Weapon pick up

Posted on Thu Jun 24th, 2021 @ 9:29am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Captain Mattias Richardson [Reece]

Mission: Darkness Rising - A Phoenix Lalor Sub Plot
Location: Illumith and the Black Watch
Timeline: MD12 08h00
5126 words - 10.3 OF Standard Post Measure

Several days had passed since they had requisitioned the blades and the call had come through.

Lily had chosen the place for pick up. A small island on the equatorial line of the planet. She made sure, that she and Mattias arrived early and she set up a camp with a tent, planning on spending some time planetside. The tent was just as luxurious as the one they had sat in with Heldora.

Mattias had just finished checking the perimeter defenses that he had set up, and entered rhe luxuriously appointed bedouin style tent. "If your not careful, your highness," he flirted, "You might get mistaken as actual royalty."

She stuck her tongue out at him. "Just returning the hospitality Heldora showed us." She replied. "No need to do business in dull surroundings after all."

Mattias chuckled. "Maybe, we spend a few days here, living like this, with no cares outside this tent?""

"And give up a proper shower?" Lily rolled her eyes. "You talk like a crazy man there my love."

Chuckling, he moved over and pulled her to him. "You mean, you don't want to get dirty with me, your highness?" There was a mischievous glint in his eyes.

In the distance, the sound of an approaching shuttle could be heard.

"Down boy" she laughed. "Our guest is arriving."

Growling playfully, Mattias released his hold on Phoenix and exited the tent. A few minutes later, the approaching shuttle landed and a few moments after that, the outer tent flap was pulled open. Heldara entered, carrying a large duffel on her broadly built back. Mattias followed, dropping the flap behind him. He discreetly gave Phoenix the agreed upon 'all clear' signal.

"Lily, my dear!" Heldara exclaimed as she approached. "Where shall I lay out your order?"

"Heldara! welcome," Lily stood and moved to greet the woman. "You are looking well!"

The Angosian bowed her head as Mattias showed her where she may display their special order merchandise. "And you as well! I see you two are still together. After that incident in the pub, well, should you ever choose to return there, I will guarantee that you will not be disturbed."

"I am glad to hear they got the message" Lily rolled her eyes "Their manners are going to be a bit better."

"Oh, yes." Heldara said in agreement, as she carefully placed the duffle on one end of the table. Unclipping the three buckles that were on the side of the duffel. She then carefully unrolled the duffel along the length of the table, revealing that it was actually a collection of separate closed pouches, all attached to the single outside shell. Once done, she looked at the pair. "So, who shall be first?"

Mattias indicated Phoenix. "Lady's always first."

Smiling as she turned her attention to Phoenix, she began. "Well, Lily, my dear woman, here are the regular blades that you asked for, all with the exact dimensions and weight of the dirk you showed me earlier, plus the sheaths that you asked for. Each sheath is made of prime tanned graltro beast hide. I guarantee that they will outlast these blades, with a full sale price refund, plus interest. Here, see for yourself."

Lily moved to stand beside Heldara. "Beautiful Heldara, They are be perfect." She gave the other woman a brilliant smile. "I knew they would be."

"Please," Heldora asked. "Give them a try?"

Seeing that Heldora was asking for a display throw, Mattias, trusting Phoenix completely, picked up a pillow and held it out, against one of the tent poles. "Go ahead, Dearest."

Smirking Lily picked up one of the dirks. "Hmmm, he trusts me." She said in a sing song voice. She sighted the target and then threw the dirk expertly. It pinned the cushion to a pole.

"That's not trust, Dearest." Mattias said, as he pulled the dirk out, allowing the pillow to fall. He then held his fingers up against the pole, fingers spread, showing the pole between his fingers.

"Stupidity then?" she laughed. Lily linked an arm through Heldora's. "What do you think Heldora?"

Heldora considered what Mattias was doing. "Perhaps we place a little wager. Each of us gets one blade. Whomever lands a blade closer to his hand, between his fingers, without actually cutting him, wins. If I win, you pay me an additional 5000 credits. If you win, you keep the blades I've crafted for you, for the 5000 you have already paid. Deal?"

Lily grinned. "Hmm What do you think Darling?"

"Dearest," Mattias replied nonplussed. "You win, and I'll give you something very special."

