Smugglers Cove (Love2write and Silence)

Getting comfortable was sidelined for a moment when he heard the man use his name. A bolt of fear ran through his bones and he glared at the man. Who was he? How did he know his name? Was it from the Gillick? Had Star told them? There were so many questions and he didn't want to answer. Being mute was perhaps the one thing that had saved him from additional grief. While more pain medication sounded good Killian also knew it made his liver ache for hours after it wore off. However, it didn't matter to him because he ached almost everywhere anyway. Bruises covered his arms and legs and torso. Gradually he felt the pain begin to fade and it was easier to sleep again.

A few hours later he woke up to the smell of something kind of like soap. Whoever this doctor was took the time to wash him up. Hadn't been actually washed with soap since the Gillick's house. With a little more clarity to his mind he realized that he was naked under the covers. There wasn't anything left that hadn't been seen or touched by someone else. Killian didn't particularly care about that though he was still grateful for the blankets. When the man came in this time he studied his face for a long time before saying anything. "Kato?" It was almost too good to be true. Forcing himself to sit up he groaned a little and the blanket fell to pool around his waist. "I need clothes. Where's Star?"

They didn't have her yet. The captain's face fell. Nodding he listened to Kato. Now that they had snatched him away it would be so much more dangerous for her. Killian waited till he was alone and then laid back in the blankets. Pulling them over his head he held them over his face. At first the sobs came silently but they grew steadily louder till the mucus in his lungs started to break loose. He'd caught the Games lung at the hospital and anytime he exerted himself he would get a phlegmy cough. Between sobs he coughed until his lungs hurt so bad he could barely breathe. Some of it was relief and he felt guilty for being the first one rescued. Mostly he cried for Star and what he had to do to survive.
 
Killian wasn't the man that Kato had been expecting. The first thing he asked about, was Star. He shook his head, explaining to Killian he'd been first and they didn't know where she was, but they had plans to rescue the others. He left Killian to change and updated Timo. "I suppose I'd better go greet him." Timo took a breath. He stopped at door, surprised by what he heard. Sobbing. Killian was crying. He had no memory of Killian ever breaking down and crying. Kato said he'd asked for Star. Could it be, she'd kept him sane all this time? A pang of pity hit his hardened heart. How could he hate a man who was so broken.

Timo collected himself, waiting for the coughs and sobs to fade, before he entered. "Hello, Killian. Long time no see. Eight years, to be exact." He says, coming to the broken man's bedside.
 
When he couldn't cry any longer Killian rolled to lay on his left side. It hurt where the incisions had been to drain his lung. Still it was easier in someway to breathe and less painful than trying to sit up. After a few seconds he pushed the blanket down to his waist and started to reach for the clothing left on the bed. There wasn't any warning when the door came open. Except for his red rimmed eyes there wasn't any evidence of the tears. Killian peered back at the boy. He didn't know what Timo wanted him to say. Eight years was a long time and that explained the age difference. Though it seemed to have affected the doctor disproportionally and Star wasn't aged that much either. Maybe it had something to do with the chambers they were in.

While he studied the boy he finally noticed that Timo was staring at him too and all the bruises and marks on his body. Killian was still covered from the waist down with the blankets but, it wouldn't have been all that different looking from his torso. Just a bunch of bruises. There was even some bruising along side his head where he'd been hit a few times. Laying back in the bed he pulled the covers over his shoulders. If he was provided a way to hide the hideous bruising he did. It was impossible to hide it all. Even his hands were bruised and a few fingers swollen at the knuckles from being mashed by opponents or when he hit them at close range. For a short while they just continued to stare at each other. Killian didn't know what to say.

It felt like forever and he managed to think of something. "You captain of this ship?" Slowly nodding he peered at the cabinets in the room. It was easier than looking at a person for a long time. "Good, then you decide what to do with the crew. I guess if you'll have me you already know what I'm good for." Killian figured it wasn't going to do any good to assume that the boy would even want to keep him around. Only thing Killian felt he was good for was murder. It was all he did and more than likely how he'd end. He couldn't even give advice to Timo. Timo had obviously found his own way in life and that was better than relying on someone else to share experience with you.
 
