03/16/01

"A person in danger should not try to escape at one stroke. He should first calmly hold his own, then be satisfied with small gains, which will come by creative adaptations."-- I Ching (BC 1150)

122 to 129-1121

On board the Heavy Cruiser Alexander, en route to Polyphemus.

There's no way to completely isolate the party, but they are put in a section down at the end of a corridor, guarded by Krypteia to prevent the regular crew from becoming tainted. Trevor decides he'll just mingle with the Krypteia then. Mitchell is unhappy to find that, even guarded, he is not allowed to go to any other areas of the ship. For meals, they will eat at a separate time, in the officers' mess nearest their location. Occasionally a crew member or two will catch a glimpse of the party. They're curious, as the party isn't in the brig, but why are they being kept separate? Not that anyone is going to ask.

Trevor chats to the guards. To the guards. Mitchell tests the guards by lingering after meals, etc. and finds he has a certain amount of latitude and that's it. The guards escort the party to an empty cargo area for exercise or whatever, and there's shipboard tri-dee to watch as well. Grav-ball for Trevor, reference material (all sorts of hyper-media) for Malcolm. Each person in the group has a guard assigned to them. Malcolm has a tall, blond, humorless individual with the manners of an English butler - cool, accommodating, and polite; the most extreme reaction is a raised eyebrow. Rufus is willing to chat with Malcolm about the Marches and other things. Gabrielle's guard, Kent, is actually quite friendly - maybe he thinks she's cute, maybe he's found out she's Capeletti's squeeze. Kent is the opposite of Rufus in appearance, having dark hair, brown eyes, and olive skin. Mitchell's guard is not openly hostile, but it's still early on in the trip; Mitchell doesn't get the man's name. Mitchell tries to test the boundaries with his guard, who is under orders to not bruise the merchandise. Lucky for Mitchell. His request for a golf club and balls is acceptable though, so he gets one of the virtual golf things set up. Trevor, Megan, and Dr. Neil's guards are sort of middle of the road, although Dr. Neil's guard is friendly from a distance.

Trevor's guard is Ul (short for Ulysses), and he's more than happy to spar with Trevor. Ul believes in very traditional greco-roman wrestling and boxing, and does it in only light gloves. That's it. Period. Trevor acquits himself well, Ul gives him an approving nod, and says "I can see what the Ephor meant" as he goes off to use the showers. Trevor later recommends the Hephaestus Club on Vantage, if Uly is "ever in the area and bored". Ul never gets bored. He loves his work - he does almost exclusively bodyguard work, within the Krypteia.

Mitchell comes up with a new schedule - he stays up very late and gets up very early. He's trying to tire out his guard. He's succeeding in tiring himself out at any rate. The party is kept separated, in their own cabins, except for meals and recreation / exercise periods. That way they can't plot to take over the ship. Yeah, right. Three days into jump, Mitchell starts being really, really nice to the guard. He's trying to head trip the secret policeman? The guard takes to drumming (literally) on Mitchell's door, and he can keep it up for hours, and hours.

129-1121.

Reunion with the Ephor in his shuttle. Ephor: <to Mitchell> "Did you get along well with Adolph?" Mitchell: "Actually, no." Ian: "Well, I do hope you'll be my guests at my Dascha." Not that "no thank you" is an acceptable answer. Touch down on a very nice area of Polyphemus. Kind of craggy, but with a rugged charm - saphire-blue water, sandy beach. There's a salty breeze as the group takes an open top limo (non-grav) to a very Mediterranean villa (20 odd rooms) overlooking the ocean. Guards, and servants in livery - greys and blacks. Malcolm is really getting tired of all the monochrome in the Rim. Where's the color?

The staff takes the luggage. Here on his home turf, the Ephor is relaxed and rather friendly, and notes the unease of the group. Ian: "Please, you're my guests. Perhaps we can chat. Maybe I can bring you over to my side, I'd like that. Join me for dinner, but I thought you'd like to rest first." Trevor: "We had a restful trip, actually." Ian: "Yes, but perhaps you'd like to get outside in the fresh air." Malcolm: "Absolutely." The party is escorted to their rooms. There is clothing of the appropriate size, although a bit unimaginative (local colors and styles). Dr. Neil is across the hall from Gabrielle (of course), and she hears him cluck his tongue in disapproval when he opens up the closet. Ian's lack of style is such a disappointment. Good thing Dr. Neil and Gabrielle have their own clothing. Mitchell takes a moment to check out his new ID card while finding beach clothes, and the card has no money on it at all. Zip, zero, nada. Maybe there hasn't been enough time for the balance to be updated?

