Ajax: Relinquished

by Gavin Magson

  The bruises were almost completely faded, one laceration had turned into a white scar that diagonally cut through his eyebrow. The blade had barely stopped just shy of blinding him, judging from how close the scar now ran. Ajax could not remember when he had picked up the injury, they had begun to fade into one continuous act of violence. He shrugged and dismissed the thought, his mind more occupied with the apparent slowdown of his assisted healing.

  Since his return after being rescued by Rose he had noticed that the more serious wounds were taking longer to mend, with evidence of them still present days later. Steiner had said little about the nano machines limitations, whether they had an effective lifespan or if they required a booster dose for the heavier user. Ajax made a mental note to go see the man, presuming Steiner was still alive after the numerous attempts on his life, and suss out if the augment required attention. He turned the tap of his sink and attended to more pressing matters.

  It took a few minutes to hack his way through the facial growth, starting with his combat knife before digging out a razor from the compartments behind the sinks mirror. When he looked a little more presentable Ajax had a quick shower, before towelling himself off with enthusiasm and sourcing an outfit for the day. He made sure that the clothes in the best repair of his selection were put aside for when they met up with Ilya tomorrow; he did not want to look unkempt or bedraggled for the last night in her company.

  Duke had ensured that Ajax did not leave their table without being told that he would suffer a fate worse than death if he woke the drunken captain at an obscene hour. Ajax thought it was safe to assume the same extended to Greg and Lev as he decided to head downstairs for breakfast.

  The fire had not long since been ignited, its heat was just starting to spread around the large dining room as Ajax sat down at a table. One day he was going to wake up incredibly early, just to test if he could be the first diner; not once had he sat down to an empty room.

  Maria appeared out of nowhere just as his mind had wandered to thoughts of the slums; her presence made him jump in his seat. Her child like giggle did not help his embarrassment, and earned Maria a few curses that made her go silent and red.

  “I'm sorry, Maria, I did not mean anything I said. Just a little jumpy for some reason today.” he said, patting the girl’s hand.

  “It's okay, I've heard a lot worse from the customers. What can I get you today? The special is battered fish; we haven't had any in stock for weeks.”

  “I'll take one, can’t risk missing out on that. Some fruit juice to drink wouldn’t go amiss; if you don't have any then something non-alcoholic, please.”

  Maria flipped close her notebook and headed for the kitchens. She returned swiftly with an orange coloured drink that was refreshing for not containing alcohol, Ajax savoured the rare experience. He fired his tablet into life and scrolled through the map of Sector Seven to watch over the three dots he knew to be the squad members.

  Miles had not hesitated in moving into Seven, the readout showed they were at least half a mile into the outer sector. Ajax hoped that his own extreme measures would get Jerry back up on his feet and fighting once more; two men, even as experienced as Rex and Miles, would not last long against a renewed threat.

  Several more red dots were in close vicinity, moving through a wide street slowly. Ajax was focusing on them when one winked out, followed by a second; somewhere in the slums men were dying whilst he sat in the Haven enjoying a sweet drink and awaiting a hot meal. It just did not feel right.

  The sound of a plate connecting with the wooden table snapped him out of the thought. Maria presented a crispy battered fish with an intriguing sauce drizzled on top of it and the accompanying vegetables. Ajax snatched up the knife and fork, his blade slid through the tender fish effortlessly as he enthusiastically began attacking the meal.

  His food did not last long, soon the plate was cleared away by an astonished Maria. Ajax, surprised by his own appetite this morning, ordered a second smaller meal that was soon left digesting in his rumbling stomach. Despite the room gradually filling with more guests and patrons Ajax made no attempt to conceal the act of loosening his own belt, his stomach inflated with its contents.

  Ajax looked up at the room’s clock and saw that he had been awake for over an hour, the dim lighting from outside had suggested no time at all had passed. He briefly considered risking waking up the crew when Duke came into view; perfect timing that prevented him from suffering the man's wrath.

