Fire and Steel

by Gavin Magson

  “Deborah can take care of Lev, even if he is just being a baby. Plot a course for Aurora and make sure you have the emergency channel open for when Boden makes contact. I’m going to head to my cabin and get some rest before we make dock, don’t wake me unless there is an issue with locating Boden. Get their ship in the hold but keep his men down there, it won’t take us long to reach Aurora and they’ve no excuse to roam the ship.”

  A loud knock on his cabin’s door awoke Duke from a deep sleep, filled with dreams of a woman he hoped he had left behind for the last time.

  “What is it?”

  Deborah hesitated at the gruffness of Duke’s voice. He had been strangely short with the crew during this journey, but Deborah had little choice but to inform him of their arrival. She pushed the door open and forced a smile.

  “We are on the approach to Aurora, Boden Shaw is still in the hold, and Greg thought it best that we liaised with you before making dock.”

  Duke rolled out of his bunk and grabbed his boots that he’d placed on his rooms chair. He sat down on the edge of the bed and started to pull his left boot on, grunting with the effort to reach that far.

  “Let me help.”

  Deborah appeared before him, kneeling so that she could push the boot onto his foot. Duke’s first reaction was anger, and he almost let out a tirade at the young woman. He checked himself and breathed deep to quell his frustration.

  “Thank you, Deborah, it seems this old body doesn’t like doing my bidding these days. Don’t mention this to the lads, they’ll only henpeck if they suspect I am slowing down.”

  “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. I was helping my grandpa with more than just his boots when he was ten years younger than you. Nearly fifty years of hard labour meant he couldn’t move without creaking and cracking.”

  Duke gave Deborah a grin as he stood, suppressing the urge to grunt. They left his cabin in silence and made their way back to the bridge.

  As the duo stepped into the command room Aurora could just be distinguished on the ships monitor, Konar below it taking up considerably more of the view than the docks.

  “I’ve already established contact with Aurora and informed them of the distress call we answered. We’ve been issued a bay number, I’m just slowing us down before manoeuvring into the bay. We will need to open the hold when docked; I couldn’t stop the dock controller from insisting a maintenance team take a look at our stranded diplomats’ vessel.” said Greg.

  “They’ll be looking for a promotion, or at least a reward, no doubt. Lev can alert Boden that he and his entourage need to start looking a whole lot less menacing if they want to convince anyone they aren’t killers. Bring us into the bay, Greg.”

  Duke eased himself into his captain’s chair as Lev left the room, his loud footfalls, Duke believed, sounding very irritated. Duke took stock of the sight before him, a familiar friend that he had missed more than he would willingly admit. Soon his view was predominantly Konar as they neared the dock.

  The Outerlands were still as hostile as ever, judging by his clear view of them, no protection offered by clouds against the beating sun. The orange-brown mass of desert surrounded Konar City on all sides, though he could not distinguish the capital from this far up. Beyond the continent’s sea was the thriving nameless jungle that was left untouched by Konar’s settlers, thanks, in part, to the poisonous gases that its abundant vegetation emitted.

  Duke did not relish their return to Konar after being absent so long, especially as there would be no avoiding Ilya this time. Whilst Duke looked forward to seeing her again after so long apart, he knew there was no way that conversation would avoid turning to Ajax’s death.

  The Illicit Jane banked away from the docks in a long arc that soon left Duke with nothing but the emptiness of space to observe.

  “Why have we turned, Greg?”

  “The maintenance crew’s ship has malfunctioned, and we’ve been requested to pull into the repair bay instead of our designated space.”

  “Do you believe that or is this cause for concern?” asked Duke.

  “It’s hard to tell, but the facilities on Aurora aren’t well kept; it’s easy to imagine that the same extends to its service fleet.”

  “Okay, bring us into the repair bay slowly, but be prepared to fire the engines if the situation turns on us.”

  Lev’s heavy footsteps on the metal staircase preceded his arrival, the giant ducking under the doorway in order to enter the command room.

