“Look for any colonies which are free of this crime.”
“But with so many gangs operating, they could be raiding each other’s world, it would skew the figures.”
“True, Barski, but it’s worth a look. We need to do everything we can to correlate these crimes and form some kind of pattern.”
“Do you expect any further robberies to take place on Mars, Eric?” asked Max.
“Hard to say. The gang you locked horns with will have had a scare, both being caught in a gun battle, as well as the shootout they will have seen on the news today.”
“What does your gut tell you?” asked Nowak.
“That they wouldn’t leave such a resource rich planet without one more major heist,” said Kaufman.
“My thoughts exactly.”
“But where? They must know by now that we are on to them.”
“They will relocate, Barski. The next largest city of the planet is New Paris, it’s fifty per cent the size of Marsau and is the other substantial wealth of the colony,” said Nowak.
“That’s a hell of an assumption to make,” said Barski.
“True, Max, but then he has a better knowledge of this area than any of us, and he hasn’t been wrong so far. I’d rather trust in his instinct than our guesses,” Eric added.
“So, how do we proceed?”
“They’ll want to make a quick getaway after their next crime, so whatever space-going vessel they have will be on its way to New Paris.”
“Alright, get onto the space dock, correlate all records of ships arriving in the last two weeks and having travelled to New Paris between yesterday and current time, see what you can dig up.”
Kaufman stood up and paced from wall to wall behind his desk, he never liked relying on so many predictions and variables.
“Nowak, how confident are you that they’ll be heading to New Paris?”
“Pretty confident.”
“God damn it, this is crap. These gangs are ten paces ahead of us every step of the way. We can’t keep chasing them on a whim, we have to get better intel!”
“I agree,” said Nowak.
“Do these gangs have anyone working inside the banks do you think?” asked Max.
“No, too many banks over too many locations, these are hit and runs, not inside jobs. That’s why they are such a nightmare to track down.”
“I want us to re-locate to New Paris, but I’ll leave a team here at the spaceport, as there is a chance they’ll pass through here again,” Eric ordered.
“They could lift off without passing through the ports,” said Barski.
“True, but they’d run the risk of detection by the planetary border guard. I think they’ll expect to make a relaxed escape when they’re done.”
“Who says they’ll leave after this heist?”
“Because they know things are heating up, Max, they may be greedy enough to do one more, but not foolish enough to ignore the risks.”
Kaufman hit the intercom.
“This is Kaufman, all field teams assemble at the bridge immediately!”
He went out of his office followed by the two sergeants. It was only a matter of minutes before all his agents stood before him.
“We strongly believe that the two incidents which we have been involved in during our time in Marsau are separate entities. The first gang was highly co-ordinated and armed, with far better preparations. The second gang we took down yesterday was a worthwhile victory, but we must stay focused. We are lifting off and heading for New Paris. Sergeant Diaz, I want your team to stay stationed at this port, should they look to make a getaway from here.”
He looked around the room. Nobody had anything to say.
“Alright, get ready to move, we leave in five minutes!”
The bridge sprung to life as the teams went about stowing the vehicles in the ship’s garage. Kaufman headed back into his office and hit the comms for the IBI office back on Earth.
“This is Lieutenant Kaufman, put me through to Commander Denton.”
“Please hold, Sir.”
“Kaufman, how are you?” asked Denton.
“Fine, Sir. I have reason to believe that we are currently dealing with two separate gangs on Mars. One that we have apprehended and killed, the other which caused my officers a lot of trouble.”
“I am sorry to say that it may well be the case. Our analysts found that much of the crime committed recently in your vicinity to be perpetrated by a particularly well-connected and organised group. They call themselves the Gadson Gang, after their leader. However, we have no leads on who this Gadson is. What I can tell you is that he is highly efficient, well armed and getting very rich.”
“Sir, do you believe we are dealing with this gang on Mars?”
“Everything I have seen of the crime scene reports would suggest so, yes.”
“Can you offer any further insight into this gang, Sir?”
“At present I am putting all our resources into finding the location of the gang, or locations they may use. I am doing my best to try and find anyone willing to part with information about them, but most people are too scared to do so. What is your current state?”
“We are heading to New Paris, I’ll let you know of any developments as and when they happen.”
“Keep up the good work, Lieutenant.”
Kaufman reached forward and turned off the intercom to Earth, immediately hitting an open channel to the ship.
“Barski, Nowak, Denver and Lin, join me in my quarters as soon as possible.”
He sat back in his chair as he waited for his sergeants. He pulled his gun and holster off his belt and placed them down on his desk, sighing as he relaxed. They had earned themselves a little breathing space, but it would only get more difficult. The door light pulsated. Kaufman reached forward and hit the switch. Nowak and Lin walked through, shortly followed by Barski and Denver.
“Commander Denton has just informed me that the gang that Barski came up against are calling themselves the Gadson Gang, and they are not the bastards we took down yesterday. Nowak believes that they are on the way to New Paris and I am inclined to trust his judgement. Do any of you have anything to add?”
