| Miscommunication | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Feb 7 2011, 03:06 AM (712 Views) | |
| Mak Starkos | Feb 7 2011, 03:06 AM Post #1 |
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Arko.
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[blockquote]It had been a little while since he first started on the Tiānshĭ, and he was actually starting to feel a bit more relaxed at the scenario. There was something just odd, still, about doing the same job in the same place...day in and day out. Drifting was his old gig. Yet here he was. Working on a ship. It was a bit different then he had originally planned it when first leaving Osiris all those years ago...but then again, a lot had happened between then and now. There was a marriage. A child. A war. Death. So much death. Mak shook his head to clear his mind, as he tightened the last piece on the gear before him. It was a scanner of sorts that the scientists had managed to break since he had gotten on board. Apparently it just 'fell out of order' - but he really didn't care. It was something other than the ship to fix, which he found a bit exciting...as sad as that sounds. Mak was not a fan of repetition. He liked change in his life - something he blamed on his short attention span. True - it was always something different on the ship that required his knowing hands...it was still the same hunk of metal. He was used to having all sorts of things to fix - not just the Tiānshĭ. So when word came for him to fix this particular item - he was thrilled. Until he saw it. Mak had never seen anything like it before - so it took a bit longer than it should have. Normally it wasn't a big deal when something took a little while longer - but the science-type-folk decided to go on without it, and requested he bring it to them. Even gave him a hand-drawn map on where they would be. Holding the map in his hand, he sighed, before stuffing it into his pocket, and loading the scanner into a box for safe transport. Luckily, the item wasn't obscenely huge, so it could be comfortably carried. Exiting the ship, Mak cradled the box under his arm, and entered the docking area. People walked past him minding their own business. A few shot him side-glances, but otherwise he went unnoticed. The scientists were actually on the ground of the planet, on the edge of one of the many water-fronts, upon the water-logged planet of Ithica. Upon the giant window of the docking area, rain heavily beat down, causing a low tink tink upon the protective surface. Taping his fingers on the box under his arms, he noticed some official dressed men eyeing him. Mak shot them an awkward smile, and pulled the map out of his pocket - feeling the back of his mind race, as well as his heart. He wasn't a fan of authority. In every situation involving them, he always ended up either running or lying his ass off. Or a mixture of both. The duo of officials began stalking him, as he wandered down the way. But why were they following him? He hadn't done anything awkward nor obscene in public. He hadn't pulled a gun on anyone. He was just...walking. With a box. Did the box look menacing? Mak shot his eyes down to the parcel that was under his arm. It looked unassuming and simple. Yet they were getting closer. They were trying to sneak up on him. Otherwise they'd just yell that he dropped his wallet. Though - if he made any attempt to lose them, it would look like he's guilty of whatever they believe he is. What a conundrum. Tapping his fingers on his box of apparent even, he slowed his pace slightly, and turned to face them with a smile. "Can I help y---" Arko was brought to his knees by a blow first to the arm that supported the box, and the other on his back. Glaring up at the officials, he bit his tongue from swearing them off the planet. "What's the--" Charges were mouthed off that Mak didn't recognize. The man simply shook his head in confusion, as he eyed the box he had been forced to drop. What if the scanner was broken again? These damn officials would never hear the end of it. What if these were charges that he built up after the war that never were synched with his name, thanks to the fact he had started going by 'Arko'? No first. No last. Just Arko. He was so hard to find as well, that nothing ever stuck. Maybe that time was past. People were watching the awkward events. Groups slowed and gawked at the man on his knees with the strange box at his side. His arm hurt - thanks to a direct hit to that lovely nerve that sent pain and tingles down your arm. Also known as the 'funny' bone. Nothing funny about it. Panic was starting to rise in the back of Arko's mind. These guys wouldn't let him get one word in when he tried...and that was half his defense right there. His mind raced, as his light blue eyes searched around him for some sort of fix for the situation. But it didn't matter. They had already hauled him to his feet. "I didn't do that---" Arko began to argue, fighting their pull slightly, as one picked up his box (with caution). Glancing around, his words grew more and more annoyed, "Can you at least let me plead my---?" he was interrupted, "Why can't you just l--" more interruption. People were staring now. Those scientists were not getting their scanner any time soon.[/blockquote] |
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| Riley Greaves | Feb 11 2011, 04:05 AM Post #2 |
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Greenhorn
