The night is black, dim, and nearing its end. The moon is low in the sky, shining its light down on the treetops, and the flying platform that skims those trees. It moves with hardly a sound, only the wind whispering around it, and even that is muffled somehow.
The platform is not empty, though no one is at the controls. Nary a hint of the rushing wind reaches the sleepers. Not even as the platform leans slightly, and alters its course.
Zilvar opens his eyes with a snap and looks around. He sits up, a look of confusion plain on his muzzle.
Kibra is curled up, still asleep, ear flicking a bit at the breeze.
Zilvar pushes himself to his feet and turns a small circle. "What..?"
Kibra stirs a bit at Zilvar's voice, opening her eyes.."Zilvar?"
Zilvar stops and furrows his brow when he sees the moon. He tilts his head to the side and chews on his upper lip. "Kibra? Did you program a course change into the autopilot?"
Kibra sits up, rubbing her eyes.."Change course? No..I didn't..why?"
Zilvar gestures all around. "Well, we are in the middle of nowhere, with nothing around to dodge, and we've changed course."
Kibra gets to her feet, stretching.."Hmm..some sort of homing thing?"
Zilvar turns around and shrugs, "I was hoping you could tell me, actually."
Kibra blinks a bit.."It's possible there's some sort of recall device..but I don't know for sure.."
Zilvar halfsmiles. "Is there a way to check? For some strange reason I get jittery when I don't know where I am going."
Kibra sighs softly, a bit impatient. "I don't know much about this contraption, Zilvar. I'm not a trained pilot. I'll see what I can do."
Zilvar chuckles softly and moves out of the way. "At least you can read the controls. Looks like gibberish to me."
Kibra nods, pushing her hair out of her eyes and leaning over the console.
Zilvar pads to the edge of the platform, where the wind is not dampened out quite so well. The lifter is traveling very fast, considering its generally bulky and ungainly appearance, and even the small amount of wind that reaches Zilvar is enough to whip his hair about.
Kibra frowns at the console, pushing a few buttons. "Looks like it was recalled. An internal failsafe."
Zilvar turns around, "Is there any way to get around it?"
Kibra shakes her head.."I'm not that good a programmer. Short of shooting off the engine, I just don't know."
Zilvar leans back a little and looks over the side at the treetops flashing by below. "We can assume that shooting the engine off would be a bad thing."
Kibra nods, moving to stand a little ways from you. "Yes."
Zilvar turns to face the direction of travel. He crosses his arms and sighs. "Something tells me we aren't going to receive a warm reception."
Kibra sighs and moves away, returning to sit where she was sleeping. "Most likely not."
Zilvar chews on his lower lip. "Did you retrieve any weapons from the people who kidnapped us?
Kibra looks around.."Umm..I don't think so. Maybe one."
Zilvar nods, "Keep it. Hide it under your cape if you can. I like to have some sort of surprise.
Zilvar moves to the center of the lifter and sits down, resting his arms on his knees. "Chances are, whoever issued the recall order is going to know that something happened to the two you pushed off. They probably will not be happy to see us..or me at least.
Kibra frowns, but she nods.
Kibra tilts her head.."I was the one who pushed him off."
Zilvar nods. "They may not know that. They may assume it was me. That'll give you some time to get the drop on them if need be.
Kibra nods, curling up a bit. "All right."
Zilvar leans forward a bit and regards you silently. "The thought bothers you? You're worried you made a mistake by getting rid of the other two?"
Kibra shakes her head.."No, I did the right thing. I'm just not sure that going in fighting is the thing to do."
Zilvar smiles, "I don't intend to start a fight, but I want to be ready in case we need to finish one."
Kibra nods.."ok."
Kibra sighs softly.."It's me they want..you and Ben could just hide and jump off when we slow down."
Zilvar smiles a bit. "Now you are being silly. We'll have no talk of leaving you to anyone." His eyes harden a bit and he continues, "..not after your last experience in space."
Kibra looks at you for a long moment, then she nods.
Zilvar nods back. "Good."
Kibra tilts her head, looking at you quietly.
Zilvar stands up and moves to the front of the flying platform again, sharp eyes searching for any sign of another ship.
