Posted by Captain Kelly Bordeaux (Commanding Officer) in Back on the Atlantis…Rinker and Lila Horne…when the past does not match the present or the future

Posted by Commander Heathcliff Rinker (Chief Medical Officer/ Psychiatrist) in Back on the Atlantis…Rinker and Lila Horne…when the past does not match the present or the future

Posted by Civilian Jessa Novar (Child) in Back on the Atlantis…Rinker and Lila Horne…when the past does not match the present or the future
Posted by… suppressed (12) by the Post Ghost! 👻
With the addition of the extra crew, the return to the Atlantis required another shuttle. Rinker had waited long enough to be assigned to the second one. Of the three officer left standing only one was going to be paired with him and all three gave no indication of which one it would be. There were two females and a male. They all however appeared to have as much interest in the remaining Atlantean officers as they did to them. The control of the group could only be explained through military experience. Civilians had a knack or small banter or independent thought. One of the individuals however was paying far more attention to Rinker as if she was drinking in every minute detail.

Lila Horne was assigned to be Rinker’s companion so it was vital she garner the intelligence she received on the man with the physical being before her. He was much younger than she expected based on the reports from the Beacon of Hope’s distress call. This was easily explained by Jessa’s youth. Children never gauged anyone’s age correctly. The slightly salt and pepper at the edges of his temple and through his barely there five o’clock stubbed made him a rather attractive man. This would make her job much easier. The reports also claimed he was highly intelligent which emanated from his personality like a heartbeat. The man had kept his verbal interactions to a minimum indicating he chose his words carefully and was judging everyone’s reaction. Hearing her name called, Lila stepped forward. Sticking out her hand, she greeted Rinker with a genuine warmth.

“Commander Rinker it is a pleasure,” she replied. Her hair was long but pulled back in an elaborate braid that presented as a half up half down style. She had a button nose and bright blue eyes. Her hair was a dark almost onyx color with some bright blue strands that highlighted the blue in her eyes. Her uniform was a combination of a business suite and a military uniform. The tailoring fit every curve of her body perfectly yet left more than enough to the imagination about what was actually under it. The lapels of her jacket framed her bosom so that the eyes were drawn to her chest but revealed no cleavage due to the cut of the shirt underneath. It was the type of suit that let the mind roam freely but gave the psyche a bit of guilt for even thinking about such things due to the long sleeves and full-length pants indicating it was not meant to entice one’s imagination. Lila knew the effect the suit had and knew its design was for this purpose.

Lila Horne Psychopathologist

Rinker let his eyes scan over the person the Union designated as his counterpart. ‘Blue eyes, blue streaks in her hair, and a uniform specially tailors to accent her curves.’ He remembered seeing the Holovids of the Voyager missions. No matter how many times Seven of Nine said her uniform was functional, he never bought it. Unless Seven was planning on swimming or needing to be aerodynamically frictionless. Her uniform function had nothing to do with being effective.

Ignoring, or adding in her figure, this one was exceedingly beautiful which put Rinker on guard. Was it a strategic choice based on the fact he was a man or was Lila just a person that was naturally beautiful. “Nice to meet you,” he shook her hand. “You were not introduced with a rank so does that mean you are a civilian? I am not sure the proper way to address you?” On the surface Lila appeared professional and sincere, but it was too early to know if this was genuine sentiment and not an act.

“Well I would suggest whatever makes you feel the most comfortable. We can be formal, and you can address me as Ms. Horne but that reminds me of my mother and you and I both know that is the basis of ninety percent of our casework.” She let out a small chuckle. In was a time honored joke that the mental baggage one carried was due to their mother in their childhood. It wasn’t true of course but that is why it was humorous. “You could call me by my professional title manovaigyaanik rogavigyaanee Lila Horne but that is a mouthful. There is also the tried and true Lila.” She stopped talking and waited. Most people did not like silence however Rinker would know that was her plan with her long winded choice. It made one feel like they needed to validate the facts she threw out. On the other hand, Rinker could not just stand there and say nothing. It could appear rude or arrogant and this man did not fit that profile.