“Sir, I have been looking into the potential hideouts for these gangs,” Nowak answered.
“Why would they have hideouts? Why not just live permanently on their ships?” asked Barski.
“Some may, but I believe the majority will have somewhere that they call home. They have to have access to weapons suppliers, money launderers and other criminal elements. Additionally, I believe most of these gangs will keep somewhere safe and secure as a base of operations or safe houses.”
“Alright, do you have any leads?” asked Kaufman.
“Not yet, Sir.”
“Now, if we were a criminal gang, equipped as we are, where would we setup base?”
“Away from all law enforcement, so avoiding the major colonies, but close to the major trade routes,” said Lin.
“Mars and Earth both keep close control over traffic to and from the planets, as does the Moon colony,” said Denver.
“So that leaves us with starbases, mining facilities, asteroid belts and the various other moon colonies.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Well it’s a good theory, but we need it pinned down a lot closer than that.”
“I’ll keep on it,” replied Lin.
“We lift off in a few moments, but its time we put a name to this boat, assemble everyone aboard at the docking bay.”
Kaufman made his way down the kitchen as all aboard made their way to the lower decks and out into the docking bay. He went through into the walk in fridge, looking at the racks of chilled alcohol Denton had fortunately forgotten to remove. He pulled out a bottle of champagne that looked very expensive. Kaufman had no idea what it was worth, but probably more than a week’s wages for him, based on the cost of the vessel itself.
He went out and down the ramp of the vessel to the loading bay wh
ere the crew were lined up in a loose line at the bow. Kaufman paced up and down, looking at the luxurious yacht that was before them.
“This ship has become our home, our work, our life. In a previous existence it served the duties of criminals, but it has been re-born as a vehicle of law and order. I don’t know what it used to be known as, but from now on, I name her the IBI Intrepid!”
Kaufman lifted the champagne bottle, taking one last look at the label and wondering at the cost of what he was throwing away, a symbol of his devotion to routing out crime in the Solar System. Without a further thought, he threw the bottle with all his force against the bow of the vessel, smashing it across the prow.
“Today we head for New Paris! We’re looking for a group that call themselves the Gadson Gang, who almost certainly was responsible for the robbery two days ago where several of our people were wounded! We have just two hours before we reach the city, gather everything you can on this gang, and be ready for anything! That’s it, all aboard, let’s move!” shouted Kaufman.
The crew quickly fell out and stormed up the ramp into the ship. Within minutes they were lifting off and travelling across the red planet at high velocity. Vessels that wanted to travel within the atmosphere but not within the enclosed vehicular highways had to clear all flights through the Mars Control Centre. This was a much faster way of travelling, but could only be achieved by vessels that were designed for the purpose, or capable of space travel.
Kaufman knew that the Gadson Gang would have to, either use the highways that would be slower, or clear their vessel through Mars Control. He didn’t know the character of the gang well enough to predict which they would do, as both options had their advantages. He stood on the deck of the bridge with Nowak and Barski, whilst most of the crew were at workstations and analysing data regarding the case.
“Nowak, how long until we have that list of vessels I requested?” asked Kaufman.
“It should have come in already, but Mars Control are still not too eager to give us much assistance.”
“Jesus Christ, get me Denton, and put him on speaker.”
“IBI office,” said the operator.
“This is Lieutenant Kaufman, put Denton on!”
“Yes, Sir.”
“This is Denton.”
“Sir, we are following up leads on the Gadson Gang. We need some schedule and reference information from Mars Control, but they are not giving us what we need.”
“I will chase them personally. Legally they have to provide the information for you, but there is no stipulation as to the speed at which they do it.”
“Sir, I understand that, but time is of the essence here. I want to get this gang before they leave the planet.”
“I’ll get on it, Lieutenant, I’ll be in touch.”
“Thank you, Commander.”
The comms link stopped and Kaufman turned to Ryan who was sat at a station near him.
“Ryan, I want you to send over our agent serial numbers as well as the new ship identification information to the main office, they’ll need it all on file.”
“Yes, Sir.”
* * *
The Intrepid touched down at the New Paris Spaceport. Despite their desperate efforts to gather information on the journey, they had not gotten anywhere in identifying either the bank that was going to be hit, or the location of the gang. Just as before in Marsau, Nowak had created a shortlist of banks for them, but it was far from ideal.
“Sir, the partial plate we got from the scene of the Mars Group robbery, we just got a possible sighting of the vehicle in downtown,” said Lin.
“Where?”
“Near the Banque Nationale, Commercial Street branch.”
“Ok, good work! Lin, Denton, you’re with me. Barski, you’re in charge, Nowak, keep doing what you can to pressure Mars Control!”
They rushed to the vehicles in the garage, loading up into three of the cruisers. Kaufman already had his WARB rifle in hand as they lifted off and raced towards the city centre, Lin at the wheel beside him.
