by Ray, Joseph
“Agent Calloway!” Commander Dayne shouted as he ran to catch up. “Please wait!”
Nathan thought of ignoring the call. His feet wanted nothing more than to storm to his ship and leave this planet in his dust trail. The boots were stomping hard behind him, allowing for him to either wait for the Commander to catch him, or break into a full sprint to avoid him. Somehow, his training reminded him that ignoring the Overseer would be an insult to the Eden Monarchy, and would lead to disciplinary action. He waited.
“Agent Calloway, is everything alright?” Bastiian asked, his words coming smooth as the fit man had miles to go before losing his breath.
“How can I ever be alright again?” Nathan shouted, turning to the Commander. “That was the most horrific display of cruelty I’ve EVER witnessed. You DARE to call yourselves civilized?”
“It was an execution,” Bastiian replied, his face locked in shock. “How would you suggest we kill them? Should we give them a sleeping drug and gently suffocate them?”
“Yes!”
“Absurd. You suggest we show pity upon them. They were criminals.”
“They were human beings! You wouldn’t slaughter an animal in such a manner. You would treat a disease with more mercy than what you did.”
“It has always been our way.”
“Your way is nothing more than bloodlust.”
Bastiian stepped in front of Calloway, stretching to his full height. It wasn’t the first time someone tried physical intimidation on the Agent though the armor was a nice touch.
“Get out of my way.”
“Go around.”
Nathan leaned in, his chest pressed against the heavy armor of the Commander. People had stopped their walking, choosing to pause and watch the two men challenge one another. Nathan was smaller, and lacked the impressive armor, but he had no intention of breaking Bastiian’s stare.
Bastiian continued the locked gaze, then blinked and stepped away, allowing Nathan to pass. The Commander’s footsteps continued to follow as the Agent pulled ahead, nearing the large station that led to the port. Dayne quickened his pace, reaching the Agent’s side as he hung his head before speaking.
“My apologies, Agent Calloway,” he muttered. “It wasn’t proper of me to lash out of you in such a manner. I pray you won’t think ill of my people because of my words.”
“No more than I already did.”
Bastiian smacked his hand against the armor over his thigh, the blow echoing off the nearby corner, causing many to turn their heads in concern. The Commander sped up once more, circling in front of the Agent, and cutting him off from the entrance to the port holding his Cirrus. Nathan stopped, though not because the Commander stepped into his path. He stopped because a figure, in a dark cloak, was standing next to the ramp of his ship.
“What’s going on, Commander?” Nathan asked, still looking to the cloaked figure.
“Please, walk with me, but keep your voice down.”
The two walked halfway through the port before stopping once more. Nathan tried to peer to the dark figure though the cloak prevented him from seeing the face.
“I’m afraid I must clean my conscious,” Bastiian started. “I suspect you never believed my reasons for requesting your presence.”
“Imagine that,” Nathan said with sarcasm.
“Yes, well, believe me when I say I had my reasons for not trusting you.”
“You trust me? Think ya got the order wrong, Commander.”
Bastiian sighed and looked to the side, trying to gather his thoughts before attempting to speak with the angered Agent. He looked up at Nathan through his brows, his frame stooping to appear to beta.
“My apologies, Agent Calloway, but I needed to KNOW the man before I could trust the man. My lies started when I mentioned the work performed on your vessel.”
“So the oxygen leak isn’t fixed?”
“Oh no, the leak has been repaired. I thought it the least I could do, considering. My mechanics has also balanced your positioning harriers. I hope it makes for smoother landings. However, if I may continue? I needed an Agent to come because I have something very precious to me, which needs to reach Earth. I’ve placed this precious cargo on your ship, but now I beg of you not to toss it before you leave.”
“And the dark cloak?” Nathan asked, still looking at the dark figure.
