by Kal Spriggs
Mason strutted over towards one man he recognized, “Jonathan Kinere! You weasel, how dare you show your face here!” The weasel in question looked up and something of a deer in the headlights expression on his face. He and Stavros had run in similar circles, but had something of a disagreement. Judging by the fines he'd had to pay, Kinere had gone at least somewhat legitimate, but Stavros wouldn't see it that way. “You send your lawyers to take a pound of flesh, but you aren't brave enough to claim it yourself?” He strode right up into the other man's face as he talked, his arms swinging wildly as he gesticulated.
From his expression, Jonathan Kinere was suddenly devoutly wishing that the invitation hadn't specified a lack of weapons. Mason leaned over the shorter man, “Trust me, Kinere, I won't forget this. I'll see you ruined. Over such a petty thing, too!”
The weasel in question straightened, “You slept with my wife.”
“Something that would not be an issue except you made something of it...” Mason said. “After all, many men have slept with your wife.” It was true, as far as Mason knew. From the chuckles in the crowd around them, it was still a common occurrence.
“You recorded it.” Kinere ground out. “And you leaked it onto the networks of a dozen worlds. You tried to destroy my reputation, Stavros. And if I have my way, I'll destroy you.”
“Well,” Mason said. “You are welcome to try. Perhaps we could discuss this at another time? Your wife has my communications code still, I believe.”
Kinere flushed even darker, “I will remember this, Stavros.”
“Excellent!” Mason smirked. “I should think you would. Run along now.” He waved a hand and Kinere backed off, though from the scowl on his face, his rage at Stavros was rekindled. I'd be afraid, except he is a self-important weasel, Mason thought. Jonathan wouldn't risk his own neck in a duel and he'd be too nervous at getting caught to hire assassins. Mason had his own dislike of the man, so it cost him nothing at all to humiliate him.
Mason figured that he had probably established Stavros well enough. He turned and began to walk through the crowd. “Captain Stavros,” a woman's voice called.
Mason turned, to find that Lucretta Mannetti had worked her way through the crowd. “That was an impressive display there with Kinere. You do know that he's taken over the Exchange here on Port Klast, right?”
Mason shrugged expansively, “So what if he has?”
“Any goods you're selling or buying will likely go through him,” Mannetti said, her eyes narrow. She was evaluating him, Mason knew, seeing how he measured up to the rumors.
“Perhaps,” Mason said, “But I've sold my cargo already. And there are other buyers and traders to do business with on Port Klast. I need not go through the Exchange, I can find buyers on my own.” He cocked his head, “And who might you be, my dear? You don't hold yourself like a courtesan... and I think that uniform is out of regulation.” She wore the black uniform of the Nova Roma Imperial Fleet, but it was heavily tailored, with a low-cut collar to show off her assets and pants that were almost skin tight. She also had an impressive rack of medals... though from what Mason had heard, all of them were earned.
“I'm Admiral Lucretta Mannetti,” she responded and extended her hand.
Mason took it in one hand and bowed floridly over it. He kissed the back of her hand and felt the thready pulse in her wrist. “Delightful to meet you, Admiral.”
She pulled her hand away quickly, yet the smile on her face suggested she found him amusing at least. “You, as well, Stavros. From what I understand, you've avoided the area since you ran afoul of Tommy King.”
Mason let his smirk fade. He locked his jaw and looked away, “That bastard told me that if he saw me again, he'd kill me. Kill me. As if I had any fear of him.” He dropped his tone, “In truth, he went after my bases, threatened my fences, even hijacked a my supply ship from here on Port Klast. I would have been ruined if I hadn't left.”
“Hmm, but now that he's gone, you drag yourself back?” Her tone was derisive.
Mason stood up straight, “My lady, you have obviously been ill-informed. I marauded my way across the southern edge of the Colonial Republic until their trade dried up. I have made a fine sale of my remaining cargo here. I'll soon hire on a crew and do the same here, where I understand the fall of Nova Roma has left a glut of ships and worlds ripe for the taking.”
She stared at him for a long, uncertain moment. Finally she nodded her head, “Well, best of luck to you, Captain Stavros. And enjoy the remainder of your evening.”
