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
Posted by… suppressed (86) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
I’m worried that you are. But I shouldn’t be, I can sense that you are not. Noril shrugged. It doesn’t make sense.

~ N, Captain

Vash had a quick mind. It had made her invaluable on Hattal’s ship. A difference in cultures. It is making you uncomfortable, your concern for me. It was sweet.

I can only reassure you that I am fine. She considered a moment. Perhaps you would let me demonstrate some of my skills? I could ease the strain for you. Of watching out for yourself and Sisnil.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Noril hesitated. Sisnil wouldn’t approve. But there was no sense of anything malicious in Vash. She truly just wanted to help. He nodded. Okay. Go ahead.

~ N, Captain

Vash shifted something she was sitting at the edge of the tub, her feet in the water, facing him more fully. Tell me to stop if it feels off. I haven’t done this with another telepath since my tutor left. She reached out her other hand and hesitated before her finger tips touched him.

He could feel how she was concentrating and centering. Her mind was refreshingly open. He could hear her thoughts run through every lesson she had had, every time she had done this since and why. She wanted to help him, and prove herself.

Then her finger tips touched his temple. There was a slow seeping warmth and light. Then stamina filled him. It didn’t make his gifts stronger, but he felt as if he could manage to guard them both for hours if not days on his own. His perceptions and senses didn’t change, except perhaps being more aware of Vash for the first few seconds as she balanced her way through it.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

It was a very innocent touch but the gentleness and the chemistry between them made it sensual in a way that made Noril a little uncomfortable just because of her age. Suddenly he felt more alert, it was easier to keep track. As if she’d just added a bunch of ‘memory’ to his brain, to use a technological metaphor. He seemed to relax a little. Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it.

~ N, Captain

Are you sure? She sifted as if nervous. She was feeling his discomfort. You feel uneasy. Other Deltans can break contact, but I can’t if you want me to continue.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

It’s not that. It’s… I have… Uhm, feelings. And you’re… Quite a lot younger than me, he admitted.

~ N, Captain

He felt her surprise. Oh. Is that taboo in your culture? The Orion culture had strict rules about the type of work children could do, but Vas was an adult. I promise I am not manipulating your feelings.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

I sense your sincerity. It’s so clear… Noril looked at her. Our connection is stronger than I’m used to. Only Sisnil and I have this strong of an empathic link. He smiled and brush a hand down her arm. Yes. Like humans, we view sixteen year olds as children. To be with somebody your age when I’m in my twenties is… not AS taboo as humans think it is, but not really acceptable either.

~ N, Captain

Goosebumps chased down her arm where his hand had been. I understand. It was more that Vash understood it was a cultural thing and acknowledged that. Is this type of clarity unusual? She had no idea, she thought perhaps it was the strength of his talents.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Yes, Noril replied. My talents mean I can always sense the emotions of everyone around me, but to feel them so deeply is unusual. He explained. He smiled. I… I want you to know it’s nothing to do with you specifically. There was a small blush, a sense of embarrassment accompanying it.

~ N, Captain

I’ve never felt anything or anyone quite so…intensely as this. It is really astonishing. Her eyes twinkle at his slight blush. It’s alright, you don’t need to explain. I’m not offended.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

It’s because of my abilities, Noril said. When you commune with a telepath, it’s easier than a non telepath. Especially Orions, who possess exactly zero empathic or telepathic ability.

~ N, Captain

I’ve never heard thoughts before. I can usually figure out why someone feels the way they do, but it’s not perfect. It’s not, Vash stared at him thoughtfully, like this at all.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Noril smiled. Telepathy is different, for sure. If I were to only feel the emotions, to me it would feel like being deaf, like I could read the body language but not hear the words.

~ N, Captain

I would feel the same if I lost my empathy. It has saved me more than once. Vash had an iron will, that was clear, but there was a wavering in the connection. She rarely used her gifts for prolonged stretches, but more significantly she was still injured after an almost lethal encounter.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

There was a rush of concern and care. Are you okay? Rest, Vash. Please. You’re still hurt. Noril said. He patted the edge of the tub. Sit. Let me take on the majority of maintaining the connection.

~ N, Captain

I’m alright. She was stubborn and had a chip on her shoulder. Vash shifted to sit more comfortably. You can’t maintain this for me, she wiggled her fingertips gently at his temple, I have to. To help relieve the strain she had to keep the connection and her concentration. I don’t give in to injury. It’s a death sentence here.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

You will rest, Noril said with authority. You’re no use if you don’t heal. The irony of a Zoi brother saying so was palpable, not that Vash would know that yet. You could stop trying to help me maintain my abilities. That would be easier on you.

