by G J Ogden
The side door of the tiltrotor craft slid open and a female officer jumped out and ran towards them. She was wearing what looked like a compact respirator, which covered her face below the nose. Hudson found this odd, considering that Brahms Three wasn’t a dusty planet.
The officer then looked at Hudson and Liberty in turn. “Captain Powell, Captain Devan?” she said, shouting over the noise of the twin rotors. With the respirator still covering her face, she sounded like some sort of evil robot. Hudson nodded, and the woman saluted, sharply. “I’m Lieutenant Thorn. Commodore Trent gave orders that I should escort you safely to the scavenger town. Sorry we’re a bit late.”
Hudson laughed, “On the contrary, you were just in time.”
“I’m afraid we weren’t able to observe who shot you down,” Thorn went on. “The banks of the valley obscured our view. But we just saw that FS-31 check its cannon, so I’m guessing it was them?”
“We’ve had our differences, put it that way,” replied Hudson.
Thorn nodded. “They’ll be fined heavily for the unauthorized weapon discharge, and banned from returning to Brahms Three. Beyond that, I’m afraid we can’t do any more.”
“Thanks, Lieutenant, but they’re our problem,” said Hudson. “We’ll deal with them.”
Liberty stepped forward and took a closer look at the tiltrotor. “Nice ship,” she said to Thorn, “How much can it lift?”
Thorn seemed pleased at the praise for her vessel. “We use her mainly to move containers around, and haul off the larger hunks of hull from the wrecks.”
“Do you think she can haul our ship here back to the spaceport?” asked Liberty.
Thorn took a look at the Orion, its damaged engine still sending a plume of acrid smoke into the air. “Sure, piece of cake. I’ll get it hooked up and we’ll have you back in no time.”
Hudson and Liberty thanked Lieutenant Thorn and backed away. Then Thorn’s crew piled out of the tiltrotor and started to hook up chains to the Orion’s hull.
Liberty suddenly burst out laughing, and Hudson looked at her, also smirking for some unknown reason. “What’s so damn funny?” he asked, but then let out a little chortle himself.
“I don’t know,” said Liberty, throwing her arms out wide and laughing again. “I should feel like crying, especially after what that bastard did to our ship. But I feel great!”
“So do I!” agreed Hudson, laughing freely this time. Then he nudged her on the shoulder and said, “Hey, we nearly died. Again!” There was a brief silence and then they both exploded into fits of giggles.
Hudson watched as the crew from the tiltrotor ran past, looking at them as if they were mad. “Why are they all wearing respirators?” wondered Liberty, before pointing and laughing at them.
Hudson stifled a chuckle, but then frowned as he looked at the crumpled plants beneath their feet. He reached down and picked up a yellow flower from one of the squashed vines. “Oh dear, this thing is a powerful narcotic,” he said, holding out the flower to Liberty, and then laughing again. “Someone tried to sell you a bag in the scavenger town, remember?”
Liberty took the flower and pushed the stem behind her ear. “Pretty,” she said, locking eyes with Hudson and trying to keep a straight face. Then they exploded into laughter again, and fell to the ground, holding each other for support. Hudson felt like his ribs were going to break out from his body.
Struggling to their knees, they both watched as the tiltrotor began to hover over the Orion, taking the strain.
“We’d better get back inside,” said Hudson, wiping tears from his eyes.
“Whatever you say, skipper,” replied Liberty, hauling herself up and then staggering towards the Orion. Suddenly, she stopped and turned back to Hudson. “I’m going to break every bone in Cutler Wendell’s weaselly body!” she said, laughing as if she’d just confessed an embarrassing secret.
Hudson rested an arm over her shoulder and together they ambled back into the cargo hold of the Orion. “I’ve got a serious crush on Tory Bellona!” said Hudson, before pausing and adding, a little more guiltily. “I think it’s hot that she keeps hunting me, like a wildcat.” Then there was a second of silence, before they burst out laughing again.
Hudson hit the button to close the ramp and they felt the Orion lift into the air. They both lay on their backs on the deck of the cargo hold, trying to catch their breath.
