tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48772802792185302502024-03-13T10:50:50.775+00:00Night Witches a Hellcats Blog by LakashaLakasha's PlaceLakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-90825347940813650032014-01-03T01:42:00.001+00:002014-01-03T01:42:37.863+00:00Chapter 21 Rebirth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Time passed, how much I couldn’t say. I made it all the
way back to Vit without being podded. I went straight to my room and got in
bed. All of the wounds were still open and bloody but it did not matter to me.
Eventually, Vicky and Jazz showed up and forced me out of bed to clean my
wounds. I did not protest until Jazz suggested I go pod myself. I wasn’t
interested in a new clone. I wanted to feel the pain. It was the only thing
left that reminded me I was alive. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
They took turns watching me for a couple of days then Jazz
left for high security space to check on her business. Vicky stayed and made
sure I ate a couple of times a day. In the meantime she looked up some old
friends to go fly with. The corporation and alliance had fallen apart in the
time I was gone. But there were still enough people around to form a fleet and
cause trouble.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I spent my days deep inside my mind slogging through a
mess of thoughts and feelings that were mixed to the point they were almost
unrecognizable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been lucky to see
Tasha as she really was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It helped me
start pulling apart my life, starting with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was a pattern to my twisted ways, and with a little time maybe I
could figure out my thoughts enough to at least move off this bed.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My life had always been an internal battle between who I
wanted to be and who I really was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had
always felt like two different people at war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The opposing sides were silent now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was no pirate or person that desperately wanted to be, as Tasha
had said, a hero.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was only me,
stripped of every wall and defense I had built up since I was a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was exposed now, and the cold reality made
me shiver beneath the covers.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Around the second week of my exile Vicky slipped into the
bed. She pulled me close and gave me a hug. I recoiled at first, until her
warmth spread over my skin. Before I could stop myself I realized how much I
missed having a connection to the world I had abandon. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
“Why don’t you come outside and play with us? I can pod
you. You will feel so much better,” she said, snuggling in closer as I relaxed.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
“Did you shoot her in the head or the chest?” There was
no anger in my question, just sadness. There was no reason to be mad. Tasha was
insane and evil…and my only light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
“Do you really want to know the answer?” she asked,
pulling away. “There are plenty of good people who care about you. We are glad
you are still here. Come out and fly with us. I promise with time you will feel
better.”</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I didn’t respond, but she wouldn’t leave. She put her arm
back around me. Her words and gestures woke up a little part of me that
remembered being human. It was almost two weeks since my confrontation with
Tasha when I finally gave in and let myself cry. Tears gushed while my body
convulsed with the intensity of the release of emotion and pain. She stayed
silent and ran her fingers through my hair, not stopping until my sobs had
quieted. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Eventually, she slid from the covers and I could hear her
open the door. Her warmth quickly left the covers and I missed the contact. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
“Lakasha?” she said, voice holding an edge of anger.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I turned to look at her standing in the door. Her face
was soft, but her eyes held a dangerous glint.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
“Yeah, Vicky?”</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
“I shot that bitch in the head.” </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
With that she turned and left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t have any more encounters like that
one. But between the crying and the warmth she shared, a part of me awoke that
remembered living. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somewhere in the
middle of all the pain and suffering good memories started to grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first, I tried to stomp them down but soon
realized I couldn’t.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Each day a little more of me clawed its way free from the
dark pit. Soon, I couldn’t lie there anymore. I was still depressed and my mind
was a mess of stray thoughts that needed to be sorted. But I couldn’t deny
there was something inside of me that still wanted to be alive. It was enough
to get me out of bed.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
After almost three weeks of bed-rest and a poorly healing
body I made it to the office. I checked my mail while I listened to the Hell
Fleet chat frequency. I closed my eyes and listened to a skirmish near Vit’s
top asteroid belt. Vicky and the guys took out a miner and taunted the poor guy
on local until I thought he was going to cry. I laughed for the first time in a
long time. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Hundreds of good memories competed for my attention. How
had I let myself forget so many things over the years? I let my darkness swallow
me whole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The depression dimmed the
light and kept me from seeing both sides of my reality. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I crossed my arms on the table and laid my heavy head
down to rest. Vicky and Jazz had risked dying on a station to help me because
they truly cared about me. I would have done the same for them. It was proof
enough that I was not as evil as I had come to believe. Years of twisted thinking
had warped my reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sorting out the
truth would take time.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I knew I was messed up on the inside, but I realized I
did not want to die. In that moment my decision was made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if I was going to live I had to figure
out a way to live a good life. I knew these realizations wouldn’t fix the void
in me that cried out for love and someone to save me. Maybe just the choice to
live a good life was enough. It was a purpose that even the most stubborn parts
of me could focus on.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I rummaged around in the closet and found a flight suit
that fit me well enough. I managed to shove my unresponsive arm in and zip
myself up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I ran out of energy to
keep moving I walked straight to the docking bay and climbed into my pod. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I shot out of the launch bay into the awaiting sunlight
of Vit’s star. I imagined its warmth on my face as I sent the mental command to
the warp drives. The drives spun up sending a jolt of energy over my skin. The
pod was sent zooming toward the center of the system. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
On the way to my safe spot I opened up a communications
channel with Vicky and requested to join the fleet.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
“Hey! What took you so long?” she asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
“You know, I had a lot of stuff to take care of. Could
you warp to me? I have something I need you to do.”</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
“I would love to.”</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
She came out of warp at five kilometers from my pod. She
was flying a Rifter and at that moment it was the most beautiful ship I had
ever seen.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
“Vic, would you mind killing me? I have a lot of stuff I
need to get done today.”</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
She didn’t say a word over the communications frequency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the targeting alarm went off I closed my
eyes and imagined her smile on the other side.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I was about to die, so I could start living again.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<b>Afterword
</b><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It’s hard to believe that I wrote Lakasha’s story three
years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to thank everyone that
has read the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the first
story that I actually finished and the first one where the characters talked to
me and wouldn’t shut up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This story
taught me how much I love to write.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Since then I have finished three more novels and I hope to have one of
them published sometime this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I want to send out a special thanks to those who helped
me with their constant encouragement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Also, I never would have finished posting this story if not for those of
you who helped me by reading and editing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thanks so much to all of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You helped me discover writing and that is something I can never thank you enough
for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Special thanks to J, Ika, Evi, Fat Kid, and Doba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without you guys this story never would have
happened.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Like many writers, there were some songs that really
connected with me while I was writing this story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like they are a great representation
of the characters and I have linked to them below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you enjoyed the story please take the time
to listen.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Lakasha - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mjlM_RnsVE">Monster</a> by Skillet</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Tasha - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb7fLA5ccWg">Vow</a> by Garbage </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Geklov - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao-Sahfy7Hg">Head Like a Hole </a>by Nine Inch Nails</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
</div>
Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-29611795377314290582014-01-03T01:36:00.000+00:002014-01-03T01:36:04.441+00:00Chapter 20.5 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
couldn’t hold my head up anymore, at least not for any measurable amount of
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After Tasha left, the Blood
Raiders took over the efforts to convince me to give up the data.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I continued to refuse to talk to anyone but
Tasha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, that wasn’t exactly
true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did a lot of talking, because at
some point everyone does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just didn’t
tell them what they wanted to know.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">They
had worked around the ropes cutting off the sleeves of my flight suit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were long, blood filled furrows,
everywhere my skin was exposed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lost
count of the slaps and punches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each
strike had been delivered with expert precision, maximizing pain and minimizing
damage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far they were avoiding my
face, no doubt in an attempt to keep me from passing out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not know how long this torture had been
going on, but we had to be getting close to the data release deadline.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
Tasha finally returned she motioned to the raiders and they scurried out the
door leaving the two of us alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
pulled myself together enough to look up at her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was smiling again and shaking her head.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You
are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">always</i> so hard headed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why don’t you just tell me what I want to
know?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can put you out of your misery
then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s face it hon, that is what
you need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have always been so broken
and needy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought I was doing you a
favor, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really</i>,” her voice was
soothing and honest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her words were like
being slapped in the face with a silk covered hammer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knew how to hurt me with words more than
any of the pain I had suffered over the last few hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had always been a master of that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
just want answers.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I choked out the
words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hours of screams had dried
out my throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She walked over and got a
glass of water then helped me drink it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I was finished she put the water down on the little silver tray
next to the chair and picked up a bloodied scalpel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
sat down on my lap straddling my legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her face held that beautiful smile that always made me want to melt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one that I would just fall into because
it made me feel like everything was perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She grabbed a handful of my hair and pulled back my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The smile never left her face.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
leaned forward, placing her face softly against mine and whispered into my ear,
“I am really going to miss you baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
glad we had this chance to see each other one last time.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the last sweet word left her lips she took
the scalpel and cut along the opposite side of my face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I screamed as it sliced deep along my
cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She laughed and rubbed against
me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
mind burst into an animal-like panic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pain seared my skin and the ropes held me down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to get free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through the fright a cool voice in my head
demanded that I calm down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I did not
control myself I would never know the answers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I rubbed my bloody cheek against hers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She responded with a little purr.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
dropped my voice to a low sexy whisper and said, “Just explain all of this to
me baby, and I promise I will give you what you want.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
stood and put the scalpel back on the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
had a deep spiritual experience Laka.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You
never believed in god, Tash.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Are
you going to let me tell this story?” she asked, and then started pacing back
and forth in front of me. I waited in silence as the blood flowed down my
face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Once
we graduated from training I did some odd flying jobs. You know, just trying to
make some startup money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then one day I
lost my first pod.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I woke up in the
clone bay and I knew something had changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was like I was on the verge of some great discovery but I just
couldn’t put my finger on it, you know?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
stopped and stared at me until I nodded my understanding.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“So
I kept going out and blowing myself up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I did it for hours until I was mentally exhausted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I didn’t have the energy to pull myself
into a pod anymore I rented a room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had these vivid dreams and when I woke up I knew the answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laka, there is no God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are the Gods!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She bounced up and down with the excitement
of her revelation to me. I smiled and nodded, trying to fake some level of
understanding. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Don’t
you understand?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can do what we
want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did anything that was necessary
to get what I wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt dirty of
course, at least at first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t
matter though; I was always one exploding pod away from a clean body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My clones are as free from sin as the day I
was scanned into the database.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
turned and absentmindedly picked up the scalpel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“What
about the Blood Raiders, Tasha?” I asked, as I tried to keep her talking and
distracted.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Omir’s
power and resources was the last thing I needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leads an army of fanatics dedicated to my
cause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His people believe that the blood
of clones is the most pure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course it
is!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I offered him a way to increase the
number of clones in the universe to virtually everyone, instead of a select few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon he will have so much blood and power no
leader will rival him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be aligned
with the most powerful man in the galaxy.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“All
you have to do is complete your research,” I whispered, as I realized how insanely
evil she was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Exactly,”
she said, beaming ear to ear at her new student as she walked over and slid the
scalpel down my arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I whimpered a
little louder than I needed to and watched a shiver of pleasure travel over her
body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“And
when I can offer everyone in the galaxy a viable clone I will be the wealthiest
and most powerful little God in the known universe,” she said, as she sat back down
on my lap facing me again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
leaned over and pressed my lips against hers. She kissed me back hard, forcing
her tongue into my mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she
pulled away I asked, “Why couldn’t I be in this with you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know how much I love you.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">With
a bitter laugh she said, “I gave you a choice. You chose your moral standards
over me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You stayed on that station and
defended Geklov’s people instead of coming with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a test to see if you were capable of
the spiritual enlightenment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter
how much I love you, you picked them over me!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
all made sense to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She loved me and
it was ok that she had used me, tried to kill me, and was now torturing me for
information I had offered to give her for free. She was so smart, beautiful,
and totally insane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were the best
answers I was going to get. Even in the end, no matter how dead I became on the
inside she could still hurt me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
didn’t know how much time had passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
needed to distract her for as long as I could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I leaned my head in to kiss her again, but this time she pulled
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I kissed up her chest
instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tilted her head back and
let out a sigh as she pushed the blade of the scalpel all the way into left bicep
until the metal handle hit my flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
slowly started flexing it back and forth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I let out a scream with the initial cut, and little moans each time the
blade moved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She laughed with delight each
time I made a sound.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“God,
I am going to miss you baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promise
to drag this out as long as I can.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Don’t
you want to know where the data is?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Panic squeezed at my throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
was having such a good time torturing me that she might accidently kill me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Oh,
yes I suppose we should take care of that first.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
was then that an explosion ripped into the adjoining room and gunfire filled
the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could hear members of the
Amarr defense force calling out for the people in the room to surrender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tasha jumped off of me and ran for the
door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I set there until one of the
marines came in and cleared the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
pulled out a knife and cut me free from the chair.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You
ok, Ma’am?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
love marines. “Yes, I’m ok.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He helped
me up, and even though I felt a little wobbly I was able to stand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see Jaz and Vicky through the doorway
talking to some of the station police.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tasha and two Blood Raiders were against a wall being frisked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stepped toward the door to the living room
when all hell broke loose again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
dove to the floor as more Blood Raiders spread into the living room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bullets ripped into the doorframe above me
and shards of wood filled the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
marine jumped over me into the smoke filled room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within seconds the showdown was over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up to see Tasha, running toward the
kitchen as the few remaining participants in the shootout continued to empty their
guns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
crawled into the living room to see a mess of downed troopers and raiders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vicky and Jaz were near an overturned table
helping a young marine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood grabbing
a gun from the floor and dashed toward the kitchen, adrenalin helping mask the
pain in my legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The smoke was clearing
through a private door in the kitchen that opened into the access hallway. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
stuck my head out in time to see Tasha make a right turn at the end of the corridor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard someone call my name, but I didn’t
look back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My soul purpose left in this
life was to get to Tasha and end this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
sprinted down the hall after her, slowed by my beaten body and blood loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rounded the last corner to find her waiting
for a private lift not far from the public one I had come up in from the hanger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lucky for me it wasn’t there yet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Drop
your gun and turn around,” I yelled.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
turned slowly, but kept a tight hold on her pistol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She faced me, bringing the gun level with my
chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Never
in my life would I have thought our relationship would come to this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was then I felt the doubt start to sink
into my skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t think I could
shoot her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I franticly turned to the
part of me that was a cold killer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
the pirate was just as tired as I was, and loved her too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it was time for both of us to rest. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tasha
leaned forward as though she was going to tell me a secret, “You know what I
hate most about you Lakasha?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
shook my head no.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You
always want to be the hero.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Without
a thought I let my gun drop to the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I watched her arm tense as she pulled the trigger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her shot went wide and tore into my arm near
my shoulder as her head exploded into vapor and a hole the size of a fist appeared
in her chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Confused, I stumbled
forward and stared down at her decapitated body lying on the floor.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Vicky Jackson,
you are an enemy of the Amarr State, drop you weapon and wait for security
detainment.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jazzmen Barnes,
you are an enemy of the Amarr State, drop you weapon and wait for security
detainment.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
alarms were going off. I realized someone was shaking me and pulling my
arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked over to see Vicky yelling
something at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lift had arrived
and Jaz was standing in the doorway trying to keep it from leaving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few more shakes and a rough grab at
my shredded arm I followed Vicky inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I took one more look at what was left of Tasha as the doors closed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Vicky
kept trying to talk to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was concerned
that I had lost too much blood. Something about that struck me as funny and I
started laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jaz spent the lift
ride bitching about how long it was going to take her to raise her security
status.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I could think was I should probably
shoot myself, but I didn’t know where my gun was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
the lift opened Jaz ran out toward the hanger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I slid down the wall to the floor as the room started to spin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fell into the vortex of thoughts that I had
managed to keep at bay for days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>I
struggled to breathe as the universe collapsed on top of me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
next thing I knew Vicky was on her knees in front of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She cupped my chin in her hands and pulled my
head up so I was looking into her face. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
know you have been through a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please,
for us, come on!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s just get out of
here and we can figure it all out together.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Vicky
was my friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was a Hellcat, and
she needed me to get up and go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I held
on to that thought as best I could as I tried to stand up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vicky slid
her arm under my left side and helped pull me off the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Once
we got to my pod she stood there and waited for me to plug in and close the
canopy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From there on out it was all
instinct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pod launched into space<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and I set my destination to Vit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With any luck I would die before I got there.</span></div>
</div>
Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-9704372212975051072014-01-03T01:35:00.001+00:002014-01-03T01:35:10.070+00:00Chapter 20 Showdown<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
took my time getting to Rish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even did
a little hunting along the way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
scanned out two pirates and sent one of them home in his pod and the other one back
to his clone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The combat had been
exhilarating and it reminded me how a few months ago my biggest concern was
finding the next juicy target.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
entered Rish’s system and went directly to the only station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CONCORD singed my shields a little, but did not
put up much of an effort to stop me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On
the way to the station I scanned the system out of habit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a fairly large presence of Blood Raiders
for a high security system. Hopefully that meant Tasha was still here.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
docked and prepped my ship for undock out of habit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In order to try and keep the plan on track I
waited about a half hour before I sent a message to Tasha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once that was taken care of, I hopped out of
the pod and waited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cavernous bay
was empty of people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The massive machines
that normally would have been clunking away were silent.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Before
too long, the lift opened and two Blood Raiders stepped out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put my hands in the air to let them know I
wasn’t a threat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of them marched
toward me, feet pounding the ground with a purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they got closer one pulled out a gun and
the other pulled out restraints.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
surrender,” I said, as they closed in around me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Without
warning the one holding the restraints punched me in the stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stumbled back against my pod, breath
pouring out of my lungs with a whoosh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
smiled then looked up at him waiting for the next swing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It did not come so I steadied myself and took
small breaths trying to cool the burning in my stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Put
out your hands,” he demanded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
complied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He put the restraints on then
pulled my blaster out of its holster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With a shove on my back we started toward the lift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The man with the gun kept his distance as the
other held onto my arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were not
much for conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought about
pushing their buttons a bit and seeing what kind of response I would get, but
decided to save my energy and witty comments for whoever was waiting upstairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
ride in the lift was short.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The door
opened to a large lavishly decorated hallway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To our left was a smaller hallway that looked like a maintenance
tunnel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If this station was like any
other it was actually a private entrance to the very expensive rooms that lined
the corridor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They usually included
access to a private lift to the hangers as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
a short walk we were standing outside of a door at the end of the hallway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The raider holding my arm reached forward and
hit the buzzer. The door slid open and I looked up into the eyes of Omir,
leader of the Blood Raiders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two men
pushed me in and the door slid closed with a bang.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
room was a mix between a lab and living quarters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The living room was filled with tall tables
and electronic devices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most
chilling addition to the room was Peter, tied to a chair in the corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a bloody mess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wondered how beating the poor man would help
him produce another transmitter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could
not tell if he was breathing or not.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Nice
place,” I said, looking up at Omir and giving him my best pirate smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He responded by slamming his fist into my
face with a jaw crunching pop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The world
went black for a second and when my vision returned I was on my knees on the
floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook my head trying to clear my
blurred vision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Fuck
Omir, is this how you treat all your guests?” I wheezed, and then spit a
mouthful of blood on the carpet. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Welcome
to our home, Lakasha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should make
yourself comfortable.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two raiders
behind me laughed hysterically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Omir was
quite the comedian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to be
careful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Getting myself knocked out or
killed before I had a chance to confront Tasha would do me no good.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
am here to talk to Tasha.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Why
should I stop myself from killing you right now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your blood will be pleasing to God.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Well,
it looks like Peter is not going to help you anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So unless Tasha has become an expert on
whatever it is Peter does then you are going to be short a transmitter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All that clone blood you are wanting for your
God isn’t going to happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
Peter’s data.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Give
it to me!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’m
not giving it to anyone but Tasha,” I stated, choking back fear that he would
kill me before I confronted her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“We
will see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Find her a chair in the
back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a feeling my love will
sacrifice this one in the most pleasing way.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
two men behind me grabbed an arm each and yanked me from the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The room spun enough from the movement to
make me wonder if I had a concussion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was able to walk on wobbly legs into the next room with my two jailers, yay me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inside there was a chair and two tables
filled with what looked like a mix of dental tools and surgery devices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was shoved into the chair and tied up
quickly and efficiently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sooner
than I would have liked, Omir came into the room followed by Tasha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She walked up to me, gently grabbed my chin,
and proceeded to yank my face to the left and then the right evaluating the
damage Omir had done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stepped back
shaking her head and letting out a loud sigh.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Oh
baby, why didn’t you just die?” she asked, as she stomped her foot on the
ground.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
have all of Peter’s data,” I stated, struggling to keep the anger out of my
voice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Her
eyes lit up like a child getting a gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Give it to me and maybe we can make this painless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promise hon, really.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
will give it to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just want to know
one thing.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“What’s
that hon?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“When
exactly did you become a psyco bitch?” I asked, letting the hate pour into my
words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It probably wasn’t the best move
on my part but I needed to stall as long as I could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Oh
Laka.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m so sorry we are going to have
to do this the hard way.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could tell
by the look on her face she was not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Soften
her up and come get me when she is ready to talk,” Tasha commanded, and the
Blood Raiders looked happy to comply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">With
that, she turned her back on me and headed toward the door.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“The
data is going to be released to the top three implant producers in less than
two hours,” I yelled at her back.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
lifted her hand into a little waive as she exited the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Omir turned to follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was left with my two guards and an unknown
amount of future pain.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-84588288195204344662014-01-03T01:33:00.000+00:002014-01-03T01:33:04.235+00:00Chapter 19 Tipping Point<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I woke up in the cloning
facility in Vitrauze. The last few seconds of my life were a little fuzzy, but
apparently the brain scanner had done its job and I was safe in a healed
body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thought of a healed body made
me laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t know what the laugh
sounded like, but a facility robot stopped and looked at me, then rolled
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I set outside the clone
canister in a pile of rapidly cooling goo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I should have been cold, but I did not feel the chill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I played with the thoughts in my head like
they were children’s building blocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
picked each thought up and looked at it from every angle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slowly, I rebuilt my life one block of memory
at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I had made Tasha into a
religious fanatic’s idol. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had been a
false symbol of hope, a tiny flickering candle that kept me from falling into darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter how much the storm inside me raged,
and how distant that little light seemed, it kept me alive. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">There were no words in
existence that could comfort me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
filled with a burning hatred for the only person in the universe that I loved
completely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a mix of emotions
that could not exist together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there
was something in me that had its own strength, or some kind of self-worth that I
could draw on, maybe it would be different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had been cut off from the light, and my thoughts turned to dark
places.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I drew on the dark rage
that was always boiling deep inside of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I fed little sparks of hate with memories of pain and hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The anger grew, giving me purpose and a
direction to move forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were two
opposing forces that had obtained critical mass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One way or another it had to end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would get her to tell me the truth, and
then I would either kill her, or die trying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Part of me flinched at the
thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A small weak voice told me I
would never be able to do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I knew
what I had become.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I had to do was return
to that place inside of me filled with anger and revenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would find peace in the same cold
detachment that had allowed me to butcher Geklov and Antov.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">With the decision made I
found a new source of strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled
myself from the floor and went to the shower. There, for the first time since
Tasha died, I let myself cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strangely
enough I was crying for the same reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I cried for the death of love and hope in my life. This time Tasha had
killed that part of me herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I got dressed and headed
down to my old office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The code to the
door was always the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any Hellcat,
new or old, could come here and use whatever resources that were
available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grabbed a blaster out of a weapons
bin and set down at the computer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
logged onto the network and pulled up the data Peter had given me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Peter could have been the
key to stopping this before it was too late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had not wanted to come with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He gave me all of his research without any mention of compensation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His body language had said it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was not relived when we found him; he had
been caught by someone he was not sure he trusted anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I hadn’t been in such a rush to get one
more of Tasha’s little errands done maybe I would have noticed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Peter’s data was filled
with scientific bullshit that I didn’t understand, but I didn’t need to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I needed was Tasha’s most likely
location. There were two locations mentioned repeatedly in his notes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One was a well-known Amarr vacation
spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other was a research station
on the outskirts of Amarr space, called Rish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was willing to bet that was where she was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">While I encrypted Peter’s
data and packaged it into smaller files I turned on the communicator and dialed
in Karver’s number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It did not take him
long to answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His smiling face filled
the screen and I could tell he was happy to see me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">“I heard you were dead,”
he said, with a relived laugh.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">“I am,” I said, the cold
truth seeping into my words.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">“Well, you look great for
a dead person,” he stammered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">“I need one, no make that
two more favors.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">His smile slipped fully
from his face as he looked into my eyes from unknown thousands of miles away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
started to speak twice before he managed to say, “Okay, what do you need?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I asked him to help me
verify Tasha’s location.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was the
easy part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I told him I had a
massive amount of encrypted data.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wanted it put on a secure server that only I would have access to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most importantly, his life depended on no one
being able to trace the data back to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He agreed, and we finished our business with little chatter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he told me goodbye I could tell he knew
it was for the last time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Within an hour the data
was being uploaded to the server. As soon as Karver messaged me to confirm
Tasha was at Rish station I finished my planning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I set up three messages that would
automatically be sent at 2100 the following day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The messages contained the encryption keys
for the data, and the server password. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I had a plan, but I was
going to need help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed people who
were willing to risk their life for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That list was short, only two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
sent a message to Vicky and Jazz, both prior Hellcats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The message I left was simple and explained
everything down to the last embarrassing Tasha filled detail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My pride did not matter. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I had asked for help to start with maybe I
wouldn’t have been in this mess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">They both sent me a
message back within two hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was not
surprised by Vicky’s response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vicky was
always ready for any kind of trouble she could get into.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was born to be a space marine, but due
to an unfortunate misunderstanding with a drill instructor on her first day of
training that dream had quickly gone up in flames.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Jazz on the other hand had
moved on from the Hellcats to pursue more legitimate things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had been watching her security status for
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a little shocking that she
quickly replied that she would be there as fast as she could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was good to know that I did have friends
out there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I sent them the final
details of the plan before I logged off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were in reality the backup plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everything hinged on them being where I needed them on time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If things went wrong, they were my only hope
that some kind of justice would still be served.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">After all the coordination
was done I stood and headed for the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I turned around to look at what had been my office one last time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A flood of good memories filled me and I
wished that it was enough to make me happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I turned off the light and closed the door leaving that part of my life
behind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I went to my favorite
place to eat and grabbed a little food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After that I went to my room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
seemed like once I made the decision to go find her and end this game
everything in my head quieted down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had purpose again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fell into a deep
dreamless sleep knowing that one way or another it all ended tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-26238309566380679542013-11-25T03:35:00.001+00:002013-11-25T03:35:15.569+00:00Chapter 18 Angels and Demons<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ozone and smoke filled the stairway as we hunkered against
the wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pressed my face against the
metal grating trying to get a glimpse of the fighting below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My vision was partially blocked, but my other
senses told the story of the battle raging around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stairwell reverberated with its monstrous
heartbeat. Screams mixed with the
searing sound of weapons fire gave it a mighty voice. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The odds against Blood Raiders trying to kill us on a
station twice were astronomical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
only logical explanation was Geklov had sold Tasha out in order to get safely
off the null sec station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What else
could the coward have offered the Blood Raiders?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her implant was the perfect way to give the Raiders
an unlimited supply of their most holy blood, clone blood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been in such a hurry to save her that I
missed all the signs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When was I going
to learn to slow down and think?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We have to keep moving,” I yelled over the gunfire.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think we only have one loop of stairs before the next
door,” she replied, pointing down toward the next landing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“They seem to be more interested in shooting
each other than us.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s because they want you alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as one side wins I will be dead and
you two will be captured if we don’t get the fuck out of here.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I stooped low and started working my way down the stairs.
