Smugglers Cove (Love2write and Silence)

Andy blinked a few times. Her back hurt where she mashed into the wall and her head was throbbing. "Quit yelling I'm fine." Getting up she brushed her overalls off. She had changed back into them when they were clean and tried to alternate so that she wouldn't ruin any of Stars clothing. Then she heard the panicked messages from the boy. "Oh my gosh." Rushing over to where they were she watched to be sure the boy got the right items and then turned to Kato. "I'll unstrap you from the bed now. Just don't do anything crazy ok?"

Soon as he got an answer Killian forced himself to his feet. "I don't know what happened yet." Wincing he gently put a hand on her shoulder. "Take it easy for a few. I'll be back up." Holding firmly to one side he stumbled down the corridor toward the engine room. "Kato you got anyone with you?" Sounded like he had Andy. Unfortunately he had to leave Star for a few moments. "Star you just yell for Andy if you need anything." By the time he reached the engine room he was already breathing heavily with occasional coughing. "Where are you?" Killian walked along the pathway till he heard something below and there he saw the boy and Mike.

The engineer was laid out across the floor with his mostly mangled arm bleeding steadily. Kneeling next to the man he squinted while he tried to figure out how bad the head injury was. Pushing the brown hair aside he picked at the wound with his fingers. "I think its just bad a gash. Maybe 2-3 stiches is all." The arm was a different matter entirely. Killian grabbed the man underneath both arms and lifted the limp body. "C'mon Timo. You tell me what happened on the way up." Holding onto the railing he used it for additional balance. Part way up the stairs he peered back at Timo. "We're gonna have a talk about this later. Right now I need you to help me with Mike." More than likely if the man survived this he would be having a chat with the boy too.

When they reached the infirmary Killian put Mike on the bench. "Star you ok?" Calling in on the headset he waited for her to answer. "Ok meet us in the medical bay. Got the whole crew here. I need to make an assessment of overall damage and see what we can do from here."
 
Star looks up Killian as he puts a hand on her shoulder. He looked in worse condition than she felt, but she was too dizzy to argue. She laid her head back, resting her eyes for a moment, knowing that in just a few minutes they were all going to have to deal with the aftermath of this hell of a war. Sunny beaches and a beachhouse was beginning to sound awfully nice right about now.

Timo looked up as Killian knelt next to him. He was relieved to here that it was just a gash and not something worse. He walked with Killian trying to calm down enough to explain how Mike had gotten his shirt trapped in the gears and then his arm and he panicked and shut down the engines to save him. The ominous way Killian said they'd talk about it later filled him with dread. He grabbed Mike's legs, his small body barely able to carry those, but trying all the same.
***
Star met the crew in the medbay, relying heavily on her cane. Timo was pacing like caged cat, chewing his nails as he stared at Mike in worry. Kato was trying to talk Killian through on what to do with Mike but the Captain just looked annoyed. He'd taken care of his share of injuries long before Kato had come along.

Star came to Kato's side, noticing his bloody back and the towels piled on top. "What happened to you?"
"Bullet in the back. Hit a nerve bundle, I think." His face was pale from the effort of trying to help with the other patients while suffering from his own wound. "I'd try to get the bullet out but...I think I'd do more harm than good right now." She takes a seat, wiping the blood out of her eyes again.
Kato jerks his head around to see her. His eyes widen. "Did you hit your head?"
She smiles weakly. "Yeah, just blacked out for a minute though."
Kato stares at her worriedly and opens his mouth to say something when she interrupts.
"How's Mike, Killian? Please tell me it just looks worse than it is."
 
Killian glanced at the doctor and almost yelled at him. "Lay down! I know what the hell I'm looking at. Its called an arm that was just crushed in a set of gears." Walking over to the closet he pulled out the x-ray scanner and ran it over the man's arm. It wasn't looking good at all. There was some blood from the torn skin and muscle. This wasn't something easily fixed. When Star came in she was immediately at the doctor's side. At least she had the sense to distract the man for a moment. Doctors were the worst patients simply because they knew too much.

When he'd finished the scan he washed his hands and put on some gloves. Star turned to ask him a question and he shook his head. "Eh...I don't know if he'll use his arm again or not. I need somebody to keep the mask over his face so he stay out while I do this." So far Mike hadn't woke up and perhaps that was a good thing. Killian the mask was over Mike's face and then he stared with a sterile disposable scalpel. Making a small incision in the upper arm he slid a long pair of tweezers into the would and played with the muscle till he had it in the grip and pulled it up. Once it was in the approximate range he held it with the tweezers and held his other hand out. "I need the staple gun." Placing the staples into the bone and tissue he re-fastened the muscles and then moved down to closing up the wounds as best he could. For the final step he tried to gently move the bones into place and then put the arm in a removable cast so that they could at least get to the incision sites.

