(Callie)
Callie escorted Taniya around the ship. They were already fully loaded and the Grack Arka was burning hard to flee the area. She was pleased at the pirates' rapid loading speed, and their even faster departure. Callie made a note of the assorted good filling three of the cargo bays, gaping at the massive piles of raw, rare materials.
The piles of neatly sorted materials were in massive containers that were spilling over, the piles reaching the ceilings of each cargo bay at over thirty feet. As for how the pirates loaded so much material in such a short time, that was simple. Cargo ships had heavy equipment to offload its cargo, and the pirates simply used the heavy equipment to steal the highly valuable material.
Taniya hurried past the many pirates still loitering in the loading bay, following after Callie.
Despite what she told Shimmer, she was happy they were in a hurry, as Callie was worried a battle group might show up. With the ship's current state of disrepair, Callie had very little confidence in the Grack Arkas' ability to escape a group of warships.
"Soo T, why are you here?" Callie asked as they walked through the narrow halls of the ship. She wasn't worried about Shimmer overhearing as Taniyas ward surrounded them in a green haze. Taniya looked away with a flush on her cheeks.
"I sort of ran away."Taniya mumbled sheepishly.
Callie opened the door to her room and let Taniya in. It was one of the small cabins that every crewmember received, and was tiny, only large enough for a single one person bed. The size of the room didn't matter, as Callie didn't stay in the death trap of a room, anyway.
There was only one entrance and everyone aboard the ship knew this was her room. That, of course, meant that she put wards and traps on the door to show she lived there, but otherwise, she never actually entered the room. Callie gesture Taniya to enter the small room. Taniya enter and sat down on Callie's bed with a sigh of relief, clearly still exhausted from her fight with the pirates.
Now alone with the young woman at last, Callie brought up the elephant in the room."So, why did you run away?" Callie asked.
Taniyas' cheeks turned a bright red, and she glanced away like a scolded child. "Well, to make a long story short. Mom put out a hit on you, and I got mad. When she refused to take down the hit, I decided to come find you to warn you of the trouble."Taniya said with a smile.
Callie frowned at her friend, concerned. "I appreciate the warning, but that is a huge decision to make. What are you planning now that you found me?" Callie asked curiously. Taniya shrugged, but there was a glint in her bright hazel eyes.
"I was hoping to join you in whatever adventure you were on. I never expected you to be a freaking pirate captain of all things after only three weeks of leaving the empire?" Taniya replied.
Callie sighed and massaged her temples. "Dustin's going to kill me when he finds out I dragged you into this mess."Callie mumbled. Taniya perked up at her comment. "Or you could come back with me?" Taniya replied lamely.
Callie shook her head."That is extremely unlikely. For one, your mother would have me arrested on arrival."Callie replied. Taniya didn't refute the statement, and the silence dragged on for several long seconds.
"Soo, you are an assassin? What's that like?" Taniya asked, changing the awkward subject.
"Yes, I am an assassin. As far as what it's like. Being an assassin is ok, I guess, aside from the solitude."Callie said with a shrug.
"Do you get lonely?" Taniya asked with worry in her eyes. Callie was taken aback by that, startled by the question.
"I suppose, but that is the life of a Secari. We were forged into weapons, forged to fight alone, without friends or family." Callie said calmly, staring into Taniyas pitying eyes.
Taniya rose and hesitantly hugged Callie again. "You don't have to be alone. If you will allow me, I will be your friend."Taniya said softly. Callie smiled down at the young woman, appreciative of the heartfelt sentiment.
Weeks of stress seemed to slide off her shoulders, and Callie let out a relieved sigh. Taniyas heartfelt words seemed a little dramatic, but Callie didn't care, the words made her feel better. Taniya's body felt warm against her, pressing her head into Callie's shoulder and hugging her.
Callie was standing there like a tree, her arms by her sides. She smiled down at the young woman. Her chest felt light, her worries falling away with the warm embrace. Was this why Taniya loved hugging so much? "Thank you T. It means a lot to me to have your friendship."Callie said truthfully. They stood there, Callie like an uncomfortable tree, and Taniya like a too cuddly koala.
The torcher lasted for a couple minutes, in which Callie endured the sufferingly warm and gentle embrace. The silence was broken when Taniya broached a topic.
"Soo, what kind of the art do you specialize in? I know you said it was positive energy, but after you made a trap for me, I think you were lying."Taniya said.
Callie chuckled softly. "I was hoping you wouldn't put two and two together."Callie replied.
Taniya snorted. "I would have to be as dense as major Fallen To miss the intricacies of that web. I studied that trap you made in my room for weeks and even still I couldn't decipher it."Taniya said.
"Well, it is a five star difficulty. It took me years to gain the skill required to make it."Callie said.
