we do what we must

[chasma-syndicate]

Knock Knock [pt 2]

[x]

“Fantastic!” Cod clapped his hands together once, making both his animal bodyguards snort and look up suspiciously. “I’m so glad the two of us share the same anticipation of the arrival of impending, unavoidable conflict. Strap ourselves in, boys, it’s going to be glorious!” He sauntered around the tiny alien back towards the door of his ship, which hissed and ground back open quickly as he approached. 

Leaning casually on the threshold, Cod glanced back at Den’so, arching an eyebrow. “Will I be seeing you around, soon? We really should go out for drinks sometime! We could have such a grand night together!”

[sen-solaan]

Den’So’s eyes narrowed - all four of them - as he peered at Cod from atop his eye stalks. “You say drinks? Hm.” 

Den’So seemed rather repulsed about the idea, but somehow, after pursing his lips and swallowing something metaphorically sour, he said… surprisingly… “How about now? You don’t seem busy, and I have no immediate mission to embark upon. Note I have spent little time with you. Could do with some… forging of acquaintanceship with increased time together.” 

[chasma-syndicate]

An onlooker would have thought someone had shot the feline alien; he clutched his chest and his eyes widened, and he even staggered back a step. “Den’so!” he exclaimed, hopping back down the ramp. “What a touching gesture! I would be absolutely thrilled to do so!”

[sen-solaan]

“Quit the theatrics, or I will rescind my invitation.” Den’So’s glare could have been a second shot to Cod’s chest. “Now, do you wish to drink aboard this ship with our current supplies, or visit a nearby planet for better variety of options and superior location?”

[chasma-syndicate]

“A nearby planet sounds just lovely!” His grin got faintly sharper. “I don’t want to let down my guard entirely! Neutral ground for both of us!”

“Captain…?” She was used to him changing plans on the fly but this was definitely strange for him

Cod tapped his ear. “The rest of my crew will drop me off with backup transportation and continue onward with their duties!”

“Yes, sir. Meeting you on Stedna-III when you are finished, I suppose.”

“Wonderful.”

[sen-solaan]

“Then it is settled,” said Den’So. The tone of his voice sounded as though he were making official funeral arrangements for a public official, not securing the details of a social outing. “I suggest we visit a small nearby planet in the Sorturas system. Takkartara? Perhaps you have heard of it. Allegedly their capital city is one for… frivolities.”

It was that tone of voice again, dour as death.

[chasma-syndicate]

"Ahhh, seen only once, haven't visited in ages! It'll be delightful to return. You have such wonderful taste, my dear friend!" Cod made to walk back towards his ship, his short shoulder-cowl flourishing outwards, the alien animals trotting at his sides, eyeing Den'so. A humming grew in volume as the pirate's vessel prepared to take off once more. "Follow the leader there, my fluffy curmudgeon, for tonight we celebrate! Ohhh, when we finish..." His pace was broken by a slight hop in his step, a deviously delighted bounce. Cod, while not stupid or bumbling, was not one for keeping his mouth closed around anyone, especially the Syndicate.

[chasma-syndicate]

Knock Knock [pt 2]

[x]

“Fantastic!” Cod clapped his hands together once, making both his animal bodyguards snort and look up suspiciously. “I’m so glad the two of us share the same anticipation of the arrival of impending, unavoidable conflict. Strap ourselves in, boys, it’s going to be glorious!” He sauntered around the tiny alien back towards the door of his ship, which hissed and ground back open quickly as he approached. 

Leaning casually on the threshold, Cod glanced back at Den’so, arching an eyebrow. “Will I be seeing you around, soon? We really should go out for drinks sometime! We could have such a grand night together!”

[sen-solaan]

Den’So’s eyes narrowed - all four of them - as he peered at Cod from atop his eye stalks. “You say drinks? Hm.” 

Den’So seemed rather repulsed about the idea, but somehow, after pursing his lips and swallowing something metaphorically sour, he said… surprisingly… “How about now? You don’t seem busy, and I have no immediate mission to embark upon. Note I have spent little time with you. Could do with some… forging of acquaintanceship with increased time together.” 

