Early afternoon 1y11m1d BV
Maintenance bay 3B, Whitecrest Clan Enclave, Wi Kao, Gao
Chuck
Sermil had summoned Chuck and Bart to one of Whitecrest’s garages. Apparently the two ships were nearly complete and they would soon be free to depart. He could hardly believe that it had only been a week since they had arrived on Gao!
“You looking forward to seeing your new ship Bart?”
“New? Oh dear, they weren’t supposed to do that. As we discussed, I wish to-”
Chuck interrupted him, laughing. “Calm down Bart, I’m talking about the Silver Sailor. I took a quick look at the progress last night, it was looking good.”
“Well, I would hope so. Everything was clearly called out in the schematics.”
Chuck shook his head, chuckling. These aliens were far too trusting. “Well, let’s see what Sermil has for us.”
Bart nodded, and they entered the bay.
Sermil was talking on his datapad as they entered.
“What? What do you mean?” Sermil tapped his foot impatiently. “‘The real fixtures’?!” He began pacing. “Oh?” He stopped and his ears fell as he quieted. “…how many? Fifty seven?!” He sighed. “Yes, I do appreciate that. I will have to discuss that with my Father.” He stood motionless for a few more moments. “…Fine. Yes, go ahead. It will be ready tomorrow, correct? …Good.”
Sermil set aside the datapad and glared at Chuck, apparently no longer afraid of the scary human. “So, Chuck, you wouldn’t happen to know of a rather skittish being named ‘Errial’ would you? It seems that he’s spent the last few days skittering around Ironclaw’s hangar yelling things like ‘The human is coming for me’. Any ideas where he could have come up with that idea?”
Chuck tilted his head in confusion. “Sermil… You were there.”
Sermil stopped, confused. He thought a moment moment before realization struck. “…Him? But… ”
“Sermil, would you behave any differently if I threatened to hunt you down?” Chuck displayed an open-toothed smile. “It doesn’t take much.”
Sermil’s face froze in fear, briefly, before quickly recovering. “I suppose…”
“So, I take it my ship has been delayed.”
Sermil straightened himself up into a more dignified posture. “Not just that. Apparently, there has been a change of plans. You’ll be taking a shuttle to the Ironclaw hangar to pick up the ship tomorrow. Ironclaw has decided to finish the build themselves. It seems that their new fittings are integral to the ship’s operation, even though I distinctly recall replaceable fittings being present in the specifications.” He shook his head, annoyed. “Now, I’m pretty sure there is something interesting at work here, but this has moved beyond my station. If you will excuse me, I need to talk to Thalias. I’ll have one of the other techs take you to the Silver Sailor.”
With that Sermil scurried away, only pausing briefly to talk to another technician.
The technician approached, timidly addressing Chuck. “Right… well… “ The Gaoian gulped apprehensively. “This way, gentlebeings.”
a few minutes later
Thalias’ office, Whitecrest Clan Enclave, Wi Kao, Gao
Thalias
There was a frantic scratching on the door.
“Enter.”
Sermil entered, looking more distraut than usual. “Brother, I just received word from a Father of Ironclaw. It’s about Chuck.”
Thalias immediately sat forward, alarmed by the news. “How could the Ironclaws know of the human?”
Sermil answered hesitantly. “I do not know. I came here as soon as I heard.” He handed a card with the Father’s contact information. “I will let you handle this in peace.” He began to leave the room.
“Hold up, Sermil. Tell me what you know.”
Sermil froze and sheepishly turned around. “He said that there are fifty seven Ironclaws with knowledge of a human’s presence on Gao, and that he had personally paid for their silence.”
“Fifty…” Thalias sighed and buried his face in his paws. Once word got out, its eventual spread was almost inevitable. But if the news that Sermil brought was accurate, an Ironclaw Father may have rescued him. A Father of a rival clan, one that now would almost certainly demand compensation. “Thank you Sermil, that is all.”
Sermil nodded and hastily ducked out.
Thalias immediately contacted the Father. “Who is this?” Demanded the voice on the line.
“I am Officer Thalias of Whitecrest. I represent the Human Investigations Division. I understand that you wished to speak to me?”
“Officer? Whitecrest didn’t even bother to send a Father?”
“I assure you, no operative ranks higher when it comes to human matters.”
“Very well. So, Thalias, I have a little problem here, which means, unless I am mistaken, you have a very big problem.”
“Go on.”
“It seems that a few days ago, a human showed up at one of our facilities. A facility that is constructing a very unusual ship for Whitecrest. What a coincidence.”
