The Truth is Out.

Posted on Wed Nov 24th, 2021 @ 6:22am by Captain Garrett Lovejoy [ Taylor] & Captain David Tonelly [Reece]

Mission: Season 5: Episode 3: CAPETOWN
Location: S.S. Redemption
Timeline: Tbd
3306 words - 6.6 OF Standard Post Measure

Kaden was in engineering on his ship applying several upgrades that David had suggested down to exact specs he made for him. He was just finishing up the last stem bolt when he heard the shuttle bay doors open. Automatically Kaden assumed it was the El-Aurian.

"Hey, old-timer, if that is you come on in I got something for you to see." Kaden was excited to show him what he did.

David chuckled at Kaden's nickname for him. "Yeah, K, it's me. Had a couple of hours to burn, while Baeryn is at work, figured I'd come down, see what kind of mischief you're getting into."

Kaden showed him the work he did. "Check it out. You were right to look up specs on those Hermes Class ships. I never thought the same guy that designed those designed my ship too." He set down his tools next to the blueprints he had out.

David looked over the blueprints and felt a feeling of nostalgia. "The Hermes was a great design. She was sturdy as hell for her size and power." He then cast his eyes up and around the compartment. "Not that you aren't, young lady. I was just commenting about your cousins."

"Who are you talking to?" Kaden asked.

David looked at Kaden and grinned slightly. "Your ship, of course. You telling me that you never talk to her?"

"Oh, well not too often I tend to have my mind focused on getting her looking as good as the day she came off the assembly line," Kaden confessed.

David nodded slowly. "Kid, while that is great to do, just doing that will only have her be a piece of machinery. You need to talk to her regularly, nurture her, buy her a few ounces of antimatter now and again. You do those things as well as the maintenance, and you'll soon see and hear her as if she were a living creature. And then, the two of you will work even harder to keep each other alive out here."

Kaden crossed his arms taking in what the El-Aurian said. "Well, I never thought of it like that. I have been so busy trying to fix her from all the neglect her last owner did to her. I don't tend to think of anything of the sort."

David shrugged. "Different strokes for different folks." He looked over the blueprints again, then over his left shoulder, as if remembering something. "Now," he said slowly as he started walking down the central corridor. "While the internal structure is nearly identical, I thought I saw a bit of dead space over here, in the plans that you could put...."

Kaden was busy getting some tools watching David study the corridor at first it didn't occur to his mind he was heading where he hid his old assassin equipment. Then suddenly his eyes widened and were upon his feet chasing after him.

David touched a control panel, one that was supposed to activate more lighting, however, a secret door opened to his left, revealing a cache of what appeared to be weapons and armor?

The armor, weapons, assortment vials of toxins, and chemicals to make explosives tumbling out at David's feet caused Kaden to turn pale. The memories of the evil deeds using that equipment flooded back to him as he stood there unsure what to say or do.

Reaching down, David picked up an item that had rolled out by his feet. Standing back up, he looked at the item, recognizing it instantly. "Kid," he said slowly, his voice getting dark and dangerous. "You've got once chance to explain. I highly advise you to be completely truthful and transparent. Otherwise, all hell is about to break loose." He kept his back to the younger man as he tightened his grip on the gas grenade.

Kaden took a seat on top of a crate, interlacing his fingers and resting them over his mouth, trying to figure out how best to explain. He wondered if the old man had encounters with assassins before in his past. Looking down, he saw his custom phaser pistol with the Death Dealers crest in the black pearl handle. Reaching down, he picked it up but didn‘t bother taking it out of the holster. “My name then was Acheron, I don’t know what my real name is or even who my parents are, let alone if they are even alive or not.”

“They told me I was given over as a baby, cause they were in debt and they couldn’t afford a child. My whole childhood, hell my whole life, they trained me to be this...heartless killer. Poisoned my mind saying mercy was a weakness, that the people we kill were necessary to benefit this cause to maintain order and justice. But it was all lies. It was to remove those who posed a threat to their clients or the Death Dealers themselves.”

“Didn’t matter who it was either. Politicians, law enforcement, leaders, families, you do what you are told without question or they do horrific things to you. Beat you, torture you for weeks, starve you even if that is what takes to get you to be a mindless obedient machine. They will do it. My weakness was this woman who became the closest thing to a mother I had. She was not like them. As a matter of fact, she hated them. But like her, she was not given a choice. Honestly, I doubt many that the Death Dealers took in had a choice.”

Kaden removed the pistol from the holster, looking it over but never holding it in a threatening manner. “One day, they took her away from me and said that she was needed elsewhere but deep down I knew what happened. They killed her for trying to get me to doubt them. I became merciless after that. Just focused on eliminating my target and those that tried to stop me, hoping one day, someone out there gets lucky and puts me out of my misery.”

“Finally, I guess I just got tired of hurting people, the killing, all of it. I was tasked to kill a man who got too close to exposing one of the Death Dealers' operations. I was supposed to kill him plus his wife and child too if needed but I couldn’t do it. I let them go, told them to get off-grid. Word got back I spared them so, they felt an example had to be made.” Kaden lifted his shirt showing the nasty scar over the left side of his rib cage. “They tried to kill me but, somehow, I managed to survive. Far as they know Acheron is dead.”

