“If the princess is in a float chair, she ought to be easy to identify,” Kim said.
“I can probably find them through the network, though it would be handy if they could all meet us in the same place. Like here, for example.” Casmir pointed toward the shuttle.
“Let me see if I can contact Chi,” Kim said.
Beeps came from farther down the bay, followed by a few clunks and clangs.
Asger and Kim whipped their weapons in that direction. It sounded like another shuttle was docking, but there weren’t any portholes, so Casmir couldn’t see it. A few indicators blinked to the side of a hatch.
“Did another of the warships send someone?” Casmir asked. “Do we need to get out of here?”
Almost unconsciously, he ordered the robots to form a phalanx and face the airlock hatch with the blinking indicators beside it. Casmir stood behind them, and Kim let him pull her behind cover with him.
“Ishii says he doesn’t know whose shuttle that is,” Asger said. “A fleet of pirate ships that was heading for the gate has turned in this direction, and that’s got all the Kingdom captains distracted.”
“Pirates?” Casmir thought of Qin and Bonita and the Druckers. They couldn’t possibly be in this system, could they? No, Bonita had been heading to System Cerberus to deal with the Druckers.
“They’re probably not coming to the station to pick a fight with the Kingdom,” Asger said, “but there are enough of them that everyone is watching them.”
A few more beeps sounded.
“Maybe we should get out of here before whoever that is comes out.” Asger took a couple of steps toward the exit, but the airlock hatch swung open before he reached it.
He sprang behind one of the Aegis robots for cover and leaned out, pointing his rifle toward the newcomers.
At first, nobody came out. Maybe the shuttle passengers had also expected to have to fight robots and were waiting to see what came to greet them.
After a moment, someone in black combat armor leaned into view, quickly spotting their group and pointing a rifle in their direction. Asger pointed his rifle right back at the man—or maybe it was a woman. Casmir was too far away to see through the faceplate.
“Shit, Dabrowski,” a familiar voice said. “Don’t you go anywhere without a robot army?”
Casmir gaped. “Rache?”
The armored man—Rache—lowered his rifle and walked fully into view. Several men in identical black combat armor walked out after him, similar rifles in hand but also pointed toward the deck instead of across the bay.
“To answer your question,” Casmir said, recovering from his surprise, “I acquired these robots here. Recently.”
“Not that one, you didn’t.” Rache pointed at Zee. “It’s an army all by itself.”
Zee lifted his chin. “Yes.”
Kim lowered her rifle. Asger did not.
“Is there any chance we have a common goal instead of an opposing one?” Casmir asked.
He didn’t want to work against Rache again, not after they’d defeated the terrorists and shaken hands. He couldn’t imagine trying to shoot him. But did Rache feel the same way? Had he read Casmir’s gift of comic books? Maybe Casmir should have brought more gifts. He’d already promised Tork to find a gift shop with telescopes. Maybe he could find something appropriate for a clone brother.
“It’s doubtful,” Rache said. “What are you here for?”
“We’re rescuing a princess.”
“What?” Rache sounded startled—it was probably the first time Casmir had caught him by surprise. “What princess? There’s no reason Oku would be here.”
“No, no, it’s another princess. And a bacteriologist. I think.” Casmir looked at Kim.
“Technically, he’s a veterinary virologist,” Kim said, “but his knowledge base is great, and he works on plant and insect projects too.”
“Is that Scholar Tom Chi?” a voice Casmir didn’t recognize asked. It came from inside the airlock. A man in a galaxy suit holding a medical kit leaned out.
“Yes,” Kim said. “It’s good to see you again, Dr. Peshlakai. Alive and upright.”
Casmir guessed this was one of the people who Kim had worked with when she’d been kidnapped.
“Scholar Sato, I’m aggrieved that you’re delighted to see my doctor but don’t even acknowledge me.” Rache’s tone was dry, and Casmir couldn’t tell if the following bow was mocking or self-deprecating or what, but he did direct it at Kim.
