07/20/01

"As soon as questions of will or decision or reason or choice of action arise, human science is at a loss."-- - Noam Chomsky

229-1121.

Trevor wakes up. The rest has done him good, as he feels very good. A bit irritable and grumpy, but good. He feels strong, confident, relaxed. He gets up, to go use the fresher and discovers that he's in a different room than when he last was awake. What the? The room has a bunk, a fresher, and a bunch of very expensive heat and eats. The door is sealed with some sort of foam. Trevor eats, then goes to use the fresher. He finds his skin is sloughing off, all over his entire body. He looks in the mirror, and he's evidently acquired boney processes around his eyes, his neck looks thicker, and his skin is leathery and tougher, almost like hide. Um....?

Trevor tries to find an intercom but there is none, and the terminal has been removed. No door latch on the inside of the door. He pounds on the door. It's a small ship, and sound carries.

Mitchell, Malcolm, and Gabrielle are awoken by the captain's announcement that the ship was coming into Saxe, and they hear the pounding. To Mitchell, it sounds like the door across the way is being knocked on. Mitchell knocks on his own door. Guard: "Good morning, Mr. Taylor, do you require anything?" Mitchell: "No, I heard knocking and wondered what was going on." Guard: "I believe that's coming from the quarantine room." Mitchell: "Some one might want to let Lisa know it's awake." It? Boy, he's lucky Trevor didn't hear that. Guard: "Yes sir. We're coming into dock on Saxe sir." Mitchell: "So I gathered."

Gabrielle's cabin door is opened, the guard looks in at her, his eyes get wide, and he shuts the door. She also feels really good physically, but a bit aggressive and short tempered. She checks under the bunk, and there's a distinct lack of Dr. Neil. Probably just as well.

Mitchell, not occupied with the business of mutating (or evolving, or whatever), is allowed out of his room. He goes to the galley area, with his guard. He sees Lisa there, having a cup of Joe. (Joe who?) There is a coffee pot, very high tech, and Mitchell serves himself. Lisa: "I was given to understand you didn't drink coffee, Captain Taylor." Mitchell: "That depends on who's serving it." Lisa: "Let me pour you a cup." Mitchell: "I don't think so. Last cup of coffee I got from you didn't go down so good." Lisa and Malcolm look confusedly at Mitchell. Lisa: "We'll be docking at Saxe soon, and we can get all this mess sorted out." Mitchell: "So tell me, how many twin sisters do you have?" Lisa: "I don't have any sisters, I'm an only child. I'm not getting you." Mitchell: "From the look on your face when I mentioned the coffee, I'm guessing you want me to believe that you've never seen me before." Lisa: "When you came on board the ship yesterday, that was the first time I'd met you." Mitchell: "Then, like I said, how many twins do you have?" Lisa: "I believe I answered that question already." Mitchell: "I believe you're mistaken." As far as Malcolm can tell, they're both telling the truth. Lisa: "It's highly likely that you have some implanted or altered memories, after being in the presence of Dr. Neil, who is believed to be a psionic....In fact...I'm sorry." Mitchell: "So, what do you want with us?" Lisa: "In my conversations with Malcolm... <hesitates> Well, at first we thought you were associates of Dr. Neil, working with him. But after speaking with Malcolm I understand you were just unwitting dupes, or perhaps victims of Dr. Neil. In that case you will be debriefed, we'll find out what you know, and you'll be released. But we'll finalize that once we get to Saxe and I've spoken with my superiors." Mitchell: "May I ask who they are?" Lisa: "You may ask." Mitchell: "And they would be?" Lisa: "That's on a need to know basis. I'm sure you can understand that I work for the government." Mitchell: "Which side?" Lisa: "Come, Captain Taylor, you're not stupid." Mitchell: "I figured anyone who could give orders to the captain of a ship like this would have to have certain associations." Lisa: "I'll tell you this much. My assignment is to track down and apprehend Dr. Alfred Neil. I've been after him for some time. However, since it appears that Dr. Neil has had an unfortunate accident, I'll need you as witnesses. And it appears that two of your compatriots have been the victims of some sort of horrible experiment of Dr. Neil's." Mitchell: "Okay, here's where I'm having trouble with your story. Some one either made to look like you, or grown to look like you, took myself, Gabrielle, and I'm guessing Trevor as well, captive on Saxe, then transported us to some sort of secret lab on an asteroid where some one who looked just like you injected my friends with some sort of agent. And I'm having a hard time reconciling the fact that you don't think it was you." Lisa: "Well, you know how common bio-sculpting fashion is around here, it's not uncommon for similarities to crop up." Mitchell: "Not similar, identical. Same raven black hair, same porcelain skin, same blue eyes." Lisa: "Captain Taylor, as I already told said, you and your friends were probably under the influence of Dr. Neil." Mitchell: "As far as I know, Dr. Neil wasn't there." Lisa: "I can assure you that I've never met you before." Hmmm, but she told Malcolm that she was officious and brusque to them last time - how could she have been officious and brusque if she's never met them? Lisa: "What can I do to prove my sincerity?" Mitchell: "Let us go?" Lisa: "Once you've been processed. It's not up to me."

