The Mercenary

March 4 - Hale's Moon

"Nice doggy," I said. I had seen this dog in the area before. He was such a friendly sort.

According to Cody, his name was Milo.

Cody had led us to a Chinese food restaurant a block or two away from the clinic. Milo had stationed himself outside the front door. Perhaps awaiting the generosity of strangers leaving the diner. Perhaps hoping for a little lo mein or an egg roll to roll out the door.

The restaurant was housed in a large building. A scattering of tables. A bar and service counter tucked in the corner to the left as you enter. A robot bartender polishing glasses. Booths along one wall.

There was the entrance in the front. An exit in the back and another one on the second floor. A narrow elevated walkway ran around the edge of the room, serving as a second level. A glass ceiling with a number of panes broken. This may have been a factory once.

There was one other customer sitting at the bar. Dark clothes. A black hood pulled back to reveal a thick tousle of hair. A mask covering the lower half of his face. Weapons strapped to his thighs.

"Ah, Fook's," remarked Tillery as we entered, "I've been here a couple of times."

"This booth then?" I asked, indicating what I felt was the best location.

I selected a seat that gave me clear view of the front entrance and the stranger at the bar, and a peripheral view of the other two exits. And there was a direct path from my table to behind the counter in case I needed to find cover ... or condiments.

"They got Chinese on the buffet and the 'bot can whip up some food for you," said Cody helpfully, "I'll leave you two to eat."

We thanked him. He nodded to us and left.

So," said Tillery, once he placed his food order.

I took a deep breath. "Yes... I am hoping he agrees to go to Paquin to recover." We were still discussing Lynx. There was no other topic.

"I'll have a place for him," said Tillery.

As we spoke, I noticed the man at the bar was looking in our direction. He looked familiar. I frowned trying to place him. The shape of the bones where the forehead meets the eye. The way he wore his hair. Even the half mask covering the lower part of the face. But it wasn't a mask last time...

Tillery's food arrived. The Kung Pao Chicken Plate. Chopsticks too. I still had not placed an order. Maybe I'd go with a salad. In truth, I was still trying to decide if I was hungry.

The man at the bar turned away and ordered a drink.

"Oh good, " I said, responding to Tillery's comment, "I can't send him back to Al Raqis. It's far too dangerous there."

"I've heard about the battles," replied Tillery, his chopsticks flicked delicately as he manipulated the savory items on his dish.

"Open conflict," I declared, "Factions taking sides."

The man at the bar pulled his mask down slightly and sipped from his cup. And then I remembered.

"In fact...." I muttered. I did not finish the sentence.

Tillery followed my gaze.

The man at the bar looked in our direction.

But before any of us could act further, a familiar figure in Alliance uniform entered the establishment. He approached us and saluted smartly.

"Major." It was Trooper Gage Macarthur.

I returned the salute, "Trooper."

"I wasn't expecting you here tonight," he said, "Am I needed for an assignment?"

"I was checking in on my boy Lynx," I explained, "Have you met Mr. Woodhen?"

Gage greeted Tillery with a nod, "Sir."

Tillery smiled. "Hello."

"No. I don't believe I have," answered the trooper politely.

"Mr. Tillery Woodhen of CNS, of course," I said.

"I do a bit of writing," added Tillery

"A pleasure, Mr Woodhen." Gage smiled, "I read your articles when I can."

"Good to hear," answered Tillery.

"Permission to stand down?" asked Gage.

"Yes please," I said, "Have a drink Trooper."

The Trooper removed his helmet, tucking it under his arm, and seemed to relax. "Thanks Major." he replied.

The man at the bar ordered drinks from the bartending bot, indicating our little group.

Tillery noticed too. I could see he was curious.

Gage stopped himself suddenly, "Oh, I hope I was interrupting anything."

"Not at all," I said.

Gage also noticed the 'bot working on the drinks.

"Well, gentlemen," I began, "drinks have been ordered for us. Shall we join our mysterious benefactor?"

"That sounds like a good idea," agreed Tillery.

We made our way towards our patron, Tillery and Gage taking positions at the bar in such a way as they could face the man. I drew closer, standing next to him.

The man at the bar smiled through his cloth mask.

