by J. K. Mabrey
“What do you want, human?” The Chokmnd turned slowly and locked eyes with Zavik.
Zavik took a seat at the bar, no one else to either side of him. “What do you have to eat?” he asked.
“Funny," the Chokmnd grunted back, "but I’m not asking what you want to eat. No human just walks in here for the food or the décor. You can get that closer to port. What do you want? Work, information, to sell me something?”
Zavik changed his tone and attitude right away realizing this was going to take a different approach. He leaned forward and said, “I’m looking for Brax Miro. I had some dealing with him a few years back; he actually gave a human a chance at good work, and I'm in need of some."
The bartender stared at Zavik, and then glanced up and down at Dani. He stayed silent.
Frustrated, Zavik said, “Do you know who I’m talking about, or are we on some wild goose chase?”
“Sorry, we don’t have any wild gooses here,” the bartender finally said, feigning a smile.
“Wild geese!” someone shouted from behind them. A Chokmnd that was sitting in the corner had stood up and was making his way towards them. He was of the brown scale descendants rather than the more common gray scale. He was tall but just slightly taller than Zavik. His clothes were well kept, and he looked slightly out of place at such a desolate location. “It’s wild geese you buffoon, and a common human saying.”
The bartender, whose pride was slightly bruised, turned and walked away. “Like I care about some damn human saying,” he muttered to himself.
“So,” the Chokmnd said, “you think you know me, do you? What dealings did we have? Enlighten me.”
"You're Brax Miro?" Zavik asked.
The Chokmnd tilted his head to the side and shrugged his shoulders in agreement.
“I did a job for you in Messena, about five years back.” Zavik lowered his voice slightly. “Delivered explosives for an illegal mining operation.”
“What are you lowering your voice for?" he shouted. "What, do you think we’re in city hall or this place is bugged? Why do you think all these people…” he glanced around and noticed the tavern wasn't very full. “Hmm…well, why do you think anyone comes here?" he paused. "To stay out of sight of any authorities." Waving his hands dismissively, he said, "So, you delivered explosives for me five years ago. Let's see…oh, yes, if I recall correctly, you delivered a rather large shipment from Valistar, bypassed most of the heavier fee ports, and saved me a nice sum of credits. Yes, I remember you now. Gave humans a good name in my book, and a few others.”
“It’s unfortunate the opportunities haven’t really expanded for us since,” Zavik said.
“No," he laughed, "your kind are still loathed in this galaxy. Maybe the next one will take kinder to, well uh, your kind, ha-ha." He took a seat next to Zavik and ordered a drink. "You know, you were the only human I directly worked with. Sure, there were others, part of another crew and such, but you were the only one that I requested directly.”
“I’m honored." He wasn't.
“Don’t be. It doesn't mean shit.” He gave a menacing grin. “Zavik Khan, the human outcast, trying to work his way back into society by doing legitimate jobs now. Yes, I keep records of all my associates. You’re the only human one, but you’re quite famous, for a human, for that stunt during the Sequoia revolt. You know, the Chokmnds award their soldiers for such acts of bravery, and heroism, unlike you humans, who punish those who stride outside the lines.”
“Everyone has a method to their madness. Is that why you requested me for the job?"
He drew himself close to Zavik's face. The smell of semi-sweet syrup crept up his nose. "You can't put a price on loyalty, or honor. Not turning on Earth, after what they did, shows you have both. And you’re a good smuggler, or you were, before trying to go straight. Which begs the question, why are you here? Not enough excitement in your life, or did the humans not fully embrace your newfound loyalty?”
“I need help.”
“Ha, help? You need help, and you come here, looking for me? And I thought humans were supposed to be smart. Look at me!" he yelled and opened his arms to the derelict building. "I’m in this mud hole, no offense Harsley," the bartender grumbled something Zavik couldn’t translate and kept cleaning, “in the middle of the day. Do I look like I’m in a position to do anyone any favors? Much less a human who I had dealings with a lifetime ago. Hell, you’d have more influence on this planet now than I do, even if it isn’t all good." He turned back to the bar and glanced around Zavik. "Who's your friend here? I don't remember her, and I'm quite certain I would remember a beautiful face like that."
