"Settling One's Hash."

The sun is on its bedtime roll on Washtown.  It hasn't set yet, providing enough harsh light to see through the dust being kicked up from Davion's boots.  He has just left the gallows, leaving a man behind there, to find Calina.

As Dav heads towards the center of town, Imrhien Fargis arches an eyebrow and glares at Davion, without so much as a word. She fists her hands at her hips and purses her lips.  Not the worst welcome Dav's had.

She wasn't the only one there at the gathering place: Tillery Woodhen, Cobb Compton, Luke Sands, Tabitha Diesel and Calina Tereshchenko were all in attendance.

Cobb Compton looks over yonder. "Howdy Mr. Tillery."
Luke replies, "Howdy Till," while Dav maintains a safe distance from Imrhien. "Look, I, I can explain about your guns in a minute... but before I do...." He glances over her shoulder. "Calina..... you need to follow me."
Calina Tereshchenko questions.  "Why?"
Tillery asks. "What did you do, Davion?"
Luke listens in.
Cobb Compton chuckles inwardly without knowin' what's going on, but thinks Calina has Davion whipped, "companion-style." Boy is he wrong.

Davion tilts his head to the side some. "Because I made you a promise. And I'm keeping to it."  Imrhien glowers at Davion for a moment longer before turning her gaze to Tillery. "Howdy Mr. Tillery."
"Hi, Immi." Till replies.

"Anyone know if local flight control picked up any low flying ships today? I mean... buzzing the town... a pretty hefty cargo boat, from the sound of it?" Cobb asks.
Luke watches Calina's reaction, confused.  Twisting to look at Cobb, he replies. "I haven't heard. Just flew in but I would guess the tower likely knows."  Imrhien glances back at Miss Calina, then returns her gaze to Davion, the murderous glower settling back over her features.
"Uh oh." Tillery mutters.  He gets out of the line of fire between Davion and Imrhien.

In the distance, from the direction of the gallows, the bounty hunter Hampton Fensen screams. "Gahhhh." He comes to, tugging on the ropes keeping him tied to the post.

"What the hell was that?" Tillery exclaims.
Calina Tereshchenko raises an eyebrow and takes a deep breath "Fine, though it is under protest.. I suppose Cobb and I can finish arguing about whatever really isn't important some other time" and steps away from the alter.
Cobb wanders off, but will be right back.  He whistles as he grins and heads back to the shop.
Imrhien perks an eyebrow at the tortured sound.  Luke inquires too. "What was that?"  Dav walks past Imrhien and Calina, on the way to the gallows.  The group follows.

The crowd finds Fensen kneeling, arms tied behind a pole that supports the standing structure of the gallows.  "Um…"  Tillery says, perplexed.
Luke asks. "…..Davion? Whats going on?"  "There a reason he's tied up?" Till continues.
Dav removes his pistol from its holster, approaching Calina and extending it to her. "I brought him to you...."
Fensen spits a mouthful of blood onto the wooden planks, coughing faintly.
Till's voice raises.  "Davion, what the hell have you done?  Is.. that a UAP uniform? Or what's left of it?"
He glances back to Tillery, aiming a dreadful finger. "You don't touch him, Tillery!! You don't know what he's done to a lot of us!"
Reiko Soyinka joins the fray, leaning on the railing, watching.  Imrhien squints at the bloke on the gallows and mutters, "Ain't I seen him somewhere b'fore?"
"Explain it Davion! Who is this?" Luke demands.
Holmeforth twists to the crowd, still offering the weapon to Calina. "This is one Hampton Fensen... bounty hunter from the Core... set to find me and hurt anyone who gets in his way. But he ain't gonna hurt no one again."
Fensen groans through restricted breathing. "Salu....tations."
Tillery wonders.  "Why would a bounty hunter be after you?"

Imrhien snaps her fingers, her eyes widening. "Santa!"

Tillery gives Immi an odd look.
Calina looks up at Davion, then down at the pistol. Her normally tranquil gray eyes seething with rage, fear and hatred as she sees the man kneeling on the platform. Should she scream and have the fit that is one movement from exploding? Or should she be calm... collected.... She moves past Davion and upto the platform. "Not yet."

Imrhien shrugs. "He was wearin' a set o' red long johns 'n had that white beard at th' Hoban one night a while back…. Looked like gorram Santa."
Cobb Compton looks around, rejoining the group.  "Well, howdy ... who is that?"
Luke watches Calina, while Tillery calls to her.  "Calina?"
"Till, why he's after me is beside the point." Dav explains.  "What matters is he hurt a lot of my friends to get to me. 'Til I brought the fight to him. Now, he's here for your justice."
"He's got to be 60 years old... Can he even lift a pistol?" Cobb says.

Fensen chuckles deeply. "I remember you, whore." He inches closer. "Ya know, I've got a sore shoulder blade, if you wanted to massage it again."  Tillery flinches at the man's language to Calina.  Reiko steps up.  "Companion, be wary."
"It seems that the tables have been turned you sack of niou-se."  Calina intervenes.  "I'm afraid that won't be happening... not for all the credits in the 'Verse."

Imrhien arches her brow and smirks. "Now he's lookin' for a quick, clean death, Miss Calina. Don't give it to 'im."
"Who is he?"  Cobb asks.  "Hey, were you the captain buzzing the town earlier in a cargo ship?"
Imrhien glances back over her shoulder, then back at the enraged Companion. "I got my fryin' pan on the boat, you could borrow it..."
"What did he do to you, Calina?"  Tillery wants to know.
Fensen grins out of one side of his mouth. "You townsfolk do anything, I promise you, Alliance'll be here in a jackrabbit's heartbeat, laying down the law on you. And you..." He peers to Calina. "...would only find work laying down with livestock."

Holmeforth runs forward, up the platform and lays a solid right hook into the hunter's jaw.  Reiko shrugs, "If you want the man dead, kill him."  Tillery huffs at the threat of Alliance, not worried about that.  Dav aims his own pistol at the hunter, looking to Calina. "I can do it, Calina... for you."
"Mister…."  Luke says.  "I don't know who you are….don't really care for that matter....but you should know threats of anything involving the Alliance don't' carry much weight here."
"Besides, not all of us are that defenseless in that respect."  Tillery adds.

