by L Bowers
“That is more than good enough. How do you stand on funding for this part of the operation?” I asked well aware that housing, clothing, and feeding these women alone would be a monumental cost. Add in finding their families and transport to their homes had to be a fortune.
“That part is a bit more difficult, but rest assured, we will find a way.”
“I have no doubts, but I have a better idea. Before I get into that I could use some food and some rest.”
“I can put you up in the room you had before,” Tevor said.
“I appreciate that, but I think it best if I stay close to the women we rescued until it’s time to move out. What’s your plan for getting to the warehouse?” I asked.
“I have a bus coming,’ Tevor said. It should be here any minute.”
True to his word a bus pulled up in front and settled down onto its landing skids. For the first time I saw a space-car, or bus in this case, in operation. Seeing a flying vehicle the size of a greyhound bus was exciting to say the least.
“And your ride is here. I am afraid there is not enough room for everyone in the first trip. Would you like to go now and ensure the warehouse is safe?” Tevor asked?
“That’s a good idea, but I think I would rather stay and leave with the last group. I have my friend here who has proven herself capable.” I turned to look at the armor clad woman. “Would you mind going this trip and keeping everyone else safe?” I asked Francine.
“Are you sure?” Francine asked.
“I trust you to keep them safe,” I said. “Hell, in that suit you could probably whoop me three ways from Sunday. Please take your sister and make sure the women who go with you get there safely.”
Francine smiled and nodded at me. She turned with her sister in tow and was the first one to leave the building. I watched as she got on the bus then back off a moment later. She guided the women with her onto the bus then climbed back aboard. The vehicle lifted off the ground as the doors shut, then it pulled forward and out of site.
“Can we talk while we wait for the bus to return?” Tevor asked.
“Certainly,” I said. “What’s on your mind?” Moving my attention off the bus was harder than I thought it would be. I had to get a space car. I wonderer if there is a space equivalent to a Corvette?
“About the resistance. I would like to know what you expect. What our ultimate goal is?”
“I see,” I said. “I don’t expect you to raise an army and conquer. But I would like you to gather a force capable of making things here hard for the Champions. Make them expend resources so that it’s harder for them to spend those resources elsewhere. Things like replacing and or repairing local infrastructure and equipment.”
“Ah yes. That should be doable with the forces I have at my command now. The men who helped on our failed heist. I just have to get them out of the detention center,” Tevor said as he scratched his chin and took on a thousand yard stare.
“I need you to tell me where the detention center is. I would also like to know where the crime boss that you owe money to is located. Also, have some people on standby close to his place. People you would trust to cart of a lot of cash and get it back to you.” I tapped at my chin thinking. “Also, I need to know where the closest government building is. Assuming they are actually the Champion’s people?”
“They are,” Tevor replied
“Then I need that location.”
“What are you going to do with that information?”
I flashed Tevor one of my award winning smiles. “I’m going to get you set up right.”
“I don’t …”
“Just trust me on this. Before we go, is there a place I can be alone for a few minutes?” I asked.
“Certainly, this way please,” Tevor said. He lead me to a small office in the back of the building. “This is as private as it gets in this place.”
“This will do just fine.”
“Excellent. I will be in the front if you need me,” Tevor said.
“Thanks, Tevor. I’ll be out soon.”
Tevor smiled and closed the door. I waited for a few minutes listening to his steps diminish as he walked away.
“You there, Titan?” I said.
“I am always with you.”
“I thought that might be the case, but I hadn’t heard from so.”
“I wait to be called. Such is the way of it.”
“What is the status of Foe Hammer?” I asked.
“Repairs to Foe Hammer have been completed as well as they can be under current circumstances,” Titan replied, sounding a little annoyed.
“Does that mean it can be moved?”
“Foe hammer is not capable of autonomous flight. With the pilot at your location the ship cannot fly.”
“Understood. Can you bring Foe Hammer if I ask you to come to me?”
“That is an achievable course of action.”
“Okay. I’m assuming you can track my location. Is that correct?” I asked, while hoping Titan didn’t need a pilot to travel long distances.
“Affirmative.”
“Okay. I have a plan and I’m going to need your help.” I spent the next few minutes outlining my plan to Titan.
“You are my pilot. I will do as you say,” Titan said. “However, I caution you to consider the ramifications of bringing us under scrutiny. While the Champions are already searching, they do not have a place to start looking from. Nor do they know I have a pilot. This will effectively negate our greatest advantage, their ignorance.”
“I understand your point,” I said. “But we will have to make ourselves known at some point. It might as well be now, when we can help these people, and start a revolution. I’m betting that word will spread of you and our desire to stand against the Champions. Us doing so successfully, will go a long way in swaying the hearts and minds of future allies. Do you understand why I am willing to take the risk?”
“I Understand your reasoning, and believe you may be correct.”
“Thought you might say that. I’ll call when it’s time to move. Be ready.”
“Affirmative.”
