Space Cowboy Survival Guide

by Long, Heather

  Costs extra? Before she could pursue that line of thought, Zed interrupted with a message for the captain. Since she didn't want to be left alone with Kestral, Tika excused herself to return to her room. Once inside, she secured the hatch and engaged the lock. Kestral had already ambushed her in there once, and she had the headache to prove it.

  Still, how had he found her?

  * * *

  The next few days passed in a blur. With the addition of Kestral on board, their routines shifted, but only slightly. Shaw still cooked. They still ate together in the kitchen services area. Shaw still disappeared up to the cockpit for hours each day, or down to the hold. He rarely invited her, though he didn't seem to mind when she wandered up to the cockpit. She like the cockpit, mostly because Kestral wasn't allowed to go there.

  Meanwhile, Kestral had kitchen cleanup duty, as well as sitting in the lounge and simply being present duty. One of the things she had actually enjoyed on the ship was the entertainment options, especially all the old Earth movies and Earth Prime entertainment that Shaw brought with him. When she heard one of the movies playing in the lounge, she'd stepped inside, only to find Kestral kicked back with a beer in hand while he stared at the screen.

  “I can go, if you want to stay in here.” She’d hoped to duck out before he caught sight of her, but his words froze her. Too late, he already saw.

  “You were here first,” she said and folded her arms. “It doesn't seem fair to chase you out.”

  Kestral held up his shock shackle. Without looking at her, he said, “The captain has already made sure that you get pride of place. If you want to sit here and watch the movie and you want me to go, I'll go.”

  True, Shaw had seen to her safety and peace of mind above anything else. Short of walking Kestral out an airlock, which seemed a rather severe punishment for his infraction, Shaw had done the next best thing. Did that make Kestral their prisoner? If so, did that mean she owed him the care and respect one showed to prisoners of war? The last war fought on the planet states had been shortly after the colonization. A turbulent time, with immense confusion caused by the grab for power and resources, it lasted less than a decade before the senior families had put a stop to it through merchant negotiations and what would eventually become the guilds, the caste system, and the alliance marriage.

  “Hello, lady-o…” Kestral’s singsong tone drew her from her thoughts.

  “What?”

  “You didn't answer my question. Did you want me to stay or go?” He didn't sound invested one way or the other, yet he never took his gaze from the screen.

  Venturing another step into the lounge, she angled to keep a good six feet between her and her would-be kidnapper. Studying the screen, she didn't recognize the vid he was watching. Yet he'd paused the vid, which suggest that he wanted to know what happened. That or he was being polite, in order to allow them to talk. The man was one contradiction on top of another. She still had that same fuzzy warm feeling in her stomach every time she looked at him. Very annoying. “What are you watching?”

  “I don't know. It's one of the vids Shaw had in the entertainment package labeled…” He paused as he pressed a button on the control panel and it suddenly filtered out the information about the vid. The title wasn't one she recognized either. “It set on old Earth, before the space-age. Makes it a few hundred years old. The effects are pretty bad, but I don't think they're supposed to be effects.”

  Another step, Tika kept her arms folded and tried to mirror what Kestral was doing by keeping her attention on the screen. “What you mean, you don't think you're supposed to be effects?”

  Kestral touched something else on the controls, and the image on the screen rewound to an earlier scene. When he pressed play, she watched as four men rode over a rise on beasts of burden. Only it wasn't really a rise, and one of the rocks actually moved. “I don't recall there being living, sedentary rock on Earth Prime… Do you think maybe it went extinct?”

  “It's not a living rock,” Kestral snorted. “I think it's part of the scenery that's fake.” He'd paused the scene again on a close up on one of the riders. “Look at the sky behind this guy's head… No clouds.” He nudged the image forward. “And look, now there are clouds.” He nudged forward again it focused on a different one of the riders. “Now the sky is a different shade of blue.”