Imrhien Fargis rolls her eyes, folding her arms beneath her breasts. "I stay string the bastard up 'n let her go at him with a bat." Luke continues.  "We could take him back to Colchester...Lock him in the Valley...se how long he lasts with the cold and the Sleen."  Till lightly puts a hand on Calina's shoulder. "Calina? What did he do?"

"What I did?!?"  Fensen yells.  "I did what I had to do for the job. She knew where this bastard was so I had to find out, one way or another...."
"One way or another…"  Cobb mumbles while Tillery glances at Davion, knowing he WILL be asking about that later. "Did UAP military send you after him?"  Fensen speaks through a fattening lip. "Who employs me ain't much your concern right now."

Cobb plays judge and jury.  "I say we just shoot him and interrogate him late….."
Wally, the unofficial village idiot, joins the group.  "Hey hey hey hey…stop… wait a second."  He walks up to gallows, looks at the man kneeling, reaches in his pocket and pulls out a can of oils and squirts it on the hinges of the trap door under Fensen.  "Ok, its all good."
Imrhien watches, her mouth falling open a bit, while Cobb looks incredulously at Wally.

Tabitha Diesel blinks, while Tillery composes himself. "That was... weird. Even for here."  Cobb steps up.  "Hangin's too good for him! Dismemberment's too good for him... by the way, what did he do?"
Imrhien Fargis snorts at Cobb. "We're waitin' to find that out from Miss Calina."
"Well, if you aren't working for the military or government…" Tillery adds. "…then you have very little to support you."

The bounty hunter glances down to Tillery. "I got years, my friend. I got connections. Man at my age doin' this work don't get far without connections."
"You ain't the only one with connections. And don't call me friend.  I can arrange it that no one wonders about you again."  Till proclaims.  Fensen laughs heartily. "You kill me, they'll send five more."  Imrhien chuckles softly, reaching a hand up behind her head to scratch at a bug bite.

"I handled five wives…" Cobb snorts.  "I can handle five ancient agents."
Reiko offers.  "An interesting equation. I suggest killing him and then locking up the next five who come here."  Dav lowers the pistol. "I know who sent him, and he's right about sending another five. Money ain't nothing to the people who hired him."
Tillery says, "Let's find out who sent him first. Because I doubt he's actually "Alliance."

Reiko looks to Davion.  "Have the predator's prey tell us all?"  "You are gonna have to answer about that, Davion…"  Tillery interjects.  "Because if they hurt Calina to get to you, you are responsible."  Davion stares down Tillery. "You sayin' that cause you think I don't know?"
"'lliance or not, if Miss Calina's got a right to kill him, he must deserve a painful death."  Imrhien replies.

Calina looks up at Hampton. "Did you think you could come into my house under a false pretense, beat me and leave me for near dead and there would be no consequence?"
Imrhien straightens up upon hearing that. "Right. Painful death."
Luke steps forward.  "Well lets see here...if we are going to be all legal like. The Sheriff is off planet, the judge is off planet, Miss Ana is off planet, that just leaves Washtown's Mayor to administer Justice...and that would be me by the way.  So evidence is presented of assault and attempted murder."
Imrhien chuckles. "We should make him suffer. Cut off some stuff." She cups her hands to her mouth and shouts, "Oy, Wally!  You got some gardenin' tools?"
Luke eyes Fensen.  "Do you have anything to say for yourself Sir?"
"Why would the Alliance be after a registered companion tho... unlessn' she sped her clock up on some magistrate…"  Cobb ponders, shuffling some dirt around.
Tillery shakes his head.  "Immi, could you swat Cobb please?"  Imrhien ambles over to Cobb with a smile and swats Cobb. "Sure an' certainly, Mr. Tillery." 
"Thank you."  Tillery expresses.  "Ouch."  Cobb rubs at his head. "Whaffor wuz that?" He mumbles.  Imrhien points at Tillery and mouths to Cobb, "He gives me jobs."

Fensen grins at Luke. "If I attempted murder, I would have seen it through. Miss Calina here was a message. Same thing with that Winterwolf. They were all messages."
"I see.."  Luke continues.  "…so assault, thuggery, beating of a woman, and a definite detection of glee in your actions."
"I'd call that last part being smug."  Fensen replies endearingly.
"So….after carefully reviewing evidence and testimony…"  Luke hands out the verdict.  "I have no choice but to declare you guilty.  But I will allow the victim to decide on your sentence and you is all legal like to follow through however she sees fit....even if it means ending you, you filthy son of a bitch."

Davion steps in.  "I brought him here to Calina... ain't none of you need to be a part of this."
"You brought him out in public and on the town gallows. Kinda made us a part of it."  Tillery explains, while Imrhien hisses, "Shoot him in the knee first, Miss Calina. Maybe foot."
Cobb mumbles,  "I say we find Sentry... dope him up till he squawks... then kill him…"
"Davion…..It is her choice."  Luke retorts.

Calina climbs up the steps and without saying a word, she digs her fingers into Hampton's ratted hair and throws all of her weight into one step... slinging toward the post and his head aimed right for it.

Tillery's jaw drops, while Imrhien cocks an eyebrow, tilting her head as she watches, the corners of her mouth quirking upward into the hint of a sardonic smile. Good to know they hadn't completely tamed the Companion.
Hampton Fensen cringes as the sound of bones cracking on his face as it connects with the post. He squints harshly, feeling blood rushing from the new split in his nose.
Cobb smiles, "Downright refreshin' to see some violence in town again.  Do him again, Calina"
Reiko watches without emotion and Tabitha leans on the rail, watching the display with utmost interest, wishing she had some popcorn.  Dav slides his pistol back into its holster, watching the Companion he knows show pure bloodlust.

The bounty hunter spits off the side. "Careful, honey... don't want no blood on them nice clothes."
Reiko Soyinka observes, "The clothes are washable."
Calina leans back and drives his head into the post again, some of his blood staining her hands as she lets go, "Bizui! Who gave you permission to speak?!"
Tillery cringes, "Aiya."  Cobb smirks, "Violent lil' lass when she's tempered…"
Imrhien feels a little lump of pride rise up in her throat and she almost demurely fans herself. "What a moment. I'm all choked up. Anyone got a hankie?"
"You're an odd woman, Immi."  Till stares at her.

