by M. D. Cooper
Marge advised.
Kylie nodded wordlessly and pulled herself up another meter.
Marge chuckled.
She drew a deep breath, bent her knees, praying they wouldn’t give out, and leapt across the two meters to the open door.
Kylie’s arms made it over the sill, but she bounced back from the impact, and scrambled frantically to find purchase. She managed to hook her right arm around the doorframe and her backward slide stopped.
She breathed heavily, clenching her teeth to avoid screaming from the pain as her right arm’s ulna cracked again. With one final heave, she pulled herself through the door and rolled onto her back, gasping for breath.
After a minute, she turned her head and spotted another door. This one’s panel was lit up, and Kylie rolled over and crawled toward it while cradling her right arm across her chest.
Once the door was open, she pulled herself up on the frame and stood, wobbling on her feet.
Kylie moaned, looking down the corridor, praying that someone had left a dockcar nearby. No such luck.
She staggered down the passageway and onto the concourse that ran to the North Docks.
A group of women and men ran past her, looks of panic and worry on their faces, barely even acknowledging Kylie as they rushed by.
I wonder what that’s all about, Kylie thought before seeking Rogers over the Link.
Bubbs’ voice came in response.
Kylie wasn’t a big fan of dead.
Bubbs replied.
Kylie asked.
Bubbs said.
Kylie asked as she slowly walked down the concourse toward her ship.
Bubbs proceeded to explain about the damage to the asteroid and that Rogers and Ricket had gone to Chimin-5 to bring back a team with the skills to stabilize the rock.
Kylie said when Bubbs was done.
Bubbs replied, and it took Kylie a moment to realize the woman was joking.
Bubbs replied.
Kylie replied.
Kylie finally reached the north docks, and took the lift to their platform, breathing a sigh of relief as she laid eyes on the Barbaric Queen. The feeling wasn’t yet the same as seeing the Dauntless—that ship was like her first true love—but knowing her new girl was safe and sound filled her with relief.
Kylie knew that Paul’s trail was growing cold, but now it seemed that Blondie’s assassination attempt might have put all of Chimin-1 in mortal danger.
Just when I thought I was righting my wrongs.
Bubbs paused for a moment, as Kylie reached the airlock and cycled it open,
Bubbs had a point. Up ‘til now Kylie had considered—and dismissed—the idea of contacting Tanis Richards. Kylie wanted to be triumphant when she made her call them. ‘Yes, I did find Paul. Yes, my mission is complete.’
That’s what she wanted. Not more screw ups.
If Tanis pulled her off this mission, told her she couldn’t continue the hunt for Paul because of the mistakes she’d made…. Kylie didn’t think she could honor a command like that.
And the last thing she wanted to do was to make an enemy out of Tanis or Sera. She had a suspicion that they weren’t the type of people to let betrayal go.
Kylie said.
The airlock door opened and Kylie shuffled inside, nearly collapsing in the corridor as she hobbled toward the medbay.
* * * * *
Kylie let out a long sigh as she lay down on the upgraded medtable the ISF had installed.
She sent it a command to do a full diagnostic on her body and closed her eyes as her flow armor ran off her, leaving her naked as armatures extended from the table and began scanning her.
Marge advised.
Kylie replied.
Marge laughed.
Kylie closed her eyes, not intending to fall asleep, but when she opened them again, her HUD showed that twenty-five minutes had passed.
she asked Marge.
Marge laughed.
Kylie chuckled and noted happily that nothing seemed to hurt. She debated opening her eyes but decided to enjoy just a few more minutes of relaxation.
Kylie knew she’d feel a lot less anxious when the repair crew arrived back on Chimin-1.
Just then, heavy footsteps entered the room and Kylie opened her eyes, pulling herself up on her elbows to see Bubbs approaching.
The large woman was smiling—sort of—and held an orange and white striped tabby cat in the crook of her gun arm.
“This is Mr. Fizzle Pop. I thought he might make you feel better,” Bubbs said. “It always works for me.”
Kylie hefted the big cat, not that she’d call him fat, at least not with Bubbs present. This guy was either a good mouser or very spoiled. She placed the cat on her lap and scratched under its chin a few times. The cat replied with a hearty purr.
“I do feel better,” Kylie said
“AGAIN, ASSHOLE,” the cat said, staring angrily at Kylie.
She startled, holding her hand right above him so he had to hop up to get a rub.
“He calls everyone that, don’t worry.” Bubbs gave Kylie a genuine smile. Possibly the first one Kylie had seen. She wasn’t used to seeing Bubbs’ eyes shine with a happy sparkle, but it was a beautiful sight to see. This was a woman who really did love her cat.
“He makes the world feel normal even when nothing is,” Bubbs said. Kylie didn’t know much about Bubbs’ life before the Barbaric Queen but it didn’t take a great leap of imagination to think it had been rough.
“Have you had him a long time?”
Bubbs shrugged. “Fifty-five years or so.” Kylie almost choked, and Bubbs snickered. “Rejuvenation techniques are rare for pets, but not unheard of. I spare no expense for family.”
She headed toward the door and Kylie watched her go. “Your cat….”
“He’ll leave when he’s had enough of yo
u. He won’t bite. Much.” Bubbs glowered on her way out and Kylie got the distinct impression that she was being played with.
She peered down into the cat who was working on taking a nap. “You’re an old softy, aren’t you? Just like your owner, no doubt.”
The cat opened one eye. “SHUT UP.”
Kylie grinned. She thought she might like having a cat on board.
Marge’s voice was rushed and her tone clipped.
Kylie perked straight up.
Kylie asked simply, feeling a rush of excitement mingled with anger.
Kylie was starting to understand how the station had fallen to ruin. With no NSAI to manage things….
Kylie was about to reply, when Bubbs interrupted.
Bubbs’ tone was grave,
When it rained, it poured.
Marge replied.
Kylie activated the call display and her vision filled with the smug face of Raynes. “Had enough yet, Captain Rhoads?”
“Enough? And here I thought we were just getting started. I killed your men, I have control of your lab. I—”
Raynes laughed. “Bravado and grandstanding. People are sick, dying, and if my plan goes unchecked, more will die, but if you agree to my terms, I’ll provide you with the anti-virus, the cure that can save these people.”
Kylie drew a deep breath and knew dealing with Raynes—while it might save a few people—would hurt more in the long run.
“Forget about it, Raynes.”
“Oh, come on, you haven’t even heard my offer yet. Don’t you at least want to hear what it is before you make your decision?” Kylie felt like she’d just been double-dog-dared in a schoolyard.
“Fine. I’m listening.” To Marge she said,