Stormcrow: Book Two: Birds of a Feather

by N. C. Reed

  Jessica and Sean spent most of the rest of the day with her knives, including Sean showing her the many uses of the multi-tool he'd gotten her, interrupted late in the afternoon by a detective from the San Lucia Police for a brief interview.

  “I'm sorry we haven't gotten back to you before now,” the man told her. “We were waiting to confirm the man's identity and then to see if we got an answer back on whether he was wanted or not. Turns out he's not from here, he's from out toward the mid-tier. Place called Holdens. Ever been there?”

  “No sir,” Jess shook her head. “Never even heard of it that I can recall,” she admitted.

  “His name is Warren Levins. If his story is true, and I'm starting to think it is, then this really was a case of him mistaking you for someone else. He's a former soldier, been out of service for about five years now. He claims you are the split image of a woman named Genessa Tatum, a woman he served with for three years during the conflict. He was sure you were her, and even now he's not convinced. Claims that the move you put on him was something she would do. Admits he should have known better than to grab you like that,” he added.

  “I didn't put a move on him,” Jess said shyly. “I was aiming for his nose and missed,” she looked down as if embarrassed. “He was taller than me and I. . .well I just messed up,” she shrugged.

  “Well, lucky shot or not, you tore him up pretty good,” the detective told her. “He's lucky that your shipmate was knowledgeable or he'd be dead according to the docs that fixed him up. He's looking at two surgeries probably to fix him, and his singing career is pretty much over.”

  “He was a singer?” Jess looked up in shock. “And I ruined his voice?!”

  “I think that was a joke, Jess,” Sean said gently, taking her hand and squeezing gently.

  “It was,” the detective nodded. “Poor taste I imagine, and I apologize. It's just. . .well, he really should have known better, good intentions or not. Technically he got what he deserved, even if he didn't have any ill intent. However, having said all that, I need to know if you want charges pressed against him. He may well try at some point to file against you, but. . .there's really nothing he can do, in court. There's vid, physical evidence,” he pointed to where Jessica's arm was still showing a hand shaped bruise, “and witnesses, not to mention it was your shipmate who saved his life. And he's said nothing to me that indicates he's interested in anything other than not getting himself in more trouble.”

  “I. . .I really don't want to, I think,” Jessica said haltingly. “I mean, if he really did think I was someone else and wasn't attacking me. . .I mean, I can't imagine anyone attacking a group with Faulks in it!” she exclaimed.

  “Boat Chief,” Sean filled in for the puzzled detective. “Former Marine and extremely formidable in her own right. And no, I don't think any sane person would try to mug someone in a group she was with.”

  “I see,” the detective nodded. “Thought the name sounded familiar. Well, anyway. It's your right to press charges against him, Miss Trenton. However, you'd have to stay here or return for the trial unless he plead out, which in this case I'm fairly certain he wouldn't do. That's not to discourage you, because you have the right regardless of what he meant to do or who he thought you were. Just giving you the facts.”

  “I don't think so,” Jess said again, shaking her head. “We probably won't ever be back here. We only came so Linc could see the doctor and they should clear him tomorrow and we'll be gone a few hours after that. We mostly work the fringe of the mid-terior and the Rim, so. . .I doubt we'd ever be back, trial or no.”

  “Well, I need you to sign here, then,” he offered her the pad. Sean held up a hand and the detective pulled the pad back.

  “Can we have a minute in private?” he asked politely. “Just to. . .I just want to make sure she understands what she's doing, okay?”

  “Of course,” the detective nodded. “Go right ahead.” Sean took her hand and led her off to an isolated area, a small walkway that led to the tanks. Closing the door, he looked at her.

  “I understood what he said just fine,” Jessica said at once, no sign of her shy victim routine in evidence.

  “Oh, I know that,” he assured her. “I just wanted to remind you to sign with your new name,” he told her quietly. “Make sure you sign 'Trenton' and not 'Travers'. You probably remembered anyway, but until you get a new name down it can sometimes surprise you.”