“Hey, Hudson… are we going to be okay?” asked Liberty, suddenly becoming more somber. Now that they were sealed inside the filtered environment of the ship, they were isolated from the powerful effects of the flower.
Hudson looked at her and smiled. He had also felt the drug-induced euphoria subside a little. However, despite their extremely close-call, he was still hopeful. “Yes, Liberty, we’re going to be just fine,” he told her. “And don’t worry about the ship. The Orion will rise again.” Then he tapped her on the shoulder with his fist, and held her eyes more intensely. “And so will we; even stronger than before.”
CHAPTER 30
Ma topped up their tumblers again and then wiped a mirthful tear from her eye. “Trust you to crash-land in a field full of eupha poppies,” said Ma, still laughing at the crazy story of how they’d arrived back at Brahms Three. “You two had better hope that you’re cats, considering how quickly you’re burning through lives.”
“Yeah, well the next time some asshole takes a pot-shot at us, we’ll be able to respond in kind,” replied Hudson, taking a swig of his beer. Then he raised the bottle to Ma and added, “Thanks for hooking us up with Dean’s Ship Services, by the way.”
Dean’s Ship Services sounded – and looked – like a mundane, and slightly dodgy, starship repair shop. However, it was actually much more. Ma’s many years as a relic hunter had furnished her with a number of shady underworld contacts, and the eponymous Dean was one of them. In addition to repairing the Orion’s damaged engine and flight controls, Dean had outfitted the tough little ship with a number of major upgrades. This included concealable weapons, comprising a ventral machine gun on a 360-degree mount, and a 30mm cannon in the nose. The latter was pulled from a decommissioned CET Corvette, and packed enough of a punch to take on ships three times the Orion’s size. Dean had also forged new alloy armor plating using some of the alien metal they’d recovered from the wreck on Zimmer One. The extensive repairs and upgrades hadn't been cheap, costing them most of what they’d recovered from the wreck. But they still had enough to pay Ma’s storage fees, and keep a little in reserve as a rainy-day fund.
“I’m itching to take her out again,” said Liberty, sipping her beer. “With the upgrades to the engines and thrusters, she should fly even harder than before.”
Ma's Immaculately-plucked eyebrows raised up. “Are you sure you don’t just want to have a nice, safe hunt on the wreck here?”
Liberty looked at Hudson, who smiled back, before they both said in unison, “Nah.”
“You two are gluttons for punishment,” replied Ma, shaking her head. Then her expression softened, and her normally discriminating eyes appeared more philosophical. “Though, I don’t blame you. If I had this magic crystal of yours, I’d be off exploring new portal worlds too.” Ma raised her glass of whiskey and downed the contents. “Unfortunately, I’m not as young as Liberty here. My hunting days are done.”
“Hey, I’m still young too you know,” complained Hudson. “Besides, you could still wrangle with the best of them, if you wanted to, Ma.”
Ma reached over and slapped Hudson’s face affectionately, though because of her strength it felt more like an assault.
Hudson noticed that Liberty seemed to have zoned out, and was staring over into the far corner of the bar. He followed the line of her gaze and saw a single figure, sitting at the corner table. The other patrons were all the regulars Hudson remembered from the last time they’d frequented the Landing Strip.
“What are you thinking, Liberty?” asked Hudson, turning back to his partner.
“I’m not sure,” replied Li
berty, and then she looked up at Ma. “Who is the person in the corner over there?”
Ma glanced over briefly and then shrugged. “Just some random guy. Came in shortly after the first time you two dropped off the relics for storage.”
Hudson thought back, remembering that they’d only briefly popped into the Landing Strip after the CET tiltrotar had deposited the Orion in the spaceport. It had been a fleeting visit, simply to stash their remaining relics. They’d then gone to Dean’s Ship Services to order the repairs and upgrades, before returning to have the drink they were all enjoying now.
“Could he have followed us here?” said Liberty, more to Hudson than to Ma, but it was Ma that replied.