"Or maybe Heldora will if she wins" Lily teased.

The Angosian gave Phoenix a hungry look. Then, without a word, and keeping her eyes locked on Phoenix's, she grabbed and hurled a dirk. The solid thunk made it clear that she had hit the pole without looking. The fact that Mattias was still breathing normally, showed that he was still alive and calm.

Smiling at Heldora, Lily picked up the next dirk. "I wonder if he will squeal if I hit him..." She threw the dirk.

THUNK

Mattias yawned. "So, would you ladies care to look and see the winner?"

Lily smirked and sliding closer to Heldora. "Do we?"

Heldoea smirked in return. "Let's." They turned together, to see that not only had both their blades hit between his fingers, they both hit in nearly the exact same spot! As Phoenix had thrown second, her blade actually landed right above Heldora's, causing her blade to loosen some.

"Dearest, it appears that your blade shifted Heldora's ever so slightly. It is a tough call. I'd say, call it even, and we all stay friends."

"Good, and we pay the amount agreed." Lily replied. "Because that is what friends do"

Heldora dipped her head in respect. "Sounds good to me. "But first." She moved to stand on the other side of the table. "The gems of the order." She opened a heavier protected pouch and pulled two gleaming dirks from inside. "The finest in Andorian Ice Silver, the edge never needing to be sharpened. As a bonus, I not only made the decision to fashion a double sheath of Tholian silk, which it practically indestructible to cuts but, as you can see here, I put the image of the other tattoo on your mate's body here on the handle, engraved using a photon laser.

"Heldora, you are amazing darling." Lily took the dirks and weighed them in her hand. "Perfectly balanced."She slid them back into the sheaths. "Will work perfectly."

Beaming proudly, Heldora replied. "Thank you, my dear. It warms my heart to see a fellow lady blade slinger happy with my work." She then turned to Mattias. "Mister Mattias, I have not forgotten you, good sir." She opened the last two flaps and pulled out two exquisite examples of sword forging. She laid the Tanto down first, followed by the katana. The scabbard of both was colored blue with silver whisps throughout. The dragon head made up each handle, both with bright green gems for the eyes.

"For the scabbards, I was able to fashion them out of sheets of the purest duranium available, which i first melted down and mixed with powdered Andorian blue topaz. I was trying to capture the beauty of Lily's eyes. The dragon's eyes are fire rubies that I acquired during a trip to the Gamma Quadrant. And, as you can see, I etched the Phoenix symbol that you requested, by hand, into the blades. They're also filled with powdered rubies and amethysts." She raised her right hand. "However, seeing the pleasure you both gave me in creating these pieces, Sir, I could not just give you show pieces." She then pulled out two, matching, matte black tanto and katana combo.

"These blades were constructed the same way, just with fewer frills. I imagine you could use these in a daily manner."

Mattias picked up the tanto first, feeling the weight and balance. They both felt perfect to him. Next, he drew the first katana rotating it around his body, practicing a few katas with it. Then, he did the same with the darker blade. This one seemed to moved through the air faster and quieter.

Lily moved to Heldora's side. "He is very good with a blade. Taught me most of what I know."

Heldora nodded quietly. Her approval of this man continued to go up each time she was around this couple.

Mattias finally finished and placed the dark katana back in its scabbard. Looking up at Heldora, he tipped his head. "I am very impressed. We ever need blades in the future, we know who to go to. Don't we, Dearest?"

"Very much so." Lily agreed. "Quality work and quality products. Really Heldora, you should be selling in a more up scale place than this."

The Angosian shrugged. "Out here, the typical clientele is ragged, uncultured, uneducated riff raff but, I am my own boss and, occasionally, encounter truly wonderful customers, like yourselves. Besides, can you really see me rubbing elbows with snobs all day? I'd kill myself, or them, out of boredom." She chuckled as she finished.

"A very valid point" Lily smiled. "Come, let me transfer the payment and we shall share a drink."

Heldora grinned broadly. "Who am I to refuse a beautiful woman?" She moved back around the table and looped a powerful arm around Phoenix's waist, pulling her close.

Lily grinned at her. "Careful. " she teased. "He gets jealous. You'll have to give him the same." But she did something she knew they both thought about and pressed her lips to Heldoras.

