Editing Last Voyage of Delilah, Episode 203: Captures from the Past, Part 3

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'''Rachel:''' You gon' go help her, aren't you?<br>
'''Valentine:''' By the way, how much is she worth?<br><br>

He can hear the reply clear as a bell in his head: ''Laz would'a done it''. And Valentine thinks: ''And that's not necessarily a point in her favor''. <br><br>

Nevertheless, Valentine stiffens his spine, tugs his jacket straight, and steps out. He doesn't approach the enforcers but he does make himself visible in front of the bead-curtained door. Just making his presence known. <br><br>

'''Weasel:''' We'll just take a look around and see what we can find, shall we?<br>
'''Muriel:''' I don't have anything. Search all you want.<br><br>

Her manner is not fearful. Muriel simply watches with a mix of weary annoyance and defeat. Weasel comes up to the bead curtain and eyes Valentine up and down. <br><br>

'''Weasel:''' Out'a my way.<br><br>

Valentine steps out of the way, polite but uncowed. He sees patrons getting up and leaving, not too keen in getting involved in the incipient shakedown by the area mob. Valentine also sees more of Weasel's goons have gone to Muriel's bar where they promptly give up searching in favor of swilling down whatever bottle they can lay their hands on, while yet a few more are already going through the back of the house, rifling through everything. <br><br>

Weasel strides into Muriel's office where Vikki and Rachel are sitting with their tea and they are roughly ordered out. Vikki immediately gets up to comply but Rachel takes her time rising from her chair.<br><br>

'''Rachel:''' Who the hell're you?<br>
'''Weasel:''' Who the hell are ''you''?<br>
'''Rachel:''' Old enough to be your momma.<br><br>

She stands and crosses her arms and tosses her head. Oh hell no, she's not gonna be ordered around by a thug young enough to be her grandson.<br><br>

'''Weasel:''' Yeah? Well, my momma done left me when I was but a kid. So that ain't no nothin' in your favor.<br>
'''Rachel:''' Why I wonder why? Step back up. You ain't got no manners. Why are you goin' through a lady's office?<br>
'''Weasel:''' Yeah, well that's no lady.<br>
'''Rachel:''' I agree with ya there, but you still don't got no call.<br>
'''Weasel:''' We know she's hidin' somethin'.<br>
'''Rachel:''' She ain't hidin' nothin'.<br><br>

Two of Weasel's goons brush past them and start tossing the office. Vikki edges for the door but Rachel and Weasel are still standing in it. Valentine eases over to Muriel and murmurs.<br><br>

'''Valentine:''' Need help?<br>
'''Muriel:''' Well, they probably won't find anything. I don't think they know anything about my spot. But I am thinking about the damage they can do … <br><br>

Valentine doesn't want to play White Knight unless it's clear that Muriel could be killed or severely injured unless he steps in. Unless his stepping in causes her to get severely killed or injured …<br><br>

Meanwhile, Rachel is still squaring off with Weasel.<br><br>

'''Weasel:''' (sinister) Do I have'ta carry you out, Ma'am?<br>
'''Rachel:''' You touch me and I'll slap you.<br>
'''Vikki:''' Hopefully you won't slap ''me''. C'mon, let's go …<br><br>

Vikki takes Rachel by the hand and tries to get the woman moving. Weasel puts a hand out and stops her. He calls out to the general air, keeping his eyes glittering on Rachel. He leers, showing teeth as nasty as his namesake.<br><br>

'''Weasel:''' We got a live one here. You ain't so bad for an old lady. We're gonna have some fun. We got some couches back there. I c'n be real gentle.<br><br>

Rachel starts laughing and too late, Valentine realizes he's chosen the wrong damsel in distress. He turns for the office, sees Rachel's stance, and calls out a warning even as Vikki tugs on Rachel's arm.<br><br>

'''Valentine:''' Rachel.<br>
'''Vikki:''' (whispers) … ''Let's go'' … <br>
'''Valentine:''' (louder) … Rachel.<br><br>

