by James McEwan
Marcus didn’t answer just raised his pistol and fired three times, putting two into his chest and one into his head. The ship’s front windows were sprayed with blood, brains, and bone fragments. Marcus limped over to the Captain’s body, which had fallen over his chair and onto the main control panel. He pulled the body off the controls and dropped it on the floor. He started the power up sequence.
Outside the ship, the two crewmen had just finished loading things when the two ramps closed. The ship only had a crew of three, and the two outside wondered what was going on. They ran to the front of the ship and started yelling and waving their arms. They were too far below to see the blood-spattered windows.
Inside, Marcus ignored them and punched the door override code and the hanger doors started to slide open. He powered the anti-grav drive and the ship lifted off their landing struts. Just then, the doors to the lift opened and six security marines rushed out screaming “Stop that ship!” The two crewmen, really confused now, chose to run for cover.
The hanger bay doors were open wide enough now. The Marines opened fire, however, their attempt to stop him was useless, as their handheld weapons could not penetrate the ship’s shields. Marcus pushed the throttles forward and the back blast of the engines knocked the marines down and pushed them along the floor until they were pinned against the lift doors.
Once in space, Marcus set the course to Earth, then he pulled the two bodies to the air lock. He flushed them into space, and then set the cabin bot to clean up the mess. With all that done, he hobbled his way to Thorne’s personal cabin. Inside, he found Thorne’s personal liquor cabinet. He found the most expense whiskey he could find, a twenty-year single malt scotch. He plopped down in Thorne’s red leather chair, asked the computer for some music, and poured himself a drink.
* * *
A week into the flight to Earth, Thad was up walking around and fully healed. St. Claire, however, did not heal as fast. His shoulder had been broken and Doctor Hammer did a fine job repairing it, but without the help of the nano's, he had to heal on his own. Even with the advanced healing techniques, his arm would still be in a sling for at least another week or two.
Thad wondered why it took him so long to heal this time and Doctor Hammer explained that the nanos were in his blood and because he lost a lot of blood, the remaining nanos were overwhelmed. It took time for them to reproduce and that accounted for the slowdown in his healing.
The trip to Earth was thankfully uneventful and felt more like being on holiday. The yacht had every comfort one could want. The food was marvelous and the accommodations were as nice as the suite at the hotel. St. Claire and Kára spent most of the trip in their cabin, while Thad and Doctor Hammer spend a lot of time talking. Thad used the time to get to know this Doctor Hammer better. Quincy and the pilot Rachel hit it off pretty well. She liked his skill at driving and decided to train him to fly. They spend most of the trip in the holosuite flying. Mr. Black, however, spent most of his time alone in his cabin, presumably continuing to run his criminal empire.
* * *
While Black’s yacht was built for comfort and not speed, the stealth ship Marcus was on was built for speed and the trip to Earth only took one week. Marcus didn’t like the way he looked so he used the onboard fabrication unit to make a helmet with a straight face shield. He had the face shield tinted until it hid his disfigured face. He placed the helmet on his head and looked in a mirror. He thought he looked like a robot. Then he looked down at his robotic hand, still raw, still uncovered with plasta flesh. This gave him an idea. His robotic arm was faster and stronger than his real flesh, which he found to be a great advantage. It was an advantage that he liked. Marcuse spent the rest of the trip to Earth in the medical bay. He programmed the med bots to remove the rest of his limbs and replace them with robotic ones. After each surgery, he spent time in the healing tank. His burns were bad and despite the healing power of the tank his burns were deep and would take many more treatments before he would be fully healed. The rest of his waking moments he spent researching. He read everything about Doctor Hammer. He learned where he lived, worked, and more importantly, the people he cared for.