Time to hit the beach. It's very private, thanks to the fit young men with sandals, swim trunks, and gauss carbines. This is the tropical region of Polyphemus, the only nice area on the planet really, even during the current summer season. The planet was heavily terraformed, and there are many Terran birds, trees, and small animals in the area. Mitchell: "What happened to our ship?" (The merchant ship last seen in the Heavy Cruiser's hold.) Malcolm: "Don't know. This is the Rim - it's probably been filed somewhere." Dr. Neil joins the group. Dr. Neil: "You should enjoy yourselves. I heard some of the guards and apparently we will only be here for a few days before leaving for the Ephor's residence in the capital. It's much colder and less inviting. I know, I've been there. It's very...large, and awe-inspiring. Lots of stone and battlements." Enjoy the beach while they can. The same Krypteia guards are still with the party, only they're using a much longer 'leash'. Malcolm asks Megan to go swimming, and she accepts. Some of the guards are out swimming as well, and swimsuits are optional. Malcolm is nonplussed, but Megan blushes and averts her eyes. Mitchell asks for some golf clubs and balls, and some one is sent to town. Adolph procures a standard set, and Mitchell sets up on the beach to work on his drive accuracy.

Here they are in Club Med Polyphemus. After the swim, it's time to dress for dinner. Gabrielle: <to Dr. Neil> "What form of dress does the Ephor expect for dinner?" Dr. Neil: "I just saw my half-brother a half an hour ago, and he was wearing sandals, shorts, and a flowered shirt. This is a vacation home, so I'd suggest casual." No kidding. Dinner out on the terrace. Fresh fruit, olives, crab, shellfish of various natures, wine. The Ephor is all smiles and charm. "Please, call me Ian." Gabrielle happily shuts off the part of her brain that isn't used for genial conversation. Ian: "So tell me all about your adventure on Sequoyah. I haven't had a chance to watch the video yet." Trevor: "We went on a b'ar hunt." Ian: "Hunting a b'ar I'm told is quite thrilling. I'm a sportsman myself." Malcolm: "It's thrilling if you're not eaten." Ian: "That's part of the game." As the conversation progresses, he notices the subject matter seem to be distressing Gabrielle and (to a lesser degree) Megan. Ian: "We can leave those details out, for the ladies' sake." Malcolm: "Quite. Interesting creatures. I understand b'ar are not native animals." Ian: "I wouldn't know, I'm not up on the local fauna. Sequoyah is definitely an interesting place though." Chit chat follows. About the house, who the architect was, etc. Mitchell keeps away from the wine and just drinks water. After dinner, a pungent cheese and a strong red wine is brought out. It's an odd cheese, and the staff is more than happy to fill Malcolm in on the details (you don't want to know), as it's a special treat. Malcolm has a good time discussing the various cultures he's seen. Ian: "I'm curious, with your Imperium's pathological fear of our confederation and ingrained xenophobia, how you came to visit us? <offering to pour the wine> Some Red Zena?" Malcolm: "Thank you. I've done a lot of travelling in my time. Not everyone is that closed-minded." Ian: "Aren't you concerned about the suspicions you will face when you return home?" Malcolm: "I've travelled so far that the change has been almost beyond belief from my little frontier world. The Solomani are very two-dimensional and remote at home, like watching the Magellan Nebula. We have much more immediate concerns." Ian: "Yes, the Zhodani are a natural concern, given their proximity." Malcolm: "Zhodani on one side, Vargrs on the starboard side, Aslan to port. " Ian: "Yes, we have Vargrs on our border as well. I've never encountered a Vargr personally, but I've heard they're interesting." Malcolm: "The Vargrs are a very diverse group." Ian: "Yes, they have difficulty cooperating among themselves. Of course that's to be expected with the more primitive races." Ian refills his wine glass and Malcolm's, then turns to Mitchell. Ian: "How about you, Captain? Some Red Zena?" Mitchell: "No thank you." Ian: "Got to keep that head clear." Pleasant conversation continues. Nothing overly political, just the standard Solomani line (only Malcolm really notices). Ian: "As I said, while you're here, you are my guests. We got off to a bad start. I'd like to rectify that if I can. You are all interesting people. The disadvantage of our great Confederation is that it tends to breed homogenous people. This makes for less discord, but there are times when people of action are needed." Fortunately, aside from the occasional light conversation, Ian doesn't expect Gabrielle or Megan to participate, they are just women, after all. Dr. Neil on the other hand, ignores his half-brother (while listening though), and pays attention to Gabrielle and Megan.

