Chapter 5-Tubelectric



Grath and Copper were in the cockpit when Grath pointed out Tubelectric, just ahead.

"How're we gonna get through Customs? They're sure to recognise Claw and you," he

wondered. Copper stiffened, as she always did when anyone mentioned Claw's name.

She still hadn't forgiven him for his defiance. Then she relaxed and winked at Grath.

"We'll make it," she assured him. "'Cause I don't have to turn on the visuals, I can use an

alibi. No-one's gonna wonder about Claw, though; he looks fierce enough to get just

about anywhere." Grath had to agree, because he could see Claw threatening the

Customs officer. "Speaking of Customs, it's time for Ducky's shift. I'll go get her." He rose

from the chair and sauntered down the hall to get Ducky. Copper turned back to the

console. She knew that she'd eventually have to put Claw at the controls, and she had

no doubt about his flying skills after she'd seen him fight in the Vortex Crawler. But she

had questions about his trustworthiness, and she knew she always would. Though I

think he's relaxing a bit; he's not so suspicious as he was. I guess he thinks that if I was

going to kill him I already would have. Footsteps in the hall alerted her, and she looked

up as Ducky walked in.



Claw leaned against the wall, observing everyone as they ingnored him. Voices down the

hall told him that Grath and Kazooie were coming; they were arguing about green

oranges this time. He did want to get his coat and hat but he didn't want to risk getting

in trouble. That shifty-eyed black rabbit-what was his name? Shinyso?-was sure to

report him if he looked suspicious. He slid through the shadows warily, and then decided

to go watch Blacksheep and Shinyso practice in the fighting ring. He heard them dueling,

and decided to keep out of sight.



"How many passengers on board, Greheli 1V?" "Seven," Copper replied. "Cargo?" "None."

"Your buisiness?" "Touring. Also I have some things I need that only your wonderful

planet sells," she purred. The Customs officer sounded flattered. "You may pass

through, Greheli 1V," he said. Then Copper was given the 'green light' and she moved

the Assassin aka Greheli 1V forward and began searching for an unoccupied landing pad.

When she found one she set the ship down delicately, and opened the main door.



"All passengers may disembark. We have landed," the loudspeaker blared. Blacksheep

looked up briefly, and was flattened by Shinyso. He helped her up and laughing,they

walked towards the door, past Claw. They didn't even see him. He slipped out behind

them and headed for the injured Vortex Crawler, hoping to fix it up if he had time. It

didn't take long for him to figure out that he was being tailed, and he glanced behind him

to see Grath walking down the hall. He didn't mind; it was better for Grath to see what

he was doing than to get in trouble. Get in trouble! The only time I'm left alone is when

I'm forgotten, he seethed. He was Claw, he didn't need to be watched over like a - a -

a turtle! Would they ever figure that out? Well, at least Grath was discreet, unlike

Kazooie. That one! Claw snorted. He wasn't as annoyed by the bird as he would have

been because he knew that Kazooie was just joking around. But he liked a little time to

himself! He sighed and kept walking.

By the time he reached the small hangar he knew that the others would be wondering

about him. Let them. He trotted over to his ship and started work.



"Where is that Claw?" Copper demanded. "Has anyone seen him?" Grath nodded. "He's

working on his ship," he called. Copper frowned. "What for? He's not leaving or anything."

Grath shrugged. She dropped the subject and grinned. "OK, everybody, I'm looking for an

informant. I need to know more of this Kroys's style, what he's done to take over, where

he's going. Spread out!"