Weasel and Rachel ignore them both. <br><br>

'''Weasel:''' I won't break your old bones.<br>
'''Rachel:''' (scorn!) You ain't gonna break nothin', young'un. Besides, I broke one jus' like ''you''—.<br>
'''Valentine:''' Rachel. Snap to.<br>
'''Vikki:''' ''Let's go …''<br>
'''Rachel:''' (to Valentine) … ''What'' do you want!?<br>
'''Valentine:''' ''Snap to.''<br>
'''Rachel:''' Captain.<br>
'''Vikki:''' ''Please?''<br>
'''Rachel:''' (to Weasel) I gotta go.<br><br>

Vikki gratefully pulls Rachel out of there and the goons go to town on the office, tearing it all apart looking for whatever it is they came to find. The women stand with Valentine and Muriel. Weasel joins them a few minutes later, empty handed and clearly irritated. He glares at Muriel.<br><br>

'''Weasel:''' I know you got some of the new stuff. <br>
'''Muriel:''' I don't know what you're talking about. The only things I have is what you sell me and tea. <br>
'''Weasel:''' Uh-huh.<br>
'''Valentine:''' (looking around) Your guys seem to be doing a pretty good thorough job—<br><br>

Something breaks rather loudly, sight unseen. <br><br>

'''Valentine:''' (continuing) … of trashing the place. <br>
'''Weasel:''' You know … (looks narrowly at Valentine) … all the other bystanders left. <br>
'''Valentine:''' Yeah, I noticed that.<br>
'''Weasel:''' That's the wisest thing to do right now.<br>
'''Valentine:''' Well … (thinks) … Nope.<br><br>

He stands fast. Vikki and Rachel stand with him.<br><br>
 
'''Weasel:''' Now I don't know if you went to school or not—you look like someone who went to school—but there's one, two, three, four … and I'm one of them, so that's five …<br><br>

No, there's only four, but Valentine keeps his mouth shut.<br><br>

'''Weasel:''' Now that's five 'gainst one.  Just an old lady an' a girl. Two old bitches. So—<br><br>

'''POW!'''<br><br>

Rachel punches Weasel across the face. Weasel rubs his jaw appreciatively and his eyes glitter at Rachel as if she's something tasty. <br><br>

'''Weasel:''' Yeah, that's right. Take a swing.<br>
'''Vikki:''' (low) … You had to call her ''old'' …<br>
'''Valentine:''' (to Rachel) ''You'' call ''yourself'' old!<br>
'''Rachel:''' That's not the point!<br>
'''Valentine:''' No, actually I feel pretty strongly that it is.<br><br>

Rachel has her pride and a mess of bad old memories goading her toward a fight. So she hauls back to deliver another punch when Weasel grabs both her wrists quick as a flash and slams them together … holding them and squeezing them tight, all the while his eyes glitter just this side of madness over a feral grin. And ''that'' is when Rachel realizes Weasel is not merely a dangerous thug but a psychopath capable of killing her without compunction or remorse. <br><br>

'''Valentine:''' (off Rachel's look) … Oh, gorram hell …<br><br>

Valentine pegs Weasel as a petty king of a dungheap who's just been insulted by a little old lady. If he lets it slide, it would make him look bad and everyone below him in the pecking order would start challenging him for his position. Valentine sizes up Weasel and his men. Weasel is looking for any justification now to hurt Rachel—and everyone else in the room—to sate the crazy lust for violence shining in his eyes. Weasel's men, however, are just thugs who are in it for the money. They like throwing their weight around and busting up shops, but killing little old ladies over an insult is not their thing. Valentine believes there's room to maneuver in that. <br><br>

He moves so that Weasel can see and hear him clearly … and not so coincidentally, arranging it so Weasel's crew can see and hear him, too.  Valentine pulls his jacket aside just enough to let Weasel see Black Rose. <br><br>

'''Valentine:''' (calmly) I'm not unarmed. If this comes to a fight … (nods at Rachel) … She's sorry, but if it comes to a fight, I won't hesitate. And it looks like you might not hesitate either to kill an old lady who slapped you and didn't do you any serious harm.<br><br>

Weasel almost hisses under his breath, muttering about insult and intent.<br><br>

'''Valentine:''' (steely, now) She's ''sorry''. (a beat) Rachel. Tell him you're sorry.<br>
'''Rachel:'''  … I'm sorry …<br><br>

She's not fooling anyone but she says it anyway. Valentine stands his ground, Black Rose still visible. Vikki hangs back, clutching a teapot. Weasel pauses, considering his options.<br><br>