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The patter of heavy rain rumbled overhead of the woman's perch, combat boot clad heels knocking against brushed steel siding with dull rhythmic thuds. Bright eyes peered out into the haze with an untempered smile swept across her cheeks, a toothpick dangling from her lips. Ithica was absolutely ravishing. Honestly. Sure, she'd been hearing some folks complain on and on about the near constant rain, but that sort of thing had never bothered her. Growing up on a pretty dry planet rain had always been welcome, especially when the lively hood of a pretty large family depended on those grape-vines thriving. A dry season wasn't exactly a crisis, you had to bottle wine for years before it was worth much (well not technically anymore with all those fancy instant aging things you could do, but Dukes Hill wines had always been bottled and cured the old fashioned way), but still never felt great to watch plants wither. The crackle of the Comm hissed in her ear, the squad was beginning its check in. "Sector 1 all clear except this dang rain." "Sector 2's feeling the same. How come we got shafted with the patrols out here? Should've brought a wet suit." "All quiet in Sector 3. He at least you guys aren't watching the Chryo-labs, need a freaking parka down here." Meanwhile Riley was just shaking her head, adjusting the submachine gun nestled beneath her arm. "And Sector 4 is clear too! You folks quit your hollering now, the fresh air is better than anything you got on a ship. Think of it as a paid shower!" "About time Grady took one!" At this the woman couldn't do a thing but try and muffle a giggle as Grady grumbled on his end of the chat. "Be nice Roy! And Bernie, if you got a chill theres an extra sweater tucked up on the top shelf in the first cabinet in Bio next door for just that sort of thing." "Bio-Hazards boss?" "Yup! Thats the one, just don't knock over any jars, or get the one out of the bag, had a containment issue that turned into a test!" Hopping down onto nimble feet she began her patrol again, not that much was happening. But that was the difference between security and bounty hunting; Bail enforcement meant you got to clean up everyone's mess by making a big old heaping one of your own. Security though, their whole gig was to prevent it all from happening in the first place. THUNK. All musing to pass the time snapped to a close, her spine stiffening as her eyes narrowed in, scanning her perimeter for a disturbance. Nothing on this side of the boat but... a few jogged steps brought the trouble into view. Men. Most of them armed, one on the ground, and another taking a few good whacks at him. And a case, stamped with the Tiānshĭ's symbol discarded on the floor. In fact looking closer, the man taking that beating was most definitely that new sort of reclusive mechanic. Seems like security was going to get to play in the muck today! Protests and fists still sounded as her fingers tapped the Comm sending her hushed but crisp words out to the rest of the team. The guy could take a few more hits while she took precautions to keep him breathing in the end. Hostile contact, I repeat, hostile contact in Sector 4. Stand posted... crap what was that new guy's name?! The one on call today for just this kind of situation. Gregory? Gabin... Garvan! "Garvan that means you buddy. You're playing back up, position on the cargo exit, keep out of sight until you have a tactical move. I'm going in." Stepping just out from around the landing gear Riley let loose a quick spray of bullets above the groups heads before allowing the sights of her Heckler and Koch MP-5KA4 to settle cozily between the man with flying fist's eyes. In no time all barrels and eyes were pointed at her, which was also conveniently in the near opposite direction of the cargo exit. Now this wasn't generally a great plan of attack, entirely dumping your element of surprise without inflicting a single injury only to face off five men with equally if not more powerful weapons all by your lonesome. But sometimes a big fancy show of guts and glory helped, especially when it looked like the enemy goons might actually be new recruits to a legitimate organization. The local police for example. "Now, I ain't exactly sure how things work around here and all; but where I come from when a man on his knees is trying to speak, you let him say his peace before bashing his mouth in. Sometimes can get a good piece of information." The toothpick dipped with every syllable, her target puffing up to bellow out some sort of 'put down your weapon order' but Riley cut him off. "I'm going to have to ask you boys to let this man go, he's under the employ of the Tiānshĭ. Which, if you'd looked at the docking information, has a rather unique kind of marshal clause with the Ithicain government, as well as many others. But if there are allegations against our crew mate, I know the Captain will be very reasonable about fielding your concerns. If you don't I will have to resort to physical means to acquire his safety, as per my contract agreement." |
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| Garvan Kane | Feb 11 2011, 10:33 AM Post #3 |
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Explosions Make Me Happy
