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CHAPTER 9 - PIRATES OF THE VOID, PART 2 - PORT THRANAL

It was still early morning when Captain Farris stepped out onto the main deck of the_Skystreamer_.

He didn't know why he'd awakened so early, especially after tiring himself out with Jilena last night. He just knew he was wide awake, so had left his cabin to take a stroll around his ship.

There weren't many others awake at that time. Just the crew members who had pulled night duty. And, for some reason, Max.

He found the Traveller standing at the front of the ship, staring out across the void. Dawn was breaking and the void was beginning to brighten.

"Good morning, captain." The human said, noticing Farris' approach.

"Morning." Farris nodded, joining him in watching the void fly past as the ship streamed ever onward through the void. "You're up early."

"Didn't sleep too well." Max shrugged. "You're up early as well."

"Felt like a stroll myself." Said Farris, looking thoughtfully at the Traveller. "Tell me, is something wrong?"

Max frowned and glanced at him. "What makes you say that?"

"The expression on your face, for one." Farris explained. "Admittedly, I don't have much experience with the body language of your species, but I'm pretty sure you're looking down."

"Yeah, I am." Max looked away.

"Is it anything you'd like to talk about?" Farris asked. "I mean, we don't exactly know each other too well, but I'm here and willing to listen."

"I'm just a little worried, that's all." Said Max, with a shrug.

"Is it just a general worry, or is it about anything in particular?" Farris inquired.

"Draig." Max said, simply.

Farris didn't comment. He just let Max explain further.

"I've been denying it to myself, but he's been getting more and more aggressive." Max went on. "He keeps accusing me of never taking anything seriously, of being self-centred. I've always thought we were friends, but he's now said we're not."

Farris shrugged. "So you're friendship is going through some difficulties. That's life. Is there any truth to what he's accused you of?"

"I'm not self-centred, if that's what you mean."

"Actually, it's not." Said Farris. "But is it possible you might come across as self-centred to your friend?"

Max was about to deny it outright, but found that in all honesty, he couldn't. "It's possible." He had to admit.

Farris shrugged. "I could give you advice until the end of the void, but there's only one real thing you can do. Talk to him. Resolve it between you one way or another. It's something I learned the hard way."

Max frowned at him. "Something you want to share?"

"As a matter of fact, no." Farris shook his head, sadly. "Suffice to say that I know first hand that in a friendship, not talking about the problems is never good."

A sudden uncomfortable silence broke out between them. But fortunately, it wasn't long until it was broken.

"Captain?" A big exar with scarlet fur and no horns approached.

Farris was glad someone else had turned up. "Max meet Lexarc, my engineer. Lexarc, this is Max."

The engineer gave the human a polite nod before focusing his attention on the captain. "Sir, my team and I have finished our survey of the damage from the battle." He handed Farris a display device. The captain read through the information on its screen.

"As you can see, we took quite a battering." Lexarc explained. "The hull armour needs re-strengthening almost everywhere, we burned out several of our plasma cannons, three solar sails need to be repaired, and a third of the power transfer components in the main propulsion systems will need replacing. Plus, we've a series of minor things to fix. Holes in the main deck, fused wiring all over the place, blown out lights, things of that nature."

The captain whistled through his teeth. "How long a repair time are we looking at?"

"Once we reach dock, I can get the most of the main stuff sorted out in a day or two..." Lexarc began.

"But you'd like longer to get everything back in full working order." Farris finished for him. He knew his engineer.

"Yes, sir, I would." Lexarc said. "Three days and I can have the Skystreamer as good as new."

Farris nodded. "I'll give you four days. I want you to be able have some time off when we get to Port Thranal."

"Of course, captain." The big engineer smiled.

"I mean it Lexarc." Farris fixed him with a serious stare. "I want everyone to take some time off the ship to relax for awhile in Port Thranal. I do know about the time you skipped shore leave when we were in Haravesh in order to work on the ship."

"Ah." Lexarc said, sheepishly. "I thought that escaped your notice, sir."

"Well it didn't." Said Farris. "Make sure you get some shore leave this time."

"I will, captain." The exar engineer said. "I promise."

"Good." Farris handed him back his display device. "Now go get some sleep with the rest of your crew. I want you to be fully rested when we get to port, so you can get started on the essential repairs right away."

"Of course, sir." Lexarc nodded and wandered away.

"This Port Thranal." Max asked, seeking to change the subject now that the opportunity had presented itself. "How big is it?"

"It's the biggest city this side of the Grand Expanse." Farris replied.

Max gave the captain a serious look. "I hope you know that I have no idea what the 'Grand Expanse' is, rendering that statement meaningless to me."

The captain laughed, his bionics glowing for a second. "I have to keep reminding myself you're not from this world. But to answer your question, Port Tranal is a very big place. Big enough for the Skystreamer to hide while we make repairs. It's actually quite a sight when you see the place for the first time."

He stretched, letting out a little yawn. "Care to join me for breakfast?"

"Sure." Max smiled. "I don't have anything else to do."

Captain Farris led the way.

* * * * * *

"Hey, handsome."

Draig looked up from his work at Xorin. Since waking up just after dawn, he had been helping the crew of the morning shift, removing the last of the boarding hooks from where they were embedded in the deck. The wolf-man enjoyed helping out, he found that the physical exertion helped him forget his troubles for a time. And the crew appreciated the help. They were almost done as Xorin arrived.

"Hey." Said Draig, sweat dripping from his fur at the morning's exertions. "Be with you in a minute."

Xorin simply grinned and stepped forward to help him and the crew.

They'd already cut away the deck around the hook. That just left the task of lifting the huge metal spike from the hole.

It was an arduous task. The thing was heavy. But together, it didn't take too long. They were soon dropping it to the floor, leaving a gaping hole in the deck.

