{"sf1_id":1599817,"sf2_id":"q1xa6Dpe","title":"Crystal Gambit - SHORT STORY","author":"IridescenceStudios","words":4323,"posted_at":"2020-07-05T17:18:00.000Z","tags":["Equine","Female","Fox","Iridescence","Isabelle","Lauren","Mission","Prequel","Rivers","Sheridan","Short","Story","Talwyn","Vixen","Zebra","arctic","friends","master","pair"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1599817-crystal-gambit-short-story","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/q1xa6Dpe","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/45/c5/45c59ca9-a20d-4add-aa74-7e74846ba5a9","description":"#23 of Iridescence - Mission Logs\n\nSYNOPSIS\nThe sequel to Cutters, Lauren and her team continue to deal with the rogue crystal smugglers. Cut off from help they must find a way to save the town on their own.\nSTARRING\nLauren Rivers\nIsabelle Sheridan\nHISTORIAN'S NOTE: This story takes place shortly after Lauren becomes a Talwyn master.\nCover Art by Jakkal\nPlease consider supporting me on https://www.patreon.com/IridescenceStudios\nOr buy me a coffee! https://www.ko-fi.com/iridescencestudios","content":" **\"Crystal Gambit\"**\n\n**By Lauren Rivers**\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I'm not surprised you know me,\" he said.\u0026nbsp; \"I of course, know you.\u0026nbsp; Lauren Rivers, and Isabelle Sheridan.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"If you know who we are, then you know why we're here,\" Lauren replied.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Of course I do.\u0026nbsp; Two Talwyn masters don't just breeze into town without me knowing about it,\" he said.\u0026nbsp; \"Unfortunately you're going to have to go back the way you came.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I can't do that,\" she said.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"You don't have a choice.\u0026nbsp; No doubt you've noticed that you are currently at a tactical disadvantage,\" he responded.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Isabelle kept her weapon up as she turned to regard him.\u0026nbsp; \"I wouldn't be so sure about that.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Rafa chuckled to himself.\u0026nbsp; \"While I admire your bravado I wonder if your companions are as willing to support your determination as you are.\"\u0026nbsp; He walked a few steps trailing his fingers along the rail, keeping his eyes on them.\u0026nbsp; \"I have no quarrel with the Council but I will not allow you to interfere in my operation.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"That's going to be a problem because we have an order to bring you in for trial.\u0026nbsp; Theft of Talwyn crystals and unauthorized distribution is a crime, not to mention potentially reckless.\"\u0026nbsp; Lauren held the water spheres above her hands, enlarging them by several inches until they were as large as beach balls.\u0026nbsp; \"By the order of the Talwyn Council I am placing you under arrest.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The maned wolf exhaled, his eyes narrowing.\u0026nbsp; \"That is your final answer?\" he asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"It is,\" Lauren replied.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Very well, then,\" he said.\u0026nbsp; Snapping his fingers, the wall of bodies around them surged into motion.\u0026nbsp; Lauren threw the pressurized spheres of water towards their attackers sending several of them falling onto their backs.\u0026nbsp; Forming long thick cords of liquid in the air she guided them like whips pushing the men back in an effort to provide them more space.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Captain Brandis fired several shots into the advancing crowd.\u0026nbsp; Despite every shot hitting its target they continued to surge forward, pulling Doctor Dunham away from the group.\u0026nbsp; The donkey kicked one of his attackers while the two struggled for control of his weapon.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Isabelle extended her paw, freezing an area of the floor with a clear sheet of ice.\u0026nbsp; Every single person on it found themselves struggling to stay upright while the arctic vixen fought off some more of their attackers.\u0026nbsp; She kicked the closest one in the chest before slicing another across the chest with her ice blade.\u0026nbsp; The man went down holding his injury but there was no rest as another moved towards her at the same moment.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Lauren spotted the blue jay wrestling with two of their attackers who were trying to haul him away.\u0026nbsp; Moving quickly she used her water abilities to launch herself into the air and landed hard on both of them sending all four the ground in a tumble of bodies.\u0026nbsp; Once she collected herself she pulled the doctor to his feet.\u0026nbsp; \"Are you all right?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I suppose, though I doubt I'll remain that way much longer if we stay,\" he replied.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Isabelle and Captain Brandis were holding their own for the time being but it was clear they were losing the fight.\u0026nbsp; Standing back to back the pair had managed to fend off the worst of it but it was clear both had been injured.\u0026nbsp; Blood stained Captain Brandis's sleeve and darkened the back of his uniform.