Midweek Satire

Why do people get so upset when I offer to buy their children? I mean really, they yell at their kids, threaten to hit them, go on and on about how much of a burden they are. So just sell them, right?

When I make a decent offer they get all offended and start holding their kid like they actually care. Suddenly this wiggling mass of high maintenance flesh with eyes that could crumple a burly biker’s resolve is the greatest thing to have ever happened to them. They stop yelling and making threats, and start being very decent and protective. Interesting yet confusing. It is almost like I have granted them a moment of clarity.

I am not some sort of dark angel that is setting people straight, just man with some money looking to take the unwanted off their hands.Yet, they call me the devil. Pheh. Parents are almost as boggling as the kids they ‘take care of’.

It’s not like I am going to take the child to a room and lock it in there for twelve years without human contact. (I can’t afford the automated robots to do that… yet.) Oh well, back to the drawing board.

@}}-;’—— English Bob.

Death Wagon 31

Billy finally convinced me to depart from the hangar, wanting to get to the control room. The rest of the station was open, the halls were clean, no dust. Perfectly preserved, a real step into the past and I knew where everything was. The barracks, the chow hall, relaxation room the whole nine yards.

Fenris immediately raided the cafeteria coming up with several packets of dried goods that had gone bad decades ago. That did not stop the big man from opening every package and can searching for something to imbibe upon. Most of the equipment had been taken, likely as souvenirs by the former occupants.

Still there more than a few pieces that took up space on the shelves. I idly picked up a helmet, turning it over in my hands. It was series two environmental helmet, and completely intact except for the re-breather vents were missing. I gently placed the head gear down my fingers linger on it before I mentally get back on task.

If the layout was correct in my head we had come in through at the back of the complex where the spotting craft landing pad was. Winding along the corridors I took Billy to the control room. Bulky computers lined the top of the large horseshoe metal table. Billy immediately took a rolling chair and scooted himself to the terminal leaving me to go back and wander the halls.

Out of the corner of my eye I spot Torq take Kat by the hand into one of the barracks rooms down the way. I should break that up….ah forget it. I chided myself. Let them have their moment, better here than in the back of the ambulance. Aegis was still out there looking for us, the fact gnawed away at my childhood reminiscing.

Passing by the cafeteria once again, I listened to Lacey briefly as she attempted to convince the Valkyries that tuna was actually a common fish from her time. And they stored it in cans, like the open and smelly mess she held in her hand! Even I couldn’t believe it, but she had been from a time it might have been possible, so the jury was out on that one. The other women gave Lacey humoring looks which she picked up on quickly. I chuckle, leaving her to defend her position on her own as I walk to the bay to daydream.

I couldn’t help it, as tired as I was I starting scaling the access ladder to the VERN that looked to be the most operational. The cold steel rungs bit into my hands but I ignore it. Padding along the back of the beast I made my way over the empty payload bay to the neck. Pulling the door to the cockpit back I was assaulted by the smells of the past. Musty sweat, the slight scorch of old circuitry, and spoiled coolant all made their presence known to my nose. Ignoring the smell, I slipped into the chair behind the control panels.

All too familiar dual gripped handles extended from the console within reach. Clamps ran along the lower sides of the chair. The clamps were essential for the controls; they piloted the center and rear legs. The front legs were controlled by the grip handles, as was acceleration, braking, and turning. Taking hold of the handles I mimicked the motions I learned in the entertainment simulator at home, so long ago as a child. Handle forward, other handle forward, hip shift left, right, left foot stomp, right foot stomp, and repeat.

Pull back for the rear up of victory! I could almost hear the sim chiming in its imperious voice, ‘We have a transport trapped two kilometers west and a condition four fire has cut of any chance of extraction! You are their only hope. Pilot the Ranger Mechanica to the site and save them! Remember to watch your heat levels, and vent often. Good Luck, Ranger Wiles!’ You got it, Disaster Chief! I’m on my way!

********* *********** ************* *************** *********

I must have fallen asleep at the controls, Lacey is shaking me gently now. They were great dreams too, lots of medals, promotions, and Mrs. Webster crying because I stomped on her house with the VERN. I always did that, it took too much time to go around the damn blocky thing in the game. I yawn looking at her through bleary eyes, “Huh?” is all I care to get out at the moment.

Lacey huffs, despite the amusement in her eyes. Must have been talking in my sleep or something. “We have been looking all over for you. Billy wants you in the control room.” She said.

Stiffly I got out of the seat and checked my chronometer again. The numbers glared in red that I had slipped just under the fifty hour mark. Two days and some change, I could feel my ears flush with tight unrelenting stress. “How long was I out?” I ask climbing the trio of steps that led out of the cockpit.

Lacey ran a hand over her nearly bald head, before answering. “We’ve been looking for you for about three maybe four hours? Billy got the system up and running and is all worked up again.” Her voice dipped low and teasing. “Who is Mrs. Webster?”

I smile automatically, “She’s uh…a person from my childhood. I used to run through her house as a kid.”

The botanist cracked a toothy grin, “Nice.”

******************* ************** **************** ********

Billy tapped at the keyboard, pausing to adjust the monitors so he could view three nearly at once. I pull up a chair, nearby idly watching Fenris pace. Lacey settles on the edge of the metal desk crossing her legs. “So what’s the score, Billy?” I ask stifling another long yawn.

He grumbles, fingers flying over the keys. “System is up; power is coming in from solar on top of the mountain. I managed to find a low ball satellite to get us some topographical pictures.” I remain silent, noting Billy has only one screen with the map on it; the other two are flicking through cameras within the structure. “We got problems, and I am not just talking about the army outside.”

Lacey jumps in first, “What army?” she asks, doing a great job keeping the fear from her voice. It’s her face that gives it away for me.

Billy points at the monitor while moving a small corded device with his other hand. “Poly storm is still up, but I was able to get heat signatures.” The screen casts the image of the landscape in blue and the reddish boxes were obviously vehicles.

“They’ve camped out on the turn we came in on. Blocking the road, six, most of them light skirmish vehicles. Likely APC’s with a compliment of about eight troops a piece. Up the way they have another road block on the other side of the mountain, which is a pair of APC’s and something much larger. I’m betting it’s a tank, more specifically a Grendel judging by the size.” Billy indicated the large red mass sitting idle and flanked by two smaller blotches of crimson and orange.

Fenris perked up at the name of the tank, stopping in mid pace. “A Grendel you say? The gods do smile upon us this day. At least they are about to.”

Having no idea what the mammoth man was going on about so I decided to inquire. “What do you mean they are smiling upon us?”

Fenris puffed his chest out, “Grendel is an old monster and Beowulf defeated it. My rig the Beowulf will find a way to destroy that armored beast. Rest assured history will repeat.” I failed to find his words reassuring.

Billy interrupts, “But that is out there, we got problems in here.”

My eyes narrow, “Such as?”

Death Wagon’s navigator jerks a thumb towards Fenris. “Big man says one of his Valkyries has gone missing, haven’t been able to raise her on the comm in two hours.”

Fenris nods, “What Billy says is true, Fiona has not checked in. The others have paired off to look for her. I sense an evil in this place. I felt it every since we entered.”

If I did not know the man as well as I did I would have sworn he was trying to scare everyone. That explains why Billy was watching the cameras on the inside of the complex. With unintentional drama Billy drives the point home. “I’ve also found jury rigging on a lot of the terminals. Modern technology added to these junk heaps. Recent updates too. We’re not alone in here, Fenris is right.”

Credit Christ…

A Little Window

This has been a long year, one of the best/worst ever. I have been reading on how other writers cope with the day to day, a ladle full of reality in ones quest for success. So I am following suit, giving a little insight into…me.

Bills stack up at times, one has to decide if its carrots, peanut butter, and cheese for dinner or cheap pizza. Heaped upon that is work, home improvement, and most importantly being a father. I have to shift and adapt, because the words and ideas don’t take breaks. Typing with my son slung over my shoulder with one hand to scribbling notes on a mustard stained napkin in a blizzard. Life doesn’t stop when I write either. It is a constant barrage of the unexpected waiting in the wings just for me.

Sometimes I feel like it is Custard’s Last Stand, or some scene you would see in a movie. Where the hero is on a pile of bodies, valiantly shooting at these bill waving zombies at point blank range as the screen goes dark. Yet, I always seem to have the right ‘bullet’ at the right time to take care of the job.

I love my wife she is extremely tolerant of my writing habits. She is my everything; I gave up the kingdom to chase her up north when she started college. She is smart, funny, tough, beautiful and did I mention, beautiful? She is great seamstress, an artist, and a culinary fairy godmother. We just celebrated our ninth anniversary! She is my rock as I am out fighting storms.

Then there are my friends. They have been a constant source of inspiration for what feels like forever. They have had my back through some tough times and I more than willing would and have done the same for them. They put up with my weird ways too, and I treasure them for it.

I don’t have typical days, not a damn thing is ordinary about my life. I’m up at four A.M. tinkering away on this dinosaur of a computer in my ‘man cave’. Since it is winter it makes it doubly interesting, the cold tries to drive a wedge of writers block through my skull. Still, I am the stubborn sort and refuse to type inside the house. My cave is my cave for better or worse.

Experience is the key to writing in my opinion. Be it personal or putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. Sometimes it is just something you see, or hear, that rings profound to you. If you haven’t been there you are just bluffing and someone is going to call you on it eventually.

I have a plethora of experience and a near photographic memory. I have traveled all over the country, a good part of it on foot. Some places outside of the United State Border. Great way to see the best and worst of people and I balk at recommending it.

I’ve partied in board room penthouses, and felt the rumble of steel bars closing on my cell. Danced in the greatest halls with my wife to doing the Robot on the ferry as London Bridge opened in the background. I have felt the joy of my son being born, to the alien itch of metal deep in the muscle from being shot in the arm.

The excitement of the lights and sirens while training in the ambulance to standing alone at a friend’s grave in a wind swept cemetery. Skillfully talking down a criminally insane patient with only my wits and a chocolate chip cookie, to facing my own fears cleaning sneaky black mold inside the bathroom wall myself. Everything I take in and experience I use, good or bad.

So I roll on, the words fly forward and I continue to write, read and take on new experiences. It is a labor of love, and as rough as all of that can be, I still love it.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program! Thanks for reading and may all your experiences be noteworthy!