The crew thanked Draig and assured him that they could handle it from here. The boarding spikes they'd removed from the deck would apparently be sold for scrap once they reached port.

"You had breakfast yet?" Xorin asked as Draig wiped the sweat from his brow, leaving the crew to handle the spike.

"No." Draig replied. "You inviting me to join you?"

"Would you accept?" Xorin grinned.

"If I'm allowed to get cleaned up first." Said Draig.

"Then I'm inviting you to breakfast." Xorin said. "And you can get cleaned up first."

Once Draig had made a brief trip to his cabin for a quick wash, he joined Xorin on deck for breakfast, sitting against one of the masts for the solar sails. It wasn't an elaborate meal, just some simple bread, water, and something Draig assumed was a form of cheese, but the knight didn't care, he was too famished.

They weren't the only ones eating their morning meal out on deck. As far as Draig could see, the main deck of the ship served as a major social area for the crew. The wolf-man had glimpsed an eating area in the lower decks, but apparently many preferred the open air.

"So where exactly is this ship heading?" Draig asked, as the two of them sat next to each other eating.

"Port Thranal." Xorin answered. "You'll love it. One of the greatest cities in the Void, in my opinion."

"Big place, is it?" Said Draig, munching his way through a piece of sweet-tasting bread.

"Huge." Xorin told him. "We'll be docked for several days, so I'll have plenty of time to show you around. I know some great night spots if you're interested in a night on the town."

"Sounds good." The Wolven Knight grinned. "I could do with some fun."

"You sure can." Xorin laughed. "Just looking at you, I can see how tense you are."

Draig looked down at himself. "Really?"

"Oh yeah, the tension's practically dripping off you." Xorin nodded, with a devilish grin. "Your muscles just look all tense and knotted. Of course, I could help you relax if you want..." She reached over and placed a hand on the wolf-man's knee.

Draig for his part was a little lost for words. "Well... I... er..."

"Port ahead!"

A crew member toward the front of the ship had called out, grabbing the attention of all on deck. Many of those not on duty headed to the sides of the ship, looking out.

Xorin was getting to her feet. "What's going on?" Draig wanted to know.

"We're approaching Port Thranal." Xorin answered. "C'mon, it's quite a sight, you should see it!"

The knight stood, following Xorin. He was doing his best not to think about that moment between them, but he wasn't being entirely successful. He was attracted to her, that was for certain. But he really didn't have much experience with females, they'd always been a bit of a mystery to him.

And there was the fact that he couldn't afford to get into any sort of close relationship with anyone, no matter how tempting it was. It would just make things more complicated and painful when Max's Device recharged and they left this world behind.

At least that was the theory. But Xorin's words from before kept bouncing around the wolf-man's mind... someone's home, their true home, isn't any one place. It's wherever they are happy.

There was truth to those words, he knew. A part of him kept wondering, could he be happy here in the Voidscape, with Xorin?

These thoughts dogged Draig as he wandered to the edge of the ship with Xorin. He glanced out toward their destination, and was instantly engrossed, his problems momentarily forgotten.

What lay ahead of the_Skystreamer_ was both a city and an island, dwarfing their ship.

Port Thranal was a city that seemed to cover an entire floating island. And not a small island either. It was huge, easily the largest in sight. The city was a mass of spires and domes and massive stone towers that sprawled across the entirety of island's flat surface. Draig could not spy any unused space at all.

More amazingly, the city did not simply occupy the top surface. Colossal and intricate scaffoldings extended across the jagged rocky underside of the island. Onto this scaffolding enormous platforms had been constructed, which were supporting further buildings and streets. It looked as if the city on top had grown so large it had spilled over the edge and was now clinging to the rock underneath.

It looked like a third of the underside structures consisted of hundreds of skyship docks, many of which were occupied, with an assortment of ships, in a dazzling variety of sizes and shapes, all with huge golden sails that glittered in the morning light.

"Incredible." Draig muttered, taking in this unbelievable sight.

"I know." Said Xorin beside him.

"I've never seen anything like it."

"Well, I'm guessing there ain't too many places like Port Thranal." Xorin laughed, placing and arm around Draig's shoulders. She pulled him close and whispered in his ear. "When we dock, I'll take you out for a good time and help you relax some..."

Draig considered pulling away, but he didn't. Standing there with Xorin close felt... nice.

And then his earlier thoughts began to plague him once again.

Could he be happy here with Xorin?

* * * * * *

Max watched Port Thranal grow larger and larger before him as the _Skystreamer_moved in to dock, sailing through the air along the underside of the island city, searching for an empty dock that would suit their purposes. Apparently they needed one that was outfitted with the equipment they needed for the repairs they had to carry out.

He was stood on the main deck, marvelling at the immensity of the port. The ship was like an insect compared to the massive floating city. A part of him marvelled at the sheer audacity it would take to even consider constructing such huge sections of city down the underside of an island.

He turned away from the incredible sight of the city offered. He was stalling and he knew it. He had set out with the intention of talking to Draig, try to patch up their friendship. Standing around sightseeing was not going to get that done.

Max wandered across the main deck of the ship, wondering where he might find his knight companion. He'd already searched through much of the lower decks. He had to be up here somewhere.

And then he spotted him. Draig was at the front of the ship, looking out at the city. Beside him was one of the captain's lieutenant's, Xorin. She had an arm draped affectionately draped around his broad shoulders.

The two of them were talking and laughing. As Draig turned to Xorin, Max caught a glimpse of the wolf-man's face. He looked relaxed and happy, more relaxed and happy than Max seen him since... well, since they had first met.

He didn't want to interrupt that. Especially in order to tell him how much he needed the wolf-man and valued his friendship.

