Wanderer's Escape

by Simon Goodson

  “I've never had a bath. Well, not a proper one. We were sometimes forced into a freezing cold pool of water if there was one handy. Or we got hosed down with cold water if we were getting too smelly and dirty for the guards to put up with. Never a warm bath though.”

  “Really? You must try it sometime. There's only one problem I find.” She spoke tentatively, chewing her bottom lip.

  “What?” asked Jess. “Did I mess up the design?”

  “No, no. It's just... well... I can never seem to reach my back to wash it. Would you mind helping me?”

  Jess's jaw dropped, his heart hammered and his breathing was ragged. She laughed at his reaction.

  “Umm... yes, of course.”

  He was grinning madly now, but so was she. He felt a little confidence return.

  “You might have to teach me how though.” he said.

  “I'm sure I can do that, I'll wash your back first. If you like.”

  Unable to contain himself Jess pulled Ali to him and kissed her, a kiss she returned hungrily. Moments later they were running down the corridor towards her cabin, hand in hand. Jess already had the bath filling with hot, soapy water and it was full by the time they reached it.

  Jess paused by the bath, uncertain whether to start undressing. For a moment Ali looked awkward too, then with a sparkle in her eye she shoved him into the large bath – clothes and all. Laughing she jumped in after him.

  Jess's first experience of a bath was one he thoroughly enjoyed, even more so once they had stripped off their soaking clothes. As the night wore on he had several other new experiences, ones he enjoyed even more. Finally, a long time after entering Ali's cabin, the two of them lay curled up together in her bed basking in each others company. As sleep washed over him Jess was sure he'd have no nightmares that night.

  Chapter Twenty Four

  Jess opened his eyes to find Ali staring at him from a few inches away. He grinned as memories from the night before washed over him, a grin that soon spread to her face.

  “Morning,” he said.

  “Morning,” she replied, kissing him quickly. “You look younger when you sleep you know. Less worried.”

  “Have you been watching me long?”

  “Only a few minutes. I was thinking, worrying really, about you and Elizabeth going to the arms dealer. It makes sense but... I don't know... it's just...”

  “You don't trust her fully?”

  “Do you?”

  Jess shrugged.

  “I don't know. Maybe I'm just being too cautious because of Matt, but I don't think we know her well enough to trust her fully. I want to trust her but something keeps nagging at me.”

  “I feel the same. This trip to the arms dealer could be a perfect time to betray us. You'll have the robots for protection, and the drones Sal and I will control, but what if there's an easy way to neutralise them or their weapons? She could be leading you straight into a trap. I don't like the way she suddenly had this idea, suddenly said we needed armour and the rest.”

  “I know, but the rest of us would never think of the things she has. The armour and field medpacks make good sense.”

  “You need bait in a trap, you know.”

  “Yeah I know, but I have an ace up my sleeve. I'll have an escape route. You remember how I escaped Stone Snake mining complex?”

  “How could I forget? Entering jump space without even a spacesuit? It was madness. You're not going to try that again are you? You said it nearly killed you, that you got really lucky.”

  “It was, but this time it would be different. The field from the robot will protect me and I can take it and me into jump space. Because I can survive there a bit longer the timing of the ship's jump isn't so critical. The chances of success will be much higher.”

  “And if they have found a way to neutralise the robot or its protective shield? What then?”

  “Then we use the ship to start peeling the place apart till I get free. They'll get the message eventually.”

  “Damn, I hate waiting around. I thought now I could control the robots and the drones that was behind me. Instead I'm going to be waiting to see if it's a trap, and if it is whether I'll be able to save you.”

  “I think it goes with the territory. Even with control of the Wanderer I still seem to spend most of my time waiting and worrying. Especially about you.”

  She stared into his eyes for a few seconds then laid her head on his chest. He held her close, finding comfort in the feeling. Soon the feel of her body against his led to much more intense thoughts and feelings and they were both swept up in their passion. A long time passed before they emerged from the cabin for breakfast.

  They found Sal and Elizabeth sitting at the table eating. Both looked up, took one look at Jess and Ali holding hands and immediately turned away trying to hide huge grins. Fighting the urge to turn and run Jess walked to the food dispenser with Ali, then sat at the table, Ali still beside him. Both he and Ali kept their eyes on their food, stealing occasional glances at each other.

  “You'll have to excuse me,” Sal said, standing. “I need to... er... have a shower. Then get some sleep. I've been controlling the mining all night. I'll catch you later.”

  Jess nibbled at some toast as she left the room, glancing at Ali several times. He caught her eye the last time and a stupid grin spread over his face, she smiled back and tried to hide it behind her cup of coffee.

  “Young love!” Elizabeth said.

  Jess could tell she was grinning even though he couldn't make himself look her way.

  “Right kids,” she continued. “I told you I was a straight talker so... yes, we know that you two spent the night together. Yes, we have a fair idea what you were doing – believe it or not you haven't just invented sex. And yes, I can't think of anything worse for you right at this moment than having two oldies grinning at you. But you've done nothing wrong, you've got nothing to be ashamed of. So how about actually looking at me when I'm talking to you.”

