by Trevor Scott
“Is that it?” Saturn asked. “Did we get them?”
Before Liam could answer her, the Reapers shot up from the thick jungle and rose into the sky. Liam cursed and broke hard to his left, avoiding the incoming Kurazon vessels. They were still fast in Narra’s skies, but their maneuverability was compromised. In space the shape of their ships wouldn’t have mattered, but over a planet, with gravity and wind and all the rest, their ships were at a disadvantage.
“Hold on,” Liam said before pulling up on the controls and taking them upside down.
Liam looked up and saw the green jungle canopy below him. Soon they’d gained on the rear Reaper and could see the damage the main gun’s corrosive substance caused. The hull was down to its struts on top and bits of blue still ate at the sides. The ship was limping along.
“Saturn, Astrid, get ready to fire on my mark.”
Liam flipped the ship right-side up and said, “Now!”
Blue lasers fired straight down into the open cavity of the Reapers hull. Saturn’s gun fired pellet after blue pellet of bright light at the other ship. On Liam’s console he saw explosions below them and the Reaper losing altitude. Moments later it crashed into the jungle below, setting fire to the lush green landscape.
Liam adjusted course and brought them down behind the last Reaper. The ship moved left to right, avoiding making itself an easy target. Liam said, “Aim for the thrusters, they shouldn’t be as armored as the rest of the ship.”
The crew fired their weapons, Astrid’s laser and Saturn’s deadly gun concentrating on a single thruster. The main gun never fired. Nix hit his console with a clawed fist and The Garuda sputtered in protest. Still, the Reaper’s thruster began to fizzle out and the Kurazon ship rocked back and forth.
“Get ready for another blast,” Liam said.
Saturn and Astrid fired their weapons again but hit only air. The Reaper shot toward the ground, firing its remaining thrusters. Liam turned the ship and followed them as they clung to the forest canopy. The Reaper was flying erratically now, soaring far too low over the top of the jungle.
Liam asked anxiously, “Where’s my main gun, Nix?”
“She’s not responding. I don’t know what’s wrong.”
“Keep working on it. Saturn, Astrid, focus all fire on their engines. Fire at will.”
Blue lasers and countless blue pellets of light lit up the Reaper’s rear. Several shots went astray and started fires in the dense green rainforest. The sun had begun to set over Narra and the sky was turning from green to the same orange as the fires below. They had to finish this quickly because they would lose their advantage after dark. The Reaper’s dark coloring would make them a challenge to track.
Astrid’s precise laser caught another one of the Reaper’s thrusters and it quickly faded to black. Liam heard Astrid give a muted victory squeal.
The Reaper veered off to their left. Liam turned in pursuit, but lost sight of them in the dimming light. He cursed and ordered, “Check the scanners, find them.”
Saturn pointed at the holographic projection of the planet’s surface. Their two dots were overlapped, flashing a brilliant yellow against the orange backdrop. Liam looked up and saw nothing. The realization struck him too late.
A bright green laser cut through one of their wings, nearly tearing it off its thick metal foundation. Bits of flayed metal flapped in the wind. The Garuda made a terrible noise from within and warning lights flashed in protest. Liam cut hard to the right. Without Liam’s command, The Garuda retracted its wings as best as it could and fired extra thrusters to keep them aloft.
“We can’t take another hit like that,” Liam said. “This needs to end. Now.”
“Get me in position, I think I’ve got it working,” Nix said.
Liam steered the vessel erratically, trying to throw off the Reaper. Without their wings it was increasingly difficult to evade their pursuer. Green lasers flew past them at every turn.
Liam had an idea but enacting it wasn’t going to be pretty. He pulled up on the controls and led the Reaper up a few thousand feet, leveling out and flying fast over the trees and vines. He told the crew, “Get ready to fire. If for some reason this doesn’t work, it’s been nice knowing all of you.”
Liam cut power to all of the thrusters and they dropped from the sky, traveling forward in a long descending arc. The Reaper flew right past, unable to make an adjustment in time. Liam turned on the power once more and nothing happened.