Kibra sighs and curls up, laying down and closing her eyes.
For at least another hour the lifter skims treetops, heading steadily southward toward its destination. The sky is lightening, the first rays of sunlight chasing away the shadows of night, when the lifter starts to slow.
Zilvar shades his eyes from the rising sun and grunts. "Looks like we are almost there."
Kibra opens her eyes and stretches, then stands up.
Zilvar gestures directly ahead, where a long metallic shape is coming into view near the edge of a canyon.
Mountains
Canyon Rim
This wide rocky shelf overlooks a magnificent vista -- a canyon many hundreds of feet deep, and so wide that the other side is hazy and indistinct. A wide river cuts the bottom of the canyon in two, supplying life to the thick forest below.
Wind and rain have eroded the edge of this canyon to a wide rock shelf where nothing grows. Some distance from the edge a thick tree line musters, holding back the encroaching rock.
A gleaming silver shape has settled onto the rocky shelf, its skin burned and blackened in numerous places.
Kibra nods, looking in the indicated direction.."A ship."
Zilvar chuckles softly, but his eyes are grim. "A ship. There looks to be some activity around it."
Kibra nods.."So it looks."
The scene around the ship is one of frantic activity. Thorian and three of his crew watch the approach of the lifter with mixed expressions. Thorian is somewhat the worse for his fall, and he carries one arm in a sling. Everyone is armed.
Thorian watches the approaching lift with some concern.."Everyone be ready for anything..but NO shooting unless on my order."
Briel looks over at Thorian, "We're all set, Thor. The lifter will come to a sudden stop before landing..hopefully throw them off balance in case they don't wait for your orders."
The other two felines nod at Thorian's order and take up positions on either side of the landing site.
Thorian nods and straightens up a bit, wincing somewhat at his arm. "Good job, Briel."
The lifter scoots into view overhead, actually dragging against the tops of the trees just before it comes to a sudden stop. The lifter eclipses the rising sun, putting everyone below in its chill shadow.
Kibra staggers at the sudden directional change, losing her balance and falling to the lift.
Zilvar braces himself against the console to keep from falling forward.
Like a rock, the lifter falls to the ground, only applying thrust to stop at the last moment before hitting the ground. Briel and the two other crew members keep their weapons trained on Kibra and Zilvar.
Kibra is dashed about on the lift, hitting her head slightly. She blinks a bit, trying to sit up.
Zilvar could almost be a part of the lift itself. His only concession to the violent maneuvers is a tight-grip on the control console.
Briel locks his sights on Zilvar, silently wondering at the wolf's ability to remain standing through the rough handling.
The two armed crew members move closer to the lift and cover Kibra and Zilvar from behind, preventing any rapid retreats.
Thorian watches the lift with slightly amused eyes. "So we meet again, good Kibra and company."
Zilvar lets go of the lift controls and regards Thorian for a quiet moment. "I am afraid that you would have the advantage of me, since you did not bother to meet me the first time."
Thorian chuckles softly.."Very true. I am Captain Thorian. And you are?" He does not extend a hand.
Kibra struggles to get up, her eyes widening a bit at Thorian's name.
Zilvar likewise does not extend his hand. "My name is Zilvar."
Thorian nods, "I'd say it was a pleasure, but I'd be lying." He turns his attention to Kibra.."Hello, cousin."
Zilvar's lip quirks.
Kibra stands up, brushing herself off. "Hello, Thorian. How nice to see you again after all this time." Her voice is sarcastic, her eyes flashing.
Briel listens to the exchanges quietly, letting Thorian figure out what is really going on.
Thorian chuckles softly and sketches a bow. "I wish I could say the same, cousin." He straightens, his own eyes flashing. "You were foolish in trying to escape."
Zilvar's eyebrows take roost in his hairline for a moment.
Kibra regards Thorian silently, then chuckles.."I don't think I was the fool, Thorian..after all, I did not get dumped from my own lifter."
Zilvar tenses a little bit, almost imperceptibly.
Thorian starts toward Kibra, eyes dark with anger.."Why you little.."
Zilvar holds up a hand. "I wouldn't."
