by Cheree Alsop
The kitten made a swipe for Gage’s face with its little paw.
He backed up. “If I lose an eye to that thing, I’m blaming you.”
She chuckled. “If you lose an eye to this kitten, you’re a horrible pirate.”
He grinned. “Yes, but I’d look more the part.”
That brought a laugh from her so loud it scared the moon kitten. The creature scrambled from her grasp and darted across the bed to hide near the pillows.
“Oh, I’ve scared him,” she said. She sat on the blanket, but the kitten hissed and backed between the cushions.
“Come here, little one,” she coaxed. “I won’t hurt you.” When the kitten didn’t move, she gave Gage a pleading look. “Will you help me? He’s been through a lot.”
Gage sighed and sat on the bed next to her. “I don’t like cats. He’s not going to come to me.”
“Can you at least try?” she asked.
Gage studied the kitten from his seat on the bed. The little white creature nearly blended in with the pillow cases. He had to admit that with its big eyes and the crescent moon on its forehead, it looked like one of the stuffed animals that could be won at the merchant fair. The creature had just escaped being nearly eaten; he couldn’t blame it for being afraid.
Gage thought of his sister. She would have given him the same pleading look. He closed his eyes. Thoughts of the Coalition hunting for him, the wanted posters flashing on the billboards around the Gaulded, the Macsian Invaders still plaguing the Macrocosm despite the Unified Militia’s efforts, and the crew who looked to him for safety and work as he fought to keep them safe barraged against his thoughts.
“Focus,” Gage whispered.
He felt Sienna shift on the bed to look at him, but he kept his eyes closed.
Thoughts of Mattie reminded him of the peace he had felt when she had calmed the whirlwind in his mind. His sister had always been so good at blocking out the chaos of the Macrocosm. The memory filled him with warmth. A small smile touched Gage’s lips. He focused on the warmth, the comfort, and the peace he felt when he was in his younger sister’s presence. He let that feeling grow in his chest. It eased the torment of his worries, softened the edges of his pain. He channeled the feeling and pushed it gently toward the kitten.
“Gage,” Sienna whispered.
Gage opened his eyes to see the kitten walking with small, timid steps across the bed. The bumps in the blanket appeared like mountains to the little creature. It gave a little, plaintiff meow and paused.
Gage pushed again, his thoughts gentle as he willed the creature closer.
The kitten took several more steps toward him. Gage held out a hand. The kitten stopped short and looked up at him. It gave another meow.
“Come on,” Gage said, his voice soft as he kept the pushing steady.
The kitten crossed the last few inches to his hand, hesitated, then nuzzled his fingers.
“That’s it,” Gage said. He scooped the kitten up and held it against his chest. He eased the pushing. To his surprise, the kitten gave a little purr. It was like the whisper of a whisp’s wings compared to the rumbling motor of Mattie’s felis, but it made him smile. “What are you going to call him?”
“I haven’t decided yet,” Sienna replied. “Any suggestions?”
“How about Fluffy?” Gage asked, thinking of her betrothed.
She swatted his arm. “You’re an idiot.”
He grinned and ran a finger across the kitten’s soft head. “Alright. How about Jakko? It means moon in the Hielian tongue.”
She thought about it for a moment, then nodded. “Jakko fits him.”
Gage held out the kitten. It wriggled to get back to him.
“He likes you,” Sienna said.
“Who he’d really like is Mattie. All animals like her,” Gage replied.
Exhaustion from the day’s events and from his healing wound closed in on Gage. He wondered if some of it came from the pushing. He wasn’t accustomed to using it that way, and was glad it had worked. He moved so that he sat back against the headboard of Sienna’s bed.
“I’ve got unpacking to do,” she said. “Why don’t you and Jakko hang out for a bit?”
“Why do I get the feeling you’re trying to make me like him?” Gage asked. “You know I don’t like cats.”
“He’s a moon kitten,” she replied with a teasing twinkle in her eyes. “And don’t worry. It’s obvious he knows you don’t like him.”