No offence, Captain Taylor, but you're a straight forward Naval officer. Your mind doesn't work on the same path as a diabolical genius like Dr. Neil." Mitchell: "I don't tend to play so much in the shadows, no." Lisa: "Of course not. You're a Navy man. I understand, so was my father." Mitchell: "I guess we'll see." Lisa: "Everything will come out all right in the end, I'm sure." Oh sure, she's not mutating.

Speaking of mutating. Gabrielle gets up to find sloughed off skin in her bed. Nothing in the room that can be used as a weapon. There are some comfy pillows under her bunk, which she picks up; they smell vaguely of Dr. Neil's expensive cologne. She goes to use the fresher, very deliberately not looking in the mirror. Not looking in the mirror doesn't do anything about the fact that her skin is leathery and almost chitinous in areas. Her nails are sharper as well (but still short enough to type). She feels physically better after the shower, but emotionally is another story. She dresses and sits on the bunk to wait.

In the common area again. Good coffee. Mitchell: "I don't know if anyone's told you, but I believe Trevor is awake." Lisa: "I see. The doctors will look at him and will make their determination then." The captain announces over the intercom that they're docking. As Malcolm is sitting back drinking his coffee, he sees Dr. Neil crossing the corridor further down the hall. Mitchell sees Malcolm react to something, but he doesn't see what. Lisa notices Malcolm not doing a good job trying to not give it away. Lisa: "What? What did you see?" Malcolm: "I'm not exactly sure." Lisa springs up, yelling "You! Halt!!" She grabs the handset, ordering the captain to "seal the ship. We've got some one on board. Captain, gather your crew and make sure all your people are accounted for and no one is missing. And Captain, seal the hatches." Intercom: "All hands. All hands to the cargo bay." Lisa: "Malcolm, if you would be so kind? And Captain Taylor." The rise to head to the cargo area.

In his bare little room, Trevor amuses himself by unscrewing a faceplate off the wall with his sturdy nails. Now he has access to fibre optic cable, but it was the metal faceplate he wanted, and he sits down to wear an edge on the faceplate on the bulkhead wall. He has nothing better to do.

Lisa: "And someone should see about Miss Vanek." A moment later there's a knock on Gabrielle's door. "Miss Vanek? Are you all right?" Gabrielle: "I suppose." Lisa: <to the crewman> "If she's there, that's fine. Don't disturb her, just keep an eye on her door and the quarantine room."

The crew assembles and Mitchell finally gets to see the captain. Captain: "Where's Johnston?" Crewman: "I don't know sir." Captain: "When was the last time he reported in?" Crewman: "The log shows he used his terminal about a half hour ago." Captain: "When was the last time anyone actually saw him?" Second crewman: "I saw him yesterday when he came off the other ship, sir." Captain: "Did you see Johnston, or did you see Johnston's vac suit." Oh. Captain: "

We'll search the ship from aft to bridge, sealing off each room as it's searched. We've already sealed the bridge. Quartermaster, issue arms." Lisa: <to Malcolm> "Don't worry, it's a small ship. It won't be long before they find him."

