Accursed

by Patrick F. Johnson

  Her eyes widened. “That is terrible.”

  “I know. The thought of it is really weighing on me. But I intend to eliminate the threat of assassination first. Gladys will want proof of who is responsible for this attack and I suppose she is right. But I'm certain it's Wold.”

  Nera sighed which caught him by surprise. “I felt her power right before the Li came.”

  “The males have stronger Reverence. I'm speaking from experience.”

  “I have my bow. Your shield didn't stop that first arrow.”

  Frank nodded. “That might work. But if it doesn't, he will have control of you.”

  “He must die. I will not be upset if you are the one to do it. And I do not care if I die trying.”

  Frank then turned the full attention of his blank eyes upon her. “Nera, no matter what the future holds for us, I find the notion of your death absolutely unacceptable.”

  She only nodded but he could see the anger burning inside her.

  * * *

  “Is that the power I'm feeling?” Damon asked.

  “I can only assume,” Gladys replied with a smile. She glanced at Brogue. “Everyone comments on it but I am immune. If he were awake, you'd probably be on your knees.”

  “I believe it. So much makes sense now.”

  “Frank said the same thing. I didn't reveal myself to him until Phildan became injured. I didn't want to influence him.” She pressed a spot on a pad. “You're all set.”

  Damon hopped off the table and stood to regard Brogue more closely. “He also said that Sessik ideas of beauty are pretty close to ours. I gotta say, you are a beautiful race.”

  “Thank you, Damon. My brother is known for his looks. I've heard many say he is the most attractive of all the blues.”

  “The blues?”

  “Yes. We are the least favorable color, according to Sessik customs.”

  Damon shook his head. “Even advanced cultures have racism. I think my head is going to explode now.”

  She smiled again. “Didn't Frank tell you? Most Sessiks are assholes.”

  Damon laughed. “I guess it never came up.” He looked at her. “I just...wow.”

  She led him toward the door. “I am glad to be able to be among humans now. Tirogof did me a favor despite his intentions.”

  “I want to say that I wish we were there. I want to think we could have made a difference. But I know we'd probably have just made it worse.” As he entered the garden, he couldn't help but to crane his neck, looking for Cindy.

  “They nearly killed Frank and Nera.”

  “Yeah. We would have made it worse.” He paused as an automech flew by carrying a black blob. “What was that?”

  “I assume Connie had a new suit made.”

  He did the math in his head. “Stealth suit. It must be time to get to work.” They walked toward Frank's boat. Frank and Nera saw them and headed that way. Cindy emerged as they came together. Damon noticed Nera's demeanor and only nodded when their eyes met. He was relieved when she nodded back.

  “How are we doing on time?” Frank asked.

  Gladys was clearly thinking about it. “We should ask Connie,” she said.

  Damon glanced into the boat just as Constanthos was removing the gray suit. Embarrassed, he quickly looked away. She appeared a few moments later, wearing the familiar black.

  “We have a little bit of time,” she said. “It probably isn't enough to get Cindy home but there is one thing that I'm curious about.”

  “You're curious about something?” Frank asked. “I'm all ears.”

  “The data collector has been analyzed. These guys really get around. They also open a lot of rifts and do not enter. I assume they open them for other vessels. But having sifted through the data, I only have two locations that I'm not familiar with.”

  “Huh?” Damon asked.

  Constanthos continued, “There is a location much farther out in the same arm of the galaxy as Earth. I assume that to be the Ezilak home world. It would take several stages as I'm not intimate with the movements of that arm.”

  “That makes sense,” Frank offered. “That would explain how Ezilaks made their way to Earth. Something must have gone wrong on the way back.”

  “It is said the Gurdiks have the most complete knowledge of the galaxy,” Gladys added.

  “What's the other place?” Frank asked.

  “I do not know for sure,” Constanthos replied. “It seems to be their own system but I have no idea why they would return so often.”