Mitchell: <to Malcolm> "I wonder how the casino's doing?" Malcolm: "I am somewhat concerned. I'd given Phillippe an idea of the direction we were thinking of, and told him he was in charge until I got back. We may be completely superfluous." The Ephor is going to be taking care of affairs of state over the next few days, but the party is free to enjoy themselves on the estate. He retires early, leaving the group with the servants and the distant guards.

Mitchell: "Does anyone else have any funds on their cards?" Malcolm: "I forgot to check." He does, and has no money either. Neither does anyone else. Mitchell: "How does that phrase go? Something to the effect of it's a nice place, but it's still a prison." Gabrielle decides to take a walk on the beach in the moonlight, away from the men, before going to bed. Mitchell, Malcolm, Trevor, and Megan have cigars on the balcony. At least Mitchell offers one to Megan, but she's concerned about how unhealthy smoking is. Mitchell: "One cigar won't kill you." That should be the least of her worries right now. Megan: "Just because it's not going to kill me right away doesn't mean it's a good idea." Trevor: "Then don't smoke it." Megan: "It's socially unacceptable." Malcolm: "Depends on the culture." Mitchell: "Well, nobody told me it was illegal here, and they're here, so I'm going to smoke them." Trevor also declines the smoke. Afterwards they head back to their rooms and hear laughter and low music in a room with the door closed. Several people laughing. Mitchell asks one of the staff. Staff: "That's the entertainment room. The Ephor is watching a movie." Trevor can't take it, and he peeks in. The Ephor is in there with a number of people, watching a Dick Salamander movie. Predictable. Ooh, it's a recent one too. Trevor is waved in by the Ephor. Trevor goes in, just as the opening stunt before the credits is ending. Very spectacular. Trevor sits down to watch, Mitchell and Malcolm go to bed.

The movie eventually ends, the Ephor bids Trevor good night, and everyone is tucked into their beds safe and sound.

130-1121.

During the night, there's a tapping on Gabrielle's door. She goes to the door and finds Dr. Neil there. Dr. Neil: "The Ephor and his bodyguards are gone. They've left." Gabrielle: "Again??" Does the man have some sort of superstition about leaving in the daytime? Dr. Neil: "I thought this would be a good time to meet with the others and discuss our escape." Escape from where? The villa? The planet?? Everyone gets a tap on the door, and join Dr. Neil's party. Dr. Neil: "There are only a couple of guards, and I'm sure it would not take much to disable them."

Or perhaps, the Snake.

Mitchell: "What? What the hell is he talking about?" Malcolm explains about the rep Mitchell acquired on Sequoyah after his fight with Lagundo, and how the restaurant patrons were referring to him as "The Snake" - a dreaded off-world martial arts expert. Dr. Neil: "Or perhaps that has something to do with his prowess at...never mind." Malcolm: "Let's assume for a minute we can get away. And go where?" Dr. Neil: "There's a town nearby. And I've found that the more restrictive the laws, the easier it is to find some one willing to help break them." Trevor: "For a price." Mitchell: "And how are we going to pay for this help? None of us has any funds on our cards." Dr. Neil takes off one of his cufflinks and passes it to Trevor. A carat, carat and a half diamond, in gold. Mitchell: "And then what?" Dr. Neil: "We find another ship and get off this planet." Malcolm: "What's Polyphemus' current defensive rating? With the Ephor on planet?" Dr. Neil: "Well, what would you suggest?" Mitchell: "Where would we go?" Dr. Neil: "That's open to discussion, but I think that any planet would be preferable to this one." Mitchell: "I'm with you on that." Dr. Neil: "Trevor?" Trevor: "I don't know. I don't know why we were brought here." Dr. Neil: "I suspect Ian has more 'dirty work' planned for us, considering his earlier comments." Trevor: "And those were?" Dr. Neil: "How we were all 'interesting' people, etc." Trevor: "You'd think after what happened on Sequoyah he'd know better than to try to use us for one of his jobs." Dr. Neil: "Oh I expect that your great speech, making trouble for him, actually raised his opinion of you. The worthy opponent and all that." Mitchell: <to Trevor> "That'll teach you." Back to the more immediate issue of the guards. Trevor: "We can get past them, but it's a high tech planet. We don't know what sort of security they have in place." Dr. Neil: "My concern is that we are in the Ephor's back yard, where he has complete control. If he wanted us executed he could do so with the stroke of a pen. He could have a friendly judge make everything nice and legal with no more than a nod and a wink. Of course, he probably wouldn't actually have us killed, this is the Solomani Rim, after all. No, we'd probably just end up being sent off to have our aberrant personalities 'readjusted'. And I don't know how you feel about that, but I'm rather fond of the personality I have now." Trevor: "I was thinking my brain could use a good scrubbing." Malcolm: "Yeah, but once it's washed, you can't do a thing with it." There follows a discussion of whether to go tonight or later, and whether the rooms are bugged or not, and if so by whom.

