METANOIA
By W. Payne Sillavan
Thank you to my mother and father,
Jaqueline and Joel Sillavan.
Your undying support and love gives me the strength to
carry on.
Thank you, for everything.
CHAPTER ONE
Silence. Silence is golden.
As the metal beneath his feet softly thudded underneath him,
Beau couldnt agree more, even though hunkering low this long
through the air system was a bit of an annoyance. The thick metal of
the air vent he was creeping through gave almost no noise; almost no
indication that someone was stalking about through the humid air. A
slight smile cracked Beaus lips, hidden behind the black visor of his
combat helmet.
Wiping steam from the T-shaped visor, Beau rubbed the circled
ends to accommodate his eyes free from the fog. Kneeling down next
to a vent to check his location, he hunched against the ventilation wall
and activated the holopad built into his left bracer. A soft green light
illuminated off the screen, bathing him in a sickly light, turning the
brown hue of his armor and helm an unpleasant color. Beau pressed a
finger to the screen and the menu projection came up. Flicking through
the files, he brought up the schematics of the Republic Embassy of
Demur building.
He was in position.
Beau powered down the holopad, and ran a quick diagnostics.
Everything checked out alright. Crouching down to the warm metal
floor, he ran the fingers of his right hand against the vent next to him,
making a soft scratch against the coarse fabric of his gloves. As he
brought his hand back up, a slender blade ejected from the bracer.
Fiddling with a dial, the blade began increase in its vibration. Satisfied
with the speed, he brought the blade to the corners of the vent. It slid
through the metal easily, cutting through as if it were paper. Quietly, he
lifted the now free cover up and placed it gingerly behind him.
Glancing quickly out the hole, he gently lowered himself down
and dropped to the ground with an almost inaudible thud. Without
wasting a moment, Beau began to make his way toward his target
location. The hallway was nicely furnished. Dim lights filled the circular
shape of the hall, softly lighting up deep crimson metal walls matched
with a thick velvety black carpet.
Low visibility and a cushion for his boots; it was as if they designed
the Embassy for assassinations, Beau noted to himself. Although, the
hallway was almost a straight shot, there was just a little bit of risk of
being spotted. A slight twang of irritation flicked through his head at
the fact.
Continuing down, keeping close to the edge of the walls, he finally
came to a sharp turn. Glancing back down the way he came. All clear.
Bracing himself against the wall, he quickly turned into the next
hallway.
And came face to face with a very surprised Demur Royal Guard.
The Guard seemed to freeze; his pale blue body was exposed in Demur
tradition, save for the black veil that covered the species face and
shoulders. Behind the visor of Beaus helm, the HUD flashed up red in
warning of the guards plasma rifle, information flaring up as the barrel
began to rise.
Before the guard could make even bring the rifle up to bear, Beau
pulled his short sword from the harness on the small of his back, the
blade unfolding with a series of clicks. Driving it quickly through the
neck of the Demur, he severed his vocal chords, ending any sound
before it passed his lips. Rich red blood spilled down, covering his exotic
skin as a pathetic, mangled gargle shuddered through the fabric of the
thin veil. The Demur dropped his rifle, which landed with a dull thud on
the plush carpet. His blue fingers reached for his wounded throat, wet
gasps sputtering from his hidden mouth. Beau brought his sword up,
driving it through the center of the aliens skull with a step of
momentum forward.
Bracing the guard against himself, he eased the dead guard to the
floor, pulling his blade from his skull, wiping it clean on the Demurs veil
before collapsing the sword. Quickly and silently, he began to drag the
body towards a nearby door. Luckily the closest door wasnt locked,
only a simple pad required to open it. He hoisted the guards corpse
inside what appeared to be an office space. Beau noticed that there
were several items on the desk and adorning the shelves. Scowling
behind his visor, he scanned the room for a place to stow the corpse.
Spotting a floor vent, he dragged his burden across the floor, the blood
invisible against the dark carpet. Beau disposed of the guard, cursing
silently to himself at the inconvenience of hiding a body. The deed
done, he slid back into the hallway, ejecting the knife on his wrist. With
a quick and cut slice he severed the control panel to the door. It would
take a mechanic to unlock it now. Even after they get the door open
later, the stench of death wouldnt be noticed till hours had passed
after the job.
Good enough, Beau thought to himself.
Moving with a bit more haste, the assassin continued down
towards the target location. The pressure of the possibility of exposure
was beginning to set in. He had gotten careless, expecting to meet no
opposition this early into the Demur morning. The pink sunlight wasnt
even visible on the horizon of the city-planet at the time of infiltration,
with plenty of time before the Embassy workers arrived. Now that the
knowledge that the building was still occupied, there was an alert
tenseness to his creeping posture.
Not wishing to have any further distraction, Beau toggled the
sensors on his HUD with a series of blinks. Picking up the eye
movement, the HUD obliged immediately, giving a faint ding of
recognition. Menus flashed, transparent enough to continue, leaving
the bounty hunter able to continue his break in of the alien government
building.
Finding the correct menu, Beau gave another series of blinks to
tune the sensors accordingly. It was thirty meters to his target location,
with four blips indicating movement on his current level. One of the
blips sat stubbornly between him and where he needed to be, leaving
Beau to sigh in irritation.
Another body to hide, more precious minutes lost.
Beau mumbled his dissatisfaction and made his way down the
hall. According the mini map, the guard was just around the next turn.
He stopped just before the turn, leaning lightly against the wall. Risking
a quick glance, Beau stuck his head out to check the guards exact
position. As luck would have it, the Demur guard had his back to Beau,
only a few feet away. Muscles tensing in anticipation for action, he
readied himself for confrontation.
Drawing his weapon in a quick, seamless motion, Beau stepped
from around the corner. Clicking to its full extension, the clinks caused
the guard to turn, the black fabric twirling. Thrusting up, the sword met
the Demur just under the jaw, exiting cleanly through the top of his
head with a gentle spray of blood.
The Demur died without as much as a whimper.
Wrenching the blade out, Beau lowered the guard, getting a grip
around its torso. Delicately dragging the guard, Beau backtracked and
stowed the body with the other inside the office.
Yeah, Beau thought looking down at the pair as he wiped blood
from his armor, this going to ruin someones day.
Leaving the office space behind, the bounty hunter abandoned
any sense of stealth, jogging down the hall. Confident with his sensors
readings, he was left to make as much noise in the empty halls. It didnt
take long to reach his destination, however the setbacks left him
agitated regardless.
A T-shaped junction split the halls, the lifts to the high security
floors to the left, conference rooms to the right. In the middle, the
perfect accident waited.
It was small, barely worth notice, countless more like it aligning
the buildings halls, proving more useful today that it ever has in Beaus
life: an air vent.
He knelt down, pulling the grate off and setting it before him.
Reaching for his belt, he pulled off a brick of military grade explosives.
Punching in a sequence of buttons on a little electronic pad on the
explosive, Beau gently placed it into the air vent. Carefully holding the
grate back in place, he began to rub adhesive on the areas where he
had cut.
Standing up, he gave the grate a slight nudge with his boot to
make sure that it was once again intact. It held firm, much to Beaus
satisfaction. Turning to walk the wall leading to the high security floors,
he reached into a one of several pouch strapped his thigh. Delicately,
he pulled out a micro camera and gently put it on the wall. With the
camera mounted, Beau activated his holopad to make miniscule
adjustments to the lens positioning, aiming it directly at the vent.
With everything in place, he once again brought up the buildings
schematics. Quickly shuffling through the floor plans of the embassy,
Beau finally came across the room he was searching for. Highlighting his
destination with a swipe of a finger, the mini map in his HUD lit up,
marking out directions.
Backtracking silently through the halls, Beau made certain to
avoid any further conflict.
After passing through several floors, he made no more hostile
contact. An emotion that could have been relief briefly swept over his
mind, only for the sake of fewer corpses at the risk of discovery. Finally
reaching his destination, Beau silently sounded out the Demur language
written across the door.
Not trusting his shaky understanding of the bubbly language, he
activated the translator system built into his HUD. An indicator in the
helmets systems flashed translating the alien language.
EMBASSY COMMUNICATIONS flashed across the screen in front of
his eyes.
Pulling his sword out with a click, Beau jammed the end into the
crevice between the wall and the door. Jerking his arm down roughly,
he felt the blade slice through the weak lock. With a great heave the
door grinded open, causing Beau to wince behind his visor at the
atrocious amount of noise. Before any guards had time to investigate
he rushed inside and quickly sealed the door. Glancing around the
room, he soaked in the surroundings of the small circular room.
Computers lined the walls, powered down at the moment. The central
communications CPU sat in the middle of the room like a black
monolith.
