Ajax: Relinquished

by Gavin Magson

  Steiner leant over the table, his glasses back in place as he studied the wound. Ajax watched on as blood slowly oozed from the wound and ran down his arm to the table’s surface. It was over a minute before either saw any discernible change in the wound. Eventually the skin was pulled taught and the flow came to a halt. Within another minute the wound was knitted back together, yet when Steiner handed Ajax a cloth to wipe away the blood the force managed to partially open the wound again.

  When the skin was once more joined Steiner sat back in his chair, his face contorted as he mulled over what he had witnessed.

  “You said that the prison had something to do with your augment. I think it best that you explain what you mean by that.” said Steiner.

  “In the prison I attempted to save another prisoners life by slicing open my finger and inserting it into an open wound that was too big to clot before the man died of blood loss. I had exhausted all other options and thought it a viable method of saving him.

  “It worked, within hours the wound had healed sufficiently that he managed to stage a recovery. I also used the same technique last week whilst out in Six to save a fellow mercenary from succumbing to something, I suspect possibly blood poisoning might have been at fault that time. Not to mention someone did a good job of turning me into a colander prior to this and I spent three days unconscious from the wounds.”

  “Pick either one, Ajax, all could explain why the augment is taking considerably longer to kick in. I did not design it for such constant use, or for substituting your nano machines into another person’s body. You probably have barely a third of the original cluster left within you, and the majority of them will be close to burning up from the amount of exertion you’ve put them through.” Steiner removed his glasses with one hand whilst his other kneaded the bridge of his nose. “I’ve not got anything that could help you right now, but I could prepare a booster dose in a couple of weeks’ time. I even have some work that you could do to cover the costs if credits are an issue with you.”

  “I’m only back in the sector for a few days at most; Rine still needs men down in Seven to help with his plans. Credits won’t be an issue, but if they can wait I’d be interested in those jobs when I get back.”

  Steiner pushed his chair backwards and walked around the table to meet Ajax as the man rose out of his seat. Ajax peered down at the pathetic attempt at a comb over and couldn’t stop himself smirking at the sight.

  “Some can wait, one or two will have to be contracted out to some previous acquaintances of mine. You do good work, so I shall hold onto those that I can for a while until you’re finished in Seven.” Steiner walked towards the front door, with Ajax following a step behind. “You need to be careful whilst you are out there, I cannot guarantee that those nano machines will be able to prevent the next serious wound from being a fatal one. You’ve taken the augment far beyond the limits I envisioned for it; I’m amazed that it has lasted you this long at the rate you’ve been racking up the injuries.”

  Ajax opened the front door, feeling again the cool winter wind rush around him to sap away the warmth that he had been enjoying.

  “Don’t worry about me, I will be far more careful with this augment whilst you’re preparing the booster. No more attempts at saving lives at the risk of my own, right? Send me a message when it is ready to pick up, along with a bill, and I will be along swiftly to pay up and collect.”

  “I shall see you soon then, Ajax. Make sure you are in one piece next time you visit.”

  Ajax stepped through the threshold and bounded down the steps, not waiting to allow the cold to chill him anymore. His quick pace soon turned back into a jog as he angled himself in the direction of the Haven.

  When Ajax stepped back into the tavern he found that both waitresses were attending tables this morning, criss-crossing the dining room in a practiced dance to avoid treading on toes in order to serve the numerous diners this morning. Ajax found a secluded table in the corner and could not help but chuckle to himself when Sarah turned to see him relaxing into a padded chair.

  It was almost instantaneous, her lips curled as a snarl began to appear and he braced for the torrent of abuse to come. He could only imagine what her snarling, shrill voice would do when married with his headache; the torture would be murderous. Maria, his own guardian angel, intercepted and marched over to his table, notepad already appearing as if by magic. Sarah deflated in front of his eyes; she was denied an opportunity to punish him once more.

  “What can I get you this fine morning, Mr Frost?” a mischievous grin spread across Maria's face, he found it slightly unsettling and wholly menacing.

  “Anything you can prescribe to combat a chronic case of dehydration. What is with the smile? You look like you are in on a joke concerning me.”

  “You don't remember last night? I don't think it is my place to tell you, it's probably best you ask uncle Sal later on. What would you like to drink, fruit juice again?”

  “I think I eat here too often, you know me far too well. A big glass this time. I'll have a word with Sal when I see him.”

  If he was not careful and did not stop watching that girl's gait soon Ajax was going to find himself in a world of trouble; he just could not resist staring at the wiggle of her hips. Thinking of Maria that way only sparked the memory of last night, and how real the dream had felt. He just could not tell if it was fact or fiction, even if common sense screamed at him that it could not possibly have happened. It was everything he had ever imagined a kiss with Ilya would be, yet it was almost too perfect. The memory, or dream, was something he would unashamedly cherish, but not boast about. He let the thought die, though it still stared at him from the recesses of his mind, along with his concern over the diminished effectiveness of his artificial healing augment. Worrying about the nano machines would do nothing to help him at this stage, even if that thought was not a comforting one.

