Milky Way Repo

by Michael Prelee

  Cole looked at Kimiyo. “Is he cool?”

  “It’s all good,” she said. “Arulio shuts off sensory input when he does his thing. No sight, no sound, nothing in. He’s in his own little world. I’ve seen him do this before plenty of times.”

  Cole pointed to Arulio’s forehead. “He’s sweating. That’s okay?”

  “The suit will compensate. His body has been upgraded to handle the stress. Remember, he’s had additional organs implanted, all kinds of surgeries and nano-machine injections. He’ll be just fine.”

  Arulio stiffened, released a deeply held breath and his eyes opened. He looked around the table and saw everyone staring at him. The wetjack turned to his right.

  “The procedure is completed, Kimiyo. Here’s the card.” She took the card from his alabaster hand. It was warm where his fingers had gripped it.

  “Here you go, Milo.”

  “That’s it? I’ve seen wetjacks work before and they couldn’t have done it that fast. Are you sure it’s done?”

  Arulio nodded. “It is. You may check the balance on the card if you wish.”

  Milo held it between two fingers. “You broke into the customer card database here at the casino, the bank network and the casino account network. You did all that in just a few moments? And transferred the funds?”

  Kimiyo gave him a shove that almost pushed him out of the booth. “He said check it. Go check it and stop asking stupid questions.”

  Milo slid out of the booth and walked out of the bar to the casino floor. Kimiyo watched him go. Cole looked at Nathan. “I should probably follow him.”

  Nathan shook his head. “If Arulio said he did it, it’s done. If Milo says anything different he’ll be lying.”

  “I’m concerned he’ll get out there and hit a few tables without coming back in,” Cole said.

  Kimiyo shrugged. “We should be so lucky.” She took a pull on her drink and signaled the waitress for a refill. “Look, this guy is pretty far down the ladder. He’s just here to make sure we’re legit. He’ll be back in a few minutes because he doesn’t want to tick off his superiors. The real question is, do we do what he wants?”

  “I don’t see where we have a choice,” Nathan said, “as ridiculous as it seems this cult holds all the cards. They still have the ship, the bodies and the crew. We have no idea where they are. If we want to get them back we’ll have to do this. Of course, the question is can we do this. Is this something Arulio can do?”

  Kimiyo looked at the wetjack. “What do you think big guy? Can you rob a bank?”

  Arulio raised his slim eyebrows. “Financial institutions are notoriously secure.”

  “You just snaked ten grand out of some dude’s bank account,” Cole said.

  “That’s true. However, I have a feeling the amount these people are asking for will be much larger. As transactions increase in size security becomes more of an issue. Once you get into six or seven figure transactions between institutions, human intervention for approval may become necessary. It is a security standard in financial transactions that prevents people from making large scale errors and helps prevent embezzlement.”

  “That could be a problem,” Nathan said. “I hope they planned for that.”

  “I’m sure they haven’t,” Kimiyo said. “Arulio, do what you can to prepare. I know it’s almost impossible but we can’t count on these idiots doing anything right.”

  Cole gestured to the door leading to the casino. “Our boy’s back.”

  Milo sauntered back to the table with a grin on his face. He swung into the booth, sliding up to Kimiyo. “Worked like a charm, dear. Feel like partying tonight? I’ve got enough for a great dinner and some serious gambling.”

  Kimiyo looked at him and chewed on the mixer straw in her drink. She took it out of her mouth and said, “Where do we find our people and the ship?”

  “No then, eh?” He said. “You’re sure? No steaks? They raise fantastic beef here on Olympia. It’s the real thing, not resequenced protein.”

  Kimiyo gave him a hard stare. He held up his hands.

  “Okay, you have another small journey ahead of you.” He slid a data chip across the table. “This holds the coordinates for your next port of call.”

  Nathan flicked it back across the table to Milo without picking it up. “We aren’t going anywhere. Do you honestly think I’m going to fly all over this solar system so you can jerk us around with these ridiculous tests? This isn’t a scavenger hunt, you know.”