Gage looked down at the kitten. Jakko had climbed onto his chest and was kneading his little white paws on Gage’s shirt. The contented purr that came from the kitten was relaxing. Gage’s eyes closed without him realizing it.
Chapter Seven
The intercom buzzed. “Is Captain Metis there?”
“Yes, he is,” Sienna replied.
Gage opened his eyes. It took a moment for him to realize where he was.
“Will you have him report to the bridge?” Tersha asked with the sound of a smile in her voice.
“Will do,” Sienna answered.
A purring sensation rolled through Gage’s chest. He looked down to see a little white bundle of fur curled up in a ball just below his chin. Warmth emanated from the moon kitten. Gage looked from the tiny creature to Sienna who watched him from her seat at the end of the bed with an expression of amused fondness.
“I fell asleep,” Gage said.
She nodded. “You needed rest. You’re still healing, remember? I didn’t have the heart to wake you.” She smiled. “Besides, I think you guys are bonding.”
Gage scooped the kitten up in his hand. The creature lifted its tiny head and gave him a little meow. A small, begrudging smile crossed Gage’s lips. “He’s pretty cute.”
Sienna gave a satisfied nod. “I knew you’d come around.”
Gage rose. “I’ve got to get to the bridge.” He gave a self-conscious smile. “I don’t usually fall asleep on the beds of my crew members.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” she replied with a teasing look.
Gage held out the kitten. It struggled to get back to him, but he pushed a feeling of calm as Sienna reached for it. To his relief, the kitten allowed himself to be taken and snuggled in Sienna’s arms. Sienna gave him a grateful smile.
“Hyra can show you around if you need to find the kitchen or shower facilities,” Gage told her. “Make yourself at home. We’ve got a few stops to make before we head to another Gaulded.”
“I’ll be fine,” she reassured him.
The kitten meowed when he left the room. Gage grimaced. He didn’t want to be stuck with a moon kitten, no matter how soft and cuddly it had been. He shook his head. Sienna was already having a bad effect on him. He shouldn’t have let her stay aboard after the Gaulded. The last thing he needed was to get soft after everything that had happened. The crew would never let him live it down.
“Report,” Gage said when he stepped onto the bridge.
“We’re in orbit around Skaw,” Manax told him.
“I’ve contacted Hen Fethif. She said they’ll meet you on the Gathery,” Hyra stated. “She was very relieved to hear we’d arrived.” Her voice darkened when she continued with, “Apparently Heartrow has been harassing them. He told them he has a group of machiners lined up to move in if they can’t pay.”
Sienna entered the bridge during Hyra’s last words. “What do machiners do?”
Gage shook his head. “All machiners care about is money. Hen Fethif is caring for an entire family made up of dozens of Avians. I can believe Heartrow would just kick them out without a conscience, but if he ever does, there will be consequences.”
Klellen winked at Sienna, his scales pink with humor. “Watch out for anyone who gets on the wrong side of our captain. He’s the Robin Hood of deep space.”
“It’s romantic,” Tersha said from her seat near the back wall.
“We’re pirates,” Gage replied dryly. “There’s nothing romantic about it. Don’t make it more than it is.” He motioned t
o Manax. “Let’s head to the Gull. Klellen, you have the command.”
“Yes, Captain,” Klellen replied.
Sienna followed them down the hall. “Can I come with you?”
Gage glanced back at her. “We’re just doing a delivery; it’ll be in and out. You sure you want to come?”
She nodded. “I haven’t been off Corian. I would love to see more of the Macrocosm before I go back.” There was a wistful expression in her gaze. “I need something to remember if I ever return to a life with Parragosh.”
The acceptance in her voice surprised Gage. “You’d go back to him?”
She sighed and followed the pair into the docking bay. “He did track me down halfway across the Macrocosm. Perhaps he deserves another chance.”
“Feeling guilty?” Gage guessed.
Sienna nodded. “I definitely owe him an apology after all of this. He was good to me. I shouldn’t have just left.”
“Hyra could set up a transmission when we leave orbit if you’d like,” Gage suggested.