Marcus piloted the stealth ship through Earth’s defenses by passing any port of entry or customs. He chose a protected forest in the isle of England for his landing site. He made two passes over the forest before choosing a grove to land in. He set the ship down and lowered the ramp. He walked down the ramp without a limp, thanks to his new legs…
Satisfied that he was alone, Marcus offloaded a small grav sled. The grav sled was a newer model. It was different from the older models where the pilot stood in front behind an armored pillar in the front, this model the pilot laid forward over the controls more like riding a high-performance racing bike. The advantage of this new design was that it had a lower sensor return, as well as the pilot didn’t get bugs in the teeth. Marcus loaded the gear needed for his plan, then climbed into the pilot’s seat, and lifted off.
Chapter 33
Mr. Black’s influence appeared to extend to Earth because they were able to land at a private space dock without the hassle of customs. As they disembarked the yacht, Mr. Black pulled St. Claire aside. “This is as far as I go, my friend. I have to get back to Nueva Texas. I have to oversee demolition of the Galaxy Star. After all, I am the legal owner.”
“Demolition, not remodel?” St. Claire asked.
“I would remodel, but my structural engineers tell me that the building took far too much damage. The building has to go, but that is okay. I was thinking about knocking it down and building something grander anyway. I regret the loss of life. The reports were not good. Most of the guests were saved by the local emergency personal. However, there were about two hundred guests and staff that were killed in the fighting.” He paused, and St. Claire could see this weighed heavily on his friend. “The media is reporting this to be an act of Ameron extremists. They are saying the attack was carried out as a message that decadence and debaucherous behavior are an affront to God and will no longer be tolerated.” He laughed. “If only they knew the truth.”
“Why not tell them the truth? Expose the murderous bastards for who they are.” St. Claire said, as they walked towards the hover limo that was waiting for them.
“I wish I could, but doing so would raise far too many questions about me and my operations, whichwould put too many people in danger. No, this is one of the downsides of being a criminal who cares about those who work for him.” Mr. Black paused. “Look, Dom, I know you don’t approve of the choices I have made, and I may have used some rough tactics to get what I want, and I have broken many laws, but I always take care of my own. I also have tried to take down the bullies and help the little guys. I have raised the living standards of many people.”
St. Claire held up his hand. “Dickie, you don’t have to explain yourself to me. I know that besides being a criminal mastermind, you are still a decent human being.”
Dickie smiled. “I thank you for your compliment, but I feel I do need to explain myself. I want you to know that even though my methods are not in keeping with yours; my end goal is and has always been the same --- to help people.”
“I know, and normally I believe that the ends cannot justify the means, but in this case,I think I could abandon that belief. Oh, that reminds me.” St. Claire handed him the data drive. “In all the excitement I forgot to give you this.”
“Thank you.” Dickie said as he took the drive.
“That will work.” St. Claire said with a smile.
“What will work?” confused, Dickie asked.
“The encryption code. That will work.”
Dickie burst into laughter. “I should have known. You have been using that phase since we were kids.”
“Thank you for everything.” St. Claire said.
Dickie shook his hand. “You’re welcome --- and thank you for this, I will put it to good use. Oh, and don’t worry, your friend Thaddeus gave me enough information that I will be abl
e to bring this black ops group out of the shadows and into the light, without exposing myself.”
“Good, you take them down and make them pay, and not for me or us , but for all they murdered.”
“I will. Now you go and let the good Doctor replace that shoulder of yours.” Dickie said, as St. Claire got into the back of the limo.”
Now as Mr. Black, he closed the door and turned to leave when he almost ran straight into Kára’s ample breasts. “Ah, I’m sorry, Kára I didn’t see you there.”
Kára grabbed the little man, lifted him up, and gave him a deep kiss. She gently placed him back on the ground. “I misjudged you. You are a true warrior and you have taught me that your mind can be your best weapon. I will always be grateful for that.”
Stunned at Kára’s actions. “You’re welcome.”
She smiled at him and that was the first time since he had known her that she had ever smiled at him. “You take care of yourself, little man.”
“I will, and you take care of my friend, he needs it.”
“He doesn’t need me. I have seen him in combat and I’m honored to be at his side.” she replied.