Each step felt like a plunge down a mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If I was the only one in danger my heart wouldn't have skipped a beat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I felt responsible for both Tasha’s and
Peter’s safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sweat slid down my face as we rounded the first corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The landing was in sight, only one floor
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I took another step two Raiders
came sprinting past the landing toward us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once they saw us they drew their pistols and slowed their advance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You going to do something about that Laka?” Tasha
challenged me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah, I got it under control.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wanted both of them as close as possible so my blaster
would do the most damage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been a
long time since I tested how fast I could draw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My clone didn’t know that though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Its senses were as sharp as the day I was first scanned into the
database.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One step closer and I would
have them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The battle fell silent around me as the first Raider’s foot stepped
into range.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could hear the soft clang
of the sole of his boot as it reverberated up the stairwell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched his pupils dilate and the small
beads of sweat slide down the side of his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His arm raised and the tendons in his finger crackled as he started the
long slow pull that would send a projectile racing toward me. He didn’t know he
was already dead.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first Raider fell as my arm swung to the next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled the trigger a fraction of a second
before the other Raider’s gun let out a flash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His shot went wide as mine hit him dead in the chest. He fell forward, covering
the section of stairs not already occupied by his friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The sound of battle flooded back into my senses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could hear the voices of the men below, much
closer now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I continued forward,
crawling over the fallen Raiders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
didn’t look back to see if anyone was following.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed to get to the landing where I could
attempt to lay down cover fire if one side broke through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I could smell burning hair and feel the heat of a laser searing
the wall behind me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fixed my eyes on
the door letting it become the only object that existed in my world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took the stairs two at a time and stumbled
as my foot came down on the flat landing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Arms flailing, I danced to the door, turning in time to send a blaster
bolt into another Raider as he bound up the stairs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I strained against the door which opened with a protesting
screech.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I peeked through making sure
the hall was empty then motioned for Tasha and Peter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They practically knocked me over in their
dash out of the stairwell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tasha and I
yanked hard on the handle pulling the door closed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter hit the lock and we dashed down the
hallway.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We headed deeper into the station to stay away from the more
populated areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About a half a mile
from the stairs was a lift that would take us to the hanger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made it in a surprisingly short time
considering we were dragging a huffing Peter along with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thankfully, there was only a short wait at the lift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt some of the tension slip away once we
exited into the familiar sounds of the massive hanger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All we had to do was get in our ships and we
were home free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rushed to my pod and
reached over the side checking the arrangement of the neuroleads so I wouldn’t
knock them out of the way when I jumped in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Laka,” Tasha said from behind me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I turned and Tasha was standing there, one hand holding a
now bleeding Peter and the other holding her pistol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a flash of light and a faint smell
of smoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then fire ripped into my chest
knocking me backwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bounced off my
pod then fell to the floor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sucked in a breath but could only fill my lungs about a
quarter full before I choked on the pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My head rolled over and I looked up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tasha was standing over me with her smoking gun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sound of wheezing gasps filled the air
around me as my brain struggled with a foggy realization I had been shot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Laka, you are such a bad girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you weren’t so bad maybe security would
come help you now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many times have I
told you to be good?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pointed the
gun at my head and I closed my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Thanks for all the help, baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You took care of all the loose ends for me.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hey, stop!” someone yelled as shots ricocheted off my
pod.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I blinked, at least I thought I did, and Tasha was
gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see her in the distance standing
outside her shuttle, with what looked like two more Blood Raiders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were trying to get a struggling Peter
inside the cargo hold.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I tried to move so I could see the wound, but my body wouldn’t
cooperate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cold floor felt somehow soothing
against my skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see my blood spreading
out onto the floor in front of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
going to die on a filthy station floor, at the hands of the only person in the
universe I loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It had all been a lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With that simple revelation a veil lifted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the ways she had hurt me in the past came
flooding into my mind. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt betrayed,
but I could only be angry at myself for trusting her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would have been easy to let go and drift
away if not for a cool presence inside me that demanded to know why she had
done this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Getting inside my pod was my only chance to live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rolled my head and looked up at the five
feet between me and the inside of the pod.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I reached up and put a hand on the small ledge that circled the outside
and pulled as hard as I could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My arm
shook as I lifted one, then two feet off the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I started to grab for the ledge with my
other hand a cataclysmic spasm of pain sent me crashing back to the ground.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I landed in a heap, head sinking into a puddle of thick red
blood. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to move again, but there
was no response from my limbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now all
my concentration was being used to breathe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I could manage was short breaths;
each filled my lungs with fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
peaceful realization that I wasn’t going to make it this time fell over me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was then I heard the pounding of feet and shouts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One man passed through my field of vision
heading toward Tasha’s shuttle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another
stopped next to me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up and
decided I had to be dead because he looked like an angel. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He reached down and picked me up like I was a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hey beautiful, I’m going to put you in your
pod, okay?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I smiled at him and tried to say thanks, but instead I
coughed, sending bloody chunks flying into his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to tell him I was sorry, but the
next thing I knew I was already in the pod. All of the leads but the primary interface
was connected.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Listen cutie, I am going to finish plugging you in, but you
have got to do the rest from there, okay?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He slid in the last lead, and the sensor feed washed over
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My body became a distant ghost, and the pain
was an echo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed to hurry because
I wasn’t going to make it much longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wasn’t even sure I would make it through undock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The pod sealed and I initiated the launch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I focused on my body making sure I was still
breathing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I strained against the
weight of my chest and had to rest between each breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart was a shallow beat, and my breaths
were down to three a minute.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The pod shot out of the docking bay and I initiated the two
minute self-destruct sequence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I
switched my consciousness back to my vitals a cold numbness crept through my
mind as I realized I was not going to make it. From the cool displacement of
the sensor feed I watched as my organs started shutting down becoming flat
lines of data.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My last breath was 30
seconds ago and my heart was about to fail.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The end was almost here and I watched as a ghost in the
machine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one minute before
self-destruct a wave of acceptance washed over me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The last few years had been hell and I had just been killed by someone I
loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, I would be able to rest.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last thing I heard as my heart made one last shuttering
squeeze was the sound the target warning going off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I guess some care bears do have balls.</div>
</div>
Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-27922825986762663362013-10-06T00:44:00.001+00:002013-11-03T03:02:14.826+00:00Chpater 17 Rock and a Hard Place<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was looking forward to clearing my
mind on the long trip to Reche. Tasha however, was not going to allow that. She
went on a manic tirade from the time she left the launch tube until the final
jump to our destination. It was a sudden overload of information I could have
done without. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In a matter of a couple of hours she
caught me up on her life as a researcher. It was a dangerous world, much like
mine. There were a lot of people that made a living stealing and taking
research. Some were out for themselves, while others worked for corporations.
Murder and sabotage were tools of the trade. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I always thought of her life as
safe. Maybe it would have been if she hadn’t been so brilliant. Creating an
implant that could send data to a clone outside of a pod was the biggest
discovery since cloning became viable. The amount of money she could make would
rival the wealth of CONCORD. Whoever owned her discovery would become the
most powerful person in the known universe. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In light of this new information it
was no surprise Tasha and Peter had such an elaborate protection system in
place. One jump out from Reche she sent him a coded message. That was all the
communication they would risk. After that, if he was alive, he would meet us at
one of six locations on the station. We were going to have to split up and try
to find him as fast as we could. The idea did not sit well with me, but it was
the best idea we had.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She sent me three of the locations
and a digital photo of Peter. I made the jump to Reche station first, enjoying
CONCORDs standard pissed off response about my lawlessness. As soon as the com
channel was silent, I could feel the storm of emotions beating at the back of
my brain. For now the pod feed drowned it out. But soon it wouldn’t be there as
my shield.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I docked at the station and let the
massive machines pull me to my spot. I ran my checklists through power down and
almost suffocated in the onslaught of emotion once I disconnected from the pod.
I closed my eyes and did my best to visualize shoving the torrent of feelings
into little compartments in my mind. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was something I learned to do as a
part of my training a lifetime ago. In battle, if you lose control of your
thoughts and emotions things go bad. I managed to shove the majority of the
shit storm going on in my head into little mental rooms and slammed the doors
shut. I could feel the doors straining under the stress.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Out of habit I ran the power up
checklists to the point where I would connect my mind with the pod, and then I
jumped out. All I had to do was find Peter and get him and Tasha off the
station. Then I was getting the hell away from Tasha. I could go off somewhere
and lick my wounds. Maybe I could salvage anything that was left of my
life. At least that was the promise I made to myself to get my feet moving
towards the arms vendor near the lifts.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I purchased a DF-34 blaster at a
ridiculous price. Once that business was taken care of I headed to the lifts.
While I waited, I scanned the hanger for any signs that we might have problems.
The bay was filled with the clangs and clatter I expected from a fairly busy
station. The fact that no one was trying to kill me or kidnap me yet made me
feel pretty good about the situation. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Once the lift arrived, I checked my
communicator for the first location on the list. Ten people joined me inside
before the door closed. Only one of them grabbed my attention. He was an Amarr
pilot wearing a flight suit. He was completely plain. His average height,
weight, and face would help him blend in anywhere. Unless you had any
situational awareness what so ever. Most people don’t. </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The lift was scheduled to make a
stop a floor below my destination. I stepped off with the crowed and the man
followed. I feigned hesitation, looked up at the floor number, and then I
rushed back on the lift before the door closed. Maybe I was being paranoid, but
I had a pretty good idea that I wasn’t.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At the next floor I was off and
headed to the first location. By now Tasha would be docked and I was hoping to
find Peter before she had too much time to get into trouble. We didn’t have
time for any trouble. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The location turned out to be a bar
in the middle of a bustling bazaar. The outside was a little shady, but the
inside was relatively clean and busy. All kinds of station inhabitants were
kicking back after work and having a few drinks. I relaxed a little until I saw
the first Amarr man that looked too plain in a booth by himself. He had a buddy
at the bar.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I ignored the Amarr twins and headed
to the far side of the bar. While I waited for my drink, I alternated between
messing with my communicator and scanning the room for Peter. Half way through
the second look I saw him sitting at a booth by himself. Even if Tasha hadn’t
sent me a picture I would have known it was him instantly. He was the pasty
white cliché of a scientist sitting there nervously drinking his beer while he
subconsciously pushed up his glasses. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I sent Tasha our location and waited
for her to respond. I didn’t want to go to him too quickly in case the Amarr
men decided to try and stop me. As soon as I went to the booth they would know
I was connected with him somehow, if they didn’t already. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I waited until I got the message she
was only a few levels away, then I casually strolled over to the booth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“This seat taken?” I asked with a
wink.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Um, no. But I was just leaving,” he
said, as he started a panicked slide out of the booth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I set down next to him to stop his
escape. He retreated to the wall, fear radiating from his eyes. I put my drink
down on the table to free up my hand in case the little man got crazy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Relax, I’m here to help you get off
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I don’t want help,” voice now
raising to a panicked level. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I put my hand on his arm trying to
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Listen, keep it down. I’m here with
Tasha. She is on her way. We want to get you safely off the station.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He seemed to calm, at least he
wasn’t crawling up the wall anymore. He started to fish around in his pockets.
I tensed, readying myself to move, then immediately realized how silly that
was. He clumsily looked down as though his vision would somehow help him
find what he was digging for.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Once he found it, he looked up at me
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“<i>Please</i>, let me out of this
booth. I don’t want help. I just want to be left alone. I don’t want to help
anyone anymore. You can have all my data. Give it to Tasha, but please let me
go.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His smile was genuine, and I could tell
how innocent he was. It bothered me that this poor man had been pulled into
such a mess. I didn’t know I was capable of feeling pity anymore. Maybe I was
still human.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I opened my hand to find that he had
slipped me a micro data chip. I slipped it into my communicator in case the
fool had actually given me his research in a bar surrounded by Amarr agents.
The communicator flashed with the receipt and download message for 20
petabytes. If it wasn’t his data it was a shit ton of something. I set the communicator
for a remote upload to my computer back home in case I didn’t make it off the
station.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When I looked up, Tasha was standing
at the table. Peter slid back against the wall and any hope that had been in
his eyes disappeared. If it was possible I think he turned a brighter shade of
white.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Peter, I’m so glad we got to you
before anything bad happened,” she said, as she slid into the booth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yes, I guess that is for the best,”
he gulped.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“We need to get out of here as fast
as we can. There are two Amarr agents in the bar, and I saw one on the way up,”
I said to get us moving.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Okay, let’s head to the closest
lift,” Tasha said, sliding back out of the booth and heading toward the door. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I stood and stepped aside, allowing
a hesitating Peter to go in front of me. I didn’t like Tasha taking the lead,
but maybe it was better if I was watching our backs. I risked a quick look back
as the bar door swung shut to see the two Amarr men on the move. We didn’t have
a lot of time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tasha was already waiting at the
lift when we got there. The next car wasn’t due for two minutes and the Amarr
men were about 30 seconds away. This plan was not going to work out for us. I
grabbed Peter with one hand and Tasha with another and launched us down the
hallway toward the nearest stairwell. If the floor was set up like most
stations the emergency stairs would be around the next corner. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Laka, we need to take the lift or
we will never make it to the hanger,” she complained as I yanked her around the
next junction. She seemed to recognize my plan and protested with a shake of
her head as she sprinted toward the door. I pulled Peter at a run behind her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As she started messing with the
control panel I turned to see what kind of trouble followed. Rounding the corner,
taking their time, were three Amarr men with shit eating grins on their faces.
The one on the right pulled his stupid plain jacket back to reveal a not so plain handgun. I responded with an arrogant stare and a gesture that would make
a Minmatar slave blush.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peter slid next to Tasha and started
working on the door. I hoped between the two of them they could get it opened.
The men stopped and waited. Time was on their side, and there were probably
more of them on the way. Maybe they weren’t sure which of us they were after. I
could have shot them, but the last thing we needed was station alarms going
off. Not to mention the one or two guards who gave a fuck showing up to
add to our problems. </span></div>
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happy yelp as Tasha threw open the door and she and Peter ran inside. The three
men came sprinting toward me with determination on their faces. I made it
inside and shut the door right before the first man slammed into it knocking me
backwards onto the grating. He lost his balance and fell through the door onto
the floor. The other two men bounded in, the second falling with a sickening
thud on top of the first, and the third clearing the pileup onto the landing in
front of me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I got to my feet as he reached for
Peter and launched myself into him at knee level. He fell into the railing and
I followed, world turning end over end as we tumbled down the first set of
stairs. I tucked my head in and hoped all the way down I survived this long
enough to punch him in the face. I fell what seemed like forever, and then
slammed into the corner of the wall where the steps made their turn down toward
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Once the world stopped spinning I
looked up to see the agent, already standing near the railing, hands holding his
head. Neither of us was moving fast. I took in a deep breath and forced myself
into motion, crossing the distance between us and managing to push him with all
my weight before he knew what was coming. He tumbled over the railing and
screamed right up until a sudden silence accompanied by a thud. Either his
security status was questionable, or he didn’t die close enough to me for the
station computers to set off the alarms. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I looked up just in time to see
Tasha bend over and grab the last conscious agents head and slam it into her
knee. There was a loud crunch, and he dropped like a brick. I would have been
impressed if not for the stairwell door opening about two floors up followed by
the shouts men moving down toward our location. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tasha and Peter didn’t need any more
motivation to move quickly. Tasha sprinted by me and Peter grabbed my hand as
he passed. I looked back long enough to see a stream of agents pouring down the
stairwell. I yanked my hand lose from Peter’s and picked up the pace. The injuries
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We were pulling ahead of the agents
when the first shot burned through the banister behind me. It was followed by
two more, and I realized that the shots were coming from below. Return fire
rained down from above accompanied by the muted sound of station alarms. </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tasha and Peter stopped a few steps
below me and pushed themselves against the wall. I slipped against the next
corner and risked a look below. What I saw struck an unnatural fear in my
heart. </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What’s going on,” Tasha yelled over
the gunfire.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Blood Raiders,” I groaned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We were trapped between what looked
like a platoon of Amarr agents and at least 20 Blood Raiders. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just fucking great.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-28338267655496548672013-09-26T03:41:00.000+00:002013-09-26T03:41:52.448+00:00Chapter 16 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The woman who looked like Tasha moved toward me, and I kept
my suddenly heavy blaster leveled on her chest. She hesitated, smile slipping
from her face. I wondered if Antov made it to his gun first and I was dead. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Laka, are you going to shoot me?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It sounded like her. It had to be her, but I knew it
couldn’t be. Neurons fired at a frantic pace, trying to make what I was seeing
match the reality I knew. But I couldn’t quite put the pieces together.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Laka?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I managed a weak, “who are you?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s me, Tasha. What is wrong with you? Did he hit you on
the head?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Tasha is dead.” Saying it out loud helped solidify realty.