"You captain of this ship? Killian finally asks after a long quiet moment.
"Yes, um. Kato, me and four other guys took over the ship. I was the only one who knows how to fly it so...naturally I became Captain." Timo finally turned away. "I'll uh...let you get dressed. Kato will bring you some food soon when you feel strong enough to eat. We're a couple days away from Mike so...get some rest." He left and Kato took his place a few minutes later. "I heard you coughing earlier." Kato says bringing a strange looking inhaler over to Killian. "I'm going to have you start using this every four hours. It should clear up the infection in your lungs within the week."

He waited for Killian to use the inhaler then set it within arm's reach. "I'm sure you must have some questions. Is there anything I can answer?"
 
Timo didn't have to say what he thought Killian was good for. Already the Chippequoti was getting the idea. They picked him up so that he could be the brute that went in head first and killed anyone in the way. Here to do what was necessary. It wasn't a pretty thing but, they obviously thought he was needed for that. What they would do with him after that....he didn't know. Killian wanted to be left alone and yet he couldn't seem to get that.

Now Kato came into the room with a little contraption of sorts. Apparently it was supposed to help with the cough. Silently he took the contraption and opened the mouthpiece on it. Kato instructed him to breath out all the way first and then breath in and hold his breath. Holding his breath was the hardest part. It felt like he would suffocate before the doctor told him to breath out through his mouth. Having to do even that small bit of breathing exercise starting the coughing though it was very slight at this point. Killian winced with the pathetic little coughs and then handed the inhaler back to Kato.

The doctor stayed in the room and seemed to be prying. While perhaps he would have wanted to know more some years ago it would have been because he was the captain and he needed to know. Now he was just a wanderer and maybe part of this crew and maybe not. Turning to look at the doctor he shook his head. Star's whereabouts had been his only question and they were on their way to get Mike so there was nothing to ask.

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Killian's bed had been adjusted after the first day to have him sit up slightly. It would help avoid the infection settling in his lungs. With decent food he was feeling better and he was warm enough he didn't have to have the blankets covering his entire body all day long. Some clothing also helped though there were still occasional bouts of chills. Unless he had to Killian didn't say anything. For the most part he let Kato do what he wanted and never offered protest. In some ways it was nice that he wasn't captain and in other ways there was a level of uncertainty.

Keeping up with the inhaler had been tough. Killian didn't remember it or he slept through the dosage times unless Kato woke him up. Two days of decent rest and better pain killers had brought some spark back to his eyes though he still didn't speak unless he found it necessary to. It was one of the few times that Killian was awake for an extended period of time and he just stared blankly ahead. Occasionally one of his fingers would twitch but, his eyes held a constant gaze at the cabinet. Even when the doctor came in he didn't seem to notice or care. A pair of hands plucking at the dressings on his side caused him to look down. His shirt was pulled up and he hadn't even noticed until now that Kato was in the room. Watching the doctor work for a few moments he then looked away again and continued staring at nothing.
 
Timo brought the ship into port at a mining colony located on a massive asteroid. The slave labor was rampant here. So many machines so far from any station required skilled engineers to keep them running. "Alright Crew, we're docking on the SSI-3036. You know the drill. Matt, take apart that engine, make it look damaged. Curly, you're with me. Meet me at the docking bay. Kato, keep an eye on Killian." Timo slipped on his comm-earpeice and met a tall, heavyset black human at the door. The man had bright eyes and wide smile, with massive curly hair- thus the name, Curly. Timo had learned to trust Curly with his life. The man could hold himself in fight but also knew how to make one laugh. It was a nice balance.

The two trot off the ship with a bag full of credits stolen from the slavers. They pay the docking fee and head to the main office. Timo leans against the counter. "I'm Captain of the Comet." He says to the receptionist. "Our ship recently experienced some engine damage and we'd like to borrow one of your engineers to make repairs for us."
The receptionist raises an eyebrow at him. "None of our engineers are for hire kid. This is a mining colony. Most of them have never touched ship engines anyway."
"Oh, I'm certain you have one or two around. C'mon...help a young Captain out?" Timo slides her a chip worth a hundred credits. Her eyes widen slightly and she looks around. "Make it two."
"How about three and I choose the engineer." The secretary nodded greedily. "Follow me, Captain..."
"Captain Lane."
"Captain Lane. I'll show you our engineers and you can rent who you like."