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Kane had been walking through the Atrium of the Tiānshĭ when his comm unit buzzed into life. He listened intently as he continued walking, cringing when Riley used his full first name. He'd have to ask her not to do that anymore. As the message continued in hushed, rapid succession he set himself into a run and bolted off, headed toward the cargo section of the ship. "Roger," he relied promptly, his own voice hushed and clipped to match the security head's. His mind cleared itself automatically, his heart jumping to a slightly faster beat while adrenaline shot through his veins. This might turn out to be some stupid misunderstanding, but it was the first real action he'd received while on the ship and he would be a liar if he didn't say he was even slightly excited. He pulled his own submachine gun, Lola, into a firing position and flicked the safety off as he breached the doorway of the large loading area. He took the metal stairs in three bounds, being sure to land as lightly as possible. The sound of gun fire masked the metallic jingling of his pockets. He skirted the edge of the metal-ribbed cargo area, ducking down near the opened hatch before peering slowly around the side. Through the rain he could see a group of men down on the docking area, two in suits and another he recognized as part of the Tiānshĭ's crew on his knees behind them. A box bearing the ship's insignia lay near one of the men, apparently forgotten when he had drawn his weapon. He poked his head further out, unconcerned that he'd be seen as their attention was drawn toward the ship itself. On one of the side ramps he saw Riley, her own gun drawn and leveled while she shouted at the men. He couldn't hear her quite as clearly as he would have liked, but that didn't concern him all that much. Kane turned his attention back to the men, tapping his comm unit while he positioned himself so he could get an easier shot. "Riley, both of them have handguns. Say the word and I can get a clear shot on the guy with the box, probably take the gun out of his hands," he said quietly. He took a deep breath and drew Lola's sights up to his eyes, squaring up a shot that would deflect the man's gun and probably break his wrist in the process. Edited by Garvan Kane, Feb 11 2011, 11:36 AM.
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| Andromeda Troy | Feb 14 2011, 09:57 PM Post #4 |
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Bucking Conventions
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Andi smiled at poor Bernie's comment about being stuck in Chryo-land. Not the funnest sector to be and Riley's endlessly bright attitude was not winning the other woman over, though it did amuse her captain. Andi usually had her com on so that she knew what was going on around her ship. The smiled turned to a frown as she heard Riley say hostile contact.. The captain was all the way on the other side of the ship from whatever was going on, locked in her office so as to actually get work done without distractions. A member of her crew in trouble was not a distraction. Her fingers flew across her data pad, pulling up the security feed and flicking through camera's until she found the one she needed. Mak was being harassed by local law enforcement. The guy was quiet and good at his job, but even if he was as obnoxious as Dreya he'd still be part of her crew. The captain was up in an instant, grabbing her gun and an extra clip, checking the chamber and slipping it into the thigh holster that she always wore. The black rain coat by her the door was snagged and pulled on as she ran by and started the trek across the ship and a fast clip. People scattered as she ran down the hallways and through the Atrium. She was barely breathing hard as she paused in the cargo hold, thankful that Riley believed in physical action and that insisted on jogging the circuit of the ship. The tall woman smoothed her dark hair around as she heard Garvan come over the coms. She turned and spotted the man before heading down the ramp at an unhurried pace, purposely crossing the other man's line of site momentarily to give him a clue that shooting wasn't necessary. Yet. Mak looked frustrated, the men in the uniforms looked warily smug and Riley looked calm and focused. When the young woman looked like that, she was ready for violence. It was a side that many never saw, a side that was dangerous and professional and Andi appreciated that side of the woman very much. Andi paused beside her head of security for half a moment so that she could meet Riley's eyes and then moved forward to stand beside Mak. The captain crossed her arms over her stomach and lowered an even and unamused gaze at the men across from her. "The first thing you boys can do is set down that box as it is Tiānshĭ property. Be gentle about it." Her voice was hard as granite and just as unforgiving as she stared the man that seemed to be in the lead down. Riley had already plowed over them once, making it even easier for Andi to put them in their place. The man with the box set it back down beside Mak. "The second thing you can do is tell me exactly what it is you think Mr. Starkos has done. Then you can show me the evidence. Then you can show me the special dispensation warrant with both the Governor's and the Sector Admiral's signatures that allow you to detain one of my crew members." She raised an unimpressed eyebrow as she watched the men look at each other. The big one puffed up his chest and set his chin mulishly before opening his mouth. A man that liked to bellow, lovely as it was she didn't want to give him the opportunity. She turned, giving the man her back so that she could see her engineer. "You alright there Mak? All in one piece? If so check whatever it is to make sure the yokels haven't destroyed it." |
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| Mak Starkos | Feb 18 2011, 04:42 PM Post #5 |
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Arko.
