by John Walker
The ground shook from additional explosions, these coming from the different hallways throughout the compound. Shouts from behind them made it clear a fight broke out near the front doors. Whoever showed up planned for a real brawl and they had time to set it up. If Loch’s men drove them off, she’d be surprised at their competence.
***
Zem’s shoulders slumped at the sound near the entrance. The men outside made a real racket, tapping all around it as they got into position. Once they settled down, the distinct sound of a countdown began from three. At one, they shoved the doors open, but no one charged in. They didn’t even fire their weapons.
Nor did they step in front of the opening either.
“Easy…” Zem whispered. “Give them another moment.”
Explosions throughout the facility went off, indicating the other tunnels were under assault. Pirates poured in but they weren’t getting far. Eventually, they’d run out of the traps. Hopefully, their numbers will be sufficiently reduced to nullify their numeric advantage. It seemed likely given the potency of their defenses.
A pirate peeked in, withdrawing quickly.
Okay, now you know we’re not just standing out in the open. Let’s get this over with, assholes.
“They’re going to throw grenades,” Torrence said. “Just inside. Flashes.”
“Helmets will take care of that,” Zem replied. Their high-tech visors had flash suppressant, meaning they instantly dimmed to protect the vision of the wearer. He’d seen them in action on an opposing force and could attest they didn’t even have to look away. Once the pirates committed, they’d charge.
Just a matter of time.
Three canisters clattered on the tile floor, rolling a good way into the audience chamber. Zem estimated they were twenty yards away from their position. Just to be on the safe side, he slid back a few inches, hunkering down lower to avoid seeing more than the aura of the flash. Torrence did the same.
Each popped, a loud crack that echoed off the ceiling. A man screamed, “Breach!”
Zem popped up as the pirates entered the room. They moved in groups of two, firing their weapons at either side of the room and toward the chair beneath the balcony. A couple random blasts went high but fell short of the balcony itself, sending sparks showering down the wall.
That’s enough to brighten our position though. Zem opened fire with precision shots, taking his time to aim. He took out two in the back. Torrence knocked down another to the left. That left seven of the initial attackers.
He managed to get one more before the survivors redirected their attention. They rushed for cover, moving to the edges of the wall just out of the line of fire.
“Backup incoming!” A man shouted from outside. One of the pirates already in position called out for them to wait but it was too late. The reinforcements burst in, five guys. Torrence killed the leader. Zem got the one on his left. They drove the others out with suppressive fire. At least one of those men took a hit to the side, making him squeal.
“Hold your positions!” Another shout. Zem couldn’t tell which direction it came from. Additional forces mustered at the front door. Explosions throughout the facility proved the fighting elsewhere continued hot and heavy.
“Sound off,” Zem said. “Everyone still okay?”
“I’m fine,” McCully sounded entirely too calm, “just about wrapped up on this side. Getting ready to move.”
“We’re okay,” Nostros added. His tone didn’t match the captains. Whatever he happened to be dealing with must’ve been tense. “Just trying to hold down the fort with those damn traps. I tell you, there are more men than expected. Shit!” He went silent for a moment. “We’ve got a vehicle incoming toward the front gates.”
“ETA?” Zem asked.
“Ten minutes.”
“Plenty of time,” Zem said. “Get the defenses spun around. Aim at that thing. When it gets close, light it up.” None of the pirates seemed to be moving in the audience chamber. He checked his computer, frowning as some of the dots seemed to be just gone. “That’s not good. Look at the scans. I’ve lost some of our friends.”
“They’re on the move,” Nostros replied. “They’ve got a low range jammer on. Looks like we might’ve missed a small stairwell leading up and to your left.”
“Can they flank us?” Torrence asked.
“Schematics would say…yes, yes they can.”
Great. Zem shifted into a crouch. “Come on, Torrence.” He nudged her, moving toward the right. “Let them take this area. We’re meeting up with you, McCully. Make your way toward the command center.” He led the way, breaking into a quick jog.
“They’re moving!” One of their opponents called out. “Hurry! After them!”