At first, Heldora was suprised. Then, Tge edges of her lips curling into a smile, wrapped her arms around Lily and returned the kiss with equal passion.

Mattias, seeing this, was equally suprised, at first. Then, smirking, he remembered what he had told Phoenux when she posed this situation to him a week ago. If nithing else, he was a man of his word. Stepping up to the two of them, he asked, "Got room for one more?"

Breaking off the kiss, Lily raised an eyebrow at him with a smirk "Hmm not right now" she drawled. "Oh sweetie do not look so, I am sure Heldora will share."

Heldora smirked. "Perhaps. If he's a good little man. Niw, be good, run along and let the adults have some peace."

The smile that had been on Mattias's face faultered. "Pardon me?" He growled softly.

Lily giggled. "Now now darling." She reached out and touched his cheek. She grinned at Heldora. "We could show him what he is missing." she suggested.

"Ohhh, he is missing a great deal in a lot of areas. A a teeny bit too much in another." She pulled Phoenix into another deep kiss.

Even as she kissed Heldora back, Phoenix's right hand linked with Mattias's left. Her other hand was in the woman's hair even as she pressed closer to her.

Mattias moved close behind Heldora. If a flash he had her locked in a reverse head lock. "You should be careful whom you play with," he hissed into her ear.

"Matt!" Lily cried out. "Let her go!"

Heldora started to chuckle. "I told you, Lily. Men are stupid! I thought your face was familiar, Lily. When I researched the symbol your mate wanted on his blades, that's when I knew who you are, Lily. Or should I say, Princess Penelope Phoenix Lalor? Your father has put quite a price on your head. Both of you, in fact. After you dispatched my Miradorns, I knew I had to deal with you myself."

"Timing is key" came Lily's reply, dropping her own act. "Do not put blood all over the carpet Mattias."

Seeing the change in the woman before her, Heldora felt a sudden spike of fear. "Wait! Wait!" She stopped struggling against Mattias's hold. "Perhaps we can come to an arrangement of sorts?"

"We already have." Came the reply. "I killed one of your miradorns without hesitation, I am not about to hesitate now. Sexy and a good kisser as you are, I draw a line."

"But I could be of...." She was stopped midsentence, when Mattias snapped her neck cleanly. He then lifted her bulk up into a fireman's carry and hauled her back outside.

Phoenix sighed and set about reversing the payment on the credit chip.

A few minutes later, he returned, wiping blood off of his ka-bar. "Well, that could have gone better, Phee. If she recognized your face from the wanted holos, there's no telling who else might do the same down here. You and I can't go back to that market again. And if anyone else comes down, they will have to act like they dont know us."

"Yeah, And I have been spotted here, it could get back to the Federation and my cover could be blown. I will need to use holos more."

Mattias nodded, as he moved closer to Phoenix, reaching out to her.

She sighed and leaned into his shoulder. "I need to contact our handler and let them know."

"Yeah. We both have to be careful going forward, now tgat we both have prices on our heads." He held her close for a few moments, then sighed. "As sucky as these events have made things. There is a silver lining, of sorts."

"Yeah. Hey we got the blades right?" She smiled up at him.

Smiling down at her, he nodded. "Something else as well. Let me show you." He led her to the exit flap and held it open. Showing her Heldora's shuttle.

"Hmm very good." She smiled. "We can use it."

"Not only that, my love. There's more!" He looked like the cat who ate the canary as he pulled her along. "I got a quick look inside before I came back in the tent!"

"ohh do share" she laughed and followed him.

Once they reached the port hatch, Mattias pressed the open command on a blood soaked panel. "I had to use her hand to get inside and disable the security system."

"okay that is just wrong and we need to fix that." Phoenix said.

Inside, there were dozens of containers, stowed here and there. There were weapons, clothing, artwork, collectables, jewels. There was also a large footlocker, filled with about fifty bricks of gold-pressed latinum. "You said you wanted to buy a home that your family could never take from you? How about a whole damn moon?!"

Phoenix laughed. "Well I have a house but a moon would do. I think however we should keep this quiet."

Mattias nodded. "Do we tell the crew? Give each of them a piece, or do we keep this for ourselves and our children?" It felt good to say those words, our children.