Wasting no time he set to work. Grabbing a chair and powering up
a computer, he slid a hand back into one of his pouches. As the
computer warmed up, he pulled out an average off-the-shelf
communicator as well as a small data disk. Once the computer had
warmed up he plugged the communicator in and inserted the disk.
As the data disk worked its digital magic, Beau leaned back in the
chair.
So far, it was a smooth hit. Beau almost smirked to himself.
A soft tone flared up from the computer announcing that the
program was complete. Ejecting the data disk and pocketing it, he
turned the communicator on and tuned it in to his helmets
communications. Before leaving, Beau planted one last explosive under
the computer he had been working at.
Making his way back into the corridor, he made note of the
guards positions one last time.
To his immense satisfaction, no Demur was remotely close.
Quickly making his escape, Beau began finding his way back to his
point of entry and met with no conflict. The maintenance hatch leading
into the outside world shone with the sparkling light of the Demur
capital, the Infinite City. Rich sound of the bustle leaked through the
metal lace work, filling Beaus helmet with the song of civilization.
Safely back into the wide piping of the main ventilation, he
booted up his holopad. Flipping through the interface he brought up his
personal communications as a dull throb began to pulse behind his
eyes.
Im ready for extraction, his deep voice grated out of helmets
speaker.
On its way, sir, a soft, feminine voice replied.
Opening the hatch, Beau was bombarded by the countless colors
of the beautiful city. Reds, yellows, greens, blues, and every color
imaginable filled his vision as he gazed out at the towering silver
skyscrapers of the city-planet of Demur.
As he was caught up in the beauty of Infinite City, a small cargo
carrier hovered up under the hatch he was leaning out of. The loading
chute mounted on top opened up, waiting for the bounty hunter to
jump down. Before dropping down, Beau pulled an EMP emitter he had
left on the security panel. He let himself fall down into the cargo ship,
beating the rebooting security system to catch him. Falling through,
Beau hit hard on top of stacked crates. Straightening up, the armored
man pushed the boxes around, locating the hatchway to the cockpit.
Knocking on it roughly with his gauntlet, metallic reverbs sluggish
striking through the thick air.
The hatch opened, showing a round, pill shaped metallic head.
Glowing yellow lights lit up behind the screens of its eyes, contrasting
the crudely painted on face of a skull.
Greetings, sir, a deep, clanging voice blurted out through
unseen speakers.
Beau crawled through into the seat next to the droid. He gave the
droid a pat on the back as he sat down. After settling in, Beau gave a
nod to the human man driving, who was sweating profusely with a gun
pressed to his head.
Nice of you to show up, Cide, Beau said.
Always a pleasure to serve, Cide replied.
Does our friend know where to go?
Cide turned his head with a soft whirl of gears, his eyes flashing
red.
Drive, meat.
The driver whimpered softly, setting the cargo ship into flight.
Thrusting forward on the wheel, the sped off into the air lanes of the
grand city, twisting and turning between other drivers.
Where did you find our friend? Beau asked the droid.
Initial scans have yielded that this is an unregistered vehicle
carrying unregistered cargo. Evaluation: smuggler, Cide replied.
Dont you know smuggling is illegal? Beau tutted sternly.
And this aint? the driver said before Cide pressed the gun
directly to his temple.
Decreasing in speed, they descended closer to ground level, the
lights of the magnificent city barely reaching below with its colored
tendrils. In almost complete darkness, away from the dazzling
civilization, Cide had the poor driver pilot them to an abandoned
warehouse sector, only a few uncaring, homeless aliens and humans
scattered throughout the darkness. Gliding through the low level
warehouses, Cide had the driver dock on a landing pad deep within the
shady complex.
Beau jumped out without hesitation, hitting the landing platform
with a thud, breaking into a brisk gait away from the cargo craft. Cide
quickly followed, the metallic clang of his landing echoing throughout
the desolate sector of warehouses.
The driver stammered from his seat, Does this mean I can-
Cides torso twisted as he turned to face the driver.
No.
In a blur of motion, Cide brought the gun level with the drivers
head. A pathetic squeal rose up from the smugglers throat before it
was quickly silenced by one quick shot as Cide pulled the trigger.
Unload a few more into him, better safe than sorry, Beau told
the droid.
The only response was a series of erratic bangs and the hollow
sound of shells landing on the ground.
What of the cargo, sir? the droid asked?
The bounty hunter stood there, considering the options. Walking
back toward the grisly scene, Beau tapped the cargo door with a
knuckle thoughtfully. There wasnt any need to be weighed down with
pointless materials; however whatever the driver had been hauling
might have been useful.
Well, lets take a look at it shall we? he said to the droid, pulling
the loading door open.
Together, the Beau and Cide hefted an unwieldy crate, straining
under the weight of the hard plastic container. Dropping it with a grunt,
Beau knelt down beside it, working his fingers around the metal clasps
holding the lid. Heaving the lid off, what was inside the crate caught
Beau off guard.
Piles of tightly packaged packets of fine, grainy red powder sat
neatly inside, the rancid aroma of the illegal Aran Mas spice lost on the
droid and Beaus shielded nose.
Pulling a pack out of the crate, Beau turned it over in his hands
before turning to the droid muttering, Seems weve crossed a drug
cartel.
So it would seem, sir, the droid said.
Burn the ship. We dont need this crap getting into the
population, Beau said, throwing the pack back into the box in disgust.
Immediately, Cide raised a claw like hand, a nuzzle extending from
the droids palm sending small spurts of flame. The droid set to work at
once, spraying flames over the illegal spice. Catching fire, the spice
burned strong, feeding the fiery frenzy engulfing the cargo vessel and
its dead driver.
As it burned, the engines sputtered, slowly losing altitude as it
spiraled through the air as if it were made of syrup. Beau leaned over,
watching over the side of the landing pad, the fire ball reaching the
distant ground level almost directly below.
Watching Cide kick the spare crate over the edge of the platform
into the inferno below, Beau made a call from his holopad. The
holographic green of the floating screens flickered as the signal was
connected and patched through.
Done having fun now? the same gentle voice answered.
You could say that, Beau said, we are in sector WH203.
Ill be there soon, transmitting rendezvous point.
Beau programmed the coordinates into his HUD as Cide clanked
up to his side, handing the gun over to his master. Together they
walked away, twisting through the gloom and darkness of the ancient
storage units, his robotic companion following a few steps back.
Through the darkness as the two walked, they passed a lone
Bleen; its humanoid form barely visible slumped in the low light. Its
naked, genderless body baring pitch black skin, the creature was almost
blending seamlessly into the shadows. Haunting, luminescent stark
white eyes stared up at the duo, its head splitting into a devilish lipless
grin. Rounded teeth, matched by dagger like canines shone through
dim light. The Bleen hissed its native language, lost on Beaus ears.
Here, Beau said stepping over the Bleens long legs, dropping
the pistol into the aliens lap.
Its long, spider like fingers wrapped around the weapon, and it
emitted what Beau assumed was a grateful hiss.
Turning his head as he walked away, Beau watched as the Bleen
stood, towering several feet over his own head, cradling the gun in its
slender hands. Beau kept watching, checking that the alien didnt
become violent and turn the small gift on its previous owners.
To his relief, the Bleen simply walked away, most likely to trade it
for food or drugs, but more importantly, putting distance between
Beau and the only evidence connecting himself to the dead driver.
Looking skyward as he walked, his eyes glazed past the looming
buildings toward the brightening sky as the Demur night drew to a
close. Shades of pink began to inch its way across the sky, almost
hidden by the monumental towers.
It wouldnt be too long before the rigged building started to fill
up.
Cide, ETA on our pickup? Beau turned to ask his droid.
Eleven minutes, eighteen seconds, in human standard time.
Beau sighed and began to idly eject and retract the slender blade
hidden in his cuff of his armor.
Shiink, shuck.
Cides head turned slightly toward the human as he fiddled with
the weapon, fixing Beau with an amber stare.
Shiink, shuck.
Beau turned to return the gaze as he walked alongside his droid,
perplexed by Cides sudden interest. It wasnt often that the droid was
distracted; perhaps there was something wrong with his armor he
hadnt noticed before?
Shiink, shuck.
The droid continued to stare, the yellow of his mechanical eyes
unwavering, almost analytical.
Maybe I should run a quick diagnostic, Beau thought.
Shiink, shuck.
Blinking his eyes to bring his HUD up, Beau quickly ran a suit and
systems check. Systems were fine, and his armor was undamaged,
confusing Beau as to why Cide was so intent on his stare.
Beau glanced at the painted face of the droid.
Shiink, shuck.
A faint flicker started up in Cides right eye optic.
Is there something wrong with your eye?