Lisa: " Dr. Neil, we know it's you. Don't do anything foolish. We wouldn't want to see you unnecessarily...killed." Mitchell: "So, if it is Dr. Neil, and we now have a bunch of armed men running around, that means we can assume Dr. Neil will be armed." Captain: "Don't sell my crew short. They are not your average crewmen." Mitchell: "With all due respect, Captain, you don't know who you're dealing with." A crewman runs in. Brubaker: "Sir?" Captain: "What is it Brubaker?" Brubaker: "We have him sir, we're bringing him in."

Two minutes later, the familiar form of Dr. Neil is brought forward, his hands on his head in the textbook fashion, in a not quite fitting black jumpsuit. Oh-oh! They've captured Dr. Neil - that's it for them! Dr. Neil: "If you don't mind my asking, what is the status of Miss Vanek and Mr. Cavernon? Are they both well?" Captain: "They both appear to be alive, no thanks to you." Dr. Neil: "Mr. Edwards. I trust you're well?" Malcolm nods. Dr. Neil: <to Lisa> "Ah yes, the beautiful Analise. Still lovely as ever." Lisa: "I'm afraid you won't think that way once I turn you over to my superiors. Do you have anything to say for yourself, Dr. Neil?" Dr. Neil: "As a matter of fact, yes. <turning to the captain> I assume you've been fully briefed. Does the phrase palladium stingray mean anything to you?" The captain blinks briefly. Dr. Neil: "Captain, if you would be so kind as to take Miss Cox into custody?" The captain gestures to one of him men. Lisa: "What the hell is this?" Captain: "I'm sorry ma'am, but I have my orders." Lisa: "I give you your Goddamn orders!" Captain: "Not in this situation, ma'am." Dr. Neil: "Please see that Miss Vanek and Mr. Cavernon are released and invite them to join me." Captain: "Yes sir."

There's a knock on Trevor's door, and the door is opened. Crewman: "Mr. Cavernon? Dr. Neil has requested that you join him in the ward room." The crewman has a very confused look on his face, the poor guy. He goes next to Gabrielle's room. Crewman: "Miss Vanek? Dr. Neil's compliments, and would you join him in the ward room." Gabrielle: "No, thank you."

In the ward room, something mostly Trevor-like comes in. He looks sort of like Trevor crossed with a gargoyle, only without the wings but it's early yet. (Well, okay, it's not quite that extreme, but it's still a bit of a shock.) The boney crest on his head and the accentuated brow ridge give him a rather formidable visage. Malcolm: "That's a new look for you, Trevor." Dr. Neil raises an eyebrow above his glasses. Trevor: "Well, think of how much money it'll save on suntan lotion." Malcolm: 'Think of how much money you'll save on grav-ball helmets." Trevor: "I think I have what Gabrielle has." Dr. Neil: "Where is Gabrielle?" Crewman: "She declined the invitation." Dr. Neil: "Captain, see to it that we are not disturbed. You have your instructions." Captain: "Yes sir." He and the crewman leave.

