laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

Within the mass of piping, conduits and gunmetal colored drivers, each three times her size, Cymbrecia watched as Armand did his regular checks. Diagnostic meter in hand, the brown haired mechanic glanced to the readout on the small screen as he probed various connections with a probe in his right hand.

"How's my baby looking," she inquired, still distracted about the probable backlash of throwing the nephew of her boyfriend's boss into a small cell.

"Good. Though, I think we need to replace the pressure stabilizer as soon as we can."

"Yeah,'' she sighed. "Just as soon as this cargo is sold." Lowering her foot from off of the large pipe beneath her, she stepped back as he moved to her right to continue his task. "Going to need you to keep your eyes on this section until we reach Genesia. I don't want either of those guys back here alone."

"Your boyfriend excluded, of course."

"Kiryk doesn't know anything about ships anyway. I wouldn't worry about him."

Armand shrugged. "That's why he's kept you around, right?"

Her brow furrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Brown eyes glanced to her as he stopped. "Having a girlfriend who's mother is a ship engineer and taught her a few tricks comes in handy when you're a thief. That's all I'm saying." His eyes widened. "Am I wrong?"

"You're jealous," she grinned playfully. "I'm flattered."

He chuckled and rolled his eyes. "Yeah, that's it. How'd you guess?" Shaking his head, he glanced to the hatch and then back to his hand held computer. "No, it's just I think you should be wary, that's all. The five of us have made a good team, just don't want nothin' to come in the way of that. That's all."

She knew there was more to the story but, let it go. "He's a great guy. You'll see that once you get to know him," Cymbrecia smiled to herself and strolled towards the diag station and entrance. "I'll go check on the rest, let me know if you find anything else."

"Will do."

Long fingers tapped on the blue button within the control panel beside the door and prompted the hatch to raise and she stepped out into the narrow hall that separated the port and starboard cargo bays. Overhead lights illuminated the long, narrow corridor and her mind drifted back to his arms which quickened her pace. Halfway to the far hatch, it opened to reveal the object of her desires and she smiled as Kiryk strolled towards her.

"Just the one I was looking for," he greeted unemotionally.

"Hey there," she smiled. "Have you eaten?"

He nodded and stopped within two feet of her. As she reached out for him, he grabbed her wrists forcefully, brown eyes glaring. "Are you out of your mind?"

Cymbrecia was immediately alarmed. "What?"

"Get him out of that damned closet. Now."

"Just as soon as he calms down I will."

He yanked on her arms, bringing her closer to him as the thug fumed. "I said now. You realize who he is? The reason you're still alive is because of who he's related to. I'm not dying because your boys can't take a f***ing joke."

Things had changed in the one she loved, though she was used to his moods. Prison does that. "Okay," she replied quietly, not wanting to anger him any more. He sighed and let her go, then turned as she led him towards the door he had just come through. Once open, she turned left and glanced to Kiryk as he continued towards the galley. "You'll need to talk to him and calm him down, no doubt."

"Not my job. I didn't stick him in there."

"I take it you don't mind him trying to fondle your girlfriend," Korentin interrupted from the stairway above her as the larger medic descended. "I do."

Kiryk half turned, "She can take care of herself".

Raising a hand to her friend, she continued towards the makeshift brig. "It's okay. He's right, I'm fine."

Korentin shook his head in disgust. "Whatever." A foot taller, he followed the owner of the larger cargo vessel until they reached the door in question. Pausing, she had a feeling the moment this guy was released again, his temper would flare quicker than before. Or would he bide his time and try to get even?

Blue eyes glanced up and back to the medic. "This could get messy. Be ready."

"He don't behave himself, I'm pushing his ass out through the main hatch." A comment that made her smile.

Turning, she reached for the numbered panel and keyed in the code, then stepped back, right hand on her pistol. As light poured into the darkened interior, she noted the furious eyes glaring back at her. "Another four hours to Genesia and you and Sewer are free to go do whatever you want. I just can't have trouble on my ship."

He stepped out into the light, eyes narrowed because of the brightness and took a moment to adjust. "When we arrive, then you better leave right away. Otherwise, your friends are dead, this ship is mine and so are you."