Sean hated this.
He looked at the ring on his finger. It was silver, the image of a dove engraved into the top. A dove of peace… the symbol of The Guard.
Military life, even more than life in general, is full of irony and related unintended humor. Their official title was "Homeland Peace Guard", and whatever the original intent of their creation, their dove was now a symbol of hate and inhumanity throughout the system. Naturally, never having seen a real dove, for all Sean knew they were the assholes of the bird kingdom to begin with.
Why did he even still have this ring?
… well, to be honest, for cases like this. His eyes wandered around the bar. It wasn't crowded, this early in the afternoon, and as yet there was no sign of the contact.Sean had ditched the uniform already, naturally. He understood why Don had made him wear the thing to that theatrical production that morning, as intimidating local officials was a time honored use of The Guard, but once the shops were open he bought a few more respectable outfits. One single Guard walking the streets, anywhere, was liable to be a dead man. Oh, he'd take a dozen or two with him, but nowadays that wouldn't frighten enough civilians away (if civilians actually existed, and he had his doubts now). He had needed new clothes anyway. Practical ones, for both fighting and leisure. Not surprisingly, they had designer lines just for that. He had even seen outfits for the upwardly mobile mercenary. Nice, actually, and just the thing to let others know who the dead men walking were.
But, the ring. The saying was The Guard never abandoned its own. This was a promise, and a threat. Once you were in, there was no leaving. You could run, as he had, but in some ways you were still theirs. They had a part of your soul. If there was a "benefit", to being a former Guard, it was that you now belonged to a group just as committed to protecting its own as those still in the service. Sean would now see exactly what that meant.
Still nobody around matching who he was expecting.
Sean looked over at his table mate. Shelly was nursing a drink, bored. He had asked her to come for a number of reasons, despite the fact he really didn't care for her. She was too flighty, for his taste, tending to swiftly swing between care free slut and revenge filled bitch. The latter he respected a bit, but it wasn't enough to outweigh the former. On top of that, naturally, she was nowhere near his type. However, this kind of job wasn't one you wanted to do alone. Apart from the usual buddy system aspect, having a woman at his table kept others from bothering him.
He let out a sigh. The guy better show up soon, though, as in another ten minutes Shelly was likely to start trying to find a guy to fuck. She was already casing the prospects out. Personally, he didn't see anything worthwhile.
A somewhat rough middle aged man, with the bearing of a soldier, came down the steps and had a word with the bar maid. Sean took another sip of his ale. As the newcomer made his way over to their table, Sean moved to get Shelly's attention. She had already noticed, shifting into business mode. Her eyes hardened.
He wasn't that scruffy, Sean saw, now that the stranger was sitting across from them. He had a few days worth of beard, but his hair was well kept and cut short. He wore workman overalls, obviously just off a job. The busty waitress placed a large beer in front of him, and as he lifted it, the slightly tarnished ring on his finger slid into view. Putting the mug down, he saw Sean's, nodding while giving the boy an appraising look. He also spared a glance for Shelly, but seemed to dismiss her. The eyes lingered, though, on her assets.
"I've been told you're looking for assistance." He didn't give a name. Sean nodded.
"We're with a group that has a ship. We're looking for… business opportunities of certain types, or at the very least information. We'd rather not annoy or ally with the Rebs or Feds at the moment, or get in the Guard's way."
The man cocked his head, considering. He also took another look at Shelly, cleavage nicely on display. The look she returned was neutral. He nodded slightly. Sean thought he saw the lack of flirting as working in their favor. The stranger rubbed his chin.
"What are your restrictions?"
"I won't patronize you by pretending we have morals," Sean said, smiling slightly. "However, we do have… interests, and people we wouldn't mind hurting as we make our way."
"Slavers," Shelly said, darkly. The man shot her a look, then glanced at Sean who nodded.
"We're open to many kinds of jobs, for or against most people, but nothing that helps Slavers."
"Hmm… you do know, naturally, that I may be aligned with some you dislike." He raised an eyebrow at them. Sean shrugged, putting his hands around the top of his mug so his ring was again displayed.
"And if that is the case, I trust you will let us buy you another beer and let us be on our way." They held each other's eyes for a moment. Nodding, the man raised in mug in a toast. Sean did the same.
"I think we can do business together." Shelly raised hers as well, the three drinking. Once the mugs were back on the table Sean pulled a pad of paper out of his bag. He ripped out a sheet, and slid it across the table. The man took out a pen, writing a few series of numbers without his hand touching the paper. When he was done, Sean pulled it back, handing it to Shelly. The man pulled out his own pad, the process repeating.
