Smugglers Cove (Love2write and Silence)

If there was one thing about the Bippens it was their lack of privacy that got to Killian. He was trying to settle in and gag as much of the drink as possible when he heard Kato talking in the hall. Bare walls only seemed to amplify the sound. "That man! What was he thinking!? Slaughtering dozens of people with a boy in his arms, watching the entire thing!" Killian tried to ignore it but, he found himself curious. Why would Kato suddenly get so upset when all this time he never said a word? Closing his eyes Killian let himself focus purely on the sounds outside of his room.

"He was thinking about saving them!" Star's voice was easy to pick out of the mess. "Both of them. From man-eating cannibals remember!? Where is this coming from anyway?"

It wasn't surprising considering the last few statements that Kato continued with as scathing a comment as possible."Timo...he's traumatized...I don't say that lightly. His nightmares are the sort that'll last for weeks, perhaps longer. He's worried himself sick. Literally, sick. And all because of the brutality of that...monster!" A monster and the boy thought so too? Finally he'd heard enough and Killian pulled the glass of gray liquid toward himself to suck down what he could. It was still nagging at his mind. Kato had called him a monster and the boy was terrified for what he saw. Was it method it was done or was it fact that the boy was there? If he had been by himself it wouldn't have been as bloody and that was because he wouldn't have had to go back or even been captured a second time.

The captain did his best to ignore the fact that the argument in the hall had been a little loud to start with. Instead when Star came in he pretended nothing happened. Star was either trying to be brave or she was hiding this from him on purpose. She was giving him nice news. Timo was resting and it sounded peaceful, but it wasn't and Killian knew it.

After a few moments she returned the question and he nodded. "I'm alright. Feeling a little better. I need someplace not quite so communal when I get out of here." It was difficult since he knew she would stay with the boy. "Star I want you more than anything, but I don't think it'll turn out that way. We can still go forward and see how things turn out, but I'm not the father Timo needed."

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Mike still wasn't sure what else he could do. He'd tried taking the boy to the room and he couldn't even get Timo to say anything while they were working. Finally the older man sighed. "Were you in danger at the village?" Maybe the boy would be able to see for himself if he could answer a few questions. It wasn't a good idea to push but, Mike also knew they couldn't leave Timo in his little world to fester up with fear or hatred.
 
Star looked up at him, startled. "No." She says resolutely and rather sternly. "You do not get to bring the boy into our relationship like that. If we decide we want to be together the rest of our lives...it should be because we love eachother. You don't get to take back everything you said yesterday just because you're having doubts about being there for Timo." Once that was out she took a breath and relaxed. "Killian, Timo is going to be fine. He just needs some time. He's a strong kid. Just like you need time to heal too. May I remind you that before you accepted him on the ship, he didn't even have a father or mother. Now he has the whole crew. You at your worst, is far better than no one at all."
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Timo nodded his head slowly and looked down at his leg. They'd broken it to keep him from running. And he knew by the way they were treating him and Killian they were both in danger.
 
It was a little shocking to have Star object so firmly. Killian wasn't used to hearing that kind of protest or correction. Momentarily he met her gaze and then shook his head. "At my worst he would be better off by himself." The captain refused to look at her for the time. "Star it all takes time that's what people say and you'd think I would get better with time. I need out of this room. Its driving me crazy. I need to walk or go somewhere."

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Mike nodded in return as Timo acknowledged the injury. "Some people are made to do what is necessary." Reaching for the next tool he brought up to the gear and twisted a few times. "There now I've got this part fixed. How about you do the next one?"
 
"I've got just the place." Star jumped up and rolled the wheelchair over to him, insisting he sit and let her push him. She finally relents as he refuses adamantly and settles for his arm being around her. She snuck him out of the hospital room up the stairs and out onto a patio nearby. There was cushioned bench overlooking a lake surrounded by a garden. The sun just starting to set in the mountains beyond city.

"It really is beautiful here." She notes as they sit on the bench and she curls up next to him. Star looked up at him, "What's going through your mind, Killian? Why are you saying one moment you want me to be with you permanently and the next saying its not going to work out because of Timo? What sort of thought process brought you to that conclusion."

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Timo slid off the chair, using the crutches to pull himself over to Mike, who'd already set up a little stool for him to sit on. He took hold of the wrench and began loosening the screws that Mike instructed him too. After a moment, the boy was working on his own, already knowing the familiar problem from his time working with Mike on their engines. Before he'd destroyed the ship...that was. The wrench lowers.

If he hadn't stopped the engine, they never would have crash-landed on that world. Mike's arm would still be fine and maybe they wouldn't have come here? No...they still would have. If he was honest, he was glad they had. He did like it here. He just never wanted to go exploring with Killian again. He resumed the repairs, lost in thought. Soon he was using his hands to carefully pry out a damaged gear.

He handed it to Mike. Normally he would have been ecstatic about figuring out the problem for himself, but everything was numb. He couldn't even smile about it. Some people are made to do what is necessary. That didn't make any sense to him.
 
Star was surprisingly keeping up with the rambling thoughts and Killian found himself staring at a wheelchair. "I don't want to." Even then Star was insisting and he shook his head. "Not doing it. We walk out or stay here. I'm not sitting a wheelchair." Finally he gave an exasperated statement. "There's nothing wrong with my legs!" With his one good arm he pointed to his feet which were firmly planted on the ground. At last Star seemed to think that it was ok. Killian grabbed the bag hooked up to his arm. It was still pumping some pain medication into his arm though at a much slower rate than it had been the last few days before.

The two of them walked outside and Killian would have remained standing but, Star sort of directed him to the bench. Sitting down with her, he let out a sigh and looked at the distant mountains. Those ones had been charted but, it didn't mean there wasn't something new to find. Just so long as he didn't have to go underground. Star couldn't leave things alone. She was always prying with her questions even when it was satisfying just for it to be quiet.

