Fic: Altered Trajectory (cont.)

[jeriendhal]

“An apology? For what?” Rufus exclaimed.

Mac glared at them all and approached Rufus, his chains rattling, seemingly unconcerned that he was facing someone half a head taller and unbound besides. He began, “Yes, you owe me an apology for your behavior towards me and your attitude towards this mission. From the start of this voyage you and your paramour Miss Swiftfoot have been making a mockery of operational security. You waltz past my guards on the dock to get onboard the Falcon Claw, you ignored my concerns when you proposed contacting the Dominion directly, then belittled me when you insisted on searching for Drisden when we returned to Bolt Hole. Which I might add, is why we’re now the captive of a bloody pirate. I studied to get to my position in the Intelligence Ministry and I damned well work my tail off to keep it. What’s my reward? I’ve been given the responsibility of playing nursemaid to a pair of drug addicted amputees, one of which may or may not have aided in a mass murder, neither of which should have been let anywhere near the controls of an armed fightercraft. What the frell have you done to earn your place in this mission, Milord, except be a rich dilettante with enough connections to run away from your problems?”

If he hadn’t already been nervy and shaky from his drug withdrawal and PTSD reaction, Rufus might have maintained his self-control past the end of Mac’s little rant. As it was, the fist of his prosthetic arm made a very satisfying thunk when it connected with the security officer’s snout.

Mac’s head rocked back and he tripped over his leg irons, falling flat on his ass and clutching his bleeding nose. In response to the attack, Rolas grabbed Rufus’ arm and twisted it behind his back, the servomotors whining in protest as he was forced down to his knees.

“Lord Ru Ofanius!” Softpaw shouted. “That is quite enough!”

“Frell, Rufus,” Hazel added, looking shocked, “You almost snapped his snout in half.”

“I was provoked! You saw!” Rufus protested, while Mac glared up him from the floor, blood running over and staining the fur on his fingers.

“I don’t care what the provocation is, I will not permit you to go around beating your fellow prisoners, especially when they’re in restraints and cannot defend themselves,” Softpaw said firmly, her eyes blazing with anger. She touched the com at her wrist and a pair of creo pirates armed with stunners entered the suite. “Escort Lt. Flashpaw to sick by to have his injury tended too. Then you may remove his restraints and place him in the regular brig. Under absolutely no circumstances is he to be permitted near a computer terminal, is that understood?”

“Yes, Lady Red,” the lead guard said.

“Good. And while you’re doing that fetch another guard with a set of restraints for Lord Ru Ofanius here. He’ll be joining Lt. Flashpaw shortly.

Rufus could only simmer in rage as Mac was escorted to sick bay, while he was kitted with cuffs that matched the annoying little security officer’s.

“Make a note, Rolas,” Softpaw said, massaging her temple as Rufus was secured. “I want the ship’s medical officer on report, with a notation to make much more thorough medical exams when we bring prisoners aboard. If Flashpaw hadn’t revealed his little accessory he could have done some real damage if he had chosen.”

“Yes, love,” Rolas replied, tapping a note into the organizer hanging from his sash.

“What are you going to do to Rufus? He’s not well,” Hazel protested.

“No harm will come to him, on my word of honor,” Softpaw told her. She turned towards him. “I don’t know what, if any of those accusations Lt. Flashpaw hurled at you are true, and right now I really don’t have time to sort it all out. In the meantime, you have abused my hospitality and that I will not abide.”

Rufus tried to pull his prosthetic arm out of the grip of the guard who was holding it. He would have had better luck trying to pull his original out of the pressure door that had eaten it. “That male is not trustworthy! By the Goddess he’d kept that little trick installed in his head hidden all this time even from me. He could have destroyed this ship at any time, just as you said!”

“And yet he didn’t. Why don’t you think about that while you cool your footpads, milord.” She waved to the guards. “Take him away.”

TBC

Comments

[mjkj.livejournal.com]

Hmm, hard withdrawal... *poor Rufus*

*wonders where this will lead to*

mjkj