by Riker Kane
“Twenty.”
“Six. And I’ll have Slug put a hole in your chest and give you zero if you say anything more.”
Max bowed his head in feigned approval. “Six. I’ll take it—”
“On one condition.” She held her index finger up to emphasize her point. “Prove your loyalty to the Disciples. Show the Sharp District we mean business. I don’t want you to beat Emeril and Nightblade. I want you to execute them.”
The seriousness in Venom’s eyes was undeniable. Max didn’t move from his spot, his eyes focused on her just the same.
“If you intend on being by my side, an Execution in the Vicious Sanctum will be the least of your worries. Sometimes, you have to make it crystal clear to people just who they’re dealing with. If it’s not something you can stomach—”
“I get it.” Max looked away from her. “Everybody in the Sharp District will know not to mess with us.”
“Good. Now get out of my office before I change my mind.”
The blond’s flippant command made Max smile. He shot a look at Slug before stepping out of the suite.
~ ~ ~
“The footage is a little grainy. I guess surveillance in the Sharp District isn’t very good. But I think I’m making everything out correctly. This guy right here in navy blue with the sword…” Proxy pointed at the image of the man running around on the screen. “…He doesn’t seem to have any abilities.”
“Just like Zigzag.”
“And just like Zigzag, he’s pretty dangerous. That sword he’s using cuts pretty clean. You should look into an ability that can deal with it. Or at least some better armor. I don’t think anybody will think too much of it if you wear something a little stronger.”
Max nodded. “What about the other guy?”
“Let’s see… Emeril, was it?” Proxy examined the footage. “It looks like he’s wearing standard steel armor. Nothing a high-level arrow can’t rip through. Shouldn’t be able to withstand too many blasts either.”
“The way he fights…” Max watched as the man on the screen rolled out of the way of the projectiles headed toward him. “That’s some of the things we learned in basic. Roll forward to keep your momentum. It’s an offensive and defensive maneuver.”
“You think he’s a soldier?”
“Wouldn’t surprise me. Everybody fought in the war.”
“It looks like he’s got a blast move. Can’t tell what level. Sweeping Shot, too. He can fight at all ranges. With the towers, it could be tricky. But you should be able to handle a guy who makes a living fighting in empty warehouses.”
“That’s how I got my start. No need to disparage the guy.”
“I didn’t mean it like that. I’m just confident in you, that’s all.”
Proxy shut off the tablet and set it down on the table. Max got up from his seat and headed into the nearby kitchen.
It was a peaceful afternoon in Max’s hotel suite. Despite the gloomy weather outside, he was still able to enjoy the view.
“You want something from this supplementer?” he asked. “It makes some decent noodles.”
“I’m fine,” Proxy sighed. “Not in the mood for noodles…”
The slight resentment in her voice made Max raise an eyebrow. He walked back over to her and watched her slump on the couch with her eyes closed. The younger blond looked exhausted. Her hair was splayed in every direction and her top and skirt were more wrinkled than he was used to seeing from her.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
She sighed another deep breath through her nose before responding. “I didn’t think it’d ever happen but I kinda miss New Austin…”
“Right… It’s almost over. Once I get this settled, we’ll be back and you can go right on operating for all those Contenders you hate.”
Proxy sat up and leaned closer to Max. “Hudson is taking care of Zigzag right now. Heard there’s some bakery giving out free food.”
“I’m surprised you’re not with ‘em.”
“Actually… It’s not just me. It’s you I’m worried about.”
Max chuckled. “Why are you worried about me?”
“Why do you think? You’re getting involved with some loot dealers that run the entire city. You and Hudson are keeping me in the dark. I don’t even know what’s happening. I…” She looked away but the disappointment in her eyes was clear. “I’m afraid of what might happen if they find out you’re trying to avenge Hudson’s friend.”
“Do you think we should leave now?”
“No. That’s not what I’m saying.”
“I’m trying to leave you out of this. In case anything happens.”
“I know. And I appreciate it. But I’m here for you, Max. I’m… more than just your Operator, you know?”
He didn’t hesitate to lean forward and kiss her. The taste of her lips was familiar but never failed to make him sigh. He pulled her close into his arms and held her petite frame, patting her gently on the back to console her.
She rested her head in his chest and let out another sigh.
“We’ll get this done soon,” he said. “I promise.”
“I know…”
“I’ll tell you what. The battle’s not for another few days. We’re in a new city. How about we take the time to forget about all this? Just chill, have a drink and hang out. Maybe I can ask Sabrina to take us somewhere we haven’t been before.”
Proxy giggled softly. “I am getting little tired of drinking at Barb Wire every night.” She turned her head up for another kiss. “Then maybe afterward, you and I could work through our frustration together like we always do…”
The pixie grin on her lips made Max laugh. Anything either one of them might have been worrying about had left their thoughts completely.
“All right,” he said. “We’ll have some fun then after… we’ll have more fun.”
She brought her lips back to his, whispering into his mouth as her tongue searched for his. “I can’t wait.”
