"Man-a-Hangin.'"

The hunter Hampton Fensen flicked at Cody's nose a few times, waiting for his prey to awaken. Sniffing the air, his nostrils almost burned from the bleach and cleaning solutions the med team left behind for 'sanitary reasons,' they said. He walked around to the side of the exam table, staring Cody down.

Cody Winterwolf slowly opens his eyes, blinking hard from he light then closing them to keep his eyes from hurting.  "Where'm I" he asks barely able to speak.  Fensen leans in a bit closer, examining the fresh bandages, then Cody's pale face as color slowly returns to it. "Where you are isn't important, Mr. Winterwolf. Whats important is that you survived."
The captive tries to get up. It takes him a moment to figure out he's strapped down on the bed and his side aching badly.
Fensen half-grins when he watches Cody fight to get out of the restraints. "Believe me when I say this, Mr. Winterwolf; getting that bullet out of you will be my only charitable act for the duration of our time together."

Cody grits his teeth then snarls as he pulls on the bindings. He can feel the straps cutting into his wrists as he does.  "What.. you want with me?"
The bounty hunter leans over the table, his face coming into the light better, scars cascading against his skin and through his thick beard. "You? Who said I want you? You're merely another message; a pawn in this great scheme to get your friend, the murderer Holmeforth, to deliver himself to me."
Winterwolf pulls harder on the straps waiting for them to give out. "He's not gorram stupid..... And he didn't kill no one..."
Fensen glances down at the restraints; reinforced so his captive could not escape. "A job is a job, Mr. Winterwolf. You of all people should know that. I have a man to deliver, whether he's guilty or not." He steps away slowly, heading to a side panel by the door, pushing a few buttons.

Cody can hear the slight tapping of the keypad. His ears pick up the faint hum around the room.  He frowns. "Hurtin' folk ... don't work..... Just riles em."
Fensen slowly approaches the examination table again as a slit in the ceiling reveals a long robotic arm. At its end is a recording lens, red light starting to flash. "I beg to differ. Now wave to your friends. They'll want to be sure its you."
Cody tries to open his eyes, but can't. The light's too bright for him.

Fensen lifts his arm and bashes it down over the new bandaging, breaking the stitches underneath.  Cody feels the shock of pain as he's hit hard. All he can do is grunt and gasp. He tries to curl up to protect his injured side, but can't as the restraints hold him in one place.  He groans and tries to catch his breath.

Fensen gets closer, removing a small scalpel from the table. He slides it under the bandages, lifting it, slicing through the bandages to expose the wound. A small stream of fresh blood trickles down. "Now, I have a small bet going with myself. I am trying to figure out which of your friends will hand over Holmeforth. Who is your bet, Mr. Winterwolf?"  Cody feels the cold metal as it slides up the inside of the bandaging. He tries to move away from it. "Don't know...." he says hoarsely.

The hunter tosses the scalpel aside, one hand parting the sliced bandages. His other hand hovers over the wound, making a tight fist, minus his index finger, which jabs into the wound, exploring. "I can't hear you!"
Cody cries out as he feels the finger enter the wound. The pain is excruciating as he struggles hard against the bindings.  Fensen slides his finger out of the wound, flicking his finger, a few droplets of blood shot over the examination table. The hunter steps away and collects himself. "You'll answer... or next time I go in, I'll find your appendix."

Cody gasps again trying to get the pain under control. His head spinning as the pain threatens to send him into oblivion.  Fensen approaches the table once more, taking a long breath. "I take it you're not a gambling man, then. But your silence won't save you, Mr. Winterwolf. Only one thing will...."
Cody tries to open his eyes to focus on the old man. His eyes squinting against the glare of the light. "Won't... work...... bettin'... you'll..... meet.... Lily... soon… 'nough.."

The hunter snickers at the wounded pawn. "This 'Lily' may try... but she'll only find you if she has Holmeforth in tow. I'll hand you over in exchange for him."
"If….. she..... don't?  Lily.... She... ain't... like... any.. one..... you ever.... met….."
Fensen grins widely, his gross breath filling Cody's nostrils. "Then someone will. Out there... " He points to the closed door. "...someone wants you returned safe and sound. They'd have nothing to gain from harboring a known fugitive."
"Deluded….."  Cody mutters as he tries to pull against the restraints again.
"Then enlighten me, kind sir. What makes Holmeforth so damned important to you and your people?"