“Umm, hmm.” Rinker pursed his lips. The options were diverse. He didn’t let his mind wander too much and returned to him main topic

“I think you drew the short-straw, meaning you are getting the worse choice, I’m just an old country doctor without any great tactical or strategic knowledge.” Rinker locked in on her eyes, smoothly ignoring the body that she knew she was displaying.

Heathcliff Rinker CMO

“Nor do I. I am just a cruise director of sorts. The Chancellor, your Captain, the security and intelligence staff will play the cat and mouse games trying to find out what makes our governments tick. I am looking for the social aspect of the society’s we meet.” Lila did struggle containing her excitement in meeting a mind seer. It had been several generations since mind seers openly practiced in the Galactic Union. Her profession was close to being a mind seer but instead of treating those with problems, they only evaluated the extent of the problem. Lila was fascinated and slightly terrified at how easily this man had taken the truth Jessa knew and morphed it into something else. Engaging with him would give her insights to mind seerism that Lila could never learn from scholarly texts.

“That would mean I’m a cruise director also since you expect me to show you the social aspect of the Federation, not that I’m insulted, but again. You might have an expectation of my skill that is greater than my actual ability.”

“I have zero expectations so you can only improve by the minute,” she let out a small laugh. Rinker was intriguing. People often were nonplussed when they met her. This man seemed almost indifferent if not slightly bored. It was refreshing to not have to coddle someone from the start due to them being in awe or terrified of her.

As the moved towards the shuttle, Lila saw the three Adjudicators move into the space. Their black, floor length flowing robes gave the impression the individuals were floating along the ground instead of touching it. It was a powerful illusion that made the fight or flight part of the brain instantly trigger. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched as Adar moved to converse with the triad and Pellan quickly usher Jessa onto the waiting shuttle. “Shall we go,” she gestured to the same shuttle and began to walk directly to it instead of waiting for Rinker to reply.

Lila Horne psychopathologist

She got several steps to the shuttle before realizing Heathcliff Rinker was not following suit. Fleeking drak she murmured to herself before returning to Rinker’s side. She was not going to force him from the spot but if needed she would advise him about the situation.

Rinker did not miss the commotion nor the three figures in dark robes approaching Pellan and the Captain. Jessa had been extremely vocal about being tried for some crime or another and the figures in the dark robes matched her description of the Adjudicators. With all the Atlantean officers gone, Rinker briefly wondered if this was planned. Come on Kelly what are you doing? he thought watching the interaction play out. Technically he had no legal right to intervene on Jessa’s behalf with the Captain there but if what Jessa had told him in session was correct, he was not going to just stand there and let Jessa be tried on a possibly fictitious charge.

He could feel the tension in the air and yet the day was still surprising him. Instead of Bordeaux needing to intervene it appeared Pellan and Vyce would run interference. “Curiouser and curiouser,” he mused watching Pellan abruptly usher the Bordeaux’s and Jessa onto a waiting shuttle.

“Excuse me,” Lila stated. His reply sparked her curiosity. She had expected Rinker to either storm over or away. Instead it was as if he was studying the situation. Most of the crew appeared to have a simmering anger to their polite greetings. Rinker did not.

“It’s a quote from an ancient story written by a man named Lewis Caroll. It is about a girl that falls into a rabbit hole and meets a cadre of anthropomorphic characters on the surface. In a deeper literary aspect, it is the girl’s journey through the rigid aristocratic society of Victorian England.”

“That isn’t going to turn out the way anyone thinks.” Rinker continued his thought.

Lila waited until Rinker moved before she did this time. His comment lingered in her thoughts as she took her seat and prepared for the trip to the Atlantis.

The journey back to the Altantis was far less eventful than the arrival on the GUS Redemption. In fact, it reminded him more of a shuttle filled with cadets heading to basic training. There was an underlying tension so thick it could almost be suffocating.

As the ship landed and the passengers mulled about the decks, Rinker unbuttoned the catch at his collar. Their orders were vague at best and open to interpretation. This gave Rinker a lot of leeway in following them. “I’m not sure the social acculturation is best learned in a formal setting… so up for an alcoholic beverage,” he asked Lila

Heathcliff Rinker CMO

“Hell yes,” she responded far faster than Rinker might had expected.

