by Gavin Magson
“Where have you been, boy? I've missed you around here. What happened to your face?” asked the landlord, moving back to get a better look of Ajax.
It wasn't hard to notice the cuts and bruises, the fact that they were still visible the next day were testament to how bad they had been after the tower assault. Ajax tried to move his face away from the man's inspection, showing his slightly more presentable side.
“You should see the other guy. I've been cleaning up some scum and now I'm back for the party. Have you seen my old crew around?”
“They've headed up to the space docks, inspecting progress on the repairs I heard. They should be back for the evening.” said Sal, moving over to his desk to the right of the entrance. “Here's your key back, kid.”
Ajax pocketed the key, a little relieved he could take advantage of the bed before the men showed up. “If anyone needs me I'll be in my room, see you at dinner time, Sal.”
Ajax headed for the stairs, his footsteps heavy as they caught on the carpeted steps. The familiar groove underfoot was something he did not expect to miss. When his room’s door came into view Ajax almost fell asleep on the spot, he could already hear the mattress calling for him.
He dropped his bag to the floor and closed the door behind himself, then stripped away his soiled clothes that he tossed across the room. Ajax laid down on the stiff mattress and felt his muscles relax, it had never felt so good since his first day back from Justice One.
Despite his heavy eyelids Ajax picked up his tablet from the floor and typed up a quick message to Aiko.
Just thought you should know I am back in the sector. Ilya's union is in a few days’ time and I've been summoned back. Catching up on some much needed sleep but will talk with you later – A
Even if he tried Ajax would not have been able to stop his eyes from closing. His breathing slowed and deepened to a steady rhythm, he fell asleep just as a vibration signalled Aiko's reply.
One day, Ajax thought, I am going to wake up of my own accord, no gunshots, no persistent knocking, just a natural awakening of my body. The gentle knock on his door was barely subtle, still loud enough to rouse him from his sleep prematurely with just the faint hint of politeness to it. Ajax fell out of bed, decided that his clothes were too far apart to round up and answered the door naked; he was oblivious to the shock it caused.
Aiko stood in the corridor, her mouth hanging half open as she stopped before words could come out. Instead she moved into the room without a sound, Ajax shut the door behind and watched as she undressed and deposited her clothes haphazardly. Ajax smiled, happy that his rude awakening was turning into something a lot more pleasant. Aiko lay on his bed naked and beckoned him over.
Ajax did not need the invitation; he knelt over the woman and leant his head down to kiss her plump lips passionately. Her warm skin felt electric on his own, it spurred Ajax's excitement that pressed against Aiko's taut stomach and caused her to giggle. Ajax loved the smile he could feel as he continued to kiss her.
He did not resist when Aiko gently pushed him off, landing on his back on the firm mattress. Fingertips traced down his body as Aiko shifted to the bottom of his bed, the sudden warmth that enveloped him was as surprising as it was welcome. Tilting his head down he could see Aiko at work, her eyes met his own through the curtain of hair that enveloped her face. Ajax swept it out of the way, the sight was even more erotic than he could imagine. Soon, with a muted roar, Ajax released his long overdue orgasm.
When he thought the fireworks were over Ajax felt gentle kisses navigate his abdominal muscles, one for each of the eight. Aiko straddled the gently convulsing man, her excitement added to his own. Ajax was hypersensitive as he slid into Aiko, his stomach tightened and sat him up; Aiko took advantage and leant in for another kiss.
His scarred arms wrapped around Aiko and brought her back with him as he lay down, hips thrusting. Aiko's quite almost-grunts on each thrust were music to his ears, spurring him to increase the tempo and make her squeal more. He could not stop himself, Ajax was oblivious to the teeth and nails sinking into his shoulders as his thrusts went deeper, quicker.
His grip loosened on Aiko just as he was about to explode, the woman straightened up to buck on his groin as her own orgasm had her shaking with pleasure. A loud moan escaped her lips, Aiko's own hands kneaded at her sensitive breasts. Together they relaxed, Aiko laid back down on her lovers chest, listening to his deep breaths and pounding heart with a grin on her face.
“Well, that was unexpected.” she said, her breathing heavy and voice flustered.
The laugh from Ajax was infectious, Aiko was powerless to resist joining him. She propped herself up on an elbow to look into his piercing eyes and stubble covered face. Aiko kissed him again, still straddling the man and feeling him inside of her. When the kiss ended Ajax finally spoke for the first time.
“I've missed you. It hasn't been the same, killing bad guys and blowing up stuff just isn’t as soothing for the soul.”
“I heard that you still had your fair share of fun out there. Tell me that the demolished skyscraper is just an exaggerated report,” his sheepish shrug as Ajax avoided her gaze had her gasping with shock. “You really obliterated an entire skyscraper?”
At his gentle protests Aiko climbed off him and rolled onto her side to look at his beaten body. Her fingers ran over bruises she had not seen before and pink skin that signified fresh wounds now on the mend. Ajax could not help but think of Katherine for a split second; quickly he shook the thought from his mind.