Trevor: "So why did you have me locked up?" Dr. Neil: "I did not have you locked up. I myself was a...guest on board this ship until recently." Trevor: "That doesn't make any sense." Dr. Neil: "I recognized the captain, and I knew what unit he was with." Mitchell: "You're giving orders because you know the captain?" Dr. Neil: "I recognized him. At any case, I had hidden myself on board the ship after the unfortunate incident with the other vessel. I was cornered like a rat by an, old friend shall we say. We used to work for the same company. Fortunately I recognized the captain. The situation has turned to our favour." Malcolm: "What now?" Dr. Neil: "I have some friends on Saxe. The army virus is progressing and I don't know what can be done, but I do have friends on Saxe and this is probably the best equipped place to be for this type of problem." Mitchell: "How long have you been on Saxe? How long had you been in system?" Dr. Neil: "I came here after my last conversation with you. To find out if I could do anything for Miss Vanek." Mitchell: "Did you have a warehouse set up with a ship on planet?" Dr. Neil: "Of course. A person in my position often has need for discreet locations." Mitchell: "Why would Lisa be on board that ship?" Dr. Neil: "As I said, Lisa was a former colleague. I have a feeling she thinks I'm responsible for the army virus and is trying to cut herself in. There are various factions involved, as usual." Mitchell: "Why would she be on board a ship under the control of your people?" Dr. Neil: "My people knew only as much as they had to." Mitchell: "Maybe they should have been told more." Dr. Neil: "Three can keep a secret if two are dead. <pause> We need to do something about Trevor and Miss Vanek. We can't have them strolling around in public in their current condition." Mitchell: "We need to do something about this ship." Dr. Neil: "The crew won't be a concern." Mitchell: "I thought you might say that." Dr. Neil: "The crew understands the need to maintain secrecy." Mitchell: "I wasn't referring to that. We discussed how the virus is now transmissible." Dr. Neil: "True. I will brief the captain. I'm sure he will take proper quarantine procedures, especially given Trevor's appearance." Mitchell: "We should check on Gabrielle." Dr. Neil: "She wanted to be alone. I believe her wishes should be respected for as long as possible. I'll have the captain fly us directly to my cabin." Dr. Neil has a cabin? Mitchell: "What about Lisa?" Dr. Neil: "Poor Analise. She tries so hard. She just doesn't understand she's playing outside of her league." Mitchell: "I can understand that." Dr. Neil: "She should be given points for effort. Tea?"

A couple of hours later, the ship touches down on the lovely manicured lawn. Cabin does not spring to mind. Chateau springs to mind. A couple of servants come out; one is an older man, the other is a contoured robot. Dr. Neil: "Ah, Chester. Pleasure to see you again." Chester nods. Dr. Neil: "I have guests, would you see that some rooms are made up? The south wing this time of year I think. I should see to Miss Vanek."

Back on the ship, there's a tap tap on the door. Dr. Neil: "Miss Vanek? We're somewhere safe. There's no need to hide. <pause> Gabrielle, please open the door." She does. Dr. Neil at least doesn't react oddly. He behaves very normally, like oh yes, everyone mutates now and again - nothing unusual here. She goes with him, not looking at the other people.

Dr. Neil leads the group into his chateau, and the others get a look at Gabrielle, who looks very much like Trevor does, only shorter. And more female. Dr. Neil: "You're probably tired after your voyage and want to rest." Mitchell: "Actually, I'd like another orange." Dr. Neil: "Oh, of course! Marie, please take care of Captain Taylor's needs." Unfortunately for Mitchell, Marie is a contoured robot - very nice, very artistic. A reflection of Dr. Neil's taste.

Mitchell is led to a solarium off the kitchen. There's a table with a large bowl of fruit - fresh oranges, peaches, etc. Marie: "Can I get you anything else, sir? A sandwich?" Mitchell: "A glass of ice water, please." Marie: "Very good, sir." Mitchell serves up some fruit, and Marie brings him a large glass of ice water with a thin slice of lemon in it. The lemon (It's an additive!!) disturbs Mitchell for a moment, but oh well. The fruit is wonderful. More fruity than fruit, bioengineered on Saxe. Mitchell will never be able to eat a normal orange again. It's a fantastic taste experience.

Gabrielle is shown to a nice room on the second floor with a balcony. Not high enough. There's a large rectangular patch on the wall that appears to have had something removed recently. Probably a mirror. The bathroom has an enormous clawfoot bathtub in it. The bathtub has a tray that can be fitted over the tub and has a book holder. There are books everywhere here.

Looking down the hall from the solarium, Mitchell sees Lisa being escorted downstairs to the basement (he guesses). Dr. Neil: "Finding everything you need, Captain?" Mitchell: "Mostly. I see you've had Lisa brought here." Dr. Neil: "I couldn't have her running around loose, and the alternatives were somewhat distressing." Mitchell: "I assume you have a plan?" Dr. Neil: "I always have a plan. I'll see you at lunch." Lunch will be late, but then Dr. Neil doesn't do anything early if he can help it.

Malcolm asks one of the incredibly neat robots if there's a gymnasium. Robot: "Something that can pass for that, sir." Malcolm is escorted to the room with a pool, a squash court, and a really good high tech auto-gym that keeps Malcolm challenged. Then he can take a shower and go for a refreshing swim.