~ N, Captain

Ah so he did carry authority. He was quiet, letting Sisnil take the lead, but he was equally capable. He was her new master, so she should obey even though they said it wouldn’t be like that. She was mischievous though. And she had a smile that made you want to let her be that way. You requested that I continue, now you request that I rest. I cannot do both, Noril.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Noril eyed her playfully. I like it. But I requested you continue before I felt the connection waver. Felt your pain. Now I know you need rest.

~ N, Captain

She grinned wider. She liked the way he was looking at her. The playful tone to his emotions. I was asleep in the medical ward. That was rest. A bubble of emotion floated up quickly and the. Was hidden behind playfulness. Noril caught it though. She didn’t want to break the tele-empathic connection. It was too new and amazing. She’d never had that, never come close to experiencing it. She didn’t want to give it up. I just have never held a connection for more than a few moments. My stamina will get better.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

It will. Doesn’t mean you need to exhaust yourself. Noril looked at her and smiled. You’re coming with us. There will be a lot of time to practice.

~ N, Captain

Alright, she said it as if she was giving in even though she didn’t think she needed to. I don’t know how it will affect you when I break the connection. Whatever I do, ends as soon as I let go.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

You ever carry something heavy with someone and have them drop their end? It’ll be something like that. Noril smiled again. “I’m ready.*

~ N, Captain

It wasn’t delicate at all, though he could tell she wanted to be. She pulled her hand back from his temple and then let go of his hand.

Exhaustion hit her and made her momentarily light-headed. She stayed where she was, on the edge of the tub. She watched him closely to make sure she hadn’t hurt him.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

It wasn’t delicate at all. It was like he was standing on a ladder except the legs broke and sent him crashing to the ground. His head started pounding and he couldn’t focus at all. The sudden change woke and alarmed Sisnil. What happened? His voice reached both of them.

~ N, Captain

He sounded so stern, demanding, menacing. His voice came through so easily from across the suite. He had been asleep. It scared Vash, and she looked at Noril. She couldn’t reach Sisnil from in here. She would have to go to him. She rose and turned to leave the room.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Noril reached to brush her arm, his hand coming out of the water making splashing noises. “Vash, it’s okay. He won’t be angry, he’s just worried,” he called after her.

Sisnil looked at Vash as she entered. Judging by the floor, he’d gotten out and then back in. It was soaked. “Vash. You didn’t have to come here.”

~ N, Captain

Vash walked over and knelt beside him she offered her hand to him. I can’t explain so far away.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Trusting her based on Noril’s word, he took her hand. Noril’s given me the quick rundown version. I’m not upset with you.

~ N, Captain

She was very careful not to project anything other than her thoughts. You asked for an explanation. Noril was showing me how touch helps my telepathy. I could tell he was struggling to handle everything and he was also tired. I offered to help him. He said I could, but after awhile he made me stop because I’m injured. But my gifts don’t linger after I break contact.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

The sudden mental strain hurt him, Sisnil said gently. I woke to his pain, worried something was wrong. I didn’t mean to upset you.

~ N, Captain

I know. I am very sorry for that. The remorse in her was too great to be anything other than sincere. I warned him. I wanted to continue until he was more rested, but he insisted.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

He was trying to protect you. You’re crew now, Vash. Either of us would give our lives for you. Sisnil said. He squeezed her hand. You like it. The intensity the physical contact gives you.

~ N, Captain

Vash respected the sentiment, but didn’t think such extremes were necessary. Theirs was a dangerous life, but dying for her seemed extreme. However. The statement gave her great insight into their personalities and the foundation of the people she would be living with. They were family and loyal.

She nodded at his statement. She wasn’t surprised that he realized it, but it was quite different having Sisnil see into her so deeply than Noril. Interesting. Yes, I do. It makes this, she waved a finger between his head and hers, easier. I told Noril, the only tele-empathic person I ever met was my tutor. There has been no one to connect with.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Sisnil gave her a calculating look, like he was staring straight into her soul. Noril told you we’d train you. He is right, we will. It’ll be easier for you when you’re healed. He smiled slightly, You like him, don’t you?

~ N, Captain

I think I am going to like you both, very much. It was true, but a diplomatic answer. Yes, I do. He is quiet but quite deadly. He’s understanding and quite observant.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

That’s his thing. He’s as good with technology as I am, but not as good with people. He’s better at technical stuff, strategy and things. I’m better with people and on the spot thinking. It’s why we form such a good team.