It took a while and he was already tired but he needed to get to the doctor and then he could stitch up Star's head too. Killian winced slightly when he pulled at the gloves on his hands. His ribs were aching and every breath was only making this worse. Finally he reached the table with the doctor. Pulling a new pair of gloves on he grabbed the disinfectant wound wash and used a little more. They had gone through a lot on Mike. "Andy why don't you hold the mask over his face. I don't need the doctor telling me how to do surgery on his back."

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The captain had been up around the clock except for the few hours of sleep before the warning had gone off on the ship those hours ago. He finished patching the doctor and put a few stitches into Stars head. Finally he slumped against the wall and slid to the floor slowly. Timo was still pacing about and Killian beckoned to him. "Come over here. We're gonna have a chat."

This was one of those moments when it was best for the boy to have all the crew here. It would make this a memorable thing for the right reasons. "I called everyone to their stations cause we were under attack right?" When the boy nodded he had to keep from losing his temper. Taking a deep breath he continued. "Mike told you not to turn the engines off is that right?" Again the boy nodded and Killian had to pause this time. Despite the wait his voice was gradually turning into a growl. "You could have killed the entire crew. Kato isn't your fault. Andy's back is your fault. You saw the bruises when I checked them. Star's head is your fault, I got hurt too." Finally he pointed at Mike, "And you thought that turning the engines off would save him. It was against his orders cause he knew what he was doing. What if we crashed worse? Mike would have still been dead. He might have gotten out and only lost his arm! As it is Mike still might lose the arm and now we're grounded on a planet in civil war. We still might get killed."

All the extra effort had left him tired out and winded. Laying over on the floor he started to close his eyes when he heard someone knocking on the doors of the ship. "I'll have to see who it is. Stay here." Motioning to the others he gave Timo an especially firm gaze. Last thing he needed was for the kid to think that he could prove himself or try to help.
 
Kato had fallen asleep after Killian had taken care of him, partly due to the drugs. Timo sat like a beaten puppy as Killian reprimanded him, tears welling in his eyes. Star wanted to jump to his rescue, but knew everything Killian was true. While the man talked to the boy she stared at Killian, noting how exhausted he was and how he was holding on to his side. He must have hit his ribs again during the crash and Kato wasn't awake to check him over.

Star stood as he finished his lecture. Timo curled into a ball in the corner, trying to be brave and buck it up, but unable to stem the tears streaming down his face. What was one to say? Its ok? It wasn't, but she could empathize with not wanting to watch Mike get his arm torn up in some gears.

She moved over to Killian and was about to offer to help him get to bed to rest when a pounding sounded at the door of the ship. "I'll have to see who it is. Stay here."
"Killian, let me help. You're hurting and exhausted." Star pleads. Her grip tightened on her cane, knowing full well she wasn't much help in her own condition. But she needed to at least try.
 
The captain's brow furrowed when he heard the woman plead with him. Star was perhaps one of the few in the condition to help him and she typically showed decent judgment. "Alright. I just need you to stand by the emergency switch." If they weren't friendlies he would need to have her lock the door and then he would put the ship the rest of the ship on lockdown. That was perhaps the only thing that could buy them time.

Moving slowly toward the main door he could still hear the pounding. "I'll see if I can re-route enough of the residual power to the camera." Typing into the pad near the door he peered into the camera and nodded to Star. "We got to lock down now and get everyone moved." It wasn't the rebellion. "Alliance." That one word was enough for her to understand the urgency of the situation. Soon as she hit the switches. Killian reached for her spare hand and pulled her a bit faster. They had to get moving. Before heading to get the others he took her to his room and opened the hidden room that Timo had found earlier. "You get in here. I'll have Andy help me get the others in here."

Jogging fast as he could to the medical bay Killian breathlessly pointed down the hall. "Alliance we need to get into my quarters. Star...." Leaving it there he figured they could figure out the rest. Grabbing Mike he threw the man over one shoulder. "Andy get Kato."

Timo ran ahead and made sure the pathway was clear so the other two could get out of the bay without too much trouble. Inside the room Killian had Star and Timo lead the way into the passage. On the other side of it Killian locked the door and figured they could pray that the Alliance didn't find the room when they searched the ship. Gently as he could he flopped Mike onto the floor and watched Andy as the woman carefully rested Kato on a blanket that Star had put out. It wasn't much but, at least the woman had thought of grabbing a few helpful things while the rest of them were coming.

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Booming sounded overhead as soldiers poured into the ship. Killian cringed with every bang that seemed to get closer and then they began to move further away. Nervously he shifted and glanced at Star. He hadn't realized until now that he'd been holding his breath. Taking several shorter breaths he turned his head toward the footsteps above them.

