by K. A. Kerr
He found the exit and burst out of the water gasping for air. Thankfully he wasn’t pulled under this time. He looked for Goddess and saw she was already at the narrow end of the pool toweling her hair. Tarik swam the distance of the right pool and lifted himself over the edge onto the landing falling at her feet.
He flopped over and started to laugh then.
“What is so funny?” Goddess asked.
“Your name is Goddess and I keep falling at your feet.” He got out between heavy breaths.
“You odd, even for a human.” She looked down on him. “Decent pace this time; Plan for an increased distance for our next meet.”
Tarik took his time getting up. He grabbed a towel that was sitting by the door and said nothing to Goddess as he left.
Tarik finished his cleaning duties and went to end of day meal. As he ate alone at the kiddie table he pulled up his log. His last meeting had gone from tentative to mandatory but the details remained hidden, only a map and a countdown of twenty minutes were available.
Tarik got to the room which was above the medical facilities and not on the training floor. The door was still locked when his timer had less than a minute remaining. Curious, Tarik pulled up the log again to see if any changes had been made; no new information had been entered. As the countdown expired the door unlocked and opened automatically.
Tarik walked into the dimly lit room; as he neared the center of the room the door closed and locked behind him. He spun around; the floors were spongy like they were made of foam. The lights came up gradually and the padded white walls of the circular room greeted him.
“Some of the crew thinks you're too dangerous.” Dav said as he separated from a wall behind Tarik.
Dav wore an all-white robe like garb, a simple black belt at his waist, bare feet exposed to the floor. Tarik had heard about this, some kind of body art where you used yourself as weapon.
“Isn’t that what you hired me for?” Tarik asked.
“I hired a scared kid who showed some promise, not a rampaging lunatic.” Dav retorted. “I think you can learn to control yourself. Unfortunately, your strength and passion has turned off my normal trainer. He believes you are too wild to be taught. He actually suggested we put you down. I put myself up for this in a last ditch effort to teach you some control. Now, I want you to attack me.”
“Won’t you have to fine me again?”
“Not here, I’ve turned off the security recording and put myself in an off duty status. Here I’m just a normal guy. So what’s it going to be? Are you going to be little ‘Chickenshit’ or are you going to pick up your skirt, grab your balls and hit me?”
“If this is what you want.” Tarik said as he sized Dav up.
Tarik knew Dav was fast but Tarik had height, size and reach over him. He figured if he could just get his arms around him he could probably wrestle him to the ground. Tarik moved in fast, not so fast that Dav could get a surprise hit on him but not slow enough that Dav could not move out of the way.
Dav let him come, not even changing his stance. Tarik grabbed Dav’s shoulders ready to pull him to the ground. Dav sent both his arms up and pushed out on Tarik’s wrists breaking the hold. Tarik planned for this and brought his right knee up to hit Dav in the stomach or balls, he didn’t care which. The knee never connected, Tarik had no idea what happened but he bounced off the wall then. His left foot, ribs, left shoulder and strangely his left ear all burned with pain. The only pain he could explain was the spot of his tongue that he bit.
“I didn’t ask for a hug Chickenshit. Get your bitch ass over here and TAKE ME DOWN!” Dav yelled.
Tarik smacked the floor with his hands as he raised himself back to his feet. He walked to Dav with his fists balled, changing his plan to use his fists and not let Dav get to his body. Tarik tried to use his reach and jabbed for Dav’s chin. Dav dodged the jab and open hand slapped Tarik in the face. Tarik became more enraged and threw a right hook with all his weight behind it. Halfway through the punch he knew he had made a mistake. Dav hit Tarik’s body with two terrifyingly powerful blows and finished it off with an uppercut. Tarik saw white lights as he fell to the floor, a ringing sound in his ears.
“What’s wrong Chickenshit? Are you only good at fighting overweight women and other chickens? Maybe Rye was right, we’d have been better off if your ancestors were exterminated.” Dav taunted.