Hampton Fensen sees stars this time, the gash on his face growing wider, deeper. A small pool of blood forms in his lap, spilling onto the wood. "You don't have it in you... to finish the job, Miss."
Tabitha Diesel hands the verklempt immi her grease rag.
Reiko approaches, "Companion, you may have my knife."  Imrhien flashes Tillery a toothy grin. "Why thanks, Mr. Tillery. 's the nicest thing anyone's said 'bout me in days!" She nods her head to Tabitha and murmurs, a "Thank ya kindly, ma'am," and uses the grease rag to dab at her face, leaving black grease splotches across her skin.

Luke stands aside as Reiko steps forward.  She draws her knife, hands it hilt first upward to Calina.  "It must be blooded, now."  Tillery is less than happy, not liking Calina being pushed to this point.
Calina smirks, "There you go... making assumptions about me. That seems to be happening a lot today." She wraps her hand around the hilt of the knife.  "You made this....." as she pulls his head back again and pulls it across his neck then shoves him off to the side of the platform... then spits at him before descending. "Bloody enough, Lady Rashad?"

Hampton Fensen watches the sky get blurry some, then black, feeling hot blood pour down his chest in his descent to the ground, landing with a heavy thud.

"It is, Companion. Thank you."
Tillery Woodhen gasps.
Imrhien Fargis lets out a low whistle, appraising the Companion, a newfound respect for her blossoming.
Reiko slides her eyes sideways to Tillery, but continues to watch Calina.
Tabitha Diesel watches in awe.
"Justice is done." Reiko speaks bluntly.
Calina uses the back of her to push the hair from her face, "Much more elegant than a gunshot."
"Calina?"  Luke asks.  "Unless you wish to do more to this man, I will declare that sentence has been delivered and justice has been served."

Cobb Compton wonders if the bar is open, staring at the body on the ground.  "I get kinda stiff, seein' stiffs…"
Tabitha twitches at the comment.

"You can have Wally clean it up."  Calina says as Davion presses a gentle hand on Calina's shoulder. "This should'a never happened... any of it. And I'm sorry." He starts down to the landing pads.  Reiko steps back, unstraps the sheath for the knife, then waits.
Luke nods, tapping the pad and signals for Wally to come clean up the mess.  Imrhien glances down at the man on the ground as he coughs out his final death throes, then mutters, "Justice ain't quite been served yet, Mr. Luke."

As the group slowly disperses, Cobb raises his voice.  "Ya'll ain't concerned that five more might be comin' to town, eh?"
Imrhien marches up to Davion, grabs his shoulder with one hand to turn him and slams her fist into the dead center of his face.  "I want my gorram guns back, you son-of-a-bitch."  Dav is caught completely off-guard by the punch, going weak in the knees and dropping like a sack of potatoes.

Tabitha asks, "You want for Wally to haul the carcass out into the woods for the critters to dispose of?"  Luke shrugs, "I'm thinking the incinerator at the spaceport."  "Well if they don't find a body they can't prove he was ever really here."
"C'mon - we got people to feed…"  Cobb says, "…cut him up and toss him in the pond for the fish."
Calina passes by, "People fish out of that pond. That's just gross."
Luke blinks at Tabby, "Baby…I have authority here and I officially represent Washtown. I am completely confident that justice has been served."  Tabitha nods, while Cobb sighs.

Imrhien Fargis smiles coldly, folding her arms beneath her breasts and glaring down the line of her body at Davion.  He wipes his mouth, feeling it swell. "I know I deserved that..."

A harsh engine bites the still air of the situation.  Wally, behind the controls of a mule, rounds a corner.  "LOOK OUT!!!! CANT TURN … OH CRAP!!!"  He loses control of the mule as it runs out of control and crashes into the gallows, crushing the dead man there.  "SORRY SORRY!"
Cobb Compton rushes under the clock tower.  "That guy is just unsafe with a mule!"
Luke looks over, inspecting the crash.  "WALLY!! Backup...the Mule has crushed his head on the post."  Imrhien stares after Wally, having a sort of sense of unreality in slow motion as he goes out of control and plows into Hampton.
Wally pulls back, dragging the body with mule and then lands the 2-ton vehicle on the dead hunter's body.  The sounds of bones crushing and flesh ripping fill the air.
"OH DAMN! SORRY SORRY.  Don't mean to disrespect a dead man."  Wally apologizes.
"Geez, Wally," Luke exclaims while Tabitha cringes and goes a bit pale.  Wally finally backs up dragging the mule more and then lands next to body.  Imrhien's mouth twitches and she chokes back a snicker. "Well, he'll sure as hell be unrecognizable now..."
Cobb throws an idea out,  "Squirt some lighter fluid on the carcass and toss him in the campfire."
Wally grabs a leg and begins pulling and stops, studying his boot.  He pulls it off and holds next to his own foot."  "Hot damn!"  He pulls off other boot and tosses them into Mule, dragging the body and pulls him to the back of Mule.  He glances back, making sure no one is looking and rummages through the pockets.

Reiko approaches the Companion, the knife is yours, in honor."  She offers the sheath with both hands, palms up.  "Blood it before returning it to its bed, each time it is drawn."  Calina bows her head gently as she takes the sheathed knife, "Thank you, Lady Rashad." She looks over at Tillery "Justice was done. That is what was.... needed."  She nods and walks away.

Davion gets to his feet slowly. "They didn't go to waste, Immy... and I still got em..."  She loses the humour in her expression and glares back down at Davion. "Best have 'em back to me quick as ya can 'less'n ya want another knuckle sandwich."  Dav nods gently, looking over his shoulder to Calina, proud yet with a hint of defeat and disappointment. He starts to the bar. "Come and get 'em, Im."

The Companion, Calina Tereshchenko, nods to everyone and walks off to her shop.

