This Work Is Part Of A Series (The Messenger Archive Book 2) Read online

  This Work Is Part Of A Series

  Title: Mission: Testament

  Related Works: Mission: Statement

  Authors: Ashroe and Sianor

  Fandom: Mission

  Warnings: Author Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

  Characters: Captain 'Kip' Vadim, Biann, Saidhe, Kre-Nappre, Hale Loap, Judge Peters, Xaix, Enforcer Avery, Messenger, Original Characters

  Pairings: Author Chose Not To List

  Rating: NC-17

  Summary: With Judge Peters still missing, the crew of the Messenger must find out where he's gone, and what he knows.

  Wordcount: 90,730

  Chapters: 28/30 28

  Complete: Yes

  Chapter One - Mission: Reunion

  [Ashroe: Young lady, I saw what you called this document.]

  [Sianor: Yes, and?]

  [Ashroe: I really do not think that 'Mission 2: Electric Boogaloo' is a good title.]

  [Sianor: Why not?]

  [Ashroe: You know perfectly well why not.]

  [Sianor: Fine. But it works as a place-holder until we come up with a real title.]

  [Ashroe: I hate making up titles. I would rather write a hundred stories than come up with one dumb title. And then there's the summary!]

  [Sianor: What's wrong with the summary?]

  [Ashroe: Writing it! Aurgh! I'm not a freaking poet, I work in prose. If I could tell the story in three lines, it wouldn't be worth telling. Plus, I don't want to give my hand away! I want them to freaking read it, because the way I set it out is how I want it to go.]

  [Sianor: No wonder you were happy for me to do the initial archiving...]

  [Ashroe: Heh, yeah.]

  [Sianor: So! Here we are. Sequel time.]

  [Ashroe: Indeed. I told you we'd be back at it before long... writing is like a legal high. Without any horrible side-effects or turning to crime to feed the addiction.]

  [Sianor: So... if I promise to write the summary, will you title it?]

  [Ashroe: You're looking at someone who called a fic 'Untitled 1' once, because she thought it was a good idea after hitting save without naming the document.]

  [Sianor: I read that one! It was good. A bit weird, though.]

  [Ashroe: Much like me XD]

  [Sianor: You're avoiding my question, my dear little tea-drinker.]

  [Ashroe: If I can come up with something, yes. But don't blame me if I just freak out and link this.]

  [Sianor: What's that?]

  [Ashroe: My sequel.]

  [Sianor: What to?]

  [Ashroe: Everything.]

  [Sianor: I cannot can with you!]

  [Ashroe: Let's get this show on the road, my little waffle house.]

  ***

  "It's going to be fine, Kre, it really is."

  The Sianar chaplain was not making less of herself, pacing up and down in the small engine room, her tail battering against things in frustration. "I know it is, Biann-Tho, but it is still eight years since I last saw him."

  "So think about all the things you'll have to talk about!" The Hleen engineer sat with her soles pressed together, up on a height, hands flat over the arches of her feet. She cocked her head to one side, sending her dazzling array of bow-strings sliding over her shoulder.

  Kre stretched up to her full height - at almost seven feet tall - muzzle pressed to the ceiling, her tongue swiping over it in frustration. It tasted of metal and a little of dust, though less than elsewhere on the ship. Biann made sure that all the working parts were kept clean and cool.

  "Cap'n said he'd go with you. You know he'd have your back, don't you?"

  "I do," she replied, pulling back down into a slight crouch to look at the damp patch she'd left. It was silly, but it was... it was a symptom of her frustration.

  "You don't want him to?"

  "Yes. No. I do not know... I know that he technically has my father's blessing, but I also know he is... sometimes less than tactful."

  "We could all go with you, if you want."

  Hot breath fogged the damp metal, and Kre, the Za-le of her race, fixed her wide, amber-brown eyes on her friend. "Much as it would be a nice gesture of solidarity, I could not expect Loap to face such a... difficult meeting."

  "You really think your dad would be racist about him?"

  "It is not my father I worry about, but... others in the court." Kre shook her head and shoulders, making her fur stand more erect in the process. "It must be the Captain and I, at least for the first meeting. Perhaps... perhaps next time I would be sure that my people could make a suitable welcome for all of my friends."

  "Sure thing!"

  There was a brief pause as the chaplain worked out how to broach the next question. "You are not... offended, are you? The decision is... based on my people, not as a judgement of you, your sister, or Loap."

  "No, you big goof-ball. Look: we crew with my twin. You really think you need to excuse family issues, with me?"

  "But you and Saidhe--"

  "Fight like cat and dog some times. And she's the relative I like the best. Kre, ain't no one gonna judge you based on your father. Believe me."

  "I... yes. I suppose you are right."

  "And while we're docked... maybe your father would spring for a little service on my baby? A bit of spit and shine?"

  "Spit would not be a good cleaning agent, Biann," Messenger's Artificial Intelligence chimed in, helpfully.