  Tika ventured closer to the screen as Kestral repeated the slow motion forward function so she could see each piece as he described it. “So is it an effect? Or a problem with the atmosphere?”

  “Neither, I think it's supposed to be filmed outside, only they didn't have an outside, so they made one inside.”

  “Why would they do that?” For a moment, she saw her own confusion reflected back at her and Kestral’s gaze as he gave her a mystified shrug.

  “If my history is right—which it may not be, as I really didn't pay attention during the educational hours. This vid covers a time period long before vids were even available. So, they made it in a different age, but they are trying to make it look like the content is set far earlier.”

  “So, it's a historical…” Tika sank down into a seat as far from Kestral as she could get and pulled one knee up to her chest. “Maybe it's supposed to be an educational film?”

  “I have no idea.” They didn't say anything more and Kestral pressed play, but the first vid segued into a second, then a third. A tale of three brothers and their father…who all had truly terrible luck with women.

  Thus began a new tradition aboard the Gilly, as they continued on their way through space on their way to whatever destination Shaw chose for them next. For a few hours each day, she and Kestral took up residence in the lounge and poured through the old Earth vids. Kestral seemed as fascinated with the planet as she was. Though, admittedly, maybe he was a little more fascinated because he always seemed to notice every imperfection, each flaw, any place that didn't match what it should. She just wanted to enjoy the tales, the Kestral seemed to be hunting for something else.

  From time to time, Shaw joined them, though he did not join their conversations. If anything he seemed amused by them. If they asked him a direct question, he answered. Apparently, beasts of burden had been quite common on Earth Prime, though they were not found on the colony worlds. Many domesticated animals transported during initial colonization hadn't survived which made them a rarity outside of museums. What few animals Kestral knew about he labeled collector’s items, expensive toys for more expensive tastes.

  Despite the fun they shared, she was very ready to arrive at their next world.

  Much to Shaw’s apparent disappointment, the colony world proved to be a very simple planet which relied solely on agriculture. The villages were scattered some miles apart, with their homesteads settled even farther. They seem to have no real central hub. A farmer, who did nothing more than barter with them for some medical supplies in exchange for fuel, tended their so-called spaceport.

  Weirder still, Shaw didn’t give Kestral the boot nor did Kestral seem in any great hurry to leave. Neither man answered her questions about why they weren’t getting rid of the bounty hunter. As much as she hated to admit it, she’d almost gotten used to his presence.

  The most interesting thing about the colony world was that it wasn't interesting at all. It seemed rather rural, and utterly out of touch with the rest of the universe. They spent less than half a day on the planet before boarding the Gilly once more then heading to another world within the same system. Much like the first, it proved to be filled with rural communities, having little contact with each other much less their neighboring planet. The people all seemed very congenial, if a little wary of strangers. At least this planet had towns and places they could eat. Shaw was fascinated by it all—he had hundreds of questions for these people though he never made it seem like an interrogation.

  Even when Tika grew bored of the conversation and began to wander, Shaw would stay and chat up a storm. Kestral, on the other hand, seemed to follow her wherever s
he went. Always at a respectful distance, or at least enough of a distance that his shock shackle didn't give him a zap. When she questioned him about it, Kestral simply shrugged and said he’d wanted a walk.

  They didn't sleep on either of the two worlds, with Shaw electing for them to board the Gilly and head to a third planet. Of all the stops Tika had made since leaving New Athens, this was the first star system she'd entered that had more than one populated planet, much like her own home system. The Greek planet states occupied four worlds in a nineteen-world system—all four perfectly capable of sustaining human life. This system had three. Rather than landing on the third world, Shaw told them to get some sleep. Kestral didn't have to be told twice and he disappeared into his own quarters.

  But Tika had trouble sleeping. She had so many questions. When sleep continued to prove elusive, she headed up to the kitchen services area to get something to drink. She realized that Shaw was still awake because the cockpit hatch was open. Considering offering him something as well, she followed the hallway then climbed up the short ladder into the cockpit area.