Cobb Compton looks about, stepping out from under the clock tower. "Is it safe now?"  He peers over, "What is Wally doin' to the body?"
"Woohoo…Free drink with medium order of fries oder!!"  Wally pockets the coupon, rolling the body into the mule and stands leaning against mule, wheezing for a few minutes.
Imrhien mutters, "Note to self: Self, don't ever kick the bucket in Washtown. Or anywheres near gorram Wally."
"All loaded Mister Luke. What you want I do with it?"  Wally asks.
Cobb sighs.  "Well, shucks... looks like the excitement is over.. I still think a daisy chain of grizwalds around his neck woulda' handled revenge and disposal... and fertilized the grass some."
Luke orders.  "Take it to the incinerator. Burn him to ash and we will spread them out somewhere
"Yessir."  Wally heads off.
Cobb protests.  "Oh hell, he's driving again.... RUN... DODGE... DROP AND ROLL!!"  Tabitha notices show is over and heads over to the saloon for a drink.  Wally hops in and adjusts the seats, slamming back and impaling a lever into the dead Fensen's eye socket with a squish.

"I've seen a lot of carnage, but that…"  Tillery gets lightheaded.  "I need to go throw up now."

In the bar, Davion crouches down behind the piano, removing new gun cases, placing them on top of the piano.  Imrhien counts 'em.  He glances over the newly-polished, extremely clean weapons, loaded with more ammo than what he left with.  He digs behind his coat, removing another weapon; one not belonging to her. He places it on top of the pile. "This was his... in the Core, they call it a Caterpillar."  She nods at Davion. "Reckon that'll do. But if you ever steal my guns again, you'll get more'n my fist in yer face. Maybe my boot up yer ass as I pistolwhip ya to death."  She cocks her head to the side, watching him. "Caterpillar?  Shouldn't you keep that? You hunted him down. Sorta trophy." 

Dav shakes his head, scrunching his face and feeling how swollen his jaw is. "Its yours... figure if I give you more bullets, you might misplace the one with my name on it." He forces a faint grin.  She shakes her head. "Reckon you did it for a good cause. You don't owe me nothin', Davion. Jus'... ask next time."  He nods gently, keeping the new gun on the pile, zipping up the rest. "Valhalla parked round here? I can bring em back, then get ya a drink .... or three?"  She jabs her thumb over her shoulder in the general direction of the landing pad and smiles. "Much obliged, Davion. I'm curious 'bout how you managed to track his ass down."  He lifts the bags into his arms, slinging a few rifles over his shoulder. "Wasn't easy, I'll say that." He passes by Imrhien en route to the ship.  She nods to him as he passes.

Tabitha Diesel grabs a bottle of ale and a shot of whiskey.  Cobb meanders into the bar too, mumbling, "I think she shoulda' got an ear off' him at a minimum..."
Luke sighs deeply, smiling at Tabby.  He says nothing and just holds her.  She smiles back, whispering, "Did wally take care of the mess?  Hope he remembers to hose it down too."
"Yeah baby…"  Luke says quietly.  "He has taken it to the incinerator."
"Don't need any blood rotting in the sun and bin' all stinky."  Tabby waves a hand in front of her face.  She slides a beer down to the other end of the bar towards Cobb.  "You'd best not be waiting for an invitation...it's help yourself around here." She chuckles while Luke hugs her a moment longer then breaths a sigh and smiles. 

Tabby makes a silly face at Cobb and points to the beer.
"Ahh… well, I kinda got in trouble here the other night whilst drunken,'" Cobb explains while looking to the door and seeing Tillery.  "Well, howdy Tillery."
Tabitha laughs.  "Well, as long as you don't get into trouble with Jadi or Ana, it's all good."
Luke glances over as Till walks up, grabbing a drink from the bar. "Mudder's Milk, Till?"


After returning the guns to Imrhien's bunk on Valhalla, Davion places three gentle knocks on the door to Calina's room. He clears his throat, feeling a sudden chill drift down his spine. Was one gorram day.  She drops the knife onto the floor and slumps onto the nearest chair... staring at her hands.... her mind racing over and over the events from moment ago, "What?!" she barks.  He checks the doorknob, noticing it was unlocked, and he turns it, stepping inside to see her. He takes a few careful steps inside. "Calina.... I know you don't want to...." His eyes find her bloodied hands, soaked in crimson from the hunter. "... your hands." He finds a washbowl and cloth and comes to her, kneeling down where she sits, soaking the cloth in the water.

She watches the water drip off ... some of the dried blood washing away. Calina watches him... her hands shaking and her rage still palpable.. so much so that tears run down her cheeks and that she can't even speak. She just glares at him.  He palms one of her hands, pressing the cloth gently into her smooth skin to rub at the drying blood. He avoids eye contact.

After rubbing the palm and fingers of her left hand clean, he drops the cloth into the water, watching the blood dilute. Pressing out the water, he starts on her right. "I don't know if it should have ended here or back on Fossil when I caught him.... I felt... you needed... something. I didn't want you walking around the rest of your life knowing he was out there and knowing you couldn't do nothing about it."

She closes her hands into small fists, "I cannot speak to you right now. I ... have no words. None. Only anger, sadness and confusion. You need to leave. You need to leave now." and she reaches up and shoves his shoulder, pushing him away. Somewhere she subconsciously sees what he is doing but... not now... his kind gesture means little in this moment.  He loses his grip on the washcloth, dropping into the bowl, red water spilling into a puddle on the floor. He blinks gently, getting to his feet and heading for the door. He opens it, twisting around for one more moment. "When it feels good; when you know you did what was right and it had to be done... I'll be here." He shuts the door behind him, steps growing faint as he descends the stairs and heads back for the bar.


(And so ends the storyline of the bounty hunter Hampton Fensen. He was a pleasure to instigate people of the Verse with and he went out through good old-fashioned rim-world street justice. I want to thank everyone involved in his final RP and he certainly got a perfect FFRP sendoff!)

"All Beer & Skittles."

The night before on Colchester was…. eventful.  Davion got his first taste of "bird-watching;" the underground fighting club below the Blue Dragon Bar.  His body ached, his nose crooked, knuckles swollen.  He was a walking pile of pain, glaring about the walkway through blackened eyes.  He found Calina Tereshchenko: the most gorgeous of Companions, who had attended the previous night's festivities.

"How are you... after yesterday's bird watcher's meeting?" She asks.  He shrugs a bit, squinting at her from a blackened eye. "Sore in a lot of places, swollen in others. I'll survive. How was the view?"

"It was entertaining. I'm glad no one was hurt too terribly."
He rubs at the back of his shoulder through his jacket. "They teach you first aid at the Academy?"