Malcolm: "If we do it tonight, we're running blind. What do the locals have for accents?" Dr. Neil: "There is a definite local accent." Mitchell: "And how are we to find out information from here?" From the staff? Malcolm: "They may be expecting us to do something right away. They may be giving us this much freedom to see if we try to bolt." Mitchell: "The longer we stay here, the tighter they may pull the rope." Dr. Neil: "He does have a point though. If we're good little boys and girls they might relax." Malcolm: "It's human nature. And it gives us time to equip ourselves." Dr. Neil: "What will we need?" Malcolm: "Food, clothing, a reason to be travelling." Mitchell: "Good point. Why would a group of people be travelling by night?" Trevor: "Because it's really flipping hot during the day." Could work. Dr. Neil: "May I suggest we meet tomorrow night? Perhaps take a walk on the beach?" Sounds good. And there will probably be fewer listening devices. Dr. Neil: "After dinner, tomorrow evening, on the beach. And we'll all find out what we can in the mean time. Very well then, good evening."

Mitchell gets up very early, has breakfast, and goes down to the beach to whack balls. His intention is to gradually lose all his golf balls into the ocean. That way he'll need more. Malcolm decides to go for a hike, using a stout olive branch for a staff. A wandering Imperial with a big stick. Lost his stone axe? He takes a lunch with him, and goes off to do a recce. It's rough terrain, and he's concerned about Gabrielle and Megan. He should probably worry about Dr. Neil as well. He spoke with the guards before leaving, in case there was anything he should look out for. Guard: "Oh, snakes, wolves and jackals, that sort of thing." Another animal is mentioned, but it's nothing Malcolm has heard of. Malcolm: "What the hell is that?" Giant fluffy bunnies or something. Okay, maybe giant, fluffy, carnivorous bunnies that can unhinge their jaws. Well, no, not really. Some sort of cat-like creature.

Mitchell takes about 45 minutes to lose his golf balls. Then he heads back to the house with his empty bucket and requests more. Butler: "Yes sir, I'll have to send to town for more. It will take several hours." Mitchell: "Several hours? How far is it to town?" Butler: "Quite a ways, sir." Mitchell: "Can't some one just dart over in the grav-car?" Butler: "The Ephor doesn't like grav-cars. Ever since the accident...But I've said too much." Mitchell: "Oh all right, but it's going to throw my game off if I have to wait a couple of hours." Servant: "I'm sorry sir. You'll have to wait until next year to join the tour." He's been watching Mitchell play. Butler: "You might try shifting your weight to the other foot, sir. And keeping your elbow in. I can give you some pointers if you like." Mitchell is open to that. The town, Mitchell discovers, is several hundred kilometers away. The Ephor likes his privacy. Dr. Neil is reading a newsfax and drinking his tea. And damaging his health with a cigarette in a holder. Gabrielle is at loose ends, and goes out to the balcony, leaving Dr. Neil to visit with the help. He's quite good at it.

Malcolm sees something tawny-colored in the bushes, parallelling him. Malcolm holds his stick up, makes noises, and moves aggressively towards the animal. The animal takes off, and there doesn't appear to be a back up. That tears it. Taking civilians over rocky terrain, in the dark, with at the very least curious local wildlife doesn't seem like a good idea. He can see the private road, leading to the highway about a click away. What they need is a vehicle.

