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"Those that are betrayed / Do feel the treason sharply, yet the traitor / Stands in worse case of woe." - Shakespeare, Cymbeline
4-2-99
POV: Kyara
You head towards the Security Central.
Security Central
Unlike most of the rest of the complex, the security offices are designed for ease of use rather than aesthetics. Wood paneled walls and marble floors are not to be found here. Brushed steel and plate flooring take their place. The acoustics in this room are designed to muffle sound, so despite the metal flooring and the constant coming and going of security personnel, the area does not quite achieve a cacophonous state. A large bank of monitors takes up the bulk of the east wall. On each is displayed video from various security cameras as well as information garnered from customs and immigration. It is from here that security can keep an eye on most everything that happens in the Complex. There are always at least two uniformed guards on duty with nothing to do except watch the monitors. A broad desk is located near the entrance, with an officer present to handle queries.
Three arched doors lead from this area. One to the brig, one to private offices, and the third to the elevator lobby.
Contents:
Niko
Tally Board
Obvious exits:
Chief's Office Brig Elevator Lounge
Niko works, unsurprisingly. He's absently sorting through paperwork, doing some sort of prioritizing. Looking up, he does a brief doubletake. "You're still blue." Brilliant, isn't he?
Kyara sidles in, trying to look inconspicuous. It doesn't work, not when one has patches of smurfy color left on one's skin. "Um, yeah," she mumbles, passing Niko's desk with her eyes fastened firmly on her feet, and notes wryly, "I noticed."
Niko considers for a moment, then says, sounding absolutely serious, "It's a good look for you."
A sound escapes Kya as she settles at her desk- it could be a laugh, a snort, or both. "I could always recommend it to Ela?" Though her eyes remain firmly away from Niko, she grins.
Niko shakes his head as he turns back to his work. "What, for Ela to be blue? Bad idea. Wouldn't look good with her hair. Yeah."
Kyara's mouth quirks. Hands work automatically, seperating paperwork into several piles. "Never knew you to be such a fashion critic, Nick."
Niko shakes his head. "I'm not. I just know I don't want Ela blue." He grins crookedly as he sets aside a stack of papers. "Unless she wants to be blue, of course. But somehow I don't see that happening."
Kyara chuckles. "It's a great last resort though. Y'know, when it comes to 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue'..." Now /that/ would be evil.
Niko shakes his head very slowly back and forth. "Uh, no. Don't dye my fiancee. I'd have to hurt you."
A random sec officer wanders over to the coffee pot and starts to pour himself some, then he spots Kyara though and he stops. Quickly giving the coffee a suspicious look, he opts for grabbing himself a mug of hot water and a coffee single's filter pack.
Kyara chuckles softly, glancing over with twinkling eyes. "Now, now, Nick. I'd never do anything like that. That's kid stuff." Eyes roll at Mr. Random over there. "Well, this's one way to cut down on coffee pot cleaning around here."
Niko muffles a snicker as he watches the random SecOff. Or maybe it's at the 'kid stuff' comment. "Did you have fun at the ball thing?" Okay, so he's awful at segues.
Kyara brightens considerably at that. "Yep, sure did! Ninety percent of it, at any rate, even if I didn't get to dance. Which reminds me, if Riley heads in this direction and gives warning that he's doing so, can you let me know?"
Niko nods agreeably enough. "He's in his office now, but sure, yeah. Why, going to hide from him or something?"
Kyara mmmms for a moment, and finally decides, "Nooooo, that wouldn't be honorable. But it'd give me time to brace myself."
Niko looks just a bit confused. "Uh, brace yourself?"
Kyara mhmmms, chuckling slightly. "Yes. From the look he gave me last night- you'd gone by then- I'm doomed."
Niko inquires, "What'd you do to get that kind of look?"
Kyara blushes, providing a lovely contrast to herself. "Oh, my parting remark to him and Clara... well, she turned red a lot."
Niko turns to regard you for a long moment. He rummages in his desk drawer for a moment, then pulls out a camera. Click. "Nice shade of purple," he approves.
Kyara looks up with a blink at the click, and blanches. "Ack! And just /what/ do you think you're going to do with that?"
Niko gestures towards the board. "Aren't enough pictures of you up there. Though Anya's probably got stuff from the ball; I didn't check."
Kyara lifts her chin, shaking her head firmly. "Uh uh. You can't. That's just for Security folks." She hopes.
Niko moves over to investigate the board. "No, Cori's on here, too. Not just for Security folks."
Kyara groans, then sighs. "Could be worse, I suppose. Somehow." Her gaze flicks toward the board. "Cori? Somebody actually got an embarrassing picture of Cori? Is that humanly possible?"
Niko shakes his head, with a brief shrug. "-I- don't think so. 'course, Cori isn't human, either. It's just a picture from the ball--her and Riley. Heck, I'd take a picture, too, if I saw a tree and a penguin standing next to each other."
Kyara's mouth quirks. "Okay, you have a point there. Anybody get a pic of you and Ela? That was soooo cute."
Niko studies the board. "Yeah--right here." He grins over his shoulder. "You liked it, huh? I thought it was fun."
Kyara chuckles. "Of course I did. I just wish I could've convinced Roland he'd make a great Papa Smurf. Oh yeah, fun doesn't describe it. We really ought to make the costume ball an annual tradition or something."
Niko pauses a moment, then shakes his head. "Not if it involves vid people every year and me in armor every year."
Kyara shudders. "No, no vid people. I wouldn't inflict that on my worst enemy, even if I had one." She pauses, then grins up brightly. "Oh, I'm sure you could find something more... comfortable? Which reminds me, what'd Ela think of the brick joke?"
Niko blinks once. "Y'know, I didn't even mention it. Totally slipped my mind." He shakes his head. "I'll remember."
Kathlyn, coming in at the tail end of that, observes, "The comments on vanquishing her were good, though." Fortunately, she doesn't ask if Niko's sword really -is- made of foam rubber. Even Kath has her limits.
Kyara mhmmms to Niko, giving Kath a grin for her remark. "Indeed. Did you and Shan enjoy the ball, Kath?"
Kathlyn's answering grin holds an element of rue. "Oh, yeah. We had a really good time -at- the ball." She ambles over to poke Niko's shoulder. "Go away. You were off work half an hour ago. Get out of here. Go vanquish your fiancee or something."
Niko rolls his eyes, but does head for the exit. "Gee, thanks, Kathlyn. Like I need somebody to tell me to do that. Have a nice evening, folks."
Kyara chuckles sympathetically. "I can relate to that, Kath. Roland had a good time afterward, at least." He offers Niko a wave, giggling. "Never hurts to be reminded. Nite, Nick."
Niko, lifting a hand in farewell, heads out of the room.
Niko heads towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.
Niko has left.
Kathlyn peers after Niko with a shake of her head, then settles into her chair, brows waggling. "Roland had a good time after, eh? Glad somebody did."
