Payback Is a Given: Pirates of the Badlands Series Book 2

by Sean Benjamin

  After departing from Vindictive and Vampire, her ship had interrupted another pirate ship while it was in the process of attacking a small trader. The pirate ship broke off its attack as Bandit closed in. The small freighter, Bright Star, was an independent ship running any cargo they could get. After a conversation verifying all pertinent details, Bandit let the trader depart and earned its gratitude in the process. Flot 1 had made another friend who may provide information or aid in the future.

  Now Legrand reread the message forwarded by Shane Delacruz. She smiled a cold, empty smile. Hawkins had sold his plan to the Zekes. Now Bandit and Vindictive were to get into the yards and get engine overhauls and various other updates. She wasn’t surprised Hawkins had gotten Zeke backing. He could sell all of outer space an acre at a time if he set his mind to it. She had badly wanted the plan to go forward and thought her great desire would somehow jinx it. She had enthusiastically volunteered Bandit when approached to participate in the plan. She knew her crew would be onboard with the idea. Like their captain, they yearned to get redemption for their unwitting part in the enemy attack on their squadron’s house. Another pirate ship had followed them around as they scouted potential house locations and then sold the information to the Goths. After the settlement was established, the Goths and their temporary OrCon allies had destroyed it. Nobody blamed Bandit or her captain. Intellectually, Legrand knew she was not responsible, but emotionally, it was not so cut and dried. Perhaps sending tons of ordnance downrange against Goth and OrCons targets would help make it all clear in her mind. If nothing else, it would put the Goths and OrCons on the receiving end of her displeasure. Something to look forward to.

  Emily called the OD from her desk. “Set up a rendezvous with Vindictive. Best sustained speed.” She leaned back in her chair and smiled her cold smile again. It’s not such a bad universe after all. Thank you, Raferty Hawkins.

  Chapter 10

  Predator and Nemesis continued their uneventful trip home. Ships were encountered and avoided. Reports from Shane Delacruz aboard Vindictive in the Badlands indicated flotilla operations there were routine with no special occurrences to report. This was his last patrol report, as his ship and Bandit were entering a small shipyard in the Edinburgh System to begin their overhauls in preparation for the upcoming mission.

  Blondie was briefed on the Murmansk plan and the training cycle leading up to the mission. She also stood two bridge watches as an officer of the deck under training. Despite the long boring hours of bridge OD under training, and the many simulated ship emergencies conducted for her benefit and crew training, she found she enjoyed the responsibility and was looking forward to becoming a qualified OD.

  Their destination was the old mining planet of Sundance Drift just outside the border of the Aurora Empire. The Drift had been a major mining operation for decades, but that time had passed. There was still mining, but not close to the scale of the past. The planetary government had been trying to make the transition from mining to trading and servicing spaceships. Due to its strategic position on the edge of the Aurora Empire, smuggling had become a major industry here. The local government officials tended to turn a blind eye to it as long as they got their cut. With the war, the Aurora Empire had reduced their naval presence along this border, and the smuggling had increased correspondingly.

  Predator assumed an orbit with Nemesis setting up in a high-guard position to protect against an ambush from another ship. Predator’s shuttle and two hired space taxies moved pirates from the ship to the outskirts of the major spaceport of Sun City. The new arrivals were met by a small group led by an older man wearing a large cross on a chain around his neck. The man stepped forward as soon as the shuttles shut down and the hatches opened. Raferty was first out of the hatch. He extended his hand and greeted the man enthusiastically. “Father Stapleton, how are you?”

  “I’m fine, Raferty. And you?”

  “Same as always. Still breathing so I guess that puts me ahead of a lot of other people.”

  “Especially in these times. Tactical?”

  Hawkins stepped out of Stapleton’s line of sight so he could see Tactical emerging from the shuttle. The older man’s face lit up and he swept past Hawkins to hug Tactical. Tactical returned the hug in equal measure, surprising the other shuttle passengers. Tactical was not known for her emotional greetings. As Baby Doll emerged and took a position next to Tactical, Father Stapleton enveloped her in his arms. She also returned the affection in equal measure. He let her go and nodded to all the other passengers before turning back to Hawkins.

