Deputy Marshal Maxine Wabash (Adventures of the League Space Patrol Book 9)

by Frank Carey

  "Maxine. He's talking to Maxine!" Red said. "Shit." She looked at the Alliance of Eight. "Work your magic."

  A bot appeared in the corridor and headed toward them at high speed, it's arms flailing about madly. "Berserker mode," Gregory yelled. Shade disappeared in a cloud of smoke only to reappear in midair above the rampaging bot. He plunged a hand into its metal head, then violently twisted it to the right. The bot disassembled itself, its pieces landing in a pile on the floor.

  Another bot appeared, but Angus tore it apart with his bare hands. They proceeded down the hallway toward the ship's Bridge.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Greg walked up to the Bridge hatch and knocked. The door opened, and he stepped inside where a familiar robot waited for him. "I'm here as promised, Cranston."

  Cranston was a large bot similar in design to Rex except for the face. Cranston was once human, so he now sported a human-like metal face which was creepy even on the best day. Imagine a body builder covered in reddish-gold paint and you had Cranston. He was powerful, bullet-proof, and vain as the day was long. He walked over and gave Greg a quick frisk.

  "No weapons. Who the hell are you? Even on his best behavior, Gregory would at least attempt to bring a throwing knife."

  "I'm Gregory's clone, and I am all that remains of the Alliance of Six. The others died near the end of the 19th century when they experienced a portal malfunction."

  "You expect me to believe even the great Gregory Alabaster could fashion a clone with the primitive tools of that time? What kind of fool do you take me for."

  "Gregory was a very smart man, but he knew Earth wasn't ready for his discoveries. I find your disbelief disingenuous coming from a robot body such as yours, the same body that my original battled inside Krakatoa."

  "Touché. I guess we all have our secrets."

  "Speaking of secrets, what possible use could you have of biocrystal power generators? Your own generator puts out an equivalent amount of power at a fraction of the size."

  "How do you know about that?" the bot demanded.

  "I have my ways. So, spill it, young bot. Thinking about building a city or two?"

  The sound of clapping came from a doorway at the back of the Bridge. A gentleman wearing a black jumpsuit and top hat walked in carrying an ornate cane. "Bravo, Gregory. Even as a clone, your resourcefulness knows no bounds."

  "Greg, if you don't mind, Dr. Hastings. It took me years to get people to stop mistaking me for my original. I see you somehow survived the explosion of a volcano. And you call me resourceful."

  "We are two of a kind, aren't we Greg. I can't believe that the once powerful Lord Gregory Alabaster is now a Deputy Marshal in the Space Patrol."

  "I see your hearing hasn't improved. I am not Gregory. Gregory, Penelope, Rex, Bayou, Leona, Tressa, and Shade are all dead. Now, could we stop the horse shit and get to the question at hand? What the plark do you need the BPGs for?"

  "You do realize I am going to have Cranston kill you, don't you? So, why all this curiosity."

  "As the viper said to the guy carrying him across the river that he just bit, 'I did it because it is in my nature.'"

  Before the good doctor could answer, the deck shook. "What the hell is happening?" he demanded.

  Greg looked at a status display. "Somebody just ejected the stasis module. Oh, and now the computer system is locked down along with the bulkhead doors. Well, that sucks."

  "I knew it. Someone is aboard, and they've been playing with my units!" Cranston yelled as he jabbed a button activating the ship wide intercom. "This is Cranston! I don't know who or what the hell you are, but you need to stop plarking around with my plans or else your buddy, Greg, gets to see the great beyond first hand. Get your ass to the bridge right now or he dies!" He looked up just in time to see Greg firing a palm blaster at him. The bot crumpled to the ground in a smoking heap. Greg immediately turned the weapon on Hastings as he turned toward the door he had entered through.

  "Don't, Doctor. I can cook your brain in its skull with this weapon. Answer my question. Why are you and your robotic henchman here?"