[chasma-syndicate]

An onlooker would have thought someone had shot the feline alien; he clutched his chest and his eyes widened, and he even staggered back a step. “Den’so!” he exclaimed, hopping back down the ramp. “What a touching gesture! I would be absolutely thrilled to do so!”

[sen-solaan]

“Quit the theatrics, or I will rescind my invitation.” Den’So’s glare could have been a second shot to Cod’s chest. “Now, do you wish to drink aboard this ship with our current supplies, or visit a nearby planet for better variety of options and superior location?”

[chasma-syndicate]

“A nearby planet sounds just lovely!” His grin got faintly sharper. “I don’t want to let down my guard entirely! Neutral ground for both of us!”

“Captain...?” She was used to him changing plans on the fly but this was definitely strange for him

Cod tapped his ear. “The rest of my crew will drop me off with backup transportation and continue onward with their duties!”

“Yes, sir. Meeting you on Stedna-III when you are finished, I suppose.”

“Wonderful.”

[chasma-syndicate]

Knock Knock [pt 2]

[x]

“Fantastic!” Cod clapped his hands together once, making both his animal bodyguards snort and look up suspiciously. “I’m so glad the two of us share the same anticipation of the arrival of impending, unavoidable conflict. Strap ourselves in, boys, it’s going to be glorious!” He sauntered around the tiny alien back towards the door of his ship, which hissed and ground back open quickly as he approached. 

Leaning casually on the threshold, Cod glanced back at Den’so, arching an eyebrow. “Will I be seeing you around, soon? We really should go out for drinks sometime! We could have such a grand night together!”

[sen-solaan]

Den’So’s eyes narrowed - all four of them - as he peered at Cod from atop his eye stalks. “You say drinks? Hm.” 

Den’So seemed rather repulsed about the idea, but somehow, after pursing his lips and swallowing something metaphorically sour, he said… surprisingly… “How about now? You don’t seem busy, and I have no immediate mission to embark upon. Note I have spent little time with you. Could do with some… forging of acquaintanceship with increased time together.” 

[chasma-syndicate]

An onlooker would have thought someone had shot the feline alien; he clutched his chest and his eyes widened, and he even staggered back a step. “Den’so!” he exclaimed, hopping back down the ramp. “What a touching gesture! I would be absolutely thrilled to do so!”

[chasma-syndicate]

Knock Knock [pt 2]

[x]

“Fantastic!” Cod clapped his hands together once, making both his animal bodyguards snort and look up suspiciously. “I’m so glad the two of us share the same anticipation of the arrival of impending, unavoidable conflict. Strap ourselves in, boys, it’s going to be glorious!” He sauntered around the tiny alien back towards the door of his ship, which hissed and ground back open quickly as he approached. 

Leaning casually on the threshold, Cod glanced back at Den’so, arching an eyebrow. “Will I be seeing you around, soon? We really should go out for drinks sometime! We could have such a grand night together!”

[chasma-syndicate]

Knock Knock

OUTGOING TRANSMISSION FROM:

VESSEL HRB-1093, LOGGED AS: OBLIVION

COMMENCING MESSAGE

Cod grinned and leaned back on his captain’s chair, his long, thin, webbed feet flexing, the veins glowing in the faint reflected light of the nearby planet Stedna-III and, even more strongly, the emissions coming from the back of a much larger ship that they were approaching from behind. “He-he-heeeyyyy, Den’so! Long time no see? Why don’t you open up those doors and give little ol’ me some lovin’, what do you say? Maio’a wanted me to find out how that pass went!”

He bopped the large red button on the screen with one of his toes and it turned green as it cut off the signal and waited for a response. Twitching his ears, Cod smirked over at his second-in-command, Sadra, who was covering her face in exasperation as she stood just behind him. “What’s the matter, milady?”

“It’s a wonder anyone lets you on their ship. If I was Den’so, I’d destroy this ship and send you spinning into space.”