Chapter 19
As the speeder cab rolled through the streets, Max looked out into the Cobalt District. The glow from the neon illuminated all of the buildings. The people making their way around town all looked like they were headed out to enjoy themselves and get away from their mundane routines.
He glanced at Proxy, noticing the short skirt and sleeveless white top she wore matched Zigzag’s outfit.
“Sabrina,” he said to the woman sitting across from him. “You’re really not gonna tell us where we’re headed, huh?”
The brunette waved her index finger, a coy grin on her twisted lips. “Don’t worry. We’re all heading out to have a good time. It’ll be a nice change of pace from the rowdiness in Barb Wire. Promise.”
He noticed her outfit was just as provocative, her black skirt and top reminding him of what she looked like when she was working at Neon Claws.
Max had no reason to complain though he had no idea where they were going. Even Hudson was more enthusiastic than usual.
It wasn’t long before the speeder pulled up to the curb. Max stepped out and saw the lines of people waiting to get inside. But all of them were trying to get into the surrounding buildings. The one before him seemed less inviting. There were no bright neon lights. There were no holograms to welcome patrons. There were no women dancing to entice potential customers to take a peek inside.
Max looked up and shook his head. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think this is an ordinary office building…”
“It was an office building,” Sabrina said. “Before they converted it.”
“Converted it into what?”
“You’ll see.” She gave him a wink before skipping forward through the rotating steel doors where a couple of security guards stood. Proxy giggled as she led Zigzag by the hand inside.
Max put his hands on his hips with Hudson by his side.
“Whose idea was this?” Hudson said.
“We’ve all been away from New Austin for longer than we’re
used to. All of our focus has been on trying to get back at the Disciples. Give ‘em a chance to get their mind off it.”
“I won’t argue. Sammy seems to be doing better. It won’t be long until I can have a word with him. That’s enough reason to have a drink.”
“Still got a battle coming up… Zigzag and Proxy deserve to relax before.”
Hudson took off his ballcap then slicked his hair back over his head before replacing it. “How do I look?”
Max chuckled and patted him on the shoulder. “Perfect.”
They stepped through the rotating steel doors together. Max’s foot hadn’t even hit the floor when he was greeted by an aroma he couldn’t place filling his nostrils.
“Something sweet… Flowery…”
The smell alone was enough to distract him but the dim blue lighting made it hard for him to see. He focused his eyes and saw the figures mingling around him. Young men and women dressed in slick leather outfits moved on the dance floor to the rhythm of the electronic drums. Others mingled on the couches and enjoyed casual conversations. Most were gathered at the center of the bar where a set of robot bartenders were busy tending to all of the patrons trying to get their share of synthetic alcohol.
“Welcome to the Rose Garden.” Sabrina appeared back next to him.
“The Rose Garden, huh?” Max took in his surroundings. “I guess that explains the smell…”
“The smell is part of the appeal. It’s a bit of a relaxant. It’s a bit of an aphrodisiac. Everything you need to enjoy the night.”
“Seems like a happening place… How come nobody is waiting to get in line here?”
“The Rose Garden is old. I mean, really old. Most people are trying to check out the hip and trendy places. The Rose Garden is a classic. Tried and true but old-fashioned.”
Max and Hudson followed Sabrina toward a table at the side of the room where Zigzag and Proxy were sitting. Proxy was already sorting through a tablet and trying to craft a concoction to appeal to the android’s sensibilities.
Hudson got the attention of a waitress, one of the few humans actually working in the place, and ordered himself a glass of whiskey. Max took a seat while Sabrina sat by his side.
“All right, all right, all right,” Proxy said as she put her hands up. “What are we drinking tonight? A little scotch? A little rum? A little vodka? Maybe all three, huh?”
“I have no preferences,” Zigzag said. “I’m merely here to increase the camaraderie among our group.”
“We’re already friends. But having fun with friends is a lot more fun when you’re not drinking alone. I’ll get you something that won’t burn as much. How about you, Sabrina?”
The brunette laughed softly at Proxy’s enthusiasm. “I’ll trust your judgment.”
“All right. I’ll have that robot bartender whip us up something nice and sweet.”
“Speaking of something nice and sweet,” Max said. “I think my Regulator might be ready for another stimulant.” He ran his fingers over the metal on his neck. The prongs had dug into his skin long enough he could no longer feel them.
Sabrina took a closer look at the device and nodded. “You’re ready for another boost. We’ll head back to my garage when we’re done here.”
Proxy put her hands up. “I know it’s important, guys. But can we just forget about the Vicious Sanctum for now? Didn’t we come out here so we can enjoy what Santa Fe has to offer?”
Max sighed and nodded. “You’re right. I won’t talk about the battle for the rest of the night. How about we just have a good time?”
“That’s what I’m talking about. Now… Where are our drinks?” Proxy rubbed her hands together in anxious anticipation. Zigzag eyed her curiously, an eyebrow raised. Sabrina smiled softly in amusement.
Max and Hudson looked at one another.
“Your idea, huh?” Hudson said. “You’re taking care of her if she drinks too much.”
“Aren’t you my agent?”
“What’s that got to do with anything?”