"A friend.  Co-worker."
"And all of your friends and loved ones around you are ready to watch you die for this friend... co-worker?"

"Won't die….."  Cody smirks even though he's in pain.
Fensen admires Winterwolf's resiliency. "I watched them fix you. I can unfix you twice as fast."
Cody growls at the man. "Won't... stop.. me."
The hunter steps back for a second, winding up, and laying a swift right hook into Cody's face.  Cody feels his head reel at the hit. His eyes register stars as he tastes blood in his mouth.

Hampton Fensen steps down the examination table, laying some heavy jabs into Cody's ribcage, wishing to hear a small crack.  Cody feels the damaged rib on his right side give way under the assault. He feels the wind knocked out of him then starts having trouble breathing below the layer of agony.  Fensen turns away and shakes his fist some, feeling some searing pain inside. He hasn't full-on punched a big brute in a long while. But damn, it felt good.  Cody groans as he tries to breathe. His world starts to spin out into darkness as he starts to lose consciousness.

Fensen watches Winterwolf choke for air. Realizing he's still on camera, he strides slowly to the wall panel. Cody continues to fight for oxygen, while Fensen stares down at him, then glancing up at the camera, displaying a cold, deadpan stare for a few seconds before cutting the transmission.

"Harum Scarum."

It is a quiet morning on Hale's Moon.  A little too quiet.  The Hunter, Hampton Fensen, waiting atop Firefly's Bar, uses his long-range monocular to hone in on the defenseless bounty, the murdering coward Davion Holmeforth.

Davion Holmeforth steps in quietly, carrying two small bags. One bag with food and electrolyte water, while the other contains fresh bandages. He slowly slips towards Cody's bedside.  He places a quick hand above Cody's mouth and nose, feeling his breath. At least he was breathing.

Cody whispers, "Xoxo.. back?.."  Davion smiles. "No, just Doc Dav. Brought some food and some clean bandages. We need to take care of that wound."  Cody nods. He tries to sit up but feels lousy. He groans a little.

Dav helps Cody sit up, working the blood-stained bandages off. Balling it up, he tosses it aside. Grabbing the fresh clean bandages, he sits bedside, carefully wrapping around the wound, going around a few times extra for good measure. "Now, growl for me." And as Cody growled, Dav tightened the bandages, securing them in place.
"Gorram!" Cody grimaces as Dav tightens the bandages.  Dav holds Cody in place, then helps him lay back down. "I know, hurts like ten bastards. But you can't risk getting that infected." Leans over the bed, and removes a bottle of electrolyte water, handing it to Cody. "Can't risk getting dehydrated, either."  Cody groans, " I know... Just feel like hell."

The quasi-doc nods slowly, pointing down to the bag. "Got some food in there for you. Nothing fancy, just enough to get by: crackers, some protein, and more of that water."  "Don't know as I'm much hungry…"  Dav interjects.  "Well have some... you might not feel hungry but your body needs some nourishment. I'll be back in a few hours to check on you."   Cody nods, reaching into the bag and pulls out a protein bar.  He opens it and tries a bite not feeling too good.  Dav smiles slowly. "You'll pull through this. Just hold out a little longer." Dav heads for the door.

Dav's route is direct to the Applecado Transport & Salvage Office.  Passing by a trash barrel, he deposits the bloody bandages quickly, whistling in his carefree stride.  The red stains pick up beautifully in the monocular from the new view above Fook's.  The hunter grins deeply.

The time is now.  And the Hunter strikes.  Climbing into the Eagle's Nest was an easy task.  Cody stares up at the stranger.  "Who're you?"  He tries to sit up holding his side, looking for his weapon.  Slow, calculating steps end at the foot of the bed, boots clicking. When he watches the man rise he leans over him, pressing his hand into Cody's stomach, sending a shock of pain up his body. "I'm the man who needs a bargaining chip. And now I have one." His smile grew as he brought his forearm closer to Cody's face, a small compartment pumping out a gas.

