"Who cares?" added Josiah.
"Whatever, just get me there," she hissed.
"Gotta love the appreciation for us risking our lives," Josiah carried on.
"I thought you risked your lives for a payday," added Erin.
Josiah shot a glance over to the older girl, but she looked back defiantly. He wanted to take offence, but he wasn't ashamed of his mercenary ways.
"Any payday is a good day."
Erin sighed. She turned and looked to Liu who sat wincing in pain.
"You going to help him?" she asked Archibald.
"Yeah, just as soon as our guests are comfortable."
"Don't get paid if the goods aren't delivered on time and as expected," said Mason.
"That's what we are to you?"
"Today, yes," he replied and turned to Skylar.
"Your father really going to pay for your friend here?"
She dipped her head to shy away from eye contact."
"Well?"
"I think so..." she whispered.
"Think!"
"Take it down a notch, Josiah. We've got a few hours till the meet. Get some rest. This is my last job, so don't fight me," ordered Carter.
Josiah turned away and strode off, still fuming.
"Come on, I'll show you both to some fresh beds where you can get a little rest," said Archibald.
Skylar obliged and got to her feet with his help. He turned to see if Erin would join him.
"It's okay. I'm fine here."
"As you like it."
She looked around the room. It was the main cargo bay of the ship, but there were few commodities. Each side were the entrances to what must be the crew quarters. There were no names on the doors, only numbers. A small corridor at the far end from where they had entered seemed to lead to the bridge. A simple kitchen lay just before it. She guessed the table and chairs they were sitting around were the closest the ship came to a mess hall.
It was small for a transport ship, with a small payload, and surprisingly fast. The room was just three metres high, and mementos from a hundred worlds hung from the ceiling, flags, tapestries, models, and old pre-laser weapons. A police riot shield, and even the door to what looked like a bank vault was up there.
"I'm guessing you don't do a lot of commercial transport?" Erin asked.
"We do whatever jobs we can get. If that's moving something from A to B, we'll do it, but the kind of people who pay us to move stuff expect us to fight like hell to protect it. Not give up the goods at the first sign of trouble."
"Which side do you fight on?"
"Our own."
"Come on, you're soldiers. You must have some allegiance. The war’s been going for what, six years, and you're telling me you're not involved?"
"Wars come and go. Life goes on. You know what the military pay you for putting your ass on the line for their cause?"
"And the pension policies suck," Liu added, smiling.
She looked over to him, still wincing in pain from his wound.
"Let me help you with that."
She walked over and helped him out of his armour. She reached for Wizard's med kit and pulled out a pair of scissors.
"You know what you're doing?" Mason asked.
"The basics, yeah."
She cut around his shirt and prised it from his skin. She was surprised to see a police tattoo on his upper arm. It was obvious that she recognised it.
"You are a Veni police officer?"
"Yeah, I was," he replied in a sad tone.
"And you aren't any longer?"
He looked up at her as if to ask if she was serious.
"I guess it's a long story of how you ended up here."
"It ain't that interesting. You're familiar with Veni?"
She hesitated for a moment. "I was there for a while some time ago."
"And anytime recently?" asked Mason.
"No," she replied. Her tone was sombre.
"We don't have much cause to ever go near a capital like Veni. We get plenty of jobs from there, but god forbid our employers would ever want us setting foot there," said Mason.
"So where are we meeting Mr Thompson?"
Her sudden subject change did not go unnoticed, but they were willing to entertain it.
"Luthien V, it's an IPA station. One of the only places we can safely meet him in the area. The girl's father is a key investor in USV worlds, and we're deep inside Alliance territory. God knows what she was doing out here in the first place. She'd be worth a fortune to any Alliance officials who knew she was here."
"We're in Alliance territory?" she asked with surprise.
"Sure are. The fact you didn't know that gets me curious. How did you end up in that cell?"
"I was on a research mission to a frontier world when our ship was attacked. That was the last thing I remember. But we were still in Vasi territory when that happened."
It sounded as if she was telling a half-truth.
"It's possible," added Liu. “Kidnappers working on the border and taking Vasi civilians back within Alliance worlds. It would give them a layer of protection from official responses."
"Sounds like you're making shit up. There's been something not right about you since we found ya down there. But fuck it, what do I care? Another few hours, and you're a bonus for us in what was already a fine pay day."
"Nice to see I can bring some sunshine to your day," she snapped.
Mason smiled as he walked away and muttered, "Sunshine, hell I've had enough of that for one day too."
They were all tired, and most managed to get some sleep en route, but were glad to hear the Boss’ voice over the intercom.
"Luthien V is up ahead, arrival in fifteen minutes. Have the girls ready for departure."
Mason stepped up to the deck to join the Boss who had become such a lifelong friend.
"This is it, you're really gonna call it a day here?"
"It's been a long time coming. My body ain't up to this work anymore. I've worked decades to amass enough money to retire to a good life. My luck can only go on so long. Time to get out and move on."
"Same here."