  Milo pulled back as far as the booth would let him. “Mr. Teller…”

  “Captain Teller,” Nathan said.

  “Right, Captain Teller, I’m not jerking you around. At least not on purpose. I was told to give you that chip if your wetjack passed the test. I’m just doing what I was told. Please, take the chip” He picked it up and held it out to Nathan.

  Nathan took the chip. “What’s your cut on this deal? You getting a good percentage?”

  Milo nodded. “Ten percent of the take, which I understand will be substantial.”

  They got up out of the booth, lining up in front of it. “I hope it’s worth it, Milo,” Nathan said. “I don’t like being pushed around like this and I have a long memory.”

  Milo shrugged. “Well, I hope it all works out. I’m exposed here too, captain.”

  Nathan’s group walked out. Cole turned back. “He really does have a long memory, Milo. Enjoy your night at the casino.”

  Milo gave them a minute to exit the casino and then looked around for the blonde waitress. Maybe he could still salvage the night.

  21.

  Caleb poured himself a cup of coffee, grabbed a slice of pecan pie from the fridge and sat down at a table. It was good to be back at the Rainbow home base on the moon near the gas giant Hubbard. He’d caught a redeye transport from Olympia that was outbound to a mining colony on an asteroid near the edge of the solar system. They had dropped him off on the way by a few hours ago.

  He bit into his pie as Montario walked into the cafeteria. There was a woman with him, an attractive redhead Caleb didn’t know. The pair walked closely, smiling. They were clearly comfortable with one another. When he saw Caleb, Montario said something quietly to the redhead. She looked over, annoyed and walked back out through the door, leaving the cafeteria. Montario poured a cup of coffee and walked over to Caleb.

  “Mind if I sit down?”

  Caleb gestured to a chair, “Please.”

  Montario sat down, reached for the sugar and spooned in two helpings. “I hear the new office on Olympia is doing well.”

  Caleb nodded. “Very well. There’s a good group of people there. That new girl, Melissa? She’ll make a great office manager. Pretty too. Whoo boy.” He threw Montario a wink.

  Montario took in Caleb with his greasy smile and wondered how he could be so successful working with people. “That’s great. We had hopes for her. She’s got the head for business, some schooling. I’m sure the office will do well.”

  “Oh yeah,” Caleb said, leaning back. “Our reputation on Olympia is even better than it is on Earth. The office was flooded with requests. Give it six months and they’ll have a hundred people employed. Our adherence to the principals is being rewarded.”

  “And allowing our good work to continue.” Montario raised his cup. “You’ve done good work Caleb. Thank you.” Caleb put his head down and Montario saw him flush a little bit. The odd son of a gun still liked praise.

  “I appreciate that, Montario. I really do. I’ve been with the Children of the Apocalyptic Rainbow so long, you know?”

  “I do.”

  “To see our good work spread, to see so many people come to us and find healing in the principals we espouse? Well, let me tell you, it makes me feel like there’s no higher calling. Our work? It is fulfilling. It runs deep and wide through our lives and the lives of those we touch.”

  “Your faith in our teachings is strong, Caleb. We’re lucky to have you.”

  This time Caleb raised hi
s mug. He looked around the cafeteria and saw that it was empty. That was rare given the unusual hours kept by most of the believers at the base. He leaned in close to Montario.

  “Hey, I wanted to ask you about that girl I saw you with. I heard we had some new folks here at home base.”

  “Oh her? I wouldn’t exactly call her a girl. Celeste is well into her thirties. Their ship had some trouble.”

  “Still looks pretty good, though, huh?” Caleb said, giving his eyebrows a quick raise.

  Montario grinned. “I suppose so. I’ve got Bobby and some of his crew giving them a hand. I don’t think it will take too long. You know how good that ol’ boy is.”

  Caleb went after his pie, scooping several bites up in quick fashion. He nodded, chewed a bit and finally swallowed. It took some effort and most of his coffee to get it down.

