by C. J. Barry
Final analysis: no match for any length of time.
As she was trying to recall the Victor's weak points, a blast rocked their small ship. Warning lights flashed. Grey glanced at her sharply. She knew without asking that they would not survive another hit.
Under Grey's command, the K12's guns swiveled toward the attacker and spit fire. With the enemy little more than a blip on his display screen, Grey knew he was wasting a great deal of ammunition into deep space. He needed them in front of him for any real chance of a kill.
"Hey Captain, need a hand?” Decker's voice boomed over the cabin's comm. Grey caught a glimpse of a familiar silver and red ship racing toward them. Calíbre.
"It's about time you showed up,” Grey barked. “Fire on that thing. Now!"
"They're too tight on you. I don't think it's safe until we get closer,” Decker responded, a worried edge to his voice.
"If you wait any longer, we'll be dead. We need a distraction. Do it."
Instantly, long streaks shot out from Calíbre's cannons, lighting up the Victor's shields. A perfect hit. Grey gave silent thanks. Leena was manning the main guns this shift. She was the best gunner he had. The attacker slowed its pursuit somewhat, but made no move toward Calíbre.
"Shields down on the Victor, sir. They should back off now,” Decker said. “Head for us, we'll cover you."
"I don't think so,” Grey growled. “Cidra, give me one more shot."
With the Victor closing fast on her tail again, she flipped the nimble jet vertical and dove hard left. The Victor followed on an intercept course. Cidra yanked her ship hard around and under the Victor at neck breaking speed. She could hear Barrios’ loud gasp behind her.
"Hang on,” she ground out. The attacker was now above and behind her trying to swing around. She pulled the K12 straight up and upside down, her guns facing the Victor's unprotected side.
"Now!” she yelled, but Grey was already firing. Orange lines lanced across the Victor, ripping through its vulnerable belly as Cidra pulled them through the inside-out loop. A violent explosion shook the bigger ship, followed by a small series of flashes before it burst into a raging ball of fire.
Cidra brought the transport around to witness the full destruction of their attacker. The tiny cabin was quiet except for her ragged breathing. While she fought to control her thundering heartbeat, it slowly dawned on her that six people had just died at her very sweaty, very shaky hands.
Grey slammed the comm switch. “Did you get an ID on that ship, Decker?"
"Working on it now. We should have it by the time you come aboard.” Decker's voice bellowed over various whoops from Calíbre's deck crew.
Grey shut off the comm and scrubbed his hands over his face.
"Well, that was interesting,” Barrios said weakly, his face a light shade of green. “Friends of yours, Stone?"
Grey exhaled hard. “Everyone has enemies. We'll find out who it was."
Someone wanted him dead. That much was certain, but they didn't touch Calíbre. Either they did not view her as a threat—a very remote possibility—or they wanted Calíbre unharmed for another reason. Piracy. He would make a list of possible suspects later. He had the feeling the list would be succinctly short. First, he had someone to thank.
He turned to Cidra, who sat staring out into space. “Nice flying, Cidra. We make a good team."
She didn't appear to hear him, her face frozen. He realized she was shaking hard. “Are you all right?"
"Fine.” She closed her eyes, her jaw muscles tightening. “Killing is new for me."
He fought the urge to pull her into his arms and hold her. This was her personal battle. He prayed the strong warrior within her would win. He could not afford for her to go soft on him. Out here, a moment of hesitation could be bad. Worse than bad. Downright deadly.
Grey leaned over, commanding her full attention. “Cidra, they were trying to kill us and they would have. We had no choice."
Cidra nodded. He was right of course, but it didn't stop the trembling in her gut that threatened to invade and conquer the rest of her body. They had families, children, homes.
"I'll bring us in.” Grey took over the controls.
She didn't argue, didn't have the energy. She pulled the quiet strength of Kin-sha around her.
Numbly, she watched his ship fill the main view screen. Calíbre. Cidra concentrated on the sound of it, repeating it until her heartbeat returned to normal and she no longer felt like vomiting. The name rolled through her mind as if it had always held a place there.