Josiah and Peter stepped into the room.
"All of you? You're going through with this?"
"We get paid what we're owed for this mission, and I'm taking the cash back to the wife and gonna buy a Mk5 Dauntless. Travel the universe and make some money carrying goods as we do it."
"Somehow, I can't picture you living that life."
"It was always about the money. All this shooting and running, it's for you young guys."
"Peter?"
"Got a job lined up, security consultant on Themis II."
"Themis?"
"What of it?"
"Ain't gonna see a lot of action there."
"That's the point. No firearms allowed; lowest violent crime rate for twenty-five years running of any colony known to man. A quiet easy life."
"And you?" he asked the Boss.
"No idea. I figure I'll find a little peaceful world somewhere and kick my feet up."
"Sounds like you're all in for a barrel of laughs."
"Hey, I've had enough for a lifetime."
They turned back to the cockpit glass. Mitchell was coming in for his final descent to the station.
"Ever been here, Max?" asked Mitchell.
"No, you?"
"Yep. It was my last flight before I lost my licence."
"What licence?" asked a voice from behind them.
They all turned; Erin had made her way into the cabin.
"His commercial flight licence," Mason answered.
"Why?”
"Because he's a junky son of a bitch.”
"Hey, fuck you, Josiah, who saved your ass this morning?"
"That's enough!" yelled Carter, pushing Josiah back. "He's needed to fly this thing, you're not. Another hour, and you'll never have to see each other again, so go and cool off."
He grunted and strode of angrily.
"It's true," said Mitchell. "I had some issues which I have since overcome. Been clean for two years. You can call me Felix."
"She ain't gonna be with us for much longer, so don't get too friendly."
"You're a cold mother, you know that, Max?"
Mason turned to Erin for some support, but she could not help but nod and agree, which brought a smile to Carter's face. Erin looked back, enjoying the moment with Felix. He was six foot, black, and of average build. His head was shaven, and he had a well-kept goatee and moustache. He looked to be in his mid-thirties and managed the controls while talking like a pro.
They felt the landing gear connect with the deck below. The landing pad immediately withdrew into a sealed hangar area where they could see people and vehicles going about their work. A greeting party of three people was waiting for them. They all wore perfectly cut and clean suits, which meant they could only be Arlon Thompson and his people.
Carter led the crew down the ramp with Skylar and Erin kept securely at the rear, until they were satisfied they were both safe and getting paid.
"I trust you were successful?" asked Arlon.
He couldn't see the girl because she was at the back of the crew.
"We got her out unharmed, yes. You have the final payment?"
"Let me see the girl."
Carter turned back and nodded for the crew to do so. He caught sight of her, but showed no emotion at all. They could also see that to him the girl was nothing more than a business transaction. He lifted a datapad from his pocket and tapped a few keys.
"One million credits deposited to your account. Please confirm."
Carter lifted his arm and looked at the display screen attached to his forearm. He already had his account open and smiled as he could see the money present and available.
"Before we finish up. We found another girl held in a cell next to Miss Gutierrez. She promised us her father would compensate us for our efforts in also rescuing her."
"Skylar, this girl, had you met her before your kidnap?"
She shook her head.
"Is she related to anyone you know back home?"
She responded the same.
"Then there is nothing I can do. This operation has already cost Mr Gutierrez substantially, both financially and his reputation amongst his business partners. Our business arrangement is as arranged and complete as soon as you transfer Miss Gutierrez to our custody."
"We risked our lives for this other girl!" Josiah protested loudly.
"And that was both your choice and now your problem."
Josiah went to speak, but Carter lifted his hand to stop him.
"Deal is a deal, Joe."
"Fuck sake," he muttered.
"I told them my father would help her," pleaded Skylar as she staggered towards Thompson.
"These fine men have rescued her, and she is now safe and free.”
"Hey, Thompson?"
He looked up.
"You're a security chief, right?"
"Yes."
"Bet you're paid a damn fortune, and you haven't got a fucking clue what you're doing. Next time Gutierrez's daughter gets kidnapped, I'll be doubling our price to get her back, based on the fact it'll be your stupid fault," Mason spat.
The verbal assault and being looked at by the scornful eyes of the crew took Arlon Thompson aback. He looked to Carter, as if to ask him to get his man under control, but the Boss only shook his head.
"Come on, let's go," he said to Skylar.
She turned back quickly to Erin. "I'm sorry."
"I'll be fine. You get along now."
Thompson led her away to their ship; a lavish luxury yacht they all knew would have cost more than any of them would likely earn in a lifetime.
"All money, no balls," said Josiah.
"Yep," replied Carter.
He turned and looked at the crew. "So, this is it."
Mason watched Mitchell lower several large crates from the cargo bay.
"You're leaving here and now?"
"I've got a ship waiting for me, and Josiah and Peter if they want to join me. I have been waiting to do this for too long. I wait another day, and there'll be another mission, and I'll never get out."
"There's no changing your mind?" asked Mason.
He shook his head.