“Oh, save the formality lecture and go get this beast’s belly ready to open up wide!”

“Whatever you say, Khagan…”

[sen-solaan]

It took a long time for Den’So cui shar Cheoseodeun to respond. The channel opened up rather begrudgingly, and an even more begrudging voice responded, “Acknowledge Oblivion’s approach. Can speak of transaction without you docking.” The grumble in his voice suggested that neither a face-to-face interaction nor a vessel docking would occur unless the captain acted less… cheekily.

[chasma-syndicate]

“Ohhhhhh, Den’soooooo, I know you don’t mean that,” laughed Cod. “Not when I’m acting on direct orders from the big boys! Besides, you know how particular Maio’a is about face-to-face, pal. I don’t think either of us wanna be on the business end of that gun, wouldn’t’cha say?” The three crewmembers working the bridge around Cod glanced at each other nervously, fidgeting with their stations at the mention of the Syndicate’s steely head of data registry. “Let’s just make this easy on everyone.”

[sen-solaan]

“Could still speak of transaction without docking.” Den’So’s grumbling was grumbling now. It had taken on a life of its own and was emitting a snarl that would make a tiger hide. 

But Den’So also understood the need to satisfy Maio’a’s regulations, so he said, abruptly, hastily, “Fine come aboard can get this over with Den’So out.”

The channel closed the millisecond he huffed his last syllable.

[chasma-syndicate]

“No you couldn’t!” he chuckled in a singsong voice, leaping off of his chair and strolling out of the bridge down to the loading bay. He passed the hallway leading to the living quarters on the way down, and two bounding four-legged forms barreled out of the door and weaved in and out of his legs, yelping excitedly. They had somewhat of a mix between cloven hooves and claws, brindle spotted hides that brightened into colorful feathery crests on their hackles, and sharp-toothed snouts below intelligent golden eyes. They accompanied him all the way down to the bay while the Oblivion maneuvered closer to Den’so’s vessel, drifting underneath its hull in a lazy fashion, violet jets firing slowly to bring it closer to the doors, which split and opened wide to accompany the smaller ship.

Sadra’s voice sounded in his ear. “Are you sure you’re all right with just the Toira? You should have at least someone accompany you with a higher intelligence than a pet.”

“Ah, Den’so’s a big ball of fluffy adorableness, milady, ain’t got nothing to worry about.”

“That’s a load of shite and you know it,” she mumbled.

“Goodness, please, I’m not helpless. I’m far too important to be flayed just for annoying him. That’s incredibly undiplomatic!” 

Sadra sighed and said nothing else beyond, “I’ll be watching your back.”

The exit door clunked and hissed as it opened, and Cod strode confidently down the ramp with the Toira flanking him, flourishing his arms. “Take me to your leader!” he said in a deep, grand, thespian voice, planting his hands on his hips and looking incredibly pleased with himself.

[sen-solaan]

A ball of colored fluff had never looked so grim before, so angry, so Completely And Utterly Done. Den’So’s four eye stalks swiveled to take in his ship’s latest guest. Cod.

His scowl turned even darker - somehow - at the sight of the Toira. “Those can leave,” he snapped, pointing at the creatures by Cod’s side. But, knowing he wouldn’t be heeded, Den’So whirled around, holding himself with as much authority as possible, and stated, “To business. Now. Might have you aboard my ship for a reason. But if you fail that reason. Well.” Den’So pointed out the window of the bridge toward open space.

[chasma-syndicate]

“Whaaat, is the honored Den’So cui shar Cheoseodeun going to try to toss one of the Syndicate’s Khagans out the window because he’s scared of a few wittle Toira?” Cod strolled past Den’So, the creatures tagging close behind and watching the short pirate keenly, raising their multicolored crests in warning. He spun on his heel and faced Den’so again, hands behind his back, cocking an eyebrow, his angled facial features still twisted in a self-satisfied grin. “Also, I hope you wouldn’t attempt such drastic actions if you knew there was more to this visit than a simple check-up, I have a few interesting things to drop off, presents from the Syndicate, I do hope that’s all right with you…if it isn’t, I don’t really care.”