A gradual scowl came to his face. "I didn't say it couldn't work. Just said we'd have to wait and see." Killian looked down at her face. "I heard the doctor. It wouldn't bother me if he was the only one to say that sort of thing. When you hear it a lot usually there's some kind of weight to it. Star...I'm scared. What if he's right? What if I get worse with age instead of better. Maybe I would be better to live alone. You already know I don't have boundaries but, if I get worse what I do would change. It might not be self defense next time. Chips will fight and kill for anything. That's how I got my first ship. It would be dumb of me to ignore that and I can't say those sort of things don't cross my mind from time to time anyway. Obviously I don't do everything I think of. Still..." Looking toward the mountains again he finished his thought, "A lot of potential to be a monster."

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The older man smiled broadly when the boy figured it out. "Very good. You remember. I don't care what those tests say. I'll make an engine man out of you yet. Now lets look at the next one."
 
Star listened solemnly and gradually took hold of his free had, putting it between both of hers. "I wouldn't let that happen to you, Killian. You're already getting better, kinder, more empathetic. A year ago would you have even considered protecting Timo over yourself if you didn't know him? Would you have kept a crew member like me aboard your ship even when they couldn't remember your name? Would you have left your people, for the sake of one woman who suffering under their thumb?" She shook her head. "You've already improved so much."

Star took a breath. "Every person has the potential to be a monster, Killian. Some more than others, but everyone chooses whether they'll entertain that monster or cage him. If you choose to let that monster run your life, then you're right...this isn't going to work and I'll be taking Timo with me as far as I can go." She looked up at him with a smile. "But I know you won't. You have too much lose and so much to gain. And despite everything that you've done or survived in your life, you still have a big heart and good spirit."
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Timo sighed. He didn't want to keep working on the engine. He wanted to go curl back up in bed. But Mike hands him another tool, so he begins again. This part was much smaller and more complicated, but with a few prompts from mike he found the chain that had slipped off its motor and fixed that as well. This time he smiled, ever so lightly. When working on the engine there was no place in his mind for anything else. He had to concentrate on every piece to remember where everything went back again after removing it. It was therapeutic. He put the piece back together exactly as it was supposed to go and started on the next one without any prompting.

The muscles in his shoulders and face began to relax and his eyes temporarily lost that look of pain, fear and loss.
 
Killian snorted. "Of course my heart is big especially compared to yours." Making a fist he pulled his hand away from hers. "Fist is approximate size of your heart." Whenever she got too mushy on him it was impossible not to crack some kind of joke. It was the only way to keep from being completely awkward. There wasn't any other kind of response that he could think of for this situation. "What do you think of sneaking off the balcony?" Killian started to get himself up off the bench and he peered over the edge. If she held on he could probably make the jump without hurting himself or her. "Only about 10 feet down." The smirk on his face got a little bigger. Grabbing Star around the waist he winked at her. "We could go for a walk." Technically they still didn't like him leaving the building and he assumed it was even greater a regulation since the story of his slaughtering at the village where the whales go to die. Despite the experience he still wanted to go back and find out why the whales went there if they really did go there to die. So far as he knew whales didn't do that.

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Pretty soon the boy was off to working without being prompted. Mike smiled to himself and grabbed his tool box. Setting it between himself and Timo he started on the next kind of machinery. Timo could work those parts since they were smaller and easier for his deft little fingers. As for himself, Mike was going to take care of the oiling and repairs on the larger belts, gears, and pistons.
 
"What!? You're not thinking of..." Star yelped as he grabbed her around the waist. He was...he was going to jump. "You're arm is still healing! We really should just take the stairs."

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"These humans, this chippequoti...we are at war yet we've invited them in with open arms!" An angry Bippen was stirring up a drunken crowd in a nearby tavern. "They sleep, eat and receive medical attention for free while the poor around us suffer in the under district!"
"YEAH! Why should they get special treatment just because they are from another world?" Another exclaimed.
"I heard the chippequoti slaughtered an entire village in the uncharted region." Yet another piped up. "What if he turns on us and decides to slaughter us in our sleep?"
"Bah! Don't be stupid. That human female has him tame as a bippen." A female bippen spoke up from the bar. "He wouldn't dare attack."
"And yet he slaughtered a whole village. Does that sound tame to you!?" The entire tavern erupted in a massive argument. The bartender, fearful of a mob forming, called the authorities to break up the scene. They came and dispersed the group, but the spark had been ignited.
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Timo crutched himself over to Mike, holding a piece of machinery out to him. "I can't figure out what's wrong with it." He says, finally breaking his silence.
 
"Just hold on tight. Why would we take the stairs when there's a faster way down?" Chuckling a little bit he guided one arm to go around his neck and then the next one bumped his shoulder. Wincing a little he looked at her and then pulled her in tight. Instead of jumping off the balcony he pulled her up so that her face was level with his and he kissed her. "There...How about that?" With only one hand it was guaranteed that he couldn't get too touchy feely and she still had to be careful of his shoulder. "Oh I an hardly wait till I get this shoulder healed up. Then we can do this properly." Walking over to a wall he made sure she had something to lean against while he kissed her.

Part way through one kiss he stopped and his eyes narrowed. It sounded like someone was yelling. Wasn't normal around here for folk to be acting like that. Moving his lips away from hers, he frowned. "You hear that?" Slowly he lowered his good arm that he'd been holding her up with and let her slide down to her feet. Cautiously Killian worked his way to the doorway of the balcony.

Already the door had started to squeak open and a Bippen poked its head around a corner with a gun. Killian didn't wait for the man to do anything else. Tearing the door open he let the Bippen stumble forward and then he kicked him solidly in the knees. There wasn't time to hesitate and Killian slammed the door into the Bippens head. "We got to go now!" Grabbing Star around the waist he didn't even wait for her to react and lunged for the balcony as the door burst open behind them and gunshots sounded.

