if it means I will get Idris back." She gave him a look, emphasizing her words with more emotion than she meant.

He paused a long moment, thinking on her words, and frowning. "Mistress...maybe you...should sit down..." He frowned a little, and it was quite obvious...whatever he was going to say, it wasn't going to please her.

Rowen continued to smile that faint smile, but didn't move towards a chair. "I'm fine standing, Admiral, but thank you. What is it? And please, don't...sugar-coat anything. I'm not an idiot, mind you. What's wrong?"

He cleared his throat and moved to lean against the table, looking at her with an unsure expression. His body language and expression spoke a great deal to his thought processes, and it appeared as though "sugar-coating" was exactly what he'd intended to do. "Mistress Cairn, if this operation the empire has going on is as advanced as you say, then we have to destroy it, and the ship it is aboard even if it means that...the ship that Captain Chariton is aboard." He sighed and looked at her, gauging her reactions, tensing for the storm. "I am afraid that...we may not...we may not be able to return Captain Chariton to your...custody." 

Rowen stared at him, not sure if she had heard him correctly. "May not return Idris"? Her hands slid down from her hips and her cheek pinked with anger. "That is not an option. No, no it's not. You will NOT let him die on that ship Admiral, do you understand me? I HELPED you. I helped ALL of you, and if I had known you were planning on killing him, I'd have said 'screw you all!'" She stepped up to him fast, closing the distance between them. "Listen to me, you WILL get Idris. You WILL. I don't care if that means I have to go on that ship myself, but I will rescue him." She felt her entire body begin to heat up, her blood pressure rising, and she knew she wanted to light something on fire, but how would they all react? Probably not well.

The room had been virtually evacuated of most of the officers, only a handful remaining to converse amongst themselves. The three of them looked over to the confrontation between Rowen and the admiral, their eyes locked on her. 

"We did not have any intention of harming Captain Chariton. Unfortunately, we cannot control where he is or risk mounting a rescue. If they succeed, it could bring down the Alliance. It will give them the upper hand, call many more systems to their cause, and bring THOSE systems INTO this vicious circle. We just can't afford to risk that, Mistress Cairn. I'm sorry. There is nothing we can do..." He backed away from her a little, wary that she might do something reckless and hurt herself, or hurt him.

"That's a lie!" She snapped barely giving him any space. As he backed away, she stepped forward, her hands balled into fists. The people around them were lost to her. All she cared about was the Admiral. "You WILL rescue Idris, dammit!" Her voice rose as she became angrier and angrier. Swallowing hard, she took another step towards him, leaving little to no space between them. "I don't care about any of your little politics, or whatever. I care about Idris! He is all that matters to me. Do you understand that?! No, of course not. Of course you don't, you idiot!"

He glared at her. "What would you have me do, Miss Cairn? Risk plunging the entire galaxy into chaos by attempting to rescue your impetuously, reckless lover?! The man who put you in danger, who abandoned you? The man who lied to you time and time again. Idris never told you the truth, did he, Miss Cairn? He never told you that Atalanta wasn't just some ship and that the AI Ophelia wasn't just some computer. Before he got First Lieutenant Usid killed, Atalanta was one of the most advanced ships in the fleet, and in Captain Johansen's possession, it lead more counterintelligence missions than any operative in the Initiative! But, because of CAPTAIN Chariton," he said the word like he was swearing, "Atalanta was lost. When the empire discovered her and they figured out just what he was flying around, General Durron and the REAL Captain Chariton requested that the council put the ship in Idris' possession and allow him to run missions for us. And now, THEY have that ship. I'd just as sooner fly Grestada into a black hole than send it on a mission to rescue Idris Chariton. It is not up for discussion, Mistress. Now please, return to your quarters until we figure out what to do with you." He turned away as though the issue had been resolved, ignoring her now.

It all stung. It stung in ways that she had felt when anyone insulted her and Idris at this level. Breathing heavily, she watched the Admiral turn away. IF he was lying or not, she didn't care. She was angry. So angry, she didn't realize flames had appeared in her hands, circling her entire fists. 

"How dare you. HOW DARE YOU!" She practically screamed at the admiral and walked after him quickly, drawing a hand back and punch him hard in the back. Normally she didn't hit hard, but the added flames and rage added much more to it. The force of the blow through him off his feet and he felt his back hit the wall. Practically growling now she continued to speak. "It was not his fault Lieutenant Usid was killed. Not at ALL! Everyone should get their xfing story right. And furthermore...he NEVER lied to me when he didn't have to!" Tears welled up in her eyes as the flames grew brighter, stronger, and climbed further up her arm. "I have half the mind to hurt you very badly right now, and you are VERY lucky I have some self control. But I warn you, ADMIRAL," now she said this as if it were a filthy word, "...I don't have to have any."

He turned on her and was about to get caught up in a loud tirade, but her fiery arms caught him off guard. He looked confused. "You..." He pointed at her. "You're an elemental..." He took a step back, not out of fear, but caution. "How is that you survived their attack? Elementals...you...you're the first ones to go in a harvester raid. How did you evade capture...or avoid confiscation?" He shook his head, obvious not quite aware of her words. He seemed timid and confused.

Rowen remained angry, glaring at the admiral despite his words, despite his reactions. "It doesn't matter. I just did. I hide very well. I told you I am a survivor, Admiral. And I will do whatever it takes to get what I want." She snapped, and the flames began to grow darker as they intensified in heat. Anyone standing nearby could begin to feel their bodies warm from the flames.

One of the other officers came over. She had a warm expression in her eyes. "He saved you, didn't he? I can feel how intensely you feel for him." She frowned and sighed, extending her hand out to Rowen. Inexplicably, Rowen could feel her anger waning. She couldn't remember what had her so angry to begin with. What was it? Had what the Admiral said really called for her to act out so intensely? The doubt became overwhelming, and soon Rowen found herself feeling calm and content. The flames receded to her hands and disappeared as the distraction and the emotions overwhelmed her. Suddenly, she felt out of place, as though waking from a strange dream. Her surroundings seemed familiar, but...how had she got there? The man behind her, who she had not seen, spoke up. Where had he come from? "Admiral, is it really so difficult for us to request that an Ulratian vessel accompany us? I am sure if they are notified of the situation, they'd want to help." The admiral stopped and looked around, a little lost himself. He began to nod slowly. "I...I guess it wouldn't be too difficult. I don't see why not." He still looked confused and unconfident. He turned and left the room. The woman and the man looked at each other and smiled. Suddenly, Rowen could feel all of her emotions boiling to the surface. She was so angry. Angry that the admiral had said all those terrible things about Idris and that...he'd decided to leave him to die. But, wait, what had he said? "Rowen, I assure you, Idris will be fine. We'll get him back for you and you two and take off and never look back." He put a hand on her shoulder and winked at her. Rowen was then left alone, left to sort through everything that had just happened.

Rowen turned to stare at the woman who approached her, thinking it odd the woman was so calm when she felt so out of control herself. "Yes! Yes, he did. And that's why I can't understand why you all..." Her voice trailed off as she frowned, feeling her anger slip out of as if she couldn't keep a hold of it. And suddenly, there wasn't any reason to be angry. Frowning, confused by everything that was happening now. She listened to them all exchange words, and then as soon as the admiral left, she felt the anger return. But she couldn't recall why. Even her flames had died away, no longer having a target to threaten. Turning to focus on the man, she nodded very slowly at her words. "...Thank you. I..." she shook off her anger as best as she could, "...can't tell you how much I appreciate that." As soon as they were gone, she stood there numbly before she began to move, trying to remember where her room was. She would have to get used to maneuvering these ships.

As she turned to enter the corridor, she ran into Teric. "Oh, Mistress Rowen, there you are. Would you like me to accompany you back to your quarters? Captain Chariton still wants me at your side until we can get everything sorted out, regardless of what the admirals want. If...that is ok with you, I mean." He seemed hesitant and apprehensive. Clearly, this decision was in her hands, and it was obvious that Teric's concern for her was sincere.

Studying Teric a little bit, she slowly nodded. The admiral's words form earlier insinuating a strange relationship between her and Teric echoed in her mind. She didn't care. He actually seemed to worry about her. "Yes, please, Teric. Thank you so much." She offered him a warm smile, as she began to walk.

He led her down the corridor, silently for the most part, the walk not lasting quite as long as it had before. Obviously, Teric had an idea about where he was going. When they got to her quarters, he turned back to her. "How did...it go?" He obviously felt unsure about being so nosy, but his words seemed less nosy than they seemed concerned and worried.

Rowen let out a little laugh at his question, shaking her head. "It...went...I answered their questions, and then they just...dismissed. They told me they were going to find Idris for me." She smiled at Teric, happy with that news at least. "But, that Admiral," just thinking about him, even though she couldn't quite remember what was said, "he makes me so angry."

He creased his forehead and looked at her with a perplexed expression. "What do you mean? Did he say something else to you? They obviously agreed to find Idris for you, didn't they?"

"Yes, they did. But...he just..." Holding up a hand, she shook her head again dismissing the topic. "Never mind. It doesn't matter now. What matters is they find Idris and bring him back to me. Listen to me, I sound silly, don't I?" She laughed a bit, rolling her eyes more at herself than Teric.

"So they are going to find him? What did they say? I mean..." He sighed, and shook his head. "Never mind, Mistress. It's not any of my business. I am glad to hear you that you got what you wanted." He composed himself, but his eagerness and curiosity were brimming, and it was as clear as crystal to Rowen that this man had a deeper investment in the issue than he was letting on. Just how much did Rowen know about this mystery guard...?




Rowen Cairn Ch. 12



Rowen studied him quietly for a moment before reaching out to pat his arm gently and offer him a warm smile. "They said that they would get him back for me. That's all they've told me. And...you can ask me whatever you like, Teric. You may be one of the only people I trust on this ship." Nodding a little, she chuckled and shrugged her shoulders.

He smiled weakly and replied, "So...did they say...I mean, they didn't say anything else? They didn't give any hint to who they would send or when or anything?" His calm expression broke a little and his desperation showed through.

"They said...'Ulratian vessel,' I believe. But I don't know what that means." She gave Teric a strange look as his calmness began to break, showing his eagerness for information.

His expression changed from desperation to utter bafflement. He hadn't expected this answer. "Ulratian vessel..." He shook his head slowly. Then he looked at Rowen and realized that she probably didn't have any idea what this entailed. "Rowen, what do you know about the Initiatives? Either of them? What did Idris tell you?"