The secretary led him around the station to the various mining sites. He guided the tour to the right branch in the C-quadrant. "This feels lucky." He grins.
"Oh, well, we only have one engineer in there at the moment. The quadrant is well-up kept by him alone."
"Then I'll take him." Timo says. "Can you have the guards escort him to my ship?"
"Of course. He'll be there momentarily." She smiles as Timo grins brightly at her.

20 minutes later Mike was escorted to Timo's ship. The lad greeted the him at the guards at the ramp. "You two can wait here. I'll make sure your engineer is returned safely." Timo says.
"We have orders to stay with him at all times. For your saftey...of course."
"Of course." Timo nods. "Very well, take the old man inside." The lad gestured for them to head up the ramp first then winked at Curly. Once inside Curly landed a firm rap on one guard's head and Timo tazered another. They retrieved the guard's keys and credits then threw them out of the ship and closed the ramp. "Too easy." Timo laughed. "Fire up the engines, Matt!" He handed Mike the keys.
"Its good to see you again, Mike! Told you I'd be a Captain one day." The lad grinned at the old engineer. "Sorry, no time to talk. Gotta get this old tub outta here before the defenses activate." He rushed away to the navigation room.

Matt's voice sounded over the intercom. "You told me to make it look damaged!"
"Oh...shoot. Uh, Mike, would you mind helping him repair it real fast. Curly, show him where it is."
 
Mike had lost a bit of weight over the last few months. He'd learned a few techniques to deal with the smaller working parts of the ship. Sometimes his fingers on that hand still didn't want to work. As for his back. Those treatments had held up pretty good. It was only half way through the day and he was starving. Food wouldn't be coming for another hour or two. Grabbing a stick of gum he chewed on it as if it should satisfy his intense hunger.

The secretary's voice sounded and he tried to bury his head further in his work. Mike didn't have time for another machine and even if he didn't he would have to make time for it. Usually when she came back here it was to simply inform him of a last minute job that had to be done before he turned in for the night. Instead of getting another ship in his bay he had to go outside. Mike turned to grab his jacket, but the guards took him by either arm and started to drag him out the door. When he was finally released outside a ship he shook his arms with some disgust. "I could have brought myself just fine." Now he looked to the captain of the ship and he had to work at keeping his expression clear.

Timo had come back for him. It was a little surprising since he had anticipated this was going to be the way he would live the rest of his life. It wasn't so bad as some. Carefully walking aboard with the men he grinned as the door shut and then the intercom sounded in the ship. Mike's eyes widened they would have to be fast. "Here and I was 'bout to compliment you on a smooth getaway."

Jogging behind the other man he burst through the engine room door and saw pieces laying all over the floor. "Aye!" Nearly flying to the space he looked it over and shook his head. Grabbing the converter he shoved it into place and held one hand back. "Bolt!" By the time they had the ship fired up he was holding his breath. Would they actually clear? A sight of relief sounded as they got the message that they hit space. Looking over at the other engineer he shook his head. "Why would you do that to the ship? There wasn't any need." Turned out the lad was fairly inexperienced with this kind of work. While Timo had some idea of the smugglers charm and ways (mainly money) there was a bit to be teaching the crew. "I'll show you another time. I need to be speakin with the Timo."

Wandering the ship he eventually found Timo and took a seat across from him. "How'd you find me?" A little smile came to his face and then he queried a bit further though he was afraid to. "How about the others?" Mike couldn't help noticing the torn expression on Timo's face. So far they had Killian and it was obvious that Timo didn't like needing Killian. "I know what you saw that day was brutal. Killian is a hard sort of man. The kind that is made to do the necessary. They're rare and dangerous sorts. You know he spared you quite a few things even though it didn't seem it at the time. Neither you or the doctor were told that both of you ate some of the Bippen. Killian knew they were cannibals and he tried the first time to escape with limited fighting. Timo, you were a boy and you saw it with a child's eyes. That was why he never told you some of those things and its why none of the rest of us told you either. Doesn't make what happened any prettier."