[sen-solaan]

“Tell. Me.” 

There were no more words than that. Just those two. Den’So stood extremely still, extremely stiffly, as he watched Cod wander about the bridge. Cod did not need to allude to “things to drop off”; he could just do what needed to be done, for crying out loud!

[chasma-syndicate]

Winking, Cod snapped his fingers and the Toira stopped their loose wandering and came immediately to his sides, looking up at him alertly. “Someone’s not enjoying my presence! All right, then. You first. Who did those tin cans send this time?”

[sen-solaan]

Den’So huffed. 

And then he spoke. For him, it actually was a rant. Apparently these people the “tin cans” sent were even more frustrating than the typical lot of individuals he dealt with.

“Idiots. Dictionary-definitive imbeciles. Cocky, irreverent hotheads.” He glanced sideways at Cod with one of the eyes from his eyestacks. It snapped back to the front, hopefully before Cod noticed the motion. But there was a pause in his speech before he said. “One almost as infuriating as you.” 

A throat cleared, and then his rant continued. 

“Insulting. Would have barred them if I could. Affronting, combative cretins never deserve sensitive intel. Dangerous to provide them information. But acceded at Saheeli’s judgment. The Collective shall proceed with their investigation. If we hear news of chaos from the source planet, though… it rests on Saheeli’s poor decision-making. Utterly horrible bargain we made.”

[chasma-syndicate]

Cod tapped his chin with a clawed finger. “Never been one to always question Saheeli’s judgment,” he said thoughtfully, ignoring Den’so’s condemnation of the decision. “Rarely do you find someone who’s head works better on their shoulders than separated from them. Good to know, good to know.” He mulled over the information and the other pirate’s words quietly for a moment, and then looked back up again, the confident smirk sprawling back out on his face. His hand darted beneath the fold of his vest and rummaged around a bit. “Ahhh, where did I put your present...” A compact silver drive emerged with a few tiny blinking lights lining one side. “Information on your share of the payments you’re due for the last three jobs, mostly a few odds and ends of information the boss decided to share with you. Maio’a also requests--very sternly--that you continue keeping up on those disturbances we’ve been tracking, those wonderful havoc-wreaking monsters that have been a statistics gold mine for her lately, as you can clearly tell.” He shrugged a bit, ears twitching. “Seems prudent to keep an eye on them anyway, as a fish that may get bigger than us and could get hungry much sooner than convenient, could be bad news, very bad.”

[chasma-syndicate]

Knock Knock

OUTGOING TRANSMISSION FROM:

VESSEL HRB-1093, LOGGED AS: OBLIVION

COMMENCING MESSAGE

Cod grinned and leaned back on his captain’s chair, his long, thin, webbed feet flexing, the veins glowing in the faint reflected light of the nearby planet Stedna-III and, even more strongly, the emissions coming from the back of a much larger ship that they were approaching from behind. “He-he-heeeyyyy, Den’so! Long time no see? Why don’t you open up those doors and give little ol’ me some lovin’, what do you say? Maio’a wanted me to find out how that pass went!”

He bopped the large red button on the screen with one of his toes and it turned green as it cut off the signal and waited for a response. Twitching his ears, Cod smirked over at his second-in-command, Sadra, who was covering her face in exasperation as she stood just behind him. “What’s the matter, milady?”

“It’s a wonder anyone lets you on their ship. If I was Den’so, I’d destroy this ship and send you spinning into space.”

“Oh, save the formality lecture and go get this beast’s belly ready to open up wide!”

“Whatever you say, Khagan…”

[sen-solaan]

It took a long time for Den’So cui shar Cheoseodeun to respond. The channel opened up rather begrudgingly, and an even more begrudging voice responded, “Acknowledge Oblivion’s approach. Can speak of transaction without you docking.” The grumble in his voice suggested that neither a face-to-face interaction nor a vessel docking would occur unless the captain acted less… cheekily.

