by Huw Powell
‘Fine, whatever, take the blasted girl and get off my ship.’ Granny Leatherhead waved her hands above her head. ‘Just go, before I throttle the lot of you.’
Farid hurried everyone to the airlock, while Kodan fetched Kella.
‘Right, listen up,’ said the first mate. ‘I don’t want any trouble this time, so don’t go looking for it. We’re just going to talk with some salvage crews and then come straight back to the ship. Nice and simple, no messing about. Is that clear?’
Everyone nodded, but Jake was starting to realise how few things were ‘nice and simple’ when it came to being a space pirate. Trouble insisted on looking for them, not the other way around.
Farid led the landing party out of the airlock and on to an industrial walkway inside the service port. It was filled with engineers, mechanics and salvage crews, who meandered around in dirty overalls, carrying bulky tools and munching on greasy snacks. The air was contaminated with the smell of spray paint and solder fumes.
‘It’s very . . . basic,’ said Callidus.
Capio had a different word for it. ‘What a dump.’
The service port was a functional place, used for building and repairing spacecraft, as well as selling fuel and supplies. It wasn’t as large or impressive as Papa Don’s illegal spaceport, but at least there were fewer space pirates. After passing several maintenance bays and supply shops, they located the canteen where the salvage teams hung out while waiting for their next job.
Farid paused by the entrance door. ‘Now what?’
‘We make some enquiries,’ said Callidus. ‘But it will be quicker if we split up. I suggest that Jake comes with me, Nanoo goes with Capio, and Kella stays with Farid and Kodan.’
Jake followed Callidus into the canteen, where rough-looking crews were crammed around small tables. Most of them were watching intergalactic sport on big screens or staring out of the huge porthole windows. A house robot poured drinks and served food behind a chipped wooden counter.
Callidus approached the first table, but the captain just laughed when he mentioned Altus.
‘Altian shipwrecks?’ snorted the bearded man, flicking a roasted nut into his mouth. ‘Why don’t you ask the space goblins?’
Callidus moved to the next crew, who also mocked him. Jake could tell from the expressions on their faces that Capio and the others weren’t having much luck either. He was starting to wonder if anyone would take them seriously, when Callidus spoke to an old pilot at the counter.
‘You should ask Baden,’ said the pilot, thumbing in the direction of a table near the window. ‘He’s the scruffy one in orange. Baden reckons Altus exists, but then again, he spends so much time in deep space, he probably believes in the moon fairy as well.’
Callidus and Jake strolled over to the table, where four people were playing cards. Baden wore a dirty orange exploration suit and his mouth was stuffed with chewing gum. His three shipmates were dressed in T-shirts and loose overalls. They must have been sitting there for some time, judging by the number of cups on the table.
‘What can we do for you?’ asked Baden, without looking up. ‘We only work for crystals.’
‘I’m after information,’ said Callidus. ‘It’s about a shipwreck.’
‘What wreck?’ Baden remained engrossed in the game. ‘We’ve salvaged loads of wrecks over the years.’
‘This one is special,’ insisted Callidus, leaning over the table. ‘It’s a ship from Altus.’
This time, nobody laughed.
Chapter 14
The Reunion
Baden eyed Callidus suspiciously. ‘Did one of the other crews put you up to this?’
‘No. They reckon we’re crazy for asking about Altus.’
Baden put down his cards and swept back his faded brown hair. ‘OK, you’ve got my attention.’
Callidus pulled up a seat and signalled for Jake to do the same.
‘What’s this, a family outing?’ asked Baden, then he added, ‘Hey, nice implants, kiddo.’
‘My name is Jake.’
‘Pleased to meet you. I’m Baden Scott, captain of the Rough Diamond II, and this is my crew: Gunnar, Reinhart and our pilot, Kiki.’
‘What happened to the first Rough Diamond?’ asked Jake.
‘That’s a long story.’ Baden rubbed a scar on his stubbly chin. ‘It involves the space mafia, a golden sword and a game of Reus roulette.’
‘What do you know about an Altian wreck?’ pressed Callidus.