  Frank looked thoughtful. “Their planet was destroyed and they keep going back? We need to check that out.”

  “Give me a moment to do the math.” Everyone watched as her eyes went white. “I have it.”

  “Drop the gravity in my boat, please.” Frank offered his arm to Gladys and they walked in to look at the television.

  “I'm so confused,” Damon said. “What math?”

  “The galaxy is constantly in motion, Damon. We can't find our destination without math. I had to take what we know of the motion of that system and, based on the time of their last visit, figure a jump point.” Constanthos gave him a blank, white-eyed stare as she explained.

  Damon was speechless.

  “I feel the same way,” Frank said as he looked at the stars changing on the screen. “What the hell is that?”

  18.

  “That was surprisingly painless,” Stan said as he packed a few more things aside from the bags he had already prepared.

  “I'd say they were too stunned,” Phillip replied.

  “Either way, I'm almost happy to be done with this.” He looked at the agent who had become his friend. “Just how we planned.”

  “Aye aye, captain. Right out the back door. I'll lead the way.” Phillip grabbed one of Stan's bags and both of his own and led the way toward the roof access. They moved quickly and silently until they finally saw the open sky.

  “I hope Phildan got the message,” Stan said as he placed the bags on the roof before him and took a few steps back. He was pleased when the bags left the surface and raised into a dark circle in the sky.

  “I think we're good, sir.”

  “Phillip, please just call me Stan from now on.”

  Phillip was unable to answer before he was lifted.

  * * *

  “I'll have my usual,” Jard Dundarsheef said with a black smile. The barkeep went to fulfill the order so Jard looked around. Members of various species were present in the bar but unfortunately no Sungarans were there to listen for him. He recognized a few Gurdiks but most of them were different. He'd seen the pirate ship enter the queue and knew it was a matter of time before they came to congregate. The barkeep finally returned with his drink and he took the time to enjoy a sip. It had taken so long for him to find a beverage he enjoyed and he always took his time to savor it. Gurdiks wearing cloaks started entering after some time and he knew he was where he needed to be. Jard kept his head down and surveyed the room mostly from the reflection on his glass. The door opened again as another group of Gurdiks walked in. Jard recognized the one known as Amoz Nudek among them. The leader of the pirates was walking with the group, trying to blend in.

  Jard almost laughed out loud when the remote started moving around inside his cloak. He reached in to retrieve it and was surprised when it became invisible. He released it from his grasp.

  “Are they here?” He recognized the female voice. It was Frank's companion he'd met briefly on Vera. She'd flown the orb close to his head as if to whisper in his ear.

  “They are here,” he replied as he signalled for a refill. “Is he coming?”

  “He'll be here shortly.”

  Jard nodded and picked up his drink. He found a place close to the door and leaned casually against the wall. After a couple of minutes, Frank walked in. He was wearing sunglasses and appeared to be unarmed save for the pouches around his waste. His black suit was absorbing the light.

  “Amoz is in the far corner,” Jard said i
n a low tone. “The ones in cloaks are pirates. I'll guard the door.”

  Before Frank could reply, the barkeep shouted out, “No humans!” Frank understood the words but couldn't name the language. He removed his sunglasses and started toward the pirates. “Get that rat out of here!” Two beings appeared and started toward Frank. He assumed they were security of some sort and they didn't look very friendly. As they were moving to subdue him, he simply flared his shield and sent them flying. The barkeep watched as his goons landed in heaps out on the floor. “Get clear you two. This is the Monster.” He slapped a button and a clear barrier dropped from the ceiling, enclosing him behind the bar while allowing him to view the action.

  “Gurdiks stay,” Frank said in an even tone. “Everyone else, get out.” Several pirates had produced pistols from within their cloaks and positioned themselves in front of Amoz. The rest of the patrons ran for the door.