English Bob. @}}-;’—–

Death Wagon 30

Rolling on slow enough I could almost hear every small rock the rig runs over. Billy keeps looking back checking on Lacey. I give him a small elbow, “I need you to start checking the proximity cameras, we’re getting close.” Fenris calls in, noting no visible pursuit at this time. They were likely updating their maps, which wouldn’t do them much good until Sat-Nav cleared.

Billy gazes at the pad, then through the front window at the swirling dust storm. “One hundred, fifty nine meters, straight ahead, stay the course.” Panning the cameras, he narrows his gaze. “What is that?” Pointing at the screen, sidelong I follow his gaze and tap the brakes.

“Can we filter it? Give me a sonar outline.” The ground had changed; the tires gripped the trail nice and solid. No more gravel crunch, it was smooth. Billy looks at me with a sheepish expression. “Negative on the sonar, I had to sell that about three months ago. We got basic filters, and good old imagination.” Billy begins to rapidly tap at the pad, whistling quickly to avoid having to look at me now.

Rubbing my temples, “Ok. What do we got?” I keep telling myself not to be annoyed, and so far it is working.

He pauses on a few still images and show me the data pad. The picture depicted a rough outline of a skeletal vehicle, like an orthopter drone only larger and nearly on its side. Putting it together, the firm ground meant we were on a landing pad of some sort. That usually meant shelter somewhere nearby!

Moving the rig past the wreck, I got a visual of the box canyon wall. Moving the sealed ambulance closer, I could also see it was a massive alcove and went into the mountain a short ways. I spied a worn steel pillar from within the cubby, and the markings a large service door. Red faded letters greeted my eyes, and I felt as giddy as kid on Gift Giving Day morning. Fenris pulls in beside us, stopping to idle. Billy makes a face. “What is this place?” Asking me as if I would know and this time he was right.

Placing a hand over my mouth, “It’s a Rescue Ranger Regional Disaster Station.” I say with open awe. Billy looks at me puzzled, “Ok? And that means?”

For the first time in what felt like years I laugh, “Means we have to get inside. Signal must have activated from the storm, it is a beacon home for that wreck out there. If that is still working I am a betting man the emergency systems are too. If they are, we can at least stretch our legs for a bit.”

Billy shrugs, “So how do we get inside? The storm is still going on, and I have never heard of Rescue Whatever you called them.”

“Rescue Ranger Regional Disaster. Triple ‘R’ single ‘D’.” I repeat. My mind went back to the image of the oversized orthopter. It was too small for emergency transport, that only left one purpose for the vehicle and I nearly pissed myself at the possibility of what it could be. As a kid I knew every piece of equipment the Rangers used, watched all the holo-vids on them. Played all the simulators, collected models, even had blueprints…that’s it!

Lacey looked at the door, silently considering the object skeptically. Turning in seat I motion for Kat, leaving my reluctance at the door for once. “I need your help. I, uh. I need you to see into my head and do something for me.” Torq and Kat both look my way. Kat rises to her feet and silently pads over. Looking her in the eye I force my mind to drop its usual guard. She signs ‘What am I looking for?’

Swallowing hard, “I can’t remember the layout of the Ranger station; they were pretty much built uniform as I recall. We are looking for a way in.” She simply nods in reply, setting her cold hands on the sides of my head.

That itch in my head started, growing quickly as her gaze consumed me. All I could see was her shining black eyes as my mind opened. I could feel her flicking through memories and experiences like would the page of a book. I felt the need to be insulted by the casual nature of which she moved within my thoughts. I really had no idea what to filter or if I even could. I concentrated on the memories of my childhood back when I wanted to be a Ranger for regional disasters.

******** ********** *********** ********* ********** ***********

I fall against the seat my thoughts a jumble, my body trembling uncontrollably. She had to go deep, I would find out later when she told me. Kat signs something to me, and I have to focus to understand it. ‘What is your name?’

“Curtis Wiles.” I answer with a light slur.

‘Who am I?’

“Kat. You are my gunner.”

Everyone is watching me and it makes me uncomfortable as she continues. ‘What is the name of this ambulance?’

I scratch my head, “Unit-Death Wagon.”

‘You will be ok.’ She signs before looking out the front of the rig, though she lacks the reassuring smile that should come with the statement.

Kat relaxes, her features going blank, her fists balling up. She stares at the door, the rig rocking slightly from the force of her mind uncoiling. Like magic lights surrounding the door flare to life as the massive steel slat begins to raise. Old air billows out as the seal is broken. I wave to Fenris to proceed as I suddenly find myself groping without real any coordination for the wheel. Billy kindly stops me and takes over. Torq starts massaging my shoulders, “What do you think you are doing?” I ask feeling really uneasy now.

Torq shrugs, “Martians did this for me when I came out of their ‘therapy’. Says its gets you back in your body and helps reduce disorientation.” Well, at least he didn’t look comfortable going about the task.

Billy snorts, “When you are done you can give me a rub down next.” Lacey giggled, “Me too.” She finished her quip with an apologetic roll of her shoulders to Kat, who had finished with her task and was shooting Lacey a dirty look. Torq buries himself in the task with rapidity not giving anyone an answer.

The door was wide enough to accommodate both rigs going in side by side. The entrance shut almost immediately after the vehicles entered facing us off with another set of massive doors. Emergency lighting kicked on as the rumble of archaic air scrubbers did their work, sucking out the poly storm air and replacing it with recycled oxygen. I lazily watched the air tester on the rig rise to an acceptable level, after a few minutes.

Gingerly, Billy opened the sealed door on the rig holding his breath. Finally he took a gulp of the air, and made a face. “Credit Christ, it tastes like metal and smells bad too.”

Lacey chuckles taking a whiff of the environment, as she steps out of the ambulance next to Billy. “That is recycled air alright. Living on the station you get used to it, after about a year or so.” Torq pats me on the back, and follows the other two.

I heave myself up and Kat steadies me with a shoulder. “Thanks, Kat.” In my head I could feel her smiling. Fenris and his Valkyries assemble near the next door, readying a large assortment of small arms. The huge man eyed the door. “Who’s lair do we approach, Suture?”

“It is a Ranger station, looks to be abandoned. Relax, Fenris no one is here.” I say pressing the large button to open the inner doors. Hand on his vibro-axe Fenris murmured loudly. “There is always someone, somewhere. If this is a place of ancestry we should be cautious.”

The door opens with near silence, sliding apart and into concrete walls. Track lighting ignites dimly, struggling to come to full strength over years of being unused. This was the main hangar, I felt that child like excitement rush to the front again. The length of the space was two football fields long and nearly six stories tall the illumination revealed eight behemoth machines.

I bite my fist running towards one. Six gargantuan insect like legs of refined steel arched up from the heavy center body. The cab was off center of the front of the massive contraption. Black overlapping scales covered nearly every inch of the under belly and legs.

My heart in my mouth I touch the foot of one of the steel legs. Torq is the first to reach me, “What are these?” he asks in awe of the sheer size of what he faced.

I know I am wearing a shit eating grin now, “These? These are Regional Disaster All Terrain Mechanica. RDATM, but everyone back then called them VERN’s. For that guy, Jules Vern. They looked like something out of his ancient texts.”

Lacey and the others gather behind me, “I’ve never seen them this big. We were just starting to use such devices for search and rescue mostly unmanned.” She said, whistling certainly impressed.

I want to hug the machine and never ever part with it. “They were used for fighting forest and city fires. In what was once California. The armor on the belly and legs was the same material they used on space shuttles of that era for reentry. This thing could literally walk into a forest fire, with thirty tons of water or fire suppressant chemicals. The gyros on it were so superior that it could go over the most unstable rubble or terrain and never even have to be overly cautious.” I found myself babbling and not regretting a second of it.

The VERN’s were out of action. One looked disemboweled as the fuel had finally eaten its way through the tank and long since evaporated leaving a crimson ringed mess on the floor under it. A pair of the machines were in pieces as if the workers had started dismantling them and just gave up or left in a hurry. Their numbers and logos had been stripped off, hopefully taken by the pilots. Half picked metal corpses sealed away in a tomb, never to see the light of day again. Damn shame.

Billy rolled his eyes, “Back when we had forests. Now you have to go to a domed reserve to see what one actually looks like. Boring, green trees and scratchy tall grass.”

I nod grimly as Lacey looks aghast. “He is right. When the poly storms started, it killed most of the forests that were not above four thousand feet sea level. When that happened there were no more big fires to fight, so these awesome noble machines went out of use. No more funding, they were sold for scrap, or privately purchased for collectors. What it must have been like to pilot one of these monsters, guess I will never know beyond a simulator.” Ending my rambling banter with a note of nostalgia.

Death Wagon 29

*** Thank you all for your continued following and support. It means a lot to me. ***

Death Wagon 29

I woke with a start, the rig rocked by the dull thump of a denotation near by. Checking my chronometer I had been asleep less than three hours my eyes burning as they adjusted to the lights in the back of the rig. Slapping my own face I lurched to my feet, ripping back the thin curtain to the cab. “What’s the situation?” I ask even though I know we were being shot at.

Billy snaps a look back, “Looks like we picked up a swarm of orthopter drones.” The machines buzzed by, resembling oversized dragonflies. The twin turrets of Fenris’s rig bellowed in frustration, chasing the fast, agile targets.

Keeping a grip on the wheel he struggles to keep the ambulance steady on the uneven road. Fenris kept pace with his ambulance, the gunners chasing the zipping drones with their mounted weapons without much success. Kat on the other hand, was cleaning house using the herding stream of fire from the other vehicle to cut the unmanned machines to shreds.

Lacey held the data tablet, watching the map slowly progress. “We are three miles from the pass and closing. Stay on straight…” she said with uncertainty. Looking through the windshield, I could see the mountains ahead. The most common route is to go around them and avoid the possibilities of getting lost in the mountain range. However, this was not in the cards, we were going through the mountains.

“Why are they using unmanned?” I ask as another drone went down in a flaming, sparking mess. Billy sneers wickedly, “Kat. A Brawler hover jet popped up about six clicks back. She made a mess of its cockpit like she was waiting for it. Looks like the number crunchers back at Aegis didn’t like losing a ten million credit piece of equipment to a handful of bullets. Now they are hitting us with the cheap stuff and lots of it.”

Watching the blips on the tablet spread out and rocket back towards our position, the drones were not capable of hurting us unless they got lucky. The missiles were anti-personnel, mainly for breaking up riots. What was the point of sending them?