  Ajax found himself struggling to eat the meal once it was presented to him, despite all the aromas that filled his nostrils and sent his stomach churning. He realised the reason he was taking his time: he was filled with dread that left his body numb. Ajax was petrified about the day ahead and the commitment Ilya would be making. From their first meeting Ajax had taken an instant dislike to Henry, understandably so considering his terms for Ajax’s freedom; he had barely resisted telling Ilya about Henry’s true nature last night.

  Ajax was still slowly consuming his mostly intact meal when Aiko walked in the tavern, a chill winter wind briefly circulating the room. Ajax was so focused on trying to stomach his meal that he did not notice her entering. It was an impatient clearing of her throat that finally got his attention. When Ajax looked up between mouthfuls his jaw dropped.

  Aiko was certainly dressed to impress, and he was stunned by the sight before him. The full length dress that she wore caught the morning light and dazzled his very senses. He could not tell if it was wholly silver, gold, pale blue, or a multi-coloured material that shifted constantly; it felt like his eyes were incapable of focusing on the colour of her dress. With her hair tied up, minimal make-up used to expert effect, and ruby red lips Ajax instantly cleared his mind of all thoughts other than this beautiful woman.

  “You look like a goddess.” he said, rising from his seat to kiss the beauty.

  “If you think we are having sex before this union you have another thing coming, it took too long to get myself looking this good to have it ruined by you.” Aiko still managed to wear that seductive smile whilst she spoke, her harsh words softened enough not to wound.

  “Honestly, that was only meant as a compliment. If you had taken me upstairs I wouldn't have resisted your advances; I genuinely think you look beautiful and could not help but tell you.”

  “Well there is someone who is definitely more interested in sex than compliments.” she said, lowering her gaze.

  Ajax caught up to speed and turned his body away from any prying eyes as Aiko laughed at his embarrassment. He offered her
the seat next to him and moved the chair out for her. When Aiko sat down Ajax helped push the chair in and misjudged his positioning as he moved his hips. Aiko could not contain herself after she was struck.

  Through long, loud bursts of laughter Aiko managed to say, “Did you do that on purpose just to get some action? You do know that I will be coming back with you tonight?”

  His red face just fuelled her, keeping the laughter going even when Maria came over to their table.

  “Is there anything I can get your guest, Ajax?” Maria asked.

  “Perhaps some form of gag? Have you eaten yet, Aiko?” he asked the woman when she finally began to calm down.

  “I'm fine, I could go for a glass of water though, please.” Maria scurried away with a smile on her face. “Such a sweet girl, I hope I don't need to be jealous of you two. It's a good thing you aren't already dressed for the union, you've spilt gravy all down your vest. Obviously someone was too distracted during their lessons of how to eat correctly.”

  “I didn't ask you to be my date and clothes critic. You need not worry about my appearance come time to leave, the suit that was made for me is beyond my expectations. I might need your help a little with my tie though.”

  Aiko sipped at her glass of water. “You need my help, but not my criticisms? I think there might be a slight contradiction there; I cannot offer one without the other. Why don't you show me your suit now so we have time to get you presentable?”

  “Fine, just don't laugh at me too much. All this pomp has left me ill at ease.”

  Chapter 18

  Ajax shivered. It started off in his shoulders, the involuntary twitches causing them to shake slowly, before it ran down his back and soon reached his legs. They had only been stood outside for a few minutes before he had offered his jacket to Aiko, after seeing what little colour had been in her face drain away quickly. Ajax checked his tablet again and swore. When Duke turned back to look at him he realised the curse had been louder than intended.

  “Is everything all right with you, Ajax?” asked the captain.

  “I am freezing my balls off, how do you think I am feeling?”

  The small crowd chuckled, yet soon halted when their owners saw the deathly glare in Ajax's eyes. The group stood in silence for a few more minutes, each staring expectantly at the courtyards entrance. Ajax was considering turning back inside to wait out their transport when a sleek black and silver hover glided into the courtyard and began to slow. The driver turned it around in a long arc and pulled up expertly, almost at their feet, with barely a whisper from the engine. Ajax did not expect the driver to get out of the hovers cab and open the door for them; it was certainly an impressive and professional sight, and a welcome one to the frozen group who piled in without hesitation.

  Inside the vehicle they sat on monogrammed black leather seats generously decorated with golden gilding and free of any blemishes. The passengers hardly noticed that the hover had already left the courtyard; the ride was smooth and soundless, tinted windows filtered out most of the already dim light from outside and left them secluded. Aiko handed Ajax his jacket back, the noiseless heaters that gently applied warmth to all of them swiftly took care of the morning chill.

  “I am seriously impressed, it looks like someone pulled out all the stops for today. I've been to plenty of unions in my time and have never been so comfortable, or this sober. Been to a few where the man was participating by gunpoint, usually with a pregnant bride in tow.” said Duke to no one in particular, only a forced chuckle from Greg his reward.

  The five passengers did not exchange any more words, all were caught up in their own thoughts as the driver navigated the streets of Sector Four. Ajax was concentrating on their route, which appeared to be heading for the train station, when the hover turned off to head for the furthest side of the sector. Soon they passed the large warehouses where Rine ran his business from, but kept travelling until they were in an open space in an area Ajax had never seen before. He was beginning to wonder where they were heading when Ajax spotted the ramp that pointed away from the mountain side.

