Red Star Sheriff

by Timothy Purvis

  “Gesla, to my forward right, stopped and turned. I shouted, ‘Don’t stop!’, but then a hole opened up her chest and she collapsed. I was so out of breath, I stumbled onto the well edge and turned around, my hands grasping at the well walls in anticipation of being the next one shot. I saw most of the gang walking towards the middle of camp, smiling wide, two men at the forward and guns aimed.

  “‘Been a good time, missy!’ One of them cackled and pointed his gun at me.

  “Another voice echoed out,‘Let’s wing her and bring her back to the pit! I like her spice and breakin’ thissun will be sweeeeaaattt!’ More hooting laughter.

  “I threw myself backward into the well. It was freezing as I hit the water halfway down the shaft. I surfaced from my fall, looking up, trying to stay afloat. There, at the well opening, faces were surrounding it and peering down at me. Their smiles broad again.

  “‘Let’s fish her out! Git the rope!’ and ‘Woowee! Ah like thissun! Most fun ah’ve had in ages!’, then another, ‘Wait! Put one inn’er shoulder first!’

  “There was just one thing left for me to do. I dived. I felt bullets whizzing by me, through flesh on my arm, my side, but I was too numb to stop. It was better to drown than be taken back to that horror show they so enjoyed. Ever deeper I swam. Bluish light from above dimming in the deep darkness. I would find the bottom of the well, I determined, and then suck in my last breaths. Mourn the fact you’d never know what became of me.

  “Then, I found a small cave. Small and barely enough room to navigate, but I thrust myself into it. They wouldn’t have the satisfaction of having my body. It was pitch-black as I clawed my way up the narrow tunnel upwards a shallow decline. Breath was hot in my chest, bubbles streamed from my nostrils. The stinging need to breathe sharp and nagging as I pushed forward with my feet. My head grew light. I truly believed that was it, that I would die there, yet there was something within, a drive that urged me forward. A refusal to let that final breath out, no matter how much it screamed and clawed at me to let it loose, take in a deep gulp of polluted well water.

  “That’s when I found light streaming ahead of me. A dull illumination almost too far ahead. Too far away. But I pushed. I clawed. I forced myself onward. No more would I just accept death. The need to breach the surface so strong every last ounce of strength in my body found new life. I lurched out of the depths, and gasped. Air filled my desperate lungs, my struggling breaths sharp and loud to my ears that had been so dulled in my charge through the well. I found myself ashore, and alive. On my hands and knees, staring into the mud, gasping deeply and rapidly, my hair streaming around my face like a black leviathan gripping my face.

  “I had no idea how far I had gone. It felt like a hundred miles. However, my ears were clearing. And I heard laughter from above me. In my terror, I froze. They had found me once more and I wanted to cry so hard that I’d raise the dead. But I looked up. They hadn’t found me. I was on the shore beyond the campsite. And the screaming and terror had resumed. They took me for dead and had gone back to their savage mission. My breathing slowed then. I was down the decline, a hill leading up to the woods surrounding the camp.

  “Not wishing to tempt fate any further, I got ahold of my heartrate, lowered myself into the river once more, and allowed it to carry me upstream. The tortured wails of the women I left behind following me in a dimming roar and, in that moment, I was more mournful than I ever thought I could be. And wondered why it was nobody else could hear them.

  “And that is how I escaped.”

  I was silent for maybe half a minute. Her tale was a dagger in my heart. “By the Spirits, Mirra… the horror…”

  She wiped her face again and continued. “Worse still, I was able to find a town downstream. A fishing village called Wicker’s Point. Finding the sheriff’s office, I informed the deputies I found about what had transpired and that there were innocent hostages needing rescuing. They were quiet at first, looking to one another with raised brows. Then they laughed. One leaned back into his chair and shook his head.

  “‘Damn shame ‘bout all those pretty little things. Must happen every other month around these parts or so.’