“What was that?” Lauren asked.
“She wanted to evaluate me, to see how I measure up to my legend,” Mason said. “Now she knows what Stavros is capable of and she will remember me.” Ideally, she'd remember his tendency to burn bridges, so when he signed on with someone else's organization, it would make sense, especially if he couldn't sell a cargo. He turned to Lauren, “Let's meet the rest, shall we?”
***
They paused some time later, while Lauren fixed the various dignitaries of the room with a baleful gaze and Mason sampled drinks at the bar. Most such events, the alcohol would be medium quality, good enough that most folks wouldn't complain. Thomas Kaid's bartenders set out only the finest, with exceptions only for availability. As always, Mason noted, Thomas Kaid had impeccable taste.
“Captain Stavros, Miss Kelly, Thomas Kaid extends an offer to join his private party,” a polite voice said. Mason turned to find a short man, attired in Thomas Kaid's colors of forest green.
“I thought this was his private party?” Lauren asked sharply.
Mason grinned, “This is the outer ring, but Thomas Kaid is rather more selective about who graces his presence, eh?” He leaned forward and clapped the young man on the shoulder.
The messenger didn't so much as flinch and the solid muscle Mason felt suggested that he was probably security, doing double duty. Mason felt a bit of unease as he contemplated facing up to Thomas Kaid, one on one. The reclusive man rarely dealt with those he considered his inferiors... and as the defacto ruler of Port Klast, there were few he considered his equal. He had, on occasion, been known to meet with those he found interesting or amusing. He had, as far as Mason knew, never met with Stavros before.
“Well, let's get to the nicer party, shall we?” Mason asked in a too-loud tone and with a broad wave. He lurched a bit as he got up from the stool, though it wasn't as much of a ruse as he would have liked. Definitely lost some of my tolerance, but I suppose that's the price to pay for avoiding it entirely for so many years, Mason thought.
They followed the young man out through one of the side doors and then down a series of short corridors. The Jade House, Thomas Kaid's palace, was an elaborate building. Mason knew well that it's corridors, halls, and courtyards were a labyrinth to guests and potential invaders alike. Mason had been through these corridors before and prided himself in his sense of direction, yet even so, after they came to the end of what looked like a cul de sac, Mason was completely lost.
Lauren gave him a raised eyebrow and Mason just gave her an impassive shrug.
The young man typed a command into an unobtrusive key pad and a section of paneling opened. The young man stepped to the side and gestured for them to enter the hidden passageway.
Mason led the way and put as much swagger into his step as possible. Selling his role was essential right now, as Mason had little doubt that various scanners were focused upon him and Lauren. He had little doubt what Thomas Kaid's response would be, should he decide that they weren't the people he had invited.
The corridor opened up in another of the Jade House's innumerable courtyards. This one had a number of large water fountains as well as dense, lush foliage that gave the open areas a sense of privacy. Broad, tiled paths led through the concealing brush, with ornate stone columns that lit up the evening air. They emerged into a small clearing and another man in Thomas Kaid's colors gestured for them to wait.
Before Mason had really come to a halt, a small group came d
own a path. Several of the men wore tan khaki uniforms, though at their head walked a tall, blonde woman in civilian clothing. Next to him walked another man. He was tall and well muscled, with pale blue eyes, his face was tanned and his gray-streaked beard was neatly trimmed. He wore a perfectly fitted charcoal-colored suit with a tie the color of dried blood.
As he drew closer, Mason could hear the last bit of their conversation. “Of course, Councilor Penwaithe, I understand your dilemma, and I will make certain the right sorts of ships and captains are the ones that I assist you to recruit.” Thomas Kaid stopped and shook hands with the woman. “I will also see to sale of goods and be certain that your traders are dealt with fairly by those of Port Klast.”
“Thank you, sir,” the woman said. “The people of my world, my people, will not forget your help.”
“These are hard times, Councilor Penwaithe,” Thomas Kaid said with a smile. His white, perfect teeth stood out starkly from his tanned face and perfectly trimmed, gray-streaked beard. “We must work together, as much as possible. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have another appointment. Enjoy the rest of your evening.” He gave the counselor a polite nod and turned away. Several of his men escorted those guests past Mason and Lauren and down the passageway they had entered.