"No, of course not. I know nothing half the time about all these." She waved her hands a little in frustration. Rowen was really getting sick of people expecting her to understand half this crap about ships, and space, and whatnot. "Explain it to me. And why do you look like that?"

He pursed his lips, an almost impatient expression, and looked around to check for spectators. "Ok, so..." he hesitated, unsure of his wording, "perhaps most of these events took place at a time when you were too young to remember. When the Ulratia staged their coup, uprooting the corrupted dictatorship that had taken hold of the galaxy, we celebrated. Within a few months, the bureaucratic governors and senators alike had been imprisoned and the splinter factions of rebellion came together under the banner of the Ulratian Defense Initiative. That was almost ten years ago. Now, when the people elected officials into office and SPC was constructed, some in the Initiative realized that its people were not taking very kindly to some of the 'for the greater good' missions they were conducting. That is when Secondary Initiative was created. They're very hush-hush. Now, both UDI and SI have very few members in the way of Ulratian soldiers, as there is no need, but there are still a handful of battleships patrolling the galaxy that have no humans aboard, only Ulratian soldiers. They take their missions very seriously...and they never lose, not any that I have heard of." 

He paused and looked around again. "Now, I don't know if you have ever SEEN an Ulratian soldier, but they are nothing short of a warrior race. Their tall builds and muscular form often intimidate their opponents in to surrender. But, when they do have to fight...they don't hold back. They don't show any mercy. If they somehow found a way to contract one of these vessels, well then, that means you have nothing to worry about, I just...I'm surprised that they went to these measures for you." He looked at her a long moment, a little suspicious, unsure if maybe this young woman wasn't holding out on him. He shook his head. "Anyway, I've probably said too much. If you have any other questions...I'd rather discuss this inside of your quarters where we don't have to worry about eavesdroppers..." 

"Oh um..." Rowen was still reeling from all the information that was thrown at her. She constantly felt like this. First she was way behind in information and then it was thrown at her rapidly making her head spin. Turning to her door, she let it slide open and entered, motioning for Teric to follow behind her. As soon as he entered, the door slid shut, and she sat down on her bed, looking up at him expectantly. "So it's a good thing they are contacting an Ulratian ship to save Idris. I mean...perhaps they are vicious but..." She let her voice trail off and simply shrugged.

He remained silent a long moment, thinking about it. "I...I don't know. It depends on how they are going to go about carrying out this mission, and if it is a rescue mission or...a...a something else." He frowned a little and chewed on the inside of his cheek a moment. "I would need more information in order to answer that question. Do not misunderstand though, Ulratians, while warriors, can also be great friends. I mean...they are friendly and are not easily offended like most warrior races. They just don't have a taste for politics, and...they can only be patient for so long before...well." He shifted a little. "To be honest, I have never had the pleasure of meeting one...not ever. If you should get the chance to interact, take it, as I'm told it's an unforgettable experience." He smiled weakly at her and winked.

She smiled warmly. "I will be sure to keep that in mind. Thank you, Teric."

He nodded to her and left. It was only about ten minutes later when Rowen's door chimed. 

Rowen crinkled her nose and eyed the door. What did Teric want now? She moved from her bed and went to the door, opening it. It was not Teric. The man that stood at her door seemed familiar in some way, but she could not quite place it. He was about as tall as Idris, though his hair had more of a white shade to it. His eyes were green, his skin toned. He looked...older than Idris, and his build was very similar with the same narrow shoulders and lean body. 

"Mistress Rowen, Szen Seeker Xedrin has asked us to have you contact him. He will not give us any details, but we suspect he would like to obtain additional information regarding your...encounters with the empire. He wanted to speak to you...alone. It would be greatly appreciated if you could accompany us to a communications terminal. I feel I should mention, this may also expedite an end to this...dilemma we have about...about Idris."

She studied him for a long moment, trying to place the familiarity she saw in this man. "I...I guess I could."

He smiled at her and nodded. "Please, follow me." He was followed by six or so armed guards, two who walked immediately behind him, two further back, and then two in front. He let Rowen walk next to him. It was a short trip, and neither of them exchanged many words on their way. He sat her down at a table, standing behind her as they looked up at the large screen on the wall. The screen lit up in front of her, showing the humanoid with the light blue skin. He looked human, save for the color of his skin and the exceptional way he was built. His limbs bulged with muscle and his face looked calloused and tough. His eyes were a grey color, almost white. Rowen couldn't tell how tall he was, sitting in the chair, but he looked just a little taller than she was. He was dressed in black clothes that appeared to cover almost his entire body. The fabric came almost up over his neck and ended just above his hands. His hands had the same blue tone to them, with dark claws instead of nails. His voice was a great deal deeper than any human she'd ever heard spoke.

"Ah, Miss Cairn. It is a pleasure...to finally make your acquaintance. I have asked Captain Chariton to allow you to come with us. He maintains that you are not at his disposal and that it is your consent I must obtain for your company. My men, valiant and powerful as they are, are also very smart. We've heard a lot about your encounters with these creatures and we would especially appreciate it if we could have an audience with you, in person, on my Blade Ship. If you would grant me this audience, I would be very grateful. In order to find Atalanta and Captain Chariton's brother, we will need all the help we can get. Only the gods may know what lies with these harvesters."



Rowen Cairn Ch. 13



"Captain Xedrin." Rowen spoke to the projection of this man, arching her eyebrow very slightly. She stood very rigid, unsure of who this man was or what he wanted. At least she stood tense until he mentioned Idris, and ending their "dilemma." Leaning forward eagerly, her eyes widened, and she leaned in a little closer to the image. "If it will help Idris, I will do anything. Permission is granted. I will do anything, and give you whatever information I can to obtain Idris and Atalanta." Although she cared more about the man than the ship.

"Very well, we'll reach your location in approximately two hours." He paused a long moment, and then regarded Rowen. "And please...Miss Cairn, do not mistake me for a 'captain.' Ulratians, while aligned with your race, do not rank ourselves with the humans." He paused a long moment. "Szen Seeker Xedrin, Miss Cairn. And, I am grateful to finally meet you. I look forward to doing so once we can meet in person." 

And with that, the transmission ended and Rowen was left alone with her escort, and two men, presumably his guards, that had decided to join them. She was about to apologize for mistaking him and his title, but he was gone before she even blink. Mouth slightly open, air sharply taken in as she prepared to speak, then stopped. "Never mind." She whispered very softly, and turned around slowly to look up at the two guards who were standing there with her and her escort. "May I return to my room now, or is there a better place for me to wait?" Hands went to her hips as she rested them there and waited for a response.

He looked at her, then to his guards. He thinned his eyes thoughtfully. "Take her back to her room, and when the blade ship arrives, escort her to the launch deck so she can disembark." He turned to look at her. "Unless of course...you have any objections..."

Rowen stared at the man speaking for a moment, giving him an odd look. "No, of course not." Looking back at the two other guards, she shrugged her shoulders slightly, and began to walk towards her room. "Come on, men." She muttered under her breath, feeling strangely hostile. Perhaps she was getting tired, tired from being dragged from one ship to another, worrying, hurting, being separated from Idris. It all was slowly taking its toll on her. But she knew that she was tougher than this. That she needed to just stick it out, for Idris. 

He grinned at her and gestured for the guards to follow her lead. Obviously, she knew what she was doing. The men didn't hesitate to move behind her, walking with her as she went back towards her room again.

Reaching the room, she stopped as the door slid open and turned to face the men. "Thank you for escorting me. I'll be seeing you in a couple of hours." With that, she stepped backwards inside her room and let the door shut on them before they could speak. Running a hand down her face, she sighed softly and sat down on the edge of her bed. They wouldn't respond to her, or protest as she left them. She could hear their foot prints receding as they left her alone. Nothing happened then. For the next hour and a half, no one bothered her, no one spoke to her, no one even thought to check on her. And she was alone, as not even the phantom Idris of her dreams she had had would visit her while the time passed.

Rowen didn't mind much, but she did wish that she had something to do besides sleep. But that's all she had. She stretched out on the bed, pulled the covers up and shut her eyes, waiting for time to pass. She didn't even really sleep. She just laid there in this strange daze, staring up into the darkness of her room. Sometimes she'd close her eyes, sometimes they'd be wide open, but she was much too awake for sleep.

She could hear footprints, a lot of footprints. As the sound got closer, the door chimed. It was impossible to determine how many people were there at her door, waiting for her to answer. She was already standing when the door chimed. The footsteps approaching had made her get up, and prepare. Walking to the door, she allowed it to slide open, staring out at whoever and however many were there.

There were probably six different individuals. The man, her escort from before, two of his guards, and three beings, liken unto nothing she had ever seen before, waited for her at the doorway. The man spoke first. "Mistress Cairn, Szen Seeker-"

"-Captain Chariton, I am more than capable of introducing myself. If you would, I'd like to talk to Miss Cairn in person." The tallest of the three beings spoke, looking down at Captain Chariton from an advantage of nearly two feet. "Mistress Cairn, if you please, might I come in?"

Staring at the men, she almost stepped back, intimidated almost immediately by the number of them. But she planted her feet and waited for the tallest of the three men... no, not a man, something else entirely. "Szen Seeker Xedrin?" She questioned, before slowly taking a couple of steps back. "Yes, you may. But only you, if that's alright. My room is small, and besides...I don't like being crowded."

Captain Chariton spoke up again. "Mistress Cairn, if you would prefer, we can escort you to the conference room where-"

Xedrin cleared his throat.

"-or, if you are ok with it, we'll leave the four of you to your business."

Xedrin looked down at her and smiled. "My men will gladly wait outside. I require no escort, but such is the procedure when embarking on a vessel that is not my own. Miss Cairn...if you would." He gestured inside and allowed her to step further back into her room before he stepped in far enough that the door closed behind him. Glad that Xedrin was cooperating more with her preferences than the Captain's, she stepped back inside, in her room upon his gesture, and waiting patiently for Xedrin to enter as well and the door to shut securely behind him. 

"Thank you for coming in here instead. I know it's a little informal, but there's no point in wasting time with things like...conference rooms." Shaking her head slightly, she folded her arms and watched him.