Maybe... maybe it would be better if he didn't tell Draig these things at all. It was plainly obvious that his companion had started to fit in here, and the body language between Draig and Xorin definitely suggested something a little more than friendship going on there. Rather than Draig carrying on with him when he left the Voidscape, perhaps it would be better for Draig's sake if he stayed here, settled down, started a new life. And Max telling him how much he needed him would likely make it more difficult for the knight to choose to stay.

Max made his decision. He turned away from where Draig was enjoying himself with his new friend and walked in the opposite direction.

He would miss his friend. But this was what had to done. For his own good.

* * * * * *

"Really? An anti-gravity dance floor?"

"Well, not exactly a dance 'floor', since all the dancing takes place floating in mid-air."

Draig had no idea what that could possibly be like

"Don't you have dancing where you come from?" Asked Xorin.

"Of course." Said Draig. "But all the dancing takes place within the confines of gravity."

"If you've only seen dancing in gravity, then you've never seen real dancing." Xorin laughed. "There are all sorts of dance moves you can't do when there's gravity."

"I can only imagine..." Draig chuckled. He turned away from the view of Port Thranal they'd both been watching. As he did so, he caught a glimpse of Max just as he turned away, heading in the opposite direction. The big wolf-man sighed, his good mood failing.

"What's up?" Xorin asked.

Draig motioned to the retreating human. "He saw me here and went in the opposite direction." He explained, sadly. "Guess he doesn't want to talk to me."

"Then maybe you should go talk to him." Xorin suggested.

"I..." Draig began. Should he? Maybe he should take the initiative, clear the air between them. Then again... "I don't think so. When he's ready to talk, I'll listen. But right now..."

"Right now, you go talk to him." Said Xorin, firmly. "You're just being stubborn and the longer you leave things, the harder they'll be to sort out, and the worse you'll end up feeling."

Draig frowned at this, but smiled at the same time. "Are you always so bossy?"

The brown-furred exar winked. "Only with guys I really like."

"Then I'm honoured." Draig grinned.

"What you are is stalling." Xorin said. "I can tell you know. I'm not stupid."

"I wouldn't like you so much if you were." Draig shrugged.

Xorin laughed and planted a kiss on the side of his muzzle. "You're good with the sweet talk, I'll grant you that. Now how about you go try some of it on your friend Max? When you're done, we can..."

She was interrupted as a voice blared across the deck. It was Kepis, making an announcement through the speakers.

"All hands to stations! We are about to dock! Repeat, all hands to stations!"

"Damn! Gotta go." Said Xorin. "Duty calls. I'll catch up with you in a while. Go talk to Max, okay?"

The wolf-man simply gave her a smile and a nod as she darted away to get to work.

Once she was gone, Draig thought about what she'd said, and about Max. But he didn't go in search of the human. While a part of him wanted to resolve things, a bigger part just didn't want to talk to him right now. It's not as if there's any hurry, he told himself, I can talk to Max later, when I do feel like it.

So he stayed where he was, turning to watch as the ship moved into dock.

* * * * * *

"You sure you won't come?"

Jilena looked up at him from the bed, where she was lying down, reading a book. "What, and put up with Arak all afternoon?"

Farris shrugged on his jacket. "Hey, he's not that bad."

Jilena had to laugh. "Yes, he is! He's a greedy, annoying old karian."

The captain was about to go to Arak's defence, but he couldn't really. What she'd said was true and he wasn't about to deny it. "Yeah, you're right. But he is a friend."

"Then we need to get better friends..." Jilena muttered.

"He's also an important business contact." Said Farris, stepping over to the mirror in order to check his appearance, flinching as usual at his grotesque cyborg face. "You know how much it costs to run a ship. We need some currency right now, and that means taking whatever jobs he might have for us."

"You mean more stealing and smuggling." Jilena sighed.

"Only if it hurts Krayloch and no one else." Farris replied. "You know that's my policy, and so does he."

"Yeah..." Jilena mumbled.

The tone of her voice grabbed his attention. "What's wrong, love?"

Jilena shrugged. "I don't know. I guess I'm starting to tire a little of this life. We're always doing criminal jobs for quick currency, just so we can go spend a month or so harassing Imperial operations. In the end we end up accomplishing very little, while Krayloch's empire rumbles on, unstoppable."

Farris sat on the bed beside her and hugged her close. "You think I don't know it's frustrating? It's at the forefront of my thoughts every day. But what's the alternative? Settle down for a life under his rule, constantly living in fear of him?"

"But the chances of us, or anyone else, bringing him down, are very small." Jilena said.

"I know. We'll likely fail in the end." Farris had to admit.

The female karian pulled away from the embrace. "Wow, Farris. And there was me expecting some reassurance, something along the lines 'Don't worry, beloved, I'm sure everything will be fine'."

"But that'd be a lie." Said Farris, hugging her again. "Simple fact is, there's no guarantee that we'll beat Krayloch in the end, but that's no reason to not try all the same. We just have to have faith that we'll eventually find a way to defeat him."

They sat there hugging for a few moments.

"Of course," said the captain, breaking the silence, "if you'd prefer some reassuring lies, I'm sure I could come up with something..."

Jilena laughed. "I think it's too late for that. Besides, you'd better get moving or you'll be late for your meeting with Arak."

"You're right." Farris agreed. "So what are you going to be doing?"

"I'll find something to do." Said Jilena. "Probably help out with purchasing supplies. You know how good my haggling skills are."

"Of course I know." Farris grinned, his bionics glowing. "After all, you're very good at talking me into joining you in bed every night."

"Yeah, but right know I like to try something that's at least a little challenging." Jilena shot back.

Farris kissed her. "Okay, my love. I'll see you later."