Yeah, follow us dumbasses. Zem took the corner hard, shoulder checking the opposite wall. He sprinted to clear the next thirty yards. The control center was roughly in the center of that floor. If McCully found a way to break from her opponents, she would’ve met them at the doors.
“We’re approaching the corridor,” Zem said. A red beam slammed the wall in front him, a narrow miss to his right side. “Torrence, I can’t shoot back without risking you. Get them.”
The vibration of their weapons filled the hall as she laid down heavy fire behind them. It didn’t stop the attacks coming. Red shots seared the wall ahead. The fact they were all running probably kept them alive. Hauling ass and firing the rifles didn’t do their aim any favors. They were nearly there.
“Move to your left,” McCully said. She sounded so calm she might’ve been working as a jazz DJ. “Better hurry on that.”
Zem saw her up ahead, peeking around the corner. He slipped over as far as he could, hoping Torrence did the same. The moment he did, McCully opened fire, bringing out cries from their pursuers. He risked a quick glance over his shoulder, just long enough to see a body and two additional guys continuing to run after them.
They’re surprisingly dedicated to a pirate asshole. How could he possibly pay enough for them to be this dedicated?
Zem passed McCully, moving behind her. Torrence came after, crying out as she took a hit on the shoulder. She stumbled into the wall which helped her catch her balance enough to toss herself sideways out of harm’s way.
“Crouch!” Zem shouted. McCully complied as he stepped up beside her, firing high while she kept going low. The remaining three pirates in the hall went down in seconds, cut down with multiple shouts to each. “Hold this hall!” He stepped over to Torrence, grabbing her arm. “You okay? Are you going to make it?”
“I’ve got it,” Torrence replied. “Just hurt like a bitch. This armor’s incredible. What’s next?”
“Where the hell is Loch?” Zem narrowed his eyes. “Let’s get back to the control room. I want to get him on the line. McCully, if more than two come down this way, fallback to our position. We’ll hold them in there.” He looked over his shoulder, noting the chunks of bodies littering the floor…victims of their traps.
At least they worked. Zem nudged Torrence. “Come on. The bastard might be trying to get away and if he’s got Rita, I ordered Biggun to blow any ship out of the sky.”
***
Loch stopped abruptly as they reached the landing pad. Two bodies reclined by the door, both smoldering from wounds to the chest and face. Rita recognized them by their clothes as the ones who piloted the yacht. Smoke rose from various parts of the compound, thick and black. Distant shouts continued within.
“Whoever did this is going to pay…” Loch muttered. “Their families will pay. I’ll hunt down every single one of these people…” He stopped himself. “But right now, we have to get out of here.” He gestured to the ship. “Let’s go. Between the two of us, we can pilot this thing back to orbit.”
Do I take my chances with the people attacking this place? Rita turned to the door leading into the complex. If they were some rival gang of pirates, she’d be in a worse position by far. Just then, Loch trusted her… wanted her to help him
survive an attack. The people inside may be there for retribution for a wrong. And I probably look like I’m on the wrong side.
Then again, staying meant slipping away… leaving the compound until the attackers did the same. Afterward, she could return to use the communications equipment or at least scavenge some gear. A quick signal to civilization, a ride out of there, and the ability to send a message to her friends meant freedom in a few days.
But I can’t just let this guy go. Rita turned to Loch. He grabbed her wrist again, urging her onto the ship. I need to take him out. Finish him off. They’ll find his body, do whatever they want then leave. And I won’t have to worry about him chasing me down again. Because if I don’t kill him, he’ll be at my back with a gun rather than an offer.
They reached the cargo bay. Rita balled her free hand into a fist, preparing to lay him out. Loch stopped abruptly, pressing the earpiece against his head. He let her go and paced away.
“Hello? Who is this? Can you hear me? What’s going on?”
Rita leaned closer to him to listen. She could just make out the voice on the other end.
