“Is everyone else okay?” Doug scanned the faces of the crew. He saw no obvious sign of injury or harm to any of them, then looked directly at Willy. “How're your fists?”
“They’ll be fine, Cap,” Willy said reluctantly.
“Can’t say as much for that table.” Doug pulled out the nearest chair and sat. The crew gathered around him. “Anyone hear from Lizz before you were arrested?”
Mumbled no’s accompanied head shakes of the crew.
“Good, maybe she’ll be able to work her magic from the outside and get us released.”
Fergus sat on the edge of the table. “So, what’s the plan, Cap?”
Doug leaned the chair back and placed his hands behind his head. He closed his eyes in a brief moment of contemplation.
“There isn’t one, Doug said. “It would be suicide to try and escape this compound. We haven’t been charged with anything yet and Lizz is still unaccounted for. The best plan that I can see is that for now, we wait. Let the Alliance goons play their cards and we go from there.”
A loud humming clack emanated from the door once again. Four heavily armed and armored guards entered the room followed by a small balding man in a black suit.
“Speak of the devil,” Doug hissed. He leapt to his feet and turned to face the balding man.
“How are all of you this evening?” The small man asked, his voice soft and timid. “My name is W.J. Lepetomane, Director of the Independent Alliance. I hope that your stay hasn’t been too unpleasant.”
Doug shook his head in disbelief, “Did you just say, Director of the Alliance?”
“Yes, I did,” the Director said with a matter of fact smile. “And unless I am terribly mistaken, you would be Captain Rackham, I presume? Hmm.”
“I am,” Doug replied. He glanced over at the Director. ”Why are we being held without charges?”
“My dear boy.” The Director laughed under his breath as he reached for one of the occupied seats at the table. “May I?”
Doug nodded for Fergus to move and sat back down in his seat at the table.
“You see Captain Rackham,” the Director continued as he took the seat. “That is one reason that I admire you. You are direct and methodical, but you easily sway with the winds of change as the landscape begins to shift.” The Director held his right palm over his shoulder. The nearest guard produced a small holo-scroll that he extended as he placed it in the director's hand. The director cleared his throat and held up the clear sheet. Digital text scrolled upward with a swipe of his finger. He tapped the page with his finger to stop the scrolling, then began to read.
“I, W.J. Lepetomane, Director of the Independent Alliance, its subsidiaries, and all non-entity subcontractors, to be referred to as the Independent Alliance as a whole from this point forth, hereby charge the following persons with crimes against the Independent Alliance, its employees, its property holdings and/or possessions, equipment, or infrastructure.”
The crew all shifted nervously as an angry awkwardness permeated the room.
“Captain Douglas Rackham, you are hereby charged with smuggling, the selling of classified intelligence to an enemy, misuse of an Independent Alliance communications network, espionage, and malicious intent toward the Independent Alliance.”
“Wesley Skaggs, aka The Geek, you are hereby charged with hacking, misuse of public Independent Alliance communications & data networks, espionage, illegal collection & storage of classified documents, pirating of copyrighted material, and malicious intent toward the Independent Alliance.”
“Rachel Coram, aka Cheezy, you are hereby charged with flying into restricted airspace, failure to comply with orders of Independent Alliance officers, failure to comply with submitted flight plans, failure to adhere to port speed regulations, and unauthorized flyby of earthside control towers at illegal speeds.”
“Andy and Melanie Kleszinski, you are hereby charged with the illegal salvage, sale of Independent Alliance property, and damage to Independent Alliance property.”
“Trae and Tiffany Crowley and Fergus Coram, you are hereby charged with illegal salvage and sale of Independent Alliance property, theft of Independent Alliance property, damage of Independent Alliance property, illegal trade of class 9 weapons, and illegal trade of classified military grade targeting systems.”
“William Murphy, aka Big Willy, you are hereby charged with illegal salvage and sale of Independent Alliance property, and damage to Independent Alliance property.”
