by G J Ogden
Tory glared in the direction that Werner had run. “I will be when I find that rat bastard,” she snarled, before offering a hand to Hudson. He took it, and Tory helped him to his feet.
“Werner will have to wait,” Hudson said, finally managing to talk without sounding like a fifty-a-day smoker. “Werner knows about Yaeger now. So, if she does have the crystal then we have to get to her first. We don’t have much time.”
For a moment, it looked like Tory was about to argue back, but then she gave Hudson a resigned nod instead. She collected her six-shooter off the floor, placing it back in her holster, then picked up Hudson’s pistol. She turned back and offered it to him.
“These work better when you actually shoot people with them, rather than try to choke them out,” she said, cocking an eyebrow at him.
Hudson huffed a laugh, “True, but I think there’s already been enough shooting for one day.”
Then Tory’s eyes became severe again. “I doubt these will be the last shots fired, before we leave the Gale Basin.” She opened Hudson’s jacket, and slotted the weapon into his shoulder holster. “Come on, let’s find that crystal so we can get off this dump.”
CHAPTER 6
The warehouse that Hudson and Tory had been abducted to by Werner and his goons was in an industrial sector of the basin. Ordinarily, it would have been teeming with freight and logistics traffic, but the looming threat of Goliath had caused many of the businesses to shut up or scale down. As such, it had been the perfect location for a spot of quiet torture and murder, Hudson realized. Once again, he’d walked the tightrope between life and death, and once again it had been Tory Bellona’s proficiency for violence that had saved his neck.
Fortunately, Werner’s black transit had still been parked outside the warehouse unit, and thanks to a further employment of Tory’s skelly, Hudson had managed to break in and hack the ignition system. There was still some ground traffic moving on the transitways – enough for their journey to section thirteen to not appear too conspicuous. However, as they approached the perimeter gate into the Basin’s shipyard district, Hudson suddenly noticed the ID scanners on the towers.
“Whoa, hold up,” Hudson said to Tory, who was driving. He pointed up at the gate, “There are scanners on the perimeter; if we pass through here, we’ll get identified, and Werner will know where we are.”
Tory glanced up at the scanners, but continued driving the transit towards the perimeter. “Werner knows where we’re headed, anyway,” she said, glancing at Hudson. “We should assume he’s already heading here too, with another gang of goons.”
Hudson shrugged and nodded, though he didn’t relish the prospect of another run in with armed Council thugs, “Fair point. At least we’ve got a head start on him.” Then he had a thought, “What if there are ID scanners inside too?” he asked. “Given our turbulent history with Admiral Shelby, I wouldn’t put it past her to send a squad of MP security after us.”
Tory shook her head, “I doubt that will happen. The MP largely keep their noses out of the business that goes on in here,” she replied. “It’s all part of the deal the MP did with the Council. They keep the riff-raff contained in the Basin, and the MP turns a blind eye to some of the Council’s less above-board business ventures.”
Hudson laughed, “And here’s me thinking all Martians were strait-laced, uptight assholes.”
“People are people, wherever you go,” said Tory, with a sort of cold indifference and harsh worldliness. “In my experience, most people are assholes.”
Hudson raised an eyebrow. “This is the part where you’re supposed to say, ‘present company excepted’.”
“If I thought you were an asshole, I’d have shot you in the alien hulk on Vivaldi One,” said Tory. Her mood was still brittle, and Hudson’s attempts at levity hadn’t had a softening effect. He realized then that her encounter with Werner and the Council must have had a deeper impact than he’d first thought.
Tory drove the transit through the perimeter gate, and headed straight into the shipyard district. Unlike the rest of the Gale Basin that they’d seen, the shipyard district still appeared to be fairly busy.
“Dump the transit on the side of the road, here,” said Hudson, pointing to an area up ahead. “We should walk the rest of the way.”
Tory scowled at him, “Why, when we have a transit? Besides, I hate walking.”
“If the scanners did identify us on the way in, then leaving the transit here might make Werner’s goons take a detour to check it out,” Hudson replied. “It might only delay them by a minute or two, but I’ll take any advantage we can get.”