The information having been exchanged, they relaxed. The stranger looked over at Shelly, giving her a playful leer.
"So, my Lady, how about you and I celebrate our new business arrangements?" Shelly leaned forward, breasts saying hello in a delightful new way, lips giving him a sexy smile as she looked him up and down.
"Tell you what, old man. Next time we're in the city, I'll look you up. And, depending on how you've steered us, either we'll fuck… or you're fucked."
With a laugh, he raised his mug to Shelly.
"Looking forward to it!"
****
Ken being happy was starting to piss off Mel.
He always pissed off Mel. It was his one defining trait. In fact, now, you could almost say the annoyance that was Ken was the one constant in her life. The rest of creation could explode and reform in a million random ways, yet she could always rely on her oldest friend being fucking annoying.
Which was good. He was her rock.
"So, are we lost yet?"
He was holding a tourist map, printed on glossy paper. It had lots of bright lines, colorful pictures, and very little information. Ken didn't seem to care, though. He responded to her question by just smiling.
She hated that smile.
A raindrop fell on her bare scalp. Great. Just great. Reaching a hand up, she wiped the bald side of her head off. Maybe she could pick up a silly hat with the name of a local sports team while they were here.
"This way!" Ken indicated they should turn right at the intersection. Mel's eyes flicked around. There were few cars, little walking traffic. This wasn't a good neighborhood. Not enough rubble, or burned out doorways. No cover, should the feces hit the spinning blades. Now, home... home was someplace where you could always hide.
Rounding the corner, she finally saw something recognizable. Two girls, dark skinned with torn clothing, stood back to back. A dozen teens, not much better dressed, circled around them. Catcalls could be heard, threats of rape, murder, and other fun familiar sounds of home. Mel felt her fists involuntarily clench.
There was the sound of paper crinkling. Eyes flicking over to her right, she saw Ken slip the map into his jacket pocket. His shoulders rotated, neck worked out a kink. His eyes stayed on the gang.
"Rescue or revenge?"
His question was calm. Ken was always calm, when it came to a fight. Mel was emotion, rage. Ken was her rock.
"Rescue."
He nodded. Unbuttoning his jacket, Ken undid the fastener on his belt knife. Mel did the same.
"No death, unless cause. Hit the tall one and distract. I'll take them down the left hand alley."
As one, they began jogging down the sidewalk. Mel cleared her mind. She had been where those two girls were. She had also been one of those ringing them. Hunter, prey. Today, she was hunter.
She was noticed while she was still a few feet away, one of the mob on the other side of the girls looking right at her. Mel payed them no mind. Knife out, she plowed into the nearest thug, a girl about four inches taller than her and twice as heavy. She sliced into some of the blubber, getting a satisfying cry of pain in reply. As the girl staggered, Mel shot an elbow up into the head the boy next to her, at the same time spinning around behind him. Kicking at the back of his leg, she pushed her human shield into another boy.
The mob scattered.
Leaving the injured to their fate, noting that more than her two were on the ground suffering, Mel turned and ran. Ken was twenty feet in front of her, guiding the two girls. One of them seemed to be limping, but still kept up.That was good. They had to move, get to populated areas. Sheathing her knife, wishing she dared clean it on her shirt, Mel entered the alley.
****
Ken stopped about midway up the passage. It was as good a place as any, and if they were going to be trapped there might as well be no obvious closer exit. Keep them guessing, that was his motto. So was rescuing attractive women. Well, that was more of a habit and hobby than a motto. The exact definition of words was not something he concerned himself with.
"You two OK?"
He watched as the two girls collapsed against the brick wall. They were attractive, at least to him. Twins, he thought, or at the very least sisters. They stood about shoulder high on him, breasts not that developed yet, although in the loose shirts it was hard to tell. They were thin, obviously not all that well nourished, with skin a bit lighter brown than Sean's but much nicer to look at. Their hair was black, curly, as well as very dirty. Mel came up to them, limbs moving effortlessly as she slowed from a run.
"They OK?"
"That's what I just asked." Ken took a quick glance at the ends of the alley. Still clear. "OK, we have to go. Your choice, ladies. Either we leave you here, having done our heroic duty, or you point out a nice restaurant in a public part of town and we treat you to a meal." His eyes flicked up, casing the rooftops. He hated alleys, unless he knew them.
The non limping one looked up from her sister Bella, grey eyes shining.
"Thank you." The other one nodded, pushing herself away from the wall and standing next to Bell.
"Yes. Thanks. We'll take that food."
