Bengalo Draba: Fooled

Location: Bengalo Draba Commons
Time: June 17, 2529
Characters: Calira, Kiloren, Alzarath, Carson, Chovian and Esther
NOTE: There was other languages being used. For those poses, I left the language tag inserted...for those without the language tag were said in English.

Carson steps in after hearing the announcement over the icom to find three Alliance officers in the cargo bay. He steps over to a terminal and actives the intership coms and makes his announcement. Of course, he is armed, looks like to the teeth. He then heads over to the Alliance officers, walking in a way that isn't threatening, "What can I do for you folks?"

Esther isn't armed.. except for a knife and a set of brass knuckles. She had heard the announcement overhead and blinks. Descending the stairs from the catwalks, blinking to the alliance officers. "Good day to you officers, I am the captain of this vessel, how can I assist?"

Alzie turns around to offer a wave at Carson, "Yo, long time no see. So, I take it we're going to get to say hello to Chovian, Esther and...Heather I think it was? Yeah, Heather. You all s," speaking of Esther, here she is as he turns, "Esther! That's great. Is Chovian hiding from me today? Pity, I looked forward to seeing him again. I hope the stars find you well today, both of you."

And he shrugs, "So, Esther, how many people do you have as crew? I forget now. What is it, five? Six? Something around that number."

Calira aims a nod of greeting first at Carson as he steps into the cargo bay, then another up at Esther once she descends the stairs from the catwalks and calls out, "Good to see you again, Captain. You're looking much healthier than last time," she adds with a look of relief evident upon her face. A curious glance is cast sidelong at Alz, "Why would Chovian be hiding from you?" she wonders and tucks her hands into her pockets as she takes up a position near Alzie and Kiloren, looking both amiable and affable.

Carson grins to Alzie, "Oh...couldn't have been too long ago aye?" He then nods to the others and then for now fades to the background letting the others talk.

Kiloren looks over at Carson. Keeping his lips flat in a taut line, he clicks his heels and bends slightly at the waist in greeting. Saying nothing, Kiloren clasps his fingers behind his back, flicking his eyes to the holster on Carson's chest, and mock whistling. Tilting his head to the side, Kiloren watches the man like a bird-of-prey, eying a larger predator. He keeps his eyes aimed at the man, even as Carson slips into the background.

Chovian steps out onto the catwalks and looks down into the hold, the man looking a bit tired, bedraggled, as though he had been napping. Making his way down the steps he offers a polite smile to the guests. "Good day." Offered in a relatively friendly manner.

Esther aproaches the offer, extending a hand in greetings to each. "Well, active crew you mean? Well there is me, the Captain. Jack carson here as my first mate. Chovian is the owner of the ship." She motions to the two men. "Then my pilot, Heather, my chief engineer, Tsukiko, Jack Smith, known as Smudger as an Engineer. Then our lovely Grace Carson, our doctor. That is it as far as crew goes. We had two passengers, but they left for Osiris on a family emergency. Now to what do I owe the honor?"

Alzie shakes hands with Esther and looks up at Chovian as he descends, "Chovian. Pleasure to see you again."

His attention returns to Esther as he continues, "Perhaps there's a place we could talk a bit more relaxed? It concerns business, important business. I think we could all do with just having a seat somewhere first." A nod is given.

Calira takes a step forward and accepts the offered hand from Esther to exchange a brief but friendly hand clasp before moving aside as she nods once again, "Good day to you in return, Chovian," she offers aloud with a glimpse of a smile sent toward the ships owner and Rom diplomat.

Kiloren nods towards the Captain in greeting with a brief smile. Returning his gaze back to Carson, he nonchalantly cracks his knuckles behind his back, while rocking back and forth on his heels.

Carson had been keeping an eye on all three but at the moment Alz mentioned business matters, he sorta relaxed, and looked to the Captain, "The bridge is probably the most private place to speak," he states with a smile.

Esther returns the handshake to Calira, her hand warm and strong. "Of course!" She says to Alzarath. "Our common room is just up the catwalk, through the medbay." She steps back. Her gaze turns back to Carson, "Really there are no truly private places to speak here."

