by Rob Guy
Harry walked over to the Arrivals lounge to confirm that The Flying Dart had docked on time twelve days ago. He’d heard nothing from Manny since his message onboard The Dragonfly, and so wanted to contact his erstwhile confidante as soon as possible. But first he had to find out where he had checked in.
After waiting twenty minutes in line, Harry finally made it to the front of the queue, and approached the Information window.
“How can I help, sir?” asked the male youth behind the glass.
“Do you have a message for me? I was expecting to meet a friend here today, but I was delayed. You see I’ve lost all my luggage. He was supposed to meet me here.”
“I see. Your name?”
“Watt.’
“I said, what’s your name?”
“That’s right, it is.”
“Sir?”
“Sorry, couldn’t resist. I’m just in a happy mood. You’ll have to forgive me. My it’s a beautiful day today. Warm, sunny…”
“It’s always like this here. That’s climate control for you. Are you going to tell me your name?”
“My name is Watt, Harry Watt.”
“Ah, I see. One second, please.” The young man turned in his chair and rifled through a stack of letters. He was a few seconds searching before pulling out a folded sheet of paper. “Are you Harry Watt?” he asked.
“Yes indeed, that’s me”
“There is a letter for you from a Mr O’Hanlon.”
“And that’s Manny all right.”
“Identification?”
Harry handed over all he had, his damn bailsman license.
“This has expired,” said the man politely, handing it back. “Do you have anything else?”
“No, but that’s still my picture on there.”
“I can see that, sir, but as I said, it has expired. Passport?”
“Lost, along with all of my clothes and possessions, as I explained earlier.”
“Well that is unfortunate. But I am not permitted to disclose any information about arriving passengers without prior authorization from a relevant and current legislative office.”
“Boy, that sure does sound like the book talking. Look, that letter is addressed to me. Surely you can accept that that is me on the license. Give me a break here. I have nothing except the help I can expect from Mr O’Hanlon. Help a weary traveller out, huh?”
Harry was really laying it on, but the clerk was having none of it.
“As I said that is unfortunate, sir. If you are in need of assistance there is a hostel not far from here. I have a leaflet here somewhere….”
“Look,” and Harry leaned in against the glass and whispered, “I really need to find my friend. Can’t you just bend the rules a little? I can make it worth your while.”
“Are you suggesting a bribe, sir?”
Harry stepped back, feigning alarm. “Not at all. An incentive perhaps. It’s illegal to bribe a port official.”
“Not on Mars it isn’t, not yet any way.”
“Well in that case, yes, I’m suggesting a bribe.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“Money, what else?”
“Thought you’d lost everything.”
“I’ve got my wallet. Do you want money or not?”
“Not. I make enough here.”
“What?” Harry gazed upon a rigid expression. “Okay.” He thought for a moment. Why wasn’t anything bloody simple? “Ah, how about these?” He reached into his pocket and brought out the vials of BrainTicker.
“What’s that?” asked the official.
“The latest hallucinogen from Venus Station.”
“Venus Station eh?” That had the young man’s attention. “What’s it called?”
“What’s it called?” Harry thought frantically. “It’s called Unicorn.” It was the first word he could think of, recalling his own trip.
“How long does it last?”
“Is this twenty questions or what? Each vial about two hours.”
“I’ll take four.”
“Four? For one lousy name?”
“Afraid so.”
“Two.”
“Three. Take it or leave it.”
“Actually, I’ll give you five if you can trace one more name for me.”
The man’s eyes lit up. “Shoot.”
“Gustavo Petersen.”
Harry left feeling pretty pleased with himself. Hackman was gone; he had Heidi back, knew the whereabouts of Petersen, and was about to meet up with his old buddy, Manny. He was going to need his help.
He checked both addresses, and found out that Petersen was closer. He was about to take a cab when he suddenly stopped himself.
Isn’t this where things went belly up on Venus Station?
Something was telling him that both Petersen and Manny could wait. He should get to the Hilton and check in with Heidi and Angel, make sure they were all right.
It wasn’t difficult to locate the Mars Hilton. It was the only five star hotel on the planet, for now, and the only building that boasted pressure doors and windows should the city’s domes fail. Heidi had left his details at the desk, and he was soon reunited with her, and he took his time kissing her, taking great delight in her embrace. After which, Heidi insisted on looking at his wound.
“Be my guest,” said Harry, beaming like a maniac, and lifting his shirt. All that could be seen was a tiny white scar. Nevertheless Heidi bade it close inspection. Harry looked down at her, still smiling. She looked up, grinning just as manically, and pressed two fingers over the scar. Harry winced, and pulled away just a little.
“Still sore, eh?” asked Heidi, stroking the scar like she was petting a kitten.
“A little, yes. But I did have a blade in my guts not two days ago.”
“Honeycutt is the best surgeon on Mars. Did he tell you how lucky you were?”
“Not the details, but I’m sure you’re going to enlighten me.”
“The blade nipped your abdominal aorta. A millimetre to the right and you would more than likely have bled out.”
“So I am a lucky boy.”
Heidi stood up and became serious.