Mitchell almost founders on the fruit. He's full, but his mouth still wants more flavors. He's sated, and the sun's coming through the windows on the solarium, and he can relax. But why doesn't he feel like relaxing? He doesn't want to close his eyes, since he'll fall asleep. He gets up, picks a wall, and follows it around the place. He sees Dr. Neil come out of a room, leaving the door not quite latched. Now the question is, will Mitchell be foolish enough to check out Dr. Neil's office? Yup! Wood paneled room, bookshelves, real books - tons of books. One section has a glass cover and is climate controlled - it contains some very old looking books. Nice desk, leather chair, pipes on a pipe rack, and a glass top humidor containing expensive cigars. There are certificates on the wall - diplomas. Now maybe Mitchell can find out what Dr. Neil's doctorate is in. (Don't ask questions you don't want answered.) According to the framed documents on the wall, Alfred Neil is a graduate of the University of Polyphemus, magna cum laude. He holds masters degrees, and doctorates in biochemistry and genetics, and a Hortzler prize in genetics was apparently awarded to him for outstanding contributions. Contributions to what? The only thing laying on the desk that's obvious is a glossy financial report from Neotek, like something a stock holder would get. Mitchell looks, but doesn't touch. He looks at the book titles, some of which he can't read, including a book by Mary Shelley. Mitchell isn't concerned about Dr. Neil finding him, it's not like he broke in. There's a nice stereo system with high tech recordings of classical stuff. Eventually Mitchell leaves the room to continue with his tour. As he leaves, the human servant (majordomo perhaps) Chester sees him, goes over and locks the door, and watches as Mitchell continues onward. Up ahead, a robot takes a tray with a dish cover and a glass of milk on it up to the door Mitchell saw Lisa being taken to earlier. The robot touches the doorknob with its hand and there's a clicking sound and the door opens. Mitchell follows the robot, trying to get to the door before it closes. The door doesn't close, it's locked open and Mitchell can hear the measured steps of the robot up ahead. For some unknown reason, Mitchell can't help himself and goes down after the robot. There are several large rooms down there. Mitchell hears some scraping, then the robot is coming back. Mitchell hides beside a stairwell until the robot goes back upstairs. It's not well lit down here, and the only sound is a jingling noise. Mitchell follows the jingling and finds a person sitting cross legged on the floor eating, with manacles, waist chains, leg irons, and chains going into a big metal staple on the wall. Mitchell finds a wooden chair (there are no plain ones) and sits down on it, just not in Lisa's light.

