The Crucible

Oct. 9 - Alliance Transport, Alexander class, orbiting Zenobia

Sentry Swashbuckler Interrogation

-----

"Hello Mr. Boomslang."

The bounty hunter was standing in the hall when I emerged from the galley. It was the day after we had apprehended Sentry Swashbuckler on MacLaren's Drift.

He nodded in greeting. "How's yehr prisoner doin'?"

"I am about to go take a look."

Mr. Boomslang looked at the two figures in the hallway and jerked a thumb at them, "Droids?"

"Yes. They activate under fire." I refrained from mentioning that they didn't stop either.

Mr. Boomslang nodded, his eyes narrow. He had no love for AI's takin' the jobs what should be for humans it seemed.

"I will go see the prisoner." I paused for a moment preparing myself for what was to come.

"I'll wait here," the bounty hunter drawled.

The double doors to the holding cell hissed open and closed as I entered.

My prisoner lay on his bunk and moaned a bit.

"Sentry..." I said gently, softly.

Sentry Swashbuckler turned over, "Huh?"

"How is your arm?" I asked.

"Oh, its better, thanks." He got up from the bed.

"So how is your memory?" I offered him a fresh coffee.

"As fuzzy as a slipper apparently… Takes time to wake up. Nice bed there." He nods to the cushion. He took the coffee, "Thanks... you know, you are gonna give the Alliance a bad name. You’re not supposed to be this nice."

"I want to hear more about the blastomere transaction."

He sipped from the cup.

I continued, "The man you mentioned... the one doing the buying… describe him."

Sentry looked up. "Told you yesterday, I didn’t see who they were. Just heard words."

"Then describe his voice."

"Medium timbre, not the best English speaker I ever heard... lot of 'gots' and 'haves' that don’t need to be plural."

"And the accent? Where was he from?"

Sentry thought for a second. "Not rightly sure. Hard to tell sometimes with all that noise. Sounded rimward though."

I pressed. "Have you heard his voice before? How often does he come into the bar?"

"Heard all those voices before…. Traders in and out of there a lot… That’s what makes 'em so hard to figure out."

I switched targets, "And the other person ... doing the selling…describe the voice."

Sentry took another drink. "Deeper voice, but female, I think... hard to tell sometimes."

Good, I thought. "Okay and what was she wearing?"

He shook his head. "If it was a female... and I said I couldn’t tell... she'd be wearing dresses. Well... maybe." He looked at me in my uniform then continued, "I hear things. I tend not to look at people, makes 'em nervous. And nervous traders don't do business."

"Go on," I encouraged, "Tell me about that."

"I've been able to get lots of traders to come to MacLaren's and specifically Prosperity. They come for the music, the drinks, and the chance to do some business. Nothin' wrong with keepin' trade alive in the Black. 'Specially on a small dirt ball like Mac's."

"Tell me about some of them. Who is the most active trader?"

Sentry shook his head. "You…You're not understanding me... I *don't* look at them. How should I know who's most active?"

"You do know the names of people," I stated as a matter of fact.

"I know who goes in and out, yes."

"Tell me about them…who goes in and out."

Sentry shook his head again. "You already have a camera watching the place... you don’t need me for that."

"As we left yesterday, you told your friends to ‘tell Immi and Duncan’…tell me about them."

Sentry stopped mid drink, and looks at me. "You're kidding..."

"No," I replied. "I want to help you but I need you to help me."

Sentry became emotional. "You want to help me into a grave, is what you're doing. You know damn well and good who they are. Everyone in the 12th is on your radar."

I shrugged. I would not comment. I would give him nothing to press against.

"The 12th... Independent Calvary? You really don't know?"

"Suppose you tell me."

Sentry became intractable. "Suppose I don't..."

I sighed. "Sentry ... you have a murder charge against you. I can have that charge removed." Then as if conceding I said, "Okay…."

He looked at me curiously.

"I just want you to talk," I said reasonably, "about MacLaren’s and the people who are there. I am not asking you to betray anyone."

Sentry mumbled, "The hell you aren't..."

Time to show him how far we have come together.

"So, we have now established that Duncan and Immi were in the 12th."

Sentry closed his eyes, as if he just let some information out he didn't intend to.

I continued, "Shall we continue down that road? Or go back to the traders in genetic material? Who would you like to protect more?"

