by Jaleta Clegg
"Does it really matter?" Jasyn said. "We don't have the fuel to make another jump. We have to land one way or another. And if Hawkmoor is Gypsy, we won't have to prove who we are to get help. Unless they've elected a new Council."
"I thought they couldn't do that unless you were there," Twyla said. "Don't they have to challenge the Council leader in person?"
"Traditionally, yes," Jasyn answered. "But since I've turned most of their traditions upside down, maybe they decided to take it another step on their own."
"Which beacon do you want?" Ginni asked, coming to the door of the cockpit. "All of them are listed."
"Clark told us," Jasyn said.
"So, which one do you want to use?" Ginni asked again. They all looked to Jasyn for a decision.
"Triple comet with a nova!" Beryn announced from the lounge.
"It's your ship, Jasyn," Clark said.
Jasyn shook her head, pushing her hair back over her shoulder. "It's a Family ship now. Shellfinder clan. Which includes everyone here. Except Ananda. We vote on it."
"Beryn! Darus! Get up here. Now," Ginni called over her shoulder. She pointedly ignored Ananda. They all did.
Jasyn waited until they were crowded in the cockpit. Clark took the pilots seat. Twyla and Ginni moved in, making room for Darus and Beryn in the doorway. They all looked to Jasyn.
"We've got a choice," Jasyn said. "All of the beacons we own are listed by the Patrol. We have to land at Hawkmoor. Twyla says it's a Gypsy safe world, but the file's gone. I say we fly in as the Phoenix Rising. We've been hiding long enough."
"And if we fly as the Phoenix, we might get help? No questions?" Darus asked.
"Probably a lot of questions," Jasyn admitted. "Such as why haven't I been at Council where I belong. It depends on whether the Patrol is waiting for us at Hawkmoor or not. The Gypsies won't do more than shun us. That's happened before. We'd be declared outcasts. No Gypsy would help us." She shrugged. "Not that it would matter."
"Then let's use our own beacon," Beryn said. "We're going to be shot down no matter what beacon we use if the Patrol's waiting for us. We might as well be shot for being ourselves."
"Any objections?" Jasyn asked.
"Were you expecting any?" Ginni asked. "If we weren't proud to crew this ship, we would have left a long time ago."
"Then put the beacon back in. And this time it stays in," Jasyn said.
"I'll get the ship patches," Twyla offered. She was smiling as she, Ginni, and Darus left.
"One beacon, coming up," Beryn said.
Clark looked at his wife. "It feels good to not hide anymore."
"I just hope we survive," Jasyn said.
He ran his fingers through her loose hair. "We will. We're good at surviving."
"No!" Louie shrieked from the lounge. "No!"
"Get the beacon in. I have a monster to deal with," Jasyn said. But she was smiling.
Three hours later, when the reentry alarm sounded, the beacon was in place. Clark was at the controls with Ginni next to him. Jasyn and Twyla had the other two stations covered. Darus and Beryn were trying to entertain Louie and watch Ananda. She had been banished from the cockpit and any other place where she might possibly cause problems. She was sitting at the table, playing solitaire. Louie was in Beryn's lap, scribbling happily across stray papers.
The final alarm sounded. The ship slid through the jump point. Clark and Ginni slowed the ship. Jasyn waited for the turbulence to clear. Twyla brought up the scans as soon as she could.
"No sign of big cruisers arming weapons and heading this way," she said. "No sign of much. There are maybe six ships in the area. There's too much interference to scan farther."
"Vector?" Clark asked.
"Starboard two degrees," Jasyn said. "I'm not picking up any nav beacons." She took a deep breath. "Showtime," she said and snapped on the com. "Hawkmoor, this is the Phoenix Rising requesting landing clearance."
They listened to static for a moment. Jasyn repeated the call. The static cleared.
"What ship did you say you were?" The voice was crisp, male, and sounded surprised.
"This is the Phoenix Rising," Jasyn repeated. "We are requesting landing coordinates."
"Coming right up," the voice said. "Welcome to Hawkmoor, Phoenix Rising." They could almost see the smile in the voice.