Gradually the sound of feet trickled away out of the ship and then it was replaced with silence. Killian put a hand out and caught Andy. "No we stay here." So long as they were hidden and undiscovered they were safer. Since he couldn't be sure what had been done to the ship he opted to stay in here for the time. Eventually the captain laid on his less sore side and fell asleep. "Rest for now. We all need it. I'll think of something. Someway to get us out of this."
 
Alliance. As if we weren't in enough trouble as it is. The next few minutes were a blur. She locked down the ship, followed Killian to the hidden room and rushed about to grab whatever she could think that they might need. Blankets, pillows, and emergency rations from box stashed underneath Killian's bed. She made a makeshift bed on the crates for Mike and a second one near the desk for Kato. Only, when Killian arrived he dropped Mike onto the bed on the floor. Oh well. Andy set Kato on the bed on the crates and Timo scooted the stuff on the desk so he could sit there.
There simply wasn't enough room in here. Andy sat on the floor next to Kato while Star propped up pillows for herself and Killian next to the shelving unit.

They waited with baited breath to be discovered. Star crosses her fingers. Finally the footsteps fade. She relaxes and Andy stands as if to check it out, but Killian wisely stopped her. They didn't know if the footsteps had been a trick and the soldiers had left others on board to watch for them to come out of hiding. Killian lays down next to her, telling them to rest. She scoots over and lifts his head to rest on her leg, tucking a blanket around him. She gently stroked his hair, reassuring herself that everyone was still alive and here and that somehow, someway, Killian would make sure they got out alive.
 
At first the man tensed when he felt Star grab his head. If he wasn't so tired and sore he might have grumbled and refused. Instead he let her do as she pleased for now. The blanket felt good and he pulled it a little tighter around his shoulders. "Thanks." Mumbling under his breath he adjusted himself slightly and barely got comfortable before her fingers began to brush through his hair. It was relaxing and he started to drift off. No matter how much danger they were in he managed to fall into a deep sleep. His mouth fell open slightly. With only a little time drool started to run out of his mouth and he slept right through it.

Mike woke up part way into the evening. It was dark in the room except for a small lantern. Grunting he reached across himself and cradled the arm. It was hurting pretty bad, but he figured if they were hiding in a dark room it was for good reason. Hovering over him was a mini figure of a person. Must have been Timo. The older man did his best to grin. "Hey there." Sitting up he noted the look of worry on the boy's face. "Come and sit with me." Once the boy was seated next to him Mike peered into his face. Even if it was dark he liked to look at the person he was talking to. "Killian already talk to you." Seemed that the captain had so the older man decided to take a gentle route. There was no telling how hard the captain had been on the boy. "You need to know something. We all do our job around here. Just trust whoever is in their area to do their best. I trusted you Timo. It was very dangerous what you did." Before the boy could sneak away he grabbed Timo's hand. "You made a choice and now you live with the choice. That's how we learn. None of us are mad at you and we don't blame you. Its not a pretty thing." Pointing to his arm he acknowledged the reason that Timo had stopped it. "You'll make a fine captain one day. You care about your crew."
 
Star smirks to himself as he begins to drool. She was going to have fun holding that over his head. She grabbed a spare pillow and put it behind her head. A few minutes later, she too was asleep. Kato watched them sullenly, having awoken a in time to see Star cradling Killian on her lap and tenderly stroke his hair. It felt cruel, being trapped in here, having to watch them. He turned his head, noting Andy not far from him. "You ok?" He asked quietly.
***
Timo's heart lept as Mike woke up and called him closer. He was so relieved he didn't even care when Mike began reprimanding him too. He lowers his head in shame as Mike took his hand and encouraged him that they weren't mad. He didn't believe it. Everyone was hurt because of him. Some worse than others.
"You'll make a fine captain one day. You care about your crew."
"I don't want to be Captain...or a smuggler anymore." Timo shakes his head and whispers. "I wish I'd stayed on the streets." A tear trickles down his face and he swipes it away, only to have it replaced by another.
 
Andy glanced at the doctor when he spoke. A reddish blonde curl fell into her eye and she swiped it away. "I need to cut my hair. That's how I'm doing." It was obvious that Kato was watching Star and Killian. She couldn't help feeling a little bad. While her first impression of the captain was a bad one it seemed with time he grew on a person. Fairly easy to hate just to start off. As for the doctor he was easily overlooked and ignored.

Getting herself up she walked over to where he was laying. "How's your back feel?" There wasn't much she could do for him but, if there was anything to help relieve the pain it must be causing she wanted to help.