  The captain appeared a little haggard, bleary eyes blinked rapidly despite the rooms soft lighting. The effects of last night had caught up to him and the man moved unsteadily on his feet. Ajax had left the trio to enjoy their drinks, thinking that they would not be staying up much later; it appeared he was very wrong.

  “You look like a reanimated corpse, Duke, and that is putting it kindly. How long were you guys up drinking?” asked Ajax as the captain sat down at his table.

  “You really have a way with words, I didn't realise you were such a warm person. I can't remember how late it was, I think Greg left not long after you to be sick, but Lev and I stayed for a couple more. Damn, my head feels like it is splitting apart.”

  Duke managed a smile despite the evident discomfort he was in as Maria sidled up to their table, pen and paper in hand. Ajax recommended the fish special to him, the barely audible curse going unheard by Maria, who could not understand Ajax's sudden laughter.

  Duke ordered something heavily fried and riddled with grease, along with a pitcher of water and a glass. When the water appeared Ajax saw him produce two tablets that he swallowed with a large mouthful before refilling the glass. Despite being tempted to he chose not to ask Duke what they were for, the man did not look to be in a jovial mood this morning.

  Within a few minutes Duke seemed slightly more alert and human once more, no longer squinting when sunlight broke through a cloud to shine on him. When the meal arrived Ajax was happy that his hunger had long been sated, he was sure he saw the food glide gently across the plate on a layer of oil.

  “Do you know what the plan of attack is today?” asked Ajax, averting his eyes from the cardiac meal.

  “You had best ask Greg, he received a message off Ilya after you left, I think. Couldn't tell you what it said though.” answered Duke between huge mouthfuls of meat.

  “I'll go up and see him, he and Lev probably need waking up anyway. I'll be back in a few minutes, enjoy your food.”

  Ajax tightened his belt theatrically, Duke spotted the gesture and chuckled whilst slurping down his water noisily. Ajax crossed the busy room, weaving between the haphazardly placed tables until he reached the stairs sanctuary. Up two flights and around the corner he found himself stood outside Greg's door, mimicking Aiko the day before by knocking gently; he desperately hoped it did not garner the same result. Thankfully Lev answered full clothed, the sour smell of bile drifted past the giant to Ajax's nostrils.

  “How are you and Greg doing today? Duke is downstairs devouring breakfast like a half starved animal, he said Greg had to leave the table prematurely last night.”

  “I think the smell can confirm that for you,” answered Lev sourly. “He's doing a lot better this morning, I think he's just having a shower before we head down for food. Has Duke told you about Ilya's message from last night?”

  “Unfortunately he was too pissed to remember. What was it about?”

  “Basically it was where and when to go for our suit fittings. She said you had met the man before, I believe his name is David. We can talk about it in a bit, Greg and I will be down soon.”

  “Okay then, I'll see you in a few minutes. I shall do my best not to make fun of him when you guys show up.”

  When Ajax re-joined Duke at their table the captain had cleared his plate and was mopping up the juices with some fresh bread and a grizzled grin on his face. Ajax lowered himself into the seat and loosened his belt once again; Duke laughed at the sight and earned himself a few choice words that would
make anyone blush.

  “Greg will be down in a bit, he's having a shower, probably in the hopes that he will feel better for it. The message was just about the shop we will be fitted for suits, it's the same place I went with Ilya when I was last in the sector. You'll enjoy David, he's a pretty strange character.”

  Duke finally admitted there was nothing left on his plate to soak up and finished his remaining chunk of bread. The couple stepped into the dining room, even from this distance Ajax knew something wasn't right, and they pulled up some seats at the table. Greg looked almost on the verge of death, his ashen face was locked in a permanent grimace and Ajax could not resist chuckling.

  “Lev was telling me about Ilya's message. What time are we due to turn up for this suit fitting?” asked Ajax as the newcomers order breakfast from Maria.