“Interesting. Yes, I have heard rumors of a human on Gao.”
“Only rumors I’m sure. That’s why Whitecrest assigns the head of a human study team to respond to my request less than fifteen minutes after the message was delivered.”
“Your message discussed humans, my assignment to the task is only natural.”
“Drop the act, Officer. I have camera footage of a very real, very expressive human doing a very good job of crushing a very unprepared Whitecrest.”
“…Cameras?”
“Yes, cameras. When a covert intelligence agency demands complete evacuation of one of our facilities, it tends to arouse suspicion.”
Keeda’s balls! Exposing that sort of tactical information is only something Thalias would do if he was sure that he had something heavy to lead into. Thalias sighed. “What do you want, Father.”
“I’m getting there. But first, let me tell you how much pain and suffering I have personally had to endure to aid a clan that would be unlikely to appreciate the hard work I have done.”
“Drop the act, Father.”
He chittered. “Very well. A rather impressive wrestling match between the human and one of your operatives attracted the attention of an Officer we had monitoring the area. He gathered a few close Brothers, who gathered a few more, who then entered the hangar to watch the spectacle. After the bout, word began to spread rapidly. They even posted a video of the event on our local data grid. Yours truly discovered this by complete happenstance. Through great effort I cleaned the grid, and swore each and every Gaoian that had seen it to silence. That silence, by the way, does not come cheap.”
“…What do you want?”
“Oh, a number of things. Let’s start easy. My poor brothers have heard of this human, but have never seen it. They should be allowed to attend the ship’s launch.”
“But… doing so would surely only spread the knowledge of the human further!”
“I’ve taken precautions, Whitecrest. They will not break their oath. Exposure to your human will surely show them why our secrecy is so important.”
“…Very well. What else do you want?”
“Use your imagination, dear Thalias. I have all the time in the world. You best not take too long, though. It is not a difficult to see one little nugget of information declassified through some minor clerical error. Even my patience has its limits.”
Thalias sighed. “Very well, Father. I will have to take time to discuss the nature of your compensation.”
“I expected nothing less from Whitecrest.”
Oh that festering pile of naxas dung, how dare he accuse Thalias of indecision! But, alas, the insult must pass unaddressed. The Ironclaw Father held the best tokens; This was not the time for provoking retaliation.
“Goodbye, Officer, I am sure we will speak again soon.” The Father hung up.
Thalias screamed obscenities for some time before laying his head on his desk.
1y11m1d BV
Hangar, Ironclaw assembly facility, Gao
Ronovin
Most places will let you in without asking any questions, if you simply act as if you belong. All Ronovin had to do was empty his belt pouches into a box for a ‘delivery’ and he had free access to Ironclaw’s hangar. He was almost disappointed with the ease of his ingress. Almost.
He walked calmly through the halls of the facility, until he reached the entrance of Maintenance Bay 6. After a quick glance around, he threw an active camouflage cloak around himself and carefully entered the bay. A number of busy Ironclaw Gaoians ran frantically around, dismantling components of the ship; The ship that was supposed to be arriving at Whitecrest at about this time. Huh.
He stalked through the bay before finally climbing atop one of the smaller ships nestled in a forgotten corner of the room. He sighed and lay down. This sort of surveillance was almost always boring. At least this time his marks were not behaving as expected. He could at least pretend this new intelligence was exciting.
He watched for hours as the Ironclaws worked late into the evening. They had replaced most of the core systems of the ship and had started attaching all kinds of interesting looking devices. Finally, one by one, the Ironclaws left, the ship’s construction apparently complete. Now came the waiting.
Waiting like this always seemed to open his mind. With no one nearby, risk of detection was minimal. It gave him time to relax and just… think.
Unlike some other, more gifted agents, Ronovin was not able to focus well enough to maintain a unique cover for each of his acquaintances. To this end, he classified beings into three categories. Group one are his assets. This largest group were those that were beneath him, those who could not challenge him. These beings he would use as tools to accomplish his goals. He played nice with them, generally. Tools worked best when kept in good working order. But each of them must remain informed that they are merely tools. Most beings took the hint rather easily, often without requiring him to lift a paw.
Group two are his companions. This group contained those that he considered equals. This list was laughably short. In fact, the only being on this list that he frequently interacted with was Cousin Aru. Maybe, just maybe, Hiron could join this list. Ronovin couldn’t even tell if the little Associate knew just how much he had impressed him. That simple gap in Ronovin’s knowledge was almost enough for a promotion; Not only could he fight, that little runt knew how to keep a secret! That was one of the luxuries available to a covert operative; If you can convince someone that you are adept at hiding information, you are. Simple as that.