“No, no, no,” he said before hitting the console with his fist.
The thrusters jumped to life and, overcoming his surprise, Liam forced the accelerator to full. They were coming up underneath the Reaper when Liam roared, “Now.”
Each of the crew fired their weapons at the Reaper’s engines. The main gun crackled and then spit out a small amount of the electric napalm substance. The fiery lightning struck one of the Reaper’s thrusters and corroded it instantaneously. The Kurazon ship broke off and accelerated up into the sky putting every ounce of power into their thrusters and making for outer space.
“They’re retreating,” Saturn said in a surprised tone.
“Pursue them,” Nix said.
Liam turned and told the Dinari, “We can’t. We need to set down and assess the damage. If we’re not space-worthy it would be a real short trip.”
Liam moved The Garuda over the jungle looking for a clearing big enough for their vessel. After a minute of searching, several of their systems went haywire. The Holographic image fizzled in and out, replacing it with another image. The cockpit lights dimmed, and they were face to face with the blue-faced Kurazon.
The projection before them was shrunk to fit inside the cockpit, but from experience Liam knew he was far larger, standing at more than twelve feet tall. His thick neck supported a massive bald head, rife with scars and patterned with a deep shade of blue. Compared to the Dinari and the Ansarans, his eyes were small, but they clearly resembled the golden orbs so similar to the Dinari. The image only showed him from the waist up but was intimidating nonetheless. He wore a hard leather wrap from his waist up to mid-belly, where several straps came over his shoulders at various angles to create the appearance of a large ‘X.’
In a deep voice indicative of the Kurazon’s massive frame, he said, “I commend you, Liam of House Kidd. Few could have stood against my Reapers and lived.”
Liam turned on the autopilot and sat back in his chair with his arms crossed. He replied, “It seems I’ve been seeing a lot of you lately. I like what you did with Ragnar by the way. So, what do I call you?”
“I am Garrick, Lord of the Kurazon Throng. I have no quarrel with you, Outsider, but your ship is another matter. If you knew its evils you might not fly her so freely.”
“What’s he talking about?” Saturn asked.
Liam put up a hand to silence her and replied to the Kurazon lord, “Don’t be ashamed to fear our ship.”
“I am not as vapid as Crius, Outsider. Your guile will get you nowhere with me.”
Liam smirked.
“I expect I’ll be seeing more of you, then?”
“Count on it,” Garrick said before terminating the transmission.
Normal light levels returned to the cockpit and the hologram of Narra’s surface reappeared.
“This ship,” Astrid began. “What was Garrick talking about? It’s clearly not like the other Dinari ships I’ve seen.”
“What did you tell me once?” Liam asked. “Some secrets are not meant to see the light of day.”
Astrid lowered her gaze and asked, “Now that it’s over, are you going to kill me?”
Nix got out of his chair and approached her. Liam stood up, watching the Dinari closely to see what he would do.
Nix bent in close to her and breathed out, “You’re lucky. You have too much information I need to kill you just yet.”
The Dinari took off down the bowed corridor without looking back.
Liam rested his arm on his seat’s headrest
and said, “If you had the power Nix spoke of, we might all be dead right now. You’ve helped us against the Kurazon, and if you continue to help us, I’ll let you stay.”
Saturn jumped to her feet and objected, “What do you mean? I thought we were dropping her off on the surface.”
“The plan’s changed. I think she deserves time to prove herself. I didn’t say it was going to be easy. Eventually, you and Nix are going to have to come around or we’re going to have trouble.”
Saturn gazed into Astrid’s eyes and her cold gaze softened. Liam felt a tension in the air release. Whatever Saturn thought of the Ansaran, something about her reaction was different. She’d given up her protests so easily. Perhaps some part of her wanted the Ansaran to stay.
Liam observed Astrid’s expression and asked, “Do you still want to come with us?”
Astrid looked to her lap for a moment and then back to Liam. She nodded.