  Before she could open her mouth, Shaw laughed and said, “You should have the full packets downloaded by morning, Jo. Have any luck finding those new movies for me?”

  A woman's calm voice, one she didn't recognize, answered, “Sure thing, sugar. I found all the documentaries you requested, although why you wanted historical records, I have no idea. I also found the most recent newsreels for the last year. Are you sure you don't want something a little more fun?”

  “Nah. I've been on something of a historical kick lately. I wanted to refresh my memory.”

  It was a blatant lie. He hadn't been on a historical kick—whatever a kick was. If anything, he'd been laughing at her and Kestral as they tried to piece together Earth Prime history… Realization struck her in that moment. He was downloading video and entertainment reels from Earth Prime for her and Kestral. Only he wasn't telling whomever he was talking to about it…

  “I put a special flag on the Port of York report, Jo. I want you to run that one up the ladder.”

  “Sure thing, sugar. This is first time you've asked me to do that. What's wrong?”

  “Apparently, they do a lot of slave trade. I don't think the corporation that was running it left anyone in charge, or whoever they did leave… They’re utilizing earth colonial resources for criminal activities. They were heavily armed. They also have strong shielding and multiple ship ports. If they do send in the military, recommend they use special forces before doing a direct ground pounding launch.”

  “Anything you say, sugar, but you know as well as I do…we can give recommendations all we want, but they’re going to do what they want to do.”

  Shaw sighed. “Yeah I know. I'll keep my ear to the ground on that one. If you hear of any military movement…”

  “You'll be the first to know, sugar. You can take a break at this next colony. Doesn't seem like populations high enough for you have to really do a full count?”

  “I'm ahead of schedule. I'll check in again in two weeks.”

  “Sure thing. Any special request for our next check-in, sugar?”

  Shaw stretched his arms toward the ceiling and released a yawn. “I don't know, why don’t you surprise me?”

  “Be careful what you wish for.” A distinct signal indicated the transmission ended. Tika withdrew down the steps as quietly as she’d climbed them. Pivoting she hurried down the corridor back to her quarters, drink and snack forgotten. Who was Shaw talking to? And why was he talking about military invasion?

  Once inside her quarters, she leaned against the sealed hatch. She couldn't fault him for wanting to send someone to the Port of York. Everything about slavery was wrong. But was he going to all of these worlds in order to determine their strengths and their weaknesses? Tika clapped a hand over her mouth. She’d given him information about New Athens, and he hadn't been there yet, at least as far as she knew. She told him about all four planet states.

  What had she done?

  She slept very little that night, and didn't really want to join them when they made landing on the third world. Shaw insisted though, because he had a surprise for her. A part of her wanted to just confront him directly about what he was up to. Another part of her argued against such a showdown. Shaw had saved her life not once, but twice. He'd given her refuge aboard his ship. He seemed intent on making sure she was as comfortable as possible. Still, what did that mean? Was he really doing it for her or was he doing it for whatever his mission was?

  The third colony world of the system they'd visited seem to be even less populated than the first. Shaw had touched them down in an open area filled with verdant green hills, warm sunshine, and wildflowers. The air was clean, pure, and almost untouched. It reminded her in many ways of what she'd always envisioned the Elysian Fields would look like. Kestral stood outside and had stripped off his shirt exposing warm, bronze skin to the sun. Doing her level best to not stare at the nice cut of his physique, she turned to Shaw who'd gone to his large containment modules in the hold.

  Before she could ask what he was doing, he pressed a couple of buttons and then the door on one slid open and, to her absolute shock, a beast of burden appeared. The animal tossed its head and let out a whinny. Shock had her leaping backward, even as she clapped her hands to cover her mouth.

  “Easy boy.” Shaw spoke in a soothing tone as he caught the bridle of the horse and guided it out. The horse’s heavy hooves clicked on the metal deck. The animal continued to toss its head. His tail swished from side to side. Shaw guided him across the bay, then down the ramp.