Anyways… that left group three. Group three are his mentors. This was the list of those he considered his betters. He had spent most of his adult life shoving every being he could from this list into the other two through self improvement. On this list were Genshi and most of the other champions, along with a few of the nastier Stoneback Brothers. Most of these beings left on this list would remain there: They would simply never give Ronovin the time he needed to access and surpass them. But there were two beings still on this list that he frequently interacted with. Father Busani and Chuck… kinda.
Father Busani had stayed on this list, because, try as he might, Ronovin could not bring himself to consider Busani an equal. It just never felt right. It wasn’t until Chuck arrived that he realized why: Busani did not deserve to be called an equal. He needed to be shoved hard into the first group. Chuck had even thoughtfully provided the tools that Ronovin could use to do just that. He only needed wait until the time was right.
As for Chuck… the human was a bit of a conundrum. Usually Ronovin was able to shove those Keeda damned group three beings down into group two with no issue. But Chuck was different. Each time Ronovin beat Chuck, Chuck grew stronger. Not by just a bit little either; He was growing faster that Ronovin could react!
Every sapient Chuck had talked to had told Ronovin stories of the human’s amazing capabilities. Hiron told of Chuck’s ability to tear through cover identities and Hunters with equal ease. Milt told of how Chuck had helped him through a crisis of character that he had suffered from for years. Ronovin himself had seen just how quickly Chuck had been to adapt his own brutal combat style to fight Gaoians. How could a warrior grow so much in so little time?
This. Changed. Everything. Chuck could be the most powerful weapon that he had ever wielded. Nearly any challenge that Ronovin encountered could probably be overcome by merely exposing the issue to Chuck. If he could keep the pressure on Chuck, who knows just how high the human could be pushed! It was more than just that though. Clearly, the human wasn’t dumb. With more effort, Chuck could also potentially be a confidant, even an advisor. Chuck had managed to completely break everything by being very clearly in all three groups simultaneously, and would likely remain that way. Unless Ronovin fucked that up. He chittered quietly, humans did have the best words.
Now that he could see quite clearly what advantages a careful arrangement with Chuck would have, Ronovin would have to very carefully manage what pressure was applied to Chuck. Every external threat would have to be carefully controlled to keep things stable. Sure, Chuck’s resolve seemed monumental, but uncontrolled variables had a way of creating unpredictability. Ronovin would leave absolutely nothing to chance. Uncontrolled variables would have to be brought in line. Hard. Variables like a lone Ironclaw trying to keep secrets from him.
Ronovin pulled out a hacked communicator and a voice modulator.
1y11m1d BV late evening
Barracks, Ironclaw Facility, Gao
Pekin
Beep
Pekin groaned and rolled over to pick up his communicator. “Yes?”
“Is this the Brother in charge of the new ship in Maintenance Bay 6?”
Pekin yawned and shook his head out. “Yeah, this is Associate Pekin, who is this?”
“There’s no time for that! I was cleaning the floors, and I was smoke coming out of that new custom ship! I called straight away!”
“Woah. Wait a minute. Did you not call the Emberpelts first?”
“Well… It was just a little smoke, I sent a couple cubs to get fire extinguishers.”
Pekin sighed. “Alright, I’m on my way. Call the Emberpelts.”
He sheathed his datapad and took off running.
The Maintenance bay was dark. Panting, Pekin flipped on the lights. He scanned the room, seeing no movement. “Hello?” he called out.
“In the ship, over here!”
Pekin jogged over and up into the ship. On the floor of the ship sat a datapad. Curious. He walked over to it and…
“Hello Pekin.”
He knew that voice. He turned around as Ronovin closed the door behind him. “What are you doing here?” He spoke nervously.
“I’ve come to have a nice little chat.”
Pekin flattened his ears in panic. “My Brothers will come! They’ll find you!”
“Which ones? The janitor? Or perhaps the mysterious Brothers running for fire extingui… Set. That. Down.”
Pekin glanced down at his hand. He slowly, carefully, set down the datapad that he found himself holding.
Ronovin advanced towards him. “Now Pekin, I have some very important questions to ask you. These questions have very important answers.”
Pekin’s knees were shaking.
