Cowboy Bebop Fan Fiction ❯ Unveiled Emotions ❯ Arriving ( Chapter 30 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
Pheonix glanced at the view screen at their approaching destination. He thought about the inhabitants of Selephin then looked at Vicious.

"We can rethink this, you know," he said.

"Are you afraid?" Vicious asked.

"I know what they're like. I've dealt with them before."

"Then you'll speak to them when we land."

"Gee, you're really going to give me that honor?"

"I don't need sarcasm."

"Look, maybe you didn't understand when I described the Snarlaxes. They're about two meters tall and one hundred thirty-six kilograms in weight. Their weaponry consists of battle axes and maces. Quite a big difference between those and you're sword."

"But a battle ax takes time to swing. As long as I dodge the blow, I can get in and strike before the opponent brings back his weapon. I don't know why you're so paranoid."

"I never said I was paranoid. I'm just going of my previous experience with this moon."

"Are you sure this will be safe?" Rei asked as she took Vicious' hand.

"What are you sensing? Their thoughts?"

"I'm not sure. It's definitely something. What it is, though, I can't say. Not yet at least. But if they're so picky about who they want on their moon, why have they let us get so close?" Rei asked.

"Because they like killing people on-site," Pheonix said as he picked up a communicator. Vicious' pet fluttered to its perch on the back of his chair and Pheonix glanced at it for a moment.

"He's only remembering the one that went before you," Vicious commented.

"I have plenty of things to say on that matter but I won't. Not when the man currently controlling my life is before me."

"You're a lot smarter than your predecessor."

Pheonix said nothing as he turned to the communicator and began speaking in a gruff language. He then listened to the response and switched off the communicator.

"They're not in a bargaining mood," Pheonix said.

"We'll see how they feel once we're down there," Vicious said. "I only want lodging and time, not a war."

"Well these guys like war. They'd prefer killing us."

"I'll deal with all this on the surface."

Pheonix walked out of the room and stretched out on the lower deck. Humans, he thought as he closed his eyes. So content for a lower-classed species. How could they stand it? How could they be so ignorant? He pressed a few buttons on the bottom of the deck and purred slightly as the room began to rise to a comfortable temperature. Talibans loved tropic weather and the smell of sweet smelling candella leaves helped heighten his appreciation for the simulation. It was perhaps not the best way to let go of his frustrations with humans, but it was the most enjoyable way. He removed his clothing and sat kneeling in the middle of the deck, his fine fur on his back bristling in the simulated wind. His ears twitched contentedly as his face warmed with the temperature of the room.

"The Snarlaxes will have to wait. I'm about ready to pass on to a more exciting world," Pheonix muttered as he leaned back and stroked himself. So good....The candella was taking effect and it was feeling so good.
************************************************************************ *
"What is he doing?" Rei asked as Vicious watched the Taliban on his security screen.

"It looks like he's intoxicated or something. Or else he's trying to get himself to an orgasm," Vicious replied. "He'd better come out of it soon. We'll be landing shortly. Now, what has he told you? Has he told you anything in confidence?"

"What do you mean?"

"Something I've done has angered, him, hasn't it? I'd like to know exactly what that is. I know he's said something to you. He must have. You are a member of his kind, even though you're not a full-blood."

"You killed a relative of his."

"Is that all? Well that's nothing to worry about. I do that all the time. It's reality."

"But Talibans carry grudges. Especially when you kill a member of the Regal Talibans. He feels it was a personal attack against him."

"Are you saying that Stinger was a relative of his?"

"Yes."

"I see. Interesting. That's some information that I can use."

"You're not going to hurt him, are you? He's not going to hurt you. He's already said that."

"You don't know if he was telling the truth. You can't read his thoughts. But as long as he stays smart and keeps in mind who is in charge, I won't do anything. Why? Have you taken a liking to him? He is a nice specimen for your species."

"He isn't interested in me. He's already told me that."

"Really? I see. So he's more into his own kind. Or gender. I wonder why he took Faye then."

"I don't know. It really doesn't concern me. But that moon....And those creatures...Are we really going down there?"

"Yes. Don't worry about it. You do know how to work this respirator, don't you?"

"I've never had to use one before."

"Let me show you then."

He placed the respirator on her collar and kissed her neck. Rei took his hand and smiled.

"I'm sure it doesn't work like that," she said.

"I have to make sure it's secure."

"I see."

"I'll put it on automatic. That way you don't have to worry about anything."

Pheonix walked into the room, his face still lingering with the scent of the candella leaves around him. He stretched his legs, leaning side to side as he took care not to stretch his inner thighs too much. He shook himself as he tried to sober his senses and stood straight. Vicious looked at him for a moment then moved away from Rei.

"Are you sober now?" Vicious asked and Pheonix glanced at him.

"I was never high," he replied.

"The security camera showed you in a different light."

"Why don't you have fur on your face?" Rei asked.

"It's a fine coating. Extremely fine. Just like the human hair is on his face," Pheonix said. "What I was doing was a form of meditation. The candella leaves relax the body and mind."

"Why did you do it without clothes then?"

"Because it's the way it is done. I see we're getting closer to the surface. I hope you're in a diplomatic mood."

"I've never been diplomatic but I know what you're talking about. Do you have your respirator on?"

"I do. I haven't lost sight of where we are or why we came here. My personal customs have nothing to do with my work, either."

"I've seen enough evidence to disprove your statement so I hope you're being truthful for all of our sake. Yours especially."