“Krista Weet'A igMOO wahTOEgluh,” the Director struggled with the pronunciation and smiled. “That is a mouthful, isn't it?” He glanced about then turned back to the holo-scroll. “Now let me see, where was I, ah yes, here we go. Krista Weet'A igMOO wahTOEgluh, aka New Moon Cat Untamed, aka Moon Shadow, aka Goddess; Margaret Tasarla, aka Maggie and Amanda Maeer, aka Giggils. You are hereby charged with the illegal production and distribution of narcotics, opiates, and hallucinogenic substances; smuggling of illegal substances into and out of Independent Alliance borders, and illegally writing a prescription to an Independent Alliance citizens without medical licensure.” The Director produced a handwritten script in a plastic bag from his jacket pocket. He held it up for all to see for a brief moment, then placed it back into his pocket and returned his attention to the holo-scroll.
The sound of hard heels on tile echoed through the open security door from the hallway beyond the room. The Director relaxed in his chair. A large smile crossed his face as he closed his eyes.
Lizz stepped into the doorway and stopped in surprise. Whispered gasps of Lizz leapt from each crew member's lips. A look of concern painted her face as her gaze darted around the room to each member of the crew. Her expression melted to utter surprise at the sight of the bald man seated next to Doug. She leaned against the door frame, the curve of her hips accentuated by her stance. She crossed her arms and nearly pushed her breasts out of the black leather corset. The uniformed men that surrounded her were visibly distracted, a stolen glance here, an uncomfortable bulge there.
“Why go to so much fuss, W.J.? It has to be something insanely dangerous or equally stupid for you to drag the entire crew in like this.”
The Director remained motionless in his seat. He took a deep nasal breath as if coming out of meditation.
“Hello Elizabeth,” the Director said. “I see that you still favor cinnamon and cedar.”
“Don’t go getting all mushy and nostalgic on me,” Lizz said. “I asked you a question W.J.”
The crew gawked at Lizz with looks of utter disbelief painting each of their faces.
“Wait, the two of you actually know each other?” Doug turned in his seat to face Lizz with a look of surprised confusion.
“It’s a very long story, but yes,” Lizz said.
Director Lepetomane sat up straight, then turned sideways in the chair. “You look as lovely as ever, Elizabeth.” He admiringly smiled at her.
“Don’t try to butter me up, W.J. What gives?”
“Can a man not bask in the memories of what once was?” The Director smiled a knowing smile.
“I know you better than that, Director,” Lizz said with pointed emphasis. “You want something and on top of that you know that I am the only one that can give it to you.” Lizz glared at the director.
“On so very many levels, my dear,” he said in a soft tone.
“Cut the shit, WJ,” Lizz growled. “What do you want with us?”
The Director sighed. “Very well, Elizabeth. If that is the way that you would prefer it.” He turned back in his chair and resumed reading the holo-scroll.
“Elizabeth Judith Trower, aka Lizz, aka Deborah Hickman, aka Tracey Johnston, aka Ava Tudor, aka Brianna Weis, you are hereby charged with extortion, kidnapping, attempted assault with a farm animal, tax evasion, defamation, espionage, and treason against the Independent Alliance.” The Director handed the holo-scroll back over his shoulder to the nearest guard, then laced his fingers together. He callously examined the crew
. “We have enough charges against each of you for immediate execution, for which I just happen to have the execution orders right here.” He reached into his jacket and produced an order of execution that he handed over to Doug.
Doug glanced over the document then placed it on the table. He leaned forward, his face in his hands he vigorously rubbed his eyes, then looked up at the Director. “So what’s the catch? If you wanted us dead, we wouldn’t even be here. Your goon squads could have picked each of us off without any of this dog and pony show. You want something.”
The Director laughed with joyous delight. “I do so love that about you, Captain Rackham. Direct and to the point, even in the face of utter destruction. Misdirection, tedium, or shall I say, fluff, are in no way part of your personality. You are a very unique man, Captain, and you are also correct. My men could have easily taken each one of you out and you would never have known what had happened.”
“Then to the point, if you would, please,” Doug said.
