by Sarah Noffke
“Go on there, honey, taste it. You’ll like it. Real sweet. About like you, I’m sure,” said Sabien.
Julianna’s jaw clenched and she pushed the drink away. “Look, honey, I appreciate the drink, but if it’s all the same I’ll take one of those Brick Walls.”
Sabien chuckled dismissively and leaned casually on the bar, making it groan from his weight. “That’s funny. Those are too strong for you. We call them ‘Brick Walls’ for a reason, if you get me.” He winked at her.
“I think you’re one who doesn’t understand. I’d like to try one of those.” Julianna lifted her eyes and looked at the bartender, who was pretending to not listen to the exchange. “Thanks for this drink, but I can’t drink anything pink. It will make me break out in hives. A Brick Wall instead.”
The bartender looked at Sabien, who nodded reluctantly. “Give the lady what she wants.” He turned to Julianna. “So how do you know Blackbeard?”
Julianna was aware that everyone in the bar was pretending to not listen to them. “We work together.”
“Work together, eh? What kind of work is he doing these days? Still beating up pirates and getting himself into trouble?” Sabien scratched his stubbled chin.
The bartender slid a tumbler half-filled with an amber liquid in front of Julianna. “Thanks,” she said, not looking at the guy.
“Take it slow. Take a sniff of it, and if you can handle that you can try sipping the stuff,” said Sabien, his voice cautious.
Julianna picked up the tumbler and slung the drink back. It ran down her throat, filling her insides with warmth. It didn’t burn like she’d figured it would, but it coated her mouth and made her lips pucker.
“Whoa!” Sabien exclaimed as he straightened, his dark eyes wide. “You’re gonna feel that, honey.”
Julianna blinked and looked around the bar, not really affected by the shot. It had just made her fingers tingle. She slammed the tumbler on the bar. “I’ll take a double this time.”
Sabien shook his head, looking from the questioning bartender to Julianna. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“I thought you said it was all on the house for us? You’re not going back on that now are you, darling?” asked Julianna. The guys at the table weren’t even making a show of not paying attention now, and the ones at the bar kept looking at the exits. For fuck’s sake, Teach had known what he was doing coming to this bar, she thought. He had been looking for a drink and a bit of something else.
The bartender complied, filling her glass. “Leave the bottle,” she ordered, and the bottle hovered over the surface of the bar for a moment before he set it all the way down.
Eddie and Knox returned just as Julianna took a long sip of the drink, not throwing it back like the first. Both guys’ hair was still dripping wet, like they’d submerged their heads in buckets of water. Knox’s Mohawk was slicked back, and about the same color as Eddie’s dark hair.
“I feel better,” said Eddie, taking the freshly opened bottle of beer and sitting on the bar.
Sabien was still regarding Julianna like she was a new species. “Your lady—she’s a bit different, ain’t she?” he asked Eddie.
Julianna threw the drink back. She was a bit impatient that the liquor wasn’t even giving her a buzz, so with a steady hand she picked up the bottle and poured another.
“She’s not my lady, and you might want to watch how you talk about her if you value your life,” said Eddie, taking a sip of his beer.
Sabien shook his head of greasy black hair like he was trying to shake away a strange thought. “I don’t know how you do it, Blackbeard. You’re always—”
A loud bang erupted from the other side of the bar, and Julianna lazily looked up. A man about as big as Sabien had just pushed through the swinging doors, making them crack against the support posts.
“Blackbeard…” the man growled, chin low and black eyes smoldering. “How dare you return!”
Eddie rolled his eyes like he’d just encountered a mild inconvenience. “I dared, if you can believe it.”
“Cousin, I told you that you were only welcome here if you didn’t cause trouble.” Sabien stepped forward.
Cousin? Julianna examined the two giant men, suddenly noticing their resemblance to one another even though it wasn’t easy to spot. The one who had just entered was a great deal uglier, and had deep wrinkles around his mouth and eyes like he’d spent far too long in the sun.
