by Brian Dorsey
Mori responded. “Ty, hold on…”
“I’m going back to the ship,” interrupted Stone. “We need to get to Alpha Humana and Dominotra.”
Orion stood dumbfounded as Stone walked past her and toward the Hydra. “Is he all right?” she asked Mori.
“I think so. He is having a hard time coming to grips with all of this. For years he thought he was doing what was right, just to find out he was a pawn of an evil empire. He will be fine. It will just take him some time. The Great Spirit has a destiny for him—I know it.”
“I hope it’s sooner rather than later,” said Orion. “We don’t have a lot of time. It will only be a few days once we get Hydra up and running.”
“He will be fine,” restated Mori. “He will do what is right when the time comes. His spirit is strong…he has powerful medicine but doesn’t yet know it. We should get back to the ship and see how the repairs are going.”
As the two women reached Hydra, Rickover was working feverishly on the externals of the old falcon.
“Where’s Ty?” asked Mori.
“How should I know?” snapped Rickover as sparks flew while he secured the last of the hydraulic rods that had been damaged in the debris field. “He’s onboard somewhere, I think.”
“How much longer, Rick?” asked Orion.
“Not much, if people would stop asking me questions. Leave me alone, and it will be done in an hour.”
“No problem. Would you like TC to give you a hand?”
“No!”
“Fine,” replied Orion as she held her hands up in the air and backed away from the short-tempered engineer. Orion wasn’t too upset, though; Rickover did his best work when he was pissed off. And he was usually pissed off.
Orion and TC were going over their startup checks when Rickover stuck his head into the cockpit. “Everything’s fixed. I’ll be back in my reactor spaces bringing up the auxiliaries for the jump. By the way, Captain, when are you going to shell out some Humani for me to hire a snipe or two? Unless you enjoy me slaving away down there by myself.”
“Sure thing, Rick. We’ll look at some assistants for you when we get back to Port Royal.”
Orion laughed to herself. She had tried to hire help for Rickover three times but he never found any of them qualified enough.
“Maybe this time I can find one or two that aren’t complete idiots,” Rickover shouted on the way back to the engineering space.
As he moved aft, Rickover came across Mori.
“Rickover,” she asked, “do you know where—”
“Your man was back in the storage bay earlier—if you’re still looking for him,” stated Rickover as he quickly walked past her, disappearing into the engineering spaces.
When Mori found Stone, he was pacing back and forth in the storage space.
“Ty, are you okay? You seemed a little out of sorts out there.”
“I’m fine, Mori. That tiger and her cubs just put things in perspective for me.”
“What do you mean?”
“It just helped me come to grips with the truth about the Xen and what I must do.”
“What must you do?” Mori asked as she took Stone’s hands in hers.
“I must fight them. That includes the Humani, including the innocent that know nothing of the Xen evils. I hate it but I don’t think I can do anything else.”
“You must look toward the greater good, Ty. The sooner the Xen are defeated, the sooner your people have a chance to see them for what they are and create their own identity.”
“I don’t know if they are my people anymore. Our whole civilization is based on a lie anyway. Most of them may not know it, but I do and everything about Humana society disgusts me now.” He looked up toward the overhead, exhaling heavily. “I am alone.”
“You are not alone, Ty. You have me,” said Mori as she placed her arms around Stone. “You are one of the most honorable men I have ever known. You may have been born Hanmani, but you have the heart of an Akota warrior and if you so desire, you will become one.”
“I have lost everything I thought I wanted.”
“But you gained everything you need, Ty.” Mori pulled his head down to hers for a slow, tender kiss. “Continue to let your heart and your honor lead you and everything will work out. Your spirit is strong. That is why you have been burdened with so much.”
“My spirit?” asked Ty.
“Just because you don’t believe doesn’t mean it’s not real,” she replied. I felt your spirit the first time I saw you. Someday you will feel it too.”