“He seems harmless enough,” said Ma. “No weapons, unless he’s concealing them very well. Keeps buying drinks, so I’m happy.” Then she seemed to remember something. “Though it was damned odd the first time he came in. He didn’t have a hardbuck to his name, and seemed not even to know what I was talking about. But then he left and came back ten minutes later with a whole stack of cash.”
“That is odd,” said Hudson, glancing back over at the man.
“I don’t care where he got it from, so long as he didn’t steal it from anyone I like,” said Ma. And then with more than a twinkle in her eye she added. “But since I don’t like most folk, I doubt that’s likely.”
Hudson necked his shot and then chased it with the last of his beer. “I think we should be getting back to the ship,” he said, raising an eyebrow at Liberty. The Landing Strip was a safe haven, but they still had to walk through the scavenger town to get back to the Orion. And that would leave them temporarily exposed and vulnerable. He didn’t want to let it get too late before they headed back.
“I’ll put this on your tab,” said Ma, clearing away the glasses. “And I look forward to seeing what other new relics you two dig up from the next virgin wreck you find.”
“Except next time, we’ll hopefully be able to bring them back, without getting shot down,” said Liberty. She then finished her beer, and slid the empty bottle to Ma.
They said their goodbyes, then Hudson and Liberty left, walking out into the scavenger town. It was still peak time for the bars and clubs, so the streets were busy. Nevertheless, Hudson hurried, encouraging Liberty to move quickly too.
“Keep an eye out behind us, Liberty,” said Hudson, “I’ve got a bad feeling about that guy in the bar.”
“I know what you mean,” replied Liberty, quickly glancing behind. “I never thought being famous would turn out to be so dangerous.”
They hurried on through the streets, brushing off the pimps and pushers, until they reached the spaceport. Liberty used the Orion’s ID fob to enter the compound, while Hudson watched their rear. His hand was inside his leather jacket, clasped around the grip of the pistol, just in case of trouble.
“I know you hate weapons, but you really need to think about arming yourself,” Hudson said, feeling his pulse thumping in his neck.
The gate unlocked and Liberty pushed through, holding it open for Hudson. “I’m not getting a pistol or some crazy revolver like your girlfriend has,” said Liberty, drawing a withered look from Hudson. “But I’ll think about what else I can carry.”
“Good enough,” replied Hudson, slamming the gate shut, and waiting for the lock to activate again. He heard the comforting thud of the bolt and let out a relieved sigh. “We’re in the clear. Now, let’s get on-board and seal her up tight. I’ve had enough excitement for one day.”
“I hear you…” said Liberty. She lowered the rear ramp and they both climbed up into the cargo hold, and waited for it to whir shut again.
Hudson slapped Liberty gently on the back as he led the way up to the living quarters. “Come on, there’s a bottle of Ma’s whiskey waiting for us.” He climbed the stairs and opened the door into the living space, but then froze. Sitting quietly on the semi-circular couch was the man from the Landing Strip.
CHAPTER 31
Hudson reached inside his jacket and drew the pistol, before aiming it at the stranger. “What are you doing here?” he demanded, as Liberty moved through, spotted the intruder, and froze. “Who are you? Explain yourself!”
The man rose slowly and stepped out in front of them. Hudson watched him closely, ready to fire should he show the slightest hint of aggression.
“Has Goliath returned?” the man asked. His voice was stilted, as if English was not his native language.
“Who the hell is Goliath?” demanded Hudson. Now that he saw the man more closely, his skin seemed to have a glossy sheen to it, as if covered in a thin layer of grease. And his clothes appeared completely seamless, as if he’d been sewn tightly into them.
“Is System 5118208 still viable?” the man asked, ignoring Hudson’s question.
“Look, I don’t know any Goliath, and I don’t know what system five one one… whatever is either,” Hudson replied. “Now you answer my questions, or the next response I’ll give you is a bullet from this pistol.” Hudson had no intention of shooting the man in cold blood, but he felt his ‘tough guy’ relic hunter persona was justified.
“Your words cannot explain what I am,” the man said. “To use a blend of terms you understand, the best fit would be that I am a Revocater pilot.”
“I don’t know what that is, and I’m rapidly losing patience,” Hudson snapped back.