‘We were paid to do a job eleven years ago,’ said Baden, lowering his voice. ‘The Interstellar Navy hired us to dispose of a badly damaged wreck near a planet called Remota. It was an unusual ship, unlike anything we’ve ever salvaged before.’
‘Unusual how?’
‘The design was old-fashioned,’ said Baden. ‘You know, like the spaceships you see displayed in museums, only more modern, if that makes sense. I heard someone say it was from Altus, but I thought they were kidding. It was just another job for us.’
‘Jake, show him your pendant.’
Jake pulled out his gold necklace and Baden’s eyes flickered with recognition.
Callidus pointed at the three crystals. ‘Have you seen this design before?’
‘Yeah, reckon I have,’ said Baden. ‘It was on that shipwreck. Who are you people?’
‘Historians,’ lied Callidus. ‘We’re researching popular myths and we would like to take a look at the wreck, with your permission of course.’
‘Popular myths?’ Baden sounded sceptical. ‘I’m sorry, but we were instructed to destroy the wreck. Not that there was much left, only a burnt-out hull shot to pieces by laser cannon.’
‘Laser cannon?’ said Jake. ‘But the ship was caught in a space storm.’
Baden searched for a picture on his wrist computer.
‘I’ve seen hundreds of wrecks over the years, most of which were scuttled by space pirates or the Interstellar Navy,’ he said, holding up an old image of a shipwreck. ‘I know the difference between asteroid damage and laser cannon fire.’
Jake stared at the spacecraft in the photo, its blackened hull blending into the background. It was riddled with holes and looked more like space scrap than a ship. He could just make out the three circles of the Altian symbol carved into the dark metal. It was odd to think that he might have once been aboard that vessel.
‘Maybe it got shot up after it crashed,’ said Callidus. ‘Someone might have used it for target practice.’
‘What’s wrong with you? Are you blind? That ship was hit by laser cannon, not asteroids,’ insisted Baden. ‘I’d stake my reputation on it.’
‘Why would the Interstellar Navy want to get rid of the remains?’ asked Jake.
‘No idea.’ Baden turned off his wrist computer and picked up his cards. ‘We were paid in unmarked gemstones and told not to ask questions. If that ship was from Altus, they didn’t want anyone to find out.’
‘Could there be more than one Altian wreck?’ wondered Callidus.
‘How should I know?’ Baden almost choked on his gum. ‘Look, I’ve told you everything I know. Now if you don’t mind, I would like to get back to the game.’
Jake was suddenly aware that other people were taking an interest in their conversation. Callidus thanked Baden for his time and stood up to leave, when Capio and Nanoo appeared at the table.
‘I heard what salvage man say,’ said Nanoo excitedly. ‘I must speak with him.’
‘What is it now?’ Baden caught sight of the lilac-skinned boy. ‘Hey, are you OK?’
‘Yes, I fine,’ said Nanoo. ‘You help us, so we help you. I know where you find shipwreck. We not go back, so take what you want. It Novu craft from Taan-Centaur.’
Nanoo shared the coordinates of his parents’ exploration ship with Baden, who seemed pleased to get an unexpected lead.
‘Listen, one piece of advice,’ said the salvage captain. ‘Don’t let the Interstellar Navy find out you’re looking for Altus. It could be the last thing
you do.’
Callidus, Capio, Jake and Nanoo joined the others outside the canteen.
‘Another dead end?’ asked Farid.
‘Not this time,’ said Callidus. ‘At least we know there was a wreck now.’
Jake glanced up the walkway and noticed two people watching them from a distance, but before he could say anything they slipped from view. He had only glimpsed them for a second, but he could have sworn it was Kain and Jala, the crystal hunters from Papa Don’s illegal spaceport. What were they doing there?
‘Cal, did you see –’
‘By the moons of Altus!’ barked a gruff voice behind them, making Jake jump. ‘Is that you, Cutler?’
Jake spun around to see who had spoken. In the corridor stood a dishevelled man in a shabby linen coat, whose face was hidden beneath long unkempt hair and a scruffy beard. He limped towards them, his arms open wide. Jake stepped cautiously behind Callidus, not wishing to be embraced by a crazed space hobo.