No, my optics are fine, sir, came the electrical reply.
Realization settled in Beaus mind, his mouth giving an amused
twitch behind his visor. One last time the hunter ejected the blade,
slowly retracting it with a sharp grate, provoking the droids artificial
irritation.
You should get that eye of yours checked onboard the Rabbit
Hole, Beau chimed.
Static began to seep from Cides speaker, a barely recognizable
Yes, of course, voiced itself softly underneath the static.
You seem to be enjoying the new personality chip as well, Beau
added.
Im ecstatic, the droid said flatly.
Containing his chuckle to himself, Beau gave Cide a pat on the
back as a shadow slowly crept overhead.
Above them a ring-shaped vessel drifted sluggishly toward them,
its familiar gun metal gray casing housing the one home the bounty
hunter ever truly had.
Chugging itself closer and closer, the circular ships engines began
to shake the air. The cockpit, an orbed section of the ringed body,
shone with a soft blue light emitting from the viewport. A small,
feminine silhouette waved down as the Rabbit Hole bore down, the
landing hatch opening slightly over the ground, the ramp extending to
meet the duo.
Jumping on to the ships landing platform, Beau reached down
and helped Cide up with a heave, the droids metallic joints unable to
do so on their own. Together they walked into their home, inviting blue
lights greeting them as they entered. Closing with a hiss behind them,
droid and bounty hunter walked through the comfortable hallway, past
the twelve rooms the circular ship contained. Yellow lines trimmed a
scuffed white floor, mirrored by a similar ceiling and walls. Orbs of light,
fixated evenly into the Rabbit Holes ceiling, radiated a gentle blue,
emitting a sense of ease to the core of Beaus being.
The walkway itself was part of the inner ring of the Rabbit Hole,
the counterclockwise path from the landing ramp leading through
storage, the medical and systems stations, as well as Cides room,
where the droid recharged and maintained itself.
Reaching the cockpit, they were greeted by a respectful bow by a
young Daros girl, her stark white skin bright in contrast to her long and
messy green hair. Small antlers peeked out from her head, supporting a
jeweled broach on a gold chain that rested on her forehead. As she
straightened up, a cowlick of hair on the back of her head bobbed.
With a ruffle of her black robes and a sparkle in her emerald green
eyes, she glided over to give Cide a hug, her horns clanging against his
dull silver chest, turning her head to Beau.
Mission accomplished? she asked in a breezy, fragile voice,
looking up into Beaus black visor.
Mission accomplished, Ginna, Beau replied, settling down into
the pilots seat.
Punching in a sequence of buttons, the Rabbit Hole disengaged
from its autopilot, giving Beau complete control over their ship.
Grabbing the two handed control yolk, Beau began easing the ship into
a diagonal vertical climb. The small crew sped away from the gloomy
sector, leaving behind the dark business that had just been attended.
As the Rabbit Hole climbed higher and higher, the air around
surrounding them brightened, flooding the cockpit with natural pink
light.
He began to bring the ship into a loop, heading back in the
direction of the Republic Embassy of Demur. Bobbing and weaving
through passing vehicles and ships, it wasnt too long before the small
crew had arrived back into the sector of Infinite City housing the
government building. Piloting the ship higher and higher, he flew in a
way to keep the Embassy in clear view.
Satisfied with their position, Beau leveled out and docked at a
Demur restaurant. With a gesture, the bounty hunter and his small
crew left the cockpit and descended onto the restaurants landing
platform.
Once again he activated his HUDs translator to read the name of
the restaurant, discovering it was a traditional Demur gourmet food
chain. Stomach churning at the thought of eating the native food, Beau
made a mental note to just order a beverage.
Reaching the entrance, a Demur female greeted them from
behind a counter, bowing her head endowed with a midnight blue veil.
She was a typical female Demur, her blue tinted skin exposed, her flat
chest emblazed with traditional spiraling tattoos.
How I may help? she asked in English with a thick, floating
accent.
We would like a private dining booth, please, Beau said,
handing her a few plastic chips, electronic values glowing on their tiny
screens.
Looking down in her hand, she shifted them in her palm before
depositing the chips into a small lockbox under the counter in a swift
motion. Flourishing her hand, she beckoned them to follow, leading the
way into the brightly lit dining hall. Golden lights drifted lazily overhead,
the ruby red stoned floor sparkling underfoot. The pristine walls were
bare, deep red in color, supported by smooth metal struts.
Beau scanned the crowded room idly, observing the dozens of
humans and foreign species. They passed a table of Bleen, hissing
harshly to each other, red sashes adoring their slender black chests,
their eyes empty white orbs. A lone Daros girl stood respectfully behind
the table, her green hair short, revealing more of her tender, bruised
face. Beaus insides twisted in an angry fury, but he controlled his
impulse to lash out. It was neither his business, nor worth answering to
the Demur authorities about scuffed up Bleen nobles.
Scanning over the crowd once again, Beau intentionally avoided
turning his gaze back to the beaten Daros girl. Instead the bounty
hunter focused on taking in the sight marvelous atmosphere, the
various patrons scattered throughout the glamorous establishment,
living out their dull, wealthy existence. Some even accompanied by
Daros girls, their green hair standing out amongst an already colorful
crowd. To his distaste, Beau couldnt help but notice that some wore
leashes.
Any thought of eating twisted itself out of his stomach at the
sight.
Leading the group past a few dozen tables, the Demur waitress
halted in front of the private dining booths lining the walls. She slid one
of the doors open, revealing a cozy room with a single table jutting
from the wall, the cushioned booths leaning against the close walls. A
single golden orb floated above the room, casting its dim glow that
reflected slightly on a single large window overlooking Infinite City.
Sliding into the lavishly upholstered seats, Ginnas black robes
rustled against the rich red fabric. Cide followed, clunking in beside her.
Beau thanked the red skinned alien, closing the private door behind
him. As the group settled, a holographic menu flashed up, displaying
pictures of Demur cuisine circling slowly, parading exotic foods through
the air.
Ginna stuck a small finger through her selection, a soft ping
sounding off. A gentle voice speaking in Demur acknowledged the
order, the sounds of the thick syrupy language echoing in their little
room.
Glancing out the window, Beau scanned the thousands of building
for the Embassy, finally catching sight of its domed, spiderlike structure.
His thoughts drifted off to what had transpired inside, check listing his
actions, making certain no mistakes had been made. Disregarding the
incidents with the guards, it had gone all according to plan. Lost in the
fog of his mind, the bounty hunter was unaware of his surroundings
until a he felt a weak kick to his leg.
Arent you going to order? Ginnas voice broke through his
thoughts.
Oh, yeah, was just thinking, Beau replied.
Didnt know you could think hard enough to ignore me asking
the same question repeatedly, the Daros girl replied.
Beau pushed her gently with his boot, Shut up.
Ginna smiled sweetly at him, pale pink lips stretching over her
pointed teeth that shone slightly in the dim light.
Beau waited for the beverage section of the holo to circle by,
randomly pushing his finger into a picture of a drink with an
incomprehensible name.
Do you want to anything? Ginna asked, turning her head to
Cide.
Humorous, came Cides reply.
Giggling mischievously to herself, Ginna leaned back against the
droids arm, her small brown antlers clicking against the stock still
droids scored metal arm.
After a few minutes of peaceful silence, a blue skinned Demur
male knocked on their door. Cide slid it open, allowing the alien to
enter. The Demur held a tray, which he placed on the table with a bow.
Without a word, the blue alien left them to their meal, closing the door
behind him.
With absolute privacy, Beau finally relaxed. He brought his hands
to his helmet, and with a click, raised it off his head. Blinking his brown
eyes against the sudden change of light, he ran a gloved hand over the
light brown, sweat speckled skin of his shaved head. As the spiced air
hit his crooked nose, Beau rubbed his gaunt face, helping it adjust to
the sudden change in the stiff air.
Finally showing your face? Ginna said, smirking up at him as she
reached for her food.
Beau scratched at the dark bristles of his short beard, shooting
her a look.
You expect me to drink through my helmet? he said, grabbing
for his glass.
He looked down into the cup, regretting that he didnt pay more
attention. Purple fluid frothed and fizzed, lime green blobs swimming
jerkily through the bubbles. A foul smell emitted from the drink,
gagging the bounty hunter.
Placing the glass on the table and pushing it aside, Beau looked
over at Ginnas plate.
Beau immediately wished he hadnt.
Ginna sat slurping at her food, a writhing mass of squirming, thick
worms. The worms had been soaked in thick yellow sauce that splashed
off the plate as they squirmed. As the Daros girl ate, the creatures
squealed in protest.
Without meaning to, he gave a moan of disgust.