  One pirate pulled a device and stepped forward with confidence. He pressed the button and Frank heard that ringing in his ears again. “You're not human,” the Gurdik said as his bravado was escaping him. Frank didn't so much as shrug as he waited for their next move. The same pirated pulled his pistol and squeezed off several rounds.

  “Stop shooting up my bar!” The barkeep was safe enough where he stood but hated seeing the projectiles bounce off of Frank's shield and find their way into his building.

  “Fev tried all of this already,” Frank said. “You're wasting your time.”

  “He didn't try this,” the pirate replied as he pulled another device. “Be ready,” he ordered the others. They all trained their guns on Frank. When he pressed the button, the lights went out. The remote uncloaked and fell to the floor and Frank's sword became visible. “Fire!”

  It was then Frank learned he powered the shield. Every projectile was deflected. Two pirates pulled blades and stepped forward to greet him as he made his advance. He let the one on the left get close and caught him by the wrist as he clumsily swung his blade. Frank ripped his arm off with one jerk and then swung it toward the other Gurdik, knocking him unconscious. More pirates charged and Frank beat them mercilessly with the arm. But they would pick themselves up and charge again. Even the owner of the arm didn't give up. This went on for some time before Amoz himself yelled for the pirates to halt.

  Taking a few nervous steps forward, Amoz asked, “Why have you not pulled your blade?”

  “I want answers,” Frank replied. “Then I will decide if you live or die.”

  “That is more than fair,” Amoz said. Turning toward his crew, he ordered, “Everyone stand down. We are outmatched.”

  “Why did you take Fev to Earth?”

  “He offered a large cut of the bounty.”

  “Someone very special was killed.”

  Amoz actually looked remorseful. “That is unfortunate and I apologize. Fev said he was going to lay a trap. I had no idea what it was. Killing isn't the Gurdik way. But we need the money.”

  Frank nodded. “I am aware. It must cost a lot to keep that space station going.” Amoz looked shocked. “I suppose your queen is on board.”

  The pirates all began to slump. “You have beaten us. I beg you, please don't hurt our queen. The children are all there.”

  “I don't want to hurt your queen.” Frank looked around at all the Gurdiks. The non-pirates were huddled in a corner. “You guys are one of the most travelled species in the galaxy. I suppose you've been looking for a new home, right?”

  “Yes. We found one that is perfect but it is under the control of the Gotes.”

  “Could you please turn the power back on?” the barkeep interjected.

  “Turn the power on,” Frank said.

  Amoz turned his head toward the Gurdik who had used the device. “Dran.” A button was pushed and the lights came back on. The remote raised itself from the floor and took its position over Frank's left shoulder.

  Frank started putting the pieces together. “So Korick had you guys working for him, all the while holding this planet over your head.”

  “Yes. We have been gathering money. We had hoped to buy it outright.”

  “I guess one human's life is a small price to pay for a whole planet. A home for your people. I'm starting to think you aren't even really pirates.”

  The leader of the pirates leaned forward and spoke in a low tone. “Amoz Nudek isn't real. I'm actually an Agent of the Crown.”

  “How about those Rhoshe ships? How many bugs did you kill to get those?”

  “The scouts had been dead for some time when they were found. They were exploring a planet that had unknown gases.”

  “So you didn't kill any?”

  Amoz spoke in an even tone. “We did not. We always take precautions when we explore and we do not have that expendable Rhoshe attitude.”

  Frank thought of Breet. “Yeah, I can see that.” He turned to locate the owner of the arm and pitched it over to him. The Gurdik caught it and held it as if it was no big deal. Frank turned back to Amoz and said, “The Gotes owe me a favor. We can probably get that planet for you but I'm going to need you to do a little favor for me first.”

  “What favor?” Amoz asked.

  “Excuse me,” Constanthos interrupted. “What do you know of the cloaked ship that is currently in orbit?”

  The Gurdiks looked back and forth at each other. “I was unaware of a cloaked ship,” Amoz replied.