Sentry sighed, "Now we see the sneaky come out…Either give up the people that put their lives on the line for me, or some traders that I'm not even sure who they are. Nice set of choices there."

"Well, you may not think you remember details about those traders...but you might be surprised what information you picked up."

He nodded.

"You will have seen something... you just need to play with the memory. Let it unfold." I stated, "A woman with a deep voice offered to sell blastomeres to a man from the rim."

Sentry wasn’t ready yet. "Don't you people use intimidation and drugs and such to make that happen? Isn't that how the movies go?"

"Would you like that Sentry? I told you I want cooperation…now and in the future."

Sentry said sarcastically, "Oh sure, drug me up and make me sing like a canary."

"…. in return I will keep you safe from these charges and if the information you provide is helpful we can arrange further benefits. Do you want to pour drinks from the rest of your life? Think about that."

Sentry grinned, "You really should read your information better. Bartender is what I do to help the people at Mac's. It's not all I can do."

"What would you like to do?"

He shrugged, "Same as I do now. Keep people protected."

"A mechanic and a medic....on a backwater planet like MacLaren’s. You know you can do better…that you deserve better."

"I've been in the Alliance army. I know what better is. You ain't got that."

"And what about the private sector in the Core. Your services would be highly valued." I tried again. "A woman with a deep voice offered to sell blastomeres to a man from the rim. Fill in the details."

Sentry stopped and thought for a second. "Go on..."

"A woman.... in pants….in a dress?"

"Only females I've seen are the traders in pressure suits, and the Companions in dresses. Oh, ..and Brooke."

"She was in a pressure suit then. She was a trader. Her voice was deep."

"Kinda have to be...Sounds right so far."

"And she knew the man… she must have known the man."

Sentry stopped me. "Don’t know about that. Traders pair off and talk all the time, even those that don't know no one."

"What did she say again?"

"Something about needin' to get rid of blastomeres... didn't say much else that I could hear," he replied.

"Where were they sitting?"

"In the bar?" He chuckled. "Probably came up for a drink, or I never would have heard them."

"They were at the bar. What was the woman drinking? What was the man drinking?"

Sentry answered, "He had moonshine, the other one was tequila... she brought her own."

Gotcha, I thought. "You served him a drink."

"That’s why I'm called the bartender."

He hadn't realized yet. "You passed him a drink. Remember the moment…. his face... his hand taking the drink. Who was he, Sentry?"

Sentry suddenly got panicky. "Um, I don't know..."

I smiled.

He tried not to look at my face.

"It’s okay Sentry..." I purred. "It will be okay. Tell me who it was."

Sentry turned away. "I'm not talking any more."

"You know him. He’s a friend."

Sentry shook his head.

Back up, I thought, too far. "You know him."

Sentry stammered out, "I'm not answering you any more!"

"Do you fear him?" I asked.

Sentry chuckled, "You should..."

"Oh and why is that?" I challenged. "Why should I fear this man?"

He started to say something, then shut his mouth and turned back around. I pressed my advance, "Why should I fear this nameless man? Is he well connected? Is he a crime lord?" I chuckled.

Sentry’s eyes got big. "Crime lord? On Mac's?"

"So why should I fear him? What can he do to me? What are his plans?"

He smiled a bit, "Traders don't get to be big ‘cause they roll over easy."

"So he is a big trader," I replied.

Sentry closed his mouth again.

"One of the big names…like who?"

Sentry snorted a bit. "Go watch your surveillance."

"We have established this is a man…."

"You'll see him," promised Sentry

"… so that rules out Brazen and Raghilda."

Sentry looked away. I’m close.

"Sentry ... you have to think about this.... you are accused of murdering an Alliance soldier…"

"Apparently that isn’t gonna change either," said Sentry.

I continued, "…this man, this big trader…He is trading in illegal genetic material. You have the chance to do something right."

He looked at me quizzically. "Right, by whose standards? 'Cause the way I see it, I'm giving you a lot of info you didn't have. Those blasto-whatevers are gone. GONE. Even if I did tell you that ... someone had them, they probably don’t have them any more."

I was undeterred, "But you do know who bought them.."

"I know someone TALKED about them. That’s about it."

"You sold the man a drink. You recognized him."

Sentry sighed, "Yes, we went over this. A moonshine."

"He is a big trader. What is his name?"