"I thought you said I had a chance of comprehending the net?" Taniya asked, her brows furrowed.
Callie grinned."You had a slight chance. However, without a sturdy foundation and at least four star mastery of the negative art, it would still take you years to unravel and recreate."Callie said cheerily.
Taniya snickered." You are the worst. I wasted at least forty hours on deciphering that net and got nowhere."Taniya said.
"It wasn't a complete waste. Studying the weave of my negative art is good for you. It will help you get a proper foundation in the negative art."Callie replied.
"There is the Callie I know, ever the brutal taskmaster. And what about the positive art? If you can create something as complicated as that net, why haven't you mastered my sound ward yet?" Taniya asked, furrowing her eyebrows.
"That is like asking if someone who speaks Zrixian can understand Tallaxian."Callie replied with a roll of her eyes.
"I see. I guess it makes sense. Both positive and negative arts are supposedly opposites."Taniya mumbled.
Callie didn't really agree with that assertion. The more Callie learned about the positive art, the more she realized both of the powers were meant to be used together.
She hadn't figured it out yet, but she was almost certain she could eventually combine both arts together. So far, they were kept separate in her workings, but there were some commonalities. However, the biggest issue so far was her lack of understanding of the positive art.
Callie glanced at Taniya. The young woman was far superior to her in the positive art, even if she was far weaker. Perhaps she could take this chance to improve her skills? Sure, Dustin might be mad that his little sister ran away, and Veronica might view it as another black mark on her record, but damit, Callie didn't care.
If Taniya wanted to join her for being a pirate, then she was going to join. Callie gave the woman a once over, noting the singed and torn clothing as well as the bruised right eye. Okay, maybe Taniya could join the crew in a few days.
Taniya looked exhausted and used their discussion as a chance to lie down on Callie's bed. The ship lurched. Callie braced herself, feeling the slight humming of the ships' maneuvering thrusters through the wall plating..
While she had time, Callie pulled out two nutrition bars from a compartment in the side wall. She tossed one to T, and took a large bite of the other. They had the consistency of cardboard, and tasted like oats, but they had all the nutrition her body needed.
"What is this? It tastes like powdered spinach?" Taniya asked with a grimace. "This is what I have been living on for the last three weeks." Callie said with a grimace.
"Why don't you get food from the mess hall?" Taniya asked.
Callie took another bite, her taste buds screaming in pain. "These pirates can't cook to save their lives, and it's only for another five days. Besides, once we reach the shipyard, I can get a solid meal."Callie said.
Taniya laughed." You are a weirdo. Even on a pirate ship you seem more outraged by their cooking than what they are doing to people."Taniya asked, amused.
"I have contemplated turning them over to the authorities just for their terrible cooking. Last week I checked out the mess and I honestly thought the cook was trying to poison me when he gave me a plate of food. It looked horrendous! I might even prefer vat grown beef cooked by Dustin."Callie said with a shudder.
"Sounds about right, that is a terrible crime after all."Taniya said with a roll of her eyes. Callie scowled at Taniya. "Proper cuisine is an art. And these filthy pirates are severely lacking any sort of talent when it comes to cooking."Callie replied.. Taniya laughed at Callie's plight, sinking back into the mattress of her bed..
"Soo, what is your pirate name? Please tell me we get to give ourselves pirate names?" Taniya asked excitedly, changing the subject. Callie rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. "The crew calls me Ark-an."Callie replied.
Taniys eyes widen at that name, and she sat up with a worried look on her face. "Callie, that is an insult. The Tallax only use that name for someone they truly despise."Taniya said cautiously. Callie nodded. "I am aware of that. And honestly, I am happy with the name. Ark-an is a name that almost everyone in our sector of the galaxy knows of. Most of them will even recodnise it, and with time they will learn to fear it."Callie said.
Taniya shook her head in bemusement, her light blond hair falling in front of her eyes. "For peats' sake. What did you do to earn that sort of name? And more importantly, why do you want the name?" Taniya asked curiously. Callie scratched the back of her head sheepishly.
"Well, I killed almost half of the crew. As for why i want the name that is simple. Pirates respect power and influence. Either is fine, but all of that needs to be attached to a name. Ark-an is already a name feared and despised by the Tallax. Many other aliens will know of the name, but they will not fear it. It will be my job to change that and make my new name known throughout the galaxy. "Callie said. Taniya sighed and rose back to her feet, looking pale.
"By the stars Callie. It sounds like you are going all in to this whole pirate thing?" Taniya said with a grimace.
Callie placed a hand on her friend's shoulder, catching the young woman as she swayed on her feet. "Are you alright T?" Callie asked, concerned. Taniya took in several deep breaths, shaking her head. "I will be fine. My body is still on the fritz from being shocked so many times."Taniya said.