“Let’s get out of here, Casmir,” Asger murmured. “Someone is bound to check on this bay sooner or later.”
Casmir itched to know what Rache was up to—he couldn’t be tied in with the political mess on the station, could he? What if he’d brought his mercenaries to help the half of the locals that were against having Kingdom-influence brought to the station? But if that was his reason for coming, why hadn’t he brought his warship over and more men to fight? And what about the gate? He’d been determined to keep Jager from getting it, ideally by getting it himself first.
Was it possible he’d also gotten clues leading him to this system and even Xolas Moon? Maybe he’d already visited it and learned the gate was being stored under the ice. But like Ishii, he’d deduced that they needed submarines or some other type of aquatic vessel to retrieve it. Which had led him here…
Casmir squinted at Rache, debating if he should ask and see what kind of answer he got.
“Wait,” Dr. Peshlakai said, waving both at Kim and Rache. “Are you in contact with Chi now? He’s a friend of my father’s. I haven’t been able to contact my parents, and if he knows where they are, I definitely want to talk to him.”
“Our contact has been off and on,” Kim said. “He seems to be in the center of a combat zone.”
“His lab is in a combat zone?” Peshlakai gripped the hatch, his voice almost squeaky with what sounded like genuine concern. “My parents don’t live that far from his lab.”
“You can come with us if you wish,” Kim said.
“What?” Asger blurted. “No, we’re not inviting pirates along with us.”
“This system considers us mercenaries,” Rache said blandly. “Only Jager spouts reductive hyperbole about me being a pirate.”
I think he’s here to get submarines, Casmir sent to Kim and Asger at the same time, and to go get the gate out from under the ice of Xolas Moon while the Kingdom warships are occupied here.
Shit, Asger replied.
Kim didn’t send back anything.
“But I accept your offer, Scholar Sato,” Rache said. “Dr. Peshlakai and I will come with you to find this virologist and to ensure his parents are safe.”
“My offer was only to him.” This time, it was Kim’s turn to be dry.
No, wait, Casmir messaged his allies. This is perfect. You can keep an eye on him, Kim. You and Zee. Casmir balked at the idea of splitting Kim off to go on her own mission, especially with Rache, and he wouldn’t consider it at all if Zee couldn’t go along to protect her. Asger and Tork and I can go find the president, and try to put an end to the fighting here without the need for an invasion force of marines.
Asger shot him an exasperated look. You didn’t mention having that as one of your plans.
I assumed it was implied.
“I am distressed that you don’t wish to go places with me, Scholar Sato,” Rache said, “but I assure you my intentions are honorable. Dr. Peshlakai may have told you the story of how he was framed for the former president’s death. I’ve promised to help him clear his name, and it would be useful to know that his parents are safe and cannot be used against him. In case we end up bargaining at gunpoint with the local authorities.”
“Is that true, Yas?” Kim asked.
Rache lifted his head higher, as if he couldn’t believe Kim would doubt him. It sounded like an unlikely story to Casmir, but maybe it was true in the way that he and Asger were here for the princess. Technically true, but Asger’s main orders were to protect the presi
dent.
“Yes,” Yas said without hesitating or looking to Rache.
“Very well.” As always, Kim’s voice was flat and hard to read.
“Your heartfelt acceptance warms my soul,” Rache said. “Allow me to confer briefly with my men.”
“You can’t tell me that man has a soul,” Asger grumbled as Rache turned to the five armored men and his doctor.
He’s going to send them to get the submarines, I bet, Casmir messaged. Kim, if you can keep him and the doctor busy while we try to solve Asger’s problem, then he won’t be able to slink off and get the gate while the warships are anchored here.
How am I supposed to keep him busy? Kim replied. What if it takes you longer to find the president than it takes us to find Scholar Chi?
Be creative. Didn’t you want to discuss penis symbolism with him?
Asger sputtered. When Rache glanced over, Asger turned it into a cough and thumped his armored chest.
I believe I once said I would be capable of discussing the symbolism of Moby Dick with him to buy you time to come up with a plan.