Zilvar has the air of a predator...an implacable hunter. The chill in his eyes as he looks at Thorian is enough to flash-freeze a river.
Thorian pauses, his attention shifting to Zilvar.."Oh? You are in no position to say such a thing, wolf."
Kibra looks at Zilvar, eyes worried.
Zilvar halfsmiles, but the expression does not reach his eyes. "If you choose to believe that, so be it."
Briel motions to the other two crew members and they shift their guns to train on Zilvar.
Thorian watches Zilvar for a long moment, then says.."You would fight for..her?" His tone of voice is insulting.
Zilvar's halfsmile remains and he calmly says, "I would."
Thorian nods.."You are a bigger fool then she, I think."
Kibra's eyes flash and she hisses, moving forward a little.
Zilvar looks at Thorian's arm. "You are a fine one to talk."
Thorian chuckles, relaxing slightly.."Perhaps. I, however, am not standing with several weapons aimed at me."
Zilvar's grin widens a bit, "But you are standing in arm's reach."
Thorian doesn't move.."Ah, your reflexes against those of my people..an interesting challenge." He considers for a moment.
Briel tenses and settles his rifle more firmly, keeping the barrel trained on the wolf.
Zilvar doesn't respond.
Thorian shakes his head, moving back.."Not today, I'm afraid. I have my orders."
Zilvar turns his head to look at the nervous gunmen behind him before looking back at Thorian. "And those are?"
Thorian looks at Zilvar.."To return the Lady Kibra home."
Zilvar says, "And if she chooses not to return with you?"
Thorian blinks. "We are rescuing her..why would she not wish this?"
Kibra is silent, evaluating Thorian.
Zilvar looks at Kibra, then back to Thorian. "Why don't you ask her, rather than act as if she is not here."
Thorian frowns, looking at Kibra for a moment, then back to Zilvar. "You are her captor, yet you show such concern."
Zilvar chuckles softly. "Check your premises. And ask."
Kibra steps forward.."Thorian..Zilvar is not my captor..they were killed when the ship crashed."
Briel lowers his gun a bit and looks at Thorian.
Thorian blinks. "But he wears their shirt..."
Kibra sighs.."Cousin, we raided the ship for supplies. Zilvar is not my captor, he healed me and took care of me when I was injured."
Zilvar stands quiet, letting Kibra try to diffuse the situation.
Kibra says, "Please..lower the weapons..I know you have your orders..but..please..as clan law dictates..if I can speak for myself, you must listen.""
Thorian hesitates, looking at Briel for a moment.
Briel shrugs and nods. "She's got a point."
Thorian nods.."Very well." He nods toward Zilvar.."He must promise not to try anything."
Zilvar's eyebrows move up to his hairline again. "Ok. I won't try anything."
Thorian frowns.."You don't sound as if you mean it..perhaps you should remain here under guard while Kibra comes with me."
Zilvar shakes his head. "Where she goes, I go. End of discussion."
Kibra watches Zilvar for a moment.."Thorian, please..he won't try anything."
Thorian nods, looking to his men.."I will hear you out, Cousin."
Briel motions to the others, and all three lower their weapons to parade rest.
Kibra releases her breath softly. "Thank you, Thorian."
Zilvar manages to look as if he knew that would be the outcome the entire time.
Thorian gestures.."Come..there are some chairs over here."
Zilvar turns slightly and steps off the platform.
Kibra steps off the platform, limping a little.
Zilvar moves to Kibra's side and offers his arm as support.
Briel gestures, and the two gunmen move to take up positions covering the chairs.
Kibra tucks her arm in Zilvar's, smiling a bit at him.
Thorian shakes his head, watching the two. He stands, gesturing to the chairs.."Please, sit."
A smile touches the edge of Zilvar's mouth before he turns his gaze to keep an eye on Thorian and the others.
Kibra nods, sitting in one of the chairs.
Zilvar takes up a position slightly behind Kibra's chair and remains standing.
Thorian raises an eyebrow, but doesn't comment. He remains standing as well.."Speak, cousin. Convince me why I shouldn't just shoot your companion and take you home."
Zilvar mutters something that sounds suspiciously like 'good luck with that.'