This talk had been a long time coming and Mike had a feeling with Killian would never venture to talk about it. "He spared you what he could. Killian stayed behind for you. Don't think for one minute that he couldn't have gotten out alone." Mike gave Timo a stern look. "You weren't ready to hear it then but you are now. Kato always had his own problems with the..." Catching himself Mike continued "With Killian. Let them be. Now you know the rest of the story and you can make up your mind." Getting to his feet he sighed. "If you don't mind I'll get some food for myself and go for a visit with Killian." Mike waited to see what Timo would say if anything. Otherwise he figured he would at least get directions to the kitchen.
 
Timo didn't respond to his speech, but nodded to affirm he was listening. As Mike stood he said, "Thankyou, Mike. For telling me. Its really, really good to have you back." He stood and hugged the man, then stepped back, gesturing down the hall. "Let me give you a tour of my ship. I named her 'Comet." After a quick lunch Timo took Mike around, introducing him to the various members of his crew. There was Curly, the oldest at 21. The young man smiled brightly, shaking Mike's hand firmly. "It'll be good to have an experienced engineer aboard. Matt tries...but he's not much better than the Captain." Curly elbows Timo and they share a laugh. Next was Duke, was sandy blond boy with bright blue eyes and had a knack for electronics. He was 17. Then of course Matt, whom Mike had met in engineering.

Finally Mike was brought to the infirmary where Kato sat a desk, looking over a data pad. He stood upon hearing Mike and Timo enter and smiled at the old engineer. "Hello, Mike. Welcome back to the crew." Kato stuck out a hand.
 
Mike was caught off guard with the hug. "I would have hugged you back, but you plastered my arms to me side." A grin came to his face as the boy released him. No matter how old Timo got the old engineer couldn't help finding that he thought of Timo almost like a son. "Tour sounds good." Shoving his hands into his pockets he followed along admiring the ship though it was poor repair. However they got the bucket flying he would never know. Engine room was next to disastrous and Mike figured he could spend a few days in there just getting it in better shape.

Then he was introduced to the youngsters that ran the ship. "It would be frightening business to have you fellows as the only crew." The grin on his face grew larger by the second. "That's why captain brought me aboard. Can't have the ship stalling out midflight." At last they stopped at the infirmary. Kato like usual was sitting at his desk though the man looked far older than Mike remembered. "Thank you..." Shaking Kato's hand he paused in the middle and looked at him for a long moment. "You never told me how those last 8 years went. I missed most of it." That was something he figured would come about in bits and pieces. For the time it seemed that Kato knew he was in here to see his friend.

Stepping into the medical bay he saw that Killian was certainly uncomfortable looking at best. A deep frown came to his face when he saw all the bruising just on one arm that stuck out from the short sleeved shirt. It was hard to tell if it was even safe to grab his hand. Even the Chippequoti's hand was bruised. Finally Mike settled with taking a seat and waiting for Killian to wake up.

A friendly face was finally on board the ship. Killian could have kissed the man at this point. "I'll be getting up in a few days. Kato won't let me out of here just yet." He hadn't even argued that point. Sitting up in the bed he winced.

"How bad you hurt?" Mike was a little worried considering how long they had said the ex-captain had been in this bed sick and wounded. Didn't sound like him and the not talking was bad too. Peering over the edge of the bed he watched Killian push the covers down and lift his shirt. The engineer winced just at the site of it. "Well you'd better take it easy then."

Killian shook his head. "We need to get Star. After they took me I'm sure....The Gillick probably did something unimaginable to her." He'd never had the guts to ask Star exactly what happened when he had been with her that one night.

"You know where she's at?" Mike leaned closer to Killian and listened to the answer. "When we get Andy out of trouble we'll have more time for you to heal. Might be needing you."

Swallowing hard Killian nodded. "I know." He didn't like the idea and that was probably the only reason that Timo had kept him here. The boy never answered when he left an opening for Timo to say what he was going to do with him. "If we don't get her back..." Killian lowered his gaze. He couldn't even finish the sentence and instead stared almost blankly ahead.

