by AJ Vega
Chapter 10: Death Bytes
“Why did we do it? Because it was just begging to be done, and we wanted to be the ones to do it.”
Bottomfeeder, Leader of Freedom Fish, contributing author to the Hacker’s Manifesto, date unknown
Murdock and the pilots stood beside the artifact as Julius and Laina approached. Julius examined it with a dubious expression. It looked to be an old eighteenth-century cannon from a sail ship. Around six feet long, the thing probably weighed over a thousand pounds, Julius figured. Its black metal looked weathered from age. The barrel sat strapped to a metal base with ropes. The base and ropes looked new and must have been a recent modification. A plaque sat on top of the base with some writing on it.
Julius read the inscription aloud, “Recovered from the North Carolina coast. 2,000-pound cannon from the ship Queen Anne’s Revenge. Commanded by the 18th-century pirate Edward Teach, aka Blackbeard. Circa AD 1718.”
Julius put his hand on the cannon’s barrel, feeling the edges of the rim. The steel was cold and its texture rough. He could see the indentations in the metal where barnacles and other sea erosion had tarnished the steel. Although he did not exactly feel any kind of kinship toward the infamous pirate Blackbeard, he nonetheless knew he was touching a piece of history.
He turned away from the cannon and faced Laina.
“I take it this was your idea?” he said finally.
Laina took in a breath. “Yes. Well, it was going to be a gift.”
“A bit extravagant, Laina. But I guess I shouldn’t be surprised by that.”
Laina passed a dubious look at the recruits. “It wasn’t supposed to be so difficult,” she said.
Murdock coughed. “Uh, boss. Should we move it into your quarters?”
Julius gave the cannon another quick look-over. It was certainly a priceless relic. A piece he would deem a valuable possession; but it was not really his to own.
“No,” he said. “Move it to the center of the observation lounge, cannon pointing to the stars.”
“Wait,” Laina said. “Don’t you like it? Why don’t you want it in your quarters?”
Julius looked over at the recruits, and then turned to Laina before speaking in a low voice. “The crew risked themselves for this treasure, Laina. It is theirs to appreciate, not mine.”
Laina gave him a hurt look, but Julius did not care if it was genuine or sarcasm. He turned and looked around the cargo bay. Stacked crates filled nearly every area, lining every wall. The stolen recruit ship stood on the only empty patch.
“How are we on available space, Murdock?” Julius said.
Murdock motioned around them. “This is it. We could barely fit this ship in here. Probably have enough for one more raid, but that’s it.”
Julius nodded. “Very well. One more raid then.”
“Sir,” Murdock said. “What do I do with this ship?”
Julius looked at the stolen cargo ship. It appeared to be an old ship, with no weaponry and of little value.
“We’ll dump it somewhere along the way. Keep it in the EMP field for now.”
Julius left the cargo bay, with Laina chasing him down into the elevator.
“We need to talk about the next raid,” Laina said once the doors shut.
“Oh? You’ve never been interested in the tactical details before.”
“That’s not what I mean.” Laina leaned over to the control panel and keyed in the deck number. “Let’s talk in my quarters.”
They proceeded to Laina’s quarters. She strode over to her bar and poured herself a drink.
Julius found his favorite couch and sat.
“I do appreciate the gift, Laina,” he said. “It is a nice gesture. But I think it was a bit overboard… no pun intended.”
Laina recapped the bottle of liquor, and then walked over to a comfortable chair, with drink in hand.
“Perhaps it was, she said. “But then, I’m not known for my frugality.”
Julius glanced around her quarters, looking at the endless pieces of art that hung from her walls. He wondered briefly if Laina had any profit that she did not already spend on art.
“I wasn’t always that way,” Laina said. “I think I got that way after Jim died. He was always the one spending on extravagancies. I used to criticize him over it too. Now I’m the one doing it. Ironic.”
Julius cocked an eyebrow. “What’s your interest in the next raid, Laina?”
Laina smiled, and then took a sip of her drink before continuing. “You’ve always been blunt and to the point, Julius. It is a refreshing quality, especially when you have to deal with the bullshit artists that I have to deal with. Let’s get to it then. I’ve been keeping an eye on the cargo space situation. I’ve known for some time that this next raid would probably be our last before we have to sell the cargo. I have already begun arranging for a buyer. Before I get to that, though, do you have any idea about when the next raid will be?”
Julius stared off, calculating. “As we speak, Jared is hacking into traffic control to get the convoy schedules. I would guess at least another week.”
“Good. That will be more than enough time to make the selling arrangements.”
“Who’s the buyer? It’s not what’s-his-name, is it?”
“You mean Von Haufsberg?” Laina said. “I’m afraid it is. He’s offering to buy it all and at a reasonable price.”
Julius groaned.
“Also,” Laina said. “He’s been adamant about you attending the meeting this time. You’ve put him off twice already. I already told him you would be happy to attend.”
“And what makes you think I’m not going to continue to put him off?” Julius said.
Laina smiled, that same smile she always gave before she laid down the big punch line he never expected.
“Because,” she said, taking a quick sip of her drink, “you will need to deal with him on future sales, and he’s our best buyer.”
Julius scoffed. “That’s your end of the operation, not mine.”
“It was, yes,” Laina said, a frown on her face.
Julius’ eyes narrowed. “You’re getting out of this, aren’t you? I mean, for real this time? That’s why you arranged for the gift.”
“You won’t need me anymore, Julius. I’ve explained everything to Von Haufsberg. He will be your exclusive buyer. He’s promised to make all future engagements as painless as possible. I had to be quite stern with him that the deal did not include living on the Sea Wolf. You know how hungry for adventure he is. He had hoped to take my place.”
Julius shook his head. “What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to go to Earth. I still have some family left that might be civil to me there. Who knows, maybe even my daughter will want to associate with me.”
“They’ll arrest you, Laina. It will never happen. You know that.”
Laina took another swallow of her drink, emptying the glass.
“I’ll take my chances,” Laina said. “I’m tired of the monotony here. It was fun at first, but I can’t do it anymore. You were only half-right about what you said: that there is no purpose for us, no plan for us. Maybe there is no plan for me, at least not here, not on this ship. Not partnered with you. I think my destiny lies elsewhere, my friend.”
Julius shook his head again. “There’s nothing out there, Laina—just the corporations, their rules, their game. With their strings attached to the government puppets. Unless you’re looking to be a part of that hypocrisy, people like us cannot coexist with it.”
Laina put set her empty glass on the table. “My mind is made up, Julius. I’m going to do this. Please, as a friend, accept it.”
“It’s your decision, Laina. I’m just trying to talk some sense into thick head of yours. If you wind up arrested, I’m not going to be able help you. You will be completely on your own.”
“I know. I wouldn’t expect you to try, and I don’t want you to. Don’t
risk yourself or the crew if something does happen one day. It is my decision and I fully accept the consequences of my action. I’ve been running away from those consequences for years now. I think I’m ready to face them.”
“It almost sounds like you want to be caught,” Julius said.
“No, don’t be ridiculous. I don’t want to spend my years in a prison mine. A lone woman surrounded by those horny thugs. No thanks. Trust me, though, I can avoid capture. I’ve made arrangements for myself.”
“Fine,” Julius said, standing up. “We’ll have to talk more about this later.”
“Won’t do you any good,” Laina said. “My mind is made up.”
“We’ll see,” Julius said as he walked out.
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