****
Amanda sat on her bed, the day's purchases spread out around her. Lots of new underwear, a big bag of candy, a shirt she just HAD to have, and a paint set. The smooth white wall in front of her displayed the first use of those paints: a yellow sun, over green grass. The more she looked at the pitiful work of the past half hour, the more they seemed to mock her.
She wanted to stay.
She wanted to just stay and play in that park every day. To be under the blue sky, on swing sets, feet kicking the dirt. She wanted to be out of this white box she had spent the last two weeks in. Just the idea of going back into space made her want to scream. She couldn't do it…
… but Kine wouldn't leave.
She knew that. Amanda didn't even have to ask. It wasn't that bitch Irene: that was too new to have any pull on him. No. It was Don.
Amanda had seen it before, this side of her brother. Kine would not leave Don. Not now. He had even said so, a few days ago. He had found someone he respected, someone he trusted. Someone he could follow. He wasn't the type to abandon such a person so soon into service.
But, what about HER?!? What about HER feelings? Mind you, her brother didn't know, yet, that she wanted to stay, but that was no excuse! He should KNOW how she felt, to the point of suggesting they stay when he saw how much fun she had today! Amanda grabbed up her teddy, hugging it tightly.
Maybe if she just left.
Yeah, that was it. Amanda could, just before they were going to leave, walk out of the ship and stand there waiting. Kine would HAVE to join her. He wouldn't abandon her! Yes, that would work… she'd leave, force him to choose between her and his own desires…
… and he'd hate her.
No, not hate… he'd be disappointed in his little sister.
She hugged Teddy tighter. That would be worse than hate.
Amanda looked around the room. Where WAS big brother, anyway?
****
There was nothing, Kine had discovered years ago, better than a fiery naked girl thrashing under you.
He had grown up fast, as most of his generation tended to. He had seen death by age ten, caused death by age twelve. That was the same year, as if to counter the growing horror around him, that his growing body began cutting a wide swath through the hearts and thighs of the village girls. Sex was good. Sex was fun. Sex, also, came easily enough that he could be casual about it. Wait for someone special, not have to settle for anyone because, well, he could HAVE anyone.
Irene was incredible.
She was practically growling, legs locked around his ass, hands gripping not his back, but his shoulder muscles. A slight shift in positions a minute ago had suddenly revealed the perfect angle for their joining. There was no thought. Just emotion. Joy. Pleasure.
Life was good.
****
The ship dining room was filled. Well, maybe filled wasn't the right word. The small crew wasn't exactly rattling around in the large space, but neither was it standing room only. The laughing, talking kids were spread around enough that it, at least, seemed like they had the numbers to take on the universe… if you squinted and tried real hard to see things that way.
Everyone had come back. Don was surprised at that. He would have bet they'd have lost a few, even if only to arrest or accidents. It WAS a nice city, one that at least on the surface was peaceful. Maybe they had come back to hear what he had to say, figuring they had a few days to make a decision. Don entertained the thought of sneaking off to the bridge and taking the ship into orbit himself, but laughingly dismissed the idea. They were here, that was the important thing.
Actually, was it important? Did it matter? What if they all did want to leave? They could sell the ship, buy a tree farm, and live out their days here. Did Don really fucking care?
And if he did care, was that just his ego talking?
Once again Don had to question his motives. Why was he leading these idiots? Why did he think only he knew enough to keep them alive? (because that's true, that's why) Why couldn't he just go off on his own, find a cave, mourn his lost Cynthia? He closed his eyes, fingers touching the golden locket. That's all he wanted. That, and…
He looked up, and saw cute little Sirenia.
… and he wanted, once in his life, to save somebody.
Even if they didn't want or need to be saved?
Kine finally entered the room, receiving a large chorus of greetings. He was closely followed by Irene. Don shook his head. Stupid hormones. They were going to get someone killed one of these days. He was amused to see he wasn't the only one unhappy with Kine's choice of how his time was spent: Amanda pounced on her brother. Pointing at Don, he seemed to be pleading that time was of the essence, that his presence was needed. A moment later, he was at Don's side.
"Whew… well, that went well! So, are we all ready here Mister Leader, sir?"
Don just looked up, wanting to slap that smile off his face. In the end, he just sighed. Not killing your own people is the true skill of a leader. Stepping up onto a chair first, then a table, Don looked out over the crowd, raising his hand. To his complete surprise, within seconds the room had quieted. The voice in his head asked him if he liked that power.
"Thank you. I won't take up much of your time…"
"Good!" Shouted Sean from the back of the room, drawing laughter. Don chuckled, although not at the joke. Such a response is almost required when that line is used. Hell, experienced speakers probably pause for it the same way they do for applause and laughter.