Cody grimaces in pain and falls back. He inhales the gas unknowingly and frowns feeling the rooms spin. The stranger notices it's taking more gas then needed to knock him out.  Fensen brings his forearm closer to Cody, a second compartment deploying the reserve gas. Fensen twists his head away from it, until the ox is unconscious. Blowing the excess gas out of the way to mix with the stale air, he grins. "Sweet dreams, Mr. Winterwolf."  Cody feels the world drift into oblivion.

Climbing into the Eagle's Nest was an easy task, as stated.  Now climbing down with an ox on his back proved rather difficult for the old hunter.  He keeps to the back of buildings, dodging what little foot traffic there was.

The "Brigand" rests at its quiet, out-of-the-way unauthorized landing pad.  With a click at his waist, the entryway opens quickly.  Fensen deposits the unconscious body inside, climbing in to drag him to the back of the seats.  Firing up the engines, he takes the pilot's chair, almost jumping at the sight of the town's Mayor, Seana Kawanishi, as she raps on the hull.  Starting to hover, the repulsers kicking up wind and dust, he lifts the "Brigand" into the air.  Seana is forced to duck as the boat moves, kissing sky as it ascends into the clouds.  She hauls ass out of the way.

Having a quick chuckle at the ease of his escape, Hampton opens a clear channel to Traffic Control.  "Hale's Moon Tower, this is shuttle "Brigand," clearance to break atmo."
"Clearance denied.  Please return to port."
Adjusting a few controls, the hunter stops dead in his tracks, the voice sounding vaguely familiar.  Like a particular bystander he just almost flattened.  Fensen chuckles loudly over the comm.  "Too late, sister."

She brings the headset transmitter closer to her lips.  "IAV Abraham Sinkov, this is Flight Control: Hale's Moon.  We have an unauthorized departure in violation of our control authority.  Please reel them in for us."  Seana receives the acknowledgement and places some bets on whether the shuttle will escape the Frigate's pursuit.

Fensen grimaces in his pilot's seat, opening a console near his feet, ripping the transponder free.  The ship's presence on radar gets fuzzy.  He continues pounding at the controls, getting just enough juice out of this old bird to evade the frigate, fancy flying and all.  Kawanishi gets the wave from the Frigate, and acknowledgement that the shuttle's profile's been broadcast to the region with the appropriate alerts.  "Regional Traffic, this is Hale's Moon Flight Control, addendum to that Hot Boat alert.  There's evidence the boat has passengers aboard under duress."

Davion slides out from the shop, hearing all the commotion.  Greeting him is Kawanishi and Jai Raghilda. "Hey Dav.  Have you seen Cody?  We need to conduct a scientificalike experiment."
Davion shakes his head. "Just checked up on him an hour ago. He was too weak to go anywhere. Did you check the Eagle's Nest?"
"His link's dropped out of range." Seana adds.
Davion Holmeforth eyes widen. "Like... flatlined?"
"No, no. Comms link.  Just dropped off the air. Boat boosted out of here hot a little while ago. Gut feeling Cody was aboard."  She continues.
"I heard it ... didn't think much of it. Just another boat getting too close to the building." Dav gets a might frantic. "I'm'a check upstairs!"  He runs off in a dead sprint.
Seana explains.  "The Sinkov couldn't get to them. Have a regional alert out with the boat's profile and ident. Might catch them."

"I only ever had to deal with pirates." Jai adds.
Davion returns, bending over, catching his breath. "He ain't there."
Jai asks.  "He got his shades and meds?"
Davion shakes his head, wiping at his mouth. "They're still up there. Like he up and vanished!"  Jai crosses her arms.  "He wouldn't leave without his shades.  He's super light sensitive."
"Can hope the pilot's not an expert in hiding a boat in plain sight." Seana goes into detail.  "They pulled their pulse beacon, but the boat's not stealthy. Down side is there's some big gaps in NavTrac coverage out there."

The town doc, Aroha Hannu, joins the group.  "Anyone know any of the people on the boat?"  Jai questions.  "Once they get out of range of our arrays, they'll just need to steer clear of the main relays."  Seana sighs.
"Did I hear skuttle of a kidnapping?" Doc Hannu pries.
Dav cringes. "'Liance wouldn't just nab him like that. They've got protocol and some such, no?"  "Above boards, no. Black ops? In a heartbeat. But more likely to send a bounty hunter." Seana declares.  Doc Hannu looks over at the young man.  "Not sure about a kidnapping. Had a boat take off under suspicious circumstances and evade the Frigate…" Seana continues.  "…Cody might have been board."  Hannu asks. "Cody? On someone else's ship? Willingly?"