"I have never been one for half measures. Up until three weeks ago, it's been me against the empire. Now that I no longer feel that way and have control over one pirate ship, I have decided to go down a different path. There is a lot of interesting stuff out there, T, and who knows, I might find a badass pirate ship along the way."Callie said, some excitement filling her at the prospect.
"That is bold, and you are right, it does sound exiting!" Taniya replied. Callie smiled, happy to see much of the colour returning to Taniya's pale face.
"If you are up for it, would you like to meet some of the crew?" Callie asked. "Sure, we mise well get it over with. I am well enough to meet a bunch of filthy pirates."Taniya said, with a grimace as she stepped forward.
"How is your understanding of Tallaxian?" Callie asked as they stepped out into the narrow hallway. "Its alright, but don't expect me to do any reading in Tallaxian. Their chicken scratch writing makes my head hurt."Taniya said with a grimace.
Callie laughed at that. "I'm surprised you know Tallaxian. Do you even know how to speak Saleian?" Callie asked. Taniya punched Callie's shoulder lightly. Callie raised an eyebrow at the gesture, but it was clearly not an attack, so she allowed it.
"Not all of us are as talented at learning languages as you are. I can only speak three languages."Taniya said with envy. Taniyas' face scrunched up in curiosity. "So, how many languages do you speak?" Taniya asked. Callie smiled." Maybe someday I will tell you."Callie reply evasively
Callie showed Taniya to the bridge, giving Taniya a tour of the ship along the way. When she entered the bridge with Taniya in tow, Callie received strange looks. The two pilots, Purdin and Ned, were too busy to pay much attention.
Shimmer and Lenny walked over, each with questions in their bright yellow eyes. As you might expect, they didn't look pleased to have another enemy aboard the ship.
Callie smiled at Shimmer and Lenny, gesturing to Taniya. "This is T. She is a friend of mine. T, this Lenny, and Captain Shimmer."Callie said, in Tallaxian. That took aback both pirates, and they both gave Taniya a second look. Callie sighed internally at Shimmer's look of calculation.
Taniya, still exhausted from the fight, gave Shimmer a polite wave."Wait, Lenny? Thats an odd name for a fox."Taniya said, grinning at Callie. Lenny sighed, his ears flattening in resignation. "Really? Did you tell her to say that commander Ark-an?" Lenny asked sheepishly.
Callie shook her head. "Dont look at me, Lenny. Its not my fault you have a funny name. Captain Shimmer, what is our progress?" Callie asked. Shimmer shook her head, breaking from her introspection, her fluffy white ears bobbing from the movement. "We are on route to a shipyard on the fringes. We should arrive in a couple of days."Shimmer said, her eyes still on Taniya.
"Good. How many valuables did we end up taking?" Callie asked, already having a good idea of the spoils. Shimmers' calculating stare turned to one of excitement. "The cargo ship was stalked to the bulkheads with raw composites. We filled three of our cargo bays."Shimmer said with a needle toothed grin.
"Lenny, what is your assessment? What will our profit be?" Callie asked. "At least ten million lagnars. And we only took a quarter of the shipment."Lenny replied. Callie gave Shimmer a disapproving glare.
Shimmer shrugged helplessly. "I guess I miscounted while loading the goods. I honestly thought we only took five million Lagnars worth of composites."Shimmer said, in a weak attempt at lying.
"Lenny, I am tasking you with sorting and packaging all of the stolen cargo. I expect a report with every single ounce of composite delivered to me before we reach the shipyard."Callie order. Lenny nodded, and with a glance at Shimmer, he patted out of the bridge.
Shimmer looked like she had just swallowed a lemon, but Callie knew the crafty pirate would still sift some lagnars off the top.
"Commander, is it really necessary to be so strict? Why go through the hassle of sorting and weighing all of our spoils so soon?" Shimmer asked.
Callie smiled at Shimmer. "Do not fret Captain. Just like the rest of the crew, I will make sure you are payed once we sell all the cargo."Callie said. Shimmers' lips turned up into a smile, revealing her needle-like teeth.
"What about your friend... Is she coming with us? And more importantly, will she be receiving a share of the spoils?" Shimmer asked, giving Taniya a hostile glance.
"T is our guest for now. But no, she will not receive a share for this raid. That reminds me, Captain, I wish to speak with all of the crew. I want to introduce them all to T."Callie said.
"Of course, commander, I will send out a call. All the crew will meet you in the training bay in five minutes."Shimmer said.
Callie nodded, and with that, she led Taniya to the training bay. Callie stood overlooking the pirates arrayed in front of her. Aside from the bridge crew, the Injured Keyla, and Bertram, most of the off duty pirates were there.