~ N, Captain

Teams work best that way. Variety ensures that you have more pools of experience to pull from in any given situation. If you are wise enough to listen. There were other things she liked about Noril, and both the twins probably knew it too. He thinks he isn’t leader enough, but I believe he will surprise himself.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

He will do fine. Sisnil shrugged, I don’t see a time he’ll have to worry about it though.

~ N, Captain

Hope is a dangerous thing. It is Powerful, but relying on it to prevent the unthinkable leads to folly, Vash thought daringly.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Sisnil glanced at her, somewhat surprised. She could tell through their link he wasn’t at all offended or affronted, just surprised by her wisdom. Maybe I’ll make him lead more often, then.

~ N, Captain

Wisdom hard learned from life, she thought with a wealth of hard memories tinging the emoathic taste of her thoughts. You have to take a break some time. You are protective of him. You trust him completely, but you put yourself as the target, the focus, to protect him. You care for them all, but who cares for you?

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

You, apparently, he teased, but it was light-hearted. He shrugged. Noril does.

~ N, Captain

If that is how I can best serve you, then I will use all my considerable talent and training to do so. It was a serious tease. He does. You are both very close, but you hide the strain on yourself from him. I can feel it.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

He shrugged again. We are the same age but he’s ‘younger’, if you know what I mean. I will always protect him the way anyone protects a younger sibling. Even if it is by minutes.

~ N, Captain

Sisnil was amusing. She wasn’t sure he realized that Noril protected him just as much. He eas more subtle about it. She liked Sisnil, he had a good compass inside him. His words caused her to laugh, and then she began to cough which only made the pain worse.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Sisnil stood from the water and rubbed her back gently. Try to relax and breathe. Go get some water to drink or something. You can have that, can’t you?

~ N, Captain

Vash shook her head, taking deep breaths to ease stop the coughing. No swallowing, no talking. No use of any muscles in that area. According to the doctor. I may try a small sip of water though. She looked up at him with a grateful smile. I will be fine. Vash stood as well, admiring the man in front of her. Similar but very different from his brother. Letting go of his hand she turned and retrieved a towel from the cabinet. It was warm and made of a very plush soft cotton like matterial. She handed it to him.

He wrapped himself in the towel and stepped out. Thanks. And uh, sorry.

Vash took a few quick steps forward and touched his arm, Why? Her touch conveyed her confusion and curiosity. She had no idea why he was apologizing.

The brothers would sense a pair of people coming towards the suite. A slave with only a goal of delivering the clothes requested and a loyal guard Lieutenant in Mezerc’s house. He was looking for Vash and a fight.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Sisnil stopped cold, as if struck by something. His expression turned serious. “I’ll get the door. You will stay here.” There was his captain voice. This was the first time Vash would hear it. She heard the door to the bathroom Noril was in open as well. Noril took his place deeper in the room with sight to the door, keeping Vash behind him. Sisnil went to the door and waited for the knock.

~ N, Captain

Vash stayed, which wasn’t like her. The instant and deadly change in Sisnil demanded obedience, and she recognized it. Something was wrong, though she had no idea what.

From where she was she could see as Noril came out and then put himself between her and the door. The change in him was more striking. It was fascinating. They were protecting her. Vash lived in a world that was constantly dangerous, and she was used to relying only on herself for security. But she felt safe with them watching.

A loud reverberating knock rattled the door. Vash edged around so she could see, but Noril blocked her view.

When the door opened a large Orion male stood there. He was built, armed, and his gaze took in everything in a flicker of a second. He wasn’t happy with what he saw or didn’t see.

Beside him was a young girl, maybe 8, holding a stack of clothes. She didn’t expect to see Sisnil and she hesitated. It wasn’t his towel inly dress, but he wasn’t Vash that threw her. The man with her looked down and gently placed a hand on her back, encouraging her forward. “Umm, Lady Vashkilu requested these delivered here.” She had expected to give them to Vash. Her eyes darted about hoping to see her. The girl liked Vash, thought of her as a sort of favorite aunt. Remembering her duty, she held them up for Sisnil. “These are for you. Would you like me to hang them, Favored son of Mezerc?”

The guard didn’t particularly like that title though it was correct. His face remained disciplined and neutral though.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Sisnil turned a friendly expression towards the girl. He took the clothes. “No thanks. I’m putting them on now, anyway.” He said. He stared down the man as he went to close the door.