Mason caught the frown of distaste from the woman as she walked past. Here to deal with Thomas Kaid, Mason thought, but she doesn't like pirates... interesting.
“Captain!” Thomas Kaid called, his voice friendly, “Come, walk with me!”
Mason stepped forward and fell in beside the other man. Lauren walked a few paces behind and several of Kaid's guards unobtrusively took up positions around them as they walked. As Mason had remembered, Kaid was a master of body language. He managed to guide them down another path without any outward gestures or words.
They walked in silence for a long while, their soft footsteps on the flagstones accompanied only by the patter of water in the fountains and the gentle rustle of the plants in an unseen breeze. The setting should have put him at ease, yet Mason felt ever more uncomfortable the further they walked. Thomas Kaid was a busy man, one who almost never wasted time. Also, Thomas Kaid was known to be scrupulously honest and the fact that he had not extended them an offer of safety or friendship suddenly held ominous tones. When he finally chose to speak, Mason had to restrain a sigh of relief.
“I was very interested to hear that Captain Stavros Heraklion and his ship the Kraken had returned to my world,” Thomas Kaid said.
“Yes, well,” Mason said, with a broad gesture, “Your own hospitality is renowned and the ability to sell a valuable cargo cannot be overstated, especially not in these times.”
“Oh, very understandable,” Thomas Kaid said. “What intrigued me, however, was not your cargo or even that I've traced it to a lot pirated over a decade ago... no what intrigued me was that I have it on very good word that Captain Tommy King killed Stavros and took his ship, almost fifteen years back. As you might imagine, I wanted to meet this dead man walking... and to figure out why Tommy King has returned to my world, why he chose an alias, and just what his current companion has to do with all this.”
Mason bit his tongue on a denial. Kaid wouldn't have said that if he didn't have some kind of proof and a lie to his face would not only be seen through at this point, it would be insulting. The last thing that Mason wanted to do right now was to insult the most powerful man on the planet. Especially when he, no doubt, has several men positioned in the brush ready to take me down if he thinks I'm here for him, Mason thought. He let out a slight sigh, “Honestly? I'm here to infiltrate Admiral Lucretta Mannetti's forces and see what she's up to. I was tipped off, by her associate, Admiral Collae, that she's got something big planned.”
“Interesting,” Thomas Kaid said. He cocked his head and stared at Mason for a long while. “I'd heard all kinds of rumors about your demise... and seen all sorts of young upstarts claiming your mantle, claiming even, to be you. You disappear for almost a decade, then come back trying to take down a pirate?” He looked over at Lauren. “And you, Miss Kelly? What brings you here, in such illustrious company? I would assume, given what I've been able to find on your background, that it was paranoia rather than the intent to murder me in my own home that caused you to bring the AeroTech polymer frame pistol you have in the back holster under your gown.”
Mason felt his heart stop. He had specifically told her not to bring weapons. He glanced at Lauren and saw her tense. Part of her, he knew, wanted to go for that pistol, but it would be suicide.
At last, however, she relaxed a bit, “Sir, despite your invitation, I don't go anywhere unarmed, not since I fought for my freedom from the Chxor.” Her chocolate brown eyes met those of Thomas Kaid levelly and without flinching.
“Interesting,” Thomas Kaid said. “And understandable. You will, however, forgive me for having several sharpshooters trained on you for the duration of your stay. A man in my circumstances cannot be too careful. I would avoid any sudden moves... probably best to avoid scratching anywhere near your spine as well.”
“Of course,” Lauren said. Mason had to bite down on a chuckle at the graciousness she put into her words. As if he had apologized for a lack of her favorite dish.
“In the future, however,” Thomas Kaid said. “I would suggest you abide by the rules of my invitation.... or decline to attend. It sets a bad precedent to allow you leave here alive after defying me. Gives the wrong sort of people ideas. So if I hear you or Captain King have told anyone, I'll ensure you both die for it, understood?” Lauren gave him a nod and Thomas Kaid turned back to Mason. “Now then, let's continue our walk, shall we?”
