[Kairu]

============================================================= Slipspace – Infinity's Voyage – En Route to Midnight – Captain's Office – 1510 Hours - October 9th 2555 ============================================================= It had been about an hour since the Infinity's Voyage entered slipspace. Cochraine had spent her time getting the situation report from her XO and assessing the damage done from the skirmish over Sanfran. Although she tried to stay busy, her mind was still replaying the events that occurred on the moon. While she expected conflict, she didn't expect the Trust to show up. She thought about it and concluded that they were likely eavesdropping on the Shipnet conversation. As Cochraine continued to fill out her report, Fireteam Harmony, with Silverblur between the three other Spartans walked into the office. Robertson: "He wanted to talk to you, Captain." Cochraine saw that Silverblur still had his weapons. She wasn't worried about her life. She knew that Silverblur was smart and wouldn't kill her on her own ship. Not when he was alone. She figured Fireteam Harmony would be his greatest opposition, and she had faith he could do it, but it would be unwise and pointless. Cochraine saved her report, giving Silverblur her attention. Cochraine: "What can I do for you?" Silverblur stood forward, stepping away from Fireteam Harmony and towards the desk. Silverblur: "I want to continue negotiating. I don't think you have intentions of honoring your deal." Cochraine sat upright and stiff in her chair. Cochraine: "What makes you think I wouldn't?" Silverblur: "Don't treat me like an alien, Captain. We both know ONI won't accept. It wouldn't be in their best interests. Not to mention, I'm a criminal. I'd be detained and apprehended as soon as the Trust was defeated." Cochraine sighed lightly, knowing Silverblur was telling the truth. Cochraine: "You're right, ONI likely would not honor the arrangement, but we do need your help to fight the Trust." Silverblur: "What do I get out of it? My intelligence network is just as sophisticated and intricate as ONI's and the Trust's. I have access to the same level of technology and supplies. I also have equivalent numbers. The difference is that I've always made a mark. I've never hid myself or my intentions. Other than the Bismarck, there is literally nothing I want from you." Cochraine: "That's why the attacks have stopped over the course of the last few years." Silverblur: "Exactly. While I've only been focusing my attacks on the Trust, it's only been for a personal reason." Cochraine: "Then I don't know what else to say. We want your help, but I can't give you anything that you would find valuable. I guess that means negotiations are over." Silverblur: "Tell you what, I can make a different deal. I'll help you fight the Trust, but I'm not going risk my people's lives for a ship I can't have. Instead, when I return to my ship, I will give you the list of all Trust bases, outposts, and stations that I know of." Cochraine thought about it for a moment, cautiously deciding whether or not to bite the offer. Cochraine: "How do I know the intel is reliable?" Silverblur: "I used to be a part of the Trust." Cochraine would have been surprised if it hadn't been for the fact she suspected as much. It was even mentioned in his profile that he may have had ties to the Trust and that's why they were still actively looking for him for so long. Cochraine: "And what would you want for this information?" Silverblur shook his head. Silverblur: "Nothing. You and your team helped me out down there when you could have walked away. I appreciate it and I don't like owing favors to anyone." Cochraine: "Alright, I can't say I blame you. You have a deal. I'll inform you when we exit slipspace so you can radio your ships to get you." Silverblur nodded in a semi-formal manner. Silverblur: "It's been a pleasure, Captain. And I just wanted to say, you do look like you're doing well. I'm sure Reynolds would have been proud." The compassion and sincerity in Silverblur's voice disturbed Cochraine. For 15 years, she pursued the pirate as a hostile element. Now, for seemingly no reason, they seem to have become closer towards acquaintances and in the direction of being friends. It made her rather uncomfortable. But instead of letting a rage set in, she simply accepted the compliment and did her best to move on. Reynolds was still a touchy subject for her, but hearing someone speak with kind sincerity about him helped Cochraine feel like his death wasn't entirely in vain. Cochraine watched Fireteam Harmony escort Silverblur out of the office and out of sight. She reopened her report and resumed her work. While not what she hoped for in terms of reward to the mission, what she did agree to should be worth something to ONI, especially that it was free. She only hoped that the information would be accurate.