Chovian's gaze drifts to Alzarath and he moves down to the bottom of the steps, moving a few steps closer to the man before he drapes his right arm across his body and bows politely. "Is pleasure to see you again as well." The gypsie's eyes dance among those present, his smile light and warm, treating them as they are, guests. "We will sit in commons on couches, would anyone care for tea for this talk?" Asked as his gaze drifts among them, briefly on Esther. Eventually he offers a smile to Calira, in recognition mostly.

Esther leads the group up into the common area. It has a homey, cozey feel! Esther motions to the couches before taking a seat herself.

Carson shrugs and follows the group into the commons, with his hands clasps behind his back. He then heads to the kitchen area, freeing his heads to pour himself a cup of coffee. "Coffee anyone?"

"Yes, please," Calira says promptly, the sudden gleam in her eyes is all about appreciation for the offer, having trailed along with the rest of the group to the ships commons area. She manages to, just barely, refrain from sniffing at the air in anticipation.

Kiloren watches Carson like a hawk, shaking his head at the offer of coffee. He drums his fingers on the side of a bulkhead, running his tongue along his teeth; as if trying to dislodge some invisible fragment of food.

Alzie shakes his head, "No, I'm good. Got rid of the coffee habit awhile ago." A smile on his lips as he walks over and takes a seat at one of the nearest chairs, "So, Chovian, Esther. Any interesting stories to tell?"

Chovian makes his way in and lounges anywhere near Esther, looking to Alzarath as he speaks his name, eyebrows raising a bit, smile faint, he looks over to Esther as though expecting her to answer.

Esther gets comfy, sinking back into her seat. She ploitely refuses the coffee with a wave of her hand. One leg folds over the other and she folds her hands into her lap. "So, what is this all about?" She inquires. She looks at Alzie as he asks the question, "In regarding to what? I doubt you guys came out here all the way to the rim for tea and stories. Is this in regards to the wave I sent to Bester? Or did you wish to torture me with the retelling of the horror on Paquin?"

Carson nods to the others that declined the offer. He then pours him and Calira a cup. He brings them over to the group, handing on to her. One could say...despite his dislike for the Alliance he had learned to obtain some sort of respect for a few of the officers in the Alliance ranks. He didn't know what it was that made him do it. There was cream and sugar on the coffee table in front of them.

Carson then turns his attention to Kiloren, whom he has noticed staring at him out of the corner of his eyes...it looked like they were about to have a staring contest.

Calira arches a look of mild humor at Esther, "Tea and stories is never a bad reason to travel, Captain," she says politely. "We don't torture people, either, for what it's worth. It's been proven beyond a measure of reasonable doubt that torture does not yield any viable intel that can be measured in appreciable ways. And while I'm sure that torture techniques are still being practiced somewhere, if I really wanted to torture someone I'd cook dinner and subject all of you to enduring the worst prepared meal of your entire lives," she adds with a small glimpse of a smile. She accepts the cup that Carson brings to her with a nod and a deeply indrawn breath that results in a genuine smile and a sigh, "Thank you," she says in a rather heartfelt tone of voice before curling both hands around the mug to allow the warmth to seep into her bones. For a moment she observes the staring contest before making a quiet sound and waiting until she catches Kiloren's eyes before arching both eyebrows subtly upward, eyes gleaming again with quiet humor before she says: "We could dance around it or we could dive right in. You're aware," and now she's settled her attention back upon Carson, "of the recent broadcast on the Cortex generating from Bernadette," she doesn't make it a question, she makes a statement of her words. "How ever did you find out that they were being held and where the location was? It continues to bend the mind how often these slaver operations are foiled by everyone /except/ the alliance."

Kiloren shrugs, and leans back against the bulkhead, hands slipping into the pockets of his trousers. He no longer watches Carson intently, but does keep flicking his eyes around the room. Pulling a broken cigarette out of his pocket, he frowns, and dumps it back in his pocket, before any tabacco slips out onto the ship's floor. Sighing, he leans his head back, and clinks it against the wall twice.

Alzie looks over at Calira, "See, this is what I find wrong with that. You don't just come out and ask them about something, that gives them time to think about an answer. No, you make them tell you just enough to pin it on them and so that they can't deny it later. Things that no one thinks about. Little things they shouldn't know." He leans back in his chair, "So, yeah. How about that feed. I was watching it live on my big screen in the living room on Londinium. It was a heroic rescue by a dashing group of men, but I would almost bet they actually weren't all men. Why, funny coincidence. If I count out Esther, Chovian and the captain, who wouldn't want to be involved in anything too risky, it leaves a grand total of," he gives a mock gasp, "Five people."