The roof of the immense room seemed barely high enough for Xedrin to stand at his full height. He was dressed in a black tunic that covered his chest and part of his arms. It tucked neatly into a silver belt that seemed completely woven of metal. His legs were covered by long sleeves that hugged his form and came all the way down to nearly his ankles. He wore massive boots. Despite his large form, he didn't appear to bulge out a great deal as his abdomen, his figure almost completely void of anything but muscle. His black hair was long, braided intricately and hanging down at his shoulders. He had a warm expression, smiling kindly at her, his eyes fixing her with a penetrating stare. 

"No, of course, Mistress Cairn. I simply wanted to come down to extend an invitation to you. You see, I have heard a lot about these harvester craft, and I wanted to ask you to accompany me on this next mission. It would make our job a lot easier if we had someone...who had been there before." He smiled at her. "I know...you are probably afraid to return to Astaria, but I promise that no harm will come to you. I will personally see to your safety. And I am sure you would want to be there when we find our mark. I'm told the two of you are very close..." He let his voice trail off, watching her, letting her process all of this.

Rowen was surprise. She didn't feel as intimidated by Xedrin as she thought she would. Granted there was definitely some intimidation as she took a few more steps back, just for good measure, even when he smiled at her. "Of course I wish to accompany you. But please understand, Xedrin, I am not afraid. I told you before, I will do anything to help get Idris back. My concern for my own safety...it is at the back of my mind." She smiled weakly up at him, and shook her head very slightly. "But thank you for offering to look after me. I am concerned about one thing. When I last saw Idris...he mentioned he could not leave the ship. Or else he'd...die. I want to be sure that we recover him and we recover him alive."

Xedrin's expression seemed to fall. He shook his head slowly. "I...I am not sure that I understand. When was this, that you saw him and he said this? How long ago was it? And...what else did he say? I can assure you, we are a force to be reckoned with. If these creatures do not bow before us, lower their shields, and go quietly into the night, then I can personally assure you...they will know suffering the likes of which you wouldn't dare to think of. If Idris is afraid for his own safety, I understand this much. But I am afraid I do not know very much about your last encounter."

"I..." Rowen hesitated before speaking, not happy that Xedrin's confidence seemed to waver. "It was a short while ago...I'm no longer sure of dates. I'm no longer sure of anything. He was sick. They were experimenting on him. It...It doesn't matter. I want him back. I'll make sure he stays alive. But I want him back." Her muscles tensed up and she felt a lump form in her throat that she immediately swallowed down. "When are we going to Astaria?"

He nodded at her, slowly, though he was visibly concerned. "There are enough of us on Blade Ship Wanaria to ensure your safety, and his. We'll leave as soon as you are ready. From what I have been told, the beacon has been very reliable and they've yet to detect it. We'll find Atalanta, and then we'll find Idris, and the two of you can move on and never have to worry. Or, you are welcome to stay docked aboard my ship." He smiled warmly at her, and then shook his head. "But of course, I am getting ahead of myself now." He placed one of his massive hands on her shoulder, looking down at her, and smiling. "You are safe with us, I promise." 

"Xedrin..." She smiled up at him, looking down at the hand on her shoulder and suddenly felt much more comforted than she had in a very long time. "...thank you. I am ready to go immediately. I need nothing but what I'm wearing, and...myself." If she needed to defend herself - she could. "And I would like nothing more than to get to Astaria as soon as possible."

He laughed weakly at her and shook his head. "You'll not be going into battle, with me, dressed in that manner. But that's not important right now. If you are ready to leave, then leave we shall." He turned slowly to walk towards the door. His guards were about half a foot shorter than him, but still a good one or two feet taller than Rowen. They looked to their commander and awaited their instructions. "Come...we're leaving."

Captain Chariton and his escorts were nowhere to be seen as the guards moved themselves around Rowen and Szen Seeker Xedrin. He led her down to the launch deck where they made their way across the floor to the large ship. Their escorts left them at this ship and moved to two different fighters, obviously an escort for the shuttle than Xedrin had arrived in.

Rowen would never get used to switching ships so often. Hell, she'd never quite get used to ships in general. She was already thinking about solid ground, dirt, air, trees... Staring up at this new shuttle they were entering, she studied it curiously for a few moments before looking for a place to settle while they traveled to what she assumed would be the Blade ship.

The two Ulratian guards strapped into their respective fighters and started to heat them up. The shuttle, almost as big as Idris' cruiser analog, could be piloted by Xedrin all by himself. He led her up the landing ramp and across the ship to the cockpit. It looked like nothing more than a personnel carrier, with seats and crash webbing for over a hundred very large beings. He offered her the seat in the copilot's chair and started to warm up his own ship. He didn't turn to her as his hands, which were almost big enough to hold almost all of Rowen's gentle face in their palm, moved over the controls and started the take off procedures. 

He didn't look at Rowen as he spoke to her, his gaze on the controls. "What I did not want to discuss while aboard Captain Chariton's ship was that I intend to seize Astaria for my own. From what I have heard, there is a great deal to be learned. If there is something keeping Idris bound to that craft, I am sure we can find whatever it is and neutralize it. However, when we embark into combat, I will not be able to allow you to go with me dressed as you are. I am going to have my soldiers dig up some combat gear that might be able to fit your lithe, slender form." 

She frowned as she sat, listening to Xedrin speak. He wanted the ship? Why wouldn't he want the Captain to be aware of that? No matter. "I understand entirely." Hesitating a moment, she arched an eyebrow as she looked down at herself. "Combat gear?" That would be a new thing for her. She had never worn combat gear. "If you...insist. Xedrin, there is something you should be aware of if it becomes a concern. I am...an Elemental. The term is new, even to me, but that is what they call my kind. I just thought you should be aware. I will not hesitate to use my abilities if I have to."

He smiled. Rowen felt it for just a brief moment as the ship took off and headed across the deck, their fighter escorts on their flanks. He turned to look at her and laughed a little. "I knew there was something special about you, Mistress Cairn. No matter, if you wish to be able to use your abilities while in combat, I only ask that you take care not to hurt any of my men. And the only reason I am going to get you some gear is so that you are safer. I would hate for you to be running around in nothing but rags while me and my men walk around geared head to toe in armor that is meant to withstand hard vacuum. I have no idea what we'll find when we reach Atalanta's beacon, but I have always felt it is better to ensure victory instead of risking defeat." 

"Oh no, I am very careful with my abilities. They will affect no one except those I want it to affect. I can promise you that. As for the combat gear, that is fine with me. I appreciate being kept as safe as possible. It'd be nice to come out of all of this alive." She forced a little chuckle, trying to make herself sound a little light-hearted. It was so difficult when she'd been nothing but serious these past few days.

He smiled at her and nodded. "Of course." He moved to strap in his crash webbing and turned to her. "You should bind up, just in case." He indicated and then looked to the viewport, not noticing if she took his advisement to heart. He throttled forward and launched out of the ship, the fighters following closely. The blade ship loomed no very far off. The fighters moved into view on the left and right far sides of their screen and advanced ahead of them. The black battleship looked like a crescent with a long tail at the middle of it, the rounded front of the ship looked almost like an insect pincer. There wasn't a lot of time to stare at it, because the shuttle and the fighters managed to make the trip in less than a minute. The landing deck of the blade ship looked a great deal different in comparison to the ships she had previously been on. The entire deck was covered with fighters, the black floor lit only by the lights of the ships. Unlike before, there was not a great deal of people running about. Rowen only saw a few of the blue-skinned soldiers. The ship set down slowly amongst the fighters and Xedrin unstrapped himself, looking over to her. "We'll need to get you a place to stay and get comfy while we make the journey. I am pretty sure it won't be difficult, we just didn't know if you were going to agree to come with us."

"That's fine. You can put me anywhere. I'm very low maintenance." She smiled at him warmly as she stood up, absently straightening out her clothing.

"Heh, we'll not be putting you just anywhere. I know of a special place on my ship for a girl like you." He winked at her and moved to stand. He waited for her and then began to walk with her back to the landing ramp of the ship. He led her to the launch deck where his escorts were waiting patiently for him. They made their way down one of the paths set between the lines of ships, walking through a door that led into a very expansive hallway. After traveling for about fifteen minutes, moving through lifts and walking up ramps, Xedrin and his men stopped. He extended a hand to the door. It seemed to be the only door for almost ten meters on either side of the corridor. "These will be your quarters for the duration of your stay here, Mistress Cairn." He smiled warmly at her and then leaned a little closer. "By the way, you can call me Cal. I apologize if I seemed overly formal, but in the presence of Captain Chariton, or almost any other human in Initiative military, I feel I need to be sure they respect us." He winked at her and stood up again, waiting for her to regard her room.

A "girl like her"? She didn't know quite what he meant by that, but she trusted Xedrin enough, so she didn't hesitate to follow him, merely shooting him a puzzled look. Looking around at the new ship she was on, she made sure to pay attention to where they were going in case she needed to find her way back for any reason. "Cal. Thank you. And you may call me Rowen. Please." She turned to look at her new quarters and moved to step inside of it.

He nodded at her "Rowen...of course." He bowed his head at her a little. As she approached the door, it slid open, letting her walk inside. The room was very luxurious. The bed was big enough to fit two of the towering beings she'd been following around, but instead of a light, white theme, her room had a black, dark theme to it. The walls were black, the metal floor, the bedding, and the ceiling. It was all black. The dressers on either side of the frame were black. The room was also almost twice as big as the quarters she'd been given aboard Avenger. The right wall went on for about three meters until the doorway, which was open. Perhaps that was where the refresher was.

Rowen stared at the very large, dark room, and arched an eyebrow a moment. "It's...wonderful. Thank you very much, Cal. You are doing more than you have too." The sheer size of the room was a little over whelming, but she understood why it was so. Seeing how large Cal and the others like him were, it made perfect sense to her.

He smiled at her, standing just inside the doorway. Unlike her previous quarters, the roof loomed almost a full twelve inches above the top of Cal Xedrin's head. "If you need anything, just use this communicator. Someone will come and help you right away." He indicated a small box on the wall. It had a speaker and a red button. He gestured, showing her how if she pressed the button, she could speak into it, and when she let go, they could speak back to her. "I am going to go back and check on everything. I'll notify you with sufficient time to change and prepare for our assault on Astaria."

Walking to the box, she nodded to show she understood the directions he gave her. Gently, she ran her fingers over the red button, before taking a step back and smiled up at Cal. "Alright. I'll...be here. Waiting as patiently as I can." Which wasn't very, she knew. Waiting for him to be gone, she moved towards the very large bed and stared at it with a bit of distaste. It wasn't the bed itself, it was the idea of lying down again, of being immobile all over again. So instead, she sat down on the edge and began to create flames in her palms, toying with shapes, sizes and colors. Anything to keep herself active.