"It's been a good run," Liu added.
"Max. Ship's yours now. I wish you every luck. I've already transferred your shares to your accounts. If you ever need me, you all know how to find me."
"Enjoy it, Boss."
"What, Max?"
"Retirement."
Carter looked puzzled. He’d not really thought of it like that before, and it brought some sadness to his face. It was clear he was deeply torn between staying and going, but time was creeping up on them all. Mason reached out his hand to the Boss.
"Been an honour."
He shook his hand as Mitchell pulled a cart over to them loaded with the three old timers’ gear.
"You sure about this now, Boss?"
"Sure as I ever will be, Mitchell. Good luck, to all of you."
It was time. He grabbed hold of the controls of the cart and walked away with the other two at his side. Mason turned around, looking at the crew who were left.
"You don't feel like joining 'em, Wizard?"
"Hey, I ain't that old yet."
"Fair enough. Glad to hear it.”
“What about me?” Erin asked.
“We got you out, and for free I might add. This was your lucky day. The IPA will help you contact your family and get you home.”
“I don’t have a family to go home to.”
“Not my problem.”
“So you are just going to leave me here?”
“What more do you want from us? We saved your life and got you here.”
“And it’ll be worth nothing if you leave me here.”
“What are you running from?”
She was silent for a moment, and almost snapped back an answer, but knew she was in danger of revealing more than she wanted to.
“Look, I have nowhere to go. Everything I owned was taken from me when I was kidnapped. Let me go with you, just as far as a VASI colony.”
He shook his head, looking at the crew. Mitchell shook his head, but Liu gave him pleading eyes that already made him feel guilty for not trying to help.
“Mitchell, how long till we get across the border to USV territories?”
“Probably a few weeks, depends what work comes up, if any.”
“All right, Erin. I know you’re hiding things from us. I am not buying this damsel in distress stuff, but we’ll give you a ride. Can you cook?”
“Sure.”
“Then that’s your new job while you’re aboard. No idle bodies on this ship, not unless they pay their way.”
She scowled at the idea, knowing she could do nothing but accept.
"I can do more, you know."
"I'm sure. You'll have plenty of time to blow our minds with your skills."
They all went silent as she didn't find it funny, and the others only found it awkward.
"All right, what are we still doing here? Let's move out."
Within an hour, they were sitting at a table in the cargo area with their meal; the same table Skylar had sat at that day. The tone was sombre. The mission had been a complete success, and the pay was good, but the retirement of the three original crewmembers was a dark day for them all.
"This ain't half bad," Mason commented.
Liu chuckled. They both knew it was the best meal they'd had in a good while, and Erin glared at him as a result of knowing it.
"So you're the Captain now?" she asked him.
He looked down at his food and nodded as he took a bite.
"That's the way of it. I've been on this boat longer than anyone, even Wizard. Boss handed the reins over to me, but that don't make it any less a home to the rest. You pull your weight, and you can call it home too, but somehow I doubt you're in this for
the long haul."
She shrugged her shoulders and didn't respond.
"So you got a last name?"
"No."
"Your parents not love you enough to pass on the family name?"
"My parents are none of your business," she snapped.
So that struck a nerve!
"All right."
"And you, your given name is Max?"
"Yes. So you said you were in USV territory when you were captured, and that you had everything you owned with you. Explain that to us."
Liu coughed and jabbed his elbow into Mason's side with little subtlety. He turned and answered his friend’s reservations.
"No, no. We expect to have a little trust towards those aboard, and I think we deserve to know, after all we have done for this girl."
"Girl? I'm twenty one in a few weeks."
"Okay, well, that's a start. Carry on."
"I was going in search of the last family I have left. My uncle. There was nothing left for me where I was."
"And where was that?"
"Enough for one day. Let the girl rest. Not like we have ever had your life story out," said Liu.
"That's probably because there isn't much to tell."
"With what I saw today, I doubt that," replied Erin.
Three days went by, when the lights began to flicker and power surged through the ship. Mason was asleep at the time and leapt out of bed as it happened. He rushed to the bridge, wearing just his underwear and t-shirt.
"What's going on, Mitchell?"
"We’re having power difficulties. This is internal."
He turned to see Wizard stepping aboard the bridge. His arms and face were filthy from working in the engine bay.
"We gotta problem."
Mason's eyes widened. He could already see he wasn't going to like the news.
"Long story short, we need to put down somewhere with a habitable environment now."
"How long do we have?"
"A minute, an hour, two, it ain't good."
"Christ, how did that happen?" asked Mitchell.
"No goddamn idea. A few things were a little worn no doubt, but nothing would have suggested this."
"Right now, it doesn't matter," Mason said. "Felix, what's the nearest world to here?"
"He tapped his console, searched through, and responded a few seconds later.
"We're in 61 Cigni, so... Krittika..."
"Never heard of it."
"I don't care. If it's got air and a chance of finding components, it'll do."
Maniacs: 01 - The Krittika Conflict Page 3