Logan grabbed a hoop and forced himself down level with the bridge’s metal floor. His targeting graphics were already on-line and had identified the direction of the attack. He opened a channel, ordering his AI to connect with any other in the vicinity.
“Oi! Cut it out. I’m here to rescue you."
“How do we know that you aren’t with the big nasty outside?," came the unidentified response.
“Oh, I don’t know, but as far as I’m aware, Shiva don’t employ humans in battle armor to assist in their sucking process.”
There was a pause and some shuffling noises behind a large console towards the rear of the bridge. Logan cautiously raised his head and watched as four Martians and one bulky looking human dressed in vacuum suits moved sheepishly into view.
His AI reported another incoming message and Tarquin’s face appeared under his eyelid.
“Log. Get the fuck out of there. I’ve got a Watcher Trireme heading directly towards us. They’ll be in range in 3 minutes.”
“No worries. Power up. I’ll be with you shortly. Oh. You better let Bruce know as well."
“Right." Standing, Logan cut the link and opened another one to the suited figures before him.
“No time for introductions. If you lot don’t want to suffocate or become unwilling subjects of the Watcher empire, then I suggest you follow me.”
Not waiting to see whether they were following or not, Logan turned around and began making his way back to the airlock.
One minute and twenty seconds later, he reached the outer lock. The Martians, much more suited to the confines of the corridor, were right behind him. The bulky human was still ten meters further down the corridor.
Logan moved aside. “Right, you lot. Keep going. I’ll be right behind you.”
The Martians moved forward and quickly made their way across to the Debacherous weekend. Logan opened a link to Bruce. “Where the fuck are you?”
Bruce’s grinning primate face appeared before him. “Be with you in a minute. Just leaving a little surprise. I’ve sent three of the little green fellas ahead of me. They should be with you in a minute.”
“We haven’t got a minute. Get back here now.”
Bruce disconnected his link. Logan sighed in frustration. The bulky human figure had reached the outer airlock and was making his way over the vacuum bridge. Three more Martians moved into the corridor, moving with remarkable speed.
Tarquin appeared under his eyelid. “What the fuck are you doing? Get back here now. The Watchers will be in range in less than a minute.”
“Look. Cool your jets. I’m waiting for Bruce.”
“Bollocks to that. Get back here now.”
Logan cut the link and followed the last three Martians over the vacuum bridge.
Entering the Debacherous Weekend’s airlock, he opened another link to Tarquin. “I’m in your lock. Give us another 30 seconds."
“I’ll give you 10. If Bruce doesn’t appear, I’m removing the bridge and closing the airlock.”
Eight seconds later, Logan watched the Gorilla clumsily move into view in the Martians corridor.
“Tarq. Give us another 20 seconds. I can see him."
“Can’t. The Watchers are 10 seconds away from weapon lock. I’m retracting the bridge."
Logan watched hopelessly as the bridge began to pull back towards him. Bruce sped up and made a mighty leap for the retreating bridge. Logan didn’t see whether he made it or not as the airlock door began to close.
The inner lock opened and walking through, Logan ordered his battle armor to disengage. Stepping out of it, he made his way to the bridge. The Martians and the chubby human figure were no where to be seen. Presumably they were in the bar recovering from shock.
Entering the bridge, Logan discovered a rather tense and crowded scene. Felix and an obviously recovered Crystal were holding guns on Derek, the Polar Bear. Tarquin was seated in the command seat. A shudder ran through the ship.
“What’s going on?”
Tarquin was the only one who bothered replying. “We’ve just been hit by a heavy duty plasma cannon. Our fields are down but I think we’re out of range now.”
“What about this?," Logan said, indicating the Polar Bear.”
“He wants us to go back for Bruce. We told him we can’t. Bruce disagreed," said Felix.
“You can’t leave him," growled the bear.
“We haven’t got a choice," said Tarquin. “If we go back we’ll be helpless. It’ll be another couple of minutes before the fields come back on-line.”