Then he looks over at Calira, "Does that number sound familiar to you Cal? Five? Why, I coulda sword that n...OH! That's right, it was a five 'man' rescue team."

Esther leans back in her seat now, a heavy sigh upon her lips. Her gaze slides over Carson and then back to Alzarath. "Are we under arrest?" She inquires quietly, though not giving out any information to whether she does or does not know anything. "As Captain of this crew, I take full responsibility for my crew's actions." She leans forward, "But know this, I am a soldier. I would sonner fight than cower behind the hull of my ship." Her gaze turns to Calira. She motions with her hand in her direction. "She will testify to that fact."

Carson glowers at Alzarath and his ridiculous statement. The look of hatred forming on his face. He started to mouth something, and then decided to let it go...for now. He had a building anger in him, and if there wasn't someone here wanting to eat him for dinner, he'd freely mouth Alz, hell...he might just lock him in somewhere. But none of that was going to happen. He looked to Calira, calming his face a bit. He ignored Alzarath for now. "Thanks for being straight forward. I have no reason to hide this...people want to do right all the time...and...how could they do right if the Alliance does all the good for everyone," he asks with a slight smile. "Anyhow, I received a letter from Aubrey...he simply stated to meet him such or so place...I forget...if we wanted to save a life...hell, he said nothing about slaves or there being 13 of them," he pauses briefly, taking a drink of his coffee. "He gave the four of us a single name and that was it...we dressed up, namely in disquise as women probably since they could get in easier without being checked but hell if I know...this is Aubrey we are talking about." He shrugged, "We went in, the operation went south, we rescued the 13 damsels in distress, and got out."

Kiloren kicks off the bulkhead, striding up behind Alzarath's chair. Turning, he faces towards Carson, and clasps his hands behind his back again. He smiles broadly towards the man, countering his scowl with a reverse mirror image. "Fool," he mutters, still smiling. <German>

Another one of those faint smiles forms on her face as Kiloren taps his head against the wall - twice - and casts another sidelong look at Alzie as she says, "I've found that just asking a question, and thereby giving people a chance to decide how they want to respond - in a reasonable fashion - tends to net the most reasonable response. Once the report went Cortex," she adds with a small shrug and lifts the cup for a small sip of the contents, another sigh following her words, "the report went viral, so to speak. no way to hide it at that point." She meets Esther's eyes with her own and gives a solemn nod, "I would and will testify to that fact. You aren't the sort to hide, cowering, in a closet when the bullets start flying. Never order someone else to do something that you wouldn't do if you had the skills," she adds in the same mild and calm tone of voice, another subtle nod given to Esther, sensing and seeing a kindred spirit in this issue. She turns her attention back to Carson and waits while he explains how the situation unfolded and voices the question that must certainly be on the mind of many? "Bernadette is a core world, where we have sufficient presence to try to address these situations, once we are made aware of the issue itself - or, rather, more accurately: When we are made aware of where to go pound down a door and tidy up. But," and she gently presses this point, "there's a bit of legal foot work here that we need to make plain. Taking it upon yourselves to do this deed, which is a good deed and most certainly needed, paints all of you with a broad brush labeled with the words 'vigilante justice'. If you had taken along so much as one Alliance security officer, it would have legitimized the whole mission and kept it above board. You see, we don't expect to try to put out every single fire in the universe. It would be neat if we could, but realistically? it's not realistic. Now," she shakes her head slightly, "I'm sure Aubrey would not have shared this intel with us, which is the sticking point." She hands the verbal softball to Alzie next, "To that end, Mr Invaldi, what are their legal options at this point?"

Alzie looks up at Kiloren, "He speaks German. The accent isn't a fake one or did you think he was doing the accent on purpose to fake us out? I can tell the real and fake german accents and then there are people like me who don't have any accent, but still manage to speak german on a sufficient level."