  Another entry to the bridge opened to allow one of Cranston's robotic units to enter. Greg hesitated for a moment, his aim faltering as he decided which was a bigger threat: the bot or Hastings. Hastings exploited the pilot's indecision by dropping a weapon from his sleeve holster into his hand and firing it at Greg, hitting him in the chest and throwing him into the far bulkhead. The robot screamed, then backhanded Hastings into the opposite bulkhead. As the stunned doctor watched, a ball of plasma emerged from the bot and floated in midair as the bot's body crumpled to the ground. Instantly, the ball dropped to the ground, changing into an angry alien on the way down. It landed and drew one of Gregory's accursed blasters and aimed it at him, her huge blue eyes filled with death, his death. Behind, a creature with pure black skin and eyes like those of a praying mantis appeared, then ran over to where Greg lay. The first alien didn't seem to notice the other's arrival, so intent it was on killing the good doctor.

  "He dies if that wound isn't attended to," Hastings wheezed out past the pain of several broken ribs.

  She--yes, the first alien was a she--hesitated just enough to allow the good doctor to reach up and squeeze a pendant hanging from around his neck. She fired, but the blast was deflected by the protective force field the pendant had raised as it formed a portal around him. He started to laugh but stopped when he saw Lord Gregory Alabaster and the Alliance of six run into the room. Hastings' scream of indignation was cut off by the portal as it whisked him away to safety.

  Max screamed as she ran to Greg while holstering her weapon. She found Ariel pressing a field dressing against the bullet wound in his chest. She took his hand. "Greg, I'm so sorry?"

  "Not your fault," he whispered as Red ran up and helped Ariel administer first aid. "I let my guard down for one millisecond and that crazy man shot me."

  "You're lucky his aim was bad," Ariel said as he ran a scanner over Greg's chest. "The bullet missed your heart, but only barely. Red, we need to get him into a medbed."

  Melinda nodded, then tapped a button on her gauntlet. "Space Patrol Maeve Central, this is Marshal McKee declaring a medical emergency. I need a medical team to the Algonquin’s bridge immediately. We have a deputy down with a gunshot wound to the chest."

  "Roger that, Marshal. The Starguard Ship Nartay is en route to your position. ETA one minute. Over."

  "Copy that, Central. Standing by." She looked at Gregory. "We need to make sure the ship is secure, and I've got my hands full."

  "Forgive me. I'm not used to seeing myself on a deck with a hole in my chest. Alliance members! Fan out and secure the Algonquin!" He stood up, then all of them exited the room looking for anything or anyone left behind by Haskins or Cranston.

  Red turned to Max and took her hand. "Max, you did good today. The colonists are safe, this ship is secure, or it will be when our Victorian friends finish with their sweep, and Greg will be fine."

  "I love him, Melinda. He can't die."

  "Worst kept secret in the League," she said as the medics ran into the room.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Gregory and the other members of the alliance quickly returned to the Bridge and reported that the ship was clear, and all of Cranston's robot units were disabled. Meanwhile, the medics had stabilized Greg and were preparing to take him back to the Nartay for transport to a hospital in Prosperity. Red looked at Max and saw fear in her eyes. "Max, go with him and keep us posted."

  "Yes, ma'am." She headed off the Bridge right behind the med team.

  "Max?"

  "Yes, ma'am."

  "You did good today, real good. The colonists have you to thank for saving their lives."

  Max gave a weak smile. "Thanks marshal."

  Red turned her attention to Gregory and his people who were busily examining Cranston's remains. "Pull yourself together, Cranston," she quipped.

  The disassembled bot's eyes rolled in their sockets.
Startled, Red pulled her weapon and aimed it at the head. "That damn thing's alive."

  "Yes, he is. I'm thinking the Cube Robotics Group would love to meet Cranston and have a nice long talk with him."

  "Excellent Idea. We got word that their portal is up and running, so we can save a bundle on shipping. Gregory, what the hell is going on? Was Dr. Hastings someone from your home world?"

  "No. Hastings was... Hastings is human, and I have no idea how he is still alive or what his plans are. Marshal, is it possible for us to requisition a ship and pilot to use in our investigation?"

  "Of course." She thought for a moment. "You know, Space Patrol could use the talents of you and your teammates. There are situations which require an unconventional approach," she said as she watched Tressa pick up Cranston's head with her tail and glare at it.

