Soreyes in the meantime was losing his patience. After wandering around the Gorn environment for a while he was starting to get tired of all the endless chatter. Apparently, Gorn can be quite amicable when they wanted to be. Everyone that he talked to wanted to tell him this or show him that. Most of which was of no interest to him, however, he had to pay attention should something worthwhile actually surface.
He trudged on. Fortunately there was only an hour left. Besides he could use his dwindling water supply as an excuse to move on.
“Behold lads, that be the infamous Kaptain K’arrrrrrrbin.”
K’arbin turned slowly around to face the voice that came from the docks in the general direction of the Pirate ships. Standing there was another Kzin surrounded by an assorted group of other species. He was medium sized for a Kzin but powerfully built. His red tabby coloring was accentuated by the large shock of fur around his jowls. He was dressed in fairly suave but worn white shirt with puffy sleeves, a long silk scarf covered his head, and knee-high boots. The whole was finished off with tight leggings and a silken sash around his waist. K’arbin eyed the speaker.
“And you must be the notorious… Redbeard. It’s been a long time.”
“Aye, it has.”
The two glared at each other as if to bore a hole in his opponent.
“I see you haven’t changed your manner much,” said K’arbin coolly “How’s the leg?”
Redbeard’s right leg twitched as if in remembered pain. “It be aaaalmost as good as your missing fur. How’s yer head?”
It was K’arbins turn to wince. The fur had grown back, but it was scarred black, hence the singed appearence.
“At least my fur can regrow.”
Redbeards fur rippled and his ears lay back. His men inched away from him, sensing the coil before the strike. K’arbin delivered the final insult.
“I may be heavier, but your ugly and I can lose weight.”
With a howl of rage Redbeard drew a wtsai seemingly out of nowhere and flung it at K’arbin. In the split second before it made contact and energy bolt appeared and vapourized it, mere inches from K’arbin’s skull. It was however, off target and disappeared into the air at K’arbins left.
Redbeard gaped at K’arbin. He hadn’t moved. He hadn’t even flinched. He just grinned and fluttered his ears.
“I see your throwing arm is a good as always.” K’arbins voice eerily calm. “When you left years before you were but a learner.” He paused “You still are the learner.”
Security appeared and stood between the two. They outnumbered the pirates and all were equipped with heavier weapons.
“All right that’s enough.” Spoke the leader, then turned to Redbeard “YOU were told no weapons. Return to your ship until further notice.”
Redbeard sneered at the sergeant and turned to comply. The rest of his men followed. When they had dispersed, the sergeant turned to K’arbin.
“Are you all right sir?”
“I’m fine sergeant, thank you. No harm done.” The sergeant eyed him.
“Do you know him?” K’arbin paused then drew a breath and sighed.
“He was pupil of mine, until he turned to piracy.” He looked at the sergeant. “Patience was never his strong suit. He wanted everything right away.”
“Well, I suggest you depart for now. He won’t be in good mood if he is allowed back.”
“That’s quite alright sergeant, I think my data is ready now.” K’arbin turned and entered the office, picked up his data disk and left.