Jai cringes.  "We think he may have been snatched.  We got descriptions on any of them?"
Seana checks her data.  "Good profile on the boat. Pilot looked like an older guy."
Doc Hannu aids.  "Any reg numbers on the hull?"  While Dav pulls on his hair. "My one gorram job. Just take care of Cody and make sure he don't die. Now POOF, he's gone!" He kicks at the rocks under his boots.

"There any outstanding bounties on Cody?" Jai wonders.
"Yeah. We've got the idents for the boat. And I wouldn't be surprised about a bounty, knowing how Cody finds trouble."  Seana continues.  Jai calms.  "He's been staying out of trouble lately."
Doc Hannu inquires.  "For some time now, he's been good....hasn't he?"  She questions herself as she scratches her head.  "After he popped a cap in a Marshal's butt, he's been quiet."  Jai explains.
Doc Hannu recollects.  "That was a time a go.... and from what I heard, the Marshal deserved it."
"Yesterday was the first scuffle in a while…" Jai intervenes.  "…someone tried a snatch on Tillery.  I don't know the story."  Seana agrees.  "Aye. Was an odd situation, that."  She continues checking the data coming in.  "We've got an outbound vector for that boat, and doubt the pilot knows what kind of range we've got. Probably hasn't waited to alter course."

"Deserve has nothing to do with nothing when it comes to law enforcement types." Jai adds.  "You mess with the big blue wall, you get the big blue wall."  Doc Hannu prepares to leave.  "I have my own troubles today.... so I'll leave you to these worries….."  Seana heads off as well.  "I'll make some calls when I get back to my office.  See if we can't find Cody, and whoever took him. If that's the case."
"I will, ummmm.  I will think of something." Jai departs.  Dav growls under his breath, heading back to his apartment.

Deep in the Black, Hampton adjusts his flightpath, starting a long zig-zagging trajectory to evade any vultures following him.  As his hands drop to his knees, he twists around in his pilot's chair, cold ice blue eyes focusing on the unconscious form of his captive, Cody Winterwolf.

"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 Lick and a Prayer."

~Hale's Moon~

Davion missed all the action.  Rumor has it two gunmen staked a claim on Hale's Moon… held someone hostage on a roof.  And Cody Winterwolf sailed in, like a knight in shining armor, onboard his trusted mule to take everyone down and restore order.  And while is was restored, there were casualties.  The knight had fallen, a rogue bullet shattering Cody's body armor and leaving him with a nasty wound.

By the time Dav arrives, Cody has already admitted himself to the infirmary, and is given the proper cleaning and pain-relieving injector.  Dav takes it upon himself to do a perimeter search; making sure those brigands ain't coming back for seconds.  And once the coast was clear, he visited Cody, holed up in his "Eagle's Nest" while he recovers.

Cody sits up a little.  "Hey Dav.  Welcome to the eagle's nest."
"No no... you stay down."  Dav glances at the arsenal, then down at the Christmas tree. "Looks like Santa came here early this year."
"Lily likes to make sure nothin' gets by her.  Go on ahead and sit."
Dav sits slowly in the chair adjacent to Cody's bunk.  "Or in front of her, or flanks her."
"Yeah." Cody replied.  "She's good."  Though he frowns suddenly and face palms.
"Whats wrong?" Dav inquires.
Cody grumbles.  "She'll be on me over this now."
"Well, its the mother goose in her."
"No.. it's more to do with AuroraBlue.  She can feel when somethin' happens.  Like this…" He gestures to the wound.  "Didn't come out the other side did it?"  Cody asks as he toys with the small injector.
"Not that I saw." Dav replies.  "Meaning there's a bullet floating around inside you."
"Yeah… I know. Means I got to wait for the doc to finish her rounds to get it fixed."
"And hence why I am here."
"What.. You got doc training'?"
Davion shakes his head. "Sorry, no. I'm here making sure you don't run off to the other side while we wait for the doc to come around."
Cody snickers.  "It'll take a lot more then this to kill me, Dav.  I had a large caliber go through me and my armor spacesuit way back."