  “Yeah, Bobby will get them up and running. What’s the problem anyway?”

  Montario’s eyes narrowed. “With what?”

  “Their ship. What happened to it?”

  “Oh, that. I’m not sure. They may have taken a micrometeorite strike in the drive compartment. Something like that. Whatever it is, I’m sure Bobby can suss it out.”

  “How many guests do we have here?”

  “From the ship?”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh, her and a few others. I think it’s five altogether.”

  Caleb took another sip of his coffee and looked at Montario over the rim. “Montario, why are you keeping these people locked in their rooms?”

  “Caleb, come on, they’re not locked in their rooms. You just saw Celeste walking with me.”

  “Well, hell Montario, I wouldn’t leave her locked up either. She’s a looker. A real nice piece.”

  “It’s not like that, Caleb. I asked them to stay in their rooms because they aren’t like us, you know? They haul cargo. They spend a lot of time on their own, out there between planets and between stars. I didn’t want them taking advantage of anyone here. We have quite a few attractive young women here and some of them can be very naïve.” Montario raised his own cup. “But I don’t need to tell you that, do I?”

  “That we have attractive women here? No, Montario, I’ve noticed. Or were you inferring something else.”

  Montario smiled. "I believe I imply and you infer, Caleb."

  Caleb grimaced. "Fine. Are you implying something?"

  Montario held up his open hands. It was well known Caleb was a bit overly friendly with the new inductees. Montario knew he was currently seeing Linda and at least one other woman on the side.

  Caleb seemed to like picking out those women who were especially vulnerable; those who were coming off a bad relationship, were dealing with an eating disorder or addictions. It was distasteful. When they arrived here at Port Solitude they were eager to begin a new chapter in their lives. Whatever had been haunting them, they had kicked it to the side in favor of a new life. And there was Caleb, ready with a helping hand, a comforting voice and touch of encouragement just when they needed it. He seemed to draw the line with those dealing with sexual abuse. Too much baggage, Montario assumed. He had a feeling Caleb didn't want to offer that shoulder to cry on for too many nights.

  It offended Montario that Caleb immediately assumed his relationship with Celeste was based on physical attractiveness. She was intelligent, accomplished and worthy of more respect than Caleb was showing. They had started as partners in this thing but Montario had feelings for her now.

  "Look Caleb, Bobby Forluck was the leader here before me."

  "So? I remember Bobby. What's he got to do with anything?"

  "So, Bobby told me about how you liked the new arrivals. He told me how you would review their files before they arrived, how you would bump into them as they got acclimated to the place and how you always seemed to find a pretty one to spend time with. It always struck him as vaguely creepy."

  Caleb smoldered but he didn't raise his voice. "That's not exactly true."

  "I think it is. And I think that's why you immediately assume my relationship with Celeste is sexual in nature rather than professional."

  "She's been seen coming and going from your quarters, Montario. Don't play holier than thou with me. And let me tell you something about Bobby Forluck. He was well known for having attractive young women meditate with him. Don't kid yourself about him. There have been plenty others in the twenty years I've been here, at least half a dozen leaders. They all had good times here."

  "I know all about Bobby Forluck," Monatrio said. "I have no illusions about him. I also don't have any illusions about what goes on here. I get that people like the openness of the lifestyle we have. It's attractive for some people. Just don't let it get in the way of doing your job."

  Caleb shrugged. "Never have before."

  "Good. I understand your next assignment begins in a week or so?"

  "That's right. We have a new office opening on the largest southern continent on Olympia. It should be just as successful as the one we just opened."

  Montario stood up. "Okay, then spend your time preparing for the new office. Let me know who you will be taking with you."

  "Okay. Have a good night."

  "You too." Montario walked to the refrigerator, scooped up a couple of sandwiches and left the cafeteria. He turned right in the corridor. The way back to his quarters, Caleb knew. No doubt Celeste would be waiting for him to bring a late night snack.

