Tabitha wasn’t hearing anything out of the ordinary. “So she’s rebelling like every other teenager, then.” She shrugged. “Just let her dye her hair whatever color and get a few piercings behind your back. She’ll soon get over it.”
Lillian snorted. “If it were just normal teenage rebellion, I could work with her. It’s her anger. It’s like one minute, she’s my sweet Merry, and the next she’s screaming and breaking the furniture.” Lillian shook her head, fresh tears forming in her eyes. “I’m scared, Tabitha. I want my Merry, and I feel like the more I try to reach her, the more I’m losing her. She’s so angry all the time. She’s been kicked out of school for fighting. She wrecked a boy’s knee.”
Tabitha patted Lillian’s arm. “We can get her some help. It’s not great, but it’s not the end of the world, Lillian. Merry can come back from this with a fresh start at a new school.”
Lillian shook her head. “That’s what I thought. I’ve taken her to a number of counselors, but she refused to speak to any of them. This is her third school this year.” She looked exhausted to Tabitha, her words barely a whisper. “That’s why I reached out. You’re the only one she’ll listen to.”
Tabitha sighed, taking in Lillian’s dark-ringed eyes and the brittle edge to her voice. She decided she could handle something smaller than the restructuring of High Tortuga. Stephen would understand. She swept Lillian’s hair back from her face where it had fallen. “You need a break. I’m gonna take Merry with me for a day or two. I have a thing she can help with. Sleep, get your strength up.”
Lillian shook her head. “I can’t ask you to do that.”
Tabitha wasn’t there to take no for an answer. “You’re not asking. I’m offering.”
Lillian dropped her head onto her arms and raised a tired hand. “Then I accept gratefully. Thank you.” Something made her open an eye. “What ‘thing?’”
Tabitha waved a hand unconcernedly. “Nothing Merry isn’t trained for.” She got to her feet, then paused before leaving. “Get some sleep, and meet me at my ship in the morning.”
Lillian acquiesced with a nod.
“That’s my girl.” Tabitha smiled. “It’s going to be okay, okay?” She leaned over and kissed Lillian’s forehead, then slipped out into the darkened corridor, wondering where the hell she was going to pull a mission from that was suitable to take a teenager along.
The next morning
Lillian arrived at Tabitha’s ship an hour later than planned with a sullen Merry in tow. They both looked tired, which Tabitha thought was to be expected after the time Merry had gotten home last night.
Tabitha waved her niece aboard, wanting to speak to Lillian before they left. “That thing I mentioned. It’s a child exploitation ring. These scumbags have been luring in street kids with the promise of food and shelter, then forcing them to fight for entertainment.”
Lillian’s lip curled. “How could anyone do that to children?” She looked at Merry’s retreating back with concern etched in the lines around her eyes and mouth. “Are you sure taking her there is a good idea?”
Tabitha nodded as confidently as she felt. “I told you I’d do my best to set her straight again. A short, sharp shock never fails.”
Lillian still did not look convinced. “I’m not sure. She’s still just a child.”
“It worked for me,” Tabitha assured her, touching her fingers to the back of her head. “Literally. It also worked for Pete, and for the twins when Gabrielle and Eric went through this with them. Remember when they decided to take a joyride around the outside of the station?”
Lillian’s mouth quirked at the memory. “I remember that. It was all Jamie’s fault. It was very quiet without them when Aunt Bethany Anne made them work until they’d paid for the mess they made when they crashed.”
Tabitha snickered. “See? It worked for them, and every other unruly teenager there has ever been. Actions have consequences, Lillian. Merry’s got to learn that sometime.”
Lillian glanced at the ship again. “I know. Just make sure she doesn’t get hurt too badly, okay?”
“I won’t let her out of my sight,” Tabitha promised. “And you’ve got nothing to worry about. She’s got her training and her nanocytes. She’ll do fine.”
Lillian frowned. “She doesn’t have enough nanocytes to stop her from dying from a serious injury.” She put her hand on Tabitha’s forearm. “Aunt Tabitha, I’m only allowing this because I don’t know what else to do. It goes against every instinct I have as a mother to let you put my daughter at risk, but she needs to learn what life she’ll have if she keeps going down this self-destructive path.”
