Liege-Killer

by Christopher Hinz

  Jerem’s face twisted into a deep frown. The boy’s concern over Gillian had been displaced by his own fears.

  “I still don’t want to see her,” he argued.

  Gillian said: “You’ll be fine. Be brave.”

  * * *

  Paula sat in the corner. She scrunched her legs up to her bosom, gripped and hugged her knees. On the other side of the shuttle’s main compartment, Aaron and Grace argued loudly. It was their third battle of the night. Paula had lost count of the grand total of fights; these last few days in Sirak-Brath seemed to have increased both the frequency and intensity of the sibling war. Only the cause of the fights remained clear.

  Grace wagged her head angrily toward Paula. The triplet of braided ponytails whipped across the pirate’s shoulder.

  “How many more false hopes must we endure, brother? This mad infatuation of yours must end. Her son is her own problem, not a lifetime quest of the Alexanders!”

  Aaron’s tattoo seemed to crawl across his cheek. His voice remained a low growl. “I am responsible.”

  “So she has said. And you have been foolish enough to believe her.”

  “We will remain on Sirak-Brath until we find the boy.”

  Grace raised her arms, “I command this vessel.”

  “And I command you, sister! By age, by skill, and by order of the Lion. This ship goes where I say.”

  Grace sneered. “By order of the Lion. How dare you! You have disobeyed the Lion’s and the tribunals’ directives. You have lost sight of our mission.”

  “Our mission is to destroy the creature that murdered our kindred. That creature has been here, on Sirak-Brath. The Lion cannot fault us.”

  “A lucky coincidence for you, fool brother!” She laughed bitterly. “And why do we sit in the shuttle port awaiting the beast’s arrival? Hah! We should be out hunting...”

  “Hunting what?” Aaron shouted. “Have you been deaf? This monster will not be trapped by attack on its shadow. It is a creature of motion. It kills—it moves. By now, it is probably in another colony.”

  “Then command us, duty-bound brother! Command us to another colony!”

  Aaron hesitated, glanced at Paula.

  Paula shuddered. I will find my son! She squeezed her arms together, crushing her legs even more tightly to her breasts. I will find him. Nothing else mattered.

  Aaron turned back to his sister. “We will wait a while longer.”

  “A while longer! How long, Aaron? Until this woman spreads her legs again for you?”

  “That is none of your concern!”

  Grace laughed. “You accuse me of being deaf, yet you remain totally blind. This outsider leads you by the cock and you stumble after her like a toddler.”

  Aaron’s voice was barely a whisper. “Enough, sister. My heart remains clear.”

  Grace shook her head in amazement. “Poor, blind Aaron. Guided by his heart. Hah! A leashed child, ruled by his emotions.”

  Kindness entered Aaron’s words. “Sometimes, dear sister, you, too, would be better off being ruled by your emotions.”

  Grace glared at him for a moment. Then she turned violently away and climbed up the ladder to the control deck.

  Aaron sighed. “I should not have said that last thing.”

  “You were angry,” Paula said. “She’ll understand.”

  He shook his head. “Grace is right. I have lost sight of our mission.”

  “Yes. I suppose you have.”

  “It would be best for all if I gave the shuttle to my sister—gave her command.”

  Paula nodded.

  “I could remain on Sirak-Brath with you until we find Jerem.”

  Paula unclenched her body and wrapped her arms around Aaron’s neck. She inhaled deeply. Aaron wore no odorant bag, but the smell of the Alexanders permeated his shirt. Over the past days, Paula had grown accustomed to that raw odor. The fish smell had taken on new meaning, had become a symbol for closeness, for a sense of place. She nibbled at his neck, wanting him to make love to her again.

  Gently, he pulled away. She waved her arms helplessly, fought back the tears.

  He smiled gruffly, “I want you on our terms, woman. Not because you mourn for your son.”

  “I know.” A sob escaped her. “It’s just that I thought—I really thought that Jerem would come tonight. That man sounded so sincere ... and he described Jerem perfectly ... and he said he would bring him to us.”