“I am here to learn if Goliath has returned,” the man continued. “You reactivated me. Your ship carries the signal. These are the answers to your questions.”
“I reactivated you?” repeated Hudson, who was now genuinely losing his cool, and not just putting on a show of it. “What the hell does that even mean?”
Then Liberty cut in. “The ship, on Zimmer One? That was you?”
“Correct, I was the ship at System 2691313518. The planet your species recently designated, Zimmer One,” said the man.
“You followed us back?” said Liberty, and then she seemed to have an epiphany. “You were the ghost.”
“I was not a fictitious ethereal entity,” said the man, appearing to look confused, though his expression was as alien-looking as the rest of him. “But I did conceal my pursuit. You should not have been able to detect me. It suggests that you possess what your words would describe as, ‘the crystal’, and that you have harnessed its power.”
Hudson was annoyed that Liberty seemed to be more fascinated with the intruder than threatened by or afraid of him. “Look, I don’t care what you claim to be – you broke onto our ship, and you need to leave.” The man took a step forward, and Hudson straightened his arm, aiming squarely at the intruder’s chest. “Don’t come any closer,” he warned. “I don’t want to use this, but I will if I have to.”
The man frowned again. “You appear to be highly threatened by this form. Perhaps another would assist with reducing your levels of cortisol, adrenaline and norepinephrine.” Then the man changed shape in front of their eyes. First the figure became featureless and smooth, taking on an almost liquid, shimmering golden color. Then it morphed into the form of a woman. Hudson couldn’t believe what he’d seen; the man was now a woman, and even more bizarrely she looked like Liberty. Hudson glanced over at his partner, who now looked like she’d seen a real ghost, before again confronting the intruder.
“What the hell are you?” he yelled. “No tricks this time!”
“Does this form not ease your anxiety?” said the woman. Then she changed again, becoming an amorphous shimmering mass, before adopting the form of Ma. “How about this form? This human female elicits feelings of trust from you.”
“Enough already!” cried Hudson, “You need to get out, now!”
The woman looked quizzically at Hudson, but then its expression flattened again. “Very well, I will leave and return when your stress hormones have lowered to a more manageable level.”
The woman moved slowly around the side of the room, while Hudson and Liberty circled in the opposite direction. The alien then morp
hed back into its original male form and stopped at the door leading out into the cargo hold.
“I must discover if Goliath is returning,” he said. “Goliath will destroy System 5118208, and any other planets that have since harbored sentient life. It will eradicate the corporeal seed-species your words describe as humans, unless it can be stopped.”
The intruder turned and moved through the door, but Liberty dashed forward. “Wait!” she called out, and the man turned back to face her. “System 5118208. What is that?”
The man’s eyes widened slightly. “It is the collection of planetary bodies you know as the solar system. Goliath’s final target was the planet you call Earth.” Then he turned and disappeared through the door.
Hudson and Liberty remained in stunned silence for several seconds, before the realization of what had been said hit them like a sledgehammer. Liberty ran after the man first, but Hudson was only a heartbeat behind. He had thought the alien shuttle was the threat, but it had actually come to warn them of the real danger. And they had let it walk out of the door, before finding out who it really was, and what it planned to do. However, when they reached the balcony overlooking the cargo hold, the rear ramp was still sealed shut, and the mysterious, shape-shifting alien was nowhere to be seen.
CHAPTER 32
Liberty poured Hudson a measure of whiskey from Ma’s signature, square bottle, and then topped up her own glass. They had both already downed two shots while sitting in silence on their semi-circular couch in the living space. The only question each had posed to the other was what to do next. However, in light of what had just happened, they were both completely flummoxed.
What just happened? Hudson asked himself again. Did we just meet with an alien species? An alien AI? A shape-shifting alien AI? However he sliced it, the answer was simply fantastical, and unbelievable. Yet he’d seen the man change into a woman in front of his very eyes. Twice, in fact – and then back to a man again. He realized that he’d had a few drinks at the Landing Strip, but not enough to create that level of hallucination. And the effects of the eupha poppy had worn off long ago. The only conclusion was that what they’d experienced was real, and as such could not be ignored.