# Crystal Gambit - SHORT STORY

Author: IridescenceStudios
Tags: Equine, Female, Fox, Iridescence, Isabelle, Lauren, Mission, Prequel, Rivers, Sheridan, Short, Story, Talwyn, Vixen, Zebra, arctic, friends, master, pair

#23 of Iridescence - Mission Logs

SYNOPSIS
The 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.
STARRING
Lauren Rivers
Isabelle Sheridan
HISTORIAN'S NOTE: This story takes place shortly after Lauren becomes a Talwyn master.
Cover Art by Jakkal
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 **"Crystal Gambit"**

**By Lauren Rivers**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'm not surprised you know me," he said.&nbsp; "I of course, know you.&nbsp; Lauren Rivers, and Isabelle Sheridan."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "If you know who we are, then you know why we're here," Lauren replied.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Of course I do.&nbsp; Two Talwyn masters don't just breeze into town without me knowing about it," he said.&nbsp; "Unfortunately you're going to have to go back the way you came."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I can't do that," she said.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You don't have a choice.&nbsp; No doubt you've noticed that you are currently at a tactical disadvantage," he responded.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Isabelle kept her weapon up as she turned to regard him.&nbsp; "I wouldn't be so sure about that."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rafa chuckled to himself.&nbsp; "While I admire your bravado I wonder if your companions are as willing to support your determination as you are."&nbsp; He walked a few steps trailing his fingers along the rail, keeping his eyes on them.&nbsp; "I have no quarrel with the Council but I will not allow you to interfere in my operation."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "That's going to be a problem because we have an order to bring you in for trial.&nbsp; Theft of Talwyn crystals and unauthorized distribution is a crime, not to mention potentially reckless."&nbsp; Lauren held the water spheres above her hands, enlarging them by several inches until they were as large as beach balls.&nbsp; "By the order of the Talwyn Council I am placing you under arrest."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The maned wolf exhaled, his eyes narrowing.&nbsp; "That is your final answer?" he asked.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It is," Lauren replied.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Very well, then," he said.&nbsp; Snapping his fingers, the wall of bodies around them surged into motion.&nbsp; Lauren threw the pressurized spheres of water towards their attackers sending several of them falling onto their backs.&nbsp; 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Captain Brandis fired several shots into the advancing crowd.&nbsp; Despite every shot hitting its target they continued to surge forward, pulling Doctor Dunham away from the group.&nbsp; The donkey kicked one of his attackers while the two struggled for control of his weapon.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Isabelle extended her paw, freezing an area of the floor with a clear sheet of ice.&nbsp; Every single person on it found themselves struggling to stay upright while the arctic vixen fought off some more of their attackers.&nbsp; She kicked the closest one in the chest before slicing another across the chest with her ice blade.&nbsp; The man went down holding his injury but there was no rest as another moved towards her at the same moment.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lauren spotted the blue jay wrestling with two of their attackers who were trying to haul him away.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; Once she collected herself she pulled the doctor to his feet.&nbsp; "Are you all right?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I suppose, though I doubt I'll remain that way much longer if we stay," he replied.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Isabelle and Captain Brandis were holding their own for the time being but it was clear they were losing the fight.&nbsp; Standing back to back the pair had managed to fend off the worst of it but it was clear both had been injured.&nbsp; Blood stained Captain Brandis's sleeve and darkened the back of his uniform.&nbsp; Isabelle's white fur showed a couple of signs of pink where her wounds had marred her snowy white appearance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Fall back!" Lauren shouted, using her powers to force an opening between her and Isabelle.&nbsp; Wasting no time, the pair took advantage of it, hurrying towards her and the exit.&nbsp; Lauren performed a spinning kick paired with thick cords of water guided by her movements which sent their attackers diving for cover.&nbsp; The reprieve was only temporary, as no sooner did she complete the act than their opponents rose to their feet.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wasting no time the group hurried to create some distance between them and their pursuers.&nbsp; Guided by Doctor Dunham they made their way to a small alley where they ducked behind some cover.&nbsp; The blue jay held his hand up for silence as the individuals chasing them hurried past.&nbsp; Once it was clear they were gone, Doctor Dunham exhaled.&nbsp; "Everyone all right?" he asked.