Sentry shook his head. "No."

"That’s the last question...." I offered

"Good. Cause it’s the last I'm answering for today."

"The only question and then we are done," I promised, "What was the trader's name?"

Sentry was firm. "Answer is still no."

I smiled. "Okay..." I said. "You are right. You deserve rest… but tell me this: why should I fear this man?"

"That’s your choice," replied Sentry. "Fear him or not, he's gonna be around a long time. Power begets fear. Alliance knows that well as anyone. You sure use it enough."

"So he is powerful…" I wouldn’t let up.

"Getting there..."

"Lots of ships, offices…" I added. "Where does he trade?" Innocent questions, but not here, not in this room.

Sentry realized it too. He clearly didn't like where my questions were going. "Try looking at your surveillance. You know where he trades from."

"He trades here? On Zenobia?"

Sentry laughed a bit. "Is that where this is? I've never been to this part of the 'verse."

"Then where does he trade from?"

"Check. Your. Surveillance." he said emphatically.

"I will say the name of a place…just answer yes or no…Hales Moon?"

"You really expect me to answer those?"

"Yes I do Sentry." I sounded like his older sister.

"Well, wish in one hand, and... you know the rest."

"You have spirit," I laughed then shifted again. "How is that arm?"

Sentry looked at it. "It's fine... why?" Then he noticed it start to itch. "Sure hope that it’s healin..."

"It is bleeding though the bandage. Tell me what else this man trades in."

"He's a trader... probably lots of stuff."

"The legal items that you know of….. food? medicine? water?"

"Lots of water. Some meds, cause Prosperity needs tons of them."

"A water trader," I repeated.

And then I was done. "Splintered Rock," I said. Even to me the words sounded like glass breaking.

Sentry looked down and cursed in a whisper.

The tension drained from the room.

There was only one possible trader that fit the scenario. Works the MacLaren’s run. The big water trader on the Rock. The man who has the blasotmeres. Teetopwillie Neiro. The next link in the chain.

Sentry had done well. He had come a long way.

"It will be okay Sentry. You did the right thing. Now why don't you rest..."

Sentry laughed, but not happily. "I'm glad you think so..."

"… and soon I'll have someone bring in some food and a change on the bandage."

"Yeah, ok..." he said as he crawled back onto his bed. He turned to face the wall.

I smiled at him as gently as I could.

Satisfied, I left the prison cell and headed for my shuttle.

Prelude

Oct. 8 - Alliance Transport, Alexander class, in transit

"You tossed a blanket from the bed
You lay upon your back, and waited;
You dozed, and watched the night revealing
The thousand sordid images
Of which your soul was constituted" - T. S. Eliot

-----

The door of my cabin hissed closed behind me as I stepped into the corridor. We were now on board an Alexander class Alliance transport, leaving MacLaren's Drift orbit on route to Zenobia. A standard in the Zenobian fleet, the Alexander is adaptable in carrying cargo, research supplies, fuel and, in this case, prisoners.

I heard Sentry's voice as I approached the detention cell. "Better than some places I've been. "

I could hear Mr. Boomslang making our guest feel comfortable. "This'll be yer home away from home...enjoy."

"Um, ok... I'll try," answered Sentry

"Thank you Mr. Boomslang," I said as I reached the door.

"Well an' if it ain' room service. Yeh need me fehr anythin' else, Cap'n?"

"We will go back for Mr. Winterwolf next time," I said.

Sentry did not to react.

Mr. Boomslang nodded, "Jes lemme know the time and day."

"All in good time," I added, "Your payment will be in the usual fashion."

Brillig Boomslang gave the prisoner one last look and then stepped out into the corridor.

"There's somethin' people can't complain bout the Alliance...yeh pay yehr bills on time."

"We pay for good service," I offered, "Thank you once again."

Mr. Boomslang nodded.

"Kinda small in here..." Sentry chipped in.

"I would like a few words with our guest here. You are welcome to the galley."

Mr. Boomslang nodded again and stepped away to give us privacy. I entered the cell and locked the door behind me.

Sentry smiled. "So, whats new?"

There had been enough dancing tonight. I got straight to the point.

"Very simple," I stated, "I will have the charges against you dropped in exchange for some cooperation."

"Sounds easy enough," replied Sentry.

I continued, "We are interested in the increase in trade between Hale's Moon and MacLaren's. I want details. I want information. In exchange you get a clean slate."