She nodded. “That would probably be best. I should at least talk to him.”
“You could tell him I kidnapped you.”
She gave him a searching look. “And let you hold the blame for my actions?”
Gage nodded. “I’m a pirate, remember? I’m blamed for every dastardly deed imaginable.” He winked. “Although I do most of them.”
She laughed as she followed him through the next door.
Indy, the Earthling in charge of supplies and storage, met them in the docking bay. “I have your atmosphere suits ready. The Gull is fueled for departure, and I’ve added a few MRs in case you have any problems, though I’ve never had problems with an Avian.”
“Me, either,” Gage replied. “But thanks for the foresight. If Heartrow’s collectors show up early, I might have a few things to say to them.”
“Gods help them if they do,” Indy replied.
Gage pulled on the atmosphere suit the man handed him. He buckled his gun belt and knife over the form fit space suit when he was done. At Sienna’s questioning look, he said, “You can never be too careful.”
Manax grinned. “What he means is that our captain has enemies everywhere.”
Indy chuckled. “Helps when the Coalition puts a price on his head so high every mercenary in the Macrocosm can’t resist taking a shot.”
“Is that your brother’s doing?” Sienna asked.
Gage shrugged. “I’m sure he’s got something to do with it, but he’s not the only one I’ve upset.”
“That’s an understatement,” Manax said dryly.
Gage ignored him and led the way into the Gull. He nodded at the four other Kratos crew members who were already waiting. He saw Sienna’s attention fall on the guns they held, but she didn’t comment.
Gage watched the white and green of the atmosphere change to the pale, floating clouds that made up the interior of Skaw. Looking down, his gaze lingered on the orange and yellow mass that swirled in the planet’s interior.
“I’ve never seen anything like this,” Sienna said in awe.
“If I may, Captain?” Ruck, a young woman with gray and orange stripped skin, asked.
Gage nodded. “Ruck, this is Sienna; she’s a friend from my childhood. Sienna, Ruck studied planetary composition and geology on the SS Expedition.”
Sienna stared at her. “I thought the Expedition was just a rumor!”
Ruck shook her head. “Not at all. The Coalition recommissioned an old Platinum Eagle. They figured education was worth the cost.”
Gage kept his face expressionless at the mention of the Coalition. “Ruck’s education on the transit University ship has made her an invaluable part of my ground crew. She keeps us informed of land conditions—”
“Or gas conditions,” Ruck said. She chuckled at her own joke.
“If you were educated through the University, what made you a pirate?” Sienna asked.
Silence filled the Gull. Sienna looked at Gage. “Is that an inappropriate question?”
Gage and Ruck exchanged a glance. “The crew members of the Kratos have each joined for their own reasons. Nobody is forced to stay here and anyone can leave whenever they want,” Gage told her.
Manax took up where his captain left off. “Most of the crew is here because of either personal issues with the Coalition, are deserters from the Unified Military, came from the Revolutionaries, or were once mercenaries.” He opened his green hand. “We have an understanding. History stays history when someone joins the Kratos. Nobody asks, and it’s up to the individual if they want to tell. Each person is given a place based on their actions since joining the crew. It’s a way of staring over.”
“I can respect that,” Sienna said. She gave Ruck an apologetic look. “Sorry for prying.”
“No offense taken,” the Taikan replied. “My past isn’t pretty. My family was killed by Macsian Invaders and the Coalition refused to erase my University debts. I’ll just say that if it wasn’t for our captain, I’d still be peddling boiled ganthum at the end of a chain.” She gestured to indicate those inside the Gull. “This crew is my family and I’m happy another girl has joined us. It’s not often we get a new member. Welcome.”
“Temporarily,” Sienna replied, “But thank you.
Ruck motioned toward the clouds. “Skaw is a Class G planet. It is made of gasses with a high concentration of nitrogen and oxygen. The core is super-heated, which promotes the growth of microscopic life and stabilizes the atmosphere. The cloud masses are actually walkable due to the density of the particles. It’s kind-of a trip.”