Kyara nods ruefully, gladly setting a large stack of papers in the 'Out' box. "He volunteered to help me try and scrub the dye off."
Kathlyn regards Kyara for a long moment, blue eyes gleaming. "Looks like he got distracted partway through."
Kyara snickers, shaking her head. "No, he volunteered /after/ my shriek made it apparent the stuff was stubborn."
Kathlyn sighs mournfully. "Jeez, doesn't -anybody- do the proper thing after dances anymore?" She might be joking. Maybe. Good thing Shan isn't here to hear this, though.
Deuteronomy arrives from the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.
Deuteronomy has arrived.
Kyara's mouth quirks. "Oh, we did /that/ too, after my allotment of hot water ran out..." She cuts herself off, coughing suddenly. Those words were not meant for non-SecOff ears.
Deuteronomy pads in gracefully, despite his large bulk. Once at the Duty Officer's desk, he simply waits.
Kathlyn brightens just a little. "Well, as long as -somebody- got l--" Yeah, she just spotted Deuteronomy as well. As she's been here for a while, she recognizes him, and offers a pleasant nod. "Hello, sir. Anything I can do to help you?"
Whiskers quiver in slight amusement as Deuteronomy considers the two, then they droop slightly. "I am afraid, I need your assistance in an unfortunate situation."
Kyara chuckles softly, guessing at the rest of Kathlyn's unfinished statement, and turns back to her paperwork.
Kathlyn mumbles something about going to the next costume party as a brick and giftwrapping a trowel for Shan, then turns attentively to Deuteronomy. "Of course, sir. Glad to do anything we can. How can I help?"
Kyara hides behind her terminal, shuffling papers rapidly to cover a choked giggle.
Deuteronomy waits until he seems to have her full attention, tail lashing as he asks with solemn dignity, 'Have I interuppted something of importance?"
Kathlyn shakes his head. "Of course not, sir. Sorry." She grins, ever the picture of polite attention. "We were just talking about the costume ball, that's all." Well, and what happened -after- the ball, or, in Kathlyn's case, what didn't happen.
"I see" The Zealtan responds easily, "As to the situation...It seems one of my delegates was subjected to a most greievous attack....within /this/ complex, I may add."
Kathlyn's brows lift, and she reaches to snag a datapad. "Of course, sir. Can you tell me what happened?"
Kyara glances over curiously. /She/ hasn't heard about a 'grievous attack'.
Deuteronomy nods his head solemnly, fingers resting lightly on his midsection. "I understand there was something of a challenge to my Delegate's honour and she, quite naturally rise to it." One claw is raised into the air as he adds with a growl, "The contest was not a fair one, as the scroundrel added Omnes to the ctanip."
Kathlyn blinks a few times, pausing in entering information into the datapad. "Can you tell me who was involved, sir?" she inquires, expression serious as she looks at the Zaeltan.
Deuteronomy pauses for a long moment, his ear tufts scissoring back and forth as he thinks, 'My Delegate provided a description of the woman and her boy..The other one affected my her bodyguard.'
Kyara's brow furrows suddenly, and she glances upward.
Kathlyn nods slowly. "Yes, sir, but can you give me any names? The names of your delegate and her bodyguard, perhaps?"
Deuteronomy almost purrs his response, 'Yes, I can'
Kathlyn is a patient lady, but she can only last so long. She's getting near the edge. "What are their names, sir?"
Deuteronomy doesn't seem to notice the patience-wearing...but then he is rather used to such looks, 'Briga Andressa Al-Saydun...and her bodyguard Roland DeMario'
Kathlyn jots down the names. "When did the incident happen?" She's learned not to ask 'can you tell me?'.
Deuteronomy just answers the questions put to him...no more no less. At that he pauses for a moment, then notes "2 Days ago."
Kathlyn inclines her head. "Why did you wait until now to come here?"
A soft growl from the Delegate illustrates his displeasure with a certain other delegate, 'Because' He responds, a growl underneath his words, "I only found out about this unfortunate affair myself"
Kathlyn nods amiably. "All right, fair enough. What about the person who gave them the drug? What was the description you were given?"
Deuteronomy nods his head, calming down as he describes Tara and the small boy G'ben...and tosses in a description of Briga to be safe.
Kyara is at this point too busy frowning at a recalcitrant terminal to be listening at this point, thankfully.
Kyara obviously likes making points.
Kathlyn's brows lift. "Sounds like Valentine to me, though we'll need to get a positive ID. Can your delegate or her bodyguard come in here to take care of that? It'll need to be an eyewitness."
Kyara catches the name and looks up with a vague frown.
Is that a rather pleased purr coming from the Zaeltan delegate? Nah, but he does look rather smug indeed as he rumbles his reply, "Should I have her speak to you?"
Kathlyn nods. "Please, yeah, that'd be appreciated. It'd be best if she could come in here personally." Fingers clatter lightly over her keyboard.
Deuteronomy nods his head, 'And when would you like to see her?' Tail twitches in his anticipation.
Kathlyn suggests, "As soon as possible? We'd really like to get this taken care of."
Deuteronomy nods his head, "Understood" He almost purrs before turning and padding out.
Deuteronomy heads towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.
Deuteronomy has left.
Kathlyn peers after Deuteronomy, then shakes her head. "Sounds like she's really screwed up this time," she murmurs.
Kyara glances toward Kathlyn, chewing on her bottom lip. "Roland didn't say anything about Tara being the one who did it."
Kathlyn's brows lift. "And he knows her, yeah. Well... whoever it was that did it, she screwed up bigtime. If it wasn't Valentine, then the Delegate won't ID her."
Kyara nods slightly, not looking happy at all. See, she knows how Tara is with folks like Briga. "Roland's mind wasn't on giving me details at the time either, if ya know what I mean."
Kathlyn shakes her head. "Rub it in, why don't you?" Her tone is amused, though. "Sometimes, I think it'd be better if Shan -didn't- have this 'lady' thing going on."
Kyara's mouth quirks slightly. "But it's so /sweet/, Kath. Maybe you just need to make a dramatic first move?"
Kathlyn mutters, "It's not sweet, it's -frustrating-. And if I made a 'dramatic first move', he'd probably have a heart attack or something."
Kyara chuckles. "Okay, a /subtle/ dramatic first move, then. Like... invite him to practice hand-to-hand with you, and when you've got him pinned, stare down into his eyes, and smile mysteriously, and /kiss/."
Kathlyn considers that for a moment, expression thoughtful. "It's got potential. If nothing else, hand-to-hand would be fun, if I could manage not to tie him into a pretzel or something."
Kyara grins. "Yeah. Heaven knows he'd probably treat you with kid gloves."
Kathlyn rolls her eyes, though she nods. "What's the fun in that?"
Kyara shrugs. "Not much, admittedly. I could be wrong, however. SecOff instincts, and all>"
Kathlyn ponders that. "Though I might be able to get him to loosen up a little that way." She absently tosses her blonde hair over her shoulder, expression thoughtful.
