by Celeste Raye
"He's young enough to be my kid, and yet he gets to boss me around. I'm sick of being treated like a pile of crap. Just to warn you, our little arrangement will be coming to an end soon. I might have a way to earn some gold instead of pennies. Wish me luck, Tann."
"How do you plan on doing that? Are you going to join us pirates, milady?"
She laughed, and it made her cough. "Tattoos don't look good with wrinkles. I've had a better offer. Sorry, boy: this information isn't for sale. If I told you, we'd both be dead by morning. The best I've got for you is a name. Does the name Corsair ring a bell?"
"He's the new kid that follows Torbin around like a puppy. What's he done?" Tann was curious because the boss acted like the boy was his son.
"He's the reason your raid on the space station went wrong. I went out back of the fancy casino to dig up a cigarette butt or two. Everybody here smokes them all the way down, so I've got to go where there's better pickings. Anyway, he was out there talking to a guard. Corsair got himself a bag of gold and some drugs. The guard said it was his cut from the heist. It's my understanding that he tells the big man when Torbin has a good lead, and the big man sends in his own men first," Lolita explained.
"He's cutting out the middleman?"
"Exactly, my friend. There's a traitor among you, as they say. Watch your back and tell your boss to do the same. I wouldn't be surprised if there were more dangerous plans afoot. The big man can be treacherous. Corsair doesn't seem to realize he's expendable on both sides. He's still young and stupid, and it doesn't look like he'll live long enough to learn differently."
"Lolita, you're too smart to have gotten into this business. You speak well and have insight that other strippers are lacking. How did you end up here?" he asked.
"Bad luck and a useless husband. The story's too long. I've got to get back on stage before the kid realizes it's been longer than five minutes and someone notices I'm telling tales."
Tann slipped two gold pieces into her soft hand. The information was worth giving away his last gold piece. She was taking risks to bring him that kind of warning. If caught, she would have more enemies than he ever would. Tann was worried about her new vocation. To earn gold, you usually had to do things which had a high incidence of death.
Tann was ready to leave. Lolita had given him a lot to think over. If he told Torbin about the traitor, what would happen? His boss could just laugh in his face since Corsair seemed to be his special project. He might slice Tann in half for even suggesting the young man had betrayed the pirates. On the other hand, if he was believed, it might earn him respect and trust. In that case, he would be privy to the deeper secrets. However, it would also make him responsible for Corsair's untimely demise. As a space cop, that would be reprehensible, but it would gain him access faster. How far was he willing to go in order to bring down the pirates?
He stood to go. A heavy hand shoved him back down. His fist came up, ready to knock the offender into the ground. He stopped the punch just in time. Torbin's sneer made Tann wish he had continued.
"Sit, boy," he commanded. "It's early. No disreputable pirate leaves the bar before dawn and ya ain't drunk enough to use that as an excuse. You're too respectable. Show me I can count on ya, otherwise, ya ain't worth the ink in that tattoo."
Tann had difficulty keeping from gagging. Torbin smelled of sweat, alcohol, opium, and sex. It was a nasty combination. The fact that the man appeared completely unaffected by the mixture of alcohol and drugs proved he was far too used to them. Tann was certain he got them in the big man's casino. If only he could get inside and find evidence, the whole way station could be shut down.
"Why are you slumming it with us when you could be up there with the elite, Torbin?"
"I ran out of credit. Too many bad rolls of the dice. Besides, I have to check on my men and make sure they're behaving. I saw ya chattin' up Lolita and buyin' her a round. Why? She's a bit long in the tooth, ain't she? Maybe she's telling ya some lies." Torbin's tone gave the impression of suspicion.
Tann didn't like his tone or how close he was to the truth. He needed to protect Lolita. "No, boss. She never has much to say. I feel kind of sorry for her, that's all. She dances her heart out and only gets pennies in return, so I buy her a drink once in a while. I don't remember my mother, and she'd be about that age."