  "It was a metaphor, you tin can!" Biann scoffed at the display.

  "I believe that Mes was--"

  "Shh," Biann stage-whispered. "Don't look behind the curtain."

  Kre shook her head in amusement. "Alright. I will not."

  "There are also no curtains aboard the ship, Biann. Not after the incident with the shower," Messenger continued.

  "Kre... will you do something for me?" Biann asked.

  "Anything."

  The Hleen reached up into her headdress, her deft fingers finding one of the ribboned bows. She unclipped it from the band, and then jumped to her feet. Kre was a lot taller, so the Sianar had to crouch down when it became clear what she was doing.

  Now that she was seeing her father, and everyone on the ship knew her real heritage, Kre-Tho-Tiamet had removed her artificial ruff, letting her natural mane show through when around only her crew mates. Instead, she wore a leather strap that framed it: the band passed over the sensitive spot at the nape of her neck, mostly hidden under her fur, crossed over her chest and under her arms before snaking around to buckle at the back again, low under her mane.

  Biann tied the short string tightly at Kre's left shoulder, and patted it, pleased. "There. I know you must feel all... weird and naked without that fake thing on, so that's for luck."

  Kre smiled broadly. "Thank you, Biann. I am honoured."

  "No sweat! Now go knock 'em d-- er. You know! Be good."

  ***

  "You do know I managed to visit your father without causing a diplomatic incident last time, right?"

  Kre was fussing. She rarely got flustered, so seeing her restless and ornery was weird as anything.

  "I do know. And you somehow became my superior, too."

  "Just because Avery's technically your father's right hand... you know I don't ever plan on invoking the Za's name unless we're in a tight spot?"

  A flicker of her tail, whiskers flaring. "And when you expect me to do extra duties on the ship."

  "That was a joke. And it was one time, Kre. C'mon."

  "You know I ran away from my last father, so if you are planning to replace him..."

  "Nope. No plans on that. I want my Chief Scienti
st right here on this ship." It was a stretch, but he patted her on the shoulder, as reassuringly as he could.

  "It's been eight years," she said, eyeing the door that was just waiting for them to exit. She had no idea what kind of a reception she'd receive - no matter how her father had been to the two Humans.

  "Exactly. Think of all the things you'll have to catch up on."

  "Like all the times you nearly got me killed?"

  "Maybe don't mention those to the guy with the teeth as long as my hand."

  Kre smiled. But it was a smile that showed she took after her father in that regard, and Vadim shuddered at the thought. It was not the first time he was grateful that his chaplain-scientist was mostly peaceful.

  "Stop looking bitey and let's go," he said, and slammed a hand over the door's lock. Sometimes you just had to drag people kicking and screaming.

  ***

  Raboros was just as he remembered it being: a pain in the ass. With the higher gravity and thinner air, his calves stung with the anaerobic cramps, and his head felt a little light. Vadim couldn't talk and walk at the same time, for fear of passing out. Especially when Kre's stride was a little faster and longer than normal, due to her anxiety.

  There weren't any banners flying, or trumpets blaring, or anything else to indicate the Za's heir - the Za-le - was home. Instead, there were just the two Sianar posted at the top of the steps.

  "Captain, would you allow me to--?"

  "Please. Oh god, please. I nearly died last time I tried those," he said, waving off her solicitous expression. There were times you held your head high because of pride, and there were times you just said 'to hell with it'. He didn't mind looking a little undignified in front of Kre. Not if he could still walk.

  Kre nodded at the two at the top of the steps, then moved to grab him by the scruff of his neck. Humans - being mostly hairless and smaller - were much more delicate than a Sianar, so she was careful not to hurt him. As he hadn't asked for the assistance, but she had offered it, it was considered as a mark of respect in her culture instead of a weakness in him... even if most Humans would baulk at the offer of being carried by the back of the neck like a cub.

  When at the top, she dropped him carefully back to his feet and instinctively licked where she'd had her teeth. It evidently was ticklish, because the Captain choked back an undignified chuckle.

  "Old habits," she explained.

  "Hey, I'm not complaining. Family, remember?" Vadim said. Okay, maybe he hadn't used the 'f' word as often as he should, but he meant it. "Speaking of... shall we go see your nearest and dearest?"

  "Of course."

  This time, the majordomo smiled at them. Vadim realised with minor embarrassment that he couldn't be sure if it was the same Sianar from the last time or not.

  "Welcome back, Za-le, and Captain." His voice was a low, pleasant rumble. "Your father is ready to accept you."

  "Thank you, Dro. I am glad to see you still look after Ail."

  "He tells me repeatedly that he would be lost without me."

  "He would."

  "The Za has made the chamber more suitable for your kind, Captain."

  "Oh, goodie." It was actually supposed to sound positive, but in reality... well. He had a hard time keeping the edge of sarcasm from his tone, even when sincere. Years of cynicism did that to a man.

  "And I know we have you to thank for that, too," Kre said, wryly.