“It was that or risk injury, perhaps even death when Malik's men came looking for their employers killers; plus I thought it would improve the slums skyline a little.” they both laughed heartily at his terrible joke. “We had no transport back to the guesthouse, even with a slight head start it would have been at least four hours before we were safe again. Couldn’t take that risk.”
“Is it possible for you to do subtle? A whole fucking skyscraper taken out, I can't believe it! You truly are a force to be reckoned with, Ajax. I pity anyone who goes up against you expecting anything other than their death.” she leaned back in for another kiss, Ajax wrapped a strong arm around her for a closer embrace.
Aiko had not long since left, the couple laid naked in each other’s arms for so long that the little light filtering through his bedroom window had disappeared as night set. Ajax had listened whilst trying to stay awake as she talked about everything he had missed in his few weeks away.
Most of Sector Six had successfully been cleared out of the resident drug dealers and suppliers, numerous factories had been razed to the ground or captured when possible. Some mercenaries had already crossed the border into Seven before Malik's demise, eager to push on and claim large rewards for themselves. The resistance they met was on a whole other level to that of Six and the mercenaries were struggling to gain a foothold in the war torn sector. Because of Seven’s larger circumference the surviving mercenaries were thin on the ground, resulting in larger incentives being offered to help draw in fresh men to help take on the challenge.
Rine survived a sloppy assassination attempt five nights ago, the contract killer had even given up the name of his benefactor under minimal torture before an example was made of him. She said the assassins screams had rung out for hours from the building he was nailed to; no other attempts had been made on Rine's life since, despite rumour of the ever increasing bounty on offer.
When she had left he showered, enjoying the refreshing feeling of warm water, and privacy, whilst scrubbing away the day. Fresh clothes were packed away where he had left them, none suffering from the numerous rips and tears that his current ensemble had been riddled with. Finally clean Ajax left his rooms sanctuary and headed in search of the crew.
Ajax sat at the table closest to the fire, a crisp beer held tightly in hand as he waited for Sarah to return with his meal. If Sal wasn't so adamant he owed a life debt to Ajax he would at least expect saliva to be mixed in with his meals, the
look of rage on Sarah's face was turning into a permanent expression when he was present. He took no notice, being civil had not worked to quell her anger; he had long since accepted that her friendship was something he would never have again.
His tablet rested within easy reach on the table. His eyes drifted towards it every so often as he waited impatiently for Greg to finally reply. Ajax had sent the man a message about being back in the sector and that he hoped they could join him tonight; he left out the part about missing them, not wanting to face ridicule when they did finally surface.
His food arrived and the plate almost bounced as it crashed onto the table, rattling his tankard and spilling ale onto the wooden table. Maria looked over from the table she was serving and caught Ajax's smile, she returned it with one of her own and a shake of her head as Sarah paced back to the kitchen. He did not know when it had happened but at last the woman had warmed to him, hopefully she would also no longer shyly avoid looking at him when Ajax spoke.
The meal was just as delicious as he had come to expect of Sal's cooking, the man seemed to have no limit in creating delectable dishes and it was one of many reasons the tavern was always packed out with customers. Barely a few mouthfuls into the meal his tablet vibrated, Ajax wiped his greasy fingers on a napkin before checking the message.
Just leaving transport hub, should be with you soon. Keep some seats warm and the beer cold for the four of us – Greg
Ajax did not send a reply, instead he focused on getting as much of the rich food down him as he could before the crew arrived. No doubt he would need a full stomach to combat the amount of alcohol they would force him to drink, despite his valiant protests. He could not even lie to himself; he would never protest against their wishes to drink. He was curious to meet this new crew member, since Greg had given him no update since mentioning a replacement had been hired for Ilya.
Maria walked over to his table when the service looked to be slowing down, most of the occupied tables were already enjoying their meals or had finished the dishes. He did not even need to say anything she just checked inside his tankard and took it away to be refilled automatically. Ajax counted the seconds in his mind and was surprised by just how swiftly she returned with his drink. Before she could leave again he began talking.
“How have you been, kid? Long time since I last saw you.” her face flushed instantly, bringing colour to her pale cheeks.
“I'm fine, thanks to you I haven't had any trouble since you've been away. My tips have increased too.” he had forgotten just how sweet and innocent Maria's voice sounded. Ajax smiled at the thought of customers running scared of this harmless girl. At least she was finally bringing in more money, which she worked damned hard to earn.
“I am glad that my actions weren't in vain, just make sure that if anything bad ever happens to you again that you don't hesitate in telling me; I've always got your back, Maria. I see Sarah is still wishing for a slow and painful death to befall me. Has she said much whilst I've been away?” he asked.
“At least every other day someone will mention your name, it can take hours to calm her down at times. I don't understand why she is so upset, eliminating the contradictions from her version of events it sounds like you did the right thing in turning down her advances, especially since she moved on so swiftly whilst you were away.”
“If you, as a woman, cannot understand her then I and every other man out there are doomed to forever see women as an unsolvable enigma.”
Her snort had him laughing even harder; his own words left Ajax chuckling long after Maria had left to serve new customers. Just as he was raising the fresh beer to his lips the tavern door swung out once more, three familiar faces traipsing in out of the cold with a fourth in tow. Ajax stood up, Duke spotted him first as the crew surveyed the room, his meaty hand pointing the man out to Greg and Lev.