  "I see your point. And we need... We crave purpose. Who do you think we should contact to offer our services?"

  "General Spent. Let me make a call." She stepped away only to return a few minutes later. "Sheriff Smythe is sending two ships--The Agamemnon, filled with engineers, deputies, and crime scene techs to process the Algonquin and the Invincible, once the yacht of a wealthy, gun running Tralaskan who ran from one too many patrols. The Invincible is yours, and Deputy Sheriff Winona Kren, a Halcyon with over ten years of stick time and combat experience will act as your pilot and aide. I contacted General Spent, and she would love to discuss your situation at your earliest convenience." She nodded towards the remains of Cranston. "We'll have a couple of security people take our friend to the Cube for examination."

  "Thank you, Marshal. I apologize for what I said during the briefing. Please convey my feelings of regret to Greg when he regains consciousness. I have been unforgivably rude and insensitive."

  "Penelope took you to the woodshed, didn't she?"

  He hung his head in defeat. "The others as well."

  "I'll tell him. Now, what's your plan?"

  "Search this system for any sign of Dr. Hastings. Once that avenue is exhausted, we will concentrate on Cranston, then return to Earth. Hastings was never adept at hiding from us. It will take us time, but we will find him and the answer to why he needs biocrystal power supplies."

  "Understood. Gregory, please feel free to use my office as an information conduit unless the general has other ideas."

  "By the same token, Marshal, please let us know how Greg is faring. We have all taken a liking to him and the rest of your team."

  "I will."

  The sheriff's team took that moment to arrive. Shortly, the Alliance was off on its adventure, leaving Melinda to her duties.

  ###

  Max sat next to the hospital bed and watched Greg sleep off the effects of the ministrations of the medbed as it removed the bullet from his chest and repaired the damage it had caused. She sat with her head on his chest and watched him breath while she held his hand. Since meeting him, she had the impression that his skin would be cold, probably due to his almost clear blood and translucent skin, yet it was hot, hotter than a typical human. How many times she had thought about folding herself into that warmth...

  "Where am I?" he asked as he attempted to sit up.

  "Prosperity General Hospital. They brought you in 48-hours ago with a gunshot wound to the chest," she replied as she helped him to a sitting position. "You were in the medbed for six hours. The damn thing kept making tsk-tsk noises."

  "Medbeds don't like my physiology." He pulled his gown forward to see the damage. "Such a small scar."

  "What do you remember?"

  "Let's see... I shot Cranston, then turned the gun on Hastings. All was going well until one of Cranston's units ran in. That's when Hastings shot me with that damn Derringer of his. Next thing I know, I'm waking up with a beautiful woman watching me."

  "I almost got you killed, dammit," she said as tears streamed from her huge eyes.

  "Let me think. Cranston, check. Hastings, check. Manic robotic unit, check. Maxine Wabash? Nope."

  She cuffed him gently. "I was in the robot. I was coming to save your life, but I didn't think to lose the body first."

  "You figured out how to control one of those antiques. Damn, you are good. Greg's memories would indicate that one of those units was the technological equivalent of an espresso machine."

  "You're not angry?"

  "Why the hell would I be angry. I assume you used your skills at hacking kitchen equipment to free the captives and eject the stasis module?"

  She gave a smile, then nodded. "The captain wanted to help me take on Cranston, but I told her to get her people to safety."

  "Damn." He smiled, then took a deep breath. "I've fallen in love with you, Maxine Wabash. I hope you don't mind."

  Her jaw dropped. "What did you just say?"

  "I've fallen in love with you, Maxine Wabash. I hope you don't mind."

  "Why the hell would I mind?"

  "Well, we are co-workers, and you might not feel the same way about me..." She leaned over and kissed him. After what seemed like a very long and pleasant time, they pulled back and looked at each other.

  "So, I guess you don't mind..." She gently cuffed him once more. "No, I don't mind, moron."

  "Is that an Alue term of endearment?"

  "What?"

  "Moron."

  "Why yes, it is."

  A knock at the door was followed by Melinda peeking in. "May I come in?"

  Greg tried to get out of bed, but Melinda would have nothing to do with it. "Sit! No standing. No saluting. This is a social call."