  Hawkins faced the gathering landing party and introduced the man. “Father Tom Stapleton. Been doing God’s work throughout the universe for more years than he will admit to. Done a lot of good on many planets and saved more than a few lives along the way.”

  Stapleton nodded to all of them again with a slight smile. “Overstated but I do what I can. Welcome to Sundance Drift. I know most of you have been here before. You’ll find not much has changed.” He gestured behind him at five men. “These folks will show you around if you would like. They know the bars you can visit that won’t water down the home brew too badly.”

  He and Rafe turned and walked toward the surrounding buildings as the others trailed behind to allow them some privacy.

  “How is the religious business in this den of sin in the middle of nowhere?”

  “Like fighting fog but I get a few successes now and again. It keeps me going.”

  “How long you been here?”

  Stapleton rubbed his chin in thought. “Got here about two months ago with my crew. There has been trouble here setting up some schools for the mining communities. A couple of the churches here thought we could help. We’ve set up three schools and staffed them with local teachers. The churches and religious organizations here helped quite a bit. They just needed someone to show the way. We’re on the right track here. Local folks have really gotten involved and we’ll soon step back and move on.”

  “How much longer you staying here?”

  “A few weeks. A month max.”

  Stapleton and his group were constantly on the move. Part of this was due to their work. They set up schools and churches and then moved on. They were in high demand on several planets. But they also moved on to ensure they did not wear out their welcome with the local governments, corporations, trade unions, and others who had a vested interest in the status quo and did not like people coming in to shake things up. It was best to make an immediate impact and depart. Stapleton had lived with continuous threats to his life for many years, but he kept to his work with a single-minded dedication.

  Rafe nodded as he walked. He had known Father Tom Stapleton since he was a child and regarded him as the most honest, committed man he knew. He had seen him on several different planets spreading the word of God and trying to improve the lives of the locals. He was always secretly surprised Stapleton had lasted this long. Many of the Father’s like-minded compatriots had not been so lucky. Stapleton had fifteen or so people in his immediate group and cooperated with dozens of similar groups throughout the universe. These groups were located in every system and in every empire and these people swore alliance to doing good work rather than to any government or planet. Although it was never acknowledged, Father Stapleton was one of the leaders of this vast network. Unknown to the good man, years ago, Rafe had placed four men into his group who did regular work for the group, but were also bodyguards. These men were responsible for ensuring Father Stapleton would be able to continue his good work, and for keeping Hawkins informed as to the Father’s location. Hawkins had known Stapleton’s schedule but had to ask to preserve the illusion of not knowing.

  These bodyguards also coordinated all the intelligence gathered through Father Stapleton’s network and then forwarded the information to Raferty Hawkins. This network was a key part to Hawkins’ vast intelligence apparatus and helped cover every area of the settled universe, regardless of borders or governments. Rafe
had come to the conclusion years ago that Father Stapleton knew Hawkins was gathering intel through his organization, but decided it was for good reasons, so he pretended not to know nor tried to learn the details.

  Trailing behind the two leaders were the remaining pirates and the men of Stapleton’s group. The majority in this group would have liberty while some would also complete several errands. Tactical, Blondie, and Baby Doll had a list of equipment that was available in town and would be buying what they could get in the short time ashore. The others would be visiting the bars and whorehouses to pass the time. As the group exited the landing area, several of the pirates broke up into smaller groups with a single guide for each, and then moved in different directions. A group of several of the ship’s officers continued to follow the two men in front of them.

  The decades of mining and smelting with few environmental restrictions had left the planet with a hazy pall of light gray smoke over its cities, and a distinct odor of sulfur, chemicals, and machine lubricants. Environmental concerns were never a high priority with mining companies, and governments rarely angered their chief employers by broaching the subject. Consequently, many planets were despoiled shadows of their former selves. This place was no exception. Mountains had been gutted. Water sources were polluted, and mining waste products and chemicals were left wherever it was convenient to dump them. Large parts of the population had moved on as jobs disappeared, and life got rougher. Others hung on by getting into the new work of trading and spaceship maintenance.

