Posted by Noril Zoi (Captain) in Demanding my Due

Posted by Vashkilu (Infiltrator) in Demanding my Due

Posted by Noril Zoi (Captain) in Demanding my Due

(snip)

She was quite good at sensing emotions and interpreting their source. She grinned cheekily. She focused her thoughts clearly, but the transmission was like an old radio with static. For her first attempt it was quite good. Your suite of rooms. As for trust, do not mistake hospitality for trust. I will be loyal and follow orders until you give me reason not to. I will do my best to earn your trust, and I will give you the opportunity to do the same if you wish.

She led them through the large mansion to the last floor before the top. There was wealth, but it wasn’t ostentatious. Fine craftsmanship was everywhere. She stopped at double doors and produced a key, from who knows where, and opened the double doors.

It will happen if you are to succeed on our ship. That one was definitively Sisnil. A crew like ours cannot run without trust.

She bowed her head in respect and acceptance, respect and understanding rolling off of her.

They swung inward to a large living area. There were multiple doors throughout. Bathrooms, bedrooms, studies, a large balcaony that over looked a grand garden. This suite is intended for the first born married son of the Master. My father has only one child, and I am not a boy. I thought you would prefer to be together. If you would rather seperate suites I will arrange it. She turned toward the hall and pointed halfway down. My rooms. Or I will stay with you if you prefer. However if you wish to make a midnight visit, prearrange it. My rooms are exceptionally well protected, and I do not take well to surprises. If surprising me is your thing, I will accommodate if I have notice.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Sisnil and Noril glanced at each other. We are always together, so thank you. But we would rather know what you prefer? Sisnil asked her. Noril was looking at her with one of his intense looks.

~ N, Captain

They were so incredibly considerate it was adorable. The quieter one, though, seemed eager for her answer. Not that the other wasn’t curious, but it was slightly different. Vashkilu held out her arms and shrugged as she stepped further into the room. She turned in the middle. There was pride and fierce regret. These should have been her rooms. She should have ruled at her father’s side. She had bought her freedom many times. If she had not been half Deltan she would have purchased her independence 3-fold by now. It is a novelty to meet my new masters before I am taken away. I am not opposed to staying with either of you, or both. She grinned. But you do not trust me.

You will earn your place on my ship, Sisnil said. You won’t be free in the Syndicate’s eyes, but in ours, you are the same as we are.

She smiled and shrugged. I know. I will earn my place and I will serve you well.

In a swirl of fabric strips she spun and lowered herself to the oppulantly cushioned floor. You have worked with my father many times, but you do not know his essence, and we have never met. I am happily willing to be scrutinized, tested, or anything else so that you are confident in taking me. Anything you want to know, I will tell you, BUT I will not betray my father. I am half Deltan, but I carry the Orion genes that make me unable to protect against other telepathy. Even so, I believe you are capable of determining if I speak truth or lies.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Words will not earn my trust. Besides, I already know all I need to from the minds of the Orions around us. They have no mental defenses. They read so easily, I almost can’t prevent myself from doing it. Sisnil said.

I did not mean to imply they would. My apology for any offense, she thought honestly. He would be tough to please.

Noril nodded. We can tell truth from lies as easily as you can manipulate emotions with your Deltan blood. But like my brother said, we’re not interested in that. He smiled. If you are comfortable staying with us, we have no problem with that. Sisnil and I have a dual defense system. If either one of us sense something, we alert the other instantly. You are one girl. You are not a threat to us.

~ N, Captain

Vashkilu laughed. Which caused a coughing fit and pain. She waved them off. Those egos! Delightful! I will need to make sure to pack my weapons. You will need a body guard. She was outright teasing them, flirting even.

Sisnil gripped her gently and patted her back. Be careful. I’m sure your father wouldn’t like us causing you to hurt.

She touched his hand briefly in thanks and then waved him off, amused over her father. He would not blame them. He knew how stubborn she was.

Noril smiled. Pack your weapons, yes. He shared a humorous glance with Sisnil. A bodyguard? Perhaps we will test your abilities when you’re healed.

She gave him a haughty look, but it was tempered by a long appreciative glance of them both. I don’t need my voice for that. Test away. Unless you want me to sing, she winked at Noril.

I don’t know, Noril said, Can you sing? He looked at her with an intense, questioning stare.

Vash smiled softly, her chin raising slightly. I have a lovely voice. I play five instruments as well.

Curiosity filled her. Not interested? Do you not want to know how I can serve you and your crew? Why my father is giving me to you? I do not believe that information will give me your trust, but you are not curious at all?

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Noril shrugged. Your father’s mind already told us you and he made some sort of deal, that you want to come. To be free of your father’s shadow. Your abilities are for us to see.

~ N, Captain

She shook her head. That is what he thinks because that is what he would do. She waved around the large room. It is beautiful. Years of working, my father put into it. He dotes on me, spoils me, but he has only foresight for his business. The doctor is right. I have very little value outside of what I take for myself. I will not marry well, I will never buy my independence, I will never own myself. When he dies, I will be auctioned if his second does not wish to keep me. I must make my wealth so I can buy and bribe a safe retirement for myself before he dies.

I have known this since I was old enough to help carry napkins to dinner guests. I have worked hard over and over, so that I will not fall to a cruel and sadistic master later. There is no life for me here.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Then that is what we offer you. A chance to earn money, learn new skills. Make a life for yourself. Plan your retirement, Sisnil said.

~ N, Captain

I will take it, she thought fiercely. I will serve you well. I will learn anything you teach me. I will be of benefit to your ship. It wasn’t boasting, it was determination. Vash would do those things because she would not allow herself to fail. Yours is not the first ship I will have served aboard.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator