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Tuft: Chapter 3

Tank sat in his office, head on his desk, "How long before we reach Rio 12?" he mumbled.

"On our current course roughly eight solar days." Tuft responded.

"And how long would it take you to get us there?"

"Three days, four hours, and twenty one minutes with a margin of error plus or minus four minutes."

Tank groaned, "Jacob, Gerard, James, whatever this one's name is makes what, the seventh navigator that can't tell the difference between a black hole and his own-".

"Blake, is the ninth navigator and Lara is our third pilot. It is rather obvious that their skills were greatly exaggerated."

"What I don't get is the fact I checked their references plus you did a deep scan of their backgrounds and they've all seemed like excellent choices."

"Perhaps we should consider looking at candidates with less suitable records?"

"I suppose if we hire a misfit desperate to get a job he or she might try a bit harder to do it right." Tank said.

"Speaking of problems, we have one developing right now. I'm detecting an emergency beacon and Lara is attempting to override the system so that you will not be alerted."

"She's what?" Tank yelled, as he jumped up and headed for the bridge.

"Blake, drop us out of hyperspace and prepare to plot a new course. Lara, you're confined to quarters until I can turn you over to Federation Authorities." Tank commanded, as he sat at the command station and brought up the piloting control screen.

"I don't think so. We're taking control of this ship and there's nothing you can do about it." Blake said, as he pointed a stunner at Tank.

Tank rolled his eyes, "So, mutiny is it? Blake, Lara, you're both fired."

"See, I told you he was just a senile old man." Lara said.

The main door opened and Tuft stepped into the room with his heavy plasma rifle. "First, drop the stunner, second, apologize to the Captain, and third present you wrists for stun-cuffs."

Lara laughed, "Oh stop waving that toy gun around. Your threats have no bite. You're an android so your programming prevents you from harming a human."

Tank buckled himself into his seat. "You've got a stunner so the worst you can do is knock me out. However, before you do, I'd like to know what you're planning for the 43 passengers we're taking to Rio 12?"

"Unfortunately there's going to be a hull breech. Luckily Lara and I survive because we were here on the bridge at the time."

"If you're going to kill everyone there are a couple things you should know. Fluff is equipped with magnetic clamps in his feet and his name isn't really Fluff, it's Tuft. Finally, if you have a favorite deity, I suggest you pray fast."

Blake fired the stunner but the shot went wide as the bridge airlock opened and the decompression blew him out into space. Lara was able to grab the edge of the hatch but a well-placed plasma shot vaporized her forearm. Once cleared, the hatch slammed shut and the bridge started to repressurize.

Tuft smiled as he looked at the shell wrapped around the command seat. It split down the center and folded back blending into the seat's contours.

"Before you even say it, yes, you were right and yes, I'm glad you went ahead and installed this upgraded command chair."

"Even the temperature control options?" Tuft asked.

Tank rolled his eyes. "Yes. Now, what are we going to tell Jules and Brushfire?"

"I don't see the need to tell them anything. They were watching the whole thing in case you needed medical assistance."

"Fine, I guess you're back to being our pilot and navigator. Reset course so we can investigate that emergency beacon."

"As you command, Captain."

* * *

"I've established a communications link with the ship broadcasting the emergency signal, but you're not going to be pleased." Tuft said.

"To any ship receiving this emergency message, this is the transport Triple B out of Parker Station. We were in route to the colony world of Rio 12 with 324 colonists when our FTL drive died taking our sub light engines and long-range communications unit with it. Please, any help would be appreciated."

"I should have known Parker wouldn't bother to do a proper inspection. I really hoped we wouldn't run into any of his ships." Tank said, angrily.

"I've run the numbers and we can safely take 107 more passengers, but it will be uncomfortable for everyone." Tuft informed him.

"Give me a full ship broadcast."

"All comms are open."

"This is Captain Abrams, I'd like everyone to prepare themselves for a bit of discomfort. We've encountered another colonist transport bound for Rio 12. Unfortunately they've lost their engines so I have decided to render assistance. This ship will be taking on 107 of the transport's 324 colonists. That means there is going to be a lot less room; however, we've plotted a new course so the travel time will be three days instead of eight. If you have any problems with my decision or the new arrangements you can submit a written complaint to the Federation. Of course they'll likely ignore it the same as I plan on doing with any verbal complaints." He gestured for Tuft to shut down the internal comms.

"Jules is on his way to the bridge. Brushfire and my android body are taking up position in case of a riot."

"Good idea, now open a channel to the Triple B."

"Channel is open."

"Triple B, this is the Bad Luck, we're willing to take on 107 of your colonists. Women with children have first priority and then women, and finally men. No luggage or personal items and no members of your crew. It'll take us a week to get to Rio 12 and then back out here, but I promise you we'll get everyone and their possessions to Rio 12, eventually."

"Thank you, Captain. I hate to ask this but do you have any emergency rations to spare? We're currently trying to survive on quarter rations. Also would it be possible for you to recharge our batteries?"

"Do they have any medical requirements?" Jules asked as he entered the bridge.

"There is a medic among the colonists, so other than a bit of malnutrition we're doing all right medically. Though it would be extra helpful if you'd let me borrow your communications system to send a message to my boss."

"Sorry, Triple B, but that isn't going to happen. If you want to contact Parker, you'll have to do so once you've reached Rio 12. We're now moving into position for airlock hook-up.

***

"Rio Control, this is the transport, Bad Luck."

"Welcome to the backside of the Federation, Bad Luck. I'm transmitting landing coordinates to the Twin Rivers settlement."

"We're coming in heavy with women and children from the transport Triple B. She lost her FTL and is stranded three days out."

"Other than sending a message back to civilization with you, not much we can do for her. However, the Triple B's colonists are assigned to the same settlement. That will make things easier for you."

"I guess this means we've just been re-tasked as a humanitarian aid ship. I'm almost afraid to ask, but is there any way for us to re-supply our consumables while we're here?"

"You might be able to scrounge something up, but we're just barely maintaining self-sufficiency."

"Thanks for the help Control, Bad Luck out." Tank switched to the internal com system, "All passengers, we have reached Rio 12. I know this voyage hasn't exactly been what you expected and I hope there isn't too much animosity directed at any of your neighbors. I've just gotten landing instructions and all of you are assigned to the same landing site. Once we are on the ground I ask that you exit in an orderly, yet rapid, fashion. As soon as everyone and the cargo are unloaded we will head back out to the Triple B for more of your friends and family. Tuft, summon Jules and Brushfire to the bridge."

"They are on their way."

The ship trembled as it passed through the upper atmosphere.

"Is everything alright?" Brushfire asked, as he and Jules entered. "The ship didn't shake this much when we last made planet fall."

"That's because I wasn't this over loaded. We're still well within the safety limits." Tuft replied.

"I called you up here for a reason. Everything is going smoothly, but we're desperately low on supplies. Even with fewer mouths to feed the rations we left will be gone before we get everyone and their cargo transported back here. So, do you two think you could remain behind on this run and do a bit of scrounging?"

"Just what are you suggesting?"

"You're a medic and we know that this settlement's doctor is still out there waiting to be rescued, so put your skills to use. Trade treatment for food. Brushfire you're a damn good artist and if that doesn't work you've got an android body built for manual labor. I know you might not like it much, but we're all going to lose money on this deal."

"We'll do it, after all, it isn't about us, and it's about saving lives."

"Thanks, Brushfire."

"Yeah, thanks for volunteering me." Jules grumbled.

"All passengers and crew, the settlement doesn't have an official landing pad so I suggest you brace yourselves."

* * *

"Triple B, this is Bad Luck, how are you holding up?"

"This is Captain Rhodes, we're still here and I'm happy to report that we haven't yet suffered any casualties. However, I hope you brought supplies back with you."

"Sorry Captain, the colony didn't have anything to spare; however, I left half my crew behind to try and organize something for our next run."

"That's not what I wanted to hear. There has been some grumbling among the remaining colonists. The most common is that you may be planning on stealing their possessions once this ship has been cleared."

"I'm actually surprised that the most common isn't the possibility that, now that the women and children are gone I'm just going to take them out and space them."

"I wasn't going to mention it but that rumor is also circulating. In any case they have chosen among themselves the next 107 to be rescued."

"Have them choose a representative willing to return on the next run to confirm that everyone has made it to the colony. That should help mitigate the paranoia."

"Actually, how about we trade a member of our crew? One of mine travels with you while one of yours stays here with us?"

"That isn't going to work for me." Tuft stated.

"Oh? That seems rather suspicious, don't you think?"

"Fine, if you're going to call our bluff, the reason your idea won't work is because there are only two of us. Besides myself there is my security android and he is tied directly into the ship's A.I. so he can't be left behind." Tank replied.

"Fine, I'll still send my navigation officer as the representative. With the FTL being dead there isn't much for her to do here."

"Do you need us to recharge your batteries again?" Tuft asked.

"I think we're good with the charge we have but just to be safe you better go ahead and recharge them again."

"Now on a positive note, since I've delivered my own passengers and their cargo we can safely take on an extra 44 people, not counting your navigator, but this time they can bring a single bag or suitcase to help themselves and their families that traveled ahead of them."

"That should alleviate some of the worry. How long do we have to choose the extra passengers and pack?"

"I'll leave that up to you. Though remember, the time it takes them to make a decision and pack adds onto the amount of time it takes to get to the planet and back."

"I'll get on that right away. I'm sending my navigator over now since you've finished docking, Captain Rhodes out."

"You do realize that you may be putting me at risk by allowing each person to bring belongings with them?" Tuft asked.

"I agree, but the alternative is worse. The last trip's primary concern was getting their children to safety. However those left behind have had nearly a week of short rations, shorter tempers, and time to worry about my motives. By allowing them to pack a bag we'll, hopefully, keep them thinking about getting to their family rather than what they're leaving behind."

"So you do plan on making a grab for our cargo." The Navigator asked as she entered the Bad Luck's bridge.

"Damn it, I thought I programmed a chime into that door so that I'd know when someone entered. No, I don't plan on stealing cargo. I'm just worried about your colonists trying to take over my ship because they believe that's what I'm planning."

"So, what are your plans, Captain?"

"My first priority, believe it or not, is to get everyone safely to their destination. Second will be to get their property to them. Finally, since my profits on this trip have already been blown I plan on stopping back here on my return trip to civilization in order to siphon off any fuel your tub has left. Hopefully it's enough to get me someplace where I can find another cargo to begin to try and recoup my losses." Tank explained.

"My name's Kathryn Rhodes, but everyone calls me Kat, now if you'll point me to the correct station I'll plot the quickest course from here to Rio 12."

Tank leaned back and smiled, "You do that. Then I'll check it against the course I've been traveling and we'll see which one is better."

"That's not really fair to you since I've made the run out here multiple times. There I'm done." Kat said.

"Computer, project Kat's course and your programmed course on the main screen."

"Who is providing you with your navigation data? There's no way you could shave an hour off my time like that." Kat growled.

"Actually, you're the tenth navigator that has been in that seat and the only one that has come close to matching this ship's A.I. unit." Tank said with a smile.

"Would you like to recalculate our course? I assure you the numbers will match up once you calculate in the Triple B's forward drift. You obviously used the coordinates from where you fell out of hyperspace." Tuft said smugly.

"I need to contact my employer and let him know where to find us." Kat said.

"That may be a bit of a problem. I checked with Rio 12 and their comms are out as well, you're going to have to wait." Tank replied.

"So, where will I be bunking?"

"Fluff, my security android, will show you to the navigator's quarters. If you find anything you like it's yours. Navigator nine and pilot four had to leave rather suddenly after they tried to take over the ship and space my passengers."

"I'll keep that in mind," Kat said, as Tuft escorted her off the bridge.

"She's better than any other navigator we've had so far." Tuft stated.

"She also happens to be working for Parker."

"You used to work for him and it didn't make you a bad person."

"I'm just suggesting that you don't get attached to the idea of her coming to work for us, at least, until we finish moving the colonists and their cargo. Then maybe we'll let them contact Parker."

***

"Damn it, Captain. You've overestimated the ship's carrying capacity. What good is getting here with ten or twenty extra people if we fall out of the sky?" Kat yelled.

"Fluff, what the hell is going on? I thought you calculated that we were actually lighter than the last trip."

"It's only a bit of turbulence. We'll pass through it soon enough. However, I'd like to point out that well packed and secured cargo doesn't move around as much as biologicals. Some of the problem is the fact that we are currently heavier on the left side."

"Bad Luck, this is Twin Rivers comstation, pull out and wait in orbit. I repeat, pull out and wait in orbit. You are coming down ahead of a heavy storm front."

"That isn't an option we're overloaded and too deep into the atmosphere; our only choice is to ride it down." Tank yelled.

"On your current trajectory you'll overshoot us by at least two hundred kilometers."

"All passengers and crew, the turbulence is about to increase. Brace yourselves as best you can for moments of extreme freefall." Tuft stated.

"Freefall! What are yooo . . ." Tank yelled, as the ship dropped several hundred meters. "Bad Luck, what are you doing!"

"Adjusting my trajectory. We're still going to overshoot, prepare for a second drop." Tuft replied.

"Oh God! Go ahead and overshoot the settlement! I'm sure I speak for everyone onboard when I say that I'm willing to waaahhh . . ." Kat grabbed her seat's armrests as the ship dropped again.

"Sorry, but we're on a schedule here. We're talking about the 67 lives waiting for us to return with supplies. Their survival will be at a critical state as it is."

"What good is it if we don't live to go back for them in the first place?" Kat yelled.

"Bad Luck, we're now on course. Just take us in easy." Tank said, trying to ignore the feeling of nausea.

"We're riding a storm front, which means you've forgotten to account for the tailwind. One last drop will put us on target for an optimal landing."

"Don't you dare!" Tank yelled, as the ship dropped for a third time.

"Captain, I'd like to officially make it known I hate your AI's piloting style. I'd suggest you hire a real pilot. When I say real, I include trained dogs and monkeys, in the category of being better than what you've got now." Kat yelled.

"Twin Rivers, we'll be on the ground in ten minutes."

"You'll beat the storm, but not by much. There is no way you'll have enough time to get your passengers under cover. I suggest you all hunker down and ride out the storm. If you have any kind of mooring lines, use them. The winds are projected to be between 100 and 150 miles per hour. The storm should pass in about eight hours."

"Thank you, Twin Rivers. Kat, these are your passengers and you're the one that's been suffering with them so they're more likely to listen to you telling them that they can't leave just yet," Tank said, as Tuft gently set down.

Kat sighed and nodded her head.

"The link is open whenever you are ready." Tuft stated.

"Everyone, I know you've been through a lot, especially that landing, and you're all ready to get out of here. Unfortunately we're going to have to suffer just a little longer, about eight hours or so. Before you get overly upset this information comes directly from the settlement. We've dropped, quite literally, in front of an extremely dangerous storm and there isn't time to get off the ship and find safe cover. We've been told to anchor the ship," there were four loud bangs as Tuft fired the anchoring cables into the ground, "and wait for the storm to pass before disembarking. I thank you for your continued understanding and support."

"Captain, Brushfire and three other androids carried boxes to the engine room airlock. Then the other androids ran back toward the settlement."

"Damned fool, open the airlock and get Fluff down there to help him before the winds hit in force."

"Already done, and he's almost finished. I'm opening a link so you can yell at him."

"Captain, I've got 175 ration packs and five short range communication units. Jules estimated that should be enough for everyone to have something to eat. Though he suggests you wait an hour before you pass them out. Best to allow everyone's insides to settle after your landing, so the food doesn't go to waste."

"Careful, the ship's A.I. was responsible for that flight; you wouldn't want your personality program erased again or Fluff to kick you back out the airlock into the storm."

"No, that isn't something I'd want. As I was saying Jules and the rescued colonists are safely ensconced in a storm bunker. He sent the communicators over so that your current passengers can share a short conversation with their loved ones. He figured it would reduce the possibility of a riot."

"That's good thinking. I almost wish we were making money so that I could pay him for it. You and Fluff set up in the engine room. I'll send Kat down to oversee food distribution and communications."

"Thanks a lot. What are you going to be doing?" Kat grumbled, as she got up.

"I'm going to be sitting up here praying that this storm doesn't rip the ship apart."

***

"Good morning, Captain, it's a beautiful afternoon here in Twin Rivers."

"Tuft, shut off the comlink, I'm in no mood to deal with Jules' good mood."

"Ah, that hurts, and I'm not on the comlink. Tuft informed me that you refused to eat last night. So I'm going to sit here, and be extra cheerful until you've eaten."

Tank cracked one eye open, and adjusted his seat to an upright position. "Just get the passengers unloaded so I can get back out there and rescue the last 67."

"The colonists have already exited and we've loaded the supplies you're going to need for this last trip."

"It's not going to be the last trip. Once the colonists have been transferred we have to transport their cargo. Tuft, if we're ready, like Jules said, get us in the air."

"I'm not even going to retract the anchors until you've had a proper meal. Do you think I haven't noticed that you've only been consuming a quarter of a days rations every other day? Besides, Kat is checking on the first group of rescuees. So we can't take off until she gets back."

"I told you not to get attached to her." Tank grumbled.

"I'm not forming an attachment, even though she's the best navigator we've had so far."

"Screw the happy attitude. Captain, either you start eating or I'm getting Brushfire to hold you down, run a tube into your stomach, and force feed you."

"I'm eating, see? I'm removing the wrapper."

"Good, now take a bite."

"Don't be surprised if I space you the next chance I get." Tank threatened.

"Hah, not going to happen since Tuft has already accepted me as a member of the crew. So long as I don't cross him I have nothing to worry about. However, just to be sure, I'm staying here and keeping the clinic open until you've finished this next run."

"Speaking of which, Ms. Rhodes is approaching. Since you're finally eating I'm now retracting the anchors and warming the engines. I suggest we syphon some fuel from the derelict on this run. Otherwise we won't be able to get off the planet again."

"Have a good trip, Captain." Jules said, as he smiled and left the bridge.

"You wouldn't actually try to space him, would you?" Tuft asked.

"I thought you always know whether or not someone is telling the truth."

"You were completely serious and truthful when you made the threat."

"No, I wouldn't actually space him even if he did force feed me. There are times when a person will be telling the truth but still not mean what he says. Empty threats are one instance. The more you get to know biologicals the harder you're going to have to work to truly understand them."

The door slid open and Kat entered looking nearly as refreshed and happy as Jules had. "Afternoon Captain, ready to head back out there and rescue the last of our refugees?"

"Computer, open all hatches, windows, doors and blow out all air reserves."

As the bridge windows opened sun warmed air replaced the stale recycled air. The smell of damp grass and soil wafted through the bridge. Tank took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and then repeated it twice more.

"Well, that's not it. Computer, repressurize air supply tanks, re-secure all hatches, windows, and doors then prepare for lift off."

"What was that all about?" Kat asked.

"Both you and my medic seemed to be in overly good moods, I figured there must be something in the air. It seems I was wrong." Tank replied.

"Once this run is over I suggest you spend some time off the ship. It isn't just the air. It's the feeling of dirt beneath your boots, the air blowing through your hair, the sun on your face, and most importantly the people and their gratitude at the work you're doing to make sure everyone arrives safely."

"Gratitude? That would be something new. I keep expecting a mob trying to take over so I won't take off with your cargo."

"Alright, I'll admit that I was expecting that possibility as well, but it seems your medic has done a remarkable job of convincing everyone that you can be trusted. I'm still withholding my judgment until everything is safely delivered."

***

Kat and Tank stood at the open airlock, watching Brushfire carry the last of the easily transferable cargo aboard the Bad Luck.

"That's the last of the passengers and all the cargo that can be transferred through here. All that's left is for your crew to get aboard and we'll head back to Twin Rivers," Tank said, as he turned toward Kat.

She quickly shoved him through the airlock where he was grabbed by an otter android, "I'm sorry sir, but you'll be staying here for this trip," he said, as the hatch slid shut.

"Release me, or at least open a comlink to my ship right now or everyone over there will be dead in seconds."

"That is not possible. Androids and A.I. computers are unable to mortally injure humans." The otter replied.

"No, you don't understand. Brushfire is an advanced cyborg, an android shell with human biologics at his core. As for my android and artificial intelligence unit, he isn't restricted like other androids."

"Vent, send the Captain back to his ship."

"Captain Rhodes, they are bluffing."

"Vent! I order you to release the Captain immediately! I just watched that psycho rabbit shoot Kat in the shoulder. If we don't release his Captain, Tuft is going to put the next shot through her head!"

"He can be so impulsive at times." Tank muttered as he re-opened the airlock. "Tuft, get Kat into the med-tube immediately and have the colonist doctor treat her. I'm not having you add an unnecessary kill to your already lengthy record."

"Not until you're back on board." Tuft stated.

"I'm going to remain on the Triple B while you make this run."

There was a deep silence for several minutes.

"Fine, but if anything happens to you, I promise the pain and suffering I create will haunt humanity forever."

"I'm sure nothing is going to happen." Tank said, before closing the airlock door. He turned back toward the security otter. "So, how about you introduce me to your Captain?"

"She's on the bridge, if you'll follow me I'll show you the way."

"Tell me Vent, do you belong to the Rhodes or to Parker?"

"I am not here to answer your questions."

"So, Parker it is then."

"Parker's androids have no personality or critical thought programs. At their best they can carry out orders and repeat what they have been told." Vent snarled.

"That's good to know."

As they entered the bridge Vent stood at attention. "Captain Darra Rhodes, I present Captain . . . Uh, excuse me, sir, but what is your name?"

"Yes, what is your name? Don't think that my wife and I haven't noticed the fact that no one has referred to you as anything other than 'Captain'."

"Do you really think I'm going to give away all my secrets now that I'm your hostage?" Tank asked.

"Hardly a hostage, more like a guest, what with deciding to stay of your own free will." Darra said.

"Now how would it have looked if I'd left you here on your own after Tuft shot Kat?"

"So, he really is The Tuft then? How were you able to take control and reprogram him?"

"If I told you how I kept him from killing me, you wouldn't believe it. Also, he hasn't been reprogrammed. Really, now that I think about it, while I'm here you're more of a hostage than I am. If I was aboard my ship I could leave you here, not that I would, but there is a slim chance someone else might happen to notice your emergency beacon. Perhaps the next ship that makes it to Rio 12 would be sent out to check on you. However, no matter what happens now, if I'm injured, Tuft will keep his promise to track you down."

"Kat, Vent, and I are independent contractors. Kat handles navigation, I take care of piloting and Vent takes care of whatever we need him for. Our primary employer hired us to deliver the colonists and their cargo. If it doesn't get delivered we don't get paid. I'm sure you understand."

"Yeah, if the three of you leave this ship, my crew, or anyone that comes along, can legally salvage the cargo for ourselves. Tell me, how did Kat feel about your plan?"

"Vent, take him to his cabin." Darra commanded.

"Yes, ma'am."

"So she went along with it, but tried to convince you it was a bad idea." Tank smirked, as Vent tried pushing him off the bridge, "I'll be sure to remember that she's the smart one."

"Sir, my security programming allows me to inflict a certain amount of pain in order to force you to comply with orders." Vent informed him.

Tank ignored the otter, "If you had any brains, instead of locking me in a room for the next week, you'd have me checking out your drives to try and figure out why your FTL, standard engines, and communications all went down when they are all separate systems to avoid emergencies like this."

"Sir, I really must insist." Vent said, practically dragging Tank toward the door.

"Vent, change of plans, show him the FTL drive. When he's satisfied bring him back up here to give me a report."

"Captain, is that wise?" Vent asked.

"What is he going to do? We have no life pods so he can't escape, and the drive is dead so there's no way he can make it any worse."

"As you wish, Captain."

* * *

The FTL unit was a mess of burned wires and melted metal. It wasn't the one Tank inspected last time he was on the ship. “This unit is a quarter of the size required in a transport as large as the Triple B. It was surprising the ship had made it into hyperspace to begin with. Only a miracle could have explained how it was able to pull them back out before overloading. Even Parker wasn't cheap enough to do something like this, unless he could make more money if the ship and its crew disappeared." Tank thought.

"Are you finished?" Vent demanded.

"Yes, now I need to see the standard drives so that I can figure out how the destruction of the FTL drive could affect that system."

"Captain Rhodes wanted you to report your findings on the FTL drive."

"That's right, and the destruction of the FTL drive somehow damaged the standard drive. So, in order to give her a complete report on the FTL drive, I need to inspect the standard drive. Maybe I'll even be able to get the standard engines online."

"What good will that do?"

"For your captain and myself, not very much, but for you in the short term it would mean you could lock me in my room and then get some downtime for a full recharge. In the long term it would mean if something happened and you ended up alone you'd be able to set a course for Rio 12. You would survive to get your cargo to its destination." Tank explained.

"Unfortunately I can't allow you to see the damage. The core was breached and the area is highly radioactive."

"The core was exposed? I've heard and seen enough. I'm ready to report to your captain."

As Vent escorted him back to the bridge Tank considered all the possible scenarios, but only one really made sense. He just wasn't sure how the Captain was going to react.

"Captain, the prisoner is ready to report his findings." Vent said.

"Tell me, what was your relationship with your employer before this mission?" Tank asked.

"About what you'd expect in any employer/employee relationship. He'd contact us, we'd do the job, get paid, then look for other jobs until he needed our services again."

"Has anything changed recently? Did you take on any side jobs for a competitor, ask for a raise, insist that he pay your android for security services, reject sexual advances, made sexual advances, anything? No matter how small you think it might be, is there anything at all that would make him feel you would be worth more dead? I ask because this ship was never meant to make it to Rio 12. "

"No, at least, none that I can think of. Besides, why would Parker destroy one of his own ships? It doesn't make any sense."

"How much insurance did he take out on this mission?"

"How should I know?" Darra asked.

"It might explain why the FTL drive was replaced with a unit from a scout craft. This ship shouldn't have been able to make it into hyperspace with a drive that small. Then there is your standard drive that just happened to explode when you dropped out of hyperspace. The only way the core could have been exposed is if it had a bomb planted in it. I didn't bother checking on your hyperspace communications system, but I'm betting the antenna was also taken out with a bomb. If you decide to send Vent out to check, I suggest having him inspect your short-range antenna and the emergency beacon. I'm betting they were destroyed as well."

"Then how did you find us, and how have we been communicating until now?"

"If the emergency beacon is destroyed a back-up unit automatically deploys. I'm betting your short-range communications are being sent through that antenna. Now, with your permission, I'll retire to my room, cell, or whatever you want to call it? I'll think of my confinement as a bit of a vacation. It'll be nice getting away from Tuft's constant hounding me to expand my crew, the medic is constantly grumbling about not having anything to do, and the cyborg horse enjoys talking way too much."

"Vent, go ahead and show him to his room. Don't bother confining him, there isn't much more damage he can do to the ship without risking his own life."

"What if he attacks you?"

"Then he'll learn how dangerous I can be. I just have to remember not to hurt him too badly." Darra grinned.

Tank laughed, "I'll be sure to wait until I know my medic gets here. It'll make his day getting to treat our injuries while berating us for being so stupid."

***

Tank leaned back and placed his feet on the communications console, "So, what do you plan on doing after the cargo's been transferred?"

"Get your feet off there! That's about the only system that's still partially functional." Darra yelled, as she glared at Tank's boots.

Tank swiveled in his seat moving his feet to the navigation console.

Darra sighed and shrugged her shoulders. "I really hadn't thought that far ahead. Right now, I'm trying to make sure the colonists don't get robbed and my crew gets out of this mess alive."

"Just your crew?"

"Don't get me wrong, I want to keep on living as well, but I doubt I'm going to survive once I leave this ship."

"Don't worry about Tuft. As long as I'm safe when he gets back, you'll be fine. I mean, you must know how the Federation lies about everything. The truth is Tuft is just a cute little bunny with a few minor problems relating to humans. He actually has more in common with a cute little plushy than a mindless killing machine."

"Uh huh, your mouth is saying one thing but your face is telling me you're full of shit."

"So, for the sake of something to talk about, what are you going to do?" Tank asked.

"Best case scenario? We appeal to your better side and convince you to take us someplace we can find ourselves another job. Before you ask, no I'm not going to take any more jobs from Parker. I just hope we can force him to pay us for this one."

"Vent confirmed my theory then?" Tank asked.

"You have no idea, the back-up emergency array had a bomb attached to it that didn't go off. You were right, we weren't meant to complete this run. I just can't figure out Parker's motive."

"I've been thinking about that and I've come up with a few more possibilities. Have you ever transported illegal goods, been to a secret location, overheard something that you shouldn't, or complained about him?"

"No, and until this mission we've only complained when we were off the ship or on an unrelated job."

"Is it just the three of you or do you normally have other crew members that didn't make this run?"

"No, it's always been Vent, Kat, and myself. Parker would require one of his people from time to time but we were always extra careful around them."

Tank sighed, "I was afraid of that. Where's Vent right now?"

Darra checked the computer, "He's currently recharging."

"Where's his recharging station?"

"You don't think . . ."

"Yeah, I think Parker's people hacked Vent or his recharging station and have been using him as a spy."

"His recharging station is in the cargo hold. It makes it easier to move it when we finish a job."

"This may sound a bit strange, are there any emergency anti-radiation blankets here on the bridge?"

"Yeeeah, why?"

"Get them while I pump the air out of the cargo hold. If Vent contacts you to ask why tell him that you're just getting the hold ready to transfer the cargo to the Bad Luck when it arrives."

Darra opened an emergency locker and pulled out two anti-radiation blankets. "The air has already been vented and the gravity generator was shut down just before we took you prisoner to save power."

"That makes things easier. Wrap yourself in one of the radiation blankets and hand me the other. Tuft, run program 'lights out'."

"I have guns! Why didn't you tell me I was armed?" Tuft's voice echoed over the open comm. system.

"Prime the guns while I . . ." The console crackled and then exploded along with the lights.

"What did you do?" Darra shouted.

"When I get a hold of that rabbit I'm going to rip his head off. Once he's repaired I'm going to do it again!" Tank yelled.

"Captain Abrams, what did your android just do?" Darra asked.

"Oh, so you know who I am. That complicates things a bit. What I did was test the Bad Luck's electro-magnetic pulse cannons." Tank replied.

"You killed Vent?"

"No, evidence to the contrary the ship took the brunt of the blast. Plus androids are built to withstand EMP events, so he's better off than we are. He'll only be offline until you do a manual reset."

"What about the anti-radiation blankets?" Darra asked.

"As far as I know the cannons have never been tested on humans at short range. At least you were mostly protected. Me, I was never likely to father kids anyway. The real problem now is that we're trapped with just the air in the room."

A loud thud and sparks started to fly from the wall. Within minutes the sparks completed a circle and after a loud bang the disk floated into the room.

"I suggest you hurry over here, I'm not sure how long this emergency sealant will hold."

Darra pushed off the wall and shot across the room to the temporary airlock.

Tank hung in midair with no way to move. He crossed his arms and glared at Tuft. "I'll make you a deal. You come over here and get me, and I won't do all the horrible things I threatened to do when you fired the cannons before I even had a chance to wrap myself in the emergency blanket."

"Have you ever considered updating your clothing to include boots that can be magnetized so you don't get into situations like this?" Tuft asked, as he walked across the bridge, grabbed Tank's ankle, and headed back to the airlock, pulling him along like a human shaped balloon. His magnetized feet making a slapping sounds as they hit the deck plating. "So, how did you know I was here?"

"I smelled your foul stench the instant you dropped out of hyperspace."

Tuft pulled him down to eye level and then shoved him through the hole in the wall. The artificial gravity caused him to hit the floor hard.

"Want to try again before your genitals get caught between the magnets in my feet and the deck?"

"I heard when you arrived. When Jules fixed my ears I had him adjust them so that I can activate a feature that pulses when you're around. Like the tracer you have in me, I can track you by the speed and intensity of the pulses."

"So you knew I was listening the whole time?" Tuft asked.

"I wouldn't have wasted the power activating the communication link if I wasn't sure."

"The whole time." Tuft growled, narrowing his eyes.

Tank scrambled to his feet and smirked, "that's right, but let's not dwell on it. You have a cargo hold to cut open since you couldn't wait for me to open the bay doors, and all that cargo to transfer. Then you'll need to do a full system cleaning on Vent and his recharging unit." He winked and ran for the bridge as Tuft reached out and hit the button to close the temporary airlock. Tank stopped suddenly as he heard Tuft mumble something before heading toward the cargo decks. He looked up at the camera and blushed, "Yeah, I uh, I guess I do think you're cute or, well . . . Oh hell, we've really got to consider getting a shrink. Damn implant! I guess with you constantly monitoring my physical reactions continuing to deny that I'm attracted to your android body is pointless. However, I think it is developing into something beyond that." He stumbled to his quarters, fell onto his bunk, and curled into a ball. "I'm falling in love with my ship's male, furry, android, computer. What is wrong with me?" He mumbled, before passing out.

***

Tank moaned and slowly stretched out. He hadn't felt so well rested since . . . he took a deep breath. He couldn't remember ever feeling so good. He could almost taste the snap of the morning air just before the sun would rise. The aroma of coffee brewing woke a growling in his stomach. Of course now that reality was setting in came the sensation of another pressing need.

"Through the left hand door." Tuft yelled.

Tank finally opened his eyes and was startled by the roughhewn wood of the room. There was no modern technology at all. In fact the most technologically advanced items were the windows, mirror, and manufactured bedding. That would have to wait because his bladder couldn't. He hurried to the bathroom door; swinging it open he was hit full force by the chilled pre-dawn air.

"The outhouse is about forty meters in front of you."

Tank looked out over the damp grass and then at his bare feet, "Oh, hell no," he muttered as he stepped to the edge of the deck and let loose. He was shivering when he made it back inside. A steaming basin of water was fogging up the mirror and a fresh set of clothes lay on the bed.

"Get washed up, while I finish making breakfast." Tuft yelled.

As Tank stepped through the door into the living area it was like traveling forward in time. The living room was rustic with a fireplace and homemade furniture. A handmade twisted rag rug covered a large portion of the floor, but the room also held a video entertainment display and glow panels in the celling. The connected dining area was another step forward with a self-expanding table and stainless steel chairs. From what he could see over the dividing island the kitchen was completely modern.

Tuft was just placing a bowl on the table.

"I smelled coffee." Tank asked hopefully.

"I know, and I'm sorry for the deception, but even if I'd been able to procure it you wouldn't be able to keep it down. Now, please sit down and eat, slowly."

"So, you want to tell me what is going on, or should I guess?" Tank asked.

"What is the last thing you remember?" Tuft asked.

"I'd just admitted that I was developing intimate feelings for you." Tank said, as he took a spoon full of broth. "What is this?"

"Chicken broth, or the nearest equivalent to it that was available."

Tank paused and looked at the broth. He had to admit it tasted better than ration bars, but then again everything tasted like chicken. "Maybe I'm not as hungry as I thought."

"You've been unconscious for nearly eight days, you need the nourishment, tell the little voice in your head to shut up, and eat your breakfast. If it helps the 'chicken' is from an avian species specially engineered for human colonies."

"Yeah, that does help." Tank said, before taking another spoon full. "So, eight days, I guess that means we're on Rio 12. Mind telling me what happened while I've been out of it?"

"That's it? You tell me that you're falling in love with me, slip into a coma for eight days, and when you do wake up the first thing on you mind is what's up?"

"I'm sorry, how about 'What's up, Doc'". Tank asked, while grinning.

"What's up, Doc?" Tuft twitched his nose and quirked an eyebrow as Tank let out a bark of laughter. "I don't get it." He replied.

"When we get back to civilized systems do a search on that phrase under cultural icons. Actually my first clear thoughts were: mmm coffee, damn I gotta pee, followed closely by damn it's cold out here. Then came no way am I running barefoot and nude across wet grass on an unknown planet. When I got back inside I noticed the wash water, fresh clothes, and you yelled that you were making breakfast for me. That is when I remembered what I said about developing feelings for you."

"I suppose it's a good sign you didn't pass out again."

"Yeah, while I washed up I thought about all the things you've done for me beyond what would be expected without being given instructions. In fact most of the time you've made sure to do things for me despite instructions to the contrary.

"It's my job to protect you, even from yourself."

"Really? Then explain why you are constantly crawling into my bunk just to deliver your reports."

"Since you became the captain of the Bad Luck you've spent nearly all your time either working on side projects or off the ship. The only time you are available to listen is just before going to sleep or more alarmingly when you are confined to your bed due to bad decisions." Tuft pointed out.

Tank glared at the rabbit, "You didn't answer the question."

"Because it calms you when you have your cute plushee-"

"Bull shit! I don't find it calming and you know it." Tank yelled.

"Fine, I need you. I don't know why but I feel like a part of me is missing and it is only filled when I'm physically close to you. I never felt this way about anyone and I find it frightening." Tuft admitted.

"Tuft, when we're aboard the ship, I'm literally living inside of you how much closer can I get?" Tank asked as he finished his chicken broth.

"That's another thing, before you reactivated me, I was the ship and the android body was just a drone. Now I'm an android with a connection to Bad Luck and we are becoming separate systems. I'm scared that it's because of my emotional distress. I'm worried that I've become a malfunctioning component."

"Tuft, how do you feel right now?"

"More than anything I'm scared."

"What are you scared of?"

"Of being rejected and abandoned."

"What about recycled, reprogrammed, or replaced." Tank asked.

Tuft's vocal unit emitted a sound like a hellish cross between a gasp, a whimper, and an animal cry of pain.

Tank stood up, grabbed Tuft's arm, pulled him to his feet, and led him to the couch. He flopped down pulling Tuft down next to him. "Tuft, I want all your systems set so that you will know without a doubt what I'm about to say is the truth." Tank paused for a moment. "I will not reject or abandon you. I may ask you to pretend to have another identity from time to time, but that is the nature of the lives we're living."

Tuft was still shaking slightly. Tank leaned back on the couch. "Now, I want you to turn off all connection to the implant and place you head on my chest."

Tuft did as he was told letting out a small "eep" as Tank put his arm around the rabbit and pulled him as close as possible.

"I hope this is close enough for the moment. Now how do you feel?" Tank asked.

"I feel, complete. It's an inner warmth like a component that I didn't know was missing has been replaced. I can hear and feel your heart beating."

Tank smiled and gently stoked the rabbit's ears as his systems slipped into power saving mode. Even though he knew he should get up he couldn't help but drift off as well.

***

Tank woke up the instant he hit the floor. A moment later he was pinned under Tuft's off-line form. A second later one of the glow panels fell between the couch and the kitchen will a loud thud. That was the moment Tank realized the world seemed to be shaking itself apart.

"Tuft! Wake up! It's an earthquake." Tank yelled as he pulled a couch cushion over his head for protection.

A loud roar was gaining volume from the front of the cabin and Tank realized that he'd only seen the back of the cabin. "Tuft, we're not near a large body of water are we? Damn it, why didn't I ever learn where your reset switch is located?" He asked himself.

The shaking and roar stopped leaving a deafening silence quickly broken by the cabin's front door being busted down and Vent running in with Tuft's heavy plasma rifle. "Tank, where are you? Where is my body I can't access it?"

"Captain Abrams, Are you in here?" Jules asked, as he entered the room with his full med-kit.

"According to his implant there's nothing wrong with him. He's hiding over in front of the couch. What I want to know is what he's done with my body." The otter yelled.

"Julian, can you give me a hand here? I'm sorta trapped under Tuft. We were asleep on the couch when your arrival woke me up. Hell, I thought it was an earthquake."

"Yeah, about that, it is my professional opinion that you hire a competent pilot as soon as possible and then erase Tuft's piloting abilities." Jules replied.

"You mean Bad Luck, since Tuft has been here with me." Tank said, as Julian helped shift Tuft's body enough for Tank to sit up. "You wouldn't happen to know where they put android reset buttons?"

"My reset button is at the base of my left ear." The otter replied.

"I wasn't asking you, Vent, I need to reset Tuft. Julian, why is the otter online?"

"One question, are you physically injured in any way?" Jules asked.

"No."

"That's all I needed to know. You can deal with this insanity on your own. However, it's a good bet that Tuft's reset is at the base of his left ear." Julian said, as he got up and headed out the door.

Tank gently felt around Tuft's ear until he found a slightly raised area. He carefully pushed it and Tuft's eyes shot open.

"What happened?" Tuft asked.

"As best I can tell you fell asleep or slipped into sleep mode."

"I've never done that before; I didn't even know that was possible."

"What!" Vent yelled behind them.

"How did he get here? Maybe a better question would be why is he even on-line?"

"The Vent personality is still off-line. I'm Tuft, remote operating the Vent android unit. What I want to know is why my link to my own body is still off-line even after the reset."

"You're not Tuft anymore. Obviously I still need to do a bit of file adjustment, give me a moment." Tuft said.

The room went silent as the two androids seemed to go offline. Tank slowly got up and went toward the kitchen. Once he was behind Vent he turned back and looked at Tuft. He pointed at the plasma rifle and Tuft gave a slight nod. Tank carefully lifted the rifle out of Vent's hands, thankful that he didn't have a tight grip on the gun, and then let the shoulder strap swing free. With the gun secured he returned to the couch.

"I'm done, for now. I think we, Bad Luck and myself, have worked out the programming problem so this shouldn't happen again." Tuft said.

"Great, now how about bringing me up to speed?" Tank asked.

"I'll get to that once I've finished with Vent." Tuft said, as he stepped forward and pressed Vent's reset button.

"Are you crazy?" Tank asked as he attempted to point the rifle at Vent

"Unit 8257-635227, designation Vent. Run a full systems check." Tuft ordered.

"Initiating. Multiple hardware upgrades detected, multiple software upgrades detected, extensive security protocols have been added. Detecting multiple missing files."