The Director smiled wide, then turned in his seat back to Lizz. “Please, my dear, would you grace us with your presence? You know how I dislike speaking over my shoulder, and this does involve you quite a bit, I do believe.” The Director looked to the soldier by the door. “Sergeant, if you would be so kind as to leave us and close the door behind you, please.”
The Sergeant scowled at the Director. “I’m not so sure that is a good idea, sir.”
“Rest assured, Sergeant. I am in no danger,” the Director said. “Isn’t that right, Elizabeth?”
“Fine, W.J., whatever suits your fancy.” She strode into the room and took a seat on the edge of the table.
“Mmmmmmm, my dear…” The Director beamed as the hum of the magnetic locks re-engaged behind the soldiers leaving the room. He breathed deeply of her uniquely spiced perfume.
“Eh hem, Director,” Doug prompted.
“Oh yes,” the Director said, composing himself. He straightened his jacket and turned his attention back to Doug. “I am terribly sorry. To the point then, shall we?” He creepily smiled at Doug and continued. “We have gathered intelligence on a new prototype technology that the Martian Reich has been developing for some time. However, we are not certain of that technology's current stage of development. My offer is simple: gather all information, schematics, and details that you are able to obtain and eradicate all data that is in the hands of the Reich on this technology by any means necessary.”
“Ha! Oh my god, really? That’s it? That’s all that you want?” Trae chuckled. “It’s a freaking suicide mission, Cap. Just shoot me now and get it over with.”
“Hold on, Trae,” Doug said. “You still haven’t answered my question, Director. Why us?”
“Government is nothing more than a method, Captain Rackham,” the Director said. “It is a dirty and corrupt business scheme. And as you very well know, information is the key to any good business strategy. We must stay ahead of our competitors, defend our holdings, and use any means necessary to keep our razor-thin edge in the game. That being said, there are few people within any organization that can be fully trusted. A person can easily change sides with proper motivation. I tell you this now because I would trust Elizabeth with my life. She is the primary reason that you are all here. The second reason is that you and your crew have very little reputation with any faction or government. You are truly independent in the sense that you don’t care where your pay comes from. If your ship and your crew were to enter Martian airspace with a load of cargo for a potential buyer, you would be less likely to raise suspicions than one of our undercover operatives who have potentially been… compromised. According to my analyst’s, you and your crew also possess most of the skills that they deem necessary to successfully execute this venture. You choose the cargo, which will be free of charge, along with fair compensation for your time and efforts upon completion of the assignment and we will strike up a contract.”
The director stood and straightened his suit. He turned and smiled at Lizz. “You are all temporarily free to go, pending your decision. The guards will show you out, momentarily. Elizabeth, please contact me with your decision within the next twenty-four hours. You know where and when. I will be impatiently awaiting your answer. Otherwise, Captain, it has been an absolute pleasure to meet you. I wish it were under better circumstances, but such is life.”
The Director stepped toward the door and stopped in midstride across from Lizz. His gaze lingered on her for a long moment before he pointed toward the door. The electric hum of door locks reverberated once again. “I bid you all, adieu.” The Director turned and briskly walked out of the room.
cHAPTER 3
The Betty, Nova star class mining transport / Witches quarters
Atlanta International Spaceport
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
May 13, 2176 / Noonish, local time
“B
y bluster of wind, and healing of rain, down deep within the earth or seared by white-hot flame. I call for power, for healing and pain. I call for knowledge, for insight by name. I call upon the sisters and the powers that be, I call for the wisdom of the witches three.” Kara’s sing-song-contralto echoed throughout what was once the ship’s grand mineralogical laboratory.
“Oh, hey Kara.” Krista’s head appeared through the curtained doorway of a side room. “We’ll be out in just one second,” Krista said and vanished behind the curtain.
“Not a problem, good sister. Take your time,” Kara said with an unconcerned wave. She looked about the ancient lab that now functioned as the living space and workshop for the ship's resident healers. Bottles and jars covered nearly all available shelf space. Dried herbs hung from the upper bulkheads throughout the room and hid abandoned test equipment. A well worn and massive red velvet couch dominated the center of the sitting area.