[chasma-syndicate]

“Ohhhhhh, Den’soooooo, I know you don’t mean that,” laughed Cod. “Not when I’m acting on direct orders from the big boys! Besides, you know how particular Maio’a is about face-to-face, pal. I don’t think either of us wanna be on the business end of that gun, wouldn’t’cha say?” The three crewmembers working the bridge around Cod glanced at each other nervously, fidgeting with their stations at the mention of the Syndicate’s steely head of data registry. “Let’s just make this easy on everyone.”

[sen-solaan]

“Could still speak of transaction without docking.” Den’So’s grumbling was grumbling now. It had taken on a life of its own and was emitting a snarl that would make a tiger hide. 

But Den’So also understood the need to satisfy Maio’a’s regulations, so he said, abruptly, hastily, “Fine come aboard can get this over with Den’So out.”

The channel closed the millisecond he huffed his last syllable.

[chasma-syndicate]

“No you couldn’t!” he chuckled in a singsong voice, leaping off of his chair and strolling out of the bridge down to the loading bay. He passed the hallway leading to the living quarters on the way down, and two bounding four-legged forms barreled out of the door and weaved in and out of his legs, yelping excitedly. They had somewhat of a mix between cloven hooves and claws, brindle spotted hides that brightened into colorful feathery crests on their hackles, and sharp-toothed snouts below intelligent golden eyes. They accompanied him all the way down to the bay while the Oblivion maneuvered closer to Den’so’s vessel, drifting underneath its hull in a lazy fashion, violet jets firing slowly to bring it closer to the doors, which split and opened wide to accompany the smaller ship.

Sadra’s voice sounded in his ear. “Are you sure you’re all right with just the Toira? You should have at least someone accompany you with a higher intelligence than a pet.”

“Ah, Den’so’s a big ball of fluffy adorableness, milady, ain’t got nothing to worry about.”

“That’s a load of shite and you know it,” she mumbled.

“Goodness, please, I’m not helpless. I’m far too important to be flayed just for annoying him. That’s incredibly undiplomatic!” 

Sadra sighed and said nothing else beyond, “I’ll be watching your back.”

The exit door clunked and hissed as it opened, and Cod strode confidently down the ramp with the Toira flanking him, flourishing his arms. “Take me to your leader!” he said in a deep, grand, thespian voice, planting his hands on his hips and looking incredibly pleased with himself.

[sen-solaan]

A ball of colored fluff had never looked so grim before, so angry, so Completely And Utterly Done. Den’So’s four eye stalks swiveled to take in his ship’s latest guest. Cod.

His scowl turned even darker - somehow - at the sight of the Toira. “Those can leave,” he snapped, pointing at the creatures by Cod’s side. But, knowing he wouldn’t be heeded, Den’So whirled around, holding himself with as much authority as possible, and stated, “To business. Now. Might have you aboard my ship for a reason. But if you fail that reason. Well.” Den’So pointed out the window of the bridge toward open space.

[chasma-syndicate]

“Whaaat, is the honored Den’So cui shar Cheoseodeun going to try to toss one of the Syndicate’s Khagans out the window because he’s scared of a few wittle Toira?” Cod strolled past Den’So, the creatures tagging close behind and watching the short pirate keenly, raising their multicolored crests in warning. He spun on his heel and faced Den’so again, hands behind his back, cocking an eyebrow, his angled facial features still twisted in a self-satisfied grin. “Also, I hope you wouldn’t attempt such drastic actions if you knew there was more to this visit than a simple check-up, I have a few interesting things to drop off, presents from the Syndicate, I do hope that’s all right with you…if it isn’t, I don’t really care.”

[sen-solaan]

“Tell. Me.” 

There were no more words than that. Just those two. Den’So stood extremely still, extremely stiffly, as he watched Cod wander about the bridge. Cod did not need to allude to “things to drop off”; he could just do what needed to be done, for crying out loud!

[chasma-syndicate]

Winking, Cod snapped his fingers and the Toira stopped their loose wandering and came immediately to his sides, looking up at him alertly. “Someone’s not enjoying my presence! All right, then. You first. Who did those tin cans send this time?”

