by Sarah Noffke
Pip, why don’t you busy yourself with some online poker, since you like to gamble so much lately. Only play with fake money though.
I play slots when you’re sleeping. There’s a site that I found that doubles your chips if you send them referrals.
How are you sending them referrals?
I’m a man who owns many hats.
You’re not a man at all.
Of sorts, then.
And that’s what you do when I sleep? Can’t you find something more productive?
There was a moment of silence. I’ve considered all options and no, that’s the best use of my time on most nights. It helps me to hone my understanding of random number generators, which you should know, pretty much keeps this universe going round and round.
Random number generators? That’s what you suppose runs this giant ship we call life?
Good analogy and yes, in a way. They explain so much. There’s no randomness in life. It’s about energy and the generators even prove it. Slots prove it. Hell, shuffling your playlist proves it.
I don’t have a playlist.
You do now. I’ve created different ones for battles, workouts, sleeping. Whatever you want, just name it. That’s another way I spend my nights.
You’re very strange.
I’ve also been studying knitting and crocheting techniques but I haven’t gotten very far with the hobby.
Because you don’t have hands?
Bingo.
“Why don’t you want to share Pip?” asked Eddie, cutting into their conversation.
“Believe me when I tell you that I’m saving your sanity, which I’m losing increasingly,” said Julianna, waving to Hatch as they crossed the floor of the cargo area.
You know I keep you entertained.
I don’t know what you’re talking about, actually.
You love me, sang Pip. You don’t wanna share me.
I’m a soldier charged with protecting humanity. You’re a virus I’m trying not to allow to spread.
“But I have spread,” said Pip overhead in the cargo area. That’s right. Julianna had forgotten that Hatch had made it so that Pip could interface with the Q-Ships, comms, and his main work areas.
Hatch’s eyes darted up to the ceiling. “Spread what?”
Julianna waved him off. “Pip is trying to be cute but doesn’t realize he’s a runt troll who needs to cuddle up and shush it.”
“I think trolls are cute,” said Pip.
Knox laughed as he worked on one of the new Q-Ships. He’d put on weight, filling out his cheeks and making him look healthy. Before he’d been underfed and pasty, but a few hours in the Kezza sun looked to have been good for him.
“I had a chance to review the sample of degen that you brought back and have a report,” said Hatch, waddling over.
“In record time,” said Eddie. “You said it would take you at least a day.”
“Under promise and over deliver,” muttered Hatch, stretching his tentacle over to a far workstation and picking up a vial of purple gel liquid.
“Does it do what Elemius said it does?” asked Julianna.
Hatch’s expression dropped into one of dead seriousness. “Let me put it this way: you should have never chanced touching the degen.”
“Really?” asked Julianna.
“My calculations state that the substance is incredibly concentrated and only a small amount would undo your nanocytes’ programming,” said Hatch.
“And it’s not reversible?” asked Eddie.
“If you mean can you go back into a Pod-doc to fix the virus, then no. I only know of one such cure for the virus and I’m holding it right now,” said Hatch, waving the vial in the air.
“You had time to create an antidote,” said Eddie with a whistle. “When does this guy sleep?”
“I’m still trying to figure that out,” said Knox, wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his arm.
“Never mind, you two,” said Hatch, stretching his tentacle and wagging the anti-serum in front of Julianna’s face. “This is your only chance to undo the degen virus if Felix strikes the general with it.”
She grabbed the vial, clutching it tightly in her fingers. “Only chance? This was the only one you created? Can’t we get more?”
“I’d love to make you more. I really would,” said Hatch, shaking his head at Knox who looked to be covering a nervous smile.
“Is it because we only got one sample of the degen?” asked Eddie. “Maybe we can go back and get more from Elemius or get him to talk about the composition.”
Hatched waved him off with his tentacle. “I’m fairly certain I have the composition documented correctly.”
“What do you need from us in order to make more of the anti-serum?” asked Julianna. “I don’t feel comfortable with only one. What if the general is struck more than once? We need to be prepared.”
“I agree, but that’s all you have and all you’re getting,” said Hatch. “Note that if the general is struck with degen that he has minutes to take this antidote. If he doesn’t then it won’t reverse the effects. Also, one of you need to be prepared to catch him after he takes it because it will knock him out. It’s a cure all, but kind of like the Pod-doc, it’s going to put him in a comatose state for a while.”
Julianna nodded to this but not all of this computed.
“But if you created one dose, can’t you create another?” asked Eddie, looking as perplexed as Julianna felt.
“Hatch, is it a time conflict? Maybe if we delay the general’s schedule then we can stall the attack,” said Julianna.
Hatch looked at Knox who was hard at work on the Q-Ship, or at least making a good show of it. “Gunner, why don’t you inform these two what they’d need to supply me with if they wanted more antiserum?”
The young mechanic slid out from under the ship all the way and looked up at the three from the ground. “Remember the vermis rex? That’s what the doctor would need to make more of the formula.” Knox covered his laughter by pushing himself back under the Q-Ship.