She was dead. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The memory of holding her
cool body and closing her eyes sprang vividly to the front of my mind. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Laka we don’t have time for this. The sensors will see him
and the police will come,” she said, an edge of tension slipping into her
voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She stepped toward me and I found the strength to point the
gun with some conviction. She hesitated again; a flash of irritation was quickly
replaced with a smile. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Of course I’m not dead Lakasha, I explained <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">everything</i> to you, “she said, now not
holding back her frustration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I went to
my clone. Isn’t that why you are here? To save me? It took you long enough.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My confidence was fading. She sounded like Tasha, and moved
like her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A locked away part of myself
start to wake from its month long sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It wanted it to be true. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Tasha was shot and killed on a station. There is no coming
back from that,” I said, confidence slipping from my voice. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Lakasha I told you when you came to null sec about my
research. The implant, it worked! It was fast enough to scan my brain and send
the information to the clone receivers.” Excitement filled her voice as she
talked about the implant. If it wasn’t Tasha, someone had figured out how to
mimic her exactly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She had told me about her research on the station. She spent
hours dragging me from one lab to the next showing me everything. I understood
that she had done something to make implants faster. She never mentioned
anything about an implant to make cloning possible outside of a pod. I would
have remembered that. That was Tasha though, always speaking in big scientific
terms in and expecting me to follow along. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I let my gun, suddenly very heavy, drop to my side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She quickly stepped around me to check on
Antov. After she bent over to check his pulse she stood and kicked him a couple
of times. Then she grabbed a bag and frantically started running around the room
packing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I walked to the couch and let gravity pull me down. If it
had been a black hole I would’ve let it consume me instead of facing the storm
of thoughts and emotions that were overtaking me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mind and soul had been void for over a
month. Every emotion I ever felt came flooding back in and it seemed like my
capacity to hold them had shrunk. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It felt like the room was collapsing on me as I set there
watching her buzz frantically around the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I tried to calm my breath before I hyperventilated or passed out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My life since Aikantoh was a flurry of rage
and blood. I had become a monster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
pushed beyond the edge of my humanity all for woman that was supposed to be
dead and was standing in front of me now. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Okay, I have everything. We need to get out of here and get
to Reche III before anyone figures out what happened. Antov wasn’t working
alone and…”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It took a second to understand what she was saying, “Why
would we go to Reche station?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She gave me that silly Lakasha smile, and for some reason it
pissed me off for the first time in my life. I felt anger shoot to my core.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used its energy to shake off the confusion and
focus on her. She seemed to recognize I was pissed but continued anyway. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Peter Crane is there. He’s my research partner. He made the
thing you thought was a blue neon light in my room. It’s the signal booster for
the implants. One or two in a city is enough to grab the data from the implant
at the exact moment of death and sling it to the clone repeaters.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My instincts told me she wasn’t telling the whole story. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either it was because she was naive enough to
think it didn’t matter, or because she was manipulating me. I realized it
wouldn’t be the first time for either. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I contacted Peter as soon as I woke up in my clone. Geklov
must have told Antov about the implant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
wanted it for himself. I’m not sure how Antov knew where my clone would wake
up, but as soon as I made the call to Peter a couple of Antovs’ friends grabbed
me. I am worried that Peter is in trouble.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The story was plausible, but her stories always were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt a dull ache inside me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a miracle Tasha was standing in front
of me. I wanted to believe her. A part of me wanted to have her back in my life
and for everything to be ok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But warning
signals were going off in my head like a target lock. For the first time that I
could remember her words did not hold the weight they used to hold. I needed
time to sort through everything. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She sighed and said, “Laka I knew you would be okay, that is
why I called you in the first place. You are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">always</i> okay. But Peter is just a scientist like me. He won't have a
chance against anyone.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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That I believed. If this man had been pulled into the vortex
that was Tasha Amira then I truly felt for him. More than once my life had
changed drastically thanks to her. My mind franticly flashed through all the
true pivot points in my life and she was always there. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I didn’t have the brain cells left to process the flood of
emotions and thoughts that were raging in my mind. Part of my mind raged
against the thick locks I had placed on my humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wanted nothing more than to hug her and
hide in the lies of the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The part
with its hope and love no longer held control, and I knew couldn’t let myself
trust Tasha, yet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I knew was for my
sanity I had to keep moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I set my blaster on the couch. Without the scram chip I
wouldn’t be able to carry it with me. The power on the chip, now sitting on top
of Antov, should hold out long enough for us to get off the planet. As long as
no one found his body and set off the alarms we would be fine. We had to get
back to the station. From there, we would see if I was willing to help her
anymore. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The sun had set and most of the commuter traffic had already
left the planet for the day by the time we made it to the transport station. We
bought tickets and found seats on the next shuttle. I picked a seat away from
her, and spent the short ride trying to untangle the web of thoughts in my
head. There was something in the back of my mind that I needed to clear a path
to. Something important, but I couldn’t quite make it spring to the front of my
thoughts. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once we were on the station we quickly bought Tasha a
shuttle and I jumped into a pod. It wasn’t until I plugged in that I knew I was
going to follow her to Reche to help Peter. I wasn’t sure if I was going to
help another poor soul who had found himself in trouble because of her, or if I
was going to keep an eye on her. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I waited for her shuttle to launch then I followed. I
initiated the launch and relaxed my control letting the pods data stream fill
my mind. It was a welcome break, deadening the storm of emotions and thoughts
flooding me. My mind was completely clear by the time the pod shot from the
launch bay. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only one thought rang though my mind;<i> had Tasha been in
the room behind me, or did she come in from outside? </i></div>
</div>
Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-75925235831139928472013-08-22T01:59:00.000+00:002013-08-22T01:59:01.026+00:00Chapter 15 Planet Side<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Severn continued
trying to burn a hole through my head with a fixed gaze. His cloudy right eye
somehow amplified the effect. His buddy Cal stood in the corner and shook his
head every time I answered a question. They were taking turns swapping good cop
bad cop roles at a nauseating speed. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I shifted
in my seat to get a better look at my new companion and old associate, Simon.
We had been isolated in the Amarr customs office for what I could only guess
was 1,000 years. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Simon’s
indifferent look was vaguely reassuring. He spent hours in customs every week
making sure a variety of goods were moved to and from the planet without
security intervention. Today, his specialty was getting me to the capital. I
was thankful that he was willing to help. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Thanks to
Karver I had a cover story for my low sec status. He fed enough information
into the network to make it look like I had been working for Geklov. In fact,
the records indicated that I had billions of ISK worth of Caldari military
weapons that I was selling to him. Geklov and his men had attacked me in a deal
gone bad and I was fortunate enough to kill them and get away. There was enough
truth mixed in to make it believable. At least I hoped so. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">A buzzer
sounded, and with a grunt Severn hauled himself off the seat and exited the
room, Cal in tow. I wanted to make a smart-ass comment to break loose the
tension wedged in my ribs, but cut the words short when I remembered the room
was probably being monitored. I settled for a long slow breath that was only a
fraction as satisfying. Simon stood and reached for the ceiling to stretch. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Is this
ever going to be over?”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“We
haven’t been at it long,” he said with a cocky grin.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I rolled
my eyes and dropped my head into my hands. The bureaucracy was mind-blowing.
The customs officers spent more time going over my paperwork than drilling me
on my security status. I glanced up to watch Simon stroll around the room like
it was his personal quarters.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“How are
we doing so far,” I asked, head weighing heavy in my hands. A little sleep
would be a requirement soon or I wouldn’t be able to focus.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“We are
not in jail, or dead. You sure you want to get to the planet this bad? It’s
probably not too late to give them your inventory and leave.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I didn’t
have any inventory, beyond the zeros and ones Karver had inserted into Jita
primary inventory system. I didn’t let Simon in on that secret though. Holding
back information was almost a professional courtesy. Plausible deniability
might save his life. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The door
opened and my two best friends almost stumbled over each other to get inside. Cal was the first to make it to his chair. He slapped my file, now about
an inch thicker, down on the table and motioned for Simon to return to his
seat. Severn hovered behind Cal near the door.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I
understand you have some inventory you would like to use to secure your visa?”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“I have a
little over 5 billion ISK worth of Caldari military weapons. I also have skills
your government might find useful.” I added the last part, desperately hoping that
was what he wanted to hear. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Return to
your rooms. We will let you know soon.” </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Within an
hour, after a promise to deliver the military equipment to Cal’s personal
hanger, I had a temporary travel visa. I would be allowed to travel the capital
city until my inventory arrived in two days. That was all the time I had to
find Antov, or persuade his cousin to tell me where he was. When the supplies
didn’t arrive security would be looking for me.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I thanked
Simon, reviewed maps of the city, and then packed. After a short nap I found
myself sandwiched between an Amarr priest and what appeared to be some kind of
hobo on the planetary transport ship. I wedged myself in a corner, making sure
that the small AT56 blaster with a sensor scram chip concealed in my waistband
wouldn’t accidentally be exposed. It was a final gift from Simon. I was on my
own from here on out. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">After
several “accidental” gropes from the priest, the transport thumped down on the
planet. I worked my way out of tube and choked in the thick atmosphere. There
was a smoky copper taste in the air that worked its way into my lungs. The
humidity fell over me like a wet blanket. Amarr was a charming place already.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I wasted
no time exiting the transport facility and heading north. My communicator kept
me pointing toward my first destination, the local Amarr defense agency. I
varied my route along the packed streets, doubling back occasionally in case I
was being followed. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I walked
up to the defense building 5 minutes before the start of the first tour. I made
a donation to the Amarr historical society and found a spot in the small crowed
gathering to see, what my research told me, was the oldest collection of Amarr
military memorabilia on the planet. A couple hundred years of relics were
inside the museum in the middle of the massive building. Having been on the
receiving end of those weapons a multitude of times I understood their
fascination. Lasers are sexy.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The tour
guide, a short Amarr woman, brought us all into the atrium. As soon as her
speech began I turned to my communicator and pulled up the floor plan. Leger
Moltov’s office was located one floor below. There were two stairwells that
connected to the area. One that led down a large hallway and one that was off
to the side. My plan was to take the first stairwell the tour passed and slip
down to his office. Karver hadn’t been able to find a recent picture of Leger
so I needed to get a good look at him. Then I could follow him when he left for
the day. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I waited
until the tour group passed the first stairwell and slipped inside. Upon
reaching the bottom I quickly headed down the corridor toward the office. About
30 feet from the door, next to a listing of building security managers and who
to contact in the event of a fire, was a group of employee pictures. Near the
bottom was a bald man with face tattoos that desperately needed touch-ups. He
looked to be about fifty. His label was “Leger Moltov Deputy Undersecretary of
Procurements”. I took a quick snapshot of the picture with my communicator and
headed toward the second set of stairs. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I made it
about half way there when the door to the office opened, the familiar voice of
Antov slithered into the hallway. He stepped out turning to say his goodbyes to
someone inside. I froze in place, willing myself not to be seen. Calm and anger
battled inside me as I resisted the urge to pull my blaster out and start
firing. I was too far away for my blaster but he was plenty close for the
carbine he liked to use. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">He turned
down the corridor away from me. Tension seeped from my legs as I turned toward
the stairs. I could beat him outside if I hurried. I sprinted up the stairs and
down the short corridor to the doors leading outside. Once I exited the
building I ducked behind a pillar near the walkway and waited. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">A short
time later he came from the door like an apparition. Dead calm overtook me and
in that moment all the anger and purpose merged into a razor sharp predatory
force. I waited until he picked a direction and fell in behind him. I didn’t
need to see him, I could feel him in the distance. When he turned to look, I
was always somewhere else. He moved slow and clumsy in my sharpened vision. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The chase
did not last long and something inside of me was sad about that. He entered a
building about three blocks from where we started. It appeared to be some kind
of government housing. I followed, allowing enough time for him to move beyond
my line of sight. Quietly entering, I reached out with my senses to find him in
the maze of hallways. I could hear footsteps toward the left hallway and I slid
along the wall carefully peeking around the corner. I didn’t move until he
entered a room halfway down the hall.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">My heart
pounded in my chest with each step toward the door. One way or another it all
ended here. I hit the buzzer and stood to the side of the door readying my
blaster. I imagined I could hear his heart beating on the other side. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The door
slid open and the second it was clear of the wall I stepped back and kicked
with all my weight into Antov. I was through the door, slamming the control
panel with my left hand, as he was still in a tumble backwards. He looked up,
knowing eyes drilling into mine. He dove away from me as I leveled the gun.
With a roll he ended up near a table, quickly reaching for something on the
other side. My gun fired before he had a chance to turn back toward me. Red
steam filled the air as he fell to the floor. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I rounded
the table and put my foot on the gun lying near him. Antov lay there, moaning.
The shot had clipped the side of his face leaving it a mushy mess, but he was
still alive. I reached down and picked up his gun, pointed it at his chest, and
pulled the trigger. When his movement stopped I let the gun fall to my side. A
dark peace fell over me. My mission was done. There was nothing left. The anger
that had fueled me slipped away. All that remained was calm nothing. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I put
Antov’s gun on the table and pulled the scram off of my blaster. I set it on
Antov hoping it would be enough to stop the security scanners from seeing a
communicator attached to someone without a pulse. If I was lucky, it would be
long enough for me to…long enough for me to do what? There was nothing left for
me to do. Everyone was finished. There was nothing left…</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">It was
then that I noticed a sound behind me. In my desire to kill Antov I forgot to
worry about who else might be in the room. I swung around ready to fire, but
stopped dead in my tracks. My stomach dropped to the floor and the room began
to spin.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Tasha?”</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-51906503072605504732013-08-10T14:46:00.000+00:002013-08-20T01:17:53.127+00:00Chapter 14 Beginning of the End<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Part III </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bulging vein in the captain’s forehead was not the only
sign of his stifled irritation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
continued to ask me questions for an hour after the debrief room cleared of my
weary compatriots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wondered briefly
if he was going to ask me to diagram the internal structures of a warp
drive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hoped he did, I could draw it
in my sleep.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He looked around noting the room was clear then said, “I
guess the only question I have left Lieutenant is what the fuck where you
thinking when you configured your ship this morning?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Were you not given an intel brief?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What kind of thick skulled, cocky stunt…”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He continued to drone and I knew he didn’t want an
answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had explained myself to the
flight chief and my instructor already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
obvious choice for the engagement based on the intelligence report was
missiles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should have orbited outside
of the pirate’s blaster range and pounded them with missiles until they
popped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what fun would that be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blasters seemed like a better test of skill
for my first combat checkride.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was exhilarating, everything I imagined and more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My instructors, playing the role of pirates,
came at me with everything they had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly,
I only had the upper hand because of my unorthodox tactics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The engagement should have ended with the
first ship destroyed before it could take a shot, and the second one chasing me
from the asteroid belt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I jumped the first pirate before the second made it to the
belt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a close fight, but I keep
an eye on my transversal and maintained optimal range, taking down the first
pirate before the second one was on top of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I turned to engage the second, my shields were almost gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second instructor was ready for my
blasters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He fought hard, but in the end
I blew up his Merlin before I lost my structure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, I was one shot away from a hull breach,
but I still won.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It makes me sick to pass you on this ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the future you will be expected to listen
to the intel and make an appropriate plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are not pirates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are the
most skilled pilots in the known universe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why are we the most skilled?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because we are the best trained and most disciplined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you cannot prove you are smart enough, and
disciplined enough, I don’t want you in my Navy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you understand?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes, sir,” I said, smile slipping across my face a little
too early.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Get out of here!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I stood and shot toward the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t wait to get downstairs and
compare notes with Tasha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My adrenalin
and excitement grew as I replayed the engagement in my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hardly noticed the corridors passing by or
the lift rides as I descended deeper into the station where the trainees
lived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 20 minutes I found myself at
the end of a long access tunnel with a particularly large window looking out into
space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It became our secret meeting
place months ago when I was assigned to help Tasha with training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was already there looking out the window.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Tasha, I had the most amazing flight,” I gushed, smiling
from ear to ear.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She turned, and in the light I could see tears streaming
down her face. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What's wrong, Tash?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She stood there trembling. I braced myself to keep from
going over to her. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I failed my checkride. I don't know what in the world I am
going to do. It was horrible.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What happened?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I jumped into the belt and the pirates were waiting for me.
The first one was on top of me before I even knew they were there. I tried to
get into range but every time I shot I missed. It is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so unfair</i>. They are trying to wash me out!” She said, wrapping her
arms around herself and staring at me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It sounds like you got out of optimal range for your
weapons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You just need...”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She stomped her foot on the ground and gave me an
exasperated look that was text book Tasha. I couldn't help but smile. When the
second look came I felt my cheeks flush and my heart start to pound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A warm emotional starburst spread out inside
of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did I have a crush on her? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When had that happened? I pressed the thought
down inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now wasn’t the time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I know what I needed to do Laka! Nothing was working right
and they were there <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so fast</i>!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I walked over and put my arms around her. She tensed for a
second and then fell into me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I held
onto her tight and ran my fingers through her hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was drenched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How long had she been crying?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled my hand away and it was covered in
blood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to step away but she
slumped against me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I squeezed my arm
around her cold body trying to help her stand back up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Tasha, there is something wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to stand up so we can see if you are
ok.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She shook her head against my chest and let out a little
laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she backed away I looked
down to see both of my hands covered in blood and thick things I didn’t want to
think about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to run but my legs
buckled and I fell to my knees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Icy panic spread down my arms and I turned my head to look
out the window into space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The window no
longer held the beautiful light of distant stars because it was covered in
flowing blood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blood was running from
the ceiling, down the walls, into the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I closed my eyes and turned my head to confront the terror
in front of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I opened them she
was standing there looking down at me eyes filled with amusement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her arms were crossed, foot poised ready to
tap the ground in the pose I so often remembered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was too white and her smile was a fraction
wider than humanly possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blood
poured out of her eyes and the corners of her mouth. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You think too much
Laka.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She stepped toward me and I awoke to the buzz of an incoming
communication blaring inside my skull.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
almost ripped myself loose from the pod before I realized what was happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gasped for air and the pods life support
system relayed somewhere in my mind that it was compensating for my increased
respiration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A thousand other feeds
burned through my mind at an almost maddening pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Instinct built from thousands of hours of training kicked in
and I mentally sent out the command to deaden the information stream bringing
it to a manageable level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fell back
into my seat, panting and trying to get my bearings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slowly, the lightning storm in my head
subsided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I didn’t know how long I had been asleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time between sleep had become longer the more
I stayed in my pod.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The need for sleep
is masked when you are attached to the machine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You can drive yourself to exhaustion without noticing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dying of dehydration or lack of food is a
real possibility too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to take care
of myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be embarrassing to
starve to death in a perfectly good pod while Antov was out there
somewhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had been trying to chase down Antov for over a month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About
a week into my quest I resigned from my corporation and alliance. I couldn’t
lead them anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After Tasha's death I
didn't think it would bother me. But giving up the corporation had been
painful.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Antov had turned into a ghost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every time I was close he became vapor and
slipped through my hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was starting
to question if he ever really existed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
here I was, pushing my body to its limits inside a pod, with a single
unfulfilled purpose to kill a man I could not find. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The death incarnate feeling had long since faded. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I was running on anger and hatred. It was more
than enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, as the feeling of
being a god left me I had to give into the fact that I was a mere mortal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was mortal who had given into a dark side
that I always resisted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I shook away all thoughts of morality and tuned back into to
the pods information feeds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were a
lot of messages waiting for me, but only one I cared about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cued it up and waited for the playback to
start.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lakasha, this is
Karver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Call me back as soon as you get
this.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Surprisingly enough I found help where I never expected.
Karver had become so interested in the spoofed Titan transponder readings that he
kept digging until he found the Titans belonged to the Amarr government. Now he
couldn’t seem to stop himself from digging deeper into my grave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t so naïve to think that if someone
traced all of his hacking attempts it wouldn’t come back to me though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn't care as long as I found Antov.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever happened after that was irrelevant.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I opened up the communications channel and punched in
Karver's access code. After a few minutes he answered</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see you’re awake.
I have exciting news.” <span style="color: red;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well, don't hold back let’s hear what you found”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“While you have been
having dreams of me I have been busy running thousands of data link
searches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you understood the
complexity of the algorithms you would see my genius.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You are a very smart man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That is why I’m starting to like you so much.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t a lie, the slug of a man had
started to grow on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But I was tired and frustrated so my patience for his ego stroking were
growing thin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is this getting
somewhere?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well, my frustrating friend, yes it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cross referenced all the known Raiders,
members of Geklov’s corporation, and anyone who would have Titan access in the Amarr
government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t find any
correlation until six hours ago.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You have my attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Go on.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Antov Romanski has a cousin high up in the Amarr
government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His name is Leger Moltov,
and he is the Deputy War Minster of the Amarr Empire.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the first time in a long time I smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It looked like I was heading to Amarr
Prime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
</div>
Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-25640282557188143142013-06-06T01:10:00.000+00:002013-06-06T01:10:06.608+00:00Chapter 13 Judgement<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I tried to analyze the peace that had fallen over me as I
made my way back to the lifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout
my life I felt as though I was at odds with the universe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My soul vibrated at a slightly different
frequency then the rest of existence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now everything shifted into perfect harmony with the universe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I surrendered myself to the moment and in return a divine
peace fell over me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a charter from
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the rage and pain that had
fueled me was now a burning arrow of light made to destroy my enemies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a zealot, anointed by god with Tasha’s
blood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wore Tasha’s blood as my sigil
as I went to take care of the person responsible for her death.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People saw me and cowered to the side. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I noticed everything; a security guard watching
me, a man talking to his wife, a mother gathering her kids and running down the
hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like the hyperawareness that came from
being plugged into my pod.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I walked to the lift and waited. The corridor that had been
packed earlier was now practically deserted. Those who had been waiting for the
lift when I arrived suddenly found they had something to do elsewhere. I turned and stared down the security guard
who had been following me. He nodded politely and walked by continuing down the
corridor. Going home tonight was more important than his shitty salary. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
As I waited, the last few hours played through my head. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>The whole setup had been a masterful plan created to inflict the most
pain possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Geklov had brought me to
his office, intentionally separating me from Tasha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Allowing
me to believe until the end that there was a chance she would be alright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been wrong about his motivation
and what he wanted. He wanted to make an example. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The lift opened and I strode in. Of the four other
passengers, three immediately decided to leave. The forth was a young Caldari
man dressed in a leather jacket and weathered jeans. His face was full of metal
piercings and an Amarr tattoos covered his face. I smiled coldly as he tried to
stare me down. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the next stop he got
off.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I exited on Geklov’s floor, people loitering around the
lift made a path for me. I fed off their fear as I stalked down the
corridor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is how it always should
have been. I have spent too much time thinking about right and wrong living up
to a self-imposed code of honor. Now I realized I had put those standards in
place to keep myself in check. Without those controls, I could unleash who I
really was. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I walked to Geklov's office. I was in no hurry, he would be there.
It was the will of the universe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I
turned the final corridor I could see someone standing guard outside. As I got closer,
I could see it was Herrier. I slid my hand down to my blaster as I continued my
stride towards the door. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did the
same. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His eyes searched my soul as I
fixed him in my gaze; confusion, followed by dawning realization spread across
his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was ready, but he nodded and put his hands in the air as
he conceded, “He’s fucked up too many times and is way behind on his payments.
I quit.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He retreated, keeping his hands in the air and eyes on me. I
let him go. I never had a problem with him. We worked well together in the
fight against the Blood Raiders. He was a good man as far as mercenaries go and
I didn't feel any purpose would be served by killing him today. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hit the panel beside the door and heard the click of the
locking mechanism. I entered and waited for the door to close behind me. Geklov
was standing in the office in front of his desk. If he was surprised by my
entrance I couldn’t tell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn't say
anything as turned and locked the door. When I turned around, he had scurried to
his chair.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Lakasha, I don't know what has happened but I assure you we
can work together to fix whatever is wrong.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was using his most charming corporate
leadership voice. The same voice he had used to convince all of his corporation
members that the Blood Raiders would not harm them. Lies of course. They were spared
because some stood up and sacrificed themselves while Geklov worked a deal to
flee like a coward.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maintaining my own calm, I walked around the furniture and
started up the steps. By the time I reached the top, he was cowering in his
chair. I felt the anger explode inside me as I watched the slug take in a
quivering breath. The anger didn’t make it to my face. Finally, I had mastered
the fine art of concealing my feelings. Too bad it had taken so much pain to
learn.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Tell me what has happened and I will do what I can to fix
this. Did Antov do something?” I could tell by the way his body flinched he was
hitting the panic button on the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
tensed as he prepared to dive under the desk. I stood, hands crossed over my
chest, and waited for him to realize that no one was coming to help. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a few uncomfortable seconds, his right hand started to
fidget under the desk. I realized he probably had some kind of weapon concealed
there. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This desk that would protect him
from a bomb blast also protected me from the gun unless it had some kind of
unarmored area to penetrate. I stepped slightly to my right just in case. If he
was going to shoot me he would have to bring the weapon up over the desk. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Did you kill Herrier, Lakasha? Is that what all of the
blood is from?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don't worry, I am not mad
about it-- if that is the case. Whatever this is about, I am willing to work it
all out.” His hand continued to fidget under the desk while he tried to calm me
down.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I slid my hand down to my blaster and watched his eyes
double in size. Everything happened in slow motion after that. His hand appeared
from behind the desk gripping a small nickel plated carbine. As the gun came
out and leveled on me his hand exploded in a mess of blood, clumps, and steam.
It reminded me of a geyser. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Geklov's screams brought me out of my time-slowed trance. He
pulled the stump of his right arm up against his chest and held it with his
left. I looked down to see my blaster out and pointed at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He rocked back and forth in the chair screaming
with each jerky movement. I waited for him to notice he was still alive and
that I was still there.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He looked up at me with complete terror in his eyes. At
first I didn't think he registered what was going on but then he tried to talk.