'''Weasel:''' ... Yeah … (nods) … A'right … (to Muriel) … Bloom. We'll be back. Make sure you find it. Or we'll tear this place apart nail to board. (looks at Rachel) … and if anyone's here at the time, we'll have to take them apart, too.<br><br>

Weasel backs for the door, giving the teashop a lingering glitter-eyed look. His men trade uneasy glances, clearly not exactly sure what just ''didn't'' happen here … but they leave behind Weasel, knocking a couple of tables over for spite.<br><br>

Valentine keeps his eye on them, giving the goons a clear message: ''Really? You're really working with this guy?'' He also keeps his hand near Black Rose, in case one of them breaks and starts shooting. <br><br>

They leave. No shots are fired. Rachel slumps against Valentine as Muriel's staff creep out and quickly clean up the mess. Valentine guides Rachel to a chair as Muriel sighs and breathes a laugh in Valentine's direction.<br><br>

'''Muriel:''' Well … thank you. That was … pleasant.<br>
'''Valentine:''' That guy's a total scumbag. To be honest, he'd give scumbags a bad name.<br><br>

Vikki puts the teapot down, glad she didn't have to throw it at anyone's head, and goes to Rachel.<br><br>

'''Vikki:''' You okay, Rachel?<br>
'''Rachel:''' Oh, I'm fine, honey.<br>
'''Vikki:''' I was going to clock him with this teapot.<br>
'''Valentine:''' (turning around) I'm so glad you didn't.<br>
'''Rachel:''' That would have been bad.<br>
'''Vikki:''' No, it's iron. It would have been fine.<br><br>

It is a tetsubin teapot, made of cast iron and suitably heavy. <br><br>

'''Valentine:''' No, no.<br>
'''Rachel:''' No, baby. He was ''crazy''. <br>
'''Vikki:''' Well, yeah. Which is why you need to hit him with something hard, like iron.<br>
'''Valentine:''' Are you tryin' to kill him?<br><br>

Valentine's tone is rather like that teapot. Vikki puts her chin up and answers the same way. <br><br>

'''Vikki:''' I'm not sure.<br>
'''Valentine:''' I'll say this right now. He's the kind of guy that if you clock him with a teapot, you better kill him with it, because he's going to come back and kill you.<br>
'''Vikki:''' Hence, the iron.<br>
'''Valentine:''' Yeah … (softer, now) … I don't think you got it in you and I don't want you to have it in you to kill somebody. Deliberately. With an iron teapot.<br><br>  

Valentine looks Vikki in the eye and she's the first to look away.<br><br>

'''Valentine:''' Plus, it's a nice teapot.<br>
'''Muriel:''' (to Vikki) That's true. But I would forgive you. (to Valentine) In case he comes back … could I get you to hold something for me?<br><br>

Vikki chokes. ''Oh no. Oh no oh no oh no no no no '''nononononononono—!''''' How many times had she seen people get into deep trouble "holding" something for friend. Too many to count. She knows what's coming: Muriel wants Valentine to hold the thing Weasel was willing to kill them all for. She looks at Valentine, hoping she won't have to say it out loud … and hears Valentine's answer and knows it's too late.<br><br>

'''Valentine:''' Sure. What do I need to know about it? I'd rather know as little as possible, to be honest, but what do I need to know?<br>
'''Muriel:''' He …. They shouldn't have it. <br><br>

Muriel walks to one of the tables and pushes the woodwork in an odd way. A section of the floor underfoot shifts, revealing a hidden compartment. Inside it is a package, wrapped in plain brown paper tied with string. Whatever's in it, it's heavy. She hands it to Valentine.<br><br>

'''Muriel:''' I'll be back in a day or so. You're not leaving right away, are you? <br>
'''Valentine:''' Not that I'm aware of, no.<br>
'''Muriel:''' See? Isn't it great to have friends working with you? (smiles) You might not want to let anybody on your ship that you don't know hear about the Weasel.<br><br>

Before Valentine can explain to her that his crew is small and there's no way he could keep them out of the loop, Rachel jumps to another, though no less important, concern.<br><br>