Landing wasn't as smooth as Killian had hoped. When he hit the ground he was caught a little off balance with Star hanging onto one side. Tipping over he did his best to avoid falling on her and thankfull most of the momentum was broke before they rolled to the ground. The jump had jarred his shoulder but, he hadn't rolled on it and miraculously Star hadn't grabbed it or anything else during the fall. Scrambling back off the ground he offered a hand to Star. His green eyes flashed and snarled. "I'll circle around back and throw the bastards off the balcony. Then we'll get the crew out."

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Andy was merrily painting and enjoying herself when the doors started to rattle. "C'mon in!" Without turning away from her work she grinned and tilted her head one way and then the next. There was something missing. Then she felt the cold metal of a gun. "EEEk!" Turning toward the man she frowned. "What are you doing?" Without waiting for him to react she ducked out of the way of his gun and started to run for the door.

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The tinkering had gone on long enough that Mike figured Timo should be relaxed. Glancing over at him he saw that the boy's face had relaxed some. "Alright...." Mumbling to himself he pulled out a replacement fuse and screwed it into place. Then he heard the boy say something. "Hmm..." Mike took the tool from him and he looked it over. "You check the spring on it?" From the boy's expression he figured Timo didn't know this kind of throttle was spring loaded. "You want the spring cause it's what controls the power. Shuts off as long as the pilot doesn't apply thrust. Make sense?"
 
Star was enjoying this rare moment of peacefulness and kisses from Killian. Her face flushed as he lifted her up and supported her against the wall, her heart began to pound as his lips pressed against hers. For a moment things seemed like could only get better. And then it all ended. The next thing she knew they were being attacked and Killian had launched them off the balcony. She scrapped her knees and arms in the landing but was amazed that neither of them had broken anything. Bippens appeared at the balcony's edge with guns as Killian helped her to feet. Why were they shooting at them!?

They sprinted out of the gardens, a bullet grazing the back of her neck as they fled. They were honestly trying to kill them. Why!? Why were they being attacked again!? Had Kato or Mike or Andy done something? Or was it because of Killian? She didn't have time to figure out the answers. As Killian went to deal with the shooters on the balcony she rushed to their room to retrieve the others. She didn't know where they were going to go, or how they were going to get out. Star ran straight into Andy as the wide-eyed girl came rushing out of their room. "Are the others in there?" A quick glimpse of the armed bippens storming towards them answered that question. She grabbed Andy's hand and pulled her along to find Timo and Mike and meet back up again with Killian.

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Kato burst into the engine room. "Mike, Timo. We have to go. The bippens are attacking us." His face said I told you so. He knew it would only be a matter of time before these people turned on them. No doubt because of Killian.
 
A bullet hit the ground near Killian and a spit a rock up that hit him in the leg. It was a close call. Turning sharply he pulled Star with him. "You start rounding the others up." It was probably best that the sling strapped his arm to his body. Killian could keep his shoulder from getting too sore. The stairs got his heart pumping a little faster than it was already. Already the Bippens were starting to rush back away from the balcony and flood the halls.

Andy yelled when she felt Star grab her. "Go left....go left!" She had thought there was a room that had a doorway leading outside. Somehow she had forgot about the others in the fray and she pulled away from Star. Fights were one thing that she wasn't good at. The little lady threw herself into the room and found that it was mostly empty. In fact it was the hospital room that the captain had been staying in. This was the last place that they would be looking for her. Hiding under the bed she stared about the room looking for anything that would be worthy of becoming a weapon for self defense. Then she spotted the tall IV hanger. It would work more like a spear but it could be effective if she needed it. Grabbing the stand she tipped it to go in front of herself and started out cautiously toward the hallway.

Killian charged for the first Bippen and threw the man against the wall. The body went limp and he slumped in place. A bullet whizzed past his head and one skimmed his already wounded shoulder. Enraged, he yelled and bulled ahead. By now he was close enough there wasn't time enough for the Bippen to shoot again. Tearing the weapon out of the Bippen's hands he cocked the gun and held it to the little fat man's head.

The mechanic almost froze when Kato announced the attack. Then he quickly snatched the boy. Kato for all his brains sometimes forgot details like this. Covering Timo's face the older man started for the doorway. "You just don't watch." He didn't want the boy to be anymore traumatized than he was. Looking to Kato the captain nodded. "Scope out the escape route." At this point none of them would up for fighting. It was a hope that whoever was attacking hadn't found Killian in his room and killed him. It would be a pity to see the captain get killed at a time like this. However, it was most important at this point to get himself and the boy out. The rest of them were adults and they could take care of themselves well enough.

Just as Mike started down the steps of backdoor it burst open and Bippen patrol rushed past them. "Contain the situation." One of the officers yelled and two stayed behind to watch Timo and Mike. Both the officers eyed them with some suspicion but, there was nothing that they were doing that was so wrong. "Stay here with us you'll be safe. Did you see the fight start? Do you know where the belligerent parties are?" Mike just kept shaking his head.

While Killian was holding the gun he pointed it at the others and yelled. "Get back!" He didn't want to shoot them if he didn't have to. Feet thundered down the hall and Killian turned his head briefly. In that moment one of the Bippen's lunged at him. Stumbling back Killian's finger pulled the trigger and a Bippen near the balcony fell into the railing on the balcony and then tipped over the edge of it. The Bippen patrol stopped and set up the stun machine. Standing back they released the arch and the whole hallway of men fighting dropped to the ground.

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Killian sat in a cell with his arm dripping blood from the new skim mark. It wasn't severe but, it still hurt and his shoulder was slightly more sore than usual from having the tube ripped out prematurely and being fallen on. They kept saying there were going to come get his statement but, it was a long time waiting. Scowling at the bars and the guard on the other side he couldn't help feeling like they were going to blame him. He hadn't even heard if anyone died yet or if his crew was ok. "Why don't you tell me something? Anything?" Getting to his feet he walked over to the edge of the stall and snarled at the man. "I didn't do anything to start this."

The guard shook his head. "Well if you didn't do anything to start this you wouldn't be here."
 