She nods "Yes, some basic first aid."
He nods in return. "By the time we got back to the ship, everyone else was passed out. Ain't had a chance to check everything."
Calina chuckles and waves her hand. "Come on to the Guild House. There is a first aid kit there."

A short, pain-filled stroll later...

 "Have a seat, Dav. I'll get the med kit." She disappears behind the screen and rummages through the cabinets.  Davion glances around, smelling incense. "Where's your room?" He asks as he sits, removing his jacket and shirt.

"This is only a way station, of sorts. There are some bedrooms in the back for Companions to use but we do not entertain clients here. Just a place for Companions to rest while waiting for their transports."

He nods gently, lifting his head to see her again. Aiming his face directly at hers, she'd notice his nose was slightly crooked from last night's 'bird watching.'"Didn't ask for entertainment... asked for your room."  The Companion moves behind him after setting the small bag on the counter, looking over the scratches, cuts and bruises "They aren't too bad... you'll be black and blue for a while, though. Don't go entering any modeling contests." She pauses and listens to his response "Why do you want my room?"

Dav feels the soreness and bruising burning at the skin on his back. Looking away, he took a deep breath. "Don't matter much, forget it."  She kneels down and looks looks at his nose "You'll need to see a doctor about your nose. It looks like it is broken. Now, now... you asked a question... I did... and I'd like an answer. Why did you want to know where my room was?"

Davion smirks out of one side of mouth, bringing a hand to his lips, "locking them," and "throwing away the key." Watching the imaginary key bounce along the flooring, his gentle eyes rise to meet hers again. "How's the client list?"

Calina pulls some bandages and medicine out of the kit, chuckling at his response "Not that I can share it with you... but it's been feast or famine. Extremely busy or nothing at all. How are things on your new boat? with your new crew?"

Davion dances his head a bit back and forth. "Can't complain with the new crew... I get on, I move stuff around, secure it, we land, I take it off, deliver it. I get paid...always a plus." Keeping his head low, he pondered her "drought" in business, seeing as she's at a 'way station' for Companions.

Calina pours some alcohol on one of the bandages and starts to dab the open wounds.  "Sorry... if it stings." She remains silent for a moment, cleaning the dried blood away from his shoulders and away from the cut on his ear. "Don't bleed on me... this dress is rather expensive." She says with a half smile.

The brute cringes a bit, but chuckles at her comment. "I'll try not ..." but he cringes again; a deeper gash getting properly cleaned. "...been nice seein' ya'gain."  She nods and tears off a piece of tape and places a bandage over a cut. "It's good to see you, too."

She reaches over and tilts his chin up and looks again. "You should most assuredly go to the hospital and have your nose looked at. Could eventually cause problems with breathing if not properly cared for."  He straightens his back some as he feels the bandage placed against his skin, then lowers his head once her touch abandons it. "You know I'm going to find him, right? Make him pay for what he did to you."

Calina takes a sharp breath and looks away. She near daily said prayers of thanks that the fight between she and the bounty hunter had not left any permanent scars. Her long hair fell across her face as she moved around... reaching for the med kit and rummaging through, almost as though she were trying to distract herself "I... if you think that is necessary."

He turns his head to the side, seeing her barely in his peripheral vision. "Its more than necessary. You should'a never been involved. I'm'a see to it that it never happens again."  After a long while in silence, pondering what happened and why and how... it was part of the reason for her drought in clients. It scared her such that she rarely saw anyone new despite a full inbox of requests. She turned down an offer to join another Guild House as a teacher because she feared staying in one place too long. "Thank you," she whispered quietly.

Davion leans over, reaching for his shirt and pulling it back on. Running a bruised hand through his hair, he flexed his digits gently, still feeling the puffiness in his knuckles. Standing up, he glanced back to her. "It'll be like it was. No more worryin' 'bout Fensen showing up.... I promise."  She stands, smiling softly "Don't get yourself shot in the process."  He forces a grin. "Never... wouldn't want to come back and risk ruining your dress."

He smiles sincerely this time, still withholding feelings of shame for not killing this bastard sooner. "Thanks for checking me out, Miss Calina."  She nods, "Glad to help out, Davion. I think most of them should heal without scarring."

The Valhalla Security Guard half-bows, showing her the courtesy she deserves. Twisting around, he drapes his jacket over his forearm, waving to her gently. "Not everyone deserves 'em..." He left the main room, rounding the corner. "... but I do."

She packs up the kit and cleans up the used bandages and tosses them in the trash.

Outside, he finds a young lady, perhaps an Acolyte, stopping her outside. "Little miss... I need a favor..." He lifts one of her hands, and deposits money into it; the prize money from the night previous. "See that this gets to Miss Calina... when she ain't lookin.' She wouldn't tell me which room was hers... can you believe that, with a face like this?" He points to his kisser, catching himself post-thought. "Well ... it don't always look like this... but make sure she gets it, yeah?"  He watches the semi-confused look on the young Acolyte's face, but she needs anyway and heads into the Guild building.

The startled young woman nods "Shi, shi." she responds and takes the money, disappearing back inside.  Davion starts on his way back to the ship., aiming to find a medic in his travels.

*Special thanks to Minx for playing the Young Acolyte!

"The Message."

~Boros~

Calina takes a long, slow deep breath... meeting a new client was always a bit nerve wracking... she brushed her hands back and forth over the skirt of her dress and waited for Mr. Fensen to arrive.

Hampton Fensen appears through the small clearing of trees, dressed in his best soldier, or ancient soldier garb.  He walks with a small limp, yet no evidence on his face shows pain.  The scars on his face run deep, his ice blue eyes still calculating.  And when he stops in front of her, he offers a smooth, gloved hand.  "My lady Calina."  He spoke ever so gently.  Calina smiles sweetly and extends her hand "Mr. Fensen.  A pleasure to have you here at Shanjian.  I trust your journey from Hale's Moon was not too eventful.  Would you care to step inside?"  Fensen brings her hand to his old, flat lips, kissing the top gently.  "It was painless, knowing I'd be in your company.  Again, thank you for having me on such short notice.  It will not be forgotten."  He stepped to her side, gently extending an arm to escort her inside.