With my business done I returned to the store proper. Tevor was passing out bottled water to the remaining thirteen women. He treated each of them with kindness and patience, but most shied away from him. These women were in for a long recovery.
As I watched my friend, and first General, go about tending to his new guests, the bus arrived. “It is time to go to your temporary homes,” Tevor said. “Just as soon as Tom comes out we will … oh, hi, Tom. We are ready to go.”
“Great, let's get going. I’m eager to get the rest of these women together in a more defensible location,” I said.
Francine had it right when she checked the bus before letting anyone else on. I followed her example by boarding first and waving the thin woman next in line off. The seats were large and well padded. A pleasant smell like crushed berries drifted through the air. It was a far better experience than the heavy piss smell on public busses back on earth.
I reached the back of the bus without seeing anything to be concerned about. I dropped to my knees and checked under the seats seeing an unobstructed view of the front of the bus on both sides. Back at the front I waved on my charges.
While we rode to the warehouse I let myself relax a little. By that I mean I put my head back and closed my eyes. While resting I kept my ears open for any sound that might mean danger. Thankfully, nothing happened we reached the warehouse, off loaded, and were greeted by Foe Slayer pointing it’s guns at us.
“Wow there,” I said as I raised my arms.
“Identity confirmed, friendly,” A synthetic voice said from Foe Slayer. “Masters Gear Tom, you are clear to enter the perimeter.” It's guns shifted to the side slightly no longer pointing at me. “Advise if the others are friendly or foe?”
“These women and friendly’s. Please stand down and allow them to pass,” I said as I lowered my arms.
“Confirmed.” Foe S
layer’s arms lowered and it’s torso turned to the right while it’s hips and legs stayed in place.
“Tom!” Francine shouted at me from across the large room. Her voice carried over the din of saws cutting wood and hammers banging against nails.
I strolled over to my friend taking in the progress Tevor’s contractors made so far. There had to be enough cubicles to house twice the number of women we saved.
Francine pulled me into a tight hug and kissed me square on the mouth.
Chapter 30
Stunned by the sudden show of affection, I stood stock still.
The kiss was fairly chaste with just a momentary touch if her tongue against my lips. She released me a moment after pulling me in.
“Thank you so much, Tom. I thought I would never see my sister again,” Francine said.
“You’re more than welcome,” I said. “I would be lying if I said I did it for reasons other than wanting you on my side. But, after seeing what was going on in that place, or seeing a small portion of it, I’m grateful for having been a part of the Op. I’m also glad that I could reunite the two of you. That alone made all this worth it. If you tell me that you‘re willing to help me free the galaxy from the people who made this madness possible then that would make it all perfect.”
Francine opened her mouth and I held up my hand to stop her. “What we are going to do is dangerous. If you would rather take your sister and run some place safe, I will understand. Just know that I think we have a better chance of winning with you on our side. That being said, I will not hold it against you, should you decide to leave.”
“You would just let us leave?” Francine asked.
“Yes.”
“And what about Foe Hammer?”
“That ship is yours. If you leave so does Foe Hammer and Foe Slayer. I think they would be useless without you. More importantly I want you to be able to protect yourself. So that leaves what you think is best for you and your sister, Francine?”
She looked down as she thought over my words. Long heartbeats passed as I waited for her response. I considered giving her more time, but thought better of it. I needed rest and would have my answer before laying down. I start to turn and tell her to think about it, when her hand shot out and grabbed my forearm.
“The only way we'll be safe is if the Champions are dead and gone. I am with you, Tom,” Francine said.
“Thank you, Francine.” I pulled my friend into a tight hug reviling in the feel of her warmth. She had a sweet scent that pleasantly tickled my nose. “Go take care of your sister while I make sure everyone gets settled in.”
“Okay, Tom.”
We broke our hug and Francine pulled back the sheet that served as a door for the nearest cubical. Once it fell closed behind her I stepped away from the cubicles and construction to see how everything was being handled.
Tevor’s sisters were busy herding women one at a time to cubicles. The two women were the same ones that entertained me while I waited to start the assault on the pleasure den. Across the warehouse from me was a stack of lumber and the skeletal framework of many more uncompleted cubicles.
A table sat next to the lumber and a man with a hat, I assumed was the space equivalent to a hardhat, spoke with a tall slender woman. Curious about the conversation and how long the construction would take, I headed over.
“... Not acceptable,” The woman was saying in a sing-song voice. “We need this project completed yesterday so we can move forward with the next one.”
“I understand that ma’am, but the situation has changed. We are being pulled for repairs to the facilities recently damaged. The government expects us to be there in the morning to assess the damages and start work on repairs,” the man said.
“Excuse me,” I butted in. “I might be able to help.”
“And you are?” The man eyed me suspiciously. I wasn’t sure if it was due to my armor or if she thought I might be trying to pilfer a contract.
Her eyes went wide as I started to speak. “I m…”
“Tom, right?” the woman interrupted.
“Correct.”
She reached out and pulled me into her arms. “Thank you so much for saving Tevor. He is the pillar that supports our family and I don’t know what we would do without him.”