“It means we’re a team. We split everything down the middle. Fifty-fifty. That includes taking care of my Operator when she drinks more than she should.”
Hudson looked back at the blond and sighed. “Fifty-fifty…”
~ ~ ~
Max leaned back in his seat and shifted his eyes around the club. The crowd hadn’t grown like he expected it to, with more than enough space for him to walk around if he needed to. The electronic music. The scent of flowers and whiskey in the air. The provocative outfits of every woman dancing and mingling together. He’d grown numb to all of it.
Zigzag, Sabrina and Proxy sat on a couch a few meters away. Some men approached them but they were quickly shooed away to avoid butting into their conversation.
Max glanced at Hudson, noticing a bit of looseness on his face after a few shots of whiskey.
“This was a good idea,” Hudson said. “The five of us. Relaxing without having to worry about anything. Just doing… nothing.”
“When this is all over, we can do this for a lot longer than one night.”
“When this is all over… You really think we’re gonna nail the Disciples, huh?”
“If Detective Pitt is telling the truth, I’m closer to the GODs than anybody realizes. I get to the top and I find out exactly who messed with Sammy. We serve ‘em justice and that’ll be that.”
“You really think Pitt will take ‘em down?”
“That’s not our business. All we’re trying to do is get revenge for Sammy. This isn’t our town. We set Pitt up and he’ll take care of the rest.”
“When you put it like that, it makes it seem a little more possible. Then again, I believe you can do anything, my man. I’ve seen it with my own two eyes…”
“I got a feeling we’ll be close after this next battle. I’ll be in good with Venom. She’ll have no choice but to tell me how everything works.”
“Let’s hope so…”
“Hey!” Proxy shouted from her seat and interrupted the quiet conversation. “What the hell are you two talking about? Lemme guess. You’re still focused on this battle you’ve got coming up. What happened to relaxing and having a good time?”
Max sank deeper into his white leather seat. “I’m relaxed and having a good time.”
“You know… We’re not having that good of a time. We should dance. What do you say, Maxy?”
“First of all, I told you a long time ago not to call me that. Second of all, I’m not much of a dancer.”
“Ungh…” Proxy rolled her eyes. “That’s what every guy says. Why does every man have to pretend to be so macho and claim they don’t dance? Fine. I’ll have fun my own way. C’mon, Zigzag.”
The Operator popped up to her feet and took Zigzag by the hand. She led the android on the dance floor and put her arms around her hips. Zigzag returned the favor and held her close.
Max watched as Proxy moved her body close to Zigzag’s. They moved to each other’s rhythm, their eyes focused on one another.
“Not bad,” Hudson said.
“Yeah, yeah,” Max sighed. He watched the two of them move closer, pressing their lips together. Underneath the glow of the dim blue lights, Proxy and Zigzag were enough to gather the attention of others standing by.
Sabrina took a seat next to Max and watched along with everybody else. “Do they usually do that?” Sabrina asked.
“Not usually,” Max replied. “They like to have their fun.”
“Maybe I’ll join in some time.” She arched an eyebrow at him, a devilish smirk on her lips.
Max chuckled at her obvious intentions. “Maybe some time should be some time soon…”
“Oh, yeah?” Sabrina leaned in closer to him, her nose touching his.
“Ahem.” Hudson cleared his throat just as Max felt his breath on her lips. “I think I’m gonna get another drink and some fresh air. You want anything?”
“I think I’m fine for now,” Max said.
Hudson gave
him a wink then got up from his seat.
“He’s a good friend,” Sabrina said.
“I don’t think I’d be where I am now without him. I guess that’s why I was willing to come here to help him out.”
“You’re a good friend, too. Santa Fe needs more people like you around here…”
“Maybe I should stick around…”
Max leaned in to finish what he started when he noticed some figures coming into view. He turned his head up and saw four men standing right next to him. He didn’t recognize any of them but judging from their ripped jeans and shirts along with the black ink covering their arms, he had an idea.
“Well, well, well. Look who it is.” The lead man crossed his arms and looked down at Max with a sneer.
“Do I know you?” Max said.
“You don’t know who I am? Spending all that time around the GODs and you’re still clueless.”
“The GODs…” Max narrowed his eyes at the bald punk. He got up from his seat to get a better look at him.
“No, I didn’t think you’d know,” the thug said. “The Disciples serve the GODs. The true GODs. Not some punk trying to shoo-in on their territory and take advantage of Venom.”
Max nodded in understanding. “Ah… I see… A Disciple… You work for Venom. And now you’re mad I’m taking my deserving cut.”
“Just because you beat Lotto doesn’t mean you deserve your spot. My boys and I have been serving Venom for seven long years. That’s our cut.”
Zigzag and Proxy had stopped dancing when they saw what was happening. Sabrina got up from her seat and moved over behind Hudson as the tension grew.
Max crossed his arms. “Venom’s giving me my cut because I earned it. You want it, how about you prove it?”
“Prove it…” The punk looked at the three men behind him, a grin growing on all of their faces. “That sounds like a good idea.”
“I’ll meet you in the Sanctum anytime you want.”
“Why wait for the Sanctum when we can handle our business right here?”