It took them all a mere five minutes to arrive and line up. Most of the pirates, having heard about their prisoner or guest, were giving Taniya murderous glares. With a smile, Callie gestured to Taniya with a flat palm. "This is our newest crewmate. Her name is T."Callie said. Rendal stepped forwards with a snarl, glaring at Taniya.
"You have to be joking, commander. This woman almost killed both of my teammates."Rendal said angrily. Callie stepped forwards, and Rendal swallowed, his ears and tail lowering in subservience. "Let me make this very clear. If any of you try to kill T, I will give you the same treatment as Gervan."Callie said coldly, meeting each of their eyes with a burning fire in her hazel eyes.
All the pirates didn't look happy about it, but Callie didn't care if they were happy or not. Since they were already unhappy, she decided to continue. "I watched the live feeds of the boarding operation. Rendal, what did you and your team do wrong? Why was one person able to take down both Bertram and Keyla?" Callie asked.
Rendal gave Taniya a murderous glare. Taniya, for her part, looked a little nervous to be the center of attention.
"We were not cautious enough. I was too lax and urged my team to push forwards without checking our corners."Rendal said. With that, Callie turned towards T, startling her friend.
"And you. What could have you done better?" Callie asked sternly. Taniya shifted nervously, glancing from Callie to the group of pirates watching them.
"I needed to plan my retreat better. I let them box me in. Once they did that I was done for."Taniya said softly. Callie nodded. She gave all the pirates a wide smile. "All of you did adequate. For your performance, I will allow you to train for only five more hours today."Callie said happily.
The pirates groaned, but they had all arrived in full combat gear, so she knew they expected it. For the next four days, Callie ran the pirates through more drills and conditioning exercises. During that time, she put Taniya with Lana, having them both be on a team with Lenny.
For now, she had them take part in the regular training exercises. They lifted weights, ran the course, fired weapons, and did a lot of running. To be frank, Callie was happy to have T aboard the ship, as she could drop her hard ass persona when they were alone.
On the end of the fourth day, the shim used the phase shift one last time, bringing them into the sensor range of a shipyard. The shipyard reminded Callie of the orbiting cities of the empire, only this place was far more bizarre.
The place was a massive shipyard orbiting a gas giant. The shipyard was a city in and of itself, only unlike the empire, this shipyard didn't have the luxury of their green barriers.
The city was a sprawling mess of corridors that spanned miles in every direction. The massive space station had defensive measures, of course, but Callie knew they were lacklustre. She looked at the abomination on the sensory screen. It was clear that over the decades, several new owners had taken over the shipyard. Or the same owner went insane and decided to build living compartments randomly in every direction possible.
The city was definitely going to be a labyrinthine in and of itself.
Taniya whistled softly beside Callie, drawing her from her musings. She gesture to a massive section on the display, pointing out many ships in differing stages of disrepair. "That should be a good spot. There is a free docking bay for us." Taniya said.
Callie nodded and turned to Shimmer who was speaking to the dockmaster. Shimmer looked peeved, but she nodded at the order. From the distance of five hundred thousand miles, the shipyard looked small, but as they burned to match relative speed, the object grew on the display.
"What a mess. Who built that abomination?" Taniya asked.
Lenny perked up, and strode over next to T. "Over the years, at least a dozen different people, from the gwark to the Slax businessmen, have owned this place. That is why it's a jumble of different architecture and design."Lenny said.
"It looks like someone threw a whole dump truck load of pipe into a pile and then glued it all together."Callie said, shaking her head at the mindbogglingly ugly city.
Lenny and Taniya laughed. "I thought it looked more like an elaborate head of broccoli?" Taniya said, amused. "That's because the Zrixians' vat grown broccoli looks like a pile of green cow manure."Callie said, only half joking.
Lenny burst out laughing, his laugh more like a deep growl."Our food isn't that bad. In fact, it's actually more nutritious than the real thing." Taniya said defensively. Taniya kept a straight face for several long seconds before she grinned.
"I don't think I will ever see vat grown broccoli the same way again."Taniya said with a shake of her head.."If you hate that, just wait until you try the stuff they sell on the shipyard. Your empire has some sub par food, but this place is worse."Lenny said conspiratorially.
"Is it really that bad?" Callie asked dejectedly. Up until now, she had subsisted on nutrition bars, not trusting the cooks of the crew. They might not poison her, but from the smell every day she might die from the terrible flavour.
Taniya patted Callie consolingly on the back. " Don't worry commander, you can survive on those bland nutrition bars for a few more weeks, right? They aren't so bad." Taniya said, pulling out a bar in question and taking a bite. Taniya grimaced at the bland flavour, but swallowed anyway, giving Callie a thumbs up.
"Oblivion, take me. If I have to eat another of those damned nutrition bars, I might just throw myself out an airlock."Callie mumbled. The ship approached its docking bay, weaving amongst the dozens of other vessels in differing stages of repair.