  Greg looked at the clock behind Ajax before answering the man. “We have little over an hour, Ilya did say she would be busy today so won't see us during the fitting.”

  “Well then get eating before we miss our appointment,” said Ajax. “We all know how dangerous it would be to get on Ilya's bad side.”

  They were fortunate that the rain had relented into a thin mist after yesterday’s heavy downpour, not its usual endless torrent that could clear streets in seconds. Ajax led the group through the city, navigating his way through the busy streets and numerous stalls from memory. Behind him the crew traipsed along, attempting to recover from their fragile states.

  As they squeezed through the small shops door Lev grumbled about the thin passage that lead inside the shop, his wide frame almost jammed in the narrow gap. David appeared into view with a beaming grin on his face, always happy to see customers.

  “I was wondering when I would see you again, Mr Frost. I see Ilya has been busy these past couple of weeks recruiting a few more customers my way. I believe you are all here to be fitted for suits?” asked David.

  “You would be correct there, we are in need of four please, David.” said Ajax.

  “Step this way and I can get your measurements for the fabricators.” David turned to lead them deeper inside his shop, without a look back to ensure they followed.

  One by one the men were invited into a strange capsule in the rear of David's shop. Inside the opalescent chamber Greg stood still as per David's instructions, the shopkeeper’s voice sounded muted as it called through the barrier. A light spanning the width of the capsule scanned him from head to toe, then rotated ninety degrees before going back for round two. Greg didn't waste any time in leaving when David announced he was done, his complexion turning pale green from the fast moving light.

  The remaining three followed his example, standing stock still as the lights moved up and down their bodies. Those stood outside awaiting their turn witnessed the muttered commentary from David; none understood what he talked about under his breath.

  “That should do for now, gentlemen, I'll just check up on the fabricators progress. Bear with me a few minutes and I'll have your order sorted.”

  David's slender figure disappeared behind a tall rack of clothes as if he teleported, Ajax was not the only one left stunned as the shopkeeper vanished. He sat down on a worn leather chair that could easily be older than the shop’s owner, and was joined shortly by the crew members.

  “Anyone else a little freaked out by this creepy man?” asked Duke.

  Greg and Lev nodded in agreement before Ajax could interrupt their discussion. “I know David can be odd but he is all right, he goes out of his way to help his customers without coming across as pushy, unlike most shop owners I’ve met. Besides, this is all for Ilya, I'm sure you can tough it out for a little bit longer, guys.”

  “Fine, just don't expect me to become a regular customer here.” said Greg. “It's a month’s wage for most items in here, if we get paid on time,” Duke shot his communications officer a dark look, which only eased when Greg grinned back at the man. “No wonder why it is empty, he would do better trade in a more affluent sector.”

  The men sat in an awkward silence, staring at stacked shelves with trepidation. David returned without warning and carried four freshly made suits in his hands, smiling at the surprise on the four men's faces. He handed them out to their respective owners and invited them to try their new suits on in case any adjustments were needed.

  No one wasted any time trying on their suits, everyone knew that the sooner they had finished being fitted the sooner they could escape David's business. Ajax had to admit that his tailored suit was a perfect fit; David only had to trim off a few excess threads to finish off his outfit. The dark blue of his suit was complimented by matching trousers, a pearl shirt, and a pair of polished black shoes.

  “I have to say you certainly make a mean suit, David, it is a shame more people aren't using your shop on a regular basis. Have any of the other guests for Ilya's union been for a fitting?” Ajax asked.

  “To be honest I have been inundated with custom recently, Ilya really saved me from bankruptcy with her union. I am just glad she found something so appealing about my business. These suits are all made by machine, I cannot claim much credit for something I did not fully create. There just is not much call for handmade clothes any more, the costs are too high, plus most people cannot patiently wait for their clothes to be finished.”