  To his right a line of hovers queued up, though these seemed far bulkier than the common hover seen occasionally navigating the streets. The exhausts for the vehicles were blocky, tall and deep enough for a man to step inside, which suggested powerful engines. He was piecing together the puzzle when a swift burst of acceleration pushed the passengers back into their seats. Their hover hit the gentle incline of the ramp at speed, still accelerating as it launched into the air. The streets began to disappear below as Ajax watched the sector begin to shrink.

  “Greg, where exactly is Ilya's union being held?” asked a nervous Ajax.

  “She said it was a surprise, not even Ilya knows where it is. I suspect we are soon going to find out.” answered the man.

  Ajax turned around in his seat to look out the window closest to him. Through it he watched as the city stretched out below, until he could no longer recognise the buildings from so far away. He knew that hovers were capable of flight, typically for only short duration, so wherever they were heading could not be that far away. The answer was staring him in the face as they began to circle the floating mass, a sight he had only witnessed once before, and far briefer that time. He pointed it out to Greg, who crossed the hover at a crouch to see it for his very own eyes.

  “You have got to be kidding me? The union is in Zero? No way, this is not possible.” Ajax could see the same thought spread among the other three. Greg stared past Ajax with a mixed expression of horror and curiosity as he tried to process the surprise.

  “Why is that so hard to believe?” asked Ajax.

  “Sometimes I forget you are not from around here,” said Greg. “The only people who live in Sector Zero are either born there or earn enough money for the Toll; it's unheard of for people like us to step foot on Zero, even for a few hours. Ten thousand citizens from Four couldn’t earn in a lifetime what it would cost for the Toll.”

  “What did he mean by not from around here?” asked Aiko, her eyes locked to his with confusion written across her face.

  Panic flared up inside him at her question, but he tried not to show his fear. Greg had forgotten that not everyone present knew his secret. Now was not the time to be letting Aiko in on his past; he had not even considered doing so before today. Only Duke's fast thinking saved the moment.

  “It's a joke the crew have about Ajax's little problem. He did tell you about his amnesia, right?” said the captain.

  “Amnesia? You have never said anything about this to me before.” Ajax was shocked by the hurt in her eyes.

  “There was never a good time to tell you, I didn't want you to be scared away. It’s not an easy subject for me to talk about. To be honest with you I am embarrassed about my problem, and have not let anyone outside of the crew in on the secret. I have no real memory of my past, save for a handful of snapshots that tell me little of my life.

  “There was an accident aboard the ship, or so I'm told.” he cast Duke a look he hoped appeared questioning to Aiko. “My memory begins the day before I killed Rascas, when I awoke in a strange ship to people I did not know. I've spent the last few months learning all about the city I grew up in with the hope of being around something familiar reknitting my memories. The doctor said if my memory didn't return in a few weeks that it might not ever come back. I thought if you knew about this that you would worry, or think me a freak and leave.”

  Aiko lent in to kiss him tenderly, one soft hand gently caressing his face as Lev and Greg protested comically to the display of affection. When she pulled away it was only a few inches, locking eyes with Ajax as she spoke.

  “Of course I worry, but I am more worried about you getting shot up in the slums than remembering your past. If you have the important people around you, and life is good, just look forward to making new memories. Don't ever let go of us.”

  The cabin shook gently, so subtle it was barely noticeable to its passengers. As one the
y looked outside the windows at the vista beyond, each stunned into silence. Their chauffeur walked around and opened the hovers door.

  “Zero is the prize sector of Konar City, it floats nearly half a mile above the tallest peak of Sector One. The hovering sectors underside is coated with a technology that camouflages against any person seeing the city from below, whilst those who fly above it can enjoy an enviable view of paradise.” Ajax listened intently as Greg spoke. He could not believe just how good the place looked up close; it exceeded his wildest expectations tenfold. He was reminded of his first day on Konar, of the glorious sight he was denied experiencing as the shuttle plummeted onwards, no sign of slowing for the isolated sector.

  Unlike the icy winter that ravaged the city below the inhabitants of Zero enjoyed an eternal summer; artificial rain fell three hours before dawn, snow could be ordered for anyone feeling festive, but they never suffered the colds of winter. People froze to death in the streets far below whilst the wealthy had prime seats to watch from above. None of this was known to Ajax, but he still took an instant dislike to the class above and their eternal luxury; they knew nothing of hardship, of fighting for survival every day in a hostile world.

  The chauffeur left his vehicle on the landing platform and escorted the group along avenues of gold and marble; everyone was too stunned to speak as he led the way. Ajax almost lost them when they moved through a square, a grand statue that towered at its centre attracted all his attention and he did not realise he was left alone. Someone had chiselled through something akin to granite, a silver grey shimmer caught the viewer’s eye from every angle. He could not read the script inscribed at its base, the letters seemingly similar to those he had seen written the night before in the restaurant. A voice called out his name when the rest had realised he was missing and Ajax sprinted to catch them up.