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Hearing the boy's statement made the older man frown. "Hey now." Pulling Timo in closer to himself he whispered. "I'm glad you didn't stay on the streets. We needed somebody in here to shake things up." Peering into the boy's face he caught the little bit of light from the lantern shining on his features. "Tell you what...How about you talk with the captain. I bet he has work for you to do that isn't smuggling. Besides you might like to know this. He grew up on the streets too." Mike let go of Timo for a moment so he could readjust his arm.

His entire arm was almost burning. "You mind getting a blanket for me?" Even if he had one already Mike was feeling cold. When the boy returned with the extra blaket he smiled. "That's much better."

****************************************************************************

The entire ship began to shake and the sound of crushing metal woke Killian. Sitting up he grabbed his side and wildly looked about the room. Then he felt the ship begin to move. They were likely being moved to a dump. At least that meant it was deemed there was no life on board. It was a good thing and all they had to do was wait a little longer to be sure that it would be safe to leave.

Escape still wasn't accomplished. In fact they were far from it. Killian peered at star and then down at her leg. His cheeks turned a little red and he refused to look at the drool spot on her jeans. The best way to handle this was to pretend that it didn't happen. "Star we'll be at a dump soon enough. Might be able to salvage enough parts to get out of here and fix the ship." It would be worse for the wear considering they were picked up by a ship transport. However, it could very well still be able to fly without replacing too many panels.
 
"Bareable." Kato managed a pained smile, it was if he didn't move. "I think your hair looks fine the way it is."
****
Timo's eyes widened slightly. "He did?" Timo glanced over at the Captian who was drooling on Star. Then Mike asked for another blanket. Timo nods and grabs a spare one off the floor, hurrying it back to Mike and putting over him. "Does your arm hurt bad?" The boy asks worriedly.
***
Star sat up with a start, grabbing the shelving unit as the ship began to shudder and shake. "What the..."
"Star we'll be at a dump soon enough. Might be able to salvage enough parts to get out of here and fix the ship."
"If we don't get crushed first..." She sighs then smirks as he notices the dark spot of drool on her pants. "You know, you used to think you were cute when you slept, now I'm not so sure." She chuckles, enjoying the flush of red that had come to his cheeks.

"What's happening? Why is the ship shaking?" Timo asks fearfully from his spot beside Mike.
"We're probably getting taken over to a dump, Timo. Don't worry, that means they don't know anyone is in here and we can get some parts to repair the ship." Star assures him. Timo nods, trying to look brave but clearly freaked out.
"Poor kid..." She murmurs just loud enough for Killian to hear. "This is a hard enough life without adding in a war into the mix of things." She stares at Mike, noting how he'd begun to shiver. "I'm beginning to wonder if we'll survive long enough to see the end of it."
 
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Andy reached up and twirled her hair with a finger. "Well I don't know. If you say so I might leave it for a day or so. Depends on how long I can stand it." A grin started to grow on her face. Still she couldn't help noticing that the doctor was in pain. "Maybe we'll see if there is anything left in the ship for you." She hated to see the man suffer like this. Gently she rested a warm hand on his shoulder.

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"Yeah he did. You might have to ask him someday." Mike almost had to grin at the surprise in the boy's voice. How the kid thought all this time that the captain had chosen this life because he liked it so much had him baffled. It was rare that anyone actually chose this life. However, folks got this idea that smugglers did. Some of them were here because they were nothing more than criminals and couldn't find any other gainful employment. Others were smugglers due to the fact that life put them in circumstances that allowed for little else and no future beyond going criminal.

Meeting the boy's gaze he nodded grimly. "Ooh I imagine the arm will hurt for a while. It wasn't your fault I fell into the gears. I just didn't have a good enough grip." Really if there was anyone close to blaming it was the captain for that one. He didn't yell out a warning or anything. Still Mike knew that he should have been holding on tighter soon as he felt a little erratic driving.

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Seemed to be natural that Star would take the chance to poke fun at his misfortune. Killian just raised an eyebrow. "Well I could have drooled someplace else if you would have preferred." Only way to get past this sort of stuff was to fess it up and just pretend it wasn't embarrassing. The woman made comment about Timo and Killian sighed. "I know." It wasn't an easy life but, it was still better than the streets. Nothing was worse than that as a kid.

Glancing over at the boy he tried to think of anything that might have helped when he was that age. All he wanted at that age was food. Maybe somebody to hang around and make sure he didn't get beat up. Desires were limited and he couldn't help the fact that he was a little lost feeling. Timo had turned into a different person entirely since he joined the crew. When he first met the boy it seemed that Timo was a little thief. Fast too. Now he was acting more like a child in many ways. There was a bit of a jerk when the ship suddenly stopped and then Killian winced instinctively. "We're gonna drop." He knew that part was coming. Groaning a little with the impact of the machine on the pile of metal he held onto his ribs.