"We give them a share" She smiled at him. "Kara and Malakai can spend it on a proper honeymoon."

Mattias smiled and nodded. Looking around the shuttle, he said, a little redecorating and this could be a cozy personal shuttle for us. Think theres room in the Elysium for it?"

"Maybe there will be but we shall see. I have our shuttle from the Watch anyway." She paused. "So... we need to get the codes changed and the transponder stuff done."

"I'll take care of that. Why don't you start the wrap up in the tent. I'll be in to help as soon as I finish in here."

She sighed "Pity, I was going to enjoy myself and give you a show. Oh well will have to find someone else." She sauntered out of the shuttle.

"Uh..oh!" Mattias quickly hustled out of the shuttle, locking it behind him, then sprinted after Phoenix, who had already started to run.

Laughing she ducked into the tent and dove for the cushions.

Mattias was hot on her heels, as he stumbled into the tent. Chuckling softly as he caught his breath. He moved over ro where Phoenix was and dropped to his knees before her. "So, you said somthing about a show, my love?"

"Well I was planning on letting you watch as Heldora and I had sex, I saw the way your eyes lit up when you learned I like both men and women."

Shrugging, he replied. 'Perhaps next time, we find one that doesn't want to collect the bounty on our heads, my love?"

"Yeah good point..." She smirked. "I am sure we can find someone."

His eyes moving over her body, Mattias suggested, "Why don't you give me a show, your highness?" He gave her a wolf-like grin.

She tossed her hair back and smiled at him. "If I do, we will never get out of here, and who knows if Heldora has pals...." she licked her lips.

Mattias's eyes moved to watch Phoenix lick her already luscious lips. A soft growl escaped his throat. "If they came at us alone, they might've stood a chance. Together?" He shook his head as he lowered himself down pn the pillows next to Phoenix. "Dance for me," he said, hunger beginning to fill his eyes. "Show me how you would seduce me."

"Males, such children" she teased but she stood gracefully. "I dance better in different clothing." She motioned to her pants and top she wore. "But i digress right?" She slowly began to move, dancing without music.

"Then consider this a preview of what will come later, my love." Mattias's eyes were full of love, desire and commitment for the woman in front of him.

Knowing how to tempt and tease this man, always gave her a thrill. When she considered the times she had spent with others, and more recently with Ken, she knew that, deep down she had always been wanting to make it back to Mattias. Ken had been a love but not the love of her life. Slowly she shrugged out of her shirt and then undid her pants and shimmed out of them, so she danced for him in her underclothes. "IF I have to fight in my underwear Mattias, I promise you, you will be very sorry."

Making himself more comfortable, Mattias watched Phoenix with rapt attention. There was nothing else in existence, but her. It is true that he was in love with Saundra. However, Phoenix had always owned his heart. So long as Phoenix allowed him to remain by her side, his life would have meaning. It would have purpose again. Remembering her words, he looked forward to the day that he would call her his wife and she would call him her husband. Then, the day when their first born would enter the world. Mattias swore to himself, then and there, when those days came, he would never leave them unprotected.

Grinning broadly as he spread his arms apart and leaned back upon tbe large piles of pillows, he replied. "That would definitely be a sight, my love. You would be a true warrior princess!"

"I'd get blood on this bra and its a favorite" She snarked back at him. "I would have to make you buy me another. From Paris"

"Your Highness, with what we just pulled in, I'll hire for you the best seamstresses in the quadrant."

She tossed her hair again and sniffed. "Paris. They have the best lingerie." She kicked off her boots and pants and then slowly, so slowly, bent over to run her hands up her legs.

Breathing a little heavier as he watched her move, Mattias shook his head quickly. "Paris it is. Whatever you want, my love." As he watched her move, a noticeable buldge started to form in his pants.

"Hmm a week in Paris, shopping, and the like?" she asked with a knowing smile. Now she pulled her bra straps down off her shoulders. Turning she swayed as she ran her hands through her hair.

Mattias's eyes followed every sway of Phoenix's perfect body. He had to keep reminding himself to close his mouth as he watched her move. "Yeah, a week, a month, a year, whatever you would like, Phee." It was amazing, he thought to himself, after all this time, and all the tine they had been together, none of it ever felt old. She always knew just how to ignite his passion. Aside from the pain and shyness she had displayed, each time together felt as good or better than that first afternoon on Pacifica.