His attention returns to Carson, "I'm not sure I believe Aubrey would have brought you to a core world to save thirteen slaves from a single house. What i'm thinking is the slaves were simply there by accident, or you really didn't know about them and Aubrey was using you to get something else. Now, as far as dressing up as women? Fine. No problem with that one."

Then he turns back to Kiloren, "And where did you learn to speak german anyways? And why haven't you mentioned this?" <German>

Alzarath says in English, "I will consult with legal options momentarily."

Esther looks back and forth between people. A brow arches. "Could I ask one small favor of respect from the group of you and to stick to a language we can all speak. It's impolite." But other than that, what else can she say. "Please tell me the options so we can handle this and be on our way."

Carson looks at Kiloren with a glare, "Stupid idiot...moron." He says as a retort. He looks to Alzarath. And folds his arms, sighing slightly. Accusations accusations. They lead no where but more money for the purples. <German>

"Interesting you say this. We do something that the Alliance hasn't been able to do and we don't even get so much as a thanks...now leave the Captain out of this...she had no part in it." He sighed and shrugged, "Maybe he got something else...maybe he didn't. He WAS after a single lady, after all. The other twelve were...secondaries, as far as I'm concerned."

Kiloren shrugs and says, "Germany," coldly over his shoulder towards Alzarath. The smile leaving his eyes, but not his lips, he nods briefly towards Esther, "'pologies, Captain." Stepping forward with a click, he strides closer to Carson, stopping just outside of arm's length from the man. Hands clasped still behind his back, he cracks his neck by tilting it to the side. "Something the Alliance hasn't been able to do," he repeats softly. "That's bordering on sedition, Sir."

Alzie leans back in the couch and snickers at Kiloren, "Okay, so maybe I believe that Carson. Aubrey was after a single woman. That makes much more sense to me and, luckily for you, it means I believe you, but you're not going to get off easy. You took part in a vigilante episode on Bernadette, a core world. It is only because it's a core world that we're even here today. Actually, it's only because you managed to get caught that we're here today. So, this is what we can do. You can tell me who else Aubrey asked and maybe I forget you ever had anything to do with it. You can give me more crap and maybe I mention the lack of permits all around on this ship. Then of course, there's the third option. You can tell us information and then we forget this ship exists and with it, that you exist. The information of course will be of suitable return value."

Esther cants her head. "Permits? For what? I sure as hell didn't see a need for permits when we both took up arms and fought side by side with you. Permits. Ha. You are out of your cotton pickin' mind. Tell you what, fine us. I do not take to blackmail. That is underhanded and cowardly."

Carson looks to Kiloren. "Don't be stupid...sedition is inciting people to rebel...and I assure you, I am doing no such thing...besides, I was merely quoting what she said," he gestured towards Calira then stands looking to Alz. "Now...I'm not turning in anyone else, because I do not know who the others were," he says with a smirk, "I never took the time to find out what the guards were gonna do next if I waited to ask names." He shrugs. "Now why don't you all just skidattle and mind your own business?"

Kiloren takes another step forward, this time within arm's length of Carson. His fingers tap the side of his right hip, his hands finally coming unclapsed from behind his back. No words pass come out of his lips, but the shapes his mouth make look at awful lot like 'make,' and 'me.'

Alzie sighs, "You are not a soldier anymore, nor am I. I am not Sergeant Invaldi, the Commanding Officer of Gadget Squad for the 63rd Federals Division aboard the IAV Temperance under command of Commander Charley Wong, better known as Leen. No, we are not soldiers anymore and this is not a fucking free for all. You marched on Bernadette. Not a rim planet and not a border planet. A CORE world. Those worlds are ours. Then, your boy over there is stupid enough to get himself caught."

He stands and brushes off his uniform, "And you call this blackmail. No, this is the law. You are to have permits. A trade permit for the ship, a license for the ship and let us not forget, a license for that ATV you have downstairs. Now, if I was an asshole and I may very well be, I'm a different person from the Alzarath that use to bend over backwards to protect you people. Everyone I protected came around and bit me in the ass, so I'm not in that game anymore."

A sigh, "But we are getting something from this. Either he goes to jail for awhile or we get something out of pretending that we never found him in that house. This is entirely up to you, but let me make one thing straight Captain," the word is spoken strongly, "You're playing with people who do not care. I can and will do what I want. You can get away for today, but we will be back. So I suggest you rethink your tone. /WE/ run this place, more importantly, we /OWN/ the core worlds. Do not test me."