Once he was sure she understood, he left her, walking back out into the corridor and leading his escort away from her room. One of them stayed at her door, obviously wanting to be sure she wasn't disturbed. The room was silent, save for the sound of her flames burning. But then she heard something. It sounded far away, like it was coming from the other room.




Rowen Cairn Ch. 13



"Ro...w...n. R...oh...win?"

Frowning, she looked up quickly, staring at the door for a moment before realizing there wasn't anyone at the door. The voice came from somewhere else. The flames vanished in her hands, as if they had never even existed, and she stood up slowly, staring around the room. Taking a deep breath, she shut her eyes and tried to focus on the voice, trying to find it. "Hello?" She said softly. "Who's there?"

"The...mir...er. Pl...ease...c...ome....to...the..." The voice seemed to trail off. As she looked around, the orientation of the sound seemed more and more to be coming from the open doorway. She could feel the desperation welling inside of her, the enticement, the urging.

"I..." Hesitating, she stared at the open doorway for a moment before the urges inside of her began to push her forward. Stepping into the refresher, or what she assumed to be the refresher, she walked towards the mirror. Stopping in front of it, she first saw her own reflection, reaching up to smooth out a bit of hair, tucking it behind her ear.

The room had the same black theme to it, with black, smoothed stone for the vanity top and the frame that held the large mirror in place. As Rowen walked into the doorway, she'd see the mirror, and then as the room went on to her right, it opened up into the refresher chamber and another room which one would assume the commode was placed. The top of the mirror was almost a full meter above Rowen's head. The three sinks, which were deep enough for Rowen to fill high enough that she could reach almost her entire arm, outstretched, beneath the water, were placed below the mirror. The counter top was almost a full fifteen feet in length and was a little higher than Rowen was used to, sitting almost at chest height. The sanisteam looked almost twice the size of the one on Atalanta. The entire room was filled with a warm glow, with blue and purple lights fixed around the mirror and the refresher chamber as well as along the wall. As Rowen peered into the mirror, she could see her own reflection, but she could also see a glimpse of something behind her. It was faded and immaterial. 

"Rowen. You're...here. Where...where are you? What are you doing?" The voice was so familiar that Rowen didn't even have to guess who her secret spectre was.

She wasn't shocked to hear him. Already she was getting used to this strange way they communicated. Instead of staring in awe, she smiled into the mirror, and leaned against the sink in front of her, getting closer to the mirror. "I am on the Blade ship. I am coming for you. With help. This will work this time Idris, I know it. I can feel it in my gut. You. How are you? It feels like so long since I've heard from you, Love."

"I'm...I'm mending, Rowen. But what do you mean, a 'blade ship'? And...with whom are you coming? I don't understand." Slowly, the image became sharper, and Rowen could see him standing behind her. He was naked, save for a pair of ragged shorts. His skin had darkened a great deal more than she had seen him last, the tanned tone almost as dark as his hair. She could see his eyes, the green color seemingly the only clear thing about his reflection. From what she could see in his expression, he seemed very concerned, and worried. "Rowen...I...I did what I needed to do...to get you away from here. Please...you're not coming back. You can't come back." He shook his head at her.

"I am coming back." She said firmly, studying him closely as he came more and more into focus. Worry began to take hold of her expression, but she tried not to let it affect her. She needed to keep a clear head. "I am coming back for you and don't think you can stop me, Idris. You had to know I would do anything I could to help you. Szen Seeker Xedrin. Cal Xedrin. He is taking me back to you. They are... Ul...Ulratians, I believe is what they are called."

The color seemed to drain from his face. "An Ulratian vessel is coming here?" He shook his head. "No...you...you can't. You..." He shut his eyes and shook his head. "Rowen...you...I...I have to...to tell you..." His voice began to crack as he tried to finish. "Rowen...have...have one of...of the Ulratian doctors...scan you. Have them test for...for infections. You probably have...what I have too. They probably...gave you one..." He shut his eyes a long moment, tears streaming down his face. "And you have to be sure that you...if doesn't...gestate..." He reached out to her, holding her cheek as he looked at her longingly. "If you come here...make sure...you are safe...first."

"I HAVE to Idris. I will no longer sit around waiting for you, praying that you aren't dead somewhere and that I'll never know about it. I have to go to you." She paused, and felt a chill wash over her entire body as Idris began to cry, began to stutter something about an infection. "Idris...please. Please slow down and explain yourself. Infection? They scanned me already. BEFORE I found my way onto this ship. I was somewhere else already. Doctors looked at me, scanned me, everything. I was fine. What are you talking about?"

"NO! You don't understand! The Delethirians, I figured out how they're..." He stopped suddenly and then turned away from the mirror. Rowen felt the most intensely terrifying emotion well up inside of her. Idris' words came fast as he hurried, his voice waning."J...st h...ve the...ctors...see...oo!"

And then suddenly, Rowen felt alone. All of the foreign emotions of fear and desire and desperation left her and she felt nothing for a moment, until he own emotions came welling up. Whatever he was going on about, he seemed very worried.

Rowen just stared at the mirror now, feeling shock settle in and cause her entire body to just freeze. As his intense emotions ebbed away, and her own emotions began to bubble up, she finally felt herself begin to return to reality. Taking a deep breath, she turned away from the mirror and walked towards the intercom she had been shown to use. Pressing the red button, she spoke into the box quickly. "This is Rowen Cairn. I need a doctor please, to perform a scan for infections. Please. Could someone come as quickly as possible?" She let the red button go and wasting no time, allowed the door to her room slide open even as she waited for a response.

Her guard was waiting at the door. He cupped his hand over his ear, apparently listening to something. He looked at her, speaking in a deep voice, though not as deep and Xedrin's. "Mistress Cairn, what seems to be the problem? You think you may be sick?" He looked a little confused. He shook his head. "The examiner will be here in just a moment. If you would prefer, wait in your room, or I can escort you to the medical bay myself and have them meet us there." He seemed very calm, confident, and completely void of any apprehension about Rowen being contagious.

"I... just want to be sure before I go with you all that I am completely healthy. That is all." She tried not to look too worried herself, but she could still recall the way Idris felt as he warned her about the possibility of infection. "I can wait here if I can be scanned here. If not, I'd like to go to the medical bay and get the scan over with as soon as possible." Oh hell, she was going to have to deal with more doctors. The apprehension of that showed up on her face.

He thinned his eyes are her, and then nodded. "Very well, let's go then." He reached up and spoke into his wrist. "Dr. Xanifan, I am taking the patient to the medical bay now. We'll meet you there." He smiled at her and gestured for her to follow, leading her down the corridor for about ten minutes before they boarded a lift. He waited for her to enter ahead of him and then walked in behind her. "Deck two-one-seven." He looked over at her. "Dr. Xanifan is the leader of the medical staff aboard this blade ship. I assure you that you will be taken care of."

Following him quickly, she stepped into the lift without hesitation, crossing her arms as she felt it move beneath her and lift them towards the medical bay. "I am not worried about that. I'm sure your doctor is very qualified. I'm just not very comfortable with doctors in general. But...never mind that." She let her voice trail off and she stared hard at the floor as she waited for them to arrive.



Rowen Cairn Ch. 14



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As Rowen followed, her arms folded in front of her, trying not to think about Idris and the panic she felt when he had been present. IF he really had been present. 

A chill ran down her spine, and she took a deep breath, letting it out slowly, and quietly, so as not to alarm the guard beside her in the lift. The chime sounded as they arrived and her guard quickly moved from the lift, letting her exit after him. The lift had taken them directly to the medical bay. The room was expansive, with enough beds for over a hundred people. A male and two females met her at the lift door. Doctor Xanifan was about as tall as Rowen's escort, but his blue skin was a little lighter. The two females were shorter, but still a lot taller than Rowen. Their builds were lean, but still muscular, and their chests were prominent in a way Rowen had never seen in any human. 

As they entered the medical bay, she felt herself tense up, especially when the doctor approached them. As kind as this one looked, he still scared her. He wore a blue lab coat while the females wore long, form-fitting shirts and thin pants. The doctor spoke first. 

"Mistress Cairn, I am Doctor Xanifan and these are my assistants, Doctors Maylenie and Falinine. Szen Seeker Xedrin told me to treat you better than I treat him, which is saying a lot. I'm told you're feeling a little under the weather? If you'd prefer, we have a scanner prepared and ready for you." He extended his hand behind him, indicating to Rowen's left. Along with the beds, she now noticed, were about fifty curtain-offed sections. 

"Yes. A scan...thank you very much, Doctor Xanifan. It's more just a precaution. I was examined before, but..." She let her voice trail off and simply smiled warmly at the Doctor before moving after the nurses.The thought of getting scanned was making her even more nervous. Dammit, Idris, she thought. But she knew she had too. Whatever infection he had been so panicked about, she just needed to make sure. 

The nurses started to walk ahead of her, moving to the first one. The doctor addressed her escort. "Thayne, you may wait here. I promise, if anything happens, we'll shout for you."

He nodded and moved to stand at the lift doors, patiently waiting as the nurses beckoned Rowen behind the curtain.

The nurse, the one called Falinine, spoke to her first. "If you would, please remove your outer layer of clothing to facilitate the scan."

"If you keep your clothes on, it can often muddle the results," Maylenie added.

"You can stand over here behind this curtain, for your privacy, of course."

They both smiled at her and indicated one of the sections. They led her over to it, pulling back the curtain, and helped her sit down on the bed inside. They pulled the curtain back into place, separating them from her escort and the doctor, and reached up to begin to help her disrobe.

Feeling more than little self conscious, she stripped quickly, thinking along the lines of a band-aid: Just rip it off quickly and it'd be over. As she stood there, she looked back at the nurses, suddenly becoming aware of her scars. "Just down to my under garments, yes?" She asked, her hands grabbing the waist band of her leggings.

They both nodded to her, taking her clothes as she took them off, setting them aside. They tried to make her feel like they weren't just staring, but it was possible that these girls might never have seen a naked human girl before. They did, however, understand how uncomfortable she was. "When you're ready, we'll give you something to wear for when we take you to the machine, alright?"