Ajax had done well to save seats for the crew, who bustled their way through the packed room until hands were being shaken and voices overlapped each other. Sat opposite Ajax was a tall woman, flame red hair tied up to keep out of her eyes, her strong face and big eyes staring back at him. There was a fierce intelligence working away, weighing him up as he too studied her.
Maria returned, though only briefly to take a fresh round of drink orders. She left them with a confident smile, snapping his concentration and lifting Ajax's spirit even more; Duke, ever watchful, had been studying the man's face the whole time.
“You did a wonderful thing that day, Ajax, all I have heard off Sal for weeks is how he has never seen Maria so happy since her parents passing. She had a lot of confidence restored since you protected her against those thugs, I think she has even started courting a local bakers son as well.” said the captain.
“Damn, and I was hoping she could be my backup,” said Ajax to a few stifled laughs and a call of being a cradle robber. “It's great to see you guys, it has been far too long since I left. I see that you had success during your recruitment drive. Have they warned you about the terrible accident that left them a crew member down?” He asked of the newcomer.
“If by accident you mean falling in love then yes, they warned me all about Ilya. I’ve not been told much about you, Ajax, only what I saw for myself that night you killed Kayne. I, too, was fighting that night. The name is Deborah.”
“You guys could have at least played a small trick on Deborah first. I did not recognise you at first, now that you mention that night I can’t help but remember your fight, or what little there was of it before you finished off your opponent. I see that you will be more than capable of taking care of these buffoons when you’re next off planet. I take it you've received a message off Ilya about the union?” Maria returned with a tray of drinks and the crew did not hesitate in snatching one each.
“I had something through to the tablet from Ilya yesterday, about the suit fitting, right? I'm surprised the union has been moved forward, we saw her only last week, a rare sighting indeed. She told us that there was a month left until her big day, even gave us the date.” said Greg.
“Any idea what the reason behind bringing it forward is?” asked Ajax.
“Not a clue I'm afraid, your guess would be as good as ours. We should see her tomorrow so you'll have an opportunity to ask her-”
Duke cut over Greg's words, not acknowledging the man's anger at the act. “Enough union talk, tell us about your time in Sector Six; I've been hearing some interesting reports from the border near Seven.”
“Not even a day and that story has already reached here, why am I even surprised by that? Look, I'll admit I might have got a little caught up in the moment but demolishing that skyscraper was our best chance of stopping any kind of pursuit; Malik's men were loyal even after his death.” answered Ajax.
Judging by the stunned silence that enveloped the crew members something he had said was unexpected by them men. Deborah let out a reserved laugh as the rest caught up to speed with what he had meant.
“You were the one who brought that building down?” asked Lev after the shock settled, “And you killed Malik? We only heard what had happened, not who was involved.”
“I wasn't the one who killed Malik, but I’d have given it a good shot if I had the chance. That was a mercenary named Miles, I’m sure you would all like him, if you ever met. I was an adoptive member of his squad; he's a good guy to have on your side in a fire fight. I thought you knew all the details and that is why you asked?”
“How did you manage to bring down an entire skyscraper single handed?” asked Duke.
“With a cannon.”
“Where did you find a freaking cannon in the slums?”
“After repelling out of Malik's office to sneak around his men we caught the elevators down to the ground floor. Outside a few of the survivors had erected a barricade out of some factory equipment, I'm not entirely sure where they found the cannon but after I had killed them I turned it on the buildings supports. I'm sure you can figure the rest out for yourself.”
/> “Forget I even asked, you are some fucked up and crazy bastard who never ceases to surprise me. Let's get some drinks down you before you level the city with a piece of string, two matches, an empty beer bottle and some dried rat shit.” said an exasperated Duke.
Chapter 16
Ajax awoke to a cloudy morning, this time it was the patter of rain ricocheting off the roof that served as a gentle wake up alarm for him, no knock upon his door. He was thankful that his head did not ache today; he could even remember the majority of his night and how he had gone to bed early before the quantity of beer could get out of hand. This had come as a shock to the crew members, yet their protests were half-hearted due to their own weariness from a long day. Deborah had left earlier to return home, which had derailed any thought of heavy drinking and given him an out. Ajax was proud of his own restraint, he knew that tomorrow night would only be worse.
At some time during their evening one of the crew, Duke by his hazy recollection, had mentioned that Ilya would be spending the night before her union at the Haven. He had already forgotten the reason given, something about a tradition perhaps? Nonetheless Ajax was looking forward to seeing Ilya again, more so than the crew from the impression he got. None of the men had voiced it but Ajax knew from the words not said that they resented Ilya for not visiting more often. He had to admit she had been far too distant for his liking, the distance between them premature to match Henry’s demands, yet there was little Ajax could do to change that.
Ajax climbed out of bed and walked naked into the cold bathroom, oblivious to the morning chill. He stared hard into the mirror at his face, what looked back surprised him. Ajax could not remember the last time he had shaved, which would soon have to be remedied, his stubble now closer to being a beard and matted with last night’s food and beer.