The hamster in my head flops over and spouts something profound. I got nothing, boss. Taking up the mike I get in touch with Fenris. “Beowulf this is Death Wagon. Stay on our tail, do not alter course.”

“Beowulf hears you, Death Wagon. We have dust trail on our six, well outside our range. I count four and they are closing.” The reply crackled, the closer we got to the mountains the poorer the signal would get.

The drones flew by, arcing up and back for another pass, going high and wide, refusing to strafe us head on. Why? The most vulnerable point on the rig would of course be our front. The opted to nip at our heels, hounding us all the way with light rockets that carried very little punch, the distraction was becoming obvious.

Reaching over, I tap the screen on the tablet Lacey held. Dragging my finger over the image to get a view of Sat-Nav’s take on the road that lead around the mountains, I sucked on my teeth.

A trio of vehicles flickered into view, as the satellite signal grew grainy. One of the blips was enormous, nearly taking up the whole width of the road. A tank, it had to be. It was sitting right where we wanted to enter the mountains and we were being herded right towards it.

“Billy, change of plans. In a quarter click I want you to take the first access road into the range.”

This causes Billy to give me a protesting look, “But we are almost to the designated turn anyways!”

With a glowering snap, I bark. “Take the turn!” Billy yanks the wheel, sending the rig into a loosely controlled skid, putting us on an even rougher road. The mountains enveloped us, the loose stone walls closing in on both sides. Death Wagon jerks as we hit a sizable rock and the wheel rolls over it jostling the entire rig. “Slow down, or we are going to take damage on the underside.” I say, wincing the ambulance strikes another jagged stone.

Fenris’s rig is right behind us finally accounting for itself by downing a drone. The remaining pair of small orthopters followed us in. Their controllers realized the mistake, struggling to angle the drones to a higher altitude. The walls trapped them in the narrow corridor with no place to go but into the streams of steel thundering from Kat’s machine gun turret.

Gracefully Kat swung the guns around, sawing the first drone in half obliterating the machine. The second drone she took her time with, a shot punching a hole through a propeller. Piece by piece the drone lost parts, panels blow out, smoke flood the bullet made tears as finally the drone loses control and plows into the wall of the narrow pass.

Temporary relief floods through me. We would be alright for a few minutes. I smack Billy on the shoulder letting him know I would take over on the driving. Lacey is shuffled from the navigator seat without a fuss, grateful to pass the pad to Billy. Torq having nothing to do had delved into his nervous tick of checking his side arm.

A warning message flared on the console, the air quality had dipped. Flicking a switch I turn off the warning. “Kat button up the turret, looks like we have a poly storm brewing.” Billy pipes the news to Fenris, and receives an acknowledgement from the larger rig.

Like a hand of god the sky darkened in minutes, deadly clouds seeping along the floor of the narrow pass, obscuring visibility. Dimming the lights in the rig, we journeyed forward in nervous silence. Wind swirled the rig, pebbles from the walls of the pass clattering down the roof of the ambulance. Billy twisted the tablet, shaking his head. “This place is a maze, Sat-Nav is out of reach we have nothing to go on but what that Runner gave you. If these Runner maps are accurate we are going to dead end, about six clicks up the way. We are going to get stuck with only way out being the way we came in.” Nearly tossing the pad down he slammed the back of his head against the rear of the seat in frustration. “We’re done.”

I slow the rig to a stop, taking a look at the maps. Lacey takes a perch between us, marveling at the thick dust laden storm, growing melancholy. “That stuff is dangerous to breathe?” She inquires to no one in particular. Billy half nods, “Down right deadly, sweetheart. Bad way to go.”

Fenris pulls right up to the bumper of my rig, waiting expectantly. Billy takes up the mike before shifting to look at me, “You want me to give Fenris the bad news?”

Giving the tablet a last glance I felt that depressed air wash over me, “Go ahead. I doubt he would see it as such, him and his Viking death wish.” Rolling my gaze up, I can see Kat and Torq sitting on the bench, holding hands. Torq was whispering something to her and she responded with a growing flush in her cheeks. A feel that sad smile twisting over my lips. They would never have a chance to really get to know each other, I surmised to myself. Billy turns on the comm. And instantly jerks the headset away from his ears.

Annoyed he frowns and plays with the dial, grumbling. “Freakin interference! He is right on top of us and I still have to call him. Credit Christ! That hurt!” Wriggling a finger in his ear, he shifted his jaw left to right to alleviate the pain. Reaching forward to turn the dial once again, Lacey placed her hand over his own. “Stop a second. What is that?” voice ringing with sudden curiosity. Billy slyly winks at Lacey, “Well when we get a moment I will have to show you.”

Lacey rolls her eyes in distaste, “No. The noise, you over sexed maniac.” Casting a glance towards me “Is he always like this?” she asks in disbelief.

Billy cuts me off before I can speak, “You have no idea. Anyways, it is just probably some echo distortion, probably off the walls of the pass. Ghost wails, they call them. Here have a listen.”

Narrowing her gaze Lacey glares at Billy her face growing red. Snatching the offered headset, Lacey holds it near her ear. She squints, listening, drumming her fingers to unheard beat. “It is too organized to be distortion. It’s code and it is repeating.”

Nonplused Billy takes the set again, “Code my ass.” Lowering the volume Billy none the less listens. Suddenly he sits forward, eyes darting right then to the left in time with the whine I can barely hear. Taking up the pad, he clicks a timer on it jabbing numbers into a sequence. “Three seconds up, dead air, two seconds up, four seconds dead air. The cave woman is on to something. I think after this some warm loving is order. These are coordinates…”

Lacey is on him in a flash, a poorly thrown fist knocking him in the side of the head. “I’ve had it!” Lacey screams. Billy pushes back, trying to keep Lacey at bay as the cab of the ambulance explodes into chaos.

The rig rocks with the struggling, Kat and Torq grapple Lacey as I try to keep Billy pinned to the seat. Lacey is screaming bloody murder, her eyes ablaze with anger. “Everything is fucking joke to you! You want a piece of this Irish bitch come get some!”

Billy wipes his nose dabbing at the blood that was flowing there, heaving his back up to get out of the seat. I grind my forearm into his chest to hold him back as he retorts with heat. “You stuck up frigid, hydro-cow! You have been nothing but trouble since we found you! All of this is your fault!”

Lacey twists like and eel, shooting forward again as Kat and Torq rally to regain their grip upon her. “I didn’t ask for any of this! I never wanted any of this to happen! You pig headed simpleton!”

I could only hold Billy back, words were lost to me. I was half tempted to let them have at each other and step out until this was all over. Billy squeaks with a shrill, tears forming in his eyes. “Who the fuck cares? I lost nearly all my friends, I lost my career; I am going down in history as a terrorist! Still we are trying to help you! I am scared out of my fucking mind! You archaic throwback!”

Lacey trembles in the collective grapple of Kat and Torq, her enraged expression cracks. “You think you are scared? Try being on a station when the life support fails, and the only chance you have is in the hands of some sleazy scientist that just wants you to blow him. You go to stasis not knowing if you will ever wake up…”

Hyperventilating Lacey croaks on, “And when you do wake up, the world is hell. Everyone you know is dead and someone is telling you that you are the last hope the world has. I had a family, a son, a loving husband I never got to say goodbye to either of them!”

Billy deflates visibly, the tension leaking from his body as Lacey’s words take the fight out of him. Moments drift by in silence, as the two stare at each other. Finally Billy casts his eyes downward; his now despondent words carry surprising weight. “I’m sorry. I gotta laugh or I am going to cry…”

“And if I can do neither, look out.” Lacey said completing the saying, the crack in her anger widening to almost a nostalgic pose. Overriding her pride Lacey sniffs, “I’m sorry too. This is not fair for anyone.” I shift my head letting Kat and Torq know it was alright to let her go. “We about done here?” I ask hopefully. Lacey and Billy having taken the edge off their fear nod.

Time to get the crew back on track, I pick up the pad and offer it to Billy, “You said something about coordinates.” I said, playing off the scuffle as no big deal, and thankfully they went with it for the time being.

Billy peered at the tablet, wiping a thumb under his nose before scrunching it up in an attempt to breathe through it. “Yeah. They don’t make any sense though. If I put it in right, it is telling me to go twenty seven meters into the wall of the box canyon ahead.”

Taking the wheel again I shrug exhausted. “What do we got to lose? Let’s check it out.”

Death Wagon 28

Kat lays a burst of covering fire keeping the manic homeless off the stairs. “Make the call, Billy. Everyone back to the rig! That is an order! Fenris! Quit messing around and get your people back to your rig. Sector Security will be en-route in a matter of minutes.” Torq and Billy cover Lacey as I run her back to the rig. Billy mutters as he leaps into the passenger seat and begins to make the call.

As one the Fenris’s Valkyries overlap their riot shields in a linked barrier, shoving their way down in response to his signal. Bodies tumble back and a few go flailing over the railing. I shoot a look at Billy, as he calls into the mike. “This is unit seven of RECR, we’re over here on bridge sixty nine, sector one. Confirmed HEP-Z outbreak. Possible infected citizens attempting to leave the bridge area. Request a quarantine check point be set up.”

Seconds drifted by, the channel remained silent. I sigh heavily. “They had to have heard that. Where is the response?”

Billy smirks nastily, “Oh they will respond. Trust me, we just need…” He taps the screen on the dashboard, and splices the image into two, to four, two eight, to the point were I have to squint to see the number of channels he is using. “To invite EVERYONE to the circus.” He repeats the call word for word. In a flash, Sector Security responds that they are en-rout estimated time two minutes for preliminary set up.

Fenris revs the engine on his rig, moving slow enough not to run anyone over as he pulls the huge ambulance behind mine. Moving Death Wagon forward down the narrow lane of the bridge, “Who did you call?” I ask kicking on the high beams on the rig.

“Oh, you know the usual. Every media station, some of the local ambulance crews, and even the carbo-pizza place we always eat at. Hold the soy sauce, baby.” Billy snickered.

I had to hand it to him. Billy knew how to get a reaction when he wanted one. The area would be saturated with authorities, media, emergency crews, and other special units. They would have to cover every inch of the area of containment just to make sure we had not doubled back to escape through the confusion. That would be short lived once we activated the portal leading out of the city. “Did you get the code for the gate at the other end of the bridge?” I asked, looking at Billy very impressed with the man right now.