Each time he opened his mouth, only a loud moan came out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He placed his left hand on the desk, using it
to try and stand. He managed to make it to his feet but he slumped over the
desk.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Please Lakasha, my men will be here soon. Just leave, I
will let you go,” he cried out. I stood there and watched the once mighty man
bleed all over his table. It was satisfying. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He couldn't fight anymore and his men never showed up so he
started walking around the desk. Once he arrived at the front he stopped and
took a breath. He never once looked at me. I could tell he was lost in his own
thoughts and pain. I was not going to let him slip away so easy. He was going
to suffer right up until the end.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I waited until he had covered half the distance from the
desk to the steps to the living area and walked up behind him. He barely
shuffled his feet more than a foot at a time. I watched each foot hit the
ground and waited for him to shift his weight forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I brought my foot up and slammed it into the
back of his knee with my steel toed boot; trying to drive my foot through the
floor. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was a satisfying crunch as Geklov's knee slammed into
the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His body followed, arms
flailing. He screeched like a wounded rabbit caught in a trap. I stood above
him and watched the show. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Please let me go!” he screamed in agony.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You are a disease, Geklov. Turn over!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He didn't move and his pleas grated on my nerves. He was
begging to live after being willing to sacrifice so many. Who knew how many
people had died in his quest for power? I wondered for a moment if Tasha had
begged for her life too, or if she had even been given the option. Even if she had,
the result was the same. She was dead, and I would allow him the same mercy
that he had shown so many others.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He refused to turn over so I kicked him in the ribs repeatedly.
I couldn't hear any of them snapping but each kick felt a little mushier.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Turn the fuck over!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh god, oh god”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I knelt down beside his head and ran my fingers through his
blood soaked hair. “Prayers won't help. God sent me.” I growled as I yanked
back on his head. He screamed for someone to help.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I stood, releasing his disgusting head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tried to turn over, pushing at the floor
with his left hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He made it about
half way and then fell back on his face. He pushed up again and this time I
caught his chest with the toe of my boot and pushed him over on his back. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was a pool of blood where his right arm had lain beneath
him. One knee was crushed, and it looked like he had managed to break his nose
when he fell on the floor. There couldn't have been much life left in him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think he knew that too because in that
moment his eyes cleared as he tried one last time to negotiate for his life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Please...<span style="color: red;"></span>Lakasha. It's not
too late. I will let you go. Just call the paramedics and leave.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I stared down at him and placed a foot on each side of his
body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rage burned through me as the peace
evaporated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The purpose that had filled
me fled and I realized that all of this pain I was inflicting was my doing. No
higher purpose was being served. In this moment, I had become one of the monsters
I despised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn't bother me at all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I dropped to my knees and brought my gun to his head. His
eyes widened and I thought for a second he was going to pass out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I will give you anything. You and Tasha can go; you can
have money or whatever you want. Please you can have everything!” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was bargaining with what he had taken away.
He was losing his mind before I got a chance to make him suffer to the end.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I set down on him and ground myself into his midsection.
“Mutually pleasing, Geklov?” I asked. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leaning forward I grabbed his chin with my left hand. He
jerked his head away fixing his eyes on the wall. I dug my fingers into the
spot where his jaw connected to his skull with the intent of separating it at
the joint if he didn't look at me. He tried to resist, but the pain was overwhelming
and he found himself looking into my eyes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I forced his mouth open with my fingers and slid the barrel
of the blaster in as slow as I could. He mumbled something around the barrel,
teeth clicking against the cold metal. I pushed the blaster to the back of his
mouth until it hit something solid. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A wet gag was the last sound he made as I turned my head and
pulled the trigger. There was a loud blast followed by the burn of vaporized
blood along the side of my face. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I stood up and continued to shoot. Each blaster bolt tore
into his chest, sending clumps of goo and shards of bone into the air along
with sprays of bloody vapor. I shot repeatedly until the blaster charge was
gone. Eventually I realized I was dry firing and let the blaster drop to my
side. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Lakasha Nachthexen you are an enemy of the Caldari State,
drop your weapon and wait for security detainment</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I caught my breath while I observed what remained of Geklov.
His torso was, for the most part, ripped to shreds. The most disturbing part of
his remains, for some reason, was a ribbon of flesh and muscle that ran along
what use to be his side up to what was left of his right arm. There was enough
left to remind your brain that the mess in the floor was a body. No matter how
much I tried I couldn't stop my brain from wanting to reassemble the corpse. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I walked away from the body and stepped into the living area.
Across the room was a full length mirror. I didn't recognize the person in the
reflection. She was completely covered in blood from the top of her head to her
boots. Large chunks of gunk clung to her hair and face. The only thing that
wasn't red was her teeth. The teeth were visible because of the maniacal grin. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eventually, I walked toward the door and headed for my ship.
Killing Geklov would have made my security status drop well below what I needed
to be in this system. I would have to be careful. I was covered in blood, and
chunks of brain and flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a
chance that someone might decide to stop me. They would die if they tried.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I saw no one on the trip back to my ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was waiting and ready for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly ran the checklists, ejected my pod,
and accelerated out of the hanger into space.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One down, one to go. </div>
</div>
Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-45445724089275966382013-02-14T05:09:00.001+00:002013-02-14T05:09:52.000+00:00Chapter 12 Into the Darkness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">I stood inside the doorway as my eyes adjusted to the
darkness. The only light was coming from the ridiculous blue neon sign. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The top was now dark, sparks cascading to the
floor and smoke rolling from the back. Several of the paintings were on the
floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the chairs near the wall
was broken. The wall around the couch, near the sign, was covered in what
looked like dark paint. </span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">My body trembled. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An
icy hand griped at my heart, leaving me with the impulse to turn and run from
the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A small voice in the back of
my head kept telling me I didn't have to go any further. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could call security and they would take care
of things for me. </span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">“Tasha?” It was almost a whisper. It was all I could do to
push it out of my throat. I stopped and waited for a response. I didn't want to
move around the couch. If she would answer I wouldn't have to go any farther. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">The
only response I received was the erratic low buzz of the dying light. Maybe she
was in the bedroom. I would walk around the couch and go to her room. Maybe she
was sleeping.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">I took a breath and closed my eyes trying to steady myself.
Once I opened them again I slowly walked toward the couch. I kept my eyes high
above the paint splatters on the wall, focusing on the door to her room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I forced each heavy step, one after another,
until I made it to the end of the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">As I stepped around the couch I saw her. She was on her side
lying on the floor. Her left arm was up over her face and the right was lying at
an angle behind her. Her hair was damp, wrapped like vines around her head and
arm. I fixated on her hair, using it like a life preserver keeping my mind afloat instead of noticing the giant
wave about to crash down on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">“Tash, why is your hair messed up?”</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">Her hair was never messed up, never. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The little voice spoke again telling me if her
hair was messed up maybe she was hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then it was like time started again. I sucked in air not realizing I had
been holding my breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My blaster
slipped from my hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dropped hard to
my knees, the impact jarring me all the way up my spine to my head. </span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">I reached out a shaky hand and moved her arm from her face. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was a little cooler then she should have
been and her hair was wet. I pulled my hand away and looked down to find dark
black liquid on my fingers. It was blood. </span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">She was hurt and I needed to find out where. I was moving at
a frantic pace now, using both hands to search through her hair and find where
she was bleeding, but there was nothing. I stared at her quite face, afraid to
look anywhere else or this might become real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">I tore my eyes away allowing them to track down her neck to
her chest and that is where I found it. There was a black spot on her shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was no bigger than the diameter of my
thumb an inch below her heart. I pushed one hand against her chest to put
pressure on the wound and the other on her shoulder to pull her toward me. If
there was an entrance wound there might be an exit wound. </span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">I pulled at her shoulder and her limp body fell against my
legs. There was an exit wound on her back, and it was the size of my fist. It
took a second for my eyes to register what I was seeing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a mass of dark black clumps clinging
to where the bullet had exited her body.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">As the wave of reality crashed down I screamed as loud as I could.
I reached up under her arm and pulled her against me as I sat all the way down
on the floor. I wrapped both of my arms around her and held her to me as if we
were hugging. Her head fell to the side and I slid a hand up to hold her face
against mine.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">I screamed and screamed. Anger filled each of my breaths and
ripped out of my body. My mind was on fire with rage. The only thing in the
universe that had ever mattered to me was her, and someone had taken her from
me. With each shuddering scream anger poured from me into the room and out into
the hallway. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My body trembled with each
heaving breath and I could feel a part of myself, the part that had emotion and
compassion, drain out as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">Eventually, I didn't have the voice left to scream. A dry
whimper was all that was left. I reached over and picked up my blaster with the
hand that I had wrapped around Tasha's waist. Then, holding her with the other,
I slowly started pulling both of us back to the wall. I struggled with her limp
body as I got closer to the wall. I put the blaster back down so I could use
both arms to pull her back.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">My back hit the wall and I pulled her up against my chest. I
rested her head against mine then reached down to pick up my blaster with my
left hand. I held her against me and silently cried. Hot tears poured down my
face washing the last parts of me away with them. </span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">A thousand thoughts fled from my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Memories of the laughs and love that I held
close, so no one could see how much they meant, poured out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remembered every second of my time with
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A time before my life had become
dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As each coveted memory tore away,
they left a dark place behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">I could have saved her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The weight of that knowledge in my moment of grief was crushing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a brief second I thought about pulling my
blaster up to my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could almost
feel its cold metal against my temple. Once, not so long ago, I stood on the edge
of the abyss looking up toward happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She had represented that happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I chose to plunge into the darkness then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I embraced that decision now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was all I had left to keep me afloat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">I held her until she was cold, occasionally kissing the top
of her head. I could taste her blood each time. I didn't think anymore, because
there was nothing left to think about. </span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">From where we were sitting I could see out the open door.
Occasionally people would walk by, look into the darkness, and leave. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one point, two security guards looked in
then walked on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched the scene
outside in a detached sort of way. Life was going on outside the door. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything inside was dead.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">Time passed and I noticed more people crossing outside of
the doorway. I could feel that warm familiar feeling of anger as it started smolder.
Life was going on outside the door and it wasn't fair. The only bright spot in
my universe was gone. My life had ended with hers; someone had taken it from
us. The anger built until it was an inferno. I knew what I had to do before I
slipped away. There were people that would pay for this. </span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">I closed my eyes and hugged her close one last time. Then I
carefully slid her to the floor beside me. I pulled her hair out of her face
and gently closed her eyes so she could rest. Then I leaned over and kissed her
cold lips. </span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">As I stood I looked at her one last time then turned for the
door. Inside the room was death, I was death. The cold calm that was the pirate
had slipped over me as I sat in the room and mourned. Honestly, I didn't
remember ever being anything else but the pirate. A few of my friends used to
look at me when I was really pissed and joke that I looked like death. Turns
out they were right. That is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">exactly</i>
what I was.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">I walked to the door, excited that I was about to be turned
loose on the living world. I was free now, released from all the things that
had made me Lakasha Nachthexen. All that was left was the cold, calculating,
death dealing pirate. It was a side of me that I had always managed to keep in
check. Now it was free. God help anyone who got in my way.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="background-color: black;">A smile spread across my face and I stepped into the light. </span></span></div>
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Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-53274635617303034682012-12-14T03:43:00.000+00:002012-12-14T03:43:04.877+00:00Chapter 11 The Long Walk Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I didn't give Geklov a second look as I turned and ran.
He could have shot me in the back and I didn't care. I bounded around the
haphazardly placed furniture, trying to get to the door. My heart was pounding and the world inched by around me. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I looked up to see the door already open, Herrier standing
well in the room gun in hand. It occurred to me for a second that maybe Geklov
had hit the panic button when I stood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
kept running, now at full speed toward the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Herrier stood to the side clearing my way.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Please let her be
okay.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The hall was empty in the area where the office was, but
as I got close to the main corridor it was packed. Distracted by my thoughts, I
ran into one of the men standing at the back of the long line waiting for the
lift. We both fell hard and I bounced off the floor into the metal wall of the
station. Pain shot from somewhere around my ear all the way down my neck. The
world got dark, but I managed to shake it off enough to put my hand against the
wall and work my way up while the darkness cleared. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Once I stood the world slowly came back into focus. The
man was still on the ground grabbing for some paperwork and letting out a
stream of obscenities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to understand
the scene around me but my brain was having a hard time processing the information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I
could feel was my pounding heart and a cold panic that was radiating from my
core.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
People were grabbing at me. Some were making sure I was
okay and the others seemed to be pissed at how I was behaving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shook the hands off and let out a scream.
The ones closest to me backed away and I felt like I could get some air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started to move forward again. Unable to
run quite yet, I wormed my way a considerable distance to the front of the line.
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I pushed the button and looked at the status monitor. The
closest lift was eleven floors away. I managed to gather myself enough to ask,
“When is the lift due back?” I didn't ask anyone in particular, there were
people all around. None of them had witnessed me crashing into the man half a
corridor back. All they could see was a flushed, out of breath Caldari woman
with a blaster.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
“It isn't due for ten minutes. It is on the up cycle. Not
that I am sure which way you are going,” a young man in a business suit said cautiously.
I did some quick math and decided it would be at least thirty minutes before I
could make it back down to Tasha's level.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I turned and headed for the access corridor where the
stairs were. I pushed my way through a crowed that seemed to be getting stirred
up. Strange events will do that. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People
do the same thing every day for years than one crazy Caldari woman acts strange
and everyone starts to get worried. Next thing you know there is a riot or
someone is beat to death for no good reason.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I didn't stay in the crowed long enough for it to get too
bad. Before the crowed was too stirred up I was clear of the majority of the
people and running down the access corridor. Several people shouted for me to
stop, one might have been a security officer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn't have time to stop and figure it out.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The door to the stairs was right in front of me. I
slammed into it thinking it would open and I would be free to run down to
Tasha's level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was locked, so instead
of bounding through an open door I bounced off of it and fell about five feet
back on my ass. It was the second time I found myself on the floor, almost
knocked out, since I left Geklov's office. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I lay there, looking up at the ceiling. If I didn't get
in control of the panic I was going to be knocked unconscious before I got
close to her floor. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would be of no use
to her in this state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would run head
first into Antov and his carbine. That would be the end of us for sure. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself. The
station alarms were now silent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could
hear the rapid thump of feet coming up behind me. I set up and tried to calm my
pounding heart with a couple of long slow breaths. It seemed to help, but the
feeling that I needed to vomit did not go away. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
“Ma'am, are you okay,” a voice said from behind me. I
turned my head to see a young security guard standing a few feet away. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
“I need to get to my friend. She may be hurt and she is
five levels below. I need to get into this stairway.” He nodded and walked
toward the door. He didn't even question my sensibility. Maybe it was the way I
looked or maybe he was afraid of what might happen if he didn't let me in the
stairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He entered a code in the keypad
by the door. The door clicked and then he held it open for me. I took one last
breath and stood. I walked slowly over to the door and put my hand on his
shoulder. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
“I put in the code so the alarm doesn't go off. Good luck
ma'am.”</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I gave his shoulder a squeeze, “Thank you”.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Then I was off down the stairs. Five levels of space
station are not the same as a five story building. It was going to take me
every bit of ten minutes to get to the right floor. I tried to calm myself and
was careful negotiating the stairs. Time slowed again, and each step seemed to
take minutes instead of seconds. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Please let her be
okay.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
After what seemed like an hour I made it to the exit.
Something inside of me changed as I walked out the door. A moment of calm
washed over me. It was the pirate trying to tell me something.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Antov could still be around. I had to be careful and not
draw attention to myself. I picked up my pace maintaining a quick walk as I
headed for the main corridor. I worked my way into the crowed, which was as
busy on this level as it was on the office level. I carefully scanned for
threats as I worked my way through to the other side of the lifts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No sight of anyone I knew in the crowed. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As I got closer to Tasha's room the feeling of dread
started to seep back in. There was nothing I could do to stop it. I started a
fast jog down the last quarter of a mile to her room. The hall was empty,
except for the occasional man or woman leaving their rooms and heading the
opposite direction.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I slowed before I got to her room and pulled out my
blaster. I made myself concentrate and walked slowly to the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was already open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put
my back against the wall and made a quick look into the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was nothing to see, it was completely
black other than the flickering blue light of the neon sign. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I couldn't make myself wait. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Please God, let her
be okay.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I took a deep breath and walked into the darkness.</div>
</div>
Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-24674837565786669382012-10-10T23:05:00.000+00:002012-10-10T23:05:14.605+00:00Chapter 10.5<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I walked up to the desk eyeing both of his hands on the
table. The desktop was large with a marble finish. Recessed in the table near
Geklov's hands was a computer control panel. There would be a panic switch on
the floor. Hell, his foot was probably on it right now. There would also be
security cameras and listening devices. They would come in handy for blackmail
or gathering information from his associates. Information is as valuable as any
other asset if you know how to use it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Now, have a seat. No need to look so uncomfortable. We are
both friends here, yes?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I plopped down in the seat feigning indifference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leaned against the left arm rest so I could
easily grab my blaster from its holster. “It’s good to see you made it
back here Geklov. I was worried for your safety when you left the party early.
It would’ve been a shame not to be able to finish our negotiations.” I did
everything I could to keep the anger from seeping into my voice.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I found an opportunity to leave safely and I took it, of
course. It was fairly time sensitive. Trust me when I say if there had been
time I would have taken you with me as well.” His words rang true but there was
something in his eyes that said he was laughing his ass off on the inside. My
heart sank a little. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have pretty good intuition and suddenly I felt way out of
my league. It wasn't a common feeling, but there it was in the pit of my
stomach. It wasn't what he said that was picking at my emotional strings. There
was something about that quick look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was the look a parent who already knew what the outcome of a conversation was
going to be. He would let me have my say and let me think that it might make a
difference, and it would, as long as what I had to say lined up with what he
wanted. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The voice in me that speaks on instinct was whispering in my
ear telling me to pull my blaster out and blow his head off before this went
any further. There was something wrong, and it was time to kill and run.
I couldn’t listen because I had to find a way to get Tasha out of this. I
pushed the small seed of panic deep inside and tried to focus on Geklov. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Okay, let’s just get to the point. I am here to negotiate
for Tasha. I would like to get her out of whatever contract and debt she owes
to you.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes of course, but you understand that there are two
problems with this. One, Tasha is a very valuable asset regardless of the large
amount of pain and suffering she has brought on this corporation. She is
brilliant and I would expect her discoveries to be worth quite a lot of money
in the future. The second, it is hard to find such a high quality piece of ass,
if you know what I mean. Oh, course you know what I mean,” he said, with a huge
smile on his face. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I grabbed the armrest and straightened myself in the chair
using the movement to mask the anger and accompanying disgust that shot through
my body. It took all the strength I had to keep sitting. I shoved
the feelings deep inside but they fed the fire that was already turning into an
inferno.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I managed to keep my smile in place and fixe my eyes on
his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was trying to make me angry, but
why? What could he gain if I got so pissed I tried to kill him or gave up and left.
There was something I was missing and I needed to figure it out fast.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I did my best to ignore his last statement and tried
shifting my strategies. I was good at negotiating and taking
people’s money. I couldn’t let him get to me. If I didn’t get control of
this fast everything was lost.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don't get it, I am here to offer you a large sum of money
and take a troublemaker off your hands. Why are you trying to piss me
off?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He smiled at me with that knowing look again, “It is good to
test a new associate’s temper, Lakasha. The way I see it, you and I are going
to be working together for a very long time. It is good to know you can control
yourself.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m not sure where this idea of us working together came
from. But yeah, I can be plenty professional. I’m going to say this one time. I
came here to pay off Tasha's debts and take her with me. Not to interview for a
job.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That is unfortunate, because Tasha's debts must be paid,
and make no mistake I will get the money out of her one way or another.” He
smiled a sick little smile, pausing for effect, “But her contract, as you call
it, is not for sale. The best you can do is reduce the payback she owes me.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As my mind started to piece together the enormity of the
situation I had gotten myself into my right hand involuntarily slid down toward
the blaster. The angry fire that had started in my stomach, contained up
until now, burned bright. I was kidding myself when I came here so unprepared.
It would have been better to bring some friends and put Tasha into hiding while
I splattered his head all over the wall.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Okay. If that is how you see it I won't press that point
right now. How much money does Tasha owe you? I want a straight number Geklov,
no coming back later and changing it up. If I paid off all of her debts how
much would she owe you?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh, I think a good estimate would be twenty billion.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He was fucking serious. I could tell by the look on his
face. I almost asked him to repeat it to be sure but I knew it wouldn't do any
good.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Twenty billion seems a little steep for a couple of labs
and a small scientific outpost. I mean, I saw that thing myself. There is no
way that it cost anywhere near a billion.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well of course it didn't, but since we will be working
together let me give you a little lesson on business. She owes me for all of
the minerals and supplies used in her research that we will get no income from
because of the loss of the labs. She owes all of the people that provided
either scientific expertise or mined and transported the minerals she was
using. She owes me for the alliance I put together with the Brothers of Death.
Then, there is the issue of all of the future lost revenue from the ships
destroyed and the members who left the corporation after the unfortunate
incident with the Blood Raiders.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What a complete shit bag. He hadn't even used the money to
gain an alliance with the Brothers of Death. That was the reason I had gone
down to the research stations to start with. The people who lost ships were
reimbursed by their own insurance contracts not to mention part of flying in
space is losing ships. Almost everything that happened at the research station
was one hundred percent Geklov's fault. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then he wanted money for any future loss of income? Hell, he
could put any number on that he wanted. There was no way to prove him wrong. It
dawned on me again that he had no intention of letting Tasha or even me out of
this. As long as he knew how much I cared about her he had me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I think it’s a little unreasonable of a number, let’s say
seven billion in lost revenue. We don't even know if her invention was going to
work.” It was something to keep the conversation going as the dark truth of the
situation started to reveal itself. My own arrogance made me think I had
some power to negotiate. I was too used to dealing with pirates and a
ridiculous self-imposed honor code. `</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now I understood the look in Geklov’s eyes.
There were only two options. The first, he would taunt me into
trying to kill him then dive under the table. Herrier would kill me, and
he would still have Tasha with no one to get in his way. The second
option was I cared enough about Tasha to be blackmailed into giving him control
of all my assets including myself and my corporation. I had nothing to
bargain with. Anxiety gripped at my heart as a trapped feeling fell over
me. Then, there was a welcome nothingness as the pirate took over.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don't think it’s unreasonable at all. There are plenty of
records of sales when other businesses have discovered new implant technology.
To tell the truth, I was expecting a fifty billion ISK profit selling the
invention to the implant industry.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How about I give you three billion and you let us walk out
of here?” I said in a cold voice I rarely heard outside of my mind.
I focused on him, death in my eyes, and he lost a little of his
smile. This was the decision point he was waiting for and knew he had
me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“How about you give me five billion and sign a contract to
work for me, Lakasha. There are many things I could do with someone of your
particular skills. I am not blind to the fact that you helped my people escape
the Blood Raider invasion. I am also not blind to the fact that you are a very
beautiful woman.” I swear he licked his lips a little and I almost ended him
right then. “Besides, think of how great it will be to work hand in hand with
Tasha each day, fulfilling <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">whatever</i>
needs I may have.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I stood so fast the chair shot off behind me and clanged
down the steps. I slammed both of my hands flat on the desk. They would have
been around his neck but I couldn't reach him. I leaned over the desk and
looked into his eyes, “You listen to me. You are going to take the three
billion and...”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Something was buzzing just outside my mind. I was so caught
up in the anger of the moment I missed the station alarms going off. I looked
up, clearing the rage enough to listen, and then my heart stopped.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The loud speakers were blaring, “<i>Antov Romanski you are
an enemy of the Caldari State, drop your weapon and wait for security
detainment”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Antov was Geklov's number one bodyguard and lackey. I had to
get to Tasha...</div>
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Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-59860256881110453372012-08-28T04:58:00.000+00:002012-08-28T04:58:50.994+00:00Chapter 10 Negotiations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I watched Tasha close the door, satisfied only after the lights
on the panel changed indicating it was locked. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Then I headed back down the hallway toward the
main lifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is where I would find a
public computer terminal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to
get some information before I went storming into Geklov’s office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like before, the area became more congested with people the closer
I got to the lifts. People lived on stations for a variety of reasons. Some came
because it was where their corporation was based. Many more came because of the
job opportunities and the chance to be away from the political situations on
the planets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the illusion of a
better life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Politics and religion still
reached to the stations but it was an easier place to hide from it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had a message from Pelton on my communicator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I checked it as I headed for a station public
terminal bank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He left me the location
of Geklov’s office and a reminder to come as soon as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I memorized the office location and stepped
up to the nearest terminal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I let the terminal interface with my communications band and
paid for local access. Some of the data was free, but anything good was going
to cost me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the scan was complete,
the welcome screen popped up and provided me with my current location and the
environmental settings for this particular area of the station. I quickly typed
in Geklov's corporation name and waited for a response. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually all of the corporation’s
information that was available through public channels filled the screen.
