| |
Elara, Space Dock
The Oracle was in the middle of launch prep when the brow sensor went off. Magnus was busy with last-minute checks, so Tessa opened the viewer to see who or what was knocking on the door.
She nearly choked when she saw Pan and Dora, flanked by Val, on the ramp. She thumbed the comm button. "Val? I thought you guys left already."
Val rolled her eyes. "We were supposed to, and then these two decided to jump ship."
Pan looked up at her and shook his furry head. Psionic communication didn't work via intercom, so Tessa couldn't hear what he was saying, but from the look on Val's face, it wasn't a welcome message.
"Jump ship?" Tessa asked. "What do you–"
"Can we come in?" Val's irritation was clear in her tone and Tessa hit the access control without even thinking about it.
"Sure. Meet me in the lounge." She took the OPT down without saying anything. No need to bother Magnus. Whatever the twins wanted, she would deal with it.
Rounding the corner into the crew's break area, Tessa was relieved to find it empty. That meant everyone was doing their jobs and she would have an uninterrupted period to... what did the twins want, anyway?
Claws on tile alerted her to the fact that she was no longer alone.
"No. You're going to ask her," Val said. "I'm just here so that Alex doesn't leave without you if she says no." Val slouched into the closest chair. "Go on. Ask."
Dora looked up at Tessa. Where is handsome Magnus?
"Working on final launch prep. What is going on here?" Tessa started to sit across from Val, caught the other woman's look and thought better of it.
We would like to sign on with the Oracle as security personnel.
Tessa fought against the burble of laughter that threatened to erupt from her throat. "We have plenty of crew at the moment," she said. "I don't think Magnus is going to want more."
She glanced up warily and caught the gloating smirk Val shot at the twins. "I told them that, but they wouldn't listen. Insisted that you needed them on the Oracle and nothing would do, but we had to delay our launch so they could come over here."
We must join you, Dr. Tessa. You need us. We have seen it.
This was new. "You two are clairvoyant now?"
"Only occasionally," Val said sarcastically. "When it suits them."
It is true the sight does not visit when we would like, but only when it wishes, Pan said. But it is also true that our visions are never wrong. If we do not come with you, Handsome Magnus will die.
Tessa's knees loosened. "He'll... what?"
His life is in danger. Our presence will save it, though he may still be badly injured, Dora said. The vision was not long enough to be certain.
Eyes wide, Tessa stared at Val, noting for the first time the concern behind the consternation in her gaze. "I'm sorry, Tessa. If it was any other species, I'd have chalked it up to a desire for adventure, but the Syfe..."
"They don't lie." Tessa finished the sentence and stared at the two cat-like creatures.
We also like the idea of adventure, and Tessa has more enemies than you do, Foster Val. Life will be more exciting with her.
Val schooled her features, but the flash of worry in her eyes was unmistakable. "Idiots," she muttered.
"Val..." Tessa said.
It is all right, Dr. Tessa. We know she is–
Just concerned. We do not take this insult personally. The Syfe split the sentence, a habit they only fell into when they were upset or in pain.
Will you allow us to go with you? Pan asked.
"I – I'll have to check with Magnus. It's his ship." Tessa tapped her mindlink, opening a channel to Magnus, but the Syfe hurried over to Val, saying their goodbyes as if everything was already decided.
Tessa quickly explained that the twins wanted to sign on with the Oracle and to her surprise, Magnus agreed without hesitation.
"How are you OK with this?" she asked. "I thought they made you uncomfortable."
"Good in port, though. We can use them to gather intelligence the regular channels can't, or won't, provide."
She rolled her eyes. "Always figuring the angles, aren't you?" she asked.
"Always. Welcome them aboard for me and get them settled in. There's a spare bunk near sick bay, I think."
"And they'll run into the crew less often there, since most of you people avoid medical as if it gave the plague instead of curing it."
Magnus chuckled. "There is that. Talk to you later. Out."
"He says you're in," she told the Syfe.
We know.
"How do you know?"
They ignored the question, continuing in unison. We will look at our cabin now. They trotted away down the corridor. Oh, Tamar is bringing over a Voracina seedling for us. Please bring it to our cabin.
"How do they know where –"
Val's horrified look gave Tessa pause, but the woman was on her feet and halfway down the corridor, calling back over her shoulder, "don't let them take it out of their cabin, and don't breathe if you go in there. It will be fine."
"Wait, what?"
But Val was gone. Tamar showed up a few minutes later, a tiny, green plant with yellow flowers in her hands. "This is Voracina baby plant. Poison is not deadly yet, but do not upset it." She plopped the container in Tessa's hands and beat a hasty retreat.
Tessa stared at the plant. "I am NOT telling Magnus about this," she muttered, and took the sprout to the twin's cabin.
When the door opened, the twins frisked around her ankles.
We are glad to be coming with you, Dr. Tessa.
"Is this thing really poisonous?" she asked.
Not to us. And we won't let it hurt your crew. We promise.
"Why do I not find that reassuring?"
We do not know, Dr. Tessa. Please inform us when you understand your feelings better.
The door whooshed closed, and Tessa headed for the bridge.