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It seemed the closer they got to Andy's place of captivity the less it seemed like one. Killian had opted to stay aboard. Mike could only guess it had everything to do with his injuries and the broken mind. By now Killian was walking around though he was still slightly hunched when he did because of his side. Hurt too much to stand up straight for long.

Thankfully the captain hadn't pushed to come along. The old engineer stood behind Timo when they reached the back yard. Somewhere Andy was supposed to be back here. Finally the little blonde head with short hair popped up and she skipped just as happily into the back door with her basket of vegetables from the garden. Mike looked at the others with a puzzled expression. They thought she'd been sold a slave.

Andy hummed a song while she chopped at the vegetables in the kitchen. That was until she saw a group of lurking men outside her window. Frowning a little she swung the back door open and recognized Mike and Timo. "Hey!"
 
Timo lay in bed tossing a ball into the air and catching it. "I know what you saw that day was brutal. Killian is a hard sort of man. The kind that is made to do the necessary." The lad grit his teeth and tossed the ball in the air again. "Neither you or the doctor were told that both of you ate some of the Bippen. Killian knew they were cannibals and he tried the first time to escape with limited fighting." Cannibals...man eaters...murderers in their own right. Not just regular villagers...but a whole village of man-eaters. His forehead softened slightly as he tossed the ball again. "Timo, you were a boy and you saw it with a child's eyes."

Timo sat up silently, throwing the ball at the door harshly, causing it to richote around the room. It didn't change what happened...but it did change why and how. Mike wouldn't lie to him...he had no reason to make up that story. Killian had been cutting down people who were ready to eat them...that made it significantly less horrific...but still it had been brutal. He'd seen that day the sort of man Killian was capable of being. And yet...after all this time in the killing fields, he hadn't returned as a beast...but rather a broken man who missed the love of his life. Could he forgive him...after all this time?

"Captain...we're at Andy's world." Curly's voice sounded over the intercom. Timo stood and grabbed his weapons. Just two more to go. Hold on Mama Star. I'm coming.
............

Timo gaped at Andy. "Uh...we're here to rescue you?" He says with a tilted head. "Are you...um...weren't you a slave, Andy?"
 
Andy raised an eyebrow and nodded. "Oh...Well the rescue came about 2 months late." Still she couldn't help smiling. "I was sold to some grumpy old lady. She died and I forged her signature onto a document bequeathing me all of her estate and belongings."

The engineer looked at Andy. "She died only 1 month after you got here?"

A grimace came to Andy's face. "Well I might have dropped her blow dryer in the tub with her. It was well known that she would blow dry her hair while in the tub so I just helped her along. It was an accident. She asked me for her hair blow dryer and so I turned it on and went to handed it to her. She gave it back to me when she was finished and I lost grip, but here we are! You wanna see the house?"

Since they were here Mike nodded. He couldn't help blinking a few times. What were the chances that Andy would have killed her owner by 'accident' and then take over the entire estate. The little lady always seemed so innocent. In fact now that he thought about it...If they dressed her up she could maybe be their key to helping rescue Star. Who else would be rich enough an influential enough to perhaps gain audience with the Gillick that held Star? Peering into each room Mike saw painting after painting of the mountains, river, lakes, fields, roses, and anything else that had caught Andy's eye. By the end of the tour he was still feeling somewhat at a loss for words. "You got anything fancy to wear?"

Andy gave the man a disapproving look. "Why?"

"Well we uh...We might need your help getting Star back." Mike realized now how badly that sounded after she'd just given them a wonderful tour of her house.

The little woman smiled. "Oh certainly. I've got so many dresses and there haven't been any parties worth attending." A sly grin came to her face. She knew what kind of party it would be if she went with them. "They've got little metal hoops in these skirts so I could easily smuggle a few weapons in under the hem. They would think nothing of my dress setting off metal detectors.
 
Timo continued to gape. "Wow...Andy...I never knew you had this in you." He shook his head grinning as she showed them around. Mike's idea of using her to get to Star was a brilliant one. He hadn't even thought of that. He whistled at the size of the house. "Are you living all by yourself in this huge house?"

