Repercussions

by Dominique Mondesir

  L gave him a small nod, and he kissed her on the forehead.

  "I'll see what I can do about you coming on more missions in the big bad universe. Just keep it between you and me," Phoenix whispered in her ear.

  Phoenix turned to walk out but was stopped by a question that he himself had been avoiding.

  "How does Dre know you, Phoenix? Why does he hate you so much?"

  "I'm trying to figure that out myself," Phoenix said over his shoulder as he left the room.

  18

  The crew were all gathered in what Phoenix supposed was the ship's conference room, a room containing only a large table and nothing else.

  "What is this room supposed to be used for?" Phoenix asked, looking around.

  "Meetings and shit," Plowstow said. He was about to put his feet on the table but was stopped from a glare from L.

  "This room hasn't got any function, really. So I placed a table in it and left it at that," L said.

  Phoenix nodded as Freyan, who was the last into the room, took a seat. "I called you all here to discuss the problem we have with this group called The Eye--"

  "What a dumb-ass name. If I were the leader, I would name it something terrifying. Like The Destroyers, or The Two-Face Killers," Plowstow said.

  "Why The Two-Face Killers?"

  "Because what's scarier than a person with two faces?"

  "I... Err..." Phoenix scratched his head and rolled his eyes before he continued. "I don't really know what to do with that. Anyway, as it stands, the enemy knows who we are--or, more importantly, who I am--but all information regarding them is just smoke and mirrors. The leader seems to want my head--"

  "Which isn't saying much," Saoirse said.

  "But I just can't place where I know his voice from. I've not been in this space game long, so my list of enemies should be short, but alas, people just keep popping up from the woodwork. I must just have one of those faces," Phoenix said with a shrug. "The next step is to figure--"

  "Phoenix, I have Florin on the holocom. I'll patch him in," Saoirse said, tapping a button on her wrist and projecting Florin's face over the table.

  "Greetings, my friends," he said nodding to the room. "Hope I wasn't interrupting anything important."

  "We were just discussing The Eye," Phoenix said. "The outpost we visited was less than helpful."

  "What did you find?" asked Florin.

  Phoenix told him.

  "I see... Was there anything else?"

  "Their leader, Dre, appears to know me, and wants me dead. Which, in the grand scheme of things, isn't surprising, but the information we gained from that outpost shouldn't be trusted."

  Florin scratched his chin and uttered a sigh. "I can cast a bit more light on their motives. This video feed I'm about to show you was taken a few days ago. It was sent to a hundred different planets that are all governed--"

  "You mean controlled," Freyan said, crossing his arms.

  "That are governed by the Council. The video has caused something of a stir."

  Florin played a video stream showing nothing but a red eye. The video went blank and then showed the bridge of a ship. A man with purple slicked-back hair and luminous tattoos spoke to a group of people gathered on the bridge. His face was a mask of red.

  It was the same speech Phoenix had heard time and time again. The people deserve better this. I am their voice. It always amounted to the same thing: one arrogant asshole wanting nothing but power. It continued until the crowd played right into his hands, admitting to the kickbacks they had received from the Council.

  "They shouldn't have done that. Dre gave them the rope and they hung themselves with it. The poor already think rich men become rich by stepping on the backs of the poor. This video will just reinforce that," Phoenix said, pointing to the screen.

  "I can see why it's caused such a stir," Freyan muttered.

  The cameras panned to the president, who had apparently realised his error. His face was like that of any politician who had been caught in a lie. His lips moved wordlessly as he tried to come up with a response, an excuse--even another lie would be better. But he said nothing as Dre beckoned him forward and pushed him down on his knees.

  A red glowing eye encircled by a star tattoo glared at the camera. "To the poor, the hard-working, my brothers. Next time a bill goes unpaid, or a meal is missed, think about how the rich are paid by the Council to keep you as you are. Nothing will change unless you force it," Dre said, clenching a fist at the camera. "I know. I once asked for help, but none was forthcoming. I once begged for my life, but all ears turned deaf. It wasn't until I tore through the darkness, and became something worse, that my voice was heard. Become what you must, to be free," Dre said, bringing down the hatchet in his hand upon the president's head.

  Blood sprayed across the camera lens and it went blank.

  "Bro, that was...kinda messed up," Kai said.

  "I think the expression you're looking for, young Kai, is fucked up," Freyan said.

  Phoenix scratched his head as Dre's words echoed in his head. They were like a dream that was always just out of reach. "Agh! I know this fucker from somewhere," he said, slamming his fist against the table.

  "As you can imagine, this hasn't gone down well," Florin said, frowning. "The Council are facing multiple revolts. Planets have stepped down from joining the Council because of pressure from home. The credit holdings of most of the families are taking a hit as planets pull their resources from the economy. If nothing is done, this will become a lot worse."

  "Oh no, not the Council credit holdings," Phoenix said, waving his hands in the air. "What will all the rich wealthy families do?"

  "Probably steal and murder till they get it from someone else," Plowstow said with a snort.

  "Or declare military law for the good of the people," Freyan said.