[chasma-syndicate]

Knock Knock

OUTGOING TRANSMISSION FROM:

VESSEL HRB-1093, LOGGED AS: OBLIVION

COMMENCING MESSAGE

Cod grinned and leaned back on his captain’s chair, his long, thin, webbed feet flexing, the veins glowing in the faint reflected light of the nearby planet Stedna-III and, even more strongly, the emissions coming from the back of a much larger ship that they were approaching from behind. “He-he-heeeyyyy, Den’so! Long time no see? Why don’t you open up those doors and give little ol’ me some lovin’, what do you say? Maio’a wanted me to find out how that pass went!”

He bopped the large red button on the screen with one of his toes and it turned green as it cut off the signal and waited for a response. Twitching his ears, Cod smirked over at his second-in-command, Sadra, who was covering her face in exasperation as she stood just behind him. “What’s the matter, milady?”

“It’s a wonder anyone lets you on their ship. If I was Den’so, I’d destroy this ship and send you spinning into space.”

“Oh, save the formality lecture and go get this beast’s belly ready to open up wide!”

“Whatever you say, Khagan…”

[sen-solaan]

It took a long time for Den’So cui shar Cheoseodeun to respond. The channel opened up rather begrudgingly, and an even more begrudging voice responded, “Acknowledge Oblivion’s approach. Can speak of transaction without you docking.” The grumble in his voice suggested that neither a face-to-face interaction nor a vessel docking would occur unless the captain acted less… cheekily.

[chasma-syndicate]

“Ohhhhhh, Den’soooooo, I know you don’t mean that,” laughed Cod. “Not when I’m acting on direct orders from the big boys! Besides, you know how particular Maio’a is about face-to-face, pal. I don’t think either of us wanna be on the business end of that gun, wouldn’t’cha say?” The three crewmembers working the bridge around Cod glanced at each other nervously, fidgeting with their stations at the mention of the Syndicate’s steely head of data registry. “Let’s just make this easy on everyone.”

[sen-solaan]

“Could still speak of transaction without docking.” Den’So’s grumbling was grumbling now. It had taken on a life of its own and was emitting a snarl that would make a tiger hide. 

But Den’So also understood the need to satisfy Maio’a’s regulations, so he said, abruptly, hastily, “Fine come aboard can get this over with Den’So out.”

The channel closed the millisecond he huffed his last syllable.

[chasma-syndicate]

“No you couldn’t!” he chuckled in a singsong voice, leaping off of his chair and strolling out of the bridge down to the loading bay. He passed the hallway leading to the living quarters on the way down, and two bounding four-legged forms barreled out of the door and weaved in and out of his legs, yelping excitedly. They had somewhat of a mix between cloven hooves and claws, brindle spotted hides that brightened into colorful feathery crests on their hackles, and sharp-toothed snouts below intelligent golden eyes. They accompanied him all the way down to the bay while the Oblivion maneuvered closer to Den’so’s vessel, drifting underneath its hull in a lazy fashion, violet jets firing slowly to bring it closer to the doors, which split and opened wide to accompany the smaller ship.

Sadra’s voice sounded in his ear. “Are you sure you’re all right with just the Toira? You should have at least someone accompany you with a higher intelligence than a pet.”

“Ah, Den’so’s a big ball of fluffy adorableness, milady, ain’t got nothing to worry about.”

“That’s a load of shite and you know it,” she mumbled.

“Goodness, please, I’m not helpless. I’m far too important to be flayed just for annoying him. That’s incredibly undiplomatic!” 

Sadra sighed and said nothing else beyond, “I’ll be watching your back.”

The exit door clunked and hissed as it opened, and Cod strode confidently down the ramp with the Toira flanking him, flourishing his arms. “Take me to your leader!” he said in a deep, grand, thespian voice, planting his hands on his hips and looking incredibly pleased with himself.

[sen-solaan]

A ball of colored fluff had never looked so grim before, so angry, so Completely And Utterly Done. Den’So’s four eye stalks swiveled to take in his ship’s latest guest. Cod.