“Consular Savette and her family found me dying. They took me in, nursed me back to health, gave me a new identity helped me become a different man. I can’t change the things I did in the past and if things were different I wish I could take it all back but it doesn’t work like that. The people I killed, I have to live with the fact their blood is on my hands the only thing I want to do now is try to do what is right be a better person do good for once. If not well...maybe someone will instead bring all those poor souls I killed some peace.” Sitting up Kaden walked over to David placing the pistol down next to him and turned to walk away a small part of him hoped maybe the El-Aurian kill him was better he was dead than rotting away in a cell.

For several seconds, David did nothing. Then, picking up the weapon, he checked the charge, causing it to start humming softly. The sound kept growing louder, until finally, David deactivated the weapon and pulled the power pack. "You want to start making this right, you get rid of all these poisons and grenades, and what have you. If you are not that guy anymore, get rid of it all. Nothing hood will come from keeping it. Do you want weapons and armor for defense? To protect your new life? Then build a new kit."

Looking down at the carving, he sighed and shook his head. "Fucking Death Dealers," he cursed. "I've heard of them before. Assassins for hire, while acting like theyre diing the public good. They're nothing but savage bullies. I am sorry that you had to live the life you did. But here, now, you have a chance at a new start. If you want me on your side here, as your friend, in this new life, then you have to decide, here and now."

"You realize that if the Death Dealers discover I am alive they will come for me and try to finish what they started." Kaden turned to face David. "I know the way they work you think Elysium alone can stop them? No their resources and man power are bigger than you know they will kill anyone that stands between them and me. They took me away from my family they took the woman who loved me like a son."

"They tried to take my life and if they ever try to take away this life I was blessed to have. Or even those that are proud to be apart of my life I will hunt them down." Kaden picked the helmet up off the floor. "I was their greatest weapon and should they come for Freya or you or anyone on this ship. I will don this armor and become Acheron once more and make their lives a living hell."

David got quiet again, a new dark energy seeming to boil away from him. "Kaden, if any of them come sniffing around and have intentions to me or mine harm, in any form, they will learn, first hand, how I earned my callsign, Deathwalker." He reloaded the phaser and handed it back.

"But, before all of that, we need to buld you a proper armory in here, disguised, of course. And," he paused, "You need to speak to the Captain. If no one else, he needs to know the truth. I'll go with you as support, if you'd like."

Kaden rolled his eyes as he took his phaser putting it back in the holster. "Oh yeah, not like the man is up to his ass as it is with everything else." He set the phaser down. "Let's add the fact a lowly barkeeper he is still knowing is a former deadly assassin on top of it."

Kaden looked at David quickly showing a bit of remorse for his tiny outburst. "Sorry, old timer, I mean if you feel it is best we tell him then I suppose he ought to know but nobody else got it? And you are absolutely coming with me to talk to him since it's your idea."

David saud nothing, concerning the outburst. Instead, he said, "Well, Kid, if you're gonna stay on a Starfleet vessel, you're going to have to learn that you don't keep secrets from the Captain, especially if it is something that can or will endanger his or her crew. I'll go talk to him first, see when he us available to come down here to talk with you. And yes, I'll be here."

"Tell him to leave the uniform and rank at the door." Kaden began as he started cleaning up his gear. "If we are having this talk he is Garrett Lovejoy the everyday man not a Starfleet Captain easier that way. If he feels the need to he can bring a gun if it will make him feel safer."

This actually made David laugh out loud. "Kid, you definitely have a lot to learn. Heh. One does not dictate terms to the Captain of a starship. Especially when one has a hidden arsenal in the ship the same Captain is allowing to take up valuable space in his or her shuttlebay. But, I will ask him to keep an open mind." He turned to head out of the ship. "I'll be right back." He then stepped out of the ship and moved to the nearest comm panel to make the call.

"Corporal Tonelly to Captain Lovejoy, do you have a moment, Sir?"

Kaden shrugged his shoulders. "I am just want this process to be easy is all, old man." He said in a low voice.

An instant later, Garrett's voice came through the com. "Lovejoy. What can I do for you Corporal Tonelly?"

David smiled politely. "Hello, Sir. I apologize for any interruptions this call makes."

'Quite alright Corporal. I was just going over some reports."

"Thank you, Sir. Um, if you are able to, Sir, would you please come down to the main shuttlebay? Kaden has something that he needs to show and tell you. And, Sir, I know this is an odd request...but...if you come down, try to keep an open mind over what you will see and hear?"

"Oh? Sounds mysterious." Garrett's voice was guarded. "I shall be there shortly and Corporal? My mind is always open."

"Thank you, Sir!" David replied, relieved. "I'll meet you at the door just inside the shuttlebay, Sir."

"Very good. I will see you shortly." Garrett replied as he closed the com.

