"[i]The theory being they will have to spend time retrieving her before they come after us[/i]." 

Neil flipped on the altitude indicator and unhooked the landing gear as she spoke. "And somehow, I am ok with that." He said, grabbing the shift stick and pushing the throttle forward the slightest bit as the Goldenhawk began to lift off the ground sluggishly. It wobbled a bit, though it was a sharp, jerking movement back and forth. "Whoa-oa," he marveled, laughing. "this bird is precise." His next movement was far more fluid, albeit slow. 

The fighter turned, and soon they found themselves outside of the hanger and passing by the floating Nia as they sped back out into space towards the Node. As Neil turned on the deflector shields in case of the unlikely event the police were even more efficient than he thought possible and had targeted them, Sayeeda finally received a transmission. The cockpit blared a familiar cockney accent, cheery yet automated. 

"Ello 'ello! This tha Capm'?" 

"Lonney?" Junebug asked, incredulity overriding her usual commanding voice. "Where is Taya?" 

"Not sure, Capm." Lonney said. "She was hiding out in the [i]Highlander[/i] after an attack by some roight propa street thugs, but Cheng's men 'ad come by and taken care o' that lot. She went out to thank 'em and next thing I know she's being led away out through the eastern wing o' the hanger. Seemed a bit strange. Couldn't quite get a good look at the angle an I couldn't hear o' course, but she didn't look like it was willing." 

Neil sighed, air blowing out of his bottom lip to ruffle his bangs. "Goddammit Lonney," Neil scolded, though honestly he would have trusted Cheng's men until about an hour ago. He couldn't quite blame the AI too much. "Just make sure you're on lock down until we get there." 

"Oh yeah. Some tried t' get in after they up an' took her. Oh they 'ad another thing coming. Locked down first mate si-" 

The AI was suddenly cut off by another transmission that overrode the conversation. Another automated voice, one that Neil recognized as Delilah. "Evening officer." She began, and the two gave each other an understanding look of frustrated embarrassment. "Your approach to the Node is noted, and yet I have not received the mandatory access codes. Please give your ship's number and codes, and the reason for your visit." 

Even before the AI finished, Sayeeda was rifling through under their seats to find the codes, and Neil tried to stall. "Uuuuuh in a minute...[i]baby[/i]. By the way, you sound different since last I was in the system. Did they give you a new patch because r-r-r-r-r-reowr." Sayeeds stopped and looked at him, mouthing 'are you flirting with the AI?' Neil lifted his hands in abject defeat and they both began searching as the AI replied. "I have received numerous upgrades the past two galactic years. Thank you for noticing." 

Sayeeda uncrumpled the bit of paper they had found and Neil sighed with relief that it was the right codes. "Yes uh, the ship's number is 24A19 and the access codes are 71893587." 

"The reason for your visit?" 

"...We're just on a booze run?" 

"Access to the hanger is granted. Welcome." 
[@Penny]