Logan watched the Polar Bears claws flex in and out. He took another step back to ensure he was out of reach.
Tarquin enhanced the view on the screen to show the Watcher Trireme. Its trajectory as it tried to bring the Debacherous Weekend into range brought it close to the Martian ship. As it passed, the Martian ship suddenly exploded, whiting out the screen and rocking the Debacherous Weekend so vigorously that even the AG was unable to cope. Everyone, except Tarquin who was seated, was sent sprawling over the floor of the bridge. Logan found himself on top of the Polar Bear who appeared to be sobbing.
“You bastards," he moaned. “First my mother, now my friend. He was my best friend."
Logan hesitantly patted his shoulder in what he hoped was a comforting gesture. “I’m sorry," he said, pushing himself off the furry white carpet and getting to his feet. “He was very brave. A truly remarkable, erm, gorilla.”
Derek lumbered to his feet, sorrow immediately replaced by anger. “Are you taking the piss or what?”
Logan took a step backwards. “No. No of course not.” Behind the bear, Crystal had picked up her weapon that had fallen to the floor. She pointed it at Derek’s back.
“Stop right there," she said. “Killing any of us isn’t going to bring him back."
“No," said Derek, flexing his claws again and taking a menacing step towards Logan, “but it’ll make me feel a whole lot better.”
Derek brought his arm up to strike. Crystal readied herself to fire. Logan prepared to run. He turned and buried his face in a large furry chest.
“Somebody looking for me?," asked Bruce.
A look of delight crossed Derek’s face. He ran and gathered the gorilla up in a hug. “I thought you were dead.”
“Who me? Nah. I was attached to the vacuum bridge. I just let myself in the airlock. Just as well I knew that explosion was coming and tied myself on.”
Derek released his friend and looked at the faces of those gathered on the bridge. As far as the others could tell, he looked embarrassed.
“Sorry you guys."
“Hey, don’t worry about it," said Felix grinning. “Getting mauled by a Polar Bear is low on my list of worries at the moment.”
Logan turned to Tarquin. “What’s the story?”
“The sensors are still recovering from the blast," he said getting up from his chair. “I don’t know whether the Watchers got pasted or not, but even if they weren’t, they can’t catch us now." He moved towards the door. “Anyone feel like a beer?”
◊
In the upstairs bar, the Martians, now out of their vacuum suits, were relaxing on one of the sofas. Unsurprisingly, they’d found the beer and were talking quietly amongst themselves. The human figure they had picked up on the Martian ship was sitting on another sofa. He looked up as the four humans and two transplanters entered the bar. With a shock, they all recognized Walter, the Dirty Little Minx’s social organizer. He was looking a bit weary and disheveled but otherwise appeared to be in one piece.
“Good people," Walter said warmly by way of greeting. He got to his feet and shook hands with the new arrivals to the bar. “Glad to see you all made it safely away. Pity about our dear Minx though. She will be sadly missed.” Walter’s welcoming grin faded somewhat.
“How did you manage to hitch a ride with our little green friends here?," enquired Logan.
Walter took a deep breath. “Well, in my position as social organizer, I took it
upon myself to see some of our guests to the life pods. My last act in my role aboard the ship. Unfortunately, so intent was I in carrying out my duties, I managed to miss the last boat off. Lucky for me, I chanced upon our Martian friends and they offered me a ride. Sadly, their navigator was a bit worse for wear, inebriated you might say, and took us on the wrong route. Hence our encounter with that horrid beast. But it all turned out for the best thanks to your timely arrival.” Walter beamed again.
“Fancy a drink Walter?” asked Felix walking behind the bar.
Walter nodded vigorously. “A gin and tonic would be marvelous thank you. Actually, better make it a double.” He looked over at the Martians. “But I’m forgetting myself. I haven’t yet introduced you.” He beckoned to one of the small green men seated on the sofa, who came over to stand at Walter’s side.
“This is Captain Zoltan, lately of the good ship Frying Saucer.”
