On the Hunt...

[Moira]

(Continued from Discharge & Forced Rest)

The conversation was still vivid in Silas’ head. Him, staring at his father in utter and stunned disbelief. "You fracking sent her off station with WHO?" Eli had bristled at Silas' tone but Silas didn't care. Eli's retort had been controlled at least when he'd stated, "He is completely trustworthy." Silas' eyes had narrowed, the words coming out in a hiss, "You really *are* blind."

Did he regret it? Maybe a little. But if his father was unable to see that Daniel was not just looking after Moira because it was his job, then his father deserved the comment. Unless his father approved of the bodyguard's interest.

Now he rested, feet propped up on a control panel as the ship thrummed around him. He'd left a message with the kitties so they would know he wasn't just skipping out. He had to take care of some personal business. He would be back and soon. They still had catching up to do.

Meanwhile...

Getting to the station was the easy part. Getting clearance to land, also not very difficult. Feeling like this was a good place to bring Moira? Not a chance.

Eden Rose was not a nice place. The rumors that surrounded it were dismal at best and down right horrifying at worst. Contacts that had scouted the area had a number of sordid tales to tell. Daniel wasn't comfortable with this but he had made a promise and he would see it through.

He notified Moira that they would be landing within the hour about forty-five minutes ago. He was in the process of guiding the ship into the bay that would house them during their stay. The press of mental activity was almost overpowering. The station was easily three times the size of Pharos and held a population of at least four times that of Pharos. It was almost as old as Pharos but it was not nearly as kept up. Nor was it policed as well.

The ship shuddered down, landing with a faint ripple of energy throughout the ship. Daniel sighed, closing his eyes. This would be a wild ride. He could already feel it.

As they had been growing closer, she had been preparing mentally. Not only would she be centering her thoughts, but she was running through a few of Syn's lessons. Pharos looked like a monastery when compared to this place.

She moved into the cockpit ready to get started. She had tried to tame the curls the best she could to no avail. All she could do was make sure she didn't scream rich to every one and their mother.

He felt her presence more than he heard her arrive. Daniel spoke without opening his eyes. "We're here." He drew in a breath and slowly exhaled, the mental shields settling into place. "So's she." He finally opened his eyes. "Dunson has a positive ID and he's tailing her. You'll be able to have that talk you wanted to have." He gave a smile and then pushed himself up from the cockpit. "Ready?"

She nodded, "About as ready as I'll ever be."

She had taken the time to re-enforce her shielding as well. Call it intuition, but something was not quite right. She had secreted one more piece at the small of her back. And yes she knew how to use it, quite well in fact.

When he extended his hand in her direction, she would see he wore leather gloves. When he touched her there would be no rush of thoughts. He still wore jeans and a t-shirt with that comfortably worn looking leather jacket. For all intents and purposes, he was just a pilot and nothing more.

"There's a Shoppe called Tobiya's. It's a noodle place on concourse C blue. We'll meet Dunson there."

He hit the switch that cycled the hatch and the ship released the lock. Air changed places - the highly filtered air from inside being polluted with the recycled air of the station. It smelled of oil and sweat.

She nodded again. She had chosen the worn jeans, a t-shirt, and a worn leather. The t-shirt was less revealing then the one she would wear around the ship. She was determined not to attract more attention than was normal.

"Let's get this over with." She said softly.

He paused to regard her for a moment then touched her shoulder, fingers squeezing in reassurance. "It'll be okay. If you're good I'll buy you a bowl of noodles." Daniel flashed a quick smile then he was gone, moving a couple of steps ahead to ensure the area was clear. He figured she would catch up and probably end up walking a few steps ahead of him if she didn't choose to walk side by side. He couldn't really tell what she might do and he found that refreshing. Too often people were boring - unexciting.