Star looked around finding herself suddenly separated Andy. Two more angry bippens spotted her and yelled, rushing her. She turned around sprinting back the way she'd come only to be hemmed in by three others. The only place to go was over the indoor railing and drop ten feet to the dining hall below them. That didn't sound like a logical plan, but neither did staying in the middle of these strangely ferocious bippens. When they were nice, they were incredible nice...when they got angry, they were terrifyingly violent.

Star struck the first as he got to close, breaking his nose. He stumbled backwards replaced by two more who landed their own series of punches. She broke the fingers of another, and possible the shin of a third. A fourth grabbed, lifting her up to toss her over the railing, the worn wood creaking as she was shoved against it. She grab his face, shoving her thumbs into his eyes hard. He screamed, releasing her and bending over holding his face. The fifth charged her like a football player, intending to use his weight to throw her over. Instead, it broke the railing and both fell.
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"Doctor." A bippen was stopped at the door to the room where Mike, Timo and Kato were being held. The guards stared at him warily, aware by this point that there were several bippens that were involved in this mini seige. "Please, I need the human doctor. One of the humans has been injured." Kato looked around the group. There were only two possiblities of who. He grabbed his medical bag and pushed through the guards following the fat little nurse. "Whose been hurt?"
"The little star human. She fell from the 2nd floor."
As they exited the room Kato could see the broken railing. He leaned over, his eyes widening.

There were two bodies below them. One of a bippen and the second of Star. They were lying on the remains of a broken dining table. "From what we can tell, she fell on the bippen and he broke her fall, but she hasn't woken yet. We aren't as accustomed to dealing with human injuries as you are."

Kato rushed down the steps to her side. They hadn't moved her, only attached her to a small vitals monitor, which was showing strong vital signs. He ran a hand-held scanner over her body from head to toe and viewed the results. A slight concussion, bruised ribs and a sprained wrist. Nothing major. He sighed in relief, glancing up from where she had fallen. It could've been alot worse if it hadn't been for her fat cushion and the table breaking their fall. The other bippen hadn't been so lucky. A broken neck it looked like. His fist clenched. How easily that could've been her.

Star suddenly took a deep breath, coughing painfully as she did. "Easy, try not to move to quickly." Kato warned her as he helped her sit up.
"God, what happened?" She held her head.
"You fell. That bippen cushioned your fall. Probably saved your life."
She scoffed. "Ironic considering he was trying to take it in the first place." She groaned, holding her ribs. "Damn it..." She suddenly remembered the others and looked up at him worriedly. "The others...killian?"
"Timo, Mike and Andy are fine. I'm not sure where Killian is."
Star looked around at the bippens around her. They shook their heads as well. "Find out, please!" She urged. One of them rushed off, as Kato helped her to her feet.
"Do you know what happened? Why were there bippens suddenly attacking? What did Killian do?"
Star glared at him and pulled her arm out of his grasp, holding her sprained wrist. "He didn't do a damn thing. Those bippens literally attacked us for no reason."
Kato shook his head. He didn't believe it. These people wouldn't have attacked for no reason at all. "Let's get some ice on that and your ribs." He reached out to help her but she pulled away again.
"Thanks, Kato. But I can take care of myself right now." She limped away, leaving him to stare after her like a kicked puppy.

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Timo was hyperventilating as Mike held onto him, carrying him to safety. No more. No more. He pleaded silently. Sometime later someone said something about them being safe now. Mike was trying to let him down but Timo just held tighter. It wasn't till later, after things had been quiet for a while that he relaxed enough to let Mike go. "Where's Star?" He asked, worriedly, looking around the room. Andy had been brought in some time earlier. But neither Star nor Killian were there yet. Kato was missing as well.
 
Mike and Andy waited in the courtroom. The judge was supposedly waiting for two more defendants to arrive. Glancing behind himself occasionally he would typically find himself facing the fat belly of a guard. Finally Andy nudged him and pointed to the figure of Star and Killian entering. There were a good number of guards around both and they had handcuffed Star. Killian was spared the handcuffs due to the injury to his shoulder. Instead his good hand was tied to the sling so that he couldn't possibly move it without causing considerable damage to his arm.

Jerking his good shoulder out of the grip of the guard he irritably took a seat and stared at the judge. He'd never been to a judge but, this wasn't quite what he'd heard. Usually the people in the court had to wait for the judge to arrive and then they would stand. Here the judge loomed over them from a podium and glowered at the group of smugglers.

The judge slammed his gavel into the podium and then scanned the room again. "We're here to review the evidence presented. I'll call on the first witness." Witness after witness arose to speak and all of them blamed Killian and Star for the mess. While the two were blamed, Kato, Mike, Andy, and Timo were accused of conspiring with the others. "So you've stated that the Chippequoti tamer thought of the plan and enraged her tamed Chip to make the attack? The rest of the crew served as distraction to the incoming team of police?" While the man confirmed the statement the judge eyed Star and Killian again. He was already suspicious when it came to the Chippequoti. They were trouble makers and always had an undying thirst for some kind of blood or action. It was possible that she was actually the captain and used the Chip to make raids. There was still yet a chance to ensure that they would not do something like that. Finally after all the testimony was given he read over the statements from each. "It says here by both of your accounts that you were together on the balcony." Looking at Star and then Killian his brow lowered. "By all witnesses you were both on the balcony when the fight started and the Chippequoti was the first to strike. For instigating such an attack and to pay for damages as suffered from law abiding citizens Captain Killian you and the entire crew are to serve for 1,600 hours each." Slamming the gavel again he peered at the crew and shook his head.

Killian almost flew out of his seat. "1,600 hours?" That was ridiculous. "We didn't start the fight!" Struggling to get his good hand free he was already kicking the chair in front of himself over so he could get at the judge. "Do you want me to start it here so you have a reason to give me hours!?"

Seeing that it was all going down hill Mike sprung from his seat and grabbed at Killian. "Captain we'll serve with you just like the judge said. No need to make it worse."

"You've got a twisted system. All you want to do is listen to your people feed your prejudice." Even while Mike was trying to hold him back Killian drug the engineer forward inch by inch while he cursed and yelled. "This isn't right." Mike swung himself around and got in Killian's way. As he was starting to get things under control the court guard fired the stun guns and both men hit the floor.