  Ajax stepped out of the fitting room, which allowed Lev's large frame to ease inside the narrow cubicle and emit a few more curses at the small shop. Outside Duke and Greg waited, their suits already checked for a good fit. The men sat in silence once more, waiting for Lev to join them so they could leave.

  Lev stepped out of the fitting room and shook David by his hand, making the sight look like an exchange between father and son. Ajax stifled a laugh as the trio rose from their seats, each shaking the tailors hand in thanks.

  “I hope you gentlemen visit again soon, I am quite proud of these suits and, with your measurements on file, can craft new clothes within minutes for you. I'll just bag them for you so that they don't crease before the big day. Give my best to Ilya when you see her again, and perhaps thank her fiancé for picking up the bill for your suits.” David seemed to only be gone a moment before he returned with four full length bags that held trousers, jacket, and shirt, as well as a selection of ties for the men.

  “Thank you, David, I am sure that Ilya will be just as impressed as we are by your work. Take care and I shall make sure to see you again soon.” said Ajax.

  The men made every effort to not rush out of the shop, not one wished to be rude. Lev ducked low to avoid braining himself on the door frame as they escaped into the afternoon breeze. None looked back at the quaint shopkeeper as he waved them goodbye.

  The next morning Ajax set off from the tavern early, taking advantage of the weathers brief lull from attacking the city. He had awoken to a fresh day, pale sunlight glinting through sparse white cloud and with no imminent threat of unpleasant weather. Aiko, too, was eager to take advantage of a pleasant morning and had invited him to see her favourite part of the sector, the long disused public park that began at the sectors inner circumference, in the shadow of Sector Three.

  “I had no idea a place such as this even existed, no one has ever told me there was so much greenery in this sector.” said Ajax as they strolled across a street to the park’s entrance.

  Aiko's gloved fingers felt like velvet against his naked skin, their hands meshed together and keeping his from freezing; at least he had worn a weatherproof jacket. A metallic lattice stretched in the shape of an arch marked the park’s entrance, high iron railings wrapped with organic tendrils and heavily rusted stretched away on either side of the arch, forming a boundary. The park looked nothing short of ominous to Ajax; Aiko almost had to drag him inside.

  “This was my favourite place when growing up, I spent most of my summers reading under trees or learning to identify the different types of plants. You need to come back here when the sunlight returns, it really is a magical place, nothing like it looks now.”
said Aiko, leading the way.

  A paved path, deep cracks like veins spreading in every direction, lead them further into the dying and overgrown bedlam. Ajax had to duck under branches and step around rotting leaves and animal excrement, he was unsure if his companion was seeing the same as his eyes. The place had long since fallen into ruin and no one had tended to the park in years, perhaps even decades.

  “Why did you spend so much time here, didn't you have friends to play with when you were a child?” asked Ajax.

  “Not many. My mother died during childbirth and my father, for as long as I can remember, drank to forget the pain. I tried to spend as much time away from him, because his sadness was like a disease, it was infectious and all consuming. Even our pets were sad, most died after only a few years; it wasn't the happiest of homes to grow up in. So I hid out here, among the flowers and plants whenever I could, keeping to myself and away from his misery.”

  “Was your father a violent man?”

  “Quite the opposite, I would often find him passed out or incapable of basic functions he was so intoxicated; not once did he raise a hand to me. He was never there for me, which is why I lead a life “hardly befitting of woman who came from wealth”.” Ajax tried to hide his surprise, yet Aiko instantly noticed the hesitation in his steps at the mention of wealth. “This is where I first met Rine,” said Aiko, stopping as they entered a clearing.

  The grass was almost frozen underfoot, yet it did not stop Aiko from laying down the blanket she had packed and sitting on it. Ajax followed her example, he crouched down and dropped the last foot; he regretting it instantly, the ground was harder than concrete. Aiko could not help laugh at his discomfort, his face contorted in a grimace of pain.

  “You know most people would not laugh at another’s pain without first checking they are okay.” said Ajax through gritted teeth.