At the main exit that doubled as a secondary customs area, they went left after being passed through by a tired looking security guard.
_________________
"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?" ~Sherlocke Holmes, The Sign of the Four

[Moira]

She shook her head with a smile. She then moved to catch-up with him. She wanted to walk at his side. She could only wish she had his confidence. She let him lead the way as this was the first time to be at this station. Hopefully the last too. Once this was done, maybe she would consider a real vacation. A vacation with no interruptions and a rather cute bodyguard. She shook her head to focus. Now was not to time to fantasize about him.

They wound their way through the pedestrian traffic moving with the press of people toward the transportation system. There were vertical and horizontal trams that served for transport between the farther areas of the station. There were elevators and you could use them if you wanted to try and get yourself lost. Elevators were just not good for the long haul. He paused at a junction then indicated a path leading off to the right. "The blue vert is over there." He lifted his hand to point. The signs were different colors advertising the different sections of the station. "We'll take that up to the C concourse."

He smiled at her. His hand brushed his neck as if scratching at an itch. "It'll be about a fifteen minute walk from there." He took her arm and started guiding her toward the vertical tram with the blue sign. Then he stumbled as if someone had run into him. His hand slipped from her arm.

She felt the stumble and turned to him, "Daniel?"

Heavy. So heavy. Can't walk ... He went down as if someone had turned off a switch controlling his motor functions.

She moved over to his side as he crumpled to the ground. "Daniel!" She went to check his pulse and was growing worried with each passing moment. She didn't get the rush of thoughts from him when she touched skin to skin and that worried her further. Her mind instinctively trying to reach for his own.

He had reached position a few minutes before they were spotted coming his way. He started through the crowd and reached them about the time that she knelt down. He knew he would be familiar to her, and unreadable. He had the look of one the security guards that were often employed around the Meridian. That made him safe, right? He knelt down next to her and took her arm, lifting her to standing with an urgent whisper in her ear, "That was meant for you. We need to get you out of here, Miss Ramachi. I have a team coming for him." With that he hoped to use her being surprised to his advantage. He didn't want to have to dope her too but he would if he had to in order to get her on the ship.

He had that moment of surprise in which she was guided to her feet. She narrowed her eyes at him. While he looked familiar something was off. She had that fluttering feeling in her chest was not good.

She nodded sharply there was something chilling in her eyes. "Alright. Lead on." A part of her did not want to leave Daniel here. And why was a Meridian security guard here? Aside from Trystan, how many guards go out on missions like this?

He gave a nod and began maneuvering her through the crowd back toward the customs area. So far so good. He didn't take chances though. He kept his mouth shut and simply guided her along. Too much said could jeopardize everything.

Daniel couldn't feel anything initially and thoughts weren't going anywhere. His mind was caught in a thick web of sticky blackness that made everything hard to understand and even harder to even 'hear'. Daniel's heart raced, near panic starting to grip him. Moira ... what the hell ... he couldn't even contact Dunson. Daniel knew he was on the ground though, his body unable to move.

Suddenly it felt all too familiar and he had a rush of memories flood through his hampered mind. He was a kid again, his mother was giving him something ... a shot. He hated it ... no. No more!

Moira!

That got her to stop, "We have to go back to him." There was something in her tone. She shouldn't have left his side. She should have found a way to get him to safety herself. She started trying to pull away from this guard.

‘Daniel!’

As Moria tugged her arm away, a hand tapped the guy on the shoulder further distracting him, "'Scuze me, can you tell me..."

As the guy turned to face him with a growl, Silas' elbow flew up and straight ahead into the guys face. Silas had a few inches in height on the man so the elbow blow was easy. The stranger stumbled backward, clutching a now bleeding nose. Silas didn't stop to rest on his laurels. He advanced and threw a punch to the man's gut with his off hand followed by another elbow, this time to the back of the man's neck when he doubled over from the gut shot.

"Helluva way to get some rest, Moira."

"Silas!" For the moment she threw herself into her big brother's arms. "Daniel's down.. Have to go back for him!" There was something urgent in her voice.
_________________
"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?" ~Sherlocke Holmes, The Sign of the Four

[Moira]

"Frack!" He held her, turning her slightly as he took a quick look around the area. "How'd that happen?" He shook his head, arm still around Moira, as he began making his way back toward the knot of people who were gathering around the falling figure of Daniel. "Nevermind. You can tell me later."