'''Rachel:''' Muriel, you think they're goin' to be watchin' the front door?<br>
'''Vikki:''' So? We'll go out the back. Or go across the roof.<br>
'''Rachel:''' And why didn't you—(to Valentine)—you can't hide that under your coat. This is—<br>
'''Vikki:''' No. We can use my bag.<br>
'''Valentine:''' I am not really going to accept "Why aren't you doing it this way" or "Why aren't you doing it that way" when you almost got yourself killed by slapping weasels. We're just going to go back to the ship quietly out the back door.<br><br>

Vikki's wearing her messenger bag, as usual, and holds it open. The package goes perfectly inside. Down goes the flap, the package is neatly hidden, and it looks like an ordinary bag. Valentine takes his crew out the back door and they sneak through the alley to the street beyond. Vikki's rough neighborhood background serves her well. Valentine's natural caution keeps him alert to danger. Rachel, however, is shaky in the aftermath of the adrenaline rush and she bumps into a man once they gain the street. <br><br>

He's disheveled-looking and shabbily dressed in a brown military coat. He acts as if he's drunk. He also has a sheriff's badge. He blinks blearily at Rachel but she keeps on going. She doesn't dare look over her shoulder to see if the drunken Sheriff does anything but she's got a strong feeling that he's watching them.<br><br>

Valentine doesn't waste any time getting back to the ship. He finds Tian treating a rather sick Poco in the infirmary. It appears he'd acquired some deeply discounted Mudder's Milk past its expiration date and its dairy additives (now curdled) have made him ill. <br><br>

'''Blarghhhh …'''<br><br>

Valentine sighs. Of all the times for his engineer to get laid out, now is not the best. He needs to find a really good place to hide Muriel's package. Vikki assures him there are plenty of places aboard the ship that will serve. She, Valentine, and Rachel walk through the ship, trying one hidey hole to another, looking for the best fit.<br><br>

'''Vikki:''' So what is it? A key of Dust or what?<br>
'''Valentine:''' No, we're not going to—<br>
'''Vikki:''' ''I know''. We're not looking inside it.<br>
'''Valentine:''' And we're not going to ask. So would you please ''stop shaking it''?<br><br>

Ooops. Vikki goes still.<br><br>

'''Valentine:''' Give me the thing. <br>
'''Vikki:''' Oh, I know what it is. I betcha it's Bonesteel.<br><br>

It's a popular male enhancement drug. <br><br>

'''Valentine:''' I don't care. Once again, I don't care what it is. We're already in deep trouble.<br>
'''Rachel:''' I'm still trying to figure out how you know what a key of Dust is.<br>
'''Vikki:''' When I'm bored, I read. Okay?<br><br>

To say nothing of being from the wrong side of the tracks. Valentine sighs and takes off alone to hide the key of don't-care-what-it-is. Once he's done, he touches base with Tian on her meeting with Zhang. They settle with a cup of coffee each. Vikki quietly joins them.<br><br>

'''Valentine:''' How'd it go?<br>
'''Tian:''' Well … (sighs) … The news is not good.<br>
'''Valentine:''' Okay.<br><br>

Valentine sips his coffee and waits for Tian to continue.<br><br>

'''Tian:''' Whitefall is apparently … well, obviously they sent the recon guys there for a reason. It's in the middle of … call it civil …?<br>
'''Valentine:''' Unrest?<br>
'''Tian:''' Yeah, there you go. A separatist group. Wants nothing to do with the Alliance, wants nothing to do with the Independents, wants nothing to do with pretty much anybody. AAANNND the Alliance is sending "advisors" into a variety of places that are fracturing, basically reestablishing the power base as you would expect. David's squad was a part of that and … was taken by the splinter group. <br>
'''Vikki:''' Ooooh, I'm so sorry.<br>
'''Tian:''' Zhang has some feelers out and there is the possibility of maybe talking with the splinter group. But here's where it gets dicey … (long pause) …<br>
'''Valentine:''' Go on.<br>
'''Tian:''' The contact that he's got is an opium distributer. <br>
'''Vikki:''' Huh. Imagine that.<br>
'''Valentine:''' And this distributer? Who are they?<br>
'''Tian:''' Is the name going to mean anything to you at this point?<br>
'''Valentine:''' It actually might at this point.<br>
'''Tian:''' Fatima Akbari?<br>
'''Valentine:''' No … I don't think so. Maybe he could be, for all I know.<br>
'''Tian:''' Apparently she's the middle man for the lady who runs Whitefall—Patience Somebody—and the group calling themselves the Lakota after an Old Earth indigenous people or something?<br>
'''Valentine:''' Running into a lot of Old Earth today.<br>
'''Vikki:''' Maybe we can sue for his release?<br>
'''Valentine:''' So. What now?<br>
'''Tian:''' If we can stay a few days, that would be nice.<br>
'''Valentine:''' Conveniently, yes. We need to stay at least a day, maybe a little bit longer for sure. And related to that, should you see the Sheriff or any psychopathic little guys … ''we don't know anything''.<br><br>