Kyara nods encouragingly. "There ya go. It'd be a start, at any rate."
Kathlyn nods. Then, with a wicked grin, she adds, "Give me an excuse to get my hands all over him, too. Darn."
Kyara laughs quietly. "Yes, I knew I wouldn't have to point out that advantage."
Kathlyn rattles at her keyboard for a moment. "I'll definitely have to ask him about that," she decides, a hint of smugness in her voice. Poor Shan. He doesn't stand a chance. Really.
Not when /these/ two women are plotting against(?) him, nope. Kya grins happily. Maybe she can't matchmake, but she can certainly help out ongoing romances, right? "Just gotta be oh-so-casual about it so he doesn't suspect."
Kathlyn offers one of those excessively innocent smiles. "Suspect? Why should he suspect anything from little old me?"
Kyara snickers softly. "Would Nick? Would Riley? Would Kaycen? I do believe so. Shan may be in love, but I don't know that he's blind." She prepares to duck.
Briga arrives from the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.
Briga has arrived.
Briga pads in just a few paces behind Deuteronomy. Both Zaeltan's ear tufts are perked forward and Briga's whiskers bristle in indignation.
Kathlyn, going back to her usual expression, adds, "Yeah, but I'm a lady, remember?" She shakes her head, then offers Zaeltans a pleasant smile. "Delegates, thank you for returning so quickly. Hope this hasn't inconvenienced you at all."
Kyara just chuckles quietly, though she sobers when the Zaeltans arrive.
Deuteronomy offers Kathlyn a courteous bow then before turning expectantly to Briga. Said Zaeltan raises her chin and speaks with soft growling undertones, 'What more information can I provide?'
Kathlyn turns her terminal screen to face the Zaeltans. On it are pictures of several people who fit the description given, including Tara Valentine. "Can you--er, please point out the person who gave you the drug."
A rather sharp claw emerges from Bri's index finger and she unerringly points to Tara Valentine,'That is the one.' She offers with just the barest hint of a growl.
Kathlyn inclines her head. "Great, thanks." She makes a clattering note using her keyboard, then turns back the screen. "Now, please tell me exactly what happened."
Kyara winces, going back to her work.
Whiskers quiver in Briga's indignation, 'She tried to insult me...three times she tried...and three times she failed. So she challenged by honour by calling me a liar. I took her challenge to sniff the catnip...and that is when I sneezed'
Kathlyn nods, expression thoughtful. "And the omnes was in the catnip, right?"
Briga nods her head, tail twitching in her irriation, 'Both Roland and I sniffed it...and we went to the Medical center....A Doctor by the name of Jones helped both of us.' A pause as she reaches for her tail and smooths it.
Kathlyn nods at that. "Jones, yeah, he's a good guy." She pauses, then inquires, "Would you like to press charges, Delegate?"
Deuteronomy steps smoothly forward, this is his area. "What can we expect to happen next/"
Kathlyn looks just a bit puzzled. "Well, that depends on whether Delegate Al-Saydun is pressing charges."
Riley walks here from the Chief Addison's Office.
Riley has arrived.
Briga rumbles softly, 'I am'
Oh dear. It's the Guy of the Scary Looks. Kya ducks behind her terminal, keyboard rattling madly as she types.
Deuteronomy sees Riley from the corner of his eye and turns to offer him a respectful bow,'Greetings Admiral.'
Riley pads from his office, adjusting his jacket collar as if having just put it on. He is also armed, arms crossed. He nods politely to Deuteronomy, a near bow. "Greetings, sir."
Kathlyn glances over as Riley emerges from his office. "Hi, boss," she says pleasantly. "The delegate has said that she'll be pressing charges, and we've got a positive ID." She does some clattering typing of her own, apparently on the paperwork related to the report.
The tails of both Zaeltans lash back and forth as they watch Kathlyn's typing. Deuteronomy turns to Riley and asks with the undertones of a growl, "WHat happens next?'
Aliana arrives from the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.
Aliana has arrived.
Riley nods to Kathlyn, shifting to rest one hand lightly on her desk and lean to peer over her shoulder at the screen. It may be rude, but it's faster than asking for a re-cap. "Zip the report to the judicial hall?" He straightens up and regards the Zaeltan delegate, all formality. "We send the report over. Then, we wait to see if an warrant is issued, which I'm fair certain in this case it shouldn't take long. Once we have a warrant, we can seek arrest."
Roland arrives from the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.
Roland has arrived.
The growl grows louder as Deuteronomy's ears flatten, "And how long will this take?"
Kathlyn glances up at the tall, fluffy-haired man looming over her shoulder, and nods. "Gotcha, Chief."
Briga offers Roland a soft purr of greetings, gaze sliding over the bonded as if she wasn't there.
Aliana moves off to a corner...she is good at that.
Roland wanders in, led by Ali, with all good timing. He scans the room of blobs, funny, none of them look familiar. "Hello Briga," he says, recognizing the purr.
"That depends," Riley's words are almost a purr despite the fact -he's- not the Zaeltan. "Certainly you're in no hurry? Taking two days to make a report to begin with?"
Kathlyn types. She's innocent. Really.
Kyara glances over at hearing Roland's voice, and smiles slightly, though she doesn't call out a greeting, instead going back to her work.
Briga's ears plane out and her tail lashes from side to side. Deuteronomy speaks sharply to her in Zaeltan, a soft yowling sound...and Bri's ears plane even more..almost as if she expected a swipe. The Elderly Zaeltan turns back to Riley with an almost uncteous smile, "Please accept my apologies for my delegate's ignorance...she was unaware of her responsibilities..a fact I have remedied'
Kathlyn offers quietly, "They've got it at the judicial hall, boss."
Deuteronomy offers Kathlyn a soft purr of approval, 'Nice work, indeed'
A wry smile starts to creep up at one corner of Riley's mouth. He nods politely to the Zaeltan delegate, still all careful formality. "I understand your lack of control of the situation, sir." He turns at Kathlyn's comment, nodding his approval, "Let me know when they send us a reply back?"
Roland tries not to look surprised. You mean Briga actually does have responsibilities? He listens quietly, the word report not seeming to settle with him very well.
Kathlyn offers Deuteronomy a pleasant smile, then nods to Riley, gaze turning back to the terminal screen. "No problem, boss."
Deuteronomy's tone is still pleasant, but there is an undertone of an impatient growl, and the tempo of his tail has increased slightly, 'Once you have arrested the lady, what will happen next?'
"Then she will be imprisoned, and a trial will be arranged. The trial stage can take ... many days. But sometimes alacrity can be effected. Then, if she is found guilty of this crime, she will be placed in a larger prison to serve the sentence she is placed under." Riley explains in formal patience, seemingly unfazable, even by the giant clawed guy.
Roland frowns now. "She being Tara?" he asks.
Deuteronomy nods his head as he ponders, then finally he decides. "That will be acceptable to us." Briga has regained her composure and her tail lashes back and forth angrily.