Ronovin noticed. “Oh, Pekin, why don’t we get comfortable! There is no sense in making this difficult. Come, have a seat.” He motioned to a nearby bench.
Pekin looked at the hard bench. “Will this take a long time?”
Ronovin nodded. “It could.”
Pekin stammered. “Ma… May I request that we sit in the living quarters?”
Ronovin chittered. “You may. Oh, but just to be sure you don’t try anything funny.” He pulled out a small electronic device. “You ever seen one of these?”
Pekin shook his head.
“Interesting little human device. They use it for self defence. Against other Deathworlds. I’ll let you use your imagination. Lead on.” He put the device against Pekin’s neck.
Pekin led him to the living quarters.
Upon entering the room, Ronovin grunted in surprise. “You pups aren’t messing around.”
Pekin chittered hesitantly. “There is a reason that Ironclaw is known for making the best ships.”
Ronovin glanced around then nodded in approval. He took a few minutes to study a sofa, then motioned to it. “There. Perhaps this is a bit more to your liking?”
“It’ll do.” Pekin took a seat.
Ronovin sat down as well, setting his human device on the table in front of him. “Good.”
Pekin looked at the device, then back at Ronovin. Ronovin was staring intently at him.
“No calling for help, that’ll get you a hurtin.”
Was Ronovin… toying with him? Without thinking, Pekin hesitantly, slowly moved his paw towards the device.
Ronovin sat silently, carefully studying him.
Pekin touched the device, then picked it up.
Still Ronovin did not flinch. “Consider your next move carefully.” He spoke clearly and calmly.
Pekin hesitated, the carefully set the device back down. Oh, Ronovin was showing him how much leeway he had. Pekin sat back and relaxed.
“Comfortable? Good. This goes so much faster when you aren’t spending time trying to hide in your own shadow. Now, let’s start with an easy one. Tell me the details of your little side deal with Chuck.”
“…Side deal?” Pekin tried desperately to sound surprised. It probably didn’t work.
“Yes, you know which one I’m talking about. The one you decided to hide from me. The one you and Chuck likely discussed on this very spot.”
Pekin sighed with relief. “We didn’t discuss any deal here.”
“No, you didn’t. You were in the engineering room. You were discussing Hunter vessels, and Hunter raids, and the deal. Now tell me the details. Don’t think I won’t know if you are lying.”
Pekin could no longer even pretend to hide the panic showing in his ears. “If you already know, why do you need me to tell you anything?”
“I’m rather interested in your interpretation of the deal. Chuck has told me some rather interesting stories already.”
Had Ronovin broken Chuck? Pekin sighed. “I wanted access to Chucks mind.”
“Intriguing, go on.”
“He was able to pull radical ideas from nowhere! Shield capacitors that power the engines, how could no one have thought of that?”
Ronovin contemplated for a moment, a slight hint of satisfaction playing through his ears. “I’m going to go ahead and pretend that is important. What next?”
“What next? The deal! I offered to upgrade his ship, in exchange for any new ideas he came across.”
“This ship?”
“…Yes?” Where was he going with… oh. Ronovin probably hadn’t even talked to Chuck about this. “Ronovin… when did you discover this ‘deal’?”
“About 2 minutes ago.”
Pekin put his paw to his face.
“Yeah, I get that a lot.”
“But… you knew…”
“I knew enough. Now, you very clearly said ‘I’ and not ‘Ironclaw’. Why?”
Pekin nervously tapped his paws together. “… Ironclaw doesn’t know about this deal.”
“Oh? And do you plan on keeping it that way?”
“For now, yes.”
Ronovin tilted his head. “I think it’s best if you keep it that way. What do you intend to do with Chuck?”
“Intend to do? Just… wait. I’ll try to figure out compensation for him once he delivers a useful idea.”
Ronovin sniffed him. “Hmm. Good enough. Unfortunately, Pekin, this next part is going to suck. I need to know if I can trust you. Pick up the device.”
Pekin’s ears flattened as he glanced at the object in question. “I… don’t understand.”
Ronovin grinned. “You don’t have to understand. Take it.” Pekin complied. “Good.”
Suddenly, Ronovin grabbed him and threw him to the floor. He got behind him, and wrapped his forepaw around Pekin’s throat. “Touch that front end to the target, little button on the left turns it on.” Ronovin tightened his grip. It was becoming difficult to breathe. “So, Pekin, what’s it gonna be? How long do you think you can survive?”
Pekin pushed the device against his assailants flank. His vision began to go dark.
Ronovin perked an ear. “Well?”