The rest of the crew were introduced, including the navigator who looked familiar to Felix. He suspected it was the same one who was losing at the string pulling drinking game aboard the Minx. He was unsure though. They all looked the same to him.
Felix sat down next to Crystal and Tarquin. The others arrayed themselves on the various sofas.
“So," he said, addressing himself to both the figures sitting next to him. “What’s the plan?”
“On this route," replied Tarquin, taking a large gulp of his beer, “we’re only 3 days from Fever. We shouldn’t have any more trouble between here and there. There’s usually only one Shiva per lane and there’s no way anyone else should be able to catch us now. As for when we arrive at Fever…” He trailed off looking expectantly at Crystal.
Crystal nodded thoughtfully. “Our people should be in place by the time we arrive and it should be safe for you," she said, looking at Felix, “to hand over the Overdrive data.”
“Why didn’t you tell me about your Angelic powers before?," asked Felix in a accusatory tone.
Crystal sighed. “Yes, yes. I know I haven’t been very straight with any of you and I’m sorry." She laid a hand over Felix’s. “Especially to you. But as I said before. I’m under orders not to reveal my powers unless I have absolutely no other option." She looked Felix in the eye. “I hope you understand.”
Felix paused and then finally nodded. “Well," he said, taking a deep breath. “What are we supposed to do for the next 3 days.”
Logan looked up from his beer. “I don’t know about the rest of you lot, but I’m gonna get shitfaced."
“I’ll drink to that," said Tarquin, raising his beer. Walter, the Martians and the two Transplanter mercenaries seemed similarly inclined.
Crystal grabbed Felix by the hand and led him out of the bar.
“Where are we going?," he enquired excitedly, knowing perfectly well but trying to play it cool and failing utterly.
Crystal smiled seductively sending a shiver running down his back. “Your room. I’ve got some good ideas on how we’re going to spend the next 3 days."
“Chess?”
“No”
“Cards?”
“No”
“Something involving nudity?”
“Close. Now shut up. Get inside and get your kit off.”
“Sounds good to me.”
◊
Logan and Tarquin watched the two figures depart.
“What do you think they’re going to do for the next 3 days?," a smirking Tarquin asked.
“Something that we won’t be I’ll wager unless one of those Martians turns out to be female," replied Logan with a laugh.
Tarquin grimaced. “Fat chance."
Logan looked at his old friend. “Fancy another beer?”
“Sounds good to me."
◊
With a sigh of contentment, Knights Captain Tynan eased himself into the command seat formerly occupied by the late Simbiel. The Areopagite ship, Divine Retribution, was traveling through Nospace. Without an Angel on board, Tynan quickly realized he had no chance of catching the Debacherous Weekend containing Felix and the Overdrive data.
After departing the Dirty Little Minx, still in its slowly decaying orbit around the gas giant, the Divine Retribution had run into a Areopagite Battle Cruiser, Holy Crusade, answering the stricken pleasure cruiser’s distress beacon. Using Metatron’s name he’d requisitioned the ship and its attendant Angel to escort them through the Shiva controlled route taken by the Debacherous Weekend. The Angel, none too happy at being ordered about by a mere Knights Captain, had contacted Metatron directly, only to be told by the Areopagite leader that he was to assist Knights Captain Tynan in any way possible. Anything less would be regarded with disfavor. Grumbling about uppity Templars, the Angel complied.
Unknown to Metatron, or in fact the crew of the massive Battle Cruiser gliding along next to them, Tynan had organized some outside help. Promising them a copy of the Overdrive data for their assistance – a promise he had no intention of honoring, they would meet him at what appeared to be the Debacherous Weekend’s eventual destination – Fever.
It was simple really. Grab Felix, dispose of his would be allies, get back to Arabot and then pleasure upon pleasure, become an Angel. A shiver ran down Tynan’s back at such a delicious thought.