A Moorian-built cruiser, it moved gracefully, its red square-tipped nose slicing through space. The silver main body extended back from the nose, short wings flanking each side. A massive space foil looming over the aft part of the ship promised quickness and superior maneuverability.
Sleek, powerful, and dangerous, she mused, much like her Captain.
"She's beautiful,” Cidra breathed softly, her voice still shaky from the aftereffects of battle.
Grey glanced at her, his eyes gleaming. “Yes. She is."
He landed the jet in Calíbre's port side landing bay. As they exited the K12, a tall, lanky man strode toward them sporting a shock of red hair and what appeared to be a permanent grin on his face.
The man waved. “Captain, glad to see you in one piece. Nice bit of flying. I didn't know you could handle a K12 like that."
"Barrios, Cidra, this is my first officer, Decker.” Grey gestured to Cidra and looked at Decker. “Cidra was at the helm."
Decker's eyebrows shot up. He whistled softly and then beamed at Cidra. “Been a long time since we've had a good looking, crack pilot around here."
She grinned back. “Really, what are your pilots usually like?"
"Average.” Decker winked. “And real hairy."
Grey spoke up. “Decker, show Cidra to Cabin Number Two. Barrios is bunking with you temporarily."
Decker hesitated. “Uh, Cabin Number Two, sir?"
"Problem?"
"No, sir. I just thought ... no problem.” Decker scratched his red head.
Grey turned to Cidra and Barrios. “Decker can show you around and get you settled. Make yourselves at home.” He nodded to Decker and strode out of the landing bay.
Decker waved them in the other direction, ushering them down a hallway of doors. “This corridor runs around the inside of the ship between crew quarters on the outer perimeter and the public areas located in the center. Bridge is at the front, landing bays and cargo in the rear."
They passed under the high, graceful archways that formed the ship's infrastructure. Bright, ambient light flowed from panels above the doorways spaced along the corridor. All surfaces gleamed with low luster metal. Austere, strong, safe.
Cidra paused and pressed her hand against a smooth wall, tuning into the gentle vibration of a ship alive. The engines shifted slightly, gearing up for the jump into hyperspace. She had never actually experienced the vehicle that facilitated intergalactic travel before. It translated into distance, a lot of it in a hurry, between her and Avion.
Decker continued his tour. “Including you two, we now have a crew of eleven. That pretty much fills up the quarters. We all try to get together for evening meal. Keeps the group tight. And for the most part, everyone gets along. We work when there's a job, usually fifteen days max, then get a break for about the same.” He shrugged his thin shoulders. “Depends on what we come up with. Our pay is contingent on success."
"So, how is the treasure hunting business?” Barrios puffed, struggling to keep up with Decker's long stride.
"It's been better. Our last two finds were claimed just as we arrived.” Decker's voice carried frustration.
Cidra spoke up. “That's not an inherent risk in treasure hunting?"
Decker shook his head. “Not for us. Don't get me wrong. Treasure hunting can be a ruthless, dangerous business but our specialty is recovering very old artifacts considered lost forever. Not many hunters bother with those, but Capta
in has a real talent for it. He's the best I've ever seen. It takes a lot more research and time because the trail is ice cold. But the reward is much higher than a simple search and salvage operation of a more recent wreck.” Decker shook his head. “We put a lot of work into those two finds. It was no accident both of them were jumped by the same people.” He stopped talking abruptly and looked at them, as if sensing he had said too much.
"The same people?” Cidra repeated. “You're right, that doesn't sound like a coincidence."
"Sounds more like a leak.” Barrios snorted, his eyes roving the corridor. “Any place to get a drink around here?"
Decker jumped at the change of subject. “Right this way."
* * * *
Cidra left Barrios and Decker in the crew lounge and headed to her quarters. The cabin numbers were clearly marked on the sleek silver doors of Calíbre's main corridor. As she stepped up to her cabin door, it slid open for the personalized comm unit Decker had given her.
The room was small and, like the rest of Calíbre, puritanical but comfortable. Cidra punched up the adjustable lighting. Standard silver metal comprised most surfaces except for the blue mat flooring. One narrow bed occupied the farthest wall. A small desk sat between the bed and a single upholstered chair.