Kibra's eyes flash.."Thorian, you little weasel! Stop posturing and listen, as clan law demands!"
Thorian bows.."Certainly, cousin."
Kibra sighs softly.."Your orders are to rescue me, correct? Well, I've been rescued..I'm free of the ones who captured me."
Thorian's eyes narrow.."My orders are to return you home."
Kibra sighs softly.."I don't wish to return home."
Zilvar eyes Thorian with a look that could only mean 'told you so.'
Thorian blinks. "You don't?"
The others look equally surprised to hear that.
Kibra shakes her head.."No. I don't."
Thorian blinks, unable to speak.
Zilvar halfsmiles and repeats himself. "Check your premises."
Briel blurts out, "Don't want to? Why ever not?"
Kibra tilts her head to Briel. "I simply have chosen another path."
Zilvar shifts his weight a little, relaxing only slightly.
Kibra says, "Is that so difficult to believe?"
Briel gives Thorian a flustered look.
Zilvar smiles a little bit at the obvious confusion abounding.
Thorian frowns, eyes dark.."Cousin, I think perhaps you are a little confused after your ordeal. Home is where you belong..not...here."
Zilvar looks around slowly.
Kibra's eyes darken too.."Do I LOOK confused? I can assure you that I am _not_ confused. I believe my path is here, not back on homeworld."
Zilvar marks everyone's positions in his head and turns back to regard Thorian and Briel.
Briel furrows his brow and whispers to Thorian, "How do we know he hasn't done something to her?"
Thorian shakes his head.."Look at him, Briel..he's a warrior, not a magic user." He frowns more, thinking.
Briel frowns and straightens up, keeping a suspicious eye on the wolf.
Kibra shakes her head.."Zilvar didn't do anything to me, Thorian. I'm in my right mind. After all that has happened, I do not wish to return home. Please try to accept that."
The two gunmen shift from foot to foot, not sure if this is a good thing or not, but not liking the look on Thorian's face.
Thorian shakes his head.."How do I know you are not suffering from some syndrome related to your captivity? That you wish to stay simply because you feel some gratitude toward him?"
Zilvar narrows his eyes. "You don't have a high opinion of her, do you?"
Thorian blinks, clearly taken aback. "What?"
Zilvar arches an eyebrow. "I did not stutter."
Thorian's eyes narrow at Zilvar.."I have no opinion of Lady Kibra. I am not required to make opinions, only to obey orders and clan law."
Zilvar hmphs softly, but does not answer.
Kibra tilts her head, looking up at Thorian.
Thorian hmms for a moment and says.."I can not make my choice based on what you say, Lady Kibra. Your long time in captivity makes your mental state suspect. However...there is another option."
Briel glances at Thorian, then back to Kibra and the wolf.
Zilvar looks mildly curious.
Kibra frowns at Thorian's words.."Another option?"
Thorian nods.."According to clan law, you may choose a proven advocate for yourself, to speak for you when you can not."
Zilvar says, "Proven advocate?"
Kibra jumps up, eyes flashing.."I don't need an advocate! I am FULLY capable of speaking for myself!"
Zilvar looks surprised and Kibra's sudden reaction.
Briel and co. step back and bring their guns up slightly, only to relax when their brains catch up with their adrenaline levels.
Zilvar furrows his brow and reaches up to Kibra's shoulder. "I'm not sure you are making your point by getting angry."
Kibra's head whips around to glare at Zilvar for a moment, then she releases a breath and nods.."You are right.."
Zilvar smiles a bit. "Of course I am."
Kibra chuckles softly, shaking her head..she returns her attention to Thorian.."Go on, I am listening."
Thorian nods.."As I said, you may chose a proven advocate for yourself. To speak for you in this matter."
Zilvar lets his hand fall again and looks back at Thorian.
Kibra tilts her head.."Obviously, I will not choose one of your crew. So..what options do I have?"
Thorian's eyes glitter.."You must choose an advocate who is proven in their intentions."
Zilvar keeps a straight face, masking his confusion behind a calm facade.
Kibra frowns.."Thorian..you are deliberately being obscure. What are you talking about?"