Kathlyn glances up from the terminal to nod to Roland. "Omnes is a controlled substance, banned on Linnae, among many other worlds."
Briga rumbles softly as she darts a look towards Roland, "Had it not been for that doctor, you would have been dead." And her tail permanently musses.
Roland's head nods in Kath's kinda direction. "The icing on the cake I imagine," he says drolly. "Who's tail is lashing around like that? I can feel the breeze against my face and it tickles." His head moves in Briga's direction and an eyebrow barely raises over the edge of the shades. "If that were to have happened, I'd definantly have held a grudge against her then."
Riley nods in a measured fashion to Kathlyn's comment, "It is banned for good reason, as soon as we get a warrant, we'll send out an APB and get things moving." Gee, he doesn't seem to think there won't be a warrant issued.
Both Zaeltans turn to look at Roland as one as he mention their tails. Deuteronomy just offers a dissmissive rumble before looking back at Kathlyn...she has the answers. Briga's tail does quiet and she pulls out her brush to start grooming.
Kathlyn, source of all wonder in the universe? She's not actually looking up just now. Instead, her blue eyes are intent on the screen.
Riley pads over to the security communications unit on the wall, tapping at it and murmuring quietly into it.
Deuteronomy watches Riley with some measure of satisfaction, ear tufts perking forward ever so slightly as he attempts to listen...But eavesdrop...never.
Kathlyn leans back in her chair to watch as Riley deals with communications, nodding as she sees just who he's signalling. "Good," she murmurs. There's a chime from her terminal, and she glances back, then calls, "There's the warrant, boss." After a few keytapping, a printer somewhere starts to chirr, apparently a copy of said warrant.
Deuteronomy turns to Briga and speaks softly to her in Zaeltan...a mixture of soft growls hisses..intermixed with what sounds like miaows. Once again Bri's ears plane out...then perk forward as she leans around Deuteronomy to look at Riley. She responds softly to him her tone soft and mostly purr-like sounds.
Riley straightens up, heading over to the printer and tearing the warrant from it. It's nice, it's dramatic, it would look good on film. He taps at the comm unit again, "Thanks Kathlyn." He waves back at some of the various SecOffs lounging about. "Somebody get me the last scanner reading on Valentine." He looks almost pained a moment. "Let's go get her."
Deuteronomy nods, 'I see you have it under control...I will leave Briga here to assist...and report to me what the outcome is.' Briga just moves back, tail lashing before she offers Deuteronomy a deep bow, 'As you wish.'
Kaycen, who arrived not long after Riley's comm-ing began, abducts a terminal, then snags a datapad and silently offers it to Riley. Apparently, it contains the last scanner reading.
Roland frowns at Riley's words and crosses his arms in front of his chest.
Deuteronomy turns and pads out.
Riley accepts the datapad with a nod of thanks to Kaycen, he glances at it, "Underground's my best guess, which is on our side. If we take a decent sized group, we shouldn't have too much difficulty. They don't want trouble with us."
Kathlyn nods her agreement to that. "Understatement, yeah." Still, she checks her tangler, making sure of its charge and setting. It's best to be safe.
Aliana glances up at Roland...then scoots back into her corner, gaze moving back to the SecOffs.
Riley checks his tangler as well, adjusting the setting briefly before nodding doorwards and heading in that direction with the others doing so.
Riley heads towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.
Kathlyn joins the throng.
Kathlyn heads towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.
Roland, impervious to any looks, glances, glares, and otherwise, stands there until he hears the movement of people. He waits until the secs pass. "Ali?" he calls out softly.
Aliana nods as she slips over to Roland's Side, 'Right here' She says quickly.
Roland nods his head. "Let's fallow them. I wanna hear what's going on."
Briga watches the exodus before she begins to pace...tail lashing this way and that.
One of the Security officers just -laughs- at Roland.
Aliana blinks then chuckles, 'Alright...Come on...Ryo should be right outside'
Aliana heads towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.
Roland tilts his head towards the source of the laughing but he's then led out by Ali so he can't respond.
Roland heads towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.
In the middle of a report he's finishing, Kaycen pauses, one hand lifting to his ear. He swears, then inquires, "Kyara, could you do me a favor? Comm medbay and have them get somebody to the Quarter? Kath said she broke Junior. Gifted lady. Poor Shan."
Kyara glances up with a blink. "What? Um, yeah, sure, no problem, Kayc." She shakes her head, reaching for the comm, muttering, "How the /heck/ did she do that?"
You say "Security to Medical. Requesting a medical team to the Java Quarter." into the communit.
Kaycen shakes his head. "She said she radioed him at the wrong moment. I guess we'll find out."
Your communit crackles to life and blares "Medical here. We're on our way. Nature of emergency?" in Clara's voice.
You say "No specifics, Doctor. Um... the XO's broken, that's all I know." into the communit.
Kyara shakes her head, acknowledging Kaycen. "Timing really /is/ everything, I guess."
Briga perks her ears forward curousily as she listens.
Your communit crackles to life and blares "*strangled laugh* Again? I -told- him he was a breakable duck. Well, I told him he was breakable. All right, I'm on my way. *snicker*" in Clara's voice.
You say "*sounding amused* Thanks, Clara." into the communit.
Kaycen nods his agreement to that, dark brows furrowing in a worried frown. "Yeah. Hope the kid's okay. Though it's been a while since he's broken anything." He fumbles in one of the desk drawers, pulling out a few sheets of paper.
Kyara shakes her head. "Not long enough. Should I comm Ela?"
Kaycen shakes his head. "Nah, that's his call. Once he gets patched up, he can let her know what happened."
Kyara nods, returning to her almost-finished paperwork. "Poor guy."
Briga asks curiously, 'Does he break often?"
Kyara sighs with a soft chuckle. "Depends on how you define 'often'."
Kaycen shakes his head as he turns back to his work. "Depends on your definition. It's been a couple months." (Okay, GOMH.)
Kyara glances up to flash a grin at Kaycen before going back to the paperwork.
Briga's tail lashes consideringly, "Do all your SecOffs break often?'
Kyara's mouth quirks. "Not at all."
Briga pads restlessly, her gaze moving to the intercom-thingie on the wall as if that has all the asnwers
Kyara rises to toss the last of her paperwork into the out box. "I'm outa here for the night, Kaycen."
You head towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.
***** POV: Tara *****
You walk towards the Underground Causeway.
Underground Causeway
This massive underground cavern is teeming with people of all shapes and forms. Richly clad diplomats mingle with smugglers in boots and denim and the homeless clad in rags. The Underground houses the forgotten people, the poor, the illegal, the disenfranchised. It is a far better representation of the Alliance than the starkly clean halls above, layered as it is with the refuse of so many cultures. Damp and dark, it is hardly a pleasant place, but it is a necessary one. The occasional Alliance Security officer treks through in uniform and is given a wide berth and unpleasant looks by the occupants. Their presence imparts the message that the Underground is accepted if not appreciated by the Alliance. Low openings lead into further caverns providing housing and shop space for these lost ones. If you can't find it anywhere else, you can probably find it here.