“I don’t know about that,” said Ty. “I can only handle having one world at a time shattered. Let me deal with the real world before I worry about a spiritual one.”
“Okay, Ty.” Mori gave him another kiss. “One thing at a time.”
Chapter 17
Mori and Stone quickly made their way to the Hydra’s cockpit.
“We’re entering Alpha Humana airspace,” reported Orion.
“I can’t believe we’ve actually made it this far,” confessed TC.
“I guess those codes we bought on Port Royal have paid off,” replied Orion.
“Well,” interrupted Mori, “the next test will be getting through Alpha Humana Airspace Control and gaining entrance to the Varus family estate.”
“It will work,” said Stone. “It has to.”
‘Falcon vessel, this is CAP 23. You have entered Alpha Humana orbit. State intended destination,’ squawked over Hydra’s communications circuit.
“I hope your plan works,” said Orion turning back toward Stone. “If not, we’re going to have half the Humani fleet on top of us.”
“CAP 23, this is bounty vessel Hydra,” replied Orion. “Our destination is Estate Varus. Request clearance to deliver bounty A87430. Contractor Senator Varus.”
“Standby Hydra. Contacting Estate Varus security.”
“TC, make sure we have a jump calculated,” warned Orion. “If this doesn’t work we will only have one chance to get out of here.”
“It will work,” said Stone. “Astra always gets what she wants.”
‘Hydra, this is CAP 23, Estate Varus requests verification of bounty A87430.’
“Roger, CAP 23.” Orion turned toward Stone. “Any ideas?”
“Upload this,” said Stone as he reached a data chip to Orion. “She will want to see my body. She’s thorough.”
“Sending data, standby to receive.”
‘Data received. Transmitting to Estate Varus.’
Moments passed.
“This is taking too long, Ty,” said Mori. “I don’t think its working.”
“TC, double check those jump coordinates,” said Orion.
“Roger, checking coor—Captain, picking up a Humani frigate at three thousand kilometers, target angle…right in the middle of our jump path.”
“Damn it,” said Orion. “What is that ship doing there?”
“We’re screwed,” said Mori. “They are not buying it.”
“TC, start a new jump calc.”
“Aye, that will take a few minutes.”
“We may not have it,” warned Orion.
“Everyone relax,” said Stone. “It will work. It will.”
A few tense seconds passed.
‘Hydra, this is CAP 23, patching Estate Varus through.’
“Ah…Roger, over,” replied Orion.
‘Hydra, this is the Lady Astra Varus. A87430 verification is confirmed. What about A87431. Do you have the whore as well?’
Mori looked at Stone. “Whore,” she mouthed. “That was your fiancée?”
“Like I told you earlier, she—”
“Never mind. I’m looking forward to meeting this bitch.” She gave another annoyed look at Stone and then spoke into the comms link. “She got away.”
‘Unfortunate. I would have liked to have had them both. You are authorized for landing. I am sending coordinates. As soon as I see the body, you will have your money.’
“We
understand,” said Orion. “We will be arriving shortly.”
“The condors are withdrawing,” said TC.
“So far, so good,” said Orion as she banked Hydra toward the location of the Varus estate.
In a few minutes they were overhead.
“You have got to be kidding,” said Mori. “One family lives there?”
The estate was larger than most towns. At atmospheric cruising speed Hydra flew over gardens, lakes, servants’ quarters, vineyards, stables, and a small military detachment.
“One family,” replied Stone. “And their servants, their assistants, their security, their—”
“I get it,” said Mori.
“Still,” added Orion. “It’s almost as large as a polis on Port Royal.”
“The Varus family is one of the wealthiest and most influential on the planet,” said Stone. “They are expected to live like this.”
‘Hydra, this is Varus Estate security. You are cleared to land in bay 3. Vector to hangar is 235; ten kilometers.’
“Roger, Varus Estate. We will be on deck in five minutes.”
“It’s game time,” said Stone. “I will get ready. Just remember, you are bounty hunters.”