“It’s settled then. Anyone who lays a hand on our guest will have me to contend with. Do I make myself clear?”
Saturn crossed her arms and averted her eyes. She nodded and said in a soft voice, “Perfectly.”
“Then take your seat, I’m going to set us down and we can start on repairs. We’re going to have a long trip back to Surya.”
Ju-Long’s queasy voice filled the cockpit once again, “Is it over?”
“Yeah, buddy,” Liam responded. “It’s over. We’ll be back to check on you in a minute.”
“Super. Hey, just out of curiosity, did you happen to put a catheter in when you were playing the hero?”
Liam said questioningly, “No, why?”
“Oh, no reason, no reason. But, when you come by, you might want to bring a rag or two.”
EPILOGUE
One Month Later – Akaru Colony, Planet Surya
Ju-Long Ma dabbed his fingers over his puffy lip, wiping the blood away to keep it from running down his chin. Sweat burned his eyes and the glare of the sun forced him to squint to see the outline of his opponent in front of Surya’s near permanent sunset. He tightened his fists and the barbs over his knuckles sizzled with electricity.
The crowd of Dinari onlookers were rabid after waiting so long for the final bout. Riken was a popular fighter, but Ju-Long was beginning to grow his own fan base. Cheers for both contenders fought each other for prominence in the mass of spectators. Zega sat atop the raised platform with the leaders of the other sectors of Akaru Colony, overwhelmingly pleased that both of his fighters had made it to the final round. His fat neck jiggled as he fed himself strips of raw meat. The rest of the Dinari emissaries appeared bored and were chatting amongst themselves.
Riken spat upon the packed dirt and circled Ju-Long, hands held loosely at his sides. The large Dinari fighter was bloodied, red dripping down his broad scaled chest in a sickening sluice leading all the way to his legs. Bits of his skin were scorched black by the electric barbs, but he didn’t seem to notice. His focus was singular in nature. It must have been embarrassing for a fight with an outsider to go on for so long.
Ju-Long saw Riken’s legs tighten, ready for a charge, and he took advantage of the opening. When Riken rushed, he slid out of the way, catching the Dinari in the side with a well-placed punch. Riken staggered and Ju-Long went to work, using the Dinari’s open posture to land blow after blow. Finally, Ju-Long stopped and Riken took several steps back, swaying with the slight breeze.
The crowd was louder than ever now, chanting Ju-Long’s name so that he could hear nothing else except the beat of his own heart, popping through his chest. His fingers tingled with excitement and he tightened his fists once more, the barbs glowing with the blue arcs connecting the points. Ju-Long edged closer, wary of a feint by his opponent.
Riken’s eyes squinted and then grew as though trying to maintain focus. His fists fell to his sides and the electricity in the barbs dissipated. A strong gust of wind blew past, bringing with it specs of Surya’s fine sand. Riken tried to plant his feet to keep his balance but instead toppled to one knee. He clutched his side with one clawed hand and slowly brought it up to his eye line. His claws were stained red and speckled with dust from the coming dust storm. Riken’s eyes closed and then opened slightly, focusing on Ju-Long before he fell over onto his side.
The crowd erupted in a chorus of screams and chants for Ju-Long, not only the first outsider to fight in the tournament, but the first to win. The announcer, Kiln, joined Ju-Long at the center of the ring and raised Ju-Long’s hand up into the air.
The announcer took a sip of strong-smelling alcohol from his flask and declared, “It gives me, Kiln, legendary fighter of the ring—”
The rabid masses threw strangely shaped vegetables at the washed-up fighter, one star-shaped tuber hit Kiln square in the face. Finally, the Dinari announcer relented and declared, “Our winner, Ju-Long Ma of Earth!”