Contents:
Kathlyn
Riley
Obvious exits:
Dank Housing Dim Bar Dark Alley Dingy Stairs
Tara emerges from the shadows, adjusting the collar of her jacket absently as she saunters in the direction of the Vault. Eyes scanning the causeway as she makes her way through the crowds, it's hard for her to miss the arriving SecOffs, especially one that big, even if she didn't know him. Eyebrows rising in curiosity, she shrugs and continues on her way.
Security's spread more or less out a bit from where they first arrived. Riley's quite familiar with Tara and spots her, moving in that direction. Weapon still not to hand, he weaves in her direction.
Kathlyn, catching Riley's weaving, glances over and spots Tara as well. Much smaller, she's able to move a bit more unobtrusively, and does so, moving to approach from the opposite side of that Riley's taking.
Aliana comes down a dingy stairway from the Complex levels above.
Roland comes down a dingy stairway from the Complex levels above.
Tara feels the hairs on the back of her neck rising, and glances over her shoulder idly. Okay, that was /not/ what she was expecting to see. Glancing around to try and figure out who the SecOffs are after, it dawns on her that both Addison and Mayes... whom she favors with a scowl... are doing a very nice pincer move on /her/. "Aw hell..."
Aliana staps in the shadow of the door and whispers, 'Shhh'
Roland is as silent a mouse. Just don't step on him.
Riley gets into relative range, one hand on, but not drawing, his sidearm. "Tara Valentine, please halt, you're under arrest."
Tara softly counts SecOff heads, sighs, and turns to face the Chief squarely, though she's careful to remain out of arm's reach. "Right, Addison. On what charge?" She sounds rather bored.
Kathlyn comes to a halt behind Tara, and slightly to one side. There's nobody between her and the taller woman. She holds herself at the ready, though, like Riley, she doesn't draw her weapon just yet.
Roland tries to pick up the dialogue, the concentration obvious on his face. He leans towards his escort slightly. He mutters to Aliana, "Be... me,..."
Riley taps his front pocket lightly and the crisply folded warrant. He looks rather saddened, "Possession of an illegal substance, assault, and about fifty outstanding warrants for minor customs violations."
Aliana stands on her tiptoes and whispers softly to Roland.
Tara frowns slightly. "Assault? C'mon, Addison, that's not my style, you know that. I don't just haul off and 'assault' folks. And I've already told you I don't run drugs, if that's what you're talking about." She dismisses the other little item or fifty with an airy wave. "Piddly stuff. Not even worth an arrest."
Kathlyn inquires, still behind Tara, "What about the omnes?"
Riley nods to Kathlyn's comment, looking even somewhat sadder. "Valentine, we have the Security tapes..."
Tara turns, taking a slow couple of steps back to get a better look at Kathlyn without losing sight of Riley. "Omnes? Oh... yeah, so it's banned here. Possession's a third-degree misdemeanor, not worth wasting your time or mine on." She gives Riley a somewhat puzzled look. "Tapes? Of this alleg..." Her eyes widen, just a fraction.
***** Editor's note- this is the moment Tara realized exactly what 'assault' Riley was talking about *****
Riley slides a set of plasticine cuffs from one pocket, taking the steps forward to Tara. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to come with us."
Kathlyn grows, if possible, more alert as Riley breaks out the cuffs, hand twitching a bit closer to her sidearm.
Tara eyes Riley for a moment. "Yeah, you would." Oddly, she doesn't sound resentful, nor do her words hold the sting of an insult. "Sorry, folks, I gave at the office." Kathlyn's twitch seems to push a button, as Tara whirls to flee.
Roland curses unflatteringly like on Tara's behalf as he gets related of what happened.
Riley isn't so much as a beat behind, the weapon coming up, but moving to attempt to catch Tara by means other than shooting her. Yeesh, he's such a soft touch (Not the word I was looking for, but despite the fun game of guessing and cursing Jess and I played, I could come up with), doesn't want to hurt her. He has long legs.
Kathlyn is less of a softie. She draws her tangler--lowest setting, of course--and fires after Tara. Deja vu, anyone?
Roland winces. He mutters to Aliana, "... tangler,..."
Aliana starts to nod, but remembers he can's see it and whispers back, 'Yes'
Tara didn't have a chance, and she knew it from the beginning, but you never get anywhere without trying, right? She lets out a squawk of protest as Riley's hand clamps down on her shoulder, jerking her to a halt, only to look relieved a split second later, as the tangler misses her by fractions of an inch. If she'd kept going, she'd've been shot. This does not, however, prevent her from struggling against the hold.
Riley doesn't get shot either, this is a good thing, he slides arms down to attempt to tighten the hold. "Kath, cuff her." Oh gee, he's kind, isn't he? Dang but Tara's strong; for his relative size, this is taking some doing to so much as attempt to restrain her.
Kathlyn tucks away the tangler and takes up her own plastic cuffs. Shaking her head, she reaches for Tara's arm, attempting to snag it around the woman's struggles.
Tara stops struggling just long enough to aim a kick at Kathlyn, using Riley for leverage. At this particular moment, seeing Mayes roughed up a bit would be worth Assault on an Officer charges. "Addison, let me go! Dangit, I /trusted/ you!"
Riley hauls back on Tara as she seeks leverage, kneeling in a controlled fashion to bring her down to the ground in an attempt to subdue her. "Valentine, I would advise you to stop attempting to damage my people. It's hardly going to look good to the judge." His words are calm and he seems unfazed, but oh-so-dissapointed, "No Tara, I trusted you, but it seems, once again, that trust was misplaced."
Kathlyn takes a brisk step back as the kick is attempted, then closes once more. "Valentine, give it a rest," she snaps. Diplomacy, after all, is not her strong point. She reaches for the taller woman's arm once more, apparently not really concerned any longer with getting kicked.
Tara starts to look desperate as she's forced down- she may be strong, but relative mass is a nasty enemy. She snorts at Riley's first statement, but the latter makes her twist around to stare at him in shock. Oh gods, he used her name too. "No... no, it was just a stupid joke..." At this point her struggles mean nothing against such immobilization, and her arm is easily caught.
Kathlyn snaps the cuff around Tara's arm and reaches for the other, to secure them. "Stupid is right," she mutters.
"Stupid, yeah. Like not making a new nav check was stupid." Riley nods his thanks to Kathlyn, as he begins to quote Tara her rights, "You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney the court will..." I'm going to stop typing now, since Tara assuredly knows these better than I do.
Roland nods his head slowly as he listens for anything that might drift upwards.
>>OOC: Tara snickers.
>>OOC: Riley grins.
Tara's eyes narrow at Kathlyn, and she aims one more kick, but she winces at Riley's words, and the kick ends up not quite wholehearted. "Yeah, yeah, I know. Rights, my sweet aunt Mamie's stew, too."