“Oh,” chirped Eddie, looking guilty. “So that’s how you made this?” He pointed to the vial clutched in Julianna’s hand.
“Exactly,” said Hatch. “And we’re lucky we had enough for this. That’s exactly one dose of the cure. Take any less and it’s not going to work. The degen will forever plague your internal system.”
“Okay, well we’re going to have to make this work, then,” said Julianna, trying to project hope in her voice. They hadn’t bet on having a cure, so this was actually better than they expected. However, there were so many unknown variables in this mission and Felix’s weapons made her and Eddie incredibly vulnerable.
One shot. That’s all it would take to turn everything around, making them forever, purely human.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Alpha-line Q-Ship, Docking Station, Onyx Station, Paladin System
Julianna secured the vial of antiserum in her armored vest. She’d be the closest to General Lance Reynolds and therefore in the best position to deliver him the cure for degen. But that was a worst case scenario. They had a strong plan. Diversion. That was key. Felix didn’t know that they had wind of his plan and would be retaliating with force and strategy. Hopefully he was knocked on his ass and sent running with his tail pinched tightly between his boney legs. Or he’d blow up Onyx Station, not even caring for his own life if he could take down the general.
“Carnivore, this is Strong Arm. Do you copy?” Julianna said over the comms.
“Copy, Strong Arm,” said Lars at once over the comms.
“What’s your status?” she asked.
“We’re almost in position,” said Lars.
It was chancy, but a risk the general wanted to take. Chester had used the same navigation tracker to find Unsurpassed, but only using it briefly, hoping that its position didn’t shift too much. He unsurprisingly found that it was parked close to Onyx station, hiding behind a tiny moon.
Lars and th
e rest of the flight crew were now en route to surround the ship, at a safe distance. The last thing the Federation needed was for Unsurpassed to join the fight if things got ugly. According to Hatch, the ship had enough fire power to do major damage to the station. Felix might resort to drastic actions when he learned his plans had been compromised.
“Remember to keep attacks to a minimum,” said Julianna over the comm. “Distract Unsurpassed. Draw the ship away, but try not to inflict too much damage. We want that ship intact.”
“Copy that, Strong Arm,” said Lars. “We’re officially in position with the target in our sights.”
“Good work, Carnivore,” said Eddie, strapping his side arm into his holster. “We’ll get you a steak when this is all over.”
“The bloodier, the better,” said Lars, his voice light.
“Gross,” said Eddie, grimacing with disgust at Julianna. “He’s like a vampire.”
“Lizard vamp,” said Julianna, agreeing.
“What a bizarre combination,” said Eddie.
The pair watched as Fletcher’s team filed out of the Q-Ship. The lieutenant strode over, saluting to Eddie and Julianna. “My team will divide into three groups, protecting the areas we discussed. Any last minute orders?”
“Protect the people,” stated Julianna. “That’s key. We can’t let Felix escape unless it means saving lives.”
“The blue team has already been dispersed to evacuate the areas marked for attack,” said Fletcher.
“Good work,” said Eddie. “We’re on the main channel. Communicate with us about your progress.”
“Yes, sir,” said Fletcher.
Julianna turned to face Eddie who had an extra pack strapped to his back. “Are you ready to get dressed?”
“Yes, I’m ready,” said Eddie and then paused, his eyes carrying a great seriousness in them. “Commander, I know you think I have the dangerous job, but we’re both in compromised positions because of that degen weapon.”
“So be careful, right? That’s what you’re going to say next, isn’t it?” asked Julianna.
“Well, yeah, but there’s something else,” said Eddie and then he fell silent, hesitation heavy in his expression.
“What is it?” asked Julianna, her pulse pounding with adrenaline.
Eddie shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. Never mind. Just be careful. You’re a badass, but there’s a mad man out there who can undo all that.”
Julianna laughed. “You think I’m only badass because of the Pod-doc? You should have met me before I was enhanced.”
Eddie chuckled. “Man, I’m such an asshole. Of course, you were strong before. Now you’re just more so.”
“Yeah, whatever,” said Julianna, disembarking from the Q-Ship.
Upper Decks, Onyx Station, Paladin System
When they’d discussed strategy, Julianna had been the practical one, urging the general to cut Felix off before the attack. That was the right approach. Why let a tyrant kick off his evil plans when he could be preemptively shut down?
Jack knew better, though. Felix had been planning this for too long. Over the last two days no suspicious ships had docked at Onyx station, meaning that Felix had put everything into place before they brought Elemius into custody.
Eddie shut himself into a side room on the far side of the office that General Reynolds held. He was surrounded by Federation security. That was supposed to make him feel better. They were the best, after all, so why was he worried? Felix hadn’t dared an assassination on the general until he’d created a virus that ensured his attacks were fatal. That’s because it was unlikely that the security would ever fail at protecting the general. But Felix had thought of almost everything, with his attack on the upper decks. In a normal scenario, security would be thinned in order to fight back. But Felix wasn’t counting on Fletcher’s team being in place.