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Relatively speaking," Captain Brandis replied.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Doctor Dunham scanned the street beyond for signs of pursuit.&nbsp; "It looks clear.&nbsp; Follow me."&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; Most of the buildings appeared to be either single dwelling homes or apartment buildings of less than a dozen units each.&nbsp; 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'.&nbsp; 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Removing a key from his pocket he opened the door and guided them inside.&nbsp; "Come on inside.&nbsp; It's my place."&nbsp; He gestured towards a couch and a few other chairs set about the main living space.&nbsp; "Make yourselves at home.&nbsp; It'll be a while before our friends figure out where we went.&nbsp; In the meantime I'll go get some medical supplies to treat your injuries."&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Thank you," Lauren said, walking to the window and casting a glance down towards the street below.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; Lauren turned away from the blinds upon hearing Jeremy's return to the room.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The blue jay carried in his arms bandages and other medical supplies which he set on the nearby table.&nbsp; "You'll have to forgive the mess.&nbsp; I wasn't planning on having guests, but we should be safe for the time being, at least."&nbsp; He arranged the various items on the table while he gestured for Captain Brandis to take a seat closer to the light source.&nbsp; "Take off your jacket, please," he said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The donkey removed his uniform tunic and set the dark blue jacket on the closest chair.&nbsp; "It's not as bad as it looks."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "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.&nbsp; Brandis winced as the doctor worked, trying to look over his shoulder.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "How bad is it?" he asked.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I've seen worse," the blue jay replied.&nbsp; "Nothing I can't patch up the old fashioned way.&nbsp; You might be a little sore for a bit but it looks like they didn't go too deep."&nbsp; He applied bandages and medical tape to hold the dressings in place and surveyed his handiwork.&nbsp; "Although it's probably too much to ask, try to stay in one piece."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I can't make any promises, doc," he replied, getting up.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Doctor Dunham smirked.&nbsp; "You folks never do."&nbsp; He examined Isabelle's arm with a look of deep concentration.&nbsp; "You got off lucky," he said.&nbsp; "This is hardly a scratch."&nbsp; He cleaned the wound with some alcohol pads and applied some gauze before taping it in place.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Isabelle looked up at Lauren.&nbsp; "So what's our next move?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I haven't thought that far ahead yet," she said.&nbsp; "Rafa Cantrell was far more organized than we expected.&nbsp; I think it's safe to assume we were on his radar the moment we stepped into town.&nbsp; 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."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Doctor Dunham nodded his agreement.&nbsp; "He is, and more.&nbsp; Even if you could call for help he'd be long gone by the time they arrived."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I assume retreat is not an option," Captain Brandis said.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You assume correctly.&nbsp; Even if we can flee I refuse to leave these people or anyone else at his mercy.&nbsp; We let them out of our sight who knows how long it will be before we track them down again," Lauren said.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Isabelle folded her arms.&nbsp; "As much as I hate to admit it we're not exactly in a position to take them all into custody.&nbsp; We only made it out of there in one piece because we were lucky."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "So we can't run, we can't fight, at least not directly, and we can't call for help," Captain Brandis said.&nbsp; "What does that leave?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lauren considered the problem, recalling the moments when they were face to face with Rafa in her memory.&nbsp; She thought back to where each person was standing, and then snapped her fingers.&nbsp; "Doc, you said that was where they met anyone who wanted to buy a crystal, yes?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "That's right," he said.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lauren nodded.&nbsp; "Did you notice anything missing when we arrived?"&nbsp; She looked at each member of the group in turn.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "They didn't have them there," Isabelle said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "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."&nbsp; Lauren leaned against the wall and crossed her hooves, folding her arms gently.&nbsp; She turned to the blue jay.&nbsp; "Do you know of any other place they could be keeping the crystals?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Unfortunately no," he replied.&nbsp; "The warehouse by the docks was the only place we ever had dealings and Rafa's men weren't the kind to share information.&nbsp; His people are crawling all over this town and most of us know better than to ask questions."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The blue haired zebra stepped away from the wall and nodded.&nbsp; "Then it would seem to leave us only one option.&nbsp; We need to go back to the warehouse."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Doctor Dunham puffed up his neck feathers in alarm.&nbsp; "Is that a good idea?&nbsp; We barely got out of there in one piece."&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It's our only lead.&nbsp; If you have a better idea I'm open to suggestions but under the circumstances I fail to see any alternatives," she said.&nbsp; "If you're concerned for your safety you don't have to come with us.&nbsp; Isabelle, Captain Brandis, and I can handle it."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The blue jay shook his head.&nbsp; "No, this is my town and you may just need me.&nbsp; I'm with you."&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "All right," she said.&nbsp; "We'll wait a while longer and then head back there to see what we can find. &nbsp;Stay sharp."&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; The doors remained closed and no sign of any activity arose to greet them.&nbsp; Even the exterior lights were turned off leaving the area dark other than the tiniest amount of ambient light from the stars above.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Anyone else feeling déjà vu?" the blue jay asked.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'm feeling something, but it's not déjà vu," the soldier replied.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lauren shook her head.&nbsp; "We need to get in there.&nbsp; Isabelle, can you freeze the lock?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yeah, just give me a moment."&nbsp; The arctic vixen walked up to the door and took the lock in her paw.&nbsp; Closing her fingers around it the lock began to freeze until the metal was so cold it shattered in her grip.&nbsp; She opened her grasp to the ground allowing the pieces to fall at her boots.&nbsp; "Shall we?" she pulled open the door, allowing Captain Brandis to enter first.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lauren followed, making sure to stay a few steps ahead of the doctor in the event of any danger.&nbsp; "Come on," she urged.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The door into the interior of the building was not secured in any way. &nbsp;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.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Anything?" she asked.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Not as far as I can tell," Captain Brandis reported.&nbsp; "If there was anything here it's long gone now."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Isabelle nodded in agreement.&nbsp; "I think it's safe to say this is not the center of their operations.&nbsp; For all we know they could have a bunch of facilities like this to meet with potential customers."&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "In which case it's going to be remarkably difficult to track them down," Lauren said.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The arctic vixen rubbed the back of her neck with her paw.&nbsp; "It's smart.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; This may not even be their building."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It probably isn't," Lauren said.&nbsp; "I doubt Rafa Cantrell is foolish enough to leave his name on the paperwork."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "So what do you want us to do?" Captain Brandis asked.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Conduct a sweep, make sure we didn't miss anything, then we'll go back to the ship for the time being," Lauren said.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Doctor Dunham held up a talon.&nbsp; "If you're looking for a place to stay I can offer my clinic for the time being.&nbsp; I haven't many overnight patients right now and I imagine it's a slight bit more comfortable than your ship.&nbsp; Besides, it will give me an excuse to prepare a proper meal.&nbsp; I don't often get to entertain guests, least of all people like yourselves.&nbsp; I'd welcome the company and it would be a way for me to thank you for all you're doing to help."&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lauren looked at the rest of her team and pursed her lips.&nbsp; The ship was a short range craft with no proper living quarters.&nbsp; The mission profile had not really called for a larger craft with any sort of overnight accommodations.&nbsp; That being the case their only option if they chose to stay on the ship would be to lay sleeping bags across the deck.&nbsp; Both Isabelle and Captain Brandis looked as tired as she did, and none of them had eaten a proper meal in several hours.&nbsp; "I think the others would kill me if I turned down your incredibly generous offer.&nbsp; I'd say you've got yourselves some houseguests, doc."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A thorough search of the warehouse revealed no further clues.&nbsp; Lacking any other alternatives the group retired to the relative safety of Doctor Dunham's clinic.&nbsp; After a hastily assembled meal the blue jay found suitable accommodations for them and bid them goodnight.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Despite her best efforts to do so, the Talwyn Water Master found herself stubbornly unable to sleep.&nbsp; After an hour of staring at the ceiling she sat up in the darkness cloaked in its shadows.&nbsp; Swinging her hooves over the edge of the bed she rose to stand and walked towards the doorway.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When she arrived at the front of the clinic she looked up to see a squirrel standing before her in the waiting area.&nbsp; Dressed in a long sleeved shirt he seemed to be holding himself and avoiding eye contact.&nbsp; Inches away from the bell to alert the staff he was here, he pulled his hand back upon seeing Lauren.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Can I help you?" she asked.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'm looking for Doctor Dunham," he replied.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'm sorry, but he's asleep right now.&nbsp; Are you hurt?" she asked, attempting to get a look at his injury.&nbsp; He pulled his arm away from her with a sudden twist, and it was then she saw the Talwyn crystal on his arm.&nbsp; Understanding his purpose for being here she blasted his chest with water, sending him though the window.&nbsp; Jumping out after him she no sooner set hoof outside than he darted off in the opposite direction.&nbsp; Giving chase, she hurried after the squirrel doing her best to ensure he did not slip away.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; Running as quickly as her hooves would carry her, she turned a tight corner to continue pursuit.&nbsp; Just when she thought she had almost lost sight of him he dashed down an alley.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lauren paused at the entrance knowing that it was likely another trap, but seeing no alternative she stepped forward.&nbsp; Once she had entered the private courtyard behind a building she did not recognize, a couple of Rafa's men blocked her escape.&nbsp; The blue haired zebra lowered her hands upon seeing his face in front of her.&nbsp; "Nice try back there."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I had hoped to get Doctor Dunham, but you'll do," he said, motioning for his men to move forward and restrain her.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She knew that fighting this many of them would be impossible in her current state.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; Without resistance she allowed the men to tie her wrists as they brought her closer to Rafa.&nbsp; She kept her eyes on the maned wolf, watching him for any reaction as he stared at her.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Precautions, you understand," he said.&nbsp; "I can't have you freeing yourself with a blast of water, not before we've had a chance to chat.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; Understood?" he asked in a tone that brooked no argument.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lauren nodded her assent as she was blindfolded and led out of the alley, away from the site of her abduction.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The room where they placed her was barren of any furniture or anything other than a bed bolted to the wall.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; The door was constructed of a thick metal with a large wheel inside to operate the mechanism.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With no other options but to bide her time, she remained standing while Rafa spoke to his men before entering the room.&nbsp; He waited until the door latched into place before speaking.&nbsp; "I apologize for the conditions of the room, but I assure you it is only temporary.&nbsp; I don't intend to keep you for long."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lauren looked past him at the door.&nbsp; "You might want to call some of your men back in here."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "If you're thinking of doing anything violent I would reconsider.&nbsp; 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."&nbsp; He gestured for her to sit but she remained standing.&nbsp; "Suit yourself, but it will have no impact on the length of my statements."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'll remain standing," she replied.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rafa offered a conciliatory gesture.&nbsp; "Very well."&nbsp; He began to pace the room slowly as he spoke.&nbsp; "I intend no harm to you or your companions.&nbsp; Provided that you do as I ask, no further violence will befall your party unless you force the issue."&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Watching him carefully she knew Rafa believed himself to be a reasonable man.&nbsp; Whatever his intentions it would serve no purpose to reject his proposal out of hand.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; "All right, I'll hear you out," she said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You and your companions will return to your ship and leave immediately.&nbsp; 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You know I can't agree to that," she replied, staring into his eyes.&nbsp; "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."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rafa scoffed at her.&nbsp; "You Talwyn masters are always so stubborn.&nbsp; Do you even know why they sent you after me?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Trafficking in stolen Talwyn crystals is illegal," she replied.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The maned wolf stepped closer.&nbsp; "Such an unimaginative answer."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I wasn't aware I was being evaluated," she responded.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "But that's what you do, isn't it?" he asked.&nbsp; "Evaluate people and determine if they're worthy to hold your precious crystals?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lauren tilted her head, watching him closely.&nbsp; "We ensure proper training in their use and make sure they stay in the right hands."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Is that so?" he asked.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It is," she replied.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Do you know how many more lives we could save if the Council didn't hoard the crystals?" he asked.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lauren shook her head.&nbsp; "The Council does not hoard the crystals."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "They don't allow free access to them either," he said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "No, we don't," she said.&nbsp; "Experience has shown that left uncontrolled the crystals can be dangerous.&nbsp; Even ones with an apparent benevolent purpose can be bent and twisted with in the wrong hands.&nbsp; By making sure that everyone who carries them has been properly licensed and trained, we can minimize the risk of anything going wrong."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "And while you do that people are left to suffer," he said.&nbsp; "I'm going to tell you a story."&nbsp; He turned away from her and spoke over his shoulder.&nbsp; "Before I ended up here I used to wear the uniform.&nbsp; I served in the military with distinction."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I've seen your service record," she said.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Then you know I used to be just like you.&nbsp; I followed orders, did as I was told, because I believed it would make a difference."&nbsp; He turned to face her and walked around her in a circle.&nbsp; "What a fool I was."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lauren remained where she stood turning her ears as he moved around her.&nbsp; "What happened?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He stopped before her and then closed his eyes for a moment.&nbsp; "I was serving my latest tour of duty when I received a letter from my sister.&nbsp; She was ill and needed treatment, but she was unable to travel and could not get to any of the larger cities.&nbsp; No one in the area had a healing crystal and conventional medicine had done little to help her.&nbsp; I had one with me, I was trained to use them, but I was unable to get away at the time."&nbsp; He clenched his paws into fists.&nbsp; "I tried to get someone to see her but with everything going on there simply weren't any medical units available.&nbsp; By the time I was able to secure leave and go to see her I was told she had just died the day before.&nbsp; The autopsy confirmed it was treatable.&nbsp; I simply didn't get to her fast enough."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'm sorry," Lauren said.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I don't need your pity," he said, striking her across the face.&nbsp; "It's because of people like you that my nephew will grow up without a mother.&nbsp; All because of your precious illusion that without your benevolent guiding hand we will descend into chaos."&nbsp; He grabbed her neck and stared down the length of her muzzle.&nbsp; "If you ask me I think we'd do just fine without you."&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "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."&nbsp; Lauren shook her head free from his grip.&nbsp; "The regulations are in place to protect everyone."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rafa smirked.&nbsp; "They did nothing to save my sister," he said.&nbsp; "I find it ironic that the only reason she isn't here anymore is because of one of these."&nbsp; The maned wolf removed a healing crystal from his pocket and held it in his open palm.&nbsp; "I intend to make sure that what happened to her never happens to anyone again."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You can't do that."&nbsp; Their eyes met as Lauren stood before him.&nbsp; "Isabelle will stop you."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I expect she'll try," he said.&nbsp; "And just like you, she will fail.&nbsp; There are more of us than you think, and we will not let you stop us."&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She relaxed her shoulders, never taking her eyes off of him.&nbsp; "I wouldn't be so sure about that."&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rafa walked to the doorway and knocked on it.&nbsp; "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.&nbsp; Either she accepts my proposal and goes back where she came from, or I'll make it too costly to continue pursuit."&nbsp; Without another word, he turned and left Lauren alone.

Source: https://sofurry.com/s/q1xa6Dpe
Part of the series Iridescence - Mission Logs
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