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[blockquote]All signs were pointing that today was just not falling in Mak’s favor. Within five minutes, he had gone from calmly doing the job of a delivery boy – the next, he was frustrated, completely soaked, and there was a slight ebbing pain where they had ‘forced him to comply.’ All he was trying to do was help out the damn scientists. This situation wouldn’t have been as bad, if this weather wasn’t so ‘moist’. Normally – he found rain calming and peaceful. Right now, however, it had managed to soak completely through his pants – since they knocked him to the ground. Fun. Trying to remain focused in order to fix this random situation, Arko’s light blue eyes scanned the area. They immediately fixed on the Tiānshĭ crew that had noticed the disturbance. A sigh of relief crawled from the back of his throat. So he wasn’t about to randomly disappear from the Universe without a single person noticing. For some reason, that thought highly disturbed him. Previously, he had always fancied himself one who didn’t care to be remembered or even noticed…yet here he was – sad at the idea of no one even noticing his disappearance. Funny how the mind works. Riley Greaves was the first to catch his attention. Since she shot her gun. The lovely group of winners and happy people he was with (heavy sarcasm), ducked – and for some reason pulled him down with them. He calmly watched her demand their attention. "Now, I ain't exactly sure how things work around here and all; but where I come from when a man on his knees is trying to speak, you let him say his peace before bashing his mouth in. Sometimes can get a good piece of information,” she stated, causing Mak to glance over at his captors, "I'm going to have to ask you boys to let this man go, he's under the employ of the Tiānshĭ. Which, if you'd looked at the docking information, has a rather unique kind of marshal clause with the Ithicain government, as well as many others. But if there are allegations against our crew mate, I know the Captain will be very reasonable about fielding your concerns. If you don't I will have to resort to physical means to acquire his safety, as per my contract agreement." The men seemed annoyed. They were even opening their pretty little mouths to speak, when the ship’s Captain – the lovely Andromeda Troy – stepped into the group. Mak continued to remain silent, feeling as though he as a toy that kids were fighting over. Hopefully it wouldn’t resort to pulling off his arms, so everyone got a piece. "The first thing you boys can do is set down that box as it is Tiānshĭ property. Be gentle about it." And the box was put down. Mak was in awe of these people. "The second thing you can do is tell me exactly what it is you think Mr. Starkos has done. Then you can show me the evidence. Then you can show me the special dispensation warrant with both the Governor's and the Sector Admiral's signatures that allow you to detain one of my crew members." And his captors attempted to defend themselves. There was even slight chest puffing. Arko at this point, simply wanted to dry off. The cool air and his soaking everything was staring to cause his skin to bump, and his muscles to twitch to restore heat. Also known as goose bumps and shivering. "You alright there Mak? All in one piece? If so check whatever it is to make sure the yokels haven't destroyed it,” the Captain kindly ordered, as Mak stepped away from the local men. “I’ll be fine,” he admitted, not even half tempted to complain about anything that as under a break or shot in the leg. Gently opening the box, he swore under his breath, before looking up at the Captain, “It’s more broken than before. The scientists aren’t getting this for a few hours at least,” his voice was flat – but still held an aire of annoyance. At the viewing of the item in the box, the guards seemed awkward. Mak stood from the box – the knees of his pants dripping down his already drenched legs. His bushy hair was almost flat against his head – allowing drips to fall past his eyes. Looking the guards straight in the eyes, he straightened his posture, “This is a scanner that our scientists are using to basically help your planet,” Mak’s voice clear and straight, “Are you going to answer my Captain’s question?” Without a single word, the tallest man in the bunch reached into his pocket, and pulled out a paper. Holding it so the group could see, Mak felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. On the paper was the words, ‘Wanted for Smuggling.’ Under the words was a rough sketch…that looked a hell of a lot like Mak. Awkward. [/blockquote] |
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| Riley Greaves | Feb 23 2011, 08:19 PM Post #6 |