Kiln took another swig of alcohol and offered some to Ju-Long, who was too enraptured with the crowd to respond. Here on Surya, he was somebody. He wasn’t an engineer to be used by Vesta Corporation or anyone else. He was admired for something he could do. Ju-Long approached the edge of the crowd and raised his arms up high, soaking in the attention. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a figure in a long cloak that obscured their face. He saw the wearer’s blue hands move the hood back to reveal a toothy smile. Astrid had come to watch despite the risk. She blew him a sensual kiss. He could get used to that.
•
Liam stood at the edge of the glass, looking down hundreds of stories to the mass of people below. He couldn’t tell who had won, but it was clear the fight was over. It wasn’t ideal, but there wouldn’t be a better time to have this difficult conversation. Liam turned to his left and regarded Toras, Caretaker of Akaru Colony. His sand-colored cape covered his right shoulder and came off at an angle from the center of his back, still frayed and patchy despite his elevated position.
“My eyes around the system tell me you’ve done us a great service,” Toras said. “The Reapers won’t pose a threat to us anytime soon.”
“You know that’s not why I’m here.”
Toras nodded and looked back out the window to the masses below and the approaching dust storm. He said, “Yes. What you’re asking is not easily accomplished. Do you know the implications of such a thing?”
Liam smiled and replied, “Believe me, I’m aware.”
“With this information and the routing of the Reapers, you’ve given me two favors today. An Ansaran does not forget.”
“Then it’s settled?”
Toras extended his hand and Liam took it firmly in his own. The Ansaran said, “It will be done, Liam Kidd.”
Liam nodded and released the Ansaran’s hand. Making deals, whether underground or atop the highest tower, wasn’t Liam’s preferred mode of operation. In fact, it felt like something Zega should be doing. Still, he had to look out for his crew any way he knew how.
Toras held a finger to a device in his ear and nodded. He said, “It appears your friend has won the tournament. A feat indeed for an outsider.”
Liam smirked and said, “I’d expect nothing less.”
He held the Ansaran’s gaze for a moment before turning and making off across the cold marble toward the large entryway.
Toras called after him, “Do not fear the night, Liam Kidd. What’s coming will come regardless of our feelings toward it. Best to face it straight on.”
Liam turned his head while he continued to walk and said, “It’s Captain, and don’t you forget it.” He felt the Caretaker’s stare upon his back as he left the room. Liam found the stone platform and knelt down in the center. The rock glowed purple along its edges before descending speedily down the spire, curving along the outside like a screw. Liam pressed a button on his earpiece and said, “It’s done.”
“Good,” Zega’s voice replied in his ear. “Good.”
•
“He’s gone,” Toras said, staring out the window at the rioting masses below.
; The small mercenary came around the side of a thick stone pillar, the sun gleaming off his blue scaled outfit. He joined Toras at the window and handed him a flat circular object that took up half of his palm. The mercenary pressed the center button and the orange glow of a hologram projected up in front of the Caretaker’s face.
“What’s this?” Toras asked.
The mercenary looked up to Toras from behind his black visor and replied with his distorted voice, “A message.”
The orange glow turned into the visage of Caretaker Ruen of Taleris. His hands were clasped together and he appeared distraught, with deep blue circles under his bulging eyes. Caretaker Ruen’s voice sounded metallic through the little device, but the message was clear enough. He said, “Caretaker Ragnar, dear cousin, I apologize that we’ve fallen out of touch but I’m contacting you with a most urgent matter. Astrid has been taken by a misfit group of outsiders. I don’t know what they intend to do with her, but if they find out her true purpose, they could expose us all. I have my best scouts looking for her and I would urge you to do the same. Until we meet again, cousin.”
The orange hologram dissipated and the circular disc went silent. Toras handed the device back to the small mercenary and turned back to the wall of windows. He asked the man, “You’re sure Ragnar is dead?”
He nodded his oblong helmet, remaining silent.
“And you didn’t have the heart to tell Ruen?”
The mercenary cocked his head and placed his hands behind his back.
“Good work. I’ll see that a bonus makes its way to you.”
The small man nodded and made for the exit without another word. Toras called after him, “Don’t go far. I’ll be requiring your services again soon.”