Tabitha placed her hand on top of Lillian’s. “It’s better we show her now, than her getting dragged down that road later on by some lowlife she’s hanging with who makes the lifestyle look attractive. Don’t worry. I won’t let anything bad happen.”
Lillian nodded. “I know you won’t.”
Tabitha patted Lillian’s hand and headed up the ramp onto the ship.
Where’s Merry? she asked Achronyx once they were underway.
She is currently decimating your food stores, he replied.
Oh. That’s just…great.
Tabitha headed for the galley at a run before Merry found her stash of difficult-to-procure munchies. She found her niece shoulders deep in the cold storage, nowhere near her chocolate.
Merry turned when Tabitha entered and froze with her arms full of sandwich ingredients. “Hey… I was hungry. You don’t mind, do you?”
This was a complete turnaround from the screaming banshee who’d blown into the house a few hours ago. Tabitha decided to make the best of it. “Great idea, Trouble. You should get your strength up for where we’re going.”
Merry looked at Tabitha skeptically. “Where are we going? It can’t be anywhere interesting, or my mom wouldn’t have let me go.”
Tabitha came over and took the sandwich fixings from her. “You’re gonna be pretty surprised when we get there if that’s your thinking.” She found herself grinning despite her earlier resolve and the promise she’d made to be the disciplinarian.
She fully intended for Merry to get her lesson, but it was just so damn good that she was old enough to come on a mission with her at last. Couldn’t she make the lesson enjoyable?
She knew she should be exerting real discipline right now, but it had never really been her thing. Besides, Merry was a free spirit like her, and she was fun Aunt Tabitha.
Everyone knew that.
Merry was done waiting. “Where are we going?” she pressed. “You look like you just won something.”
Tabitha winked. “Oh, nowhere special. Just a fight club.”
Merry’s jaw dropped. “You’re shitting me. Like a real one? The kind you don’t talk about?”
Tabitha’s lips twitched. “Bo-ring.” She pointed at the galley floor. “Down and give me a hundred while I make these sandwiches. Seriously, you should at least make it a good curse if you’re going to get corrected for it anyway.” She shook her head, grinning as Merry dropped to the floor. “All those different schools you’ve been to this year, and that’s the best you can do? Weak, Kid.”
Merry looked up from her push-ups. “What do you know about that?”
Chapter 8 Tabitha and Merry
Noel-ni Colony Planet
Tabitha sort of regretted not having the Achronyx with her. Maybe the intimidation factor wasn’t overkill in this situation.
I told you so, Achronyx grumbled.
She rolled her eyes and muted him. He wouldn’t approve of any of this next part anyway. The already seedy mining outpost had gone somewhat farther downhill since she’d last patrolled this way. She could see him bitching the whole time about this not being suitable for a child, and that being too violent for a child to participate in.
Tabitha kept a firm grip on Merry’s arm as they made their way past a succession of bars, a couple of mercantiles, and a brothel on their way to the address she’d been gi
ven by the local authorities. “Eyes to yourself,” she told Merry, slapping away a red-gloved hand that came snaking out of a window the teen peered into as they passed.
Merry pulled her head back and stuck closer to Tabitha as they walked. “What’s the deal here? Are you Rangering again in secret?”
Tabitha shook her head. “As far as anyone is concerned, we’re just two citizens looking to cut loose away from watchful eyes. This is strictly a vigilante gig, no Federation backup. There’s been a concerning report about missing children, and the local cops asked the Federation to send someone to investigate. The Federation, meaning Lance, outsourced the investigation to Barnabas because this planet isn’t part of the Federation, and here we are.”
Tabitha would have taken the assignment even if she hadn’t needed the mission as an excuse to teach Merry a lesson. Nothing sickened her more than slavery except the slavery of kids.
And the Skaines, of course, but everyone hated their mercenary asses, so it wasn’t anything special.