Eddie opened his pack and stared down. He gulped. This had never been a strategy that he considered, but it did make sense. Somewhere, two other members of General Reynold’s security team were opening similar packs.
“I’m in position, Blackbeard,” chimed Julianna’s voice over the comm.
“Okay,” said Eddie. He found himself momentarily frozen, staring at the contents of the pack.
“You there, Blackbeard?” asked Julianna.
“Yeah,” said Eddie. “Inform the general that we are on schedule and all four should rendezvous at the established time.”
“Copy that,” said Julianna.
Upper Decks, Onyx Station, Paladin System
Clearing out the floors hadn’t been the concern for Fletcher. The bulk of his forces had been doing it without causing any red flags. If Felix’s team had seen shop owners and residents moved out, then they’d know that their plan had been leaked. The team had managed to do it quietly, sneaking out the civilians without causing any disturbances. Now the decoys were in place, but not knowing when the strike would happen was a mounting stress that worsened with each long, passing minute.
“Stay in position,” said Fletcher over the comm to his team.
These were men and women that he’d served with in the heat of battle. Some of them he’d known for over a decade. And all of them he’d die to protect if it came to that. He always prayed that it didn’t, but nothing was ever guaranteed.
Instead, Chad Fletcher relied on the same mentality his father whispered to him before he left on missions for the Federation. “While I’m gone, son, keep your chin up, eyes open, and mouth shut.”
The first time his father told him that, Fletcher looked at him with confusion. The old man knelt next to his small cot and smiled, seeming to understand his son’s confusion. “I mean: confidence, observation and deliberation, son. The man who is sure of himself can lead others. The man who is keen will always find the solution. And when we’re quiet, that’s when we hear what most choose to speak over.”
Fletcher’s father had said that to him a total of thirty-two times before he failed to return from a mission. His dad had come back from more assignments than most in his squadron. He was a small legend among the Special Operation teams. Fletcher hoped he would make him proud one day and live up to his name.
Chin up, eyes open, and mouth shut, he thought to himself.
Upper Deck, Onyx Station, Paladin System
Julianna watched as the general paced back and forth. She knew he was a bit less fidgety than before when he smoked cigars. It made sense to her that smoking a cigar would relieve some of the nervous tension. However, she respected the general for more than his decision to quit smoking. He’d signed off on this plan, although it involved his attendance.
When offered a different solution, he said, “Goddamn it! You think I’m going to allow a bunch of honorable men and women to risk their lives because a dick-ass wants me dead? If they’re fighting, then I am, too. If Felix wants to kill me, then let him damn well try. I can’t wait to see the fucktard’s face when his plan fails.”
“The captain says he’s in position,” said Julianna, relaying Eddie’s confirmation over the comm.
“And the other security personnel?” asked Lance.
Julianna nodded. “Ready, sir.”
“Now we just wait for the attack to start,” said Lance.
“Yes, per protocol, we will move you to a safe room as soon as the message is relayed. Until then, we’ll stick to the schedule we’d normally follow,” said Julianna.
“I’m not happy that we have to allow an attack to happen on the upper decks for this all to go to plan,” said Lance, still pacing.
“Yes, me either. But Jack assured me this was the best way to pull Felix out of hiding. Otherwise, he’s going to split and he has too many things in place that he could possibility get away,” said Julianna.
Lance nodded. “I trust Jack.” A moment later the general added. “More importantly, I trust you, Commander Fregin.”
She smiled, unable to hide the pride she felt from hearing the words. “Thank you, sir. I’
m honored.”
Upper Deck, Onyx Station, Paladin System
Fletcher stared out at the long corridor that was flanked by different doors and pipes that ran to various residences. In the distance, he made out the shape of two figures, both dressed in long coats, their heads obstructed by frilly hats. Many of the upper class women on Onyx wore dresses similar to this. No one would suspect under those hats were incredibly skilled Special Ops soldiers.
“An explosive has been detected,” said a voice over the comm.
“Location?” asked Fletcher, pressing back into the shadows.
“Second section, door eight,” answered the scout soldier. “Perimeter is clear.”
“Good work,” said Fletcher. “Time of detonation?”
Before an answer came a loud explosion rocked the floor, sending Fletcher backward. He paused, flexing every one of his muscles. The team around him did the same, staying upright and on alert.
From the north end of the deck, running footsteps thundered, audible over the explosions. It had to be the pirates Felix had planted as a diversion. They probably thought they were going to stroll onto this deck, dripping with riches and finery, and loot and have fun. Fuck these guys.
“Hold your position,” ordered Fletcher.
The women carrying designer handbags and shoes screamed, holding up their hands as if in surrender. They are great actors, thought Fletcher.
The first set of pirates, a pair of Kezzin bandits, were on the women, pushing them into the wall. One grabbed their purses. It was incredibly hard for Fletcher to watch this go down and not intervene. However, he knew timing was key. Felix had to think that his distraction had gone off without a hitch. In a typical scenario of terrorism, the Federation security would be deployed, pulling forces away from other areas. That was the point. However these assfaces weren’t expecting Fletcher’s team to intervene.