“Yes, I’m getting to her. I am begging you, as one honorable man to another, to please see that the cargo reaches Earth. You will know the exact location when you gaze upon it. You must understand, there were no other options for me to take. I couldn’t risk being discovered by a random check at the port, on either planet. As an Agent, you are immune to such nuisances, thus assuring delivery.”
“I’m not a delivery boy,” Nathan muttered, looking to the Commander in distaste. “And that mess back there makes me questions anyone’s honor on this planet.”
Bastiian held back, shoving his anger deep down before continuing to plead his request.
“I understand,” he continued. “I swear I shall never again speak to your displeasure of our ways. With that said, I must return to the matter at hand. This cargo is so precious to me that I would offer ANY amount of wealth to ensure safe delivery.”
“I’m not a greedy man.”
“Then this negotiation should be short.”
Nathan couldn’t help but smile, relieving the tension amongst the two proud men.
“Not SO short,” he laughed. “I don’t want riches, in any form you offer. I want something way more valuable.”
“You have my attention.”
“My job comes with a certain amount of risks,” Nathan continued, the smile fading. “There have been several occasions when a favor fulfilled would have made an enormous difference. Especially if this favor were to come from someone as capable as an Overseer.”
“What kind of favor do you speak?” Bastiian asked, looking concerned.
“I have no way of knowing right now,” he replied. “Maybe I need help to track down a suspect…..”
“I shall place an army at your disposal.”
“I could find myself homeless….”
“I’ll build your home with my bare hands.”
“Maybe I’ll need your Queen spied on?”
Bastiian opened his mouth to speak, but words failed him.
“Well, good to know the limit beforehand,” Nathan added, noting the Commander’s discomfort. “I kinda noticed you never called the cargo an ‘it.’ Wanna explain why?”
The Commander grew uneasy, his eyes shifting to a place above Nathan’s left shoulder.
“I cannot,” Bastiian whispered. “We are being recorded. I’m certain they cannot hear us as we stand in the center of this vast port, but I dare not take such a risk when the loss could be so dire.”
“I see,” Nathan whispered. “So if there’s an army closing in around me?”
“I shall rain down upon them with all of Eden’s might,” Bastiian informed him, standing tall and proud.
“Alright, you have a deal.”
Nathan stuck out his open hand, which Bastiian quickly took. The two men shook on the deal. Bastiian attempted to release his grip, but the Agent clutched his hand, pulling the man, forcing them to stand with their opposite shoulder’s touching.
“If you make me regret this,” he threatened. “My face will haunt your dreams until I take that last, arrogant breath from your lungs.”
The Commander nodded in agreement, allowing for Nathan to release his hand and take a step back. The thin fabric between the fingers of the Commander’s gantlets was torn, the edges shearing through it like butter under the strong grip of Calloway.
“The dark cloak?” Nathan reminded him.
“Ah yes, that,” Bastiian replied, turning and walking towards the waiting ship. “I need certain assurances for delivery. As well as my way of sweetening this deal. I hope that you approve.”
As they closed the gap between themselves and the dark f
igure, Nathan began to recognize the thin, yet strong frame that rested beneath the silky cloak. A part of him wanted to smile, but the mind of an Investigator always questions ulterior motives.
“Hello, Agent Calloway,” Tana whispered, her dark eyes peering at him through the shadow of the cloak. “I hope my presence pleases you.”
“I’m not sure yet,” he replied. “I need to see this cargo before I can give a truthful response.”
“I understand,” she replied. “Shall we? The air in your ship is quite muggy with all of the ventilation systems dormant.”
Nathan lowered his head and nodded. Tana bowed slightly to the Commander, then gracefully strode up the ramp of the Cirrus, leaving them men to part in private.
“I cannot thank you enough, Agent Calloway,” Bastiian said loudly. “I wish you a safe journey.”
“Yeah, sleep well,” he muttered, storming up the ramp.