Thorian smiles a smile that doesn't reach his eyes.."Your chosen advocate must prove his or her intentions in a battle of honor. You know that is clan law."
Zilvar chews on his lower lip thoughtfully.
Kibra shakes her head.."Oh please, Thorian. That law hasn't been used in decades. You can't invoke it because it pleases you..." Her voice trails off as she looks at Thorian's face.
Thorian nods.."I just did. Choose."
Briel looks at Thorian strangely.
Zilvar chews on his upper lip next.
Thorian looks at Briel.."Yes? You wish to speak?"
Briel shakes his head mutely.
Thorian frowns at Briel. "Speak your piece. You object to this?"
Briel looks back at Kibra. "It is clan law. Of course I don't object."
Thorian chuckles softly.."Then why the strange look? Please understand, Briel, If I leave the Lady here, I must somehow be able to justify that to those who hired us."
Briel shrugs, "You just surprised me, Thor. Haven't heard anyone call on that law in ages."
Thorian nods. "It is old..but still on the books and therefore usable."
Kibra frowns and shakes her head.."I choose myself, then."
Zilvar reaches up to touch Kibra's shoulder. "Does it have to be someone in you clan?"
Kibra hmms, looking at Zilvar.."In the clan? No..it doesn't. In fact, that's why the law was designed. To allow others to prove themselves worthy of speaking for clan members."
Zilvar halfsmiles. "I will fight for you, if you will allow it."
Kibra's eyes widen.."You would?"
Zilvar grins, "I don't know your clan laws, so I'd probably make a terrible advocate, but yes..I would fight for you."
Kibra nods slowly.."Thank you.."
Zilvar looks up at Thorian, a little calmer. "You are most welcome, Kibra."
Thorian watches the exchange and nods.."Very well. I accept your choice."
Kibra takes a deep breath.."All right."
Zilvar crosses his arms and waits. "Now what."
Thorian tilts his head.."I choose someone for you to fight."
Zilvar halfsmiles.
Thorian's eyes glitter.."I'd do it myself, but with my arm all laid up.."
Zilvar tsks softly. "We must all live with little disappointments."
Kibra steps between Zilvar and Thorian.."Cut the macho stuff..pick someone and lets get this over with."
Zilvar chuckles and tips an imaginary hat to Kibra.
Thorian nods to one of the gunmen.."Liand over there will fight."
Zilvar turns to look at Liand, sizing him up.
Thorian looks over Zilvar and then Liand, turning back to Kibra. "You have chosen Zilvar as your advocate, to speak for you from now on. Do you concede to this, Kibra?"
Liand nods to Thorian and hands his rifle to Briel. He's apparently a typical security type, well muscled in a lean sort of way.
Briel accepts the rifle, slinging his own across his shoulders.
Kibra nods.."Since you leave me no choice, Thorian, yes, I do agree to allow Zilvar to become my advocate. His voice speaks for me."
Zilvar steps a little to the side, into less crowded terrain. He rumbles softly, "I'm not sure my voice can go to that pitch, Kibra, but I'll try."
Liand starts removing his boots as he watches the alien quietly.
Thorian nods.."This fight will be until one pins the other for 10 seconds. No dirty fighting. Just fists and feet. Claws will remain retracted."
Kibra chuckles to Zilvar.
Zilvar flexes his fingers. "No claws. Fight to pin. Got it."
Liand moves lightly on his feet so that he stands across from Zilvar and eyes the wolf up carefully.
Kibra's eyes are worried as she stands and steps out of the way.
Thorian raises his hand.."On my mark..are the contestants ready?"
Zilvar stands perfectly at ease. "Sure."
Liand nods to Thorian, keeping his eyes on his opponent.
Thorian nods, counting.."On three..one, two..three!"
Zilvar's left foot slips back into a balanced stance on three.
Liand feints towards Zilvar's side, trying to see what the wolf is capable of doing.
Kibra watches carefully, her back against the hull of the ship.
A crooked smile plays over Zilvar's lips as he moves closer to Liand, avoiding the feint with an almost casual side-step.
Liand's eyes narrow as he notes the fluid movements. He kicks out for the other side as Zilvar avoids his feint.