  “True,” Jessica nodded. “Thanks. I think I'd have remembered, especially since he called me Trenton, but it was a good idea. Thanks for looking out for me, Sean,” she beamed a smile up at him. “One day I'll do something like that for you,” she promised.

  “Ah,” he waved her comment away and led her back to where the detective was waiting.

  “I just wanted to make sure that she knew the Captain would almost certainly support her and bring her back if she wanted to press charges,” Sean told the detective. “Captain was angry this happened, but. . .I think after what you've told us she won't be so upset with it. It being just a guy thinking he knew here, I mean.”

  “I really do believe him,” the detective repeated. “His story never has changed and I've had him tell it, well write it, four times since he came around. And he's still convinced that's who you are,” he told Jessica again. “I've assured him you're not, but he won't believe it. Not that it matters, since he's going to be in the hospital until long after you're gone.”

  “He doesn't know my real name does he?” Jessica allowed the tiniest bit of fear to creep into her voice.

  “No, he doesn't,” the detective assured her. “Releasing victim's names isn't something we do. Now, knowing all that, and that your shipmates support you, what do you want to do?”

  “I don't want to press charges,” she said more firmly this time. “Surely you folks have more to do than worry over something like this that's not even a real crime. Or at least there was no criminal intent, like you said.”

  “Don't let that influence you,” the detective was too dedicated to his job to let her say that. “We do whatever it takes to try and keep our streets safe to walk on.”

  “Well, no, that's not how I meant it,” Jess seemed unsure of herself again at once. “No, I just meant. . .well, if he really thought I was someone else, and I messed his throat up like that, surely that's enough. Right? Let it go.”

  “Fair enough,” the detective nodded firmly, convinced that Jessica knew what she was doing and saying. “Sign here please, Miss Trenton,” he offered her a pad and stylus. Jessica took it and very carefully signed her new name to the pad. The detective quickly took the ship's net address and sent a copy of the relevant forms there for her to have and then closed out the file.

  “Well, that about does it for me!” he smiled. “I'm glad you aren't hurt worse than a few bruises, miss. You folks fly safe.”

  Sean let the man out and then returned to find Jessica frowning in thought.

  “What is it?” he asked.

  “That man really thought I was someone else,” she told him. “My life is so messed up,” she sighed, shaking her head slowly. “I go home and find my parents have been dead for a quarter century, I supposedly disappeared further back than that, and now this!”

  “Don't let it get to you,” Sean reassured her. “Everyone has a doppelganger somewhere. That's what they say, anyway,” he shrugged. “This. . .Tatum, wasn't it? Tatum woman is just yours, that's all.”

  “Funny that he would think I was her though, if they hadn't served together for at least five years,” Jessica noted. “And he said they served together during the war. I mean, how old do I look!”

  “Not that old,” Sean laughed. “He just screwed up, that's all.”

  “Yeah, he did,” she nodded firmly. “Well, that's out of the way, anyhow. What next?” she asked.

  “I'm treating you to dinner,” he told her, smiling. “You cooked this morning, but I won't subject you to my cooking. There's a small diner that does a brisk business j
ust out the port's main gate I'm told. Lets walk over there and see if they have something good on the menu. We can bring it back here if you want, I don't care. I wouldn't mind finding a good pizza or a good burger either one.”

  “Oh, with french fries!” Jessica nodded. “Or even onion rings!”

  “Sounds like a plan to me.”

  -

  Eight the next morning found the entire crew assembled in the cargo bay.

  “All right,” Meredith said. “We've all had a good time and got it out of our system I hope, because assuming this goes well we're out of here in a few hours. Anyone got anything they need to get done or pick up before we head out?”

  “I'm going to the Farmer's Market while you're gone to see what fresh ingredients I can pick up,” Tony said. “No point in getting much, but I can get enough to feed us pretty well for a few days, anyway.”

  “And while I'm thinking about it, we're taking on two passengers for the trip out to Liberty Vale,” Meredith nodded. “It's easy money and we're already headed that way. Are our stores set well enough to feed extra?”

  “Yeah, but since everything is cheaper here, well most everything,” Tony amended, “I'll go ahead and pick up enough to cover it. I hadn't planned to resupply until we got back to Halcyon, since the markets there are less expensive for most things. Getting it here is cheaper than anywhere on the Rim.”