Malcolm is out avoiding snakes, and tossing rocks around as he tries to think. On his way back to the house, he sees a grav-vehicle come down and land out front. How interesting. A couple of suits emerge from the vehicle. Very in tailoring - Solomani power-suits. Black, of course. The butler goes to the door, and after a few moments, he invites them in. Man: "We are looking for the Imperial. Malcolm Edwards. Do you know where we can locate him, Captain Taylor?" Mitchell: "He's out walking, I believe." Man: "Do you know when he will return?" Mitchell: "He shouldn't be long. Would you care to come in and wait?" Man: "Thank you." Dr. Neil, mouths "SolSec" from where they can't see him. Well, duh. Man: "Good morning, Miss Vanek." Gabrielle: "Good morning." Man: "Dr. Neil." The doctor gives him a brief glance.

Mitchell: "So, aside from Mr. Edwards, what brings you here?" Man: "We were passing by." Mitchell: "How nice of you to stop by. We don't get many visitors." Man: "I would imagine not." Mitchell: "You don't get the same feeling walking on the deck of a ship as you do on the ground." Man: "No, the deck would be metal and gravitically controlled." Mitchell: "It's not just that, it's the ambience." Fortunately, Malcolm returns at this moment. Man: "Ah, Mr. Edwards." Malcolm: "You have the advantage of me, sir." Man: "Yes, I do. May I see your identity card please?" Malcolm hands it over. Man: "Yes, as I suspected. You were issued the incorrect identity card. This is the correct one." He keeps Malcolm's original card and hands him a different one. It's blaze orange, and says "Alien" on it. Other than that it's the same card. Malcolm: "How kind of you to come all the way out here to deliver this." Man: "We were passing by and thought we'd drop it off. Nice meeting you all. Perhaps we'll run into each other again." Mitchell: "Have you guys ever been here before? It's quite something. Let me show you around." Man: <glancing at his silent partner, who shrugs> "I have a few minutes." Mitchell asks Dr. Neil to join them, and the tour heads out. Man: "Hmm. I wonder what Ephor pays." Mitchell: "I know the kitchen's this way, so let's start there." The tour, led by a very chatty Mitchell, winds it's way through the kitchen and other areas of the house. Mitchell: "...and this is the garage. Did you know the Ephor doesn't allow grav-vehicles? Since the accident, you know." Man: "Well, most of us don't have TAC missiles fired at our grav-vehicle." Mitchell: "True, but I have had ship's missiles fired on my ship during battle." Man: "My understanding was that most naval battles are conducted at tens of thousands of kilometers." Mitchell: "Yes, but it's all relative." Man: <unimpressed> "Seems to me like a sort of video game. One minute you're fine, and the next - if you're unlucky - you're not." Mitchell: "Not always."

Mitchell is having a lovely time showing off the house, and he's learning a lot about it in the process. The tour ends up in the Ephor's office, which has a huge stuffed eagle, and many primitive 'weapons' - spears, cutlasses, sabres, etc. The room is quite den-like. There are several rooms (like the Ephor's bedroom) that are off limits, and Mitchell doesn't push it. He's very friendly, effusive, and chummy. Very. Mitchell: "It's very rude of me, but I didn't get your names." Man: "No you didn't." They leave. Dr. Neil: "That was certainly interesting. They were just passing by, and happened to have Malcolm Edward's new ID card." Malcolm: "I'd say the game has begun."

A servant Mitchell doesn't recognize comes out of Mitchell's room. He surprises her. Maid: "Oh! I'm sorry sir. I was just making the bed." Mitchell goes in and unmakes the bed. He finds what appears to be a small gauss pistol. And in fact it is a small gauss pistol. It's obviously seen use, and has no serial number. Does have a loaded magazine though. Mitchell picks up the pistol with the corner of the sheet, and checks to see if the magazine is full. It is, and the grips of the pistol have Naval insignia on them. Mitchell: <to himself> "'Bout time they showed up!" Mitchell remakes the bed, in proper military fashion. Malcolm walks by to see Mitchell casting about for a Solar to bounce on the bed. Damn. Speaking of Solars, Malcolm checks his new card, and it doesn't have any money on it either. Mitchell puts the gun in his golf bag for now. He notices that the door to the bathroom is ajar. Looks like someone has written on the mirror with soap, so Malcolm turns the fresher to shower and lets the room fog up a bit. The message reads: "Tonight 3AM 5 kilometers north beach". Mitchell calls Megan into the bathroom, and shows her the note on the mirror. She assumes that he's written the note for her, probably because the room is bugged. Megan: "Yes sir, I can see what you mean. You were just adjusting the hot and cold taps wrong. Common mistake sir."