  “I stared at them, mouth agape. ‘But, they’re just down the river!’ I screamed. ‘I can show you!’

  “‘Ain’ our jurisdiction,’ the other said folding his arms. ‘Next time, don’ go out there without a chaperone. Not some old man and a pair of newlyweds.’

  “They refused to help and sent me on my way. I was in shock, tattered, worn, and a wreck. Few would hear my tale. Fewer still would offer assistance. From there, I began walking home. I had no credits for the train, but here and there strangers gave me a ride in their coaches or on horseback. And always only to the next town.”

  I cried. Hard. “I’m sorry you went through all of that, daughter! I’m sorry I wasn’t there!”

  She flung herself around me and we hugged and cried for how long I no longer remember. However, the next thing that happened was that she sat back and I said, “You need to stay. Rest. Whatever you think you have to do it isn’t worth your life. You’re home now. That horrible experience is over with. Thank the Spirits you escaped before those monsters could… do worse to you!”

  Here is the part in the tale we come to what started this telling. Here is where a deep determination colored her features.

  “I have to.” I made to protest but she stopped me. “Along the way back… I found out about an order. One that has been around for centuries. They are known as the Rossumi, those who train this order, the order of the Red Star Sheriff.”

  “What is this you speak of?”

  “They are automatons. Located in a hidden city far to the east. Beyond the Wastelands. There’s only one way to find it. I will not share too many details about how I came to find out about them. It was a side venture I spent nearly a week trying to discover. But, discover it I did. It was one of their own who came to me the next day at an inn, after I solved their little puzzle. This Rossumi, their leader, told me to be at a certain place at a certain time the next day.

  “And I told him, ‘No. I will take your challenge. But first, I must return home and explain to my father why I must leave. I can’t just disappear for him to never know.’

  “When he quirked his metal brow that moved like flesh, he said, ‘What a highly unusual request. That is not how this works. The potential performs the task in question as a penitent would their faith. Might I ask, why do you make such a request?’

  “And so, I told him. Everything. As I have shared with you. And, in the end, he acquiesced. But not until after a few caveats of his own. At which point, he assisted me in finding a way home. So, this brings me to the end of my tale. For now.”

  “But, why can’t you tell me where you’re going? Why must you, you, do this thing? And how long will you be gone? Please, please, daughter! Tell me!”

  We met eyes, hers were soft and compassionate. “Because you would only follow me. And I can’t have that, as I have said. As for your other query…” Here her eyes darkened and narrowed into a fierceness I have never seen on another. Not myself and not any soldier I fought beside. It was a resolve so set, that there was nothing I could say to sway it. “I’m never going to be that weak again.”

  When you first discovered the truth of Kern Michaels, I saw her in you. Those eyes, fierce and full of her determination… and no matter what I said, the decision had already been made.

  She packed her belongings, bid me farewell and gave me her eternal love, then set out on horseback to where I know not. Though, based on what she said, she had to traverse the Reach of Vales far to the east at the end of the Wastelands. I’ve never been there, so I do not know what she found. She never told me when she returned, over five years later. It was then she explained who the Rossumi were but not how to find them. And she explained to me her plans on tackling lawlessness in the Wastelands.

  And, so, we reach the end of this tale.

  AIDELE SAT THERE
staring at the floor in front of her. Her eyes were moist and she was mostly numb. There was nothing she could say about any of it, she didn’t think. Her mother became a Red Star because of that horrible affair. And just like her, Aidele had inadvertently followed in her footsteps. A chill ran up her spine. Is Grandfather suggesting what I think he’s suggesting? She looked to him. He was watching her with eyes full of sorrow, waiting. The urge to ask him if what he was hinting at was what she thought was strong. But another question surfaced instead.

  “Did… did she find them? The gang, I mean. Obviously, she found the Rossumi.”