  “Sounds like a plan,” Meredith nodded. “Jess, you and Sean can hold down the fort then?”

  “Yes ma'am,” Jess grinned and Sean merely nodded.

  “We'll let you know when we start back. With you on the bridge and Sean here, you can start turnover before we get back, right?”

  “No problem,” Jessica assured her, and Sean again merely nodded.

  “All right then,” Meredith took a deep breath, suddenly at a loss. “Faulks, lets get under way. If we get there a little early, they may see us early.”

  “Aye, Cap'n,” Faulks was unusually somber this morning but Meredith had too much on her mind to notice. Sean noted it, but didn't really care one way or another, and while Jessica could see it, she didn't feel comfortable enough with Faulks to intrude on the woman's business. Lincoln was too preoccupied with his upcoming doctor visit to think about anything else, let alone anything to do with Faulks.

  “Good luck, Linc!” Jess smiled wide, cheering the older man up a bit.

  “Thanks kid,” he grinned.

  “Good luck Lincoln,” Sean added, more subdued but just as sincere.

  “Thank you,” he nodded to Sean with a more faint smile. “I appreciate it.”

  And with that the trio set off for the doctor's office.

  “I'll be back in a couple hours, probably,” Tony informed them. “I'll have stuff delivered too, so you guys may get that before I can get back. If it does beat me back, just have them set it inside and I'll get it stored when I get back. Okay?”

  “Will do,” Sean said simply. Tony looked as if he were going to say something else, then seemed to think better of it and departed in silence, shaking his head.

  “Wonder what he wanted to say?” Jessica said softly.

  “No idea,” Sean shrugged. “I'll be in engineering if you need me,” he said, starting that way.

  “I'll be on the bridge,” Jess nodded, all business now. “Need me just sing out. I'll be ready to turn over when they call.”

  “Same here,” Sean agreed. “Be good to be up and out again.”

  “Yeah,” Jess sounded a little wistful as she followed Sean up the stairs. “Yeah, it will.”

  -

  “Are you sure, and I mean absolutely sure that you want to do this?”

  “For the last time, yes,” Lucia's voice was firm. “I told him yesterday that I had tried to do it the easy way, and he didn't go for it. So, it's the hard way from here on in.” Her face was set in a grim look, out of place for what she wanted to do.

  “All right,” Tal nodded. “Your mother wants to see you before we head out this morning. We're ready to go when you are, but don't forget the timing is important. They'll be leaving soon.”

  “I've got that worked out,” Lucia promised. “Trust me.”

  “I guess I have to, don't I?”

  Lucia fought the urge to roll her eyes yet again as she trudged downstairs to see her mother. Antonia was seated behind her desk reading some report or another when Lucia knocked gently on the open door.

  “Come in, child,” Antonia smiled at her. “All is in readiness I take it?” she asked with a knowing smirk.

  “Yes, Mamma,” Lucia wasn't so confident out of Tal's sight as she tried to be when confronted by her. “I'm admit I'm worried a bit.”

  “You should be,” her mother offered no comfort to her. “It's not too late to change your mind, of course. And there is always the chance they will return at some point. We could even try to hire them ourselves, though they would know there is no need,” she admitted.

  “No,” Luica shook her head. “No bribes, honest or otherwise. I'm going to win, and I'm going to do it myself,” her innate stubbornness reared its head once more. “He's going to be mine,” she said firmly.

  “Lucia, he is not a possession to be won, or a thing to be owned,” Antonia chided her daughter gently.

  “No, he's not,” Lucia nodded. “But he will be mine,” she reiterated. “He's the one, Mamma,” she added simply.

  “I know child,” her mother surprised her then with a soft smile. “I wish you luck, Lucia. May the stars bless you and follow you. May the sun shine upon your journey and the moon light your way in darkness. Be safe, my daughter in this quest of yours. Please. As you venture out, please remember what has already happened and do not place yourself or your people in needless danger.”

  Mother embraced daughter and each kissed the others cheek.

  “I won't,” Lucia promised her, eyes wet with tears unshed. “I promise you.”