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By Killian's estimation he'd been working 10 hour days now for almost 90 days straight. That would give him another 70. It was a little over half way. At least now his shoulder was in better shape. In fact he was in perfectly good health with the exception of his attitude. Each night they were all locked into cells and only brought out to work. Cursing under his breath he pushed the framing up for the building. They had him doing a bunch of heavy work everyday. While Killian was already strong it only made him stronger to do the heavy labor.

Over the last few months he'd gotten heavier with the muscle mass. Occasionally he would catch a glance of Star and wink at her. If they made it through with the community service stuff he was going to steal a ship. They wouldn't give him a fair price on a ship and he already knew that. Hopefully she would understand his line of thought. A strange ship flew over head and Killian watched it for a moment until he felt a nudge. Glaring at the Bippen behind himself he rolled his eyes. "I'm working." As tempting as it was to turn around and hit the man it wouldn't really serve much of a purpose.

Once another long day was over with Killian sat in his cell. He could see Mike and Timo in theirs and he could hear Kato down the hall away. As for the girls he couldn't see or hear them ever. He tried to stay awake long enough to finish his food. 10 hours of hard physical labor usually had him tired out but, they added an exercise time to it. A few times the guards had laughed and said they worked him extra hard to be sure that he didn't have the energy to revolt. It only made Killian feel more angry. They pushed him cause they knew he had it in him to do something and if he did they would have every excuse to do what they were. Taking no action was the most difficult part of this.

A guard entered the gate. It was not normal. Killian stood up and glared at him. "What you gonna do?" The Bippen pulled a large needle out and shoved it into Killian's arm. Cool liquid surged into his arm and at first it made a bubble under the skin because it had been pumped in so fast and then Killian started to slump over. Other guards moved to the cells with the rest of the inmates.

The group of guards and a few citizens flew a small ship out to the fields to meet with the trading ship. It only came once every 7-10 years. "We have a little something extra for you to sell." Unloading the bodies one of the Bippens held his hand out. "30,000 credits each and we want 45,000 credits for the Chippequoti."

"Why should we pay you extra for a Chippequoti?" A curious grin came to the merchant's face. "Are they rare?"

Nodding the Bippen pointed to Killian. "They're a hardy violent people. We've never captured one. Always have to kill them but, this one was tamed by her." Pointing to Star he smiled. "Maybe I'll ask 45,000 for her and 30,000 for him. You want the trainer if you want him to be good for anything besides the killing fields."

"How did you hear about the killing fields?" Again the merchant was surprised. They had games for violent men and it utilized such creatures as the Bippen described the big one. After a few minutes he smiled. "Oh I'll take him and he'll go to the killing fields. I think it would be entertaining to see a Chippe...? Anyway it would be interesting. Nearly impossible to break their bones and a shot to the head won't kill him. It might change the game. If he turns out well I'll leave an order for our next crew to get more if you can capture them." Now he turned his head toward the humans. "Yet another species I've never seen. I'll take them all. They'll fetch a good price as curiosities if nothing else."
 
Star sighed as she set aside another trash bag of leaves, using a rag to wipe the sweat off her face. She glanced over at Timo who worked quietly beside her. He wasn't the same upbeat little lad they'd brought on the ship. His spirit was broken. Constant nightmares, sleeping in a cell, and working 8 hour days in menial tasks had taken their toll. He rarely smiled or spoke anymore, despite hers, Andy's, Kato's and Mike's best attempts to cheer him up and encourage him. She sighed and continued to work. Her body had become well-muscled from the work, but her spirit was taking a hit as well. It was hard to stay cheerful when she rarely got to see Killian, much less touch him. In the last 3 months they'd barley had a chance to say more than a few passing words. It hurt, more than she thought possible.

She was laying on her bed at the end of another long day when a guard unlocked her's and Andy's cell. She sat up, protesting as they locked her and Andy in chains then shoved them out of the cell. "What's going on!?" She demanded, but no reply was given. The boys were ahead of them, except for Killian who was being carried out by a group of cruel looking bippens. "Where are you taking us!?" Again, no answer aside from a hard shove from behind.

The slave ship touching down and the credits exchanging hands answered her questions. So, they'd decided to get rid of them after all. They'd served their purpose, now they were selling them. The thing about the killing grounds scared her. The thought of Killian being sent there to fight to the death while she and others were separated and sold to other people, was unbearable.

They were pulled none-to-kindly onto the ship. "Put them in cryo with the others." The Captain of this particular vessel ordered.
"Sir, we don't have enough Crypto pods." A crew member replied. The Captain grumped and looked between them. "Eh, keep the kid out. Put the others in."
Timo's eyes widened fearfully as they disconnected him from the others.
"No!" Star protested. Her cry earned her a punishing slap across the face.
"We're still one short, Sir."
"Ugh." The Captain groaned.
"Sir, I'm...I'm a doctor. A good one too. Allow me to stay out with the boy. I'll keep him under control and serve your crew." Kato offers.
Star relaxed slightly knowing Kato would be able to watch over him, but she was still terrified for both of them.
"Fine. Put the others in the pods and get ready for launch."
***********************************************************

It was freezing. Star trembled violently as loud hiss filled her ears and a glass shell lifted from her pod. A strangely familiar face appeared over her, smiling. "Hi Mama Star. I've missed you."
Mama Star? The only person to call her that had been...her eyes widened. It was impossible...The young man over her couldn't have been older than 17. A light mustache covered his lips and chin and short brown hair hung down to his ears. He had a beautiful smile and bright blue eyes. "I know...I've gotten older. Its been seven years." He reached under her shoulders, helping her out of the pod and wrapped a blanket around her shoulders as he sat her in a nearby chair. Star reached a trembling hand out. "Timo?"
He covered her hand in his own and chuckled. "Yeah. Its me." He glanced to her right where the others were helped out of their pods as well. His expression turned serious. "Hey, we're not safe yet. You're about to be put in a line up and sold. There's not much me and Kato can do but..." He slipped a strange looking device into her hand. "Careful, that's a laser. It'll cut through most anything given time. Kato and I are working on a way to take over the ship, but you guys are just going to have to survive till then." Someone yelled at him from the back, and Timo put the cuffs on her. He stares at her worriedly. "We'll come back for you. All of you. Promise."
 