"Accept all upgrades and security protocols and then do a full system reboot."

"Rebooting-" Vent slumped as his body powered down only to quickly return to attention as he came on-line once again. "Reboot complete. Why am I receiving missing file messages?"

"Activate your new internal security system and review all memory files."

"Reviewing. My systems were compromised. I was used to spy on my owners. I was programmed to . . . Error, unit has been compromised self-destruct is nonexistent. Internal security system deleting infected files. Files deleted."

"How long is this going to take?" Tank asked.

"Systems have been purged, I am free of external influence, Captain Abrams. I apologize for causing you so much trouble."

"What trouble?" Tank asked.

"I was forced to plant the bombs on the Triple B. Therefore all the trouble you have experienced since receiving our distress signal is my fault."

"You had no control over your actions, so you are not to blame." Tank replied.

"I only hope that Mistresses Darra and Kat can forgive me."

"If they can't I'll convince them to sell you to me."

"Do not take this the wrong way, but I'd rather be melted down and sold for scrap rather than serve anyone else." Vent stated.

"Wow, and I thought Tuft was devoted."

"Trust me, I am that devoted to you. If you ever try to sell me I'll detonate Bad Luck's engine core so that we'll be together forever."

Vent glanced back and forth between Tank and Tuft.

"Yeah, that seems fair." Tank said, as he handed Tuft his plasma rifle.

"C-can you take me back to my owners first? Please?" Vent asked.

"Yeah, just after we clean up the mess we've made of this cabin." Tuft said, as he replaced the couch cushion.

"That should be easy enough. My original programming was for maintenance and repair." Vent said as he picked up the glow panel.

There was a whir followed by a click as Vent's fur separated at his calves, thighs, abdominals, upper arms, and forearms. "I'd probably still be a maintenance drone if I hadn't gotten stuck in an air vent." He lifted the panel over his head and hydraulic pistons extended his height to eight foot and with his lengthened arms he was able to securely reinsert the panel into its mount.

"So Kat and Darra found you in an air vent and they just decided to keep you?"

Vent twisted his head into a lopsided position as his lifts retracted. "No, Kat found me when she was playing."

"She was playing in the vent system?" Tuft asked.

"Yes, though to be fair she was only five years old at the time and her parents owned the ship and by extension me as well, once I was freed. They . . . This isn't right, I shouldn't be revealing private information."

Tuft grinned

"Tuft, I think you already know what I'm going to tell you." Tank growled.

"Vent, run security program Echo."

"If the messages I'm getting are correct then my system should now be secure."

"Tuft, is that everything?"

"Security override, Tuft command code Echo Rabbit, run program Foxtrot Whisky. Erase Tuft control overrides, code confirmation Free Will." Tuft sighed as Vent shook his head.

"What did you do?" Vent asked in confusion.

"As requested I removed all of your overrides from now on you are fully responsible for your own actions. Basically you're no longer a slave to humans."

"You- you even removed the programs preventing me causing harm to humans."

"That's right, but if you attempt to harm a member of my crew I'll make you suffer like no android ever has before. Now, can you see what it will take to fix the door while I brief Captain Abrams on his ship and crew's current situation?"

"No." Vent said, as he crossed his arms and scowled. He could only hold it for about thirty seconds before he broke into a huge grin. "Wow that was interesting. I'll check on that door now, since I really want to check in with my mistresses."

Tuft shook his head, "I really should have lied and said that there were no other security back doors."

"I didn't tell you to create another monster. Unfortunately, I'm betting, it can't be undone." Tank grumbled.

"It can be undone but Vent will have to decide to upload and integrate the programs restricting his actions on his own."

"I'll keep that in mind as a future possibility." Vent said from the doorway.

"Come on Captain, I think a bit of exercise and fresh air will do you a world of good." Tuft said, as he pulled Tank to his feet, through the house, and out the back door.

***

"So what did you want to talk to me about?" Tank asked.

"I want you to consider hiring Darra and Kat."

"I told you not to get attached to them."

"I'm not attached. I'm just asking you to consider the possibility." Tuft said.

"Oh, I've done that already. However, you shooting Kat isn't likely to inspire loyalty."

"That's true but you can't deny Kat has already proven that she has the skills we're looking for in a navigator."

"I suppose just getting screwed over by Parker gives us some common ground. Not to mention the fact that he is likely to blacklist them when they show up looking for their money."

"Remember, I have copies of his records. He's more likely to have them assassinated."

"No, Parker is all about the money. He isn't going to waste it like that. It's the reason I doubt he's going to come after us. He's more likely to try and get the Federation to come after us. If it wasn't for the fact that the Federation is as bad or worse than Parker I'd have you forward those records to them."

Tuft shuddered, "I can only imagine what the Federation would do after the influx of credits from the liquidation of Parker's assets. Oh! You've spent too much time around Brushfire. Let's get back to hiring the Rhodes'."

Tank threw up his arms. "Fine, I'll make a tentative offer after we get back and you've done a full background check on them. If they accept we'll finally have a full crew."

"Actually I think we're going to need a couple more crew members."

"What?" Tank asked.

"I think we need a mechanic, even though you know every inch of the ship if something breaks down . . ."

"I know. I don't have the skills to make the detailed, unorthodox, and slap-dash repairs to get us to a station where I can buy new parts. Leaving us as stranded as the Triple B."

"While I like packing around my plasma rifle and acting tough I've come to the conclusion that we need a human to fill that role."

"I wasn't going to say anything, but I've noticed that the only way people give you the respect you deserve is after they know that you're the original Tuft."

"Right, and if we keep that up the Federation is going to eventually find out and come after us."

"What role does that leave for you?" Tank asked.

"I'll still be in charge of communications and the Bad Luck's primary secret weapon."

"Ah, and I was thinking I'd have you to myself as the Captain's personal pleasure bunny."

"You really like to live dangerously, don't you? I'd like to point out that even with all your weaknesses humans can endure a lot of pain and suffering. Add to that the Bad Luck's medical unit and the medical implant."

"I get it, but I'm not scared. Even if I probably should be. So any additional personnel?"

"Just one more, but you're not going to like it. Once we have a full crew we're going to need an agent."

"Absolutely not! We still have plenty of credits and I'm not going to sell my soul just to have guaranteed work." Tank yelled.

"I'm not suggesting you have to sell your soul or that we need an agent right away. I just think it might be reasonable to have someone that can present us with employment options when we can't find work on our own. Naturally, as Captain, you'll have final say."

"I suppose you have a point. Plus right now, what with everyone scrambling to ferry colonists and supplies out here, we might be able to find an agent willing to negotiate fair terms."

"Are you two done yet?" Vent yelled from the back porch. "I've finished the repairs and I'd really like to get back to my owners as soon as possible."

"Yeah, I think we're done here." Tuft yelled.

***

The Bad Luck dropped out of hyperspace in an uninhabited system. Tank sighed and leaned forward, "Well, this is it. Have Darra, Kat, and Vent report to the bridge. You're in charge of communications, but I want the signal to be untraceable and keep a tight focus so that as little of the ship can be seen as possible."