  Things had been strange for the last year. Montario had come to them the same way each of the previous half dozen leaders had come. The current leader had a vision during meditation. In the vision, the universe provided the name of the next leader. Terms of service could last for months or years. The members of the group would search for the new leader and convince them to join the Children of the Apocalyptic Rainbow. In Caleb's experience, leaders never came from within. For some reason Caleb could not fathom, the universe only selected outsiders for the post of leader.

  Montario was odd, though. In the last year, since Bobby Forluck had left and Montario had come on, the group had expanded quickly, growing faster than at any time Caleb could remember. In fact, he was constantly on assignment now. He hadn't been at Port Solitude for more than a few weeks at a time all year. Was Montario an aggressive leader or was something else going on?

  They had accepted Montario as leader based on Bobby Forluck's word. His vision had lead them to Montario and after a few week's cajoling they had convinced the man to come here and be the new leader of the of the Children of the Apocalyptic Rainbow. They really knew nothing about him.

  Caleb stared at Montario’s coffee mug. He grabbed it, carefully, and walked over to a cabinet. He withdrew a plastic bag used for leftovers and dropped in the cup. He zipped it tight and walked back to his quarters. He had a friend on Olympia in Protective Services. Maybe he could tell him a little bit more about Montario after a DNA scan.

  22.

  “Does this happen a lot?” Richie asked. “You guys get left behind while everyone else goes out?” He walked into the galley where Duncan and Marla were sitting. The lights in the room were low and they were in a booth sharing dinner. Duncan looked up at him in annoyance.

  “What’s the matter, kid? Feeling left out?” He picked up a glass of wine and took a sip. The remains of steak, broccoli and baked potatoes were on their plates.

  Richie moved over to the fridge and pulled out a beer. “Come on, Duncan. Every time something important happens we get left on the ship.” He twisted the top off the bottle and studied the label. He found it adequate and took a pull. “They go to meet with the guys holding my note and I’m not allowed to come. They go to meet with this guy about our job and we don’t get to go. It’s like they don’t trust us.”

  Marla gave a little laugh. “Oh no, Richie, don’t drag us into this. It’s your ego that’s bruised. Let me guess, you want to get in on the action, right?”

  “It would be better than sitting around all the time.”

 
; “I gave you plenty of work to do,” Duncan said. “Why aren’t you doing it?”

  “Don’t worry, boss, I’m almost finished. I’ve got a diagnostic running on the crawl system and I checked our repair job on the drive housing. Everything is just as it should be.” He took another swig of his beer. “And Marla, it’s not so much action I want as fresh air or sunshine. I’m just stuck down in those engines. Believe me, I’ve had my fill of trouble with the kind of guys we can run into.”

  Marla began clearing the dishes from the table. “Look Richie, this is the job. We’re the support team. We keep the engines running and stay ready to run if things get hot. Nathan and Cole do the deal. They’re the face men.”

  “It’s not about the adventure, kid,” Duncan said. “It’s about getting paid. We work for a living. We get a job, we go out and find a ship for a paying client and return it to them. Collecting that paycheck is why I get up in the morning. At some point Marla and I want to retire and we would like to do it before we’re too old. So I keep the ship running and she drives it.”

  Richie scratched his head. “I know what you’re saying, Duncan. I do.”

  “Nah, not yet you don’t but you will,” Duncan said. Marla stroked his dreadlocks as he spoke. “Look, we’ve been in some rough spots over the years. Getting threatened and having guns pulled on you is no fun. You probably know that by now, though.”

  “I do.”

  “So don’t worry about spending so much time on the ship. This is a good gig. Marla and I figure we only have a few more years and we’re done. We’ll have enough money to buy a little place somewhere and enjoy sandy beaches.”

  “This job pays that well?”

  “It does. Especially if you don’t waste your pay. Remember though, the ship has to fly which means hours in the engines turning wrenches. This ship needs a lot of care, too. She’s mostly solid but nothing here is standard. We’ve customized a lot.”

  “I’ve noticed. Are you responsible for what I’ve seen in the systems below? What I’ve seen down there seems geared toward speed.”