Chapter 28
Ricket was the first to enter the portal back into the ship. One by one the team stepped into The Lilly’s Zoo. Various items and trash littered the floor. Jason knelt down and picked up the remnants of a hand-rolled cigarette.
“Someone’s been partying,” Billy commented.
Ricket headed farther down the corridor and stopped at HAB 17. There he entered the access code. Both Traveler and Rustling Leaves disappeared into the portal.
Jason was busy hailing his crew. There was no response from his XO. Nervous, he tried Mollie. Also no response. Jason felt his pulse elevate. Were they alive? He tried Nan; maybe she’d undergone the nano-devices treatment before all hell broke loose. He heard the connection had been made, but then silence. Perhaps she hadn’t figured out how to use her NanoCom yet? Then, slowly, a NanoText message appeared.
Receive inbound NanoText: Crew Member Nan Reynolds:
Crew Nan Reynolds:
Thank God, Jason!
Capt. Jason Reynolds:
Are you OK? I couldn’t reach Mollie—where’s Mollie?
Crew Nan Reynolds:
She’s safe. Hiding.
Capt. Jason Reynolds:
Where are you? Are you OK?
Crew Nan Reynolds:
Jason, pirates are onboard. They’ve taken over. They killed Perkins!
Capt. Jason Reynolds:
Where are you now? Are you OK?
Crew Nan Reynolds:
Forced to have dinner, again, with their leader. His name is Stalls. An arrogant ass. I’m scared to say or do the wrong thing. Says if I play nice he won’t kill any more crewmembers. He’s leering at my chest right now. I swear, if he tries anything I’ll put a fork in his eye.
Capt. Jason Reynolds:
Nan, I need to know exactly where you are.
Crew Nan Reynolds:
He’s taken over the captain’s suite. That’s where we’re having dinner. Hold on, I need to answer his question.
Crew Nan Reynolds:
OK, I’m back. Please find Mollie. She said you would know where to find her. Jason, there are a lot of them onboard. All pigs. Be careful, big guys. Stalls is huge. They’re all armed.”
Capt. Jason Reynolds:
I’m not worried about him or any of them. Just keep me up to date. Let me know if things get out of hand. I’ll be there as soon as I can and I find Mollie.
Disconnect NanoText Command: Crew Member Nan Reynolds
Jason broke the connection. He had a good idea where Mollie would be hiding.
Ten steps down the corridor and he was standing in front of HAB 4. Sure enough, there was Mollie standing inside the portal window with her arms crossed and an impetuous expression that spoke volumes—mainly, what took you so long?
Jason removed his helmet while she entered the access code from the other side. Jason motioned for her to stay put, and he stepped inside. It was as if he had entered a different world, which, in fact, it was. Green and lush, the air humid.
“Dad! There are pirates all over the ship. I did what you said and hid in here with Raja and Jack.” Mollie hugged her father around his legs and looked up at him.
“I’m just glad you’re safe, little one. You did the exact right thing by hiding in here.”
“One of them has been trying to get in.”
“One of the pirates?”
“No, the one who has been helping them. He’s one of the crew.”
“Who?” Jason asked.
“Um, um … Give me a minute. Bris … No, Bristol. Yeah, Seaman Bristol with the pimply face. The pirate captain called him brother.”
“When was the last time you saw him?”
“Not long ago. He comes by and tries to figure out the code. I make faces at him through the window. Jack tells me to stop, but I like how it gets Bristol mad.”
“Where is Jack?”
“He snuck out to check on things on the ship. You didn’t see him?”
“No, but we’ll find him. Listen, you need to stay in here a little while longer.” Jason needed to get going, reach Nan. But he couldn’t be in both places at once. He turned and saw Dira in the hallway and signaled to get her attention. Mollie entered the code and Dira entered the habitat. “Dira, will you stay with her?”
Dira nodded and smiled at Mollie. When Mollie noticed Alice at her side, her eyes went big.
“What is that?”
“That’s Alice, we found her in HAB 12,” Dira said to Mollie.
“She’s weird looking, but so cute!” Mollie was on her knees and before she had a chance to say anything else, Alice’s big blue tongue was slurping her face. Mollie’s giggles were contagious and Dira and even Jason laughed. Excited, Alice took off into the jungle.
“She ran off. She’ll get lost!”
“Wait …” Dira said.