  Aaron gripped her shoulders. “Enough! There have been other disappointments since we docked. You know what many of the people in this colony are like. They will do or say anything for the right price.”

  “But the man described Jerem! He must have...”

  Aaron soothed. “The man could have met the boy briefly. Or he might have known Jerem on Lamalan. Anything is possible.”

  She sniffled. “It’s just that I really felt tonight...”

  “Then don’t lose hope yet. The man said seven-fifteen and it is only minutes after eight. They may simply have been delayed.”

  Paula nodded. “Do you think ... Do you think they may have been...” She clamped her mouth shut. The thought was too frightening to put into words.

  Aaron understood. “I do not believe that Jerem could have been in that tavern on the Zell Strip. I know of that place. It is doubtful that a boy of his age would have even been permitted to enter.”

  She forced a smile. “I guess it’s lucky he’s not a pirate child.”

  Aaron chuckled. He helped her to stand. “Come. We’ll go.”

  From outside the shuttle came a shout. Paula felt her heart race.

  They’re here!

  A moment later, Santiago stepped through the open hatch. Behind the black pirate walked her son. Paula felt hot tears coursing down her cheeks.

  “Oh, Jerem!” She ran forward, threw her arms around him, crushed him to her. “Oh, I missed you so badly! I was so worried!”

  He felt stiff in her arms. Paula released him from her iron hug and tried to stare into his downcast eyes. “Are you all right? Did anyone hurt you?”

  “Are you gonna beat me again?” He raised his eyes as he spoke, fastened his attention on some invisible object above Paula’s head.

  “Oh, Jerem! I love you! Of course not!” She shook him gently. “Jerem! It’s me! I was angry with you that night but that’s past. It’s over. And it won’t happen again. Not telling you about your father was wrong. And hitting you—that was wrong. I’m sorry.”

  Aaron laid his hand on Jerem’s shoulder. “That doesn’t go for me, boy! Old enough to run from flames—old enough to face fire. You cost my crew time and effort searching this colony.”

  Jerem pulled away from Paula and backed toward the open hatchway. For the first time, Paula noticed me tall, leather-jacketed man who stood there beside Santiago. Sharp gray eyes met her gaze. She frowned as her son wrapped his hand around the man’s wrist.

  Aaron spoke coldly to the stranger. “We thank you for returning the boy.”

  The man stood silently. He wants something, Paula thought. A reward.

  Aaron nodded. “You brought the boy. The clan of Alexander is in your debt. You are free to make a demand of us.”

  Gillian stared at the man with the scarlet penis tattooed on his cheek. He sensed strength in the pirate, fearlessness, a focusing of energies on the moment at hand.

  The other pirate, Santiago, kept his attention focused on Gillian’s hands. The black Costeau looked completely relaxed. His arms hung freely, inches away from a carved and dirty sandram drooping from a thick belt. A sheathed knife lay strapped to his right leg above the knee.

  Excellent, Gillian thought. He’s prepared for violence.

  Gillian laid his hand on Jerem’s shoulder. Tension appeared on the face of the boy’s mother.

  “I make no demands,” Gillian said carefully. “Merely a request.”

  Aaron came forward to the center of the compartment. He was about to speak when a woman came into view from the upper deck.
She descended the ladder in quick steps, a triplet of dark ponytails thrashing from side to side.

  “Guardians,” she hissed. “They’re boarding all the shuttles in Kevin’s Hide!”

  Aaron turned to Santiago. “Quickly! Hide the woman and boy in the storage bay. The Guardians may not bother with a complete search.”

  “Hah!” the woman cried. “Don’t deceive yourself, brother. These Guardians search for the Paratwa. They will not be daunted. They will look everywhere a person could hide.”

  Aaron nodded sharply. “You’re right.” He turned to Paula. “If asked, you are my wife. Jerem is our son.” To Gillian: “You are a friend of the clan, seeking transport on our vessel.”

  A series of sharp tappings sounded on the hull of the ship. Aaron motioned to Santiago. The black pirate left the compartment and headed for the airlock.

  “Where are the others?” Aaron demanded.

  Grace held her head proudly. “I sent David and Alfonso to the Zell Strip.”