Currently there were one-hundred and fifty-two members. They were recruiting
pilots that could fly Jump Freighters and Capital Industrial Ships. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I called up the station schematics and plotted multiple
routes between Tasha’s room, Geklov’s office, and the docking bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I downloaded the corp information and the
lift schedule then disconnected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The lift arrived and several of the station workers got out
leaving three tired looking men standing inside. I entered, and after punching my
destination into the keypad stepped to the back of the lift. After about three
minutes the doors slowly closed. During heavy use hours the lifts have
scheduled times of departure like the shuttles on planets. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I leaned against the back wall and closed my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One breath is all it took to slip out of my
Lakasha state of mind and into my pirate persona. I didn't let the pirate
completely take over, but I needed her calm and killer instincts. A cool
detachment washed over me and a smile spread across my face. She was ready, and
knew it was only a matter of time before she was in charge. It was creepy that
I felt like I was two different people. Honestly though, there was less Lakasha
and more pirate all the time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eventually the lift made it to the floor I was waiting on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shoved a couple guys dressed in business
suits out of my way as I stepped forward. They started to protest, but I
glanced back at them with dead pirate eyes and they found something interesting
on the floor to look at. I heard myself laugh as I exited the lift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I walked down the corridor people
instinctively made a path for me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I walked toward the confrontation with Geklov and my mind
stayed clear and cold. The coming conflict felt good; there had been too much
sitting around and waiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart
pumped a little faster and I was ready for the fight. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to kill him more than anyone I have
ever wanted to kill. That is saying a lot. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pirate protested, but I let some of that
cold anger slip away because I had to keep my head straight and remain calm as
I could. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had left an order that if
anything happened to him Tasha was to be killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After walking a quarter of a kilometer I turned the corner
leading to Geklov’s office. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was
one guard standing outside the door. He was young and taller than average. As I
walked up he nervously fondled the gun in his holster. I kept a close eye on his
hand in case he decided he would be doing his boss a favor if he shot me. He
wouldn't have a chance, but I didn't need to deal with station police for hours
while we sorted the whole thing out. I probably wouldn’t win big points from
Geklov either if he had to remove splattered body guard off the walls outside
his office.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I walked up nice and slow, stopping about ten feet from the
door. He put his hand firmly on the butt of his gun. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I am here to see Geklov.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He already has a guest, you will have to wait.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slowly I walked closer to the door and rested my back
against the wall. I put one foot up and let my arms hang loose at my side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made an effort to not to pay too much
attention to the guard. I could see his hand and gun out of the corner of my
eye. He relaxed and moved his hand off of the gun, resuming his position at the
door. As I stood there I started to notice a muffled shouting on the other side
of the door. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So, who is Geklov with?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Herrier is in there with him right now. I am sure he will
be with you momentarily.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Herrier was one of Geklov's lead guards. We fought together against
the Blood Raiders on a station in null sec to help sneak Geklov's people out that
were trapped. During that fight Geklov had managed to work a deal to sneak
himself and another guard named Antov off the station. The coward ran away and
left his people there to die. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Herrier had led the assault forces that protected the
station from the Blood Raider boarding parties. He proved to be an exceptional
soldier and during our time trapped there we built some mutual respect. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He seemed to be too good of a man to work for
a piece of shit like Geklov.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess if the money is good enough you can
overlook a lot of things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mercenaries
rarely concern themselves with the poor moral decisions that their employers
make. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not good for business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I stood there waiting my turn I mentally reviewed the
routes to the lifts and the things I was going to say. There wasn't any doubt
in my mind that I was going to get Tasha out of here and safe. It was just a
matter of what lengths I would have to go to get the job done. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I crept closer to the door. The kid didn't seem to notice.
He had slipped back into that passive “spending my time until shift change”
attitude. It was good to see that he wasn't much of a guard. I would keep that
in mind if I needed to pick which shift to return on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The door opened a crack and Harrier’s voice boomed into the
hallway.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That is bullshit. There is no way you can pay me enough to
keep saving your ass when you do stupid shit like this.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the door shut again leaving me with
nothing to listen to but muted voices.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, the door opened and Harrier came out. He was
shorter than me with a tight military haircut. He was one of those guys that
you can tell is dangerous. A completely oblivious person could sit down next to
him in a bar and immediately get up and leave. They might not know why they
decided to move but they needed to go somewhere else.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He was dressed in combat pants and a plain black shirt. His
military issue carbine was secured in its holster on his left side. It was the
only weapon visible but people like Harrier never stopped at one. Weapons are
like drugs and a security blanket all rolled into one. At least that is how I
feel about them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Get lost,” he barked at the kid standing next to the door.
The kid jumped and mumbled a startled “yes sir” before grabbing his bag and
hastily heading down the corridor. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I relaxed and gave Harrier a friendly smile. A few days ago
he and I were on pretty good terms considering we had been working toward the
same goal, but it was hard to say if any of that mattered now. Mercenaries had
rapidly shifting loyalties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shook his
head back and forth and blew out a deep breath of air. Then he nodded back. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He is expecting me? I assume that is why you are guarding
the door.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yep.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I walked past Herrier and through the door. A large ring of
furniture occupied the area just inside. It served as a little meeting place
for business clients, but it also blocked easy access to his desk. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The walls were covered in all kinds of semi
expensive looking art.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Behind the
furniture were a few short steps that led up to an enclosed business area.
Geklov's desk and a single chair were offset into a corner. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Geklov was sitting at his desk with a welcoming smile on his
face. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm not sure if it was possible or
not but I could swear he had gained ten pounds in the few days since I last saw
him. His hair was greased back again and he was wearing another all white
business suit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He stood behind the desk and said, “Welcome Lakasha, I have
been expecting you. I have been looking forward to establishing a promising
business relationship with you.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I smiled back, but it wasn't a happy smile. I knew the smile
held no warmth and my eyes would be cold as well. It didn't make him drop his
though. To him I was just another business associate who he thought owed him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Me too Geklov. I have been looking forward to this for days,”
I said and my heart sped up as I tried to stifle the thought of choking him to
death with my fist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He gave me a little wave indicating that it was fine to come
up and sit down. I accepted the invitation and walked around the furniture and up
the stairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The room was empty and his
back was to the wall. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He probably had a
gun behind that desk somewhere. He was also standing behind the most expensive
thing in the room. All the art and furniture wouldn't add up to the cost of the
desk. I recognized the make from some of the offices I visited as a pilot in
the Caldari military. On occasion, I had the opportunity to meet with high
ranking officers or even a member of the Caldari government. They all had desks
that resembled this one. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was made by Rohm United, a company that specialized in
protection services. If he was sitting behind that desk he would be safe from
almost all firearms. If he paid enough, he would be protected from a pretty
significant bomb blast. All he had to do was recognize he was in trouble and
dive under the desk. Then his guards could come in and take care of assailants
while he was safe on the ground. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The desk was a good piece of protection. There were probably
plenty of other little safety devices around the room too. Some things are
harder to see than others. Then there was the sleeping area off to the side where
guards could be posted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mentally gave
him credit for a pretty good setup.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I stood in front of the desk and tried to slip into my most
cold mental state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was not a good
situation and I was not in a strong position for negotiation. Tasha owed him a
lot of money and was a valuable asset. If he was worried she might get away or
some harm might come to him he would be willing to kill her as an example. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now it didn't matter how fast I could shoot
or how reliable my friends were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
all up to me.</div>
</div>
Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-12747883446824566732012-06-29T04:02:00.000+00:002012-06-29T04:03:48.167+00:00Chapter 9 Reunion<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
I didn't run into any issues on the way to Aikantoh. A few months ago the
trip might have been an adventure, but I recently started doing jobs for the
Caldari government to raise my sec status high enough to enter .5
systems. My associates had convinced me to do it so I could help with a
little POS removal project they had planned. I uncloaked and warped away
from each gate without so much as an attempted lock ringing in my head. For a
moment I let my mind fill with memories of roaming around and hunting targets
with the Hellcats. That didn’t last long though as the newer memories of the
fight with the blood raiders seeped in. Maybe it was time for a vacation
after I settled this mess with Geklov.<br />
<br />
Aikantoh local wasn’t very busy. The only ships I scanned in system
belonged to Geklov's people. After warping around making some safe spots,
I headed to the Bio hazard Containment Facility. I made my final safe one
hundred and fifty kilometers outside of the docking bay in case my security
status wasn’t the same when I left as it was when I went in. <br />
<br />
I was hesitant to go in. It wasn't the encounter with Geklov that I was
worried about. It was meeting Tasha that had me all wound up. This time was
worse than usual. I really wanted to understand what all I had missed that led
her to make such shitty decisions. How the hell did she get to the point where
a slime bag like Geklov owned her? <br />
<br />
I shook the thoughts out of my head so I could focus. Why could I
never let go of us and just accept whatever it was that our relationship was
about? I spent months telling myself she was a friend I cared about but didn't
need in my life. Yet here I was again, running across half of known space to
save her ass and buy her out of a bad deal. When was I going to learn? Someday
I would have to let her go, but today was not going to be the day. <br />
<br />
I warped back to the station and initiated the docking sequence. I handed
over control of the ship to the stations docking computer and started the power
down sequence. I felt the pods systems go offline as I mentally pulled the plug
on each of them. After the docking sequence was complete the station machinery
gently lifted the pod out of the ship and placed it on the ramp.<br />
<br />
As soon as the pod was resting on the ramp I started the checklist for the
power up. In my world you never know when you are going to have to get off a
station in a hurry. I carefully placed each of the wires in the same order,
same place, every time. It was a habit that could be a life saver when
seconds to launch could mean life or death to my fleet members. <br />
<br />
I hurried over to the nearest communications panel and entered Tasha's
number, waited about a minute, and disconnected. I didn’t expect her to
answer but I knew Geklov would be monitoring her communications and would now
know I was here. While I waited for some kind of response I watched the
station’s massive machines move ships from one area to the next. The station’s
network tracked everyone inside and it was virtually impossible to hide. The
docking computers always knew when someone was headed toward the hanger and the
machines made sure the ships were ready. <br />
<br />
After about ten minutes one of Geklov's lackeys appeared in the hanger
looking for me. I didn't recognize him from the assault on the science station
but he was so obvious there was no doubt. I scanned the area to determine if he
was alone then clicked my blaster off of safe and walked to meet him.<br />
<br />
Up close he was not much to look at. He looked kind of like an earth worm.
His bald head was wrinkled and he was so skinny that it looked like he had been
working on a slave ship. He was wearing a white toga that did nothing to
compliment his pale complexion. I have no idea how I could be Caldari. I
will never get their sense of style. <br />
<br />
I walked up to him and waved. He flinched a little bit and stared back at
me.<br />
<br />
“Looking for me?”<br />
<br />
“I am truly not sure. Are you Ms. Nachthexen?”<br />
<br />
“Yep.”<br />
<br />
“You are to come with me to speak with Mr. Barkly immediately. I shall
show you the way.”<br />
<br />
That was cute. Geklov wanted to see me immediately. I wasn’t going to meet
him without checking in with Tasha first and making sure she was okay. Besides,
I needed to know what Geklov had said to her since I’d been gone. It hadn't
taken long for me to finish the fight with the Blood Raiders and get up here,
but several days had passed since both Tasha and Geklov left the station.<br />
<br />
“I am afraid I will need to speak with Ms. Amira first.” I gave him my best
“I am in charge here look” and waited for his reply. <br />
<br />
He seemed to consider my statement for a second, too briefly, then nodded
and started walking to the far lift.<br />
<br />
“As you wish.”<br />
<br />
I allowed the worm to lead and followed. It was the first time, of
many, that I felt tendrils of anxiety spread into my chest. Geklov
expected me to want to see her first, of course. I could only guess
at how he saw this as a tactical advantage. As much as I hated the man I
knew he was good at what he did. It would be a mistake to become
arrogant. He was as deadly as I, but in a more cowardly way than I was
used to dealing with. <br />
<br />
The lift was a solid tube of shinny steel that spanned the entire length of
the station. The stations are enormous and have a lot of angles on the outside
so sometimes you have to use more than one lift to get to where you want to go.
The docking areas normally had access to a station spanning lift. The one we
were walking towards however was not one of those. I reasoned that Tasha’s room
must be located at one of the angles near the outside of the station.<br />
<br />
Was that important to know? Probably not, but it was a part of that
obsessive paranoia that kicks in whenever I am in a situation that might go
bad. You never know what little piece of information will be the key to saving
your ass. As we walked, I observed my surroundings and started filing away
little bits of information that might come in handy later.<br />
<br />
“So...what is your name?” I asked, trying to get the little man to
talk. Maybe if he relaxed he would let something slip.<br />
<br />
“I am Pelton Freree”<br />
<br />
“Well Pelton Freree, can I get you a couple more vowels for your
name?” <br />
<br />
Okay, I said it in a dry sarcastic way. Because that is how I like to talk
to people. It took the little guy forever to figure out the joke. He nodded and
then I waited until a little spark of light shined in his eyes. <br />
<br />
“Umm, no that won’t be necessary. I have many already.” <br />
<br />
“What do you do for Mr. Barkly?” <br />
<br />
“I provide administrative assistance”<br />
<br />
“Aren't you a little too cute for that?” I said as flirty as I could.<br />
<br />
He looked at me and I could see the wheels turning as he tried to decide if
I was making fun of him or not. Before he decided, the lift arrived and the
doors opened. Realizing I wasn’t going to get anywhere with the conversation, I
followed him in and resigned myself to gathering as much other information as I
could. Pelton carefully entered our destination into the control panel
and stepped back as the doors closed. <br />
<br />
The lift rose smoothly up the tube. They were quiet, but I expected them to
be loud. Or maybe I was waiting for the grinding and screeching as the lift
fell to the bottom of the shaft killing everyone on board. I didn’t like the
lifts, but I wasn't willing to give into fear and walk up seventy flights of
stairs. I occupied myself with happy thoughts of blowing up squishy pods and
waited for the ride to be over. <br />
<br />
The lift reached Tasha’s floor in under a minute and we stepped off into a
residential area. It was busy with people going about their daily routine.
By the look of their clothes they were probably lower middle class.
Tasha's standard of living had dropped since returning to the station. I
followed Pelton as he danced around the crowed and headed down the corridor. At
each intersection the corridor became less crowded. <br />
<br />
Finally, we stood in front of a metal door leading to a living quarters. My
heart pounded and my stomach gave a little roll to remind me it was
there. I didn’t know what to expect, a feeling I don’t like. I
didn’t know what shape Tasha would be in when the door opened, or if this was a
trap. I smiled as a little burst of adrenalin hit my system and I moved my hand
to rest it on my blaster. <br />
<br />
Pelton entered a code and the door slid open reveling Tasha at a table
reading on the other side. Relief washed over me when I could tell she
was alone and looked physically okay. Tension seeped out of the muscles in my
back and I took a deep breath not caring if anyone noticed.<br />
<br />
“I will leave you two. Mr. Barkly will be waiting. Please don't take too
long,” Pelton said, and headed back the direction we came from. The next thing
I knew he had melted into the small crowd near a lift. Maybe he was a little
more than an administrative assistant. <br />
<br />
I looked back in time to brace myself as Tasha wrapped her arms around me
and held me in a tight embrace. I returned the hug, relieved she was
okay. <br />
<br />
“The room is bugged,” she whispered as she let go and backed up a
step. I reluctantly let her slip free.<br />
<br />
I looked into her tired eyes. A light pink lined the beautiful green
making them seem even brighter. It looked like she had been up crying for days.
Once I would have seen her soul by looking into those eyes but now all I
saw was the reflection of her physical exhaustion. A little of that
heavy feeling returned to my heart as I thought about how much she had been
through and how things had changed. I knew she was worried about her
association with Geklov, the loss of her research, and about a million other
things. I let out a little sigh followed her into the room.<br />
<br />
<br />
The room was a step down from where she was living before. The small living
room led to an attached area for cooking. Off to the right was an entrance to
what appeared to be a little bedroom. That was all there was. Geklov was the
type who would consider a smaller living space punishment, but the way I saw it
if he wanted to punish her she would be living with him. <br />
<br />
The room was sparse but everything about it screamed Tasha. Back when we
were in pilot training she liked to buy a lot of stuff. As the years
passed physical items never compared to the joy she got from being in a lab so
those habits had changed. She did however love art, and that was
something that had never changed.<br />
<br />
Around the room was a collection of very Tasha like art. Every wall had at
least one painting. Each painting was a different artist but all of them were
Tasha's style. Everything was her style except for a hideous blue neon
lamp on one of the tables. I never thought in a thousand years she would buy
such garish novelty item. I turned my head eyebrows raised, and looked at
her. She gave me a noncommittal shrug in return. It probably involved a
lot of Gallente alcohol. <br />
<br />
We moved to the center of the room and sat on the small blanket lined couch,
“Are you okay?” I asked.<br />
<br />
“I am doing okay so far. I didn't think I was going to live until you
got here”<br />
<br />
“Well I am here now, and I will take care of this. Okay?”<br />
<br />
She nodded and slid over next to me on the couch resting her head on my
shoulder. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close. I needed to
get to Geklov and make this okay so she would be safe. I hadn’t
been there for her like I should have been. I could be there for her now.<br />
<br />
“I haven’t been able to sleep,” she said as she snuggled closer. I
reached up and ran my fingers through her hair, not sure if I was comforting
her or me. Her body relaxed as she practically sank into me. An old
feeling of longing stirred that I had shutoff many years ago. I stopped
it cold but not before the memory of holding her against me as she slept flashed
through my mind.<br />
<br />
Those precious memories were all I had left of the one time in my life when
I felt hope for myself. I would lie next to her long after she had fallen
asleep and run my fingers through her hair. Never before or after had I
felt such love for someone and felt loved as well. I would close my
eyes and feel like there were good things in the universe and I could be
happy. Peace, I guess is what people call it.<br />
<br />
“I’ve missed you,” she sighed. I missed her more than I thought was
possible. It broke my heart to know that it had all changed and we could
never seem to get back to that special place again. Now wasn’t the time to
think of that though. I had a job to do to keep her
safe. <br />
<br />
“Do you think you can keep Geklov from killing me?” her voice was a
whisper and I hated to hear her sound so afraid. Hatred filled me in a
way I had never felt before. I wanted to make sure he paid for all he had
done. Not just to Tasha, but also to his people. The first thing I needed to do
was get her free of him then I could worry about bringing a little balance to
the universe.<br />
<br />
“I think I can get him to let you go. He should be willing if I give him the
right motivation.” I said it as confidently as I could. There were a lot
of factors involved in this deal. Money wasn’t going to be enough to make
him let her go. She was too valuable. Her research had the potential to make
billions of ISK if she could find a way to finish. Even if she couldn't, she
would come up with another profitable invention. He had realized her
profit potential and convinced her to sell her soul. She hadn’t realized until too late what that
bargain had cost her. <br />
<br />
“I should go see Geklov.”<br />
<br />
“Okay. Should I come with you?”<br />
<br />
“No, stay here and lock the doors. Don't let anyone in.”<br />
<br />
I stood and pulled my blaster from its holster making sure it was fully
charged. Carrying a loaded blaster was illegal on the station but rules
rarely applied to my kind. If I needed it I wasn't going to have time to load
it because most people who carry a gun on a station already have it
loaded. The “good” citizens probably aren't carrying one to start with. <br />
<br />
If I got caught, and that was a big IF, I would pay a fine. The
security forces on the station couldn't care less who was carrying a weapon let
alone if it is loaded or not. Most of the security was automated anyway, and
security guards didn’t get paid enough to take a blaster bolt to the chest.
There were sensors to detect weapon discharges and panic buttons for station
dwellers to alert security if something bad was going on. Security
never showed up until they were sure they wouldn’t get hurt.<br />
<br />
“Anything else I need to know before I go see Geklov? Has he said or
done anything to you?” She thought about it for a second and shook her head.<br />
<br />
“He hasn't said much to me since we got back. He told me to stay on the
station and he would see me after you got here. I think he wanted to see what
kind of money you had to offer.”<br />
<br />
I guess that made sense. He could talk to
me first and see if I would offer him enough to make it worth letting her go.
He knew if he hurt her before I got here I would kill him. It was better for
him to keep his cards hidden and see what I was bringing to the table. Make me
make the first move. He was smart. I just hoped I was smarter.</div>Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-91472162753573560762012-05-24T03:05:00.000+00:002012-05-24T03:05:11.854+00:00Chapter 8 Reboot<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even though I was in a hurry to get to Tasha I took a few
minutes to enjoy the feel of my new clone. I stood in the shower soaking in
the hot water trying to feel each drop as it slid down my body. I was lucky to
have survived the rocket blast in the hanger. It had been a long time
since I was hurt that bad. Normally I do my fighting in a pod and I’m
dead before I even know I’m hurt. As the water pounded my back, a
wave of anxiety washed over me as I thought about dying on that station and
leaving Tasha to Geklov. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After I was finished showering I wanted nothing more than to
run straight to the hanger, grab a fast warping ship, and take the quickest
route to Aikantoh. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there were a
couple of things I needed to do first. Geklov wasn’t going to smile and
say, “Thanks for saving my ass. You and Tasha can leave now. Oh and here
are a few million ISK to help Tasha get back on her feet .”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to my room and grabbed a few things I
might need later then went to my office.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My office was in the same general disarray as it was when I
left. There weren't many of us left now days, but we had a saying, “Once a
Hellcat, always a Hellcat”. I had what I called an open door policy.