Rinker paused and blinked at her for a moment, few things surprised Rinker but Lila’s response came faster and more genuine than expected. Especially since Jessa had preached about how pious the society was although the more Rinker contemplated it, the reason was more logical. Jessa was only twelve and not old enough to make bad decisions after a few drinks. “No religious protocols around liquor?”

“No,” she let out a small chuckle. “Okay that is not entirely correct. The more devout of us partake in abstinence. I am not that devout.”

“Lead the way.” Lila followed the him down various corridors until entering an elevator of sorts. Stepping into it, she heard him request the Promenade deck and filed that information. As the numbers moved on the display panel, Lila’s brow furrowed. The writing was unlike any numerical system she had ever seen as was the markings on the halls they had taken. The linguistics team would be happier than pigs in mud as her granddaddy said having another language to add to their inventory. It did make her think about Jessa. The data burst she had sent almost a month ago with the distress call from the Beacon of Light had stated that things were completely foreign in this region of space but most people just took it as childish hysterics. Until this moment, Lila hadn’t imagined how terrifying it must have been for the kid. Her face dipped some into a frown.

Rinker maintained a neutral expression but that did not mean he was taking as copious notes as his companion was. Her expression had changed from relaxed casual to concerned. Since there had been little banter between them, it had to be some internal thought she was entertaining. “Problem,” he asked. Open ended questions generally prompted someone to reply more honestly than if he had led with a possible reason for her frown.

The doors opened into a centralized space that captivated her thoughts. The area was definitely unexpected. Jessa had reported that the technology of the Federation was vastly inferior to the Union’s but it was clear these people were not traveling around in metal tubes aimlessly in space. As Lila followed Rinker, she took in not only the shops and restaurants but all the people mulling about not in uniform. “Do you have civilians on the ship?” Her voice held a surprised lithe to it.

Lila Horne Psychopathologist

“Most ships have a couple, some have a lot. Star-Fleet might mimic a military organization, but we fashion ourselves as an exploratory scientific force.”

Lila let her brow furrow slightly at his comment. “This ship is weaponized. No ship in the Union had armaments like this especially when they are science vessels. Do you have many issues with rogue hydrogen particles bonding with carbon when it is not supposed to?” It was a statement meant to be slightly humorous.

“You haven’t been in this galaxy very long, but you will find that there are a lot of things phasers can do that aren’t actually hostile, destroying planet killing asteroids, mining, heating… and yes dealing it a particularly confrontational bunch of hydrogen atoms.” Humor spoke volumes about an individual’s personality. In this situation it showed creativity and wit which hinted at her intelligence. Lila was forthcoming on many of her answers but was starting to subtly pose her questions less directly.

“And if I remember correctly, the ship of yours we encountered, was armed to the teeth.”

“So how many civilians do you have on the ship?” Lila really wanted to know this answer. It was information Chancellor Vell would want to know.

“How many do you have?” His answer was not aggressive but turned the conversation back to Lila needing to supply the answer instead of him.

“We had about 1 million people on all our ships,” Lila answered his question without pause. “With that number we gained about a thousand or so more due to births over the month it took to travel from Vela Astria to here. Our main orbital ship has about 500,000 with the rest scattered among the other ships. The Chancellor has plans for your crew to tour our ship however he wanted to put your crew at ease by sending over our people first.”

“We tend to only transport civilians most of the time. Only our troops reside on our ships however don’t stress out. This is not most times and we currently have half our ships filled with civilians. That is normal when we have a pilgrimage. We don’t tend to live on our vessels. Its therapeutic for most races to enjoy nature regardless of where they hail from. Living too long without sunlight, trees, and weather patterns can increase tension, stress, and irritability.”

“Well we are not sole spacefarers that never go dirt side,” he finally supplied a response as he led her into the lounge called Aquatica. It was a rather unique establishment that gave the impression one was under water. The walls and ceiling held a vast array of aquatic life that was soothing. It also lacked the loud music most of the other establishments contained on the ship.

