Star Trek: Terra Alpha

When it Happens (Don’t Mind Me)

The bar was empty, there was still about an hour until Joe had to open. The intel guys had been quiet or at least keeping to their selves for the majority of the day. Honestly, Joe hadn’t noticed he’d had a lot on his mind since Tali moved out of the upstairs apartment and into the compound. He understood her desire to be near her grandkids. If he had any he’d want to do the same. But he couldn’t help but miss her.

What could a woman like her see in an old man like him? He was a washed-up bartender who’d seen one or two wars only to lose both legs in a shuttle accident. He was old and though Tali might have been old enough to be Kinsey’s mother she sure as hell didn’t look a day older than Kinsey. He was a foolish old man. Tali was funny, beautiful, and those lavender eyes. He knew how Jack must have felt when he first met Kinsey. Joe knew he didn’t stand a chance in hell with her. He didn’t know why he’d resolved to ask her to dinner when she got back. Her moving out had put a damper on those plans though.

“Foolish old man.” Joe said to himself as he finished polishing a glass and added it to the growing stacking.

“We’re in agreement.” A female voice said as cold steel pressed against his throat.

Joe tried to catch a glimpse of the woman in the side mirror, but her face was obscured behind a hood.

“I wouldn’t.” She told him as he reached for the phaser under the bar.

“Something I can help you with then?” Joe asked as he moved his hand away.

“Tali’Zohra of Rayya, where is she?” She demanded pressing the knife harder drawing a thin line of blood.

Clint walked into Joe's mainly to check on his messages but also to clear his head for a minute before the dinner with Bella and Jon. He saw a hooded figure standing by the bar with Joe.

"Hey... let my bartender go lady." Clint said as he drew a small pistol cross bow from his jacket. "Put the knife down."

She shifted positions placing Joe between her and Clint. Her eye drifting to the small cross bow, an odd weapon to carry.

“This young lady is looking for Tali. You wouldn’t be able to help her with that would you?” Joe said wincing as the knife shifted.

"Who's asking... Tali'Zorha is practically family." Clint said as he kept his weapon pointed at her. "Besides, why threaten a bartender... you know he'll just pour you the crap he keeps under the bar if you make him mad.'

“Good thing I don’t really care. Now answer the question.” She demanded. “I’d really hate to torture it out of either of you. I’m a little pressed for time.”

"She's fine... who are you and why do you care?" Clint asked more instantly. "Put the man down and let me get you a drink... we can talk like adults."

This was getting her nowhere and time was short she needed to find Tali and these people were getting in her way.

“Where is Tali?” She demanded more aggressively and winced in pain.

“Hey kid you alright?” Joe inquired as he felt her grip loosen slightly.

She tightened it instantly and cursed herself for letting her weakness show.

“Tali’Zohra is my reasonability. Where is she?” She asked again allowing her desperation to show.

Clint closed the distance. "She's with my kid and her grandchildren... and that's all I'll tell you until I know who the frak you are."

“So, she did it then? She found the right reality.” She said as she let Joe go and staggered slightly. “All she use to talk about was her daughter and the grandkids she hoped she’d get to meet one day.”

Selene slipped the knife back into its sheath as she held her side. There was a small patch of blood soaking thru her shirt.

“I used to guard Tali’Zohra for Jackson Ryder.” She said as she pushed her hood back. “I’m Selene Lanara.”

Clint just blinked and stared at her. "S... Selene?" he dropped his weapon. "You... you've been hurt..." he looked around. "Joe, where's your med kit?"