The numbers came through, scrolling onto the main viewscreen. Jasyn sat back, staring at the com.
"I don't know whether that was good or bad," she said.
"We'll know soon enough," Clark said.
"The port stabilizer is shot," Ginni said. "Again. Why is that the only one that ever gets damaged?"
"We've got a coolant problem," Clark said.
Twyla turned around and passed the information on to Darus. He gave Ananda a final glare and headed for the engine room.
"Am I a prisoner?" Ananda asked.
"No, just a nuisance," Beryn told her.
"Dammit!" Louie added.
"That's it," Jasyn said. "No more swearing on this ship. Not from anyone."
"Yes, ma'am," Clark said.
She swatted him across the back of his head.
"No distracting the pilot," he said.
The planet grew slowly in the viewscreen, a blue and green ball covered with swirls of white.
"I've got a fix on the beacon," Twyla said.
There was a loud bang from the engine room. Lights flashed red across Ginni's board.
"The thrusters just went offline," Ginni announced.
Jasyn swore.
"I thought you just banned that," Clark said as Ginni reached over his head for the headset.
"All right," Jasyn said. "No swearing where Louie can hear."
"Darus?" Ginni asked into her headset. She listened for a minute. "We lost the main pressure feed line for the thrusters. Darus says the backup will be online in a minute."
"That's about all we've got," Clark said. "Jasyn?"
She was already on the com. "We've got a slight problem. We may come in a bit fast."
She had taken the com off speaker and was talking into a headset. "No, that won't be necessary. Just keep the field clear until we're down." There was another pause. "Thanks. I appreciate that." She flipped the com to standby. "He just told us to be careful. He says there are several concerned people waiting to talk to us."
"Think we should be armed?" Clark asked.
"Probably," Jasyn answered.
The red lights on the controls flickered and changed to mostly green. Three stayed red. Several glowed yellow.
"We're back online," Ginni said. "Just take it easy, Clark."
"Me? You've got the thrusters." Clark flipped several switches. The thin scream of atmosphere burning over the hull seemed loud in the sudden quiet of the cockpit. "Twyla? Bearing?"
"Point four yaw," she answered.
Ginni twitched her controls. The sound of atmosphere thickened to a roar. The ship shuddered. The sound faded out.
"You're right on," Twyla said.
"Take us down," Clark said to Ginni.
The ship glided downwards, towards the planet surface. They landed with a jarring bump.
"Dammit!" Louie shrieked.
"I'm going to kill whoever taught him that word," Jasyn said.
"I believe he learned it from you," Clark said as he shut down the sublights.
"The thrusters are going to need fixed," Ginni said.
"Probably just gummed up," Clark said. "At least I hope that's all."
"Port authority would like to visit us, at our convenience," Jasyn said. "I told them now was as good as later. They should be here in five minutes."
"Just enough time to clean up the crayons," Twyla said, glancing back into the lounge. "And decide what to do with Ananda."
"Kick her out the hatch as soon as possible," Jasyn muttered.
"She might be worth holding on to for a while," Clark said, quietly enough Ananda couldn't hear.
"Why? Give me one reason to keep her
around."
"Because she was right, Jasyn, when she said she knew how to get into Matthias' organization. We may need her."
"That doesn't mean I have to like her."
"No, it doesn't."
"Can we lock her up somewhere at least?"
"I can hotwire the bathroom door," Ginni offered.
Jasyn laughed. "Do it. At least until the port authority is gone."
By the time port authority arrived, three men and two women wearing uniforms with just enough gold to indicate their importance, the lounge was clean and Ananda was securely locked into the bathroom farthest from the lounge. She'd protested, loudly. Beryn, Darus and Ginni were keeping her quiet. They'd taken Louie with them, as added incentive for Ananda to behave. She and Louie had a mutual dislike. Clark had suggested they use the time to get what information they could from her. Ananda had agreed when he mentioned the possibility of letting her stay or go, as she chose, if she cooperated. He ignored Jasyn's glare.
They waited near the open hatch as the delegation approached. Jasyn couldn't help fingering the patch on her sleeve. They were openly the Phoenix again. And it felt good, even if it ended up costing them their lives.