Dani had been quiet since entering the tavern, reserved to let Zavik do all the talking. Zavik nodded to her to be truthful. "My name is Dani Epson," she said with as timid a voice as she had, "I'm Zavik's copilot."
"Well, aren't you lucky to be under the wing of such an accomplished soldier. Or is it you that's lucky," he glanced at Zavik with a smile. Noticing the unamused looks he received back, Brax said, "Hmm...perhaps not."
Undeterred from Brax’s ramblings Zavik pressed for information. “I need to know about Canderon Vask.”
His eyes perked up. “The Secretary of Fleet Engineering? Now, what could you possibly want with him?”
“I just need to know where he’s at. He was last publicly seen on Onderon.”
“Yes, he was here on business a few weeks back. Then up and disappeared.”
“Just like that, no leads, no other business?” Zavik asked.
“That’s what happens when Red Moon takes you," he said.
“Red Moon?” Zavik said alarmed by the name.
“You know the organization. Chokmnd crime group bent on promoting their ideals," he said wistfully.
“Which are?" Dani asked
“Chokmnd superiority, of course.”
“I bet that’s popular here,” Zavik said
“You’d be surprised," he said shaking his head. "A large portion of the Chokmnd population agrees with their ideals, but there are some, even high-ranking officials, who prefer this united Galactic Community.”
“Do you know where Red Moon took him?" Zavik asked. "We still need him.”
“Impressive," he said taking a sip of his drink, "I tell you the person you’re looking for has been taken by the most dangerous criminal organization in the galaxy, and you still want to find him.”
“Do you know or not?” Zavik was getting tired of playing games.
“Of course I know. It’s not exactly a secret. They’re pretty sure no one’s stupid enough to cross them, just to get to the Secretary."
"Wouldn't the Chokmnd government want to rescue him too?" Dani asked.
"Unfortunately, that's just not how it works," he said.
"What do you mean?" Zavik asked.
"Look, it's complicated." He took another long sip from his drink and said, "They didn't take him for ransom or to torture or kill. It's more likely he's completing a job for them. He'll be released when they're done, like everyone else. Why do you want to see him anyway?”
Zavik held back a moment before saying, “We need his help identifying ships. We heard he would be the best.”
“That’s true, especially if they’re Chokmnd ships.” He glanced around at their motionless faces. “Oh, they are, aren’t they? The plot thickens. What Chokmnd ships do you need to be identified?”
“Why should we tell you?" Zavik asked. "What do you care?”
He gazed at the ceiling. “Curiosity is why I care. And you’ll tell me, if you want my help.”
“We don’t need your help," Zavik said.
“On the contrary. I can give you a location, easy enough. But what will you do then?" He waited a moment without a reply. "See, since we had our business, many years ago, I’ve been recruited by Red Moon.”
“You work for Red Moon?” Zavik asked, his hand inching closer to his pistol.
“Almost everyone here does, now. They set up operations here,
a few years back, to take advantage of the illegal mining. Pushed me out of business, then they offered me a job, makin a lot less than I was. So, yeah, I work for them, but I got no love for them. I can get you in, and get you to Canderon Vask. And please, take your hand off your pistol, it's insulting."
"Fine," Zavik said, "but if you so much as look at us the wrong way, I'll put you down." Dani wasn’t keen on using Brax to retrieve Vask, but Zavik knew it was the best way, and for some reason, he trusted that Brax wouldn’t betray them to Red Moon more than he knew he should. They escorted him to his place so he could grab some supplies and then they made their way back to the spaceport after deciding it was best to relocate to the ship to formulate the plan. When they returned to the hanger Brax was thoroughly unimpressed with the Rinada.
“This is your ship?" he said wrenching his nose. "It took out a squadron of Chokmnd ships, you say? How sad for us."
“Yeah, got a problem with it?”
“Oh, no. I do hope it has adequate shields, though. I didn’t exactly sign up for a suicide mission on the first day.”