Mollie stared off in the direction Alice had gone. Sure enough, they heard the distant sounds of her six oversized feet running back in their direction. Alice appeared, charging full out, ears flopping, tail wagging. First one circle, then another, and Alice was back to licking Mollie’s face.
“Take care of each other in here,” Jason said. “Time for me to exterminate some pests.” Mollie entered the code one more time, and Jason stepped back into the Zoo. Dira and Mollie were already headed down a path into the jungle, and Alice running in circles again.
***
“Cap, looks like about fifty combatants onboard,” Billy said. “I’m not picking up any signals from our SEAL team. Looks like it’s just us against them.”
The deck plates vibrated. Ricket was further down the corridor, standing at the access panel to HAB 17. Three rhino warriors had emerged and were making their way down the corridor.
“This evens the odds some,” Jason said, watching as the rhinos approached. Out front, seeming no worse for wear other than bandages on his legs, was Traveler. Close behind were Rustling Leaves and their leader, Three Horns.
“Few of our kind remain,” said Three Horns. “No more of our kind can die here. We will be the last to fight at your side, Captain.” The three rhino warriors stood tall. Each held a heavy hammer at his side.
“Thank you, Three Horns. I won’t forget your friendship and haven’t forgotten my promise. We will return you, all that remain of you, to your home world.”
Jason brought up his virtual tablet and a 3D representation of The Lilly, now hovering in the air.
“Insurgents are throughout the ship as indicated by the red icons. It seems our crew, for the most part, are at their posts, undoubtedly being held at gunpoint. We can’t afford any more crew casualties. That understood?” Jason made eye contact with the team, Billy, Rizzo, Orion, Ricket, and the three rhinos. Brian stood back, away from the group, but listened as his brother spoke.
“Captain, that may be impossible,” Billy interjected.
“For anyone else, I’d probably agree. But we’ve all fought side by side before. We can do this. These pirates have come into our home, taken our ship—what are we going to do about that?”
“What we always do; we’re going to clean house, Captain,” Rizzo said, enthusiastically.
“That’s right, we’re going to clean house,” Jason said.
“Our multi-guns are fully functional again,” Orion said. “Need to emphasize, we do not want to use any of our rail gun settings onboard ship.”
Everyone nodded.
Jason continued, “We’ll be clearing each deck one by one. These guys are seasoned fighters, accustomed to battle, it’s how they live on a daily basis. We can’t underestimate their capabilities. Ricket, any word on the status of the AI?”
“AI is still non-responsive, Captain, although, strangely, it seems she may want to be.”
“Explain. What does that mean?”
“As you know, her core has been breeched. New or altered rule sets have been implemented. Because the AI has not been reassigned to a new command structure, such as when Admiral Reynolds transferred command of The Lilly to you, the AI is showing rudimentary levels of what could best be described as loyalty to her assigned command team.”
“So she’s finding ways to communicate?” Jason asked.
“Yes, I believe so, Captain.”
“What do you need to take back control?”
“That is the problem, sir. Her core has been hacked and patched and hacked again—a mess. Nothing short of a wipe and reload to her previous backup will work.”
“Then do that, what’s the problem?” Jason asked.
“Seaman Bristol, not a total idiot, has made himself the one and only person who has access to the AI at a command level. Undoubtedly he’s aware of this possibility. He’s keeping tight control on her access. Not even the other pirates have clearance to interface with her.”
Jason pondered that for a moment, “Okay, we need to ensure we take him alive. In fact, that needs to be our top priority. Where is he on the ship?”
“There!” Rizzo said, pointing to the Zoo entrance. Bristol, caught off guard and with a mouth full of something, stood halfway down the corridor.
“I got him,” Jason said, and took off down the corridor. Seeing the lanky seaman spin on his heels and make for the exit, Jason now remembered who Bristol was. He’d seen him arguing with the chief his first day weeks ago here aboard The Lilly. He checked his multi-gun configuration, ensuring a non-lethal plasma pulse setting. Bristol disappeared around the corner. Jason sprinted after him, reaching the corner five seconds later. Bristol was fast and already halfway down the central Deck 2 corridor and nearing the DeckPort. Shit, what am I doing? Now fairly proficient at phase-shifting on the fly, Jason quickly completed the two-step process.