"Shouldn't you be asking someone that actually DOES the trading?" demanded Sentry.

"You are well placed," I explained.

"I'm a bartender," said Sentry, "That's as far as I go. I wish there was more... my pocket could sure use it... but that's it. I sling drinks, people come in, talk, and go their merry way."

"People talk," I said.

"Hell, give 'em 'nough alcohol, and they even have sex. Not my business."

"Information is what I want," I stated plainly.

"Might want to be a bit more specific. I don't run the routes, I don't know who goes from one place to another."

"But you can find out," I countered.

Sentry quirked an eyebrow. "So that's it.. you want a mole."

I said nothing. He could do his own math.

"Tell ya what...." said Sentry, "I can tell you what has been moved, but not by whom or when."

We had entered the marketplace. He knew what I wanted. I had something he needed. He would now try to buy his way out with minimal cost to himself.

"And why hold back on who?" I asked.

"Cause I don't know who. Bars are loud, in case you didn't notice. Voices get mingled. I can't tell one from the other. But words... some of them ring bells."

"Well I will tell you what then. I will keep this warrant nice and safe and when I feel I have enough good information to make me happy... then everyone gets their cookies."

I smiled.

Sentry laughed a bit. "Enough information... and of course, there's no limit to what exactly is enough, now is there?"

"No," I agreed, "Like Brooke said...paperwork is slow."

"Yeah... Brooke. Gonna have to talk with that little one about why we saved her ass before."

I became defensive. "She is a good woman... she saved a lot of lives today."

"She does that a lot. As do I."

"Then do we have an understanding Mr. Swashbuckler?"

"What I understand, is that you have all the cards. And I don't have squat."

"Oh sir... You have the choice to cooperate with the law... and the chance for a new life without those charges hanging over your head."

"Or?"

"Or you face persecution for these charges." It was all very simple.

Sentry sat down against the wall and sighed. "Lemme see if I can remember what it is you need me to remember, and we can talk again soon."

"Very well. Think about my offer." I turned to go. Some time alone might help him contemplate the nature of imprisonment.

"One thing before you go...." he added suddenly.

"Oh?" I asked.

"The blastomeres are gone."

My heart started pounding. This was unexpected. This was supposed to be a routine arrest with one of two outcomes: Sentry cooperated and became a source of general information on the trade situation on the Rim, or he went to jail. I did not expect information on a critical case from such an unlikely source.

"Go on," I said softly, delicately.

"That's all. Someone was trading them, and they are gone. Don't know where."

"And tell me how you know this," I pressed.

Sentry knew he had touched a button. He chuckled, "Told ya, I hear words. That isn't one you expect to hear on the Rim, in a bar, without it stickin'."

"Tell me exactly what you heard and how."

Sentry shrugged, "I was washin' mugs, when I hear someone sayin' they wanted to offload blastomeres, and some other guy went for it. They got real hush-hush once the second fella's interest was up."

"Two men?" I asked.

"Second one was. Couldn't tell if the first was or not. Deep voice though."

I twisted my mouth in thought. How shall I pursue this?

"Anything else?" I asked.

"Nope. Best I can remember. Figured it might make you better at delivering cookies."

I laughed a merry little laugh. "Why Mr. Swashbuckler that is exactly the sort of information I am looking for."

"Um, ok..." he replied.

I think he expected a different response.

He pointed to his arm. "Can I get a bandage for this? Hurts like hell."

"Your arm? Certainly. Let me see it."

Sentry put his arm out, showing the nail marks Brooke left. "Damn blonde drew blood too..." he complained.

I knelt down beside him and gently examined his arm. Those were deep claw marks. Whatever was she thinking?

"Hmmm. Okay ... I have some salve."

"Thank you."

I returned from the Infirmary with the supplies that I needed and gently applied a salve to Sentry's wound. I wrapped the arm with clean bandages.

"There..." I said. It would have to do until he could get better medical care.

"Thanks, that's much better."

"Try the bunk," I suggested. "You should rest."

"Will do," he replied.

I nodded. I had a big day planned for us tomorrow.