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Greenhorn
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You had to appreciate a security team that was both professional and confident in their skills. All too often you got 'tough guys' applying, all bravado with really very little skill to back up that talk. You of course would hear tales of their former glories over and over, the details changing just slightly every time. It was one of the reasons Riley was really growing to like Garvan as security personnel; he knew what his skills and limits were, and didn't go around boasting outlandish claims of glory. So when the assurance that he could take the weapon clean out of her enemy's hand floated over the comm, Riley believed him entirely. It wasn't as though she could turn and give him a huge thumbs up to say the message was coming through loud and clear, so the slightest of nods had to do. Heck with the way this stand off was going Riley just about called the shot, it was best not to stand there staring at your enemy. Folks got funny ideas and twitchy fingers. If they didn't comply immediately they wouldn't comply at all without a little friendly persuasion. Of course, nothing too deadly at first, just a bullet hole in the thigh or shoulder to keep the conversation moving. The captain came on scene with perfect timing, evening out the scales when it came to man-power, Riley lifted her hand and quickly motioned Garvan to move in, showing himself. Sometimes being faced with a fair fight backed people off just as quickly as a bullet wound! Seemed to be the case with these... police officers? Well look at that, really were a couple of bona-fide officers. Just real dumb ones or something. Didn't they take a minute to look at the registered security for ships they were approaching with a warrant?! That was a novice move if there ever was one. In a security situation with both the Captain and the Head of Security present, the chain of command could sometimes get a little foggy. Riley wasn't one to push her control too far; she didn't mind in the slightest Andi taking control when she stepped on scene just so long as the older woman wasn't putting herself in any extreme sort of direct threat. Not that Andi couldn't handle herself just fine in most combat situations, but she wasn't focused on her combat training like security personnel were. For one she was a mother; and in Riley's mind parents didn't get to throw away their safety when there were other options about. And lastly it was Riley's job to protect the crew from bodily harm, all of them, even the captain. She'd made these points clear upon taking the job and in the three years Riley had been stationed aboard they hadn't hit too many struggles. What that all boiled down to for this particular situation was that Andi got to do the talking and negotiating, but Riley was the one who stepped forward into arms reach and took the Warrant for closer inspection. Keeping her heavy gaze focused on the leader of the group Riley trusted Garvan to keep the others pinned down in-case someone had anymore stupid ideas about taking a second hostage. "Why don't you take that back to show the Captain, Mak." It wasn't that Riley really cared much for the science-y equipment, she just wanted space between the mechanic and his attackers. She briskly snapped up the page from Mr. Huffy, frowning at the image doodled in the corner. Sure the sketch resembled her crew mate, but it wasn't a photo and plenty of folks looked like Arko! Well.... enough... it was awfully similar.... "Is this all you have to go on? Or are there extended circumstances? Because, 'Male, mid-thirties approximately 6 foot and light eyes isn't exactly damning evidence." Her eyes flicked across the dates of instance, unfortunately they all fell within the time period the Tian Shi had been docked. "All of this is circumstantial, a good enough reason to be placed on a suspect list, but nothing actionable." |
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| Garvan Kane | Feb 24 2011, 09:54 AM Post #7 |
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Explosions Make Me Happy