Lila was taken back by the space. She wondered if his choice of establishments for drinks was driven by her comment about nature or personal preference. The space was unlike anything she had seen so far on the ship. Reaching out, she touched the plant next to the hostess station. As she rolled the leaf between her fingertips, she found out it as real. This was not impossible. People kept plants to remind them of home and for aesthetics but it was in stark contrast to the sterile walls and military vessel feel of the ship out side this civilian section. Looking at the walls and ceiling, she witnessed several alien species of aquatic life floating around. It was at that moment she understood, they were essentially in a reverse fishbowl. As a large translucent creature moved past her, Lila was fascinated. It looked like a bubble underwater but pulsed and throbbed moving it gracefully across the walls. From the billowing top, long tentacles hung from it and moved slightly with the small ripples of the water in the creatures wake. It was beautiful and exotic.

“It is called a jellyfish. It is beautiful but those tentacles can cause anything from a painful sting to a deadly neurotoxin that will kill you before you get out of the water depending on the species.”

Lila moved up to the glass and ran her finger tips over the smooth surface as if trying to touch the creature. It was mesmerizing.

Rinker could use creativity to deliver a message also. “People like the rhythmic way they move… it can be soothing, if you forget the part where they can sting you to death.”

As the creature moved across the water, a few tentacles bushed up against the glass under her fingertips. Turning her head to the side, she contemplated his message. “Most things that are beautiful can be deadly in one way or another unless you know how to handle them correctly.” Removing her fingertips from the glass she gave Rinker a small half smile.

On some level people found power attractive. What is more powerful than control over life and death

The hostess looked at Rinker and his companion and then nodded to the back of the place. Instead of bellying up to the bar, Rinker took her to one of the small alcoves where one could get some semi-privacy. The place was comfortable more than cozy with two couches and a set of chairs one could choose to sit in. Rinker sat down into one of the chairs and unzipped the neck of his uniform low enough that it was still professional but no longer choking him. “What do you tend to drink? Cocktail, beer, or harder stuff,” he asked.

Heathcliff Rinker CMO

“Is there a limit as to how many we can have? Since I am a guest in the Federation, I suggest we start drinking and then I can tell you what I like?” Her tone has a slight flirtatiousness to it. It was not blatantly overt but not easily dismissible.

“No, not really, only in the sense I don’t think my boss or yours would like me escorting you back to your ship passed out. Whiskey and a margarita,” he ordered.

“Who says I need to go back to my ship? Am I boring you?” The question was rhetorical and she gave Rinker a look up and down as if debating an internal thought. “Let’s give our little out a bit more time before we make any rash decisions. Who knows you might not want to take me home in the pristine condition you found me.”

Rinker eyed her for a moment. If this was a psychological session he would have let the moment hang a little longer, but instead it was either a political or personal comment in either case he would be more circumspect. “Well to your first question unless you are seeking asylum I am sure at some point you will want to return to your ship.” The question was rhetorical and yet not out of the realm of possibilities. No matter how great or glorious a society was there were always those looking to leave it. Rinker left the question floating in the air but followed up with a second remark. He had put the notion into the universe to percolate. There was no need to pursue the topic in the next hour unless Lila deemed it. “To your second statement I do believe some temperance is in order as you also suggested.”

Most women he knew tended to like them and it would give him a sense of her tolerance. “Also Star-Fleet commonly uses a thing call synthahol, which intoxicating effects can be ‘willed’ away. So if you have things to do, or might suddenly be called on duty one can use that instead.”

“So no Bender backlash,” Lila said in a tone full of mirth. “Your civilization is full of surprises however I am not sure about this synthaol thing. Back home on my world we have a saying. Truth swims in a bottle. I have found the most honest answers come from those that imbibe too much and we both are here to find out some truths are we not?” Nodding a thank you to the waitress setting down the drinks, Lila picked up hers and gave it a sniff. It had a strong citrus smell but there were white crystals all along the edge. Sticking her tongue out she pressed it to the rim of the glass tasting something salty. There must have been a reason for it to be there so Lila took a sip of the drink letting the salty mix with the liquid. “Oh…oh that is good,” she said with an approving smile.

“We call it a hangover, but I am glad you approve,” Rinker lifted his drink in an impromptu toast. “Here we say in vino veritas. It is in an archaic tongue called Latin but means essentially the same thing.”

.Choosing the seat next to Rinker, she got comfortable in the chair but turned her body slightly so that she could face him. “So what do you do for a living Heathcliff,” she said his name as if they were long time friends and not new acquaintances.