\u0026nbsp; Isabelle's white fur showed a couple of signs of pink where her wounds had marred her snowy white appearance.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Fall back!\" Lauren shouted, using her powers to force an opening between her and Isabelle.\u0026nbsp; Wasting no time, the pair took advantage of it, hurrying towards her and the exit.\u0026nbsp; Lauren performed a spinning kick paired with thick cords of water guided by her movements which sent their attackers diving for cover.\u0026nbsp; The reprieve was only temporary, as no sooner did she complete the act than their opponents rose to their feet.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Wasting no time the group hurried to create some distance between them and their pursuers.\u0026nbsp; Guided by Doctor Dunham they made their way to a small alley where they ducked behind some cover.\u0026nbsp; The blue jay held his hand up for silence as the individuals chasing them hurried past.\u0026nbsp; Once it was clear they were gone, Doctor Dunham exhaled.\u0026nbsp; \"Everyone all right?\" he asked.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Relatively speaking,\" Captain Brandis replied.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Doctor Dunham scanned the street beyond for signs of pursuit.\u0026nbsp; \"It looks clear.\u0026nbsp; Follow me.\"\u0026nbsp; He did not wait for a reply as he darted out into the shadows making his way across the street into what seemed like a residential area.\u0026nbsp; Most of the buildings appeared to be either single dwelling homes or apartment buildings of less than a dozen units each.\u0026nbsp; He guided the group to one in particular walking into the lobby before climbing the steps to the second floor where he walked to a door with the number '209'.\u0026nbsp; The last digit had partly fallen off to where it resembled a six, further illustrating the general state of disrepair that seemed to characterize the entire area.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Removing a key from his pocket he opened the door and guided them inside.\u0026nbsp; \"Come on inside.\u0026nbsp; It's my place.\"\u0026nbsp; He gestured towards a couch and a few other chairs set about the main living space.\u0026nbsp; \"Make yourselves at home.\u0026nbsp; It'll be a while before our friends figure out where we went.\u0026nbsp; In the meantime I'll go get some medical supplies to treat your injuries.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Thank you,\" Lauren said, walking to the window and casting a glance down towards the street below.\u0026nbsp; Few people were out at this time of night but the view of the street would allow them a bit of warning should they be found by Rafa's men.\u0026nbsp; Lauren turned away from the blinds upon hearing Jeremy's return to the room.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The blue jay carried in his arms bandages and other medical supplies which he set on the nearby table.\u0026nbsp; \"You'll have to forgive the mess.\u0026nbsp; I wasn't planning on having guests, but we should be safe for the time being, at least.\"\u0026nbsp; He arranged the various items on the table while he gestured for Captain Brandis to take a seat closer to the light source.\u0026nbsp; \"Take off your jacket, please,\" he said.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The donkey removed his uniform tunic and set the dark blue jacket on the closest chair.\u0026nbsp; \"It's not as bad as it looks.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"All the same, let's get the two of you squared away, shall we?\" the blue jay asked while he began to clean the wounds on the jack's back.\u0026nbsp; Brandis winced as the doctor worked, trying to look over his shoulder.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"How bad is it?\" he asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I've seen worse,\" the blue jay replied.\u0026nbsp; \"Nothing I can't patch up the old fashioned way.\u0026nbsp; You might be a little sore for a bit but it looks like they didn't go too deep.\"\u0026nbsp; He applied bandages and medical tape to hold the dressings in place and surveyed his handiwork.\u0026nbsp; \"Although it's probably too much to ask, try to stay in one piece.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I can't make any promises, doc,\" he replied, getting up.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Doctor Dunham smirked.\u0026nbsp; \"You folks never do.\"\u0026nbsp; He examined Isabelle's arm with a look of deep concentration.\u0026nbsp; \"You got off lucky,\" he said.\u0026nbsp; \"This is hardly a scratch.\"\u0026nbsp; He cleaned the wound with some alcohol pads and applied some gauze before taping it in place.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Isabelle looked up at Lauren.\u0026nbsp; \"So what's our next move?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I haven't thought that far ahead yet,\" she said.\u0026nbsp; \"Rafa Cantrell was far more organized than we expected.\u0026nbsp; I think it's safe to assume we were on his radar the moment we stepped into town.\u0026nbsp; Under normal circumstances I might suggest calling for reinforcements but I doubt we'd even get a signal out if he's as smart as I think he is.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Doctor Dunham nodded his agreement.