“Think we’ll make it, Sir?”
“If they’re already at the bank then it’s going to be tight.”
“We could call in the locals?”
“No, they’d only scare them off or cause a bloody mess.”
Kaufman hit the intercom.
“Barski, I want security at New Paris made aware of this threat, every ship out of here today needs to be checked thoroughly, have Nowak work with them.”
The three vehicles darted dangerously through the traffic, none of the officers having any feel for their surroundings. They relied on their map and navigational aids to reach the city bank they were heading for.
“Anders, you’re with me, Zaya, take up position on the north side of the street. Lin, bring us to a stop twenty metres from the car, I want to approach them on foot.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Barski, have the bank reported any troubles at all?”
“None,” he replied.
“Right, keep your guard up and your weapons ready!”
Their car came to a halt on a side road that led to the street where the bank was situated. It was fairly quiet for a city high street, but that still meant there were plenty of civilians about. Kaufman held his submachine gun down low at his side in a subtle fashion, being as inconspicuous as he could be, his agents backing him up.
It took only a matter of seconds to identify the vehicle. He had not seen it himself but it fitted the description perfectly. He looked up and down the street. There were no other cars that appeared to be related in any way to a robbery.
“Anders, swing left, Zaya, approach with caution from the north. Taylor, you’re with me!”
The agents descended upon the car and entrance to the bank from three sides, each kept their distance and expected a fight at any moment. Kaufman looked again up and down the street. It made no sense to him. He wondered briefly if although it was the correct vehicle it was not in the process of a heist, though it seemed to co-incidental to be outside a city bank.
“This is Kaufman. Any got news to report, Max?”
“Negative, the authorities still aren’t co-operating, but there’s no chance they left from the spaceport in New Paris. There was a major fault in the docking bay yesterday causing several transports to collide, clean up work is still on-going and all traffic is being routed through Marsau.”
“Yesterday? Then the gang must have planned to get out from Marsau.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Contact Diaz, inform him of the situation, he needs to do whatever he can to identify any suspicious activity going through the port.”
“That’s thousands of people.”
“I appreciate that, Max, just do what you can, out.”
“Ok, people, stay put, we are approaching the vehicle.”
Kaufman lifted his weapon up to his shoulder, there was no longer time to hide. He approached from the rear quarter of the vehicle and couldn’t see any passengers at all. He glanced quickly up the street to Zaya, but no one had seen anything out of the ordinary. He moved closer to the side of the vehicle, now sure that no one was inside. His eyes darted around it, looking for anything unusual.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw the blink of a light beneath the vehicle. He ducked down and looked underneath before realising that his instinct just a second before had been right.
“Bomb!” he shouted.
He got just a few steps away when the blast went off, the force of which sent his body tumbling into a parked car the other side of the street. His body turned in flight and smashed back first into the pillar of the vehicle. It was only his body armour that saved him from his spine cracking against the metalwork. Pain riddled his body as he fell to the ground, aching through most of his muscles and bones.
For a few moments he was disorientated, he tried to get to his feet but stumbled several steps and almost fell back on his face before gaining his balance. Kaufman couldn’t hear anything
but a low drone from his ears blowing out from the explosion, which was also disorientating him. He looked to the sight of the suspect’s vehicle. It was a burnt and twisted mess with fire pouring from the wreck.
Zaya rushed up to his side, she was shouting at him, but he could not really make out what she was saying. He turned to his side and saw Anders lifelessly flat on the ground, Lin trying to talk to him. His hearing was beginning to come back, but only slowly, causing him to shout at people right beside him.
“Is Anders alive?” he shouted to Lin.
“Yes, Sir! He’s unconscious but breathing!” she shouted back to him.
Kaufman turned to look around the street. A few civilians stared at the sight of the burning vehicle and to their battered crew who were out in the middle of the road. He was still coming to his senses, but he was already beginning to realise how large a threat this gang posed, having foiled their efforts for a second time.
“Get him to a hospital!” shouted Kaufman.
He pulled out his cell link and dialled back to the ship.
“Barski? Barski!”
“Kaufman, what is it?”
“The car was a plant, it was rigged to explode.”
“Any casualties?”
“Anders is unconscious but breathing. Max, they knew we were coming, they must be making their way back to Marsau as we speak.”
“I’ll notify Diaz immediately.”
“Good, but be quick!”
“Eric, wait!”
“What is it?”
“We have just picked up a police transmission regarding a heist in New Paris.”
“What? When?”
“Uniforms have found the staff and customers of the Bancorp Mars locked inside the vault, they must have been there for an hour or more.”
“Damn it! The gang could already be at Marsau Port, get on to Diaz, I want these bastards stopped!”
“Do we have any description of the gang?”
“No, but we’re looking at seven or more, mostly male, travelling together. They’ll be carrying cash and weapons, and driving non-descript vehicles.”
“It’s not much to go on.”
“Just do what you can!”
“Sir, Anders is conscious!” Lin called to him.
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