“If the entire planet is gas, could you fly straight through it?” Sienna asked.
Ruck shook her head. “Because of gravity, the density of the core makes the center of the planet solid even though it’s still made of gas. If you ever reached the middle, the pressure on your body would make it collapse in on itself.” She looked out the window. “I don’t imagine that would feel very good.”
Sienna followed the young woman’s gaze. “What do people do on a gas planet?”
Ruck lifted her eyebrows at Gage in an unspoken question. He nodded, glad to have someone take Sienna under their wing. Ruck smiled in return.
“On Skaw, they harvest downen from murlans,” Ruck explained. At Sienna’s blank look, she explained, “They’re long dragon-like creatures that fly through the clouds and eat the mineral deposits inside. Murlans have thick soft fur that’s all different colors.”
“That’s amazing!” Sienna replied. “I would love to see one.” She looked back out the window.
“The downen is used to make clothes,” an older Zamarian named Yukan explained. “The material is especially in high demand on moisture-rich planets because it’s wicking; however, due to a drought, there haven’t been mineral-rich clouds for the murlans to eat.” He motioned out the window with his blue-streaked hand that was characteristic of his race. “Skaw is a manor planet, but without enough downen, there hasn’t been a profit from the harvest to pay the taxes they owe to Lordship Heartrow to be able to live there.”
“Does Lordship Heartrow know about the famine?” Sienna asked.
“Definitely,” Yukan replied. “But he’s kept his demands the same. We know he wants to boot out the Avian family who has lived there for centuries and replace them with the Machiners because it would be cheaper, but it would also mean the end of a way of life for the Avians who live there.” The Zamarian tipped his head at Gage. “Fortunately, the Captain found out that because the Avians signed a contract decades ago with Heartrow’s grandfather, he’s obligated to uphold the agreement unless they can’t meet the agreed upon taxes.”
“Which is why he’s still collecting when there’s a famine,” Sienna said. She shook her head. “That’s horrible.”
“I’d like to tell Heartrow that to his face,” Gage said.
“Why don’t you?” Sienna asked.
“It’s a long story,” Gage replied. “You don’t wan
t to hear it.”
Manax glanced back at her from the pilot’s seat. “It’s because the Cap’n can’t show his face in the Saggis Galaxy after sleeping with the secondary princess to the Saggis throne.” The Amphibite gave Sienna a knowing look. “They have very strict policies about the mixing of the royal bloodline.”
Sienna turned an accusing gaze on Gage.
“Thanks, Manax,” he said dryly. The Amphibite grinned at him. Gage glanced at Sienna. “To be fair, she didn’t say she was the secondary princess when she agreed to drinks on Gaulded Zero Ninety-four.”
“Talk about nearly starting a war,” Yukan said with a chuckle.
“Ridiculous,” Sienna replied. She turned her gaze out the window again.
Manax flew carefully around the white masses and guided the space-to-land craft to the biggest white cloud pillar.
“This is it?” Sienna said in surprise.
“This is it,” Gage replied. “Stay in the Gull. Manax?”
“Looks clear,” the pilot reported. “But keep sharp. Mercenaries are getting shrewder by the day.”
“Guns at the ready,” Gage told the four Kratos members. “Manax, keep the Gull running.”
“Yes, Captain,” his friend replied.
“Are the guns necessary?” Gage heard Sienna ask quietly.
“We’ve been set on before,” Manax said, his reply soft. “We never know if a contact has sold us out. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Gage fastened his helmet, then put his hand to the palm reader. The door slid open. The sight of the winged Avians waiting in front of the open white Gathery built on the cloud calmed him. Men, women, and children were clustered together. Husbands and wives, known as drakes and hens on Skaw, stood with their children wrapped in their wings. The anxious expressions on their beaked faces said they knew exactly why Gage had come.
Gage glanced back at the Gull. He motioned and the four members of the ground crew lowered their weapons but stood ready just in case. If there were mercenaries or Coalition, they would have a hard time hiding amid the clouds or Avians.