Lila Horne

“I am a doctor by trade. ” He decided to leave out the ‘Mindseer’ part of his profession as it could be a problem. A profession that seems to be eliminated in the Galactic Union with your nanobots. What do you do Lila?” The use of his given name was surprising but not entirely unexpected. He also deftly avoided the psychological portion of his field.

Heathcliff Rinker CMO

Lila took another sip of her drink before settling back comfortably into her seat. His question was not unexpected but that did not mean it was going to be a simple answer. Her profession used vague responses and truth hidden in the murky fog of clever verbiage to lead an individual to a confession. This confession could be about guilt for a crime or to relieve a burden weighting them down. Lila’s instincts however said that Heathcliff Rinker did not appear to be the type of individual that accepted vague or half truths. When dealing with individuals one could seek approval or trust which were very different things. One could eventually earn someone’s approval but once trust was lost it was much harder to win back. Until this moment, she hadn’t given Rinker any reason to not trust her. More than anything Lila needed to gain and keep his trust versus his approval.

“I am a psychoanalyst. I evaluate and assess individual’s unconscious thoughts and emotions. Most people are hesitant to disclose the truth when asked hence the unconscious part. From that I ascertain patterns of behavior based on this information which I write a report and submit it to the adjudicators.” Her profession did not instill warm and comforting feelings with most of the people brought before her. She was not ashamed of what she did. It was vital to the security of the Union but it often was a barrier to establishing friendships with the general population.

Leaning in, Lila tried to create a sense of security between them. The space Rinker had chosen made such a heavy conversation feel less so even if it was just an illusion. The warmth of the fire and the soft seating invoked an aura of being isolated and private even though only some plants and a glass wall separated them from several dozen people eating and drinking on the other side of the partition. “My role is to ensure the Union remains safe and free from individuals bent on doing it harm.” She let her eyes scan over his face hoping to see some sort of reaction to what she shared. “While it sounds as if I am part of some secret police or cabal for the Union I assure you I am not.” Lila did not squirm or fidget in the silence between them. She wanted Rinker to take as much time as he might need to process what she shared. “The Adjudicators take the information from my reports and apply the relevant laws or regulations to make a fair and impartial decision concerning the outcome for that individual.” Instead of sipping her drink, Lila polished it off in several large swallows and signaled for another. “Truth swims in a bottle,” she repeated the phrase reclining back into her seat as she waited for a response from Rinker and another drink.

Lila Horne psychoanalyst

“I must admit I’m poorly informed about your Union. What would be the difference between what you do and what a Mindseer is?”

Lila instantly grew stiff and eyed him as if he just stated he was a psychopath serial killer and was about to take her out. “Based on your question I think you are far more informed about our Union than you profess.” Her tone indicated the topic was unnerving to her but Lila recovered quickly. “Mind seers are banned by our law and participate in mind seering has only one penalty which is death.” Picking up her drink, she took a large sip of it. “In fact even associating with a known Mind seer is punishable by death and or renditioning.” Lila felt a knot forming in her gut. If Rinker fit the profile, it could make things exceedingly messy. “A mind seer is someone who uses the principles of psycho analysist to encourage or nurture rebellious ideology.” Taking another sip of her drink, Lila felt the weight of the conversation consuming her. It also explained why the Adjudicators showed up on the hangar deck of the Redemption during the First Contact. Jessa was young and easily coereced by adults around her. She had mentioned this man directly in her SOS call from the Beacon of Light but spent far too much time concentrating on his profession as a doctor. If this man was a mind seer actions would need to be taken.

“I wouldn’t think me too informed. Much like a learner of a new language.. You learn the curses first.” He said in an innocent enough tone. “I only knew that it was like a psychologist, but unfavored.” He took a sip of his beverage.

She wore an expression of disdain hearing his response. It was a game of cat and mouse but this time, she was dealing with someone who knew the rules of the game and not someone trying to learn as they went. The issue was the Union needed something from this ship. If they didn’t, they would have blown through them like a hurricane against a loose leaf. “Cursing does reveal a multitude of emotions the body might be trying to hide. They are a double edged sword: they can sink you or come in very handy.”