It wasn't until they got back to Daniel that she broke from Silas. She knelt down and went back to checking vitals. "Sedatives... There are some nasty ones that suppress a Talent."

Within her mind, she followed that passive link back to Daniel. She did what Syn had done for her.

‘Daniel’

"Yeah, there are nasty ones that suppress non-Talent's too. Let's go!" He knelt down and hefted the slight framed Daniel up. It took a little doing but he managed to get him over his shoulder. "We can't stay here." With his other arm, he took Moira's bicep. "My ship .. let's go."

She let Silas guide her to his ship. She was more concerned about Daniel, then getting their ship. There would be time later and whoever planned this probably was watching the ship.

Though it did not stop her heart from sinking. Many of her prized possessions, even her bear. "It was them." That bothered her; they were getting braver.

He didn't say much until he had them through customs with an explanation of 'too much to drink' to explain Daniel's state. Money exchanged hands and they were soon going up the ramp to Silas' pride and joy - the Black Pearl. The ramp closed behind them securing itself with a hiss and clamp.

Silas set Daniel down in the small common room. "Go get a wet towel or something." He was checking vitals to make sure the teep wasn't flat lining on them.

She nodded and moved off for one. She brought it back a moment later. She didn't say much, just let Silas do his own thing while she tried to reach Daniel again. She worried about him and had to wonder at the timely arrival of Silas.

"You were following." She said. It was not a question.

"Yeah ... and?" He took the towel and wiped down Daniel's sweaty face and neck. He was sorta cute in a geeky sorta way. He resisted the urge to take the man's shirt off. Be too many questions later and he doubted the peek would be worth it.

He shifted with a moan, the thick syrup that was his mind couldn't sort through anything. He was starting to hear everything and it was coming back loud ... oh so loud. He shifted, trying to sit up. His hands flailing as he tried to cover his ears with a painful groan. Nothing to keep it out ... can't stop it ..

"If it wasn't for the fact that I am very glad you are here, I'd probably kick your ass." She said softly as she pushed in to cup Daniel's face. "Got a white noise generator, or something handy?"

She knew what was happening and this was the most expedient course, aside from her forcing shields on him.

"What the frack would I need a white noise generator for?" He tapped his skull. "Deaf... remember?" He rolled his eyes and pushed himself up.

He flailed as he sat up with a gasp, eyes wild for a moment before he shut them hard, curling to his side. Too many .. people ..

"What ship did you come in on?" He figured there would be one there at the very least. Silas could break into it. Right?

"Father's old ship. There's one built into the master cabin."

Until they could get the generator, she slipped within his mind. It was riskier, but it should help a little. She started layering shielding upon him. It wouldn't block everything, but it might make it bearable.

"Silas?"

He paced back and forth, thinking. He couldn't just rip out a ship wide system. That would take too long. And how could he carry it unnoticed anyway? He sighed, glancing at his sister when she said his name. "What?"

She was used to thinking on her feet. "Think you can create enough of a diversion so that we can get to the ship?"

She trusted her big brother. "Besides, I'm not leaving my bear behind." She said simply enough. It was an outrageous comment meant to try to alleviate some of the tension.
_________________
"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?" ~Sherlocke Holmes, The Sign of the Four

[Moira]

He stared at her for a long moment. Silas blinked once, twice ... "You still have the bear?" He shook his head, not needing an answer. "A diversion huh? Yeah, I think I'm pretty good at diversions. Comes with the job." He flashed a cool smile then lifted his chin to indicate Daniel. "You think you're going to manage him?"

He struggled to sit up again, panting from the effort. The drugs were still very much in his system but he was managing to overcome them. "I do not ... need to be ... managed."

There was a bit of relief as Daniel managed to sit up. "No, but you're not up to par either." She said gently.

"Yes, I can see you're an absolute picture of agility and strength." He rolled his eyes then settled his gaze on his little sister. "You ready?"