MacLaren's Drift

Oct. 8 - MacLaren's Drift

"Damn'd art thou, Faustus, damn'd; despair and die!
Hell calls for right, and with a roaring voice
Says 'Fautus! Come! Thine hour is come!'" - Marlowe

-----

The wind stirred up the dust into a small spiral that scurried across the ground before falling exhausted at the edge of the plateau. I had come to MacLaren's Drift to apprehend a man. Colonel M______ had given the order to put pressure on Sentry Swashbuckler. According to the Colonel, Mr. Swashbuckler was reputed to have some knowledge of the trade between Hale's Moon and this little haven of outlaws.

It didn't take long to find an outstanding warrant that I could use to bring Mr. Swashbuckler in to have a little chat.

I climbed down the steep embankment and headed for a point just past the bridge across the stream from the local tavern.

In the shelter of a broken hull waited a bald, solid looking man with a full beard.

Brillig Boomslang. He was professional tracker who worked for the government on a freelance basis. He had located Mr. Swashbuckler and had notified my department. He would now assist as backup in the arrest and in the transporting of the criminal.

"You my contact?" he drawled.

"Mr. Boomslang," I said.

He nodded curtly, once.

"Did you track Swashbuckler here?"

"I wouldn't be here otherwise," he grunted.

I smiled warmly, "Naturally Mr. Boomslang. Shall we then?"

"Lead the way, sweetpea."

Oh, did I mention he was a charmer?

We made our way across the small bridge that led to the local tavern. I led the way to a group of crates that sat at the corner of the yard. They provided good cover and a clear view of the main entrance and both ends of the building.

"There will be an exit at the end of that building," I explained.

Mr. Boomslang eyed where I pointed.

"You can cover the exits from here if need be. I will go see our friend."

Mr. Boomslang nodded. "I'll be waitin'" He patted his pistol.

I nodded and headed for the entrance.

The tavern was a dismal affair. It smelled of beer and engine oil. A crowd was gathered inside of about eight to ten people. Most were standing. A few were seated. The bartender was at his post.

I surveyed the scene.

A Slender, Dark Woman steadied herself on the bar as she spoke with a Shepherd. "Well no Cursa," she said. "Only ladies who are interested in your..um services.."

The Shepherd she spoke with would then be Cursa. Cursa Charisma. His picture had been in the Cortex News as one of the persons injured on Splintered Rock in a recent attack against off-worlders.

The bartender spoke "Hello, Welcome to Boot...." He stopped mid-sentence. This was the man that matched the description of Sentry Swashbuckler.

A Tall Man standing nearby frowned and whispered, "Trouble."

A Woman Drinking Tea looked up from her drink and frowned slightly.

The Slender, Dark Woman noticed the sudden tension and surveyed room carefully.

The Shepherd turned around slowly.

I smiled.

"Good Evening," I said.

Sentry Swashbuckler recovered his composure."Hello, how can we help you?" he asked.

"Yes..." I began and I approached the bar.

Then I heard a familiar voice.

"Hello officer."

I turned and noticed her. A blonde woman. Freckles. It was Brooke.

I could not help it. I smiled slowly.

She looked away and played with her hair.

I turned back to Sentry.

"Mr. Swashbuckler?" I asked.

"He was here earlier," he replied "but I think Lerch turned in his papers."

The tension in the room rose steadily. The Tall Man lowered his hand, brushing his sidearm. The Woman Drinking Tea set down her cup and rested on her hand on the butt of one of her guns. A Woman Wearing Purple watched the scene at the bar carefully.

"Well," I said playfully "You must be his brother then..."

Sentry kept his hands on the bar. "Not really. Can I take a message for him?"

Brooke decided to intervene.

"Officer," she said, gave a little smile, then stepped forward. "May I ask what you're here for?"

"Hello Brooke," I replied moving away from the bar to meet her in the center of the room, "How have you been?"

She stopped, slightly startled. She hadn't recognized me until now.

"Pepper...." she said. "It's been a long time."

"Yes it has," I agreed.

"Bootcamp was the last time... wasn't it?" she asked.

Sentry looked concerned. The Tall Man clenched his jaw.

"I didn't expect to see you in a place like this," I said honestly, "A pilot of your calibre." And out of uniform too, I thought.

The crowd was unsettled by these events. Frowns and glares abounded.

Sentry busied himself behind the counter.

"Are you keeping well?" I asked.

"Different life now," she said frowning. "Sanders is dead." She then shifted slightly. "Why are you here?" She kept her replies short.

