"We need to go west," I informed her, turning to glance behind us. The odd lasbolt flew our way from the cars behind us, but they were around 20 meters to our back, attempting to blind us with their brights. I poked my upper torso out of the window once more, controlling my breathing much like I do when I use my psychic power. Extending my arm, I gently squeezed until I felt the 'lock sliding in place' as it were. I fired three shots into the leading car, and I swore I hit the driver. My suspicion was vindicated when the car swerved, threatening to hit the other vehicle but instead flying off into a corner store, crashing through a large window. The shattering glass audible even at this distance. 

"I need something more specific than that," Emmaline said as I slipped back into my seat. The last vehicle in pursuit was playing it a bit more safely, for now. I glanced at her and gave a brief nod, though she wouldn't see it. I tried to review the direction we had taken from the Banquet Hall and picture the brief time I had looked at a map of the city when on the Caledonia. I was certain she was about to ask again when I spoke, the information dawning on me as if from a dream. 

"We're heading north, so turn left." 

She did so immediately. My head would have hit the window if it was rolled up, but instead my shoulder hit the door and my hair was pummeled by the wind. She made the first street left that she could see, which had been about five meters ahead of us. [i]At least our pursuer's might be taken off guard[/i], I thought fascetiously. 

"Sorry!" Emmaline said guiltily, and I could tell she meant it. 

"No harm done. I believe this street will end in a couple of miles. Once it does, don't stop." I informed her. A plan forming in my head. She raised an eyebrow and glanced at me. Lights flitted across the dash and illuminated our faces every moment as we barreled down the street. A few drunkards and a young couple languidly walking down the walkway were startled by the vehicle flying past them. I had been in worse situations, but every time one stepped into danger, it could be the last time. My mind worked double-time, fact checking what I had seen the previous hour. "Once we get back to the Hotel Imperial, we'll need to go over our cover-story and you can contact the Ignatius fellow you danced with." 

The men had been after Blasius Deckard, but such backup warranted an attack on a competent Inquisitor and his retinue. Which meant whoever hired them knew of my true identity, but had not deigned to tell the assassins. He must have informed them to remain cautious and given someone high commission on the bounty. Well, at least if I reveal myself at anytime, they'll realize they were set up. 

"Julius Mercutio Ignatius," She said, reciting the name from memory. "And I am a Magus of Xenoarchaeology."

"Did you tell him you are also a good kisser?" I asked. I certainly had brevity at times. The fires of youth and my own personal lack of discipline were difficult to dim. I could see my companion smile. 

"It did not come up." She cooed, and we shared a look of significance that was hard to describe. If I had to put it succinctly, it was one part hesitation, one part excitement, and two parts yearning. Once again, the God Emperor saved us at that moment. Before the window, a light flashed. We both looked to see a lazy bronto vehicle pulling out from a side street. Emmaline squealed and I cursed, and she turned the steering wheel. Abruptly the vehicle tipped, I swear we nearly flipped, but instead of turning into a disaster, the groundcar swerved into an alley that Inquisitor Kronus would have called 'devilishly convenient.' Steel scraped on stone, and it was difficult to tell if we stampeded over a drunkard or not. Trash lay scattered and a few bits were tossed into the air as the car skidded to a halt. 

We stayed there, still and quiet, and less than ten heartbeats passed before the vehicle tailing us sailed passed our position. It looked like I needn't go with my previous plan, after all. We waited five minutes in a silence I could only describe as loud, before we decided we could pull out and make it back to the hotel. A mile from the place, we ditched the car in a lot. 

[hr] 
[i]An hour later...[/i] 

Lazarus had been busy while we were gone. He had moved the couch in the central quarters and made a place to install his cogitator, tapping into the public servers and records to be utilized at a moment's notice. With him was a man from Urien's crew, the Captain having already gone back up with the shuttle for now. Bolskad I remembered his name was. One of the younger members of the crew. He did what he was told and was slightly more savvy to normal Imperial ways than his more eccentric elders aboard the Caledonia. As we walked in, Lazarus was busy on the computer as Bolskad was moving a chair and hooking up various plugs with one another, color coded for his convenience. Had I been Blasius Deckard, I would have been appalled at the partial butchering of the expensive room. 

The suite was suitable for five guests, with a luxury bathroom decked with various appliances and a vast tub to lounge in, connected between two rooms. The other two rooms had smaller, more personal bathrooms connected via their interior. I had taken up residence in the northeastern room, setting up a desk there and placing my personal effects and dossiers on its wooden top. The bed was kingsized, but I had not used it as of yet. I hardly slept when planet-side and on the job. The central chamber we found ourselves in had a step down den and a kitchen and dining area above, the chairs embroidered with a haute couture flair. On the walls were large air conditioning vents and local paintings that would likely fetch a pretty penny. 

"Whoa, er... hchello sir," Bolskad began. I was not certain if he was admiring Emmaline or seeing the debris we had accumulated on ourselves. Granted, the wind from the car window helped.

"What happened?" The tech-priest inquired ponderously. 

"Report," I ordered.

"All on your dataslate." Lazarus informed me. "We are connected to the Gralinmakke network and I am uploading the database to find central government access. Just in time, it seems." 

"Don't get comfortable. I now own a moderately successful apartment building downtown." I informed them. Lazarus swiveled to look at me, his cold, penetrating eyes trying to see if I were joking or not. Bolskad just looked tired. My smile betrayed my half-lie. "I'm not lying, but I won't move you. If people are looking for me, they'll likely to search there. I won it in a public bet, after all." 

"Unsurprising. Your blood pre-" 

"I don't need a medical exam, Laz." 

"You need a neurological exam." 

I was a bit too flustered from the dancing and the fighting for our lives to humor him anymore. I turned my back on him and looked at Emmaline, my jacket flung across my shoulder. "Go wash up. I'll get us something to eat and we can talk about...everything." I told her.