“As you can see, she is entertaining herself.”
“I see. So she is good for something.” This time when the Sheriff smiled it seemed genuine.
Cmdr. Cline felt the urge to reach across the desk and smack it off of him but kept his cool. “She has her uses.” Adding a grin of his own. “But that is not why we are here.”
“No, of course not. You are here to oversee the latest progress reports on the Dreadnaught.”
Cmdr. Cline shook his head. “No. Not the reports, the actual ship.”
“That is a bit more difficult. You must realize the amount of security we keep around the ship. It isn’t something you just walk up and view.”
“I would hope not but let me be blunt; we are not leaving until we physically see the ship and have hard copies of all reports.” Cmdr. Cline stood up and tucked his hat under one arm. “I may even want to talk with the people building the damn thing and you will do your best to facilitate anything and everything I need. By God, this is a Coalition ship built under a Coalition contract by a private firm and no local LEO is going to give me the run around.”
Sheriff Kassinger also stood up and leaned forward on his desk with both hands. “Now listen here former Captain. You’re in my pond. It may not seem like much to a career Fleet officer like you but it’s my pond and I’m the big tuna. You will go when and where I allow you to go.”
“Are you threatening to limit my movements within this system?”
Kassinger shook his head. “No, by all means no, that would be against Coalition laws. But I cannot guarantee your safety unless you have an escort by my deputies and with the recent pirate activities in the area and multiple visits from dignitaries, I don’t have enough manpower to ferry you around the system at your every whim.”
“So you are denying my visit to the Dreadnaught?”
“No, I am saying that you must be patient.” Kassinger pretended to look at his calendar. “The earliest I will have enough deputies available for a visit to the shipyards will be at noon tomorrow, local time of course.”
“Of course. Until then.” Turning away, Alex slowly walked out of the Sheriff’s office and toward the elevator.
Lt. Evans saw his departure and broke away from the mob of deputies which had her surrounded. As they stepped onto the elevator, Virginia stood up onto her tiptoes and leaned in as if to kiss the Commander on the neck and whispered, “When it’s safe, we need to talk.”
* * * * *
As the door to the elevator closed and the Coalition officers were out of sight, a huge mountain of a man stepped out of the Sheriff’s bathroom. “We need to talk.”
Kassinger nearly fell out of his chair when the Confederate soldier appeared in his office. “Holy shit! Don’t you ever knock?”
“No.”
Kassinger looked around to make sure that his deputies hadn’t seen the intruder yet and pressed the ‘private’ button on his desk. In a matter of milliseconds, the glass wall became opaque and the door locked securely. He turned to confront the man in grey and said, “How many times must I warn you not to come into my office?”
Sgt. Pete Allen ignored the veiled threat from the sheriff and cut right to his point. “Is that bluecoat gonna be a problem?”
“Bluecoat?”
Sgt. Allen nodded. “You Coalition folks.”
“I am no longer one of them.”
Sgt. Allen ignored him and picked up the ancient Nazi knife that Kassinger had on display. “So you say. But you didn’t answer my question. Is he going to be a problem?”
Kassinger shook his head. “No. Everything is on schedule.”
“No, it’s not. If it was, I wouldn’t be here. You are two weeks behind with the latest shipment to Haumea.”
“We just got in a shipment of inmates this morning. They are being transferred to the outer shipyard in the morning.”
Allen nodded. “That’s good news but we are still gonna be short on parts.”
Kassinger knew he was sweating and he didn’t like the feeling. Usually it was him which put the other person on the defensive but the Confederate NCO – non-commissioned officer – surprise arrival had put him in an awkward position. “But…but…”
Allen pointed one large finger right at his face. “Tell that boss of yours that a shipment of parts and manpower better be on Haumea in two days or…”
Kassinger swallowed hard. “Or?”
Sgt. Allen tossed the family heirloom knife on his desk and turned toward the exit. “Don’t fuck with us Jeffrey. Don’t forget we know the truth about the Arizona and I’m sure if my superiors don’t feel that they are getting their money’s worth, then they will find some way to get proper compensation.”