I pried her arms off of my person and stepped back. “It was my pleasure really. No need to thank me for an act that was in my best interest,” I said.
“He told me the story of what happened. You could have left him to his fate as you were already in the building and going about your part of the mission.”
I hate to interrupt this touching moment,” the contractor said. “But you said something about fixing the issue?”
“I did, and I will. Come tomorrow what is left of the government will have too many problems to worry about that damn pleasure den. Keep working here.”
“I can’t say that you have told me anything to make me think staying is a good idea,” the contractor said.
“Then stay on until tomorrow and we will pay you double,” I replied.
“So, I am going to get back to work,” the contractor said as he pointed his thumb over his shoulder in the direction of the work.
Tevor’s kin sidled up next to me as we watched the contractor go to his crew and get them back into action. She slid her arm around my waste and rested her head on my shoulder. “That was great. What are you going to do to ensure the government is going to be preoccupied?”
“I’m going to ruin their day.” I looked down at the really hot alien woman. “Think I might get your name?”
“Oh,” she giggled. “That was silly of me. I’m Trella. Tevor is my first cousin. He has an extensive family and we all work for his company. In fact all the players in the little scheme to attack the pleasure house were family.”
“Interesting. So, I take it your job is to manage the warehouse project here?” I asked.
“Yup, but it looks like this is going to be done soon.”
“Then what will you do?”
“Project management is my thing. So I guess I’ll do whatever project Tevor has lined up next. You?” She asked as she tilted her head back and looked up at me.
“Back into space and kicking bad guy ass.”
“You hungry, Tom?” Trella asked.
“I can eat.” Her being so friendly threw me off and I wasn’t capable of anything other than short responses.
“Come with me. I have a food table set up not too far from here.” She led me away from the construction. “I find that if you keep the labor force fed they tend to do better work. Right now we need the best these guys have to offer.”
“I see that. So what's on the menu?” I asked
“Oh!” She spun on her toes then pecked me on the cheek stunning me with how open she was. “It is my absolute favorite! Come on, you have to try some!” Trella grabbed my arm and pulled me along at a quick jog.
The table came into view just before a bevy of heavenly scents tickled my nose. Trella came to a quick stop and spun placing her hands on my chest. “Better idea. You go sit over there and I will fix you up a plate. Go now, scoot!”
I walked to the row of picnic style benches and tables sitting at the closest one. The table had a fresh cut wood smell to it and I had to wonder how long these guys had been at it. The amount of work they accomplished in short order was amazing.
Trella strolled up next to me with her hips swaying as she carried two plates. Both were held up too high for me to see the contents. She didn’t leave me in suspense, however, as she set the food down as soon as she arrived.
What I saw looked like a well marbled steak with a splash of a red colored sauce, small skinless potatoes, and pound cake. My stomach gurgles its anticipation when a sweet and spice aroma hit me.
“Like I said, this is my favorite,” Trella said.
“This looks really expensive,” I said. “You provided enough for everyone to have some?” I asked.
“No, not expen
sive, and yes more than enough. Dig in and let me know what you think.” Trella sat facing me with her hands folded in her lap and smiling up at me. There was no denying how beautiful she was or how those long fangs gave her an exotic allure.
Another rumble from my belly brought me back to the moment. I used the plastic utensils she provided and dug in. A moan left my lips when the first chunk of meat hit my tongue. It was sweet and tender while the sauce added a spicy edge that was very pleasant.
“Holy fuck-me this is good,” I said around my second bite.
“Like I said, my favorite. After we finish I’ll tell you about it,” Trella said.
We attacked our food with gusto. I'm glad to say my Marine Corps training held and I slammed that delicious food down faster than Trella was capable of. While my gracious host finished I spun so my back was to the table and sat back patting my belly.
A few minutes later Trella dropped her fork on her plate and let out sigh. “Yeah, that’s still my fav. What did you think?” She asked.
“All that you promised and more,” I replied. “Did you have a cubicle set aside for me? I need a little rest before I get back to work.”
“Yes, the woman Francine said to put you at the front while she took the rear. And she said her armor would begin patrolling once you were in your cubicle.”
“That’s perfect,” I said. It really was. With Francine at the rear and me at the front we could react quickly to anything that came up. Foe Slayer would, hopefully, make for a good mobile strike force as well as early warning system. Seeing as how Francine had a head for planning, I had no doubts that Foe Slayer was going to do just that.
“Come this way,” Trella said. “Oh, and grab your plate. We couldn’t afford a cleaning service.”
I grabbed my plate and followed Trella to a row of trash cans. Then we made out way through the crowd of women and construction to the front of the warehouse. She led me to a cubicle with a black curtain before pulling aside the makeshift door.
Inside was a small space made cozy by a bunch of pillows and a couple blankets. As I entered I deactivated my armor. Sinking to my knees on the soft surface I pulled off the chest piece and set it aside. Laying down I was able to appreciate just how cozy the space was as I sunk in a couple inches.