  "Yes, milady."

  "Well, things have been popping since you arrived." She told them about Gregory and the Alliance of Eight working for Space Patrol and their current task of finding out where the hell Hastings went. "Gregory apologizes for his behavior. I get the impression he wouldn't have volunteered as you did, and now he's embarrassed. Maxine?"

  "Yes, Marshal."

  "The Logash have been on the horn with Agendor and Rutile, the de facto rulers of the Logash people. They have petitioned the Space Patrol command to make you a full Marshal, so congratulations, Marshal."

  "Thank you."

  "You earned it, milady," Greg said while giving her hand a squeeze.

  "So, are you two finally dating?"

  "Excuse me?" they said in shocked unison.

  Smiling, she explained things to them.

  EPILOGUE

  The LTS Invincible sat in the dark shadows of several warehouses as rain poured down from the dark and threatening sky. "A typical London Autumn," Angus said as he peered out the cockpit windscreen.

  "At least you can go outside without fear of freezing to death," Winona said as she monitored the comm channels from the captain's seat.

  "Ah, yes, Halcyon in the winter. I hear its lovely with the sunlight glinting of the windblown snow."

  "That's one word for it," Winona mumbled. "Boss! The package has arrived," she yelled through the open door.

  "Right. Both of you, please join us," Gregory said.

  "Come on, Big Guy. It's time to earn our paychecks," the willowy Halcyon said as she left her seat and headed to the main cabin.

  "We get paid?" Angus asked with a lopsided grin.

  They entered a well-appointed lounge decorated in the style of a traditional gentleman's club from Victorian-era London. There were large, over-stuffed leather chairs and small side tables made from dark wood. Dark wood panels lined the walls with brass sconce lights giving the room light. A fine carpet covered the deck and an ornate chandelier hung over a massive wooden table at the center of the room. Angus and Winona joined the seven members of the Alliance of Eight who stood and watched a hologram of the target slowly spinning above the table.

  "This is our target, my friends," Lord Gregory said as he pressed a holographic control hovering just above the table's surface. The walls of the building disappeared to reveal a diagram of its interior. "Warehouse 37. A transaction is about to happen where a Logash biocrystal power gen
erator is being exchanged for an obscenely large sum of money. We are going to attend this function and have words with the buyer."

  "Boss, you think this has something to do with Dr. Hastings?"

  "Yes. My intuition tells me he is involved. I want to meet this buyer before Office of Security forces arrive and shut this operation down."

  "What operation, my lord?" Shade asked.

  "Anything involving the seven deadly sins plus three new ones I have never heard of before. Penelope found out about it and the exchange while searching for Hastings on the InterWebs. Her mastery of information search and retrieval has no equal."

  Penelope gave a small smile.

  "And OffSec already knew about it?" Bayou asked. "Kinda coincidental if you ask me."

  "God, of course not. The operation was running right under their noses for years. I called them the moment we landed but gave them the wrong address. We've got maybe thirty minutes before they figure things out and come here."

  "At least one thing hasn't changed in 300 years. You are still a pompous ass!" Tressa said. "Couldn't you have waited to call until after we were through?"

  "No," Gregory replied with a smirk. "The thought never entered my mind. Ms. Kren, once we are clear of the invincible, take her up to the roof of Warehouse 37 and wait for us there. Shoot any non-alliance member who exits the building."

  "Stun or kill?"

  "Stun will suffice. My friends, time to go meet our hosts." The airlock opened allowing a cold, wet rain to billow in. The eight walked out into the rain while Winona headed to the cockpit.

  ###

  At a nondescript spot on a central floor of warehouse 37, Six people faced each other in an empty space surrounded by packing crates of all sizes and materials. On one side stood Grayus Than, an Erdexi and owner of the warehouse and the seller of the power supply. Flanking him were two of his employees garbed in heavily-armed power suits.

  Standing opposite him was a human woman by the name of Lita Farnsworth. She was of average height and build with platinum blond hair and striking green eyes. She wore a simple black leather hooded duster over a khaki, two-piece uniform. Flanking her were two bipeds wearing oddly colored metal armor.