The captain departed, making his way up to the main deck. They'd been docked for a little less than twenty minutes by now and the crew members who'd be taking some time off first were starting to leave the ship in groups and clumps, joking and talking amongst themselves, wandering along the wide walkway connecting the Skystreamer to the docks and then disappearing off into the depths of the port.

He noticed Lexarc was already hard at work, assigning repair duties to his team of engineers and despatching them off on their tasks. He gave him a nod of approval as he departed the ship.

Farris stepped off the end of the walkway and onto the dock platform. He would need to get his bearings a little before he was able to find his way to Arak's place. He started down the platform, bound for the exit from the docking area. They'd purposely chosen an out of the way dock, they were trying to hide after all, so it wasn't as crowded as some of the docks higher up the island tended to be. But there were still a few exars and karians darting about. A few of them even took the time to glance curiously at Max.

The human was leaning against some crates on the dock platform, looking around in awe at the huge cranes loading and unloading the assortment of ships, freighters and cruisers that were within sight. He was also taking time to observe the massive repair arms, bristling with heavy equipment, swinging into place around the Skystreamer.

"Hello, Max." Said Farris. "Off to explore the port, I suppose?"

"I'd love to." Said Max, a twinkle of excitement in his eye. "But I'm worried about straying too far from the ship and getting lost."

The captain nodded. "Yeah, Port Thranal can be pretty daunting if you're here for the first time." A thought struck him. "Hey, why don't you tag along with me? I've got some business to attend to, an old karian friend to check in with, but after that, I could show you some sights."

Max shrugged. "Sure. Okay."

Farris led the way off through docking area. Of course, once they left the docks, things became a lot more crowded as things opened out into streets and alleys stretching off in several directions. Above, the rocky underside stretched upwards, bristling with platforms and buildings, looming over them. The captain motioned Max over to one of several monitor screens set into a wall just outside the docks.

"These information screens are the key to finding your way around the city." The captain explained. He tapped the screen lightly and it lit up, displaying a map of the immediate area. "They're easy to use and you can find out anything you need to know about where you are and how to get to wherever you might want to go. There are thousands of these screens all over the island." He quickly tapped the screen in the right places to bring up the information he needed.

"Here we go." He muttered, pointing at what was being displayed. "We're in docking section 47. We're heading for Area 19 up on the top surface of the island... so we need one of the main elevator's to take us up there. Nearest one seems to be this way."

They were about to set off in the direction the captain was indicating when a huge blue-furred mass came barrelling out of the dock entrance. It was Octarius. He skidded to a halt and glanced about, his eyes coming to rest on Farris and Max.

"Captain!" He spluttered, dashing over to them. "I just heard you were going to see Arak? I can't believe you didn't tell me!"

"That's right." Farris nodded. "Let me guess, you want to come along too?"

"It's been ages since him and me had a chance to talk, Captain!" Octarius pleaded.

Farris sighed. "Very well. Just remember, this is supposed to be a business visit."

"Of course, sir." The blue-furred exar was positively beaming as they set off.

The main elevator consisted of what was essentially a huge circular shaft cut up through the rock of the island, with a circular platform waiting to ascend through it. It was large enough to carry a couple of hundred people at a time and was covered in assorted seats and benches.

The three of them found seats along the edge and sat, waiting for the elevator to get under way.

"So why are you so desperate to go see this Arak then?" Max asked of Octarius.

"That's no business of yours." The blue hulk sneered.

Captain Farris shot his lieutenant an angry glare, his facial bionics glowing. "Don't be rude, Octarius."

"Sorry, captain." Said Octarius. He turned back to Max. "If you must know, he's my brother."

Max nodded. Then a moment later he realised something. "But you're an exar."

Octarius chuckled. "What, you only just noticed?"

"But, captain, you mentioned Arak is a karian?" Said Max, puzzled.

"He's an adopted brother." Farris clarified.

"Yeah," Octarius went on, "he was orphaned when he was young, and my parents adopted him. He's been my brother ever since."

"Oh really?" Farris said. "What about those couple of years when you refused to have anything to do with him? I remember you constantly claiming he wasn't any brother of yours."

The exar's expression darkened. "And I'm always regretting that, captain. You know we sorted out our differences years ago. And he'll always be my brother, no matter what differences we may have."

"And no one was happier than me when you finally learned that and started talking to him again." Said Farris, with a smile.

The lift started upwards through the shaft. Farris and Octarius started talking between themselves, discussing various things to do with the ship, the performance of various crew members, system upgrades that were needed, future destinations, things like that. Max didn't mind being left out of the conversation, it was such an amazing experience, ascending through such a massive elevator shaft, that he wanted to savour it without distraction.

The ride was incredibly fast. Within twenty minutes, the circular platform emerged through the top of the shaft and came to a stop. The three companions disembarked with everyone else.

The top end of the elevator was located in the centre of a huge bustling plaza. The place was lined with shops and stalls and restaurants of every possible description, tall and towering buildings of solid grey stone. Vendors selling food called out here and there, advertising their wares. Music drifted through the air from various musicians showing off their skills. Streets and alleys branched off from the plaza in all directions. It was all a hugely impressive sight to Max. He tried to take in as much as he could as he followed the Captain and Octarius through the crowds.

Exars and karians were bustling everywhere, going about their business. Many of them stared at Max as he passed. Max didn't really care. It was nice to be the centre of attention.

Captain Farris led the way. They wandered off along some of the quieter side-streets that twisted their way through the depths of the city. Max was enjoying the walk, but was getting curious.

"So where exactly are we heading?" He asked.

"My brother owns a casino nearby." Octarius explained. "Practically lives there. That's where he'll be."