The ramp closed as the Commander briskly walked to safer ground. Nathan held the button, waiting for the seal to take shape as the sunlight fled from the floor of his cargo bay. He took a deep breath, then turned to find the ‘cargo’ before taking off.
Tana stood a few paces away, the hood of the cloak resting upon her shoulders as she gazed upon him with her dark eyes. The smile did nothing to correct his foul disposition as he witnessed several stacks of trunks secured against the wall. Though he’d never married, he doubted that one woman needed so much luggage for such a short trip. He brushed past the new passenger, stalking down the hall. He ducked his head into the two-quarters that the ship held, the storage room, and weapons cache. Nathan swore as he made for the cockpit, the last place on the Cirrus that was capable of holding passengers. The inside of a Cirrus was spacious though the vast majority rested in the cargo bay. Given that it was empty when he arrived, he doubted that anyone could hide among the narrow shadows the overhead lights cast on the floor.
The view from the doorway of the cockpit did not please him though his mind had no recollection of the blonde haired, young woman who sat in the passenger seat of the Cirrus. She wore a black cloak, similar to Tana’s though she’d already untied the front due to the humidity inside the ship. Her legs were covered by a thin fabric that clung to her skin, showing every curve her legs had to offer. The wrap continued over her flat stomach, arching outward over her breasts, tied at her shoulders. Her face held a wide jaw for a woman, with a flat, upturned nose, taunt cheeks, and large blue eyes. The blonde hair swept over her head, pressed tight against one side of her face.
“Hello, Agent Calloway,” she offered. “I’ve been expecting you.”
“Hello to you,” Nathan replied. “Emilia Wilkes.”
*************
The blue sea vessel slowly crept to the dock, the waves making it difficult to gain the alignment. The Captain swore as he edged the ship towards the dock, a large claw unfolding from the edge of the water, clutching onto the anchor bar of the boat. The Captain breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that the paint wasn’t scraped from the side, as shaky waters often caused.
Bearden and James wasted no time, their luggage already in hand, as they waited impatiently for the ramp to be stretched down to the dock. The magnetic seal locked in place as a white uniformed attendant slid the bar free from the railing, allowing for the couples to depart.
“Please come again,” she said, a huge, fake smile painted onto her lips.
Unlikely, Bearden thought to himself as he led Janys down the ramp. Her thin sandals touched the sanded metal, her arm returning to his wrist as they walked towards the end of the dock. The crowd had thinned as theirs was the only ship at the dock though a multi-deck vessel was quickly approaching. The Sargent took advantage of the thin crowd, leading Janys to the overhang.
The spaceport was vast, stretching out and up as far as Bearden’s eyes could see. The structure was mostly transitional plastic, with white stucco covering the support beams. Thin lights led their way, running parallel with the ceiling. The walls were covered with marquees, each holding a view screen that switched from one advertisement to the next. The first display showed a roll of toothpaste, a bright smile standing firm behind it. It changed to a warning of Earth, showing the threat level had been raised since the Cyber attacks on the military courtroom. They continued to walk, but Bearden continued to watch the advertisements they passed. Somehow, watching them reminded him that society still existed, that simple things like toothpaste and where it was safe to vacation was somehow still relevant after the turmoil they’d suffered. Somehow, it reminded him that life could go on.
“That one,” Janys told him.
Bearden snapped to attention, seeing a bright blue screen protruding from the wall, the letters telling him that trips to Earth were still available. He pulled her towards the open doorway, which stood far wider than it needed. The walls to the travel agency were made out of tall panels, each its own display screen. The images were connected, showing a long star cluster, a red nebula slowly drifting across the long end of the wall.
A tall woman stood behind a black counter, the stars still lit upon the surface, giving the appearance that one stood in the middle of space as the floor and ceiling were reflective surfaces, continuing the ruse.
“Welcome to Holland Travel,” the woman stated, a bit too cheerful for Rolland’s taste. “Where can I take you today?”