I greeted the stranger, "Thank you sir...."

The man at the bar nodded, "Don't mention it."

"...and who do we have to thank for these?"

"Just call me Neo," he replied.

"Hello Neo," I said pleasantly.

Gage placed his helmet on the bar and leaned forward.

"And who do I have the pleasure to talk to Miss?" asked Neo.

"Why the generosity?" added Tillery.

"Just paying some respects to these soldiers," replied Neo.

I introduced myself. "Major Siamendes of the UAP... you look a mite familiar."

Neo nodded and extended his hand, "A pleasure to meet you Ma'am."

"Who are you with Neo?" I shook his hand.

He looked around "Well, right now I am with you but before I was here alone."

"I mean what unit?" I asked.

Meanwhile, Gage pulled out his reader.

"Just a group of mercs from Splinter Rock," answered Neo, "I am Sgt. Major Neo. And a nice pleasure to meet you Ma'am."

"Sergeant for who?" asked Tillery.

"Like I said sir," replied Neo, "just a group of mercs."

I smiled, "You remind me of a fellow I met in the desert... we checked out a wrecked ship together...."

"And what was this fellow wearing?" asked the mercenary.

"...You're with the SSFS," I stated it as a matter of fact.

Neo nodded, "That's right I am."

"If I recall he was in black that day," I continued, "carrying an assault rifle."

"That's right I was," replied Neo, "And I think I was wearing a breath guard. Or something like that."

I signaled the bartender and ordered a beer for the mercenary.

Gage frowned slightly as he jotted down some things in his reader.

Neo thanked me politely for the drink.

"You're welcome," I responded, "We checked for survivors together... and tried to ascertain what brought down that craft."

"Did we ever find out what it was?" Neo asked.

"No," I admitted, "unfortunately. Although there was a lot of Marauder activities back then."

"Yeah," he replied, "That was before SSFS disbanded."

"Are you enjoying the mercenary life?" I asked.

"A bit," answered Neo, "Means I get paid and get food so I'm thankful."

"Disbanded?" I asked, "That must be recent." I had not heard this.

"A while back. Like two months ago I believe."

"What happened?" asked Gage from his position at the bar.

Neo replied, "So many people were there but didn't want to be or didn't like to be ordered. So our Commander disbanded it. That was back when SSFS was around a hundred poor souls. Hardly any reason to stay alive except for themselves."

"I would have thought with the fighting on Al Raqis there would be plenty of work, enough to keep the mercenary troops happy," I mused.

"Oh there is," insisted Neo, "My Commander is still as sharp as ever. We have plenty of successful contracts."

I smiled, "Very good.... and who is paying the best these days? Orion or the federationists?"

"We are contracted by the - Sorry I can't say."

"Oh ...you're under contract then?" I probed.

"Plain and simple," he continued, "we are at peace with Orions and the feds...and yes. But sometimes if the group is under contract then a single unit maybe contracted to another as well so long as it fits."

"So do you mean you could end up fighting other members of your squad?" I asked.

"No," answered Neo, "that's what I mean by fit. We as a group may help some one like the Orions or the feds and take on smaller payers."

"So another faction in the mix," suggested Gage.

"Another faction besides Nexus?" asked Neo.

I jumped in with my own question, "Who is Nexus?"

"A new group that moved in," answered the mercenary, "still trying to find out who. You are Alliance yes?"

"How many groups are there?" I pressed onward.

Neo listed various groups and organizations all playing a part in a struggle for power on a distant, desert world. "There's USD, USF, Orions, and my group... oh and Nexus. And now I hear there's one more group. One I haven't heard of."

"I've heard that name before," remarked Gage.

"What about the Myrmidons? Is that the name?" I asked.

"Yes but not the new group." He paused. "Hmmm, don't think you answered my question."

"Yes, we are Alliance," I confirmed.

Neo nodded, "I guessed as much."

"What can you tell me about the USD?" I asked, steering the conversation back to the desert world.

"I have friends there," Neo replied, "and I am a USD citizen. I can't tell you a whole lot about them."

"You are a USD citizen?" I repeated, "Tell us about the war that is going on in Al Raqis."