\u0026nbsp; \"He is, and more.\u0026nbsp; Even if you could call for help he'd be long gone by the time they arrived.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I assume retreat is not an option,\" Captain Brandis said.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"You assume correctly.\u0026nbsp; Even if we can flee I refuse to leave these people or anyone else at his mercy.\u0026nbsp; We let them out of our sight who knows how long it will be before we track them down again,\" Lauren said.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Isabelle folded her arms.\u0026nbsp; \"As much as I hate to admit it we're not exactly in a position to take them all into custody.\u0026nbsp; We only made it out of there in one piece because we were lucky.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"So we can't run, we can't fight, at least not directly, and we can't call for help,\" Captain Brandis said.\u0026nbsp; \"What does that leave?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Lauren considered the problem, recalling the moments when they were face to face with Rafa in her memory.\u0026nbsp; She thought back to where each person was standing, and then snapped her fingers.\u0026nbsp; \"Doc, you said that was where they met anyone who wanted to buy a crystal, yes?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"That's right,\" he said.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Lauren nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"Did you notice anything missing when we arrived?\"\u0026nbsp; She looked at each member of the group in turn.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"They didn't have them there,\" Isabelle said.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Exactly, I didn't see any Talwyn crystals anywhere, which means either they were keeping them out of sight or that's not their true base of operations.\"\u0026nbsp; Lauren leaned against the wall and crossed her hooves, folding her arms gently.\u0026nbsp; She turned to the blue jay.\u0026nbsp; \"Do you know of any other place they could be keeping the crystals?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Unfortunately no,\" he replied.\u0026nbsp; \"The warehouse by the docks was the only place we ever had dealings and Rafa's men weren't the kind to share information.\u0026nbsp; His people are crawling all over this town and most of us know better than to ask questions.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The blue haired zebra stepped away from the wall and nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"Then it would seem to leave us only one option.\u0026nbsp; We need to go back to the warehouse.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Doctor Dunham puffed up his neck feathers in alarm.\u0026nbsp; \"Is that a good idea?\u0026nbsp; We barely got out of there in one piece.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"It's our only lead.\u0026nbsp; If you have a better idea I'm open to suggestions but under the circumstances I fail to see any alternatives,\" she said.\u0026nbsp; \"If you're concerned for your safety you don't have to come with us.\u0026nbsp; Isabelle, Captain Brandis, and I can handle it.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The blue jay shook his head.\u0026nbsp; \"No, this is my town and you may just need me.\u0026nbsp; I'm with you.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"All right,\" she said.\u0026nbsp; \"We'll wait a while longer and then head back there to see what we can find. \u0026nbsp;Stay sharp.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Unlike the first time they had come to the warehouse there was no reaction to their presence when they returned there a few hours later.\u0026nbsp; The doors remained closed and no sign of any activity arose to greet them.\u0026nbsp; Even the exterior lights were turned off leaving the area dark other than the tiniest amount of ambient light from the stars above.\u0026nbsp; Captain Brandis held a flashlight as they searched the building for a way inside, finding a lock on the door to the building's office.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Anyone else feeling déjà vu?\" the blue jay asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I'm feeling something, but it's not déjà vu,\" the soldier replied.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Lauren shook her head.\u0026nbsp; \"We need to get in there.\u0026nbsp; Isabelle, can you freeze the lock?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Yeah, just give me a moment.\"\u0026nbsp; The arctic vixen walked up to the door and took the lock in her paw.\u0026nbsp; Closing her fingers around it the lock began to freeze until the metal was so cold it shattered in her grip.\u0026nbsp; She opened her grasp to the ground allowing the pieces to fall at her boots.\u0026nbsp; \"Shall we?\" she pulled open the door, allowing Captain Brandis to enter first.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Lauren followed, making sure to stay a few steps ahead of the doctor in the event of any danger.\u0026nbsp; \"Come on,\" she urged.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The door into the interior of the building was not secured in any way. \u0026nbsp;The donkey shined his flashlight around the wide open space but other than some nondescript shelves and a few assorted items there appeared to be nothing distinctive.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Anything?\" she asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Not as far as I can tell,\" Captain Brandis reported.\u0026nbsp; \"If there was anything here it's long gone now.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Isabelle nodded in agreement.\u0026nbsp; \"I think it's safe to say this is not the center of their operations.\u0026nbsp; For all we know they could have a bunch of facilities like this to meet with potential customers.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"In which case it's going to be remarkably difficult to track them down,\" Lauren said.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The arctic vixen rubbed the back of her neck with her paw.\u0026nbsp; \"It's smart.\u0026nbsp; It protects them from being found by people like us and all they have to do is provide a location to their customer when they're ready to make a deal.\u0026nbsp; This may not even be their building.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"It probably isn't,\" Lauren said.\u0026nbsp; \"I doubt Rafa Cantrell is foolish enough to leave his name on the paperwork.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"So what do you want us to do?\" Captain Brandis asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Conduct a sweep, make sure we didn't miss anything, then we'll go back to the ship for the time being,\" Lauren said.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Doctor Dunham held up a talon.\u0026nbsp; \"If you're looking for a place to stay I can offer my clinic for the time being.\u0026nbsp; I haven't many overnight patients right now and I imagine it's a slight bit more comfortable than your ship.\u0026nbsp; Besides, it will give me an excuse to prepare a proper meal.\u0026nbsp; I don't often get to entertain guests, least of all people like yourselves.\u0026nbsp; I'd welcome the company and it would be a way for me to thank you for all you're doing to help.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Lauren looked at the rest of her team and pursed her lips.\u0026nbsp; The ship was a short range craft with no proper living quarters.\u0026nbsp; The mission profile had not really called for a larger craft with any sort of overnight accommodations.\u0026nbsp; That being the case their only option if they chose to stay on the ship would be to lay sleeping bags across the deck.\u0026nbsp; Both Isabelle and Captain Brandis looked as tired as she did, and none of them had eaten a proper meal in several hours.\u0026nbsp; \"I think the others would kill me if I turned down your incredibly generous offer.\u0026nbsp; I'd say you've got yourselves some houseguests, doc.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; A thorough search of the warehouse revealed no further clues.\u0026nbsp; Lacking any other alternatives the group retired to the relative safety of Doctor Dunham's clinic.\u0026nbsp; After a hastily assembled meal the blue jay found suitable accommodations for them and bid them goodnight.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Despite her best efforts to do so, the Talwyn Water Master found herself stubbornly unable to sleep.\u0026nbsp; After an hour of staring at the ceiling she sat up in the darkness cloaked in its shadows.\u0026nbsp; Swinging her hooves over the edge of the bed she rose to stand and walked towards the doorway.\u0026nbsp; Still dressed in her Talwyn uniform she attempted to smooth out the wrinkles with her hands though the next time she would have to remember to bring a change of clothes or two on future missions.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; When she arrived at the front of the clinic she looked up to see a squirrel standing before her in the waiting area.\u0026nbsp; Dressed in a long sleeved shirt he seemed to be holding himself and avoiding eye contact.\u0026nbsp; Inches away from the bell to alert the staff he was here, he pulled his hand back upon seeing Lauren.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Can I help you?\" she asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I'm looking for Doctor Dunham,\" he replied.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I'm sorry, but he's asleep right now.\u0026nbsp; Are you hurt?\" she asked, attempting to get a look at his injury.\u0026nbsp; He pulled his arm away from her with a sudden twist, and it was then she saw the Talwyn crystal on his arm.\u0026nbsp; Understanding his purpose for being here she blasted his chest with water, sending him though the window.\u0026nbsp; Jumping out after him she no sooner set hoof outside than he darted off in the opposite direction.\u0026nbsp; Giving chase, she hurried after the squirrel doing her best to ensure he did not slip away.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; It was a dangerous going after him alone, but she could not wait for the others nor could she allow their only lead to escape.\u0026nbsp; Running as quickly as her hooves would carry her, she turned a tight corner to continue pursuit.\u0026nbsp; Just when she thought she had almost lost sight of him he dashed down an alley.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Lauren paused at the entrance knowing that it was likely another trap, but seeing no alternative she stepped forward.\u0026nbsp; Once she had entered the private courtyard behind a building she did not recognize, a couple of Rafa's men blocked her escape.\u0026nbsp; The blue haired zebra lowered her hands upon seeing his face in front of her.\u0026nbsp; \"Nice try back there.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I had hoped to get Doctor Dunham, but you'll do,\" he said, motioning for his men to move forward and restrain her.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; She knew that fighting this many of them would be impossible in her current state.\u0026nbsp; She had not slept and with no one to back her up she gave little credence to the possibility she could escape without one of them getting in a lucky shot.\u0026nbsp; Without resistance she allowed the men to tie her wrists as they brought her closer to Rafa.\u0026nbsp; She kept her eyes on the maned wolf, watching him for any reaction as he stared at her.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Precautions, you understand,\" he said.\u0026nbsp; \"I can't have you freeing yourself with a blast of water, not before we've had a chance to chat.\u0026nbsp; Now I'll leave your legs unbound provided you cooperate, but if you put up a fight I will do what I have to, including rendering you unconscious.\u0026nbsp; Understood?\" he asked in a tone that brooked no argument.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Lauren nodded her assent as she was blindfolded and led out of the alley, away from the site of her abduction.\u0026nbsp; It was clear they intended to take her somewhere else in Kaladriel but for the time being she had no options other than to cooperate.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The room where they placed her was barren of any furniture or anything other than a bed bolted to the wall.\u0026nbsp; It was clear the room had not originally been designed to serve its current purpose but had been modified to serve as a detention cell.\u0026nbsp; The door was constructed of a thick metal with a large wheel inside to operate the mechanism.\u0026nbsp; Even in the event she could get free it was not likely she would be able to break through the door before someone came to investigate.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; With no other options but to bide her time, she remained standing while Rafa spoke to his men before entering the room.\u0026nbsp; He waited until the door latched into place before speaking.\u0026nbsp; \"I apologize for the conditions of the room, but I assure you it is only temporary.\u0026nbsp; I don't intend to keep you for long.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Lauren looked past him at the door.\u0026nbsp; \"You might want to call some of your men back in here.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"If you're thinking of doing anything violent I would reconsider.\u0026nbsp; While I'm certain you could disable me in short order should you choose to do so it would mean the end of our conversation and I would hate for our discussion to be interrupted.\"\u0026nbsp; He gestured for her to sit but she remained standing.\u0026nbsp; \"Suit yourself, but it will have no impact on the length of my statements.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I'll remain standing,\" she replied.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Rafa offered a conciliatory gesture.\u0026nbsp; \"Very well.\"\u0026nbsp; He began to pace the room slowly as he spoke.\u0026nbsp; \"I intend no harm to you or your companions.\u0026nbsp; Provided that you do as I ask, no further violence will befall your party unless you force the issue.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Watching him carefully she knew Rafa believed himself to be a reasonable man.\u0026nbsp; Whatever his intentions it would serve no purpose to reject his proposal out of hand.\u0026nbsp; If she allowed him to continue she might learn some valuable information about what he had planned, so for now, she would listen to what he had to say.\u0026nbsp; \"All right, I'll hear you out,\" she said.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"You and your companions will return to your ship and leave immediately.\u0026nbsp; Provided you do so my men will make no effort to stop you but you will not interfere with our operation now or in the future,\" the maned wolf said.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"You know I can't agree to that,\" she replied, staring into his eyes.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm here on orders from the Council to retrieve the crystals you stole and bring you in for trial and that is what I intend to do.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Rafa scoffed at her.\u0026nbsp; \"You Talwyn masters are always so stubborn.\u0026nbsp; Do you even know why they sent you after me?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Trafficking in stolen Talwyn crystals is illegal,\" she replied.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The maned wolf stepped closer.\u0026nbsp; \"Such an unimaginative answer.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I wasn't aware I was being evaluated,\" she responded.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"But that's what you do, isn't it?\" he asked.\u0026nbsp; \"Evaluate people and determine if they're worthy to hold your precious crystals?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Lauren tilted her head, watching him closely.\u0026nbsp; \"We ensure proper training in their use and make sure they stay in the right hands.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Is that so?\" he asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"It is,\" she replied.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Do you know how many more lives we could save if the Council didn't hoard the crystals?\" he asked.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Lauren shook her head.\u0026nbsp; \"The Council does not hoard the crystals.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"They don't allow free access to them either,\" he said.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"No, we don't,\" she said.\u0026nbsp; \"Experience has shown that left uncontrolled the crystals can be dangerous.\u0026nbsp; Even ones with an apparent benevolent purpose can be bent and twisted with in the wrong hands.\u0026nbsp; By making sure that everyone who carries them has been properly licensed and trained, we can minimize the risk of anything going wrong.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"And while you do that people are left to suffer,\" he said.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm going to tell you a story.\"\u0026nbsp; He turned away from her and spoke over his shoulder.\u0026nbsp; \"Before I ended up here I used to wear the uniform.\u0026nbsp; I served in the military with distinction.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I've seen your service record,\" she said.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Then you know I used to be just like you.\u0026nbsp; I followed orders, did as I was told, because I believed it would make a difference.\"\u0026nbsp; He turned to face her and walked around her in a circle.\u0026nbsp; \"What a fool I was.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Lauren remained where she stood turning her ears as he moved around her.\u0026nbsp; \"What happened?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; He stopped before her and then closed his eyes for a moment.\u0026nbsp; \"I was serving my latest tour of duty when I received a letter from my sister.\u0026nbsp; She was ill and needed treatment, but she was unable to travel and could not get to any of the larger cities.\u0026nbsp; No one in the area had a healing crystal and conventional medicine had done little to help her.\u0026nbsp; I had one with me, I was trained to use them, but I was unable to get away at the time.\"\u0026nbsp; He clenched his paws into fists.\u0026nbsp; \"I tried to get someone to see her but with everything going on there simply weren't any medical units available.\u0026nbsp; By the time I was able to secure leave and go to see her I was told she had just died the day before.\u0026nbsp; The autopsy confirmed it was treatable.\u0026nbsp; I simply didn't get to her fast enough.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I'm sorry,\" Lauren said.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I don't need your pity,\" he said, striking her across the face.\u0026nbsp; \"It's because of people like you that my nephew will grow up without a mother.\u0026nbsp; All because of your precious illusion that without your benevolent guiding hand we will descend into chaos.\"\u0026nbsp; He grabbed her neck and stared down the length of her muzzle.\u0026nbsp; \"If you ask me I think we'd do just fine without you.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"You have my sympathies for your loss, but you cannot allow those crystals to be sold to people who aren't trained to use them.\"\u0026nbsp; Lauren shook her head free from his grip.\u0026nbsp; \"The regulations are in place to protect everyone.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Rafa smirked.\u0026nbsp; \"They did nothing to save my sister,\" he said.\u0026nbsp; \"I find it ironic that the only reason she isn't here anymore is because of one of these.\"\u0026nbsp; The maned wolf removed a healing crystal from his pocket and held it in his open palm.\u0026nbsp; \"I intend to make sure that what happened to her never happens to anyone again.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"You can't do that.\"\u0026nbsp; Their eyes met as Lauren stood before him.\u0026nbsp; \"Isabelle will stop you.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I expect she'll try,\" he said.\u0026nbsp; \"And just like you, she will fail.\u0026nbsp; There are more of us than you think, and we will not let you stop us.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; She relaxed her shoulders, never taking her eyes off of him.\u0026nbsp; \"I wouldn't be so sure about that.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Rafa walked to the doorway and knocked on it.\u0026nbsp; \"Oh, I'm certain she'll do everything she can to get in our way but in the end she'll have the same choice I offered you.\u0026nbsp; Either she accepts my proposal and goes back where she came from, or I'll make it too costly to continue pursuit.\"\u0026nbsp; Without another word, he turned and left Lauren alone.\n\n  \n  \n\n","series":{"name":"Iridescence - Mission Logs","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1563726-cutters-short-story.json","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/1638264-endgame-short-story.json"}}