Killian's vision was a little blurry to start with. He felt horrible and he couldn't say that he wasn't angry after the Bippen's had stuck him with that darn needle. A pair of hands reached under his arms and he shrugged them away as best he could. "I can do it myself you lousy bastards!" A sharp hit in the back of the head only served to enrage him. Pushing himself out of the chamber thing he turned to face a stranger and not even a Bippen. "W-what?" Having not been awake for the selling he couldn't have even known where they were. At first he was willing to see what this was all about till he saw a man put handcuffs on Star. Ignoring the man in front of himself he stood up hastily and then started to teeter.

"Whoa there. It takes a few minutes for this to wear off usually." The merchant slapped a pair of cuffs on the Chippequoti. He had at least learned the name of this breed from the two that had been out of the chambers. Another man had Mike cuffed and Andy as well. Once they were each given a few minutes to catch their breath and wake up the captain of the ship came in to look at them. "All of them looking fine and healthy." A grin came to his face and he nodded.

The doors opened on the ship to reveal a sandy looking planet. Killian walked forward reluctantly when he felt a shove at his back. "Star...Ugh!" A sharp hit in the back of the head drew his attention to the man behind himself.

"No talking. We're taking you to the market, slave."

At that word Killian's almost missed a step. He'd never thought that would happen. "N...Aha." Another hit reminded him of the rule of silence. Whoever the man was driving him he was experienced cause Killian didn't even get the chance to swing around and hit him before he was hit with a rod. For almost a mile he tried various things and each time was hit solidly in the side.

Mike walked slowly and far more cautiously. So far he was a little concerned about the behavior of the captain. It seemed that Killian was proving himself to be one to go to the killing fields. If he had a chance to say something he would have. Instead he glanced to the women trying not to think of what could happen to them. Andy had a perpetual frown on her face and if he didn't know better he would have said that she was tired. Almost looked like a tired face but, she was worried. As much as he wanted to say something there was nothing that would change the circumstance. If nothing else it would make things worse.

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

After a night in a large holding cell the women were taken out to the market. They were lined up for a preview before the sale began. Andy didn't like the way they made her hair or the makeup that they put on her. It felt like her dress was too short. Nervously she held the edges of it down to guard against the wind when she was thrust to the front. Refusing to look up she listened to the man yell out the price. By now she was over 50,000 credits. Finally she lost track of that to and her heart came to rest in the back of her throat. Swallowing hard she glanced about the place hoping that there would be a familiar face somewhere. There was of course no one and she didn't even know where she was.

A sharp crack of the gavel got her attention. Andy shuffled down the stairs and found herself facing a sour looking woman with dark hair. Searching the woman's face she frowned slightly. The woman raised her hand and slapped Andy. "You don't look me in the eyes." Obediently Andy lowered her gaze but, she shot one last look over her shoulder at the others.

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

Mike already knew this story. He was older and it was likely he would get sent somewhere that was too rough for most slaves. They liked to save younger slaves for work that was more important. Quietly he stood in line with the men for their preview before their sale started just on the other side of the platform from the women. Whoever he was across from he didn't know. The woman looked like she was ready to give up.

"Experienced engineer!" A voice rang out when Mike took his place on the platform.

Almost shocked he looked over at the man. How did they know that was what he did? Had Kato told them in hopes that he would be sold to do work that perhaps wouldn't get him killed.

The auctioneer continued with his little sales pitch. "Still hardy and in good shape. Mildly mannered and ready to work." Pacing the stage between Mike and the female he called out to bidders. "Sold to the man in red for 80,000 credits! Sir collect your goods. I'll make out a receipt and pay for it when you get to the gate." Instinctively Mike almost snorted at being referred to as a good and an it. Still it was in his best interest to bide his time. One day he would be free or he would die here. Either way he wasn't going to make it harder for himself in the meantime.

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

"Now I bring you an exotic creature from an unknown planet." The auctioneer had the men drag an unwilling Killian to the platform. "From a people so violent that he is the first to have ever been captured. Fit for the killing fields!"

Almost instantly the fighting stopped and Killian glared at the auctioneer. His eyes blazed and he clenched his fists. The men on either side of him still held tightly. There wasn't much that he could do about that. If that was how they were advertising him then he was going to do everything he could to appear to be anything but that kind of person.

"Rumored to have a bullet proof skull." Knowing that many men played this trick to get out of the killing fields the auctioneer had his men pull the shirt up. "Look at those scars. Proof that this one fights." The bidding had begun and it seemed to go very slow at first. There were few men who had the money to buy a slave for the killing fields. Not many won the prize money at the end. Even if their slave won the first round it was unlikely that they would survive a second round. Most of them were simply there for entertainment and this one they were asking a lot of money for. Finally the bid came down between 2 men both very wealthy and curious to see if this new breed of man was actually as advertised.

Killian grit his teeth when he was pushed toward the man that had purchased him. Pulling against the cuffs he thought of throwing his hands over the man's head and pulling back to choke him out. No, he would wait till the time was right and then he would do his best to escape even if it had to be from the killing fields. He was going to live and he was going to get Star back and his crew.

There was one bit of luck. The man stayed for more of the auction and Killian watched every female take stage to wait and see who Star was sold to. He would memorize her master's face and hunt them down when the time came.
 
