The Star Traders: The Star Traders Series Volume One

by Gary W. Feather

  “Stinking mercs!” Erica heard someone curse, but wasn’t sure who it was.

  “Get ready! Hold firm, everyone! Here they come!” Piper called out to her women.

  The mercenary troops in the armored cars charged in hoping to frighten them into surrender with a brave charge. The mercs jumped out of the vehicles and fired their blaster rifles. Piper and her women held firm, and fired back with their blaster rifles from behind their barricades. A few of the mercs were shot down, and the rest retreated back to the cover of the armored cars.

  Security Chief O’Brien led forty security personnel after the mercenaries in ground cars and hovercars. They jumped out, used their vehicles as cover, and tried to catch the mercs in a crossfire between them and Piper’s women.

  This is going to work! Erica aimed her blaster rifle at a head sticking out. She raised her weapon to fire… A proton bolt zipped past. It slammed into several of Mr. O’Brien’s vehicles, which exploded like the Fourth of July. The bolt had been focused on the Daughter, but turned its focus away for a blast at them.

  A quarter of his people were dead or dying from the blast.

  “Merciful Buddha!” Erica screamed. Damn! I missed the shot! She fired anyway. Damn it!

  “Maybe we should hand that bitch Martha Clarke over to them,” Judy snarled at Piper.

  “Shut up!” Piper snapped. “I didn’t ask for your opinion!”

  “Well,” Judy grumbled, but was silent. She turned gave Erica an accusing glare.

  Erica bit her tongue. I should say something, but I don’t know. Is she right? Is this worth it? How many people are going to die? Is this the right thing to do?

  “Are you going to say anything?” Piper whispered to Erica.

  “What?” Erica jumped out of her dark thoughts.

  “That shit she said about Martha. Why didn’t you say something?” Piper whispered with a frown.

  “I-I don’t know.”

  “You should know. This is what we're fighting for, Erica. Do you love her?”

  “Yes.”

  “I need to get that battle suit on.”

  “What are talking about?” Piper shook her head. “I don’t think that old thing is still stable. What would happen if it just stopped working when attacked?”

  “I could attack that damn tank,” Erica said. “It's our only hope.”

  “Damn it.” Piper fired off her blaster rifle a couple of times. “Fine. Go get it on. Hurry!”

  “Thanks, Mom!” Erica crawled back to the end of the barricades and raced for the Daughter.

  “Where’s she going?” Judy whined.

  “Shut up, Judy!”

  Erica yanked out her tablet to call her cousins who had helped her with it before. Mitty Williams told her where to meet them. She raced to the nearest elevator and sent it to the deck where the maintenance rooms were located. Erica went inside the room.

  “Hurry you two! I need this thing on tomorrow!”

  “I thought you wanted it on now?” Azzie Williams complained.

  “She meant you wants it on as soon as possible, Azzie,” Mitty teased.

  “I knew that, Mitty!”

  “Stop arguing with each other and get this thing on me!” Erica snapped.

  “We’re working as fast as we can, Erica,” Mitty teased. “Take a chill pill, cuz!”

  Erica rolled her eyes as the two cousins eventually got the old, and kind of worn out, military grade battle armor suit on Erica. It would give her nearly full protection. Almost as good as the tank and superhuman strength. All of which would be a big bonus against a freaking tank.

  “Wait a sec!” Mitty snapped. “We need to check it out first!”

  “Fine! But hurry!”

  #

  Finally they got this thing ready! Erica zipped through the Daughter and jumped out of a security hatch. Dirt flew up when her armored boots hit the ground. Erica raced through the barricade to charge at the tank. I’m coming for you! Smack you down and put you in a headlock! Well, maybe not a headlock, since tanks don't have heads.

  Instead of going straight at the tank, Erica went low. She struck with her shoulder and pushed up with her arms. The tank flipped over. She heard cheers from her people and Mr. O’Brien’s people, but the tank wasn’t defeated just yet. A special mechanical arm came out of the tank to flip the tank by on its tracks.

  Erica reached for the arm. Somehow I need to stop it! I need to break it! Erica wrapped her legs around the arm and squeezed with all her might. That human strength was multiplied by the strength of battle suit’s power. It still was a lot for the old suit to be asked to do. In the back of her mind, Erica feared the suit would give out. How old is this damn thing? As old as the Guinevere? Guinevere was older than Grandmother was before Dem—

  “Shit! Aaaaaah!” Erica felt the arm bending and bending. It’s working. Yes! The arm broke in two. “Yes! Take that!”