  "Listen, all of you!" said Florin. "You do not understand how grave this situation is. If this madman continues these acts of terrorism, it won't be long till war breaks out. I'm not talking on a global level. It just takes one planet to declare itself independent after choosing to join the Council and... Well, I don't know what will happen."

  "Hold up," Phoenix said, raising his hand in the air. "If you can join the Council, then why can't you leave it?"

  "Because the Council offers the leaders of each planet so much wealth it is impossible to turn down. There are some that do, but those leaders are always killed off and replaced by someone more willing to accept the offer. The killing of the opposition is never done outright by the Council, but they offer the vice president, or someone in the wings, enough credit, and it's only a matter of time before someone takes them up on their offer," Freyan said.

  "So they get someone else to do their dirty work for them?" Phoenix asked with a shake of his head.

  Freyan gave a small nod.

  "That still doesn't explain why they can't leave."

  "Because the Council--this machine--is too big. They've overstretched their reach. Every planet under their alliance pays tribute for protection. The Council needs that credit. What many don't know is that the protection isn't really there. As this video clearly shows," Freyan said with a wave of the hand.

  "So it's only a matter of time before people ask what they are paying for," Phoenix said.

  "There lies the problem," Florin said, turning to look at everyone in the room. "If war comes, it will come for all. How long do you think it will be till one planet declares control over another? The Council may not be ideal, but it keeps peace. Crooked peace, but peace nevertheless. It's the Council that stops undeveloped planets like Earth being raided--or worse."

  "What do you want us to do?"

  "Stop him, one way or another, before this gets out of control," Florin said, signing off.

  19

  "Prepare for landing," Saoirse said.

  Phoenix looked at their destination with interest. They had arrived on another new planet that Florin thought they should check out. "This place make
s L's home planet look pretty," he said, stepping closer to the viewing screen.

  "Hey! Home isn't that bad. But you're right, look at this place," L said with a shake of her head.

  Sprawling half-developed tower blocks dominated most of the skyline. The ones that were complete were dull grey and weathered. The walls reminded Phoenix of a smokers' room. Hover cars and ships flew between buildings.

  Freyan said, "Vehicles shouldn't be traveling so close to dwellings--"

  As if on cue, they saw a small ship chip a tower, sending debris raining down on the heads below. No one screamed; no one cried in surprise. The inhabitants just dodged the falling rubble and hurried on their way.

  Freyan shook his head. "See what I mean? Any class two or three planet would better regulate their flight paths. This planet is still a class four and has a lot to learn."

  "According to Florin, the Rue have been a spacefaring people for over fifty years," Saoirse said, getting up from her chair.

  "Then why are they still living like this?"

  "The upper class are arrogant and didn't want help. They are a somewhat prideful people who see help as beneath them."

  "Doesn't that remind you of someone we know?" Plowstow muttered with his head down.

  "What!" Saoirse's eyes narrowed to slits.

  "Did someone say something?" Plowstow said, looking about wildly.

  "All right, let's move and see what we can find out. The right people know that we're here and that we're here to help, so let's keep the guns to a minimum. Gather your shit and meet me outside in ten," Phoenix said, making his way off the bridge.

  "We're not in the army, you know!" L shouted at his retreating back.

  "Be thankful that we're not. I would make you do so many pushups you would think you lived on the floor," his voice echoed back.

  The crew moved through the streets of Rue as one. Freyan had opted to stay behind; he had said that the people of Rue were unlikely to have seen a Bloodless before and it would bring unwanted attention to the crew.

  Phoenix understood, and he had a funny feeling that Freyan just wanted some peace and quiet away from the rest of them.

  "Maybe I should have given this trip a miss," L said, inching closer to Saoirse.

  Hollow eyes peered out of doorways and bones covered in rags shuffled past them. Phoenix tried not to gag as the stench of their moving bodies wafted on the breeze. The people of Rue looked like humans but were much paler in complexion.

  Graffiti of red eyes was scrawled on numerous walls.

  "Why do we never get sent somewhere nice?" Plowstow asked. "I mean, it's always some insect-ridden jungle or some hot-ass sand bowl--"

  "Hey!" said Kai and L.

  "Or some backward dump like this. This is not what I expected when I signed up, Phoenix."

  "What did you expect?"

  "Credits, females, fame. Maybe a little statue of myself--nothing too in your face, mind you," Plowstow said, stepping over a dead animal that resembled a skunk in the road. He threw himself backwards as a brown liquid was thrown from one of the tower block windows above.

  "What the shit!"

  "That it is, my friend," Phoenix said, slapping Plowstow on the shoulder.

  As the crew continued their journey, Phoenix saw one unwanted sight after the next. His eyes wanted to gloss over them, but his conscience wouldn't allow him to. There was nothing here but endless suffering.

  "Why are we here, again?" L asked.

  "This planet is the only one that opted to stay under review to join the Council," Saoirse said. "All other planets pulled out, stating that they would retry at a more peaceful time. That, and Florin has tracked the first ever sightings of The Eye here. This planet was the first to be attacked, before they ventured further afield amongst the stars."

  "This place is ground zero, then? Now the art makes more sense," Phoenix said, pointing to another red eye on a wall.

  "It seems the people have been won over," Kai said.