“The shields are fine, just get inside.”
Once inside, the three gathered at the table in the center conference area just off the exit ramp. Brax took a seat while Zavik and Dani stood around him. “So, where is the Secretary being held?” Zavik asked.
“They’re keeping Vask in a compound just on the edge of the city. It's one of Red Moon's local bases. I've been there many times before. He’s not really under tight security, you see.”
“He's really not being held against his will?” Dani asked.
“Well, yes, he is. If they need something done, they won’t put out a contract for the lowest bidder. They just find the best and use them. He’ll get paid for his work, no doubt, but then they’ll let him go.”
“Should we even be rescuing him then?” Dani asked. "Couldn't we wait until they let him go?"
“That’s up to you two,” Brax said.
“We need him to identify these ships," Zavik said. "He’s the only lead right now that could possibly do that. If Ambassador Hains thinks he’d be willing to help us, I can’t see how he would want to also help Red Moon. He wouldn’t subscribe to their ideals.”
“I would be inclined to agree that he is being held against his will, but Red Moon won’t hurt the Secretary. If time is really of the essence, then we must rescue him now.”
“It is," Zavik said. "We have no idea how long they could be holding him for."
“Then I’ll have to arrest you," Brax said and stood.
“What?” they both shouted.
Brax was slightly alarmed by the shouts and stumbled backward.. “If you want to get into the compound, you’re going to have to let me take you into custody. I’m a known face around there. I’ll just escort you to the holding cells. That is where Vask will be. He won’t be guarded very well. It’s not like he’s a threat to anyone. We’ll grab him then escape off the roof-top when Dani flies this, unthreatening looking ship, over top.”
“You want me to hover this over the building?” Dani asked.
“Yes," he said without hesitation, "then we escape, get to another system, and lay low for a while.”
“Sounds simple enough," Zavik said.
“Oh, the plan is simple," he assured, "it’s always the execution that I find hard.”
"Are you sure you want to go in with your hands cuffed?" Dani asked. "I don't know if I like that idea."
"Look," Brax said, "you're going to have to trust me for this to work. Otherwise, we'll both be screwed."
“Don’t worry,” Zavik told her, “you’ll have the Rinada. If anything goes wrong, you can rescue me.”
***
Zavik and Brax approached the compound after dark, with Zavik bound in shackles. The city looked even unfriendlier at night. The streets were bare and a constant chill from the wind crept up Zavik's neck. As they drew closer his heart began to pound in his chest. The steady thud of his flowing blood drowned out everything Brax was saying. All he could concentrate on was taking the next step. This was not a situation he was pleased to be in, but in order to ensure they got past the guards, the shackles were legitimately locked tight. Zavik believed that Brax would betray Red Moon, but if he would betray them so easily, would he betray Zavik and Dani just as? That wasn’t something he could think about right now, besides Dani still had the Rinada. There was a chance she could take out the whole compound if the need was to arise. Brax had no idea what the ships true capabilities were.
“Are you listening?” Brax finally said loud enough to break through. “When we get to the guard keep quiet, and try to act scared.”
“Try? That’s not going to be a problem," Zavik said.
The building was three stories tall and stretched for hundreds of feet to both sides. It wasn’t menacing looking. In fact, it was particularly inconspicuous, blending in nicely with the neighboring buildings. Red Moon showed they had a presence but they weren’t trying to draw any unnecessary attention. A lone guard stood next to the door.
“What is this?” the Rovun guard asked.
“This human was poking around for information on our activities,” Brax said. “Figured I should bring him in, see if there was any particular reason he had, if you know what I mean.”
The Rovun let out a slight laugh and began rubbing his hands together. “Yeah, I know what’s in store for this nosy human. Go on in Miro. Do you need an escort?”
"No, no," Brax assured him, "he won't be a threat while in here."
Brax led Zavik inside. The place was empty, but Zavik could see security cameras positioned down the hallway. The entrance led to a straight hallway, hard gray floors, and dull walls made the whole building feel like a prison from the moment you stepped in. Once Red Moon had you, you were theirs. As a prisoner or an employee, you didn’t get away unless they wanted you to.