Anyone that ever held the title of Hellcat could come and go as needed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was always willing to use what resources I
had left when one of the girls was in need. The only thing that had changed in
my office since I left was a note stuck to my communications monitor. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Written was a barely legible note from Vicky
explaining she had used my secure communications system, but not to worry
because the deal was pretty legal. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Vicky was one of many who had come through the corporation
only to move on to grander schemes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
really liked her, which was a rare thing anymore. She was a sharp pilot
and always seemed to be at the right place at the right time. That of course
had nothing to do with skill. She was the luckiest person I ever met. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some of my instructors in pilot training use to say it is
always better to be lucky than good. I wasn't so sure about that. I
figured my luck would run out right when I needed it the most, but I worry like
that. Vicky was a more relaxed easy going person. Me, I work hard at what I do
and Vicky makes a career of pushing her luck and winning every time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first order of business was to get some money
together. I was a little low on cash as I invested most of my ISK in the
alliance. What was left was invested in a little cooperation located in high
security space. High Security space or High Sec is where a lot of large scale
alliances make the lion’s share of their money. It’s safer there because it’s
where the “universal police” known as CONCORD provide the most protection. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each of the four races went together and created the CONCORD
organization. It is surprising they cooperated on the massive scale required to
establish such an extensive police organization, since they hate each other so
much. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the interest in making money,
and let’s face it all scum bag politicians want to make money, they agreed on a
multiracial organization to police the large expanses of High Sec. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you take the time to get to know the right people, such
as those who are greedy and a little looser in their moral foundation then
there is the potential to make a lot of money in High Sec.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually that included screwing over any
number of corporations in any number of ways. Unfortunately for Tasha, a good
chunk of my money was tied up in one of these little black operations. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I needed leverage with Geklov. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like most shit bag business men, that leverage
would probably come down to money. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
didn't have time to call in my resources that were invested in High Sec, so I
started calling everyone I knew that could potentially loan me some ISK. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m sure you’re thinking it's unlikely that a pirate would
trust another pirate with their money. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
would be wrong. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In general we are lying,
cheating, killing, bastards. But we do form pretty close relationships under
the right circumstances. There are several of my pirate friends that I would be
more than willing to lose a ship for, and even a couple I would die for.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of my contacts are not that close, but we all like to
make money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there is a chance for
profit there are plenty of people that will loan you the ISK. I didn't have a
good way to sell the idea that there was profit to be made by helping Tasha,
but I could offer the money back with interest. For my closer associates that
would be enough. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I contacted my closest friends first. Of the ones I could
get a hold of, I managed to accumulate about five hundred million ISK. That
with my own recourse left me slightly over one billion. After my previous
meeting with Geklov I doubted it would be enough. I knew he was going to make
this hurt no matter what I showed up with, but it would be enough to start. If
needed, I can be pretty pushy when it comes to negotiations. By pushy I mean
scary. All I had to do was make a deal to get Tasha free and I could make
him suffer later.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next problem I needed to deal with was figuring out how
Omir managed to get two Titans on the field. Okay, I didn't need to deal with
that problem, but it was driving me crazy. There was no way a Blood Raider,
even one as famous as Omir could get his hands on a Titan. It’s not only a
matter of the billions upon billions of ISK needed to build one, but also the
facilities and resources that are needed to produce a super capital ship. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During the fight I managed to get a good scan of the two
Titans transponder readings. Each ship has a unique code that identifies the
owner and ship type. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s continually
broadcast throughout the system you are in, and picked up by receivers on the
warp gates. It’s a way for CONCORD to keep an eye on all of the pilots out
there. They collect the data for various reasons including commerce, statistics,
and to be a general pain in the ass. The two massive ships transponder readings
had been scrambled, of course.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scrambling a transponder code is not as easy as you think.
Sure you can do it, but it’s a waste of money to pay a hacker to hide your
transponder readings. Even pirates don't really do it much. The data that
CONCORD gets is usually delayed by hours. Also, CONCORD doesn't give a shit
about what we are doing anyway. They long since quit caring about law
enforcement preferring to concentrate on their goal of becoming the wealthiest
and most powerful organization in the universe. They probably already are.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was likely that whoever paid to have those transponders
scrambled was pretty important somewhere. It was probably someone who did not
want anyone making the connection between them and the Blood Raiders. Maybe
someone who was in the middle of some great political or corporate takeover
plan and wasn’t ready to show their hand. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The more important question is why do I care? I guess there
is something about a fleet of people trying to kill me and my friends that
pisses me off. You could say that I am a bit vindictive. Whatever the reason, I
knew I wasn’t going to be able to let it go. So I punched one last number into
the communication system and waited for a response. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After about five minutes Karver's fat face appeared on the
video screen. He looked more pissed than the last time I talked to him. The
last time was after one of my corp mates had blown up his very expensive
hauling ship. Then for fun, she popped his pod too without giving him a chance
to pay a ransom. The clone she killed had several billion ISK worth of implants
in its fat little skull. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the time Karver was under the impression that he was safe
in our system. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had paid us for
protection in the areas under our control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He should’ve kept track of the agreement better because his protection
ran out two days prior. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as his
pass expired I changed his status back to neutral making him fair game for
anyone in the alliance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not my
fault that he doesn't keep track of his books as well as I keep track of mine.
I mean, piracy is a business just like any other. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He stared at me and I stared back. Sweat poured down his
face but I doubted it was an indication of any emotional response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fat just likes to sweat, and he was huge. I’m
positive someone had to stuff him into his pod and ram the canopy down around
his flabby ass. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His size really wasn't much of an issue though. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Karver rarely left his pod. He spent most of
his time in space, as he suffered from a phobia that revolved around the fear
of being killed. Pod pilots have clones that are waiting for them on stations
when their pods get destroyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quite a
few scientists have worked on ways to make clones viable outside of a pod, but
so far none have been successful. The need for an immediate brain scan at
the exact time of death makes it an almost impossible dream. It’s easy to do
with a pod because all of the equipment is right next to your skull and the
computers know the instant the hull is breached to start the scan. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since I was the one needing a favor I put on my biggest smile
and started the conversation. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hey Karver, how are things?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I thought I told you to fuck off,” his pleased smile made
me want to go find him and give him another loss. I could take care of that
later though and it wouldn’t hurt me to be nice for now.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well, that is one of the things you told me.” I kept
smiling and waited for him to calm down. I guess some people don't forget
a fifteen billion ISK loss. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I need a favor and you are one of the few people I know
that might have the contacts that can help.” I threw it out there to see if he
would take the bait. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are you fucking kidding me? Why would I do shit for you?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I have two transponder signals that I need unscrambled. I
want to know who the ships really belong to.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He pursed his lips as he thought about it for a second.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What kind of ships?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Two Leviathans.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He started laughing and it was the highest pitched girly
laugh I have ever heard come out of a man. I jumped a little in surprise, but
he didn't notice. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh my God, that is funny. Tell you what, just because I am
pretty sure that anyone who would feel the need to scramble the transponder
signal on two leviathans will find you and cut your head off I will do it for
free.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He leaned back and grinned ear to ear. I knew he was right.
Anyone who had the resources to field two titans and went to the trouble to
hide who they were was not going to be happy that I knew. But there was a part
of me that needed to know. There was a chance that knowledge like that
could come in handy. Of course, that was assuming that Karver didn't stab me in
the back. Yeah, right.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Karver assured me he would let me know as soon as he figured
out who the owner of the ships was. I ended the convo and grabbed a few data
drives with documentation of my current available assets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also threw a couple of extra knives in my
flight suit and two extra blaster charges for my gun. I wanted to be ready
because there was a good chance I would end up fighting my way
out of the Biohazard Containment Facility in Aikantoh. </div>
</div>Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-43404352188967831502010-11-28T04:43:00.000+00:002010-11-28T04:44:33.997+00:00NaNoWriMo WinnerHey everyone. <br /><br />I completed my National Novel Writing Month story. Lakasha's story is all finished now. It ended up being just over 52,000 words and 79 pages. It feels good to have it finished and it is the first story I ever finished with a good start, middle, and ending. <br /><br />It feels good for another reason. I have pretty much quit playing EvE. I don't have room for it in my life anymore. It was a long time coming, and I fought hard to keep playing longer then I should have. I plan on keeping my account for now, and updating the training because there have been many times in the past where I just needed a break from a game. So, who knows. But the point is, finishing her story makes me feel better about walking away. <br /><br />Here is the deal for those of you who have contacted me and wanted to see the end. I am going to let the story rest for a month while I work on something else. Then I will start the editing process. I will do my best to either update the blog, or email out the entire story to those who have requested a copy. Honestly, the average blog post is only three pages. I will have to cut out a lot of story to make it work in the blog. But I will do my best. <br /><br />I have always wanted to write, and I know I have a long way to go. I want to thank everyone who has emailed me and contacted me in game to encourage me to write this story. It has given me the confidence to keep writing. I might never be a published author, but I will keep getting better. If nothing else, it will continue to be something I do because I enjoy it just for me. Thanks again everyone for your support.Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-29799460711854908502010-10-18T03:32:00.002+00:002010-10-18T03:37:36.908+00:00Still AroundI know, it has been forever. All I can say is life has been a little messy lately. But I am starting to feel like writing again. Which is good, since I will be participating in <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/">National Novel Writing Month</a> (NaNoWriMo) in November. It is a pretty cool event where people all over the world try to complete a 50,000 word novel in one month. <br /><br />I outlined the story I wanted to write several months ago. But again, life has been messy and I have not had the time to get to know the new characters as well as I wanted. What does that mean for my very few faithful readers, LoL? Since I just finished the first arc of Lakashas story I can start my NaNoWriMo story with the next chapter. That is for the best, because Lakasha has been pissed for weeks that I haven't continued the story. Yeah, I talk to my characters, but its not like you don't talk to yourself also. <br /><br />Writing 50,000 words in one month is going to keep me pretty busy. But I will do my best to edit as I go and post here. Wish me luck...I am going to need it.Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-52939766080952285002010-08-30T19:22:00.001+00:002010-08-30T19:24:22.948+00:00Chapter 7 Part Two "Checkmate"I was awaken by one of the men I recognized from Tasha’s lab. He pulled a large metal sheet off of me and was saying something I couldn’t quite understand. My body was a mess, but somehow I managed to stand with the short Caldari mans help. As soon as I stood though, the room started to spin and I doubled over vomiting on the floor in front of me. <br /><br />I gave an embarrassed smile to the little man and tried to focus on the hanger around me. The far wall where the raiders had been streaming from was gone. It was replaced by piles of twisted metal. The rubble was burning, charring the buckled wall a deep black. It looked like several of our men were scouring the piles looking for anyone still alive. <br /><br />I followed the little man back toward the pilots briefing room. His mouth was moving all the way there, but I couldn’t hear a word of it. Once we got there I found a chair and slid into it. There wasn’t one part of my body that wasn’t hurt. I don’t think I have ever had my ass this thoroughly kicked. But I was still alive so I guess that was something. <br /><br />Looking up I noticed the man was still standing next to me. He started to talk again and I tried really hard to focus on what he was saying. “…then of course it blew up,” was all I managed to make out. I shook my head one more time and pulled him closer to me. <br /><br />“What the fuck happened?” I was only able to make it a whisper. At least it seemed like a whisper to me. <br /><br />“That is what I have been explaining over and over. Jaxel and I rigged a heavy missile and launched it in the hanger to kill the raiders.” He seemed quite pleased with himself and I was too hurt to get up and kick him in the face so I let him keep smiling. Was he fucking insane? God I hurt all over. Some of my ribs felt broken and my hands had what looked like second degree burns. At this point I wanted to get up, go get podded, and let these crazy people die.<br /><br />I got up and limped back outside to look at the damage. I guess it could have been worse. My barricade was still in place about 500 meters from the far wall. The doors that the raiders were using were completely gone now. That only left the door to the lower level that needed to be defended. That wasn’t even going to matter as soon as we started the next part of Rod’s plan. Okay, the crazy scientist had managed to do something good.<br /><br />My communicator vibrated inside my upper pocket. I jumped in response, burnt hands fumbling with my zipper. I pulled it out and put it against my ear hoping I would be able to hear it. Rod’s voice blared out of the speaker and the room spun a little as I yanked the damn thing away from my head. The message was simple; we were to initiate the second part the plan. <br /><br />Perfect. That meant that it was time to get everyone out of here. I limped across the hanger to my Manacore. I was pretty excited about getting in my pod and not feeling any pain. I looked over the hull from a distance but didn’t do a full walk around. The thing was brand new anyway, what could go wrong? I never keep a ship long enough for it to need a detailed preflight inspection. <br /><br />In the distance I could see the twenty shuttles lined up ready to launch. Some of the engineers figured out a way to link the shuttles together so only a few pods were needed to fly all of them. Three men were in charge of seventeen shuttles and their precious cargo. I always thought you could fit a lot into a cargo hold of a shuttle. But my experience was based on sneaking small items in and out of places I didn’t want to be noticed. Turns out you really have to work hard to get a large amount of people into the hold. <br /><br />I nodded at Paul, one of the shuttle pilots, and then stepped up into my pod. It was cocked on, so most of the checklist was already complete. I opted to attach the three bio-interface circuits first instead of the neuro-interface so I wouldn’t be too overwhelmed with the pods output to finish plugging in. After that was done I slid my head back into the headrest and reached back plugging in the neuro-interface. <br /><br />As soon as the interface made the connection reality shifted. My body was a distant memory, replaced by the low throb of energy flowing through my circuits. The entire cargo compartment filled my consciousness and I could see each person and ship. Data slipped through my processors telling me the status of our systems, negative threat warnings, and that my body was damaged. I pulled myself to the front of my mind enough to be in control but not have to feel my injuries too much. <br /><br />With a thought I activated the loading sequence. The pod sealed itself as it was lifted to the top of the stealth bomber. As it was placed in its housing, connecting it to the ship, reality shifted again. The overwhelming power of the capacitor coursed through me. Not small like the one in the pod, but huge to power a covert ops ship. The ship was me, I was the ship. <br /><br />The systems reached out for more data about our surroundings but they were blocked by the massive walls of the station. It made us angry. We like to be able to see. I struggled for control but it was like fighting with someone who knew every move you were going to make. It was dangerous flying a pod when you were tired or injured. There was always a fight for control and you had to be ready for it. I relaxed, trying to feel my body. Finally, I could feel the burns and the bruises. It hurt but it made me aware enough to yank control back from the pod. <br /><br />The ships were ready. Now we were waiting for the signal to begin the assault. I am always glad when it is time for action. No turning back now. Either we would get everyone out of here or we wouldn’t, but at least we were doing something. I hated the wait.<br /><br />At least I didn’t have to worry about Tasha anymore. I hugged her and told her I would meet her soon then sent her out in her pod. One of our scouts podded her as she left the station so I could be sure the raiders didn’t get her. It was a good feeling to be ready to fight and only have to worry about myself now. <br /><br />After a short wait, Rod broadcast across the fleet communications frequency. In front of me two massive Ammar battle ships exited the docking bay. The Apocalypse and Armageddon were heavily armored and ready to take a pounding from the enemy ships. The pilots were two of the relic hunters that stayed behind to help. Neither had spent a lot of time training for this kind of combat but both had amazing battleship and defense skills. They were defiantly best suited for taking the punishment for as long as possible. <br /><br />“Okay Lakasha, the exit is clear.” <br /><br />It was my turn next. I sent the command to power up the warp drive and initiated the exit sequence. Power coursed through all of the systems getting them ready for combat as the ship accelerated out of the docking bay. I shot into space and activated my microwarp drive.<br /><br />Sensor readings flooded my mind. The Blood Rader frigates littered the exit. The two battle ships were now ten kilometers off blowing the hell out of everything nearby with smart bombs. There were so many raiders swarming that it was hard to tell if we had hurt them too bad or not. But the exit was clear so I transmitted the signal to send out the three. <br /><br />The Avatars remained in position about 300 kilometers off the station. The fleet of battleships maintained their defensive positions nearby protecting the gigantic structures. Maybe I had managed to shake him up a bit. That was good because we needed to keep the exit clear long enough for the shuttles to make their jump. <br /><br />I interfaced with the targeting control and estimated a fire solution at the speed of thought. Once the data streamed through my mind I sent the command to the fire control and the ship shook with the thunk of a shrapnel bomb leaving the launcher. It sailed out 30 kilometers and detonated ripping into the hulls of every frigate in a 15 kilometer radius of the explosion. Small explosions lit up space as the group of Raiders who were guarding the exit corridor burst into flames. <br /><br />The targeting tone was already screaming in my head as multiple Raiders converged on my position. I calculated the jump vector and sighed as the energy from the capacitor slammed into my warp drive for the short jump. In flight I gave Omir a little wave in local with no response. However, as I came out of warp 200 kilometers off the station about 40 frigates altered their course away from the station to converge on my ship. <br /><br />“Oh, for me Omier, you shouldn’t have,” I said laughing over local as I banked hard right and activated the microwarp drive. I lined up on the first Avatar about 300 kilometers away and accelerated out as fast as I could before any of the frigates could get in targeting range. I didn’t have the shields to fight and the only thing I was armed with was a bomb launcher. There was no way could I deal with them. I was fit for speed and covert ops badassery. <br /><br />I checked on the status of the other ships as I pulled farther away from my pursuers. The three shuttles made the jump to their safes and the two battleships were moving closer to the station. So far so good. I reached out again noting that three of the enemy interceptors were closing in on me fast. I needed to get good separation if we were going to pull this off. <br /><br />I focused my concentration on the capacitor and the microwarp drive. I gave the command and shoved all the extra power the shielding could take into the thrusters. The extra energy burned into the circuits and I could feel the heat shields groan and begin to expand. I probably had thirty seconds before I needed to pull back power or risk losing the drive. <br /><br />At 225 kilometers the interceptors were almost in targeting range. I pushed all the extra power I had into the drive. The ship shuddered and the master heat warning alarm sounded. At 210 kilometers the decision to shut down the dive was made for me as targeting alarms when off in my head. <br /><br />I cutoff power to the drive and activated my cloak before the interceptors got a solid lock. Pushing over the nose I rolled the ship right and pulled hard into a split-S pointing my ship in the direction I came from. Once the interceptors shot by at an absurd speed I pulled left to arc back toward the Titan. The other ships finally made it to my last known location and spread out in a search pattern to find me. <br /><br />I quickly checked back on the tactical situation at the station. The battleships were holding their own now that only about a quarter of the ships were left at the station. Between the 40 that chased me and the ones that left in pursuit of the shuttles, they might have a chance at keeping the exit clear long enough for the shuttles to jump. If everything went as planned though, that wouldn’t even be an issue. <br /><br />“You ready to play Omier?”<br /><br />“I am going to feast on your blood.”<br /><br />“Fuck you.”<br /><br />I worked the ship around the arc maintaining 200 kilometers from the first Titan. When the closest ship to me was 150 kilometers away I sent the command over fleet to begin the hot drop procedures. My overview lit up as three cynos dropped into local. Aligning the ship back to the station safe I dropped my cloak and lit a covert ops cyno. <br /><br />Every sensor in the ship sent warnings streaming into my brain. I set priority to the overview and watched as a majority of the ships on the station jumped into warp tracking toward the cynos in local. The ships that originally had been looking for me changed their vector back to intercept. <br /><br />As soon as the enemy ships warped, the rest of the shuttles undocked. The way the rigging worked was the navigation computer on each of the tied ships had to get the coordinates and jump command from the corresponding linked pod. Then each ship had to align, power up, and jump. The whole process was going to take about 45 seconds. It was going to take about 40 seconds for the enemy ships to get to each of those cyno shuttles, blow them to hell, then jump back. It was going to be close. <br /><br />I held my position as the raiders closed. At 20 seconds two of the cynos dropped from my overview. The shuttles pulled away from the station, flanked by the two battle ships now providing protection. At 25 seconds I extinguished the cyno, and engaged my warp engines hurling me back to the station as enemy targeting computers locked my bomber. In warp I engaged the cloak. <br /><br />My safe brought me out at 50 kilometers from the undock. The two battleships were in bad shape. The Apocalypse had fire venting from its engines and the Armageddon was listing to the right as it tried to maintain position. Skill alone had to be holding them together at this point. The final cyno flickered out on the overview which told me that all of the hostile ships would be inbound at any moment. This was confirmed when Omier’s laugh sounded across local.<br /> <br />At 35 seconds a Raider Apocalypse warped to 5 kilometers off of our battleships and launched its drones. Our wounded Apocalypse blew apart as a linked beam of light chewed into its structure. The Armageddon engaged the enemy and the space around the two ships seemed to burn. The fight didn’t last long though, ending the same as the first. <br /><br />Multiple ships blinked back into my overview inbound to the station. I realigned my ship to warp to the rally point and waited. I sat there and watched as the warrior drones tore into each of the shuttles. I changed my overview setting and observed as each shuttle exploded sending piles of biomass streaming into space. <br /><br />After the last shuttle exploded, I jumped to the rally point. Once there, I waited to see who was left. Two pods and one of the cyno shuttles were all that showed up. We silently aligned to the gate and jumped. Omier blabbed something across local but I decided not to respond. The fight was over and it was time to go home. <br /><br />There were five enemy frigates on the gate when I came out of warp at five kilometers off. Targeting tones went off immediately. I commanded capacitor into the micorwarp drive and ran for the gate. Two lucky shots tore into my structure and the bomber exploded in space around me. I made the gate in my pod and jumped into the next system. <br /><br />As soon as I came out of the wormhole I jumped to my 200 kilometer safe and waited to see what other ships made it though. Everyone made it and we aligned and continued to the next system. Once we got there we jumped to my deep safe and waited.<br /><br />After about fifteen minutes the Raider Apocalypse that had destroyed the shuttles jumped to 5 kilometers off my port side. <br /><br />“Evening Rod. How is the cargo?”<br /><br />“Doing fine. Packed in tight back there but everyone is safe” <br /><br />I let out a breath it felt like I had been holding for hours. It was a good plan, but one with lots of opportunity for disaster. Before we undocked, Harrier had taken his men down into the station where the employees had seen the raiders enter. He infiltrated the docked battleship and killed the crew. Then all of the civilians were loaded into the cargo compartment while Rod and a few others who had been around back in the day piloted the battleship. <br /><br />The guys who stayed behind defending the hanger had stuffed the dead into the shuttle’s cargo holds. Then the rest was all distraction. It could have failed a million different ways, but it had worked. <br /><br />“Paul is going to scout for you in his shuttle. Now if you don’t mind I would like to take the quick way home.”<br /><br />“Not a problem Lakasha, it has been a pleasure.”