Without another word the Confederate soldier was gone and Kassinger was left wondering if there was a way out of this situation. The first thought which came to mind was killing the Confederate Sergeant. That had its merits but it was only a short term fix at best. The Confederacy would just send another NCO and the cycle would start all over again. Not seeing any immediate way out, he put a call into the Admiral to inform him of the latest wrinkle in their plans.
Chapter 9
DJ paused at the locked door. “Is this his office?”
Lashandra nodded. “Yes, I swear.”
As the bounty hunter began to reach for the door knob, Tinya stopped him. “He keeps it locked at all times.”
“Not to me.” With his free hand, DJ began to knock forcefully on the metal door. Each time a bit harder. Each time putting another dent in the door.
Mocha sat down his glass of Scotch and took one last look around his office. It was comfortable. Not lavish but rich and comfy. He was happy here; probably happier than he’d been in his entire life. But if truth be told, he’d been expecting something like this for years.
Seeing the dents in his door get larger and larger, he hit the release button on the magnetic locks which held fast his office door. As it burst open with the next knock he said, “Welcome Red Falcon, welcome. Come in, come in.”
When DJ stepped into the office, he quickly scanned the interior to make sure he wasn’t about to be attacked, again. He had already planned on using the cocooned form of the bouncer for a shield if that happened.
The room was decorated with earth tones and low lights. There was a bar to his left and a couch to his right; two matching and comfortable looking chairs set in front of a large desk while a large oriental rug dominated the floor. Behind the desk was a huge picture window which DJ guessed looked down on the casino, which is where he found the proprietor. DJ just stood in the doorway and stared at him for a minute to see how he would react.
Mocha was cool under his gaze. He didn’t fidget or speak but just calmly drank his beverage. Mocha seemed thin and very fit, like that of a runner, while his chocolate colored skin had such a healthy sheen to it, DJ figured that was where his nickname came from. His head was shaved smooth and a small peach fuzz of a mustache. Dressed in a blue suit made from the finest silk available, he looked to be the master of his domain.
Without a word to Mocha, DJ unceremoniously dumped Pridgen’s bound form in the center of the office and dropped the handcuffed body of the escapee next to it. Walking over to the nearby couch, DJ lowered the unconscious form of Jagger Jax gently onto it, before turning his attention back to the casino owner. “What’s with the warm welcome?”
Mocha shrugged. “I had to see if you are indeed the real Red Falcon. There have been rumors and stories over the years.”
“Satisfied?”
Mocha nodded. “Yes. Although I must admit, I’m surprised to see you. I thought our business together was complete?”
DJ didn’t answer but took a small step forward and placed the data crystal Iaido had left for him on the desk.
Mocha picked it up and gazed at it for a second before popping it into the reader. Seconds later the monitor came to life. The screen was filled with a shadowy figure but when it spoke, DJ recognized his friend’
s voice.
“Hello Andrew. It’s been awhile. Personally I was hoping to never have to call in my favor but as you might’ve guessed I’ve passed on the mantle of the Red Falcon to a friend of mine. I am also aware that an imposter has been operating under the guise of the Falcon. Believe me, either I or my protégé, will take care of him presently. However, that is not why I sent the latest incarnation of the Falcon to you. He has a problem and I want you to help him. After this, our slate is clean. All records of your life ‘before’ have been destroyed.”
Iaido’s katana came briefly into view.
“Don’t make me regret trusting you.”
“Well, that was rather enlightening.” Mocha downed his Scotch. “I knew something was different.”
“How so?”
“It’s the way you move. Although your style is very effective as Pridgen found out, it’s not as fluid as the last time I saw you, or should I say the other Falcon, fight.”
“So, that was the real reason for your test?”
