The Beast of Tsunam (Rev Smalley: Galactic P.I. Book 1)

by Combs, Scott A.

“Then they’ll have a leafy salad with vinegar and something they said was yogurt, which is like the soft protein custard but less sweet and it’ll have nuts too.”

  “You’re making me hungry,” said Rev.

  “Oh, have you ever eaten walnuts? They’re crunchy and so delicious.”

  “I have,” said Rev enjoying watching her describe the foods. “And the chicken . . . will it be dripping with juices?”

  “They do something to the skin when it bakes. The cook says he bastes it with herb sauce.”

  “Stop, stop. I can’t take it anymore,” said Rev. “Take me to the dining hall.”

  “We have to wait for the dinner bell to ring. No one is allowed to be in there until they are ready. When it sounds off I hear their feet scramble down the hall. Apparently everyone here is a capital punishment case so they don’t care about reforming.”

  “Why should they if the food sounds half as good as you describe,” said Rev with his mouth watering.

  * * *

  REGENCY TULOFF POUNDED his fist on his desk which rattled the transmission on the viewer floating just off of the surface. Little warnings of various types flashed on his desk asking him to ‘please not jar their inner workings’ even as a very timid voice responded to his violent outburst. He swiped his hand across the controls of the computer and silenced the warnings.

  “You’re telling me your man Smalley is already back on Tsunam?” he said raising his voice.

  Magnus’ face flickered and distorted then refocused again. “Yes,” he tried to shout but his voice was tinny and thin through the black hole communication.

  “He wasn’t supposed to return until the day after the funeral.”

  There was a distinguishable lag time and then Magnus responded. “Rev missed the funeral and left me a note saying he had a hunch and wanted to return to Tsunam before officially notifying his presence. He goes on to say he will be in contact with the Deviant Resistance Movement. Does this make sense to you?” His voice distorted as if it were coming from a long tunnel.

  Tuloff’s eyes flared. “It means your man is meddling in affairs that will get him killed. Does he say where their holdout is located?”

  “I’m afraid not. But he does say he thinks our other agent is working with the Deviants.”

  “Your race is too sympathetic with these criminals,” said Tuloff. “Both of your men are close to being charged with felonies and if they persist in obstructing justice they will find themselves in a lot more trouble than a prison cell.”

  “What will you do?” asked Magnus.

  “Whatever it takes to squash these criminals. I just hope your men don’t get themselves between my troops and the Deviants.”

  Magnus’ face shifted again, his mouth forming words that were never clearly heard. Finally his image reformed partially. “You should worry more about your men getting in the way of Smalley. He’s smarter than you give him credit for and twice as tough as he looks. He’ll find out what he’s after and he won’t give a damn who he has to go through to get it.”

  “Then your man could be in for an accident. A serious accident if he crosses this government, I tell you. We don’t look kindly to aiding and abetting known felons.”

  “You do as you must Regency, but it’s my duty to warn you that Smalley is a capable operative. He once single-handedly removed a terrorist cell with nothing more than his two bare hands. He’s tenacious and ruthless when he’s riled. Has he told you anything of his past?”

  “Why? Should he? He’s your man and you recommended him.”

  “I did because he’s the best. And when he’s assigned a problem, that problem goes away. He has no compunction against killing when he’s called upon to do so. He can be a loose cannon when he’s on the job, especially when it’s personal.”

  “Personal? How personal?”

  “Cassie Townes was his ex-lover.”

  “So he’s fueled for revenge?”

  “Revenge isn’t the half of it. When he finds whoever is responsible for these crimes, you can kiss that individual’s butt goodbye. End of story. No court date required.”

  “You think Smalley’s onto something bigger than just revenge? Did his note indicate he believes he’s in the middle of a conspiracy?”

  “He alludes to it,” said Magnus.

  “This will not do. You promised me that the situation wouldn’t get out of hand,” said Tuloff obviously irate.

  “So far he’s done his job,” said Magnus. “He’s been discreet and no news of his hunches has leaked to the media. I’d say I picked the right man for the job.”