Catching Ginnas attention with the small outburst, she looked up
from her living meal.
Hm? she mumbled through a wiggling mouthful.
Nothing, please just eat, Beau said, looking down from the
sickening sight.
Does this bother you? she said, her voiced muffled through the
mouthful of the nauseating food as she slurped them past her sharp
teeth.
She giggled as she swallowed her mouthful and reached for
Beaus drink.
So are you going to finish the deed? Ginna asked after taking a
long gulp from the purple liquid.
Beau nodded, turning his holopad on to checking the time.
I suppose it is time, yes, he said, with a glance out the window
toward the Embassy.
Scrolling through the holopads many menus, Beau brought up
the video feed of the camera he had hidden. Sliding that screen to the
side, he continued until he reached a nameless program file, only
identified by a series of randomized numbers. Activating the file, Beau
turned on his communications and zeroed in on the comm piece he had
left behind at the Embassy.
Clearing his throat, Beau spoke slowly and clearly, Prime Minister
Vonlen to Conference Theater 146 for the meeting of Bleen Genetic
Rights, please.
As he finished speaking, the data files he had uploaded translated
his words from the hidden comm piece into Demur, sending his false
call out through the Embassy.
There arent civilians in there are there? Ginna asked.
Shouldnt be. Our contractors ensured that the corridor should
be cleared out.
Leaning back into his seat, Beau watched and waited, staring
intently at the video feed of the hallway.
Minutes ticked by, until finally, the Prime Minister strode into
view, his black veil lavished with golden threads and precious red
stones.
Beau pulled out a small cylindrical detonator from his belt.
Three, two, one, he muttered, pressing the button.
Pressing the button, the video feed cut to static, in the distance, a
dull explosion could be heard, as if it were merely thunder from an
oncoming storm. Beau looked out toward the far off Embassy, a pillar
of thick smoke already beginning to stream up past the beautiful
cityscape.
Within moments of tragically cutting Demur Royal bloodline short,
Beaus comm began to go off, a nameless contact flashing into view on
the holographic screen, requesting a personal video feed.
He allowed the call through, revealing a group of five Demur, each
adorned with golden threads upon their veils, though not as
extravagant as the late Prime Ministers.
We felt the explosion from here, bounty hunter,
congratulations, the single female drawled in English.
You have changed the course of our world, leaving it in more
capable hands, another Demur replied, nodding his head in approval.
Glad to be of service, my lords and lady, I know how your people
view unsavory matters such as these, especially against the Ruling
Family, Beau said, bowing his head respectfully.
The Cabinet of Officials shall not forget your service, bounty
hunter, we are quite pleased, a voice came from past a veil.
Our business is concluded, and your payment has been
transferred, a male rasped.
Goodbye, human, the red female said.
The call cut off, leaving the trio in silence.
Do you think you did the right thing? Ginna asked.
They paid well, does it matter? Beau responded, replacing his
helmet.
You just shifted the power of an entire planet single handedly, it
might matter a bit, she said.
Like I said, they paid well. Besides, Vonlen was running this
planet into financial bankruptcy over petty personal matters, Beau
said with a shrug, perhaps the Cabinet can handle the money and
power better until they pick a new Ruling Family.
Sure, by paying you a fortune to incinerate half a floor of the
Embassy, Ginna said with a frown.
Beau grunted with a shrug, laying a couple dozen plastic money
tokens on the table as he stood to leave before replying.
People die in our business. You know that.
Ignoring the response, Ginna quickly wolfed down the last of the
Demur cuisine, pushing Cide to hurry so she could get out from the
booth. Together, the crew walked into the now noisy dining hall,
everyone in a panic over the attack so close by. Passing through by the
Bleen that had caught Beaus attention before, rage welled up inside
him. The thought of the bruised face of the Daros girl accompanying
the black skinned aliens to continue her life of abuse stirred up his
emotions. It would be so easy to silently murder her owners in passing.
Just a casual walk, quickly ejecting the blade mounted into his wrist,
severing the spinal cords of the Bleen one by one amidst the chaos.
Their snake like voices hissed and rasped in his ears.
Concentrating through the din of their maddening voices, Beau blinked
through the HUDs interface, shutting all audio into the helmet off. The
shell around his head quieted, but the voices still echoed in his ears,
growing louder and louder. Beau shook his head, burying the thoughts
and chaotic voices deep back into his subconscious. However, despite
his best efforts, the crazed thoughts of ending the Bleens miserable
existence flared up, as well as every kill Beau had made, the memories
rearing up to roar like creatures from sludge within the darkest corners
of his mind. Outside the trio was greeted by the sector in a panic. The
air was empty of all traffic save for flocks of rescue vessels speeding
toward the Embassy like moths to a flame, countless sirens wailing
through the towering buildings.
Climbing inside the Rabbit Hole, Beau quickly strode down the
rounded hallway to the cockpit, struggling to shove the sickening
thoughts away. Taking a seat back in the worn pilots chair, the systems
began to warm up at the detection of a pilot. Cide lowered down into
the copilots chair, assisting in booting the ships systems. Blue lights
flickered on, luminescent screens coming to life with yellow and red
readouts. The control panel breathed in life as the engines roared from
their sleep. With a small lurch, the landing gear lifted in on itself,
leaving the Rabbit Hole shuddering in the air.
Carefully easing the ship away from the building, Beau set the
auto pilot it a straight vertical climb. With traffic no longer flowing
through the sector, the Rabbit Hole easily reached the upper
atmosphere with no threat of catastrophic collisions as they recklessly
flew up.
As the pink sky faded into starry darkness, Beau leaned back into
his chair, easing into the white padding with a faint sigh.
Turning to Cide, he muttered, Set a hyper point for Ovroc
Station.
Cides compliance echoed hollowly after Beau as the bounty
hunter exited the cockpit, walking down the counterclockwise corridor.
The weight of the day had already settled in, the time spent awake
barely even registering five Demur hours. His own mind fighting against
him wasnt doing much good to the bounty hunter either, the voices
whispering and screaming, adding more weight to the wool blanket of
weariness draping around his shoulders.
Reaching the door to his personal quarters, he punched the code
on to an electronic pad mounted on the wall. As the door twisted open
from the middle, Beau stepped through the threshold into pale white
light.
He stood in the small room, rolling his neck, series of cracks and
pops sneaking through the thick black fabric under his armor. A small
white bed jutted out from the wall, mirrored by in-wall-shelves holding
old Earth novels. One small desk rested within the wall, able to pull out
if it was ever needed. A small closet sat in the corner, slightly ajar, the
stand for his armor hidden behind the blank door.
Sitting on the bed, Beau pulled his helmet off and began to roll his
neck. After loosening up, the bounty hunter began to remove his
armor, the hiss and crack of the micro hydraulics holding his armor
intact resonating through the air. Taking the last of his armor off, he
stood and stretched, his body covered in a tight black jumpsuit, the
dark flexible cloth straining against his muscles. Placing his hands to the
sides of his head, Beau twisted his back, a satisfying crackle coming
from his tired bones.
Loosened up and somewhat relaxed, Beau placed his brown
armor on the stand. After a quick change into comfortable plain white
attire, the bounty hunter left his quarters to continue the walk
counterclockwise to enter the ships mess hall. The makeshift room
owned a single table, the wall between the mess hall and food storage
removed to give direct access to the supple store. A long counter set up
for preparing meals had been placed in the middle, still giving clear
definition of separate spaces.
Predictably, Ginna was sitting at the table, scarfing down a pile of
gelatinous meat substitute, maintaining her incredible Daros
metabolism. The red chucky jelly jiggled as Ginna tore into it
ravenously, bits of the goop smeared on across her face.
Beau walked over to the food storage, grabbing a bottle of water
and a spare rag from under the counter. Walking over to a seat at the
table, Beau threw the rag at Ginnas face, catching her off guard. Her
startled movement flicked some of her jelly, splattering it across the
table.
Ugh, what was that for? the young Daros steamed, glaring at
Beau from behind the rag.
Didnt think you looked very lady like, he replied, propping his
feet up on the table.
Whatever, she groaned, wiping the jelly from her face and the
table.
Ginna took her plate, placing it on the cluttered counter along
with the rag, turning to resume her place at the table. Sitting across
from her captain, Ginna leaned in, resting her chin on her hands, idly
fiddling with the jewelry resting on her forehead.
So where we off too next? she asked.
Cide is prepping for a jump back to Ovroc Station, Beau said,
pulling a small pill bottle from his pocket.
At the sight of the bottle, Ginnas face dropped a little. Tipping the
bottle into his hand, he dumped a couple of tiny dark blue pills. Quickly
popping them in his mouth and washing them down, Ginna sighed.