"I am here to clear up a matter," I said reasonably, "An outstanding warrant... I'm sure just a mistake."

Brooke swallowed, "Yes, so, since it's a mistake, you aren't going to take anyone in. Right?"

"Well, I will have to bring in Mr. Swashbuckler... to sort things out..."

Hands went back on the guns. Shepherd Charisma quietly retrieved his jacket from the crate next to the pole-dancing table.

"You understand how these things work," I added.

"Bring in?" asked Sentry.

The Slender, Dark Woman looked at Sentry. The Woman Drinking Tea looked at the Woman and then at Sentry. The Woman Wearing Purple folded her arms across her chest as she stood in front of the bar.

Brooke folded her arms too. "Yes, I do. You bring him in out here and he never comes back."

The Tall Man nodded.

I turned to Sentry, "Purely administrative."

"Yeah right.." scoffed the Tall Man.

The Woman Drinking Tea snorted.

The Slender, Dark Woman touched her comlink. I figured this meant we would have more arriving for the party soon.

"I know what happens, Pepper," continued Brooke. She looked back at the Tall Man behind her. "No guns, though."

The Woman Wearing Purple muttered, "Not happening."

"Can I ask at least what this is supposedly for?" asked Sentry.

"Administrative rendition?" challenged Shepherd Charisma.

I kept my focus on Brooke. "Brooke...do you see my rifle?" I held out my bare hands, thinking, don't tell them what I can do with my bare hands.

"I don't trust her," said the Tall Man. "They never come alone."

Brooke shook her head, "No. Brave to walk into a bar like this." She then sighed. "What department is taking him in? What is he being charged with?"

"There is an outstanding matter of a soldier killed on Persephone. The warrant was issued but never served."

The Tall Man looked at Sentry. "Maybe it wasn't him."

"Where's the warrant?" demanded the Woman Wearing Purple.

Sentry dropped his head and whispered,"End of the road."

And that was the moment I realized I actually had a chance of getting out of here alive and with my prisoner.

Brooke looked at Sentry then back at me. "Pepper. You're a good officer, you do your duty. I know that." She then nods. "Do you have the warrant?"

"Where's the warrant?" demanded the Woman Wearing Purple again.

The Slender, Dark Woman checked the bindings on her pistol, while I slowly produced a piece of paper from my uniform and handed it to Brooke. The Tall Man watched closely. Brooke took the warrant, and read it over. She rubbed her fingers on the paper and over the seal.

I glanced around the room....counting.

I felt their eyes upon me.

Brooke then folded up the warrant and handed it back. "It's genuine."

She announced. She sighed, "Pepper, can we .... well, for old times shake. Can't you just say you missed him? You really don't want to do this now."

"Brooke... you know me..."

She knew me. I never stop. I never give up.

The Woman Wearing Purple gritted her teeth."....not taking him."

And there was my opening.

"No I'm not taking him...." I said in a voice load enough to be heard above the noise of the crowd.

I turned to Sentry.

The Tall Man clenched his jaw again, resting his hand on his gun. One Other Man moved for the bar entrance.

"...I'm asking him to come," I said reasonably.

The crowd turned their attention as one towards Sentry, with cries of:

"No Sentry. She cannot take you...."

"It's up to you...you dont have to go...."

"Don't do it."

"...and she knows it. if she could, she would have by now."

"...the odds are good for you."

Sentry looked at the Woman Wearing Purple, with sadness in his eyes.

"I can't run from this any more, though," he said.

Brooke looked at me. "Where will he be taken?"

"Zenobia," I replied. I had no need to lie.

The Woman Wearing Purple continued to rage, "You're not running from a damn thing and I'll shoot you myself if I have to."

She turned to me, and stated emphatically, "With all due respect officer, you're not taking him."

The Slender, Dark Woman nodded with approval, "JJ is a real woman."

So, the Woman Wearing Purple was named JJ.

"Goin' with a gorram 'lliance officer? You gone loco?" the Tall Man asked Sentry.

"JJ, stop," said Sentry.

"No," stated JJ, "She takes you and you'll never come back."

"whoa, JJ...." said Brooke "It's Sentry's choice."

"I will be back. Right, Brooke?" asked Sentry.

"He'll be back. It's all just a misunderstanding." Brooke assured them.

JJ wasn't finished, "Sentry will sacrifice himself to protect us. You know that, Brooke."