She looked over to her brother, "We'll manage." Now that the danger was exposed, she would be on guard as well. However, the fact that *they* were here for her made it all the more urgent. Plus she wasn't up to Par either, so the additional Shielding she was maintaining on Daniel was draining her.

"As ready as we'll ever be and Yeah, I still have the bear." She smiled at Silas.

"Count to ten... then go. I'll catch up with you." He paused again to look between them and then shook his head, finally ducking off the ship to head off for that diversion.

He nodded at the instructions then looked at Moira. That he was thankful to her for what she was doing was very clear. That he hated having to rely on her was also clear. But it was hatred at himself for being a burden. He was supposed to be the one taking care of her. "We'll make it." He was already counting.

She nodded and moved to help Daniel stand. She refused to admit that she was scared shitless. She just wanted to get off this miserable excuse for a space station. She just wanted to make sure he was safe. It was down right unnerving to see Daniel in such pain. She made sure the shielding would hold until they hit the ship.

8...
9...
10...

Here they go.

He didn't like being weak but the drugs in his system made it hard to move quickly or with any grace. Yet he managed it. Willpower drove him to move with Moira as they made their way from Silas' ship (where the hell had he come from?) to the ship they came in on. He didn't see any specific 'diversion' but that nobody tried to get in their way was mention enough that Silas had probably been successful. Daniel didn't breathe easy until he heard the latch cycling closed behind them.

She cycled the hatch shut and took the extra step of overriding the white noise generators. She knew he needed them on now. She helped get him into the cockpit so they could hit the black. That would be the safest place for the immediate moment. She slid into the co-pilot's seat. Staying close to him with the generator on was the only alternative.

She slipped her comm earpiece in and dialed up a code that had been stored in her unit but rarely used. "Hide and seek, troublemaker?"

He would know what that meant; the white noise would make it hard for their hunters to find them. Silas being unreadable would make it hard for them to discern the message. She had to assume the comm waves were not secure and act accordingly.

Daniel was sweating from the effort to deal with things and keep himself conscious. Every so often a wave threatened to overtake him and force him back down but he did his best to maintain. He settled into the pilots seat and started to flip switches, working to get the ship prepped for departure. He heard Moira speak but didn't acknowledge her. He figured she was talking to her brother.

It was a bother that Silas was there. How had he known? Why had he followed?

Daniel contacted port control and requested clearance. There was some delay and for a moment it appeared that Port Control was not going to let them go. Then they were released. He punched it hard, the ship lifting and sliding out of the docking bay like a missile.

"Yeah, I'm seeking."

Silas was ready. The 'diversion' had taken down three men. He loved the look on teep's faces when he surprised them. The black hole struck quick and quiet then got back to his ship. He didn't wait for clearance. When he saw their ship go, he piggy-backed on their clearance and followed in spite of the alarms. Once in the black, he watched for pursuit and shook his head when a ship actually began to follow.

"Find the rabbit hole. I'm going to spank someone."
_________________
"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?" ~Sherlocke Holmes, The Sign of the Four

[Moira]

She didn't vocalize an answer. Silas knew she would understand and act accordingly. She liked the games they used to play when they were younger. She loved the challenge of trying to find him without being able to find his thoughts. Everyone treated it as a disadvantage... So short sighted she thought as she shut down the comm.

She looked over to Daniel, "We're being followed, Silas is going to draw them off. We'll need to find cover though." She knew Daniel would be able to do that. "I trust you, Daniel."

She trusted them both.

He nodded once. It was all he could do to focus on flying. His hands shook as he manipulated the controls. Things he did without thought suddenly had to be consciously given specific attention. Move this lever, check that readout, adjust pitch ... he shuddered. Calculations done and confirmed by the ship's computer, he launched them into stardrive. Perhaps it was a bit early to do it but he chose not to wait until they were specifically clear of the system.

Once they were in the slipstream, they were safe. He checked. He double checked. Daniel glanced at her with a faint smile. "There … we're here for a ... a while."