"I'm up here to talk about what happens next. What happens to each of you as individuals… and what happens to us, as a group. Or a crew, or however you want to think of us."
"Fucking unwanted orphan waifs!" The female cry came from somewhere in the middle of the room. Ger turned his head to look at the person.
"We're 'FUOW's?"
That brought the house down. Don dropped to a crouch, his hands covering his face, trying with mixed success to not break out laughing. Kine collapsed back against the wall, only friction keeping him upright. Eventually, things settled down. Accepting an unexpected cup of water from Lessa for a quick sip, Don stood up again.
"Well, whatever we are, we have choices. Now… this is a nice moon. Hell, a nice city. And," he noted, looking at the crowd closer, "it obviously has nice clothing stores." Just about all the kids were wearing new outfits, with not a uniform to be seen. They cheered agreement again, a couple of girls and one boy standing to twirl and show off their ensemble. "Some of you may want to stay here. That would be understandable. But… this is the first place we've visited. The first planet we've landed on. Surely, it's worth taking a look at what else is out there? Once you leave this ship you may never travel again… do you really want to not know if paradise was just a couple planets away?"
Don saw them nod, and... felt ashamed. He felt his hand start to make its way to Cynthia's picture again, and almost jerked it back. His expression hardened a bit.
"Shelly has suggested that, while we're traveling around, we, maybe, try and do something good. Strike at some of the evil in this world we've been born into. That we find and take down a slaver ring. This," he said, looking over them, "will not be easy. Some of us will die. But… maybe we die free, and heroes."
Ken jumped to his feet, dressed in a dapper blue suit, and thrust his fist into the air.
"Death to slavers!"
Half bald Mel next to him was just an instant behind, as were two strangers, the crowd soon chanting with them. My god, thought Don… what was happening… this wasn't what he wanted… was it?
Off to the side of the room, Amanda slowly rose to her feet. Kine wasn't looking, or he would have seen the sad despair in his little sister's eyes. Unnoticed, she slipped away.
"Now," yelled Don, trying to get some control back, "Sean has some ideas about how we can fund this little adventure of ours…"
****
"Is being a thief better than being in the army?"
Sirenia kicked her legs again, sending the swing up higher. She could see, from this height, over the park lake. It looked like there was a larger play area over there, with stuff you could climb on. She liked the swings, though. There was something about the repetition, that moment of weightlessness at the top... as well as the naughty thought that she was flashing everyone in her new black skirt.
"My mom," Wendi said, swinging up past Sirenia as she moved downward, "told me stealing was bad." As Sirenia approached her maximum backward arc, hands pushed back on her butt.
"MY Mom," Amanda said, moving over behind Wendi as that girl began moving downward again, "taught me how to field strip a dead body!"
That was probably bull. Certainly, Sirenia knew Amanda was no Lessa, and there was no way her brother would let the girl get into things like that. Still, it was generally accepted one should never challenge exaggerated claims of "My mom told me", especially when engaging in playful oneupmanship. That was just rude.
"At least we're not being whored out." She kicked her legs again.
"We can be pirate whores!"
"With a sexy eyepatch!"
Sirenia laughed. Life was a joke.
That, her mom HAD taught her.
****
"Knock knock."
Lessa's expression, revealing her feelings regarding Ken's verbalization of his action, was well worth tempting death. He grinned at the girl, while instinctively keeping an eye on where her hands were in relation to her sidearm. Whether she could take him bare handed was uncertain, but he would certainly have better odds than if she got a shot off. He was good, but not THAT good. The two stood outside the cabin, waiting.
"So, have you met them yet?"
Lessa shook her head.
"No. And I'm here because...?"
"Because you need to get out more, make friends." Her glance again showed gutting him was beginning to move up her to do list. She was beginning to remind him of Mel in that regard.
The cabin door opened. One of the twins stood there, surprise on her face. Bell, Ken assumed, based on the fact she was standing normally. Once that was fixed up he assumed he'd have no idea, unless they did something with their hair. Cut their names into the black curls or something.
"Ken! Hi!" She was definitely happy to see him, which pleased Ken. He liked being liked.
"Hello, Bell." Her eyes widened. He shoots, he scores! "Can we come in?"
"Oh! Sure!" Bell backed into the room. Ken motioned Lessa in first. She eyed him suspiciously, but with a sigh entered. He followed, grinning. Ken was sure she was used to being sent on point, as well as to seeing the disappointment when that mission didn't get her killed. Glancing around the cabin, he saw it was one of the standard smaller two person rooms, with two small beds and some chairs and desks. He shared the same thing with Mel. Bella was sitting on one of the beds, dressed in the same white blouse and pink skirt as her sister. It contrasted nicely with their brown skin, he thought. So did the white bandages on her right leg, showing he had little fashion sense. He motioned for her to stay.