  Frank glanced at the orb. “I believe him.” He dramatically looked Amoz in the eye so the insectoid could see clearly how inhuman he had become. “I assume you will be putting piracy behind you when you finally acquire a planet, right?”

  “That is our intention.”

  “And Amoz Nudek will fade into legend, right?”

  “I would prefer to fade into obscurity.”

  “Well, I need to borrow your name.”

  Amoz looked confused. “My name? Why would a being such as yourself need the name of a pirate?”

  “I'm going to take out the Assassin's Guild and I want everyone to think you did it.”

  “That's... I don't think that's possible.”

  “I'm listening.”

  Amoz cleared his throat. “We've actually looked at that job. The building itself is too well fortified. And the Guild is well connected with local law enforcement.”

  “We need to work this out.” Frank allowed himself to grin. “Did I mention we're letting you keep the money?”

  Amoz paused and looked around. The Gurdik who'd brandished the devices stepped forward. “We'll need an angle,” he said.

  “This is Dran,” Amoz said. “He is very clever.”

  “What do you mean by an angle, Dran?” Frank asked.

  “A distraction. That device, the one that didn't work, it knocks humans out. The Gotes had us picking up your people here and on Mertia.”

  “And Earth,” Frank asked.

  “Not too often. That had to be kept under wraps. Gotes had something worked out.”

  “Just a moment.” The voice of Gladys came from Frank's sword. “I have an agreement with the City Manager. Humans were to be off limits.”

  “He gave his blessing for a small cut of the take,” Dran replied.

  Frank pulled the sword, still in its sheath, from his back and held it up. “Do you know whose voice this is?” Dran shrugged. “Gladosanthos Mod Suercey.”

  “The Winner of Wars,” Amoz added.

  “She doesn't sound very happy,” Frank said.

  “There's your angle,” Dran said. “If you can take out their substations, they can't cover the Guild.”

  “I will pay the Manager a visit,” Gladys said. “How many substations are there now?”

  “I have the information,” Constanthos replied as her orb came forward and projected a map of the city. “In addition to the compound that is the Manager's office, there are three other substations.” She highlighted them on the map.

  Frank hadn't taken the time to look over Hitakkita Bay. There was a mountainou
s region that separated the city from the rest of the continent.

  “They're pretty far apart,” Dran said. “Maybe we should lend a hand.”

  “I agree,” Amoz said. To Frank he asked, “How many can you take out?”

  Frank motioned for Jard to join them. “I think we can do the main office and the nearest station to it. But I'd like to be inside the guild when it gets hit.”

  “Nothing short of a Rhoshe-class torpedo will crack the building and it has its own arrays,” Dran replied.

  “We have the means,” Gladys replied.

  “I have a plan worked out,” Constanthos said. “It all depends on Jard.”

  “Me?” Jard replied. “Would you like me to take out a substation?”

  “No,” she replied. “We need you to get Frank inside.”

  * * *

  “If you have the means to destroy The Monster, I think now would be a good time.”

  “Patience, Filn.” Berthantine studied the screens with great interest. “I don't wish to show my hand too soon.”

  “I mean no disrespect. That human terrifies me.”

  “No worries, Filn. I am oh so curious why he chose to come here of all places. If he thinks he can defeat the Assassin's Guild, we may be rid of him soon enough.”

  “I will be honest with you, Berthantine, as you have been so gracious. He has defeated other great foes already. I see no reason why he won't succeed here.”

  “I'm fine either way,” she replied with that same beautiful smile. “The Guild has no place in my vision. We win either way. And I'm not willing to drop my Centurions into Hitakkita Bay just yet.”

  * * *

  “We could have just dropped. It would have been faster.” Frank was having to maneuver himself between pedestrians of various species as they passed through the busy alleys and streets of Hitakkita Bay.

  “This way is natural and if anyone is watching, it looks normal.” Jard was all smiles as he strolled along.

  “That's easy for you to say. At least they can see you.” Frank was most upset at not being able to take in the architecture.