Thorian moves to stand a little distance from Kibra, watching the fighters.
Zilvar steps toward Liand again, dropping to the ground as he nears and sweeping for the feline's feet.
Liand's leg is caught by the sweep, but he manages to roll awkwardly into a flip, kicking at the nearly prone wolf's head.
Kibra gasps, moving forward a little.
Zilvar rocks his head out of the way and completes his kick, the circular motion bringing him back to his feet. He's still smiling, even wider than before.
Liand lands roughly on his feet and snarls, not to intimidate, but just to calm himself.
Zilvar tsks softly and lunges forward, one arm striking for Liand's head, the other for his gut.
Liand jerks back, saving his head, but still taking a serious punch in the gut despite his move. He kicks up reflexively under the wolf's gut punch.
Zilvar turns sideways, taking the kick against his leg. He sidesteps toward Liand, leading with a striking elbow.
Liand's reflexive kick knocks him off balance, and because of that the elbow misses him, but lands flat on his back in front of Zilvar.
Kibra's eyes widen as she watches the fight, her fists clenched.
Zilvar completes his step forward, ending up hovering over Liand. He drops to one knee and punches for Liand's thigh.
Liand rolls quickly to the side and away from the punch, scrambling to get to his feet.
Zilvar makes a grab for Liand's leg as he rolls away, but the momentum of his punch is too great.
Liand barely gets to his feet and leaps at Zilvar, apparently trying to get in more of a wrestling position, his claws retract mid leap as he remembers the rules.
Zilvar uncurls his legs from beneath and leaps toward Liand, meeting the charging feline halfway.
Kibra gasps softly at the impending collision.
Liand slams against Zilvar with a body shaking thud, though it's pretty clear his body did most of the shaking, he tries to wrap his arms around Zilvar's.
Zilvar had ducked his head low just before the collision...he ignores Liand's grasping arms, his own are reaching for the feline's legs. Zilvar flexes his knees low to the ground and very casually flips Liand over his shoulders.
Liand gives a startled 'meep' as he becomes airborne and lands roughly, his hands and feet not enough to keep his chest from slamming into the ground.
Kibra cheers quietly.
Zilvar spins around and follows Liand to the ground, making a grab for his wrists while there is a chance he was stunned in the fall.
Liand manages to just roll onto his back as the wolf comes on top of him, he tries to grab at Zilvar's arms also.
Thorian's eyes narrow as he watches the fight.
Zilvar lets Liand get his grip...the wolf's hands lock around his wrists like iron shackles.
Liand makes his last move, now that the wolf has his arms firmly grasped, he curls up his legs and makes a flurry of pummeling kicks at the belly of the wolf, a very ancient form of feline fighting.
Zilvar takes the first of the kicks on his stomach with a quiet *whuf!*. The second lands against his side, and the third. The rest never get a chance to connect as Zilvar completes his turn and drags Liand forcibly around and throws him back onto his stomach.
Liand's teeth are gritting as the wolf twists his arms by his wrists, but he has no leverage left.
Zilvar plants a knee firmly at the base of Liand's back. "I suggest you yield, since I'm not allowed to rip your arms off."
Thorian starts to speak, but holds, waiting for Liand.
Liand growls and finally just nods, face still in the dirt.
Thorian steps forward.."The fight is over..Zilvar has proven himself a honest and worthy advocate for Kibra."
Zilvar lets go of Liand's arms and stands up. "Not a bad little fight."
Liand pants where he lies face down on the ground for nearly a minute, then rolls onto his back and rubs his wrists, keeping his eyes focused on his feet.
A large hand appears in Liand's field of view as Zilvar offers to help him stand.
Liand scowls slightly, but after a moments reluctance he takes the offered hand.
Kibra smiles with relief.
Zilvar helps Liand to his feet and then turns back to Thorian. "Now, regarding your question: she stays here."
Liand pads quietly back to Briel, tail held rather low as he puts his boots back on.
Briel pats Liand on the back. "Don't worry, you can trounce me sometime in flight."
Thorian steps back, almost as if he were struck. "You sound very sure."
Liand hmmmfs, "I hope she's careful. He's a LOT stronger than he looks."