The man looked past Sabien and pinned his eyes on Eddie. “And I told you, Sabien, I’d be okay as long as that maggot didn’t show back up.” Behind the man were the guys who had fled the bar earlier, their faces angry now.
Eddie took a long drink of his beer before slamming it onto the bar, and unhurriedly looked at the man. “Ink, are you still beating up on poor souls who land on Sagano and taking half of their supplies as ‘tax?’” There was a new heat in Eddie’s voice—a vengeance Julianna had seen before. It reminded her of the first time she’d met him back in the Five Trees Bar.
“What me and my boys do is none of your business. I think I told you that before,” said Ink, balling up one of his fists and punching the massive palm of his other hand.
“And I thought I taught you a lesson last time.” Eddie approached the other man but Sabien was still between them, looking at each and trying to decide what to do.
“You taught me nothing. A guy’s got to make a living, and that’s all we’re doing,” said Ink.
“By pillaging the innocent? Why don’t you try getting a job like your cousin?” asked Eddie, shaking his head at the brute.
Julianna took a casual sip of her drink and let her eyes drift to Knox, who was scanning the bar. If he was paying attention to the nonverbal cues, then he knew that half the bar were Ink’s supporters. The rest just wanted to get drunk and had no horse in this race. The bartender, though...he was the fucking problem, Julianna observed, watching the round man continue to polish glasses and pretend not to notice the growing disturbance.
Ink cracked his knuckles in the palm of his other hand and laughed, pasting a wide sneer on his face. “You still not okay with the Saganoans taking what belongs to us?”
“I’m not okay with you bullying everyone who lands here,” said Eddie.
“I’ve got to make a living,” said Ink.
“Sell a fucking product, like liquor.” Eddie jerked a thumb in Sabien’s direction. He’d backed off, mouth pursed and head shaking at his cousin.
“Ink, you know how I feel about what you do,” said Sabien.
“So you’re just going to sit by once again while I teach this maggot-breath a lesson?” asked Ink.
“I believe it was your head that I stuck through the bar the last time,” said Eddie, indicating the new and still-pristine bar.
“Well, things will be different this time.” The two men beside Ink stepped up, each pulling a long stick from behind his back. They were essentially batons, but had been painted black and had nails hammered through them, making them sharper and harder in places.
Julianna still hadn’t risen from her place at the bar, and now she picked up the bottle and poured another glass. Knox was vibrating with nerves, she observed. She caught his attention and as she brought the glass to her lips she mouthed the words, “No guns.”
His anxious eyes widened, but he gave a minute nod.
“Sorry, Cousin, but unless you kick these scum out I’m going to have to tear up the bar again,” said Ink to Sabien.
After a tentative glance at Teach, Sabien shook his head. “It’s me who is sorry, Cousin. We might be blood, but Blackbeard is right. I’d rather have no bar then condone what you do.” He cast a look at Teach, his eyes disappointed. “Do what you gotta do.”
The two men flanking Ink smacked the batons into their palms, making a slapping sound.
“Oh look, Smelly and Smellier have decided to join the fight.” Eddie leaned to the side, his voice directed to the bartender. “Can my friend and I get another round? We�
�re about to be thirsty.”
The first man stepped forward and swung his baton, which made Eddie arch his back as he retreated a few steps to keep his midsection from getting nailed. Knox bolted from his position and went after the other man, who was trying to double-up on Eddie.
As Ink watched this he laughed loudly, as if he’d already won the fight.
Within seconds Eddie had the first man in a head-lock, his face red from lack of oxygen. He dropped his baton as a few men bolted out of the bar, but the others joined the fight.
Knox ducked several times, not hitting his opponent but not getting hit either.
Julianna took a sip of her drink, watching the scene with mild interest.
The first man was out cold, and Eddie picked up a chair and took out three more with a single swing. Several others charged him as though their numbers would somehow balance the scales, but Eddie was made for this. As the scene intensified and the battle continued, his eyes grew hard and his mind clear. He was in his element, acting on sheer instinct.
The grin had disappeared from Ink’s face by this time, replaced by a drooping scowl as his concern grew.
