*I am, though the mission is partly for her, partly for myself,* Nevan confirmed. *Stay linked while I report; she'll want to commend you personally.* He sensed Owajima's agreement, and reached for his chosen lady. *Thakur?* *Here, thakur-na,* was the immediate response--then Nevan shared her amusement as she 'felt' his bonds. *You are satisfied with security, then.* *It's tight,* Nevan confirmed. *And I'm really impressed by Major Owajima's skill. He got past my ship defenses without leaving a trace. It was a beautiful ambush.* *It is he I sense linked with you?* *Yes, Thakur.* Nevan felt her attention center on the other. *I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Major,* she sent. *I apologize for any difficulties you experienced as a result of Nevan's pursuit; his purpose, at my request, was to test the security protecting field agents, including his target's self-protection. As you heard, he is satisfied. So am I, and since you proved able to stop him, I will place a commendation in your records.* *Thank you, sir.* Owajima smiled. *It is good to know our protections are adequate against one of the warrior Nevan's ability; any other, then, could penetrate them only by chance.* *True.* Corina projected amusement. *Are you on assignment?* *No, sir. I have just finished a post-mission leave, and have been ordered to Terra for a tour with OSI.* *You won't like it,* Nevan predicted. *Assignments think they're doing us a favor when they give us a planetside tour--a rest break, I heard one call it--but those always bored me.* *If it gets too bad, Major,* the Ranger sent sympathetically, *see me, and I will have you given a field assignment. It is the least I can do after setting Nevan on your trail.* *I will, sir, and thank you.* *Before I break contact, thakur-na, is there anything further you need?* *Not really, Thakur--if you don't have anything else for me, I'll offer Major Owajima a ride back to Terra.* *That will be fine. Enjoy the trip--I must endure this reception for Duke Shirley. Until your return, thakur-na.* *Until then, Thakur.* The contact ended, and Nevan grinned up at his captor. "Satisfied, Major?" "Perfectly, warrior. And I will accept your offer of a ride." Owajima holstered his gun, then undid Nevan's bonds. "I have wished to meet you for some time; I regret only the circumstances." Nevan sat up, rubbing his wrists. "Same here, maybe more so. I was after you in particular because my bio-father left you his personal weapons when he died last month." "Oh? Knowing Sandemans, I assume there was a reason." "Uh-huh. He was the one you gave need-release to on Piper's World." "Ah." Owajima smiled. "I should not have broken cover to do so, but I had seen one warrior die that way when we were prisoners of the Traiti, and I could not let another go through such agony unaided." "That's what he told me, not long after I finished my agent's training. Do you need to get anything before we go?"