And he turns to face her, "And if you think I'm bad, wait until some of the others come to you. When someone above me decides they're bored and want to poke at you. I'm tame. Trust me, the others are worse. Hate me if you must, but this will be done."

And then he offers a nod, "Analyst, we're leaving. Let them get back to their stewing. Also, Don't leave Alexandria. You have a night to think this over, but if you leave, we'll just take you in. And you have the deal. Information or Jail. Alternatively, we make this thing stop flying while we 'process' your permit payments. These are your options."

Esther sighs. "You and I will always be soldiers." She says calmly to him. "Once a soldier, the code stays with you here." She points to her chest. "I was alliance at one point. I too fought and bled for people. Carson here is a bit of a spitfire, but he did what he thought was right at the time it was presented to him. I can't say I wouldn't have done the same. Carson here was just a little soldier following his orders. Orders that that purple scoundrel gave." Her gaze flickers to Carson, "Never trust anyone from RLI. They are all bad news." Then to Alzarath, "Now, we don't have the information you seek. But.. perhaps I could assist the Alliance in other ways? Perhaps help in this fight against the pirates in some fashion? I have sent word to Bester offering my assistance. See.. being I am not of your ranks, I could likely do things you couldn't. I am not sure exactly what, but I am sure you guys could come up with something."

Carson glares at Alz, "Oh yeah...nuking Ita Moon shows it all. It's living proof that the Alliance doesn't give a shit about its people...do not think for one second we didn't know that." He grumbles, itching to shoot Alzarath square in the head...maybe he was itching for another war while the Pirates gave the necessary distraction...oh, he could only dream. His hate for the Alliance has just grown this much. He was sure to put the Alliance square on the intruder list. He looks to Esther, curious as to what she has planned...but how could she help the Alliance after what they have done...what if Grace was on Ita Moon at the time of the demise? All of these questions were floating in his head, including that one...maybe one of the reasons why he was so pissed at them...he turned to face Esther, and whispers something.

Esther grumbles. "Ita Moon deserved it.."

You whisper, "What are you doing? After they threaten us like this you are going to trust them? Don't trust these baffoons. I'd rather rot in jail...and the Commonwealth deserved it...not the children that were on it!" to Esther.

Esther whispers something cold back.

Esther whispers: Then let them feel the pain I endure.

Alzie Snickers as he turns something off in his pocket. Then he turns around and laughs, "Hah, I totally had you all going. That was great. Esther, Carson. You all gave superb performances." A grin, "What? You all didn't honestly think I was here to impound your ship or fine you for licenses that quite frankly, I couldn't care less about, did you? That's great. This should be enough to make brass think I really gave you all the what for. They're not really concerned with whether or not you get punished, they're upset and got their panties in a wad. I'll use your promise of assistance as the terms of our agreement and they'll bite." Another chuckle.

"Sorry guys, had to make it seem real. So, you all keep flying and Esther, as to being a soldier," a salute, "you're right, we all keep it. I wouldn't dare threaten a fellow or arrest them for real, i'd rather refuse to carry out the law. So, don't worry about permits or anything. Besides, Chovian is a diplomatic representative, just say this is his personal ship. Works wonders." Another chuckle, "Anyways, you all take care now. I'll come by in the morning for coffee and goodbyes before you go on about your business. But, please don't launch. Gotta make it seem like I really scared you."

He looks over at Kiloren, "This is how we treat friends Analyst. We only impound the ones we hate." And he turns to walk off.

Esther blinks...

Kiloren turns, the floor squeaking under his shoes, as he moves to follow after Alzarath. The click-clack of his soles making contact with the floor, starts to fade as he heads for the exit. He draws to a stop for a moment, and flicks his head towards Carson. "It's best that you keep your dog on a leash, Captain," he says coldly. "It's a nasty fine for letting a mutt like that roam free." And with that, he fallen in line behind Alzie.

Carson blinks at the sudden politeness...Carson didn't know what to think about it all. He shook it off, now confused on top of angry. He turned to Kiloren glaring at him...yeah...someone better keep him on a leash.

Esther just watches them leave. "I need a gorram drink.."