There was actually a good round of groans. Mike paled a little with the jostling. Despite his best attempts the arm was shaken and then the doctor's bed nearly collapsed. Andy tried to hold Kato still but, it only worked to an extent. "Alright I need to go upstairs and see if they left anything for supplies." Killian glanced at a few of the members. They were none of them in the best of shape. "Whose coming with?"
 
"I'm coming." Timo was on his feet in seconds, eager to atone for putting them in this situation.
Star too was standing, albeit somewhat awkwardly. The tilted ship was not helping her imbalance, but she was one of the few any condition to help. "I'll come, but someone able bodied should stay with Kato and Mike, in case they need anything." She looked over Andy then frowned slightly. The better plan would've probably been to switch places with Andy and have to girl go out with Killian...but didn't say that. She still wanted to go with Killian and be of some use.
 
Killian half expected the boy would want to come. "Alright." He didn't particularly care right now who came with just so long as there was one able bodied person with the wounded. Since only Star and Timo piped up it was easy. "Then lets get moving." Going to the top of the stairs he put his hand on the palm reader and waited. There was no biometric reading. They must have stripped all the power and drained all memory from the ship. That also meant his logs were gone. At least they didn't include anything about this room. He hadn't the chance to do that yet.

"Ok...." Grumbling he started back down the steps and began digging around in the shelves. "Star look for a C-R and Timo I need a fuse." They were going to have to make a little bomb to get out of the room. "If we put it on the lock and then one near the top of the door it should hit the weak spots and make it easy enough for me to push it over." A smirk played at the corner of his mouth. "Hopefully I won't have to push hard."

A little while later he had the bomb assembled and he placed it on the edge of the lock and then one in to the right hand corner. "Ok stand back." Killian wrapped his arms around Star. There wasn't much shock in the room to absorb. A flurry of dust rose up and he coughed a little bit. "Ok..." The captains eyes watered as he coughed a few more times. Working his way back to toward the door he could see the weakened points and he leaned into the door. It was just starting to creak and then it stopped. Grumbling he pulled back and then leaned a little more heavily. This time it gave way and he half stumbled into his room. closet which was closed. "Ow."

Killian stepped back and rubbed his nose. Sniffing a few times he wiped under his nose. It felt like it should be bleeding. Lazily he kicked at the doors till they flew open. Finally the were in the main body of the ship. "Alright spread out and find what you can. Star take the kitchen, Timo I need you to go to the navigation room and get a few things. I'll check the medical supplies. When you guys have an inventory let me know and we'll see if we can get everyone moved back into their rooms. Kato will be sleeping my room, Timo you stay with Mike and Andy will still be with you Star."
 
"Got it." Star nods and hurries off, as does Timo. Star grabs a datapad and begins going through the cupboards listing what they had. Not much was missing that she could see. They had at least 2 weeks worth of food if they rationed it. She finished the list and turned around. Apparently too quickly because her head began spinning again. She grabbed hold of the table, closing her eyes, waiting for the pounding in her head and the vertigo to subside.
"Star...are you ok?" She looked up. Timo was looking at her worriedly, he held a box of the items that Killian had ordered him to grab.
"Yeah, I'm fine." She smiled at him and pushed off the table. "What have you got?" Timo told her, and she nodded, confirming that he'd gotten the right things.
"I'm sorry...that your head got hurt again because of me." Timo stares at the box, that guilty expression on his face.
"It's ok, Timo. Things happen. You were just trying to do the right thing." She put a hand on his head, ruffling his hair. "C'mon, best not to keep the Captain waiting." She walks him back to the hidden room.
"Star...is Killian your boyfriend?" He asks this right outside the closet.

Kato's eyes widen and he grips the blanket in his hand tightly as Timo's voice echoes into the room.

"Uh...huh." Star chuckles awkwardly, scratching the back of her head. "Um, I don't know. I mean...we like eachother..."
"But I saw you kissing."
"When did you see that!? Little peeper!" She says in mock horror, grabbing him around the neck and driving her knuckles into his skull.
"Owe, no! NO!" He laughs.

Kato grits his teeth and winces as another shot of pain went up his back from tensing too much at the conversation.

"So? Is he your boyfriend or not?" Timo insists.
"Why does it matter, Timo?" Star shakes her head at him.
Timo shrugged. "I don't know. I think you two would be a good mom and dad. Then maybe you could..." He looks down awkwardly, his face flushed red.
Star sensed what he was trying to say. "Ah, Timo." She knelt in front of him, setting down his box on the bed. She pulled him into a hug. "No matter what happens, we're not going to leave you behind. Alright. We're family, even if no one gets married...or adopted. Ok?"
Timo nods, holding to her tightly. Star looks up as Killian enters and she stands. "Timo got what you needed. I found a good 2 weeks worth of rations. How's the medical supplies?"