  "It's easy to win hearts and minds when death knocks on your door every day."

  They kept walking until the streets opened up and grew wider. In front of Phoenix sat a palace that stretched for miles, dominating the scenery in front of them.

  It was still some way off, as acres of open fields with exotic birds and fountains surrounding it.

  "Well, that's a big old fuck you to the people of the city," Phoenix said with a shake of his head.

  They were stopped by two guards who held their hands out as they approached. "Can we help you?" one asked. His pale skin and light eyes reminded Phoenix of Dre.

  "We need to get to there," Phoenix said, pointing at the palace.

  "Do you now, buddy?"

  "Yup, so if you would be so kind as to move out of the way..."

  The guards looked at each other and burst out laughing. The first guard wiped a tear away before shaking his head at Phoenix. "No one goes through to the palace unless they have an invitation."

  "Oh," Phoenix said, placing his hand on his chest as his features took on a mocking expression, "I think I have it right here--"

  "We are Lord Fren's emissaries. I believe you will find everything you need in there," Saoirse said, handing an envelope over to the guards with one hand, while the other gripped Phoenix on the shoulder.

  The guard took the envelope between two fingers, looking at Saoirse from under his lashes. He peeled the envelope back and slowly took out the card inside.

  "Jeez, it's a not bomb," L said, rolling her eyes.

  Saoirse shot her a tight-lipped glare but didn't say anything.

  "It's not, is it?" L mouthed behind her hand.

  Saoirse returned her attention to the guards and gave her most winning smile. "Is everything in order?"

  The guards huddled together, passing the card back and forth.

  The first guard who spoke looked at Saoirse before bringing his attention back to the card. He took one more look before walking away and speaking into his holocom, his shoulders turned away so he couldn't be heard. He looked back at the group every so often.

  "What a pair of dicks," Phoenix muttered under his breath.

  "Hey! I heard that," the first guard said, walking back to the group.

  "You were meant to."

  "All right, I've just spoken to head office, and it appears everything is in order. If you follow me, I will transport you where you need to go," said the guard.

  "Can you just show us?" Phoenix asked.

  "Only if you want to walk for thirty minutes."

  The crew followed the guard through the gates to a six-wheeled vehicle that reminded Phoenix of a moon buggy.

  "How backwards."

  "Plowstow, how many times do I have to tell you that having vehicles that still have wheels doesn't make a planet backwards or bush-league."

  "Don't Earth still use wheeled vehicles?"

  "They..." Phoenix let out a sigh when he saw the grin on Plowstow's face. Pushing past him, he hopped into the buggy with everyone else.

  The buggy coughed and spurted into life, jerking forward. It took them down a tree-lined gravel road wide enough for the PH1 to fly down.

  "I imagine that it's quite difficult to stop the public from stealing those," Phoenix said, pointing to a large two-headed bird with rainbow-coloured wings.

  "Why would you think that?" the guard asked, confusion crossing his face.

  "You know, the starving people and all."

  "Oh no, no, no. Anyone who is seen killing one of the Rue-High's animals is tortured and killed," the guard said with a smile. "If it is their first offence, then only they are killed. If it is not, and they are found guilty of killing multiple animals, then they and their children are killed. Eradicating the blood lines of criminals is good for society."

  Phoenix stared opened-mouthed. Saoirse wouldn't meet his gaze, but many of the others mirrored his expression.

  "Oh, what a joy it is, that we get to help such...interesting people like you," Phoenix said.
>
  As the buggy progressed forward, the enormity of the palace started to dawn on Phoenix. "I thought it was big at the entrance," he whistled, "but the closer you get... Man, it's awe-inspiring."

  Pillars of gold glinted in the sun; the gleaming white walls didn't show a speck of dirt or grime. Coloured glass windows spoke of a grace and ease that put Phoenix's mind at rest.

  The crew passed a garden where females dressed in flowing summer dresses sat on benches with males who wore loose open shirts and trousers that flared at the bottom. Everyone was well dressed. Everyone was well fed. They smiled and laughed lightly in a way that twisted something inside Phoenix.

  "This is your stop," the guard said, parking in front of a huge set of wooden double doors.

  "Ain't you doing to drop off us at the main entrance?" Phoenix asked.

  "My instructions were to drop you off here," the guard said with a shrug.

  Everyone got out, and Phoenix watched the slow-moving vehicle drive off into the distance.

  "Well, what now?" Plowstow asked.

  "I--" Phoenix didn't finish his sentence; the doors behind him opened.

  He turned to see a face he remembered all too well. Her low-cut flowing white dress showcased flawless white skin, and her high cheekbones were only interrupted by a flat nose. She looked down her nose at each crew member until her eyes fell on Saoirse.

  "Saoirse," she said.

  "Sindee. What brings you here?"

  20

  Dre tapped his fingers on his thigh as he waited for the lift to reach his desired level. He looked back at his men, who were dressed, as he was, in black uniforms, with a crest of arms: a round circle branching off into six arms, each ending in one of the six family crests of the founders of the Council.

  The families were long dead, but the enforcers who protected the Council values weren't. No one family had any rule over them. No one family could instruct them what to do. They were above that.