“Uh. No. I was a bit busy keeping slobbering vagabonds from eating us. Sorry, must have slipped my mind with the last clip I dropped.”

Before I could open my mouth to speak, Lacey piped up in a small voice, “I got it from her. Keep driving.” Well at least we got the code…

Kat lets rip with a volley from her machine guns, obviously having spotted yet another infected. I blanche seeing piles of clothing dotting the road, knowing each one had pieces of a once living body within them. I try not to think about the fact I was now driving over them. Still I could not entirely barricade my mind from the fact, I started swallowing bile as quickly as it struggled to come up. Billy was smart enough to bury his gaze in the tablet he held. The massive semi-circle portal loomed ahead, its green painted metal bordered with rust from un-use. The shanties grew less frequent as we neared the exit.

My navigator finally glances up, “The tight beam is ready to transmit the code. The outer door is open, no poly storm present, but that could change at any time.” Billy said his nervousness showing brighter than the rig’s headlights. Torq shifted stiffly in the back of the rig, I felt my heart racing for the most ridiculous of reasons. Torq, Billy and I, had never been outside of Stratus City.

I nod my head, “We’re ready Lacey, punch in the code.” My breath shaking, cold sweat dotting my brow, I keep my hands on the wheel to keep from completely losing my composure. It is just the wastelands. It is just outside the city, people make a career out of traveling from city to city, no big deal.

Billy gives me an unsure look, “I am right there with you man. Just don’t lose it on me, cause I will too.” Apparently I was thinking out loud. Lacey frowns as she enters the code. Lips moving in time with the numbers as she reenters the sequence.

Dust, dirt and rust rain down from the ceiling as immense engines start to crank to life. The vibrations shake the bridge, knocking down a lone shanty next to the rig. Claxons from unseen sections in the high ceiling flare to life. The paint on the door comes off in huge swathes as seals on the door release streams of old air. Steel rods thicker than a man pull away from slots along the door. Daylight streams through the now visible seams as the door splits open down the middle. Swinging outward pushing small mountains of silt and loose earth out of the way and finally fully open.

Like a dying storm the shaking stops, showing the bridge extended even further, arching over a long dead riverbed. The land looked flat on the other side before it was garbled into the huge disjointed mountain range beyond. The wind swirled forming dust devils along the rust orange ground in waving pillars of contrasting grey. This was it, I thought, forcing myself to press the accelerator. The rig trundles forward over the now wide span of the bridge, Fenris pacing in his own ambulance behind us.

The bridge looked a wreck, railing missing in several areas, and sagging near the end. Gratefully it held our weight, I could feel the weight of exhaustion set in and this time it was not willing to let up. It was only four hundred and seventeen miles to go I could do this I kept telling myself.

Billy pats my shoulder, “Pull over man. You are weaving and noddin at the wheel. I can drive for a bit. Get some rest, it’s a smooth road for a bit.”

Clamping my mouth shut stubbornly refusing to yawn, I stifle it into a cough, “Then who is going to navigate?”
My navigator looks upon me with grave concern. “I’ll drive; Torq and Lacey can help keep us on route. Hit the back, get some shut eye. You more than earned it.” This time I do yawn, before bouncing my head lightly.

“Just a nap. Keep us straight.” I say, my eyes feeling dry and their lids as heavy as steel plating. Billy nods switching spots with me. Torq makes way, and Lacey gives me a reassuring pat on the arm. Literally falling face first into the gurney I manage to turn over watching Stratus City’s monolithic size grow smaller through the rear window of the rig. Each blink lasted longer, and the city of my birth shrank into the distance.

******** ************ ************ ************** ************** ********

I reach up and yank the sensor pads covering my forehead off, unable to just lay on this stupid examination table any longer. The nurse flashes me an annoyed look but makes no move to stop me.

“Well the tests are done. Congratulations, Mr. Wiles. The Aegis shot has isolated the virus and is actively fighting it. You should count yourself lucky, one out of three cannot say the same.” The doctor offers his hand for me to shake which I do out of instinct. Glaring at the wide mirror on the other side of the room, I get to my feet. The guard at the door slips his side arm back into its holster. The floor is stone cold the thin socks I was given might as well been made of paper for all the good they did.

The mirror shimmers darkening, my reflection is replaced with Momma’s smiling lips. “Welcome home, Suture. We were pulling for you.”

Tossing off the examination gown I began to dress not really caring who was watching. I grumble my thanks, which likely sounded more like ‘fuck you’. Momma’s lips gave an appraising twitch. “A few more questions and we can get you back out into the field.” The room grows dark save for a single light that shines down from an unseen ceiling.

“Such as?” My irritation growing.

Paper rustled like a deck of cards being shuffled, “Your new gunner. Kat is it?”

“Yeah, what about her?”

The lips on screen smirked, “You looped her in under article ninety nine section…’H’. Field citizenship. You are aware she is an illegal immigrant and section ‘H’ does not pertain to people from off planet. It is for citizens being able to cross sectors on a work pass as medics. We have no choice but to have her sent to immigration for processing.”

Slapping the side clamps on my boot shut, I fume. “I will re-file the request. I am not going to hand her over to those animals.”

“You are walking on thin ice, Suture. Stretching the article to new and unusual lengths is going to draw attention and perhaps cause Sector Security to reevaluate the scope of its power.”

Cinching down my armored vest I take a step towards the mirror, “Then help me, Momma. I’m not letting her go. Article ninety nine was designed to give us leeway to do what we have to in the name of preserving life and service.”

“Suture there is nothing I can do. Article ninety nine is a loophole that was by design made incomplete but it does have limits.” Momma’s smile fades to a tight press of lips that was nearly unreadable.

Adjusting my forearm guard, “I know there is a way. I will re-file the request, and as many as I can until there is so much red tape that it becomes your favorite color. If I shunt it under the Central processing marker, it will take years to reach you and you will have to sign a lot of it personally. She’ll be in limbo until she is eighty but able to continue her job in the meantime. Meanwhile you will have to run the proper screens to make sure the paperwork is done correctly.” I respond sharply.

I love you Momma, I really do but I was not going to let Kat just be taken away. She was crew and that meant I would go all out for her.

Smoke curled from the lips of a cigarette Momma now nursed, “So that is how it is, is it? You get infected with HEP-Z, then the promise of a bureaucratic nightmare over a Martian? You my little man have balls of steel. I am amused, but I am going to have to deduct from your pay.”

The deduction was Momma’s way of telling me she had a solution and it would cost me. Still it was worth it to at least hear her out. “How much, and for how long?”

Momma’s lips twisted into a smirk, “Forty percent, and an annual take of fifty percent off of all citizen processing bonuses…for the next ten years. She mean that much to you, Suture?” her voice echoing her smug curiosity.

It was insanely steep; I would lose my apartment, most of my rig budget and slowly chip at the meager savings I had accumulated. Standing ramrod, straight staring at the mirror, my words heavy as I reply, “Sounds like a bargain to me.”

***************** *********** ************* ************ **********
Opening the door I shove my way into the hall. I find myself standing in a garden. Prisms from slated glass dome above cast soft but potent light on the plants below. The horizon bears a ruddy red hue along its rust colored landscape. The air tastes strange carrying a menthol tang to it. Kat moves among the plants, long graceful fingers tracing along the foliage. She adjusts her uniform as she considers me, her expression one of concern.

“Why did you not tell us?” She asks lips moving, her voice angelic and brimming with strength.

I realize I am dreaming now, and Kat is in my head. I cannot find the strength to be angry with her. “You know I don’t like you doing this.”

The scene shifts, the garden melting away to a tranquil pool in a temple like bathhouse. Its cool green and red fleck stone was akin to marble. Gingerly Kat took a step onto the water, the pool rippling but failed to consume her. Walking on water, something one could only pull off in dreams, but it still it was impressive. “I know. You always taught me it was good discipline to do something you do not like. Talk with me, please.”

Kneeling down I gaze at my reflection, the beauty of the place making me feel even more dirty than usual. Kat wasn’t inquiring about the sacrifice I made to keep her from being sold into slavery at immigration. Dipping a finger into the water, “What would have been the point? Make you feel guilty about blowing the budget for my Aegis shot?” I said with no malice.

Kat folded her hands in front of her still standing on the water. “My father could have paid for the shot, easily. You know that. Why did you not ask him?”

Not looking up, “The shot would put me out for three days. Lacey could have been killed or worse in much less time. I started it, I will see it through.”

Kat appears next to me in a shimmer of glittering dust, her ‘voice’ showing she understood. “I know you could not let her go. It would be too much for your already overloaded conscience. There is a lot at stake here I realize this, but it is too much for one man, even you.”

I mutter, resigned. “Not much I can do about it, now.”

Kat takes my face in her hands, her black eyes regarding me as she smiles. “Suture. This world lacks men like yourself. You cannot do this alone. We are here to share the burden, remember we are crew and we would do anything for you. Remember that.”

“I know that.”

“No. You believe it, now I want you to know it. Truly know it.” Kat settled back on her heels, hands on her thighs in quiet repose.

Looking about the bathhouse letting her words sink deep into my heart. “Is this Mars, or how you see it or whatever?”

Kat glances to the ceiling, “It is. I will have to take you here sometime. But sadly it is time to go.”

I frown, “But I just got here. Why so soon?”

Kat’s face twists into a distasteful grimace, “Missiles….”

Death Wagon 27

Brushing past the homeless, I calmly swept away the hands grasping for me, the pleas for assistance, drugs to numb the pain. The urge to help them all fills me, but we did not have near enough supplies or the time. Many of the people were obviously off their Aegis shot, unable to afford it.

I could count the afflictions by sight. Rad-Pox Fever. Bender Soy malnutrition. L-Seven. HGH. EBF-25. The list went on and on. The place reeked of sickness, chemicals burned, and the rot of the decay. Shuffling about the people of the bridge only had the solace that they were all in the same boat. Eventually to be overwhelmed by the viruses that ravaged their bodies.

Billy clears his throat gaining my attention as he jerks a thumb over his shoulder. Lacey appears at the edge of the group, watching the people, seeing up close the various sicknesses. Doubling back I pull Lacey through the crowd with me by the arm, whispering to her harshly. “You should be in the rig! This place isn’t safe!”

Lacey pulls her limb free, snappy determination creasing her features. “I had to see for myself what I am getting into. These people…I thought the Aegis shot kept all this at bay?” Billy flanks her as we enter the shanty, “You have to be able to buy it, sweetie.” He says, his words lacking his usual devil may care attitude.