  “Fool sister! Did you think they would catch this beast?”

  “I sent them to acquire information,” she snapped.

  Gillian made a decision. These pirates reminded him of the hardened warriors of the old Earth Patrol Forces—the international legion responsible for quelling uprisings across the globe during the final days. It was from their ranks that he and Nick had recruited their Paratwa team.

  He released Jerem and withdrew a kerchief from his jacket, unfolding it in his palm. Quickly, he bundled his Cohe wand into the rag. He twisted the weapon’s tiny switch to safety-lock it, then knotted the kerchief.

  The outer airlock opened. Footsteps sounded in the midcompartment.

  Gillian held up the kerchief. “I have one request of your clan. The object I hold here must not be found by the Guardians.”

  Aaron nodded. “Grace, hide it in the false control panel.”

  Gillian threw it to her. The pirate woman leaped onto the ladder, catching the kerchief with one hand. She scrambled up to the control deck.

  Excellent! Gillian thought. Reactions based on the necessity of the moment. He could barely conceal his pleasure.

  Santiago reentered the compartment with three Guardians. The officers carried thrusters.

  “I’m Lieutenant Sparden,” cracked their leader. The man pointed his gun at Aaron, snorted disdainfully at the strong odor permeating the shuttle. “Sirak-Brath is under martial authority. Your vessel will be searched. All crew members will assemble here on this deck. Immediately!”

  One of the Guardians aimed his thruster at the ladder as Grace climbed down.

  “The rest of your crew?” demanded the lieutenant.

  Aaron shook his head. “They’re not here. They’re in colony.”

  Lieutenant Sparden grunted. “All of you—stand in the center. Face the outer walls with your backs to one other. Strip naked and throw your clothing away from your bodies.”

  Gillian watched Grace and Santiago turn calmly to Aaron. The tattooed pirate gave a subtle nod.

  Gillian smiled. Good discipline. And they betray no fear. Even with thrusters aimed at their bellies, Gillian knew that the pirates would have attempted to overcome the Guardians had Aaron signaled differently.

  Paula felt intense anger take hold of her. “You have no right to do this to us.”

  “Shut up. Into the circle and strip.”

  “No! You have no right!”

  The lieutenant aimed his thruster at her head. “Strip or I’ll do it for you.” The officer allowed a grin to spread across his cheeks.

  Paula stiffened. Bastard!

  She stood in the circle with her back to the others, staring at the wall while she removed her clothing. Pasha Haddad’s warning came to mind. He had said it would go badly for her and Jerem should they be caught by the Guardians.

  At least these men aren’t looking for us. The Paratwa is uppermost in their minds.

  The lieutenant examined each of them while his men stood guard. When it was Paula’s turn, he circled her naked body and then, satisfied she carried no concealed weapons, reached down and patted her bottom. With effort, Paula held her temper.

  Gillian stood calmly as the Guardian searched him. The lieutenant completed his quick inspection and then moved to Santiago, the next man in the circle.

  A poor examination, Gillian reflected. Paratwa could easily insert Cohe wands into their rectums. The lieutenant should have had each of them bend over for a more complete search.

  Next, one of the Guardians examined their clothing, checking for weapons and ID. As he located information cards, he typed data into a boxy terminal strapped to his left arm.

  “Any problems?” asked the lieutenant.

  The man hesitated, pointed to Gillian. “He has no ID. These three—” he motioned to Aaron, Grace, and Santiago “—are Costeaus, all with clear records.”

  “And the woman and boy?”

  The man frowned, typed another batch of data into his terminal. A moment later, he broke into a smile.

  “Paula and Jerem Marth, both wanted by us for questioning.”

  “Concerning what?” asked the lieutenant.

  The man shook his head. “No further information. It’s classified.”

  Gillian watched the Guardian officer sigh and roll his eyes. It was the reaction of a man accustomed to dealing with an unwieldy bureaucracy.

  “All right,” said the lieutenant, “get your clothes on.” He turned to one of his men. “Search the ship.” The officer hustled from the compartment.