Kathlyn gets kicked as she fastens the cuffs into place, but, as has been mentioned, the kick wasn't all that wholehearted, so she just continues with what she's doing.
Riley clambers up to his feet as the cuffs are attached, gently shifting to heft Tara with him. "Will you come politely, or do I need to get leg cuffs on you too, Valentine?"
Aliana gulps and pulls Roland away from the doorway and into some nearby shadows..nice how they arrange themselves so coviently.
Kathlyn looks more than willing to put the leg cuffs on Tara, should that become necessary.
Tara shakes her head slightly as she's lifted to her feet. "As amusing as it'd be to have you carry me, Addison, I think I'll pass." Her eyes, however, are on Kathlyn. "Does telling her exactly what she is count as coming along politely enough in your book?"
"I can have you gagged as well," Riley notes, tone lowering, sounding almost angry for the first time.
Kathlyn looks decidedly unimpressed by Tara's words, returning the taller woman's look with one just as pleasant. She doesn't comment, though. Might as well not antagonize her further.
Riley settles Tara straight as best he can, nodding to Kathlyn to assume his grip he sets about frisking her for weaponry.
Tara shies away slightly at that tone, her mouth quirking in annoyance. Watching the toe of her boot scuffle against the ground, she shrugs. "Alright, alright. Yeesh, Addison." She doesn't bother protesting the search.
Kathlyn holds Tara? Oh, that doesn't sound right. She maintains Riley's grip. There. That's better. Her blue eyes are rather frosty as she does so. Blue milkshakes. Iew.
Riley relieves Tara of a knife from one boot and a laspistol from her shoulder holster. He sighs quietly, "Unlawful possession as well." He hands the weaponry off to a Secoff with a container for them and places an oversized hand around one of Tara's arms, nodding to Kathlyn to take the other.
Tara's face burns. "What, you expect me to go around unprotected down here? I'm hardly suicidal, Addison." She looks /very/ annoyed at Kathlyn's grip on her.
Kathlyn's grip on Tara's arm isn't -that- bad. Yeesh. Her hands aren't even remotely as big as Riley's. And if she's maybe holding on a little too tightly, well then, that's understandable. She got kicked. Sniff. Poor Kathlyn.
Yes, but it's /Kathlyn/. Y'know, that scrawny little SecOff who earned a vow of revenge from Tara months before? How humiliating.
And Riley's hardly about to object if Kath wants a little revenge. -Kath- didn't dissapoint him. He begins moving towards the exit.
Kathlyn doesn't disappoint anybody. She's innocence personified. With fingernails.
Riley climbs up the dingy stairs.
Kathlyn climbs up the dingy stairs.
You climb a long set of dingy stairs, taking you well up into the Complex.
***** Travelspam deleted *****
Riley heads towards the Security Central.
Kathlyn heads towards the Security Central.
You head towards the Security Central.
Security Central
Unlike most of the rest of the complex, the security offices are designed for ease of use rather than aesthetics. Wood paneled walls and marble floors are not to be found here. Brushed steel and plate flooring take their place. The acoustics in this room are designed to muffle sound, so despite the metal flooring and the constant coming and going of security personnel, the area does not quite achieve a cacophonous state. A large bank of monitors takes up the bulk of the east wall. On each is displayed video from various security cameras as well as information garnered from customs and immigration. It is from here that security can keep an eye on most everything that happens in the Complex. There are always at least two uniformed guards on duty with nothing to do except watch the monitors. A broad desk is located near the entrance, with an officer present to handle queries.
Three arched doors lead from this area. One to the brig, one to private offices, and the third to the elevator lobby.
Contents:
Kathlyn
Riley
Briga
Tally Board
Obvious exits:
Chief's Office Brig Elevator Lounge
Riley moves to the back of the room, leaving Tara in Kathlyn's capable hands to unlock the brig.
Briga watches much like a cat waits for its prey...just the very end of her tail twitches.
Riley tabs in his security code, releasing the locks on the brig.
Kathlyn's capable hands seem more than willing to hang on to Tara. Imagine that.
Tara's expression alternates between fury and looking resigned. Spotting Briga, she blinks, then comprehension dawns. "The kittycat," she growls. "I should've known."
Kaycen watches the parade for a moment, then apparently decides that the various capable hands are, well, capable. He works.
Riley resumes his hand on Tara's shoulder, along with Kathlyn, leading Tara into the Brig.
Riley walks towards the Brig.
Briga barely stiffles a hiss..and this time all of her claws are unsheathed...and don't her ears look lovely pressed back against her head like that.
Kathlyn walks towards the Brig.
You walk towards the Brig.
Brig
Sectioned off into many smaller sub-areas the brig can be divided into a large number of cells or left as one large area to contain many people. Planklike bunks provide sleeping arrangements for any number of species, but don't look particularly comfortable. Everything is curved and flows into each other, as if the whole brig was molded as a single piece. Closer inspection provides nothing to dispel that idea. There are no pointy edges, or pieces that can be broken off. The designers of this place realized it would probably house a great number of beings over the years, and all of them sneakier than the rest. The door is made of triple re-enforced plas-steel bars, covered by a security screen that when activated allows nothing to pass. Even the air and water regulation systems of the brig are separate from those of the outside world.
Contents:
Kathlyn
Riley
Obvious exits:
Out
Riley tabs in his security code, locking the brig.
Riley attempts to lead Tara to a bench, then moving to relieve her of the cuffs. "It'll be here for tonight. In the morning, like as not, there'll be a hearing."
Kathlyn is prudent enough to stay a good couple of feet from Tara, out of reach of arms and feet and other things that might randomly smack her. She folds her arms over her chest, regarding the rogue.
Tara finds no logic in fighting or even in attacking Kathlyn at this point, and quietly allows herself to be led and the cuffs to be removed. Rubbing her wrists, she notes, "I hope y'all got better food here than the last place I was in. Breakfast being the most important meal of the day, and all."
Riley moves to head to the exit, shrugging, "It's not too awful. Though the beds are too short." He would know after all, having spent some time in here. With this he moves to exit.
Riley tabs in his security code, releasing the locks on the brig.
Riley walks towards the Security Central.
Kathlyn trails after Riley, after offering Tara a... well, no. That's definitely not a smile.
Kathlyn walks towards the Security Central.
In the Security Center >> Riley tabs in his security code, locking the brig.
In the Security Center >> Briga has moved so that she can watch the doorway to the brig...regardless of whether she can see inside or not.
In the Security Center >> Kathlyn shakes her head as she heads over to take up her seat. "Well, now," she says, perhaps a bit dryly. "That was an adventure."
In the Security Center >> Riley regards Briga with lifted brows, though he says politely, "I'm sorry ma'am, but if you could please return to the waiting area if you wish to remain present? This half of the room is restricted."
Tara rises from the bench to inspect her current lodgings, not that she looks too optimistic on finding anything she can use. Pausing near the door, she glares briefly at Briga.