***
Five heavily armed guards stood on the loading dock as the bay doors opened.
“You must be the bounty hunters,” said a sergeant from the security team. “We’re here to escort you to Lady Varus and the Senator. Lady Varus insists on seeing the body.”
“My crew is bringing it out from storage now,” said Orion.
Mori stepped out of the bay behind Orion. The surprise on the sergeant’s face was obvious. “Two female bounty hunters. I can only assume how you trap your prey,” he smiled. “If all the bounty hunters look like you two,” he continued, “being wanted might not be so bad.”
The sergeant walked over to Mori. He leaned in close to her, his hand grabbing her bottom. “Maybe you do other ‘jobs’ for money as well.”
Before he knew it, the sergeant was on his knees. Mori had control of his wrist and drove him to the ground. It was her turn to get close.
“There is not enough credits on this planet, pig.” She released the man’s wrist and gave him a kick in the rear as he scrambled to his feet.
“Should have known better than to mess with you Dark Zone trash anyway,” said the sergeant as he rubbed his wrist.
“Besides,” interrupted Orion. “We’re the brains. Here comes the brawn.”
The entire security team stepped backwards as TC exited the ship. He carried a large box in his massive arms. The soldiers parted as TC walked to the hover craft and dropped the box.
“There he is. Now take us to the money,” said Orion.
“If you women will get aboard,” replied the sergeant sarcastically, “the Lady Varus is waiting.”
Once everyone was aboard, the craft lifted off and headed toward the main estate, gliding over the immaculately landscaped terrain. During the short journey the majority of the security team stared at TC, jumping at his slightest movements. All except for the sergeant. His ego damaged; he stared at Mori.
“What’s wrong, Sergeant?” asked Orion. “More used to the delicate flowers you call women on this planet?”
“Humani women are respectful…and know their place,” he replied as he cast another glare at Mori.
“Oh, I know my place well, Sergeant,” Mori shot back. “And it’s not cowering to a man.”
“You are lucky you are guests of the Senator, you arrogant bitch, or I would show you some manners,” he retorted.
“If you do not shut up, Humani, I will show you my blade,” warned Mori as her anger grew.
Orion placed her hand on Mori’s arm. “We must remain civil. We are guests of the Senator…the very wealthy Senator who is going to pay the bounty.”
Mori realized she had almost given them away. Removing her hand from her sword, she put her hand on Orion’s. “You are right,” she said. “Sometimes I am impetuous. It is a good thing you are here to provide balance.”
“I see why she didn’t like you, Sergeant,” said one of the men who had taken his attention off of TC long enough to hear the conversation. “You know…maybe men aren’t their type,” he laughed.
Mori quickly moved her hand from Orion’s and cast a cold look at the soldier. “I like men. I just haven’t seen any on this planet yet.”
“That’s enough,” said the sergeant. “Let’s get them to the Senator, get them their money, and get them the hell off of our planet.”
***
Lady Astra and Senator Varus stood beside a grand marble fountain in the center of the quest hall. The sergeant entered the room followed by TC, Mori, and Orion. Behind them four guards flanked a hover board carrying the large box TC had brought off the ship. The sergeant stopped a few paces from Astra and Dominotra, and bowed.
“Senator Varus, Sir. Lady Astra. I present the bounty hunters.”
“Two females and a Scapi,” Astra replied. “What a strange combination for bounty hunters.”
“Women are often underestimated,” answered Orion. “Always an unexpected advantage.”
“Yes. We are. Men are so often too busy being men,” said Astra with a smile.
“Astra, you should view the body so that we can have these people on their way,” said Dominotra, not used to dealing with commoners.
“Yes. Of course, Father,” said Astra. “See what I mean?” she whispered in the direction of Orion before turning toward the sergeant. “Sergeant, open the box,” she ordered.
“Yes, ma’am.”
The sergeant walked over to the hover board and disengaged the gravitational controls, causing the board to slowly drift to the ground. Once on the floor, he unclasped the lock for the box and opened the lid.