Tarik felt his blood boil, he didn’t bother planning his next attack he just charged blindly like an animal. The thought that Dav himself was mostly European didn’t even enter his mind. Dav let Tarik grab ahold of him and Tarik pulled him closer. He lifted Dav over his head ready to slam his body to the ground. Dav twisted and wrapped his leg around Tarik’s neck. Tarik grasped wildly at Dav’s legs trying to dig into them with his fingers, when that didn’t change anything he started to punch at the legs; finally he tried to bite the legs. Dav flexed his muscles and Tarik’s vision started to go black. Tarik punched feebly twice more then felt the world go cold and dark.
Tarik woke up with his face planted into the floor. The blood from his nose formed a small puddle that touched his lips. His mouth tasted like iron.
“It’s called a blood choke.” Dav said while resting on the wall. “Only takes about eight seconds to take effect and leaves your opponent incapacitated for about thirty seconds. I’d say those are pretty good numbers.”
Tarik rolled over to his back, pain surged throughout his whole body. His head pounded in rhythm with his heart.
“Thirty seconds Jimmy, that’s how long I had to do with your limp useless body as I pleased.” Dav said as he stood. “You have power I will give you that.” His cold steel voice returned. “You lack control and technique. I’m giving you an hour a day of my own personal time which is pretty fucking sparse as is. You will not be given any contracts until I think you're ready.”
The door opened and Dav made his way over. “It’s going to take time but you show some promise. Give me everything you have when you're here with me and you may turn out to be not only the most dangerous but the most disciplined man on this ship.” Dav stood at the doorway. “Get some ice on that face soon or you’re going to swell up like a Szarg’s pussy when she’s in heat.”
Tarik lay on the floor trying to recap what just happened. He only counted what he knew for sure. First, he had his ass handed to him by a man probably over twice his age. Second, that man was not only one of his few friends’ father but also his boss. Third, he hurt everywhere and didn’t even know how half of it happened. Fourth, he’d been restricted from contracts and by extension any bonus payouts. Lastly, he was Jimmy again.
“Well this is about as fucked as it can get.” He said to another empty room.
6 - Brothers
* * *
Tarik woke up before the warmth of the red giant could greet him. Instead cold water had leaked from the bag that contained the ice he had on his face. He checked his log to see that he'd only woken an hour early and decided to not try to sleep more.
The red giant rose on the wall, the comet from yesterday almost completely devoured, just a few twinkling sparks as it fell to its doom.
His body hurt everywhere; he knew the ice hadn't done much to decrease the swelling. He swung his legs off the edge of the bed and tried to sit up. His ribs made their protest known, his right eye refused to open. This was going to be a very long day.
It was early but with his body so busted up that he figured he could use the extra time. A clean jumpsuit lay on the floor, deposited by unknown forces yet again. Dressing himself proved difficult, his left arm refusing to work as instructed, bruises along his ribs were purple with green edges. He only hoped his face didn't look as bad.
He limped to the door holding his left arm at an angle which caused the least amount of pain. A pilot walked past as his door opened, he had his flight suit on, a helmet with a blue triangle and the number three stenciled in white.
“Holy shit.” The pilot said at the sight of him.
“Are you alright? Do you need medical?”
“No.” Was all Tarik managed to grunt out through the pain. With that type of reaction he could safely say he must look really fucked up.
“Did you fall down a maintenance shaft or something?”
“No… Dav.” Speaking hurt too much to continue so he started to limp to the bathroom.
“Well if you need help just shoot me a message.” The pilot said and moved on.
Tarik was still trying to undress when Mange and Goddess walked into the dressing area. Mange stepped back when he got a good look at Tarik.
“You are greatly injured.” Mange said in a voice that seemed too low and deep to suit a being of his size.
“Did Razor do this to you?” Goddess asked.
Tarik didn't know who Razor was; he didn't even know Mange could speak until now. “Dav.” Tarik said already tired of saying his name.