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Timo, being the Captain and all, carried Andy's trunk to the ship. His face was red from the effort and he was panting by the time he'd set in the room she'd be staying in for the next week or so. "Oh my gosh, Andy. Why'd you have to pack so much stuff!?" He groans, stretching out his back.
Then he grinned. "Want a tour of my ship?"
Timo offered his arm and showed her around the ship, introducing her the crew members. Curly's eyes widened and rushed to her, taking her hand and kissing it. "Aye, you are without a doubt the most beautiful thing here, m'lady." Curly says smoothly. Timo shoved his face away, reprimanding him for getting too friendly with the guest then continued the tour. Matt went bright red and couldn't talk. Duke seemed completely clueless and just gave her a high five. Then Kato spotted her. "Andy...what? I expected you to come in looking like a beat puppy but, you look like a princess." He grins at her, holding out his arms for a hug.
 
Andy just grinned at Timo. "I was always resourceful. Don't you remember when I made skates for us?" A slight blush came over his face and she just chuckled on her way to her room to get a few things packed. Timo was still impressed and he was showing it by all his chattering. Still so much the same as he had been as a kid. "Oh yes I live here all by myself. Quite lovely and sometimes a bit lonely." Wandering to the base of the stairs she yelled back to them, "Help yourselves to whatever you want in the fridge. I've got a few things to get before we go back to the ship."

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It was kind of cute how Timo thought it was his job to haul her box of clothing, weapons, and various little needs a woman of her standing would require. Stepping on board the ship she grinned as he complained about the weight. "Because I need it." A playful grin spread across her face and she waltzed over to take his arm. "I do want a tour of your ship, Captain." Suddenly everyone was very interested in her. Mostly they were boys and she knew it. Andy grinned and did her best to be polite to all of them. Pulling her hand away from one of them she giggled and wiped the back of her hand on her pant leg. Personally she was glad that Timo did something about it.

Finally they made their way to the medical bay. At first she caught her breath when she saw Kato. He looked so much older. After her momentary pause she walked over and gave him a hug. "You're turning into an old man with all that gray hair." Mischief pulled at the corners of her mouth. "So how much do you remember about me? Cause I remember a few things about you."
 
Kato touched his hair self-consciously, then grinned. "I remember plenty of your mischief. Those dangerous skates you and Timo used to roll around in, for one. Tell me what what's happened to you. Have you gotten a chance to do any more painting the last few months?" He patted a chair next to her and Timo glanced inside the room where Killian was resting. "I'm going to update the Captain while you two catch up." He didn't catch himself until after the words came out of his mouth and he nearly hit himself. Thankfully they didn't seem to notice and opened the door to the room.

"We got Andy. She's perfectly fine. Crazy girl killed the woman who bought her and stole her inheritance." Timo shook his head and came to sit on the stool beside Killian. He didn't quite know why he was sitting there, only that he felt like he needed to. What did one say to the person they'd hated for the last 8 years. The one they deemed responsible for ruining their childhood and scarring them for life. What did one do...when that person turns out not to be the person you thought them to be...and there no longer was a logical reason for hating them...what then?
 
A little look of disdain crossed her face and her mouth hung open. "Ah...Everyone remembers when I've done something mischievous." Part of her wanted to laugh. She was planning something else for the doctor. He was always such a stick in the mud. Taking a seat she nodded. "Mmmmmhmmm lots of paintings." Glancing behind herself she just nodded to Timo. "Ok." Returning her gaze to the doctor she couldn't help grinning. "So I remember something about me that you don't." Scooting in closer she almost had to laugh. Resting a hand on his cheek furthest from herself she pulled his head gently toward her and she was about to whisper in his ear when she started to laugh. "I'm sorry." Clearing her throat she pulled him closer to tell him one more time and then started to laugh again. "I can't do it." This time she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. "I decided if I saw you again I'd have to tell you cause your such a stick in the mud."

It took a few moments for Andy to realize that she hadn't actually said anything. "Oh that's what it was. I mean I kissed you and all but, what I meant to tell you was that I really like you."