  “Boden and his men are preparing for our arrival. They’ve done a passable job of making themselves look less threatening. I wouldn’t stick around on Aurora too long after we drop them off.”

  “Thank you for relaying the message to him, Lev. Find a seat for the time being, Greg is trying to manoeuvre us into the repair bay without taking out half the docks in the process. Couldn’t have asked a bigger ship to do this.” said Duke.

  Greg energised the curved dormant monitor above him, which gave him a three-dimensional scan from the rear of the ship. The field of depth granted by the image helped him more accurately judge the proximity of the other ships currently housed within the repair bay, making the reverse manoeuvre considerably less stressful than in the past when he had to rely on constant radio contact with spotters to help guide the mammoth ship. Nonetheless, Greg took care to ease the ship back slowly, making corrections when needed.

  When the proximity alarm sounded in the command room it caused Lev and Deborah to flinch, expecting a collision at any moment. The alarm did not cease, instead increasing in tempo. Duke stared at the same screen as Greg, watching as the Illicit Jane got ever closer to a stationary vessel on its starboard side. A deep rumble came from the bowels of the ship as a bank of thrusters fired up, leaving their ship to slowly list towards port. The alarm eased off until it halted, and the mining ship came to a stop.

  “Nicely done, Greg, not even a scrape on the new paint job either. Open the hold when the maintenance team are in position, and we will see you up on the docks when you’ve moved Jane to a more accommodating bay.” said Duke.

  Greg nodded at the instructions but did not turn in his seat as the three crew left the command room.

  “What is taking Greg so long?” asked Lev as he paced in front of Duke.

  “I’d guess that our reserved bay was probably reassigned to another ship, which means Greg has probably ended up at the other end of the docks and is ranting to himself whilst he navigates the maze of elevators to reach us. Now, sit down before you wear a hole in the floor.” said Duke.

  Lev stopped his pacing and dumped his large frame down on the bench besides Duke.

  Duke pulled out the tablet he had purchased in the winter and held his thumb against it until the screen awoke. After several seconds he was greeted with a blank display, save for the two contacts he had stored; Ilya and the spare tablet he hoped Greg had picked up before leaving the ship. Duke pressed on the screen and waited as the connection was made.

  “Greg, have you made it dockside yet?” asked Duke.

  “Yes, I’m nearly at the reception. Has Boden come through there?”

  “He’s probably on the surface by now, there weren’t any questions asked about him or his men. I overheard him being referred to as a viceroy, and I don’t want to find out how he acquired that identity. Just get here in one piece, this whole thing is enough to drive a man to drink for a week; I can hear the Haven calling me from here.”

  “I won’t be long, boss.”

  Duke stowed away his tablet after the call disconnected. He watched as Deborah walked over to the seated men, her arms full of an assortment of food from the nearest vendor.

  “We aren’t planning on camping out here, Deborah, but I am sure glad that you’ve brought a banquet. Could you pass me that sandwich?” asked Duke.

  Deborah placed the assortment of food on the bench and rifled through for the sandwich in question, which Duke gladly accepted. Lev selected several snacks and tore into
them whilst the trio awaited Greg.

  After half the food had found its way into the crew members Greg appeared into view, a woman dressed in the blue uniform of Aurora’s staff alongside him.

  “Duke Kefo?” asked the woman once she had reached the captain.

  “Aye, ma’am. Is there an issue with my ship?”

  “No, everything is in order with the Illicit Jane, though I am not so sure about the choice in name. The station chief has asked that I come down to thank you for giving Viceroy Gable safe passage to Konar. I understand that he was already behind schedule before the malfunction. As a thank you the docking and transport fees for both yourself and your crew have been waivered.”

  “That is very kind of the station chief. We were glad to help, I am sure that the viceroy’s reasons for visiting Konar are a little more important than our business. Please pass my gratitude on to the station chief.”

  “I shall. Have a safe journey, captain.”

  The woman flashed a momentary smile, turned on her heels, and strode off back in the direction she and Greg came.

