STAR WARS: RETROSPECTION- Initiation

How far is that from Bespin?

As Rianna's had a poor experience with the Mecrossans, she automatically dislikes this even more.

"Where are you planning on going next?" she asks. "And why can I not just heal fully?"

If I could, I could actually stand a chance to get out of here... she thinks to herself.

Quite a ways! I would tell you exactly if I had my map handy. In any case, Bespin is in the Outer Rim territories, while the Tapani Sector is inside the Colonies, a segment of Republic space out on the fringes.

"Because you will try to escape if you are physically capable of it," Rand says. "Right now, you are not. And I do not want to have to do anything to make sure that you do not. These injuries I did not inflict, as you know."

"Fine," Rianna snaps, not wanting to push that any further. Rand's nearly killed her before, she'd rather not have that happen a third time. "What about my first question?"

"That remains to be seen," Rand says. "I am waiting for further instruction from the Mecrossans. Using these facilities undocumented still comes at a cost, even if I am not paying for it."

"So they're going to send you out on an errand."

"Yes," Rand says. "Though not all of us are in the condition to perform tasks for the Mecrossa Order. Are we, Vash?"

Vash just scowls.

"So I will be sending others in my stead. The Order does not care so long as the deed is done, whatever the deed may be."

Rianna can't help but smirk at Vash's irritation briefly.

"Who are you sending?" she asks, not sure if she thinks that being included or being left behind would be the worse option.

Rand just smiles.

"Not you. You will be staying with Vash and I."

"...oh." Rianna simply says. She does not like that, not at all...

"It would be difficult for you to train under me if you were not with me," Rand says.

"I don't trust him as far as I could throw him," Rianna says, glancing at Vash.

"I did not ask for your trust, did I?" Rand says. "Nor did Vash. Vash does not trust me, nor do I trust Vash. Our alliance is based on survival."

"Being anywhere near him is not going to be helpful for my survival..." Rianna says quietly.

"Actually, it will be," Rand says. "You will see."

"I am fed up with being told that I'll see! I want some actual damn answers, Rand, or did you seriously think that I'd be content to just sit back and let you continue to manipulate me and try and control me?" Rianna responds, finally starting to lose her temper a bit.

"If I could simply transplant the knowledge that experience brings, I would," Rand says. "As it is, I cannot."

He pauses.

"I can sense your anger... it becomes you, Rianna. Embrace it."

"No. I will not," Rianna replies. "You aren't manipulating me any longer."

With that, she's had about enough of dealing with everyone, and she is heading for the door as quickly as her injuries will allow.

"Do you not want to wreak your vengeance on Zaltus?" Rand asks as you move to leave.

"For following your orders? No, Rand, the person I'd like to do that to is right here in front of me."

Rand just laughs.

"I see. I can tell you right now that you are not leaving without me. And I am not yet ready to depart."