Two doors flanked one wall. To her relief, the first revealed a small private lav and shower. She had expected trips to a public lav on a ship this size.
When she pressed the controls to open the second door, there was a faint click but the door didn't budge. After several failed attempts, she gave up and made a point to ask Decker about the mystery door later.
Instead, she stretched out on the bed. It was small, but surprisingly comfortable. A grin crossed her face as she wondered how well Barrios would be sleeping in these diminutive beds, if only for the duration of her mission.
The mission. Now that she was out from under the dark cloud of Avion, excitement shimmered through her. It was more than she could have ever hoped for. Finally, a chance to find the answers to the questions that had haunted her for ten years. Regardless of the evidence, it had never once occurred to her that her father had deliberately withheld that shipment. Now all she had to do was convince Grey. As much as she hated to admit it, she needed his help, his ship, and his expertise. What would it take to convince him?
A gentle chime interrupted her thoughts. Cidra hopped off the bed and walked to the door. It opened promptly. A young woman stood smiling at her. Her black hair framed her face like a bowl. Even standing still, she seemed to be in motion.
"Hi, I'm Leena. Welcome aboard."
"Thank you,” Cidra said. Leena looked back at her expectantly.
Cidra hesitated. “Would you like to come in?"
"Sure.” Leena bounded past her and surveyed Cidra's cabin with interest. “I've never been in this cabin. It's nice."
"Isn't it like all the others?” Cidra asked as the door slid shut.
"Mmm, pretty much. A little bigger, I think.” Leena nodded, agreeing with herself.
Cidra glanced around the tiny room and wondered how it could possibly be any smaller. She sat on the edge of the bed and motioned for Leena to take the chair. “I see. How long have you been on Calíbre?"
"Oh, about a year.” Leena flopped into the chair. “Captain was looking for a gunner from Vaasa. I was lucky enough to get the job."
Cidra eyed her. “Are you the gunner that hit the Victor?"
Leena flashed a proud smile. “That was me. They were so close on your tail that Decker didn't think I could pull it off. You gave me an edge though. They were too busy trying to keep up with you. Those were some pretty slick moves."
Cidra shrugged and looked away. “I didn't have much choice. It was move or die."
"Whatever the motivation, you sure impressed the deck crew. I know Coon will be happy to give you the helm. Piloting is not his forte."
"No? What is his forte?” Cidra asked.
"If you ask him, he'll say penetration."
Cidra's eyebrows shot up and Leena laughed. “You'll grow to love him. We all do. He's our sweeper."
Cidra's eyes narrowed. “A sweeper. Let me guess. He probes a region for something. Using sensors?"
Leena nodded vigorously, her hair bobbing away. “Yup. It takes talent to pick up a specific object hiding in a bunch of junk floating around in space. He has infinite patience and stamina.” She held up her hand. “Don't mention stamina to him either."
Cidra laughed. Dinner promised to be an adventure.
A stray thought hit her. Pointing to the mystery door, she asked, “Do you know where that door goes? It won't open."
Leena looked over at the door in question and turned back, wide-eyed. “Don't you know?"
Cidra frowned and shook her head.
"It connects to the Captain's quarters. It has a release on each side. I think that's why this room has never been used. Captain likes his privacy.” Leena stood up and shrugged. “We're filled up, so I guess he decided it was okay. Well, I gotta go. See you at dinner in the crew lounge."
Cidra managed a smile. “Thanks for everything. Especially for hitting that Victor."
"Anytime. I'll introduce you to everyone tonight.” Leena waved a hand at her and disappeared into the corridor.
Cidra stared at the adjoining door as if it were alive. She jumped up and locked the release on her side, her pulse racing. Good Lord, calm down. It's not as if he'd barge in uninvited. Or would he?
She leaned back against the door and closed her eyes. The idea was at once nerve-shattering and tantalizing.
* * * *
It was late afternoon and Grey stood on the bridge evaluating provisions over a micropad. Decker approached him and glanced at the deck crew nervously. “Sir, I need to speak to you. Immediately."