"Whatever I like hmmm... Milan and then maybe we could visit Betazed, their fashions are wonderful." She turned and smiled innocently at him, twirling a strand of her hair around a finger.

"It will be so, my Queen." He replied with a hungry grin. "Now, come here."

"why?" she asked innocently slowly stepping forward. But she held back. Smiling at him.

"You have pleased your king with your sedution. Come here, so that I may reward you." He had a playful glint in his eyes.

With a smile and a laugh she walked over and sank onto the cushions beside him.

Rolling to face her, Mattias reached out and pulled Phoenix to him, kissing her deeply, as his hands moved over her body.

Phoenix shifted and kissed him back. Breaking it she smiled up at him. "Glad you approved."

Gazing down into her hypnotic eyes, the eyes that pierced through and claimed his soul, so many years ago, Mattias smiled as he replied. "You've always had my approval, my love. And my steadfast dedication." He kissed her again, then rolled back onto his ass and started to undress, starting with his boots. He then stood up and began to unclip his gun belt.

Laying back on the cushions she watched him avidly. "Hmmm I do so like this part" she purred.

Grinning, Mattias replied. "Oh you do, do you? Well then, let's see if I can do as good a job as you did for me." Giving her a hungry grin, he started to sway and gyrate his hips as he slowly started to disrobe.

Phoenix grinned at him. "Oh honey, hurry up" she teased and blew him a kiss.

After a few more, teasingly long beats, he finally slid out of his pants and underwear, and stood there, playfully posing like an Adonis, before moving back and lowering his body down over Phoenix.

She welcomed him with a smile and a kissed. "Hey handsome."

"Hey beautiful," he replied softly after he returned the kiss. Feeling the softness of her body against his, and the warmth that radiated from her, Mattias was quickly, and willingily consumed by her love for him.

****ADULT CONTENT****

He began to plant kisses along the right side of her neck as he gently positioned himself between her spread legs.

Phoenix moaned and then froze. "Matt.." she hissed. "Listen."

Hearing her tone, Mattias instantly switched from lover, to combat veteran. He strained his hearing, to puck up what she had heard. "What is it?" He knew her hearing was sharper than his.

"Ship" She whispered and rolled to gather her clothes. "Not one I know."

Mattias moved back to his clothong and quickly dressed, forgoing both underware and tank top. As soon as he had his gunbelt clipped on, he double checked the changes in his pistols, then moved over to the table and donned both the dark katana across his back, and the dark tanto on the ouside of his right boot. He grabbed a handful of the dirks and moved up next to Phoenix. "Guess we'll get a chance to use our new toys?"

"This is what happens when we choose to have sex after killing someone" Phoenix grumbled as she tied her hair back. "Grab the weapons and lets get to the shuttles for extra protection"

"Hey, I can't help it that you bring out the beast in me, Your Highness." He hurried back and secured the rest of their blades. Then, after slinging the duffel over his back as well he drew both of his blasters and moved back to the entrance of the tent. "On three, you haul ass to our original shuttle. I'll cover you. Once you're inside, and your shields are up, cover me as I get to the other one. GO!"

She nodded and darted out of the entrance and sprinted for the trees where she had parked their shuttle.

Mattias kept a keen eye on both, Phoenix and the area around her. Once he saw her enter the shuttle, he got ready to bolt to their new acquisition. "C'mon, baby. Move!"

Phoenix managed to seal the shuttle and got it up in the air as swiftly as she could. she brought up the shields and brought it to hover between the tent and the other shuttle.

As soon as Phoenix started to lift off, Mattias started to haul ass to the other shuttle. Once he reached it, he quickly hit the unlock code and opened the hatch. Once inside, he resealed the hatch and dropped the duffle of blades on a nearby crate.

He quickly moved to the pilots seat and using Heldora's severed hand, he quickly gained access to tbe shuttle's computer. As he activated the engine start up program, he activated the shields, then quickly fount and deactivated all identifying markers on the ship. Now, for all intents and purposes, this shuttle was a hole in whatever environment it would be in.