Laid out on a swath of blankets a woman struggled to sit up, held down by a pair of homeless. Her belly looked about ready to burst, skin covered in pale pink sweat. I could only assume this was Debby.

The colored sheen on her body was the obvious sign of the treatment CSPP. It had a ridiculously long name; everyone just called it ‘Cell Squeeze.’ An illegal knock off of the Aegis shot, forcing impurities out of the body at a rapid rate. Side effects included extreme body odor, constant dehydration from sweating, and uncontrolled bowel movements along with vomiting. Cell Squeeze by its own was not contagious it was usually what was pushed out from it that was. Debby could be purging any number of nasty surprises. Taking the treatment was a gamble, and if one was pregnant the odds were steep either one would survive.

I grit my teeth, waving the men holding her down away. “Billy, get me a scan on her. Torq help me sit her up.” Barking to Lacey, I said. “Get some gloves on, and help me. What ever you do, don’t get any of her secretions on you, especially near your face.” The pile of rags next to her told me her water had already broken.

Debby wailed clamping her eyes tight, “Its coming! The baby!” Kneeling down I check to confirm, seeing clear crowning. Billy runs the bio-scanner over her, all smiles. “Her stats are good the baby is where it should be. This should be a piece of proto-cake.” Out of the corner of my eye I can see the bio scanner alight with red. Billy is lying, putting on a hopeful show, anything to keep Debby and the growing crowd outside calm.

Lacey hunches down next to me, gloves on. “When I tell you to push. You push ok?” She says. Debby cries out and nods rapidly. “Billy, give Debby here a Flux shot at eight, no- ten double ‘C’.” Billy lifts a brow silently at the request. Flux was a hardball set of sedatives and concentrated hydration, usually reserved for field amputees. “Do it.” I say. He knew what I was thinking; if it worked it would buy the patient some time to get clear of the purge. If it didn’t Debby would at least die painlessly.

Billy snapped the vial into the auto-injector, ducking out of instinct as a pair of shots ring out. Jerking my head to look at Torq, “Where is that coming from?” my gloved hands already around the infant’s head. Billy jabs the Debby in the side of the neck with the injector, Lacey telling her to ‘push’. Lacey kept the near one sided conversation going. What is the baby’s name? Is this your first? You are doing great, just keep pushing.

Torq draws his pistol, looking out the door of the thin walled shack. “It’s not coming from the gate! Its from the other way, I got muzzle flash.” More shots and the sounds of people running and screaming begin to fill the tunnel bridge,” Over the cries for help and Debby’s whimpering I pick out a single word being said, more specifically a letter. ‘Z’.

Switching places with Lacey I scramble to my feet tearing off my gloves. Un-slinging my Mossberg I move up next to Torq, “What is going on, boss?” he asks having to raise his voice to a near shout over the noise. Ratcheting the slide on the shotgun, “There is a HEP-Z outbreak!”

The homeless ran in a steady stream, leaving those that could not keep up behind. A man trips rolling into the fall, frightened people swirling around him like water around a rock. I step out helping the man up, only to push him against the wall of the frail structure. Up in his face, “How many are there? How many infected?” I slap his face hard on the cheek to get his attention repeating the questions. The man babbles, “Barricade. The preacher said he could heal them. It didn’t hold. Eight. Nine. I don’t know! Let me go!”

Releasing the man, “Billy get on the mike to Fenris, let him and Kat know we have an outbreak of ‘Z’ Possibly nine to ten infected!” I yell back into the shack.

Torq readies his pistol, “Boss. Those people are going to rush the gate, if they are infected with Z and get out…” I already know how that would play out. In the dim light I can see a new pack of runners, unlike the former they moved faster, not bothering to go around obstacles. It was either over or through. Here they come. “Aim for the head, or take out the legs.”

Hiding from them would be useless. They could hear or feel the electrical impulses in people and it drove them into a frenzy. Research was still ongoing about some aspects of the virus. They would do anything to silence that noise or feeling. Sighting down the shotgun I looked upon what was to be my fate in about three days.

I would wait for them to get closer Torq was under no such restrictions. He fell one with a shot to the upper chest. The fallen man kip-upped to its feet continuing its silent run, unphased by the hole the former Long Arm put in it. There was definitely more than ten by the sounds of it and more were coming.

“The head get the head!” I blast into one, spraying its dome into crimson shards. Billy pops out snapping rounds into the growing crowd. The thunder of Kat’s twin machine guns enters the fray from her position at the rig. Three more goes down, chewed into tenderized unresponsive meat. I nearly empty my shotgun before the first one makes it to me.

Grappling with infected man I feel my heels sliding as it was much stronger. The man bore no expression. Its eyes were blank, mouth just hanging open, teeth dripping with clear spittle. They never made any noise, not a groan, not a moan, nothing. It was just a silent, homicidal, mobile mannequin that just wanted to silence you and devour what it could to keep going. A living person was both its source of irritation and temporary continuation.

One would expect a grapple for leverage; this thing just got its arms around me in a near vice like hug, trying to get its mouth on any exposed flesh. Keeping the body of the shotgun on its neck I just had to hold on a few more seconds, I could already feel its strength waning.

More came bounding over ruins of cars and bursting through the row of shacks like juggernauts. Like a jumping spider one bounded up over the hood of a ruined car and right through the ceiling of the shack containing, Lacey, Billy and Debby. Metal squealed as the infected man crashed through the thin metal roof. Lacey! Maybe I didn’t have those few seconds after all…

Torq back peddles with surprising grace, using his pistol more like a dagger, jabbing and firing. He feinted back to the side, his pistol barking at point blank range, into the head of the infected. Another of the infected in the form of a little girl scrambles nearly on all fours towards me. Muzzle flashes erupt from the shanty, overwhelming the dim light within.

The girl never makes it as a boot heel nearly the size of her head kicks her away. A thunderous cry of delight nearly deafens me as Fenris announces his arrival. Plucking the infected I grappled with away like rag doll the mountain of a man slammed its head into the riot shield he held in his other hand.

He held it there, outrageously thick muscles bunched, crushing the infected man’s head between meaty hand and steel shield. Dropping the body Fenris leered, reaching behind him drawing his vibro-axe. Activating the weapon the blade hissed with burning ozone.

I didn’t have time to be awestruck, fishing shells from my belt and feeding them into the shotgun. Fenris was having the time of his life. Cleaving into infected with the axe, backhanding another with his riot shield, shouting with glee the entire time. The rapidly vibrating blade cutting and cauterizing flesh it hewed through. Striking the head off the shoulders of one of the infected, Fenris was quick enough with the axe to swat it with the flat of the weapon like a tennis racquet. Fenris made short work of nearly a dozen infected.

Billy appears at his position at the shack door, Torq stays near me reloading. Billy salutes with a pistol letting me know things are alright. I spot one of the infected crawling without legs clawing its way towards Fenris, its arms rail thin, its ribs visible through skin. Fenris causally kicked it over onto its back, planting the rim of his riot shield on its chest holding it still. Torq looks on morbidly curious. “What’s he doing, boss?”

I turn away, “He is letting it starve to death.” If there more infected they would have gotten to the slaughter-fest by now, scene safe.

“Isn’t it already…you know…dead?”

Shaking my head I fill Torq in, “When ‘Z’ takes over the host, it burns through body tissue rapidly. It can turn an obese host into a walking lizard jerky in a matter of hours, sometimes minutes. They don’t last long unless they have tissue to process continuously. Even if you manage to wear one out, it is still dangerous. That is why body disposal is either done with robots, or the workers approach the corpse from the feet. The brain and nervous system is the last thing to go.”

With the adrenaline gone my arms felt heavy fatigue catching hold of me. I hadn’t slept in what felt like forever. Torq’s voice takes on a worried tone. “And you have this? How do you live with knowing what could happen to you?”

“I don’t live, kid. I exist. I survive. That is about the skinny of it.”

Turning to the wall, I curse. Fernis’s ‘valkyries’ had manned the wall at the gate, bottle necking the stairs to controls for the gate as survivors pressed to escape in a panic. If even one of those people was infected with HEP-Z and they got loose into Sector One city authorities would be hard pressed to stop a possible city wide pandemic.

Millions of lives could be at stake, I point at the rig with the shotgun. Torq wisely stops his questions, realizing the scope of the situation. I call to the shack, “Billy. Get on the comm with Sector Security. Tell them there is a possible outbreak of ‘Z’ on bridge sixty nine and a bio check point is needed. What is the status on the patient?”

“Are you crazy? That is going to let them know where we are!” Billy replied frantically.

Slapping a pistol in its holster, he took up the bio-scanner once again, “She’s got a decent chance. The baby is alright too. Fenris! What the hell are you doing, taking a selfie? That is beyond disgusting!” I could not help but look, Fernis was indeed posing heroically over the fallen infected. Taking pictures of himself with a hand held holo-camera.

The hard choice was clear; we say nothing and possibly infect the city. We make the call and put everyone right on our tail again. Over a thousand good people had died in less than twenty four hours. These people were just as innocent, making the call could save them. Sector Security would set up a containment grid, and filter everyone. Authorities would hand out Aegis shots to treat their various conditions just to be sure. Way to make the devil work for you, Suture.

Death Wagon 26

After leaving Savanna I stride briskly to the bar where the Quadrant Runner sat. I knew nothing about their etiquette, or even if they had such things. Sliding into the stool next to the man, I signaled the bartender, ordering soy sake. I stole a glance at the helmet on the bar top next to the Runner. The helm pulled back years of nostalgia to my childhood, causing my ‘glance’ to come around in a stare.

The raised crest that ran down the center, housing the communication array, the visor that could flick from blast shield black, to thermal, to low light and even infra-red. The face plate that was rated for high elevation breathing, it had seen better days but I could gamble that it still worked perfectly. Taking the drink from the bartender I breathed in awe towards the Runner. “Is that? Is that a Rescue Ranger Environmental helmet, series two?”

Seconds drag by before the Runner turns his goggled covered eyes my way. His voice came out in a rasping metallic drawl, “It is. I see you know your antiques. Hard to find, even harder to find parts for it.”

Smiling easily I continued, “I always wanted one…” Once the word ‘wanted’ escaped my lips the Runner clamped a hand over the helmet, drawing the device closer to his person. I winced and finished my statement, “As a kid.”