Kibra chuckles softly, walking over to Zilvar.."Good fight, Zilvar."
Zilvar shakes an errant lock of hair out of his eyes. "What, did you expect that I would fight for her and then do something she said she didn't want? Yeah. I'm sure. She stays."
Thorian sighs softly and nods. "You have spoken, Advocate. Clan law dictates I listen and heed."
Zilvar smiles down at Kibra after hearing Thorian, "Why thank you. It didn't seem appropriate to lose."
Kibra smiles in return.."Thank you, Zilvar.."
Thorian watches for a moment, then shakes his head.
Zilvar smiles crookedly, and then looks up at Thorian. "This does mean that you'll not try anymore midnight kidnap attempts, I presume."
Thorian frowns.."That would be against clan law, Zilvar. I may have my orders..but I've justified why I could not satisfy them. There will be no more kidnap attempts."
Zilvar nods, "Thank you." He hesitates, "I realize it may be a bit improper, but we're somewhat lacking in supplies, some of what we had was left behind when you gathered us, some was just forgotten. Have you anything you can spare?
Thorian nods.."Yes..we do have some. Briat will help you, Advocate."
Zilvar smiles crookedly, "Thank you again."
Thorian bows.."Do not thank me. I merely act under clan law." He bows to Kibra. "Cousin, I wish you luck. Is there any message you wish sent?"
Liand is still rubbing his wrists and looking anywhere but in Thorian's direction.
Kibra smiles a bit.."Just that..I am well..and have chosen my path."
Briel moves to join the small group, "If you can make a list of what you need, I can begin searching our manifest."
Kibra looks to Zilvar.."Any suggestions?"
Zilvar shrugs. "We'll need our medical supplies, and basic camping equipment would be ideal. Anything more than that would almost get in the way as much as it would be helpful.
Kibra nods.."I agree."
Zilvar looks at Briel. "Camping supplies for the both of us, and some basic medical supplies, too. Maybe some extra travel rations, if you have any."
Briel pulls out a portable terminal and works for a second, "I think we have enough. I'll go put it together." With that he turns and vanishes into the ship.
Thorian nods.."He'll get what you need and see you on your way. Is there anything else?"
Zilvar looks at Kibra, "i don't think so..any ideas?"
Kibra shakes her head.."No."
Thorian offers a hand to Zilvar.."You fought well, Advocate.."
Zilvar accepts Thorian's hand with a little smile. "I had a good reason to."
Thorian's eyes are a bit startled at this, but he merely shakes Zilvar hand and releases it. "Good luck."
Thorian bows to Kibra. "Luck to you too, Cousin." He turns on his heel and enters the ship.
Briel emerges a moment later with two loaded travel packs. "Here you go. Good luck."
Kibra nods, taking one of the packs. "Thank you."
Zilvar reaches down and takes the other pack. "Thank you, Briel."
Briel nods and gestures for the others to enter the ship. "Let's go. Thor won't want to stick around now."
Zilvar turns to look at Kibra. Quietly, so none of the others can hear, he says, "You're sure about this."
Kibra's eyes flicker. "Yes. I am sure."
Zilvar nods. "Ok. Let's collect the sleeping mouse and get out of here before we get fried by ship exhaust."
Kibra nods.."After you."
Zilvar chuckles softly. He turns and moves toward the forest, tossing the heavy pack to his shoulders with an easy motion. "After me, then." He starts to whistle... a tuneless and very, very off-key sound.
Kibra turns to look at the ship one last time, then turns to follow Zilvar.
Zilvar slips into the woods without a backward glance.
Kibra follows more slowly, limping slightly as she shoulders the pack.
Almost an hour passes, and the activity around the ship goes from frantic to hectic. The lifter is packed up for storage and transferred to the ship. All of the repairs are double- and triple-checked as the ship's systems heat up. Finally, they are ready. With a dull roar, the main engines cycle up, the heat from the reactors distorting air for many yards around. Daintily, the ship lifts from the ground with counter-grav, retracting its landing struts and orienting on the sky. As the ship rises, the roar intensifies, becoming painful, and then the ship shoots to the heavens, a silver streak light, a shooting star to herald the coming of morning.