"I'd like that something now, if you don't mind." Rowen uncomfortably sat down then, her back turned away from the girls. It was hard not to see the discomfort on her face. Rowen just did not take to being this undressed in front of any body.

They smiled at her and handed her the robe-like clothing. It had a hole in the top for her head and was long enough to reach almost to her ankles. It was obviously a one-size-fits-all, meant for an Ulration rather than a human, the hole almost big enough that her shoulders wouldn't have kept it from falling off onto her arms. It was a very light material, and Rowen noticed that when it pressed against her skin, she could almost see straight through it. It also didn't seem to do a lot to keep her warm, but it was better than running around naked. They looked at her and waited for her to finish putting it on, waiting for her to indicate that she was ready.

Even for a human she was short, and she tried to adjust it on her body so that it wasn't just slipping off of her. Sighing inaudibly, she situated it satisfactorily then looked at the nurses and smile. "I'm ready."

They nodded to her. "Follow us, Mistress Cairn." They beckoned for her, walking away from the curtain at a little faster of a pace than nearly any of her escorts walked. They lead her across the immense room to a door and opened it for her. The room was large, but it had only one examining table. They indicated for her to sit on it. "If you please, just lie here."

"We can conduct all of the tests at one time in this room, so it shouldn't take very long." 

"Then we can return you to your quarters with enough time for them to fit you for your battle gear."

"Thank you." Laying down on the table, she tried to ignore the very slight tremble in her body. Hell, she was even more nervous now. It had been one thing when she was with Idris and Ophelia had scanned her. This was so so different. Closing her eyes, she took a few deep breaths and waited for the scanner to begin.

Something happened then...something that Rowen was unable to perceive. In just that moment, when she shut her eyes, suddenly she was no longer in the room. When she opened her eyes, she was in a bed, wearing completely different clothes. Doctor Xanifan and Szen Seeker Xedrin were both at her bed side, sitting in very large, though low to the ground, stools. They seemed concerned, but relieved, when they saw she had her eyes open.

Gasping at the sudden change of scenery, she tensed up immediately, staring up at the Doctor and Xedrin. "...What's going on? Is this supposed to happen?" She almost sat up, but forced herself to remain laying flat on her back. Perhaps it was just a different technology. Desperately she tried to relax but her shaking increased.

Xanifan looked at her, appearing as though he was trying to find the best way to say his next words. "Mistress Cairn...have you..." He sighed and shook his head. "What was the last thing you remember...?"

"What?" Now she did sit up, frowning at Xanifan, biting down on her lower lip. "I laid down for a scan. And then all of a sudden I was in this room. Where are the nurses? Where am I?" Looking down at herself, she realized the new clothes, and panic began to bubble up in her throat, causing her voice to sound strained. "What the hell just happened? One of you tell me right now!"

Xanifan looked to Xedrin before turning back to her. Xedrin spoke up this time. "Rowen, you have been unconscious for nearly two and a half rotational cycles. When you went in for the examination, a few seconds after you lied on the table, you passed out. We have no idea why." His expression twitched a little, and he turned to Xanifan again.

"We...suspect that maybe you just..." As he spoke the color fled from his face, his light blue turning whiter as he tried to find the words to say. These two Ulrations, one a warrior, one a seasoned doctor, seemed as uncomfortable as a human male on his virgin wedding day. But why?

Two and a half cycles? Her heart stopped in her chest and she felt sick. "...Maybe what Xedrin? ...Cal...TELL ME. Please." Fear filled her eyes as she scooted closer to Xedrin, begging him to continue on. What had happened to her that she just passed out like that? It hadn't felt like passing out? She'd just shut her eyes.

They looked at each other again, looked at her, and shook their heads. Cal spoke up first. "We...we just don't know, ok? I'm so very sorry, Rowen. I wish I could give you a better explanation but...we..."

"-We just don't have any better explanation." Doctor Xanifan finished. He paused a long moment, hesitating. He obviously wanted to ask her something, but he was waiting to see how she reacted before he decided.

"I don't understand." She sat back a little, trying to relax, staring at her own lap. "I... Perhaps we can try the scan again? I'll just be more conscious this time I...I don't understand. I was awake. I shut my eyes because I was nervous and then the next moment I'm here with you two. It doesn't make any sense."

"The scans were all inconclusive, I'm afraid. Don't worry. We ran the tests and didn't realize that you were unconscious until...afterward."

"But you're right, it doesn't make any sense. I promise that Doctor Xanifan and I will do our best to help you find out what happened and what is going on, alright? For now, we just..."

"-We just don't know." The doctor paused for a long moment and then sighed. "Mistress Cairn...have you been having any...strange..." He exhaled slowly and then tried again. "Has anything, out of the ordinary, happened to you recently? Have you...been having any strange dreams, or...had any suspicious...occurrences...take place in proximity to you?"

Rowen stared at the doctor for another long moment, unsure as to how she should answer that. She had been hiding her conversations with Idris from everyone, but perhaps now, with what had just happened to her, it was important to confide in someone. "Yes... but I'm not sure if I would call them dreams." Taking a deep breath, which was much shakier than she would have liked it to be, she continued. "Idris comes to me when I am alone. It happens every so often. Mainly it is in the mirror that I can see him. We can feel each other, speak to one another. But it's not quite a dream, it's almost like I've just stepped through a thin wall of fog. I can't explain it much better than that. I asked for the scan because Idris told me to. He was terrified of an infection. I could FEEL how terrified he was. But...if nothing came up..."

Both of the males seated before her paled visibly. Obviously, neither of them had ever heard of anything, nor had they expected anything, quite so peculiar. The doctor shook his head. "How...how often...has this been happening? And...how...how long ago? When did it start first...initially?"

"Before I saw Idris, when I realized he was sick...and trapped. Then afterward a few times. Not often. And always when I'm alone. Why? Does this mean something?" As far as she knew, this was not common, that they couldn't possibly really understand what was happening to her. "Look, if this has something to do with rescuing Idris, fine, but if not, I'd like to still save him. No more worrying about me. I'm fine except for my passing out."

They both looked at her. "We just want to make sure you are safe to leave and come with us, Rowen. I am not comfortable taking you with me if you might pass out at the drop of the hat or...have something distract you." He frowned. Obviously Cal was trying his hardest to be tactful, but he was ashamed to sound so callous.

"Something 'distract me'? Like what? My goal in going with you is to find Idris. So if you were about to say THAT would be a distraction...no...it won't be. He is my focus, but you know that." Her voice got firmer as her temper flared. "I'll be fine, just don't scan me. But I want to get moving as soon as possible. Sitting here is doing no one any good."

He looked over at the doctor, who nodded, and walked away from them. Cal stood and looked at her. "Very well, Rowen. If you insist, we'll take you back to your quarters when you are feeling better and get you fitted for your gear." He smiled weakly. "You'll soon find out that we do not toy around with things like the humans of the alliance like to. You'll want to be safe, and be ready. I am still very concerned for you, but I can see that you have a strong spirit and it would be in my interest to bring you along instead of leaving you behind." He tried to lighten the mood as he smiled and remarked. "Besides, having a beautiful human woman with us might give us a little luck." He winked and started to walk toward the door.

"I can assure you it is in your interest. Having an annoyed woman waiting on your ship...not a good idea. I am feeling better now. You can have me fitted as soon as possible." She did smile at his compliment. It was sweet of him to try and soothe her growing nerves. Standing from the bed, she ignored the immediate dizzy sensation from being down for so long. Shutting her eyes, she took a quick deep breath, gathered herself and followed after Cal.

He held up a hand, his gaze moving to the doctor who appeared to come to his aid. "No. Mistress, please. I insist. You're not leaving my infirmary until I've had a chance to monitor you. You stay here for one cycle, and nothing happens, then I'll allow you to go with Szen Seeker Xedrin and the rest of the assault team. I will not risk endangering you, or any of the team." 

Cal looked at her and pursed his lips. "I agree with Doctor Xanifan. One cycle...Rowen, and then we'll get you ready." He frowned and looked at the doctor. "But, maybe we can fit you here, while the time passes?" 

The doctor considered this. "I...suppose that would be safe. Send the team down and we'll keep watch of her." He looked to Rowen. "If you'd prefer that, I mean..."

"But...one cycle, doctor? That's wasting time that Idris may not have. That WE may not have." Pleadingly, she stared at Xedrin, then at the doctor. "If you insist I have that much time then the combat team should go without me. I...won't risk losing Idris." Looking between the men she hoped that she had on her stubborn expression. "Although I must insist I am perfectly FINE."

The doctor looked to Xedrin. "How long before the team is ready to disembark?"

"We're still about eleven hours away from the signal. It moved recently, so we had to change our course unexpectedly. But we'll be ready when we arrive, and when Mistress Cairn is cleared by you and your staff, Doctor Xanifan."

He sighed, and nodded. "Very well, at least remain here for ten of those hours. We can have the team come down and fit you, and brief you, in that time. But I want to be present if ANYTHING occurs before we arrive, alright?"

Glad with this decision she agreeably walked back over to the bed and laid down looking up at the men. "I'll be good and stay here. Promise." Smiling sweetly at them, she laid her head back down on the pillow, and sighed. "You'll be informed of anything that happens, IF anything happens."

The doctor smiled. "I am not going anywhere, Mistress Cairn. I am going to remain no more than three meters away from you."

Cal frowned. "Well, I am afraid that I cannot stay. I need to go and prepare. I'll have someone come down and fit you for your gear, and help you learn how to make the best of it in the next ten hours. If you need anything, simply notify Thayne and he'll send for me. I'll come as soon as I can, alright?"

"Will do, Cal. Thank you." She sighed again and almost shut her eyes, before stopping herself. Last time she shut her eyes, she had ended up passed out for two days. Not this time. Instead, she looked up at the doctor, watching him for a moment, then focused up at the ceiling. "Do you know what it means that I've been contacted by Idris? Or am I just insane doctor? "

Cal overheard her inquiry and paused to look at her, the doctor looking to him. There was a short moment before Doctor Xanifan turned to Rowen and responded. "I'm...sure it's nothing. Perhaps the link you have with him is more powerful than you think." He smiled at her, quite convincingly. "I wouldn't be concerned about it."

"Perhaps it is. But...you seemed concerned about it." Smiling faintly at him, she shrugged her shoulders before focusing back on the ceiling again. "You're kind, thank you. I just want Idris back, as foolish and as single-minded as that sounds. He's the only person whose ever cared about me...in any capacity."