“Okay, but did I mention I hate walking?” Tory grumbled, before pulling the transit over and switching off its motor. She then grabbed the Winchester rifle from the rear seat, and loaded more rounds into it from the ammo loop on the strap. “Be ready for another fight,” said Tory, cheerlessly, while grabbing the door handle.
“Hopefully, we’ll be in and out before the Council arrive,” replied Hudson, but Tory shook her head.
“I meant with Yaeger,” said Tory. “She’s a tough old bird.”
Hudson sighed and nodded again; the Gale Basin was quickly topping the list of places in the galaxy where he least wanted to be. He then opened his door and stepped outside, remaining vigilant for any sign of suited Council heavies. Tory led the way onto the massive central expanse that contained the dozens of shipyard lots. It was then that Hudson noticed many of the dealers were in the process of shutting up shop, and moving their ships into the cavernous hangar areas to the sides. Nevertheless, there was a roaring trade going on, as dealers appeared to be heavily discounting their stock in order to shift as many ships as possible.
“If this bunch of sharks are getting twitchy then the news about Goliath must be getting worse,” said Tory, who appeared to have observed the same unusual behavior.
“Maybe you can buy back Cutler’s FS-31,” said Hudson, smiling. He was still attempting to crack Tory’s wall of ice. “I’m sure that would get his back up.”
There was still not even the faintest flicker of a smile from Tory. “If I bought that ship, the first thing I’d do is torch it,” she said, acidly. “That might make me feel a bit better.” Then she pointed to a lot about a hundred meters ahead. “There, that one is Yaeger’s shipyard.”
Hudson looked over and saw a few customers milling around the various ships on the lot. They were being carefully watched by a middle-aged woman in what looked like well-worn relic-hunter gear. Hudson had spent enough time in bars and diners in the less salubrious ports in the galaxy to recognize someone who could handle themselves. And despite what Yaeger was now, Hudson knew that at one time she had been a fighter.
Yaeger appeared to spot Tory and Hudson as they entered the lot, and started to walk towards them. Hudson quickly realized that there wasn’t an FS-31 Patrol Craft on any of the stands. Either Cutler had traded his ship to someone else, or Yaeger had already sold it. And if that was the case, he worried that the dealer may have already moved the crystal too.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t Cutler Wendell’s ball-breaking former partner,” said Yaeger, stopping in front of them and folding her arms. She then scanned Hudson from head to toe. “At least your new partner is a little easier on the eye, I’ll give you that,” she said, winking at Hudson. “I hope he’s less of an asshole than Cutler Wendell too.”
Hudson stepped forward and offered his hand to Yaeger, “Honestly, that’s not difficult,” he said, smiling at the rugged-looking dealer. “I’m Hudson, by the way.”
“I only shake hands when a deal is done, Hudson ‘by the way’,” Yaeger replied. Though Hudson’s charm had seemed to soften her up a little.
“Cutler is why we’re here,” said Tory, who had also folded her arms, and was noticeably less friendly than Hudson had been. “I take it that since you know we’re no longer partners, that you’ve seen him recently?”
Hudson was impressed at Tory’s intuition.
And judging from the scowl on Yaeger’s face, she appeared annoyed that she’d inadvertently given that information away.
“Yeah, that piece of shit was here,” said Yaeger, matching Tory’s standoffishness. “What of it?”
“Did he trade you a crystal?” said Hudson, deciding to step in, before the two women progressed to arm wrestling, or some other contest to show who was toughest. “If so, it’s vital we get it back.”
Yaeger now scowled at Hudson. “Get it back? So, Cutler stole it from you, did he?” she said, before tutting. “Figures.”
“It was actually another first-class asshole named Logan Griff that stole it,” Hudson corrected her. “But yes, it was stolen from us. And if we don’t get it back, a lot of people are going to die.”
Yaeger’s eyes flicked over to Tory, who was still standing statuesque, like a nightclub bouncer. “Why?” she then said, looking back at Hudson, “What’s so important about that crystal?”
“It would take too long to explain fully,” replied Hudson, “But assuming you’ve read the epapers recently, you must know about the alien ship that’s been destroying the outer portal world planets?”