"Don't get up. Sit." He moved over to the bed, dropping down onto one knee before her. Her cheeks seemed to redden a bit. "How's the leg, Bella? Still OK?"
"Doesn't hurt that much, Ken." She put a hand on her knee, moving the leg a bit. He nodded.
"Good. Just to be safe, I've brought our own medical expert." He stood, motioning to Lessa. "Bell, Bella, this is Lessa."
The brown haired girl cast him an annoyed glance, gave a sigh, and actually smiled a bit as she moved to kneel down before the girl.
"I'm not an expert, just the only one of these idiots who knows bleeding is a bad thing." Her hands took Bella's leg. She was actually being gentle. Ken hadn't realized that was possible.
A hand touched Ken's arm. Turning, he saw Bell at his side, a bit nervous. He smiled, which seemed to make it worse. Ken put his own hand on her arm, making sure to keep it up on the sleeve of her her blouse and off her bare skin.
"Everything OK with you?"
She nodded.
"Yes. And, thank you for sending the others with us when we went back to get our stuff. Nobody was there, but..."
"But better safe than sorry." Glancing around the cabin, he saw they hadn't had to carry much back. Two cloth bags lay on the floor, crumpled clothing coming out of them. He nodded. "We've all been where you are, so don't hesitate to talk to us. And feel free to leave if you realize this isn't going to work. Before we leave the planet, preferably, but naturally you can leave at any time."
"Who bandaged you?"
At Lessa's comment Ken looked over. She was holding Bella's leg out, examining the wrapping critically. Bell went over and knelt down next to her.
"I did. Did I do it OK?" She sounded worried, running her own hand over it.
"It's great! You actually have some training?"
"We both do. I was living with some adults for awhile who ran a clinic..."
Ken smiled. His work was done.
****
"Is it a good or bad thing that there are so many choices of who and where to rob on this peaceful world?"
Sean glanced over the conference room table at Don. The kid's expression was disgusted as he read over the list Sean had provided. He just leaned back in his chair, enjoying the moment. If the fourteen year old couldn't cut it...
Don let out a sigh. Bringing a pen over, he began ticking off items.
"No, no... hell no. Not worth it, a bit too risky to start with..." He paused, blinking. "OK, at this price they're not telling us something." He looked up at Sean. "This everything?"
"That's what I received from my contacts, yes. Obviously, they're as uncertain about us as we are about them. We're going to have to pick one, or go elsewhere and start over there."
"And word, among some people, will have gone before us." He tossed the paper back across the table at Sean. "I assume you have your preference?"
"Yup."
Don nodded, surprising Sean a bit by not even asking what it was. Looking down, Sean saw his own choice circled by Don. The kid met his gaze, smiling slightly.
"Yeah, I figured that's the one you would go for if it was your call. It's easy, with what we have, and I think even if all we get is the cash payment the experience will be worth it."
Sean sat up.
"So, when are we doing this?"
****
Smoke rose from the wooden structure, although luckily it hadn't caught fire yet. There was no need to draw more attention to themselves just now, although there shouldn't be anyone else in the area. Kine looked around at the results of their first… well, second bout of piracy, and was satisfied.
They had hit the smugglers at noon, because who the hell attacks at noon. Their two shuttles, wings attached for atmospheric use, had dropped out of the sun onto the small landing field carved out of the forest valley. A couple blasts next to the men working outside, and at their only shelter, had caused an immediate surrender. Ten of them were currently tied up and blindfolded, and Kine figured he'd just leave them here. Either they get free and make their way home, or… they don't. No blood on their hands this time.
He looked up as the first shuttle took off again, loaded to the gills with electronics. The buyer in Seneca had thought the markup being charged by this group of importers was a bit high, so had asked the crew of the Liberty to bring it down. They got paid hard cash, and were free to take anything else they found. That extra booty was now being loaded into the second shuttle. Well, most of it. The shuttle the smugglers had been using wouldn't fit. As chance would have it, it would fit in one of the Liberty's two empty landing bays.
They now had money, and the means to get more. They had a new ship. They even had two new crew members, thanks to Mel getting involved in that brawl. So long as they were careful, and as Don suggested they only hit one or two places per world and leave immediately… they could do this.
Kine smiled, walking to the new shuttle. Their new life was off to a great start.