"There's a cease fire between SSFS and USD," he explained, "USD and USF joined forces against the Orions. And the SSFS are under contract by the Orions."

I looked impressed with this bounty of information. Neo smiled through his mask.

Meanwhile, Gage tapped his stylus on his lower lip as he tried to finish his written report.

The mercenary called out to Gage, "You do know this is off the record and I expect that to be deleted."

Gage looked at him, "If you want to read this report you're more than welcome to delete what you like, but I assure you it's nothing to do with you or what's being said." He then slid the reader towards me.

I looked at the tablet. It was Gage's report on the comings and goings on Hale's Moon. Standard fare. I did not comment. The report, no matter how routine, was not the business of the SSFS.

"Do you think the cease fire will hold?" I asked Neo.

He thought so. "As long as SSFS and USD don't shoot each other over what who knows what kinda sh_t the UFS does to the civis or Orions. On top of which, I am both a SSFS operative and a USD citizen." He then returned his attention to Gage. "If it is not what is being said, then you can write whatever you want."

"My reports are classified," replied Gage, "as per standing orders. But like most reports do need to be generated."

Neo nodded and let the matter go.

Besides, I thought, this didn't need to go into Gage's report. Gage sends his reports to me.

"You must feel caught in the middle," I said, addressing Neo, "being USD and contracted to the Orions." I rested my hand upon the bar. "Well, you stay safe Sergeant," I added.

"You leaving?" he asked.

"Time I head to my bunk," I said and ordered Neo another drink.

"And I have to return to my rounds," remarked Gage, "That is, unless you have new orders for me."

I did not. Not in front of the hired guns.

Neo accepted the second drink graciously, "Thank you. And alright. Sweet dreams Ma'am." He offered me a card with numbers on it, "Here's my channel."

I took the card, "Thank you Sergeant."

"But before you go," he continued.

"Yes?"

"May I talk to you in private? for a brief moment?"

"Okay," I replied, "shall we step outside?"

-----

The evening air was cool. The night was clear.

Milo was gone. Gone to whatever place dogs go to, when they are not lingering in front of diners.

"Yes Sergeant?" I asked, as we stood beneath the overhang near the Mayor's office.

Neo asked his question. "If you knew I was SSFS, and you were Alliance, why didn't you attack? I thought SSFS and Alliance were enemies."

I paused a moment before I responded. How shall I reply to that?

"Two reasons," I began, "When we first met, you may recall, we were on neutral terms.."

Neo nodded. "That I do."

"...and you are a mercenary. Perhaps one day we will need your services. Besides that," I added with a smile, "you bought the first round of drinks."

"And you know I can easily kill you here while we are alone, right?" asked Neo. "Of course, I won't for two reasons."

"Go on," I said.

"One," he replied, "My guns are out of ammo so too much work for that."

"...and..." I prompted.

"And two. I like you. You have that thing about you that makes me want you alive for later."

"Well, I'm glad to hear that," I replied. It's what every girl wants to hear.

He continued, "Why kill something I like and is beautiful?" A grin showing through his mask.

"You are quite the charmer, Sergeant," I said charitably, "Now you will excuse me while I return to my friend."

"I do what I can ma'am. Sweet dreams. I hope to see you later on. Maybe tomorrow."

"Good night soldier," I said.

I returned to Fook's and Tillery standing just inside the door.

"Interesting man," remarked Tillery.

"Yes..." I said distantly. But what was of far greater interest was what he had to say about Al Raqis.

"So where were we?" I said, returning to the present, "A place for Lynx to recover."

"Yes," replied Tillery, "Just tell me when he arrives and I'll have a space for him in Spinwheel. The city happens to have an excellent hospital."

"Good," I replied. "He may like a trip to Boros too...to see Calina."

"I haven't seen her for awhile."

"Nor I..but I have been travelling."

"I've been very busy back home."

"Perhaps, if and when Lynx comes to visit you in Spinwheel, he will find a taste for it and stay," I mused.

"It is closer to being a Core world than any other place he's stayed," Tillery remarked.

And in doing so he put his finger on the crux of the matter. While Lynx's earliest memories were of Hale's Moon, he continued to display Core world characteristics. If we were to solve the mystery of Lynx's origins, we would have to look to the White Sun.