"Got a soft spot for old women, do ya, boy? Well, I do remember my mother, and she wasn't no saint. Let me tell ya; ya can't trust the older ones. They'll stab ya in the back if they think you've got a bit of coin. Don't let Lolita fool ya. She's smarter than the two of us combined. I bet she's stowing those pennies away and she's richer than we know. Ya ain't the only sucker who buys her drinks or slips her a coin. I did it a few times myself."
"I heard there's a new load coming from Earth. Are we taking some of it?" Tann dared to ask.
"I ain't decided yet. The rumors don't say what the cargo is. It might be nothing worth fighting over. I'll wait awhile and listen to the gossip. What did ya get out of the spaceships tonight? Don't hold out on me."
"I'm too smart for that, Torbin. I want to live. We found a few gold coins and split them between us like always. We dropped your double portion off at the ship along with the jewels you can sell. There was a case of rum, and we almost had a fight over it, but I made certain it reached your cabin. Wouldn't want you to think I'm a cheat."
He made sure to look the man straight in the eyes. He needed Torbin to believe him. For now, he kept Lolita's valuable information to himself. It might come in handy at a later date.
Chapter Three
Mariana
Mariana shut down the virtual reality program, gathered her cleaning implements, and opened the day as if nothing of consequence had occurred. Tylina stood on the other side, her face showing speculation.
"You almost waited too long," Tylina warned. "Father and an associate are on the way up. Are you ever going to explain why you wanted to use the virtual reality program? I think it's only fair that you tell me since I risked trouble to allow you access and stand guard."
Mariana didn't get a chance to answer. Two men, complete opposites in size and demeanor, appeared at the top of the moving staircase. One, of course, was her master. He stood seven feet tall, was as thin as a tree branch, had skin so pale it appeared pink, and flowing white hair to his scrawny shoulders. The associate barely reached his shoulders, was extremely overweight, had dark skin, and a bald head that was tattooed.
The stranger's beady eyes roamed over Tylina, dismissing her instantly. But, they took on a different light when they discovered Mariana standing behind her. The desire in them grew by leaps and bounds as he followed every inch of her curves. He licked his lips and smacked them, making her feel dirty and in need of a scrubbing. She tried to shrink enough to hide behind Tylina and the cleaning cart, but there was no relief from his stares.
"I'll give you five thousand gold pieces for the girl," he growled as drool ran down his double chins.
Her master remained solemn and impassive as he replied, "She's not for sale. If you have needs, find another outlet. We have more urgent business to discuss. Mariana, had you done your duty faster, you would not have disturbed my guest. Go now! Remove yourself from our sight."
Shaking, she did as she was commanded. She reversed the moving stairs and rode them down to the servants’ quarters. Surprisingly, Tylina was on her heels.
"We must have a talk," Tylina admitted. "Now, while everyone is busy with their duties."
Mariana nodded and motioned for her friend to sit at the eating table. "What is it? Is there a problem with your betrothal?" she asked Tylina.
"No, of course not. My marriage will go as planned. In fact, I am anxious to wed, for I truly love my betrothed. It is you I am concerned with. There are many just like the fat man who wish to buy you. I am ashamed to tell you that father is planning to sell you on the open market. You would bring a spectacular price, and he won't listen to reason. I begged him to allow you to be my servant
, but he refused. If he discovers I have warned you, I may be punished. Perhaps, he will even stop my marriage. For both our sakes, you must escape."
"I wondered when or if you would tell me of the master's plans. I heard the entire conversation. That was the reason for the virtual reality session. I have been making escape plans," Mariana said, relieved to have the secret out in the open.
"Where would you go? I haven't suggested escape before because I don't know where you would be safe. The guardians will hunt you down even if you go to the caves of the homeless. No one on Earth will willingly hide you. The only idea I have isn't the best. I can give you enough gold to pay for sanctuary for a short time, at least until my wedding. Then, you can find safe haven in my home. You'll have to hide from everyone in the household except me, for there will be some who will report your presence to Father. Should that occur, we will all pay the price of treason," Tylina replied.