  “This must be the smelliest planet in the universe,” Baby Doll stated.

  “There is no odor so bad as that which arises from goodness tainted,” Blondie quoted. Everyone stopped walking and stared at her. “Henry David Thoreau,” she said in self-defense.

  “You do get the fact that we are bad-ass pirates?” asked Tactical with more than a bit of exasperation leaking into her voice. “You do understand that, right?”

  “Of course,” answered Blondie. They stared at each other for a few seconds, with Tactical wearing a hard stare, and Blondie looking slightly befuddled.

  “Okay, as long as you get that. No quoting in front of others. They might laugh at us, and then we would be forced to kill them in order to prove our bad assness.” Tactical turned and walked off.

  “You do know that’s not a word,” Blondie said to her departing back.

  All the others looked at each other. “I definitely need a drink,” said Doc Windsor. He set off up the street following his captain and the Father. Everyone else followed his lead.

  As they came abeam a saloon with a thick, solid frontage and a wide front door, Raferty and Father Stapleton stopped and waited for the group to join them.

  “This place will take care of you for a fair price,” Father Stapleton nodded toward the door as he and Hawkins continued to walk.

  The majority of the pirates entered, but Baby Doll, Tactical, and Blondie followed the twosome as they moved up the street. Several storefronts and workshops later, Father Stapleton stopped in front of an old machine shop and waited for the three women to join him and their captain. A man came out of the shop and hands were shaken all around.

  Stapleton gave the introduction. “This is Earl Mandy. He owns this shop and has gathered as much of your list as possible within the short time allowed and not arouse anyone’s curiosity.”

  Rafe nodded. “Sorry about the short notice but we didn’t know we needed this equipment until recently. We appreciate all you have done, Father.”

  Stapleton turned to Rafe and waved his hand in dismissal. “You’ve done more for me and my group than I could ever repay. I just wish we could have gotten all the stuff you needed.” He turned back to the women and the shop owner. “I’m going to kidnap your captain for a few minutes. He’ll see you back at the saloon if that’s convenient.”

  Rafe smiled at the group. “I’ll see you at the saloon in a while.” He and the older man walked away further up the street.

  The women went into the shop and quickly went through the assembled equipment as Blondie inspected it for deficiencies. All the equipment was old and battered, but that was to be expected. Everything worked and the pirates bought all of it. They oversaw the packing and escorted the crates as Earl Mandy moved them to the shuttle. The equipment was loaded aboard, Mandy paid off, and the trio returned to the bar to join the others.

  The drinking establishment consisted of a long narrow room. A waist high bar ran along one side. Behind the bar was a narrow walkway for the employees in front of a series of cabinets and shelves for storage of liquor and food. In front of the bar were eight tables and accompanying chairs for those who wouldn’t do their drinking at the bar. Doc Windsor, Ace, and Joker were drinking at the far end of the long bar. Eli, the helmsman, and a man from engineering named Preacher, were drinking at the midpoint of the bar. Preacher was nicknamed such because he was the quietest man on the ship. He rarely talked except as required by his duties. Despite being complete opposites, he and Eli were the best of friends, and Preacher kept Eli from being totally out of control on liberty. Even now Eli was drinking heavily.

  The three women walked by them and stopped at the trio leaning on the bar at the end. They each got a drink and joined the conversation. Time passed as more rounds were bought and consumed. Doc Windsor was outdistancing everyone. He then reached in his pocket, took out a vial of crystalized powder, and added half of it to his drink. He pounded the alcohol down in one gulp. Blondie watched in horror and then grimaced. She glanced briefly at her companions and then back to the Doctor.

  “What was that?” she asked in amazement.

  “Angel kiss,” Doc Windsor responded casually.