Bristol had no time to react to Jason suddenly appearing several feet in front of him. He ran full into Jason’s fist. He’d been caught on the chin and landed on his back. The seaman was not moving and was now sprawled awkwardly on the floor; Jason peered down at his pimply face. A moment later his eyes opened, consciousness returned. Impatient, Jason firmly grasped him round his collar and pulled him to his feet. Two phase-shifts later, Jason and Bristol were back in the Zoo.
Jason watched Bristol’s reaction. Seeing the three thousand pound, seven-foot-tall rhino warriors standing before him had a powerful effect. Obviously afraid, Bristol tried to pull away.
“There is nothing you can do to me. The ship is under my control. I’ve taken safeguards; the AI answers only to me.”
“We know that.”
“Good. Do you know that you will all die? My broth—Captain Stalls already knows you’re here. You’re all dead, you just don’t know it yet.”
“First thing’s first, Bristol. What’s the pass code for the AI. I will not ask twice,” Jason said.
“F*ck you.”
Jason nodded to Billy and Rizzo. Looking smaller, almost frail, Bristol started to flail. Billy held Bristol’s arm out straight. Rizzo put his weight down on Bristol’s chest. Traveler moved closer, towering over him. As Bristol’s eyes caught sight of the massive hammer in Traveler’s hand, his bowels released.
“You need a diaper, Bristol?” Billy asked, disgusted.
“Why have you become a traitor to our crew, Bristol?” Jason asked.
“I don’t have to tell you anything. But I will tell you this. Your father and the Alliance murdered my parents. I want you to know your family will suffer the same fate. They will suffer just as ours has …”
“Let me guess, your parents were pirates. They went up against an allied ship, or fleet of ships, and lost.”
“No. Your father murdered them with total disregard. Now you’ll pay,” Bristol spat and smirked. He then looked over Jason’s shoulder. “Pathetic. Even your own brother sided against you. Who do you think hired us?”
“I’ll deal with my brother. You need to worry about yourself right now.” Jason scowled in the direction of Brian, then turned back to Bristol. “What are the modified codes to access the AI?” Jason asked.
“You said you weren’t going to ask twice. So f*ck you.”
Jason took a breath and shrugged. “You’re responsible for the death of crewmembers aboard this ship, as well as a rescue team. You deserve nothing short of a bullet to the brain. But I’m going to give you an opportunity to save your own life. I won’t take your whole hand. Not at first, anyway. But I have to tell you. Losing a thumb is paramount to losing one’s hand anyway. Without a thumb, you can say goodbye to picking up a bottle of beer, say goodbye to zipping up your fly, or even something as simple as unbuttoning your shirt. Thumbs are great. You’ll truly miss yours.” Traveler positioned the business end of the hammer directly over Bristol’s thumb—eying the target. Slowly, he brought the hammer back, higher and higher, well past his shoulder and behind his head. The muscles on Traveler’s shoulder tensed.
“OK! OK! I’ll tell you!”
Bristol spoke too late. The rhino’s heavy hammer came down on the seaman’s thumb, flattening it to the thickness of a piece of paper. Billy released his arm. Rizzo and Traveler stood back. Screaming, Bristol retracted his ruined hand to his stomach while curling into a ball.
“Your next decision will dramatically impact the rest of your life, Seaman Bristol.”
Bristol nodded.
“I know this hurts right now … But having this happen to your other thumb would be even more excruciating.”
“No. Please don’t!”
“Perhaps I’d be willing to let you spend some time in the MediPod. Fix that thumb right up. Would you like that, Bristol?”
Tears were streaming down his face. “Yes, please. I’ll give you anything you want.”
“Good. I know you will,” Jason said.
Jason brought his attention over to Ricket. “I think you can now get what you need from Mr. Bristol. Let me know as soon as the AI is operational and we have control of ship systems again.”
“Cap, he was right; they know we’re here,” Orion announced, now positioned at the Zoo’s entrance.
Jason was back studying the 3D representation and the multiple red icons, showing the insurgents now on the move throughout the ship. “Looks like the majority of their people are still situated on Deck 2, in the crew quarters. Some are in the mess. Billy, take two of the rhino Warriors, leave me Traveler. Orion and Rizzo, you’re with me up on Deck 2.”
“What do you want me to do?” Brian asked.
“Oh, you can watch over our friend here. You’re with us. Since you commissioned this job, I’m sure you’ll want to meet Captain Stalls face to face.”
“Can I have weapon?”
“So you can shoot us in the back? I don’t think so. Just stay back and keep out of the way.”
“Um, Cap?”
