23.   Elektra.

 

So, thanks to Scarlett, I’ve finally learned about spaceships.  My original plan was to simply render my partner and his helpers unconscious and just fill the tanks right there, by the inn, but Scarlett’s idea worked out even better.  Or has it?  Making the Pattern tunnel was somewhat easier this time, but still very exhausting.  I would’ve rather resorted to negotiations when the bounty hunters surrounded us, especially considering that they were to take us exactly where I had wanted to go in the first place – but four or five of them are already dead before I can stop Scarlett.  Then several rush me and I have to defend myself.  One would think it’s highly improbable that my attackers would suddenly develop a breathing problem all at the same time, but apparently that’s what happens and they just squirm helplessly on the ground by my feet.  There are still more bounty hunters, but they seem rather reluctant to proceed by now.  As they move back, hiding behind each other I hear whispers “Jedi witches” and something else sounding like darthvader, whatever that might mean, a curse perhaps.  So negotiations finally commence after all.

 

It’s rather plain by now that their spaceships have nothing to do with real ships and therefore my original assumption in respect to Bubba was based on just a misunderstanding.  I have no interest in him if he’s not a Chaos lord, but there’s still a matter of his alleged shape shifting, which, if true, may indicate that my efforts might not be entirely wasted.

 

“We’ll go with you peacefully, repulsive creature.  However, this is the second time you’ve crossed my path.  Make sure there’s no third, or before you’re dead I shall make you wish you already were.”

 

I can’t resist smiling charmingly at the rat-face.  Apparently he’s smart enough to not press his luck and disappears behind his men, the silver-suit taking over as we walk to the gate.  By the time I hear the shots it’s already too late – my arm and neck where the darts have hit me resonate with a sharp pain.

 

I don’t feel very comfortable when I regain consciousness.  My mind’s still foggy from the effects of the tranquilizer so it takes me a few minutes to realize that I’m lying nude on bare stones in almost total darkness.  My hands are chained behind my back and my ankles are chained together, and to my arms, rather tightly, bending my body into a bow.  I feel a heavy metal collar on my neck, which apparently is chained to the wall or to the floor somewhere behind me.  There’s something in my mouth, which feels like a plastic ball, held in position by a leather strap tied over it.  As my eyes get somewhat used to darkness, I distinguish Scarlett’s silhouette several feet away in the same position.  She seems still out. 

 

I wish I could stretch my legs.  The chains are very tight, but of course there’s always a probability that they’re eaten by rust and would easily break apart… I glance at Scarlett once again.  Would she rather be in her nice room in the Castle?  Don’t think so, she craves adventure.  Also, in spite of my rather awkward position, or should I say because of it, I do feel a little excitement myself.  Maybe the chains aren’t that rusty after all and would hold just long enough to see where this might lead…

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