  Jess glanced at Ali who nodded reluctantly. They both turned towards Elizabeth. As he'd expected she had a big grin on her face. He felt his cheeks burning, but reached out for Ali's hand and stared back defiantly. Somehow he didn't feel so young any more. It wasn't what they had done, or mostly not, it was knowing Ali felt the same way he did. That she was going to be there for him no matter what. He felt like he could take on the whole galaxy right then. He stared Elizabeth in the eye, not trusting himself to speak, but not willing to back down.

  She glanced between the two of them, her grin settling down into a smile. She nodded to herself.

  “It's done you good, both of you. Given you a bit of fire, a bit of confidence. Good. We're gonna need that. Word of advice though, tread carefully around Sal for a while.”

  That completely threw Jess.

  “Why?” he asked.

  Elizabeth sighed deeply, a sad look settling onto her face.

  “I may be getting older than I like to admit, but I do remember how you feel. Finding someone who will stand beside you forever, or so you think at the time. Sal never had that. We were talking before you two finally made an appearance. She fell in love when she was younger of course, but she always knew it wouldn't last. That sooner or later they'd be split up. In her case it was only a few weeks after she'd first fallen in love that the prisoners were moved around. Markus she said his name was. She never saw him again. She doesn't know if he's still alive even. Don't get me wrong, she's happy for you both, but it brings back some painful memories.”

  “I should have thought,” Jess said. “I knew what it was like, I lived that life too.”

  “Bollocks! If you'd been thinking of another woman in any way last night Ali should have cut your balls off! I sure as hell would have.”

  Jess stared at her, shocked, while Ali collapsed in giggles. Her laughter was infectious, soon Jess was laughing too. Elizabeth soon made her excuses and left them to their breakfast, though she threw in a warning about not shagging on the breakfas
t table that had Jess and Ali blushing furiously.

  Much as he would have loved to take Ali back to her cabin, Jess forced himself to enter the flight deck and resume the mining operation. Ali joined him and soon they were deep in communication via the ship, guiding the mining drones as they depleted another asteroid. For a short while at least. Jess found his mind wandering back to the previous night and flashes of the sights and feelings he remembered quickly leaked over to Ali, who responded in kind. Very quickly all thoughts of mining were forgotten as they realised the opportunity their mental link offered. Jess only just retained enough control to lock the door of the flight deck before they were pulling each others clothes off. The sex the night before had been an amazing experience, but doing it while their thoughts and emotions were so closely linked was simply mind blowing.

  The next couple of days seemed to fly past for Jess. He and Ali found it easier to face Elizabeth and Sal, work on restructuring the ship went rapidly and despite the dangers they'd soon face he felt on top of the world. The only damper was Sal, as Elizabeth had said his relationship with Ali had stirred up some unpleasant memories for Sal. He and Ali were careful not to work at the same time as Sal, to avoid bleeding any of their daydreams over to her, and worked on bringing their minds more fully under control.

  Suddenly work on the ship was completed, at least that's how it felt to Jess. The reality of their situation hit home. It didn't dull his intense feelings for Ali but it did add an element of melancholy, the knowledge that one or both of them could be killed in the next few days.

  Chapter Twenty Five

  Jess nervously drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair, trying to ease the knot in his stomach. Strapped in beside him Elizabeth seemed calm, quietly studying the station their shuttle was approaching.

  “One last time, tell me the rules,” Elizabeth asked.

  “Again?”

  “Yes, again. You're wound up like a spring. I want to be sure you've not forgotten them.”

  “All right.” Jess sighed before continuing. “One, you're in charge. You do all the talking. Two, I don't call you by name, but I don't call you mum or mother either.”

  “That's critical. It won't sound natural. What's three?”

  “Three, no communicating with the Wanderer. They might pick up that my attention is elsewhere, and wonder why.”

  “Good. And four?”

  Jess stared at her in panic, his mind blank.

  “What? I don't know!”

  She smiled at him.

  “Relax, there is no four. Seriously, take it easy. Just remember to keep your mouth shut and everything will be fine.”

  Jess wasn't convinced. Quite apart from his nerves over the coming encounter he still didn't completely trust Elizabeth. On top of all that the situation felt uncomfortably close to the disaster when they'd tried to purchase the robots. That thought made him glance over his shoulder. The sight of the two robots stood behind him was reassuring at least, especially when the one controlled by Ali winked at him. Despite everything he grinned back.

  As they walked out the shuttle's airlock they were met by five guards, all decked out in heavy black armour and toting hefty rifles. One stepped forward, asked them to follow and set off towards a corridor at the back of the docking bay. Jess and Elizabeth followed, the robots shadowing them. The remaining guards fell in behind them.

  They followed the corridor for several minutes, passing numerous doorways and side corridors. Jess was pretty certain they were heading deep into the heart of the station, something which Sal confirmed to him. Despite Elizabeth's rules he was staying in close contact with Sal and Ali, ready for any treachery by either Elizabeth or the arms dealers. To avoid arousing suspicion they were sticking to short, plain messages.

  Detecting heavy electronic interference. Sal sent. Normal communication would be lost by now.

  OK, thanks. He replied, grateful yet again for the Wanderer's exceptional abilities.

