Revenge: (Space Outlaw 3) Read online

  "Come on, Plowstow! It isn't much further. We can do this!"

  "Who you need to keep on telling?" replied Plowstow.

  Phoenix shot his pistol wildly behind him, keeping his eyes forward. He could see the ship in the distance, beckoning him like dry land to a shipwrecked sailor.

  Her engines were running; he could see the thrusters kicking up dust. He glanced sideways at Plowstow, the Orcian sucking in air as he kept pace at Phoenix's side. Sweat poured down his face. He met Phoenix's gaze, brow knotted with the strain of exertion.

  Phoenix saw a flash of pain cross his face, and then Plowstow started to collapse. Phoenix saw him fall forward in slow motion, arms freewheeling in front of him. Phoenix spun on his heel, firing a volley of shots with his left hand as he caught Plowstow with his right before the Orcian hit the dirt.

  He held him close. As Plowstow's heartbeat thudded against his body, Phoenix looked his crewmate in the eye.

  "Where are you hit?"

  "I took one in my side."

  "Can you still run?" asked Phoenix.

  "Do I have a choice?"

  Phoenix pushed him forward as the crowd kept on coming. The ship loomed closer and closer, but with Plowstow holding his side, they would never make it.

  "Plowstow! Throw me your gun and make a run for it," said Phoenix.

  "What you going to do?" asked Plowstow.

  "Just do it!"

  Plowstow threw his pistol to Phoenix, who gave him a sad shake of the head before pushing forward. Phoenix stopped in his tracks and took out of his pocket a small handheld metallic device like a skipping stone. He slapped his palm against it before throwing it to the ground before his feet.

  A shimmering force field erected itself before him.

  Saoirse had given him one of her little gadgets, which blocked projectiles from coming towards you, but didn't prevent their going away from you. She had called it a portable shield.

  Phoenix brought both pistols to bear and began to fire at the moving crowd. He didn't pick his shots all that carefully; he was just aiming and quickly firing. The pounding of feet against the sand reminded him of a herd of wildebeest coming to water. Their screams and shouts of anger spoke of a need for his blood.

  If they wanted it, then he would make them work for it.

  Shots made the shield ripple like a lake when stones were thrown in. He had asked how long the shield would hold out for, and the shrug he got from Saoirse as a response did nothing to boost his confidence.

  "Come and get me, motherfuckers!"

  He could see that the shield was on its last legs; it became more and more transparent. They were nearly on him, now. However many bodies he hit, more popped up to take their place.

  The shield in front of him took a few more shots before it vanished. He knew that he now had only one choice: he had to surrender.

  Shit!

  Phoenix lowered his guns to the ground and brought his hands behind his head. Shots were still fired, but they missed him or were fired into the air. He could smell his pursuers. He could see every little rotten detail of the horde coming his way. A scar here, a mole there, a green growth where one shouldn't be.

  They came shouting in joy at having their prize so close to hand. Phoenix shook his head and allowed himself to smile. Fools! They thought he would give up so easily. They didn't know him yet.

  As the roar of the engines from the PH1 drowned out all noise, it did a swoop over the crowd, knocking them off their feet. Coming back around, it hovered behind Phoenix, its missiles itching for blood. As Phoenix started to rise to his feet a voice boomed from the ship's speakers.

  "Listen here, you dirty, scum-ridden sons of whores...shit-breath breathing--"

  "L! That's enough."

  "Kai, don't ruin my fun!"

  "Why aren't you in the engine room?" asked Kai.

  "And miss all the fun?"

  "Well, I think it time that you--"

  "I don't care..."

  As Kai and L argued back and forth, their voices boomed out for all to hear. Phoenix threw his head back as laughter erupted from his stomach. The whole universe might be against him, but he had the greatest crew in the world.

  And from where he stood, he liked his chances.

  22

  The crew sat round the table in the cafeteria, each member with his or her own drink designed specifically for them from the food dispenser. Phoenix held a cup of Earl Grey tea between his hands. You can take the boy out of England, but you can't take England out of the boy.