When nobody spoke Tarik tried to reach back to pull his arm out of the jumpsuit, the pain was so great he had to sit back on the bench. Tarik felt like crying, even when he had his leg crushed he couldn't remember pain this great.
Mange walked behind Tarik and stepped up on the bench beside Tarik. Mange reached across Tarik's shoulders and pulled his sleeve over the bruised shoulder. Goddess walked over and assisted with the rest.
The thought of Goddess undressing him normally would have stirred him up but sex was the furthest thing from his mind.
With the welcomed assistance Tarik was undressed. He slowly got to his feet and turned towards the mirrors.
Goddess stopped him. “You really do not wish to see.”
Mange shook his head quickly and moved to the side of him.
With Goddess and Mange on either side of him they helped him into the shower stall. They sat him on the floor of the stall and turned on the water for him.
“Alert us if you need help getting out.” Mange said and closed the stall door for him.
Tarik watched the dried blood become liquid again, its spiral path took it towards the drain. Tarik couldn't scrub so he only waited until blood stopped coming off his body. He made his way to the dressing area and against the advice of Goddess he looked at himself in the mirror.
His right eye had swollen shut, a cut above his brow the only patch of red in a mix of purple, blue and green. The left side of his face looked like it was almost good until you got to his fat lip, cracked with a shine of fresh blood on the raised bulges. Both sides of his neck were black where Dav’s legs had applied the blood choke. His recently repaired shoulder wasn't discolored but looked lumpy and misshapen. His ribs, left hip and a spot where he thought his liver was located all showed bruises in the pattern of knuckles. Looking down the inside of his groin had a patch of green in the shape of a foot. His own right foot had a lump on the top of it. Disgusted Tarik limped to the urinal to relieve himself. He rested his head against the wall the cold tile which felt good on his hot face. Even trying to urinate hurt, as a stream finally started to flow he looked down and saw red mixed in with his urine.
One thing from yesterday echoed in his mind. ‘Thirty seconds to do with your limp useless body as I pleased.’ Most, if not all of this damage occurred when he was fully conscious and fighting back. Thirty seconds of ungodly acts could have occurred, he should be dead not just barely alive enough to feel like death.
Tarik walked to the Dome, he needed three trips to take his tray, utensils and drink to the kiddie table. He sat alone and didn't bother to try and talk to any of the people who stared at him while he ate. The chewing movements required pulled on the tight skin of his face. He could feel fresh blood on his lips which tainted the food. He tried to hide his face, looking directly down to his tray the bruises on his neck the only injuries overtly visible.
Daze entered the Dome from the door behind Tarik and made her way to the nutrition unit.
“Hey Tarik!” She said as she walked past without looking at him.
She grabbed a tray and filled a cup with water.
“I wanted to ask you. Have you ever done any repair work? I'd love it if you came down to the computer core; I think you'd really enjoy it.” She said as she turned and walked to join him at the kiddie table.
Tarik looked up at her, lifting his head from the tray so she got a good look at him.
Daze dropped her tray on the floor, the room went silent. The soup splattered on the floor and mixed with the contents of the cup. Her face went from shock to worry and finally to anger.
She looked to the walkway and locked eyes with the Gorrex who was previously pacing. Still holding the Gorrex in her sights she asked “Who?” She seemed ready to take off after the Gorrex.
Tarik tried to look up to see what the Gorrex was doing that distracted her so but the pain was too great.
“Dav.” Tarik said and he hoped it was for the last time.
Daze dropped her gaze from the Gorrex and locked her eyes on Tarik's busted face. Her body trembling with anger she stepped over her tray and made for the door. Tarik reached a hand up to stop her but she marched right through it, exiting the room with purpose.
Tarik hadn't anticipated this reaction, he probably should have lied to her but the thought hadn't come to mind.
Tarik looked back to his tray; a half-eaten piece of fruit seemed to smile back at him. He pushed the tray away; while he sat back trying to gather the strength to get to his feet, when who should walk in but Rye.
Rye looked like she'd been dealing with a headache, a collective hangover a few years strong. She looked over at Tarik and a smile formed on her face.