  Erica laughed and then the suit’s AI spoke. “This suit’s capabilities have dropped to 64 percent.”

  “Shit!”

  “Sixty percent. Fifty-seven percent…Forty-nine…”

  “Shit!” Erica opened up the helmet, for she couldn’t breathe with it on anymore. “Damn it!” She raced back to the barricade and found the superhuman strength in the suit was gone. “Damn it!”

  “Good job, Erica!” Piper cheered.

  “Yeah, good job, Erica!” Judy shouted.

  “Thanks, but the suit’s dying now.” Erica complained.

  “I’m surprised it lasted as long as it did.” Piper laughed. “Look, the mercenaries are retreating!”

  The tank mercs climbed out of their damaged vehicle and raced for the armored cars. All the surviving mercs got into the armored cars toting their wounded and dead comrades. They raced out of the spaceport as fast as they could. All the security personnel of the Daughter and the spaceport cheered. Everyone hugged, patted each other on the back, and shook hands. A few kissed each other.

  Guinevere’s Daughter’s wounded and dead were gathered up and taken into the rocketship. O’Brien’s people did the same thing for their people. A lot of lives had been lost. Erica wondered and hoped that there would be consequences for the local government that did nothing to help their own people.

  Erica returned to Mitty and Azzie Williams, who removed the old battle suit from Erica’s tired body. “Thanks for the hard work! That suit really save the day.” Erica hugged them both.

  “You’re welcome, Erica,” Mitty replied. “Did…did anyone die? Did we lose people?”

  “I-I think so,” Erica replied nervously. “I don’t know the number. The spaceport’s security lost a lot more people than we did. That damn tank fired upon them.”

  “Isn’t that what tanks are supposed to do?” Azzie asked.

  “Only in war,” Erica explained. “In a conflict like this, they’re only permitted to fire on a large space vessel like the Daughter. Don’t ask me why, but all merc companies have to obey these rules, or they’ll be legal hell to pay. Hopefully these bastards are going to go through a big legal shit-storm for firing on the spaceport’s security. All mercs have to be licensed by interstellar United Nations law or be arrest as criminals. Or hunted down. They usually never risk it.”

  #

  Erica and Martha Clarke joined Security Chief Piper Williams in the spaceport’s security control room with Security Chief O’Brien. Miss Smith was there too.

  “Director Archer is giving the mayor in earful about this.” Mr. O’Brien smirked with a dark grin.

  “Glad to hear it, Mr. O’Brien,” Piper replied. “My family’s lawyers have promised to sue. Though not you guys at the spaceport. You’ve been a great help and you’ve lost too much.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Williams.”

  “I am Martha Clarke.” Martha curtsied in front of Mr. O’Brien. “I’m the one they were after. I’m personally sorry and thankful for your assistance, Mr. O’Brien.”

  “You’re welcome, Miss Clarke.” Mr. O’Brien sh
ook her hand and bowed. “I would have never dreamed of handed you over to such ruffians.”

  “Thank you, Mr. O’Brien.”

  “Excuse me, Mr. O’Brien.” A man at one of the stations held up a finger.

  “Yes, Mr. Wilson?”

  “We have a situation in the director’s office.”

  “What do you mean by situation, Mr. Wilson?” O’Brien was looking over the man’s shoulder now at his data screens.

  “Uh, at least two dead security guards,” Wilson replied. “Security cameras and sensors are non-operational. No one is answering my calls.”

  “Bloody hell, Miss Chettam. I want four security guards to check on the director’s office. Immediately.”

  “Yes, Mr. O’Brien!” a woman seated at a different station replied to his orders.

  “What’s going on?” Martha whispered in Erica’s ear.

  “Sounds like the mercs, or possibly the assassins, are at it again.” Erica looked at her mother. “What should we do?”

  “This is his place, not mine. He gives the orders here, so wait to see what he wants,” Piper said. Erica nodded.

  The door to the spaceport’s security center opened. A middle-aged woman was forced into the room with a blaster muzzle against the back of her head. The woman holding the blaster looked as old as Erica’s late grandmother and Emma Long. Seven young women with blasters surrounded them.