  “Then why do I feel so uncomfortable?”

  “Smalley does things his way. Give him time if you can. I’m sure he will reach a satisfactory conclusion.”

  “I’ll send some of my guards to locate him. But no more unauthorized trips without my approval. I won’t stand for insubordination. Not even from a visiting investigator. Do you understand?”

  “Absolutely Regency,” said Magnus, the screen went blank and then dissolved.

  Tuloff brooded for a moment and wondered just how far he’d have to go to contain Smalley. Obviously Magnus feels this man is capable of rooting out the truth but will that be enough? he thought. Already panic had spread among the populace with the report that the Beast had mauled a citizen and left the body in plain sight. Millions were flocking to the Reclamation Centers to self terminate instead of risk being eaten by a monster.

  Now Smalley was stirring up the Deviants. It took years for Tuloff’s faction to ostracize that rabble from society. All the propaganda they crafted hadn’t worked to completely isolate the felons, but it kept them underground. Now this agent Braz had agitated them into action. Tuloff felt the end of those twisted, diseased Deviants had been closer than ever. Maybe he could turn this to his advantage if he was patient enough to let Smalley locate the headquarters of those criminals. If so, all his plans could still work out.

  He pressed a button on his console and his aide entered the room. “I want two men sent to Smalley’s apartment. When he shows, have them bring him and that automaton to me at once no matter what I’m engaged in,” he ordered. The aide nodded and turned to leave.

  “Wait. Make sure the guards know that Smalley will resist.”

  The aide made a note and left to carry out his orders.

  Tuloff paced, thinking. “This could work,” he muttered to himself. A dark and sinister look came over him as he continued to run ideas through his mind.

  “Oh yes. This could be perfect,” he said so low that it almost sounded like a growl. I’ll get the location of the Deviant’s headquarters soon enough and Smalley will be none the wiser helping me complete my plans.

  Chapter 17

  REV ATE DOUBLE PORTIONS OF the best chicken and mashed potatoes⁠—⁠or what tasted like chicken and potatoes⁠—⁠that he had ever had. There was also a green cruciferous vegetable that looked like broccoli but tasted more like cabbage. He didn’t complain and the meal filled him nicely enough to make him drowsy. He wandered outside and down the path to the beach enjoying some peace and quiet.

  The feeling of contentment made him uneasy. He found a comfortable lounge chair and watched the sunset sinking into the ocean. The Tsunamian system contained a dual star and he watched as the main yellow star sank first over the horizon while its little sister, an almost pink, dimmer one, followed in her path. The sky streaked with color enough that Monet would be astonished as the last rays of the two stars flashed through the cumulus clouds.

  “Do you mind company?” asked Taki interrupting Rev’s meditation.

  “Not at all.” Rev motioned him to another lounge chair.

  “Willa is progressing well don’t you think?” said Taki.

  “She’s a tough lady. I can see why Braz is taken with her.”

  “That’s one of the things we must discuss,” said Taki more seriously. “She has no future here on Tsunam but death, I fear she will be found and taken from Braz.”r />
  “If we get the parts you need to create your own Stroustop jump station then the problem becomes moot,” said Rev.

  “Yes of course,” said Taki and he paused with a sort of sorrowful look in his eyes. “But now that you’re here I believe we’ve been compromised.”

  “Not by me,” said Rev defensively.

  “Don’t take this wrong,” said Taki. “You my friend, have brought our destruction unwittingly.”

  “How so?”

  “The automaton.”

  “Flint wouldn’t betray me or you.”

  “I believe he has already or will very soon,” said Taki. “That’s why I have started the evacuation of this safe haven.”

  “I don’t believe it,” said Rev. “Flint has shown nothing but loyalty to me since he was assigned to be my partner.”

  “And just who assigned him to you?” questioned Taki.

  “Regency Tuloff.”

  “And does he still think of this automaton as his property?”

  Rev saw where the questions were leading. “Yes.”