She nods her head as she slips her arm around his.  The wooden screen doors slide easily into pockets to reveal the sand garden.  "I am grateful that my schedule happened to be free.  We are at the end of the term and grading has started for the acolytes.  I will ad that it is highly unusual to entertain a client at a training house.  But your recommendation from the Guild on Beaumonde is outstanding... thus the exception.  Would you care for some refreshments?"  Instinctually, he scanned the perimeter and was careful to not step in the sand garden; those delicate designs ever gorgeous on such an Outer Rim Planet.  "I am thankful my reputation runs high with the Guild on Beaumonde.  With a face like this, I don't imagine finding anyone prepared to put up with me for long periods of time.  I have heard of your bravery; having a house like this so I had to see it for myself as well."  He squinted slightly, having a moment to lift his nose and soak in the aromas of the room.  "And tea would be lovely, Miss Calina."

Calina smiles and nods. "We do not have too many problems here - with the Alliance military in constant orbit at the factories on Boros's moon.  This is almost as safe as any of the Houses in the Core.  Please have a seat and make yourself comfortable."  She lifts the tea pot from the tray and fills two small cups.  "May you be blessed with success in your endeavors... that you find this time relaxing and restoring to your spirit."  Fensen sits slowly, swatting his cape to drape over the side of the chair.  Settling in, he brought a hot cup of tea into his hand, raising it to toast to her.  "And may you find success in discovering every knot in my neck, darling."  The old-timer had charm on his side.  He took a gentle sip of the tea, letting the hot liquid rest in his mouth for a few moments before swallowing.  "This current assignment is quite strenuous.  I feel as if I have to flood an entire city to find one drowning rat.  Alluded most of my traps, skipping from planet to planet like a stone across a pond.  I need a better perspective, a better angle.  Then he'll be mine."  His eyes widen for a sharp second before taking another sip of his tea.

"I don't believe that will be a problem... may I call you Hampton?  I'm sure I will find other knots in your shoulders, back and legs as well.  The body as an awful way of carrying tension. "  Calina sips her tea quietly "After you have had the chance rest your body, I'm sure your thoughts will be clearer and solutions will present themselves.  Did you have any questions for me at this point?  Understanding that there are some things I just cannot speak of..." she says with a playful grin.  She chalks up the little tick to his body reacting to tension and stress... paying it little mind.  Hampton nibbled at the edge of his bottom lip, tilting his head to the side and grinning.  "Either it is the tea or your beautiful soothing voice, but I can feel my body relaxing already.  But I did have one question: Am I your oldest client?  Most my age can't look upon a beautiful young woman like you without needing medical attention."  His smile was sincere and genuine, worn-down old teeth pressing together in the grin.

Calina makes a slight face and chuckles "I suppose I can answer that without violating client privileges… yes, you are the oldest client I've personally seen.  Age is partly related to our chronological number... but it also has a lot to do with how we feel.  I imagine than your numerical age isn't indicative of your state of being... given that you are chasing some, I assume, young man across the 'Verse.  There must be quite of vigor and drive left in you... enough to shame men half your age."  The hunter pastes an even larger grin across his kisser.  "You have a way with words, my lady.  Thank you.  I do have some fight left in me.  Or that bullet with my name on it took a long detour."  He chuckles, bringing the tea cup to his lips once more, the tea staining a bit of his mustache, enough for him to taste when he licked his lips.  Calina asks, "How did you hear about our little House?  Boros is.. out of the way as you inferred.  It is also relatively new... the Guild has only been operating here a few months - not even a year."  He sipped the last of the tea in the cup, setting it down on the table.  "I have enough people in high and low places.  The right price breeds the right information.  And I wanted to explore the many fruits each House has to offer.  After all, variety *is* the spice of life."

She laughs and smiles.  "Each House does have its own... unique spin on things..." she bites her tongue to hold her opinion about operations elsewhere to herself.  "When you are ready, the massage table is in the other room, behind those doors.  You may change in there.  Once you are settled on the table, let me know and I'll join you."  The aged hunter rises slowly from the chair, feeling his half-cape flow against his back.  Stern, heavy steps guide him across the wooden floor, a few creaks sounding in his wake.  He stepped into the room, shutting the doors behind him, changing slowly, enjoying each aromatic moment deliciously.  In the meantime, Calina picks up the empty cups and tea tray, putting them away.  Fensen folds his clothes into a neat pile in the corner of the room.  Tying off his towel, he straddles the chair, laying down on his back, already feeling a few cracks in his spine.  He voice rose a little louder than normal, but simply to alert Calina that he was ready.  "Ready, Miss."

Calina pulls the screen back just far enough to slip into the room.  She walks around, lighting candles - the air perfumed with calming scents.  She lightly taps a small chime "I ask that you bring your attention into this moment... no where else... no work, no chases... just here.  Be conscious of your body, of my touch and of my voice.  The candles are etched with the words for 'Serenity' and 'Harmony' - what this place is about... creating in its students, its Companions and its clients.  The scrolls on the wall are the old Japanese words for love, dreams, and beauty."

Hampton allows a long sigh to escape his throat, resting his forehead against his forearm, the aromas working their way through his body, relaxing him.  He eased his body into the table now, taking long, deep breaths, eyes even growing heavy.  She steps over to the table, her voice soft, even "Let your body do what it will... though if I do something that hurts, please let me know."  Her hands move down his spine... working the muscles tenderly at first... feeling for the tension, knots and pulses by the nerve clusters.  He feels her gentle fingers slide over one of his deep scars, the tissue and nerve damage not registering anything.  When he went to speak, he instead let out of a soft moan, feeling her wandering hands travel over his sore muscles.