"Don't underestimate the potency of a bullet." Dav replies sternly.
"Yeah.. I know. I been there a few times.  Last time I think I got a transfusion from Lily.  She was a might mad at me today.  Not sure what set her off..."
Davion nods. "You'll be fine. And I figure you'd do the same for me if it ever arose."
Cody nods.  "I don't leave anyone b'hind.
"From my …'interactions'…. with her, I am sure it wasn't you that set her off. Not sure her method, but she comes off very strong and without reason."  Davion sunk a little deeper into the chair.
"She's not tame.  No matter how you put it. She's like a wild puma.  You don't tame it.  You accept it and deal. She can be nice as pie then turn on you as fast.  Sort of like Xoxo.  She bite's too. I got the scars to prove it.... That and a good claw in the leg for it."
Davion nods slowly. "Just wish I could reach Lily, is all. And for some reason, it'll take some time for that to settle in my head."
Cody winces in his bed.  "You don't reach her.  You accept her how she is.  Lily won't change.  She can't. It's hardwired into her."
Dav nods quickly.
Cody continues.  "She's one of my best friends.  I was ready to marry her you know.  Gave her a ring and all too."
Dav's eyes widen slightly.
"AuroraBlue happened and it all changed."  Cody notices the slight look of surprise.

"AuroraBlue happened?"  Dav inquires.  Cody looks at the ceiling for a moment, then back at him.  "Yeah.  For that I need to go back a spell.  I met and learned a lot 'bout Lily.... Like what she was.  Then I found out more and more.  She was made for somethin' important."  Davion leans a little closer in his chair, enjoying the story time. Anything to take Cody's mind off his injury.

Cody continues.  "Like me, she was part of an experiment.  But hers was one made by Mindo.  Her 'pa'.  Sort of pa. He made her.  Her task was to make the perfect bein'.  One that was both human and machine."  Cody settles himself a little more on the cot and winces slightly.  "It took a power source and a lot of mixed DNAs to do it.  Some folks had more involved in it then others.
Dav interrupts.  "Investors?"  Cody nods.  "You could say that.  Investors of sorts."
Dav agrees slowly, sitting back in his chair a little more so Cody can continue.
"AuroraBlue was born.  A child of strange fates. Then Lily was hurt.. Dyin'.... She was put into a stasis chamber to stop it all.  But it wasn't goin' to stop her end.... Only thin' that did was AuroraBlue givin' up her spirit to give to Lily. AuroraBlue died that day.... Aurora was now changed.  Not a nice little child. A demon spawned.  And Krenshar fanned it from a spark into a dangerous flame.  One that could'a ended a lot of folk.  Lily was of the mind it needed to be ended."

Cody looks back at the ceiling, remembering his part in it all.  "When it was done....... Aurora was ended....  AuroraBlue wasn't born like normal children... She was made. Maybe like bein' cloned or somethin'.  The first time failed. AuroraBlue was doomed.  Lily wants another baby..... She'll steal one if she has to."

Davion leans forward in his chair again. "Does Lily have any kind of moral filter? Something that lets her know thats wrong?"
"She does.  But it's a might screwed.  She can't bare children. She wasn't made with those 'parts'.  She gets attacked.... an eye for an eye or self preservation.  She protects.  Part of her programmin.'  But she's got feelin's too.  I seen her show em."  Cody sighs, holds his side as he turns slightly.  "She's a genetic construct. To me she's human like anyone.  She lives and loves.... But she don't and can't comprehend the meanin's to a lot of stuff. Its like internal filters stop her for knowin' certain data.  I tried a lot of times to explain how babies get born. Told her to watch a foal or puppy bein' born.  She says she ain' allowed to know it. So that part of her learnin' shuts down.  Like gettin' married.  If you dance with her, you're married in her eyes.  And she's married to a lot of fellers then.

Davion smiles deeply.  "Reckon she never let me get that close, yet. And I can't blame her."
Cody smiles.  "Wait til she bites you.  Gorram can bite through heavy leather. I got a deep scar from one bite."  He taps his right shoulder.  Dav cringes a tad. "When she does that to me, thats a sign that she likes me?"  "Well, yeah.  Watch out if she gets to close. She thinks bitin' is kissin'.  She's cat-like, but not a cat.  Bitin' to her is part of the whole ritual. You chase her and she gets interested. Then she gets to wantin' to head butt you then comes the bite."