Yaeger laughed, as if Hudson’s question was the dumbest she’d ever heard. “Well, duh. That’s why everyone here is bugging out, and going crazy with flash sales. It’s wrecking my trade.”
“That crystal is the only thing that can stop it,” Hudson continued, “I realize you don’t know me from the next random guy who enters your lot, but I need you to trust me.”
Yaeger held Hudson’s eyes for a moment, and then burst out laughing. “You must think I’m some kind of mug,” she said, wiping a tear from her eye. “But, full marks for effort.” Hudson tried to protest and convince Yaeger that he was telling the truth, but the dealer was having none of it. “Look, Hudson ‘by the way’, if you want that crystal, you’re going to have to come up with some serious credits,” Yaeger continued. “I’m talking a minimum of seven zeros.” Then she plucked a set of ID fobs from her belt and jangled them in front of Hudson. “Otherwise, that crystal stays safely locked up.” Then Yaeger glanced at Tory, who was eyeing the set of keyfobs. “And don’t even think about trying to take these. My lock-up is booby-trapped to hell.” She folded her arms again, and stared at Tory. “You ain’t the only one who was a relic hunter, lady.”
Hudson tried to think of another approach that might reach Yaeger, but Tory was clearly done talking. She cocked the Winchester rifle and aimed it at the dealer’s chest. Yaeger stepped back, and seemed genuinely threatened. Despite her bluster, and her own tough talking, she clearly knew that Tory’s reputation had been well-earned.
“I’ve not met a booby trap I can’t defeat yet,” said Tory, “So give me that set of fobs, or I’ll blow a hole in your chest and take them.”
“Tory, wait…” said Hudson, recognizing the glacially cold look in her eyes.
“Look, do you want to stop Goliath or not?” Tory snapped, cutting Hudson off. “Because billions will die if we don’t get that crystal soon.” Then she nodded dismissively towards Yaeger. “What’s one low-life ship dealer compared to that?”
Yaeger looked at Hudson, then back at Tory. There was fear behind her eyes, but she was desperately trying to hide it. “You’re bluffing,” Yaeger hit back at Tory, but Hudson could hear the uncertainty in her voice. “You won’t shoot me in plain sight. The MP will arrest you before you even get out of this sector.”
Tory slipped her finger onto the trigger. “I’ll do what I have to.”
Suddenly, there were frightened shouts from outside the lot, and Hudson looked out to see a large ground transport driving towards them. He recognized it as the same style of black transit that Werner had used, and quickly pushed the barrel of the Winchester away from Yaeger’s chest.
“It’s the Council,” he said, as Tory glowered at him, “They’ve found us, we need to go.”
“Werner Nest?” said Yaeger, rapidly backing away, “The Council boss? What the hell are you two crooks into?”
Tory spun around and aimed at the transport, before firing three rounds in rapid succession, each smashing through the vehicle’s windshield. There were more screams and yells, as people fled for cover. Then the transport screeched to a halt just outside the lot, and the side door flew open.
“Get that set of ID fobs!” Tory shouted over to Hudson. She grabbed his leather jacket and pulled him closer, “Whatever it takes, you have to get those fobs.” Hudson had never seen her so focused and intense. “I’ll hold them off. Now go!”
Hudson pulled out his pistol and ran after Yaeger, firing back at the black transit, as four Council guards darted out and took cover behind the vehicle. Yaeger was already sprinting towards her office cabin with remarkable pace, but Hudson was still gaining on her. Then the buzz of semi-automatic weapons filled the air, and Hudson heard the rounds pinging off the hulls of nearby shuttles. Yaeger was hit in the calf, and she yelped in pain and almost fell, but managed to hobble on towards the building. Hudson turned and took another shot at the ground transport, but then he heard the distinctive sound of the Winchester firing again and again. He saw that Tory had taken cover behind the undercarriage of a nearby freighter. Two guards were already on the ground; victims both of the powerful antique weapon, and of Tory’s expert aim.
Hudson had almost caught up with Yaeger just as she barged open the door to her office. He raced in after her, but was then met with the barrel of a shotgun.