"I can't subject you or your husband to that fate. We both know that plan won't work. Secrets are too easily discovered. I wish to go to Delti Utopia 6 and be free, as a pirate," Mariana admitted.
"No!" Tylina shouted. "They are vicious, nasty humans, who are the dregs of society. It is a dangerous profession. They will use you the same as the slave owners, except in far worse ways. Besides, you aren't old enough, nor do you have a way to reach the way station. I will not give you gold for passage just so you can die at the hands of pirates."
"I don't want your gold. I found a way aboard a spaceship that will not cost anything. As to my age, they won't know the difference. I look older than my age. I always have. They will see the curves, not the smooth cheeks. Please, don't fight me on this. It is my only chance to be truly free. Would you have me digging in the ground until my fingers bled for one bite of a rotten potato? Or would it be better to serve as a concubine to someone like the nasty, fat man? He would use me up and then toss me out, where I would die in the caves, alone. I want this!"
Tylina hung her head. She knew that it was futile to argue. Mariana was right. Her only real chance to be free was to leave Earth behind. On Delti Utopia 6, or any other way station, if you were female and weren't a pirate, then you were a stripper, a singer, or an actress. Unless you were one of the rich casino owners, then you profited from those professions.
"How can I help?" Tylina whispered, giving in to her dear friend's wishes.
"I need only two things from you, sister of my heart. I require safe passage out of the compound and the promise that you will buy my mother. Please, give her a safe home until she leaves this world in death. Don't let her be punished for my disappearance."
"Buying your mother will be easy. She no longer falls under the category of those my father notices. I will offer his accountant a fair price immediately and have her sent to my future home before you leave. She will be safe, and I will treasure her always. I will have to personally take you out of the compound. All transports are searched, except for family-owned ones. You should fit in the storage compartment," Tylina explained.
"Won't they be suspicious of you once they realize I am gone?" Mariana asked.
"Not in the least. I'll make certain Father is with me when I leave. He would never believe I would be so daring as to aid your escape with him present. I will simply claim there is cargo I wish to buy for my wedding or my own home. He will happily oblige, and you will be near your departure platform. Do not tell me the rest of your plan. The less I know about how you leave, the easier it will be to convince everyone I had no part in it."
Mariana threw her arms around Tylina and began to cry, "My dearest friend, how I shall miss you. You saved me as a child, and you are doing so once more. I promise never to forget you. If I can ever help you in any manner, find me and ask. You can always get word to me on Delti Utopia 6."
Mariana's mother had been shocked by her sale. She had a breakdown upon realizing she was being forced to leave Mariana behind. Both young women did their best to assure her all would be well. Under Tylina's protection, the older woman would do little work and have a room to call her own.
Mariana kissed her mother goodbye and whispered, "Things will work out perfectly. I will be free soon. Just remember I love you and do not mention this conversation to anyone."
Two days before Mariana's eighteenth birthday, which was barely a week before the open market, Tylina approached her father with a request. "Father, there is a shipment coming in today from our home planet. I've heard rumors that it contains furniture made from our world's finest wood. Would you please accompany me to the space dock? I want to see if the rumors are true and buy a desk as a wedding gift for Korbin. I'll feel safer if you are with me."
"You need not go to such a dangerous place, child. I will send a guard to see if the rumors are true and he can obtain the desk as well."
"No, father," she pouted prettily. "I want to choose the gift myself. It means more if I do so. Please, indulge me one last time before I am no longer just your little girl. I will miss our times together once I am a wife, won't you?"
"Yes, my dear daughter," he replied, touching her pale face tenderly. "I so wish you could stay my little girl forever. I can't deny this last request. Give me a few moments to cancel my meeting, and I will drive you to the space dock."