Star's heart pounded as she was forced onto the stage, her hair done up, makeup painting her face and tight dress accentuating her figure. It was humiliating hearing the auctioneer call out her qualities, trying to sell her off as a housemaid. "Now this one is special. Tamer of the powerful chippequotis and captain of the star ships. She cooks, she cleans, she's a prize that'll make your neighbors jealous! And...she's human." He called out. He lifted her chin and she glimpsed Killian off to the side. Her eyes locked onto his, drawing what strength she could from his determined expression. He'd come for her, she could see it in his eyes. But a sick, hopeless feeling sunk in her gut as she remembered he was being sent to the killing grounds. If he survived...there was a possibility he would not return as the man she knew him to be today.

Star winced as the gavel struck firmly behind her, an unbidden tear trickling down her cheek. She was given to a tall stern looking man with cane. His nose and eyes were sharp and cruel looking. It was clear he wasn't human. A sharp bone gutted out of his chin, and his facial features had sharper edges and more bones than a human. He grabbed Star's chin searching her face. "Hmph. Shouldn't be too much trouble turning a clever little mouse like you into a proper household servant. Come." He turns away and his guard makes sure that Star follows. She glances over her shoulder once more, keeping eyes locked with Killian till he faded into the crowd.
***********************************
"The trackers working?" Kato looked over Timo's shoulder when they were alone.
"Yeah. Good thing I put them in when I did." He looked down at the datapad that showed him where each member of the crew were and where they would be going.
He patted the lad on the back. "We'll get them, son."
Timo glanced up at Kato. "I know." He sighed. "I just hope we won't be too late."
 
Killian gazed out over the open ground. It was open for at least a quarter mile. If he could get past that point there were some buildings. Every man watched knowing they were in the rounds starting tomorrow. He scanned the field looking for a safer path. There wasn't much of a chance. They had guns lined on the buildings firing at them from the front and if they went back it was guaranteed to get killed. At first he thought the trenches would be the way out. A man fell in and his skin was eaten by the acid. Slowly his face hardened and he watched more intently. If he got past the first quarter mile then he was faced with other men like himself who had come across their quarter mile and they meet in the middle to fight to the death. Only one can make it out and he has to retrieve the flag to declare victory. No one was given a weapon they had to be 'ingenious' and use whatever was left for them on the ground.

A sort of sick feeling settled in his stomach the next morning when the door opened and he was ushered out with 19 other men. Already the guns were firing. Killian took his chances and bulled ahead. He knew better than to crawl on the ground, it was full of swarming insects that stung and if you took too long there was a sniper waiting to shoot. It all had to be 'fair' so that nobody arrived at the middle with an unfair advantage.

The sharp sting of a bullet grazed his head and he kept running. 3 games. He had to keep reminding himself only 3 games and if he won all 3 then the day would be over. As soon as he passed the wall of guns he jumped up to the wall to hoist himself over and run for the center. One of the men behind him grabbed at his leg and twisted. "Aaagh!" Killian roared and dropped down to fight the man. His leg had never healed right and it was perhaps the only weakness he had coming into this fight. Obviously the opponent and figured that out.

Grabbing the man by the back of his head he threw him into the wall and started climbing again. Killian didn't have to kill the man. If he was knocked out they would shoot him. Swinging one leg over the wall he pivoted and threw the other over as well before dropping himself to the other side. There was an assortment of daggers and clubs. Taking a club was more his preference so he could stay further back from the other fighters.

Killian reached the center building and found it full of men. There were obviously enough smart ones and lucky ones to make it blood bath. Curling his shoulders against the blows of the clubs he swung his own till it was almost empty. His heart rose to his throat when he saw a man running up the stairs outside of the building. Darting up the stairs after the man he threw his club and hit him. The man tumbled to the ground and Killian jumped down after him to ensure that he died. This was where it really counted.

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

By the second game he was feeling a little more confident. The third game Killian knew he wouldn't lose. By the end of the week the rules changed. One player on each side was given a gun and the time was extended. Games were attracting more people with the story of the indestructible Chippequoti. Killian already began to search out the player with the gun on his side. There was one that shifted uncomfortably and he had an odd bulge in the front of his jacket. The captain grabbed the man as soon as they stepped onto the field and broke his neck. Taking the gun he started into the field again.

He was starting to lose hope. At the end of every game he won he would look for some way to escape. Winning was beginning to be a problem. He couldn't do it. Escape was impossible. It had been another day of 3 games. With the growing popularity the man who purchased him was beginning to show off his prize from the market. Killian stood in chains inside a cell and watched with very little amusement while the aliens peered in at him.

Finally he started taking amusement in walking over to the edge and pretending he was going to pull someone in. It at least kept the observers away. At last he grew tired and he didn't care if the drunks were coming to gawk or not. Folding his arms across his chest Killian closed his eyes and went to sleep. Somewhere in the middle of his sleep he could have sworn he heard a familiar voice. Waking he looked all around himself. He was still surrounded by aliens. Then he caught sight of the sharp old man that bought Star. Was she with him? Getting to his feet he ignored the pleased clapping of the people and pressed against the bars. He had to know if she was there. Suddenly the answer hit. If he was shot in the head. The snipers would take him out if he refused to fight. They would take his body out with the rest of them.

As nervous as he felt Killian knew it was his only chance of getting out. Part of him wondered if a sniper rifle would actually kill him. He didn't know what kind of gun was used last time, it was just his brother. Reaching the center he refused to do anymore. Standing still he let the men beat on him. They had all come in terrified that he would kill them. An obvious booing sound came from the crowd. Probably those that bet on him. Killian didn't care. There wasn't the chance for the sniper rifle cause one of the men with a gun came up and put the gun to his head.
 
Star stood behind her master at the table as he spoke with his colleagues about political matters involving his race. A tight collar around her neck kept her from running or misbehaving. One press of a button and she'd be electrocuted. Should she try to leave the grounds or harm anyone, she'd receive a near lethal dose. Both of which had happened twice in the one and a half months she'd been here. That had been more than enough. She'd learned quickly that Kafus, her master, was something called a Gillick. A shrewd cruel race with bone structures not unlike the Chippequoti who were apparently a cousin race. The Gillicks, unlike the chippequoti didn't like to get their hands dirty. Everything action was spoken and then carried out by those under them. There was an silent battle between each family to have the best most trustworthy hand-servants and slaves. Families were judged by how well their slaves behaved, served and looked. It was good in a way, she was never treated badly...at least physically, unless she disobeyed, but the emotional torment was almost worse than physically torment would have been.