  “Hello all. My name is Pollyanna Finn. My girls call me Aunt Polly.” The century-year-old woman laughed at them. She looked old and worn, but her eyes showed watchful, deadly intelligence. “Now Martha Clarke! I believe that’s her there. Hand her over or the director or I paint the room with the director’s brain.”

  While all of this was going on, several of O’Brien’s security guards stepped forward to aim their blasters at the assassins. No one fired. It was a Caroline stand-off. Erica placed a protective arm in front of Martha with her stunner in her hand. I wish I had been allowed to bring my blaster. Stupid international laws!

  “It is against the policy of the Victorian Monarchy, and this spaceport to give in to the demands of terrorists,” Mr. O’Brien said with his chin held high. He hadn’t drawn his blaster. Instead he waved at Miss Chettam and she nodded back.

  “How charming.” Finn laughed. “I’m quite familiar with your little policy, Mr. O’Brien.” Finn shot Miss Cheetam in the head. “And I don’t want you contacting friends outside of the room either.”

  Rage burst through Mr. O’Brien’s calm face, and he almost reached for his blaster. He breathed deeply and brought his hands up to his lips almost like a prayer. “There was no need to do that. We can get you a vehicle and money to leave the spaceport.”

  “I have what I need waiting for me. I don’t want you stinking money! I want Martha Clarke and my information she stole. Now!”

  Erica glanced between Finn and her mother. What should I do? What can I do? Suddenly Martha kissed Erica on the mouth. Then whispered, “Love ya.” Martha raised her hands and walked slowly to Pollyanna Finn. “I give up. Please don’t kill anyone else. I can get you the information. It’s on the rocketship.”

  “Good. About time someone shows some reason.” Finn smiled. She signaled to one of her assassins, who grabbed Martha. “Looks like I got what I wanted. See how everything works out just fine when you do what your Aunt Polly tells you to do.” Finn laughed. She signaled to her group to retreat out of the room. As they did, the security guards kept their blasters trained on Finn and her girls.

  A crazy plan formed in Erica’s mind. I shouldn’t do that. Could I do it? Maybe. Her mother Piper hadn’t drawn her stunner, but the clip over the holster was off so she could draw it quickly. They'll probably kill Martha if they get away with her!

  Erica snatched her mother’s stunner out of the holster just as she aimed her own stunner at Martha. The stunner beam stuck Martha and her body went limp. The woman holding her dropped her in surprise. The stunner beam from her mother’s weapon hit the director and she fell limp. Finn stumbled with the body and let go, then ran out of the room as the blaster bolts from the security guards slammed into her assassins. A couple of the assassins fired back and two guards went down. But the rest finished off what was left of the assassins.

  “Erica!” her mother Piper snapped.

  “Sorry! I had to do something.” Erica rushed to Martha’s side. She felt for a pulse and breathing. She found them. “She’s alive.”

  “Unconventional, but effective, Miss Williams.” Mr. O’Brien nodded at Erica.

  Erica didn’t pay too much attention to his compliment. She grabbed a blaster off the floor and ran out after Pollyanna Finn.

  “Erica! Come back!” Erica ignored her mother’s orders too.

  Erica caught up with Finn, who was running for the exit. Finn turned and fired at her. Erica fired back. Her blaster bolt hit Finn in the chest. The force flung her against the door, but she was able to aim her blaster. Erica blasted three more bolts into Finn’s chest. Finn dropped her blaster and slowly went down onto her butt. Streaks of her blood were smeared on the door.

  CHAPTER ONE HUNDREDTWO

  Martha and Erica

  Weeks later, Emma Long had recovered from her wounds. Erica went with Martha to speak with her. They both wore jeans and t-shirts since they were off duty. They walked into Guinevere's Daughter's sickbay recovery room where Ms. Long was waiting with Candy Stones and a couple other of Ms. Long’s women.

  “Hello, Ms. Clarke and Ms. Williams.” Ms. Long smiled from her bed. “I’m pleased to be alive. I’ve been told that the board of my organization is not very happy with Ms. Finn’s screw-ups. They plan to move ahead with my wish to vote on her leadership. Hopefully this will go away and we can put the last nails in Ms. Finn’s coffin by you giving me…something?”

  “Yes, I think that would be wonderful, Ms. Long.” Martha held out a data chip. “This is all the information that I stole. I think you will find it interesting.”