“You look serious,” said Harry.
“I should admire your flippancy, but I cannot help but think what might have been. Jesus, Harry, a millimetre. Do you have any idea how close you came to dying?”
“A millimetre, apparently.”
Heidi shook her head, and pressed her face to his chest. “Just promise me you’ll be more careful in the future.”
“I promise.” Harry stroked her hair, taking great delight in simply being with her, knowing that this was where he belonged. His face displayed utter contentment.
Heidi suddenly pulled away. “By the way, there’s an old friend waiting to see you.”
“Old friend? Out here? What’s this now?”
“This way.” Heidi took his hand and led him into the bedroom.
Harry frowned, and then puffed out his cheeks and breathed heavily in a show of understanding. “Heidi, my dear, as much as I wish to be re-acquainted with my, old friend, at least let me freshen up, get something to eat, you know?” She left him by the door and walked over to the side of the bed where she bent over. “Oh boy,” Harry said, admiring the view. “Thank goodness I had all that extra plasma.”
“Will you shut up, you idiot?” When Heidi straightened and turned back round she was holding a small, walnut box.
Harry’s face lit up. “Captain Chaos!”
Heidi smiled and bent her knees, shaking her head. “Men and guns.”
“Hey, this guy has got me out of many a scrape.” He opened the case as Heidi held onto it, and took out the weapon. “Hello, old friend,” he said as he felt the familiar weight in his hand. “You’ve taken good care of him, I see.”
“Not me,” Heidi replied. “The man with your face.” She could not bring herself to repeat Hackman’s name, not after what he had done to them, and not after he nearly too
k Harry from her.
Harry nodded, understanding her words. “I see. Well I’m not about to thank him.” He was deep in study of Captain Chaos, revelling in the feel, that he was not immediately aware of Heidi’s closeness until she brushed his arm and began stroking it. This always signalled the commencement of seduction.
Harry started, and then realized what he was doing.
To hell with the gun!
“Where are the others?” he asked, hoping for a happy answer.
“There’s a playgroup downstairs,” replied Heidi, starting on the other arm. “Angela’s took Chisato along for the afternoon. We need to get her integrated as soon as possible.”
“Yes, very smart. I approve. So we’re alone?”
“Indeed we are.”
Heidi put her arms around his neck, and they kissed for a long time.
30
Manny
Heidi had been busy buying Harry lots of clothes, and it felt good to be dressed in something other than a hospital smock or a damn flight suit. He checked his gun, and thrust it into his shoulder holster.
“What time can I expect you for dinner?” Heidi asked.
Harry had already contacted Manny, and the two had agreed to meet in the bar at his hotel.
“Give me a couple of hours. I’ll fill Manny in, and then I need to speak with Petersen, if he’s still breathing, that is.”
“Okay. In the meantime I’ll get a hold of Soames again, tell him to expect you sometime soon, hopefully with our boy.”
“Good girl. Thanks. What’s he like, Soames?”
“Like? How do you mean?” Harry gave her his best, come on, you know what I mean, look. “He’s tall, lean, handsome, debonair, gay. Anything else?”
“No no. I think that about covers it. Very concise, Miss Heinlein, thank you. If I need you for further questioning where can I contact you?”
“Get going, you jerk.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“But before you go, I’m also going to need Petersen’s address.”
Harry looked at her. “Why?”
“Why do you think? You said you needed my help.”
“You are helping. Soames, remember?” Heidi pursed her lips. “Listen, sweetheart. The fewer people for now that know what’s happening the better.”
“Don’t you trust me?”
“Why would you say that? Of course I trust you, but that’s it. Until I meet this Soames fellow, you’re it. You, Angel and Manny. I’m sorry.”
Heidi frowned, but understood. “Do I have to ask you to be careful?”
“I’ll be fine. I’ve got the Captain with me this time. God it feels good to be in a decent suit and with him by my side.” He pulled on the lapels and checked himself in the hall mirror. “Mmh, looking good, Mr Watt.”
“I think that’s my line,” said Heidi. She sidled up to him, and looked at them both in the mirror. “Is this how it’s going to be, Harry?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean you going off to war, and me sat at home, hoping, praying, that you will walk back through the door.”
“I’m hardly going to war, sweetness.”
“I know. But you have a habit of walking out on me and not coming back when you say.”
“Once. It happened once. Look, I’ll be back for dinner, okay? I have to do this. You know I do. Petersen is in danger, I know it. Larry knew it, and that’s good enough for me.”
“I know.” She ran her hands over his jacket. “Just don’t end up like him, okay?”
“Okay.”
They kissed again, and then Harry was gone again.
Mars Central was busy and bustling as the day traders made room for the agents of the night. High above, beyond the flying buttresses and the huge, toughened plastic dome that kept pressure and temperature at terrestrial levels, the Martian night was creeping over the fragile colony. As Harry walked down the main avenue, awnings were going up, and the trees, some real, some artificial, were being illuminated by any number of different colored lights. The central district, with its fountains and parks, and real grass, became a series of cafes and restaurants by night for the colony’s ten thousand or so residents.
