Chapter 63 (Michael Garibaldi)

So far Garibaldi's plan had gone smoothly without any issues. He kept a close eye on the surveillance feeds and guided Zack down to the area the Vanguards were being held.

Then, right on cue, the surveillance system showed them ordering food and Zack asking more questions about the data crystal that contained incriminating evidence about Elvis's dark deeds.

Of course this was not what was really happening. Garibaldi knew the loop back feed from the virus was working perfectly. Right now Elvis was watching the very same feed and he was being fooled just like the fool he was.

Zack was actually copying the data and telling the Vanguards it would be safe to hand the data crystal over to Elvis. He had created a small letter explaining the plan to the Vanguards and he hoped they understood.

When Zack left the room, he rubbed his nose as he walked past the view of the camera, indicating he had been successful. It was all in the hands of the Vanguards now.

The move to his new accommodation was not as troublesome as he expected, but one thing was new. He had a new roommate: Talia Winters.

Given the recent difficulties during the past few days Garibaldi thought it wise to have Talia move in with him after he packed up all his belongings from the Asteroid Complex.

The apartment in the second city was bigger than his old quarters, comfortable and contained all the necessities for daily life. Sharing this place with Talia filled him with hope and pleasure. At least he could keep Talia away from Elvis. And out of sight, out of mind, he thought.

When he walked into the bedroom and saw her standing by the window looking over the city's skyline he felt as if they both had a fresh start away from the terrors their old home.

"The freedom is unimaginable." Talia began.

"Excuse me?" Garibaldi responded, puzzled. He was distracted by the white ultra thin dress she was wearing. The local sun reflected a dazzling ray of light all around her, creating an angelic halo around her person.

"This city has a spirit of its own. It's wonderful compared to the confined limitations of that place we just came from. I can sense everyone here, the hope they have."

Garibaldi stepped into the bedroom and closed the distance between himself and Talia. He touched her shoulder, completely memorised by her fresh scent and featherlike aura. "You still have to be careful. Elvis is still lurking."

"This city is big," she replied.

"It might be big, but you can't be ignorant. He can still find you."

"You will be there to protect me, right?"

That comment hit him like a two-edged sword. On one side he allowed had her to be raped by that lunatic, yet on the other side he could protect her now; so ironic how fate had allowed them to escape to one of the cities.

"Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you…never again."

Garibaldi placed both hands on Talia's shoulders and faced her eye to eye. He felt an energetic surge through his being. The need for her heightened his sexuality and when she responded in kind he opened his mind for her to telepathically bond with his. He might not have been telepathic, but the intimate connection was still just as powerful. His desires, want…it was all clear. He allowed her to read them all without constraint.

She appeared to like what she was receiving and moved in close for a passionate embrace, touching lips. Before long, he erased the horrid memory of Elvis as he moved her into the bedroom.

The next day his door chimed and when Garibaldi checked who it was on the hall monitor he quickly put on a robe while Talia stirred in her bed.

When he was ready, the door hissed open and Zack nodded his success while handing over the original copy of the data crystal.

"Any issues?" Garibaldi began.

"No. I entered the code just as you asked and explained the situation to the Vanguards. You were right when they required proof the contract had changed."

"Did you give them the letter?"

"The male Vanguard was hesitant at first, but the woman quickly convinced him. I guess this whole improvement got to her."

"You can bet those two won't forget us in a heartbeat. Those Vanguards have excellent photographic memory."

"I only hope Elvis gets lost in hyperspace."

Garibaldi shot forward and closed the door behind him. Anger leapt from the depths of his heart. "Keep it down, I don't want Talia hearing that man's name!"

Zack edged back, apologetic. "S-sorry, I didn't mean to raise my voice. It's just that man continues to cause trouble."

"You're not the only one at risk, Zack."

"Yes, I know. Now the life of my child is on the line." Zack looked grim. Garibaldi could tell he felt the danger. "If I make one wrong move, the Minbari I have placed in my care will be executed."

Garibaldi cooled, took several deep breaths. "If all goes well, that man will get his punishment."

"I still think we should do something. It won't be difficult to get hold of an unmarked weapon and kill him in his office. One blast will do it. I could even modify the security footage virus to make it look like a suicide."

"I already looked into that. He has video footage of all the women he's raped on a standby system ready to transmit throughout the two cities if his life was suddenly terminated. It's an excellent blackmail system and I can't find the server it's stored on."

"That sneaky bastard," Zack growled in anger.

"I don't want Talia's video to be leaked." Garibaldi stepped further away from the door and kept his eyes on the hall for any sign of spies. "It could push her over the edge."

"Are you sure you can't find the stored footage?"

That was the million credit question. If he could locate the system the footage was stored on then all his problems would be solved. Garibaldi would storm into his office and murder him on the spot, despite his other threats. Just the thought of the video of Talia being mounted from behind over his desk would be enough to send her over the edge. He could not let that happen.

"No, I've tried searching his office when everyone was sleeping, I even sneaked around his personal quarters and found nothing. That man knows how to hide stuff."

"Then I guess this plan is all we have, but Garibaldi, aren't you worried about what he will do once the authorities take him away?"

That was a good question and one that crossed his mind from time to time. He didn't have a definite answer, but it would end the blackmail once and for all. "I would assume the footage would only be released on his death. If he was arrested and taken away the authorities would question him to hand over the data."

"Do you really think he would do such a thing?"

"No, but his crime would warrant the use of a telepath and I've seen what they can do to a criminal's mind."

Zack smiled his approval of the plan and handed the data crystal copy over. "Lets hope for his sake that he stored the files in an easy to reach place. Anyway, if all goes well, the Vanguards will be released soon and you can smuggle the copy to them before they leave. Do you think you can do it? Elvis caught you once and he is sure to be watching you."

"That's what I'll be counting on."

Garibaldi took the data crystal in his hand and went into his room, leaving Zack to stand out in the corridor with that question.