When the man with the baton swung hard at Knox, he slid to the ground and kicked his legs out from under him. The man landed hard on his back and Knox knocked the baton to the other end of the bar. With another swipe of his leg Knox buried his foot in his opponent’s temple, knocking him out.
Now there were only three remaining—Ink and two of his cronies. That was when Julianna noticed that the bartender had set his dirty rag on the bar and was scratching his forehead. Then he lowered his hand and pretended to feel around his apron.
But Julianna was no fool.
When the bartender brought the hidden pistol out from under his belt, Julianna picked up the bottle of Brick Walls and threw it past him to crash into the shelf behind him. He flinched and shot her a look.
She stared at him steadily, breathing calmly with no fear or concern in her eyes. “Get the fuck out of here,” she told him, “before the next one hits your head.
The bartender looked down at his gun and then at Julianna, unable to hide his worry. Julianna could sense him holding his breath.
The second he breathed again he dashed to the side, and his gun fell to the floor where he had been standing. Julianna watched him flee through the swinging doors at the front of the bar. She couldn’t blame him for being a coward, not in this instance. Not against her.
The commotion on the other side of the bar had grown now that Eddie battled Ink. Knox had taken on the last two men. Julianna threw the rest of her drink back before lazily standing and stretching her arms. She ambled over to where Ink had Eddie pinned against a support post. The brute’s head was pressed hard into Eddie’s abdomen, and the post was groaning from the force.
“Hey there, Jules!” exclaimed Eddie, grimacing from the pressure.
“How’s it going, Teach? Need some help?” asked Julianna. In the background, Knox had finished off the remaining two goons.
“If you’re not busy,” wheezed Eddie, giving her a grin.
Julianna poked Ink on the shoulder and he stood up, but he still didn’t let Eddie go. “What do you…want, woman?” the giant wheezed.
“I was hoping to get into the fight,” said Julianna. “You’ll need to let him go first, though.”
The large man regarded Julianna for a moment and then howled with laughter. “Sure thing, sweetheart. Let me just put his head through the bar. It’s only fair.”
“I’m afraid I need his head intact,” she said, frowning. “You have three seconds to step away from him.” She planted her weight on her back foot.
Ink laughed a second time and, turning back to the Captain, squeezed Eddie with both arms.
Julianna sighed and shook her head. “Have it your way,” she said, then launched up and forward, sending her hand straight down into the man’s neck. The giant’s head rebounded, and he released Eddie and staggered back from the attack.
Eddie stepped forward and lifted his fist into Ink’s chin, smashing his lip and spilling his blood.
The man spun and faced Julianna, and she grinned up at him. “Hello there, sweetheart,” she said as she sent a knee straight into his belly and then a foot into his groin.
He doubled over and collapsed, struggling to breathe as his eyes rolled back in pain. “B-bastards...” Ink muttered before passing out.
Eddie looked around the bar, finally noticing the mess he’d made. “Oh, shit!”
Sabien stood on the far side of the bar with a beer still in his hand.
“Sorry about the place, old buddy,” Eddie said, scratching his head.
Sabien stared at his unconscious cousin and the other men who were scattered on the floor around the bar and shook his head. “Don’t be. Hopefully they’ve learned their lesson this time.”
Julianna’s eyes fell on Ink, who was lying at her feet. “Maybe,” she said, bending down beside him, “but some people never change.”
“Anyone can change,” said Eddie, who walked up to her and gave her a warm smile. “But it takes some people a little more time than others.”
Chapter Ten
Planet Sagano, Behemoth System
The jungle was growing darker, and there were strange animals scurrying through the trees. Reflective eyes popped up in the dark canopy as the three made their way back to the ship.
Julianna pushed through the large leaves and low-hanging vines. “Next time, do you think you could give me a heads-up that you’re taking us to a place where someone wants you dead?”
Eddie pretended to consider this, then shook his head. “It’s more fun this way. You should just go ahead and assume they want me dead in most places.”