Pekin pressed the button. He felt a jolt and was thrown off as the Gaoian behind him began to convulse. He quickly dropped the device and began gasping for air. Finally, after a few moments, he sat up and looked to pitiful pile of fur in front of him. “Fyu help me! I’m… I’m sorry Ronovin. I couldn’t… Please, have mercy!”
It was a few minutes before the Whitecrest was able to move of his own volition. Ronovin struggled to try to sit, falling over a few times in the process. He breathed heavily for a while, before finally calming enough to speak. “Heh, that gets the blood flowing.”
Pekin dropped his ears, timidly. “What… what now?”
Ronovin took a moment to study Pekin. “You did… well enough, pup.” His hindpaw jerked away, causing him to fall to the floor mid-sentence.
“But… I.” Pekin gestured towards Ronovin.
“You held out as long as you could, and then stayed to help.” He flattened his ears. “I hope you appreciate the risk that I took in trusting you.” Ronovin stared at Pekin for some time.
Was he waiting for a response? What was he looking for? Even more importantly, what did he do that for? “I… why did you make me do that?”
“I do not approach contacts unless I can guarantee their trust. Best way I could think of at the time.” One of his paws twitched. He picked up the convulsion device. “Your turn?” Ronovin chittered merrily at the look of horror on Pekin’s face.
“Alright, calm down, as long as you play nice, we’ll have no problems. Now, there are a great many things we must discuss…”
1y11m1d BV very late evening
Barracks, Ironclaw Assembly Facility, Gao
Ronovin
Sleep. What he wouldn’t do for some sleep. He popped another stimulant as he walked through the Ironclaw halls.
Another productive meeting, another potential ally. Maybe. As Ronovin had suspected, Pekin was far too well connected to Chuck to ignore. Yet, Pekin was weak willed. A few nuzzles in the correct direction, and Pekin should be of no great concern. At least, he shouldn’t become a rival. Close enough. For now.
He was particularly proud of his little trust exercise. It was a much… friendlier version of an old strategy he has developed ages ago. Bite the throat of your mark carefully, constricting the windpipe. See how long it takes for them to lose their nerve and force their way out of it. Or just let them go after they fall unconscious. The time they last, and their reaction afterwards, tells you everything you need to know.
Chuck’s chokehold made the whole event a lot less messy, but caused its own complications. For the exercise to work, the mark needs to have the ability to escape; They needed that power over their interrogator. This is why he never performed this at initial contact. This was a tool for confirmation of trust, not first impressions.
Unfortunately, the chokehold was so effective that no normal being had a chance of fighting back. The addition of the stunstick addressed that problem nicely. Hell, with the addition of that tool, he could now use this method on nearly every being capable of movement! Sure, it could use some refinements, but the core idea seemed solid! Getting zapped was a whole lot easier to deal with than being shredded, too.
He stopped at one of the Nest-rooms, carefully opened the door, and snuck in. Six Gaoians. He carefully applied Stick-n-Sleep patches to five of them, then snuck into a dark corner. He pulled out one more of his human devices and put on a gas mask.
He hesitated a moment longer, then sighed. He put similar masks on five rather unconscious Gaoians and returned to his corner.
“Errial…”
Associate Technician Errial
“Errial…”
His nose twitched.
“Wake up, Errial.”
He jumped awake, then quickly scanned the room, slowly beginning to panic.
“Rise and shine.”
He moved to rouse one of his his clanmates.
“No Errial, no one will help you.”
Stick-n-sleep patches… Shit. Errial whimpered nervously. “S… so you have come for me, human?”
“Oh no, you are not so lucky.” A very dangerous looking Gaoian slowly emerged from the shadows.
“Who are you?”
“Oh, I think you know. We have unfinished business, you and I.”
Errial’s ears perked in concern. Yes, he knew that voice. “But Chuck said…”
“Chuck was told what he needed to hear. He will not be saving you this time.”
Errial sighed. “I… should have known better.” It was too late for regrets now. He pounced… …Pain.
1y11m
East Yard, Whitecrest Clan Enclave, Gao
Chuck
“Chuck, wait!”
Chuck stopped on the ramp of the shuttle and turned his head to see a Gaoian scurrying towards him. “Milt, what are you doing here?”
Milt stopped to catch his breath. He then handed Chuck a box. “I made this. For you.”
Chuck opened the box. Inside there was an object that looked a lot like a lightsaber. There were several buttons and switches covering it, yet the object still had an elegant look and felt comfortable in his hands. Milt reached over and flicked one of the switches and a bright beam of light shone out one end of the device.