‘I thought I would never see you again,’ said the man, his fingers twitching and his nails stained from years of neglect.
‘How do you know my name?’
‘Jake Cutler? Has it really been eleven years? You look just like your father,’ said the man. ‘Are those eye implants?’
Farid placed a hand on his laser pistol and the man stopped.
‘Who are you?’ asked Callidus. ‘What do you want?’
The stranger seemed taken aback, his head flicked between Jake and Callidus. ‘Don’t you recognise me?’
‘No, sorry,’ said Jake.
‘Is there nothing familiar about this old face?’
‘Apparently not,’ said Callidus impatiently. ‘I’ll ask you one more time, who are you?’
‘Amicus,’ said the man, rubbing his eyes with his knuckles. ‘Amicus Kent. I’m sorry . . . it’s been such a long time and I get so confused . . . but you are Jake Cutler, aren’t you? I’ve been searching for you since I heard about the monastery attack. You caused quite a scene in the canteen back there, asking all those questions.’
Amicus brushed the hair from his face, revealing tired eyes and a weathered complexion.
Jake gasped. ‘You have three scars on your forehead.’
‘Yes, what of it? Your friend has lilac skin, but do you hear me going on about it?’
‘No, you don’t understand.’ Jake’s mouth struggled to catch up with his brain. ‘Father Pius told me the man who dumped me at the monastery eleven years ago had three cuts on his forehead.’
‘Dumped?’ said Amicus. ‘You weren’t dumped. I left you with the cyber-monks for your own good.’
The last person Jake had expected to meet in the service port was the stranger from his past, someone who had become almost as mythical as Altus itself. His mind flooded with questions. How should he feel about the man who had saved his life and then abandoned him?
‘Why did you leave me?’ he asked.
‘It would have been too dangerous to take you with me,’ said Amicus. ‘You were safer on Remota.’
‘Yeah? Tell that to the space pirates who attacked the monastery.’ Jake shook with emotion. ‘You should have taken me back to Altus, where I belong.’
‘I’m sorry, but you can never go back.’
Farid had heard enough. ‘I suggest we continue this conversation somewhere more discreet. You never know who might be listening out here.’
Wary of Amicus, Jake kept his distance as they returned to the canteen. Kella located a corner table where none of the salvage crews could hear them talk, while Farid ordered drinks, including something apple-flavoured for Jake. Amicus slurped his black coffee, as though it was a precious nectar.
‘I think you’d better start at the beginning,’ said Callidus.
The man nodded. ‘It feels so strange, talking about it like this . . . I knew Jake’s parents, Andras and Zara Cutler. Andras is . . . or rather, was the ruler of Altus and a great leader. I was his top general and closest friend, but that was eleven years ago.’
Jake almost choked on his apple drink. ‘My dad was the ruler of Altus?’
‘One of the greatest, until he was betrayed,’ said Amicus bitterly. ‘Now Altus is controlled by a traitor.’
‘So it’s true,’ whooped Capio. ‘Altus does exist.’
‘Oh yes, it exists,’ said Amicus. ‘But no outsider must ever discover its location. Andras risked everything to protect its secret and I will do the same if necessary. I’ve not been living like a tramp all these years for the fun of it.’
‘What happened on the night of the space storm?’ asked Callidus.
‘Storm?’ said Amicus. ‘There was no storm. We were attacked. Andras discovered that the Galactic Trade Corporation was searching for our planet. He contacted the Interstellar Navy and offered them ten crates of crystals in return for their protection. Admiral Nex agreed to meet us near Remota, but when we arrived, he demanded that we tell him the location of Altus.’
‘Andras refused?’
‘Yes, of course he did. That’s when the Interstellar Navy opened fire, hoping to take us prisoner. We tried to defend ourselves, but our weapons had been sabotaged. As the shields crumbled, Andras ordered me to get Jake to safety. He slipped the gold pendant around his son’s neck and went to help the others. I took Jake to an escape pod and abandoned ship. It must have been too late to save the rest of the crew, because I saw Andras leap from the airlock in a spacesuit, only to drift into an asteroid field.’
‘I don’t understand,’ said Jake. ‘Why did you tell Father Pius there was a space storm?’