“He needs you in other ways, my dear.” he smiled at her.
“Oh.” was her response.
Inside the limo, Quincy was behind the wheel, insisting on driving. He didn’t trust anyone else with all that had happened to them; he felt it was the only option. The rest of them agreed. However, with all other reasons aside, Quincy always wanted to drive a Class l custom-built limousine. He stroked the controls almost lovingly. “Oh, you are a beauty aren’t you?”
Quincy left the driver’s window down and Rachel watched as he stroked the controls. “You going to drive it or make love to it?”
Quincy blushed. “Ah, you saw that?”
She laughed. “Yeah I did, but don’t worry about. I did the same thing the first time a sat in a Starfire fighter.”
He felt a little better. “I wish you were coming with us.” he said, as he leaned out the window.
“I know and I wish I could, but the boss has business that I need to fly him to, and as he put it he is only giving up one employee this month to the cause.” she said as she leaned in close.
“Will I ever get to see you again?”
She kissed his lips softly. “I certainly hope so.”
Doctor Hammer sat in the back, surrounded by finely handcrafted leather and wood. He had poured himself a glass of Jack Daniels and was sipping it with great joy. Thad sat next to him, lost in his own thoughts. St. Claire sat across from them. “Hey Doc, you have another glass over there?”
Doctor Hammer poured him a glass and handed it over to him. “There you go, son. Enjoy yourself!”
“Thanks, I will.” St. Claire said, as he took the glass. Just then, the door opened and Kára joined them.
She knocked on the partition. “We can go now.” she said.
Quincy dropped the partition. “Where to?”
“My lab at University College please, we need to fix Mr. St. Claire’s shoulder” Doctor Hammer ordered. Quincy, having never been to London before, had no idea where to go, so he programmed the computer as much as it pained him to do it. He switched on the autopilot and they were off.
They arrived just after the classes ended for the day. The campus was busy with activity, as any college would be in the middle of the term. Quincy was glad that the computer was driving because he was sure he would have crashed by now, distracted by the plethora of attractive college girls that were milling about.
Once on campus, Doctor Hammer directed them to the building, which housed his lab. The security officer at the door to the building was chatting up a particularly buxom blond when they entered. “Excuse me Henry, but I seem to have lost my keycard. Could you be so kind as to let me into the lab as well as see about getting me a new one?” Doctor Hammer said, interrupting the guard’s failed attempt to get a comm number.
The guard looked up and his jaw fell open. “Doctor Hammer, you’re alive!”
“Yes, it would seem so.” was his reply.
“Sir, we heard rumors of your death on Nueva Texas.”
“Well, you can see that the rumors are just, that rumors. Now if you would be so kind” Doctor Hammer pointed to the door to his lab.
“Oh, yes sorry. I’m on it Sir.” he said, then paused. “And who are your guests?”
“No one that you need to worry about, a test subject who would rather not have their names recorded at this time” Doctor Hammer said, trying to dismay the guard from making any record of their visit.
“Sorry Doc, but you know the rules.” The guard held firm.
Doctor Hammer leaned close to the guard so only he would hear them. “Henry, please do me a favor? Keep this one off the books. The test subjects all have alien sexually transmitted diseases and I doubt you really wanted to get out that you came in contact with them.”
Not understanding what Doctor Hammer was trying to tell him. “But, why would I care about that, it is not as if I have had any” he paused and looked at Kára “contact with them.”
Kára was listening carefully and picked up on what Doctor Hammer was trying to do. She sat down on the corner of the desk and touched the guard's hand. “Oh honey, haven’t you ever heard of Gigakin mumps.”
The guard pulled his hand back as if he had been burned. “Gigakin mumps?”
“Yes, Gigakin mumps. It is transmitted through skin to skin contact.” Kára said with a wicked smile.
Now cradling his hand if it had been burned. “What does it do?”