His scowl turned even darker - somehow - at the sight of the Toira. “Those can leave,” he snapped, pointing at the creatures by Cod’s side. But, knowing he wouldn’t be heeded, Den’So whirled around, holding himself with as much authority as possible, and stated, “To business. Now. Might have you aboard my ship for a reason. But if you fail that reason. Well.” Den’So pointed out the window of the bridge toward open space.

[chasma-syndicate]

“Whaaat, is the honored Den’So cui shar Cheoseodeun going to try to toss one of the Syndicate’s Khagans out the window because he’s scared of a few wittle Toira?” Cod strolled past Den’So, the creatures tagging close behind and watching the short pirate keenly, raising their multicolored crests in warning. He spun on his heel and faced Den’so again, hands behind his back, cocking an eyebrow, his angled facial features still twisted in a self-satisfied grin. “Also, I hope you wouldn’t attempt such drastic actions if you knew there was more to this visit than a simple check-up, I have a few interesting things to drop off, presents from the Syndicate, I do hope that’s all right with you...if it isn’t, I don’t really care.”

[chasma-syndicate]

Knock Knock

OUTGOING TRANSMISSION FROM:

VESSEL HRB-1093, LOGGED AS: OBLIVION

COMMENCING MESSAGE

Cod grinned and leaned back on his captain’s chair, his long, thin, webbed feet flexing, the veins glowing in the faint reflected light of the nearby planet Stedna-III and, even more strongly, the emissions coming from the back of a much larger ship that they were approaching from behind. “He-he-heeeyyyy, Den’so! Long time no see? Why don’t you open up those doors and give little ol’ me some lovin’, what do you say? Maio’a wanted me to find out how that pass went!”

He bopped the large red button on the screen with one of his toes and it turned green as it cut off the signal and waited for a response. Twitching his ears, Cod smirked over at his second-in-command, Sadra, who was covering her face in exasperation as she stood just behind him. “What’s the matter, milady?”

“It’s a wonder anyone lets you on their ship. If I was Den’so, I’d destroy this ship and send you spinning into space.”

“Oh, save the formality lecture and go get this beast’s belly ready to open up wide!”

“Whatever you say, Khagan…”

[sen-solaan]

It took a long time for Den’So cui shar Cheoseodeun to respond. The channel opened up rather begrudgingly, and an even more begrudging voice responded, “Acknowledge Oblivion’s approach. Can speak of transaction without you docking.” The grumble in his voice suggested that neither a face-to-face interaction nor a vessel docking would occur unless the captain acted less… cheekily.

[chasma-syndicate]

“Ohhhhhh, Den’soooooo, I know you don’t mean that,” laughed Cod. “Not when I’m acting on direct orders from the big boys! Besides, you know how particular Maio’a is about face-to-face, pal. I don’t think either of us wanna be on the business end of that gun, wouldn’t’cha say?” The three crewmembers working the bridge around Cod glanced at each other nervously, fidgeting with their stations at the mention of the Syndicate’s steely head of data registry. “Let’s just make this easy on everyone.”

[sen-solaan]

“Could still speak of transaction without docking.” Den’So’s grumbling was grumbling now. It had taken on a life of its own and was emitting a snarl that would make a tiger hide. 

But Den’So also understood the need to satisfy Maio’a’s regulations, so he said, abruptly, hastily, “Fine come aboard can get this over with Den’So out.”

The channel closed the millisecond he huffed his last syllable.

[chasma-syndicate]

“No you couldn’t!” he chuckled in a singsong voice, leaping off of his chair and strolling out of the bridge down to the loading bay. He passed the hallway leading to the living quarters on the way down, and two bounding four-legged forms barreled out of the door and weaved in and out of his legs, yelping excitedly. They had somewhat of a mix between cloven hooves and claws, brindle spotted hides that brightened into colorful feathery crests on their hackles, and sharp-toothed snouts below intelligent golden eyes. They accompanied him all the way down to the bay while the Oblivion maneuvered closer to Den’so’s vessel, drifting underneath its hull in a lazy fashion, violet jets firing slowly to bring it closer to the doors, which split and opened wide to accompany the smaller ship.