Besides, if the reports were accurate, the owner was an old acquaintance of hers. Curiosity would not allow anything other than her full attention.
Merry stuck close by as they approached the building. “This place is a dump. It doesn’t even look like a fight club.”
Tabitha winked. “Have you ever been inside a fight club before?”
Merry scowled. “Well, no. But it looks like a gross old bar from out here. It hasn’t even got a name.” She shuffled from one foot to another. “So, can I get in a fight while we’re here?”
Tabitha raised an eyebrow. “I’m not sure which way this is going to go down, so you stay by my side and keep your mouth shut unless I ask you to speak.” She fished around in a pouch on her belt and tossed the three small, spherical drones she retrieved into the air. “That’s how rookies stay alive.”
“What if something goes down?” Merry countered, looking up at the drones. “Can I fight then?”
Tabitha paused outside the door to the building. “If it goes south,” she let the moment drag out to make sure her niece was paying attention, “you still stay by my side. You remember your training, and you do your best not to get killed.”
Merry’s already pale face went grayer. “Killed?”
Tabitha nodded matter-of-factly and pulled the door open. “Mmhmm. Just stay aware, and remember everything your Grandad John taught you. Keep your mouth shut, and you’ll be fine.”
Nickie ransacked her mind for scraps of the lessons she’d done her best not to put any effort into as they entered the foyer, the décor of which screamed “no one gives a shit here,” and crossed to the admissions booth.
Tabitha swished her ponytail and flashed her brightest grin at the aging Noel-ni behind the barrier. “Zinshei, great to see you again!”
Zinshei was nowhere near as pleased to see Tabitha as she was to see him. “Ranger.” He made the word sound like it tasted bad. “Or should I say, ex-Ranger?” He looked at Merry with barely concealed interest. “Have things gotten so bad for you since the Empire was dissolved?”
Tabitha shrugged. “What can I say? Hard times call for a readjustment of moral lines. I heard from Kibos that you’re running something interesting downstairs, and I need fast credits.”
Zinshei narrowed his eyes, his whiskers twitching as he searched for the lie in her words. “Don’t we all? I have to say, I wouldn’t have pegged you for someone whose tastes ran this way. I have an all-comers event at the end of the next cycle. You should come back then. I’ll cut you a side deal, and we’ll clean up.”
Tabitha waved her hands as she spoke. “Oh, sure. But I have this kid here now, and you know, kids just love fighting. Am I right?” She turned and winked at Merry. “In fact, these days you just can’t stop them from fighting, can you, Trouble?” She jerked her head to indicate that Merry should reply.
“Oh. Um, yeah…” Merry stuttered, caught off-guard. “Love me a good fight. Can’t get enough of that um…fighting,” she finished awkwardly.
Tabitha repressed her snicker. The child was so far out of her comfort zone, it was almost funny. Just how Tabitha wanted her. “See?” she told the Noel-ni. “She’s practically begging. C’mon, Zinshei. For old times’ sake?”
Zinshei dropped the thin veneer of civility he’d been holding. “Fuck you.” He sneered as he pushed two passes through the barrier and pressed a button behind the counter. “Far be it from me to deprive someone so eager to take part,” he replied, a sly expression pulling his lip back to reveal yellowed canine teeth. “Straight through to the back. Show the big guy your passes to access the underground level.”
The door clicked open, spilling abrasive electronic music into the foyer. Tabitha grabbed Merry by the sleeve and pulled her through the door into the club, keeping up appearances.
Merry turned to Tabitha with outrage the moment they were covered by the music. “He’s lying to us.”
Of course, he is, Tabitha soothed. He’s a scumbag, and that’s what scumbags do. Don’t worry. Old Zinshei might think he’s got us, but he’s got a nasty surprise coming. Come on, this way.
The legitimate part of the establishment was packed with people who couldn’t afford the illicit entertainments underground. They were still betting, on everything from naked females wrestling in mud to animals fighting inside cages.
Merry pointed out an elaborate construction on one of the tables that was surrounded by gamblers in a heightened state of excitement. “What’s going on there?”
