Through the Ghost

“What do you mean she’s gone?” Tal asked the bruised Orothros operative standing nervously before him.

“I’m sorry sir. She said she needed to get something from the ship. I didn’t think she’d actually try to leave, she’s one of us.”

Tal felt his blood boiling at the gullibility of the young Orothros member, but before he could chastise him further Reis placed a hand on Tal’s shoulder, putting some space between him and the recruit.

“Okay, Keegan, let’s start from the beginning. How’d you get that bruise?” Reis asked.

The young operative looked about. “I, well, it’s a little embarrassing. You see, I heard the engines turn on and like an idiot I tried running towards it only to be blown backwards when the thrusters engaged.”

“You’re lucky you weren’t barbecued,” Tal grumbled. Reis shot him a stern glance.

“It’s okay,” Reis said, comforting the embarrassed operative.

The young operative hung his head. “You don’t think this will have any impact on my implantation evaluation, do you?”

“Yeah, good luck with that now,” Tal grumbled.

Reis threw Tal another warning glance, then turned to the young recruit. “Go relax, I’ll send someone to check on you soon.”

“Seriously?” Tal inquired once the recruit had left. “Who thought he’d be a good idea to guard the ship?”

“I did,” Reis responded. “I figured it’d be an easy gig since you were supposed to keep an eye on her.”

“Since when was it my responsibility to watch over Anna?” Tal asked defensively.

Reis rolled his eyes. “Oh, I don’t know, how about the fact that it was you that brought her here?”

Tal sighed. “You’re right, I’ll go after her.”

“Not alone you aren’t.”

“Then I’ll take Jaya.”

Reis shook his head. “Chara needs someone she trusts and it seems she and Jaya have grown rather fond of each other in their short time together.”

Tal raised an eyebrow. “You?”

“I’m not cleared for potential combat missions; besides I’m working on a new prototype bracer.”

“Then who…No. Find someone else.”

“Too late,” Griff announced, clapping Tal on the back. “I’m driving,” he called out as he made his way towards the landing pad.

“I hate you,” Tal commented as he passes by Reis.

“I hate you too buddy!” Reis replied.

The interior of Griff’s ship was more compact than The Amaryllis. It was less designed for excursions and supporting crew members than it was for making quick trips into a system and back. As a result, it was a straight shot from the loading ramp to the cockpit. The only gear available was whatever Tal or Griff brought with them. By the time Tal reached the front of the vessel Griff had started the liftoff sequence.

As a smaller, and likely newer, Starfighter the rumble of the ship’s engines was less noticeable than the Amaryllis.

“If we’re going to do this, I need you to let me take point,” Tal announced from the back of the cramped cockpit.

“Not going to happen,” Griff replied without looking up.

“If she sees you she’ll bolt, maybe even put one between your eyes.”

Griff released a short laugh, “Your concern is noted.”

“It’s got nothing to do with you.”

Griff turned this chair around to face Tal.

”My mission is to bring her back here. It’s up to her how that happens.”

A holographic avatar popped up between the two operatives. Griff’s A.C., Tal couldn’t remember his name, took the shape of a portly, balding man wearing suspenders. “We will begin lift off in a moment, if you could both find a seat so as to avoid contusions and other such trauma it would be appreciated.”

Tal sat down in the co-pilot seat beside Griff.

“Anna won’t put herself in a situation she can’t get out of,” he said pulling the straps together for the harness.

“Then what do you suggest?” Griff replies.

The ship throttled into gear, catapulting the two operatives towards the blackness above.

“We check out Boca Alacran, see if she contacted Maya or anyone else out there. From there we get the word out that I’m looking for her. That may cause her to come to us.”

“And if that doesn’t work?”

Tal sighed as he locked eyes with his interim partner. “Then we try it your way.”

“Alright, I’ll give you one shot to bring her in, but I’m watching you.”

“I couldn’t expect anything less,” Tal replied. His stomach tightened up as the view before them contorted with purple light. A moment later, they were on course towards Boca Alacran.