This seems to take the edge off the Runner, though he still moved warily taking his hand off the helmet. “You here to trade?” The Runner tinned.

Nodding I set down the data pad, showing him the maps. “I need these updated, with the constant poly storms I can assume some of these routes are going to be closed.” The Quadrant Runner slowly looked down at the offered tablet, goggles catching the glare of the screen eerily. Clicking on the device, the Runner began to draw on the screen with a finger. My attention was pulled away by the bartender flicking through the holo-channels above the bar.

Reaching over, I tug at the bartender’s sleeve, motioning for him to stop on City-Net news. “Turn it up.”

The media was ablaze with news about Central, the reporter is nearly yelling over the noise of passing Aegis vehicles. Grim bonfires made out of decimated ambulances and service transports mixed with search lights of orthopters in the background.

‘We are here on scene as Sector Security contains the carnage from a terrorist cell found within the Rapid Emergency Critical Response compound. Sources report the terrorists were attempting cause a reemergence of the ATX virus. Several canisters containing the virus have already been found in key locations through out Stratus City and have been disarmed. The use of a class thirteen neutron bomb was authorized by Sector Security to eliminate any more stockpiles of the virus within the compound. Sources also say the leader of the terrorist cell; Curtis Wiles has escaped the compound and is at large. Aegis and Sector Security are offering a reward for the capture or whereabouts of the terrorist leader. The city stands in shock and mourning of those innocent lives lost, numbering near a thousand…’

My ears grow numb as I stare at my picture on the holo-vid. The holo splits to a dual view, as my face is now on Bounty-Net. The reward scrolls up rapidly, and up, settling on three quarter of a million credits, dead or alive. Within seconds, hunters begin chiming in, wanting in on the hunt. More holo boxes open, as several betting nets come to life. Odds on where, when and who was going to take me down.

Billy slaps me on the shoulder bringing me out of my stupor, “Hey! You are on Bounty-net. You just made the big time!” Trying to make light of a now hopeless situation, bless you Billy. I mutter, “Makes me feel all squishy inside.”

My navigator balks staring at the holo, the joy of his tone killed instantly, “I think I just went squishy in my pants…and not in a good way.” pointing at the update on Bounty Net. My eyes follow his finger to a blinking icon of a side profile portraying a black canine with a single red eye. The Black Dog. Just what I need a legendary bounty hunter on my tail. I prayed silently someone would shoot me now when I couldn’t feel it.

The Quadrant Runner moved from the bar, logging into a terminal near by. He was placing a bet! With despondent curiosity I watched the man, Billy tugged at my arm. “We got to go!” Taking the pad the Runner was working on I stand, though my knees almost refuse to cooperate. A thick goggled gaze turns my way, sizing me up. He nods, and punches a few more buttons on the terminal. His words grate on the air, “You should run. Forget the trade, if you live, I will never have to trade again.”

Hustling through the brothel I gather the others, Savanna meets us at the door. Concern lining her features, “You heard?”

“Yeah. I heard. We got to get out of here.” I say, the activity of motion pushing the shock back temporarily. Billy is frantically filling in Kat, Torq and Lacey on the developments.

Savanna reluctantly adds more bad news, “I spoke to Nobel. They are refusing to see the data without on site testing. They are also under the impression that you are a terrorist and of course allowing you entry is ludicrous as they put it.”

The crew and Lacey take information hard, I can feel their morale plummeting. Hunted, and now their only hope was being denied. Inside something snapped, the world came into focus, sharp and clear.

I can feel the vein in my forehead throb, as words snap forward. “Well that settles it then.” The others turned my way as I continued. “We go to Nobel anyways. We break down the door and make them listen to us.”

“How we going to do that, boss?” Torq asks, confused.

“They have medical information coming in from all over the world, and even Mars. Stands to reason it works both ways. We get in, run the tests ourselves, and then shunt the information to everyone. If it has the Nobel stamp, it’s gospel. It all hinges on one thing.” I say, turning to Lacey.

Lacey wiped at her cheek, my determination giving her strength. “It hinges on what, Suture?”

“It comes down to you. What you want. We can run and get you someplace safe before they get us. Or…we can give the world the slap in the face it needs for it to live.”

The botanist shifted her gaze from me to the others, to the growing crowd gathering around us. “I’ll do it. For humanity.” She said finally, holding her head up high.

“For Earth.” Torq said with sudden conviction.

‘For Mars’, Kat signed.

“For my Mom.” Billy said, causing Savanna to beam.

I push the doors to the brothel open, “Lets go. Time to hit it like we want to hurt it…”

“And drive it like we stole it!” Billy chuckled finishing the saying.

********* ********* ****** ******** ******** ***********

Billy was the last one back in the rig, talking and hugging his mother. I almost have to lay on the horn to separate the two. Finally, Billy detaches himself and climbs into the cab, looking smug. Savanna and her Kruger body guards fall out of sight as we make the first turn onto the street. “What’s with the grin, Billy-boy?” I ask.

My navigator shakes his head with mirth, “Mom, she says we should head to bridge sixty-nine. We should be able to negotiate with the owner pretty easily. Heh. Sixty-nine.”

“It is just a number, or is that some sort of code?” I ask puzzled.

Billy launched into the details of what the number meant causing me to groan. Vehicle high beams spring to life behind us nearly blinding with their intensity. Flinching I maneuver the side mirror to get an angle of the thing. Fenris’s rig loomed behind us. I take up the comm mike, flicking channels. “Fenris! You are a sight for sore eyes; kill the lights before that becomes a literal statement.”

Fenris’s rolling laughter comes over the channel, “Ah, Suture! The gods told me you would be here. Getting into trouble with out me again, this is your third offense and I cannot let that go unanswered.”

I flick the camera angle to view Kat in the turret. She blinks at the lens innocently, a tiny smile creasing her lips. Having Fenris on my side further lifts my spirits. “Allow me to make it up to you. Come with us, there is sure to be…uh glory on the way.”

Fenris rumbled, “Glory I have. It is revenge on Aegis I seek. We will come with you, for the honor or RECR.”

“For the honor of RECR.” I repeat, not knowing what else to say.

******** ********* *********** *********** ********* ************

I keep the crew busy having them running system checks, Lacey helping out where she could. She really hated the feeling of being a fifth wheel and I could definitely relate. I slow the rig as we approach a bullet riddled sign labeling the bridge exit. A steel plated gate barred the way to the bridge, with a pair of look outs patrolling the parapet. Kat began to turn her turret, angling the guns up before I waved her off. Fenris called over the channel, “We are to leave the city?”

“Yes, Fenris. Are your seals alright on that beast of yours? After this bridge its poly storm country.”

“Aye. Where you go we can follow, easily.”

“Good to hear. I got to talk to the owner about use of the bridge. Be right back.”

Exiting the rig I keep my hands where they can be seen and address the pair guarding the bridge entrance. “Hello there. I am here to barter for passage through.”

The pair on the gate couldn’t have been more than teenagers. Teenagers with long rifles as one covers me the other answers, “Gate’s closed. You will have to come back when Debby is feeling better. Till then, buzz off.”

Frowning, “Debby. I assume that is the owner? What is wrong with her? Maybe we can help?” Making a motion to show case that we drove medical vehicles and that we were obviously, medics ourselves.

The teen spits over the wall, “She’s in labor. Ain’t nothing to do but wait it out.”

“We could help. Maybe make her comfy, make sure the baby is ok and all that.” I say not willing to be deterred.

The two confer with each other and finally the speaker nods, “She is in a lot of pain, if you can help then we will let you in.” Before I can nod the gate begins to swing inward, drawn by cable crank. Back into the rig I drive through the opening. The tunnel bridge spanned the length of nearly a mile, the sides crammed with thin metal shanties. Barrel fires lit the area and the smoke from them darkening the air above, coating the high ceiling with soot. “Billy, Torq, get the gear. We have a pregnancy to take care of. Figure we can use it to barter our way across.”

Meeting up with the lookout I spoke with at the wall, he points to one of the lean to shacks. “She’s in there. The one with all the people around it.”

Crossroads 2

 

Shifting gears to try my hand at romance, or attempt to.

*********** ************** ****************** *********************

Crossroads 2

The Sandbox.

Elaine managed to get home close to midnight. Drenched to the bone, she shucked her wet clothes off. She liked keeping her apartment dark. Despite the mess she knew where just about everything was so she didn’t turn on the light. Padding down a rough carpeted hall she flounced on her bed, twining herself in the tangle of blankets.

The events of the day left her bewildered, laying in bed staring at the key in her hand. Opportunity, he said. This was beyond strange, who just hands a key to a shop to someone they just met? Closing her hand around the key, she held it close to her chest. She had to admit the possibilities were intriguing though the feeling that she would either sink or swim lent to some intimidation about the idea. Sleep came easy as Elaine slipped right into dream.

Elaine bolted upright, whatever she had been dreaming off was stolen by the sound of her alarm. Blinding groping for her cellphone she checked the time. Catching the device she peered at the time. Plenty of time to get up and get to her new job… Wait. New job? The key! She rolled in a near panic, shifting blankets trying to find it. Damn it! Rifling through discarded clothes on the floor, a sigh of relief escaped her lips, there it is! Determined not to lose the key again, Elaine looped it through a long slender cord and placed it around her neck.

Now to get dressed…what to wear? How do shop keepers dress? Well it was her first day and Elaine felt it best to make a good first impression. Ravaging the closet she pawed through the rack, black, black, more black. When did her wardrobe get so dark? Elaine slipped on a mismatched bra and panty set, she grimaced. She’d have to scalp up some change to do laundry soon.

Settling on one black blouse with a high neck line and flowering sleeves. Good start. Picking out a black skirt she slid on the garments and smoothed them out. Black on black, not so good, she reasoned. Breaking it up with a wide black belt with a golden colored buckle, she considered herself in the mirror. Her hair was a mess, eyeing the brush with distaste, now taking it up Elaine set about her task. Let the war begin…

Opting to wear her hair down, she tossed the evil brush on the counter next to the sink. Shoulder length, raven black hair, and black everything else. She looked like Death from the comics, minus the pale makeup. Tossing on a crimson marching band jacket, embossed with gold designs she nodded her approval. Much better. Adding a pair of gold plated earrings, Elaine pawed through her shrinking jewelry collection. Pentacle? No. Goddess symbol? No. She finally picked out a simple purple choker with a steel ankh in the center.