  The word hung there, the implications in the open. Grandfather chuckled and didn’t acknowledge it. Yet. “Oh yes… she found them. Just like you found Kern Michaels. Their ends were much the same. But, let us not dwell on that any longer. I shared this because of the roll of the Red Star in seeking justice.”

  And there it was. Aidele stood up and paced. She stopped when she saw Durante standing by the kitchen. Grandfather watched her closely. Suddenly, all she wanted to do was escape. To go anywhere but stay there. Her mind was a roller coaster of emotion.

  “I… I have to…” she muttered not looking to either of them. Grandfather lifted his right hand and motioned towards her.

  “Listen to me, Aidele. Do not fear this. You and your mother are much the same. But you, Granddaughter, you have an advantage.” Aidele looked to him, her eyes feeling sore and close to bursting. She wanted, needed, to get out of there. But Grandfather was compelling her to stay. Because it was important. And she knew it. “You took down Kern Michaels and his gang without the training she gained. Should you seek them out, you could be a Red Star too.”

  “How… how, could I? You don’t even know how mom found them.”

  “True. But I have faith you’re clever enough to solve this puzzle. Besides, there is one benefit to being a Red Star Sheriff I have not shared yet.”

  “W, what’s that?” It frightened her how small her voice sounded to her ears.

  “They have sovereignty over their order and are recognized by all governments, but one, as an authority over lawless regions. Neither the Chuhukon Council nor the Supreme Chancellor have jurisdiction over the Wastelands. Joining the Red Stars immediately grants you permission to pursue any target in any territory. Planet, moon, or rock. Anywhere. Except for one.”

  “You’re going to say the Union.” Aidele sighed.

  “Berricks is a Union general. Yet, he’s attacking Hinon dominion. The Council are not after him. But they can’t stop you from pursuing him. After all, he blew up our ranch, killed your father (even if indirectly), undermined the authority of law enforcement in the Wastelands (what little there is), and that makes this Wastelands business.”

  Aidele resumed pacing and brought a hand to her forehead. “But you said mom was gone for over five years. If training takes that long…” She stopped and stared at him. “We don’t have that kind of time!”

  Grandfather nodded. “Very true. However, what other choice do we have? I can tell you where your mother was held, and I can guess based on her timeframe she did share where approximately she must have discovered this secret. If you take Durante with you, I’m sure he’s smart enough to pick up the scent.”

  “I… I don’t know…” Durante said fidgeting with his fingers. “You might be giving me too much credit, and also I have a job… and…”

  Grandfather looked to him. “I’m pretty sure you’re unemployed now. And stop underestimating your skills.”

  “I have to get out of here,” Aidele said growing pale and anxious. She walked to her coat and guns, strapped on her holster, slung on her coat.

  “Did you…” Durante stepped forward. “Need some company?”

  She held up a hand as she grabbed her Grey Lance. “No. Thank you, Durante. But… I need to mull this all over for a while.”

  She put on her hat and exited the apartment.

  AFTER THE DOOR slid shut, Durante looked to Garret. “Is that true? All that you just said? That Mirra went through all of that?”

  “Unfortunately, it was. Regrettably. Tragedy strikes this family like heavy rain. I wish more than anything that it didn’t. That all of it was a lie. And we were all spared this horror.”

  Garret stared out the window, swallowed hard looking as beaten down as anyone Durante had ever seen.

  “Mirra… I never knew that she went through anything like that…”

  Garret chuckled. “Not exactly a topic of friendly conversation, now is it?”

  “No. I guess not.” He looked to the holodisplay clock on the wall behind where Garret sat. It was just after six-thirty.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: THE QUICK AND THE DEAD

  “SENATOR, I DON’T know if this is such a good idea,” Amelia said as they exited the senatorial docking bay and made for the lifts. “We need to really be seeking out assistance from the Confederate Marshals Bureau. It just seems dangerous to come back to the Praetorium. Wouldn’t that Nielson creep know you have offices here?”