“May this help you light the darkness, wherever your travels take you.”
Chuck smiled warmly. “Thank you, Milt.”
“No, Chuck, thank you. Goodbye.” He bowed and left as quickly as he had come.
Ronovin stepped out of the shuttle. “Who was that?”
“Oh, that was Milt. I… helped him answer a few questions.”
“Ah, I was wondering when he would show up. He seems to like you.”
Chuck turned to the Gaoian, grinning. “What? Don’t you?”
Ronovin chittered smugly. “I make sure my friends know who they are.”
Chuck grunted and tapped his foot. “Well, aren’t you being cryptic today?”
Ronovin snorted. “Get used to it.”
Chuck narrowed his eyes. “What’s going on, Ronovin. I distinctly remember you saying yesterday that you don’t play these kind of games.”
Ronovin chittered. “I also said that I was talking business. All is fair…”
Chuck interrupting him. “Yes, yes I was there!” He considered rebuking Ronovin further, but the Gaoian looked rather concerned about something.
Ronovin stared at Chuck for a time, trying to read him. “That was yesterday. I got what I needed from ya.” Seeing Chuck’s frustration, he continued. “I had a rather interesting discussion with Brrtklklk, regarding a topic that, apparently, he learned from you.” He stretched, and lay down on the ground near the shuttle. “Come’ere. Sit with me.”
Chuck hesitated briefly before approaching, ready for the inevitable pounce. Surprisingly, Ronovin didn’t.
Ronovin clearly saw Chuck’s concern. “Nah, not today. Got more important things to do.”
Chuck took a seat near Ronovin. As soon as he sat, Ronovin stood on fourpaw and prowled over to him. Chuck braced himself as best he could, but Ronovin merely curled up around him. Chuck chuckled softly after Ronovin began purring. “You enjoyed it too, didn’t you?”
Ronovin turned to look at Chuck before sighing and turning away. “…Yes. But don’t be telling anyone that. A whole lotta pups are gonna be hurtin if I have to rebuild my reputation.”
Chuck smiled grimly. Scritch, scritch, scritch. “So what did you talk to Bart about?”
“Hmm? Oh, truth and downy lies. I’ve been testing you, Chuck.”
Chuck stopped petting Ronovin and turned to stare at him.
“Mmmm, keep going, that felt good…” He groaned pleadingly until Chuck resumed. “I’ve got no reason to keep that from ya, now that it’s finished.” He chittered. “Well, I’m not supposed to tell you, but who’s going to stop me? You’d figure it out soon enough anyways.”
“So that’s it, huh? Everything was just part of the job?”
“Nah. I do actually like ya.”
“I know. I just wanted to hear you say it.” Chuck grinned.
Ronovin sat up sightly, staring intently at Chuck. He then chittered softy, and nuzzled Chuck. “You never quit, do you?”
“Quit what?” Chuck grinned slyly.
Ronovin sighed. “One of these days I’m going to figure out what’s going on in that cranium of yours.”
“Let me know what you find.” Chuck scratched under Ronovin’s chin.
“Mmm…”
They sat in silence for a while, enjoying the summer breeze.
Finally, Ronovin broke the silence with a sigh. “As much as I hate to leave, we should probably get going soon.” He reluctantly stood up.
After packing Chuck’s belongings, they departed and headed towards the Ironclaw facility.
Once in the air, Ronovin turned to his passenger. “Chuck, I had a look at the tools you have available. I want one more. One of those tomahawks.”
Chuck sat confused. “I thought you planned to build anything that you needed?”
Ronovin nodded. “Yeah, I did say that. But it’s better this way. I can keep the scans pretty well hidden, but manufacturing a tool, well, that leaves a trail. I don’t want a trail for this item.” Ronovin looked at Chuck and sighed. “Sometimes a fusion blade does not get the point across. Please, leave it at that.”
Chuck nodded solemnly and went back to his bag to grab one. Ronovin took it with a gloved paw and carefully sealed and wrapped it in a bag. Ronovin chittered, grimly. “Thalias will probably have a very bad day, if I ever find the need to use this.” Seeing his unease, Ronovin continued. “Relax, Chuck, you ain’t responsible for nothing. If someone needs a hurtin, they’re getting a hurtin. One tool won’t change that any.”
“That doesn’t change your intent.”
“No. It doesn’t. But the people I hunt deserve it.”