I thought you didnt need those anymore, she said softly.
So did I, he replied, his face now stony and emotionless.
Ginna rested her head down on the table, her green hair
cascading around her small sad face. Hesitantly, Beau reached over and
stroked her wild green head, careful not to knock her horns. She looked
up at him, her pale skin reddening as tears filled her eyes.
I thought you were better, she mumbled, wiping at her emerald
eyes.
Beau remained silent, intertwining his fingers in Ginnas silky hair,
sadness creeping onto his face.
They sat together in silence, Beau comforting the young alien who
sat staring at the transparent orange bottle resting on the table.
Seconds dragged, minutes sluggishly moving like hours, the girl
trembling ever so slightly under his gentle touch. Eventually Ginna
stood, without a word walking away, stopping short of the door.
Hesitantly, the Daros turned her head, as if to say something. Instead,
she stayed her tongue, and walked out, leaving the man alone to his
thoughts.
He truly had believed he was improving on this; the doctor that
supplied him with his medicine gave every indication that soon his
illness would be gone. Beau would have to return again, to discuss his
condition with the short, balding Dr. Prosper when he had a chance.
Sighing roughly to himself he rested his head in his hands,
isolation surrounding him with a familiar chill, harsh voices growing in
his mind, growling and screaming.
We are ready for jump sir, Cides hollow voice chimed over the
Rabbit Holes intercom.
Standing slowly from his chair, Beau pocketed his medicine,
struggling to leave behind the weight of the feeling of desolation. Hand
against the bare wall, he walked to the cockpit with only the sound of
his bare-footed footsteps for company.
Reaching the cockpit, Beau dropped into the pilots seat and fired
up the jump sequence. As buttons were pressed and switches flipped, a
ball of light formed within the inner ring of the Rabbit Holes hole. Fed
by three generators even spaced, the ball of pure energy grew as more
power was engorged by the sphere.
With a final press inside the cockpit, the generators tore the
sphere to shreds, the burst ripping through space, sending the Rabbit
Hole through the carefully plotted point Cide had created. The
explosion of the sphere enveloped the ship, pocketing it inside a blazing
ball of white hot plasma.
Readouts flashed up on a screen, indicating that they would be
spending the next seven hours hurtling through the very fabric of the
universe. Beau relaxed in his seat, staring out at the rippling energy,
shades of blues and whites swirling and colliding with each other in an
atomic dance.
Sir, permission to power down for maintenance and recharge?
Cide asked, his head swiveling from the cockpits view port.
Beau glanced at the painted face of the droid, seeing the dimming
of its lights.
Of course, I can take it from here.
Cide stood rigidly, gears churning and metal grinding as the droid
clomped down to the maintenance bay.
Beau left to take a quick trip to his quarters, programming the
armor stand to hover along behind as well as grabbing his retractable
sword and a repair kit. Stopping short of walking back to the pilots
seat, the man teetered with a foot out his door before he turned and
grabbed a random book from the shelves.
Returning to the cockpit Beau dropped the book on the floor next
to his pilots seat, spreading the repair kit on the copilots chair. He
pulled his helmet off of the floating stand and began cleaning and
recalibrating the intricate circuitry. Piece by piece he toiled, his brow
crinkled in intense concentration as the voices and dark thoughts ebbed
from his mind.
His armor freshly cleaned, his sword checked over and sharpened,
Beau rested his head back in his seat, his mind finally once again at
peace. Relaxation flowed through his body as if released from a flood
gate, his arms sliding over the sides of the chair, the sword still clutched
in his hand grating against the metal floor.
Lazily extending the blade of his sword, the hunter snagged the
book he had left alone on the barren floor. Dragging it carefully across
the floor, he brought it within reach, stooping to pick it up. Dusting off
the cover, the corner of his mouth flickered, the old and bent cover
comfortable in his hands.
Perching himself in a more adequate position, he spent the next
few hours in serenity. Lost inside the pages of the book, he hardly
noticed the door of the cockpit slide open, only looking up at the rustle
of robes breaking the delicate threads of silence. Looking into her eyes
as she glided forward, he saw her eyes looked dry, redness biting
around the edges, as if she recently wept.
The Daros girl stood behind his chair, wrapping her slender arms
around the head piece, leaning against the seat.
What are you reading? she asked softly.
A story of tripod machines destroying mankind, Beau said
shutting his book, It was famous on Earth for causing panic after being
read over a radio.
Ah, one of your old world classics, Ginna replied, gingerly
reaching to see it.
Relinquishing his grip on the worn binding of the book, he allowed
Ginna to inspect the pages. She turned it over in her hands, stroking the
cover, flipping through the chapters. Quizzical eyes meandered along
the ink, taking in every foreign word. She slid down on to the floor,
resting her back against the side of the pilots chair.
Whats a radio? she asked.
Think of Cide, but less angry and plays music, Beau explained
with a smirk.
Oh, she said as her face split into a smile.
You never finished teaching me how to read your language, she
said, mulling over the book.
Well finish up soon, I promise, Beau said, you can still read a
bit of that though, cant you?
A little bit, but not very much, Ginna muttered, her
concentration focused on translating English as she brushed her untidy
bangs from her eyes.
Leaving Ginna to examine his book, Beau returned his attention to
the Rabbit Holes dashboard, his gaze scanning over the readings. The
flashing red numbers caught his eye; the countdown to Ovroc Station
was mere minutes until reaching zero.
Standing with a grunt, Beau sent the stand to return to his closet.
Ginna looked up at the sudden movement, her round eyes flicking to
the armor floating by.
Are we almost there? she asked.
About four minutes.
Want me to go turn on Cide?
Beau considered it before shaking his head.
I dont think well need him, it wont hurt to leave him here.
Alright, she said, standing from the floor, here you go.
Extending an arm she presented the book back, but Beau shook
his head.
Ive read that thing a hundred times, go head and keep it for
now, he said with a small smile.
Ginna looked down at the book in her hands before suddenly
flinging herself around his waist.
Please feel better, she said, her voice muffled.
Beau winced as her small horns dug under his ribcage, but hugged
her back, ignoring the pain.
Ill be fine, he said, the embrace ending, now go ahead and get
ready, well be at the Ovroc soon.
Letting go of the man, Ginna stepped back, her flowing black
robes scuttling the floor, her voice cracking slightly as she said, Ill
meet you at the airlock when youre ready.
She turned with an elegant twist, green hair fluttering through the
air as the alien girl whisked herself away.
Rubbing his ribcage, Beau trekked back to his quarters, changing
into a clean jumpsuit. Assembling himself bit by bit, he was armored
once again in the mud colored plastoid shell. Grabbing his sword, he
gave a flick of the wrist, the newly sharpened blade unfolding. The
sound of the weapon cutting through the air was music to his ears,
sending the blade back to its retracted state sheathed at the small of
his back. Ejecting the wrist mounted blade, he gave it a quick
inspection, the unique metal gleaming in the pale light. With a quick
thrust of his arm, Beau sliced at the door frame, cutting it neatly as
sparks spat from the wounded framework.
The thin knife collapsed back into its housing with a shunk as Beau
ran his free hand over the door frame, feeling the countless other
gouges from previous tests. He marveled at the fact he had only treated
the knife twice for repairs, the incredibly rare alloy mined for military
use on the Kana home world. It was forged for the military, until Beau
nicked it on a petty assassination for some angry home bound wife.
Kana birdbrains never were the type for romance anyway, Beau
mused to himself.
Beau braced himself against the wall as the Rabbit Hole shook,
dropping out of the hyper jump, the engines dying down to leave the
ship drifting through the void. Firing up the holopad on his bracer, Beau
programmed the autopilot remotely, sending the ship directly for Ovroc
Station. Through a view port, the station was clearly visible, the massive
spherical structure housing countless life forms, orbiting the gas giant
planet of Rin, the swirling purple clouds mixing with vibrant violet and
vicious blues.
The station itself shone brightly, light reflecting from the systems
distant star dazzling the metal surface. Hundreds of thousands of
yellow lights sparkled on across Ovroc, behind which life bustled and
thrived, crime and diplomacy, love and violence all thriving off one
another in the humble artificial world.
As the Rabbit Hole drew closer, the ship was hailed by Ovroc, a
docking agent patching through to Beaus personal comm system.
Welcome to Ovroc Station, name of vessel and serial
numbering, a bored voice droned.
H-class Earth freighter, designation Rabbit Hole, number 388sr,
Beau replied.
Standby while we process your information.
Half a minute later, the drone of the dock managers voice flared
back up.
You are cleared for docking; your docking port is number
3850CH, and enjoy your stay.
Before Beau could finish thanking the man, the communication
line was cut.