Kato took several deep breaths trying to loosen the tension in his back. Andy was at his shoulder asking if she could do anything to help, but he just shook his head and turned his face to hide the agony in his features.
 
Killian was returning with a few pain killers muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory treatments. He wanted to make sure the two downstairs were dosed up real good before trying to move them back to a room. Thankfully the doctor had to move the least. As tempting as it was to leave him down there it would get cold a lot faster so Killian was going to have to try and sleep on the floor of his bedroom. Timo was talking loudly and Killian frowned when he heard Star say that they weren't boyfriend and girlfriend. They weren't really but, she didn't really make it sound like she'd decided he was it. That was reason to panic.

Stepping around the corner he was about to ask Star a question and instead she was giving him a mini report. Holding up his collection of medicine he grinned. "Well I got this for those two downstairs. Doctor will stay with me. I don't want to move him too much." Looking to the boy he nodded to the down stairs. "You tell them we're moving back upstairs in a few minutes." Now that he had Star to himself for a few moments he met her gaze. "There's never a good time to say something like this. Just so you know, I don't plan on finding any other woman. I've got all I want right here in front of me." Taking a deep breath he motioned for her to go down the stairs first and he followed slowly after her.

First he stopped by Kato and had Andy help him move the doctor so that they could get him to swallow the medicine followed with some crackers. "There now in about 20 minutes we'll be taking you to my bunk." Lifting the edge of the dressing he peered at the injury. So far it was looking red, swollen, bruised, and sore. That was normal for a gunshot wound. "Well doctor its looking like a regular shot to me. Never feels that way though." A slight smirk came to his face. "Not sure if you would have preferred having it in the ass. That hurts too as I've been told."

Mike huffed even from his place at the mention of the shot to the rear end. "Closest you've been to kissing my ass." That always got a reaction out of the captain and soon enough the two of them were bickering while Killian gave the medicine to Mike.

By the end of the twenty minutes he grabbed Kato as gently as he could. Despite that the man was still in obvious pain. "Well its only a short distance." Walking him up the stairs Killian set him on the bed. "Next I'll get an IV and you don't need a button. I'll be right here." Throwing an extra wad of blankets on the floor he settled onto them. The captain was terribly sore himself and his chest was still burning with almost every breath. While he was settling in he saw the others come shifting through the room to head off to their own space. Mike could at least walk himself and the girls were headed toward their room as well.

When they got to their room Andy looked at Star. "So you like the captain. What's so special about him?" While she no longer had a strong dislike for him she had never seen what the other woman did.
 
Star nodded, glad that there was still plenty of medicine for Kato and Mike. She'd been worried the place had been ransaked before moving it to the dump. Killian orders the boy to pass on the message than turns to her, and strange expression on his face. "There's never a good time to say something like this. Just so you know, I don't plan on finding any other woman. I've got all I want right here in front of me."
Her mouth opened in a surprised "O". Killian must have heard her conversation with Timo. She hadn't been exactly sure where she stood with him at this point, and now he'd basically admitted she was the only woman he wanted. Did that mean he loved her?"
It was crazy right? For the last month he'd been a complete stranger that she felt close to. Then her memories returned and with them her thoughts and feelings about him. Still, they'd only known eachother for about half a year. And half of that they'd been at one another's throats most of the time. Did he really truly mean that? He didn't seem the sort to say it if he didn't.
"I don't know what to say..." She didn't. She had no clue. Killian simply took a breath and nodded at her, hiding whatever he felt under that familiar mask.
***
Star hugged the sink as she brushed her teeth preparing for bed. With the engines off it had already dropped to an uncomfortable coolness. Thankfully layering with sweats, sweaters and socks did alot to help. She moved over to the bed and was just sitting down when Andy suddenly asked, "So you like the captain. What's so special about him?"
Star paused. It was a very good question. What was so special about him? He was a smuggler, a criminal...but so was she.

"I know he's gruff and at times annoying, but he's always protected me and this crew. He tries not to act like it but he cares deeply about every single one of us. I admire that. I've never met someone who has risked his own life and well-being so many times to take care of us." She picked up her brush and began running it through the tangles in his hair.
"After I got...shot, Killian spent nearly everything he had to make sure I survived and was taken care of. Two months...he didn't know if I was ever going to wake up and yet...yet he didn't give up on me. How many men do you know who would do that?"

She looked over at Andy, suddenly on a roll. "I'm 27 years old, Andy. I've been with dozens of guys and had been around hundreds more. Not once, have I ever met someone quite like Killian. He's strong and firm in his decisions and boundaries, but he's also kind and flexible, willing to listen to our opinions and take them into account. He knows who is and doesn't let anything tell him otherwise, but he's not arrogant about it either. I think...I think that's why I've begun falling for him. He's the kind of guy I've been looking for all my life and...he's right in front of me." She looks away. "You know...just a few hours ago...he told me I was the only one for him." She smiles back at her. "I didn't know what to say at the time, but...now I do. Thanks, Andy."
 