Breakfast consisted of a stale vanilla donut and cold rice she salvaged from the near barren fridge. The tough rice was washed down with liberal amounts of strawberry flavored milk right from the container. Looking at the bills tacked to the fridge with magnets, Elaine felt the pressure of stress assert itself. The apartment covered water, but that was it.

The electric bill bore a final notice that power was to be terminated in ten days, that was six days ago. Well at least she still had candles. Birthday candles. Rent was coming up fast, and her car was still impounded after it broke down north of Reno halfway to Stead. Screw that hunk of junk. Turning the power bill over she re-tacked it to the fridge just not wanting to look at it.

Buckling her favorite black calf high boots on, Elaine checked the time on her cellphone. She had ten minutes to catch the bus. A scratching sound came from the door to her apartment. Curious, Elaine opened the door and a blur of calico zipped past her.

Cursing, Elaine turned to follow the intruder. Prancing through her messy abode was a calico cat with bright orange eyes. Stooping to get at the animal the cat easily evaded the attempt. “Get over here!” Elaine said with annoyance, trying to corner the wily critter. No dice, she managed to brush her fingertips over its fur, but failed to get any closer. “I don’t have time for this! Come on, you are going to make me late for work!” The cat did not seem to share her appreciation for time as it purred and ran into her bedroom slithering under the bed. Checking the time, she would have to run. Shaking her arms in frustration Elaine fumed, “I will deal with you later!” and exited the apartment.

Locking the apartment, Elaine dashed for the stairs, passing the elevator which was open. Mrs. Mapes struggled with her wheelchair, the front wheels caught in the narrow groove separating the elevator from the building. The door banged against the side rail of the chair attempting to close. Mrs. Mapes’s elderly hands tried to work the back wheels, as she swore up a storm. She belted out a stream of obscenities that would turn most career sailors into catholic priests.

Closing her eyes, Elaine knew she couldn’t leave Mrs. Mapes like that. “Need some help, Mrs. Mapes?” Resigning herself to the fact she was going to be late on her first day, so much for a good impression.

Mrs. Mapes frowned folding her arms, “Damn elevator. Yes I could use a hand, and a loaded gun to take care of that idiot of a landlord. I told him I needed an apartment on the ground. Why are you dressed like a streetwalker?” She grumped angrily.

Putting on a fake smile Elaine felt her cheeks flush at the insult. “It is my outfit for work. I got a new job. Let’s see here…” Gripping the front foot rest, Elaine felt her back twinge as she lifted the wheels out of its entrapment. “There we go.” Mrs. Mapes rolled the chair forward into the elevator.

Like a switch, Mrs. Mapes’s mood changed to that of a gentle grandmother. “Thank you dear. You better hurry if you are going to catch the bus.” Elaine’s shoulders sagged, “I won’t make it in time anyways. I guess I will be late for my first day.”

Mrs. Mapes snorts, “Not on my watch. I’ll give you a ride.”

******** ********* ********** ************** *********** ********

Elaine sat in the passenger seat of the van, as Mrs. Mapes adjusted the rear view mirror, and then the side mirror, and back to the rear view mirror. Inside Elaine groaned, this was going to take forever. “You buckled in, sweetie?” Mrs. Mapes inquired with a smile. Elaine glumly tugged at the seatbelt, showing Mrs. Mapes that she was indeed buckled in. The van pulled out of the parking lot slowly, and into the turn lane. A black Trans-am swerved cutting the van off at the light. Plying the brakes Mrs. Mapes gaped. “That was rude.”

Beeping the horn to show her annoyance the driver rolled down the window and angled an obscene gesture at Mrs. Mapes. Elaine rubbed her temples, and Mrs. Mapes’s eyes closed to slits. “Is that so?” her voice as cold as ice. The light turned green and the car sped away.

Slamming the accelerator Mrs. Mapes took off in pursuit. Elaine gripped the panic handle as the van fishtailed keeping up with the car ahead of them. Mrs. Mapes wore an expression of stone cold determination tailgating the car. The car changed lanes, trying to pick up speed, which only made Mrs. Mapes smile. “Oh no you don’t! You got more power under the hood and you can’t even apply it right!”

Elaine felt the color drain from her face as Mrs. Mapes dogged the car, “You are going to get us killed!”

Taking a hand off the wheel, Mrs. Mapes patted Elaine’s arm, appearing oblivious to the speed they were going and the surrounding traffic. That grandmotherly condescending tone took over, “There, there, dear. My husband taught me how to drive and he was a get away driver for bank jobs back in the seventies. Now hold on, this one is going to eat some gravel.”

Clinging for dear life Elaine gasped in horror at Mrs. Mapes neatly clipped the car at the rear of the trunk, and casually applied the breaks as the car in front spun out screeching into the loose dirt on the side of the road. The driver of the car was frozen in motion gripping the wheel, pale as a ghost and shaking like a leaf. With a sniff Mrs. Mapes rolled the window down and raised her middle finger majestically to the traumatized driver with a soft smile as the van crept by the scene.

“We just hit that guy!” Elaine exclaimed.

Harrumphing, Mrs. Mapes, shook her head, driving off. “That was a love tap. You kids these days, scrape your knee and you have to go to the E.R. Long gone are the days of backbone, I guess. Now I have seen some REAL wrecks….like this one time back in eighty two…” Elaine fell into a numb shock as Mrs. Mapes drove on, attempting to regale her with stories of wild car chases and stunts.

******** ******** ******** *********** ********* ******** **********

Pulling up to the shop, Mrs. Mapes finished her seventh story, growing a little confused. “I am not sure I actually did that one or saw it on TV, but I will never forget it. No sir ree, bob. Oh. Here we are. Have a great first day, dear!”

Elaine did not recall getting out the van, though she watched Mrs. Mapes drive off at the pace of a prowling ice-cream truck on the hunt for customers. Elaine patted herself along the arm, a Chinese method of grounding, assuring she was indeed alive and in her body. Checking the time Elaine managed a smile, she was only a minute late.

Fitting the key in the lock, Elaine entered the unlit shop. The smell of incense greeted her, sandalwood one of her favorites. Turning on the lights, she flicked the switch for the sign. The neon buzzed flaring to life. Something crunched under her foot; cringing Elaine prayed it wasn’t anything expensive.

Looking down Elaine frowned in puzzlement. Scattered all over the floor were pellets of what she assumed was dog food? Waving like a merry flag was a now empty plastic bag caught between the bars of the vent set near the ceiling. Jumping up, Elaine snatched the bag down, turning it over in her hands. Murmuring, she read the title of the bag, “Dragon treats, Barbeque Burned Barn flavor. For adolescent indoor dragons.” Her ears strained as she heard the sound of something scraping on metal from the vent. Rats! The store had rats!

Elaine plundered a phone book from behind the counter, tearing through it to the pest control section. She hated rats, and with trembling fingers she rapidly dialed the first number. Relaying her problem to the man on the other end of the phone, he sounded sympathetic. “Of course, what is the address?”

Elaine gave the address and the man’s mood instantly changed to reflect fear, “You ain’t got rats lady. Bye!” Click!

Stubbornly Elaine dialed another number, the same occurrence. Elaine called through a dozen names in the phonebook before giving up. It is not rats. No, I am not going in there. Get an exorcist. Click! Click! Slam! Seeing she would get no help anytime soon, she warily got a broom and swept up the pellets. Disposing of the ‘dragon treats,’ Elaine settled in behind the counter, eyeing the vent with suspicion.

Time dragged on, Elaine began to drum her fingers over the countertop. No one was here but her…and the rats. She convinced herself she might as well see the rest of the shop. Armed with the broom, Elaine poked around. The back office was overflowing with boxes and scattered paperwork. It would take months to go through it all. Before Elaine could explore the rest of the shop the bell at the front door jingled.

Another woman leaned in the doorframe, dirty blonde hair braided down her back. Imitation leather jacket slung over her shoulder. Tight blue jeans with black lace high top sneakers covered her lower half. Her appearance was average at best, taking off her sunglasses to chew on the tip. Her blue eyes considered Elaine, unimpressed. “You must be the new girl.” The statement came off as nearly dismissive and slathered with ‘Valley Girl’ overtones.

Bolstering herself, Elaine flashed a smile trying to be friendly, “Yes I am. My name is Elaine, Grey gave me the job, and I…umm I work here now.”

The woman clucked her tongue once, “Right. Look go get me some coffee or something.” Obviously not in the mood to be friendly.

Arching a brow Elaine peered at the woman, “Excuse me, miss…?” she asked tentatively.

A resounding snort came with a reply. “You are new, so let me fill you in. I’m Ruby Danes. You know, THE Ruby Danes, best reader in the city. I got the largest clientele any where. When I want coffee you get me coffee. I don’t get in until noon, no matter what the others tell you. The shop opens at ten. You are the only one here so you can’t do readings without someone else present to mind the store. I get the first three readings of the day, I take lunch at two to three and I am out at five. Shop closes at six. You with me so far?”

Elaine chewed her lip, tucking her annoyance back. “Yes, I am hearing you just fine. I was told I get to do readings here. If I don’t get to then what do I do?”

Brushing past Elaine, Ruby rolled her eyes, “Stock shelves. Dust. I don’t care. Oh and you have to do all the heavy lifting when the shipments come in. My doctor who is also my beautician says if I lift too much I could get stress winkles around my eyes. Now go get the coffee, and hurry. If customers show up I don’t know how to operate the register.”

Beside herself now Elaine felt her eyes fall to the floor, “But…I don’t have any money.”

A deep, painful, exasperated sigh came from Ruby. “Fine. Here.” Shoving a pair of singles at Elaine, “I take two sugars, and a half dab of crème. Do I have to show you where the store is too?”

Forcing her smile to remain intact, Elaine said. “I know where it is, be right back.”

****** ******** ********** ********** *********** *************

So the day went, Ruby took in a pair of readings, and gossiped on the plethora of social media sites she belonged to. Elaine rearranged the books, dusting off decks of tarot cards still in their packaging. She busied herself with watering the plants and humming one of her favorite tunes to keep her spirits up. People came and went, mostly to browse. Ruby left without saying a word at four thirty, leaving Elaine alone in the shop again.

Sullenly Elaine huffed deciding to dry mop the shop early. With Ruby blocking her on reading times how was she supposed to make any money? Elaine understood pecking orders and she had been shunted right to the bottom of one. Lifting the mat at the front door, a piece of paper fell free. Taking up the slip Elaine found herself chewing her lip furiously, it was a fifty dollar bill. Did someone drop it? Or had it always been there?