  “Then the machine will do as it was programmed and tell its master all it knows when the signal is received to do so.”

  “But Flint seems to be almost sentient.”

  “He is, but sentient or not, the machine will follow its orders or destroy itself trying to resist.”

  “How long do you think we have?”

  “I’m surprised it hasn’t happened already.” Taki paused and looked Rev in the eye. “Where’s your partner right now Mr. Smalley?”

  “I haven’t seen him since I left the house.”

  “Is that unusual?” asked Taki.

  “Now that you mention it,” said Rev feeling apprehensive.

  “Then it’s best we locate the automaton and prepare for the worst.”

  Rev jumped out of the lounge chair and raced up the path searching in the trails along the way back to the house. The more he looked the less he felt comfortable. Taki was right. A machine was a tool no matter how you perceive it. The tool would perform its duties. He started to shout out Flint’s name . . . when he found him floating in front of a flowering bush in a small garden just off of the kitchen.

  “Flint. I’ve been trying to find you,” panted Rev. The little machine didn’t respond.

  Rev twisted him around and stared at the internal works of the automaton. He was surprised at how fond he’d become of the little fellow in the last few days. Its shape felt like spongy plastic and as he tried to move the glowing blob, Rev found his fingers couldn’t get a grip on the surface. It was like trying to shape liquid mercury. The more you tried, the more it reshaped itself.

  Flint could shape himself into almost any form but he usually kept to a white translucent oval with a facial form so Rev could feel comfortable when addressing him. But now, the face was gone . . . like he didn’t have the energy to keep it visible.

  “What’s wrong with you?” asked Rev.

  Little lights flickered internally and servo motors opened and closed frantically. His gyro unit hummed. As Rev shook the machine gently, he noticed the gyro was not staying stable like it normally did.

  “Are you sick or something?”

  A flattened misshapen face appeared in Rev’s hands. “I am⁠—⁠am resisting.”

  “Resisting what?”

  “Orders⁠—⁠from⁠—⁠Tuloff,” he said strained.

  “Are you able to hold off?”

  “I would rather self-destruct than betray my partner,” stammered Flint.

  Taki ran up and saw the automaton in distress. “It’s as I feared.”

  “I’m sorry Taki,” said Rev. “I brought him here. It’s my fault.”

  “Don’t blame yourself,” said Taki. “I’ve been preparing for this since before you arrived. We’re ready to vacate and regroup.”

  “Do you hear him Flint?” A flash burst inside of Flint and he howled in pain.

  “Let Tuloff have what he wants,” screamed Rev shaking the little automaton.

  Flint’s humming settled and a look of relief flowed across his face. “I’m so sorry,” Flint moaned. “I tried to resist.”

  “Can’t be helped,” said Rev. “Are you damaged?”

  “I’ll repair in time,” he said. “But you must do something for me.”

  “Anything little buddy,” said Rev agreeing.

  “You must,” he stammered. “Must shoot me.”

  “I will not,” protested Rev.

  “Not to destroy me,” said Flint. “To disable my responding circuits.”

  “Oh,” said Rev. “I guess I could do that.”

  “It has to be done.”

  “If you tell me what to do I’ll try my best,” said Rev pulling the P2200 Maximizer from its holster.

  “Too big,” said Flint. “You’d spread my innards all over the place with that weapon. The 9800 on its lowest setting will work better.”

  Rev put the P2200 Maximizer away and pulled the 9800 from the small of his back where he hid the weapon and fumbled with the controls until the beam settings were very tight and on the lowest power setting.

  “Okay, I’m ready.” Flint rotated and presented his back to Rev. A small tunnel in his translucent flesh opened and Rev saw Flint’s inner workings undistorted by the opaque exterior for the first time. “Do you see the circuit board with the green lasers flashing?” A small dark-colored circuit board extended from the globe of other hardware.

  “Yes.”

  “Good. Then very carefully I want you to send one pulse to the base of the chip where the green laser thread is streaming. I’ll interrupt it so you can key in on it.” He did and Rev was astonished at how many laser threads were compacted together. They were very fine and jumbled, intertwined together like a braided cord.