  “Then go with my blessings and get that which you most desire,” Antonia told her softly.

  “Thank you, Mamma,” Lucia said and then she was out the door and gone, her detail already waiting for her.

  “Spread your wings my daughter and fly as I once did, long ago,” Antonia whispered. “Be free.”

  -

  “Well Mister Simmons, it appears that your surgery was a complete success,” Doctor Bernard beamed. “It went so well in fact that I believe you should need your glasses only to read with. Your poor eyesight seems to have been a product of eyestrain caused by the blind spot in your cataract. Your vision check today was as close to perfect as a man our age can expect.”

  “Really?” Lincoln wanted to be hopeful, had wanted to be all this time.

  “Really,” Bernard nodded. “If you experience headaches reading or when you're using your instrument panel then I'd recommend you use your glasses for those tasks. The eyestrain may or may not have actually been a product of the cataract and the effects it caused, so if you do have those problems don't be surprised, and don't panic. It's just nature taking her course, that's all. You are good to go!”

  “Doc, that's fantastic,” Lincoln's relief was palpable. “You've saved my life!”

  “Oh, hardly anything that dramatic, I'm sure,” Bernard chuckled. “Oh, your way of life, I suppose,” he added after a few seconds. “I can see what you mean now. Well, you can return to that life without worry, Mister Simmons. And I'd say your performance should improve now that you can see.”

  “It had better,” Meredith growled from his side. “He's nearly killed us more times than we can count,” she told Bernard in mock irritation. “Always an excuse of some kind, too!”

  “Well, he had a good excuse but I've robbed him of that, so now it's all on him,” Bernard smiled. “I wish you well. Good-bye.”

  “Bye,” the couple said in unison as the doctor departed, leaving a nurse to show them out. Faulks was waiting for them in the lobby.

  “Well?”

  “No more excuses for lousy flying the doc sai
d,” Lincoln grinned. “I'm good to go.”

  “Outstanding,” Faulks nodded firmly. “Back to the ship?” she asked Meredith.

  “Yes,” she nodded firmly. “I've been on the ground long enough.” She reached for her com and opened it up.

  “Go ahead, Captain,” Jessica's voice replied at once.

  “How did you know it was me?” Meredith asked.

  “Lucky guess,” Jessica answered. “How did it go?”

  “Your co-pilot is cleared to fly,” Meredith told her. “Start turning the engines over, we're on our way back now.”

  “Will do!” Jessica assured her. Meredith replaced her com and turned to find Lincoln glaring at her.

  “What now?” she asked.

  “Her co-pilot?” he demanded. “I'm her co-pilot? Shouldn't she be my co-pilot? I was there first, you know!”

  “Of for the love of space,” Meredith shook her head. “Lets go!”

  -

  Jessica was in the middle of startup when the airlock buzzer sounded, followed by the alarm for the cargo bay door.

  “It's just me, Jess,” she heard Tony on the I/C before she could call. “I'm back and they're bringing in the stuff I got from the market. I'll be bringing it up on the lift in just a minute. If you need me you can call me, but otherwise I'll be in the kitchen for a good while storing this stuff.”

  “Okay,” she called back, smiling at his tone. “Don't strain yourself doc.”

  “Ha, ha,” he shot back before cutting her off and she giggled out loud as she returned to her duties. Turnover was a serious job and required attention.

  “Number one is spinning,” Sean reported. “Waiting on revs now.”

  “Roger that.”

  -

  There was a procession of cars waiting when Meredith and the others returned to the Celia. Meredith wondered if all of this was for her passengers, because she'd agreed to two and no more.

  “Captain Simmons?” A tall woman in a well-appointed business suit approached the group.

  “Yes,” Meredith nodded.

  “I'm Natalie Denworth, the agent that called you? My clients are here, as requested,” she smiled. “Here is the electronic voucher for the agreed upon amount. Unfortunately, my client has already traveled a great distance and is somewhat fatigued. They wish to retire to their rooms as soon as possible and rest if that is acceptable to you? I have men standing by to handle their luggage if need be. They travel fairly light, actually,” she added.