  Soon after they left the corridor, taking a bewildering series of turns which Jess was sure had them covering the same ground several times. Then they reached an imposing blast door. Their guide stopped and turned to speak to them.

  “Just through there. Your robots must stay here.”

  Jess tensed inside, glancing nervously at Elizabeth. If she agreed could he argue? Would it risk blowing their cover? But would it also be a sign that she couldn't be trusted?

  “That wasn't the deal,” she said firmly. “They go where we go. We're in the middle of your station, what are we going to do? Start a fight? Not bloody likely. But they stay with us, otherwise the deals off and we go back to our ship.”

  The guard studied her for a moment then shrugged and turned back to the blast door which softly hissed open. They followed him into the room beyond.

  Jess couldn't have said what he expected to see, a small room dominated by a conference table complete with a man dressed in a smart suit certainly wasn't it. The man was middle-aged but still fit looking, with a full head of dark hair neatly gelled down. Almost the perfect image of an honest businessman. The eyes let him down though – piercing and cruel they were the eyes of a predator. He sat behind the table, gesturing for Jess and Elizabeth to sit the other side.

  Careful, the room has a large number of concealed weapons all trained on the two of you.

  Jess sent a quick acknowledgement as he took his seat, trying not to look for the weapons. The sound of the door closing behind made him turn. Both robots were stood close behind him and two guards were stood just inside the door, the others waited outside.

  “We have your requirements and you have our prices.” The man launched straight in, not bothering to introduce himself. His voice matched his appearance, cultured and gentle but with a hint of steel. “We can supply what you asked for from our stores. I have to meet you face to face and ask you what you need them for. It is part of our duty as responsible traders.” The last was said with heavy irony.

  “We're branching out into hunting trips,” Elizabeth answered. “Big game hunting, only on planets where it's allowed of course.”

  “Of course. All is in order. I can authorise delivery as soon as we receive payment then, as I'm sure you will use the items... responsibly.”

  Even having been warned of this by Elizabeth Jess found the brief exchange shocking. She'd explained that the arms dealers wanted to keep a respectable image, to claim they only supplied weapons responsibly. A complete sham but one that prevented the authorities from looking at their business too closely, provided those authorities were suitably bribed of course.

  “The payment is in our shuttle,” Elizabeth replied. “We will unload it for you before leaving.”

  “Excellent. Now, would you care to join me for a drink?”

  Without waiting for an answer he pressed a button set into the table. A small side door opened and... something... walked in, carrying a tray with three shot glasses on it. Jess stared at the creature. Covered in short dark fur its main body was horizontal, supported by four short legs on each side. It's body was rectangular. Maybe two metres long and half that wide it almost looked like a walking, furry table. A long flexible neck and two equally flexible arms rose from the front of its body. The arms ended in many sucker tipped appendages, the neck was topped by a narrow head with a small mouth and two sets of eyes – one set close together like a hunting animal, the other set wide on its head to give excellent peripheral vision. A large silver band circled its neck, with a start Jess recognised it as a form of control collar.

  The creature reached the table and set the tray down with a slight bump, spilling a little of the contents. It cowered back immediately as the arms dealer scowled at it.

  “Useless creature!” he shouted at it. Reaching out he pushed another button on the table, immediately the creature collapsed to the floor writhing in agony. Jess stared in horror, his life as a prisoner meant he could recognise a control collar in action even on such an amazing creature.

&nbs
p; “Stop it!” he shouted. “You're hurting it!”

  He went to stand but Elizabeth grabbed his arm, glaring at him. The arms dealer grinned at Jess, keeping his finger on the button for several more seconds before relenting. The creature remained on the floor, whimpering in a deep tone.

  “Do you like my pet?” the man asked. “It is amazingly rare. I found it in a damaged ship, nearly thirty years ago now. It may not be the best servant but it is the most unusual.”

  “I want to buy it,” Jess said. “How much do you want?”

  The man laughed. “It is not for sale, not that you could possibly afford the price if it was.”

  “How much?” Jess demanded, standing. “I want it. How much will it cost? We can pay!”

  The arms dealer's face twitched, annoyance showing through his façade of reasonableness. Elizabeth stood and grabbed Jess by the arm, forcing him to sit again.

  “Jess! I won't have you showing me up like this. I brought you on this trip to see how I do business, to start to learn, not to cause a scene and embarrass me. Now sit down and shut up!”

  Jess, calm down. It's too risky. Get hold of yourself.

  Jess forced himself to take deep breaths, the message from Sal having far more of an affect than Elizabeth's words.

  “I'm sorry,” Elizabeth said, turning back to the arms dealer. “It's my own fault. He's my only child and I've spoilt him, always let him have anything he wanted. He needs to learn there are things in life he can't have. Something we'll be having a long discussion about as soon as we get back on my ship.”

  The arms dealer visibly relaxed, a smile that was more like a sneer on his face.

  “We were all young once,” he said. “We all had lessons to learn, if we lived that long.” The last statement carried a clear threat. Jess stared at the table sullenly, not trusting himself to look up. He was still incredibly angry and felt helpless, desperate to help the poor creature but unable to.