Yes, but we failed to do that last time. Now’s your chance. But hopefully, you won’t need to bring up old boring books. Asger and I will be fast. Tork knows the system, and he’s probably been to the station before. With luck, we’ll finish before you.
Asger held up a finger, looking like he meant to protest further, but Rache and Peshlakai strolled over as the rest of his men headed for an exit into the station.
“Where are they going?” Asger asked.
“A brief shore leave,” Rache said. “Mercenaries get so little time off, you understand.”
“Shore leave in a violence-filled station in the middle of a civil war.”
“Do you not think the brothels will be open?”
Kim snorted.
Casmir frowned at her. She wasn’t supposed to find Rache amusing. Even if he’d helped with the terrorists, he was still an odious criminal.
“Come on, Casmir.” Asger headed for the door. “Bring your robots.”
“Right.” Casmir commanded the Aegis models to trail after him, then gave Kim a quick encouraging pat on the shoulder, hoping to convey that she could do this and he appreciated her willingness to keep Rache distracted. “Tork, this way, please.”
“You’re not coming with us?” Rache asked, suspicion leaking into his dry tone.
“No, Asger and I are excited to explore those brothels you mentioned.”
“With your robots? That’s asking a lot of the ladies there, isn’t it?”
“Robots like to be serviced too.” Casmir waved and hurried into the corridor, not caring if Rache was suspicious.
For now, he was worried more about the station than the gate. If the Kingdom wanted Tiamat Station as an ally, the Fleet couldn’t come in wielding force and alienating half of the population. Did the warship captains truly not see that? Or was it Jager who’d given this order?
Asger, Casmir, and their small robot army had to figure out an alternative, or this station might tear itself to pieces over fear of the Kingdom and what rule under Jager would represent.
Casmir didn’t know what alternative he could come up with yet, but he hoped for a lot of inspiration along the way.
17
Bonita set the charges in the bottom of the hover-capable freezer case in the cargo hold and threw a blanket artfully over them.
“They’re very stable,” Bonita promised Qin, who was gripping her chin as she watched the set up.
In a change from the norm, Bonita wore combat armor and Qin wore only her galaxy suit.
“You can’t set them off by bumping them,” Bonita added. “You’ll have to roll over and set the timer to activate them. It only goes up to ten minutes, but that’s too much time anyway. You’ll want to set it for a minute, two at the most. And then leap out under the cover of smoke, which I will provide.” Bonita tapped the belt purse she’d strapped on. She’d intentionally picked something feminine that looked like it would be full of make-up and perfume, not smoke grenades. “Take a circuitous route back to the ship, keep your helmet up, and hope nobody notices you. At least no Druckers.”
Qin hadn’t said much about the plan, and Bonita couldn’t tell how she felt about it. Her expression was definitely dubious as she regarded the freezer box.
“Are you all right with this?” Bonita hoped so. They were docked at Death Knell Station, and she’d already deposited two thousand Union dollars into the account of an acquaintance who’d promised to arrange the distraction she needed. Afterward, she had promised to pay him another three thousand.
It was a lot of money for a half hour’s work, but if she pulled this off, they wouldn’t have to come up with money to buy Qin’s contract from the Druckers. They wouldn’t have to give those bastards a damn thing.
“I don’t know,” Qin said.
“I know it requires you to trust me, but I hope you know that no flirty pirate accountant is going to win me over. We’re going to make sure they believe you’re dead, and that’s going to work best if you appear to blow up right in front of their eyes.”
“I understand the plan—I always thought that would be a good way to get them to forget about me. I’m just not sure I can fit my Brockinger in that freezer.” Qin patted the huge anti-tank gun slung over her shoulder and the bandolier of explosive shells draped across her torso.
“The whole top of it is clear.” Bonita patted the glass door of the coffin-like freezer case. “You can’t have that in there, or they’ll know you’re not a prisoner.”
“I thought I could lie on it so they wouldn’t see it.”
“You’re going to be busy lying on explosives.”