Lisa: "Is there someone there?" Mitchell: "Yes." Lisa: "Mr. Taylor?" Mitchell: "Yes." Lisa: "You must help me! It's not too late to stop Dr. Neil." Mitchell: "I don't believe you. Why should I?" Lisa: "Can't you see the evidence? Your friends I've been following him for two years!" Two years? Boy, she can't be very good at this." Lisa: "Look with your own eyes! What kind of monster chains up a human being? This isn't the Imperium." Mitchell: "Getting you out of here is not an option right now." Lisa: "Don't you know anything about Dr. Neil ?" Mitchell: "Some. I've learned more." Lisa: "Besides being a former employee of SolSec -" Mitchell: "You say former employee. For all I know you're the former employee." Lisa: "Go to Neotek. Check out the executive officers." Mitchell: "I'm sure I'll see Dr. Neil's picture." Lisa: "Don't you see? Their whole business is genetic manipulation." Mitchell: "I don't suppose you have any proof to support your accusations? Any evidence?" Lisa: "There's proof, but obviously I don't have it on me." Mitchell: "Who does have the evidence?" Lisa: "My superiors." Mitchell: "Let me make something clear. I am not going to lift one finger to get you out of here until I get something in the way of proof. Perhaps it's time for me to need to know." <pause> Lisa: "What do you want to know?" Mitchell: "You say your superiors have the proof, how can I contact them?" Lisa: <shaking her head> "You don't understand what this is all about." Mitchell: "Damn right I don't understand what it's all about! All I wanted to be was a ship's captain, and now I'm stuck in the middle of your mess." Lisa: "You don't get it. This is the kind of thing that people get killed for knowing, if they think you know." Mitchell: "In my line of work people get killed at the press of a button, don't give me that crap." Lisa: "If it means stopping Dr. Neil, then I guess I'm expendable. There's a group, part of SolSec but separate." Mitchell: "You mean Section 9?" Lisa: "There is no Section 9. But there is a group within SolSec. When it comes to need to know, I don't need to know. But I do know a code word - 'palladium'. These are the kind of people who give the Ephor orders." Mitchell: "Let's say I did help you. Let's say for the sake of argument, the universe turns upside down and we're allies. What good would this code word do me?" Lisa: "That's just something connected to the inner cabal. Dr. Neil is apparently part of this little group." Mitchell: "Is, or was?" <pause> Lisa: "I don't know, I don't know." Mitchell: "Well, that's kind of a big point, isn't it?" Lisa: "I have to trust that my superiors are doing the right thing. I have to believe in something. I know Dr. Neil is nuttier than a fruitcake. A normal man wouldn't do this." Indicates chains again (not that she's fixated or anything). Mitchell: "The only way I can see to get past this is to contact your superiors." Lisa: "I can do that, but that would be dangerous. Dangerous for you." Mitchell: "And you're so concerned for my safety." Lisa: "I have nothing against you, Captain Taylor. From what I know about your history, you're not to blame for any of this. If you really want to know, I can give you the name of the man I get my orders from, and how to contact him." Mitchell: "If you want my help, that's what you're going to have to do." Lisa: "I don't know what his real name is, but I can give you the contact name and number." Mitchell: "That will do." Lisa: "But captain Taylor, this one, there's something frightening about him. You'll know him. There's a contact number here on Saxe. I don't know if it goes directly to him or to one of his underlings, but it's the number I use to make contact." She starts to tell him the number but Mitchell stops her and goes to find a piece of paper and something to write it down on. He can't find it, so he gets close enough for her to whisper in his ear (in spite of the other players yelling "No! Don't get close to her!!), which she does. Mitchell gets his information and leaves Lisa alone.

As Mitchell approaches the top of the stairs, the door opens. Dr. Neil: "Ah, Captain Taylor." Mitchell: "Dr. Neil." Dr. Neil: "Fancy meeting you here. Visiting our guest?" Mitchell: "Yes." Dr. Neil: "Have a nice chat?" Mitchell: "She seems to think I'd be willing to help her." Dr. Neil: "And are you?" Mitchell: "She's drugged me and injected me with God knows what kind of crap. Why should I help her?" Dr. Neil: "Don't let her looks and her demeanor fool you. She's absolutely ruthless." Mitchell: "That wouldn't surprise me." Dr. Neil: "After all you've been through, I wouldn't think so. Any how, luncheon is ready. One of the robots said you'd come this way. Please join me." He escorts Mitchell, a friendly arm around his shoulders. Dr. Neil: "I hear you've been touring the house. Finding everything you need, I hope?" Mitchell: "It's a very interesting place. I've not noticed any tri-dee or anything." Dr. Neil: "One likes to get away. I'll be right back." He rounds up Malcolm, and points him in the direction of the terrace. Then Dr. Neil heads up to Gabrielle's room. Dr. Neil: <knocking gently> "Gabrielle? Are you all right? Look, there's no reason for you to hide, you're among friends. We're going to put our heads together and see if we can't figure out what to do. You need to eat, you need to be around other human beings." Gabrielle: "Oh, that's a laugh!" Dr. Neil: <gently> "Please. As a favor to me. Come downstairs and have something to eat. No one's going to force you to do anything. You'll have to decide what to do." She hears footsteps fading off.

Gabrielle decides to leave the room, asking a servant robot where the terrace is. Not like she's going to freak out the robots. She joins the group, who having already seen Trevor, doesn't flip out. Underneath it all, she is still Gabrielle, although very lean, with harder features. Sort of Action Gabrielle, or Combat Gabrielle with the Kung-fu grip! She's not as inhuman looking as she feels. It's a very pleasant lunch, and Dr. Neil is very careful to make absolutely certain that no one brings up anything serious. For an hour or so, Gabrielle can almost forget what's been happening. Almost.