Reconnaissance

August 6 - Al Raqis, Splintered Rock

"The bots plot against the organics as foretold." - Al Raqis Rumors

-----

There was a delicious feeling of freedom as my craft lifted off the landing pad, leaving the ground behind.

Today, I planned a short reconnaissance. I wanted up-to-date information prior to my meeting Lt. Colonel Collins of the USD.

I made a low pass over Splintered Rock.

From the air you could see that the refinery had been vandalized. The image of a large insect painted on the side of a couple of structures.

It was very large graffiti inside what was supposed to be the most secure area on Splintered Rock. I had to chuckle. Whoever they were they we bold and I'll bet they kept the Constable busy.

I turned my craft and guided it into the deep desert.

In the distance, I spotted a downed craft, still smoldering. A figure standing next to it.

I thumbed my comm unit and sent the figure a wave. ** "This is Major Siamendes of the Zenobian Division, Do you need assistance?" **

The figure on the ground returned the call, "No, but who are you?"

"I am security consultant to House Zenobia," I replied.

"Wait. I've seen you before..."

The comment was not followed by gunfire so I felt it was reasonably safe to land.

The figure replaced his automatic rifle on his back as my landing gear touched the desert floor. I powered down my craft and disembarked.

"Hello," I called as I approached, "did your ship crash?"

"No," replied the man, "I have come here to investigate."

"Any sign of the pilot?" I asked looking over the wreck.

"None that I can see."

The ship was beyond any hope of repair. It was salvage at best and this far from any settlement, it was just as likely to remain here.

I climbed into the open cargo hold. "There is a crate here," I called out, "...empty."

The soldier examined the shattered remains of the cockpit, "Mmmmmm. Nothing is wrong with the console."

"What brought it down?" I asked for his input.

"Well," he replied, "no engine damage soooo. Either he crashed it on purpose or he was shot down."

I glanced around. No bodies. Walked away or were carried.

I looked at my companion, " I don't recognize your uniform...who are you with?"

"I am new here," he replied, "I with the SSFS. New unit."

I nodded.

"Do you know who was piloting this ship or what they were carrying?" he asked.

"No idea," I admitted. It bore Splintered Rock markings but I could see no registration number. "I'll add it to my report," I said.

"By the way..." began my companion.

"Yes?"

"...Who are you with?"

"The Union of Allied Planets," I replied, "My homeworld Zenobia is one of the Great Houses."

"U.A.P?" he asked.

"Yes." My hand instinctively touched my sidearm and then moved to my canteen. "And SSFS...what does that stand for?" I inquired.

Waiting for his reply, I removed the mask of my hydrosuit and took the opportunity to rehydrate.

"Special Sniper Forces Squad," replied the soldier.

"Ah yes," I replied, "I have heard of you." I took another sip from my water bottle.

"We are neither friend or foe with you," he continued.

"Neutrality is good," I remarked.

"Yes, agreed."

I took one final sip then replaced my canteen and hydrosuit mask. "Well," I said," I will continue on my flight."

"That's a nice ship you have."

"Thank you," I said as I turned to go.

"I should go too," he remarked.

It was wise. Direct sunlight this time of day was desiccating.

"Stay safe soldier," I called as I climbed aboard my shuttle.

"Take care," he replied.

I nodded and closed the hatch.

-----

The Shuttlepod recognize my biometric signature as I returned to my chair. It whispered: "Pilot Pepper Siamendes."

"Start," I commanded.

"...Online," responded the Shuttle.

I entered the appropriate coding.

The Caine Shuttlepod prompted: "Enter co-ordinates..."

"120, 120, 3500," I replied.

The Shuttle echoed the co-ordinates : "120.00000, 120.00000, 3500.00000" then it whispered: "Disengaging inertial engines ..."

There was sudden acceleration. Adrenalin rush.

"...Complete," the Shuttlepod whispered: "Inertial engines re-engaged."

Twenty minutes and two course corrections later, I arrived at my destination.

I cut my engines and drifted in the black. The Caine Shuttlepod whispered: "Powering Down....Offline."

Green light filtered into my cabin from the object outside. I was reminded of the luminescence from algae.