Tian throws him a look of supreme incomprehension. What?! A second later, she puts her hands up and gets clear of that business. <br><br>

'''Tian:''' I don't know anything anyway. I'm going to set up my clinic and get started on doing that for several days. And put in an appearance at the local hospital. Other than that, the possibility exists that ... um … the Alliance may try to send somebody in to extract the team.<br>
'''Valentine:''' Is that possible?<br>
'''Tian:''' (sadly) … I don't know. As far as I know and what I know is very sketchy, because David didn't tell me a lot about what his squad looked like, my best guess is you've got a relatively young squad of a sergeant and people like David. Relatively green. This was supposed to be something simple that was not going to be a big deal and it turned into a bigger deal.<br>
'''Vikki:''' Yeah, that's what Custer thought.<br>
'''Valentine:''' Really, Vikki? You have to make ''that'' reference?<br>
'''Tian:''' Zhang seemed to think that the Alliance could in fact send someone in to save face, because this is a face-saving situation. But … honestly, Val, I don't know how to read this one. I am not a tactician. Militarily speaking, I don't know what the Alliance has going. I don’t know what stake they have in keeping Whitefall under their thumb or whether they will feel the need to save face on the planet.<br><br>

Valentine thinks for a moment and spies Poco slipping into the lounge with Rachel.<br><br>

'''Valentine:''' Poco is going to hate this particular suggestion but—<br>
'''Poco:''' (ill) I already hate it.<br>
'''Valentine:''' Good, cuz it's the kind of suggestion I want to make if you're going to hate it. This strikes me as the kind of situation is what's needed is careful precision and tactful diplomacy and the Alliance is going to bring a hammer.<br>
'''Tian:''' (nodding) Hence why I need a few days if we have them to be able to sit and wait to see what this contact of Zhang's can do. We might be able to offer her something and she might be willing to act as middle man between us and the Lakota.<br><br>

Tian pauses, as if unsure if she should say more. Then:<br><br>

'''Tian:''' I am not unwilling to take David's entire squad out of harm's way. It would not even necessarily, as much as I hate to say this, I'm not entirely sure that David needs to know that we're involved or that I was involved in any fashion. It would allow him to go back to his career. The only thing I want out of this is that he be aware of the danger that Christian poses. <br><br>

Valentine lets this sink in a beat.<br><br>

'''Valentine:''' So … if a third party were to negotiate him out of the grip of the Lakota, without direct intervention from the Alliance or without the Alliance even knowing what was happening, would that interfere with David's career?<br>
'''Tian:''' Val, I don't know. ''I don't know'' what pull Christian has, I don't know what pull that … woman … has? And what that could do—I just don't know.<br>
'''Valentine:''' (calmly) I'm offering depth.<br>
'''Tian:''' I know. I know you are. And I don't have an answer for you yet.<br>
'''Valentine:''' Okay. Just keep it in mind. Let's just sit here for a couple of days. See what they can offer. <br>
'''Tian:''' The only thing I can tell you is I want my son. If that means I have to go in alone, ''then I will go''.<br><br>

Go in alone. Yeah. She's that desperate.<br><br>

'''Vikki:''' Can I throw something into the ring, here?<br>
'''Valentine:''' Sure.<br>
'''Vikki:'''  History's full of examples where you have independence fighters, terrorists, whatever, in some backwater country who are always in need of arms against their greater enemy. <br>
'''Valentine:''' Go on.<br>
'''Vikki:''' And they'll either deal in arms or they'll deal in drugs. Either way it's a commodity they use to fuel their movement. So …<br>
'''Valentine:''' Right. And?<br>
'''Vikki:''' We have drugs, or we have at least connections to two people who deal drugs, that they can sell for arms. There must be some way we can use that.<br>
'''Valentine:''' So … the potential drugs we have now aren't ''ours'' …<br>
'''Vikki:''' No, no. Not saying those, but didn't Zhang say he knew a drug dealer?<br>
'''Tian:''' No, she's the one who would act as the middle man in this negotiation. She would need something from us.<br><br>