Calina smiles softly as she felt him relax and ease into the padded table.  "As you lay here, let your mind go to pleasant happy memories... places that give you peace when you think of them."  She leans over a bit and works the heels of her hands into his lower back before moving down his legs... reaching down and picking up a small bottle of oil and pouring a couple of drops onto her palms to warm it before returning her hands to his thigh and down to his calf.  Yet he could not restrain his calves from jolting slightly at her touch.  No one had touched, let alone massaged, those areas for years and the sensation sent waves up his spine.  When he felt the small pulses, his whole body tensed up.  His head lifted slightly from his forearm.  "I'm sorry."  He murmured, burying his head down once more to resume his quiet meditation.  Calina moved her hands back up to his back and shoulders.  She leaned down to whisper "It's ok.  If it hurts... you need to tell me... if it is just different... or strange, try to let it pass... it is about reconnecting with touch.. with your body."  He nods his head slowly against his forearm, letting another gentle moan escape his lips as she continued working on him.  He murmurs. "You are amazing."  She moves her touch over the scars along his back "Tell me about the memory you are thinking of..." as her fingers moved up and down either side of his waist and ribcage

Hampton smiles deep into the flesh of his forearm.  Lifting his head and resting his chin on his arm, he spoke quietly.  "The vacation I took after my first job.  The white sandy beach.  Then a month on Bellerophon, being treated like royalty.  If jobs still paid like that, life would be sweet."  Calina adds.  "I spent quite a bit of time on Bellerophron.  My family had an estate there.  They certainly knew how to make someone special..." as she continues to knead and work the muscles... taking a step and moving down to his thighs, tugging the towel close to him.  Fensen grins.  "It is a nice little slice of heaven.  Wouldn't mind retiring there, if I ever hang up the holster."  He smiled, widening his legs some, his body sinking even further into the table.

She starts to massages one leg... then the other, smiling to herself as she sees he's relaxed again... allowing her touch in different places.  "I will warn you.. the legs and calves carry a lot of tension... I will do my best to be gentle."  He inhales quickly, yet exhales quite slowly, feeling her hands trace over his legs and thighs.  He allowed his eyes to shut fully, a loud moan filling the room.  God, that felt good.  She continues to massage and caress Hampton's body, head to toe, moving around the table as necessary.  They occasionally chat but the room is otherwise quite save for the rustling of clothes and his shifting and movement on the table.  "Close your eyes for a few moments... breathe deeply... quiet your mind and when you hear the chime... start to wiggle your fingers and toes to come out of the meditation."  The relaxed hunter barely moves his body save for his chest to breathe.  He is in a total state of relaxation.  Then the chime rings a few times, eyes fluttering open, fingers, toes, arms, legs, wiggling back to life.

"When you are ready, you can climb off the table and get dressed, Hampton.  How do you feel?"  She asks as she walked over to the wash basin to clean up her hands, keeping her back to him while he dressed.  He slides off the table, standing tall, feeling taller than he was when he first stood in the room.  "I have a fresh perspective.  I am relaxed, my mind is clear.  I was right about variety.  My are you special."  He speaks those soothing words while he changed.

She dries her hands off and turns back around "That is very kind of you to say.  I am glad that this time was beneficial and helpful to you."  He smiles, retrieving a small datapad from his belt.  "It was and then some.  Back at the House on Beaumonde, they allowed me the courtesy of payment at the end of their services.  I am guessing that kindness is universal."  His fingers punched a few keys, bringing up his personal expense account, uplinking to the House's computer for transfer of funds.  Calina nods. "Of course."  Fensen grins deeply, pushing one other button, and standing next to her, showing her the screen and the money transfer progress bar.  Once it reached 100%, he switched off the datapad, sliding it back onto his belt, and stepping out in front of her.  His face appears sad.  "And now our contract is up, my dear."  She smiles softly.  "Thank you for that confirmation, Hampton.  I am glad that you chose to visit Shanjian and I hope that you will take some of the peace with you as you resume your search."

Hampton Fensen takes a few steps closer to her, so their chests almost meet.  The saddened frown vanishes from his lips, face going stern.  "I am sorry, but no peace will travel with me.  And now I must do what I came here to do."  He grits his teeth as a gloved hand rises from his side, slapping Calina right in the mouth.  She shrieks... her hair flying around her face as she twists... covering her face and taking a step back.... the side of her head throbbing and tears welling in her gray eyes "Gwai-gwai long duh dong (What the hell)?!"

He slips a hand behind her head, taking a handful of her hair into his grasp.  Pulling her close to him again, their chests now met, the thumb of his other hand tracing a slow line down her cheek.  "My lady.  I know you flew with Holmeforth on the ship Christine.  Now I want to know where he is.  And you're going to tell me."  Calina stares into his eyes... her gaze cold... angry... "I haven't seen him in quite some time.  In fact, I don't recall when I last saw him."  She spits out.  Calina balls her right hand into a small fist and with all the strength she has, she punches him in the stomach.  Fensen keels over halfway when she punches him, his relaxed muscles letting the air sneak out.  His anger grew inside as his arms reached out, pushing hard into her shoulders, shoving her against the door to the tea room.

Calina crashes through the doors and into the wall, crumpling on the floor... her dress now torn in places... her lip bleeding and scratches across her arms and legs... she stared up at him through the hole in the door "I don't know where he is you.. hwun dan (bastard)!"

He stares at the fallen Companion for a sharp moment before stepping through the hole in the door.  Getting to her side, he uses his strength to lift her up in his arms.  With a gentle yell, he throws her toward the table holding the tea.  "C'mon... a man that never laid in bed with you yet visits you so.  That's love.  And I have a message to send."  Anything within arm's reach was torn down by the vicious bounty hunter.  Posters, tables, chairs, decorations; they all felt his wrath.  Calina groans as she lands on the floor again.. she rolls over onto her knees and picks up the tea pot and cups, hurling them at him as hard as she can... she stumbles backward, moving toward the cabinet... mumbling and moaning... cursing him with every move "Take your message... and shove it up a fay-fay dun pee-yen (baboon's ass-crack)!  Da-shiang bao-tza shr duh lah doo-tze (The explosive diarrhea of an elephant)!  When the Alliance hears that you have attacked a Companion... no matter who the hell you are chasing, they will come after you!"

Fensen raises his arm to deflect the teapot but its shatters upon impact, the hot water burning into the fabric of his arm, singing the skin.  He howled for a sharp moment.  "You aren't a Companion in this matter.  You've been harboring a known fugitive of the Alliance.  Now where is he??!?"  He lunges at her, taking her to the floor again.

