Author's note: Hey all, so were closing in on the end of Ted's story, maybe two more posts. It will be the end of both book three and the series. And being a big jerk, I'm going on vacation. So yeah... expect a week delay or so before the last two posts or so go up, to finish out the series. I know some of you probably think I'm losing my mind, an eight woman harem, and now an alien princess on the side. It's all Ted's fault... he's a total slut.
The action should pick up a bit in the last two posts or so, you know, when I get back from vacation. This post is relationship heavy, just how it worked out. Anyway, I'll shut up now, enjoy...
Chapter Twelve
He walked down the stairs into the tavern and took a look around, and then walked over to the table and sat down. He'd seen when he logged in that they were all on. Ray, Kathy, Bill, and Tom all nodded at him as he waved at the wench across the room.
"Afternoon, what's going on? Good to see you two," he said to Kathy and Ray.
Not to leave out Tom and Bill, but he'd wondered where the other two were since Tom mentioned they hadn't been around.
Ray shrugged, "You aren't the only terrorist you know," he quipped, and then he snickered. It looked like he had a slight buzz.
Kathy glared at Ray, but bit her lip as her lips twitched anyway.
She explained, "Our youngest was suspended for a week, for being threatening. That's why we weren't around."
He frowned, "Threatening?"
Ray snorted, "He drew a picture of a new sword he got while gaming. It was actually really cool looking, and he just wanted to show his friends. Apparently even a picture of a weapon is too threatening and influential on tender young minds."
His mouth dropped open, "Seriously?"
Kathy nodded in disgust, "He doesn't really get it, but we had to teach him to not talk about or even reference gaming anymore if he was in school. The damned school threatened us with children services if he ever gets in trouble again."
He winked at the scantily clad tavern wench in thanks as she handed him an ale, she winked back before flouncing away.
Tom frowned, "I didn't see you order that."
He shrugged, "I waved at her on the way to seat. I always get the same thing."
Tom nodded.
He wondered if the good service was more gratefulness from the A.I.s and asked, "Is that strange?"
Tom shrugged, "I suppose not."
Kathy asked him, "So what's going on with you, what's the real story behind your terrorism?"
He just explained the bare bones, "They were holding someone I care about. I didn't hurt anyone, but I did blow out a window on the tenth floor, and helped someone leave that was being held as a national security asset against their will."
Bill cleared his throat, "They say there were explosions in the field next to the building?"
He nodded in agreement, "Yes, some jets tried to take out the ship with air to air missiles. The ship redirected their fire into an empty field. The explosions were the government's doing. The fact that no one got harmed by it was mine. Or at least, my ship's."
Ray shook his head, "They're saying you were responsible. Figures."
"Well, I did break the law. Technically, so were they by holding someone against their will in an attempt to seize their technology. I'm not very broken up about it."
Tom frowned, "I don't mean to play devil's advocate, but the government is allowed to seize properties, even intellectual, for national interests."
"Maybe, but they can also be sued to justify it. There's a reason they snatched the scientist on the street, instead of just seizing the data from Cyber Dreams."
Kathy sighed, "Good point Ted," she switched tracks, "You all jumped ahead of us this past week, so we're going to kill stuff."
Ray snickered, "Yup, while I imagine it's a certain principal."
Kathy giggled as they stood up and then they left the tavern for outside.
Bill, Tom, and himself talked for a little while longer as he drank down his ale and got started with the second one, when he got a message.
Kara: Come upstairs, our usual room.
Ted: Be right there.
"Got to run guys, see you later?" he asked before he drained the rest of the ale number two and stood up.
Tom and Bill nodded, and Bill said, "Later Ted, watch your back."
"I will."