Nothing to do for now but relax, rejuvenate, renew. Take a siesta. Rest up for the night's activities.

Gabrielle goes to the den and looks for a book to read, in a language she speaks. There are a number of volumes in Latin and other languages, but she does find quite a few in Galanglic, and in French. She sits down in the den to read. After a half hour or so, Dr. Neil joins Gabrielle in the den. Dr. Neil: "I just had an interesting conversation with the cook. I was hoping you could do something with this." He sets a large knife on the book she's reading. Gabrielle: <confused> "What would you like me to do with it??" Dr. Neil: "I've read about the court on Aquitaine, all the back-stabbing that goes on." <pause> Gabrielle: "Um, that's metaphorical, actually." Dr. Neil: "Ah. Well, one reads things. It's hard to tell sometimes. Perhaps you can pass it on to your more atavistic companions. Mr. Edwards strikes me as the sort who would be comfortable with this type of thing." Gabrielle goes to Malcolm's room, where he's laying on the purring gel bed, reading. Malcolm: "Hey, sugar." Gabrielle: "I found a book I thought you'd be interested in." She shows him the large book, which is in French. Malcolm doesn't read French. Gabrielle: "I think you'll like this section here." He opens the book to find the nice sized, extremely sharp knife, and raises an eyebrow. Gabrielle: "Dr. Neil suggested I share this you."

There's another nice seafood meal for dinner. A sort of stew in a rich brown sauce. Very nice. Afterwards, Dr. Neil suggests "a nice walk on the beach. Anyone care to join me?" Everyone does. Down by the surf. Mitchell takes a club and a couple of golf balls with him. Now he's becoming obsessive. Malcolm: "Wouldn't you just expect that from a Navy man." Mitchell: "Well, what did we all find out?" Not a lot, and no one has a clue when or if the Ephor and his retinue will be returning. Dr. Neil: "I found out that the nearest house is 50 k away." Mitchell: "The nearest town is several hundred." Dr. Neil: "We're not going to walk out." Mitchell: "Dr. Neil, which way is the north beach?" Dr. Neil: <pointing> "That way." Mitchell: "I believe we may have some help." Dr. Neil: "Really? And from where is this help coming? Vantage?" Mitchell: "Some one a little closer to home in my case." Dr. Neil: "Some one you trust?" Mitchell: "I don't know who exactly." Dr. Neil: "I see." Mitchell: "They left a nice gift." (The pistol.) Mitchell: "How long will it take to walk 5 kilometers?" Malcolm: "Along the beach? Not long. About a half hour." Mitchell: "I was told to be there at 3 AM." Dr. Neil: "I don't think the staff will care what we do. They're locals, and don't have any political alliances. The non-aristocratic types here are not encouraged to take an interest in politics. But the two guards could be a problem if they take an interest. Suggestions?" Trevor: "Incapacitate them. <looking at Dr. Neil> We could drug them." Dr. Neil: "There appears to be a shortage of chlorohydrate here. Other suggestions?" Malcolm: "Unless you're planning a last stand somewhere, I'd suggest killing them." Dr. Neil: "Couldn't you knock them out and tie them up?" Malcolm: "Possibly." Dr. Neil knows that the guards patrol a bit, but once everyone goes to bed they stay inside and do a walk through of the house every hour or so. And the guards do have a Hummer-esque vehicle. It would be faster, but very noisy. Malcolm: "Was the message meant for you alone?" Mitchell: "I don't know. I assume that the message was sent to me because of my association with the organization." There's some discussion as to whether they should walk or steal the Hummer. Walking, they should allow an hour. Mitchell: "Shall we meet at about 1:30 then? Anyone have a problem with getting wet?" Malcolm doesn't say what he's thinking. Mitchell: "I was thinking, we go into the surf and then head north." Tides are pondered, since the multiple moons could have interesting results. Malcolm: "I suggest we walk. But are they going to be expecting anyone other than you?" Mitchell: "I don't know, but they will be expecting someone, and my curiosity has been piqued." Malcolm: "Mine too." Mitchell: "So we take the Hummer and get to the site at 2 AM, and send the Hummer into the surf." Dr. Neil: "And the guards won't object to this?" Malcolm, as the token violent Imperial is volunteered to take care of the guards, in whatever way is necessary. Gabrielle: "Dr. Neil, are the bedrooms checked?" Dr. Neil: "The staff tucks everyone in and makes sure no one needs anything." Gabrielle: "No, I mean the guards, when they patrol the house." Dr. Neil: "No they don't." Gabrielle looks expectantly at the others. Malcolm: "So we just sneak out." Good thought.