  Sonoros had insisted after they found the lower shuttle bays of the Senate Affairs Building that they make their immediate destination the Consul Praetorium. She’d argued against the idea, but he refused to budge. Now she felt nerves firing up warning her of imminent danger and she was eager to get away.

  “Don’t be ridiculous! The Praetorium is the safest place on Hinon! The Praetorium Guard are superior to any other fighting force. Now, stop your fussing!”

  The urge to vacate the premises was stronger than ever. She stopped and motioned back behind her. “You know what? Since I’ve gotten you here safely, I’m just going to leave.”

  The senator stopped and turned around on her. “Oh no you don’t! You don’t get to bail on me so soon! Part of this is your fault, after all! Had you not pulled your little stunt I might’ve been able to negotiate a truce!”

  “A truce!? The man was going to kill you!”

  Sonoros snorted, “Please. You jumped to that conclusion on your own accord! Now, come along, Ms. Lynch. Wouldn’t you feel safer behind the walls of the Praetorium and under the watchful eye of the Praetorium Guard? Or would you really rather wander around the city with that maniac looking for you?”

  She wanted to shout that, no, she did not feel safer here, and to also point out he was just literally arguing he could have made a truce with said ‘maniac’. But found she was more uncertain now as before. Besides, she’d called Curt and let him know what was going on and he said he was on the comms with mom and dad as they spoke. That they were coming to get her though he said he couldn’t tell her why over open communications. Another mystery to compound with the day’s events. Though, she figured, if they were coming to the Praetorium, she would feel much safer with her parents’ protection than any old Praetorium Guard.

  Amelia relented with a nod and followed him to the lifts. Once he was safely under guard, she’d alert the Guard that her parents were coming and she needed to know when they arrived. Or just make a run for it, call Curt, and tell them to meet her somewhere. It was a small plan, but something to focus on regardless.

  The lift opened up onto what was the twelfth level and they navigated a series of corridors to the senatorial offices the senate would use (sometimes even sleep in) when sessions went overly long or were multiple day affairs. They entered a wide circular lounge where two of the Praetorium Guard were standing at the entrance speaking quietly to one another. The two were wearing some sort of Spartan inspired headgear, thick armored cuirasses, gauntlets that looked like leather but clearly sturdier in design, and a legging/boot combination that had the appearance of heavy bronze but also seemed rather flexible. All of their armor was colored white with gold trimming along armor edge, with the large mohawk sickle on top of their helmets completely gold. They came to attention as Sonoros and she passed between them.

  “You two, follow me.” Sonoros waved a hand towards them and they followed.

  A long window curved around the fr
ont of the lounge. Inside, a series of tables and chairs were scattered around like it was a cafeteria rather than a lounge. Each round table had four rolling chairs set around them. At a quick count, she figured there were eight configurations like this and it struck her as odd there weren’t any regular cushioned chairs or couches.

  Towards the back of the room was a long curving reception counter with free standing windows all along the top where each receptionist could remove one of the opaque panels to show they were available to serve the constituent’s needs. Beyond the reception counter, and to the right from her view was a doorway into Sonoros’ particular office space here. To the far left wall, another doorway leading into a corridor she could see both from the end of the curving lounge window and the open door itself.

  “I want this woman arrested and charged with assault!” Sonoros shouted as they came halfway into the room and he turned on them.

  Amelia’s eyes bulged and she raised her hands in a shocked, almost pleading gesture. “What!?”

  “She violated my personal safety and assaulted me physically!”

  “I saved your life, you pompous fuck!”

  “You tossed me out of a window on the ninety-seventh floor!”

  “Well… yeah… I mean, I did come out after you, though!”

  Sonoros turned and walked towards the office door. “Get her out of my face!”

  The two Guard grabbed an arm apiece and reached for their binders. Amelia pulled forward out of their grips screaming after Sonoros. “You’re an unbelievable asshole! I should’ve just let Nielson kill you!”