Chuck sighed. “I knew what these were going to be used for when I traded them to Thalias. It’s just…”
“Some have to stay in the dark to let others live in the light. It’s the path I walk willingly. Just… come see me sometimes, Chuck. I mean it. I still owe you a pin or two.” He grinned contentedly.
Chuck smiled. “Alright ya big lump.”
Ronovin landed the shuttle in a corner of the Ironclaw compound, door facing away from the hangar. As they exited the shuttle, Ronovin tapped his shoulder. “Chuck, I think you dropped something.” Ronovin glanced at Chuck, then at a datapad on the floor.
Chuck hesitated.
“You may want to pick it up before someone trips on it.”
Chuck picked up the item. On the back was a note with a single English word. ‘UNTRACEABIE’. Chuck couldn’t help but notice that the handwritten word was nearly identical to the font displayed on his own datapad, serifs and all. He turned it on. The only app present was a contact list. It was a short list: Hiron, Brrtklklk, Ronovin, Milt, Pekin and Aru.
Ronovin nodded, and motioned for him to hide the device. “Always be sure you know who your friends are.”
Chuck pondered a moment. Ronovin had taken significant care to keep this device secret. It made sense, as a communications device was the key to any future covert interaction. Its compromise would likewise expose any other interactions. Best to keep it unused except when absolutely necessary. Still, one name on the list was out of place.
Chuck pointed to Pekin’s name before pocketing the device. “Will the Ironclaws that saw us cause you any problems?”
Ronovin nodded. “Nah, I had a chat with them yesterday. It’s good, I checked.”
“Is… are they ok?”
Ronovin chittered. “They’ll recover just fine.”
Chuck nodded, relieved. “I’m glad to hear that.”
As they walked around the shuttle towards the hangar, Chuck whispered to Ronovin. “Was that really necessary?”
Ronovin dropped his ears in frustrated disappointment. After a moment of thought, he replied. “As you remember from the last time we were here, the clans make extensive use of surveillance. It is best that we refrain from discussing sensitive matters for as long as we are in potentially surveilled areas.”
Chuck winced. “… Sorry.” Whoops. He had forgotten completely about his WhiteNet device. It had a microphone.
Hiron was waiting for them as they approached the door..
“What took you so long?”
Chuck replied. “The Silver Sailor is a lot faster than the shuttle now isn’t it?”
“Well… yes.”
“There you go, we were stuck in this slow thing, while you and Bart traveled in style.”
“I wouldn’t call it stylish… But yes, it is faster. ” Hiron sighed. “Alright, come on.”
They entered the hangar and saw nearly two dozen Gaoians lined up to see them.
“Hiron, what are they doing here?” Ronovin asked, concerned.
“Talk to Thalias. He let them come.”
Ronovin pondered a moment, ears flattened. “Why would he do that?”
“A few of the Ironclaws wanted to meet you. All of them were among those that heard about your little fight before their Father swore them to silence.”
Ronovin put a paw to his face. “So Thalias decided to dispel the rumor by confirming it.” He sighed, looking up at the ceiling. “Why must you do this to me Thalias? …Wait, their Father did what?”
“Thalias convinced the Ironclaw Father to muzzle his pups. I’m not sure how he did it.”
“What is this gonna cost us? Ironclaw wouldn’t help us out unless they get something good out of the deal.”
Hiron stared at Ronovin, expressionless, and shook his head. “No one told me anything.”
Chuck cleared his throat. The other two turned to look at him. “If I may, what is it that Ironclaw does?”
Hiron answered. “Mining, heavy equipment, shipbuilding…”
“And what has Whitecrest recently acquired?”
Ronovin dropped his ears in frustration. “Keeda’s balls!” He sighed. “Ya know what, fine.” Ronovin stepped to the side and engaged a privacy field.
Chuck stared at the field, then grunted in amusement. “I had forgotten about those.” Why hadn’t Ronovin used that earlier? Hmm, well, knowing Whitecrest, they would probably investigate any use of privacy fields. Whatever Ronovin was doing in there would likely be studied by other members of Whitecrest. He shrugged and turned to Hiron. “So, what’s the plan?”
“I… don’t know. I was under the impression that Sermil was supposed to be leading this mess. But he’s been sitting in the Silver Sailor with Brrtklklk since we got here. I… suppose I should probably get them.”
“And leave me alone with these Ironclaw guys?”
Hiron started to speak, but stopped himself, mouth open. He shook his head. “You know what, Ronovin is supposed to be watching you, not me.” He glared at the privacy field. “I trust you not to make too big of a mess. Just… play nice. Please.” Hiron turned and scurried away.