  Plowstow took a swig of something so strong it made Phoenix's eyes water from where he sat. "So, what we gonna do?" asked the Orcian.

  "What the sands are you drinking?" asked L.

  Plowstow looked around the table at everyone's wrinkled noses and watering eyes. "Oh, this? Don't tell me y'all don't enjoy the sweet smell this is giving off?"

  "I would use that to clean the engines, but I'm scared it might damage them. Or melt the metal."

  "Look, girl, this is the finest home-crafted brew that you'll ever get. It comes from the valleys of my home planet. It cures diseases, it cleans wounds, it makes women fertile and makes Orcian males full of the good stuff, if you know what I mean," Plowstow said with a wink.

  "That still doesn't explain why you're drinking it, or why we have to be subjected to its stench," said Saoirse, holding her nose.

  "I could use some of that for cleaning my instruments. Nothing like a good sterile lab to get the juices flowing," said Freyan.

  "But you ain't got any juices."

  "It's a manner of speech, you oaf," Freyan snapped.

  "Well, in a manner of speech, I'm just saying, you ain't got no juices."

  "That...doesn't even make sense. Is that drink killing the already limited brain cells you have?" asked Freyan.

  "Hold up! Where are you getting that drink? My food dispenser doesn't have the capabilities to produce something so...exotic, dangerous and explosive," said L.

  "Well...you see, the best place to brew such a fine-tasting drink as this has to be in a tub of sorts--"

  "You didn't!"

  "Well...there was no room anywhere else on the ship, and since the washrooms have such fine deep metal tubs--that's what gives the drink its flavour, by the way--"

  "You didn't! Not on my ship!" said L, pointed finger shaking in fury.

  "I decided since I don't use the washrooms to bathe or wash that often, I could use one of the tubs to brew some home-grown booze for the whole crew," Plowstow said, giving everyone a smile.

  "I'll kill you!" L launched herself over the table at Plowstow.

  No matter how drunk Plowstow was, he had the sense to run from the raging engineer, who chased him out of the canteen with a wrench nearly as tall as she was.

  "In my new ship!"

  The sounds of Plowstow's hysterical laughter died away, with L hot on his heels screaming obscenities at him. Calm once again returned to the room.

  "I've got an idea," said Saoirse.

  "I'm all ears," said Phoenix.

  "I have worked for the Fren family for many years, and although I still haven't made any contact with Florin--which is understandable, after all that has been going on--I have made contact with his cousin."

  "Florin, Florin... That name rings a bell; where have I heard it from?" asked Phoenix.

  "He was the one who gave you the message before arriving at Dredar. He was on the spaceship that escorted you to the prison."

  "Why would a Council family member be posing as a prison guard escort?" asked Freyan.

  "Few know his true identity. He likes to remain hidden in the shadows, because he believes he can do more good that way. That may now change, with him taking over as the head of the Fren family," said Saoirse.

  "Nice guy. I remember him punching me in the face. It's a debt I'll have to repay, someday."

  "Not if you value your life. Anyway, I sent a message to his cousin asking for a meeting, so we could discuss our side of thin
gs. He has messaged me the location. All we have to do is make our way there."

  "Do you trust him?"

  "The cousin? He...has his ways about him. His quirks. But he's trustworthy enough. I would rather be talking to Florin, but this is all I could get."

  "Okay. Have Kai plot a course and we'll make it our next stop. Where is he, anyway?" Phoenix asked, looking around.

  "Praying," said both Freyan and Saoirse, in a tone that told Phoenix there was a lot more to what Kai was doing than just bending his knees and asking blessings from his god of choice.

  Phoenix walked past L, who was banging on Plowstow's door with her wrench.

  "Plowstow, if you open up I promise I won't be mad," L said, giving Phoenix a wink as he walked past.

  "You're lying, woman. My head has a large lump on it from the blow you gave me," Plowstow shouted from the other side of his door.