He led the way along the path and his eyes studied the fountains as he spoke, “I understand Admiral Collae's unease with his associate. Lady Kail, gracious a guest as she is, has the heart of a snake, I'm afraid.” He looked over at Mason again, “I told her that once and she found it highly amusing.”
“Oh?” Mason asked.
“Yes,” Thomas Kaid said. “She enjoys the intrigue and manipulation... and she likes to receive praise for her skill. Something to keep in mind as you go against her.”
“You don't mind me taking her down?” Mason asked. Thomas Kaid was a businessman and a ruler. He controlled Port Klast and the system relied upon pirates like Lucretta Mannetti.
“She's too dangerous in the long term,” Thomas Kaid said. “Don't forget, I've actually fought her back when she was still outwardly loyal to the Nova Roma Empire. She even managed to scrape a tactical victory, though I achieved my strategic goals. I've taken her measure: she's ambitious, self-centered, and without the slightest touch of morality. Sooner or later she would attempt to seize Port Klast. A pirate like Tommy King, driven by anger and bitterness, that is a quantity that I can manage in the long term. Even a self-centered, pompous ass like Stavros was better than Mannetti... much less Mannetti working with Collae.” Thomas Kaid shook his head. “Though, with you as you are now, being trailed around by this one...” His eyes narrowed, “It makes for a more interesting paradigm, though you're no real threat to me.”
Mason raised an eyebrow, “I'm no threat?”
“Please,” Thomas Kaid gave him a level look. “You've run around as a broke smuggler for a half-dozen years on a battered old freighter. You became involved in whatever that business was with the Dreyfus Fleet and this new United Colonies. You've one of their agents with you now, for that matter. I don't know if you sickened of it or if you're just playing for different goals... but it doesn't matter. You're a predator, but you've no designs upon my territory. At worst, your companion will no doubt tell me of the joys of signing on with her Baron Giovanni.”
“You should,” Lauren said, her voice soft. “There are many threats that you can't face alone.” Mason thought of the Balor and the Chxor and the Shadow Lords. Then again, Thomas Kaid had faced down Amalgamated Worlds... so perhaps there was some balance.
“When you get a bit of time, look up some history bo
oks on how well I get along with Amalgamated Worlds Fleet elements.” Thomas Kaid said with a dry tone. “If even a few of the rumors are true, there's a few hundred thousand people that will want my head on a stick. No, I'm quite comfortable out here in my exile.” He smirked and extended his arms, as if to encompass the planet, “And with all this, how could I not be?”
“So, you don't mind me going after Mannetti, would you care to give me any help?” Mason asked hopefully. He felt confident he could accomplish it on his own, but help from Kaid would go a long way, he knew. Also, the man was scrupulously honest and as long as Mason held up his side of any bargain, he wouldn't betray him. Though, of course, the other man was known to have certain grudges....
Thomas Kaid gave him a level look, “I would offer you something of a trade.”
Mason felt his stomach roil, “You don't mean goods, do you?”
“I've yet to complete my own revenge,” Thomas Kaid said. “You know who I want. I could give you what you need on a platter.”
“No,” Mason said and looked away.
Thomas Kaid spat, “Loyalty... to someone who deserves none.”
“We are at something of cross purposes, in that regard,” Mason said. “And you wouldn't trust me if I were to betray him, would you?”
“Betray who?” Lauren asked.
“Captain King, here, had a unique makeup of his alliance of pirates. Many were former Amalgamated Worlds officers,” Thomas Kaid said. “When you do your research on me, be sure to look up what Amalgamated Worlds did to me to make me the monster I am.” There was a hard edge to Thomas Kaid's voice. Mason recognized the anger and rage there, but worse, in a way, was the echo of hurt. Mason knew full well that Thomas Kaid deserved his revenge, but that didn't change things.
“Since we can't come to an agreement on this, I suppose I'm on my own,” Mason said. “I assume you'll keep your knowledge private?”
“Of course,” Thomas Kaid said. “The irony is too delicious, especially what with you prancing about in those god-awful pants. I'd hate to out you, no one would ever respect you again and respect is the one commodity I'll not take from anyone.” He quirked an eyebrow, “Are you certain you're not overdoing it?”