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Killian could hear some of the commotion on the ship but he didn't move. Instead he continued staring ahead as he had been doing for the last several hours. He needed someway to get a person into that house. Someone who could possibly get to the alarms system and turn it off. None of them here would make it. They all looked far too suspicious. When the door opened he saw Timo step in.

More than likely the boy was here for something. Never seemed to be anything but business or questions that bounced around the real reason they wanted him here. Looking over at Timo he finally sighed. "What do you need, Captain?"
 
Kato flushed brightly. "Wha..." He cleared his throat. "Uh, um..." He stuttered like a broken robot for a moment, looking exceedingly flustered and awkward. "Even with the hair, and wrinkles...eh?" He touched the hand that was on his cheek, lowering it before him and holding it between both of his hands. "I'm dying...Andy." He offers a light smile. "You're the only who knows aside from Timo. And...I'm only telling you because...I don't want you getting your heart broken." He pats her hand and then releases it, still smiling awkwardly. "Um, but thankyou...for being brave enough to tell me that. Honestly, the part of me that wasn't obsessed foolishly with Star...it, it really liked you too."
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"I..." Timo looked down at his knees. "I need to say, I forgive you." The boy took a heavy breath, feeling like the weight of the world was coming off his shoulders. "I forgive you. I've hated you all this time...thinking that you were just a brute and a monster. That you scarred a young boy because of blood-lust and rage...but you didn't. I mean...Mike...he told me what happened...what really happened at that day...that it was a cannibal camp. And...and everything you've done...you did...was to protect me. So, I forgive you...and...and I'm sorry too. For hating you."
 
Andy couldn't help beaming while he was busy stuttering. An expectant little smile held on her face and she nodded when the man had to ask about his wrinkles. "Mmhmm even if you got those wrinkles." The little smile faded and she blinked a few times not sure what to do. It was an awkward moment for sure and she still leaned close to him. "You know I've got terrible luck picking out men. Why don't you just find a cure? You're the doctor." Sitting up a little straighter she peered into his eyes. "I want you to tell me what it is and what you can do to fix it. Even if there is an experimental procedure. Wouldn't it be worth it? You don't have anything to lose."

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What the boy came to say was surprising to say the least. Finally he smirked at the end and a rough chuckle sounded. "A brute and a monster." Somehow those sorts of things had begun to trigger so many other things in his mind that it seemed trivial what the boy was talking about. "Well its good to know I've graduated from second class citizen." Killian sat up in the bed a little straighter. "It sounded like Andy made it on the ship. She ok?" Nodding some he couldn't help smiling. "We need to start making plans now to get Star out."

Turning onto his side he winced. Still hurt to put pressure on the left side. "Timo, you need to know something. I don't think she'll be the same woman that we remember when we get her back." Killian remembered doing this with the brain injury and it was a long painful process. "You don't know what kinds of things they do. When you rescued me first you should have gone immediately to get her. The Gillick promised if I caused trouble or tried to escape he would kill her. If she's not dead I-I don't know what he did to her." Looking away from the boy he covered his eyes with one hand. Wiping his eyes he looked at Timo. "We need to get to her as soon as possible."
 
Kato smiled lightly. "I've spent most of my free time researching my condition...looking for ways to reverse it. The implants helped...for a time. The next best thing I've found is the bone marrow transplant from chippequoti to human...but even that is not guaranteed and could end up being very dangerous, not to mention painful." Kato pats her arm. "Don't worry about me, Andy. Right now we need to concentrate on rescuing Star...then I can think about me."

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Timo's eyes widened as Killian spoke about Star and the danger she was in. He jumped to his feet and pulled out a datapad with a starship map. "Show me where she is. I'll get us there as soon as possible." As Killian found the planet he swore. "Damn it...I thought we had time...if I'd known she was in that much danger...." His face twisted in frustration. "We're gonna get her Killian. You've been there...you know what the situation is like. Help me make a plan.
...
A few minutes later the entire crew was around Killian's bed. Timo had appointed Killian leader of this expedition, being that he was the only one with any sort of idea of the layout and situation. Timo had a already told Killian of Andy's metal hoopskirt idea and smuggling weapons with her and via her influence.
 