Then he slumped to the side, head falling backward as his eyes closed once more.

Once she was sure that the helm was on auto, she un-strapped him from the chair and exercised the one ability that she knew was the reason for the hunters. She was not the strongest, but what she had was rare enough.

In her weakened condition, the use of her telekinesis was a great strain on her. She had just enough energy to get him to the closest sleeping cabin and into a bed. She lost her grip over the bed, so there was a small drop of inches before he came to a rest.

She then collapsed into the chair next to the bed with a groan for the moment. The pain from her incisions flared up and she took several cleansing breaths before moving again. She went to the first aid kit, knowing what else was needed. With talents, sedatives were very dangerous. Just told her how serious this was. She was serious and focused as she prepped the syringe with the counter-agent. Syndel was behind a good bit of her training, focusing on control, protection and healing as needed.

She returned back to Daniel's side, and maneuvered him so that she could remove his jacket. Once she had access to the veins on the inside of his arm, she took out an antiseptic wipe and cleaned the site. She pressed on the vein until it was closed to the surface. From there she was able to inject the counter agent.

She disposed of the needle and settled tiredly into the chair. Now she all she could do was wait. Though she was determined to have Silas teach her to fly...

He was unaware of being moved. That he'd managed to grapple back to consciousness enough to fly them out of there had been a feat near unto a miracle. Only his being able to tap into her mental alertness had allowed him to leech enough for himself to overcome the drugs running through his body. But he couldn't keep that up for long else he could hurt her, so he let go and that's when he lost consciousness again. Once more a prisoner to the sedative that inhibited his ability to shield himself from other voices, other minds. At least they were in the black where there were fewer minds to interfere and the generators were online further dampening.

Daniel woke slowly, the burning in his veins enough to cause him to roll to his side and ball up with a groan. The two agents fighting inside his body left him shaking, sweaty and feeling like needles were poking him everywhere from the inside out. Control came with consciousness though and after only a few moments he was able to open his eyes and look around.

He could smell her. It was a vague fragrance that lingered on the pillow under his head. Daniel rolled again so he was once more flat on his back on the bed. He didn't have his coat on anymore. He could feel her mind in a state of exhaustion trying to recuperate. She was amazing. Never lost her cool. No wonder they wanted her. Strong Teep, elusive Teek and truly the daughter of Ramachi. He let his eyes close for a few minutes as he gathered his strength.

Then he realized where he was. Daniel was in her cabin, the master cabin. His eyes opened as he tried to sit up, gaze falling to rest on the napping Moira. He froze in the middle of sitting up, just taking her in.

So beautiful…

So out of his league.
_________________
"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?" ~Sherlocke Holmes, The Sign of the Four

[Moira]

The awareness that he was awake had her eyes opening with a smile. She took the moment to center herself and fight down the bit of pain from the incision site. Nothing was wrong per say, just pain from doing too much too soon.

"Hey, how you feeling?" There was some strain in her voice, but nothing that couldn't be handled.

He nodded wordlessly to answer at first. The question deserved better though. Daniel finally managed to speak. "Things are still fuzzy but it's okay. I'm fine. How are you?" He moved off the bed then. She should lay down. Using careful steps, so the spinning cabin didn't unseat him, Daniel moved to her chair. He knelt down and rested a hand on her arm. "Why don't you rest now?"

She felt a pang as he moved to see to her again. She liked him a lot but it seemed that the damn pedestal she hated was in the way once again. She tried to squash that disappointment but it was so hard this time. Her sentinel had needed help and she had been glad to be able to do something, even if it was with the aid of her big brother.

She didn't move for a long moment, not wanting to break that physical contact. She then nodded but really said nothing. Better to not think about feelings and resign herself to being isolated. Still hurt.

"Come on." He offered to help her up, his still gloved hand moving to cup her arm so she would not have to strain herself to rise. "You took care of me. My turn." The smile was more evident in the warmth of his tone than in the curl of his lips. As they stood, he was careful to make sure she was all right. He didn't want her recent surgery and the excitement on the station to lead to complications.