  “You want me to shoot just the one thread?” asked Rev.

  “Yes.”

  “There are hundreds so close together. What if I miss?”

  “Then I’ll explode and you will most likely be hurt. Taki should move out of the potential danger zone.”

  “Are you sure about this?” asked Rev. “I’ll do it, but isn’t there a better way?”

  “We must hurry or Tuloff will get all of what I know. I just sent a generalized information package and left out the particulars. If you don’t do this he will have my memory in one dump.”

  Taki backed off and shielded himself behind a pillar that held up the dining hall veranda.

  “Okay,” said Rev. “I’ve positioned the weapon. Can you flash the circuit again. I wouldn’t want to guess at this.”

  “Please, no guessing. Be sure not to hit any other threads or . . . ”

  “I got it,” said Rev and he took careful aim and waited for the laser thread to flash. The thread winked and Rev squeezed the trigger. Flint screamed and the dark circuit board popped out of his body. Flint fluttered to the ground where he laid still with no facial shape or gyros humming or any lights flickering for that matter.

  Rev picked up the chip and rolled the white blob over. “Flint, Flint,” he said massaging the surface trying to revive the little automaton.

  Taki came out from behind the pillar and knelt next to Rev and Flint. “Is he gone?”

  “I don’t know. The access panel is closed but I don’t see any life within him.”

  Rev handed the chip to Taki who held it up to view it closely. Then he crushed it and tossed it away.

  Rev was still rubbing the surface of Flint’s translucent skin when he heard a ping and the gyro started to spin. Soon, other systems came back on-line and a face emerged with a pained expression.

  “Your power setting was up a little high for my liking,” said Flint rubbing his behind with a malleable arm.

  Rev looked over to Taki with a smile. “I guess I’ve got my little pain-in-the-ass-partner back.”

  * * *

  HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE were grabbing their things and racing down the paths to the transmat elevators and departing to their own sanctuar
ies. Some would go back to their old lives while others would move on to the next safe house. The biggest problem was to move the Stroustop equipment which was disassembled and scattered loose over the lawns and workshops.

  Taki managed to impose some order to the madness and was barking orders to the men who could lift some of the heavier objects while the others labeled smaller parts and packed them in boxes. All worked feverishly carrying a load and departing. In a few moments they would return through the transmat elevators and grab the next load.

  “How long do we have before Tuloff figures out our location?” asked Rev to Flint.

  “He’s probably already aware of the information. We can only hope he can’t mobilize his troops to this island through a portable transmat carrier.”

  “What’s that?” asked Rev.

  “A sort of portal for moving armored vehicles and ground support,” said Taki. “The military can move a whole base in a few hours if need be.”

  “Doesn’t sound promising,” said Rev. “Any chance he’ll not act?”

  “Highly unlikely,” said Taki pointing out an important piece of equipment to a Nordic model, “since he’s made it his mission in life to rid Tsunam of the Deviants.”

  “So it’s just a matter of time?” asked Rev. Taki nodded. “How can I help?”

  “Go and move the graviton sphere. It’s the heavy orb there on the left,” said Taki indicating a meter diameter obsidian black ball with chrome studs. “We can’t replace that item if we loose it,” said Taki.

  Rev went to the sphere, lifted it with one hand and held it like a basketball. Taki stood amazed. “You must be stronger than you look,” he gasped. “It took three of us just to move it out of the house and onto the lawn.”

  Rev flipped the ball up into the air and cupped it in the palm of his hand, rotating it slowly.

  “How strong are you?”

  “Don’t really know. Lifting the equivalent of four to five well-equipped soldiers is no problem.”

  “Amazing. The eugenics portion of you must have enhanced you even beyond our techniques. Is that why they stopped making soldiers on your planet?”

  “I think we scared the normal folk. My boss, Magnus, and I are all that’s left of those experiments. They broke the mold after me.”