Chuck chuckled. “Seems easy enough.” He set down his pack and walked towards the crowd, greeting and shaking paws with many of the Ironclaws.
After a few minutes of meet and greet, one of them spoke loudly above the rest. “So, human, I hear you were the one that put Errial in the hospital.” The crowd rapidly quieted.
Chuck thought back to his confrontation with Errial. He couldn’t think of anything he did that would have been overly harmful to the Gaoian. “Where did you get that idea?”
“He said a human was coming for him, then he winds up choking on his own throat? Seems awfully suspicious, don’t it?”
“That matter does not concern the human, Ironclaw.” Ronovin spoke in a deadly calm as he approached, apparently done with his conversation.
What could he… oh. Ronovin, what have you done?
“What makes you so sure?” the Ironclaw replied.
Ronovin flattened his ears in anger. “Some things are best left unsaid, pup.” He glanced knowingly at Chuck with sorrowful ears. He then turned back the offender, sneering. “The human is the only reason you are still standing.”
“Is that so, runt?”
Pekin jumped between the two of them. “Stand down. We don’t need to do this.” He turned and looked pleadingly at Ronovin briefly, then turned his full attention to the instigator. “Errial knew the cost of his actions, his debts are now settled. Please, do not pursue this further.”
“Don’t you think it’s a bit late for that, Pekin?” Ronovin snarled. “This brute cost me big.”
Chuck replied. “Ronovin… don’t.”
Ronovin perked his ears in shock, almost as if he had forgotten that Chuck was here. He grumbled to himself briefly. “Alright, Chuck, what do you propose?” Ronovin looked to him apologetically. He was trying to appease him.
Chuck cocked his head towards the Ironclaw. “Think I can take him?”
Ronovin’s ears fell back in shock. “Chuck, I don’t think that is a good idea.”
The Ironclaw let loose a toothy grin and approached. “Who said you have a say in this, runt?” He raised a clawed paw at Chuck, and swiped.
Ronovin moved to intervene, but Chuck waved him down with one hand, while catching the paw mid-swing with his other. This thing was slow.
Yelping in pain, the Ironclaw turned get a better windup and hurled its other paw at Chuck. Chuck moved the captured limb to block the blow, causing the beast to claw its own forearm. Taking advantage of the distraction created, he quickly dropped the limb, approached the Ironclaw, and suplexed him over his shoulder.
Grunting in pain, the Ironclaw opened his eyes to see Chuck standing over him, foot on his chest, knife to his throat. Every Ironclaw, save one, stood tensely, fearing for the life of their Brother. Pekin simply shook his head with a paw held to his face.
Chuck waited only long enough for the fallen Gaoian’s realization to sink in before withdrawing from him and sheathing his blade. “You’re lucky I’ve been practicing. I find it rather difficult to fight a Gaoian without breaking something.”
The Ironclaw wheazed as he struggled to his feet.
Chuck shrugged. “OK, so I need a bit more practice. I’ve only been here a week.”
Ronovin broke into a merry chitter behind him.
Chuck turned to him. “Alright Ronovin, have I defended your honor sufficiently?”
“Yeah, I think that’ll do, for now.”
Chuck stared at Ronovin suspiciously for a short time, before deciding he really didn’t care much for that particular Gaoian anyways. “And as for you…” Chuck turned to the wounded beast. “Anything else you care to discuss?”
The Ironclaw glanced between Chuck, Ronovin, and the dozens of onlookers. He dropped his head and sighed. “If you say you weren’t involved, you weren’t involved.” He grumbled. “Fyu knows he has had it coming for a while.”
Hmm, might makes right? Interesting.
The Ironclaw turned to Ronovin. “But as for y-”
Chuck wrapped his hand around the Ironclaw’s snout. “Please, let it go. You will not like where that path leads.” He dropped his hand.
Ronovin grunted in amusement. “S’ok Chuck. If he wants to talk, all he has to do is say so. I’ll find a nice quiet place to meet.”
Something about Pekin’s desperate stare and Ronovin’s wicked grin apparently convinced the Ironclaw that this was the correct time to back down. He whimpered and retreated to the back of the group.
After a few moments silence, another Ironclaw turned to Ronovin. “So it was you that attacked Errial?”
Ronovin chittered. “Why don’t you ask him yourself when he can speak again.” It seems that some beings couldn’t take a hint.
There were no further questions.