The Martian sidereal day was only slightly longer than its Terran counterpart, which made things very convenient for business, and just general everyday living. Mars Central had been built on the planet’s equator, giving the residents equal amounts of day and night. Harry preferred to walk, but there was no time for sightseeing. Several venders put a hand to his chest, urging him to come and take a seat in various pidgin English accents. Harry very politely refused and pushed on.
Manny’s hotel was situated off the main thoroughfare, down an opulent avenue of private dwellings, complete with shrubs, white picket fencing and an immaculately paved road. It was lit on either side by ornate, green colored lamp posts, manufactured to resemble antique, 19th century gas lights. It was the second building from the end. Harry was notably impressed. He stepped up and entered the foyer, which was brightly lit with many plush furnishings, and even a marble countertop at the reception desk.
Think I’m paying my man too much.
The bar was situated off to the right of the lobby, and as Harry made in that direction his was watched closely by the clerk behind the front desk. Harry grinned at him, and the man simpered back. He looked round and heard, rather than saw, his friend. Manny’s thick Irish brogue hammered its way through the air as Harry walked to the far side of the circular bar. He noted that the place was sparsely occupied, something he thought unusual given the hotel’s locale and the time of day, or rather evening.
He reached the end of the bar and looked round. There was Manny, his stout, good-friend-in-a-storm buddy, cheerily downing another drink and placing the empty glass with its many companions. Seated either side of him was a young woman, both blonde, both extremely leggy, both stunning in a simple white dress. They looked up as he approached, and the one to Manny’s left made no effort to hide the weapon strapped to her thigh. She smiled at him, a keep your hands where I can see ‘em, smile. The other one was simply staring at him, mouth slightly open.
Harry stopped at what he thought was a discreet distance, and held up his hands. “I see you don’t waste any time,” he said.
Manny looked up, saw Harry, and smashed his fist on the bar. “There you are! You bloody miscreant!”
“Nice to see you, too.” Harry approached slowly, his hands still out in front of him. The two women kept their eyes on him, giving him the slowest of inspections.
Manny stood up unsteadily and the two embraced. He was slightly taller than Harry, but just as slim. His gaunt, almost skeletal face was surprisingly free of scars, unusual given Manny’s background. He would attest it to being very good at what he did. He always wore his jet black hair short, a habit fostered by a military and mercenary lifestyle. His grey eyes held little mystery to his past, if one looked deep enough into them.
“What’ll ya have?” he said.
Harry laughed. “An insult then an offer to buy me a drink. You haven’t changed, Manny.”
“I bloody hope not! Come on, sit down.”
“And who are these two delightful looking ladies?” Harry smiled at them. The furthest one was burning her bright green eyes into him, her face captured in wonder. Harry knew that look, and he found he was breathing faster, his heart beating in his throat.
Oh boy.
“Of course. Where are my manners? Harry, may I present the very lovely and charming Johansen twins. That’s Jade, and this is….” Manny frowned, pretending he’d forgotten the name.
“Jemima,” the nearer blonde finished, in a New Texas accent.
“Jemima, that’s it.” Manny snapped his fingers, and was grinning like a madman.
“Don’t be an ass, Manny,” said Jemima. She extended a long fingered hand with red fingernails for Harry to kiss, which he duly obliged to do. “I figured it was you. I’m happy to meet you at last, Harry,” she said so
ftly.
“Enchanté, Jemima.”
“Oh my. Looks and charm, too. Manny’s told us so much about you.”
“All good I hope.”
“Oh no, most of it quite naughty, actually.” Jemima stared at him with shining blue eyes, and just a trace of a smile on her vivid pink lips.
Harry coughed. “Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
All the while, Harry could feel Jade staring at him. He looked quickly at her while he talked with Jemima, to see those eyes still set upon him.
Oh boy.
Jade finally slipped off her chair, as smooth as melted chocolate from a glass, and gently nudged her way in. She held out her own long and tender hand, with yellow painted fingernails, and Harry happily repeated his earlier gesture. Her smile was framed with equally bright lemon lipstick, which contrasted perfectly with her emerald eyes. Both girls had a slight overbite, a feature that Harry always found damn sexy on a woman.
After an age, it seemed, he straightened up, still holding onto Jade’s hand. She was not objecting. The two of them locked eyes, and in that brief second they were the only two in the room.
“Hey, you two!” Manny cried, playfully.
“Get a room, eh?” suggested Jemima with a wicked smile.
“I.. Err… Yes,” stammered Harry.
Manny cackled and smashed a hand across Harry’s shoulders. “Well said, mate.”
Jade smiled weakly, and removed her hand. She appeared to stagger a little as she went to sit back down.
Jemima watched her before turning to address Harry. “Well, well. You two seem to be off to a great start.”
“You know, the rates are pretty good here,” Manny said with a wink. He indicated the ceiling with his eyes. Jemima elbowed him.
Harry coughed, banishing inherent male thoughts. “Err, I’m sure they are, but, err…. Actually, I do need some time alone with my friend.”
“What? Business already?” said Manny, looking disgusted.