I began taking scans and photos. Any data I could collect would be useful to compare to the long distant scans we had gathered several months ago.

Lily had mentioned a laser. I could see no laser, but the ship outside appeared to be effecting some sort of bending or distortion. I would need to send this to analysis.

Nevertheless, there was no doubt. The heighliner, Ardra's ship, was doing....

something....

Waters End

April 21

"True, they are vicious and rebellious, but we will force them into obedience, and it is they who will admire us the most. They will regard us as gods, and feel grateful to those who have consented to lead the masses and bear their burden of freedom by ruling over them--so terrible will that freedom at last appear to men!" - Feodor Dostoevsky

-----

Svetlana Pleides contacted me on April 21 with the following message: "Salyut.. I would like to discuss something with you concerning biological control chips used in slaves...

This was unexpected. I wasted no time in replying: "Thank you for contacting me. I would be interested in hearing what you have to say."

That was true but not just in the matter of control chips. I also had a few questions of my own concerning her connection to the late Doctor Wirefly.

She sent her reply: "Okay..we have a female, alleged former companion who was, well, turned into a mind controlled meat puppet.. there may be nothing there to rescue or anything.. but I owe her present owner some unpleasantness."

And a willingness to use an officer of the law to work her revenge it seems.

I left the Core and began the long journey to the source of the transmission. Botany Bay.

-----

April 23 - Stopover on Al Raqis

I entered the arrivals area of the Splintered Rock settlement. The heat was so overwhelming that it was like walking into a wall. I really had to remember to put my hydrosuit on before disembarking.

While I gathered my things together, and rapidly overheating, a tall blond woman in a black uniform greeted me from where the Arrivals Area tube emptied to the market area.

"Hi," she began.

"Hello."

"How are you?"

"I'm fine," I replied, "considering the heat here on the Rock..."

"True ,the heat is something awful," she said with a laugh, "You do look uncomfortable. We have a bar here you can get out of the heat."

"I will have to get indoors," I promised, "Are you heading that way?"

"Yes, care to join me?"

"Sure."

"This way," she said with a smile and turned to lead us to relief from the heat.

We proceeded down the path and along the elevated walkway.

"Is this your first time here?" she asked as we rounded a corner near the building that once housed the old TTW offices.

"No, actually," I replied, "I have been here before... my planet has a Manor House here. House Zenobia."

"Ah, yes I've heard of that house," she smiled.

"Oh?" I said, "Good things I hope."

"It was," she giggled.

Passing the citadel, we made our way to a long metal building with an entrance at the far end. This entrance opened up to a ramp that lead downward to a second set of doors.

The Assistant Barkeep greeted us pleasantly. Tactfully, he did not mention the temperature.

Instead he nodded and asked, "What can I get you to drink? Much spice out in the sand today?"

"Hello Jeron," answered my companion, "just water for me thanks."

"Spiced Coffee please," I said.

We collected our drinks and took a seat at a nearby table.

"So let me introduce myself," I began after we had settled, "I am Major Pepper Siamendes of the UAP."

"Pleased to meet you," replied my host, "I'm Gwen Arrowmint I am the temp Captain of the SS Chameleon."

"The Chameleon?" I asked, "Are you with a fleet?" It was always useful to know if a fleet was gathering on your borders.

"No we're just traders," she smiled, "UAP. I don't believe I've heard of that before."

"The United Alliance of Planets," I explained, "A collection of planets and inhabited moons around 34 Tauri. And where do you hale from?"

"I honestly don't remember," she replied "I crashed on this planet years ago and I found work here."

"You crashed here?" I asked.

"Yes the people who found me said I wasn't alone but I was the only one who lived."

"You are very lucky then," I said, stating the obvious.

"That's what they tell me," she chuckled, "The locals here raised me. Doc believes I will get my memory back some day."

"Locals as in the people of the desert?" I asked.

"Yes," she replied.

Captain Arrowmint greeted a newcomer at the bar as I sipped my coffee.

"Your coffee looks good," she grinned.

"I must admit I have grown too fond of spice coffee since first arriving," I confessed.

The newcomer addressed the Captain, "Umm, I am sorry are you talking to me?"