  “That was a waste of my fucking time. Let’s get down to Four before we all die of thirst.” said Duke.

  “Have you ever seen anything more wonderful?” asked Greg as the crew stepped out of the hover.

  The Haven Inn was barely illuminated as dusk neared, but despite that it was evident that Sal had painted the exterior, opting to paint the exposed wood black to contrast against the white walls.

  “Anyone would think that you are a group of alcoholics, the way you talk about the Haven. It is a welcome sight though, we’ve been away a long time. I’ll get the door whilst you three are busy reminiscing.” said Deborah.

  As she opened the door Deborah was greeted with an empty room, not a single guest in sight. The fire had all but died out, a few embers left that glowed faintly; it was a peculiar sight for the crew. Deborah headed inside, followed by Duke, who caught sight of a figure to his right. He was glad to find it to be Sal walking through to meet them but was caught off guard by the man’s evident weight loss.

  “You are looking a little less like yourself, Sal, don’t tell me that your kitchen has been condemned?”

  “Nothing could keep my kitchen shut, don’t you worry about that. Maria has encouraged me to take up a healthier menu, so I’ve less of an excuse to get my hands on the food that she didn’t approve of.”

  “I hope your food hasn’t lost any of its taste with these changes. I’m looking to double my weight before I have to suffer the contents of our ships pantry.” chimed in Greg.

  “You’ll have to wait a few hours yet, there’s no guests booked in for an early breakfast, so I’ve given Sarah the first shift off. I could rustle up a cold meat platter, at best.”

  “As good as that would undoubtedly be, I think I can wait for the real thing. If you’ve a spare room for the night Lev and I would gladly rent it from you.”

  Sal walked back over to behind his desk and rummaged around until he had found a key, which he brought back to Greg and offered out.

  “You can settle the bill after you’ve ate later, I know you’re both good for the credits. If that’s all I should have locked up by now and headed to bed, otherwise I’ll never be awake in time to prep for breakfast and you’ll have no choice but to accept that platter.”

  “Thanks, Sal, we’ll go sleep up an appetite for the morning. Lev, bring the bags, room nineteen.” said Greg.

  The couple walked towards the staircase, grumbling coming from Lev as he towed two large bags behind him. Sal shook his head at the sight and caught Duke’s grin from the corner of his eye.

  “Still under the thumb, I see.” said Sal.

  “Some things never change. It’s good to see you again, Sal, though I’m perhaps a little jealous you’ve managed to reduce your waistline whilst we’ve been away. You’ll have to share your new diet plan with me. I’ll see you later, old friend.”

  Duke and Deborah walked up the staircase in single file, parting at the next floor as Deborah made her way towards her own room. Instead of heading for his own Duke made his way up the next set of stairs to knock on room nineteen.

  Greg answered the door, opening it enough for Duke to see Lev in a position he would spend a lifetime trying his best to forget.

  “Sorry, he’s not one for modesty.” said Greg as he stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind him.

  “No, I am painfully aware of that now. I just wanted to see you before you two were asleep. I want to get in contact with Aiko, in part to arrange the rest of our transport fee, but primarily I want to see how she has handled these last few months. Could you copy her contact over onto this tablet? Can’t say I really know what I’m doing with it beyond making a call.”

  “Sure, pass it over here and I’ll do that for you.”

  Duke handed over his tablet and was helpless but to watch as Greg swiftly programmed in Aiko’s contact details before returning it to him.

  “You’ll have to teach me how to do that one day, otherwise I’ll always be running to you for help.” said Duke.

  “Not a chance, if I showed you how to do all this you might get the idea of replacing me.”

  Duke let out a chuckle at the thought of him ever learning enough from Greg to get rid of the man. He couldn’t put up with Lev’s moping if he did.

  “You’ve nothing to fear about, you’re irreplaceable. I should be more concerned that this payday is enough for you to find a different profession. Now, I’ll leave you two to your rest and see you again in the morning. I’ll probably hold off calling Aiko just yet, I don’t think waking her at this time would be good for my health.”