“What is it, Rizzo?” Jason asked, anxious to move out.
“How will the rhinos go between decks, travel through the DeckPorts?”
Jason didn’t have an answer. He spun around and found Ricket.
“They’ll be fine. Make sure they go in one at a time and hold up two fingers,” Ricket said.
Traveler grunted and relayed the information to the others.
Jason put a hand up, “Give me a second.” He initiated a NanoText hail to Nan.
* * *
Nan sat at the table directly across from Captain Stalls. He was talking about his community, what he referred to as his family. She had only picked at her dinner, and found herself watching the wax drip down the sides of a lit candle. He was talking again and she tried to look interested, even smiled at his attempts at humor. Although his intentions had been clear, she had been able to keep him at bay, so far. He seemed to respect the fact that she had a daughter on board and her safety was her priority. But it was obvious he was growing impatient. As she sat there wearing the small black dress he’d configured from the garment replicator, actually more like a negligée, his eyes continually moved over her body as he spoke.
Not knowing what it was at first, she remembered—she was being hailed for a NanoText.
Receive inbound NanoText: Captain Jason Reynolds:
Capt. Jason Reynolds:
Are you still dining with Stalls?
Crew Nan Reynolds:
He has something else on his mind right now. He does not like the word No.
Capt. Jason Reynolds:
Has he hurt you?
Crew Nan Reynolds:
No. But you better hurry.
Capt. Jason Reynolds:
Soon, on my way.
Disconnect NanoText Command: Captain Jason Reynolds
The connection was cut and she tried to relax, let her fear dissipate some.
“I don’t deny that life with me, among our people, would be different,” Stalls was saying. “As my wife, you would have power and influence of your own. And of course, your daughter would want for nothing,” Stalls said, reaching a hand across the table and encircling hers. He scared her. She’d always been able to handle men, using her intelligence to keep them in their place. But Stalls would not be dissuaded by a flippant comment or humor. She looked down at his outstretched arm, the wide muscles of his upper shoulders and up to his thick neck. He’d tied his long black hair into a braid. Nan looked up and returned his stare. A handsome face, but such cold cruel eyes.
“So you’re what? Like a king? King of the pirate’s lair?” Nan said, not meaning for it to sound so sarcastic.
“You mock me.” Stalls’ face flushed. He pulled his hand away. “No, far more than a king. More like a father, or a benefactor—yes, a benefactor.”
“I didn’t mean anything …” Nan withdrew, felt naked and exposed. She wrapped her arms around her chest. “Why don’t you tell me more about your home. Tell me about your family. Not the other pirates, but your real family.”
Stalls wiped his mouth and placed his napkin on the table. “Enough talk.”
He stood and slowly walked around the table. Stood before her, looking down.
“Up, get up,” he said quietly.
“I’m not done eating—”
Stalls grabbed for her arm and pulled her to his feet. With her face inches from his, he leaned in and kissed her. As she resisted, what had begun as a gentle kiss quickly turned violent. In two steps he had her up against the bulkhead. Pressing into her, one arm around her throat and his other exploring her body. Nan’s mind fought for something, some idea of how to escape this, how to avert the inevitable. She pulled at his wrist and the hand wrapped around her throat. Something was there, beneath his sleeve. The hilt of a hidden knife. She couldn’t pull it free, not with him so closely pressed into her. He was pulling her hair, forcing her head back. He was kissing her neck, pulling the strap of her dress from her shoulder. Nan relaxed, stopped resisting. He stopped and looked up into her eyes. She attempted a small smile. As he pulled back, ever so little, her hands were free to move. The knife came away from it’s hidden scabbard. A moment later she had the point of the slender blade pressed to his neck; a trickle of blood ran down his throat and disappeared down his chest beneath his shirt.
Stalls stopped moving. “A resourceful woman. You know, this only makes things more interesting for me,” he said as the ends of his mouth curled up.
Nan continued to maintain the pressure of the blade against his neck.
“Slowly, take your hands off of me. No quick movements, or I’ll shove this blade in as far as it will go.”
Stalls slowly brought his hands away and stood back, away from her. Nan had no idea what to do next. How would she keep him from making a move? She wouldn’t be able to maintain this position for long. And she was right. His right hand moved in a blur, catching her wrist and twisting it away from his neck. She dropped the knife. Still holding her wrist, he twisted and backhanded her across the mouth with his left hand. He’d released his grip just enough for her to pull free. She ran …