Board Thread:The Mech Bay Bar'n'Grill/@comment-24930445-20140526230330/@comment-24930445-20140615054057

Caedwynne

Vee looked up from the computer and smiled his best “welcome” smile as the door opened. That smile quickly turning to a gape at the sight of the woman’s companion. It took a moment for him to recover, his eyes never leaving the great beast. “I’m sorry, ma’am. We don’t allow pets in the office. Its an insurance thing, you understand.”

The “pet” he referred to was the biggest, tiger he had ever laid eyes on. If he had taken the time to actually think about it, he would have realized it was the only tiger he had ever laid eyes on. The fur covering its huge body seemed to be shifting shades of dark gray to black, its stripes only a slightly darker shade making them barely visible. Even in its relaxed state, the animal was intimidating, its nearly white eyes studying the reception area as if searching for… something. Vee’s mind added “probably to eat.” to the end of the impression.

“I’m sorry. I’m afraid Bran stays with me at all times. You see, he’s my eyes.” A deep purr rumbled through the room as if the beast understood her.

Vee tore his eyes away from the tiger to the woman, only then realizing she had kept her fingers lightly touching the animal’s head and it seemed to be steering her away from objects that could be hazardous. It didn’t ease Vee’s nerves any that her fingertips seemed to be the only restraint on the cat, not that he believed she could handle him with a leash should the beast go ballistic.

The woman was small, much like Kat, though that was where the similarities ended. Deep auburn hair, the color of the darkest mahogany fell to her waist and, in a small glint of sunlight, he could swear he could see stripes. “Nice highlights” filtered frantically through his mind. He couldn’t see her eyes past the dark glasses she wore. Her clothing, loose cotton pants, riding boots and a soft tunic under a full cloak seemed more to fit the “non-spacer” side of Windfall. In contrast, Vee noticed she carried what looked like a pilot’s bag over her shoulder that would contain her helmet and other items she would deem necessary for space flight. He’d seen enough of those on Vextis to understand its significance.

“I… excuse me, ma’am. I hadn’t realized. Is there something I could do for you?”

Her reply was interrupted as yet another customer stepped through the door. The stranger moved up beside the woman and wrapped an arm around her waist, kissing her lightly on the head.

He was much taller than she, his brighter red hair a stunning compliment to her auburn. Bright blue eyes sparkled as the tiger at her side turned its massive head and huffed at him with some form of meaning that only the newcomers understood. They both chuckled softly even as she scratched the cat’s ears. The tiger turned its head to nuzzle her hand and Vee had the distinct impression that the animal loved his mistress, not as a pet, but as a man would love a woman. He shook that thought out of his head immediately.

“Is Commander Stinel available?” The woman’s voice was soft, though not timid. That she had called Ben “commander” told Vee that this woman was someone who had possibly known him, but had been out of touch which, considering Ben’s circumstances the past ten years, wasn’t a great surprise.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. Captain Stinel is not available at the moment. Is there a message I could pass to him for you?” Vee tried to relax, not to seem like prey to the tiger.

The man tilted his head closer to the woman. “Shanleigh, I still do not believe this is the right path. We cannot…”

The tiger growled softly and the woman ran his fur though her fingers. “Mack. I owe this man a debt. He showed me kindness once when… I have not asked that the muirear (family) become involved, but I must. There is information…” Turning her head to face the general direction of Vee, she smiled. “Would you please tell Commander….Captain Stinel a friend wishes to speak with him. I doubt he remembers the name, but… Tell him Caedwynne never forgot his kindness.”

Before Vee could respond, the power went out. Tarin’s voice filtered in from the back. “Vee? What did you do?!”

“Hey! Why do you always blame me? I don’t run the power grid, Tarin.” He lowered his voice and smiled at the guests. “Sorry. Seems we’re in for a bit of a power snafu.” His chuckle died quickly as three more people entered through the front doors brandishing blasters.

‘Vee!” From the sound of her voice, these three were not the only ones. “I got three up here, Tarin, can’t help ya!”

He was impressed with the precision the man and the tiger had in protecting Caedwynne. In beautifully choreographed movement, both had immediately stepped in front of her, the man speaking softly in a language only the woman seemed to understand. “Dtrioblóid. Fan taobh thiar dúinn, grá.” (Trouble. Stay behind us, love).

“Inis dom.” (Tell me) She did not seem worried, though she reached out to touch the man’s shoulder lightly.

“Triúr fear le gunnaí. Tá níos mó sa chúl, cé nach bhfuil a fhios agam an líon.” (Three men with guns.  There are more in the back, though I don't know the count.)

A man’s voice came from the back room. “We have her, secure the others. We are to bring prisoners.”

Mack matched Bran’s growl at the words, though only Mack was understood. “Like hell, you are.”

Her hand tightened on his shoulder. “Uimh Fan leis an buachaill agus an bhean. Beidh Bran agus mé ag teacht ar do shon. Gardáil iad.” (No.  Stay with the boy and the woman.  Bran and I will come for you.  Protect them.)

As if understanding Caedwynne, the tiger leapt on the closest assailant, crushing the man’s arm in his powerful jaws before both of them slammed into the next man in line. Vee found himself seriously doubting the woman was blind as she jumped the fallen bodies and slammed into the third man, knocking him out through the door with her.

The cat bounded after her even as their companion simply raised his hands in submission. Smiling to Vee, he moved around the desk to stand next to him. “Hi. Name’s Mack. I guess I’m here to protect ya.” He smirked at the gaping boy, then waited for the bad guys to take their prisoners.