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Kane heard the Captain approaching even before she crossed his line of fire. Pointing his gun at the ceiling with the slightest of groans, the man smoothly rose to his feet. He sure hoped that woman's bravado was enough to keep her from getting capped. He saw as Riley gave him the slightest indication to break cover and nodded in response. He put on his best "don't tempt me, I will shoot you if given the chance" scowl and hop down the side of the ramp, the junk in his pockets making his appearance as plain as day. The security officer let his weapon nestle into a comfortable position in the crook of his elbow, the muzzle pointed threatening at the other men and his finger never leaving close proximity of the trigger, and made his way quickly toward the others. Riley moved forward as he neared the group so he followed suit, watching as she took the warrant and skimmed it over quickly. When she told Mak to get the box Kane stepped forward and gestured with his head back toward the ship, telling Mak without words that he, Kane, would deal with the guys if they tried to impede him. Lola would probably have a thing or two to say, at least. During times like these, Kane was all business. He wasn't the talkative sort to begin with, and when shit got real, words just seemed unimportant to him. Leave that to someone else. That, and the fact that he wasn't all that diplomatic might have something to do with it. His job was to brandish his guns, look intimidating, and, if all else failed, pump people full of bullets to protect the Tiānshĭ's crew. So, Kane simply watched attentively as Riley spoke, putting out her opinion on the warrant these men were toting around all too clearly. He was careful to keep tabs on the weapons the men were holding. They were a touch twitchy, locals like these probably weren't used to being resisted so aggressively, but so far they didn't seem like they'd start blasting anyone. Hopefully this stupid misunderstanding would clear itself up quickly. |
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| Andromeda Troy | Mar 24 2011, 12:04 AM Post #8 |
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Bucking Conventions
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Andi took a graceful step backwards, putting herself behind the muzzles of both her crewman's guns. It was safer that way, she knew that it was doubtful Riley would hire anyone that could accidentally shoot her but it was always better to be cautious. Especially with such ... twitchy locals. She took the paper that her mechanic shoved in her direction and glanced down at it. The way these men were acting she would have expected something that looked a damn site more like Mak rather than someone that shared his general characteristics. She sighed loudly and shook her head, leveling a look of disgust at the men before her for the sheer idiocy. "Be glad I'm feeling lenient. I wont have your jobs for this. I understand that sometimes one gets a bit overzealous in regards to their duties. Such personalities do better with less responsibilities. That way they don't muck things up in their enthusiasm." Andi raked her eyes over them, face rather impassive. She hated paperwork, but with these fools she'd already started a strongly worded missive in her mind. Their superiors would be licking her boots for forgiveness and these two would be scrubbing toilets with their toothbrushes. The tall brunette turned her attention to Riley. She knew the woman was listening to her every word though her eyes never left the men before them. "I've got better things to do than deal with this trash." Riley would know to keep weapons on them and scare them a bit more as Andi turned her back and walked away, hauling Mak alongside her. Should those men dare try to follow her head of security would drop them and Kane would be right alongside her. Then again they might simply watch her in shock and awe. She was proving they were nothing to her by her tone and her actions. She'd only had to tug at Mak's arm the one time and he'd followed her with wide shocked eyes. She had a feeling the shock was simply from being attacked. Once they were out of site Andi turned to one of the security panels and dialed in so that she could watch the live feed. She was hoping those idiots didn't do anything stupid. They weren't any match for Riley on her own, let alone with Garvan at her side. She spared a moment to glance over at Mak again, he was looking a little pale. "Head to medical, Dr. Caldwell can look you over. Do that before you touch that equipment. If the scientists complain send them to me." The woman turned back to the screen, feet should width apart and arms crossed over her chest. She was a fighter. She didn't like backing down and walking away. Sure it was the political strong hand, but that wasn't why she did it. A fighter she might be, but that didn't mean she was good at it. In a bar brawl she could hold her own, in the pilots seat she was terrifyingly brilliant, but dirtside with a gun in her hand she was average. She would be in the way and Riley would have to split her attention to cover for the older woman, and she would too. She always had Andi's back, even when Andi didn't think she deserved it. One thing the Captain was very very good at was knowing peoples limitations. Her own included. |
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