Complications. Here's one.

As she moved, he turned her a little more toward him than she needed to be. A gloved hand rested on her cheek, cupping it so gently. Maybe it was the drugs mucking with his ability to control impulse actions but he found he didn't care. Daniel hesitantly moved his face toward hers, almost aborting the action but continuing after just that very faint hesitation. He tipped his head so his lips could find hers.

Just a faint, gentle brush of lips - that's all, right?

She stood at his urging. She felt more than she saw him. He was so close. Please, she was almost begging inside. Having him hurt, made her realize how important he was to her, even in such a short time. Yet, he has been with her a long time.

She leaned into the touch of his hand on her cheek. The touch was welcomed even if it was the caress of leather on her skin. When their lips touched, any control on what she was feeling was out the porthole. It was gentle, almost unsure. She was not better, having only experienced this once before and only recently.

Still it was toes curling heady. He did not have the same finesse, but it had a powerful quality all the same.

She didn't move away. She didn't scream. She didn't disdain the advance.

There was encouragement.

She was the water he'd been longing for, his parched soul needing to experience. His fingers slid around to cup her head, other hand lifting to do the same on the other side as he settled his posture more firmly in front of her. His lips caressed hers and then were more needful than he had any right to be. There was no stopping really. The floodgates were open.

The touch of lips against lips, breath mingling together; his mind open to her in that moment. He adored her more than he even recognized previously - the subtle touch of their minds something that had been there for so long he barely remembered a time when she wasn't just a thought away; he respected her father as if Eli were his own; and would lay down his life for either of them without hesitation or regret. He dared not call it love - did he have a right? He was only a body guard, only an employee really. But he honestly felt that he knew her better than any of the others.

There was a faint groaning sound of desire mingling with the kiss that had gone beyond just an inquisitive gentle caress. She tasted so good to him. She was intoxicating. He could easily get drunk on her and not care.

Wait ... he already was.
_________________
"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?" ~Sherlocke Holmes, The Sign of the Four

[Moira]

There was more than just encouragement. She melted into his kiss. She was completely open to him as well. The level of trust was far deeper than she even realized and more. She was discovering a hidden piece of herself and found she could not let him go. It was love, but how deep did it go? It certainly wasn't the love she felt for her brother.

This feeling was strong. She found herself clinging to him as if he was her lifeline.

There was nobody there to interrupt them. Nothing to stop them from exploring this bond that had always been there but had remained hidden on a more subconscious level. He took his time kissing her; his lips opening to hers, tongue moving gently in a tentative exploration at first and then growing bolder until breathing was simply something he did not need to do as he consumed her.

Daniel was not consious of moving, step by step drawing her with him to the bed. Something should have warned him to get out while he could. The calm voice of reason that should have pointed out how very wrong this was remained silent. He didn't pull her onto the bed. He simply stood next to it, holding her head in his hands as he kissed her over and over and over.

When a pause finally came and he was sucking a much needed breath inward, his eyes finally opened. Hazel eyes were a touch more golden in the moment. His gaze fell to her shoulder and then down her body before lifting again. "I should go." The murmur was not heartfelt. "But I'm not going to unless you send me away." His thumb brushed her cheek. "I'm going to stay here. I'm going to kiss you." He took a breath and then seemed to made a decision. His lips brushed hers in a very gentle kiss, a barely there touch as he murmured, "And I'm going to make love you."

She wasn't aware of the moving, only of his lips on hers. She wanted him and that was growing with each moment. She made a little mew as the kiss ended. She placed a finger tip on his lips to still any words until he had his answer. Everything that she was wanted to say yes. But the tinges from the surgery told her to stop. "(vq) I don't want you to go, Daniel." The way she said his name was a caress. "(vq) I want so much more with you, but I'm not well enough physically. I am not saying no... I am asking for patience."

She wanted him to hold her though as she healed.

He'd actually forgotten and he hated himself for the lapse. The shame of it washed through him and he gathered her against him, holding her wrapped up tight in his arms. "I'm sorry. Forgive me."