Brooke smiled, "You still on the same ship, Pepper?"

She was fishing for information. I did not answer.

The Tall man scoffed,"Yeah.. Misunderstandin'..... I heard those words before.

"You basing that on your Alliance background Brooke?" asked the Slender, Dark Woman.

"When was the last time you heard of the Alliance acknowledging a misunderstanding?" challenged JJ.

"Never," said the Tall Man.

"Exactly," said JJ.

"Let's go Sentry," I said. Time to move.

The Slender, Dark Woman circled behind me.

Brooke looked at the Slender, Dark Woman and nodded. "He'll be back. I can promise that."

I rolled the dice.

"Brooke..." I said, "Come with us."

"No," said the Tall Man. "She ain't goin either."

Sentry unbuckled his firearm and handed it to Shepherd Charisma. "Keep this safe."

"What is that supposed to accomplish?" asked the Slender, Dark Woman watching the weapon change hands.

Cursa Charisma held the holstered weapon sideways across his hands.

"Heads up, People!" called the Other Man.

The guns suddenly came out as Mr Boomslang strolled up and through the door.

"Stand down, Mr. Boomslang!" I called out urgently.

Brooke cries out, "Whoa, everyone. Keep Calm."

She then looked at me."I can't come with you to Zenobia, but I will walk with you to your ship. Make sure that Sentry isn't hurt."

The Slender, Dark Woman looked at Mr. Boomslang.

"There will be no gun fire here," I ordered, loud enough to be heard by all.

"Dex...what the hell are you doing over there?" asked the Slender, Dark Woman.

So, the Other Man was named Dex.

"Exactly," added Sentry "No gun fire. We already know what that will accomplish. And no blades, Zade."

Dex addressed Mr. Boomslang "I don't think you wanna interfer, Mister."

Mr. Boomslang brushed past Dex standing at the door, as he turned the corner his gaze ran across the crowd. His look was calm. His palm rested on the butt of his weapon.

Brooke again tried to calm the crowd, "Just relax everyone."

"Very well Brooke," I addressed her refusal to join us, "...but remember where your home is...."

JJ interrupted, "Now you're threatening Brooke?"

"...the place where all sins are forgiven." I added.

"It may not be a threat JJ." said the Slender, Dark Woman. She understood.

Brooke gave a sad, little grin. "Sanders sins weren't forgiven, Pepper."

"I believe what matters is Mister Swashbuckler's decision." offered Shepherd Charisma.

Near the door a separate drama was playing out.

"Dex you have this under control or not?" asked the Slender, Dark Woman as she threw her head towards Mr. Boomslang.

"Dunno. Is there somethin' needin' controlling?" asked Dex.

The Slender, Dark Woman sucked her teeth at Dex.

Mr. Boomslang hooked his fingers in his belt looking from the Slender, Dark Woman to Dex standing beside him. "Stay frosty, pardner" he cautioned.

"Sentry," I said,"... come let's go."

Brooke nodded. "Come on Sentry," she said grabbing his hand.

"Hold on a sec, please." Sentry asked.

"Very well," I said. Give them their farewells.

"Brooke," warned JJ,"if anything happens to him, you are responsible."

Brooke took in a deep breath.

JJ's body went rigid.

Sentry tried to reassure her,"JJ, I will be back. I promise you, this is going to be fine."

JJ choked up "Can't speak," she managed to say.

"Go on JJ..." coaxed the Slender, Dark Woman, "Give your man a hug."

"Please, tell Immi and Duncan. I will be back." said Sentry.

"He's not...." began JJ.

"Give him some strength," continued the Slender, Dark Woman,"Whatever woman. Don't quibble about it now."

JJ hugged Sentry tightly

Sentry addressed the Slender, Dark Woman,"Brazen... its not like that any more."

So, the Slender, Dark Woman was named Brazen. That would likely make her Brazen Bondar of the Independent Traders, Splintered Rock.

JJ continued, "You'd better be back in a couple days or I will come and find you myself."

The Tall Man replaced his gun in its holster.

Sentry hugged JJ back. "I will be back. I promise."

"...and I'll personally kill any MF I have to. Got that, officer?" raged JJ.

Again I said nothing.

"You don't come back and we'll come for you," proclaimed the Tall Man.

"Harm one hair on his head and you're dead," declared JJ.