“Oh my God, that looks like it’ll hurt,” Amanda said in a concerned tone from behind the curtain.
“It’s okay, sweetie. This won’t take but a few minutes and it’ll be over with. Trust me, it’ll be so worth it in the end,” Maggie said with a giggle. Her tone was comforting and motherly.
“Are you sure? It doesn’t look like it’ll fit,” Amanda said.
“Suck it up, buttercup,” Krista ordered. “You said yes and I’m all ready to go. It’s too late to turn back now. Shhhhhh, just let it happen, man.” Krista giggled.
“Oh, that, no, ouch,” Amanda cried.
“Shhhhhhh, it’ll be alright sweetie,” Maggie said soothingly.
“All right, are you ready for the big push?”
“No, not really,” Amanda whimpered.
“Well too bad,” Krista said. “Ready or not, here we go.”
“No! I changed my mind. Oh God, that hurts.”
“Shhhhhhh, I went through this too, sweetie,” Maggie said. “It’s not so bad after the first time. I promise it gets so much better after the first time.”
“Oh God, I can’t breathe,” Amanda said. “That hurts too much.” Amanda began to breathe heavily.
“One more second, we’re almost there,” Krista said.
“Please stop,” Amanda demanded through ragged and raspy breaths.
Kara stared at the curtain in horrid fascination. “What in the hell,” she whispered to herself.
“Happy thoughts sweetie, happy thoughts,” Maggie said soothingly with a motherly shush. “It’s almost over. Just let the Goddess finish and it will be all over.”
“Why won’t you stop,” Amanda said as she began to sob. “Oh God, it hurts.”
“Come on! Just a little bit farther. It’s almost there. Just a little harder,” Krista growled.
“God damn you, Krista,” Amanda cried. “Ohhhh, ahhhhh...Uhhhhhhhh!”
“Wheww! There we go. All done,” Krista said. “Now just leave it where it is and don’t fiddle with it. You gotta give things time to stretch and settle into place however they need to.”
“See, sweetie? It wasn’t all that bad,” Maggie said.
“But I have been, sweetie,” Maggie said. “I have been there. Krista helped me my first time just like she helped you and it has been one of the most wonderful things in my life ever since.”
“But it hurts like my insides are a jumbled mess,” Amanda said between sobs.
“Oh shit, I forgot Kara,” Krista said. “We have a customer to take care of, ladies. Just put some ice on it, you’ll be alright.”
Krista exploded from the curtained doorway. She fought with loose wisps of hair, pulling her thick dark mass of hair back into a loose ponytail.
Kara stared at Krista with a worrisome look. “Is everything alright back there?”
“Oh yeah,” Krista said. “Absolutely. Everything's just peachy. Nothing but fairies and rainbows, man, just fairies and rainbows. Nothing to see, just pretend that any of what you might have heard didn’t happen even happen.” Krista flashed a mischievous grin at Kara.
Maggie emerged from the side room, gingerly leading Amanda toward the couch.
Kara peered over Krista’s shoulder and stared at the slow-moving pair. “Are you sure? She doesn’t look well.”
“Oh absolutely. A little tenderness and sensitivity are to be expected after what she just went through. She will thank me in a few days when things stretch, and the soreness wears off.”
“FUCK YOU, SADIST!” Amanda glared in Krista’s direction.
“We’re almost there, sweetie,” Maggie said softly as she guided Amanda to the couch. “Slow breaths, it’ll be alright.”
“I can barely breathe,” Amanda whimpered as she tugged at the brown suede corset that hugged her torso.
“Oh…,” Kara said, wincing.
“She’ll be fine, no need to worry,” Krista said with a dismissive wave. “So what can we do for you today?”
“Well, you see, Wesley and I will be celebrating our five-year anniversary next week. Seeing as how we’ll most likely be stuck on this ship at that time, I have no idea of what to do to make it amazing and special. I am at a total loss of what could be amazing and special while trapped in the bowels of this rotting beast.” Kara angrily stomped her foot on the deck plating. Her eyes glistened with tears of frustration.
Flux Runners Page 4