Simbiel had been a fool, hence the reason he was now a rapidly cooling body on the Hedonist ship. Tynan fancied himself as being somewhat better prepared than his late master. He stroked the large cannon lying in his lap. Simbiel’s private armory aboard the ship contained a number of surprises, including an impressive array of illegal weaponry. Next time he came up against the Watchers, it would be on more or less equal terms.
With a smile, Tynan continued to stroke his Afer cannon.
◊
Asel gathered himself up off the deck of his ship. His pride slightly battered after being seen in an undignified position, he took in the scene on the command bridge.
None of his officers seemed to have noticed, being too busy bleeding, burning and getting sucked out into Nospace. The explosion that had destroyed the Martian ship had punctured the Watcher Trireme in a number of places – including breaching the hull on the bridge. Asel watched as the fields came on, sealing the gaping hole in the hull with a blue glow.
Like the rest of his crew, Asel had been caught unawares by the explosion, so intent was he on the chase. Off-guard, Asel had been unable to erect even his own field before being knocked off his feet. The rest of crew had suffered far more. He could see two of his crew still trying to put fires out – one of the fires proving quite difficult considering it was human and still running about screaming. Asel put the flammable officer out of his misery by flinging a bolt of pure energy at him. The figure dropped immediately and lay prone and silent on the deck. The rest of the crew, responding to Asel demonstration of control settled down and waited quietly for orders.
“What’s the verdict?," he enquired of his Captain.
“Five hull breaches, starboard ion drive damaged, 6 fatalities, Lord," replied the nervous officer.
“Are we capable of giving chase?”
“Yes Lord.” The Captain hesitated, unwilling to be the bearer of bad news. “Our velocity through Nospace, however, will be substantially reduced. We have already begun to repair the damage though and have already ascertained the eventual destination of the Debacherous Weekend, given its current heading .”
Asel nodded thoughtfully. “Captain?”
“Yes, Lord?”
“Why weren’t our fields erected upon nearing the Martian ship?”
“I didn’t consider the Martian ship to be a threat Lord.”
“Yeah, well. I wonder if you’d consider my foot up your arse a threat?," he bellowed at the shaking man.
The Captains bottom lip began to wobble nervously. His point made, Asel turned his back on the Captain and levitating, flew back to his command seat.
“I hope you understand Captain. If we should be caught unawares again, I’ll use your head to fill the hull b
reach. Understood?”
“Perfectly Lord," replied the quivering Captain.
“Good. Shall we get on then?”
Chapter Six
Upon its discovery in the year 2373, the Raquin system would have been written off but for a couple of strange quirks. Its sun, Zola, like Earth’s sun, Sol, was a type G2, composed mostly of hydrogen, helium, calcium and iron. That wasn’t all. Zola was almost exactly the same size as Sol. By itself, this still wasn’t unusual as Sol was a fairly typical sun. What was unusual is that it only had one planet in orbit and this planet matched the dimensions, appearance and orbiting distance of Jupiter. To find an Earth type sun – not unusual. To find a sun that could have had Jupiter’s twin orbiting around it – now that was.
Teams of scientists arrived to investigate this strange coincidence. After months of painstaking research and deliberation, the scientists came to the riveting conclusion that yes, this gas giant was in fact identical to Jupiter and in a stroke of sheer brilliance named it New Jupiter. Two days later they inadvertently discovered what the second quirk was. Once a year, Zola would go semi-Nova. This phenomenon had been observed before in other stars. A semi-Nova was more than a Solar flare in that the whole star would consistently flare up, reaching almost to the point where it almost enveloped the outer atmosphere of New Jupiter. Unfortunately, the scientist’s base camp had been set up on the only asteroid orbiting New Jupiter – a hunk of rock 50km in diameter and orbiting some 45,000kms above the gas giant.
Twenty six scientists, fifteen support crew, six assorted technicians and one mascot (Fred – a Scotch Terrier), were instantly fried as the Nova burst expanded around them. The team sent to investigate their silence discovered their personal logs and research material 5 meters down where they had seen fit, more by good luck than good management, to house their camp AI. No other evidence of their eight month occupation was found.
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