Rude, he muttered to himself, programming the flight to the
dock.
Engines roaring back to life, the Rabbit Hole began powering its
way toward Ovroc. As the ship drew close enough, it slowed its speed,
descending toward its designated dock. Through the viewport, all that
could be seen was the white metal surface of the station, minuscule
glances through its yellow windows offering a show of the life
happening inside, lost to Beau through the speed of the descent.
Finally, almost coming to a complete stop, the Rabbit Hole eased
itself closer still to Ovroc, so close Beau could have reached out to
touch. They passed hundreds of ships, all of various makes and designs,
however Beau noticed that they became more worn and dodgy the
lower they dropped. After a few minutes, the Rabbit Hole reached
3850CH, magnetic clamps extending from the ships air lock, securing
itself in place as the two airlocks connected.
Beau entered his ships airlock to join Ginna, standing by her side
as a soothing female voice chimed through the airlock.
Please wait while the pressure is reset, the voice said cheerfully.
Air vented in and out with a hiss, bringing the pressure up to
Ovroc Stations. After a few silent seconds save for the workings of the
air, the airlock finally opened to reveal a short hall way, the white floor
and walls scuffed by hundreds of past footsteps. A thin layer of dirt
lined the bottom section of the rounded walls, light shining down from
yellow lights, some even flickering.
Beau sighed, irritated over the fact that they had been sent to
such a grungy docking port. Together the two walked down the dirty
hallway, turning the corner before almost running head long into
another pilot.
The man staggered back, avoiding the collision, his thin form
clothed in a somewhat loose, blue jumpsuit trimmed with light gray
padding. His upper chest was armored in a dark gray piece of metal, the
armor thick on his right shoulder. A long energy rifle was strapped
across his back, gloved hands clutching at the dark brown strap across
his chest. His face was masked in a plain form fitting metal, glowing
white eyespots shimmering at the two from under a blue hood.
Oh, Im so sorry, he stammered, his voice tinny through his
masks speaker.
Its fine, Beau said, turning away to continue on his way into the
noisy lobby of the docking terminals.
Ginna smiled sweetly and waved at the stranger before rushing to
fall back in stride with her captain. She looked back as they left, the
hooded man hesitating before walking on his way behind them. His
white eye spots changed to a soft green color as he fidgeted with the
rifles strap. The shining green eyes looked up, catching the dark green
of her own as he waved his farewell to her before losing their line of
sight through the crowd.
Beau took Ginnas hand to keep her from being swept away by
the waves of aliens, pushing his way to a terminal. With her free hand,
Ginna cupped the golden jewelry hanging between her short antlers
from any bold pickpockets.
The terminals stood sin four lines of ten, almost unreachable by
the colorful crowds surrounding them. As they were bumped from side
to side, Beau was able to grab an unused terminal as soon as the
previous user had slithered away.
The screen lit up in acknowledgement that it detected the bounty
hunter. A long list of languages flared up, leaving Beau to sift through
strange symbols as he searched for English. Familiar letters finally
scrolled by, a new menu bringing itself after selecting the human
language. A small plugged wire ejected from a slot, requesting for the
docking information and fee. Beau plugged his holopad into the
terminal and made the payment after entering the required
information.
Their business done in the stifling lobby, Beau led Ginna further
into the space station.
Where are we going? she said, raising her voice over the din of
noise.
To get some drinks and resupply, he replied, his voice not quite
cutting through the thunderous chatter.
Ginna pointed at her ear and shook her head, a puzzled look on
her face. He made a drinking motion with his hand to convey the
message, understanding dawning on her delicate features.
Can we eat too? she asked loudly.
Beau nodded, not bothering speaking until they had entered a
calmer atmosphere. Exiting the enormous lobby, they entered one of
the several hundred plazas aboard Ovroc, the door sealing behind
them, cutting them off from the chaos of the lobby. Colorful lights
advertising goods lit up the plaza, the neon colors lighting the area
more effectively than the dingy yellow lights which barely functioned
high above them.
Meandering along the walkways, the bustle was much easier to
navigate, the claustrophobic vise of living creatures no longer as
pressing. Picking out a bar suitable to human taste that didnt seem too
sketchy, they walked under the orange neon sign advertising the
coldest booze on Ovroc. Only a handful of patrons were inside, a few
human scattered about, and oddly enough a dirty looking Gaff, his pale
blue skin clothed in ratty brownish garments, the white, tiger like
stripes on his flat face smeared with dirt, a mangy beard limp hanging
of the aliens face. The Gaffs black hair hung greasily around his face,
curling a bit under the glassy orange eyes above his long needle like
nose.
Walking up to the counter, Beau sat in an old beaten stool that
wobbled, despite the fact it was mounted to the floor. Ginna took a
seat next to him, her chin just barely coming over the top. The
bartender greeted them, a plump man with a thick mustache hiding
half of his face.
Whatll you get? he asked in a rough voice but warm tone.
Just whatever is fresh, Beau replied, looking down at Ginna,
you wanted food right?
Ginna nodded, simply saying, Meat.
The bartender glanced quickly at the Daros girl, smirking slightly
before asking, Any kind of meat in specifically?
Ginna shrugged at the man, leaving the bartender to shrug as
well. The man knew he was about to make a quick dollar of Daros
appetite, so who was he to argue.
Ill see what I can get for you and the little lady then, he said,
stepping into the bars kitchen.
Out of the corner of his eye, Beau noticed a flicker of movement.
Instinct kicking in, his head subtly tilted to catch it. Everything seemed
normal, however a prickle of uncertainty burrowed into his mind. He
noticed the Gaff was missing from his table. Beau frowned, uneasy
about the alien, the species notorious as infamous pickpockets and
cons.
Door banging open, the bartender came back from the kitchen
holding a plate and a glass of alcohol. He set the plate in front of Ginna,
her eyes widening in hunger at the generous pile of meat slabs sizzling
with heat. Within the blink of an eye, she was shoveling down the food,
her pointed teeth digging viciously into the greasy slices.
The bartender placed the mug on the counter for Beau, and
walked off to tend to some other customers.
Reaching to take his helmet off, Beau felt a sharp tap on his
shoulder, sending muscles to a rigid state, years of fighting triggering
every reflex in his mind for a fight. Whipping his head around, he came
face to face with the Gaff, the aliens grin showing all of his long,
disgustingly yellow teeth.
You look like a man who can handle himself, my friend, the Gaff
said, his voice surprisingly smooth and articulate.
What do you want? Beau asked.
Oh, I just have a proposition for capable folk, if you know what I
mean, the Gaff answered.
Beau sighed, not quite eager for another job so soon.
Who do you want dead? he said, agitation creeping into his
throat.
You have me all wrong friend, I represent certain, shall we say,
persons of great power, if you catch my drift, no need for anyone to
die, the alien said, grinning widely.
Thatd be a nice change of pace, dont you think? Ginna asked
Beau, pausing from ravaging her food.
The Gaffs face dropped, his sickening smile falling into a scowl.
I dont think I was asking you, slave, the Gaff growled.
Before the alien could react, Beau had him by the throat, lifting
the scrawny Gaff into the air and slamming him down on to the
counter.
What did you say to her? Beau whispered, voice crackling, his
helmet inches from the Gaffs face.
The bar had fallen into silence, all eyes on them, though none
bothered to intervene.
Shock was plastered on the aliens face, his bright orange eyes
shifting left and right nervously, unable to look into at Beaus face to
properly assess how much trouble he had gotten into.
N-now look here friend, she is just a little who- he stammered,
sweat beginning to form on his greasy forehead.
Before he could finish his sentence, Beau ejected the hidden
knife, the blade stopping just short of slicing through the Gaffs eye.
WHOA, whoa whoa, Im sorry, friend! Im sorry! he exclaimed,
writhing in Beaus grip.
I dont think hes very eager to be friends at this point, someone
in the crowd shouted with a hint of amusement.
Look, how about this, Im sorry, Ill cover your tab, you hear me
out, please, Im sorry, Ill buy you a drink, he sputtered, smiling weakly.
Look at her when you say it, Beau said, his voice barely audible,
the blade edging closer to the glassy eye of the alien.
Hey girl, Im sorry, really, sorry, Im trash, scum, so how about
letting me go, eh? he said desperately, his face turning as much as it
could to look at Ginna.
She smiled, looping her hands through Beaus arm, gently pulling
the edge of the blade from the Gaffs eye.
I think Ill accept his apology for now, she said.
Great! Great, see there we can be friends, right? Now how about
letting me up so we can get to business, yes? the Gaff said, trying a
weak grin.
Beau eased off, pulling the alien to his feet.