In the Security Center >> Ear Turfts swivel towards Kathlyn as Briga considers her curiously. Briga peers down at her feet then up at Riley as if considering her options. Tail lashes as she gracefully pads to the indicated area...but still so that she can see the Brig Door...and there she waits.
In the Security Center >> Riley follows after the delegate, "Is there a reason you're staying here?"
In the Security Center >> Kathlyn confers with Kaycen about something or another, and a less than happy something, from her manner. At Riley's words, she glances over, adding, "She's not going to get out or anything, Delegate. The screens'll prevent that."
In the Security Center >> Briga glances from one to another...her expression turning rather patient, "Because Deuteronomy instructed me to".
In the Security Center >> One anonymous SecOff mumbles to another, "Have you ever -read- Deuteronomy? Scary stuff."
In the Security Center >> "Then you may wait over there," Riley indicates a row of chairs near the door. "Where you will not be in the way. There are those of us who have to work. Work, in fact, that would have been made simpler if you'd chosen to report this previously."
In the Security Center >> Kaycen gets to his feet, after another brief exchange with Kathlyn. "I'll check it out," he murmurs to the petite woman. "No worries, Kath." That said, he heads out of the room.
In the Security Center >> Briga glances at the SecOff with a startled look before nodding her agreement. She considers where she is...and the chairs before she pads with considerable dignity to take a seat.
Tara leans against the doorjamb, folding her arms, and allows those outside to entertain her. Kathlyn's worried about something? *smirk*
In the Security Center >> Kathlyn peers after Kaycen for a moment, then shakes her head, in fact looking somewhat less than thrilled as she turns back to her work.
In the Security Center >> Riley is kind at least, the chairs in question allow an oblique view of the brig doors. Nodding politely, although definately as senior to junior, he moves to take a seat at a desk.
In the Security Center >> Briga purrs her thanks to Riley as she settles down, better than standing. Tail curls onto her lap and she watches the cell door intently.
Tara watches everybody except Riley. She's trying hard to pretend this is no big deal, and even if it is, that the Admiral wasn't involved. And if he was, well, getting arrested by the Chief himself will, at least, give her some bragging rights.
In the Security Center >> Riley sets about filling out paperwork, altogether saddened and highly dissapointed, and it's obvious.
That's another reason Tara's avoiding looking in his direction.
In the Security Center >> Kaycen comes back into the room and heads over to Kathlyn, murmuring quietly to her. He cocks his head at Riley, still watching the blonde woman, but she shakes her head. "Later."
In the Security Center >> Briga pulls out a small brush and sets to work on grooming her tail. Ear tufts swivel this way and that as she picks up various strands of the conversations.
In the Security Center >> Riley does not seem to notice the other's discussions, but instead sets about working on the newly generated mound of paperwork.
In the Security Center >> Kaycen nods agreeably enough, and heads over to another desk.
Tara's eyes eventually, reluctantly rest on Riley. Several times her mouth opens as if to speak, but she glances toward the other SecOffs and shakes her head, and remains quiet.
In the Security Center >> Kathlyn types. She works. She looks a bit guilty as she works, mind, but she still works. And, hey! She's got a bruise from getting kicked. Maybe she can get some... sympathy from Shan, over it.
In the Security Center >> Briga is finally satisfied about her tail....and her gaze goes back to the Brig's door, the expression in her eyes akin to a cat waiting at a mouse hole.
In the Security Center >> Riley works as well, carefully working his way through the dismaying stack. He's probably considering the joy of a stiff drink.
Tara glances toward Briga, amusement showing in her eyes, then her gaze slides dismissively away from the Zaeltan to rest on Kathlyn. "Mayes." She rattles off a comm number, tone one of forced amiability. "That's my attorney's number. Leazes is his name.If you'd be so kind?"
In the Security Center >> Kathlyn's brows lift as she peers towards the brig, and its inhabitant, though she does reflexively jot down the number. "You want -me- to call him?"
In the Security Center >> Briga's expression doesn't change, nor does her gaze flicker as she watches the brig door. She was told to watch Tara, by gumby she will watch Tara.
Tara shrugs. "I really don't care who does. But I know your name, and it's a tad more polite to use that than 'hey, you'."
In the Security Center >> Riley's communit crackles to life and blares "... your... he's... seriously..." in Clara's voice.
In the Security Center >> Riley blinks.
In the Security Center >> Riley says "Broken? Is he gonna be okay? Yeah, I can handle." into his communit.
In the Security Center >> Kathlyn snorts softly, but nods. "All right, I'll take care of it." She pauses, however, as she hears Clara's voice, and looks a trace more guilty. Rather than making the comm call to the lawyer, she listens.
In the Security Center >> Riley's communit crackles to life and blares "... yes, but he'll... I've already... a... now.... Ela after... her I'm... needs..." in Clara's voice.
In the Security Center >> Riley says "*sounding rather understandably startled* Thanks for letting me know Clara, I appreciate it.As long as he's okay?" into his communit.
Tara nods fractionally, eyebrows rising at that trace of guilt. "My thanks," she notes absently, glancing curiously toward Addison.
In the Security Center >> Riley's communit crackles to life and says "*quieter* He'll be fine, Greg. Don't worry about... I'll... later..." in Clara's voice.
In the Security Center >> Kathlyn finally turns away to make the call, actually being fairly neutral in her explanation to the lawyer.
Tara listens for a few moments, nods in approval. Next she asks quite politely, "Doubt y'all would let me have a datapad, but how about a pencil and some paper, Officer Mayes?"
In the Security Center >> Kathlyn considers the request for a moment, then shrugs. "Just don't use the pencil to tunnel out of the brig, eh?" Yes, she's joking. She collects the items in question, and takes them into the brig. Really.
In the Security Center >> One ear tuft swivels towards Kathlyn and a look of puzzlement crosses Bri's face.
Tara chuckles as she stoops to lift the items. Bracing the paper against the wall, she writes quickly in strong, bold strokes. "If only. When's visiting hours? I need to get some messages out. Nothing shady, mind you."
In the Security Center >> Kathlyn shakes her head. "Look, I've done enough secretary duty." She heads back in the general direction of her desk, though she pauses by Riley's. "The incident with Nick? That was my fault, Chief. I radioed him to harass him about why he hadn't shown up when you called, apparently at the wrong moment."
In the Security Center >> Briga offers quietly, "What of that little person?"
In the Security Center >> >>OOC: Kathlyn . o O ( I said, "Hey, man, do you think you can help?" He said, "Of course I can! I'm an elf." ) Uh... little person?
In the Security Center >> Riley glances up from the paperwork to Kathlyn, simply shaking his head in a negative. "Don't want to have to give the blame speech, you know better Kath."
In the Security Center >> Kathlyn considers for a moment, then nods. "Okay, yeah. I just thought you should know is all." After a moment, she continues on her way to her desk. Kaycen murmurs something to her that may or may not be 'I told you so'.