When they arrived at Arak's casino, tucked away in one of the city's quieter avenues, it was hardly what Max was expecting. To Max, the word 'casino' brought to mind images of Las Vegas, of bright lights and colours. This was rather more low-key than that, a simple grey building with a simple enough holographic sign above it's large main doors that read, in a language alien to Max 'Arak's Casino'. Farris stepped up to the doors and banged on them with a fist. The three of them stood around waiting.

One of the huge doors opened a crack. A smartly dressed karian looked out, his leathery skin a very dark greenish brown. His eyes widened as he saw who was standing there.

"Get in here!" Muttered Arak urgently, opening the door enough for the three of them to enter.

Once they were all inside, the gaunt looking karian slammed the door shut and locked it hurriedly. He then turned to Captain Farris.

"Farris, please tell me you didn't use your ship's real ID when you docked?" He demanded.

"I'm not an amateur, Arak." Farris replied. "Of course I didn't."

"What's wrong, Arak?" Said Octarius, concerned.

"Good to see you again, brother." Arak gave Octarius a hug. "It's been too long. But you've come at a very bad time."

"What's got you so worried?" Farris wanted to know.

"Come this way." The casino-owner said, solemnly. "You should see this."

Arak led the three of them through the empty casino, packed full of all sorts of strange and bizarre gambling games Max couldn't recognize. The place was just as low-key as the exterior of the building.

"So, how have you been, Octarius?" Asked Arak, as they walked. "Still playing pirate?"

Octarius grinned and shrugged. "Yeah. You still playing the small time casino owner?"

"Something like that." Arak chuckled.

Arak took his visitors into a restricted area at the back of the building and into his office. It was a pretty plain office, a couple of desks and assorted pieces of equipment that Max assumed were computers of some kind. Charts and graphs depicting profits and expenditures were plastered across the walls.

"I'm assuming you haven't yet checked the latest news on the Imperial Data Network?" He said as they arrived, and he sat down.

"No, we haven't." Said Farris. "Why?"

"Because this came through a few hours ago." Arak explained, hitting a switch on a computer and activating a holographic display. "It's all over the Network."

An image burst into existence a few inches above the surface of the desk. It was a hologram of the Skystreamer. Above, the word 'WANTED' appeared in big bold letters of the same language as the sign outside and the word 'REWARD' in big letters underneath. More text appeared beneath that.

"So?" Octarius chuckled. "We've had a price on our heads for years!"

"But it's different now." Arak sighed. "Take a look at how much of a reward is being offered now."

Farris leaned in and read the smaller text of the hologram. When he was done, he stepped back, wide-eyed with surprise. "They're offering ten times what they were before!"

"Making it much more difficult for people to resist turning you in." Said Arak. "You or any of your crew shouldn't go wandering around in public places. You're liable to get noticed and your location reported."

The captain shot his hand into a pocket and pulled out a small communicator and switched it on. "Farris to Skystreamer."

The voice of Kepis came crackling through the device. "Kepis here, captain."

"Kepis, I want you to cancel all leave immediately." Farris said, urgently. "And recall all crew members who have already left. I want everyone back aboard."

"Might I ask why, Captain?" Kepis asked.

"Check the Imperial Data Network and you'll get an answer." The captain said, shortly. "Get everyone back as soon as possible. I'll be returning soon." He shut off the communicator and pocketed it.

"What I don't understand," said Octarius, "is why has the reward gone up so suddenly. We ain't done nothing recently to warrant it."

"Except apparently picking up an unusual guest." Said Arak, directing his attention at Max who had kept silent so far. "Who does not appear to be either exar or karian."

"Yes, this is Max, a new friend." Farris said. "You don't seem particularly surprised by his appearance..."

"Oh, I've seen him before." Said Arak. "On the second page of the reward bulletin." He hit a button and the holographic image dissolved, to be replaced by another.

This one had the word 'REWARD' at the top and consisted of a list of facial images with reward amounts beside them. There was Captain Farris, Kepis, Xorin and Octarius. But at the bottom was a representation of Max's face, and a large number beside it.

"The reward on him is double the reward for the rest of us put together!" Octarius spluttered. He looked at the human. "Just why the hell does Krayloch want you so badly?"

Max shrugged. "I have no idea." This was something of a shock. There was a price on his head and he'd only been in this world a matter of days.

"I'll tell you this." Said Farris, staring at the holo-image. "If Krayloch wants to get his hands on you so badly, that seems the perfect reason to do everything in my power to make sure he never does."

While it was comforting to know that Farris wouldn't be turning him in, Max couldn't help thinking. Why did this Krayloch want him so badly?

* * * * * *

"My lord?"

"What is it General?" Asked Krayloch, clad in his usual all-over metal armour. He turned away from the main window of his private chambers, where he'd been surveying the impressive sight of the capital city that had been built under his rule, in order to look at his friend and general, who had just come rushing in.

"Intelligence has just informed me that we have received two separate reports that the pirate ship carrying the Traveller is currently docked at Port Thranal." General Huranith explained quickly. He wanted to get this done and get out of the Krayloch's unnerving presence as quickly as possible.

"And how certain are we of the authenticity of these reports?" Krayloch wanted to know.

"Very certain." Said the general. "One is from a former undercover agent. And records from the port do show a ship matching the class of the pirate vessel docking there within the past day. In addition, Port Thranal is within easy travelling distance of the Quarrylands, where the pirate ship was last encountered."

Krayloch nodded. "I see. What ships do we have in that sector?" He rumbled.

Huranith knew Krayloch well enough to know he'd ask this, so already had already found this out before entering. "One high-speed scout, six cruisers, and two heavy battleships."

"Send word for them all to converge on Port Thranal immediately." Krayloch ordered.

This took Huranith by surprise. He had expected a few to be redirected to Port Thranal, but not this. "All of them, sir?"

"That's what I said, didn't I?" Krayloch growled deeply. "Or are you questioning my command?"

The general shuddered. "No, my Lord, I would never do that."