Janys tried not to laugh at the thought of the wannabe model piloting their ship across the stars. The woman’s height was somewhere between hers and the Sargent’s though she looked as thin as paper compared to either of them. Her black dress was shorter than Janys liked, exposing far too much of her narrow thighs to be considered tactful. The cut of her top was low though her chest was far too flat to display anything risqué.
“We need to get to Earth,” Janys informed her in a monotone voice. “And don’t try to sell us, first class.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” she informed them, the beaming smile still locked on her face. “We have three trips from which to choose, with second and third class still available. Do you prefer to pass by Eden, Draeden, or the Black Hole Nebula?”
Bearden tried to do the math though he couldn’t decide which trip would be quicker. His eyes were dry and fatigued, a side effect of last night’s poor sleep. It wasn’t that the bed was uncomfortable though it could have been a bit bigger for his liking. It wasn’t the waves of the sea as the rocking was soothing to him. No, it seemed that, in her deep slumber, the Corporal’s hand had difficulty remaining still, her soft touch tracing the hairs on his chest for hours on end, leaving him too aroused to sleep.
“Whatever is shorter,” Bearden informed her.
“Let me see,” the thin, tall woman declared. Her hands slid across the screen, shoving one display after another to the right. “It seems that Draeden would be the best bet. The distance is longer, but there are less scheduled stops. Will that be second or third class?”
“What’s the difference?” Janys asked. “Is it just meals and smaller rooms?”
“Pretty much. However, second class allows access to the pool, the exercise facility, and the spas. Woman to woman, I’d highly recommend the spa.”
Janys scowled at the thought of some strange man named Ivan, his hands groping her skin, asking where all the bruises were from and remarking the amount of tension in her shoulders. Still, she liked the idea of being pampered.
“Second class,” she replied, slipping her datapad onto the black surface.
Bearden watched the transaction take place, curious as to where her credits were coming from. He tried not to scowl as he saw the name of one of Divinity’s lab techs, a thin kid he’d talked to on numerous occasions for hacking into the camera to the woman’s showers. He shook his head, not wishing to know how she managed to obtain his account.
“I’ll need to see some I.D.” the woman informed them, looking to Bearden.
The Sargent froze, looking to his partner for an out. She nodded, her hand sliding down hi
s side, tapping the tablet in his pocket. He pulled it out and turned the screen on, welcomed by the sight of his picture, and the name Trevor Denniston, the name on Janys’ credit account, and the troubled young lab tech.
He handed the tablet over, trying to recall how many years he’d spend in prison for offering a false identity and stealing from another person’s account. He was thinking the punishment was ten years, five with good behavior when the thin woman handed the tablet back to him.
“Thank you,” she offered. “I’ve downloaded your tickets to both of your tablets, just in case. Your ship is docked at gate thirty-two, and it leaves in thirty minutes. Thank you for choosing Holland Travel, and enjoy your journey through the stars.”
Janys had a thought, one that involved punching the fake smile off the flat board of a woman, though she quickly realized her training would shatter the woman’s brittle bones. Bearden felt the anger in her tight muscles as he clutched her bicep and led her back to the hall.
“Didn’t like her?” he asked.
“Woman to woman, I recommend the spa,” she mocked. “I could have slugged her.”
“Well, I don’t know how I feel about some strange guy rubbing his hands all over my wife’s back,” he replied. “But if it’s what you want….”
She laughed, leaning into his shoulder as they passed other agencies, two restaurants, and several of the boarding docks. He switched the bags to his left hand, draping his right around her back, his hand wrapping around her arm.
“Actually,” she started. “I felt kinda bad. You look so exhausted, so I just thought that you could use a bigger bed.”
“You spent extra credits renting me a bigger bed?” he cried. “You know better than that.”
“You need it, you’re enormous.”
“I’m a soldier, I don’t even need a bed to begin with.”
She stepped out in front of him, cutting off his path. Her pale blue eyes locked into his, determination forming on her face.