  “Thank you, Ms. Clarke.” Ms. Long smiled as she accepted it. “It seems all of this worked out perfectly, just like I hoped it would.”

  “I’m glad you’re happy, Ms. Long,” Martha replied.

  “If you ever need a job, Ms. Clarke, I could use someone of your abilities.”

  “No, Ms. Long.” Martha shook her head. “I have a job and a home here.”

  “Okay then.” Ms. Long nodded. “And thank you again for stealing this information for me.”

  “You’re welcome, Ms. Long.”

  “Sorry about the problems I caused. I guess I owe you.”

  “Yes, Ms. Long,” Martha said.

  “Well, I—” Ms. Long began.

  “Wait! What? You stole for her? What?” Erica interrupted.

  “Yes, dear.” Martha squeezed Erica’s hand. “But let’s keep that secret between us. Okay?”

  “Uh, okay.”

  Then Martha pulled her out of the sickbay and led her to the quarters Erica shared with Tilly Zhou. Martha pulled her into her bedroom. Martha used her tablet to call up a bed out of the wall. She shoved Erica onto the bed. Erica smiled up at the beautiful woman. Her heart was pounding and she wondered if it would jump out of her chest.

  “I love you!” Erica shouted at her and held out her arms. She expected Martha to lean down and kiss her. Instead Martha frowned and shook a finger at her.

  “You shot me!” Martha held her arms akimbo. “You shot me!”

  “I’m sorry! She was going to kill you. I-I had to do something, honey.”

  “Honey? Don’t honey me, darling!” Martha shook her head and stood there for a few minutes. This frightened Erica. She didn’t want to lose Martha. But Martha climbed on top of her. “What am I going to do with you, bitch?”

  “Kiss me?”

  “Oh you T-females! Sex always on your mind. Almost as bad as men.” Martha frowned. Her beautiful face hovered above Erica’s eyes. “I thought you were different.”

  “I-I,” Erica stammered for an answer.r />
  “Shut up, stupid!” Martha kissed her neck a dozen times. She moved to her mouth and then pulled off Erica’s T-shirt. She kissed her cleavage and reached around to untie Erica’s bra.

  “Boobies!” Martha screamed and went to town. Erica laughed.

  Mutiny on the Guinevere

  Gary W. Feather

  CHAPTER ONE HUNDREDTHREE

  The problems that sex brings us

  Two naked women in their thirties cuddled awkwardly in bed. Erica Williams attempted to act calm, while on her back. I’m such a fool. What did I do?

  “Erica?” Martha Clarke rubbed a palm across Erica’s hard abs. Erica ran her hand through Martha’s silky blond hair and sighed. She’s too beautiful for me. I’m not worthy. Martha’s bare legs were wrapped around Erica’s left leg. Erica felt the warm wetness of the other woman’s groin rub against her hip. “Erica, it’s okay. We can try again later.” Martha kissed her neck.

  Erica shrugged. Martha squeezed one of Erica’s large breasts and shook it. “Boobies!” Erica ignored her.

  “Erica?” Martha grunted in frustration. “It was your first time, darling. Of course it was…”

  “Horrible! Pathetic!” Erica turned her back to Martha to stare at the wall. She heard Martha whine. I just hurt her. Why did I that? I’m so stupid!

  “It’s okay, darling.” Martha patted Erica’s back and kissed it. Erica felt like crying. Why I don’t I tell her why I’m afraid? Martha wrapped her arms around Erica’s neck. “I love you.”

  #

  Erica rushed out of her bedroom without saying goodbye to Martha. She took a quickly shower and grabbed a couple of ration bars. Erica ignored her roommate Tilly Zhou, as she quickly left for work. She checked her tablet to see what her job would be like today. Erica entered Guinevere’s Security Center. Keiko Williams was there handing out assignments to the newly arriving security personnel of Guinevere’s second shift crew and answering questions their questions. Erica nodded at her and went to her assigned station in the monitoring room.

  The first shift crew woman, who was leaving, logged out of the station. She gave Erica a friendly smile as she left, but Erica nodded back with a sad look. Erica logged into the station before she sat. I will not think of her. I will not think of last night. I am such a loser. I had a hard on for Martha since I met her, so why couldn’t I perform. Why did I ejaculate so fast? Erica forced back tears. My heart hurts so bad! Erica forced down her feelings. I got to work. Erica stuck an earphone in her left ear.