"Good." Said the armoured hulk that was Krayloch. "Now go, my friend. Carry out my orders. I want that Traveller. Alive."

"Yes, sir." Said Huranith, rushing out of the room.

Krayloch watched him go and then turned back to looking out his window at his domain. Beneath his helmet, he was smiling. He was looking forward to getting his hands on that Traveller...

* * * * * *

Draig awoke feeling happy.

It was a strange feeling for him. He hadn't really felt this way in some time. Not since starting on this journey with Max at least.

Beside him in his bunk, Xorin was still fast asleep. They'd spent the night together for the past several days. Of course, all they'd done was embrace while they slept, but he'd been finding it extremely pleasant. In fact, any time spent with Xorin counted as extremely pleasant.

He regretted that they hadn't got the chance to venture into the city together. He'd actually been looking forward to visiting places with Xorin. But with the larger reward now being offered for the Skystreamer, it was too dangerous for any of the crew to go wandering around the city.

The captain had ordered everyone to stay on the ship. The plan was that once the repairs were done, they'd be leaving to find a safer port for the crew to have some leave. But now they'd been here for days. Soon, they'd be repaired enough to depart and they'd be gone.

Beside him, Xorin stirred, she rolled over at grinned at him, bleary-eyed. "Good morning, handsome."

Draig smiled back at her. "Good morning, beautiful. I must be very lucky to be able to wake to such a exquisite sight."

Xorin kissed him on the cheek. "That's one of the many things I like about you. You're so good with words." She glanced at the clock built into the wall of the cabin. "Damn! I'm late!" She jumped out of the bunk and started dressing quickly.

"Late?" Draig frowned.

"I've got monitor duty on the command deck." Xorin explained. "From about ten minutes ago."

"I'll see you later then?" Said Draig, trying and failing to keep the disappointment from his voice that she had to leave.

Xorin gave him a warm smile as she stepped out the door. "Definitely!"

She sprinted through the corridors of the ship and up to the main deck and the command deck. Farris was there waiting for her.

"Glad you could make it, Xorin." The captain was smiling, but the look in his eye was not pleasant. His bionics were glowing.

"Captain, I..." She tried to explain.

"You know I take a dim view of lateness." Said Farris.

"Yes, captain, but I was with Draig and..."

"Ah. I see." Farris sighed.

"Captain?" Xorin wasn't sure what he meant.

"You've got yourself a new friend," Farris shrugged. "Whenever that happens, you tend to get easily distracted. I should have expected it really."

"Captain! That's not fair!" Xorin protested, even though she knew that, to a degree, it was.

"Do you want me to go over the list of your previous mates?" Said the captain. "And point out your behaviour during each of those times?"

"There's no need for that." Said Xorin. "But Draig is different. I know he is."

Farris looked at her seriously. "I really hope he is. But I can't stand around debating it, I've got to go."

"Go where?" Xorin asked.

"I just got an urgent call from Arak, he wants to see me." Said Farris. "And Max for some reason he didn't explain. Anyway, we shouldn't be gone long, Lexarc tells me the essential repairs were finished yesterday, and he just wants a few hours to take care of some minor stuff. So once I return, we'll see about getting out of here."

Xorin nodded. "Yes, captain."

And with that, he left. Xorin watched as he made his way across the deck to where the strange 'human' Max was waiting by the departure walkway. The two of them departed the ship, heading off into Port Thranal...

* * * * * *

"So why am I here again?"

Max asked this as he and Farris strolled along the street toward Arak's Casino, keeping to the shadows as much as was possible.

"I told you." Farris sighed. "The urgent message from Arak said that he wanted to see me immediately, and he insisted that I bring you along."

"But why me? That's what I want to know." Said Max.

"I have no idea." Farris replied. "Maybe he found you interesting. Let's just get there and find out."

They didn't have long to wait once they arrived at the casino and knocked on the door. Arak threw open the door and ushered them inside.

"What's so urgent, Arak?" Farris asked, after the door was closed and locked behind them.

"Come into my office and I'll explain." Said Arak, leading the way.

They entered the office to find quite a surprise waiting for them. A karian Imperial captain with a plasma pistol and two exar lieutenants in body armour, carrying large rifles. All three had their weapons aimed at Farris and Max.

"Don't make any moves!" The Imperial captain growled. "I am Captain Juran and in the name of Lord Krayloch I am hereby placing you two under arrest." He looked at one of the lieutenants. "Search them."

"What the fuck is going on here?" Said Farris, as one of the exar lieutenant's padded him down and went through his pockets, removing his communicator and gun. He noticed Arak looking guilty and knew the answer, as much as he didn't want to believe it.

The lieutenant searched Max as well, but found nothing of interest, so simply dropped the captain's possessions on Arak's desk.

"You're friend here sold you out." Captain Juran laughed.

"They arrived a few hours ago aboard a scout ship." Arak explained, sadly. "They approached from the opposite side of the island from your ship, so you wouldn't detect them and make a run for it."

"And now we have the captain." Juran added. "The pirate vessel is less likely to try and make a break for it when our other, more difficult to hide ships, start approaching."

"Why?" Farris growled at Arak. The lights in his bionic parts were glowing brightly. Octarius' brother or not, he would have ripped the bastard's throat out right then, if it weren't for the three separate guns pointed at him.

"Business hasn't been good for months." Arak replied. "And you saw how much they're offering! The money was just too good to resist..."

"So you just decided to betray us?" The captain spluttered. "Betray your brother?"

"Yeah, I betrayed Octarius." Arak admitted. "But the way I look at it, it's for his own good. While you and Kepis will undoubtedly be executed, and I'm really sorry about that, the rest will simply go to prison. Some time in jail is a lot better in my mind that being dragged about the void on your ship, fighting a war you will never win!"