Davion grins. "So I'll know the signs, in case she tries. But I wear cologne, reckon she doesn't like it."
Cody snickers.  "Don't let it fool you that its a deterrent.  I let her bite me. Thinkin' it'd meant she loved me back.  But there's more complications to it.  She has the wisdom of the ages and the mind of a child all wrapped up in there.  And you can't change that.  Its another thin' thats hardwired in her.
Shaking his head, Dav replies.  "Never would want to."  Cody nods.  "She's also family to me.  Seana is too.  When AuroraBlue came into my life... Well we connected.  Imprinted.  She grew fast. Not like normal. Like her growth was out of control.  I took care of her like she was my own. Now she's grown more... Real pretty too... Under all that dirt."  He chuckles and winces again.
Dav adds to the chuckling. "Is she still aging, or has she reached a plateau?"
"She might've hit her plateau.  Not sure. She's physically grown."  He smiles at that. He can see how pretty she is even though she's not here.  "Now her mental growth? Not sure exactly where all thats at.  Lily said she was out in the corn maze practicin' kissing'."  He chuckles and holds his side.  "Yeah... She's reached puberty."  Davion stretches his back while laughing heartily.

"Thing is, now she's on Paquin with the companions…  I hate to think what she's learned from em."
Dav inquires.  "Ain't she learning it for you?"
Cody flushes slightly.  "Well…. Yeah...  But who all's teachin' her.  I'd be a might unhappy if she learned from a male companion.... or they tell her she's got to.. well sleep with a feller.  I think that'd make me real riled up.
Dav nods quickly. "Are they giving her special considerations? Knowing her condition and all?"
"She's doin' stuff like I did when I was in my early teens, Dav.  I don't think she's signed up to train with em.  Hell, when I was 'bout her age... I did some stuff.  Got into a lot of trouble."
Davion leans in, grinning. "We all did."
Cody grins too.  "More'n a few times.  But then I done stuff not that long ago either.  Stuff I ain't too proud of.  And she knows it all."  He rubs his neck and sighs.
"I wouldn't have it any other way. Pure honesty."  Dav retorts.
"Well there's a few things I'd wish I didn't do.  Like gettin' involved with an engaged woman.  And shootin' a marshal."
Dav's head lowers for a moment.  "We all got regrets."
"Yeah.  Just hope she don't follow in my footsteps.  Gorram. I'm in love with her.  She's my gravity.  My sunlight."  He fixes the pillow under his head.
"You make each other better. She keeps you in line and vice versa."
"I try. I know gettin' mad at what all she's been up to won't help.  She was in a huge palace today on Al Raqis.... Like scopin' the place.  Went and drunk some of their wine too.  Hell I donee stuff like that, but seein' her do it.... Felt all strange.
"She'll survive."

"I know she will.  She nipped at my ankle today too.  Sort of like Lily.  But she ain't talked since the accident."  Cody frowns again, "Since that fall.  I can understand her. I know what she's tryin' to get across pretty easy.  She fell off Fook's roof one day when she was physically 'bout.  I thought I was gonna lose her.  Hell, Lily shot me.  Took a graze in the leg.  She didn't want me touchin' her.  Touchin' AuroraBlue.  She didn't know how much I was hurtin' over AuroraBlue's injuries.  Seana had to stop her."
Davion calms for a moment.  "Seana seems to be the moral compass 'round here."
"She is."
"Town like this needs that."
"Yeah.  I don't want AuroraBlue to get worried over me. She's been through enough with the loss of her sort of daddy.  She thought of Krenshar as her daddy.  She knew when the meteor fell.... That it was done on purpose.  Someone sent it."  Cody grits his teeth as he sits up, "The meteor was man made.  I took some scans of it."  He points to the desk.  "Its on that datapad."
Davion questions.  "Where did it hit? Here on Hale's?"

"Yeah. Took out Destiny.  That flaming' rock in our back yard."  Davion shifts in his seat.  "Guess I need to get out more."  Cody continues.  "Yep.  She knew... she told me in her own way he was gone. That it was destroyed by the meteor."