“Oh, it is not very pleasant. First, it starts with heavy sweating, then later large pus-filled nodules form on your genitals. But that is not all, once they start bursting, the pus starts eating your flesh resulting in complete and non-reversible ...” Doctor Hammer said, but was cut off.
“No more please, I don’t want to hear any more. Just get in there and find a cure fast.” the guard said, as he swiped his card to unlock the door to the lab.
“Thank you, Henry. I will make sure you are the first to get the cure.” Doctor Hammer said, trying not to laugh.
“Thanks, Doc.” he said, then he asked. “Oh how long till.” he paused. “you know?”
“Oh, it can take a few minutes to years to manifest itself. I think you will be okay for now, not to worry.” Doctor Hammer answered. The guard looked relieved and Doctor Hammer and the others entered his lab.
Once the door closed behind them, Kára laughed. “I like this fighting with your mind stuff. It is kind of fun.”
“Oh, how so?” Doctor Hammer asked.
“A few years ago before I met Mr. Black, I would have just killed the guard for being in my way. This way is much cleaner and draws much less attention.” Kára replied.
Doctor Hammer lifted an eyebrow. “I guess it is a good thing that Mr. Black had a positive effect on you.”
To Thad the lab looked very similar to the lab in his universe back on Nome. There were many familiar pieces of scientific equipment, but the most familiar things in the lab were two smiling faces.
Two redheaded women came running up to Doctor Hammer and throwing their arms around him, they nearly knocked him over. “Oh Doctor you're alive!” They screamed.
“Yes, yes, I’m very much alive, but I won’t be for much longer if you don’t let go of me. I can barely breathe.”
“Oh, sorry.” They let go and Doctor Hammer took a deep breath.
“Now that is better.” he put one arm over each of the twin’s shoulders. “May I introduce my best and brightest research assistants…”
But before he could finish Thad said. “Fiona and Freya.”
They were stunned. “Do we know you?” Fiona asked.
“Ah.” Thad stumbled for the right words.
“It’s okay to tell them, Thaddeus.” Doctor Hammers said.
“Thaddeus?” Freya made a funny face at Doctor Hammer.
“Yes, he will explain everything while we prep
for surgery. We need to replace Mr. St. Claire’s shoulder right away.”
Doctor Hammer went to change and scrub up and the twins helped St. Claire get prepared for his replacement surgery. Quincy picked up one of the many experimental devices and started to play with it.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Thad said.
“Why?” Quincy asked with a strained look on his face.
“I ended up here in an alternate universe using one of his devices.” Thad reminded him.
Quincy quickly put the device back on the shelf. “Oh yeah” was all he said. “So Thad, what happens now?”
“Not sure, after Doctor Hammer replaces St. Claire’s shoulder I guess he will fix the device that brought me here and after that --- I’m not sure.” Thad answered.
Quincy was about to ask more questions when the twins reappeared in the lab. “Doctor Hammer is in surgery now and will be for a while, and he has instructed us to take you to dinner” Freya said.
“Then, who are we to argue with the good Doctor” Thad said, with a smile.
The four of them left and when they passed Henry the security guard, he stopped them. “Henry, are you okay? You don’t look so good.” Fiona noted, as Henry was drenched in sweat.
“I think it has started. Look at me I’m sweating and I think that I can feel the first nodule growing. Is the Doctor making any headway?” Henry asked looking a little green to boot.
The twins looked at each other, then at Thad. “Care to explain?” Freya asked.
Thad was trying to think on his feet, but before he could say anything Quincy put his arm around Henry. “Don’t worry buddy, the Doc is busy working on it, and he said to tell you to drink some water and take these .” He handed Henry some pills. “He said they should slow it down.”
“Thanks” Henry said, then picked up the bottle of water he had sitting on his desk. He downed the pills and the rest of the bottle.
The group left the building and Thad whispered to Quincy. “What did you give him?”
“I have no idea, I got them from one of the cabinets, I was just curious, and I guess I forgot to put them back.” Quincy shrugged.