"We'll win eventually." Said Farris, confidently.

"You were always an idealist and an optimist, Farris." Arak sighed. "But I think more realistically than you do."

"Krayloch will be defeated eventually." Max chimed in. "But what you've done will last forever. You think Octarius will want to have anything to do with you now?"

"Even if he doesn't, at least I'll have done what's best for him." Arak said. "I'll even put aside some of the reward money, give it to him as a gift when he gets out after serving his time."

"A nice thought." Captain Juran interrupted. "Unfortunately, you won't be getting any of that money."

"What?" Arak gaped. "But I turned them in!"

"Actually," the Imperial captain went on, "the records will show that it was an anonymous tip-off that led us to this casino, where we discovered the casino owner harbouring two wanted fugitives. He was killed while resisting arrest. And the reward will end up going to the noble Captain Juran and his two loyal lieutenants."

Arak paled as he realised what was going to happen next. Captain Juran turned his plasma pistol on the karian casino owner and opened fire. A single blast of energy struck Arak in the chest, sending him flying back through the air and crashing against a wall. He slumped to the floor, dead and with a smoking scorch mark across his front.

Max and Farris watched this in horror. The captain's bionics flared brightly once more and he looked at Captain Juran. "You..."

"Hold you tongue, pirate." Said the Imperial captain, once more returning his aim to the two captives. "If you want to keep it in your skull."

"That wasn't very smart." Said Max. "Committing murder in front of witnesses."

"You two? Witnesses?" Juran smirked. "Do you really believe that any testimony either of you could give would be considered reliable by any recognised court of law?"

The Imperial captain took a step toward Max, looking him up and down. "So you're the strange creature our Lord Krayloch is so desperate to get hold of. Not much to look at. From the reward and all the rumours, I'd expected something more impressive."

"What rumours?" Max asked.

"The rumours that have been flying around the Imperial forces ever since the price was placed on your head." Juran explained. "It's said Lord Krayloch refers to you as the 'Traveller' or something..."

Max and Farris exchanged surprised glances.

"It's also said your some sort of mass-murdering criminal." Captain Juran went on. "Others say you possess some sort of special power connected with your obviously deformed appearance. I've also heard rumours Krayloch wants you as a companion, as you look as deformed as our Lord probably is under his armour." He shrugged. "But what do I care? I never really put too much stock in rumours. All that matters is that Krayloch wants you badly enough to offer a huge amount of money for your capture..."

Max found himself wondering just how Krayloch might know he was the Traveller, when no one else in this world had ever heard of him...

* * * * * *

"I still don't see why I couldn't have gone along to see Arak as well. He's my brother, and I hate being stuck on the ship, unable to go visit him..."

"Oh, stop your whining, Octarius." Xorin grumbled. "It's not like this'll be your last chance to see him. But we've got to keep as low a profile as possible."

"Yeah, I know." Said Octarius. "But who the hell is this Traveller guy if Krayloch wants him so badly?"

"Not being privy to Krayloch's thoughts, I wouldn't know." Xorin mumbled. She had quickly tired of Octarius's ramblings. This monitor duty was boring enough without the big blue lieutenant droning away in the background. Surely he had duties somewhere on the ship requiring his attention?

Of course she knew the real reason this was all so dull to her was because she was longing to get off duty and back to Draig. That knight was so handsome and gentle and compassionate and... well, the list of compliments could go on and on.

She was certain that things between her and the wolf-man were already much deeper than many of the other flings she'd had over the years. He was something very special, she knew that in her heart. Now all she had to do was find the right way to tell him just how much she'd come to feel for him...

The scanner display started beeping suddenly. Xorin stood and strolled over to it. She took one long look at it and muttered. "Oh crap."

"What is it?" Asked Octarius.

"A number of Imperial ships just entered scanner range, on a course for Port Thranal." She replied. "Six cruisers and two heavy battleships."

"Oh crap." Octarius said.

Xorin hit the ship's intercom. "Kepis to the Command Deck immediately!" She called into it. She then dashed across to the communications panel. "We need to contact the Captain. He needs to get back so we can get out of here..."

* * * * * *

A shrill beep filled the room.

Immediately, the three Imperial officers turned to look at the source. It was the captain's communicator, lying on the desk.

With their captors momentarily distracted, Farris saw his chance and threw himself forward, hoping Max would follow his lead and join in. He wouldn't be able to take all three by himself.

Farris jumped Captain Juran, grabbing at the pistol with one hand while punching him across the jaw with the other. The Imperial captain was stunned slightly but remained stubbornly conscious. They struggled for the gun for a few brief seconds, during which Farris was able to twist it toward one of the lieutenants and squeeze the trigger, blasting the armoured exar and sending him crashing to the floor.

Max was doing his best to tackle the second lieutenant, but considering his size, he was only managing to distract him from Farris. It had only taken him a few seconds to leap to the captain's aid when he'd made his move.

He was trying to wrench the rifle from the second lieutenant's grip, but he ended up failing miserably. The armoured exar swatted him away with a sweep of his large arm, sending him crashing to the floor. He brought up his rifle, aiming at Max...

...And was blasted by a bolt of energy, throwing him back against the wall. Max looked to Farris. The captain was standing with the smoking plasma pistol. Captain Juran was lying unconscious at his feet.

Max got to his feet. "Thanks."

"Don't mention it." Replied Farris, pocketing the pistol and strolling across to the desk. He grabbed the still beeping communicator and switched it on. "Farris here."

The voice of Xorin came through, loud and clear. "Xorin here, captain. We've got a fleet of Imperial ships approaching, I think they know we're here..."

"That's a definite." Farris confirmed. "We just ran into some trouble here in the form of some Imperial officers. Arak sold us out..."