  "Yes, but please... you don't need to be afraid. Your father has been in high spirits since you contacted him. I know he is desperate to see you again. And I know you must be nervous."

  She opened her mouth to protest, but clearly saw she was outnumbered. "Alright. Show us in."

  The double doors opened up and Vadim was hit at once by a gust of fresher air. It felt much better, and he was more than happy to step into the high-ceilinged reception room.

  As they walked in Vadim saw that the Za was on his dais, though there was another Sianar to his left. Judging gender was difficult for Humans, but he thought the second person's jawline was perhaps a little less distinct, making it more likely that they were female. She had the same, bright, fluffy mane around her shoulders, marking her as one of their relatives, but her fur was darker around her eyes, making it look like she was wearing a mask. Sianar did tend to wear a lot of paint-markings, but as they drew closer, he realised that it was actually her natural fur-colouring.

  They didn't get very far. As soon as the doors slid shut, Ail-Tho-Gameth leapt from his throne, dropping to all fours and barrelling into Kre.

  Vadim had never seen a Sianar go from upright to a crouch without it being part of a fight, and he automatically went for his side-arm.

  "Our father means her no harm," the third person said, her voice clearly higher and female. And - it seemed - Kre's sister. "And even if he did, you're too slow on the draw."

  Vadim had never heard a Sianar sass quite so obviously in their tone before, which made him instantly like her. He reholstered his weapon and shrugged. "Force of habit."

  Kre, meanwhile, was on her back on the floor in a submissive position, conceding to her father's lick over her throat. She didn't stay like that long, though, bringing her hind paws up to kick him off. The Za went a few feet sideways, then stood up, offering her a hand.

  "Apologies, Captain," Ail said, as he and his daughter resumed a more formal stance again. "It has been a long time since I saw my little whelp."

  "Father," Kre whined, ears back. "Please do not embarrass me in front of my Captain."

  "As your sire, I reserve the right to make you look like a cub whenever I choose," he replied, with a low chuckle that resonated in his throat and sounded nothing but loving. "But I promise that is enough." He grabbed her shoulders and butted heads with her, a little more sedately. The pair stood like that for a long moment, eyes closed, tails flickering in contentment.

  "You're honoured indeed, if you see the Za breaking protocol," the masked one said. "But he'll still claw your face off if you ever admit to it in public."

  "Eru, that's enough," Ail said, letting go of Kre and turning to her. His voice held that mild rebuke that only parents seemed to know how to do, no matter the species. "The Captain has taken good care of your sister, and is considered part of this household."

  "Then welcome," Eru said. She paced closer to Kre, her claws clicking perhaps a little too loudly. "And welcome back, Kre-Tho."

  Vadim watched as Kre turned to Eru, and performed the more stately head-press with her. He couldn't be one hundred percent certain, but he thought Kre was a little stiffer and less relaxed the second time around.

  "Thanks. I'm just glad Kre's got such a supportive family. She's really hooked on this whole science-priest thing. Pretty good teacher, too. Got some concepts through my skull that even the Enforcer Academy never could."

  He watched their reactions carefully at that, and Ail didn't seem to flinch at all. Eru, on the other hand, did the Sianar equivalent of an eye-roll. It was subtle, but he saw her lip curl before she could stop herself. Interesting.

  "She always was the academic in the family," Ail told them. "Captain, if you don't mind, I'd like some time to catch up with her?"

  Vadim glanced over to make sure Kre was happy with that, and it seemed some of the tension had bled out of her, so he nodded. "Sure thing. Want me to just...?" he gestured with his thumb over his shoulder, back the way they'd come.

  "Eru, would you mind taking Captain Vadim on a tour of the grounds?"

  "Not at all," she said, with a little nod of the head.

  "Remember he is used to more--"

  Eru snorted over her sister. "I know. I won't run." She turned, her amber eyes glinting slightly predatorily at him. "I'll take it easy on you."

  ***

  [Sianor: !!! Eru!]

  [Ashroe: She and Kip are going to have fun.]

  [Sianor: Yep. You know he likes snarky bastards.]

  [Ashroe: Ithon says he'll cut his balls off if he bangs the hot furry babe.]r />
  [Sianor: So noted...]

  ***

  Chapter Two - Mission: Edification

  "I know you visited Raboros previously," Eru said. True to her word, she was walking him slowly. Maybe even a little too slowly. "But by all accounts it was a flying visit."

  "Yep. Just in and out, then back to save your sister."

  "Have you seen much of Sianar architecture, then?"

  "Maybe a bit more than most, but I've mostly visited metropolitan areas, rather than capitols, or home-worlds. More trade opportunities for us there. Did a bit of study when I was in the Ur. Minor placements then, but to be honest... I spent most of my Academy days being very, very bad."

  Eru snorted, and her little headshake was so eerily like her sister, that Vadim realised he could tell when two Sianar were close, after all. "I see. By all accounts that is what most young do."