‘I had to lie to protect you. If I had told the truth that night, it would have put you and the cyber-monks in danger. I knew people would come looking for you, Jake, which is why I left you in the monastery. There was less chance of them finding you without me hanging around.’
‘Why would Andras take his son on such a perilous mission?’ wondered Capio.
‘He thought it would be safe, a simple exchange with no complications,’ said Amicus. ‘Andras kept Jake close to him at all times, because he suspected someone wanted to hurt them. He feared it would be more dangerous to leave Jake behind on Altus.’
‘Do you know who betrayed you?’ asked Farid.
‘Jake’s uncle, Kear Cutler.’ Amicus spat out the name, as though it was poison. ‘He was jealous of Andras and resented his power. Kear must have guessed that the Interstellar Navy would never make a deal with an independent colony. He sabotaged our ship, so he could seize Altus for himself.’
‘That’s terrible,’ said Kella.
‘Why don’t you return to Altus?’ asked Capio. ‘If nothing else, you could expose the truth about Kear and see that justice is done.’
‘Justice?’ A dark shadow spread across the Altian’s face. ‘I don’t want justice, I want revenge. Kear has committed a crime that can never be forgiven. I’d like nothing better than to make him pay for what he has done, but I have no proof. He would have me arrested the moment I set foot on the planet, and then he might suspect that others have survived. The only reason Jake is still alive today is because Kear thinks we’re both dead. Don’t you see? I cannot return to Altus without putting Jake in danger.’
‘Why Kear want to kill Jake?’ asked Nanoo.
‘Isn’t it obvious?’ said Amicus. ‘After Andras, Jake is the rightful ruler of Altus.’
Jake’s mouth fell open in surprise.
‘I figured he was important,’ said Callidus. ‘Perhaps the son of a politician, but never the number one chief Altian.’
‘Nice one, Jake.’ Kella sounded impressed. ‘That’s magnifty.’
‘Hello, majesty.’ Nanoo grinned and bowed his head.
It was too much. In a single conversation, Jake had discovered that the Interstellar Navy had attacked their ship, his uncle had betrayed his father, and he was the rightful ruler of a world he didn’t know.
‘I don’t want a planet,’ he said, flustered. ‘I’m too young to rule anything. I j
ust want my dad back.’
‘Jake, I know it’s hard.’ Callidus put an arm around his shoulder. ‘But you must consider the possibility that your father is dead.’
Jake shrugged off the arm. ‘We don’t know that.’
Amicus exchanged glances with Callidus, before speaking to Jake.
‘I’ve missed your father all of these years,’ he said earnestly. ‘I don’t know what happened to him that day in the asteroid field, or if my friend will ever return, but whatever the future holds, I know he’ll be watching over you.’
Jake folded his arms and sank into his seat. He refused to accept that his father was dead, until someone could show him the body.
‘At least we still have each other,’ said Kella.
‘Yes, this correct,’ agreed Nanoo. ‘It not easy losing parents and living on shipwreck, but now I have friends and hope to see Novu people again.’
Jake humphed.
Kella reached out and touched his arm. ‘Come on, Jake, every cloud has a silver lining.’
‘Not every cloud,’ mumbled Amicus.
‘What does that mean?’ asked Jake, sitting up.
‘Nothing, forget it,’ said the Altian. ‘Jake, we need to think about where to hide you next.’
‘But I don’t want to hide, I want to find –’
There was a sudden commotion in the canteen and people flocked to the porthole windows.
‘What are they looking at?’ wondered Callidus.
The fortune seeker stood up and joined the crowd at the nearest porthole, pushing his way to the front. By the time he returned, most of the salvage crews were heading for the entrance.
‘It’s time to go,’ said Callidus.
‘Why?’ asked Capio. ‘What’s going on?’
‘It’s the ISS Colossus.’
Chapter 15
Admiral Nex
‘What is the Interstellar Navy doing here?’ asked Amicus, as they hurried from the canteen. ‘I thought that lot had their own service ports.’
‘It’s your old friend, Admiral Nex,’ said Callidus. ‘We think he’s following us.’