Tabitha shrugged, mistaking Merry’s reaction to the crowd as fear. Mental communication now we’re in a potentially hostile environment.
Merry burst out laughing, drawing attention from a few of the people at the table. Rough wasn’t the word to describe the degenerate clientele the club drew, but she wasn’t scared like Tabitha had thought she was. Potentially? Meredith is going batshit in here! Her eyes continued darting over the crowd as Tabitha pushed a path through for them. She’s telling me everyone here is wanted for something or other disgusting and that I need to leave for my own safety.
Tabitha shrugged. This is the kind of disgusting place that attracts that kind of assholes. Do you want to see what they’re betting on? I’m curious, she admitted, pushing through to peer over the side of the run.
“Ew!” Merry cried. “They’re racing bugs?” She held up her hands when the gamblers at the table turned to look at her. “Sorry,” she mumbled, rolling her eyes as she backed away.
They got back to making their way through the crowd, Tabitha in the lead.
Okay, this is officially the worst place I’ve ever been, Merry bitched when she had to swerve to avoid being crushed by a larger alien for the third time.
Tabitha chuckled. This is no universe for a short woman. You have to make your own way. She demonstrated, slicing through the crowd like they weren’t even there. You make it clear you own the space, and it magically empties in front of you.
Merry flashed a doubtful look but didn’t argue, since they were almost at the back now. She gulped at the sight of the Shrillexian guard. I’ve never seen so many muscles on anyone except Grandad or Uncle Scott. That must be the “big guy” the Noel-ni told you about.
The crowd spat them out near the door the Shrillexian was guarding. Tabitha sauntered up to him and held up the passes. She pointed at the door. “This way, right?”
The guard nodded respectfully and opened the door. “Enjoy your evening, valued guest,” he intoned flatly as they passed.
Merry kept to Tabitha’s heels as they entered a torch-lit corridor leading to a rickety-looking mining elevator. “Yeah, that doesn’t look like it’s going to send us plummeting to our deaths at all.”
Tabitha made a face. “Nah. Killing off your high-rollers doesn’t make for good business.” She pointed at the floor. “Look, carpet. That proves it. C’mon.”
Merry followed her into the elevator, then Tabitha pulled down the door and set the car to descend to the lower level.
There was another stupid-big Shrillexian at the bottom. He inspected their passes and let them out.
Merry was quiet as they left the elevator. Tabitha noted that her eyes began darting around the roughly constructed underground arena the moment they stepped out. She knew better than to praise her niece for what was second nature, but John would be glad to know his battle to train her hadn’t been a waste. The kid was sharp. Just for fun, what do you see?
Merry frowned lightly. I dunno. Um…there’s another exit in the back, and there’s a couple of beams over there that look like they’re gonna give way if someone breathes on them too hard. She relaxed a little, getting into it. There’s a guard on the cage. Three more on that fat old Yollin over there with the lollipop in his mouth. Meredith’s telling me pretty much everyone here is armed. Should we call for backup?
Tabitha winked, her own assessment of the situation complete. Sweetie, we don’t need backup. But yeah, I’m going to call the local authorities in to round up the gamblers. Do you still want that fight? It’s gonna take them a while to get down here.
Merry grinned, nodding at the Yollin. Is he gonna die from diabetes if he makes it out of here alive?
Tabitha suddenly had an appreciation of what it was like to be Barnabas. Yollins don’t get diabetes. How the hell do you even know what that is?
Merry shrugged. Dunno. Probably school or something.
Tabitha smirked. So you have been paying attention at least some of the time you’ve been there.
Merry chose not to reply to that. Her gaze was frozen on the cage in the center of the room. What’s the plan here?
Tabitha hesitated. Well, that’s where it gets a bit sticky. I didn’t have confirmation about the fights until we got down here. I still need proof to give the local authorities before they can get clearance to raid the place. She indicated the tiny drones above their heads with a look.
Merry’s hands clenched and unclenched as she stared at the currently empty cage. Oh, duh. You want to use me as bait.
Resolution Page 8