  “You shouldn’t take that,” Blondie’s voice had a scolding quality. She was quite amazed a medical man would do this, and his companions would do nothing. “If you need help to kick the habit, I’m sure we can get it for you.”

  Doc Windsor looked at her as if a horn had appeared in her forehead. “Since you’re new to the crew, I’m going to let this all wash off me, but don’t push your luck.” He smiled at her in a particularly wicked way. “Someday you might need my medical expertise, and I would hate to make a mistake in your treatment.”

  With that, he turned away and moved up the bar with his empty glass. He ordered another drink as he settled in four meters away.

  “Bad move,” Tactical stared at her.

  Blondie looked to Baby Doll for support, but none was forthcoming. She glanced at the twins, but both had turned their backs on her and were leaning against the bar in conversation.

  “He needs help,” Blondie protested in surprise. Why couldn’t her shipmates see that?

  “He needs to be left alone,” Baby Doll replied.

  Further conversation was delayed as Eli and Preacher approached the group of women and made to pass, as they were on their way to the head at the rear of the tavern. As they came abeam them, a slightly drunk Eli reached out and gave Blondie a resounding slap on her backside.

  “Welcome aboard Predator, baby,” he exclaimed.

  No sooner had the words been spoken when another resounding slap filled the bar room as Blondie turned and laid a hard one across Eli’s face. Eli’s head snapped back from the solid blow, and as he recoiled, his hand flashed down to the dagger at his side. It was halfway out of its scabbard when a voice calmly remarked, “No.”

  The voice was not loud but everyone heard it clearly. Eli’s eyes flicked slightly to his right to see the owner of the voice. Tactical stared back calmly. Her dagger was secured to her belt horizontally across her body in front of her. Her left palm rested on its hilt with her thumb between the hilt and her belt as her fingers lightly drummed on the front of her pants just below the dagger hilt.

  Silence covered the scene for a few seconds. The twin engineers turned, and even Doc Windsor watched from down the bar, but nobody moved or said anything. Blondie meant to open her mouth, but Baby Doll squeezed her arm and she remained silent.
Eli stood as tense as a tightened spring as he stared at Tactical. She, in turn, regarded him with only mild interest and with a casual attitude in her stance.

  “Think it through, Eli. Dead lasts a long time.” Tactical’s tone had no threat at all, but was one of merely imparting information to a colleague. She was the ship’s enforcer and knew how to play the role. She would not escalate the situation but would not let it slide either. A conclusion would be reached here and now, one way or another.

  Eli was obviously weighing his chances. Everyone knew Tactical could take him in a fight. Hell, even Eli knew it, but pride and drink might override common sense. Time ticked two more beats and Eli’s eyes narrowed. Pride and drink had won the tug of war, and this was about to get him killed. His knife arm flexed as he was about to pull his dagger free.

  “Preacher!!” The command voice came from the shadows nearby and startled everyone but Tactical. She kept her eyes fixed on Eli as everyone’s head swiveled in the direction of the wall behind them. The pirates could just make out their captain in the shadows sitting behind a small table. He was leaning back in a chair against the wall, holding a beer glass in his right hand, and his left hand rested on his own dagger’s hilt protruding from his left boot. He continued in a measured voice retaining all its command authority. “Preacher, take Eli and buy him a drink.” Nobody moved as they were still absorbing the surprise of his presence and the fact he addressed someone not involved in the confrontation. “NOW, Preacher!”

  The last command set everyone in motion. Preacher grabbed Eli’s arm and pulled him away down the bar. Eli made a show of departing reluctantly, but it was obvious he was relieved to be out of the situation with his pride still relatively intact. Blondie and Baby Doll relaxed. Only Tactical maintained her attitude of the casual interest she had displayed throughout the incident. Her head turned to follow Eli’s departure. Her hand never left her dagger, and her fingers never stopped their slow and steady drumming. When he was well out of range, she turned to Blondie, “When someone offends you here, the correct response is a dagger thrust. A slap will just get you killed.” Her voice was still casual and instructive, but her eyes were cold and hard as she viewed Blondie.