Andy almost had to smirk at the woman. She sounded completely smitten. There were a few things that it seemed Star was overlooking. "Sounds almost perfect. Then you forget that he has a horrible temper, seems to be plenty of smugglers are monogamously challenged, and he's obviously challenged in relationships for whatever reason. Maybe he isn't even challenged for the reasons I mentioned." The little woman shook her head. "I'll admit he grows on a person after a while. Something about the fierce side. I'll say that's why I joined his crew cause even though I've never worked for a smuggler everyone knows he is one captain that takes care of his men. Its one way to ensure loyalty." While Star had named many things that went beyond crew loyalty it was still hard for the other woman to believe it. "If you want him then go for it. I'd rather have a good hearted, quiet man labeled a coward than a dead hero. That's what Killian is gonna be at the end of this." Pulling the blanket up on herself Andy turned over in the bed. "To each their own."

********************************************************************************

Early the next morning it was cold. Killian was curled under his blankets. He poked his head out from underneath the covers to check on the doctor. "You alright?" Looked like the doctor was cold to. They were going to have to do something to get better shelter. They wouldn't last long and especially not the injured members if he couldn't keep them warm. "I'll see if we can get any kind of power to the engines. Maybe we've still got some reserve."

Getting himself up he winced with the first few steps. The beating had caught up and it was making him even more sore today. Shuffling lazily down toward the main engine room he stared at the gears and pipes. There was a bit of damage. Getting it running was going to be a miracle. As for the probability that there was any fuel left...who knew.

Cranking the pump with one hand for a few moments he then switched hands out and stuffed the first one into coat pocket. His hands were freezing from just touching the metal. Part way through he switched hands again. Intermittently he changed hands till there was a gentle hum from the machine. Jogging over to the main port he pulled the lever down and the engines started to slowly crank. It was always a little nerve wracking trying to start this ship. Once he had it running he kept it running for a very long time. It wasn't god to let it sit for long and let the engine cool off. Soon enough they would be warmer and that would give him time to gear up and start looking for shelter of some kind.

Wandering back toward the kitchen the lights started to come on and the regular hum of the heat vents started. Killian turned the stove on in the kitchen so that they could get something hot to eat in a bit. Then wandering back to his room he pulled a blanket off the floor and wrapped one around his shoulder before laying an extra one over the doctor. "I'll be back in a few unless you need something now."
 
Andy's last comment gave her pause. She'd thought about that too. In fact, it was the main source of her hesitancy going into this relationship. There was an uncomfortabely high chance that anyone of them could be killed at any given time. Mike was perfect evidence of that. She herself was as well. They all were. Killian had been nearly beaten to death. Timo had been shot...twice in less than a month. Even Kato who stayed away from a majority of the smuggling had been shot. This life wasn't safe, and she saw no end to it in the near future. So...the question was...was Killian worth the risk of heartbreak?
****
Kato blinked open his eyes as the Captain spoke. He was shivering from the cold and could almost see his breath in the air. "You alright?" The Captain asked.
No... Kato didn't say it outloud. He simply nodded. When the Captain came back he simply shook his head. There was nothing he needed from this man that he would be willing to give. He closed his eyes again, willing the extra blanket to warm him up quicker.
Star got up the next morning and immediately went looking for the Captain. The door to his room was open so she knocked lightly and entered. "Killian?"
"No...he's not here, at the moment." Kato turned his head to look at her.
"Oh...well, how are you doing? Do you need anything?" Star approached the doctor, kneeling by the bed to check on him. After all the weeks he'd spent helping her return to her healthy self, he deserved to have someone make sure he was ok.
He held out a hand and she instinctively took it, smiling kindly. "Leave with me." He says suddenly.
Star blinked. "I'm sorry?"
"Leave...this life. If you stay any longer, you or Timo will be killed. Its just a matter of time. Look at all that has gone wrong already, and in just a few months."
"I appreciate your concern, Kato, but we're are going to be fine. Just watch, Killian will get us out of this."
"Killian is the one who got us into this. Think about it, how we have been traveling safely all this time and no sooner do we put up the guns than we get attacked. Killian has turned this into a warship and you all into war profiteers."
"We are not war profiteers." Star protests.
"We are transporting weapons that are killing people." Kato argues, gripping her hand tightly. "For the sake of your own life and the boy's. Leave with me." He pleaded.