Grey lifted an eyebrow. It took a great deal to make Decker nervous. “Trouble?"
Decker cleared his throat. “I think it could be. I just saw Cidra and Mora, uh, talking in the dining hall. Neither one of them looked very happy."
He shoved the micropad at Decker. “Take care of this.” He turned and marched off the bridge.
CHAPTER FOUR
Cidra's intention was to join Barrios in the crew lounge. It seemed like a simple enough task. She should have known better.
The lounge was empty except for the woman firmly planted in her path. Not just any woman. The most attractive, voluptuous woman Cidra had ever seen in her life. A red-haired, green-eyed beauty wearing a straining scarlet jumpsuit and a disapproving scowl.
"So you're the package Grey picked up on Avion,” the woman scoffed in a throaty voice, scanning Cidra head to toe with clear contempt. “Hardly worth the effort."
Cidra frowned at her, amazed how an attractive person could turn so ugly from the inside out. Be nice, Cidra. Remember you have to work with this woman.
"I'm Cidra Almazan. And you would be?” Cidra started in her most peaceable voice.
"Mora. You're new here, so consider this your orientation.” A smile twisted over Mora's face. “I'm going to explain how things work around here."
She stared icily at Cidra. “Rule Number One. I make the rules. This is my ship."
Cidra lifted her eyebrows. If she hadn't been so surprised, she would have burst out laughing. “Really. I was under the impression it was Captain Stone's ship."
Mora ignored that. “Rule Number Two. I don't like Avions. You and your high and mighty people think you own the galaxy, picking and choosing who to save with your precious vaccine. You are not welcome here.” Mora's voice lowered to a growl. “Watch your step. We wouldn't want you to have an unfortunate accident aboard ship."
Cidra listened to Mora's threat in disbelief, her sense of humor deserting her. Good Lord, where had Grey found this one?
"Rule Number Three. I have Grey's ear. And the rest of him. He's off-limits.” Mora breathed deeply, filling her red jumpsuit to capacity. “Besides, you're not his type."
Cidra bristled. “And yo
u would be an expert on the topic?” The first stirrings of anger began to seep into her body. Control, Cidra. The conversation had just taken a dangerous turn.
"I know how to make him happy. I know what he wants.” Mora lifted her chin to Cidra. “Me."
Blood pounded in Cidra's ears as she narrowed her eyes at the other woman. She was dangerously close to losing her temper. It would not bode well to pummel a fellow crewmember on her first day of employ. The temptation wasn't worth throwing away her future for. Retreat seemed the sensible choice.
"Mora, exhale before you hurt yourself,” Cidra muttered with disgust and turned toward the exit.
"Hold it. I'm not finished with you.” Mora reached out with her right hand and sunk her fingernails into Cidra's left shoulder. Her attempt to twist Cidra around never had a chance.
Something in Cidra snapped. She would later recognize it as her self-control. She reached across with her right hand and wrenched Mora's hand off her shoulder, simultaneously stepping back. Using Mora's own forward momentum, Cidra pulled her across the front of her body and flattened the surprised woman against the wall to her right. Cidra pinned Mora to the wall by shoving her forearm under Mora's chin. The whole maneuver took a second, leaving Mora blinking wide-eyed, helpless, and gaping at Cidra.
Grey had rounded the corner of the corridor just in time to see the action unfold. He slowed to a stop. As he feared, the confrontation had escalated. He knew only too well what Mora was capable of, even if he had found out the hard way. Unfortunately for Mora, she'd just picked a fight with a fully trained Kin-sha.
He leaned against the corridor wall and decided to let Cidra finish what she started. Besides, he thoroughly enjoyed the idea of someone getting the best of Mora for a change.
Cidra didn't give Mora a chance to recover. Her self-control had deserted her, replaced by pure fire and brimstone. There was no way she'd allow anyone tell her what to do after ten years of hiding. Quiet fury laced her voice. “Now it's my turn, Mora. Rule Number One. I make my own rules. Is that clear?"
Mora nodded weakly, still stunned. Her breathing came in short gasps and only by the grace of Cidra's grip.