He smiled at her and nodded, walking away. 

The hours passed, and Rowen was left almost alone for quite some time. Doctor Xanifan remained near her, but distracted himself looking over charts and doing paperwork. She tried to occupy herself with silly mind games; counting the different instruments in the room, counting tiles on the floor, the ceiling, until they became boring and she began to think about Idris and what was happening to him. What was going to happen when they finally found him. About three hours later, the team that Xedrin had promise her, showed up and Rowen sat up straight and tense as the female soldiers approached her. Sliding to the edge of the bed, she swung her legs over and waited for them to reach her. 

It was an entire team of females. They all wore the same black uniform. The sleeves of the shirt came down over their elbows and tucked neatly into their pants. They also wore the same black boots, their hair cut at the same shoulder-length, but each one had a different color hair and skin tone. They slowly approached her bed, their pace even and patient as the traversed the distance from the lift to Rowen's bed. 

They smiled at her, each of them having a subtle coarseness to their demeanors as they each spoke. Their voices had a twinge of accent to them, a little heavier than that of Xedrin and Xanifan. "Meestriz Cairn, I am Zeeker Yaltor, an' theez are Chich-Zeekerz Aramoa and Daniatta. Szen Zeeker haz osked uhz to feet you for combat gear, and educate you in the methodz of using it." She smiled a long moment, the chich-seekers smiling, nodding, and each saying a "halloh" after they were introduced. "Iz there anything you have in a way of preferenz for thingz like coolor or anything of that nature?"

Rowen nodded to each of the females in turn, trying to remember their names, although she doubted she could. "No, no preference. If Szen Seeker did not inform you, I am...an elemental. Fire. The only requirement is that my flames will not disturb the material." Standing up quickly she look at the females and smiled. "Shall we begin?"

The chich-seekers looked at each other. Seeker Yaltor arched an eye brow. "Wow...fire? That iz very imprezive." She nodded slowly. "We shall take that into account then, when we fit you."

Chick-Seeker Aramoa stepped forward. "If you'd pleaz, stand up and allow me to measure you." She motioned, pulling a small device that had a long wand at the end of it.

"Thank you. I'm coming to find that my abilities are much...more useful than I once thought." Smiling at them, she nodded to Seeker Aramoa and stepped forward towards her, and waited. "Of course. Go right ahead. I'd like to be fitted as quickly as possible."

She waved the wand over Rowen's form, two lines, one vertical and one horizontal, projecting off the wand to scan her. The other females stood nearby, watching. Once she was done, she put the wand back into her pocket and looked up at Rowen. She turned to her companions and smiled, then looked at Rowen. Waiting patiently for the female to be done, Rowen took a step back and sat on the edge of the bed as she was spoken to."We'll fetch your gear and be back very zoon." The females didn't wait for a response, the three of them turning and walking back toward the lift. They were only gone about an hour before the returned. They each carried a few parts of the gear.

"Before we begin, iz there anything that you'd like to know?"

"No." She answered simply, and took another few steps forward, waiting to have the gear placed on her body.

Daniatta held out a one-piece outfit made of a black, stretchy material. "Please, take off your..." She paused looked Rowen over, and bit her cheek. 




Rowen Cairn Ch. 14



"-You won't want to wear anything under the jumpsuit, Mistress Cairn. We recommend that you keep it to your bare skin." Aramoa finished helpfully for her. The two females looked to her, smiling warmly. All the while, Seeker Yaltor stood back and supervised the exchange.

"Oh. My." Rowen felt her cheeks begin to grow hot and immediately she felt like an idiot for blushing. "Of course, that...makes sense." Swallowing, she looked at the females, then reached up to remove her clothing, then reached behind her to unfasten her bra and slowly slip it off, trying not to look at the others in front of her. Again, she became aware of her small nicks and scars here and there, but most important the whip marks on her back. Then slowly she hooked her thumbs in the waistband and began to lower them.

They weren't really staring, just waiting patiently. When Seeker Yaltor saw the scars, she arched an eye brow. "Wow...thiz iz not thee firzt time you have zeen battle, iz it, Miztrez? If you do not mind my azking, I mean."

"Uh..." The red on her cheeks deepened, and she smiled very faintly as she removed her underwear and waited. "Not really...battle. I was...beaten. By men who did not like my kind. I barely got a chance to fight back, Seeker Yaltor." She winced some and looked down at the floor.

Seeker Yaltor paled and the other two females gaped. "Oh my...I'm...zo very zorry, Miztrez. Please, forgive me. I had forgotten that...zome of the humanz...still dwell in...more barbaric things." She frowned deeply and her shoulders slumped. "And...I take it...these men...the...the creaturez that did thiz to you...did not ever find justice...yez?"

Rowen did not like talking about this. Not at all. "No, of course not. They were congratulated and I was thrown in a river to die. Please...the uniform." Her voice had weakened and she tried to force a smile at the females around her. She hadn't even told Idris that much. It was strange to hear her retell the story instead of just replay it over and over in her mind.

Yaltor frowned and nodded slowly. The females had stopped what they were doing, waiting to hear the rest of Rowen's tale. Yaltor motioned to them and the chich-seekers started to work on helping Rowen into the jumpsuit. They had Rowen put a hand on either of the female's shoulders, for balance, and pulled one leg into each sleeve, one at a time. The sleeve ended at the ankle, but there was a band at the end that stretched to fit the bottom of Rowen's foot, pulling on the sleeve and stretching it to fit Rowen's leg more precisely. The material hugged her flesh, and Rowen felt the material warm and then match her temperature. Then slowly, it cooled a little, helping Rowen's warm skin stay a little colder than normal. 

They did the other sleeve then, helping it stretch over her other leg. They then pulled up on either side of the suit and helped the fabric stretch over Rowen's lithe form, pulling it up to the base of her neck. The material strained against Rowen's skin for a moment, and then slowly started to fit to her body, even moving to support her chest, almost more comfortably and efficiently than her bra. They helped Rowen get her arms into either sleeve, pulling the band at the end of the sleeve into the dip between her index fingers and thumbs. The band pulled the sleeve over her arm, but did not draw back on her hands. The females let her go and stood back, watching the material continue to conform to Rowen's form, hugging her midriff, her breasts, her arms, shoulders, and hips. They didn't move, Seeker Yaltor speaking up.

"Iz it a good fit, Miztrez Cairn?"

Rowen almost began to fidget with the material, not sure if she liked the feeling of it changing around her, against her. But eventually, she just accepted it for what it was, and let it do its job. When it had stopped moving, she looked up at Yaltor and nodded, smiling a bit more genuinely this time. "Yes, very good. It's very odd also. But I'm just not used to it."

She smiled at Rowen. "Yez, the fabric haz smart-fiberz in it that help to fit the form of the wearer more efficiently. When you wear your armor, the zensorz inzide the gear have weather-controlling nodez to help keep you cool in temperaturez up to boiling. As well, it can help keep you warm in subzero environmentz. It also helps a girl like you stay...comfortable." She smiled winking at Rowen suggestively. "When you put on your battle gear, you'll feel the fiberz hold the gear to your form and help it continue to protect you. The Ulratian battle gear can withztand up to five 'undred kilogramz per 'quare eench. Bazically, when the pod launcher shootz the puncture podz eento the hull of the Aztaria battle z'ip, it will abzorb most all of the impact and keep you alive."

She winked at Rowen and motioned for the females to continue. This time, she stepped forward and helped. They were less careful now, as they pushed her feet into the metal boots and snapped the leg plates in around her limbs. They used two circular pieces to connect the plates at her knee. It buzzed as it adjusted to fit her joint. They then pushed the hip plates into place, the fibers expanding to create a buffer between her fragile skin and the tough metal of the armor. They motioned for Rowen to lift her arms, and then Yaltor and Aramoa lifted up her limbs as Daniatta pulled the chest piece down over her arms and her body until it fastened into the hip plate. 

The armor warmed to life and constricted around Rowen's midriff, chest, and shoulders. It pressed against her until the fibers of her jumpsuit pressed back against it, pushing the metal away until it solidified around Rowen's body. They then guided her arms into long sleeves that covered her arm up to the wrist. It held her arms straight until the circular pieces at her elbow buzzed and released her arms. They then pulled on tight-fitting metal gloves and snapped them into place. Lastly, they pulled up Rowen's beautiful hair, the three females working to intricately braid her hair in an extravagant hairstyle that held her hair up off her shoulders and lower neck and pushed the helm down over her head. 

Rowen could hear a low hum as the power sources inside of the armor began to come to life. Rowen's view, previously obstructed by the helm, sparked into clarity suddenly. She could see almost better than if she was wearing nothing on her head. Then the various displays came into view, the sensors constantly giving her feedback on temperatures and individual objects in the room until they faded and Rowen could see uninhibited.

The females stepped back and admired Rowen's new look. "You look borned for battle, Miztrez Cairn. Now, if you want to use your firepowerz, just heat up your palmz and the zuit will zend a zignal to your glovez. They'll retract away from the heat, and allow you to spread your fire, instead of trying to suppress it. Go ahead, give it a try."

Rowen listened closely to everything that was being told to her, nodding every so often to show her understanding. Finally, as she was completely suited up, she stared down at herself, holding her hands out in front of her. Never had she worn this much armor in her life. Hell, she NEVER wore armor. It was the strangest sensation in the world. Looking up at the females, she nodded this time a little hesitantly, and held one hand out. The fire tingled in her palm for a moment, and then her flames began to spread up, appearing in her palm, circling rapidly around one another.

As the heat in her palm grew more intense, the fibers of the sleeve receded away, up her arm towards the center of her forearm. The heat burned the straps holding against the dip in her thumb and they fell off into the confines of the metal glove. The fingers and palm of the glove ground and whirred as they receded back to hold onto the forearm of her armor. Soon, the only part of the glove that was left was the part that guarded the back of her hand and the first knuckle of each finger. The fire didn't seem to affect the armor, though Rowen could feel the fibers working to cool her wrist and forearm to combat the intense, anticipated heat. She was able to use her powers completely uninhibited, though her hand was left completely vulnerable in the palm and fingers.

Retracting the flames, she looked up at the females and smiled at them. "Seems to work perfectly. Is that all?" Again, she looked down at herself, reaching up to touch the armor that was now covering her body. It was still strange to her to be so suited up for...combat. She'd never been in combat and the reality of that suddenly hit her, but she tried not to show the sudden anxiety on her face.