“Yes, sorry about that. However, it does clear up several inaccuracies that I’ve heard about the Red Falcon over the last few years.” Even though DJ didn’t ask for more information, Mocha elaborated. “Evidently, the imposter is more ruthless and brings in more dead bounties than live ones. Also no report I’ve ever seen mentions any type of melee weapon, just blasters.” He pointed to the blades that were magnetically attached to DJ’s lower back. “I thought it strange for you to be wearing those shorter swords but the old Falcon’s message explains a lot.”
“So you will help me?”
“No.” Mocha shook his head but held up both hands to forestall any coming argument. “I will aid you only because I owe him,” pointing at the darkened screen, “my life. So…what do you need from me?”
“I need assistance in snatching someone from under the nose of the Titan Avionics executives.”
“With your credentials, neither they nor the Sheriffs could stop you.”
“This isn’t technically a legal pickup, no warrants and no bounty.”
Mocha whistled. “So this will actually be a kidnapping. You’re crossing into uncharted territory aren’t you? Out of curiosity, who’s the target?”
DJ hesitated. He didn’t know anything about Mocha and revealing too much could endanger his daughter. However, he trusted Iaido and he was the one who sent him to the casino owner. So, the question came down to one simple fact. How much did he trust Iaido?
“The mark is Roger Thomas’ adopted daughter.”
Mocha whistled again. “Wow. You do like to hunt big game.” He paused for a moment before he asked, “Ransom?”
DJ shook his head. “Rescue. I’m working for her biological father.”
DJ found it odd to be talking about himself in third person but it was the most logical explanation. “Evidently, he has proof of child abuse by Thomas against his daughter and domestic abuse against his ex-wife. He isn’t too concerned about the ex-wife although that will help his case with the courts. But he knows that the Saturn Sheriffs are merely puppets for Titan Avionics and on the corporation’s payroll and won’t take his accusations seriously.”
“That is truer than you know.” Mocha nodded. “But to break her out will take some specialized skills and permission.”
“I can understand needing specialized help but permission?”
Mocha poured himself another Scotch and offered a glass to the bounty hunter, but he refused. Taking a sip, the ex-criminal leaned back in his chair as he explained. “Kidnapping, justified or not, is still a criminal act. All such acts in this system are governed by the Cartel and if you want my help, we will need to gain their permission.”
“Can you arrange a meeting?”
“Sure but you will need to sway him to let you operate inside his territory. I’d suggest a bribe.”
“Bribe? Who are you suggesting I bribe?”
“Absolem, the local Cartel boss, there’s a rumor that he reports to someone higher up in the Cartel but that doesn’t concern us. On Titan and the surrounding system, his word is law. I happen to know that he has fondness for Moonbeam.”
“Huh?”
“You know the psychedelic spice that the Coalition has banned.” When the Red Falcon didn’t immediately respond, Mocha cocked his head to the side and explained. “Spice? Drugs? You really have no idea what I’m talking about do you?
DJ shook his head. “Nope. I’ve known soldiers to use certain drugs to improve performance but outside of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine, drugs have never been my scene.”
Mocha smiled. “No worries. I happen to know of a shipment of Moonbeam coming in later tonight. The dealer is a local thug who owes me some credits and tried to pay off his tab with the spice. I don’t deal nor do I allow it in my establishment. However, if you were to find this reprobate and relieve him of the spice, it would solve both our problems.”
“How would me thrashing some kid help you?”
Mocha leaned back in his chair and smiled. “Well, you could remind him that I still need to get paid and that spice is not allowed in my casino, ever.”
DJ nodded. “I see, you want me to be your enforcer.”
Mocha nodded toward the cocooned form of the bouncer. “Actually that was to be Pridgen’s task for tonight but as you can see he’s all tied up for the moment.”
DJ nodded. “Okay I’ll bite, especially if it will help me complete my pickup.”
“What else do you need from me?”
“I already have most of the intel we will need to get in and out of the Thomas’ complex. Primarily, detailed maps and schedules of the staff but I have no information on the alarm systems or how to get past them.”
Mocha thought about that for a few moments before adding, “I know of a freelancer in the area. I can see if she is looking for some work. Do you have a timetable?”
