He had expected to be teased all the way back to Dau, but neither Vadonx, Lambin or John had mentioned the PDA incident with word. Maybe this once, he would actually not be teased for something he hadn't done. He docked and went through his post flight routine as usual. Satisfied that the ship was in good condition, he opened the canopy and jumped out. They were standing outside, with mischievous grins on their faces. Lambin started clapping, and Vardonx joined him. John walked over to Hortan and started sniffing around like an old dog.
"Mmmh, nice flowery scent." He put his hands on Hortan's shoulder and looked into his face. "What the hell have you two been up to? I know she sounds rough and all, but she must be a real tigress, eh?" John turned to the others and nodded towards the streaks on Hortan's cheek.
The obvious thing happened, Hortan blushed deeply and tried to stammer a reply. John stopped him immediately.
"Now, I know you must be tired, I know I would, so you can tell about it later mate. Maybe you can even invite her to one of our parties?" The trio laughed loudly and sent Hortan on his way with Vardonx making claw movements with his hands and growling "rawr, rawr."
Hortan walked slowly towards his room, and then decided that he was seriously hungry. He decided to go for pancakes, his favourite dish. When he arrived, he saw Ms. Chi, Mor Isil and Ms Kanaka already seated, and so he joined them.
"What happened to your face Hort?" Miharu was asking him concerned.
Hortan blushed and answered, chewing on a pancake. "It was an accident. I slipped on Ms. Azumi's bed."
Mor Isil and Chi choked on their waffles, and Miharu reddened considerably.
"You did what what with whom?" Chi asked after drinking some coffee to help her swallow.
"I fell on the bed when I got up from it," Hortan said innocently. Mor started giggling with Miharu, while Chi was looking directly at Hortan, not really believing her ears. Hortan looked up, and with even for Hortan tectonic speed, his mind slowly realised what he had said. The implications hit him like a samo laden Moth going at full tilt with concussion mine assisted launch. He blushed from toe to head and stopped eating immediately. Chi smiled, now this was the Hortan she knew better.
"No, I mean, it is not, we were only talking, and it she only had one chair, and she said I should." Hortan was rambling, he knew it, but there was nothing to do. Mor Isil and Miharu started laughing loudly, and Ms. Chi smiled at Hortan while putting one hand on top of his.
"I understand Hort, I understand. You don't have to explain at all. I still hold you very dear." Chi had meant to support Hortan, and get him out of the embarrassing situation, but Hortan's face only reddened deeper to an almost crimson. "Shit," Chi muttered under her breath. New plan.
"I forgot to mention, you have to go to Surbius Hortan, and he wanted you right away. You better hurry."
"Oh, oh ok. Better leave then." Hortan rose and left hurriedly, his face the colour of arterial blood.
The Council of Seven was gathered. Only one big topic was on the agenda. Whether or not they were going to pay yoda.
"It is a lot of bloody money," Kragmier said.
"Aye, but if yoda decides to use the knowledge he has wrung out of Ardon, we are seriously fucked," kalb replied.
"I call for a vote on this." Gingerbread the Swift's high pitched voice was cutting through the chatter.
"Aye, I agree, the council will vote as per the ancient rules of SYN," Jolly Roger agreed. As commander, he would have three votes. "Vote now."
The result was clear, only one voted against.
"I suggest we clear the remaining trace to here then. I shall authorise the transfer from our account into yoda's. Gents, this has been a very expensive adventure. I shall not tolerate more mistakes." Jolly rose from his seat at the centre. "You may leave, Death Incarnate, you stay."
Hortan entered the small office where Naoko was sitting. The young woman was busy behind the holo screen, some four layer matrix that looked immensely difficult. She didn't look up until Hortan had stopped puffing from the running. When Ms. Chi said hurry, he did.
"Can I help you pilot Hortan?" She looked at his nametag and lack of distinctions or rank, not all that impressed.
"I was told that Surb wanted to see me," Hortan was a bit insecure now, surely she must know these things, being his secretary and all.
She checked Surbius's appointment list, no entry with Hortan's name. "Sorry, I do not have you on his schedule." She smiled and went back to her holo.
"Well, it must be a mistake, can I see him?"
She looked up at Hortan. "Lieutenant Surbius Bondevo is a very busy man, and he does not like it when he is interrupted during his daily routine. So no, make an appointment like everybody else."
"But, it was Ms. Chi that said it," Hortan protested.
"Lieutenant Chi from the Phoenix Alliance? Why didn't you say so? Go right in." She smiled to him, the charm turned on big time.
Hortan entered Surb's office, where the Lt. was planning something vastly complicated. He looked up when Hortan came in.
"Hortan? What can I do for you?"
"Ms. Chi told me you wanted to see me."
"Ehm, ok. Ah, I am not sure why she sent me, but now you are here I might as well fill you in. Tomorrow we'll make a convoy to Remley, and we need your XC. We are going to take the initiative now, and end this thing."
"Yes Sir, I'm ready. My XC "Target Practice IV" is ready Sir."
"Good good, and while we are at it, we are having a party tomorrow after the conclusion of the convoy. Make sure you are dressed up for the occasion, it will be a madhouse. Dismissed"
Hortan smiled, he knew exactly how he would dress up. This time he would fit right in. "Aye aye Sir." He snapped a salute, did an about face and left.