The five in dark blue uniforms stopped at the bottom of the ramp. The woman in front looked up at her. "Permission to come aboard?" she asked formally.
"Permission granted," Jasyn answered stiffly.
The woman smiled. "We aren't here to arrest you, if that's what you're worried about." She flicked her fingers in acknowledgment of Gypsy status higher than her own. "I didn't ever think Shellfinder would cross my path. Welcome to Hawkmoor."
Jasyn stepped back and let them into the ship. She was smiling as she invited them to sit at the table. Twyla offered them drinks.
"We don't have much time," the woman, their leader, answered. "Whatever you need, you only have to ask. We're pleased to be of assistance, Council leader." She bowed her head.
"Please, just call me Jasyn." Jasyn leaned on the galley counter. "We may need some minor repairs. We need information more."
"Your ship is listed as pirate and worse," the woman said. "The Patrol has offered a substantial reward for your capture. I'd recommend avoiding Imperial space."
"Tell me something I don't know," Jasyn said.
"The Federation is looking for you."
"Why?" Jasyn didn't miss Clark's sudden tension.
"They want their trade delegation back at work," the woman said. She tasted the drink Twyla served. "And the Gypsy Council wants their leader back in session."
Jasyn folded her arms. "Is that all?"
"Isn't it enough? If you don't mind me asking, why are you in this quadrant? It's not on any of the usual trade routes for your clan affiliation."
"Personal business, clan business," Jasyn said. "And we were trying to leave."
"We need information," Clark said.
The woman gave him a single considering look before dismissing him. She looked back at Jasyn. Her message was clear. She was only going to deal with Jasyn.
"What help will the Gypsies give me?" Jasyn asked.
"Your repairs are covered. Your fuel and any supplies you require. You are needed on Tebros as soon as possible. It's my duty and pleasure to see you arrive. We can offer you an escort."
"I don't want an escort," Jasyn said. "What about information?"
"What do you want to know?"
"I want the location of Ren Matthias." It was flat and harsh.
The woman frowned, puzzled.
Jasyn leaned on the table, looming over the woman. "I want to know what he did with my friend. I'm not going to Tebros until she's back on this ship."
"Council business takes precedence," the woman said primly.
"Then the Council can go to hell," Jasyn said.
The woman stood, carefully placing her cup on the table. "All offers of help are suspended. You will be required to pay for all services."
"You aren't going to arrest me or send me to Tebros under protest?"
The woman didn't answer. She swept out of the ship, followed by the rest of her group.
"That went well," Twyla said.
Jasyn crossed to the hatch and slammed the controls. The door slid shut. "There is a very good chance they'll try to arrest me. Although the Gypsies don't usually work that way. They'll call in the reinforcements and try to convince me to go back first."
"Then we'd better get the repairs done as fast as we can," Clark said.
"And hope Ananda has something worthwhile to add."
"Don't hurt her too much," Clark said as Jasyn headed for the back cabins.
Twyla looked at her brother once Jasyn was out of the lounge.
"I think Mother would be appalled," she said at length.
"Louie is a bit young to swear."
Twyla laughed. "That wasn't what I was referring to."
"I know. I still think Jasyn was right. Dace comes first this time."
"And we agree or the rest of us wouldn't still be here."
"Thanks, sis, for your support."
"Anytime."
They were interrupted by a knock at the hatch. They both turned to look at the blank door.
"Do you think one of them forgot his hat?" Clark asked. He crossed the room and opened the hatch, positioning himself to block whoever was on the other side from entering.
"Hail the ship," Everett said, grinning. "I was wondering when I'd finally catch up with you. I've got a package for you."
"Do we really want it?" Clark stepped back, letting Everett into the ship.
"Twyla," Everett greeted her. He looked around. "Anyone else on board?"
"Dammit!" Louie shrieked from the back cabin.
"They're holding a conference," Clark said.
"Mrow?" Ghost appeared from the nursery cabin. The cat rubbed against Everett's leg after gingerly sniffing him. Everett picked her up.