They wouldn't have been able to see her face anyway as the helm continued to shield her head and face. Yaltor smiled at her. "Well, that iz up to you. Iz there anything elze you would like? The zuit will obey your actionz. It will move how you move, az fazt az you move. And, in zome cazez, it will augment your actionz, if you will it to. However, Zen Zeeker haz told me that you are only to be geared to ztay protected, az he intendz to perzonally zee to your zafety on thiz next attack. However, if you want, we can acquire a piztol for you to carry on your armor, but only if you feel confident you can uze it." 

"No, no; no pistol please." She was quick to respond to that, the thought of holding a gun making her immediately nervous. Rowen knew she'd be nervous enough in combat, having a weapon she was uncertain of and that made her nervous was only going to hinder her. "I'll do just fine with my own abilities, but thank you very much."

She smiled at her and nodded slowly. "Very well, if that iz what you wish. I think it would be better for uz to allow you to wait for Zen Zeeker here, and ztay in your armor. If anything happenz, if your armor needz to be removed, Thayne will help you." She motioned to the ever-patient guard still waiting by the lift. "Twaz a pleasure to meet you, Miz Cairn." 

The other two females nodded as well, bowing to her as they followed Yaltor. She moved back towards the lift, walking away from Rowen.

At the last second, she turned and looked at her. "By the way, Miz Cairn; I wouldn't press the issue with your..." she thinned her eyes a moment and considered her words. "With your test results," she finished. "I am confident that it will not be an issue." She grinned at her and stepped onto the lift, her chich-seekers following after her.

Rowen stared at the female, unable to keep a puzzled expression off her face. She hadn't been pressing the issue, had she? Perhaps she had, but did she know something that Rowen didn't? Rowen felt like she might give herself a headache if she brooded on the idea, so she sat back on the bed, staring down at the armor she now wore, reaching up to tap the helmet secured over her head. She'd never been so well protected in all her life, and it felt so strange. Sighing softly, she shook her head wanting to just go find Idris immediately. No more waiting around, no more formalities, to just GO. They were wasting so much time just sitting around.

"We'll be seeing you when we go in for the assault, Miz Cairn." She winked, and the lift doors closed leaving Rowen alone with no one but Dr. Xanifan's staff. She'd be left relatively alone, save for the hovering doctor waiting for something to go wrong with Rowen.

She looked to the doctor, arching an eyebrow at him. It was obvious he was hovering, and it made her nervous. Partly because he was a doctor, and partly because he was making her worried that she'd fall over unconscious again and it'd be another two days before she woke up.

The hours would pass without incident, leaving Rowen time to be able to feel out her suit, if she wanted, until the blade ship arrived at the location that Atalanta's beacon indicated.

She did little with the suit except walk around, try to get a feel for what it would be like to move around in it, and occasionally would light a fire in her hand to test the suit's endurance. Her eyes constantly went to the door waiting for Szen Seeker to show up.

The suit would continue to behave in the consistent, reliable manner it had the first time, and every time she went to use her abilities it would respond flawlessly. Eventually, Xedrin would arrive with his escorts. He was wearing the same combat gear as Rowen, save for his had blue stripes on the helm and limbs, indicating his Szen Seeker status. As he got off the lift, the helmet peeled back away from his face for her to see, still protecting the back and top of his head. "Rowen, we'll be arriving shortly. Do you still wish to participate in the assault?"

Seeing Xedrin, she hopped off the table and smiled warmly up at him, trying to contain herself and resist the urge to say, "Yes, yes whatever. Lets go!" and hop into the lift.

"Yes I do. That is..." She looked over her shoulder at Doctor Xanifan and arched a curious eyebrow. "The doctor has cleared me to leave?" A challenging expression came across her face as she dared him to say no. Right now all she wanted to do was go find Idris.

Doctor Xanifan smiled at Rowen and nodded. "Yes, I am satisfied that you are safe and that you are no longer a danger to others. I am sure Szen Seeker will keep you safe as well."

Xedrin turned from the doctor to Rowen again. "Very good. Let's be off then." He extended a hand to Rowen and motioned for her to enter the lift ahead of him.

Smiling at the doctor, she turned to look up at Xedrin and nodded quickly, stepping into the lift as quickly as possible. Crossing her arms in front of her her, she took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Xedrin moved to follow after her, his escorts stepping in front of them to guard the lift doors. He turned to Rowen. "Are you nervous, Rowen?"

"Nervous? I'd like to say no, Cal, but I'd be lying, and I'm a bad liar. So...yes, I'm not a fighter, only when necessary and even then - I'm not skilled or trained. But that doesn't mean I won't give it everything I've got." Nodding, she looked up at him and shrugged her shoulders slightly.

He smiled at her. He still couldn't see her face because of the helm, so he had only her tone of voice to go on to give him clues as to her state of mind and demeanor. "Ulratian combat is a precise and deadly matter. You should not need to fight. Long range sensors show that Astaria is alone. She will be a very easy meal for my comrades." He winked at her. "Now, I do feel like I should review a few things you shall need to know about before we engage them. First, we'll be entering the assault from the assault deck. You and I, as well as several other warriors, will be put into a pod. We use an immense weapon system to launch these pods. They are equipped with heavy shields and designed to penetrate enemy hulls and facilitate boarding procedures. We have yet to come across a foe whose shields can withstand our bombardment and the pods have sensors that allow us to know whether we will hit their shields or break the hull. Your suit is powerful enough to withstand any residual inertia that our dampeners cannot displace or absorb." He watched her as he spoke, observing her body language as he continued to fill her in.

Rowen nodded her head so that it was clear she understood. "Alright." She added just in case Xedrin didn't understand her clearly enough. Her mind went briefly to Astaria and she felt her nerves jump, and for a moment she was glad that Xedrin couldn't see the uncomfortable expression that crossed her face.

"Once we land, we'll board the ship and make quick work of her crew. My soldiers have orders not to harm Idris, if they find him. We will try to subdue the crew, or take them prisoner, in case your Idris is among them, but I am afraid there will be casualties of some kind. You will stay by my side, however, and as long as you do, you will be safe. Of this I am certain."

"Stay by your side." She echoed, but spoke with minor uncertainty. Rowen was not one who would stand by his side if she felt like she needed to run ahead. Whether it be for Idris or any other reason. But she knew this situation was much more dangerous than any other situation she'd been in, and she'd be a fool not to listen to the commands of someone much wiser. "Yes of course, I understand." She added, much more firmly this time.

He smiled at her. "Do not worry, Rowen. Soon Astaria will be mine, you'll have your Idris back and the harvester ship will be a weapon of the alliance." He winked again, the chime sounded as the lift arrived. They stepped out into the open, the immense, seemingly endless view of the assault deck coming into view as they stepped off. The ships were scattered all over the deck and Rowen could see lines of soldiers, all clad in the same combat gear as Rowen herself. The cannons, the ones that Xedrin had told her about, towered over the deck, facing out into the open expanse of antispace. The weapons platform was the size of almost three of Idris' ships, the long barrel of the cannons dwarfed the ships and the warriors lining up to it. They looked to be almost twenty-four meters high with a barrel length of about fifteen meters. "Follow me, Mistress, and we'll find a pod and ensure we are one of the first to board." He smiled at her, his teeth showing as the helm moved back into place to protect his head.

Rowen preferred the idea of Astaria being destroyed, and Petraisha being slaughtered, although a part of her really wanted to take care of her herself. But the important part she'd be dead and Rowen would no longer have to worry about her. Stepping off the lift, she had to pause for a moment to get used to the immense deck, staring up then back down, almost dizzy from its size. Quickly, she gathered herself and followed Xedrin. "Yes of course." She told him muttering some, as she hurried along after him.

He lead her across the deck, his guards following close behind them. Every single individual that they passed stopped, stood at attention, and saluted Xedrin until he was more than three or four meters away. Some of the soldiers called out his presence, instructing the nearby soldiers to stand and recognize. 

"Szen Seeker approaches! Stand and salute!" No one hesitated as they passed, everyone stopping whatever they were doing and any conversations halted to stand and salute as they had been instructed. 

"Szen Seeker approaches! Make way! Stand aside and make way!" The long lines of soldiers parted as they made their way up to one of the weapons platforms. He left her side and moved to stand at the edge, looking out over the soldiers and the vessels making ready for launch. Rowen was now able to see the size and magnitude of Ulratian war. There were over fifty thousand troops and probably more than a hundred attack craft. 

Xedrin helm peeled away from his face again and he shouted out to his subordinates, the deepness of his voice ringing out over the deck. "Soldiers!"

As he called out, every male or female on the deck stopped, formed, and saluted. 

"The humans have wasted their time, they have allowed these scum to fester in our sides like an infected wound! Now, we approach the Delethirians with all the might of the Ulratian Dominion! We shall show these harvesters what happens to those that question the might and power of the alliance and make light of attacking our allies! We shall be ruthless in our efforts and bring these fiends groveling to their knees!"

A resounding sound of battle cries filled the expanse of the assault deck as soldiers drew their weapons and pointed them overhead.

"Now, as we approach battle, take note of those who surround you and make ready to protect your brothers and sisters as you might protect ME! Lay waste to these savages and subdue them!" He paused a moment, and bowed his head for a long second before looking back up at the deck. "Normally, I would instruct you to kill, to slaughter, but as part of the agreement made by the one that lead us here, to spare her love, I have given explicit instructions to your Seekers to ensure the survival of the one that we seek by making all efforts not to take human lives. No casualties. No collateral damage. Fight. Win. Prevail!"




Rowen Cairn Ch. 14



More cheering now and Xedrin saluted them, a gesture that everyone on the deck reciprocated. He stepped down and moved to Rowen's side, looking at her for a long moment and smiling warmly before his helm moved back to protect his face once again.

As Xedrin began to talk, she wondered for a moment if she should be offended by his "humans have wasted their time" comment, then thought otherwise. She'd never been treated as a human, and for all she knew of herself and her kind she wasn't one. So she ignored him, shrugged it off and focused on what he was saying. The resounding sound of battle cries almost made her jump, but she held her ground, hands on her hips, as she stared out at the other soldiers. Her heart suddenly went out to Xedrin, when he mentioned Idris. She owed this man so much, she knew, and she didn't know how she'd pay him back. As he stepped back and smiled at her, she nodded, and held her hand out to him for a shake. "I owe you more than words can say, Cal." She spoke his name affectionately, and for a moment, she felt like she may have made one more friend in this universe.