She leaned against him and let herself be wrapped in his arms. She felt safe, wanted, cherished. She laid her head against his shoulder. "Nothing to forgive, Daniel." There was a soothing balm to his shame. She was peaceful and happy where she was with him.

He rested his cheek against the top of her head and let himself be soothed by her calm. She wasn't angry or dismissive. Daniel let himself believe he hadn't just made a huge error in judgment. He did want to keep kissing her. He had never wanted it like he did with her. He'd been around beautiful women his whole life; Eli was surrounded by them and by virtue of that so was Daniel. But not a one had ever stirred him like Moira.

He closed his eyes and imagined he could feel her heart beating inside her chest, calm and serene.

"I love you."

If he heard her heart, it just skipped a beat at the words he voiced. There was definitely joy coursing through her. If it was possible, she pressed closer to him.

"I love you too." Those words were heartfelt. He only real experience was watching the Maotesia with her father. She remembered the ache Syn was feeling without him and the joy when she had felt from her.

"My heart is yours."

He smiled, relieved to hear the words echoed from her back to him. It sent a rush through him, warming him everywhere in general and in certain areas more than others. "I don't know when it happened. It just did." He chose to distance himself from the bed, it was simply too great a temptation to ignore common sense and decency. Instead he moved them back to the chair and he drew her down onto his lap so she could curl up against him and he could continue holding her. "I'm scared. I'm at peace. I'm confused. I just don't know what to do next other than what I'm doing right now."

She was curled now in his lap and very comfy. A light kiss was placed on his nose. "I'm not an expert as I'm sure you know." The tone was gentle and teasing. "I think one day at a time is going to be the safest approach."

They both knew where the biggest obstacles would be. First would be dealing with Silas as he was the most immediate. She half suspected Syn would help her with her father. Or rather she prayed she would.

"One day at a time, yeah." He chuckled a little. Her gesture caused him to hug her tighter for a moment. "I don't know if I'm going to be able to continue working as I have been. I'm afraid I might be distracted and be less effective because of it. I don't want to compromise your safety, Moira."

She understood where he was coming from. She didn't think he would be compromised in such a fashion, but she understood his concern. "I hope not to test that, love."

She leaned her head on his shoulder, unfortunately having to inject a dose of reality. "I give Silas about 2 hours to find us." She said softly as she pulled the tracker out of her jacket pocket. "He slipped this on me before we got to his ship."

He shook his head, taking the tracking device from her. "I could jettison it into the stream. He'd have a tough time then." Daniel wasn't sure about Silas. It wasn't the mind-dead part that bothered him. It was the 'bigger-than-Daniel' and 'Moria's-big-brother' that bothered him in equal parts. His hand rested lightly on her back.

She placed a light kiss on his cheek. "Would only piss him off and we need back up at this point with them out there." She was thinking. "They were not expecting him to show up but they would expect us to head back to Pharos and may be waiting."

"I didn't lay in a course for Pharos." He gave a little smile. "That would be too obvious. I've got us headed somewhere else." He closed his eyes and wished he didn't need backup. Silas would just complicate things. On the other hand, Silas would probably have contacts where they were going. Contacts that might prove useful.

"What do you know about Genesis Beta?"
_________________
"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?" ~Sherlocke Holmes, The Sign of the Four

[Moira]

"Genesis Beta... Hrmm, I recall something about it being in New Astoria. Also recall there's a strong military presence in the region." She was comfortable like this all snuggled against him. It felt natural. Felt better than anything. Working with him, being held by him.

Loving him.

"Very strong military presence. And no love for Megadorian politics." He found his lips drawn to her neck, the kisses starting at her jawline and moving downward very slowly, very deliberately. Each one planted with care against her skin.

"Then it is good we have no ties and they are hunting us." The mind was working until she felt his lips. Her head tilted to allow him more access.

"Hmmm, you are truly spoiling me."