  Chapter 21

  Miles walked down the wooden staircase, placing his feet closer to the wall to reduce any creaks of the wood. As he reached the ground floor he squinted to adjust to the lighting that Rose and Ward had set up, which seemed far brighter than necessary at that moment.

  “How are you coming along with the suit?” he asked.

  Rose looked up from the exoskeleton that was laid out on the table in front of her. Grease covered parts of her face, neck, and arms, the shirt she wore was torn in places, and her hair was lank, sticking to her forehead. What took Miles by surprise was the infectious grin she wore, despite all this.

  “We are almost done. All the main components have been tested individually as working, which gives me confidence they will function in unison. Ward is busy trying to repair the wiring harness that something decided to chew its way through, which is our biggest hurdle remaining. Once Ward is finished we can test the suits movement, but I can’t see that being an issue.”

  Miles crossed over to stand beside Ward, who was boosted in height by the makeshift steps he had crafted out of metal tubing and pieces of scrap. It had been interesting, and a little educational, to watch him at work.

  “How many have you managed to return to service now?”

  “This would make it three, although from the rate we are finding failed components I doubt we will have enough good parts to get more than seven or eight fully functional. The snowmelt really did a number on the metalwork and electronics.”

  “Just do your best, any suits that you can’t salvage we will make sure can never be recovered.” Miles turned from Rose, heading towards the buildings entrance. “It’s almost time for my watch, Rex. I’ve got it from here, why don’t you get some rest?”

  Rex stood up from the stool he had propped in the corner of the room, stretching to relieve the ache from being seated for several hours. He shouldered his rifle and presented Miles with the thin screen he held in his left hand. The screen showed feeds from the four cameras Miles and Jerry had setup to cover the front and rear of the building, each currently showing a thermal image that helped identify any lifeforms moving around in the low light.

  “Anything to report of note during your shift?” asked Miles.

  “Not really, we’ve had the odd person stroll past and a few animal
s scavenging scraps. Before I switched to thermal imaging there was one person that stood out, but I think it was more coincidence than nefarious. I’ve saved the recording of her passing the building twice, bring it up when you’ve a moment.”

  “I will. Now get some sleep, otherwise it’ll be your shift again before you know it.”

  Rex headed for the stairs, and Miles waited until he heard the man reach the landing and enter the rear room before speaking again.

  “Have you had any success with engineering the kill switch?” he asked of Rose.

  “I would say so. Ward has managed to reduce its size so that the transmitter is more easily concealed.” Rose moved several tools from the table until she could locate a metal tin that she removed the lid from, “Look, it’s built into the tin, not elegant but we didn’t have the tools or time to make it aesthetically pleasing.”

  Miles wasn’t sure what he had expected, but the various electronics crammed underneath a single push button was a surprising sight. What intrigued him more was the translucent gel that coated all but the button itself.

  “Two questions. What is this gel for, and how exactly does this work?” asked Miles.

  “The gel we have Ward to thank for, he found two containers in the back of the room full of it. We followed the instructions and found it to do a decent job in protecting the electronics, but without shorting anything. With the tools and parts we had to work with this is the best we could fabricate for you. There are some trade-offs, the most important being that it has a limited range of effect. You’ll need to be within eighty feet to ensure you immobilise one or more of the suits, but it will have the same effect on any suits that are within range. Once you push the button the kill signal will be sent and a receiver inside each suit will inhibit all suit controls.”

  “I would have preferred closer to a couple miles range, but I’ll work with what you’ve built here. How quickly does it take effect, and will it permanently disable those suits within range?”

  “We could have boosted the signal, if you were willing to lug around a large power pack. Press that button and these receivers,” Rose lifted up a thin disk that had four metal prongs on the underside, “will inject a sequence of code into the suits controller that will disable it until either Ward or I can reinstall the original code. So, no, the effects aren’t permanent, but only one of us would be able to reverse the signals effect, even if the receiver was later removed.”