“That may be true, but I also find someone who curses a lot doesn’t really have the knowledge to discuss topics competently without cursing.”

“Or they understand the topic too well and no other word admits defeat better than a single creative metaphor. Do you have a family” she asked. Her tone was rhetorical in nature. “Pure frustration can drive me to sputter a plethora of obscenities in my mind though. I rarely use base language out loud but internally, it gives me a false sense of control when dealing with the crazy from those genetically related to me.”

“I like a good F@&k every now and then, but I don’t think it means as much as you think it does.”

Lila was a bit of a conundrum. Her answers appeared to be forthright. Her mannerisms did not indicate she was attempting to lie or deceive him although she was essentially a trained psychotherapist. These skills were normally used to help a client move through stages of therapy through open and honest communication. These skills were also used by interrogators and those who were looking to force others to a predetermined conclusion. It was too early to tell if Lila was the former or latter. His instincts leaned towards Lila Horne being on the up and up.

Rinker took a moment to analyze her statements. “Nor am I well informed about the Union’s legal system. From Few details that were presented to me. it was rather Draconian and abrupt.” Taking another swig of his drink, Rinker found a hole in her explanation of her job. Maybe he was judging the beautiful book by its cover and not the ugly content in the pages.

“Mind clearing something up for me?” He set his glass on the table with a small clink of glass on glass.

“You said that the adjudicators use your reports to gain insight on the accused’s emotional state and subconscious tendencies. My understanding was that all crimes are processed on the spot. That adjudicators are judge and jury who proclaim innocence or enact punishments so unless you are paired with an adjudicator how does any of your reports come into play?”

Rinker CMO

“I…seek out those that,” Lila paused trying to find her words. It was the first time Lila was slightly hesitant in speaking. Looking down at her glass, she debated all the responses for Rinker. Honest was paramount with Rinker. She had a few tricks she could use to skirt the question but that would only create suspicion and doubt. It was critical that those emotions did not seep into this first meeting. Looking up from her glass, she had a look of concern shadowing her face. It took her a moment to look his directly in the eyes. “I seek out those that aim to cause harm to the Galactic Union. When I find them I submit their names for evaluation.” Finishing her drink, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small disk that was about three inches across and two inches thick. It was as black as obsidian and didn’t appear to have any buttons or switches on it.

“I have no reason to ask this but I need you to trust me.” Miri moved across the room and took a seat next to Rinker on the couch. Setting the device on the table she pressed her finger to the center of the disc. Immediately all back ground sounds in the restaurant were swallowed up. The silence was unsettling. It was as if they were sitting in a sensory deprivation tank with each sound, even the exhalation of their breath pulled in towards the device.

“This is a noise cancelling bubble. It gives us total privacy. I could not risk anyone overhearing my next set of questions. I do have several of my crew roaming about your ship and I have no doubt your ship is monitoring those interactions.” Leaning back into the arm of the couch, Lila steadied herself. She didn’t want to hear his answer but some questions needed one. “Are you a mind seer and what was your connection to Patron Novar?”

Miri Vane

“I’m certain they are, but not in the way you think. Ships have an extensive security system that includes visual and auditory recording. No one looks at it unless we learn that a crime has been committed. So we have pretty good privacy and security. There are always those who may abuse that security, but that is a crime as well. So using any information gain would fine you in prison.”

“I am more concerned about the information being given and you don’t want to your foreign policy to be known as tell the truth and be thrown in jail now do you? That would be quite Union of you.” Lila left another nugget floating in the air. It was calculated and intentional. This crew was acting as if they were meeting for the first time in their actions and hospitality but the truth was they had met the Galactic Union before. The fleets arrival was precipitated by the encounter of four Elders with only one still present.

“Your use of that device will be noticed sooner or later.” Rinker wanted her to get to the point quickly more so to put pressure on her so she couldn’t carefully formulate her statements.

“I am quite sure both of our security forces detected its use the moment it is employed. You have no loyalty to me or regulation to withhold the contents of the conversation we are about to have from your own people.” Lila was confident in her tone and actions. She was also highly selective in her word choice. Lila wasn’t a traitor to her own people: Like all governments there were flaws. As she verbally stated, Rinker had no loyalty or duty to answer her questions. She did though carefully leave out any mention of her withholding the contents of the conversation to her own people. She hoped the man was smart enough to infer that maybe she did have a personal reason to use the conversational cloaker.