Sadra’s voice sounded in his ear. “Are you sure you’re all right with just the Toira? You should have at least someone accompany you with a higher intelligence than a pet.”

“Ah, Den’so’s a big ball of fluffy adorableness, milady, ain’t got nothing to worry about.”

“That’s a load of shite and you know it,” she mumbled.

“Goodness, please, I’m not helpless. I’m far too important to be flayed just for annoying him. That’s incredibly undiplomatic!” 

Sadra sighed and said nothing else beyond, “I’ll be watching your back.”

The exit door clunked and hissed as it opened, and Cod strode confidently down the ramp with the Toira flanking him, flourishing his arms. “Take me to your leader!” he said in a deep, grand, thespian voice, planting his hands on his hips and looking incredibly pleased with himself.

[chasma-syndicate]

Knock Knock

OUTGOING TRANSMISSION FROM:

VESSEL HRB-1093, LOGGED AS: OBLIVION

COMMENCING MESSAGE

Cod grinned and leaned back on his captain’s chair, his long, thin, webbed feet flexing, the veins glowing in the faint reflected light of the nearby planet Stedna-III and, even more strongly, the emissions coming from the back of a much larger ship that they were approaching from behind. “He-he-heeeyyyy, Den’so! Long time no see? Why don’t you open up those doors and give little ol’ me some lovin’, what do you say? Maio’a wanted me to find out how that pass went!”

He bopped the large red button on the screen with one of his toes and it turned green as it cut off the signal and waited for a response. Twitching his ears, Cod smirked over at his second-in-command, Sadra, who was covering her face in exasperation as she stood just behind him. “What’s the matter, milady?”

“It’s a wonder anyone lets you on their ship. If I was Den’so, I’d destroy this ship and send you spinning into space.”

“Oh, save the formality lecture and go get this beast’s belly ready to open up wide!”

“Whatever you say, Khagan…”

[sen-solaan]

It took a long time for Den’So cui shar Cheoseodeun to respond. The channel opened up rather begrudgingly, and an even more begrudging voice responded, “Acknowledge Oblivion’s approach. Can speak of transaction without you docking.” The grumble in his voice suggested that neither a face-to-face interaction nor a vessel docking would occur unless the captain acted less… cheekily.

[chasma-syndicate]

“Ohhhhhh, Den’soooooo, I know you don’t mean that,” laughed Cod. “Not when I’m acting on direct orders from the big boys! Besides, you know how particular Maio’a is about face-to-face, pal. I don’t think either of us wanna be on the business end of that gun, wouldn’t’cha say?” The three crewmembers working the bridge around Cod glanced at each other nervously, fidgeting with their stations at the mention of the Syndicate’s steely head of data registry. “Let’s just make this easy on everyone.”

[chasma-syndicate]

Knock Knock

OUTGOING TRANSMISSION FROM:

VESSEL HRB-1093, LOGGED AS: OBLIVION

COMMENCING MESSAGE

Cod grinned and leaned back on his captain’s chair, his long, thin, webbed feet flexing, the veins glowing in the faint reflected light of the nearby planet Stedna-III and, even more strongly, the emissions coming from the back of a much larger ship that they were approaching from behind. “He-he-heeeyyyy, Den’so! Long time no see? Why don’t you open up those doors and give little ol’ me some lovin’, what do you say? Maio’a wanted me to find out how that pass went!”

He bopped the large red button on the screen with one of his toes and it turned green as it cut off the signal and waited for a response. Twitching his ears, Cod smirked over at his second-in-command, Sadra, who was covering her face in exasperation as she stood just behind him. “What’s the matter, milady?”

“It’s a wonder anyone lets you on their ship. If I was Den’so, I’d destroy this ship and send you spinning into space.”

“Oh, save the formality lecture and go get this beast’s belly ready to open up wide!”

“Whatever you say, Khagan...”