Elaine knew she could use the money, and warred with what to do with it. Reluctantly she headed to the counter, pressing the key to open the drawer. Nothing. Frowning Elaine peeked over the counter, and pressed the key again. The total counter sprang to life, ringing up seven oh seven. From her angle it looked more like ‘L.O.L. Great, the machine is busted, she thought. Fishing out the key she attempted to open the drawer with it. The key turned but it failed to open. Looking at the bill once again, she placed it under the strap of her bra. “If this belongs to anyone I swear they will get it back.” Elaine said.

The chimes in the store clinked softly as the air kicked on. The sound mixed beautifully as if orchestrated, carrying a familiar pacing. The tune she was humming earlier? Shaking her head, the place had to be playing tricks on her. Going over the chores that remained, Grey had mentioned feeding the dragons. Yeah, dragons right. Dragons in this store, where would they fit? She mused.

Elaine’s cellphone rang causing her to look upon it. She didn’t have any minutes left on it and hadn’t for two weeks. Still she could receive calls, at least. Eyeing the number she didn’t recognize it. Perhaps it was good news? Though, Elaine highly doubted it.

Putting the phone to her ear, “This is Elaine.” The line clicked as an automated message took over. ‘Hello this is Nevada State Power Company. Our records show…’ Elaine felt her heart sink. This was it, they were going to terminate my service, she thought.

The message continued, ‘That there has been an error on our records. We apologize for the double billing for the month of November. You account is credited with your last payment of two hundred dollars to this months bill of one hundred eighty dollars and fifty six cents. No payment is due at this time. Press one if you believe this message is in error, or two to repeat the message. Thank you, and have a nice day.’

Elaine covered her mouth, pressing two, listening to the message again. Pressing the number once more, now in awe of every repeated word, Elaine smiled. Closing the phone she giggled and spun around, arms wide looking towards the ceiling. One problem down, and if no one claimed it, there was actual money in her bra.

What the heck feed the dragons, she thought. This place was weird, but it might actually work out. Rummaging in the over crowded back room; she found a box containing the ‘Dragon treats’. “Hmm what flavor?” Elaine said aloud, playing along still not convinced there were dragons. “Let’s see what we got. Maiden Chew. Knight Surprise. Unicorn Flank. Villager Tears. Who comes up with these titles?” She made a face and took up a packet of ‘Unicorn Flank’.

Elaine winced as she heard scuttling in the vents, “Please don’t be rats. I wish you were actually dragons. Just not rats.” Taking the package she cast around looking for a container. Finding none, she scooped a brass cauldron off the shelf. Placing the decorative pot on the floor, she opened the ‘food’ bag open and poured the contents within. “Come and get it, I guess.” Elaine said with uncertainty. Not knowing what to expect, she stepped away from the improvised dish.

Watching the vent, Elaine waited. Minutes passed by, before she laughed at herself. “Dragons are not real, just spirit stuff. They are just in the spirit world.” Shutting off the lights, she shook her head making her way out of the shop for the night, flipping the sign to read closed. She patted the railing of the store, “I’ll be back tomorrow.” She had no idea why she said those words, but felt it was right.

Death Wagon 25

Thank you all for following and lending your input. It has been a wild ride so far and it is not over yet.
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The crowd was not my scene, too much going on. I found myself wandering the club, chill plastic blocks swirling in my glass of soy sake. All the pleasures in the world at my fingertips and I just wanted to get away from it. Word had gotten out that we were to be taken care of, and suddenly I was gently fighting off offers right and left. Half of them even appeared sincere.

Scaling a narrow ladder I ducked up to the catwalk overlooking the wide pit of the warehouse I made way for a pair of nubile silk trapeze artists as they ended their shift. Leaning on the railing I considered the drink in my hand, just me and soy sake.

I tip the cup, pouring a stream over the side, my old habits roar to life not allowing me to empty the entire container. About half left, and my liver wanted revenge. The liquid splashing down on a group of club goers that failed to even notice or glance up.

“You look like you have a lot on your mind, Suture. Either that or you like to waste drinks on my patrons.” Savanna spoke, appearing at my elbow. I half turn, now resting my side on the rail. Savanna steps back to a respectful distance, hands folded in front of her. “How did you know I was up here?” I ask, simply.

Gentle seductive shoulders roll in a square shrug, “I know where everyone is in my establishment, at all times.” Growing amused she inquires, “You weren’t thinking about jumping were you?”

“Hadn’t crossed my mind. Though I suppose with all the fantasies here for the taking… one wouldn’t need to live beyond that time.” I said, nearly raising the drink to my lips.

Savanna laughed softly, “It has happened, more than I would care to admit. That is why we installed the mesh.”

I peered over the side, the strobe light was barely of use but I did catch sight of the ‘mesh’ she was talking about. Ultra thin and taunt monofilament wire, I assumed it was strung wall to wall. “What a way to go.”

“Saves someone from having a hundred plus kilo body falling on them, and slices them up into small enough pieces to literally be swept up in a dust pan.” Savanna said taking up a section of rail next to me. With twinkling eyes she let her voice grow a bit husky, “So what else is on your mind?”

Looking down into my cup, “Unfortunately, nothing to do with sex.” I said with some regret. This place was amazing as it was strange to me. Savanna giggled in response.

Taking the drink from me in a gentle flourish, she sipped at the liquid and made a face. “Cheap and dirty. I don’t know how people can stand it. I guess you don’t drink it for the taste.” She scrutinizes me openly, “You tempt yourself a lot I can tell. How long have you been clean?”

The question about my sobriety didn’t catch me flat footed exactly but it was surprising. Automatically the words poured forth, “Six and a half years.”

Savanna let the cup slip from her grip over the side rail, where it was turned into plastic flecked confetti. “It takes quite a strong man to confront his vice and even hold it close, yet not partake. I find that very endearing. I feel better knowing what kind of man my son works with in the field that he chose.”

Her voice was very distracting; I didn’t even notice how long she had been leaning on me. “So dear Billy says you needed some information, how can I be of assistance, Suture?”

Looping an arm around her waist I stopped myself from pulling her closer. I shifted slightly; the sharp scent she wore of chemical lilies filled my nose. “I don’t know how much help you can be. I need to talk with someone that has been on the road from Nexus Prime to here.”

Savanna circled a finger around a dent in my chest plate, “Information, secrets, blackmail material, they all float through that door every minute. Money doesn’t keep this place running, knowledge does. Credits just allow us to buy the things we require to gain more of the above.”

Lazily she points down at a bar in the far corner that was dimly lit, “See the ragamuffin at the end?” her were words airy and light. Following her gaze I could barely make out the man. Goggles over his face with a thread bare poncho of faded army green, and an odd shaped helmet resting on the bar next to him, I nod in response. “Who is that?” I ask skeptically.

Savanna, grinned. “He is a Quadrant Runner. A scavenger from the wastes, they pop in from time to time. Usually hauling junk they find along the way and selling it to who ever would buy it. Sometimes they find old caches of art or intact vehicles and salvage them. This one had been rather busy, working in quadrant ten ‘S’. Won’t take credits for goods, barters for supplies instead.”

Mentally running the quadrant in my head in comparison to the maps Charlotte had given me; it was an area going right through a plotted route. Perfect. I made to leave with nothing but a smile of thanks, only to be stopped by Savanna and a perfectly arched brow. “I think you owe me something for that if he can help.” She said smoothly, giving me yet another once over.

I felt my cheeks flush, “Well…um. What do you want for it?” I could guess what she was thinking. Her expression changed from playful teasing to a near dark seriousness. “I don’t know what kind of trouble you are in, but it involves my son.”

Laying a hand flat on my chest plate she continued. “I need to know if I should expect problems from your being here. I can handle myself but a heads up is always nice. The media reported you as dead, and I think it would be in both our interests as to the why. Billy was more than dodgy about it and I am his mother.” Something told me she wasn’t going to be as lenient as Kat’s mother.

Composing myself I looked over the railing once again, “Do you have a private place we can discuss this?” I ask checking to see if the Quadrant runner was still at the bar. Judging by the slow drinking the man was doing he would be there for quite a while. Following my gaze Savanna winked, “Yes I do. Don’t worry about him; I’ll make sure you have a chance to talk to him. Whether he likes it or not.” Her words rolling off her tongue with a near ironclad promise. Taking me by the arm she led me down the catwalk towards a private box overlooking the entire warehouse.

The box was small enough for two plush chairs, showing me to a seat Savanna took the other. “This is the voyeur box, for those inclined to just watch. The camera feed here allows you to zoom in on every ever square inch of the place. When I am lazy I run billing from here, and keeps the employees honest, no side action allowed. Also keeps them safe from clients that get too frisky, if you know what I mean.”

Shifting in the seat, I gazed upon the holographic stand that rose from the floor, the images scrolling from booth to booth. Savanna stops on the booth I had left Kat, Torq and Lacey in. Pointing at Lacey, “I am good at reading people: she is the odd one out. Whatever this is about it has to do with her.” Savanna said her airy tone returning.

“It has to do with all of us.” I said and launched into the story, all of it. Halfway through Savanna lights up a cigarette her face grew hard to read as she listened to me. She would nod occasionally but did not interrupt me once.

Tapping her chin, Savanna lights up another cigarette. “The fate of the world in my place of business.” She mused lightly.

“Two worlds.” I said correcting Savanna. She throws her shoulders back, obviously having no love for Mars. “If you say so.”

“Aegis is going through a lot of trouble to get at Lacey. I think they know something we don’t.” I said, once again glancing at my chronometer.

“Killing near a thousand people for the sake of a possibility is a little beyond reason. There can be no doubt her immunity system does exactly what you suspect it does. It means change, and Aegis will stop at nothing to get her.”

Savanna laces her fingers together in her lap, hope creasing her words. “A world no longer in the grips of torturous injection, and in financial ruin. That would be a sight to see. Have you contacted Nobel yet?”

I frown, “Not yet. We haven’t found a clear spot to do so. Aegis is all over the channels looking for us.”

Savanna lets her eyes fall to hungry slits, “Let me handle that. Go talk to the Quadrant Runner. I will catch up with you before you leave.” Placing a light kiss on my cheek she smiled, “When this is over, I would like to see you again.”

****** *********** ************ ************* ******** ********* ****