* * * * * *

Xorin couldn't believe what she'd just heard. "Say again, captain?"

Farris's voice came through, repeating what he'd just said. "Arak sold us out, Xorin."

The female exar glanced at Octarius. Her blue-furred comrade's expression had paled at this news.

"I don't understand." Xorin said. "Why would he do that?"

"It's a long story." Farris replied. "But unfortunately, he won't be able to tell you himself. The Imperial officers murdered him."

Octarius heard this and suddenly had to grip the nearest control panel to steady himself. He was at a loss for words. This just couldn't be true...

Xorin decided to get back on track. "Captain, those ships will be in weapons range soon..."

"I'm on my way, Xorin." Farris assured her. "Tell Kepis to prepare for immediate departure." The line went dead as the captain cut the connection.

The brown exar looked at Octarius. He was standing there, muttering to himself, a look of complete shock on his face. She could see he was going to have trouble accepting that his brother had betrayed them...

"What's going on?"

Kepis had just arrived on the command deck, looking curiously at the two lieutenants.

"We've got Imperial ships on approach." Xorin explained quickly. "I've contacted the captain and he's on his way back, but he wants the ship prepared to leave immediately."

Kepis nodded. "Then let's get to it. What's wrong with Octarius?"

Xorin looked downcast. "Arak sold us out. And he was killed."

The karian looked thoughtful for a second. "I see."

He stepped over to Octarius and slapped the big blue exar across the face. "Snap out of it, Octarius! We have to get the ship ready to go and I need you to get to work!"

"But... Arak..." Octarius stammered. Kepis slapped him again.

"Deal with it later!" He snarled. "Get to work!"

Octarius stumbled away, gathering enough of his composure in order to do what he had to do.

"That wasn't very sensitive." Said Xorin.

Kepis gave her a sharp look. "We don't have time to be sensitive..."

* * * * * *

"We really don't have time for this."

Max and Captain Farris were hiding in the shadows of an alleyway, as a group of armed and unformed exars and karians passed by in the street.

"More Imperial officers?" Max asked.

Farris shook his head. "No. They're local law enforcement. I think Captain Juran must have come to and alerted them. I knew I should have killed him..."

They'd left Arak's Casino immediately after the conversation with Xorin. Farris had stressed it was important that they got back to the Skystreamer, so that they could get under way. If the ship waited too long, they wouldn't be able to escape the incoming Imperial vessels.

"This is taking too much time." Farris muttered, as he decided the way was clear enough for them to continue on their way.

A little way down the street, they found an Information Screen. The captain stopped and activated it.

"What are you doing?" Max said, urgently. "Shouldn't we keep moving?"

"I want to see if I can find us a faster route..." Farris explained. He touched the screen and some information flashed up in red lettering.

"Damn it!" Farris said through gritted teeth, reading through it. "They've set up a city-wide security alert. All the main elevators have been sealed off!"

"So?" Said Max. "We'll find another way."

"You don't understand." Farris sighed. "Without the main elevators it could take hours to reach the docks."

That was bad. Max knew they didn't have anywhere near that amount of time.

The captain yanked out his communicator. "Farris to Skystreamer. Anybody there?"

It was Kepis who answered. "I'm here, captain." His voice came through the communicator. "The ship is almost ready to go. We're just waiting for you."

"That's the thing, Kepis." Said Farris. "Max and I, we're not going to be able to get to the ship, at least not in time. I'm ordering you to leave as soon as you can, without us..."

* * * * * *

Kepis couldn't believe what the captain was saying. And from her expression, neither did Xorin.

"Captain, we can't just leave you here!" Kepis protested through the communications link.

"You can and you will!" Farris growled back. "The first priority is the safety of the ship and her crew!"

Kepis knew Farris well enough to know from his tone of voice that arguing with him would be useless. "I understand, captain." He said, sadly.

"I'm trusting the ship to you, Kepis, don't let me down." Said Farris.

"I'll do my best." Was all Kepis could say.

"And don't worry about me or Max." Farris said, trying to be reassuring. "We'll find a way out of here and catch you up."

"Very well." Said Kepis. "We'll be expecting you."

"Now get going." Said Farris. "And... tell Jilena I love her."

"I will, sir." Kepis replied. "Good luck."

"You too, Kepis." And with that, Farris severed the connection.

Kepis took a few deep breaths before getting to business. He turned to Xorin. "Disconnect all dock connections and ready the engines." He ordered.

"What?" Xorin spluttered. "There's no way we're leaving without the captain!"

"You heard his orders, Xorin!" Kepis barked. "And look at the scanners! We need to leave now! You don't have to like it, just do it!"

Xorin did as she'd been ordered, but it was clear from the dark look on her face that she definitely didn't agree with the decision to go.

Kepis turned his back on her. This was so that she wouldn't see him close his eyes and take some deep breaths. He was in charge now. He needed to maintain his calm and composure.

A moment later, there was a slight jolt as the Skystreamer disconnected from the docks of Port Thranal. Before long, the ship was well on it's way, the shape of Port Thranal receding into the distance as they sailed away from it at full speed.

Kepis watched the island city being left far behind. He was already starting to wonder if following the captain's instructions and leaving without him had really been the right thing to do...

* * * * * *

Captain Farris and Max were sat in the dark of an alleyway, where they'd had been forced to hide. Patrols of law enforcement officers were becoming more frequent, and it just wasn't safe for them to move around in the open. They had currently stopped for a rest behind a pile of old empty crates.

"The ship will have left by now." The captain muttered to himself as they sat there. "At least Jilena and everyone else will be safe."

"Well, now that they're safe," said Max, "maybe we should start thinking about ourselves. Just what are we going to do now?"

Farris shrugged. "To be perfectly honest, I just don't know..."

To Be Continued...