Spoiling her? She was indulging him by allowing him access to taste her skin. His hand moved carefully, stroking along her side caressing her through her clothing. His words murmured against her neck right near her shoulder, "This isn't spoiling. It's promises."

She smiled softly, "Then I can't wait to see the fulfillment." She nuzzled in gently. "I never understood what I was truly looking for until I opened my eyes. My only regret is that I didn't do so sooner."

"Everything has its own proper timing, Moira." He spoke her name with a caress on each syllable. "Even those things improper have a proper time." He lifted his head away from her so he could find her eyes. The journey to here had taken so long but here was a good place to be. Now that he had tasted of her it was taking so much control to hold back. He shouldn't pursue the gentle touches. He shouldn't share the stolen kisses.

"I don't think of this as improper, Daniel. It is beautiful and so very right." She touched his forehead and his heart. "I feel it here and here."

Ii was a rather simplistic view, true... But she had faith they would be together no matter what.

Oh the rush of her touch. Her fingers on the skin of his forehead bridged the gap between them allowing the flow of his desire to reach her. He was trying to keep those feelings under control but the skin to skin jolted it from him. He nodded at her words though. She was right. How could this be improper? He wanted her but they weren't even if it was only because of her recent surgery. His intentions were not borne from any ill seated desire but rather from the desire of being with one who meant so much to him.

And she clearly meant very much to him.

She laid her head on his shoulder. That wave of desire affected her too. Were she in better shape physically she probably would have given him her innocence. Her mind was open to his. She desired him as much as he did.

"So Genesis Beta is the next place she'll turn up?" Gods, she hoped so. And she hoped she would find Didi too.

"I don't know. I made my decision based on where I thought the safest place was for you. I didn't have much time to prepare. I don't know about anything else."

She arched a look at him. "I think that is going to be the only thing that bothers me." She was teasing lightly. "That overprotective streak."

She nuzzled in close to him, ignoring the fatigue in order to cuddle. "I just keep getting this nagging feeling we are on the right course. Something along the lines of aborting or selling the child for drugs." Given her upbringing she felt sick to her stomach at either thought. "I keep wondering how could any mother be so heartless..." She trailed off there and got a look in her eyes.

"Then I think of how my mother was."

"Your mother isn't heartless. She simply has goals that lie contrary to being a nurturing mother." He brushed the hair back from her face then lay his cheek against her head. It was nice, this having her in his arms. Daniel couldn't find it in himself to be negative in any fashion toward the woman who had birthed Moira. He didn't hold to her ideals but she had given part of herself to the union and Moira was the result.

He could understand though, in some small way, how Moira could not feel charitable toward her mother. He had difficulty with such kind thoughts about his own parents.

"We'll find Miss Dianya. We will."

She was thinking and enjoying the company when it hit her. "Dunson... It there a way to contact him that is secure?"

She was thinking that they needed to contact Daniel's agent and hope he was still on her trail. Of course as she was thinking she stifled a yawn. She was exhausted from everything.

He gave a rueful smile. "Not right now. I'll contact him when I'm better able to be precise in whom I am broadcasting too. Dunson will keep following until he hears from me. It'll be all right. We won't lose her."

She nodded, and closed her eyes a moment. The fatigue was catching up to her in spades. "Sleep now?" She murmured softly. She was so safe and warm right were she was, it was easy to relax and just be. "(vq)Love you."

He kissed her temple and moved, carefully lifting her so he could put her in bed. "Yeah, sleep now." His heart swelled at her 'love you'. He snuggled her into the bed and pulled the blankets up around her, one more kiss to her cheek. "Love you too, Moira. Sleep well."

She smiled drowsily at that kiss and pulled her bear close to her. Some things you just can't let go off, and this was hers. It was her favorite thing. She couldn't remember who gave it to her, but she loved it all the same. Those sleepy brown eyes looked up at him before closing to rest.

He smiled and withdrew, leaving her to her rest. He returned to his cabin and fell into his own bed. His dreams were warm and pleasant and involved Moira.
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"How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?" ~Sherlocke Holmes, The Sign of the Four