See now there we g-OOF! his words ended abruptly as Beaus
fist smashed it his blue face, knocking the Gaff to the ground.
Ugh, I deserve that, yes, I deserve that, he groaned, picking
himself up while spitting out a mouthful of blood and rotten teeth.
Richard, put them on my tab, and, oof, Ill be back tomorrow,
the Gaff moaned to the bartender.
Richard, the bartender, turned and pulled out a new, more
expensive clear bottle of liquor, setting the bottle down in front of
Beau. Tugging his helmet off, Beau set it down on the counter as
Richard poured his drink.
How about some for the little lady? Richard asked smiling,
swirling the alcohol in the bottle.
Can I? Ginna asked, excitement leaking into her eyes.
Hesitating momentarily, Beau ran a hand over his head and
answered, I suppose one wouldnt hurt.
Ginna grinned widely as a smaller glass was poured for her.
Raising it to her lips, she took an apprehensive sip.
Hows it taste? Beau said, drinking from his own glass.
Ginna crinkled her nose, smacking her lips in disgust.
It tastes funny, she said, her eyes fluttering delicately.
Taking another sip, Beau noticed something off with the flavor,
something under laying the burn of alcohol. As Ginna slumped forward
slightly with a soft thump, Beau realized what the odd taste was.
Panic welled in his chest as his vision began to blur. Grappling
with his sword, Beau felt numbness shoot through his limbs.
You bastard, Beau tried to scream, but he was sure all he
managed was a meek, slurred mumble.
Before his vision faded to darkness, he could have sworn to see
the bloody smile of the Gaff.
Through the black fog of unconsciousness, Beau dreamt of
memories, as if looking through a white veil. His subconscious thoughts
lingered on his young friend, how he had met the Daros girl Ginna.
In his dozing haze, he relived how he crept through the elegant
floating mansion four years ago. No matter how much time passed, he
would always remember of the infamous drug lord Cas Gatten, his
estate decorated in lavish silks and priceless art. His elite team of
guards incapacitated, thrown over the edge into the clouds, or their
broken bodies stowed out of sight, Beau remembered how he had at
last reached Gattens private bedroom, only to find the drug lords
favorite slave girl chewing through his neck.
Standing there, Beau had watched in mild shock at the starved,
shaking naked body of the Daros, who had to be no more than ten
years old. Her face and hands were covered in the mans blood, the
bruises of his abuse still a deep purple. The sound of her ravenous
snarls filled the room as she devoured her tormenter. The glass cage
that had housed her in his room had been smashed apart from the
inside, and Beau had noticed a few cuts along her forehead around her
horns. He had approached after sometime, the Daros jumping with a
start and backing away, angry and hateful tears streaming from her big
green eyes. He had knelt down, taking the poor girls hand, having had
noticed how the deep purple bruises crept from her face downward,
covering her hips and shoulders.
Beau recalled how much she had reminded him of what he
remembered of his own youth, seeing himself in the slave girl. An
uncharacteristic empathetic wave of emotion he had not felt before on
any job washed over him as he draped one of the impossibly expensive
curtains around her, leading her away from the gnawed corpse.
Whats your name? he had asked.
She didnt answer, only wept softly against the hard armor of his
side.
Beau had freed all the other slaves; however the Daros he had
found in Gattens room stayed by his side, having tentatively followed
Beau aboard his ship, clutching his gloved hand. After two days of
silence, she had finally uttered a broken sound, looking into his black
visor.
Ginna, she had at last relinquished, Im Ginna.
How had fought through the torment of her life she had
displayed such resemblance to his own youth that it struck him. From
what little he could recall, he had spent months on a small colony.
Waking up day after day, alone and starving on the failed space colony
by the name of Ageous 277. Somehow surviving on scraps of spoiled
meat and water leaking from pipes, Beau had come very close to death
and losing his sanity, let alone his life.
His only escape had been a Human military cruiser, which
miraculously came across his derelict home. He had been revived,
medicated, and underwent psychiatric treatment. With nowhere to go,
Beau had stayed and trained over many years as a soldier, receiving his
medication directly from the onboard Medical Chief, until his eventual
fallout and desertion.
As the hazy memories faded from his mind, his vision slowly
returned, a harsh red light burning his eyes. Slowly, sight returned to
him, as well as sensation in his arms and legs. What feeling he felt
brought a black anger from the pit of his stomach.
Restraint.
Beau was unable to move, realizing he had been strapped to a
chair, along with other unconscious figures. Panic welled up now,
overcoming the anger as he scanned the room for Ginna. There she
was, to his left, right next to him. His heart pounding, he saw how she
was restrained as well, so small in the chair. He could have glazed over
her had he not noticed the shining green of her hair.
With knowing Ginna was unharmed, Beau focused on his
surroundings.
A large round table sat in the middle of the room, its only feature.
A ragtag group of beings sat at around it, held down in the same
manner as he. A portly human male with a kind face wearing small
glasses and heavy beard almost engulfed by a massive black duster, as
well as a Bleen nursing a rifle in the crook of its arm with a long red
scarf wrapped around the lower half of its face. Much to Beaus
surprise, the man they bumped into at the docking bay was at the table
as well. Across from him was a human female, her wavy red hair hiding
her features. Along with the captives were two Kana soldiers standing
in rigid attention, both in full silvery armor, their feathered faces
hidden behind cone shaped helmets with luminescent orange
faceplates.
One nudged the other, and pointed directly at Beau.
Hold still, a voice said close to his ear.
A sharp pain shot through his neck as a needle pierced the fabric
protecting his neck. With the needle now pulled out, Beau twisted his
head to see another human female, bald and heavily altered from with
drastic surgeries, standing over him. She looked almost like a bird, her
brown skin stretching over beak that didnt look right on her face.
Artificial feathers rose in a tuft from her forehead, a dazzling array of
blues and white.
Placing the needle in one of the pockets of her light blue lab coat,
what might have been a smile stretched uncomfortably across her face.
You shouldnt be awake yet young man, she tutted, her voice
flitting to in a way that matched her appearance. He wondered if the
infliction was an alteration as well, or simply just practice.
He was too dumbfounded to respond.
Walking up to her place at the table, she took a seat as one of the
Kanas hit a sequence of buttons on a holo pad resting on the table. The
pad flared up, projecting the face of an elegant looking Kana, his deep
auburn beak poking out through stout red feathers. Sharp yellow eyes
glared at the group, judging each with a haughty air of distaste.
Slowly, the other captives became conscious, moaning softly.
Becoming more aware, several took stock of their situation, beginning
to shout and writhe against their bonds, struck with confusion.
SILENCE, the holographic Kana commanded, his voice crisp and
fluttery.
Every eye turned toward the floating image, hate boiling in their
eyes. Beau could feel the emotions radiating from each one; he could
imagine the air almost vibrating with the hostile emotions.
Welcome, and thank you for your presence. You have been
honored with the privilege to provide service to the might of the Kana
military, the alien said in crisp English, I am General Thabus, leader of
the Kana Military Science Division.
Thank you, for our PRESENCE?! the red headed woman shrieked
shrilly. Her eyes were blazing with rage; however that didnt mask their
pleasant shade of brown.
Thabus regarded her with steely, unfeeling eyes before
continuing.
You few have been selected careful- General Thabus began,
before the round man interrupted.
YOU BASTARD ILL FU- the human female began screaming,
before a sharp crack cut of her crude words.
Blood sprayed across Beaus visor, but the gristle didnt block the
sight of the now headless human body slumping across the table. From
the corner of his vision, he saw the pseudo-human female pointing an
electronic pad of sorts at the dead hunter. Every head turned and
stared in stunned silence at the oozing stump, glistening wetly as a final
spurt of blood gushed onto the table. Ginnas terrified eyes felt like a
stab to his gut.
Interruptions, as you can now see, have zero tolerance, the
Kana general spat through his beak.
A horrific smirk rose from lunatic as she set the remote down.
As I was saying, you have carefully selected to serve our great
Empire in a most dire matter. The great Kana Empire is vast and
influential enough for to tap into the comings and goings of those even
outside our territory. Our reach is almost limitless, when there is
something we desire. When you docked we scanned all dossiers for
potential candidates, he said, his voice cold, and we liked what we
saw in you guns-for-hire.
Thabus glanced around the room, inspecting each face. The
Kanas ice cold gaze fell on the squat human, the yellow eyes squinting.
Human, state your name.
Name is Pen, the man said, his thick beard rustling as he spoke,
a strained smile playing across his lips.
Ah yes, youve been employed to our service before, Thabus
said, nodding to himself.
Sadly, Pen muttered.
Luckily, neither the General nor the woman playing executioner
heard him.