“The cameras don’t record audio, but keep your voice down. You never know whose door’s open, or who’s around the next corner.”
"This place is very creepy," Zavik said.
"Why do you think I work down in the mines?" Brax responded.
“I thought Red Moon was a Chokmnd outfit, what’s with the Rovun guard?”
“Just because they promote Chokmnd superiority, doesn’t mean there are no uses for other races. That guy’s got a job, it pays well, he has no care what goes on on other planets. I’d say a good twenty percent, if not more, of Red Moon employees are non-Chokmnd races.”
“Interesting. How big is Red Moon?"
Brax sighed and said, "Too big. There really is no one single entity that can police them."
"Where are we going?"
“The holding cells are on the west wing of the building. Vask’ll probably be on the third floor somewhere. Conveniently, that’s the exact place I was going to take you.”
“My lucky day.”
They walked the hallway, making the correct turns to lead them to the west wing. Zavik kept his head down while they passed other employees, making eye contact with none of them. A few nodded to Brax, some said hello. Most ignored him, which was a relief to Zavik. They hadn’t come up with much of a back-story for his capture. If anyone dug too deep, their cover might get blown. They approached an open elevator to take them to the third floor. They were the only ones on when the doors started to shut. Suddenly a hand reached in and the doors swung back open. A Chokmnd stepped on board.
“Ah, Brax, good to see you," he said. He nodded Zavik’s direction and said, “What is this, a new recruit?” The Chokmnd was friendly towards Brax, but the mere passing glance at Zavik was hateful. Zavik had to remain calm, and submissive, not an easy task.
“No, no," Brax said heartily. "This guy was poking around in business that wasn’t his. Figured I should bring him in for a little debriefing, see what he really wanted. You know the humans would love to get anything on us that might disrupt our operations. Too bad they’re too stupid to pull anything off.”
> “I see," the Chokmnd said, continuing to eye Zavik up.
Zavik stood silent and attempted to control his erratic breathing. He was desperately hoping there would be no more discussions, and that the Chokmnd would get off the elevator and not look back. That didn’t happen.
The doors opened. They took to the right, the other Chokmnd went left. Five steps down the hall, the Chokmnd called to Brax. “What was it he was asking about, Brax?”
Brax halted in place, and said back, “Ahh…what was he asking about?”
“Yes, what was he asking about that got your attention so riled?”
Brax froze, his mouth hung open, then closed. “Uh, you know, he wanted to do some work on our mining operations. Wanted to carry some cargo. He claims he’s a smuggler."
“And what about that was suspicious really?" The Chokmnd started to walk towards them. "We always have new pilots come through for work. It’s not exactly a secret what we do here.”
Brax took a step back, pulling slightly on Zavik. “Well, I caught him recording our conversation," his voice starting to rise. "He was transmitting it somewhere but clamped up when I called him out on it. Now I figure, a little private conversation might open his tongue.”
The Chokmnd stood staring at them both. He contorted his face into a snarl at Zavik. “Make it quick. And if your conversation was sent to someone, make sure it didn’t reveal anything sensitive. If it did, it'll be on you to track it down.”
Brax let out a silent sigh. “That was the plan. Now if you’ll excuse me.”
They parted ways down the hallway. They rounded a corner when Brax finally spoke. “Whew, that was too close.”
“You think he bought it?” Zavik whispered.
“We wouldn’t be alone if he didn’t," he said with relief. "The holding cells are down to the right again. That’s where Vask will be. We get him, get to the roof, and signal for the Rinada, and get the hell out of here.”
“Let’s make it quick.”
They took off down the hall, still in keeping with the charade of Zavik being a prisoner. The number of turns became overwhelming. Zavik wasn’t sure he could find his way out if he wanted to; he hoped he wouldn't need to. The building was designed like a maze, he thought. If they get you this deep in, they don’t want you getting out. A three-story leap would be a guaranteed funeral, for any race. Too bad for Red Moon, they hadn’t anticipated a roof escape, at least, he hoped.