To bed at the usual time, then up at an ungodly hour. The two guards are in the kitchen talking to a member of the staff (up early to bake bread or something). The party sneaks out carefully, with Malcolm in the lead. Megan slips, lets out a little yelp and goes crashing down the hillside. A couple of lights come on inside the house, and a guard comes out, weapon in hand. Everybody down, off the trail in the scrub. The guard comes out to the top of the trail, looks, waits a minute or two and then comes further down the trail. He walks right past Trevor, then steps on Mitchell's left hand. Mitchell grits his teeth and doesn't make any noise. Unfortunately, the guard then trips over Gabrielle, falls, and discharges his weapon. Shooting himself through the abdomen and in the spine. He doesn't get up, moaning and begging for help as he lays partially on Gabrielle, who can very clearly see the bloody crater in the poor man's back. Malcolm comes over and medics the man, using Regen2™. Okay, maybe the other guard would believe Bob shot himself, but medicked himself?? Bob's radio crackles into life. Malcolm picks Megan up and sprays her scraped hands. They hear the sounds of the other guard running their way, and Malcolm tells everyone to go and leave him behind to buy them some time. The others leave.

Bob's buddy arrives on the scene and sees the evil Imperial crouched down over Bob's body, obviously finishing the job. The second guard goes to buttstroke Malcolm on the back of the head. Malcolm takes the man's legs out from under him and watches as the guard does a perfect roll and pop back up with his weapon up, then pivots as Malcolm grabs for a stick.

Dr. Neil: "Aren't you going to do something? They're killing your friend." Trevor isn't going to just leave Malcolm. Mitchell: "Megan, take Dr. Neil and Gabrielle, and go to the rendezvous point. Make them wait." Mitchell draws the gauss pistol as he runs back with Trevor. Malcolm is shot in the chest (through and through, no organs hit) just before he smacks the guard hard in the knee with the stick. Trevor and Mitchell are still 20 metres away, so they continue running. Malcolm hits the man in the other knee. The guard is staggering and swearing at Malcolm, and shoots him in the foot. Now his boots aren't both waterproof. Malcolm hits the man in the back, weakly. The guard fires on Malcolm again, missing him. A seagull squawks briefly, then is swallowed by a dark something in the water. At this point, Trevor and Mitchell both dive on the hapless guard and beat him into unconsciousness. Trevor and Mitchell pick up Malcolm and haul his ass down the beach. Malcolm gives himself a shot of Regen1™.

They help Malcolm through the surf (that's painful) and north. They do catch up with Megan and the others, although winded. They all arrive at the appointed location, but no one is sure about the time. Figures come out of the darkness, in dark outfits, rush over and attach some sort of harnesses to the party. Remote controls are used, and the grav-belts are activated. Up, then off NOE in grav-belts at a very high rate of speed. Gabrielle closes her eyes. It's very disorienting, and no one can really tell where they're heading. After an indeterminate amount of time, it's into the back of a large grav-truck. Some one in the back turns on the light, and it's one of the SolSec guys from earlier. Mitchell: "Good evening. Or good morning rather." Man: "Sit back and enjoy the ride. We'll be there in a few minutes." True to his word, the vehicle touches down, the doors are opened. Come on, come on, let's go." Down a dark corridor, guided by faceless men and the SolSec agent in back. Then into a brightly lit room and the door shuts behind them.

There's a chair in the middle of the room. Looks sort of like a dentist's chair, only with more stuff equipment. In the harsh shadows to the side of the room is a figure seated in a chair. Agent: "Okay Colonel. Here are the prisoners you wanted. <He gestures towards Gabrielle, or maybe Megan.> The young woman you will remember from last time." There's a woman (not anyone they recognize) in the chair, twitching. The female has electrodes on various parts of her body, like her eyelid, her chest...places that remind Gabrielle of an incident on Sequoyah.