literature

Facets - Chap 8

Deviation Actions

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Dakar took a light nap to pass the time, rising when it was announced that breakfast was available in the cafeterias over a speaker. Instead of the cafeterias, he beelined for Pod B, hoping to catch Siagna before she got lost in the masses of hungry turians.  Having not seen her, or her child, among the throng as he approached, he went into Room 10.  There, he spotted her just inside, fiddling with her daughter’s clothing. 

“Just how did you get your top so twisted last night?” the mother was saying. 

“Mom!  You know I’m an active sleeper!” the little girl said, squirming a bit. 

“I’ll say…I got bruises from all the times you kicked me last night,” she muttered.  “I hardly got any sleep….” 

“Mom.”  Ousa was looking aright at him.  “The funny face man is here.” 

“Who?”  Siagna turned around and faced him, her eyes widening in surprise.  “Oh…I….can I help you?” 

Dakar glanced around the room, checking to see how many others were left.  There were a few stragglers, even a couple still sleeping, but they seemed absorbed in their own affairs.  “Siagna Akdros, I presume?” he asked, stepping closer. 

Her reaction was clearly fearful.  She grabbed her daughter and put her behind her protectively.  “What do you want?” she demanded.  “If you work with my ex, you are not taking her!” 

“Easy now….” Dakar raised both hands up in a calming gesture.  “While the subject of your ex is on my mind, I do not work for him.  I’d rather turn in my fangs, than to work with someone of his suspected involvement.” 

He saw the light of realization appear in her eyes.  “You’re a vakar,” she stated.  “How’d you end up here?” 

“Wrong place…wrong time.”  Dakar gave a helpless shrug.  “However, despite being out of my element, I am still driven to protect those in need.  Needless to say, the accusations against your ex-husband caught my attention and I wish to help, if I can.” 

“If your kind really do as you say, then it is a breath of fresh air in my book,” Siagna sighed.  “This whole thing…I feel like everyone I turned to either were working for that bastard or otherwise had their hands tied.  It was a miracle I was able to keep Ousa with me….” 

“Indeed.  That said, I cannot act on accusations and suspicions: I need proof of deed and intent.  I heard you had such proof during your divorce proceedings?”  He tilted his head to one side, looking at her hopefully. 

Siagna nodded grimly.  “I did.  I provided an audio file of him talking to one of his ‘clients’.” Her face twisted with disgust.  “It was circumstantial at best, but enough for me to win custody.  There should be a copy in the case file.” 

“Unfortunately, that copy has apparently disappeared, according to my source,” Dakar said regrettably. 

“Figures…damn cowardly, corrupt fools.”  She was quiet a moment before sighing and adding.  “I do have the original locked in a safe at home but….” 

“You suspect his goons are going through your house right now to find it,” Dakar finished for her.  “A suspicion I share.” 

“I-if I lose that, I’ll have nothing to counter him if he tries to claim custody again.” She brought Ousa around and hugged her tightly.  “I’d rather die than to allow him to use her for his sick business.  If only I had recognized the signs sooner….” 

“I would not give up all hope just yet.”  He stepped up close to her and whispered in her ear.  “The case you brought to bear against him has gotten the attention of the Council and they have sent spectres here to investigate a possible connection to a much bigger case.” 

Siagna gasped, one hand covering her mouth.  “Spirits…if he is really that deep, then….” 

“I tell you this because the spectre I encountered had mind to use her…” He nodded toward Ousa. “As bait to lure him out of the control center. I gave her a few choice words on that idea…I assure you.” 

“Spirits….”  The color drained from her face.  “I-I’ve heard spectres can do what they want, but….” 

“You can probably guess why I, nor the rest of my kind, are keen on them.” He growled faintly, wondering if Irzia would still try to use the girl as bait despite his warning.  “I would suggest keeping her close and not letting her out of your sight.” 

“Oh I am already doing that the best I can,” Saigna muttered.  “Thing is, I’m not sure if I can keep her with me when my time comes to be interviewed.” 

Dakar frowned at this.  “There is no one you know and trust you can leave her with?”  She shook her head and he scratched his chin, considering, then shook his head.  “I’m afraid there’s not much I can offer in that regard, ma’dam.  I am assigned to a different pod and my being in this one is likely raising suspicion.  However, if, spirits forbid, something does happen, come find me immediately.  I’m in Pod E, Room 7:  during the day, I’ll likely be the only one sleeping in there.  If not, cot 48 and my name is Dakar.” 

He heard repeat the information a few times to herself, likely to ensure she remembered it.  “Thank you, Dakar, I will remember this.” 

“My pleasure.” He gave a slight bow.  “And let us hope you will not require my services.” 

“I feel the same.  Good day to you.”  She nodded her head in thanks. 

As Dakar turned and started walking away, he heard Ousa speak up for the first time since he introduced himself.  “Mama, what’s a vakar?” 

“A vakar…,” Saigna replied softly.  “Is a defender of innocents.  Punisher of the guilty.” 

“Does that mean he will punish daddy?” The little girls tone was both curious and solemn.  He didn’t hear the mother’s response, but he was fairly certain Saigna would give her an age appropriate answer.   

Dakar quickly headed back to his Pod and room, then plopped heavily onto his cot with a sigh.  He quickly drifted off, hoping he got a full days sleep. 

It was not to be. 

It felt like he had just started dreaming when he was awakened by something heavy landing in the cox beside him.  When he opened his eyes, he found himself staring at a familiar little face.  “Ousa,” he muttered sleepily.  “What are you doing here?” 

“Hi!” Ousa replied happily.  “Mama had to leave for a bit so she asked this guy to bring me to you until she’s back.”  She pointed to beside the cox.  Standing beside the cot was an apologetic looking guard, whom looked familiar but he couldn’t quite place from where in his sleep hazed state. 

“My apologies, sir,” the guard sighed.  Dakar finally recognized him as the guard that escorted him back to the processing area.  “Her mother wasn’t allowed to bring her daughter with her to the interrogation and had no one else to turn to.” 

“I understand,” Dakar commented groggily, sitting up.  I’ll just add this to the list of ‘bad luck’ things that have happened to me since I got here, he thought.  “Got out of jail guard duty, eh?” 

“Wasn’t needed there anymore,” the man said, slightly surprised he remembered him.  “Especially since it seemed everyone is behaving themselves now.” 

Yeah, I imagine a good dose of fear after killing a couple of innocents would do that, Dakar thought with a snort.  Thoughts that he wanted to put voice to, but dare not with Ousa there.  “How long do you think it will take?” he asked. 

“Don’t know, depends on who’s doing the interrogation,” the man shrugged.  “Hopefully, not long.” 

I hope not either, he thought as the guard took his leave.  Dakar looked down at Ousa, whom looked up back him with a big smile on her face and looking positivity bursting with energy.  Lack of sleep, starting to get hungry…and I’m expected to babysit a kid.  Spirits, can’t I catch a break here? 

No Dakar, you may not.


Short one this time, in part due to lack of motivation and a big chunk of my free time no longer existing (getting a full time job will do that :P).

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Xeno-Sapian's avatar
It seems to be Dakar's lot in life (a very long life, admittedly). :D