  Once outside, he released the animal and it raced across the field, circled then picked up speed as he ran. Tika followed his motion with pure fascination. And she wasn't alone. Kestral came over to stare as well, letting out a hiss this as shock shackle zapped him. Though he retreated from her, he couldn't take his gaze off the beast.

  The hiss of air escaping dragged her attention to the hold. Shaw had opened the second containment unit. Out stepped another beast of burden, this one all black-and-white, as though someone it's blasted with paint. For some reason, Tika was convinced it was a female. Maybe it was because Shaw kept murmuring to her. “Easy girl.”

  She stepped out with far more dainty steps than the first. As soon as Shaw guided her down the ramp, she cantered away much like the male had. Soon the two horses were racing side-by-side, dancing around, pausing now and again to drop and roll in the grass and then up again. Shaw exhaled as he came to stand between them.

  “Surprise.”

  It was the understatement of the year. For the next couple of hours, Tika forgot all about the odd conversation she'd overheard and spent her time staring at the horses as they romped and played. She worried they would escape, but neither wandered too far away from the ship. After some time, they slowed and began to just walk, chew some grass then walk some more and eventually they wound their way back to where Shaw stood. He hadn't seemed remotely concerned. At their approach, Shaw pulled out a small brush from a duffle bad. Moving with ease and comfort, he went to work brushing the male.

  Tika had never been this close to a beast of burden before. There were some on New Athens, but only the wealthiest of the wealthy had owned them. All she knew about horses were what she'd read in books or seen in films. Although Kestral watched, he said nothing. His attention seems split between the horizon and the animals.

  When Shaw went to work on the female, Tika edged forward a step and raised her hand. Shaw canted his head toward her and raised his eyebrows. “Yes?”

  “Can I pet one?” Would he be upset if she came anywhere near them? Would it hurt her?

  Shaw waved her over, and she could barely contain her excitement. The last time she’d been this excited had been the first time her mother took her to one of the entertainment beaches outside of Athens. It'd been so much fun, with so many rides and games to play. This was also very different. This was a beast of burden.


  “Horses like easy touches, nothing too aggressive. They’re prey animals, not predators.” At his side, Shaw took her hand then pressed it against the horse’s neck. It was soft and silky and smooth. He showed her how to how much pressure to give and how to stroke gently. Soon he let her take hold of the brush and all of her care seemed to wash away as she groomed the horse.

  “Why are you showing them to us?” Kestral asked into the almost hypnotic silence which had fallen. Nothing disturbed the quiet beyond the soft sound of the horses breathing, the velvety press of the mare’s nose to her palm.

  “Because they’re wonderful.” Tika exhaled the words, a sense of peaceful delight invading her every muscle. It had been so long since she’d felt this way. It was as though they’d been transported to the most magical of paradises far from the too prim cities of New Genesis, the community clutter of New Athens, and the hidden filth of the Port of York. They were somewhere else in time and space—a perfect moment.

  She never wanted to leave.

  “They’re incalculable in value. He could sell them for millions of credits—easily.” Suspicion and something far more mercenary discolored Kestral’s voice. An unsettled feeling quivered in her stomach. Shaw still hadn’t explained why he allowed Kestral to remain with them, nor had Kestral for that matter. He’d become her vid companion, and she feared the close confines of the ship and their time spent together had numbed her to his original crime. Odd to feel guilty about her concern. She didn’t own Kestral anything, but she did the captain.

  Worry flowered through her, but Shaw didn’t seem fazed. If anything, he concentrated on the horse he groomed—and it was definitely grooming. He’d gone over every inch of the animal, and had even brushed the tail until it flowed and shone gloriously in the sunlight.

  “They aren’t for sale,” Shaw said finally, as he stowed away a brush then circled the mare, as though inspecting her. Tika continued to stroke the mare’s silky mane. “Be sure to make sure there are no knots when you’re done.”