In the Security Center >> Riley blinks, "Little person?
Tara's eyes slide toward Briga along with a slight frown, and right over her to return to Kathlyn. "Only took three questions this time," she murmurs with a wan smile. Of course, she's just fictional device. She does pause to listen to Riley and Kath converse, shaking her head in disappointment at the result.
In the Security Center >> Briga holds her hand about G'Ben's height, "Little person. Where is he?" She addresses her question towards Tara.
In the Security Center >> "I've no charges on any short people," Riley replies.
Tara breathes an audible sigh of relief at Riley's statement, and shakes her head to Briga. "None of your business, kittycat."
In the Security Center >> Briga rumbles beneath her breath, 'Do you let your little people run around by themselves...who takes care of him, makes him wash, learn his lessons?'
In the Security Center >> See, now Riley's slow, he's not checking in that Briga means a kid, G'ben's Stilvani height after all. "Pardon?"
In the Security Center >> Kathlyn could see Tara with a whole ring of Stilvani lackeys. Sure. She glances up from her work at the exchange, expression somewhat curious.
Tara taps the paper she's writing on with the eraser of the pencil. "Usually I do, but that's a bit on the impossible side at the moment. That's one thing I'm taking care of right now." She glances toward the SecOffs, explaining, "G'ben, Addison, she's talking about G'ben."
In the Security Center >> Riley says, "Ah."
In the Security Center >> Briga once again wishes for Corian's comforting presence as she tries again, "Little people" She repeats...then a purr as Tara explains and Zaeltan finally falls silent.
In the Security Center >> Corian's asleep, she's not responding to the proper cue -this- time.
In the Security Center >> Kathlyn ahs quietly. "Yeah, the squirt." G'ben, apparently. "He have someone else looking after him, Valentine?" Yeah, Kathlyn could take him in. There's an idea.
Tara shakes her head, remarking wryly, "I wasn't planning on getting arrested, and therefore didn't go about finding somebody else to take him in should I be unavailable. He's probably sleeping on the Phoenix at the moment, scared silly."
In the Security Center >> Maybe it's residual guilt that makes Kathlyn respond, or maybe she's some form of masochist. In any event, she says, "We can send someone to let him know what happened. Maybe Kay--" Nope, Kaycen ducks out of the room at that particular moment, maybe anticipating Kathlyn's suggestion.
Tara smiles slightly, suppressing the surprise in her eyes. "I do appreciate it, but I'm 99% sure he knows. Word travels fast in the Underground. That's why he'd be scared. I would be too if the only person looking out for me when I was eleven was arrested."
In the Security Center >> Kathlyn considers for a moment, then shakes her head. Guilt only travels so far. She nods towards Tara, then, after a glance at Riley, taps at her keyboard to call up the schedule, so she can see just how much he's been overworking.
In the Security Center >> Briga settles back down to watching the brig door carefully.
Tara goes back to writing, occasionally pausing to switch papers as her thoughts get sidetracked to something else that needs to be taken care of.
In the Security Center >> Kathlyn switches off her terminal. "I'm off-duty," she announces to the room at large, before adding, to Riley, "Think you are, too, boss."
Tara glances away from her notes, pausing to observe Kath and Riley.
In the Security Center >> Briga glances at the two, then immediately back to the brig door.
In the Security Center >> Riley glances up from the pile of paperwork to Kathlyn. He starts to protest, and then just nods. "Yeah, by a bit." He tucks the pile into a locked case, then gets to his feet.
In the Security Center >> Kathlyn blinks, then pauses. Maybe she's listening for the sound of four horses. Instead, she shakes her head, moving for the exit. "G'night, folks."
In the Security Center >> Kathlyn leaves. Really.
In the Security Center >> Riley climbs to his feet as well, murmuring something akin to a farewell before exiting.
In the Security Center >> Riley heads towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.
Tara sneers in Briga's general direction. "Don't worry, kittycat, I'm not going anywhere." Definitely not when there's claws and sharp teeth out there waiting to pounce. No sense in pushing one's luck. Her gaze follows Riley as he leaves. Only after he's well gone does she let regret flicker over her expression.
***** THE SURPRISE ENDING *****
The following was written approximately 12 hours after Tara's arrest, just after her court hearing:
A simple envelope, addressed to Chief Riley Addison c/o AF Security, Alliance Complex, is delivered to Security, albeit by a small greasy looking man. Inside is a single sheet of paper bearing the following letter:
Sir,
I sat there in your brig last night, and for the life of me, I could not get out of my mind the image of you at that desk, with that expression on your face, or the memory or your voice when you arrested me. It got me to thinking. A lot of thinking, about things you've told me since I arrived on Linnae. See, when you arrested me, all I could think of was trying to figure out who to blame. Al-Saydun, for filing the report, maybe, or you, for not sweeping it all under the carpet. Problem is, there's this nagging voice in the back of my head that keeps saying 'If you hadn't drugged the catnip, you wouldn't be in this situation.' Lucky me- some silly conscience decided to pick me.
How long's it been, Addison? Eight years? And in all that time I've gotten through one scrape after another, sometimes by the skin of my teeth. But since my discharge, I've never purposefully, directly hurt somebody that didn't deserve it. Yes, I shot DeMario accidentally when Sarducci was captured, but that was minor compared to this incident. This time I deliberately set out to, well, not hurt somebody, exactly. I've never met a Zaeltan who was actually harmed by the stuff. But it was definitely a cruel act at somebody else's expense. Hurting DeMario as well, though it wasn't deliberate, was definitely a badness as well.
Where am I going with all this? Balance, hopefully. It's time to pay the piper. If you haven't heard already, about an hour ago I plead guilty to the assault and illegal possession charges. In return, they dropped the customs stuff. (Yes, I know, I should probably pay for those too, but I would like to return to a normal life sometime within the next couple of decades.) Some friends of mine removed all the contraband from my ship. It should've been, shall we say, mysteriously deposited with AF Supply. Paying the dock and ship impound fees in advance wiped out my account. I don't think I could get any lower than I am at this point if I tried.
Sir, I must beg a favor. Please ask Dr. Aleron to check on G'ben now and then. Hell, if nothing else, the kid needs bi-annual check-ups. She seems to have his best interests at heart. Hopefully, he won't forget me. And, of course, I pray he doesn't give DeMario and Kya too much trouble. He's a good kid, Addison. Please, if he makes a minor mistake or two, remember his past, and that he's only a child, and give him the chance to make amends. I didn't have much time to instill ethical values in him (yes, I do have those), but gods I tried, even if it was only to keep his record clean until he can apply to the Academy.
I'm not quite sure how to say this last, so I'll just say it. I'm truly sorry for having disappointed you, and I'll strive to avoid doing so in the future, should I have the opportunity to do so.
See you around, Addison.
Your faithful servant,
Tara E. Valentine
------------------------------------------------------------
***** Editor's Note- Bet ya thought she was going to squirm out of it or prove her innocence or something, didn't ya?