"Yes, come join us," offered Captain Arrowmint.

The young woman was blue, but unlike the holy women of Bihar who painted their skin, this pigment looked natural. What we might consider her hair, perhaps more of a crest, drew back into a point behind her head. She wore a black and white skin suit similar to those of the Nidus Convergence.

She looked uncomfortable but she got off her stool and walked over to us, "Hmm....but I don't know you two?"

Captain Arrowmint and I introduced ourselves.

"You seem frighten," continued the Captain, "Is every thing alright?"

The young blue woman began her story, "Umm....well....my name is Vilish'lex... I crashed here......and I have no way home...."

"I'm so sorry," answered Captain Arrowmint, "Was that your ship I saw out in the desert?"

Vilish'lex nodded "Yes. I was told it exploded. My home is a planet in a different galaxy from here."

"You've come so far," remarked the Captain, "Are you looking for someone or something?"

"I crashed here...." repeated the blue woman.

Another crash survivor. They are just falling out of the sky.

"Are you looking for passage back to your world?" I asked.

Vilish'lex replied, "Umm....yes....."

"My ship, as it is," said Captain Arrowmint, " is still being repaired. Something knocked out the main computer."

"A computer virus?" I asked.

"I'm hoping so," she replied.

"Well, I am a technician...." Vilish'lex said almost to herself.

"Really?" asked the Captain, "do you think you can look at it sometime?"

Vilish'lex nodded, "Sure...but even if I help you I am stuck here either way."

"How's that?" wondered Captain Arrowmint.

Vilish'lex looked down, "Well.....I am too young to fly.....and.......I don't know how to get back home....."

"Ah, I see," answered the Captain.

"What star system are you from?" I inquired.

"I said I am too young to fly so how you think I would know about the Star system I am from?" she challenged.

I responded with a kind smile. "I simply meant what is the name of your Sun."

"Huh?" she asked.

"I am from 34 Tauri," I said patiently.

"Oh, you mean what planet..." she said.

"Certainly," I said. Close enough, I thought.

"It's alright if you don't know," added the Captain.

She told us the name of her world. "I was flying to there from another world which is why I was shot down here..........with my ship gone and the System Auto Pilot system destroyed I don't know were (home) is."

Gwen Arrowmint looked concerned, "You were being hunted?"

Vilish'lex nodded "The world we was, at according to what we fight through....was hostile.....and majorly popular for forced slavery."

Captain Arrowmint gave a slight gasp, "Oh my, I am so sorry."

"You were lucky then to have escaped," I added.

The Captain agreed.

"Well," I said, trying to put a positive spin on things, "it seems we may be lucky to have all met too... the Captain needs a technician..."

Vilish'lex sighed, "Very different than (my world)....very similar....but more pretty and lovely."

Gwen Arrowmint smiled, "Perhaps fate."

"...and I am investigating the slave trade which is illegal in my sector," I reported. It was my new opening line now that the relics of St. Zenobius had been retrieved.

Vilish'lex shook her head, "Oh no, (my world) is not like this, by Fate. It's controlled by Asari's like me, not like the forced slavery. We have contracts saying every one agrees to this so and so on."

Captain Arrowmint nodded, "I see."

"So you are Asari? Is that your people?" I asked.

"Yea, but I am too young to fly a ship," she reiterated.

I nodded and set down my coffee cup. "Well, you both must excuse me.... I must head over to the Manor House and retire."

Time was passing and I wanted to be refreshed before beginning the last leg of my journey.

"Alright," replied Captain Arrowmint, "It was nice meeting you."

"Yes Captain. It was a pleasure. Thank you for showing me this establishment."

Gwen Arrowmint smiled, "Anytime you want to cool down you're welcome here."

It may be a good place to make contacts too, I thought. I offered her my card, which she accepted graciously.

"And Vilish'lex," I continued, "Good luck to you. I hope you find your way home."

"Thank you," Vilish'lex nodded, "You humans are nicer than I thought."

Captain Arrowmint smiled softly at the young woman.

"Well," I answered, "not all of us are nice, so be careful too.

Vilish'lex smiled as her body started to glow. "Don't worry about me. I can handle myself."