“ASAP. It’s my understanding that Thomas has a lot of distractions at the moment and I’m sure my employer would be upset if his daughter got beat up again while I waited.”
Mocha began typing into his computer terminal but nodded to the individuals the bounty hunter had carried into his office. “What about them?”
“Your bouncer needs to learn manners but other than that, I have no quarrel with him. I don’t hold a grudge. He was just doing his job. The other one has a bounty that I plan on collecting.”
“And Jagger Jax?”
“He’s done nothing wrong in my eyes. He didn’t have to assist me downstairs but he jumped in without regard to his own safety. And that goes a long way with me.”
“The Cartel might not like that.”
“Their likes and dislikes are not my concern. My dealings with them will be strictly a business transaction. Whoever I have on my crew is my decision. Jax has only acted honorably around me. That’s the only way I can judge him, by his actions not his past.” DJ paused before adding, “We all have skeletons in our closet we’d rather not disturb.”
“I can agree with that.” Mocha pressed a different button on his desk and the dancer in yellow feathers reentered the office. “Lashandra will take you somewhere to relax while I make arrangements.”
Picking up the unconscious form of Jagger Jax and his prisoner, the Red Falcon followed the beautiful dancer out of the office without another word.
Mocha glanced down at the cocooned Jovian and spoke to him even though he knew he wouldn’t be able to hear due to the all-encasing foam. “I told you he was a handful.”
Pridgen’s pleading eyes spoke volumes to anyone who would listen.
“Don’t worry; Tinya is on her way with a solvent. Count yourself lucky. He might not be the original Falcon but he seems capable enough. Besides, I’ll be interested in seeing how he handles the Needles situation.”
Turning his attention back to the computer, Mocha began arranging the meeting between Absolem and the bounty hunter. He also placed a message to the freelancer thief he’d mentioned. He would do his part but the res
t was up to the Falcon.
* * * * *
Even as Mocha typed out his message, somewhere on the far side of the galaxy the mysterious blue-skinned and four-armed being intercepted and modified the message. At the same time, his other set of hands began the process of composing and sending out other communiqués. Once completed, the enigmatic being sat back to watch the drama unfold.
Chapter 10
Stephanie had just finished her workout with Kaitlyn and was both exhausted and refreshed; that strange and complex feeling that washes over your body after a particularly intense workout.
Entering the locker room which was attached to the Thomas family gymnasium, she began to strip down to take a shower when her cybernetic implants warned her that she was being watched. They also alerted her to their location. There were at least two cameras in the locker room and one inside the actual shower. She casually draped her towel over the shower camera and kept herself angled in such a way that the other two cameras wouldn’t get a clear shot at her body. These were skills she’d developed over the years to tease and tantalize her targets.
Minutes later when she exited the steam filled shower wrapped in her towel, she suspected that Roger was watching her or at least recording her. She went through the whole act of applying lotion, conditioner and a half-dozen other routines which women do to stay beautiful. All the while teasing the cameras but not openly showing anything. It was all part of her mission. She learned long ago that she didn’t have to understand why but to just do. Her orders had been explicit. Entice but not satisfy.
Seeing the blinking light on her SANDD - Scrambled Alpha Numerical Decryption Device - she finished dressing quickly and left the Thomas estate. Once she was airborne in her skimmer, she initiated the auto-pilot and punched in her code which would unlock one half of the message, before adding her thumbprint which was the other half of the lock. The SANDD blinked twice more before displaying the decoded message.
‘El Gato – your presence in Saturn has been leaked but your mission still has an Alpha status priority. It is to proceed as planned and on schedule. However two unplanned complications may advance your timetable. The bounty hunter Red Falcon has been reported on Titan hunting you. This is a false-positive. He is only hunting you as part of his cover. However, I am unsure as to his true objectives and motives. Also, in the near future you will be contacted about a side job. Take it. It will bring us closer to the Cartel. This may prove to be advantageous to future operations. – K”
The Last Spartan 2: DJ's Mission Page 9