This is getting a little complicated. <br><br>

'''Valentine:''' So, right now, let's give it a couple of days. (to Tian) See what information you get. (to Rachel) See if we still survive Weasel and this drug package and your frenemy.<br>
'''Poco:''' Who's Weasel?<br>
'''Valentine:''' What? … (sighing) … You'd know a lot of people like him.<br>
'''Poco:''' I know a lot of weasels. Is that a first name or a last name?<br>
'''Valentine:''' No, but he's a complete psychopath, if that helps.<br><br> 

Valentine describes him to Poco.<br><br>

'''Valentine:''' (finishing up) The tea place we were in, I think the owner was selling something, peddling drugs I'm thinking, without Weasel's higher-up's knowledge. And so he was sent to talk place, find it, and make an example of the person in question.<br>
'''Poco:''' Your description describes so many people. I don't know him but maybe next week I'll know something.<br>
'''Valentine:''' At the moment, we're just going to hold the package and … (to Vikki) … not ''mess'' with it. We'll go from there. We'll go a couple of days but I just wanted you to know up front. I'm not willing to go serve as a tactical insert and try to stage some sort of crazy rescue. But I am willing to go and serve as a negotiating team—.<br>
'''Tian:''' I would not ask you to do that.<br>
'''Valentine:''' I know you wouldn't ask. I'm setting up a—.<br>
'''Tian:''' That doesn't mean that ''I'' won't go.<br>
'''Valentine:''' Understood. I think we should go but I think we can get it done without performing some sort of crazy rescue.<br> 
'''Rachel:''' And we do have that shuttle, now.<br><br>

The shiny military shuttle we rescued off Ares. Absolutely.<br><br>

'''Valentine:''' Yeah. … (Smiles) … I love that shuttle. <br>
'''Rachel:''' I wasn't goin' to make a comment but you seemed awfully attached. It is somethin' that's in our tool box.<br>
'''Valentine:''' Yes. It's in our toolbox. If it's something that's useful to offer, if it means giving them military-grade shuttle will be something that would work, then I'm happy give up the shuttle.<br>
'''Tian:''' Val!<br>
'''Rachel:''' Or just flyin' in and gettin' him.<br>
'''Valentine:''' (to Tian) What? (to Rachel) I already said I wasn't doing that.<br>
'''Poco:''' We could'a sold it for lots of money back on Boros.<br>
'''Rachel:''' Why'n't we jus' fly on in there and get 'im?<br>
'''Valentine:''' Hold on. I—<br>
'''Poco:''' I think Mama Bear's got a great idea. Just fly in there and get 'im.<br>
'''Tian:''' (to Poco) Are ''you'' good enough with a weapon to get in there to get my son out?<br>
'''Valentine:''' Actually, I—<br>
'''Poco:''' Oh, no. We're all certainly going to die. <br>
'''Valentine:''' What? … (pissed) … Okay. ''What was in that expired alcohol'', Poco?<br>
'''Poco:''' It's called ''sarcasm''!<br>
'''Rachel:''' Well, he does have a big gun. He does have that. <br>
'''Poco:''' At least.<br><br>

Valentine sighs and takes Tian's hand.<br><br>

'''Valentine:''' Tian. The shuttle is nice but a shuttle is just a pile of metal, okay?<br>
'''Poco:''' (sotto voce) And ceramics.<br>
'''Valentine:''' Yes, and ceramics, thank you, Poco. And electronics, before you say it.<br>
'''Poco:''' And a pile of money, that we could'a sold it for, ultimately. And then we could buy her a new son—.<br>
'''Valentine:''' '''BUT''' you're— <br>
'''Vikki:''' Ultimately it's a tool. We should use it—.<br>
'''Rachel:''' Pappa Bear, just quit it. Just stop. <br>
'''Vikki:''' —to get your son out.<br>
'''Rachel:''' We ain't buyin' her a new son.<br><br>