~ N, Captain

The girl handed him the clothes and bowed respectfully. She bit her lip nervously. She wanted to make sure Lady Vashkilu knew she had done a good job. “My name is Lira. It is an honor to serve the honored sons of Mezerc.” She bowed again and then hurried off.

The guard looked at the pathetic little man, holding his hand up to prevent the door closure without so much as a twitch on his face as he did. “Not so fast, ‘Favored Son’ I want to look at you” he said, his voice sharp on the first consonants and hanging on the word’s end as he maintained the neutral tone. He wasn’t just a guard, he was now the Second and the man who was deserving of both the title, and the woman.

~Jaiturk, PIT~

Vash didn’t need to see the man or the girl. She knew both their voices. The girl, Lira, was sweet and eager to learn and work hard. She had a solid future with her work ethic. Vash liked her and took the time to mentor her.

The man was Domov. Vash knew him well enough. He was loyal and had a way with working with others. He wasn’t as shrewd in business as her father’s Lt had been. He also had a need to constantly prove himself. His life had been hard. A younger unwanted son in a family with no wealth or respect. He had worked himself up from nothing to buy a place in her father’s house.

If her father was wise, he would choose Domov as his new Lt. Vash had no idea why he was there though. She couldn’t sense their emotions, she had to be in close proximity.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

“Domov,” Sisnil said, picking the name out of Vash’s mind. “You want to be chosen as the new lieutenant, no?” Orions were so easy to read. “Do you think picking fights with your boss’s honored guests will help you earn that title?” He raised his arms, “So look, and then get.”

Noril, still standing defensively near Vash, said telepathically, Lira wanted you to see she’d done a good job. Tell her she was perfect.

~ N, Captain

Lira is a good child. She’s smart and hungry for knowledge. She is a brilliant weaver. Her tapestries and fabrics are already highly desired. Her parents bought her a position here so she could learn business from him. She is finishing her basic education and then will receive advanced tutoring. Vash thought.

Domov eyed the man and didn’t so much as give a flicker of motion in his face besides his eyes. There was an anger, a hatred, these two went from mere pilots to honored guests for what? Revealing one secret?

He lowered his hand from the door and stood blocking the room’s only exit. He looked at Lira and nodded, “You’ve done well, I’ll report perfect marks. Now. I want you to go before anything happens.” He said, not knowing of the telepathic conversation.

Before anything happens, by the gods, what was Domov up to. He had best not start a fight. Her hand twitched down to her waist where she had a small weapon hidden. Idiot.

He had always had a soft spot for the young, for the children. If it were any other circumstance he would be fighting for them, but alas, it wasn’t.

“You speak diplomatically, and forthrightly. But can you protect her? Can you keep her truly safe?” He said, stepping in with an attitude of determination.

~Jaiturk, PIT~

Her? Not Lira. Lira wasn’t going anywhere… A mental sound of derision was clearly heard. What is he playing at!

“Without a doubt.” Sisnil didn’t move from the door, to step in, Domov would have to push him. “Not that my arrangements with Mezerc are any of your concern.”

~ N, Captain

Domov hadn’t seen her yet. Noril was keeping her well concealed. I’ll talk to him. This is unacceptable behavior, Vash made to go around Noril. I’ll deal with it, and then inform my father.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

No, you will not. You will stay. Noril replied, moving to block her path.

There was a sharp flare of outrage. How dare he tell her where she could and could not go? (He owned her now, he could very well tell her where she could and could not go.
She would listen even if she thought differently.) Then it was smothered by admiration and surprise. The command in his tone rivalled Sisnil with ease. Vash thought it was hot. She leaned back against the wall and just stared at Noril’s back, taking in every inch of him.

Was this the fight that Domov wanted to have? As the situation grew more tense he thought about what he could gain from this situation, moreso, what he could lose. The man was no idiot, maybe bull headed, but he wasn’t going to ruin his chances at success over the boss’s half breed daughter and his ‘honored guests’. He nodded and held his hands open, palms up, a sign of respect and disarming as he spoke, “It is none of my concern, the simple well being of one such as Vashkilu has always been entrusted to the best of his men, those with whom he has spilled blood, spilled wine, or spilled reason. No matter which of the three camps you fall into, you have been trusted.” He said taking a step backwards before closing his eyes and bowing slightly, “To you honored guest, I wish your stay comfortable, and the accomidations to your liking.” And with that, he turned to leave, hoping he had given enough grace to save his skin with the boss.

~Jaiturk, PIT~

Without a word, Sisnil closed and locked the door. He turned to Vashkilu, “A friend of your father’s? His control over his house leaves much to be desired.”