“Stop right there, or I blow your head off!” Yaeger yelled at him. Her face was contorted in pain, and blood was leaking onto the floor from the wound to her leg.
“I have to get that crystal back,” Hudson said again, still hoping that reason would prevail. “Give me the fob, and we’ll be out of your hair. You won’t get an offer like that from Werner.”
Yaeger’s eyes narrowed, “He’s after that thing too?” Hudson nodded. “Damn it, I knew that asshole Wendell and his clobber friend gave it up too easily,” she yelled. Then she jabbed the weapon towards Hudson, as the sound of gunfire continued to echo outside. “Just tell me one thing straight,” she said, sounding suddenly more serious. “This cockamamy story about the crystal being the only thing that can stop that rampaging alien ship. That’s just bullshit, right?”
Hudson shook his head, “I wish it was, believe me I do. But without that crystal, no planet is safe, not even Earth.”
There was a tense silence, before Yaeger yelled, “Shit!” almost at the top of her voice. Hudson nearly jumped out of his skin. Then to his surprise, Yaeger lowered the shotgun, before reaching down and unclipping the set of ID fobs from her belt. “Garage twenty-seven, east side,” she said, removing one of the fobs and throwing it at him. She then slumped down into her office chair, groaning as she stretched her bleeding leg out in front of her. “The crystal is in my desk drawer, inside a cigar box.”
Hudson caught the square plastic fob and closed his fist around it. “Thank you,” he said, with such deep sincerity that Yaeger seemed genuinely taken aback; but then the dealer scowled and waved him off.
“Just get the hell out of here,” she snarled, “and take that lunatic mercenary with you, before she shoots holes in the rest of my stock.”
Hudson noticed that the firing had stopped. He peered outside, and saw Tory backing towards the office. Four suited Council thugs lay dead on the tarmac by the ground transit.
“You’ve done the right thing,” said Hudson, turning back to Yaeger. “If we all survive this, I’ll pay you back somehow.” This again seemed to catch Yaeger off guard, and she just looked at him, as if he were an alien.
Hudson stepped out of the door, but then Yaeger called out to him. “Hey, Hudson ‘by the way’,” she said, her tone now almost genial. “The office is by the stairwell, and I wasn’t kidding about the booby traps, so watch your step.” Then she pointed to her leg, “I’d help you, but I got problems of my own.”
Hudson nodded, “I will, thanks again.”
Tory appeared at the door, saw the ID fob in Hudson’s hand, and looked at Yaeger’s bleeding leg.
“Did you shoot her?” Tory asked, peering at Hudson with a curious frown.
“No, of course not!” replied Hudson, genuinely affronted at the accusation.
Tory made a sort of disappointed huffing sound, and said, “That’s a shame. For a moment, I was almost impressed.” Then she turned around and left.
CHAPTER 7
Unsurprisingly, the open-air gunfight with the Council thugs had quickly gotten the attention of the MP security forces. However, Hudson and Tory had succeeded in making a swift getaway, before the forces had shown up. They were now roaming the perimeter of the shipyard district, heading towards Yaeger’s lock-up. No-one had paid them any attention, or seemed to recognize them as participants in the firefight. One advantage to the sector being relatively deserted was that there were few witnesses. And, if Hudson had judged the prickly and standoffish character of Yaeger correctly, she was not the sort to willingly co-operate with the authorities. He was confident that Yaeger would not reveal anything to the security forces about him, Tory or the crystal.
They soon reached garage twenty-seven and Hudson fished the ID fob out of his jacket pocket. He was about to hold it against the lock of the side door, but Tory grabbed his hand and stopped him.
“Hold up,” she said, frowning at the door. “Remember that Yaeger warned us about this place being booby trapped.”
Hudson nodded and quickly withdrew his hand. “You know Yaeger; what would she do?” he asked, hoping that Tory’s greater experience would yield some insight.
Tory shrugged, “I don’t know her that well,” she admitted, “but she’s a cunning old fox, so I’d expect the traps to be well laid.” Tory examined the door more closely, but then shrugged again. “I guess we just take it slow, and hope that Yaeger hasn’t rigged up anything too nasty.”