"Allow me to do the honor of driving you. You've never ridden in my transport or seen me at the controls," she begged.
"Alright, go get your transport. Try not to kill me, okay?"
"Never, father," she answered gleefully. She shut off the cameras in the transport station long enough to sneak Mariana and her paltry possessions into the storage compartment. Then, turned them back on without anyone the wiser.
The sleek red transport slid smoothly through the air. Tylina's father even complimented her on her flying ability. He never noticed the nervous tapping of her fingers on the controls. She sat the transport down as close to the space dock as possible, and while her father paid a guard to watch over it, she unlocked the storage compartment and allowed Mariana to go free.
Mariana wiped tears from her cheeks as she made her way to the unguarded gate she had seen on the virtual reality screen. There was no time for tears and regrets. She must get aboard the spaceship without detection and do so quickly. It would be shut and locked in exactly ten minutes. The ship she desired was on the opposite end of the space dock from the one Tylina and her father headed to. She would be cutting the departure time close.
As she expected, there was no guard at the gate. However, she wasn't the only human trying to sneak aboard. Three others, two male and one female, were slipping through as she arrived. None of them appeared to be more than fourteen. They jumped at the sight of her, imagining she might shout for security. She held a finger to her lips, asking for silence and followed them inside.
This area was left unlocked and unguarded for an hour before departure because it was the garbage shoot. The floors were covered in refuse and stunk of rotten fruit and vegetables. The trash had been offloaded and the floor would be washed by electronic power washers in less than a minute. The group had to find shelter in a storage closet or be washed away with the debris.
Water was already pounding on their heads when they crammed themselves into a small room and shut the door. Mariana found herself squashed between the filthy homeless children from the caves. She held her breath as long as possible. These kids smelled worse than the garbage.
The old, rusted ship began to shudder. The door clanging shut made her ears ring. If she wasn't crammed so tightly in the small space, she would have been thrown to the floor as the spaceship jerked and heaved its way into the sky. Maybe she should have waited for a better ride, although she knew there hadn't been time
Chapter Four
Mariana
The spaceship settled into a shaky flight, allowing the stowaways to calm their fears. They had successfully escaped Earth, and it was doubtful anyone would discover them before reaching the way station. Only refuse would enter this area.
Mariana was nearest the control to open the small storage space, so she slammed her palm against the button. The door slid open only three inches, then clanged to a stop. Frustrated and anxious to get unglued from the trio of smelly strangers, she hit the button again. It gave one more inch. A third try resulted in absolutely nothing. No wonder the compartment had been left open and empty. It was in need of repairs, as she suspected most of the ship was.
Panic wouldn't help, though she was sweating and nauseous. Mariana felt trapped. She had to get out before her heart burst through her chest. A whimpering sound reached her ears and reminded her she was not alone. She glanced at the kids and saw wide, fearful eyes. The female was the one whimpering. A drop of blood blossomed on the girl's bottom lip, where she bit into it. Everyone was looking to her for guidance. Dear lord, she was the adult in this scenario, and they expected her to find a solution.
Okay, so someone had to take control and apparently, she was the chosen one. Knowing that they were counting on her gave her courage. The sweating stopped, and her mind began to run through all that she knew about technology, which wasn't much. All systems had an override. She just had to find it, unless this ship was so old they could simply pry the door open. It was worth a try.
"I need you all to relax," she addressed the kids. "It's hot and crowded in here, but if we work together, we'll be out soon. Then, we can enjoy that big empty space before the trash starts to accumulate. Everybody, try to face the door and get your hands in the opening. We're going to take a chance on prying it open."
Like meek little lambs, they obeyed. Feet shuffled, and grunts filled the area due to elbows landing in sensitive places. Four sets of hands grabbed onto the door, some high and others low. Mariana counted to three, and they all pushed. It didn't budge, and the young girl began to sob.