~ N, Captain

Vash shrugged. I’ve never known him to act like that. He’s a hard worker, loyal if a bit hard headed. I’m not sure what he thought he was doing. She didn’t particularly like the slight against her father, but she couldn’t argue against the observation either.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

He’s entitled. Resents us for getting you and being honoured. Sisnil told her. I don’t think he’s as loyal as you think he is. I wouldn’t trust him.

~ N, Captain

That made no sense. Domov had never shown any interest in her at all. Not even her subtle Deltan senses ever picked up such a thing. Granted she never spent a lot of time around him, and when she did she was focused on her father’s guests. But upset over them being honoured? That was ridiculous because it was a common Orion practice. Vash shrugged again. Such vying is common on Orion. It would make sense for him to gain your favor instead. Perhaps he is upset he didn’t know enough to warn my father. Such information is very valuable.

She took the second set of clothes and held them out to Noril. Lira also brought cards. Or would either of you prefer something different? She was asking both, but she was watching Noril.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Noril and Sisnil were utterly sure of themselves. He was jealous of us. Thought warning him of his lieutenant shouldn’t get us the benefits it did. He’s not trustworthy. Noril said.

Well that is his problem, not yours. Domov grew up with nothing and was unwanted by his family. Becoming the new Lt is not something he could ever aspire to. It is a position he will have to fight ruthlessly to keep. It was all very normal to Vash.

They nodded, Cards are fun. You play a lot of cards in space.

~ N, Captain

What else do you do in space? The question was genuine but there was a slight suggestive overtone to it.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Stakes makes it interesting, Sisnil said, Noril likes casual play, but I think we should play with stakes to get a feel for each other’s.. acceptable risk levels, he said and grinned. Noril shrugged, Sounds good to me.

~ N, Captain

‘Acceptable risk levels’. Vash grinned, what an interesting way to put it. She finished shuffling and set the deck in front of Sisnil to cut. Name the stakes, gentlemen.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Sisnil cut the deck for her. Take over Noril’s ship chores, for a week. We’ll work it out when we cut you into the schedule. He grinned. No crew member is free of boring work.

~ N, Captain

So Noril gets a week off if he wins. They could feel her mind humming as she thought. Well I have no specific duties to get out of. She quickly picked up the cards and dealt. So if I win I will… get a kiss from each of you. And none of that wishy washy, brotherly/uncle stuff. A serious kiss. She was enjoying the idea of their shock and teasing Noril, but she actually had a very valid reason. She was a trained Orion Courtesan. No one would believe that they did not make use of her services. If someone were to watch them or ask, she needed to have enough insight to play the part and so did they.

And what will you have Sisnil?

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Come on, Vash, really? Noril complained. Not that… You know, that’s… A problem. He added quickly.

She gave him a very serious look, but her mind was underlaid with mischief. Yes, really. I’m a fully trained Courtesan, and well known because of my mixed heritage. People are curious. Even without my mixed heritage, people will never believe that you do not partake. We should have some idea of how to act around each other.

We should act… like crew mates. Noril said, not understanding. Sisnil elbowed him. Noril shrugged.

It was clear Noril was confused. She started to explain it in more specific detail, but thought better of it. He’d find out the first time someone saw her on their ship. Sisnil seemed to get it though.

Sisnsil laughed, Are you kidding, a break from Noril’s terrible cooking IS my reward.

~ N, Captain

Vash sat up, a wave of eagerness came off of her. You cook on board, not just replicators? You have a working kitchen? Orion ships did because feasting and indulging were considered necessities, but she knew not all ships did. I love to cook. I will take over cooking. I will cook for you while you are here, so you know it’s an excellent idea.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Oh thank the gods, Noril said. That is a duty I will never miss.

~ N, Captain

Vashkilu laughed, amused and delighted. It quickly changed to a grimace of pain and a cough. The cough only brought more pain, but she couldn’t stop coughing because of it. It was an uncomfortable little cycle.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Noril moved to her side and patted her back. “Come on. It’ll stop soon.” He said, speaking aloud but quietly.

~ N, Captain

Vash held up a hand, palm out, to reassure him. She was more annoyed and angry than worried about it. There was no reason for her to have been injured except her father’s machinations and games. If they had a doctor on their ship they could leave now for all she cared. She loved her father, but…

The cough subsided with some self control. She reached for a glass stoppered bottle and poured a very miniscule amount of water into a cup. She sipped it, but didn’t swallow. Instead she let the water absorb and slowly make its way down her throat. She patted Noril’s hand. I’m fine, really. Let’s play.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Noril smiled and returned to his seat. Deal the cards, then, Vash, he said, pointing to the deck.