“We’ve got comms back online!” The man’s voice sounded strained, as if he’d been screaming for hours. “Dunno what jammed them! We’ve been under heavy attack! Someone trapped the corridors, set this place up as a death trap. I think we got one of them, but I don’t know how many there are.”
“You don’t…” Loch sighed. “You have to be kidding me! Have they said anything? Talked to you at all?”
“Negative, sir! They started shooting immediately!”
“Hello?” Loch tapped his computer. “Whoever attacked my complex, come in! Right now! This is Tobin Loch and I demand that you respond!”
“Hi there,” Zem’s voice made Rita’s entire body light up. She bit her cheek hard not to respond… to remain neutral. “So you’re Loch, huh? I didn’t think you’d have the balls to talk to us directly. Since I’m pretty sure you ran away when your guys got into the shit. That about right? You’re running?”
“You pile of filth…” Loch growled as he spoke. “I want to know your name! Who are you with? How did you get here?”
“A while back, you brought a friend of mine to your compound,” Zem said. “I bugged her computer. Sent me the coordinates. I figured that since you’re an asshole who likes to make threats, I might need to find this place on my own someday. Lo and behold, that time came.”
“Clever… but it won’t do you any good. I’ve got a starship overhead that can dust this place!”
“Yeah, sort of. Long-range comms are still down though so… you won’t be talking to them for a while. I’m on a bit of a time crunch though so I need you to surrender. Let me just warn you that launching one of those ships will get you killed. I’ve got the turrets charged up and ready for it.”
“You son of a bitch!” Loch shouted. “What do you want? Money? You’re insane! You know I’ll track you down!”
“Are you seriously in a position to bargain with me?” Zem asked. “I’m looking at the scanner and there are only a handful of men left alive in here besides us. We’ve torn through them so far. We can kill them all then come out there for you. But if you give up, no one else has to die.”
“Where’s Biggun? He spoke to us on the way down! Did you kill him too?”
“Why would we? He’s been extremely helpful.”
“That traitor!” Loch turned to Rita. “One of my own helped these swine!” He shook his head. “Listen, you haven’t even told me what you want! You don’t know how to negotiate, thug. Tell me why you’re here and we’ll make a deal.”
“It’s simple. You launch, you die. Stay on the surface, give up, and we’ll talk. Otherwise, I’ll just shoot you and feel bad that we didn’t have a conversation.”
“At least explain why you’re here!” Loch looked at Rita. “Wait… you’re here for her aren’t you?”
“Not sure what you’re talking about,” Zem said. “Unless her is a fat payday and the starship you’ve got all pimped out with that tech we’ve heard about. You see, we’re entrepreneurs. The best way to get ahead is to find someone doing better than you and take what they’ve got.”
“Christ, really? You came after me? Do you know how many men are under my employ?”
“A lot less now,” Zem said. “Anyway, one minute. You’ve got that much time to let us know if you’re giving up. Later.” The line went dead.
“Shit!” Loch kicked a crate that didn’t budge. The blow made him curse more, dancing about in pain. “I can’t believe this! Who are these people? Did you recognize the voice? Did you know that man?” He grabbed Rita by the shoulders. “Are they here for you? Tell me! Right now, tell me!”
“Honestly? You’ve got way too many enemies to blame this on me.” Rita shrugged him off. “Don’t start pointing a finger. What’re you going to do?”
Loch tapped his foot, turning his attention toward the bridge. She figured he wanted to try his luck at escape. He knew the defenses better than Zem. There was a chance, however slight, that he might get away. That can’t happen. Now I know who’s here. There’s no reason to play games anymore.
“Let me help you make that decision.” Rita jabbed him in the back of the neck, hard enough to toss him to the floor. He hit hard, crawling immediately away. She stepped beside him, kicking him in the gut.
Loch flipped on his side with a huff. Rita grabbed him by the shirt, dragging him to his feet.
“You should’ve just shot me.” Rita slammed her fist into his gut, making his eyes bulge. A second punch to the face tossed him backward. He rolled to his stomach, crawling again. This time, as she came close, he cried out, throwing a kick that caught her in the thigh. As he clamored to his feet, he stumbled toward the bridge.