<br /><br />Targeting warnings went off in my pod. I took a deep breath and relaxed for a second, relived that this ordeal was over. Tasha never made it easy on me that was for sure. Now it was time to get back to Vit and make a new plan. I had a date with Geklov.Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-60310323854979918962010-08-22T21:14:00.003+00:002010-08-23T00:09:48.182+00:00Chapter 7 Part One "Checkmate"The man on the monitor seemed to be maintaining his composure like a champ. If it wasn’t for the furrows along his forehead I would have said he wasn’t concerned with me at all. I stood in front of the display, hands on my hips, and a cocky pirate smile on my lips waiting for him to make the first move. He didn’t look like the kind of man that was use to answering to anyone. <br /><br />Finally, his eye twitched a bit and he said, “Are you the leader of the sheep to be sacrificed?”<br /><br />“Yeah, I guess you could call me that.” I stared up at the ceiling as though I was thinking really hard about the right answer, “Come to think of it, that is probably one of the nicest things I have been called lately.” Then I pulled my eyes down to his and asked as disrespectfully as possible, “Who the fuck are you?” smile never leaving my face. <br /><br />Rods words echoed in my head. “You got to piss them off and scare them Lakasha. Get in their heads,” he had said as he poked me on my head with a meaty finger. The battle might be won or lost with one convo. I had to set the mood for the fight to come or everything was already lost. “Battle is about making the enemy believe and see what you want them too. Sometimes you want them angry sometimes you want them calm but you always want to be in control.” <br /><br />The Amarrian slammed his fist against the table and stood. I could hear the sound of his chair crashing on the metal floor behind him. The camera took a second to realize his face wasn’t there anymore then it slowly tracked up his black flight suit and centered back on target. He stared at the camera, face tight with rage. Yep, not someone use to a lot of disrespect. I would be willing to bet that getting that kind of disrespect from a woman was new to him too. Rod was a smart man picking me for this job.<br /><br />“I am Omir Sarikusa. What may I call your corpse?”<br /><br />My eyes responded to his name before I had a chance to hide my shock. This brought a slight smile to his face. I quickly regained my composer but it was too late, I lost points on that one. Omir Sarikusa was one of the most well known Blood Raider leaders in history. He had taken what was already a twisted blood thirsty cult and turned it into something even more terrifying. They believed the blood of clones to be the most pure for their dark rituals. Since his rise, countless lives were lost as his Raiders spread across Amarr space.<br /><br />Every time I thought this situation couldn’t get more confusing it did. Why would this sect of the Sani Sabik end up raiding a station that for the most part only held civilians? Why expend this kind of resources for a handful of capsuleer sacrifices? Then of course there were the Titans. There was no way a Blood Raider, even this one, had the resources to field a Titan let alone two. <br /><br />I concentrated on falling back into the nothingness of the pirate inside me before continuing the conversation. “I am Lakasha Nachtexen, leader of the Hellcats and CEO of Hellfleet Alliance.” Smile now gone, I stared at him with cold eyes. I thought about Geklov, Tasha, and all of the people on the station. I let the anger grow and compressed it into a little ball in my chest. “You have made a grave mistake Omir.”<br /><br />He grabbed the camera, pulling it to his face. “You are already dead!”<br /><br /><br />“You know Omir it is funny how fast news can travel. You would be amazed at how large of a fleet you can assemble when you let a few of your pirate friends in on the secret location of not one but two Titans. Even alliances that hate you want in on the kill. So, I tell you what Omir, I am going to go get in my ship come out there and drop the biggest fleet ever seen in this part of space on top of your little toys. I am going to kill every one of your people and laugh over local as your Titans are blown to hell. Thanks for all of the extra time you gave me to get my people ready.”<br /><br />The screen went blank and I turned and headed back toward the main hanger. The last hour had been filled with sporadic fire fights as raiders streamed in from different directions. Harrier had the men piling up Raider bodies as makeshift barricades along with all of the rubble. Even some of the older kids had guns now and were hunkered down at the fire points each with an adult to supervise. <br /><br />It was getting bad quick. Each of the attacks so far was a small force to test our lines. But we knew there were at least a hundred more raiders that we couldn’t account for. They were no doubt massing for a multi-pronged assault from the lower levels. <br /><br />The majority of the men, along with Harrier had moved to the lower levels for their part of the plan. He left a few of the more experienced fighters along with a few scientist and the kids to guard the hanger. Hopefully the hanger would be empty before the raiders attacked in force. <br /><br />I was walking toward my Manicore at the far end of the bay when I noticed a young girl behind a barricade by herself. I changed direction to go and make sure she was okay just as a laser bolt priced the air where I had been standing. I dove to the floor as the room around me erupted into a fire fight. Shots sounded all around, but I stayed low and managed to pull myself over to the barricade and slip behind. <br /><br />The girl was filthy and held her rifle across her chest like it was the only thing holding her to the ground. The adult laying on the ground next to her had a large pulpy hole in what was left of his head. Who knows how long she had been in the position by herself. She flinched as a blaster bold ricocheted off the barricade but never dropped her gaze from the man lying on the floor. <br /><br />I slid the blaster from my holster and risked a peek over the metal beams. Raiders were streaming in from two doors near the maintenance area. I ducked as another laser bolt sizzled into the metal barricade two feet from my head. Putting the blaster back in its holster, I reached over and put my hands on the girl’s rifle. She didn’t move but she let go.<br /><br />I never really cared for rifles. I love my blaster. The main reason is because I am not a great shot. I am fast, really fast, and I do pretty well on the range. But marksmanship has never been my thing. The blaster is a nasty weapon. Up close it can rip a body to shreds. The farther you get away though, the more dispersed the energy. Sure it will hurt anyway, but at a distance it probably won’t kill. Farther away it will just piss someone off. <br /><br />I leaned up over the barricade and tired to remember all the lessons my training instructors taught me. Hmmm…breath, heart…um lungs?…ahh fuck it. I pointed at the door closest to me and started shooting one bolt after another at the Raiders coming through. It was actually pretty effective at first since they were not expecting fire from my direction. I took out two of them by luck. Then three more opened fire and I was forced to cower behind the barricade. <br /><br />I realized it might not have been the smartest thing I ever done when they all started concentrating fire on my position. I have never been one to think these situations through too much. I run in headlong and don’t think about the consequences. I tend to lose a lot of ships that way too. Of course, dying in my pod sends me back to my clone. Dying here…<br /><br />I looked over at the girl and she was staring at me now, eyes open with fright. It was an accusing kind of stare. I shrugged and pulled my blaster back out. I could hear the raider’s yells over the gunfire getting closer. I slid my back against the metal corner of the barricade and motioned with my hand for her to lie flat on the ground. <br /><br />The first raider stuck his head over the barricade and my blaster caused his head to disappear in an impressive fountain of blood. I stood as I shot the first one and sent a bolt into the chest of two more raiders before they had a chance to react. Sliding back down to my cover I closed my eyes and tried to visualize where the remaining enemies were standing. <br /><br />There were at least two more. One was toward the pile of rubble to the left and one ducked behind a steel beam to the right. They had to both be waiting for me. I could probably run for cover but I looked down at the girl, crying on the floor in front of me, and my heart sunk a little. I couldn’t leave her.<br /><br />I have been close to death a few times in my life. Sometimes when I hang out with the boys at the pub we talk about our near death experiences. Some of the guys talk about their life flashing through their head. Not me though, my mind slips into this peaceful state that is hard to explain. <br /><br />But today it wasn’t like that. Today I had a young girl next to me who would die along with me, if she was lucky. It made me mad. The people she trusted, and should have been there for her, had betrayed her. Geklov was slime for leading his people to their doom for his own profit. Her parents were no better for being greedy enough to follow. Or just being mindless sheep. Either way it didn’t matter. <br /><br />For a second I thought about killing her before the raiders could get to her. I blushed with the shame of the thought. Sometimes the pirate in me can get a little too practical. It would be easy sometimes to completely give in and make those kinds of decisions. But then I would be no better than people like Geklov.<br /><br />It was time to act, so I did. I dove over the barricade in the direction of the last raider I saw. Unfortunately, he was closer than I expected and I my head slammed into his chest knocking us both on the floor about three feet from the barricade. Everything went black for a second and my blaster bounced out of my hand as it impacted the floor. <br /><br />I shook my head as my vision came back and noted two things quickly. One, I was on top of a large and pissed off raider. Two, I was surrounded by way more raiders than I expected. They seemed as shocked as I was because the barrage of laser bolts stopped for a second as they tried to decide what they should do. The decision was made for them though as several of them fell to the floor taken out by laser bolts fired from the other barricades.<br /><br />As the raiders around me dove for cover the one beneath me reached up with two large hands and started to squeeze my throat. I tucked my chin down on his hands as hard as I could to try and maintain my airway. After years of training it was second nature. Then I slid my knee up and put my full weight on his groin. <br /><br />He let out a surprised yell and the pressure on my throat lessened enough for me to get a good breath of air. It didn’t last long though as he lifted me off his chest by my throat and twisted, slamming me on the metal plated floor. He climbed on top of me, sitting on my hips, and used his full weight to try and choke the life out of me. I looked up at his face a mask of rage and hate. <br /><br />I beat at his sides with my fists but they bounced off like a child throwing a tantrum. I could feel the energy draining out of my body. My neck was on fire but everything else seemed to be getting colder as the seconds passed. As my vision blurred, I thought about my blaster laying somewhere near me on the floor. I didn’t know where it was so I reached out with both arms feeling for it. <br /><br />I found it to my right. My fingertips brushed the metal pushing it completely out of my reach. My hands dropped and I couldn’t move my arms anymore. This was it, and I didn’t feel anything. My life amounted to nothing, it was doubtful anyone would even notice I was gone, and I didn’t care. My mind wasn’t peaceful like all those other times I faced death. Today I felt empty, and for some reason it bothered me. But that feeling didn’t last long. Everything was a distant echo and the air was gone, somehow replaced by fire. <br /><br />Suddenly the raider above me let go and the fire turned into lava as air poured back into my lungs. I put my hands on my throat, gasping for air and jerking back and forth on the floor. The pain was almost unbearable and I would have screamed if I could. I rolled left and ran into the body of the raider that had been on top of me.<br /><br />I needed to get back to the barricade but my limbs weren’t responding yet. Through my blurry eyes I could see as far as the surprised dead face looking back at me. I calmed myself, tried to lie still, and waited for everything to come back into focus. As the rest of the room started to appear I looked back to the barricade to see the girl, standing in the middle of the fire fight, riffle in her hands. <br /><br />I managed to raise my arm and motioned for her to get back down. She nodded and ducked back behind the barrier. The fire fight was intense around me but the raiders that had been around when I dove out were nowhere in sight. I started pulling my way across the floor toward the barrier, taking the time to grab my blaster on the way. My neck was still on fire but my vision had returned and I was managing to find the strength to continue the low crawl to safety. <br /><br />I was almost back to the barricade when I heard the strangest sound I have ever heard on a space station. The sound started as a low rumble and quickly changed over to a deafening roar. The air around me hummed and the floor shook. All I could think was the station was coming apart around me. <br /><br />The sound grew louder and I looked up to see a streak of smoke and light fly over my head. I put my hands over my ears and managed to scream, the pain in my throat nothing compared to the compression wave that struck my eardrums. My voice was lost in the roar and then the sudden explosion that followed.<br /><br />The shockwave of the explosion threw me up and over the barricade, which was the last thing I saw as I tumbled through the air. Heat seared my exposed skin. I slammed into the floor, debris crashing around me, and everything went dark.Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-25203843431605948672010-07-21T23:25:00.004+00:002010-07-22T21:06:06.004+00:00Chapter 6 Part Two "Check"I’m not sure how long we sat in the hallway. But it seemed like forever. Eventually, she quit crying and I waited for a little longer to make sure she was finished. “We need to go now, okay?” I asked, like I was speaking to a child. She turned to look at me, eyes red and puffy. She nodded and stood up. <br /><br />I got up and lead the way back down the corridor to the stairs. The walk took longer this time because every now and then she would stop and I had to encourage her to continue. I moved us slowly down the corridor taking cover and listening for Blood Raiders at every intersection. Luckily, there was no sign of additional invaders all the way up to the stairs leading to the hanger. <br /><br />We climbed to the top of the stairs and I made eye contact with one of Harriers men. Once I was convinced they were not going to shoot I led Tasha back to the briefing room. The room was still packed. Some of the people had found a place to sleep while others talked. The children had fallen asleep in the middle of the floor, their toy ships scattered around them. I pulled her over to a chair near the door and told her to stay there. She nodded and stared ahead.<br /><br />After I was convened she would not bolt back down to the labs I went back out to the hanger. It had been a while since the last attack so some of the men were sleeping inside a makeshift barricade while others maintained watch. The large hanger looked like a battle field now. Debris covered the floor and bodies were stacked near the forward air lock awaiting proper disposal. <br /><br />I spotted Harrier sitting on top of a Rifter and headed his direction. This whole situation was fucked up. How could anyone lead their people to death like this and not care. Sure I am a pirate, but I do have a moral code, skewed as it may be. If Harrier knew about this I was going to teach him about my moral code up close and personal. I moved my hand down to rest on my blaster as I approached the Rifter and waited for him to come down to me.<br /><br />When I was close he gave me a little nod and slid down the side of the Minmatar rust bucket. Taking a position just out of my reach he rested a hand on his hip and the other on his carbine pistol. He was relaxed on the outside but he still managed an “I’m ready for trouble and I don’t mind killing you” kind of look. I smiled as my mind slipped to nothingness. <br /><br />“Geklov left and he took Antov with him,” I said, smile never leaving my lips. <br /><br />He looked at me for as second then shook his head and threw his hands up in the air. “He doesn’t pay me enough for this bullshit,” he said turning his back on me and walking toward the Rifter. He stood in front of it for a second and gave it two hard kicks with his booted foot. <br /><br />“The lower levels are undefended,” I said relaxing a bit. I was pretty sure his anger wasn’t an act for my benefit. He paced back and forth and finally turned to face me.<br /><br />“How long have they been gone?” he asked, now looking more determined then pissed.<br /><br />“At least an hour, probably more,” I said watching his reactions.<br /><br />“This is not good. There were three battle ships that managed to figure out a way to dock and send in the raiders for the station assaults. The station employee that saw the raiders enter through the lower air locks counted way more than we killed. If the corridor is undefended and our scouts are gone then we don’t know where the rest of them are.”<br /><br />I could see it all in my head. The Raiders had docked three battle ships worth of assault forces. One ship at the main hanger, and the other two ships down below. Antov had sealed off access to the main hanger and was holding off the assault down stairs. Geklov made a deal with the leader of invading force to let him go and he would give up his people. Right now there could be hundreds of Blood Raiders opening back up multiple access points to the hanger getting ready for a final assault. <br /><br />What I didn’t understand was why. They could have easily invaded a settlement or taken a transport ship. They would have had way more sacrifices that way than they were going to get from the people here. They brought two Titans and expended a lot of resources to be able to breach the station defenses. Unless, of course, someone had let them in. Who the hell was in the lead Titan anyway?<br /><br />At this point I would just be happy getting everyone off the station. I could worry about answering questions later. “I am going to go tell Rod we need to get the fuck out of here. Get your men together and do what you can,” I said as I turned and ran back toward the briefing room.<br /><br />“Hurry, they will be here soon,” he yelled over his shoulder while walking toward the barricade.<br /><br />Tasha was still sitting where I left her. She looked a lot better though. Her eyes seem to have a spark in them that had been missing earlier. I grabbed her hand and said, “come on, we need to get you out of here.”<br /><br />“Where are we going?” she asked stumbling behind me. <br /><br />“Cloning facility,” was all I said as we rushed down the stairs. I wasn’t sure what we would be able to do for the people that were left behind, but I was going to get her out of here safe.<br /> <br />I pulled her up to the control panel and she looked at me like she needed instructions. “Just set your clone to somewhere safe.”<br /><br />“We are leaving?” she asked sounding almost amused. <br /><br />“Set yourself to somewhere safe. I am going make sure you get out of here one way or another.” <br /><br />“You’re staying?”<br /><br />“Yeah, I need to help get these people out of here, but I need to know you are safe.”<br /><br />“Don’t stay here and help them. Don’t you even care what they have done to me,” she yelled. She stood there shaking, eyes boring a hole into mine. “How can you pick them over me?” she hissed as she turned from me and started walking away.<br /><br />I was shocked by her response. I knew she had just lost everything, but I didn’t expect for her to lash out at a bunch of Corp mates and their kids who were here to make money helping her. <br /> <br />I grabbed her hand and made her turn to look at me. “I know you have lost so much, Tash. I’m not picking them over you, but I can’t just let these people die because that piece of shit left them here. I promise I will come to you as soon as this is over,” I said, fear that she wouldn’t get over this stirring in the back of my mind. <br /><br />“I can get the money you need to pay Geklov off. I have associates that will let me borrow it. We can get everything started for you again, I promise. I have never broken a promise to you no matter how much I had to give up keeping it,” I pleaded. <br /><br />She stood there and stared at me for an eternity. Then finally, she relaxed a little and nodded. “Okay,” she said stepping up to the panel. I watched as she set the Genolution Biohazard Containment Facility in Aikantoh as her new clone location. The machine accepted her credentials and acknowledged the change in cloning facilities. <br /><br />After she was done I reset mine. At least if I was podded I would get to her faster. Thank goodness I had worked my sec status high enough to enter .6 space. After I was done I met her at the stairs and we started the climb back to the top.<br /><br />By the time we were at the hanger she seemed like a different person. She was smiling and confident again. Years of practice being in control of herself I guess. She went back into the briefing room to gather up some of her stuff and I headed to the pilots briefing room to talk to Rod. <br /><br />When I got in the room it was alive with movement and voices. The word had already made it to the pilots, and now there was a fevered effort to get everyone off the station. Rod stood in the middle of the madness somehow soaking in all the conversations going on around him. It was impressive, and I hoped if I lived through this that someday I would have that kind of situational awareness. <br /><br />I pushed my way up to the main display so I could hear what was going on. But it was a jumble of masculine voices yelling back and forth at each other. I noticed Rod looking at me and I just shrugged. It was nice he thought enough of me to “ask” for my opinion.<br /><br />After about two more minutes of listening to the vortex of ideas swirl around my head I jumped as Rod yelled, “Shut the fuck up.” I let out a little laugh as silence fell across the room. I couldn’t help myself. He stood at the center, all eyes on him, and it seemed like the most natural thing ever. I had to find out where he came from.<br /><br />“Okay, the way I see it we are out of time, so here is the plan.”<br /><br />We stood there for the next thirty minutes as the most detailed plan I have ever heard flowed from Rod. I had never seen someone who could weave a plan in such a short amount of time with such limited resources. He made it sound like something that should be in a military training manual. When we walked out of the briefing room to our ships not only did I think the plan had a chance, but I was ready to follow Rod to hell. Chances were good that I was.Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-53996999973493886662010-06-30T05:22:00.000+00:002010-06-30T05:23:08.794+00:00Chapter 6 Part One DreamsI pulled myself through the muddy water in front of me. It had to be muddy because it was so dark and hard to swim through. I needed to breath but I just couldn't quite get to the surface. I tried to kick harder but the last of my energy poured out and all that was left was fire. I opened my eyes and could see light, but I didn't seem to be getting any closer. Water filled my lungs and I started to sink back toward the bottom again.<br /><br />Then I was in my ship. This time it was a Merlin. I had to concentrate hard to tell because I had been in so many today. The ship pulsed in my head as I accelerated out of the docking bay. There was debris everywhere and I could feel it pinging off of the hull as I activated the afterburner to try and accelerate out of the mass of Blood Raider fighters. <br /><br />I reached out with the sensors to pick the path of least resistance and realized it wasn't debris that was bouncing off the ship. There were lifeless frozen corpses floating everywhere. Men, Women, and even children filled the departure vector out of the hanger. Whole bodies and pieces shattered as my ship plowed through them. I turned the ship to try and avoid them but they were everywhere.<br /><br />I pulled hard right one more time and finally the path cleared except for one crumpled blip on my overview that read biomass. I tried to turn again but the ship wouldn't respond. As I drew closer to the little speck I could pick out features. In front of me was my own body headed right toward my view screen.<br /><br />My heart raced and the pod set off alarms warning me about my vitals. I tried to look away but for some reason I couldn't. As I got closer I could see my head, half my face was charred beyond recognition. Except for the eyes, both of my blue eyes were perfectly preserved and staring right at me. Then the ship slammed into my body and the charred face smacked with a dull thump up against the view screen, leaving bits of flesh as my body peeled off toward the left of the Merlin. <br /><br />The clone vat opened and I fell outward to the ground on all fours. I dry heaved and tried to catch my breath but it felt like something was caught in my throat. I gasped for air between each retch and slowly air filled my lungs. I set there shivering, goo dripping on the floor around me.<br /><br />The cloning robot rolled by and dropped a towel on the floor then went on without a word. I had told it to shut the fuck up the last four times I found myself in the cloning facility. I guess the fourth time was a charm. I sat back on my legs and wiped the gunk off my face while my eyes adjusted to the lights. Then after a few deep breaths, I tried to shake off the dream, and headed to the shower to clean off.<br /><br />Once I was done I put on a fresh flight suit and headed back down toward the main hanger. To say I was frustrated would be a huge understatement. I had been podded five times in less than an hour. So far in the 6 hours since the siege began we had managed to take out only 20 of their fighters. Twice they had broken the station defenses and their boarding parties had somehow managed to make it inside. <br /><br />I had to admit that Anton and Herrier were doing a great job defending the hangers. Anton had managed to block enough corridors to funnel any raiding parties that docked somewhere besides the main hanger into a kill zone just outside the lower housing area. Herrier had taken his men and several volunteers to the main hangers where they had fought off four Blood Raider attempts at entering the briefing room where everyone who chose not to fight was hiding. <br /><br />I wasn't sure how the rest of the stations inhabitants were doing. But from what I had seen before the attacks began the station was all but abandoned. Not really uncommon for a station out in the middle of nowhere like this one. That also led to one of our first problems. No inhabitants, no reason to stock the markets. We were running out of ships fast.<br /><br />I entered the hanger through the only door accessible from the cloning facility. I entered slowly with my hands in the air even though it wasn't being guarded since it couldn't be used for a sneak attack from anyone outside the cloning bay. If Herrier had his choice it would be covered too, but he just didn't have the men. <br /><br />I waited until I had I eye contact with Herrier then continued on to the makeshift planning room the pilots had thrown together after the invasion started. Geklov had refused to leave the big briefing room so we decided to go elsewhere. He had tried to get into our planning room to order us around but one of the pilots punched him so hard he fell on his ass and told him to get out and not come back. It was best the other guy got to him first; I was going to shoot him.<br /><br />We actually ended up with twenty-two pilots who were willing to fight. For the most part the others had already launched their ships and had been podded back to wherever their home station was. A few were still sitting in their ships. They were probably waiting to see if they could profit from this somehow. <br /><br />I walked around a mess of chairs that were in the common area and up to the tactical display to stand next to Rod, one of the older pilots. He had taken command and seemed to have some good ideas so I was more than happy to stand back and let him run things. “How are our resources holding up?” I asked as he turned to greet me.<br /><br />“Going F'n fast,” he barked back. He wasn't pissed he just always talked like an old drill instructor. <br /><br />I looked at the display to get an idea of what we had left. Looked like about 20 frigates of various types and races, six cruisers, two battleships, and about 20 shuttles. There were enough random fittings to fit the ships, but not well. We were going to have to do something fast or this was a lost cause. <br /><br />“Figure Harrier and the mercs can keep these bastards at bay for days. But the space war is about over,” he said with a shake of the head.<br /><br />He was right. We were going to have to do something to get all of the civilians out or we were going to have to fight a siege for as long as we could manage. But if they were serious enough to bring this kind of fire power to raid a station eventually they would break our lines and get to everyone. <br /><br />He sighed and dropped his head, “What do you think brought them here?” It wasn't a question I could answer. It just seemed like we were in the wrong place at the wrong time. I just shook my head in and walked toward the hanger door. <br /><br />I wanted to find Tasha and make sure she was doing okay. The last time I saw her two of Antov's men were pulling her from a corridor they were about to close off. She was determined to get to her labs but they were not going to let her. When I went and pulled her back up the stairs she was not happy.<br /><br />The briefing room was packed now. Not only were Geklov's people in the room but many of the stations employees were also seeking shelter there. I searched the room for Tasha but didn't see her anywhere. I really hoped she had not found a way to get past Antov. The only person I recognized was a small Gallente man with long black hair. He was one of Geklov’s directors. <br /><br />I headed in his direction walking around several children playing with toy ships. I didn’t remember his name, but it didn’t really matter. He was staring out the window and didn’t seem to notice as I approached. “Have you seen Tasha?” I asked. <br /><br />He jumped, startled by my sudden appearance. He looked at me then turned to look out the window again. I waited for a response but when I didn’t get one for about thirty seconds I put my hand on his shoulder and shook him a little bit. “She left when she found out Geklov was gone,” he managed to whisper.