~ N, Captain

Vash picked up the deck and quickly dealt. She paused and looked at them shrewdly before picking up her cards. The moment she looked they would know what she had. She could play blindly.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Noril grinned at her. “We can pinky-promise not to ‘look’ mentally.” He said.

~ N, Captain

Vash gave him a curious look. Were pinkies sacred in their society? How interesting. How gentlemanly of you, especially considering my Deltan half failed to give me the ability to shield my thoughts. She did however allow her thoughts to wander over her opinion of their physical attributes.

She picked up her cards and glanced over them.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

No, they aren’t, Sisnil admitted, We just thought it was funny. Children pinky swear to each other.

It is a very serious thing then. How does one pinky swear?

Noril grinned and held out his hand in a fist, with only the pinky extended. Do this and wrap your pinky around mine, then shake like a hand shake.

Vash set her cards face down and held out a fist to each of them, with her pinkies extended. She was highly amused in a delighted way by the whole thing. They were fun.

Your thoughts are a little harder to read than other orions, Noril told her. A little, that is, he said with a bright flush. Vash’s opinions were.... Very flattering.

~ N, Captain

Vash was fascinated by the differences between them. Noril was more modest, with a quiet unboastful confidence. Sisnil wasn’t boastful, but he was more obviously confident. He was less easily embarrassed. A little harder is something I suppose. She grinned at Sisnil at Noril’s flush.

New cards?

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

It’s how we were able to tell you were not fully Orion, Noril said. Sisnil traded out some cards, Noril held his.

~ N, Captain

Hmmm she may have to work on that. How to conceal she was only half Orion. Her Deltan abilities were an advantage that people didn’t account for. It would be a shame to lose that to other telepaths.

Vash studied her cards and took 1.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

We can help train you, Noril said. I will teach you to protect your thoughts. A trip to the Deltan home world wouldn’t be a bad idea either. Learn about your abilities.

~ N, Captain

Vash shook her head. That is not possible. My father tried to send me, thinking it would be good for me. The Deltan government insisted I didn’t exist. That Deltans can not mate with other species, much less procreate with them. He finally found my tutor who was willing to go against the government and come here to teach me. She shrugged. She was at best only half a person depending on which culture she ascribed to. It was just how things were. I am eager to learn more from you.

She waved at their cards, Time to show your hand.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Sisnil chuckled, Did I mention the Deltan government? He asked, giving her a look. *We’re PIRATES, Vash, I don’t give a rat’s ass what the Deltan government thinks of you.” Both brothers put down their hands. Sisnil had a full house, Noril, a two pair.

~ N, Captain

She started to laugh, but caught herself. So is my father. The problem is because the government doesn’t, no one on Delta is willing. The woman, Umia, was from Veloz Prime. A still exsisting Maquis colony.

Vash laid out her cards. Also a full house - sevens and jacks.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Vash’s sevens and jacks beat Sisnil’s twos and eights. Sisnil grinned and shrugged. He looked at her, Don’t underestimate our ability to find things. There’s a reason the Syndicate wanted us.

~ N, Captain

Vash grinned, scooped the cards. Of course there was. They always have a reason. I’m sure I’ll learn that in time. But there is no need to go to all that trouble for me. I have no desire to see Delta. She handed the deck to Noril. Your deal.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Noril shuffled the deck, then handed it back to cut. It’s not fair if Sisnil does it, really, he said. Sisnil shrugged again, I’d still rather go, but it won’t be a priority.

~ N, Captain

She reached forward, stretching slightly, cut the deck and handed it back to him. I will do whatever you wish, Captain. She bowed her head respectfully.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

We’re not your slave masters, you don’t have to do that, Sisnil said. He smiled though as Noril dealt the cards. Look at your hand, I promise we won’t cheat. I think Noril might be looking forward to that kiss. He said and elbowed his brother who flushed and punched Sisnil in the arm.

~ N, Captain

Vash picked up her cards and looked at them as she responded to Sisnil’s comment. Legally you are, but in this case it is a matter of respect. You are captain, and if you think I can best serve on your ship by receiving such training, then I will do so. She looked up from her cards at Noril. I’m vert much looking forward to it. She grinned at him, giving him a long once over before her eyes traveled to Sisnil and did the same. Both of them, and she winked at Sisnil.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator