Whispers in the Dark

[Victor Steiner]

Of all the places to be called to, Trafalgar station was the last place he expected to be called to. It had been just under 2 years since he had been back to Bretonia, his brothers and he hadn't even bothered to look out the windows as they entered Cambridge. While Alfred took William, Alexandria and John back to their old home, Edmund and Victor continued on New London. The Liner lingered over the planet for what seemed like an age, with neither brother saying much, simply staring at the Capital.

I've always hated this place. Edmund said at long last, breaking the silence that had accompanied them from the Border. The rain just makes life hard. Everything is a grind...why did we come back?
Victor stood next to him quietly for a few moments before letting out a sigh I don't know he finally said We are missed I suppose.
Edmund said nothing and as the liner slowly began it's final approach, both returned to their seats.

The terminal was largely empty, save for a few domestic and private yachts, theirs was the only interhouse liner for the moment, and the pair soon managed to find a small table in one of the teahouses. They looked around, watching the other passengers wander about the terminal. Most were professional, and likely on New London for work or business, but there was the odd aristocrat floating about, even some Kusarians, but It wasn't long before Edmund had to leave. O'Brian wasn't going to wait forever, and although Edmund would preferred to have stayed in Rheinland, he did agree to meet her in person. They bid each other farewell, and Victor watched his brother disappear into the crowd.

Now alone, Victor lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply before blowing out a ring of smoke. He repeated this a few more times before standing up and walking down one of the private causeways to a slightly rougher part of the terminal. Eventually he came across a group of people all chatting and leaning against the walls or sitting on the floor, the causeway leading out into what looked like a long forgotten transport terminal. He kept walking before being stopped by a middle aged woman covered in tattoos and stained with grease. Not so fast friend. This is a private hanger, no outsiders. She said as she raised her arm to block him. I'm expected my dear. Came the quiet reply Your boss was quite keen I pay him a visit
She eyed him for a few moments before her scowl turned into a grin, A thousand credits will see you safe and sound friend... Victor cocked an eyebrow. Stunned at the audacity, amused by the cheek. He wordlessly transferred the woman her money, and she took him into the hanger.

A rusting hulk that may have once looked like a transport was her idea of 'safe and sound', if Victor didn't know any better, he'd have accused it of being an oversized coffin. Throughout the flight the whole ship groaned like a beast in agony, the few lights that actually worked sparked and flickered and they traveled via the trade lanes to what was once Southampton Shipyard. Twisted and broken bits of metal still serving as a hellish reminder of the Gallic breakthrough from Leeds.

Soon his destination came into view, Trafalgar. The landing was rough and the air was foul. Another thousand credits went just trying to find someone to direct him, finally a young man took him to the Arbiter. He was abandoned just outside the door by his guide, and to his surprise, there was the soft sounds of music coming through the door. Victor didn't bother knocking, he was slightly more interested in finding out what had Rick so jumpy, even if the journey to get here was longer than expected.

Mister Tiltman...Rick, how very nice to see you again, my friend.

---