A servant 'bot enters and approaches Dr. Neil. Servant: "Excuse me sir, there's some one to see you." Dr. Neil: "Of course. <to the group> If you'll forgive me, this won't take but a moment." He leaves, and the party can see him talking to a tall gentleman down the hall. The man glances over the table in a cold, assessing sort of way. There's a bit of discussion between them. The man reaches over as he's speaking, taking the cigar from Dr. Neil's lips and extinguishing it. Dr. Neil doesn't react. Then the extremely plain man leaves.

Dr. Neil: <sitting back down> "Well, I apologize for that. Nothing of importance. I do have some things to take care of over the next two days, but I've instructed the servants to take care of you." Mitchell: "We have a ship I'd like to check up on." Dr. Neil: "Of course. Whatever you think best. <stands> Again, my apologies, but I must go pack." Fifteen minutes later, Dr. Neil is leaving with several suitcases. He talks to a strange man, then packs up a bunch of stuff and takes off. Odd, although it's Gabrielle's opinion that Dr. Neil wouldn't go to the corner store without luggage if he could help it.

Malcolm decides to take a look around the place, in case they need to leave in a hurry. Mitchell: "Anybody feel like leaving?" Malcolm: "Yeah." Gabrielle: "No." Mitchell: "You don't want to leave?" Gabrielle: "Why?" Mitchell: "Want to go for a short trip to check on our ship?" Malcolm: "That wouldn't be a bad thought." Mitchell inquires, and yes, they are in Anglia, and it would take about an hour by grav-vehicle to where the ship is docked. Mitchell: "Would anybody mind if I took a short trip to check on the ship?" Malcolm: "Want some company? Some one to watch your back?" Mitchell: "Whatever." Malcolm: "I'll stay here then." Gabrielle: "You should go with him." Malcolm: "I'll go with you." Gabrielle either wants to make sure one of the party isn't off all alone getting into trouble, or she wants to get the others out of the way so there's no one there to stop her from doing something stupid.

The servants don't have any problem with Mitchell taking a grav-vehicle. He and Malcolm take a plain, normal looking vehicle. They fly over some lovely park land, and over the big glowing Neotek sign. They arrive at the ship to find Grychin, who's been feeding and watering the chairdogs thank heavens! Grychin's glad to see Mitchell, since she hasn't been paid yet. Grychin: "...and there was some tall, creepy-looking guy here yesterday, checking out the ship. He pulled up in a big dark car, got out, and literally stared at the ship for fifteen minutes or so, then left. I'd recognize him if I saw him again." Grychin looks good, as in normal. Not post-plague mutations visible. Mitchell checks out the ship, and everything is just as he left it, including the contents of the ship's safe. He takes a closer look at the "promotional" material he got from his Neotek tour, turning to the section on company history. Neotek was founded by Dr. Alfred Neil, who is also the head of Research and Development. Fancy that. The other board members don't have recognizable names. Mitchell goes to the bridge and checks on the port database, and sees there's a Commander Holloway in port, listed as a "transient". Malcolm: "Want to stop by, chat about the old days, bounce him off a few walls?" Mitchell: "I'm thinking about it." Malcolm: "Just keep thinking, Sparky. We're not in a place where we can afford to do something indulgent like that." Mitchell draws some money out of the ship's accounts and pays Grychin. Boy, is she happy! Mitchell: "We don't know when exactly we'll be leaving, but stay close." Grychin: "Where would I go? Wait, I have money!" Mitchell: "I'm sorry we were gone so long." Grychin: "Not a problem. Things happen." Mitchell: "If that creepy guy comes by again, see if you can get a picture of him. If you can't, don't make an issue out of it. I don't want to risk the life of my only engineer." Malcolm: "Yeah, he might eat the camera." Since they're done here, Malcolm heads out towards the grav-car, but Mitchell makes his excuses - he forgot something in his cabin and he'll join Malcolm in a few minutes. Mitchell picks up his Neotek stuff in his cabin, writes down the number Lisa gave him, puts in it the case containing the anagathon (inside the lining), and puts the box back in the safe. He comes out and heads back to the grav-vehicle to meet Malcolm.