Zade, the character with the knives looked at his schedule, "I can help with that JJ," he added.

-----

A crowd had gathered by the time we stepped out of the tavern. The sun was still warm but a chill had crept into the air.

One new fellow who didn't know what had been going on scratched his head as we emerged and said, "Quite the crowd today."

"You be strong Sentry," said Brazen,"every one has your back."

Brooke stayed positive "He's going to be given the best of treatment, right Pepper?"

"Only the best Brooke," I replied.

"Gorram 'lliance," cursed the Tall man.

"What is the best among mongrels?" scoffed Brazen.

Ignore the insults. File them away.

Brooke motioned for Sentry.

The Tall Man glanced at Brooke.

Sentry paused and turned to the crowd "Thank you everyone... I appreciate the support. I will be back, soon."

Shepherd Charisma nodded.

JJ looked me in the eye. "I hold you personally responsible for his safety. Whatever is done to him will be done to you. Is there an agreement between us?"

I smiled warmly. "Of course," I said.

Mr. Boomslang turned his gaze from the Dex's calm stare once more to the crowd, "No one gets trigger happy, an I rekin' we'll all get home without bleedin'."

"I'm not worryin' bout bleedin'. I worry bout what they're gonna do," said the Tall Man.

We passed through the crowd of on-lookers. Sentry walking with his head down. Mr.Boomslang walking behind him in case he had second thoughts.

JJ watched us through the glass.

When we reached the bridge, Brooke grabbed Sentry's arm digging her nails so hard she drew blood.

Sentry looked at Brooke, but just smiled.

"Sentry," began the Tall Man.

"Don't matter, Cody," replied Sentry, "I'll be fine. I know what to expect."

"So do I," answered Cody.

Cody. The Tall Man Was Cody. Cody Winterwolf. I started to feel giddy.

Brooke frowned at Cody. "They're not going to hurt him. Will take a while to get to the right department."

Brazen shouted out "Courage!"

"You come back, dammit, Sentry." called Dex.

Brooke looked at me. "Right, all that paperwork might be slow.?

"It depends Brooke. Cooperation is all I want," I answered truthfully.

The Woman Drinking Tea huffed, "Good argument for Sentry's safety then."

Brooke frowned. "I think it should be, Pepper. Since you have to be very detailed."

She had no way of knowing that I didn't want Sentry to disappear down some legal black hole either.

"This is all very touching," said Mr. Boomslang, "but let's keep this wagon train movin' shall we?"

"If I was you stranger...I'd keep my mouth shut," warned Brazen.

"Lucky you ain' me," countered Mr. Boomslang "...or I might feck myself."

Sentry addressed the crowd, "If I'm not back in three days, you know where to find me." He taps his pocket.

Brooke cleaned up Sentry's wound made from her nails.

"I'll have a few surprizes for 'em if your not," declared Winterwolf.

Enough, I thought. I turned and walked back to Cody Winterwolf. I looked him straight in the eyes.

"And who might you be?" I dared.

"None of your business," he replied.

I heard someone say,"She sure is confident."

Brooke patted Sentry. "You're going to be okay. Just trust me," she whispered. "Go with her."

Sentry nodded.

I smiled gently and we resumed our procession.

Winterwolf narrowed his eyes but said nothing.

"Ready." said Sentry.

We crossed the bridge and made our way to the shuttle. I led the way.

Mr. Boomslang behind Sentry. Brooke. The crowd following behind.

Reaching the craft I turned to my friend.

"Brooke..." I began.

Brooke sighed. "Pepper..."

I stopped. I wanted to ask her to come. I wanted to ask what happened to her to bring her so far from home. Instead I said, "Take care."

"Do your paperwork..." she replied, "And I won't be here tomorrow."

I nodded.

Brooke smiled "New life as a trader."

I hesitated a moment, but I had nothing more to say.

Brooke looked at Sentry. "Take care."

Winterwolf reached out a hand to Sentry. "We'll be waitin'," he said.

-----

The door of the shuttle closed tightly. With prisoner secure, we fired engines. Clouds of dust swirled as we lift off the surface of MacLaren's Drift.

Once in the air, I paused a moment and allowed myself one deep breath. I really had thought I was going to get shot today.

Through the window on the shuttle I could see Brooke turn to face the crowd. She saved a lot of lives today. I hope they go easy on her.