<br /><br />I yanked him around so he was looking at me. “What do you mean Geklov left?” I managed to say as a thousand panicked thoughts filled my head. Where the fuck was Tasha?<br /><br />“He said he had made a deal and was leaving. Took Antov and a few guards and went to the executive hanger,” he replied. <br /><br />“Did Tasha go with him?” I waited no response. “Who is guarding the housing corridor?” I yelled.<br /><br />I ran out of the room almost falling over the children. I didn’t stop running until I was down the stairs and at the barricade that Anotov had set up as cover for his men. The room was filled with the bodies of both Blood Raiders and several of Geklov’s bodyguards. But there was nothing living that I could see. Geklov had gone, taking Antov with him. He left everyone undefended in the process.<br /><br />I should have been angry or gone and warned the others but the only thing I could think about was finding Tasha. I pulled out my blaster and headed down the hall I had helped pull her from earlier. Scorch marks trailed down the side of the walls and several of the lights were out, but as I got farther down the damage was minimal. I still tried to move as quietly as I could just in case any of the invaders had split off to look for a way to the hanger in this direction. <br /><br />After about twenty minutes of searching I found her. She was sitting with her back against a door crying. I could have been a Blood Raider and she would never have known the difference. I slid down the wall next to her and put my arm around her. She leaned over and rested her head against mine and sobbed. <br /><br />“Everything is lost,” was the only thing she said. I had never heard her sound so down and lost. I knew there was nothing I could say that would make her feel better. Everything she had wanted and worked for her whole life was gone. <br /><br />A war raged around us. Innocent people were going to be slaughtered. Maybe even us. But I didn’t care. I sat there and held on to her while she cried. It was the most helpless I have ever felt.Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-7453927896670520612010-06-05T02:52:00.000+00:002010-06-05T02:59:50.059+00:00Chapter 5 Times UpThe briefing room was on the main level of the station. It set just outside the main hanger where most of the corp ships were stored. The rooms came in different sizes and setups depending on what you wanted to pay for. The ones outside the main hanger were the most expensive but normally worth the price. <br /><br />By the time I got to the main level I managed to get back into control of my emotions. Being emotional Laka would not get Tasha out of this mess. I really have two sides to my personality. One side was the one with the nicer emotions. The one that still had some hopes and dreams about love and life in this shithole of a universe. Over the last two years I found it harder and harder to connect with her. I found myself relying more on the other side of my personality, the pirate. Sometimes I wondered if there was a point of no return and all that would be left was the pirate. A little part of me shivered at that thought, the pirate smiled. <br /><br />I walked into the briefing room and let the pirate take over. It wasn't something I had to concentrate on to do anymore. One flip of a switch in my head and I was all about the business of pain and death. I was a cold void ready to act. The only emotion that I had very little control over in this state of mind was anger. But it could be channeled and used for my purpose. I found a place along the back wall and forgot about worries over love and friendship. <br /><br />I spotted Tasha in one of the seats at the front of the room. There were about seventy other people already seated. I took a quick count and estimated about thirty of those were actual pilots. The rest seemed to be civilians of some type. Probably a part of the corp's station side logistics personnel and scientist there to help with Tasha's research. <br /><br />After about twenty minutes of waiting Geklov came in, Antov and Harrier at his side. In addition to the two body guards were three other men trailing behind. Nice that he needed five men to protect him in the middle of his own corporation. He walked to the front of the room and the men took positions around him. He gave a little nod to Tasha, and started speaking. <br /><br />He stood up in front of everyone explaining that negotiations with the Sons of Death Alliance had been more difficult than expected. Even though they had promised the corp blue status they had reneged and now the filthy pirates wanted five billion ISK or they would come into system, destroy all the labs and then trap and ransom everyone in the station. He was very good at changing his voice and tone to play to the audience. If I had not known better I might have been convinced of his concern for the corp. <br /><br />This situation seemed to be new to some of the people in the room who started shouting questions and hurling insults at Geklov. Several of the pilots got up and left. Geklov stood and answered as many questions as he could but no one was listening except me; and I was starting to understand the infuriating truth of the situation. <br /><br />Tasha got up and explained that she needed at least one more week for completion of her project. Once the project was done everyone would get all the money they had been promised. As she talked I watched Geklov and his men. Three of the men stood behind him hands resting on the blasters at their hips. They seemed tense and I knew they were no threat. Antov and Harrier however, were a different story. They seemed relaxed, hands resting at their sides. These were the men to fear. It might have been transparent to others but I could see by the way they stood that they were ready for a fight. Almost begging for one.<br /><br />“Geklov, did you give the Sons of Death the money they requested for this system before you moved in,” I shouted while I looked at the floor, trying to control the anger in my voice. <br /><br />“I'm not sure that it is any of your concern how my corp does business...,” he said and continued rambling, but I wasn't listening.<br /><br />I took in a deep breath and pushed the anger I was feeling into a ball in the center of my chest. When I looked up at him he stopped talking and the men at his side tensed. I have been told by many of my friends that when I get truly pissed I have a look that would make death stop and take notice. I was cold and empty inside, ready. I wondered for a second if that is what the two mercenaries next to Geklov felt like right now. <br /><br />“You know what I think Geklov? I think you never paid the Sons of Death. I think that you are squatting in their territory and kept the money for yourself. Then, when one of their scouts came in system they watched while you moved your people in and put up your POSs. You put yourself before all of your people, thought the stupid pirates would never know the difference, and now all of these people are in danger because of you.” Tasha was in danger because of him. The words were so calm coming out of my mouth. I felt detached, like I was standing to the side listening to myself talk. I slid my hand down to my blaster and the men up front got ready. <br /><br />“That is not the case and you should not spread such rumors,” he sputtered out. “Besides, no one is in danger, I am quite sure that these pirates will not even show. If they do, we will give them a few ISK and they will be on their way.”<br /><br />I was livid. He had brought his people down here to die, most of them without the benefit of a clone if the Son's wanted to make an example of them. It was all I could do to not put a bullet in his head. But there was no way I could kill him and all five of his men before one of them killed Tasha. I noticed Antov was flashing me a smile and the bastard even slid his hand away from his gun. I thought for a second about killing them all anyway. <br /><br />Station alarms went off and I didn't get a chance to see if I was faster than the men on stage. The tactical screen at the front of the briefing room lit up displaying little green blips as multiple ships surrounded the station. Each ship was identified as belonging to the Sons of Death alliance. Once all of the inbounds were accounted for the readout displayed 30 battleships and about 20 frigs. <br /><br />The communications channel opened and a crusty looking Amarr man filled the screen. “You have one hour to deposit five billion ISK into our holding corp account or we will come in and take it,” was all he said and the communications channel went black. <br /><br />Almost every pilot in the room stood and headed out the door toward the hanger. I really wasn't assuming it was because they were ready to fight. I figured most of them just wanted to make sure they were in their pods when the fight started. There were about nine who stayed behind and they headed to a corner of the room. These were the guys I was looking for.<br /><br />I walked over to the group and listened from a few feet away as they threw together a strategy to fight the overwhelming force. I liked them already. I threw in a few ideas as they talked and the circle slowly opened so I could step in to join them. <br /><br />I could hear the uproar in the background as Gekolv tried to calm the remaining crowd. He finally gave up and tried to communicate with the leader of the invading force. The Amarrian did not answer Gekolv's communication requests.<br /><br />We were about to head to our ships to see what kind of damage we could do to the Sons when the station alarms started screaming again. The tactical display flashed red blips as each new ship appeared at the station. When the final count came across there were ninety-two hostiles in system. The last two ships were Avatars. The only identification the computer displayed was Blood Raider.<br /><br />Everyone in the room was silent as they stared at the monitor. I watched as the overwhelmed little green dots on the tactical display started to disappear. Some of them tried to run, but most didn't get clear before the cloud of red overcame them. They where obviously as surprised as we were. <br /><br />I had never heard of the Blood Raiders operating in such a large force. I sure as hell had never heard of them having Titans. All I knew for sure was the Blood Raiders would not be interested in an ISK ransom. They could only be here for one thing. We were all fucked.Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-31235318214401611402010-05-27T23:06:00.001+00:002010-05-28T11:25:37.974+00:00Chapter 4 MeetingsThe seven hours flew by. Of course, I only ended up getting about an hour of sleep. Tasha and I spent most of the night getting close again. Getting close in an urgent, almost panicked kind of way. I guess she was more worried than she was letting on. The whole night felt more like an ending than a new beginning. <br /><br />I lay in the bed with my eyes closed while Tasha took a shower. I just wanted to pretend things were perfect for a little longer. There were a lot of things that needed to be done. But right now I was going to soak in every last second of peace. Even peace that doesn't last is better than none.<br /><br />I heard her walk out and cracked open my eyes. She was standing in the doorway looking at me with a big smile on her face. “You remember that time we went to the resort on Kalfa 3?” she asked.<br /><br />We had gone to the little resort to celebrate our graduation. “Of course I do, you were so loud that little old Gallente man came to our door to ask us to keep it down,” I said teasing her. <br /><br />“If I remember right you answered the door naked,” she said teasing back. It was true, and the look on his face was priceless. He stuttered something about keeping the noise down and turned around and left. Some of my favorite memories happened that week. It was also the last time we were really close.<br /><br />“Sorry, I was in the middle of changing,” I said defending my oh so fragile honor.<br /><br />“Do you miss those times?” she asked, smile gone now and replaced with something much darker. <br /><br />I felt like I was walking into a trap. It had to happen eventually, it always did. I could lie and say it didn't matter much to me. But why start protecting myself now?<br /><br />“I miss them very much,” I said with as little emotion as I could manage. “Do you?”<br /><br />“No,” was all she said at first. It hurt, but I kind of expected the slap in the face. I waited, hoping she would explain in a way that wouldn't crush me but knowing it wouldn't happen. She paced back and forth a few times. I could feel the frustration rolling off of her. <br /><br />“Laka, I am so tired of who I am now, of who I was back then. When this project is done I will have a lot of money and I will be able to do anything I want. Pretty soon I will have some power and things won't be the same.” <br /><br />It was not the response I expected. As long as I had known her she had never talked about power or money. She was so absorbed in her love of her research that those things never seemed important to her. I wondered what had happened these last few years to cause such a change in her and how she had kept it from me until now.<br /><br />“Tasha, I have never known you to want more than your research and a little fun,” was all I could think to say. <br /><br />“I am sick of having to rely on people like Geklov... of doing god awful things to get where I want to be,” she said, shaking. I got up and walked over to her and gave her a hug. I had no idea what she had been through, which made me feel like a pretty shitty friend. She hugged me back and I held on until she finally stopped shaking. <br /><br />“We will be late if we don't get ready soon,” she said as she let go and walked into the adjoining room. <br /><br />I went into the bathroom to get ready and thought about all the things I was going to do to this Geklov to pay him back.<br /><br />Tasha led me down one of the long residential hallways on the upper section of the station. The rooms on this level were normally reserved for those with more money then they knew what to do with. I didn't see one person in the halls the entire 10 minutes it took us to walk to Geklov's room. Guess not a lot of rich people need a room in a back water system like this one. <br /><br />Once we got there Tasha entered a code on the door and it slid open reveling a large open sitting area. It was as big as my whole living quarters back in Vit. Even though the room was big, it was packed with furniture and ornamentation that gave it a cramped feel. The giant couch in the middle of the room was snow white to match all of the tables and chairs. The only thing I could think was white is a terrible color to get blood out of.<br /><br />Two men were waiting in the room. I doubted that either was Geklov. They both had a hard look to them. A look that made you want to be somewhere else. The one standing against the far wall was slightly shorter than me, but built like a Minmatar earth miner. You know, very muscular but not bulky. The kind of muscle that made you strong and fast. He didn't look up when I came into the room, but I knew he had already assessed the situation and was keeping track of me. I wondered if he decided I was a threat or not. <br /><br />The other man was tall and skinny. His body seemed relaxed but his eyes said he was ready for anything. The look in his eyes reminded me of a picture of hunting dogs I saw once. He, unlike the other man, didn't take his eyes off of me. I couldn't quite tell if he was watching me because he considered me a threat, or he wanted something far more personal. <br /><br />Tasha was oblivious to the showdown going on around her. She stopped when she noticed I wasn't following her the rest of the way in the room and gave me an exasperated look. “Oh, come on, does everything with you always end in a pissing contest?” she said looking at me with angry eyes. She proceeded to introduce me to the men in the room so we could all make nice and get on with things. The tall man was Anton the short one was Herrier. They were Geklov's personal body guards. To her that was enough information, they were just more hired help. To me they were people I might need to kill or who might try to kill me.<br /><br />About the time we were finished with introductions, Geklov made his appearance. He was short and fat. His black thinning hair was greased back in the current Caldari fashion. Every bit the shady business man; exactly what I expected the shit bag to look like. I hated him before he even opened his mouth. <br /><br />He walked across the room straight to me and his body guards fell in behind him. “You must be Lakasha. Tasha has told me so much about you,” he said reaching out to grab my hand and pull it to his slimy mouth. I yanked my hand back giving him a start and prompting Harrier to move a little closer to his boss. <br /><br />Tasha gave me a panicked warning look as she stepped in next to Geklov and he put his pudgy arm around her waist. Anger flashed in my chest and I know I didn't keep it from showing in my face. These were the things Tasha had done make her research happen? Dirty deals and god knows what to slime bags like this. Where had I been? How could I let someone that meant so much to me go through shit like this on their own? I know she had pushed me away, but was it because I wasn't a good enough friend to help her? <br /><br />“I don't like to be touched, sorry,” was all I could manage to say. Now was not the time to make it harder on Tasha. I needed to get her out of here and away from all of this. Pissing off the man who was holding a large debt over her head was not a good way to start. <br /><br />“Oh, that is quite alright. I understand,” he said as he moved his hand up and down Tasha's waist. I could swear she tensed up just a little bit as he did. I took in a little breath and let it out trying to calm myself without anyone noticing. <br /><br />“Well lets get down to business then. We are glad you came down to help, as my darling Tasha knew you would. When will the others be coming?” he asked. <br /><br />“You mean Hellfleet?” I asked a little confused. He just nodded. “I don't speak for them nor would I ask them to come down here and sacrifice their ISK on a cause they have no interest in,” was all I could think to say. I came down here to get Tasha out of trouble, not to fight a war for a shit bag Caldari business man. <br /><br />The smile fell from his face and he said, “Well that changes my plans considerably. Tasha, would you please head down to the briefing room and get everything ready to go?” She kissed him on the cheek and headed out the door without looking back. He watched her go and turned back to me with a less friendly look. Now we were getting somewhere.<br /><br />“I can see you care about her very much,” he said with a smile that did not make it to his eyes. “She owes me over 2 billion ISK. It would be a shame if something happened to her before her research was ...”<br /><br />I didn't let him finish. I crossed the space between us and had one hand on his throat and another on my blaster before he could stop speaking. Less than a second after that Harrier had his hand on top of mine stopping me from pulling the blaster out of the holster and Anton grabbed my wrist and pushed hard at the joint to stop me from putting pressure on Geklov's throat. <br /><br />The anger died down a bit with the thought that I wouldn't be able to help Tasha if I died in this room. I relaxed a little to let the two men know I was done for now. Geklov stepped back, rubbing his throat and said, “There will be no need for violence. I am sure you and I can come to a reasonable agreement.” He nodded to the two men and each let go of me but remained close enough to keep me under control if they needed. <br /><br />“What do you want?” I asked.<br /><br />“Right now, just your support if the pirates decided to make good on their threat. Later...well, I will come up with something mutually pleasing no doubt,” he said as he looked me up and down. “You see I have plenty of ISK my dear Lakasha, I am more interested in the many other ways to pay off debts. Alliances, support from allies, intel...servitude.” <br /><br />He looked me up and down one more time and started to walk back in to the room he came from. “Oh, and if anything happens to me before I am satisfied with my repayment she will be killed.” <br /><br />Harrier turned and followed his boss out of the room. Antov leaned in close and said, “I can't wait.” Then he grabbed my arm and lead me to the door. I followed because now was not the time. I had to make a plan to get Tasha away from here. I had to make lots of plans. Geklov was a dead man.Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877280279218530250.post-64302448008362587002010-05-08T12:02:00.000+00:002010-05-08T12:03:11.738+00:00Chapter 3 KnightIt was 29 low and null sec jumps to DRO-11. I made it through four gate camps with bubbles on my way there. I decided to go in my Manticore, because nothing beats a cloaking ship for travel in 0.0. Also, I wanted to be able to scout the area around DRO once I got there. The Manticore is not the best of the stealth bombers by any means, but it is well rounded and has enough medium power slots to make it very adaptive to my needs.<br /><br />DRO turned out to be a dead end system on the outskirts of Amarr space. The adjoining system only had one way out also. It would be a bitch to defend and resupply in the middle of an invasion. Good thing there was no invasion. The last three systems I traveled though were empty. It had been 10 jumps since I saw more than a frigate. It was hard not to think that Tasha had suckered me into coming down here for god only knows what.<br /><br />I gave her the benefit of the doubt and made some safes in the adjoining system before jumping into DRO. The system itself was pretty much worthless with three planets and one ice field. I quickly warped to each of the planets making safes along the way. Then I scanned out two research POSs and went to check them out as well.<br /><br />Lets just say I was underwhelmed with the defenses on each position. Both consisted of a small control tower with shields enveloping a research station and a corporate hanger. The only thing defending either of them was a few Medium Blaster Batteries and a pair of Stasis Webification Batteries. I had taken down a POS with this much defense solo in a Geddon once. It took forever, but I managed to overcome the boredom and pull it off. If there was an enemy fleet inbound they would destroy the stations without breaking a sweat. <br /><br />I shook my head and pointed the bomber toward the only station in system and engaged the warp drive. I was almost nauseous from the anticipation of seeing Tasha again. I have no idea why I work myself up so much over meeting with her, but I do. I can never quite wrap my head around our friendship. I don't really understand what she wants from me. Some days I am her best friend ever and others she doesn't know my name. I love so few people, sometimes I wonder if I pick the ones that do nothing but hurt me on purpose. <br /><br />The warp drive disengaged and the station loaded me into its docking sequence. I let the station take over and started the checklist routine. It was all instinct now, I didn't need to look at the steps. By the time the pod had powered down I was unhooked and everything was prepped for my return. Although I haven't really timed myself since capsuleer school, I could be loaded back in and ready to launch in well less than a minute. <br /><br />I got out of the pod and a maintainer robot came running up. I waved it off and started looking around the hanger for Tasha. I'd left a message with her about 30 minutes out, letting her know I was almost here. But she wasn't in sight so I started snooping around the hanger to try and ascertain what kind of situation we were really in here.<br /><br />The hanger was actually pretty busy. There were quite a few battleships and battle cruisers being prepped for flight. I counted about 10 pilots running around in flight suites checking on their ships. However, for the most part the bay was full of haulers and mining vessels. Of course the hangers are spread out all over the place so it was hard to tell for sure what kind of combat support was around. <br /><br />One of the pilots ran by me and I stopped him to try and get a little information. “Getting ready to defend the station?” I asked inquisitively.<br /><br />At first he didn't respond, and started to run off, which was pretty rude. I blocked him with my shoulder hard enough to send him spinning. <br /><br />Startled he said, “Oh, umm no. Dietrie probed down an ancient site two systems over. We are scrambling to get over there and see if we can find any thing good before someone else gets it.”<br /><br />“You're are not worried about the invasion fleet that is on it's way?” I asked. He looked a little confused. <br /><br />“Um, no, Geklov is taking care of that,” was all he said. Then he took the chance I wouldn't knock him on his ass and ran down the corridor. Interesting to say the least. They were down here carebearing it up while a supposed group of pirates were on the way to kill everyone in the station. So many things were not adding up that my head was starting to hurt. <br /><br />I walked back down toward my ship to wait. About a half an hour later Tasha showed up bossing around two men holding extremely large boxes. She looked over in my direction and waved, then continued her dispute with the men. Finally, she headed my way.<br /><br />It had been about a year since I had seen her. She never really looked much like a scientist to me. She was tall and skinny. Her long black hair was always pulled up into a neat tight ponytail. Her clothes were always stylish. It was like at any moment she could walk out of the lab and fit in at a dinner party or a night club. I was never quite sure how she pulled it off. <br /><br />As she walked up that feeling of nausea started in my stomach again. This could be the part where she was pissed at me for something or loved me to death. She put her arms around me and whispered in my ear how happy she was to see me. I relaxed a little and stepped back as she let go. <br /><br />“You were supposed to be here hours ago,” she said smiling as she looked me up and down.<br /><br />I smiled back and said, “I have been here for hours.” She rolled her eyes at me and started walking toward the door she had appeared from. Once we got into the corridor she looked around then she grabbed my hand and squeezed so hard I thought she was going to break it. <br /><br />“Laka, I am so glad you are here. I have so many things to show you and tell you about,” she giggled like a little girl. I don't remember ever seeing her so excited. Somehow I didn't think this conversation was going to be about an invasion force. I didn't come down here to catch up. I came down to get her out of trouble and get the hell out before I got my feelings hurt yet again. <br /><br />“Hon, I need to get all the intel on the people who are threatening you. I also need to know how many ships we have and..,” I just stopped talking. Her glazed over look told me all I needed to know. It was obvious she was not really listening. Probably doing math problems in her head. I just stared at her.<br /><br />Finally, she realized I had quit talking and said, “Don't worry, Geklov will get you up to speed on all of that silly stuff. Now come on,” she said as she started pulling me down the corridor again. <br /><br />I spent the next two hours following her around from makeshift lab to makeshift lab. Apparently, she had made quite the discovery in implant production. There were small amounts of a material on one of the moons here that could be used to increase inter something-or-another communications between implants. If she could get enough of the material to synthesize it would basically allow implants to talk to each other faster. She already had a few prototypes, which she was also producing here at the station. <br /><br />She was so excited and enthusiastic it was hard not to get excited too. She had a charismatic field around her that just pulled people in. It was one of the things I loved about her. She always seemed to make me feel better, no matter how shitty I felt. For a while I could forget myself and just be happy. <br /><br />I followed her into every one of her labs and listened as she explained processes that were so far beyond my comprehension there was no way I would ever understand. She knew I wouldn't get it, but it made her happy sharing her work with me. That made me happy. Almost happy enough to forget why I was here in the first place. But as she pulled me from place to place I started to get that nagging feeling that I needed to get information soon or it was going to be too late. Finally, it was all I could think about. Workaholic I guess. <br /><br />She pulled me to another door and I had had all I could take. “Sweetie, I really enjoy seeing all of this stuff. But if I don't get the information I need to help you it is all going get blown up.” I said it as nice as I could manage. Her face fell and my heart beat a little slower from the sudden increase in gravity around me. <br /><br />“I know,” she said with a frown. I could see her brain working hard to make everything fit into her reality. To her, reality was just another science problem to figure out. Just a bunch of variables that if manipulated properly would end in the results she wanted. Not exactly the ethical way to run an experiment, but that is how it worked for her. I had watched her do it many times in the past. <br /><br />“Geklov said he would give you all the information you need at the meeting he is holding,” she said, happy again with how things were going. <br /><br />Finally we were getting somewhere. I started thinking about all the questions I needed answered to make sure we could mount the best defense possible. Then I realized she was just standing there staring at me with a big smile on her face. She didn't say anything because she had said it so many times in the past. She thought I spent too much time thinking about bad things or things I had no control over. Sometimes it was a cute discussion and sometimes it was a fight. I was guessing from the smile today she thought it was cute.<br /><br />“When is the meeting?” I finally asked.<br /><br />“1800”.<br /><br />“That is like seven hours from now. Do we really have that much time to waste?” I asked, irritated.<br /><br />“We have the time, or Geklov wouldn't wait. He stands to lose a lot from this deal if it goes bad,” she said as she walked toward the door.<br /><br />“Another lab?” I asked as the door opened. <br /><br />“Nope, this one is my room. I figure you need some rest and we need to kill a few hours,” she said as she walked in.<br /><br />I followed her in, and I hated myself for it.Lakashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09946557374009024485noreply@blogger.com1