Unlike Rinker, Lila had to be careful with her words. Lying was all about believing what one said was truthful in a gross sense. By choosing the correct words, her answers during debriefing would at least have plausible deniability in being truthful.

Rinker

“Three of our Elders and one Patron arrived in your galaxy about five weeks ago. We knew the general direction they were headed but not the exact course. That came from a distress beacon from one of our ships called the Beacon of Light. The distress beacon also contained a data burst which named several of your crew as friends and allies. That message was entirely unconventional and was from Patron Novar. So,” she leveled her gaze at Rinker, studying him for every scrap of information she could read in his words and body language.

“Well that’s nice. We do try to be welcoming, there is a human saying, ‘that you never get a second chance at making a first impression.’ That being said, I’ve had a lot of experiences where my first thoughts were wrong.” That wasn’t really true, Rinker tried very hard not to make quick decision about a person. Strange he thought that he was more willing to make a quick decision about countries and Empires.

“The politicians and bureaucrats can deal with all of that but Chancellor Vell sent me to talk to you with a very specific purpose. I need to know exactly what happened in your interactions with Patron Novar.”

“And your people think I have more information on Patron Novar than the others… further they think you are the one to get this information from me.” Rinker did find her attractive but if they thought a pretty face was going to make Rinker loose lipped, they had really underestimated him.

“I am the one hoping you will share your insights with me. This is a more personal request for information than formal one. We know you spent time with her because she called you and several other crew out by name. Jessa is a child and lacks the formality when speaking as you or I might.”

“So each of the named persons have a personal interview with someone.”

Her causal and relaxed posture changed abruptly. “I don’t think you do truly understand our laws and way of life. If Jessa has been deemed irrevocably contaminated by the ideologies of a mind seer, she will be subjected to our laws. This means she will have to go before an Adjudicator. They will find her guilty and send her to the Altar of Cleansing. She will be cleansed of this crime and her sins by fire. I need to know what she told you about us and how you worked to change her ideology because we both know you are a mind seer.” There was a desperation and urgency to her voice but not malice. The Adjudicators were already sniffing around as demonstrated by their presence in the hangar. Pellan and Vyce were holding the off the best they could, but time was of the essence. Their ultimate mission to find the PRISM which brought the Elders here in the first place but justice would not stop for anyone.

Lila Horne

“Well, that does support the theory that your laws are… rigid. It does sound that Federation laws allow for a little more independent expression. But how the Galactic Union enforces its laws, in its space, is its business.” that relatively benign stated included his actual message which was they were not in the Galactic Union

Rinker

“Precisely,” her tone was more urgent and tinged with frustration. “She is our citizen and subject to our laws. Patron Novar was ill prepared for the mission she embarked on but at twelve she is held under adult laws and consequences. Think about that.” Rinker was not going to suddenly explode into fiery rhetoric or break down into a well of emotions. Lila needed to give him time understand the stakes. Reaching forward, she held her finger over the button to control the device. Lila made eye contact silently demonstrating how to control it. If Rinker chose to give them utter silence, she wanted him to know how to do so. After a long second or two, she deactivated the sound dampening device allowing every word to be monitored by both parties.

“So tell me Heathcliff, what is one personal fact about you that has nothing to do with the politics of this situation. We are supposed to be getting to know each other and I am not a politician nor are you. You don’t seem the type.” She leaned back relaxing into the soft cushions but not move back across the space maintaining the close proximation. “I’ll go first. When I was in school as a child I was all in on the musical theater for extra curricular activities.” She did a small seat dance where she bounced slightly on the cushion and did a shift of her elbows side to side before raising her arms over her head and bringing them down in an arch motion. Her face bore the overly large, overly exaggerated smile one wore when on stage.

Lila Horne

Rinker actually was a ballroom dancer, well, that was an exaggeration. He took 5 years of ballroom dance when he was in high school. So he had a number of skills. But he didn’t want to seem repetitive, he would keep that one in his pocket. “I can tie about 30 different types of knots. I actually practice a number of the twists and loops with a practice rope in my office.”

Rinker