Star withdrew her hand and stood. "Kato, I can't. I...I love Killian. At least, I'm starting too." She smiles lightly. Kato looks at her as if she'd stabbed him. "I'm sorry, Kato. Um, rest well." She turns towards the door to leave, but he reaches out and snatches her hand.
"Wait, Star..."
She stumbles, the sudden jerking on her arm throwing her completely balance. Her cane slid beneath her legs as she attempted to catch herself before she fell. Kato gasped. Everything seemed to move in slow motion as his mind began relaying all the information of how traumatic a third hit to the head would be for her. It was the sort of thing she may very well not survive. And then...there was a body in the doorway. A massive body suddenly catching Star out of thin air, saving her, yet again.
Star looked up in surprise. "Nice timing." She said with a shaky smile, her heart still pounding.
 
Killian went to visit the other part of his crew. More than likely Mike and Timo would still be sleeping. Pushing the door open he checked to be sure that they were at least alive. The room was frigid at best. If the door was open it would circulate the air better. Wandering back through the ship he decided to go toward the navigation room to peer out the window. They were out on a junk field far from anyone. It was the mountains. That explained a lot and he was suddenly very irritated. They couldn't get the ship repaired here and if they could it wouldn't take off.

For now he was going to head back and see what he could find on the maps. They might have to steal a ship and get out of the galaxy and immediate system. If they were going to have a craft large enough for the task he would have to steal a large cruiser. That would be a feat that even he hadn't tried before. One that was a bit nerve wracking at best. Perhaps they could just hide out in the mountains and wait for a chance to steal something smaller and get out. Head back to a smuggler controlled area and steal a ship that way. It was better and he was more familiar with that process.

Heading back toward the room Killian let the blanket hang over only one shoulder for the time. The ship was getting warm enough that he was sure it wouldn't be long till the crew was more comfortable. Stepping into the doorway his eyes widened slightly. Star was already making a dive for the floor because Kato had done something stupid. Haphazardly Killian threw himself onto the floor to catch Star. When she landed on him, he momentarily lost his breath. It was the only way he knew that he could have caught her. "Can't breathe." Helping her sit up he rubbed at his ribs and sat up too. He wasn't liking what he saw with the doctor holding onto her hand like that and pulling her over. "What were you doing? You know she's real steady yet." It was a matter of time and then she should get her usual balance back.

***************************************************

Killian spent most of the morning sitting in the kitchen staring at the table and his various maps that he had from the base of the ship. He was studying them to get some sort of idea. Some of them he didn't even know where to go. Only one or two were familiar but, they were considered mostly unexplored and that was always an opening for potential danger.

Feeling a hand over his he looked up at Star. "What?" At first he was worried that something was terribly wrong. It sounded more like she wanted to talk. "About what?" Killian was suddenly nervous. What if she was giving him her side of the story from yesterday. Maybe Star was going to tell him that she wasn't the woman. "Before we start I need something to drink." Opening a little cubby in the wall he pulled out a sparkling cider. "Its non-alcoholic I think." Handing it to Star he let her check before pouring a drink for her and himself. "Ok now we can talk."
 
"What were you doing? You know she isn't real steady yet."
Kato's eyes were wide, his cheeks flushed. "I'm sorry...I didn't mean..."
"I'm fine. I'm ok." Star looked over at Killian. "Are you alright? I didn't land on your ribs to hard did I?" She relaxes slightly when he assures her and allows him to pull her to her feet.

They left and Kato reprimanded himself for letting his worry for her get the better of him. Looking back, he was humiliated and frustrated with himself. And with nothing else to do except lay in bed, the thoughts continued to torture his mind. What if Killian threw him out of the ship because of this? He wouldn't be able to watch over her anymore...and that thought was terrifying.
****
Star paced outside the kitchen playing and replaying what she wanted to say in her mind. Finally she takes a breath and approaches Killian. He had his back to her, and was studying the maps they had found. He was clearly trying to concentrate but she had to say something before she lost her nerve. "Hi..." She lays a hand on his own.
He looks up at her, getting a concerned look at her own nervous expression. He stood and got them drinks as she sat and wrung her hands beneath the table. He poured them both some sparkling cider and she took it in her hand.
"So...I wanted to apologize...for not saying anything after your...confession yesterday. You, uh, caught me off guard. I guess I didn't really realize...well, I mean I knew you liked me...but not that much...um, god..." She takes a sip of her cider. She looks up at him with those bright green eyes. "I think I'm falling in love with you, Killian. And honestly part of that really freaks me out. There is still so much I don't know about you...your thoughts, your plans. Like, what are we really doing right now? This isn't just smuggling anymore. We're putting up weapons in the ship...and...and we're getting in the middle of ship battles and planet battles. We're smuggling weapons that are killing people and that bothers me." She takes a breath. "I think I'd be willing risk falling in love with you, despite the fact we seem to face death on a daily basis, but...I need to know where we're going as a crew...and when this is going to end. I need to know...that there are lines we will never cross, no matter what."
 
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