"Ghost seems happy enough," Everett said. "Although I hear you misplaced her owner. Again."
Clark's smile stiffened. "Ghost has been hiding a lot lately. She took a dislike to a passenger. What package did you bring us, Everett?"
"He should be here any moment."
"He?"
"Another passenger. I think you'll like this one. Maybe." Everett's look turned wary. "Where's Jasyn?"
"Why?"
"So I can stay out of the way when he arrives."
"Too late," Twyla said, looking out the hatch. "I think he's here. Do you want some help?" she called down the boarding ramp.
"I think I've got it," a muffled, but very familiar voice said. The figure belonging to the voice stumbled through the hatch, loaded with suitcases and duffel bags. He dropped most of them on the floor with a sigh. "How have you been, Clark?"
"What are you doing here, Lowell?"
"The same thing you are, looking for Dace." Lowell's smile disappeared abruptly. "She's in deep trouble this time."
"Tell me something new, Lowell."
"What are you doing on my ship?" Jasyn asked from the stairs up to the back cabins. She leveled a glare at Lowell that should have incinerated him on the spot.
"Looking for a job? It seems the Patrol doesn't appreciate me anymore. I quit. They were a bit miffed about it, though."
Jasyn came down the three steps into the lounge. She stalked across the floor, coming to a stop just in front of Lowell. She was two inches taller. Clark shifted his weight, ready to intervene. Everett took a step back, still holding the cat.
Jasyn stared down at Lowell for a long, tense moment. She surprised them all by pulling Lowell into a hug.
"Find her for us, Grant," she said, tears rolling down her face.
"That's why I'm here, Jasyn," he answered.
Chapter 35
The ship slid through transition to normal space. I sat on my blanket on the cold floor and stared at my bare feet. How many jumps had it been? Two? Five? Ten? It didn't matter. Nothing did. If Lowell was coming for me, he wasn't hurrying.
Thurwood crossed the room and kicked me. I didn't bother flinching. He kicked me again and rattled my chain, checking that I was still securely fastened to the wall. If it had been two feet longer, I could have used it to strangle him. But it wasn't, so I just sat. He dropped a ration bar in my lap and grunted. He loomed over me until I ate it.
The pilot made a hash of things, as usual. The landing was rough. I had a few more bruises by the time the engines were shut back down.
I expected to be left sitting on the floor. Phil surprised me. He unlocked my chain and kicked me. I stared at my naked ankle. The thought of running had just enough time to cross my mind before Thurwood grabbed me by the back of my shift. He hauled me to my feet, his hand twisted in the garment so tightly it pinched.
"Don't even think it," Phil warned me. He turned away.
Thurwood dragged me after him. The hatch slid open as we approached. Phil stepped to one side. Thurwood shoved me into the opening.
"Take a good look, Dace," Phil told me.
The world outside was strange. The air was thick with an acrid smell that burned my nose. The light was a sullen orange, dull and dim though it was midday. The sky was overcast, thick with clouds the color of congealed blood. The ship was in a bare area, burned to judge by the black skeletons of plants scattered nearby. Beyond the cleared area, a jungle rose. It wasn't normal plant growth. It was thick and fleshy, with very tiny leaves. And it was the color of old bruises, dark purple and brown and sickly yellow.
"Most of the plants are poisonous," Phil told me. "Spines, thorns, every nasty thing you can imagine. You wouldn't last an hour out there."
A flitter landed nearby, stirring up a cloud of ashes. I coughed and covered my mouth. Thurwood shook me, his hand still knotted in my shift. Phil walked down the boarding ramp then picked his way across the burned stubble to the flitter. He turned back to the ship. He was smiling as he tucked a small bag into his pocket.
"Escort her to her new owner, Thurwood," Phil said. "You may want to hurry. We're lifting before dark."
Thurwood grunted and shoved me down the boarding ramp. I stumbled next to him. The burned ground gouged my feet. I didn't bother to hide my winces. Thurwood pushed me into the flitter. I sprawled on the floor behind the front seats. Thurwood climbed in and planted his feet on me. I got the message and stayed on the floor.