***a few moments later***

As promised, David was waiting by the exit, when the large doors slid apart and Garret entered. "Sir." David snapped to attention and saluted the Elysium's master and commander.

"At ease Corporal." Garrett replied as he came through the shuttlebay doors. "I'm guessing the reason you wanted me to come down here is because whatever I'm going to see and hear you and Mr. Ross want kept hush-hush."

David blushed slightly. Though he had experienced more and lived far longer than Captain Lovejoy ever could, at his core, he was still a soldier, and respected rank and postion completely. "Ah, yes, Sir. I just learned it myself as I volunteered to help him refurbish his ship. I told him that he had a lot to learn, if he was going to stay aboard a starship. I then told him that he had to tell you the whole story."

"Understood. Let's get to it. Shall we?" Garrett replied moving towards the ship's entrance.

"Thank you, Sir. If you'll follow me?"

"Lead on Corporal."

The two men crossed the shuttlebay and reached the open loading ramp to Kaden's ship. "Hey, Kid, Captain Lovejoy is here with me. Can we come aboard?"

"Depends, is the Captain coming as a Starfleet officer or as a regular Joe, old timer?* Kaden replied inside.

"I'll listen to what you have to say as a regular Joe. However, I reserve the right
to render any decision if any as a Starfleet Captain." Garrett replied firmly.

"Come on in, boys."

David led the way up into the ship. Stopping when he and Garret reached the area with the blueprints. He saw that the secret cache was closed again. He decided to give Kaden the chance to speak first.

Garrett looked between David and Kaden, waiting for one of them to explain why he was here.

"Before I say anything," Kaden set a phaser pistol down in front of Garrett. "I rather you use this if need cause what I have to tell you is going to come as a shock."

Garrett looked at the phaser and then at Kaden. "Mr. Ross, I have no intention of using that phaser on you no matter what you say. I may send you to the brig or kick you the ship."

"I rather die than be a prisoner," Kaden replied.

"Mr. Ross." Garrett said firmly, "I believe you are putting the cart before the horse. Why don't you simply tell me what it is you have to say.''

"Tell him, Kid." David added, starting to feel a bad feeling by all the suspense.

Kaden took a seat crossing both his arms and ankles. "Alright, I will tell you exactly what I told the old man." He began to explain his story to the Captain everything he had told to David earlier.

Garrett listened in silence as Kaden told his story. He didn't interrupt. He just listened and waited for the story to be finished. When it was finished, he spoke. "Where is the weapons cache?"

"Here, on my ship where it stays hoping I never have to use them," Kaden replied. "You have nothing to fear from me, Garrett, far as I am concerned I am Kaden Ross a simple barkeeper and hopefully your friend." Getting to his feet he took a few steps away from him but his hands were where they could be seen. "Other than you two, Consular Savette, is the other one here that knows of my past and I want to keep that way."

"If I'm your friend let me see this weapons cache," Garrett replied. "As for anyone else knowing your secret. They will never hear anything from me."

Kaden pointed to a lockbox containing the armor, guns, and blades. "Take a look, Garrett, if word gets out Acheron still lives now as some humble barkeeper this stuff is the best chance I have to take on my old pals." He then happed the side of his head. "That and everything they taught me."

"I have already told you Mr. Ross.... Kaden." Garrett corrected "That no one will hear anything from me and I can say the same about Corporal Tonelly." He looked over the weapons, armor and blades before he looked at Kaden. " You can keep the armor and weapons. The poisons and grenades have to go."

Kaden pondered on what he said looking at David then Garrett. "Guys, I know this is hard taking in the fact I was stone-cold killer but...for what it is worth thanks for doing this...and for trusting me." He closed the lockbox. "I know this is not going to be easy for all of us."

"Kaden, you can't keep the poisons and gas grenades. Out of the question. Give them to me and I'll lock them up in security under my name and security code." Garrett offered.

Kaden motioned to a lockbox next to the one he showed Garrett. "Sounds good to me just be careful, Garrett, some of that is real potent shit so put somewhere really safe."

"I appreciate the warning. Don't worry where it goes will be safe. I promise you that." Garrett replied.

"Thanks," Kaden fell silent waiting for David or Garrett to bring up anything else they might have on their mind.

"Hopefully now," David stated, "you'll see that you can trust here, Kaden. We are not like the savages who turned your life inside out. Starfleet, for the most part, can be trusted.

"I understand, David, but this wasn't something you go around telling people about," Kaden replied.

"Correction, this is something you only tell people you can trust about." Garrett answered solemnly.

Raising an eyebrow Kaden looked at each of them. "So, now that you guys know my secret not going to start getting paranoid I am like going to poison your drinks or anything at my bar are you?" He was being a bit both concerned but also playful trying to ease up things.

David shrugged. "If it happens, it happens." He then grinned. "Though, I'd fear for your life if Baeryn ever finds out the truth."

"You can add Samantha to that list. Your life would be measured in minutes." Garrett added firmly.

"I'll keep that in mind, but I see no reason to harm the only friends I got on this flying space station this far." Kaden replied with a smile.