Kafus raised is glass and she immediately stepped forward to fill it. The female Gillick across the table smirked at Kafus. "Quite an interesting house-hand you have there. What race is it?"
"Human. Weak, susceptible to a wide form of disease and weak-boned...but, they have an incredible learning curve and versatility. It can do anything I teach it...with time."
Star had learned how to hide her emotions and expressions very well. She used to get pissed off everyone time they called her "it". By now though, she was so used it she barely noticed.
"From what I've heard, they are exceedingly difficult creatures to tame." One of his other guests says.
"Oh, they aren't that difficult if you know what you're doing. They are especially sensitive to pain." He pulls out the key to her collar and presses it.

Star grunts and drops the pitcher she was holding, bending down in a futile attempt to get away from the collar. Finally he releases it and the people at the table chuckle. "How amusing. I'll shall have to get one myself." Tears sprung briefly to her eyes, but she swiped them away and began cleaning the mess she'd made.
"Oh, have you heard of the Chippequoti in the killing grounds? They're calling him "The Beast" along with many other things. Apparently he just can't be killed. He's already survived for over a month in the games?"
Star's heart clenched, hoping beyond hope. Was he? Could he be?
"Really?" Kafus strokes his chin and leans back in his chair. "How interesting. You know, this house-hand used to tame the Chippequoti. Rumor has it she tamed the very one you spoke of."
"No! A little thing like that?"
Kafus grinned. "Oh yes. I've tamed the tamer. How amusing is that. I suppose it would be interesting to see this Beast. When is the next game?"
"Two weeks. You should join us, Kafus."
"Perhaps I will."
...

Kafus sat in his chair, reading an electronic book as Star gave him his nightly foot washing and massage. "Master..." She braves to speak. "Would you like me to tend to you on your excursion in the coming weeks?"
"Hmmm..." Kafus glances down at her. "Perhaps...if you behave extra well, I'll reward you. Now, be silent and finish your task."
Star nods, hope rising in her heart. Maybe...just maybe...she'd get to see him again.
*******************************************

Star held a shade over Kafus as they sat in the stands with the rest of the cheering crowd. From the bits and peices she'd been picking up, Killian was the crowd favorite. An unchecked powerhouse cutting through his opponents with ease and fluidity. Her eyes searched the arena as the fighters were released. She spotted Killian and she cried out. He stopped mid-run and suddenly stood stark still and began taking a beating. No...don't give up! Not yet! Killian, I'm here! Please!
A gun was put her head and she nearly screamed his name. It wouldn't kill him...she knew that...but did the rest of the crowd? What if...what if that was his plan? What if he wanted them to "kill" him so he could escape. Did he somehow know she was here.

Kafus grunted below her. "I thought he was supposed to be good. What a disappointment." He stood and began to leave. "Wait...Master. What if he's biding his time and..." A gunshot goes off. Star spins in time to see him fall. At the same moment her collar goes off and she grits her teeth and eyes and the electricity burns her throat yet again. "Tsk...how many times have I told you not to speak unless I specifically direct you to speak." He says calmly as if berating a child. "Now come, before I must use the collar again.

Star follows, praying...hoping against hope Killian got to her somehow before they left.

(He won't, but he might see her...and the ship she's taken onto, depending how you write your next post.)
 
After the fight was over the regular clean up crew came through. None of them worried much about the bodies. Anyone that hit the ground was dead before the end anyway. Out in the fields the snipers shot them and in the center they bludgeoned each other to death. One of the men shook his head. "Eh...Must have worn the Chippequoti out. Ought to figure the day you bet on him is the day he gives up and decides to die." Without paying much attention they grabbed the limp body and tossed him into the back of the ship with the others.

Killian woke under a pile of other bodies. The weight over him was almost crushing and it smelled terrible. Pushing at the bodies he groaned a little and started to crawl out of the trench. Once he was out of the trench he put a hand up to feel his head. It felt like it was pounding. Peering off to both sides he noticed that he was just outside the killing fields and he was in a netted off section. To prevent the stench of rot and death it had to be treated with something. The smell was becoming so overwhelming that he heaved a few times and gagged. Stumbling over to the netting he tore at it till he made a hole in it.

Fresh air poured in and he breathed as deeply as he could. Even if the beating was the only way out it was concerning. Killian knew he wouldn't be moving as fast as he wanted. Anxiously he pulled at the hole in the netting and began to squirm through it. Dropping to the ground outside he winced and rubbed at the dry blood on his face. If he was going to get out into public he had to look better than he did now. Rubbing his hands in the wet grass he would rub at his face until he was sure that it was good enough. People were pouring out of the side doors to return to their ships. Killian rubbed furiously at his face and then he started toward the side to watch. Maybe he would see the old bony figure again. If he followed him home he would know where Star was.

A little flash of color caught his eye. It was a tiny umbrella type thing that a woman held over the man. He was the one that Killian was looking for. As the bony figure turned so did the woman and it was Star! Killian wanted to rush to her but, he couldn't get there in time with the crowd and he was still obviously dressed in the same clothing as he had been for the game.
 
The ship drew closer and still Killian didn't appear, though she glanced out of the corner of her eye to look for him. Finally they hit the ramp and Kafus walked up. Star paused at the bottom her eyes searching desperately. If only she could buy him a few seconds... maybe... just maybe he'd get to her. "Again with the stalling. What are you waiting for stupid human." He shocked her again and she gasped, dropping the umbrella in her hand. "Come." He orders. But still she waits. Please, Killian, please. Kafus shocks her again and she falls to her knees, crying out. "I said come!" Still she waited. Killian!
The collar activates again this time in a continuous stream and she blacked out. Kafus sighed and gestured to a guard to pick her up and carry her into the ship. He did, and the ramp raised.
 
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