As I was saying, Thabus said, you were selected to carry out a
mission we lack resources to invest in. With our forces spread thin due
to our current war, we must rely on filthy mercenaries. You may now
speak freely.
The captive bounty hunters shifted in their restraints
uncomfortably before any dared speak.
I think a good starting point would be why the hell you abducted
us and blew someones head off, Beau finally said.
This mission is extremely sensitive. We had to be sure that we
had complete control over our tools, next! the mutant doctor replied,
dismissing any further words from Beau.
Ill kill you first, Beau seethed to himself.
What is job, exactly? the Bleen hissed quietly, voice grating
from behind its scarf.
A weapons research station under our funding, Kaskurst, has
been missing for two standard months, we believed it had been found
and destroyed by those who oppose the Kana Empire. However, a
group of scouts fortunately discovered its current location over the
uninhabited planet Lashada. We lost contact with the scout team
shortly after communications had been established onboard the
station.
So you want us to find the station? Beau asked.
That is secondary, the General said, on the station is a vital
asset to our war effort, a scientist by the name of Dr. Hanson along
with his research. You are to locate and return the doctor, if he is
indisposed, retrieve his work.
Why do you need a whole team of filthy mercenaries to
recover one scientist? Pen asked with a raised eyebrow.
Circumstances require a group of capable beings with no ties to
our military, the Kana general replied.
Wh-hat circumstances? the hooded man asked.
Hesitating slightly, the Generals hard yellow eyes flitted with
uncertainty before answering.
We believe there may hostile military forces onboard the
station, General Thabus said, his voice losing a bit of its edge.
With a slight scoff, the bearded mercenary shook his head.
I think we can handle a few bugs, Pen said grinning.
Our Desen subordinates should rightfully be mocked, however
the insects have somehow overpowered our scouts, so caution is
advised in the situation, the General said.
Pay? the Bleen asked.
The Kana Military is willing to pay five hundred thousand chips.
Each.
The Bleens ghostly white eyes widened hungrily, as if almost
forgetting how it was tied down to the chair. The rest of the group sat
in shock at the reward. Beau himself had only been paid half of that for
the assassination of Prime Minister Vonlen. Ginna looked up at Beau,
her eyes filled with avarice.
Beau, think about all the food, she said in an excited whisper.
Shush, he said testily, I dont know about this, it sounds
sketchy. And have you noticed youre strapped to a chair?
Oh come on, killing the Prime Minister was sketchy, this just
squashing some bugs to get a scientist. As for being tied, I think I can
look past it for that kind of money, she retorted, shifting more
comfortably.
Beau shook his head at her, astounded her stomach was
overpowering her sense of reason.
This is insane, he muttered to himself.
What did you put in our necks, Beau said, staring at the woman
coldly from behind his visor.
Ah, the Doctor Hanley will explain, General Thabus said simply.
Doctor Hanley, the altered human, smiled sweetly.
Smiling really didnt flatter that face.
To ensure your compliance, you have been implanted with a high
grade explosive gel that will detonate remotely if you do not follow our
orders.
Her unhuman twittering voice was preceded by an angry silence.
When you are ready, speak to my soldiers and they will prepare a
transport to the station, General Thabus said, breaking the silence.
Why cant we take our own ships? Beau asked.
The Desen are not our only enemies. We cant risk other
malicious forces to track your ships to the station or if you were to be
foolish enough to try to run. You will take a shuttle we have prepared
personally. It is trouble enough that those insects are infesting the
station, Thabus replied before continuing, An entire station going
missing is not something we wish to become public. I will leave you to
your preparations.
His floating head scanned the faces and helmets of the room
before shutting off with a blip. With transmission ended, the two alien
soldiers eased out of attention, the silver metal of their airtight armor
creaking slightly.
Besides usual Kana hospitality, this feels wrong, dont you
think? Pen said to the group.
I agree, his explanation wasnt very solid, Beau said.
Silence, a Kana solider cawed rigidly.
The aliens clanked around the table, silently handing each bounty
hunter a data pad, bow legs awkwardly maneuvering around the chairs.
After receiving his, Beau flicked through the red text, reading up where
the dock with the transport was located, contract information, along
with Kana propaganda. Like a cruel joke, at the end of the entries a line
requiring his signature with a final stanza lit up.
Reading through the last paragraph carefully, Beaus anger raised
its ugly head.
Failure to comply will result in execution with collateral of Ovroc
destruction? he said, temper flaring.
The Kana both nodded curtly, Hanley raising the remote, shaking
it playfully.
So you mean we either accept your job or you destroy the space
station? Pen asked dumbfounded.
Cannot risk Intel loss, one of the soldiers squawked in broken
English, must insure your compliance.
Th-hats insane! exclaimed the hooded hunter, his glowing white
eyes seemingly to damp in radiance.
An attack like that would be an act of war! Pen moaned as his
face turned ashen.
Nothing the Empire cannot handle, said one of the Kanas.
Orders, said the other, hanging his head.
Was that regret?
The Bleen stood, holding the data pad. It walked casually over,
giving the plastic device back to its owners.
Signed and ready, it said.
Acknowledged, please remain, one of the Kana said.
If supplies needed, we escort one at time, the other said.
Beau glared at the soldiers from behind his visor, seething in rage.
As controlling and harsh as the avian species were, promising the
destruction of millions of innocents was a new low for the Kana
military.
They must be desperate, Beau thought to himself as he signed the
pad, roughly sliding it across the table.
Pen sighed, signing his and placing it on the table as the other
nervously fidgeted before doing the same.
All signed, no supplies needed? a Kana asked, collecting the
data pads.
I have what I need, Pen said, echoed quickly by the anxious
mercenaries.
Im ready, Beau said, seething.
Good, meet at dock in thirty standard minutes, the Kanas
twittered almost in unison.
They moved to leave out the door before one stopped, turning to
the group, saying, Warship monitoring Ovroc. We know if you do not
obey.
With the Kanas gone, the group stood from their seats. The Bleen
quickly stalked out, ignoring the others, almost plowing down Ginna in
its haste to leave.
Well, this s-sucks, the hooded man sighed.
Oh, Im sure weve been in worse, comes with the job, Pen said
as he began polishing his glasses.
Th-this is my first job, the man stuttered.
The plump man seemed taken aback, confusion lacing his face.
How did you get lucky enough to get roped into this if youve had
no experience? Didnt the bird brain say we got picked from our
docking info?
I-Im docked under m-my fathers ship, he said.
Why did you get picked? Beau asked.
I-I guess they think I-Im him, his voice trailed off.
Where is your father then? Ginna asked.
He died on a job, the boy said.
Pen sighed walking over to the poor kid, the long duster scrapping
softly across the floor.
Whats your name son? he asked, placing a hand on his
shoulder.
Quint, he replied softly.
Well Quint, it looks like we are all stuck in a rotten situation,
Pen said, pulling one of two pistols from his belt, we are hunters, and
we arent going to let some beak faced freaks control us. Are we?
Pen handed the pistol over to Quint. He stared at the gun in his
hand before nodding.
Thats the spirit! Nobody messes with hunters, right? Pen
exclaimed, turning his head to Beau.
Uh, right, he said.
Beau knew full well that Pen was only trying to lift the boys spirit,
but the notion seemed useless. Quint and Pen walked outside together,
brothers in the hunt, creating a bond in the face of the awful
circumstance.
You were reassuring, Ginna said.
He took up his fathers place, either he lives up to it or dies,
Beau said simply.
Brow furrowed, Ginna nudged Beaus side roughly as they walked
quickly to the Kana docking bay.
Be nice, he is just a kid, she said.
You know what kind of life this is, Beau said, if he doesnt
adjust to it he will die.
Im just a kid! she nearly shouted.
Stunned, Beau said nothing. He knew how young she was, and he
felt a heavy, guilty pull at the pit of his stomach.
It still wouldnt hurt to try to support him; were all hostages to
those beak faced freaks, she sighed.
I suppose, Beau grumbled, regaining his voice, if there is even a
warship out there. Never know; it could just be an empty threat.
You know its not an empty threat, Ginna said angrily.
Pressing the power button on his holopad Beau hailed Cide,
waking the droid from his artificial slumber. The droids static filled
voice garbled forth, an edge to each word.
Recharge is still incomplete, sir, but how can I be of assistance?
Cides voice grated.
I need to run a scan of Ovroc and the space around it for any
Kana vessels, and I need you to guard the ship for an indefinite amount
of time.
Affirmative, please stand-by, the droid replied.
Sounds grumpy, Ginna said, do you ever regret putting that
personality chip in him?
Sometimes, Beau mumbled.
Reporting, Cides voice interrupted, four civilian-class Kana
vessels are docked with the station.
Is that all? Beau said, hope wel