He laughed from inside his helm, his voice augmented by the armor's communications array. He took her hand and shook it gently. "Do not thank me just yet, Mistress. We still have to find your Idris and ensure his survival. We cannot possibly imagine what we will find when we arrive at our destination." 

"Well... you've tried to help me. And that makes all the difference. That's all." Nodding she let his hand go and shrugged. "Lead me to the pod now? I'm eager to get there." Perhaps "eager" was not the right word. "Restless," "nervous as hell." Those seemed more accurate.

He smiled and motioned, walking up to one of the long lines. The soldiers were filing into the large, bullet-shaped cylinders, each one on a long track that fed into the immense cannon. He motioned for her to get in, and followed behind her. It was fairly roomy and Rowen had lots of space over her head. "When we arrive, a chime will sound. The noise should be muffled by your armor when the pod launches. It will shoot the pod out into space and into Astaria's hull. We'll go from there once we're inside. Just stay close, Rowen." He sat down looked at the other warriors entering. There was room for about fifty soldiers in each pod.

On this ship and with these creatures, she found she always had plenty of room over her head. She felt tiny compared to them. "I promise, Cal, I'll stay close." She meant it this time. No time to go be daring, Rowen, she thought to herself. What was important was staying alive.

Rowen could feel the pod seal and felt the subtle jolt beneath them as the pod fed up the long track leading to the firing cannon. She could hear people around her in her head. The communications array inside of her helmet worked to pick up on the speech of the warriors around her and feed it into her ear as though they were sitting right next to her and talking. Her view remained unimpeded by the helmet and her entire body felt as warm and comfortable as it might have felt were she wearing little more than short trousers and a light tunic. 

"Dropping out of antispace in...five...four...three...two...GO!"

Rowen could hear the sound of the firing cannons coming to life. The loud whir of the track filled the pod and the subtle jolt changed to a feeling of harsh movement as the pods fed up the track. The continuous thunder of each pod being fired could be heard from inside as one after another, in rapid succession, they launched into space. The initial movement forced Rowen into her seat with a great deal of gravity which subsided after a few seconds. Rowen could hear the sounds of the warriors around her discussing the assault and hear the radio chatter of the attack craft as the Ulratian ships launched from Xedrin's blade ship. 

"Astaria's shields are holding at ten percent. Increase forward firepower to maximum! Ensure that the attack pods can get through!"

"They're launching the fighter analogs. Obliterate them! Destroy every ship that comes off that launch bay!"

"Szen Seeker, we will be arriving in approximately fifteen seconds." 

"Everyone hold on!" The last voice was the one of Xedrin, sitting next to her. "Lock and load, warriors of the dominion, seek victory and end this violence!"

The roar of the warriors on the ship was loud enough to overpower the array in Rowen's head, the volume echoing for a moment before the array brought it back under control. 

"Astaria's shields are depleted! Victory is at hand. Destroy the fighter analogs and make safe the attack pods!"

"Boarding in...five...four...three...two...GO!"

The crash of the pod as it broke through the hull of Astaria's ship would have thrown Rowen from her seat were it not for the crash webbing that had encompassed her. The front of the pod broke away and Rowen could see as the fighters broke into the ship. She could hear the screams and cries of Astaria's crew as they were over taken by the outnumbering soldiers that invaded the ship. 

"Stay close, Rowen Cairn. We shall make our way to Atalanta and hopefully the computer Ophelia can tell us where your Idris has gone to."

He led her through the commotion as the warriors aimed their ignition rifles, the bolts of energy stunning the crew into unconsciousness. Some of the warriors engaged in hand to hand as the guard troops fought with them. 

Rowen saw one such man, a long blade in his hand as he tried to attack one of the warriors. There were four of the armored suits on him in moments, one warrior stripping the blade form his hand, the other two holding him and the fourth warrior stunning the man into unconsciousness. They continued to walk down the corridors, the crew of Astaria continuing to scatter and run away. Then Rowen saw a familiar face. 

The outraged cry of the one Idris had called Aria came shrieking up the hall. "Xedrin...Ulratian scum! Perish at the will of my power."

Their guards crouched into a battle stance and moved to attack her. She moved with the speed and precision of an attacking serpent as one by one, the Ulratian warriors were slaughtered by her hand, the smoldering metal of their armor reaching Rowen's nose with a terrible stench. The warriors around them hesitated and stared on in disbelief as the sight of their fallen comrades. 

"Your pathetic guards are no match for me, Szen Seeker. Step forward and face me."

Xedrin withdrew a small handle from his leg, holding it out in front of him. The long blades arched out from the handle on either side. The blades were a little more than a meter long. "Ariadne of the battleship Avenger. Your death brought sorrow to many, but it would appear that the Delethirians have helped you to ascend beyond the grips of death itself." He laughed a little. "We shall test this, sister of the twilight."

He ran forward, the long blade coming down on Aria, but she moved to slow him, the force of his attack being sapped by Aria's power. She stretched forth her hand and threw Xedrin, Rowen, and every soldier within about five meters, stumbling to the ground. The blow was enough to incapacitate Rowen, leaving her feeling impotent and crippled, unable to even get to her feet. But Xedrin was on his feet in a matter of moments. He rose to his full height, towering over Aria by about half a meter. He growled at her. "You were once a faithful agent of the Initiative, and now you've become little more than a pawn, a worthless insect, only a part of a deceitful plague that if not cured or bridled would spread across the galaxy and turn everything to darkness." He swung his blade forward and Aria moved back, ready to steal away his momentum. 

She reached inside of the long cloak she wore and withdrew a small pistol. She pointed it at Xedrin's chest, pressed the barrel to the plating, and pulled the trigger. The blast knocked Xedrin off his feet and the wide, gaping hole in his armor smoked and burned hot from the energy that had ripped through it. Xedrin held his chest with his hand and tried to move to his feet once more. Aria walked over to him, stepping on his hip, his stomach, and walking to stand on top of the fallen giant's chest. She pointed the pistol at his head and moved to fire...



Rowen stayed very still, trying not to even listen to the talk around her from the other warriors. Maybe it was important to listen to get a feel for the game plan. Then again, she had her plan already. Find Idris. Don't die. Stay close to Xedrin. Taking a deep breath, she slowly shut her eyes and just allowed her body to calm itself down as well as focus on the feeling of the ship jerking, and the sounds of battle ensuing. She didn't open her eyes until she felt the violent jerk of her buckle as their pod crashed through Astaria's hull. Gasping softly, her eyes flew open and she grabbed the edge of her seated tightly. Looking up at Xedrin, she nodded at his orders, unbuckled herself with shaky hands and hurried after the warriors. And then Aria appeared. Rowen had been fine until then. Scared, watching warriors and crew members fall around her, but she had been able to keep calm. Seeing Aria appear, though, made her entire body go cold. Stepping back as quickly as possible, she almost cried out as Xedrin was knocked back. "No...no..." She whispered, and felt her body immediately began to heat up. Drawing in a deep breath, and holding it she lifted her hands and hurried forward, towards Aria, who by now had her pistol pointed at Xedrin's head. "Get away from him!" She yelled out, and felt a flame fly from one hand towards Aria's hand that held the pistol, and the other flame shooting towards her chest. Hopefully she wasn't expecting it and Xedrin could get the advantage over her.

The flames soared towards Aria's hand and her chest, but before they could reach her, something else happened. The force of the blow that came sweeping through the corridor was enough to knock Aria into the closest wall. A tall, thinning man, who wore little more than short-cut trousers and a shredded tunic, made his way down towards them. He reached out his hand and clenched his fingers in on his palm, his hand rising toward the ceiling. Aria was lifted off the ground, her legs dangling helplessly. The voice of the man was almost deeper than Xedrin's, though his tone held a very dark aura to it. "You shall do no more harm to these creatures, sister of twilight."

"Release me! Their fate is not yours to determine, Chariton!" She spat the word, clenching her teeth and reaching helplessly towards him. "Now let me go before I make ghentry food out of your worthless hide!"

He laughed shortly at her, moving closer. The lights had faded in the battle, and Rowen was unable to see the man's face or see little more than his silhouetted form. "You know that you are no challenge for me. Stand aside." He turned his attention to some of the soldiers brave enough to begin circling around them. "Seeker! Incapacitate this fiend so that we might take her as yet another prisoner."

"No! You will not take me! I'm n-"

The energy arced from one of the ignition rifles and hit Aria squarely in the chest. The energy dissipated and Aria fell unconscious. The man started walking closer, but then he was gone. Everyone turned to Rowen who now realized she was standing, her arm stretched out in front of her. "Mistress...?"

It was unclear what had happened at first, but as the seconds passed, the suits all standing around her, some of them with their weapons held at her, Rowen could feel the doubt of what had happened begin to creep in on her. Had there really been a man? If so...where had this being gone to? Where was he? Or...had he never been there to begin with.

Xedrin slowly moved to his feet. He stumbled into the wall and groaned. The suits emergency, life-saving protocols had already started, trying to mend the broken seem in the smart-fibers, helping to hold pressure to the wound and attempt to save his life. The suit had no way to repair the hole that had formed as a result of the initial blast. Xedrin looked at her. 

"Mistress Cairn...you are full of surprises. I did not know that you had telekinetic abilities..."

"I...I'm...not." Rowen whispered, looking down at Xedrin, and then lowered her hands slowly. "We should keep moving...shouldn't we?"

He hesitated, looking at her, and then began to nod slowly. "Yes...perhaps we should. I imagine that we will have the ship to ourselves very soon, if all goes as planned." He paused a moment, holding a hand up to the hole in his armor. The blood that had dripped from the wound and onto his suit seemed to have stopped, for the moment, the thick, black blood having smeared on the armor. "The signal seems to be coming from this direction," he pointed, indicating, "so we shall continue in this way." 

Taking a deep breath, she took a moment to walk over to him, and place her hand on his arm. "You're alright, aren't you? I'm sorry I couldn't help sooner, I just wasn't very fast..."

Xedrin, along with the rest of the soldiers, stopped as she touched his arm. He smiled at her and nodded. "I am alright. I will live. But I do not know if your Idris can wait any longer, Miss Cairn. You saved me, but we now need to ensure that HE is saved." They started to walk again, and then started to run, the long legs of the Ulratian soldiers allowing them to move at a pace a little faster than Rowen might have been accustomed to...