Andy held onto Kato's hand. "Then when we get Star back I'll talk to Killian. I know you don't like him but, he's probably the only Chippequoti that would let us drill into his bones to get the marrow. They're kinda weird about their bones if you didn't notice when we were on their planet." Only a few moments after she finished talking with Kato the captain came bursting through the doors.

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Nodding he agreed to help make plans. Killian didn't know how he was going to make it through any kind of extended mission like this. It was barely a week and he could barely walk around without making his liver bleed all over the place. In a way it felt kind of like old times with the entire crew all around his bed. Taking command felt natural. Holding onto the pad he drew a few lines on it with his finger. "He's got to have some kind of alarm system all the way around the property. So when Andy goes in we need to have a crew ready to step on at the same point. It'll look like a glitch of some sort in the system. Andy can you wear an earbud?"

The little blonde nodded. "Oh yeah I can do that. I'll just wear a hearing aid in the other ear then. That way it looks normal like I just have a hearing problem." Those ear buds could be made to look like hearing aids and that was the best way to cover it.

"Alright..." Sitting up in the bed a little more he winced. "We uh...guh....Um we need to have um..." For whatever reason it was hard to think and Killian shook his head. "We'll break into the section right there in the house. Its directly across from the bathroom. I would know cause my cell was under the bathroom when I stayed in the house. One of us will hide in the bathroom and you, Andy excuse yourself. The one in the bathroom retrieves the weapons and then we distribute them from there to the rest of the crew. Timo you'll need to stand with Andy. I need you to watch for Star or any sign of her while Andy talks with the Gillick. Remember you got to protect Andy and the rest of us are focused on keeping it clear." Killian knew that keeping it clear meant he may have to kill again but, that was something he could do for Star without a second thought.

Drawing a few more lines he described the house layout to the best of his ability from memory and what he'd seen and could hear above himself in the house. "I don't know anymore." Handing the pad back to Timo he laid back in the bed. "How long till we get there?" It wasn't long enough to be in good shape, but he had an idea. "Kato do you have any of that wrap? We could just put some of it on tight around my chest and abdomen. Might be enough to keep me from bleeding all over the place."
 
"I do but as your doctor I have to protest you moving so soon after these injuries." Kato replied. Not that his protest meant anything. He knew Killian would fight through hell and back to get Star.
"All right. Its a plan." Timo nods. "Everyone get some rest. We'll be there in about 12 days."
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Kafus sat in his chair responding to messages via a drone that hovered before him. "Tell Senator Grange that the bill must go through if he wants my support during the next election. Oh, and mail Ziffa letting her know the dinner for next Green Day had been moved to the eleventh hour." He holds out his glass and Star pours more of favorite drink into it. He looks through more messages on his handheld computer, responding to each as he drank and ate, tended to by his loyal hand-servant. She no longer wore the collar, but a scarf covered the cruel burn scars on her neck. He gestures with a subtle finger point to his feet and she immediately moves to pull of his socks and massage them.

An alert goes off and Kafus looked up as one of his house-hands announced who was at the door. "Sir, you have a visitor. A Princess Andy Anne from the planet Gilde.
"A princess?" Kafus raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Is she alone?"
"She appears to have a hand-servant with her, Sir. They are unarmed."
"Hmm..." Kafus rubbed the bone gutting from his chin. "Send her in. I've never entertained a princess before." He snapped his fingers and Star stood, coming to his side once again.

He stood as the humans entered the room. He was immediately disappointing. The princess was a human? How boring. He tamed humans for fun. He tsked as she tried to greet him. Not only was this one human, but she clearly had hearing disabilities. Even worse. How dare she insult him by assuming he would even entertain her presence. "Ugh, humans...I tame your kind in my sleep. Go away. I have better things to do than listening to your little tongues spit out whatever is on your minuscule minds." He sat back down on the chair and ordered Star to resume her massage, which she did. Her eyes never once, met theirs as if she were looking right through them.

Timo glanced at Andy. Both of them saw her...but she made no hint of acknowledgement to them. His eyes urged her to say something that would keep them there long enough for the rest of the group to get in the house.
 
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