Davion quiets him for a moment.  "That kind of information can get you killed. You'd better make sure she's doesn't spill the beans to the wrong people."
"She won't.  That's somethin' she ain't likely to want to repeat.  She cried. Curled up into a ball and just cried.  I could feel her hurtin' like it was my own.  Then when I got back here and fixed what I screwed up... Xoxo.. well she was dealin' with the whole mess too.  So I decided I needed some down time and took a little flight home.  Not much there to see.  Said my own goodbyes and come back here.  Put ghosts to rest."  Cody runs a hand through his hair then lays back gritting his teeth.

Davion nods, half-smiling. "Still have a few spooking me, but I aim to handle them soon enough."
Cody stiffens.  "Some ghosts never rest.  Like Kitten.  I need to know what happened to her.  Just hope hey ain't doin' experiments on her again.  I had to make a deal with the gorram devil to find out what all happened to her."  Cody growls to himself.  "Gorram, Major Siendes.  She came to the office the other day.  Not sure what all she was lookin' to find there."
"Good thing she found nothing."
"No she found me instead…was askin' me 'bout my headaches and my eyes.  If she ever takes me in I told her I wasn't goin' back to a facility. I wasn't goin' to be no lab rat again.

"I won't let that happen." Dav speaks solemnly.
"Lily said the same."
"Sure a lot of others round here'll say it, too."
Cody nods.  "Puttin' me in a cage is a might dangerous.  I think Seana'd send in a team after me too."
"Well, hole yourself up here and..." He glances around at the arsenal again. "...you'd be set."
Cody nods.  "And I got a few hidden weapons 'round too."
"You'd give 'em hell, for sure."
"Hehe, yeah.  I won't go down easy."
Dav grins. "You won't go down."  Cody grins too.  "I'm too pretty and I got someone I care too much 'bout to give up."  He chuckles then gasps at the pain.  "Gorram…."
Davion laughs as he stands. "Far too pretty.  Anything I can get you? Tea? Water?"
Cody stares at the injector.  "Water.  Not sure I'm ready to use this yet.  Stuff makes me a might loopy.  High dose pain killer."

Dav heads to the table, removing an empty glass and pouring some water into it.  He returns and hands Cody the glass.  Cody takes the glass and leans up on one elbow to drink it. He groans slightly.  "Well, if you're one of those people that feels the need to suffer through their pain, don't use it."  Cody smiles. "You got no idea how much I need to make the pain go away.  Take a gander at the done on that."  Cody hands him the injector.  Dav takes the injector, removing the needle guard.  "Where am I stabbing this?"  Cody grins. "In the forearm."  He pulls out a second vial. "This's for later."  He sets it on the sill over his head.  "Thats in case I need it. That aughta hold me for a while though.  Just don't get yourself with that dose."  Cody holds out his forearm to Dav.

Dav Holmeforth nods quickly, turning away for a sharp moment, then twisting around and jabbing the injector down into Cody's forearm. His other hand holds Cody at his chest, keeping him down. "This might take the pain away, but I ain't letting you get up after this. You still need to rest and I'll be checking." His strong hand slides away from Cody's chest and guides the injector back out. Dav walks away to the table to clean the needle and change cartridges.

Cody grits his teeth again, but lets Dav do what he has to. then he lays quiet as the drug starts to course through his body. He feels the world shift sideways for a moment, then the pain in his side starts to ease up.  "Dav.. That data pad. It has some of the inventory codes on it…."  Davion sets the injector on the sill above Cody's head. "Nurse Dav...who'd'a thought?"
"Doc Dav."  Cody grins, thinking his words are slurred a little.
"I'll go check the inventory while you rest."
Cody sighs as the drug starts warming him and the world goes a little strange.  "Hey.. you got a cigar?"