  Phoenix shook his head and walked on. He would tell them the new plan when everyone had calmed down. Continuing down the ship's corridor, he took a few turns, trailing his hand along the walls. He still hadn't gotten used to this ship's being his home. It was weird to think he spent more time in this tub than he did on land. He couldn't go outside and see the stars; he couldn't go above deck and enjoy the breeze as it skimmed across the water, bringing the scent of salt and the prospect of new land.

  No. None of those things applied here.

  Death lay behind these walls. Death and isolation.

  It didn't seem to affect the others; they didn't seem to mind it. But sometimes these walls felt like they were closing in. Phoenix stopped in his tracks and looked around him. The sleek curves of the ship's walls gleamed from where L had robots polish the surface. Still...as beautiful as it was, this would most likely be his tomb. Most likely it would be the last sight he saw before death kissed him on the lips.

  He wouldn't get to feel home under his feet again. He wouldn't get to wish his loved ones goodbye.

  His ashes would float in the endless soup that was space.

  Phoenix passed one hand over his face as he knocked on the door in front of him. Smoke wafted out from under the door. The sweet aroma it gave off tickled the back of his throat. The smell reminded Phoenix of something, and he tried to recall the memory, but as with a song that skipped a beat, he couldn't recall why.

  Phoenix sniffed again and banged against the door.

  He could hear coughing from the other side, as footsteps made their way towards him. As the door slid open, Phoenix saw nothing but a thick wall of white smoke. It billowed out from the room and enveloped him in its clutches. Phoenix waved his arm back and forth in a vain attempt to beat it back.

  "Kai, what the fuck, man?"

  "Hey, dude," Kai said through the smoke.

  "What the hell is going on?"

  "It's my holy time. You know, where I offer my lungs and innermost thoughts to the goddess Soul. It's a very spiritual time for me, where I can connect with the innermost thoughts that have been plaguing me. You know," said Kai.

  As the smoke thinned out slightly, Phoenix could see a pair of red-rimmed eyes under a messy mop of hair. Music that chanted with such a deep bass that Phoenix felt like he was being punched in the chest played from floating orbs. All the room's shutters were open, allowed them to see outside.

  The purples, reds, blues, and greens all mixed as one. The vivid image of space looked like a mad artist's final moments.

  Kai took another pull from a two-foot-long pipe before allowing the smoke he exhaled to engulf his head.

  "We have a new plan...and we need you to plot...a new course," Phoenix said between coughs.

  "No can do, brother man. I shall be out for the rest of the day."

  "Are you kidding me?"

  "No, my man. One day every month, you must sacrifice yourself to Soul, if you are her disciple. Today is that day. I shall be fine as sand tomorrow," said Kai.

  "Are you... Argh! Fine, I'll get Saoirse to do it," said Phoenix, walking away.

  "Why don't you come and join me, man? This right here will enlighten your mind! It will show you the universe like never before, it will de-stress you. Phoenix! Phoenix!"

  23

  Phoenix sat in his captain's chair watching the viewing screen. They were in flaring, so there was nothing to see but the rapidly moving stars, which appeared as long blurs.

  He rested his elbow on his chair and cupped his head while he listened to the moaning around him.

  "Why the fuck are we going to see a family member of the family that everyone thinks we blew up?" asked Plowstow.

  "Because we need to clear our names," said Saoirse.

  "We'll clear our names alright, in a six-by-six cell while they torture us for information."

  "I gotta say, man, this should have really been discussed properly beforehand," said Kai.

  Phoenix slammed his open palm down on his armrest. The noise it made sounded like a shotgun going off. "Next time, don't be drunk off your ass when we're having a team meeting," Phoenix said, pointing at Plowstow. "And you were so drugged up I doubt you remember the conversation we had." He pointed at Kai.

  "We talked?" Kai asked.

  "Shut up and make sure we don't crash into shit!"

  "Phoenix, this ain't--"

  "Plowstow, would you like to assist L down in the engine room?"