Some days Valentine is less captain and more cat herder. This apparently is one of those days. Valentine gives Tian's hand a squeeze and waits for Tian to meet his eye. To hell with the kibitzing from the rest of the crew. Tian is his main concern right now. When Tian finally looks at him, he says with utter conviction:<br><br>

'''Valentine:''' You're my ''crew''. And it seems that means you're ''family''. If so, then giving up the shuttle or negotiating a drug deal or whatever it happens to be, if that's what we need to do to get your son out, then we'll do it.<br><br>

Tian's lips tremble from the emotion of the moment, moved by his declaration. Then:<br><br>

'''Poco:''' You ever go up against Patience?<br><br>

The moment fades and it's back to business again.<br><br>

'''Valentine:''' I can't say I have.<br>
'''Vikki:''' That's more sarcasm, right?<br>
'''Tian:''' No, he said her name was Patience. <br>
'''Vikki:''' ''Like I said'', that's sarcasm. She doesn't sound nice.<br>
'''Poco:''' Yeah. The terrorists might be a breath of fresh air. Easier to negotiate with.<br>
'''Vikki:''' See?<br>
'''Valentine:''' Let's just see how it goes.<br>
'''Tian:''' You know, I'm going to just tell you straight out. I don't know what the Alliance will or won't do. On one level, his squad is better off allowing the Alliance to go in after them. <br>
'''Valentine:''' You think?<br>
'''Rachel:''' Honey, what happens if there's a stray shot?<br>
'''Tian:''' The Navy covers its own.<br>
'''Valentine:''' You think?<br>
'''Tian:''' ''Most'' of the time. <br>
'''Poco:''' They're a long way from home.<br>
'''Tian:''' (agrees) But they're a long way from home and I don't know what's going on out here.<br>
'''Rachel:''' And there's always a chance for a stray shot.<br><br>

Tian lets loose a measured breath and turns to Rachel. <br><br>

'''Tian:''' You know what? David took that risk when he signed on. He knew that. Frankly, if he were to take his squad in and get his butt killed doing the right thing, I can live with that. He can live with—well, he can die with that. If that's what's necessary. I have lived that life my ''entire'' adult life.<br>
'''Rachel:''' Well, I'm more worried about a stray shot on purpose.<br>
'''Tian:''' I'm less woried about that and more worried about the idea that … this person who has this vendetta to set me up, whether it's personal or not, I don't know what kind of pull he has. Which means I don't know if this grab for a squad could be totally coincidental—and given the situation, it could be—or if it was orchestrated. And that's the part that worries me.<br>
'''Valentine:''' In what way? His career or his life?<br>
'''Tian:''' His life. Frankly, I'll blow his career out of the water if I have to. I don't want to, because it's what he wants for himself. But I will ''blow'' his career out of the sky to get him out of there.<br><br>

Soldier. Mother. Tian is both. There's little doubt she'll carry through her threat if it's the only way to save her son's life.<br><br>

'''Valentine:''' Because I'm a prime example of how one can always start a second career.<br> 
'''Poco:''' I don't think you really oughta making that argument too much, but I'm not a captain. (to Tian) No offense or anything.<br>
'''Tian:''' Yes, I want him to have what he wants for himself. He wants to follow in his father's footsteps and he's a ''good'' soldier.<br>
'''Valentine:''' So it comes down to this, Tian. I am ''behind you'' whatever you decide. Let's give it a couple of days and we'll go from there, okay?<br>
'''Poco:''' I might find my networks and see if I can learn anything about these people.<br>
'''Valentine:''' That would be good.<br>
'''Poco:''' You know … You can call yourself a freedom fighter or whatever, but if you're selling drugs to opium dealers, you'd probably have an impression of how some operate.<br>
'''Tian:''' I would appreciate that hugely, Poco. Thank you.<br>
'''Poco:''' I'll see what I can find.<br>
'''Valentine:''' And once again, if you see a Sheriff person or Weasel/Psychopath person, avoid them.<br>
'''Poco:''' Huh. Sheriff's a mess. Usually they're the kind of people I drink with, but this time…<br>
'''Valentine:''' But this time you'll avoid them? Just for me?<br>
'''Poco:''' Just for you, Captain. <br>
'''Valentine:''' Appreciate it. Don't go slapping anyone, either.<br><br>



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