  They dressed quickly. The lieutenant waved his thruster toward Gillian, Paula, and Jerem.

  “You three are to come with us for questioning.”

  Everyone remained silent until the other Guardian returned. “Shuttle’s clear,” said the officer. “No one else is aboard.”

  A poor search, Gillian mused.

  The lieutenant turned to Aaron. “You’re to have this vessel off Sirak-Brath within thirty minutes.”

  Aaron’s face darkened. “Several of our clan have not yet returned.”

  “Too bad. You’ve got thirty minutes. We’re clearing the scum out of every port in this colony. Be glad you’re not being arrested.”

  Gillian’s own goal was clear—he had to stay with the pirates. It would probably work out better if the Guardians took Paula and her son. They would be a burden to his plans.

  He turned to the lieutenant. “My name is Gillian. I work for E-Tech Security. I report directly to Pasha Haddad. I am on special assignment with these pirates and it is vital that I remain on this vessel.”

  The mixture of truth and lies might just be convincing enough to the Guardians. The key was Haddad. Although there was strong friction between E-Tech Security and the Guardians, Nick had intimated that the Pasha was highly respected among them.

  The lieutenant studied Gillian for a moment. “Prove it.”

  Gillian pretended to glance at a clock over the hatchway. “Right now, you should be able to reach Haddad at this number.” He recited a phone code.

  The lieutenant nodded to the man with the terminal strapped to his arm. The officer keyed the number, then covered his ear to heighten the volume of his tiny lobe receiver. His eyes widened as he spoke into the terminal.

  “Yes. Pasha Haddad, please.... He’s not? ... No, no message. Yes, thank you.... Uhh, no I would rather not give a name.... Thank you.”

  The Guardian broke the connection. He looked surprised. He stared at the lieutenant.

  “Well?” demanded Sparden.

  “That was the private line into Rome Franco’s office.”

  Gillian shrugged. “The Pasha was supposed to be there. I guess something happened. Your best bet now is to dial into Irryan headquarters and have him paged.”

  The lieutenant gave a slow, thoughtful nod. For a moment, Gillian suspected that the Guardian was going to demand another phone code. Gillian did not know another phone code. The only one he had memorized was the one from Franco’s office ter
minal. And he had only taken the trouble to remember that number because Nick had earlier been spending so much time with Franco.

  The Guardian officer faced Gillian. “I still want this shuttle off Sirak-Brath within thirty minutes.”

  “No problem.” Gillian avoided Aaron’s wrathful stare.

  It worked. The Guardians obviously did not want to waste time trying to track down Pasha Haddad within the vast labyrinth of E-Tech headquarters. Gillian had access to Rome Franco’s private line. That was reason enough to believe his story.

  Paula laid a hand on her son’s shoulder. They fell into step with the Guardians. Jerem pulled away from her. He turned to Gillian.

  “Can’t you do somethin’?”

  Gillian shook his head. “I’m sure you’ll be released shortly.”

  Paula did not relish the idea of another uncomfortable period in custody. But it would be bearable.

  I have my son back.

  She looked at Aaron, saw the mask of rage distorting his tattoo.

  “Please, Aaron. Don’t do anything rash. We’ll be fine.”

  She saw how her words calmed him, extinguished some of the fire in his eyes. She forced a smile and then turned and led Jerem through the hatch. The Guardians followed.

  Gillian called out. “Jerem!”

  With a sulking glare, the boy turned. “Yeah?”

  “Remember. Be brave.”

  They vanished from view. A sharp crack vibrated through the compartment as the airlock slammed shut.

  Gillian smiled at Aaron, Grace, and Santiago. His expression was met by hostile frowns.

  Now comes the hard part.

  Santiago withdrew the sandram from his belt. Grace and Aaron moved closer. Gillian held out his hands in a gesture of peace.

  Aaron stopped two paces away. “Why does a man from E-Tech Security wish to remain with us?”

  “I need your help.”

  “Indeed! And what makes you think for an instant that the clan of Alexander would help anyone from E-Tech?”

  “We both hunt the same enemy.”

  Grace scowled.

  “What enemy would that be?” Aaron asked calmly.