“It’s him, ma’am,” said the sergeant looking toward Astra. “Shall I—”
Suddenly a sword sprung from the box and through the sergeant’s neck. He fell backwards, dead before he hit the floor.
Before they could react, TC wrapped his giant hands around the two guards beside him. In one quick, powerful motion he slammed their skulls together, killing them.
Orion drew her pistol on Astra and Dominotra as Mori quickly sliced her way through the two remaining guards.
“What is this?” shouted Astra.
“It’s a reunion, milady,” mocked Mori as she moved toward Astra, blood-soaked sword in hand. “It’s your long-lost ex-fiancé and his Terillian whore.” Mori placed her sword against Astra’s chest.
As the blade pressed against Astra’s flesh showed no fear, only hatred. Looking past Mori, she saw Stone climbing out of the box.
“You despicable, low-bred son of a bitch. You have the audacity to attack my soldiers in my house and to bring this bitch with you.”
Mori pressed the tip of the sword harder against Astra’s skin, making a small cut. “I would watch my tongue, Xen cow.”
Astra winced from the pain but quickly recovered. “Kill me if you like, Terillian slut. I do not fear you. I despise you. You will not make it off this planet alive.”
“You were going to marry this viper?” asked Mori. “She does nothing but spew venom.”
“It took me a while to see her true colors,” replied Stone.
“True colors,” snapped Astra. “You betrayed your people and your planet. For this?” She looked back toward Mori, disgust covering her face. “I should have realized it the way you cared about that commoner Martin. You deserve to wallow in filth like this.”
“Oh—just shut up,” said Mori and she brought her elbow against Astra’s temple, knocking her unconscious.
“Ty, seriously, you and her?”
Stone turned toward Mori and shrugged his shoulders as he walked toward Dominotra.
Dominotra took a step back. “I will give you whatever you want, Stone. Just do not harm me or my daughter,” he pled.
“I want the truth, Dominotra.”
“The truth?”
“Navato? What do you mean?”
“Senator, do you think we came all this way with a bounty on our heads to have you play games?” warned Stone. “Maybe I should just have the Scapi tear your arms off?”
“Or maybe your enchanting daughter’s arms?” added Mori.
“You truly have turned on your people, Stone. I regret the day I allowed Astra to speak to you.”
“That’s okay Senator; so do I,” replied Stone. “I know the Xen started this war,” he continued. “Cataline Tacitus knew what was going on at Navato, so I know you do, too. Now talk, or I will have my big blue friend start ripping things off.”
Dominotra paused briefly to look at Astra, then spoke.
“It’s the virus.”
“The virus?” asked Stone.
Dominotra continued. “The Xen need labor for their home planets. For millennia, humanoids have supplied that labor. They conquer a civilization and take a portion as chattel to maintain the genetic mixing of their slave population. The rest are reorganized and over the years the conquest is covered up by the history links, just like the fairy tale about the war between the Eastern and Western alliances. There was no war except Alpha Humana trying in vain to defend itself against Xen and Doran invaders.”
“So it’s all true,” said Stone.
“Yes,” answered Dominotra. “After several generations the conquered worlds, just like ours, become yet another ally to the Xen. These allies supply them resources, military assets to fight their wars, and slaves when necessary in return for nothing other than their word they will not enslave the entire populace. The Dorans were conquered so long ago they no longer need ‘advisors.’ No one left on their worlds know the truth—”
“That makes perfect sense,” interrupted Mori. “What about the virus and the slavers?”
“About three standard decades ago a virus infected their humanoid slaves. They tried to create vaccines, but all efforts failed. As a result they needed more and more slaves from the Dark Zone to maintain their population.”
“Do you mean my sister could be a slave on a Xen home world?” growled Mori.
“She is most likely dead. The virus continued to spread and the slave population declined even with increased shipments. That is when the Xen issued their Directive.”