Mitchell steps out into the airlock. Male voice: "I heard you were looking for me." Err? Mitchell turns around and is hit in the throat by the edge of Holloway's hand. Mitchell throws himself backwards into the airlock, and hits the door close. But the safety is operational and Holloway sticks his hand into the doorway, which opens. Mitchell continues into the ship with Holloway right on his ass. Mitchell goes for one of the lever used to dog the hatches.

Malcolm is wondering what the hell is taking Mitchell so flipping long? There's a coffee and bake shop across from where the vehicle is parked, and he's been smelling the good smells for the last ten minutes. He decides to get himself a coffee and a couple of things to munch on.

Mitchell is in the process of grabbing the bar when Holloway spins and kicks him up the side of the head. This is the "I'm going to kill you" style of martial arts, no yells, or posing. Mitchell takes a blind thrust as Holloway's leg is up, hitting him right in the groin. Holloway staggers back, but still gets in the first blow. If Holloway wasn't going to kill Mitchell before, he sure as hell is going to now. [Cut to Grychin in Engineering, headphones on as she works, not seeing the fight flashing back and forth in front of the little window in the hatch behind her.] He stomps on Mitchell's foot, with his heavy, steel-shanked boots. Mitchell hears and feels the crunching,, just before he falls unconscious.

Malcolm licks the caramel off his fingers as he finishes his sticky-bun, looks out of the shop window and sees some one throwing some one into the back seat of Dr. Neil's car and getting into the driver's seat. Malcolm pushes buttons on the key fob until lights flash on the grav-vehicle and noises sound, and the vehicle floats to the ground amid the usual complaints from passersby about the fucking alarm. He sees a man vault out of the car, reach into his coat and turn towards the body in back. Malcolm grabs a sugar dispenser and heads for the door. The man has a gun in his hand and is turning towards the person in the back who is wearing the same clothing as Mitchell. The sugar dispenser hits the shooter in the chest, throwing off his aim, and causing the very suppressed weapon to discharge into and completely destroy the headrest and most of the seat. The man looks Malcolm's way. He does not appear to be kind of fellow who likes people to stick their noses into his business. Malcolm ducks back into the coffee shop, and the big glass window explodes all of a sudden. Malcolm points outside and yells "That's the bastard!" The barista vaults the bar and yells "You'll pay for that!" Malcolm takes the man down so Holloway's next shot just hits the wall. Holloway takes off, clotheslines a man on a mono-cycle and speeds away on the vehicle.

Malcolm goes over to the car to find Mitchell semi-conscious, but in really bad shape. His throat is swollen, his head is bruised, and his foot looks like it's been run over. It has been, according to Malcolm when the police show up. A deranged man tried to steal a car, assaulted Mitchell, stole a mono-cycle, and ran Mitchell down. The police take a statement, and Mitchell is transported to the hospital, where the magical TL 15 medicine is performed while Malcolm waits. This isn't Vantage, and they're more used to actual crime; Malcolm doesn't have a counsellor forced on him, just made available.

Meanwhile, back at the chateau. As soon as Mitchell and Malcolm leave, Gabrielle looks for a firearm, but can't find one. Pity they're not in Capeletti's place. The second floor balcony isn't high enough (especially considering her tough physical condition), but there are a lot of really, really sharp knives in the kitchen. She gets one and takes it to her room. She gets a glass of wine brought up and tells the servants she doesn't want to be disturbed under any circumstances. It's not so much the physical changes, but all the violence she's been part of, and the fact that she can't control her reactions any more that has her in this frame of mind. Gabrielle runs a hot bath and gets in with the knife, after finishing the wine. Hey, it may not be really efficient, but she never needed to know this sort of thing before. She slits her wrists and does her best to keep the cuts open and bleeding. The bath water quickly tints red, and she begins feeling sort of hazy around the edges. There's somebody in the shadows staring at Gabrielle as she blacks out, asking "Do you see a bright light?"