Dav hands a fresh cigar to Cody. "Don't smoke them much, just be careful. Thats a high dose you're on. Keep as much vitamin C in your body as you can."  Cody nods.  "Hell just the smell."  He takes a whiff of it and lays it on the sill.  Dav lets out a small snicker.  "I could'a brought incense."  Cody gets a might more loopy.  "Oooo.. got some scotch.  Shhh.. got it hid."  He points almost drunkenly at the ceiling rafter.  "Its real old stuff."  "Doc" Davion shifts his index finger back and forth in front of Cody. "No alcohol."  Cody watches the finger waver.  Dav replies firmly.  "Might hate me for it now, but you'll thank me for it later."  "I need somethin' to do...."  He sighs.  "Juss need a little somethin'....Whoa.. is the tower shiftin'?"  "Shut your eyes and rest. Don't make me sing you a lullaby."
"Gorram… You sing too?" Cody smiles, closing his eyes.
"Everyone can sing... its just other people's opinions on how good you are. Now I'm gonna' head down to the shop and check that inventory, then I'll be back."  Cody nods.  "Don forgit the data thing…got the code stuff in it….on it.  Yeah.. somethin' like that."  He shifts a little then starts to settle, untying his leg holster and drops it by the bed.  Dav nods quietly, heading back to the table and retrieving the datapad.

It is routine and mandatory.  Dav cringes as he checks off each piece of inventory on the datapad, double-checking each step he makes, not missing a beat.  Shifting crates and boxes back to where they ought to be, Davion closes up shop again, setting the security system and locking the doors.

Facing the ladder again to head to the "Eagle's Nest," he slides the datapad against the small of his back, shoving it in to rest against his belt as he climbs back up.

Cody opens his eyes groggily, rubbing at them.  Dav is quiet in his steps, speaking softly. "All's well down in the shop, Cody. You keep resting."  Cody nods while Dav smiles.  "I'll check up on you in a few hours."  Cody murmurs.  "You seen Lily?"  Davion shakes his head. "Off trying to find those giant spiders, I reckon."  Cody whimpers.  "Don mention nothin' ok?"  Dav nods quickly.  "Secret's safe with me."

A low rumble picks at the Nest.  Cody's eyes widen.  "New ship…can hear it…."  He fumbles around in the bunk for his pistol.  Davion runs to the window, checking outside.

Cody looks toward Dav.  "Hear it?"  Davion nods quickly.  "Landed…."  Dav whispers "Want me to go check it out?  Cody shakes his head.  "Might not be safe.... may be 'liance.. come to see what all the ruckus was…."  "We'll hole up here?"  Cody nods. "So long's they don't come up.  We stay quiet like.  Put the fire out…."  Hecloses his eyes to listen, cocking his head.  "….. sounds like... transport…"  Cody looks back over at Dav, who threw the lid over the fire, letting it extinguish on its own.  Davion calmly speaks again.  "Its alright. Keep resting. I've got it taken care of if anyone tries to sneak up here."  Cody nods slowly and closes his eyes. He sighs as he lets the drug take over again.  Davion removes his pistol from its holster at his side, swinging it around a few times before resting his hand on the top of his thigh.  He glances over at Cody, who seems to be asleep.  He lets his own head slide back against the back of the couch, shutting his eyes slowly.

"Messenger."

-_-_DESTINATION CODE 20154 _-_-
BOROS
HOUSE SHANJIAN
PRIVATE ESTATE

Companion Tereschenko,

A day at the quiet House Shanjian sounds exactly like the retreat I've been desiring.  It is a relief that your schedule is clear, as I am leaving orbit very soon and will thoroughly enjoy our presence when I arrive.  And don't worry, all weapons will be left in my shuttle.

My account is as deep as the tension in my muscles.  At my age, I'd much rather someone else do the job properly.  I foresee deep, deep relaxation in my future, thanks to you.

Hunter Fensen

-_-_RETRIEVAL CODE 74310 _-_-
ORBIT HALE'S MOON

"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.

"A Proposition."

-_-_DESTINATION CODE 20154 _-_-

BOROS
HOUSE SHANJIAN
PRIVATE ESTATE

Companion Tereschenko,

I would enjoy a moment of your company to discuss certain prospects.  If you check my federal dossier, you will find I am one of the best hunters in the Core.  Though outside of the Core's jurisdiction, it gets tense and... I'll be honest ... a might lonely.  Your presence would be a welcome relief as well as a hot cup of tea.

I do hope I am granted the pleasure of your acquaintance.

Hunter Fensen

-_-_RETRIEVAL CODE 81277 _-_-

                                                      HALE'S MOON

"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.