  "Err..."

  "Then shut up."

  As Kai and Plowstow turned round in a huff, both muttered under their breath. Phoenix turned his attention back to the viewing screen. The image was always hypnotising. It put him at ease.

  "Saoirse, how long till we arrive?" he asked.

  "We are coming up on the target as we speak. In ten, nine, eight, seven..."

  As Saoirse counted down, Phoenix leaned forward. His fingers danced along his thighs as if they were doing an Irish jig. Clasping his hands together, he brought them under his chin.

  "One."

  The ship's engines shuddered as they ceased putting out the power needed for flaring. The ship settled into a peaceful rhythm as it made its way towards the biggest floating structure that Phoenix had ever seen.

  It was bigger than Dredar. Larger than Earth's moon.

  A space station floated out in the middle of nowhere. It was misshapen, and it reminded Phoenix of a hurriedly put together Lego play set. No part matched. Each section was a different colour.

  "Why does it look so weird?" asked Phoenix.

  "What you are seeing, dude, is five large spaceships slotted together," said Kai.

  "Why?"

  "Because when the Council comes a-calling, people will go a-running," said Plowstow.

  "These outpost stations are...not legal," said Saoirse. "They are designed for quick assembly and quick deconstruction. They act as outposts for outlaws, pirates, and anyone wanted by the Council, as a means to communicate and do business."

  "So I take it that their locations always change?" asked Phoenix.

  "Yes," said Saoirse.

  Phoenix rose from his seat and walked closer to the viewing screen. The space around the station buzzed with activity. Rusted spaceships limped towards their destinations, as they tried not to be hit by ships four times the size of the PH1. There appeared to be no order. As on the streets of India, traffic came and went wherever and whenever it wanted.

  "Is this the only one of its kind?" asked Phoenix.

  "The only one in this section of space, yes. But there are many stations like this all over," said Saoirse.

  "I don't understand," Phoenix said, scratching his head. "Why not just use a planet like Tortuga for all your business needs?"

  "Because Tortuga is for pleasure. Places like this are strictly business. And alcohol tends to loosen tongues," Saoirse said with a smile.

  24

  They made their way towards the space station and docked at one of its many docking arms. Long, tubular rods extended from the station, allowing ships to connect. Once their cargo or crew had boarded, they were forced to disc
onnect so another ship could take their place.

  "Alright, when you're all done, give us a ring and we'll come and get you from docking station Sub 3. We shall orbit round the station, so we won't be far," said L.

  Phoenix gave her a nod as he donned his combat gear. It was the same design he had worn on L's home world but upgraded. Jet-black material that felt like Kevlar fitted to him like a second skin. Lightweight and durable, it protected the wearer against most weapons--up to a point.

  "Do not forget, this gear will activate a helmet when the oxygen gets to zero or if there is a vacuum," said Saoirse.

  "Is that something we really need?" asked Phoenix.

  "Would you rather not have it?" Saoirse asked with a raised eyebrow.

  "Err...fair point. Plowstow, Saoirse, you ready?"

  Phoenix received a nod from both, and they proceeded to the cargo bay. As the ramp descended, and they made their way onto the space station, he looked over his shoulder and smiled as L jumped up and down, hands waving in the air.

  "You're in charge while I'm gone," said Phoenix.

  "Of course!" yelled L.

  "What!" said Kai.

  "Hang on a moment!" Freyan said, stepping forward. "If anyone should be placed in authority--"

  "L, I'll leave it in your hands," Phoenix said, slapping the button that sealed the doors.

  "Was that wise?"

  "Saoirse, what's the worst that can happen? I feel bad that she's always in the engine bay by herself. This will do her some good."

  The scene that met Phoenix when he emerged from the docking arm was not what he had imagined. A dimly lit open area stretched as far as the eye could see, with housing market stalls selling everything from guns and ammo to spare parts for ships. People shouted and shoved as they made their way through the stalls. He was grabbed left and right, while one merchant after another tried to offer him their best deals.