Rita followed, rushing after him. He kept ahead of her but only just. They reached the passenger area. She reached, grabbing his jacket. He slipped out of it like a snack, spinning as he did with a right hook.
Fading back, she narrowly avoided the blow. That momentary dodge allowed him to dart out of arm’s reach. She kept after him until they got to the bridge. Two seats sat at the nose with two behind them facing the left and right.
Loch lunged for the pilot’s chair, slapping a panel. The thrusters came alive as Rita grabbed him again, spinning him around. He kneed her in the side. She absorbed it, slamming her forehead into his face. A gurgle burst from his throat as his nose broke. He grabbed at her throat, but she batted his hand away, drawing back for what would likely be a coup de grace.
“Autopilot engaged,” a computer voice said as the ship pulled up suddenly, climbing.
Rita lost her balance. She grabbed at the seat… missed… slammed against the wall. Loch managed to remain in place, bracing himself while clinging to the console. They were heading for orbit… which didn’t bode well. If Zem remained true to his word, they’d be under fire any moment.
I need to get on that damn comm! Rita shuffled away from the door, to the other wall. The g-force made it difficult, possibly impossible for someone without an ether dose. When she reached the consoles, she shoved away to get ahold of the chair. An alarm went off, a constant rapid buzz, possibly a target lock. I need to move faster.
“We’re halfway there,” Loch said, “no guns yet. Your friend lied. And when we get where we’re going…” The vessel quaked, cutting him off as they shook violently. His look of triumph turned to horror, eyes bulging. “He actually did it! That son of a bitch is trying to kill us! What the…”
“Level us out,” Rita demanded, “get me on the comm or we’re both done. You hear me? Do it!”
“Hold on!” Loch shouted, shifting himself into the seat. He grabbed the controls, looking about frantically. “I don’t know how to disengage the autopilot! I… I don’t know how!” A second blast smacked them, this one hard enough to send them careening to the left.
Rita tensed up against the g-force, the constant rattling, the swift motion as they began to spin.
We’re going to crash. She made a lunge for the pilot’s seat, catching the back with her left hand. Her right slipped. “Pull me up!” She shouted. “Loch! God dammit, pull me up!” He didn’t respond… and they continued to plunge toward the ground.
Chapter 9
Zem watched the screen, shaking his head when the yacht took off. What the hell is this guy doing? He turned to Torrence who shrugged. The turrets engaged, firing an initial volley. The first two attacks missed, but the third struck home. That wasn’t enough to bring them down and the ship didn’t evade… it just kept heading up.
“Autopilot?” Zem asked.
“Probably,” Nostros said. “I’d say…”
“Hey!” McCully shouted, “kind of need some help out here, guys!”
Nostros headed for the door. “I’ve got this. You might want to reach out to the ship. Find out what’s going on there. We still haven’t found Rita.” He left.
Biggun leaned back, hands behind his head. “Seems to be working as far as I’m concerned. Loch ain’t gettin’ out of here. You guys were true to your word. I’m damn impressed, folks. More than you know.” He turned to Zem. “Shame about your pal though. Since you’ll have come all this way for nothing.”
Zem grabbed Biggun by the shirt, dragging him out of the chair. He slammed him into the console, staring into his eyes. “You want to talk any more shit? I got no reason to let you live, prick.” He socked him in the gut before tossing him on the floor. When he turned to Torrence, she looked away, accessing the terminal.
“Uh… yacht,” Torrence said, “this is the command center. You are coming down hard. We’ve disengaged the turrets, but you have got to level off or you’re going to crash. Please respond right away. Hello?”
Nothing came through.
“Can you lock on?” Zem asked. “Access their autopilot from here? Maybe we can bring them down remotely.”
“Someone might be able to do that,” Torrence said, “but that person sure as shit isn’t me. I’m not that good with computers.” She tried the comm again. When she finished the message, she gestured to the door. “You might want to check on them. Sounded bad if McCully was calling for help.”