She walked towards him and a giggle escaped her while she relished in his misery.
“What happened big man?” She was ready to pick a fight with a man who probably couldn't fight back. “Did you get put in your rightful place?”
Tarik said nothing. He was mad and could probably still beat her to death even with his injuries. He did however lack the drive to do so. He'd defend himself if I came down to it but that was about it.
She was just five steps away and ready to really lean into the verbal assault when the Gorrex above them launched himself over the railing.
The Gorrex couldn't fly as far as Tarik knew but that didn't seem to deter this particular Gorrex from gliding down to the floor between Rye and Tarik. As the talons hit the floor, Tarik saw the leg muscles tighten. The Gorrex turned towards Rye and snapped its beak, its front incisors hanging out of the ends turning a brilliant green color. It's back arched; forelegs were pulled in close, the hair on the neck stood up to make it look even bigger. Deep red feathers flourished, the body language left no question that the Gorrex was protecting Tarik.
“Found yourself a pet, Razor?” Rye asked the Gorrex.
The Gorrex, Razor, only answered with a rumbling growl so powerful it caused ripples in Tarik's drink.
Rye backed away slowly still happy with the look of Tarik's pain and left the room.
“Thanks” Tarik said to Razor.
Razor only glanced back before he made his way back up the stairs to his perch.
Tarik pulled up his log to see what fresh hell waited for him. He could see he originally had six bathrooms and two instruction sessions scheduled. Now it showed he only had a tentative meeting scheduled after end of day meal. Curious, Tarik queried for more details on his cancelled duties. Goddess had cancelled her training shortly after helping him to the shower. Mange had requested one of his bathrooms; the other five had been signed for by Scout Three, Fighter One, Fighter Two and Drop One. The pilot he had spoken with earlier this morning must have told the flight crew about his injuries. He had a message from them simply saying “Rest up. - Flight”. Thankful for the help Tarik headed back to his bunk, he didn't bother trying to undress this time as he lay down and set a countdown for end of day meal.
Tarik had been sleeping for a few hours when he heard the door open to his room. Soft padded feet moved towards him but he did not try to turn to meet the trespasser.
“This will help; deny I have given this to you.” Tilla said as she jabbed a needle into his neck.
Tarik felt cold run through his veins, the medicine spreading fast. He wanted to shiver but he knew it would only cause pain.
Tilla left the room saying nothing more, her subterfuge made it seem like her help was against orders.
Tarik was woken again by his countdown expiring. He sat up with minimal pain this time. He touched his face noticing that the swelling had decreased significantly; he could partially open his right eye now. Tarik pulled up his log and only one event remained, his meeting with Dav now read ‘Mandatory’. He stood and walked to the door, his limp almost gone. Whatever was in the injection had an amazing effect; he needed to find a way to thank Tilla discretely. He thought a gift seemed appropriate but he did not know her or her kind well enough to know if she'd like that. The last thing he wanted to do was insult her.
After end of day meal, Tarik made his way to the training area, waiting for the door to open. When it did a single round table with three chairs was in the center of the room. Dav sat in one chair, Lamb in another and the last remained empty. Tarik nervously checked the corners when he walked through the door slowly making his way to the table trying to hide his limp. Dav pointed to the open chair, that Tarik was to sit in, and pushed it away from the table with his foot.
Dav pulled a canister from under the table and set it in the center of the table, Lamb produced three small cups. Lamb filled the cups with liquid from the canister and set one in front of each of them. Tarik made no move for his cup and simply waited for instructions.
“Looks like you do have some friends here after all.” Dav said. “I see Tilla gave you the shot the doctor ordered withheld. Good for her, I’ve been waiting for her to come into her own.”
Dav held up his cup, Lamb’s cup joined his; Tarik took the cue and put his cup to theirs. The three men tilted back their heads and drank the contents of the cups. Tarik felt like choking as the burning sensation tugged at his throat. Lamb refilled the glasses as soon as they were set down.