“I can do both. I’m a big girl.”
“Just let me carry the Brockinger. I’ll hand it off to you once you’ve escaped and we’re out of their sight. If this works, you shouldn’t need it.”
“You’re already carrying your Starhawk.” Qin waved at Bonita’s DEW-Tek rifle. “Don’t you think they’ll find it suspicious if you show up with two weapons?”
“No. I used to hunt criminals with two pistols, a rifle, a dagger, and a grenade-pack on my belt. A girl needs to have the proper accoutrements for her profession.”
“It’s likely,” Viggo chimed in, “that Johnny Twelve Toes will find a woman with a portable armory sexy. He seemed to find the name Laser appealing.”
“Yes, thank you, Viggo. That’s my main concern today. Making the pirates horny.”
“It may not work on all the pirates. Johnny seems to be a unique individual.”
“No kidding. I hope that’s not going to be a problem.”
Ideally, Johnny would send a team of mindless and easy-to-fool thugs instead of coming in person. Wasn’t the fleet accountant too important a person to go out on field work? She couldn’t imagine there were that many accountants on board those warships. How many well-educated number-loving people would agree to work for a pirate family?
Qin sighed deeply and shook her head, slowly removing her beloved weapon. “I do trust you, Captain—Bonita. You know I do. I always did, but especially since you let me help Kim and Casmir escape from the dastardly Captain Rache.”
“The dastardly Captain Rache whom we later had dinner with.” Bonita accepted the heavy Brockinger and the bandolier, arranging both over her shoulders. They were large weapons for her, but she didn’t care. It wasn’t as if she had to go far. The Dragon was snuggled up to a dock only two hundred yards from the restaurant she’d named as the meeting place.
“That was kind of weird,” Qin said. “Life is weird.”
“Tell me about it. See if you can fit in that freezer box.” Bonita plucked a rock-hard steak that she’d missed earlier out of the corner and tossed it into the open hatch that led below the deck to the ship’s frozen-food storage area.
Qin wrinkled her nose dubiously but complied. She had to scrunch her knees up and turn partway onto her side.
Bonita low
ered the glass door to make sure it would close. “Good. You fit.” Barely. She opened the door again to make sure Qin heard her. “See? This will work. Now close your eyes and do your best to appear unconscious. And hide your claws.”
Qin had started to close her eyes, but she opened them again. “My claws?”
“Yes, your claws. Are those sequins? When did you bedazzle them?”
Qin grinned. “While you were flirting with the enemy.”
“Well, hide them. The pirates aren’t going to believe I gave my prisoner who’s been locked in a cell for weeks bedazzling tools.”
“All right, but they look good, don’t they?” Qin wiggled her fingers.
“They look fabulous.”
Bonita closed the case and took a deep breath. Her nerves tied themselves in knots in her stomach. She tried not to think about how much faith she was putting in people she hadn’t seen in over a year and who ran a space station that advertised itself as an amicable place to trade slaves, illegal animals, and illegal drugs, while also satisfying all of one’s carnal pleasures for a reasonable hourly fee. She wouldn’t have taken the risk if the Amigos weren’t known competitors of the Druckers.
“Shall I open the cargo-bay hatch, Captain?” Viggo asked. “The hour approaches.”
“I know. I’m ready. I just wish I had Casmir’s robot army at my back. It’s too bad they were largely obliterated at that terrorist base.”
Bonita pushed the button to activate the freezer box’s hover capability, and it roared to life as it hefted its unorthodox cargo into the air. She’d turned off the freezer component, not wanting Qin to be in danger of turning into a cryonics patient if this took longer than expected. She pushed the case toward the hatch.
“I believe you would need El Mago here to operate them,” Viggo said. “I watched him program them and add them to a network, and it did not seem intuitive.”
“That’s my nickname for him. You’re going to have to make up your own.”
“We can’t share?”
“No, you don’t speak my native tongue.”
“You don’t speak my native tongue, but I still let you use the sauna.”
Crossfire (Star Kingdom Book 4) Page 24