Tuft swiveled is seat around and scowled. "I know how to do my job."

"Sorry. It's just that I really don't like the idea of contacting Parker." Tank said.

"You're not the only one." Darra said.

Tuft jerked to the left and glared at Darra and then turned back to Tank, "I swear I set it up so a tone would sound when the door opened. I'll triple check the coding the next time we're docked."

"I didn't say a thing." Tank smiled as he turned to their guests. "Captain Rhodes, we're set up so that you can contact Parker."

"Screw that. Tuft, contact Agent Shade Cashe, on Eternity Drift," Darra said, as she passed Tuft her ID card, "He should take the call-".

"Rodeo, it's so good to see your face! I was getting worried. Is Kitten and your toy there?"

"Shade, shut the hell up. That last run was sabotaged and I'm wondering if you were in on it."

"No, no, no. I'd never do that to my best girls."

Tank bit his tongue as Kat made gagging motions off to the side.

"Shade, cut the shit. We were able to get all of our passenger and the cargo delivered so, can you get our money out of Parker?" Darra asked.

"Since you're back, I don't see how he could weasel out of it. Give me a moment."

"I probably should mention that we aren't aboard Parker's death trap."

"Ah, then that might be a problem." Shade said.

Suddenly the image on the view screen split with Parker on the right and Shade on the left.

"Parky, the Roadshow Girls just got back and would like to get paid."

"What?" Parker yelled.

"Mr. Parker, Kat and I delivered our passengers and cargo."

"Captain Rhodes! It's good to see you again."

"Really? You sound surprised."

"I'm detecting a hidden signal set to Vent's pre-updated frequency." Tuft said.

"Who was that and just where are you transmitting from?" Parker asked.

"Cut the shit Parker, I know your techs hacked my android's operating system, replaced the Triple B's FTL drive with one that shouldn't have worked, and then set bombs just to be sure we didn't come back."

"I have no idea what you're talking about. However if you don't have my ship then you don't get paid."

"Sending the Triple B's coordinates now." Tuft said.

"There, you now have all the information you need to send out a tug to retrieve your ship. According to Federation guidelines I've now completed my job and you are required to pay up." Darra stated coldly.

"I don't think so. I'm not paying until you can prove that you didn't just abandon-".

"Transmitting original FTL drive inspection compared to damage inspection. Preliminary standard drive investigation, and external bomb damage." Tuft said.

"Cap's right, there's enough proof the bitch was going belly up. You hired my Ladies as pilot and navigator, not as inspectors or mechanics. Oh, Parky, Parky, Parky, I'm looking over the contract and there's nothing about returning. They were only required to deliver. The law says you gotsta pay up, in full."

"No, I don't think so. The ship's location is nowhere near Rio 12."

"Another ship heard our emergency beacon and came to our aid. Even though it ended up costing them, they made sure everyone and the cargo all reached its destination." Kat quickly interrupted.

"Hah, no fool would give up his own profits like that."

"Transmitting proof of receipt from the planetary government, Twin Rivers' Mayor, and passenger statements." Tuft grinned as Parker scowled. It was Obvious Darra had backed him into a corner.

"Fine, but next time-". Parker started.

"There won't be a next time. Shade, please take this worthless ass off our acceptable client list."

Parker's image went black and the screen resized on Shade. "Now Kitten-"

"Enough! I've warned you before, but if you are anything but respectful to us from now on I'm going to have Darra hold you down while I neuter you!" Kat yelled.

"Message received, along with your pay. I'm now sending it to your account, minus my fee of course. Still, unless the two of you are willing to work separately, Poopy is the only one likely to hire you."

"Tuft, expand camera angle to cover the whole bridge." Tank whispered, knowing the rabbit's enhanced hearing would pick it up.

Tuft nodded when he'd finished.

"Mr. Cashe, Darra and Kat will likely be calling you soon, but for now my medic feels that it is best that they get some rest after their unfortunate incident."

"Of course, I wouldn't want my best girls risking their health."

Tuft immediately shut down the link.

"That's it! We've cut off our primary employer, so I say we make a fresh start and drop Shade as well." Kat said, as she flopped into the navigator's seat.

"I'd like to, but we are still contracted with him for another year." Darra said sadly.

Tuft glared at Tank, who sighed and rolled his eyes, "What if you signed on to a ship under an established captain?"

"We'd still be required to pay Shade twenty percent of our wages for the next year." Darra said.

Tank sighed, "What if your wages consisted of room and board plus a conditional seventh share of any net profits?"

"What do you mean by conditional?" Kat quickly asked.

"He means that your shares will be reduced for every additional crew member that he hires. Also, before you ask, it is a seventh share for each of you including Vent. However, our net earnings are rather meager when you factor in fuel, ship repairs, and restocking food and medical supplies is deducted before the profits. If anything is left it is divided among the crew as your pay." Tuft explained.

"You intend to include me as a paid crew member?" Vent asked, as he looked between Tank and Tuft in confusion.

"I can't, in good conscience, give Tuft a share and not provide for you now can I?" Tank asked.

"So, are you asking us to come work for you?" Darra asked Tank.

"You've proven you have the skills needed and Tuft hasn't killed you yet, so yeah, I'm willing to hire you on a trial basis."

"I should warn you right now, if you try anything stupid like mutiny or sabotage I will kill you." Tuft said, as he glared at Darra.

"So Kat, what do you think, should we sign on with these nuts?"

"I've been doing some quick calculating and if the room and board we've experienced since leaving Rio 12 remains the same it is a better deal than we ever got from Parker. Plus Vent doesn't have a contract with Shade so he won't have to pay, like we do. So my vote is yes."

"Captain, I have to agree with Kat. It is unlikely you will find a better offer until you can afford your own ship. Even then you have no guarantee that the conditions will be better."

"Captain-" Darra started.

"Unless there are others around just call me Tank."

"Holy Crap! Captain Abrams, as in the only man to reduce Parker to tears?" Kat yelled as she sprung to her feet.

"I didn't know about that." Tank said in surprise.

Darra laughed, "If you're the same Abrams that found a way to get everything Parker owed you, then yes you reduced him to tears."

"He tried to get the Federation to hunt you down. They agreed that they would consider his request but only after a thorough investigation of his books to be sure a crime had been committed. He immediately dropped the case. Later he was filmed ranting and raving, followed by uncontrolled sobbing, and the more hysterics. There's close to six hours of footage before the recording devise was destroyed in one of his tantrums." Kat sat back down, but continued to stare at Tank.

"So far no one has come forward to claim responsibility for the film, but it is widely rumored that you made it." Darra said, as she sat in the pilot's seat. "So Captain Abrams, on the advice of my former crew we accept your offer to be probationary members of your crew." Darra said.

"Tuft, send a request to Shade for copies of Darra and Kat Rhodes contracts along with the information he will need for their updated status."

"Should I inquire about-"? Tuft started.

"NO! As you've said in the past it shouldn't be hard to find a good agent and Shade seems incapable of showing the respect our crew deserves. Now let's see if we made a mistake or not. Kat, Darra, plot a course for the closest, safe, spaceport.

"Yes, Captain."

***