"Are you deaf and stupid?  I.. don't know!"  She turns and reaches for the cabinet again before she lands on the ground.  She pulls at his hair and scratches at his face, shrieking and screaming... kicking and wriggling as much as she possibly can.  The Hunter takes a few scratches to the face, then grabs at her arms, resting his lower body on her legs.  He presses her arms firmly against the wood, rendering her immobile, focusing his weight on her more now.  "You know who he runs with.  You know where they live.  If you talk now..." glancing down to her heaving chest. "...I won't take what I want."  She groans and continues to pull at her arms and move her legs.. attempt to anyway "Gorram reaver!" she shouts at him "I don't know what happened to the Christine.  I don't even know if he is still with them."

Fensen watches her with his ice cold blue eyes, gritting down further with his teeth.  "I'm not waiting for any more pleasantries."  Her wiggling left him no choice, as he shut his eyes and butted his head into her forehead.  He pressed his pelvis into her waist some more.  "I will claim you."  She grunts as he smacked into her forehead and her head bounced off the hard wood floor.  She looked up at him groaning and whimpering... still conscious... her body bruised and aching... her makeup streaked... her body covered with scratches and marks... as he moved off her, she rolled over, sobbing.. drawing her knees up to her chest and trying to cover herself as best she could.  "How... dare... could... you..." she cries out.

The Hunter Hampton Fensen uses his fierce hands to slide the door open, shoving it into its slot, hearing a sharp crack, his heavy boots clicking along the path, softening as he trails right through the sand garden, breaking the lawn tools in his way.

"A Reply."

Cook's Bay, Boros

House Shanjian, Companion Guild

Dear Mr. Fensen,

Thank you for your inquiry for service.  Your note was not clear as to whether or not you will be on Boros soon or whether you wanted to schedule something the next time I happened by Hale's Moon on my way to Al Raqis.

I've reviewed your file and saw that you were accepted into the Client Registry on Beaumonde.  I've spent some time there... a good cross between Core world amenities and Rim world opportunity and freedom.

If you plan to be near Boros, my schedule is clear most of next week.   Attached you will find a price list for different services or based on an hourly or daily rate with activities to be decided up on meeting. 

For safety, I ask that you please leave all weapons in your shuttle or other location.  I look forward to meeting you soon.

Calina T.

"Surviving Destiny."

The sun shimmers against the undying waves on the shores of Boros.  He has not been to House Shanjian in some time.  It has always been a place of solace for him.  Davion Holmeforth leans over the pen for the bunnies, smiling. They were a kind sight to see.

Calina Tereshchenko comes out of the house with a small bowl of food and looks up "Davion! What... what are you doing here? This is a pleasant surprise!"
He grins, standing straight up. "Wanted to see how big the bunnies have gotten. And see you." He muttered quietly.  Calina sits down on the side of the pen, setting the bowl of carrots, lettuce and other veggies to the side. She brushes her hand over the velvet skirt and looks up, smiling softly "That is very kind of you... if you just wanted to see the bunnies, I could have sent a photo.  How are you?"  She asked.
Dav chuckles faintly. "I wanted to see them for myself. A photo only says so much, ya know?" He fought to maintain a full grin, the edge of his lips quivering. "I'm.... alright. You?"
She nods.  "I'm doing well. Spending a bit more time here. After that biological agent was stolen from near Beaumonde... I thought life on Boros might be safer for a while.  I've even actually been thinking of moving fully Coreward... back to Londinium."
Davion widens his eyes when she brought up the events on Beaumonde. "I'd hate to see you in any kind of danger. I'm glad you came here." He glanced back to the bunnies. "To tell you the truth, I don't know why you'd even leave this little piece of heaven." His words were tender and quieter than normal.

She leans over the side of the side of the pen with a piece of carrot.  "Malcolm... come here... Inara.... dinner."  She looked up at him, her brow furroughed a bit.  "Is something the matter? You seem... to be carrying a burden."
He wears the tension and stress in his face, a muscle under his right eye twitching for a few moments. "I might need to go away for a little while.... to disappear. I wanted to say goodbye."
"That sounds very serious, Davion.  What's going on?  You know you are welcome here. This is a remote location... not widely known."
"And I shouldn't have even come here.... but I had to." He took one small step closer to her. "I had to see you one last time."
She stands up, her eyes soft.  "Davion... that is something one says when they are going off to war. The war has been over for years."  He raises a hand between them, calming the moment. "Its not war..... its just something I might not come back from. But its something I have to do."
"Does this... relate to your family?  You mentioned the tensions with them before."
Davion nods slowly. "They've sent someone. And before he finds out where I am, I need to take the fight to them, back on Beaumonde."
"From what you said... that could be very dangrous.  Are you sure?  And why would they send someone after you?  If you left, what would be the need?"
"I don't want anyone else feeling the repercussions from what happened to me. With Brooke gone, AT&S is getting by, but we're close to shattered. Easy pickings for the right people. And I can't let that happen."

Calina reaches up and places her hand on his shoulder... unsure of what to say... she just shakes her head gently.  He remains quiet as well, a gloved hand rising to her cheek, index finger running down the side of her face. "I'll never forget you, Calina Tereshchenko."

She moves her hand on top of his.  "Davion, you shouldn't speak like that.  Words create destiny."  Davion blinks slowly, feeling the force of those words, lowering his head.  Raising it to meet her eyes, he spoke again. "And I'll survive my destiny. I know what I have to do." The muscles in his face relax, allowing a grin to form.  Calina slinks her fingers around his hand, lowering it down between them, her thumb brushing back and forth.

Davion Holmeforth holds her hand tenderly, all worry leaving his mind for a few sharp, welcoming moments. "Thank you. For you."  Calina smiles softly.  "I will light candles for you.... prayers... for safety."
He clears his throat, steps in a little closer and kisses her cheek. "You have always been too kind to me."  She brushes her cheek against his, her pale skin flushed a light pink, thick dark lashes flutter quickly as she blink.  "Normally I would say it is a part of my job but... well, you aren't exactly a client," she finally smiles.

Davion steps back now, his grasp on her hand slowly fading. "And that is what'll always make you so gorram special."
"I hope that you will come back safely.... that this will all be resolved."
He lowers his hand completely from hers now, feeling only the leather fabric of his glove. "I aim to make it so. Goodbye, Calina."
"Safe travels, Davion."
Davion Holmeforth steps away slowly, running a hand through his hair, holding back those deep feelings begging to tickle the surface, while Calina tosses the rest of the food into the pen and then goes inside.  The waves beating against the shoreline continue.