Knox hadn’t said a word since they left the Hole in the Jungle, but he’d kept his eyes on Julianna and his mouth parted most of the way like he wanted to say something. Finally he strode up next to her, although it was hard to walk shoulder to shoulder on the narrow jungle path. “You aren’t normal, are you?”
A laugh burst from Eddie’s mouth. He couldn’t help it. So many things were new to Knox, and watching him learn about the strange and awesome stuff the Federation had and did was like seeing it for the first time again himself.
Julianna didn’t laugh, but instead pursed her lips. “What’s ‘normal?’”
“Right, good question. I just meant that you’re different, like not human,” said Knox, his voice hesitant.
Again Eddie laughed, thoroughly amused. “She’s an alien.”
“I’m enhanced,” she corrected. “I’m still human, but my nanotechnology makes me stronger and faster, and I have regenerative abilities.”
“Ask her how old she is!” Eddie urged.
“That’s rude, Teach,” said Julianna, pretending to be offended.
“I’m guessing you’re old. Are you the least bit drunk from that Brick Wall stuff?” asked Knox.
Julianna tilted her head back and forth as if weighing her answer. “I’m a bit more relaxed, but I wish I hadn’t smashed that bottle. I could have used one more drink.”
“That’s what I do to her. I drive her to drink more,” said Eddie, proudly.
“Damn, you already had a few shots of that stuff,” said Knox.
They’d arrived back at the Q-Ship, and it uncloaked itself.
“Pip hasn’t had any luck getting ahold of Hatch, so we might have to wait it out here until we can connect,” Julianna informed them.
Eddie drew in a breath and pushed his back into a nearby tree, leaning his weight into it. “That’s fine with me. I could use a nap after all that fun.”
Knox squatted down at the back of the Q-Ship, feeling around for the seam where the fuel lines were located. “I can see if I can find where the hose is pinched.” He looked over his shoulder at the others, his face unsure. “I mean, if that’s all right? I don’t know much, and nothing about this ship, but I got a thing for mechanics.”
Eddie shrugged, clos
ing his eyes for a moment. “Totally fine with me.”
“I’ll grab you some tools.” Julianna opened the hatch and climbed into the ship. “Pip says he might be able to talk you through some troubleshooting techniques,” she yelled to Knox from inside.
Landing Bay, QBS ArchAngel, Behemoth System
Hatch was in the middle of yelling at three crew members when the Q-Ship landed aboard the ArchAngel. His tentacles waved wildly over his head, and his face was scrunched with frustration. The Londil brought his gaze to the vessel as the three disembarked, eyes narrowing on each of them before focusing on the ship itself.
“Sir, will that be all?” asked one of his mechanics.
Hatch turned back to the man. “Now you listen to me,” he snapped. “Try that procedure again and this time don’t screw it up, you good-for-nothing knuckle-dragger! That goes for the lot of you!”
The three crew members stiffened at the order, no doubt terrified.
Hatch looked back at the Q-Ship and puffed his cheeks, then waddled over to Julianna and Eddie. “I got a message that you’d had an accident and needed my help. What are you doing back? I was just about to leave to pick you up.”
“The Brotherhood ships hit us as we were leaving,” said Eddie. “Luckily, old Knox here managed to get the busted fuel line fixed all by himself.” He slapped Knox on the back. “He did it before I even managed to fall asleep, and you know how I like my naps.” Eddie yawned loudly.
Hatch studied the boy before him with a cynical expression on his face. “You? You fixed the Q-Ship?”
Knox stared back at him timidly. “I, uh…”
“What’s wrong?” asked Eddie, tilting his head. “You’ve never seen an octopus alien mechanic before?”
“This is Knox Gunnerson,” said Julianna. “Knox, meet Hatch. He’s a Londil, and our resident specialist in all things mechanical, electronic, and so on.”
Eddie nodded. “Need a device, go to Hatch. Need a part, go to Hatch. Need—”
Hatch cut Eddie off. “Need a pain in the ass, go to the Captain.”
“It’s true, I’m a huge pain. Just ask Jules,” said Eddie, jerking a thumb in her direction.