Once he had a green light on the engines, he lifted off, activating the surprisingly powerful weapons system that was clearly aftermarket on this shuttle. Activating his comms, he called Phoenix. "I'm on your six, let's boogie, baby!"

"Head out over the ocean." Phoenix replied. "I have them coming in fast." Her shuttle turned and took off with speed.

As they headed out, phaser fire lanced past them.

"Sombitches taking potshots at us!" Mattias swore into the comms. He activated his targeting sensors and nearly laughed. Both fighters that were following them wwre about fifty years out of reserve service. "Babe, you got any weapons on your shuttle?" He kept his bigger ship, with more powerful shields between the pursuing enemies behind them and Phoenix in front of him.

"Yeah, basic phasers" Came the reply. "Locking on. I will take the one on the left."

"Alright," Mattias replied, "But wait for my signal. Heldora gave us a few more surprise gifts. On three, I'll break to port, you go starboard. Loop around and we'll meet back in the middle. One...two...three!!" He altered the angle of the atmospheric thrusters, causing the large Ferengi shuttle to peel away to port quite rapidly. He nearly reached the bottom of his loop, as Phoenix was midway through hers.

Seeing that Phoenix's shuttle was an easier target, the pair of fighters changed the angle of attack and focused solely on her. As they got closer, they began to fire their weapons, though thanks to her superior training, kept missing her.

Phoenix was muttering curses but keeping her shuttle ahead of them.

"I'm almost around! Keep em focused on you, baby! But don't you dare get shot down!"

That was not in her plans, but she hit the breaks and let the shuttle drop, causing the fighters to streak past her shuttle and then she fired, taking one of them out.

"That's my girl!" Mattias shouted as he finally brought the heavy shuttle through its loop. Lockibg on to the other fighter, which was trying to retreat, he growled, "Oh, hell no, asshole. You take shots at my baby, you gonna die." He pressed the weapons fire control and, from a disguised launcher located on the dorsal hull, a pair of micro torpedoes shot out, quickly chaseing down and turing the antique fighter into a cloud of vapor.

Pulling up along side Phoenix, he said, "Well, your highness, looks like we have overstayed our welcome here. I think it's time we head home, Dearest."

"Good Idea. You lead." She waved him ahead of her.

Smiling, he gave her a quick salute. Then, increasing thrust, he pulled ahead of Phoenix. The entire time, he had his targeting sensors going full power. He wasn't going to get caught with his....well...he wouldn't be surprised again.

They were not attacked in their return to their base. And they were able to dock without issue. Phoenix joined him as he exited the shuttle. "Seal it we can deal later" she said softly.

Nodding, he turned back to the hatch controls and sealed the hatch, locking the shuttle down with his own security code. That done, he turned back to Phoenix. "Now what, Phee?"

"She had friends, and probably more of the same of what is in that shuttle. To stop them we will need to find them,"

Nodding in agreement, he said. "I could reach out to members of my old unit. They all have top clearence level security ratings. They can be trusted to keep their mouths shut about all of this. We could use them to eliminate these threats?"

"And draw more and more attention to us? No, we need to handle it ourselves." She said softly.

"Okay. By ourselves, do you mean just you and me? Or the rest of the crew?"

"I am not risking them. Just us."

Mattias paced a bit, considering the situation. Finally, he stopped and looked at her. "No. Not us. Me. While we both have bounties on our heads, you have not only this crew, and the Elysium crew to think about, you've got the twins. I'm not saying this because I don't think you can do this, I'm saying it because more people are counting on you than me. You're both the commanding officer of the flagship of the fleet, and a mother. I'm just a Marine with a bad attitude. Plus, with my infiltration training, I can get in a lot easier."

"You are more than that to me Mattias, I would rather be with you than left behind." Phoenix protested.

Mattias both heard the tone in Phoenix's voice and saw the look in her eyes as she spoke. In that moment, he finally realized that, while he would go through hell and damnation for her, she would do the exact same thing for him. It was a powerful realization. Reaching out, he pulled her to him and held her tightly. Kissing the top of her head, he spoke into her thick hair. "Alright. We do this together then. Amin mela Ile, Phoenix Lalor."

She merely wrapped her arms around him tightly and held on.

OOC: her ship(well, their ship now) http://www.shipschematics.net/startrek/images/ferengi/shuttle_unknown.jpg


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