Firefly/Serenity Fan Fiction ❯ Genesis ❯ Helios ( Chapter 3 )

Genesis - Helios

 

It was a dry, sandy world with little to draw anyone to it other than Marius's Citadel. Helios was the sole habitable planet in the system and the only other ships in the vicinity were a pair of jewel trawlers that dived down into the depths of the gas giant Corulaxis to harvest the beautiful, rare jewels that were formed under the intense pressure of the gas giant's weight. They didn't have sensor emplacements anywhere near as powerful enough as needed to detect the Fenrir, and as the Citadel was on the night side of the planet, Marcus suggested that they lay low for the night, engage the cloaking device and get some sleep.

 

Maxi couldn't sleep and sat in the ship's canteen with a cup of water, turning the Blue Rapture over in his hands. There was a convenient pair of straps to hold the saya and weapon inside the jacket, hiding it from view and Maxi fully intended to utilise this when he met the Marius character - he didn't like the idea of being there only as `eye-candy.'

 

Elise came in and smirked - she expected that Maxi wouldn't have been able to sleep.

 

“You ok?” She asked as she grabbed a glass of water for herself and sat down opposite him.

 

“Yeah, just… this is the first time I've really had to slow down and think about everything that's happened. And I'm kinda worried about what's going to happen when I meet Marius.” He admitted.

 

“What are you worried about?” Elise asked, leaning back, her eyes evaluating Maxi. He didn't seem to be at all aware of his own good looks, especially sitting there in a jacket too large for him that fastened only at his navel, showing off a fair amount of skin.

 

“Well, what if he doesn't like me?” Maxi asked.

 

“Trust me, he'll like you, but…if you want some tips on how to make sure you've got a man's attention, I can give you a few.” Elise suggested, grinning like a cat.

 

“That'd be great!” Maxi exclaimed, smiling.

 

“Okay, first things first - men are carnal beasts, as I'm sure you know. Show skin. You've got a decent body, so flaunt it - it'll distract the hell out of Marius. Next up, eye contact is essential. If you want to attract and intimidate a man, don't break it, however if you want him to feel he has control, you break it after counting to 4.”

 

“Okay, so be slutty and count to 4.” Maxi repeated, and Elise chuckled.

 

“Yeah. Next up, `accidental' contact. Invade the other guy's personal space, but make it look like an accident, and if possible, touch skin to skin - if the guy is attracted to you, it'll feel electric. A good time to do this would be when shaking his hand upon first meeting him, or even just letting your fingertips brush his hand when you hand him something.”

 

Just then, Marcus walked in and Elise beamed.

 

“Put it to the test.” She suggested, nodding her head in the captain's direction.

 

Maxi shook his head, mouthing `no!' to her, but she snorted and reached across the table, hooking her index finger and in one smooth motion unbuttoned the jacket whilst Marcus's back was turned.

 

“Go!” she whispered, and the blond sighed but stood and headed to the counter which made up a kitchenette.

 

“Captain, could you pass me a ration pack?” Maxi asked and Marcus grunted his assent and rummaged through the cupboards until finding one, he looked over his shoulder at Maxi, then did a double take, noticing that the jacket was open and that the youth was staring directly at him, smiling coyly.

 

“Here.” He said, looking wary.

 

Maxi's smile widened as he took the ratio pack from Marcus, letting his fingertips brush the Captain's.

 

At this, Elise burst out laughing and Maxi couldn't hold it in any further, erupting in a fit of giggles.

 

“What's so funny?” Marcus asked defensively.

 

“Nothing, nothing whatsoever.” Elise said in between gales of laughter.

 

“If you've been smoking something, I'm annoyed you didn't share.” Marcus chided and walked from the room once more with a glass of water.

 

Elise stood and applauded Maxi, who faked a deep formal bow in return.

 

-=[]=-

 

The next morning, Marcus commed Marius and arranged a meeting, warning him well in advance that he was coming in an unusual ship. The Gang leader's interest was piqued and with a practiced ease, Maxi brought the Fenrir through orbit and down towards the Citadel. A towering affair surrounded by unending Desert, it had numerous docking bays around the upper reaches, however only one big enough to accommodate the H/K frigate. Two fighters of an unknown configuration met them in the upper stratosphere and escorted them down - despite the unusual configuration of the Fenrir, the docking bay was highly adaptable and able to berth. The five outcasts and miscreants met at the airlock.

 

“Okay, Reiko, Kai, do not give your names; he'll try and dig shit up about you. Maxi, I'd tell you the same thing but we don't know your real name, so it should be fine.”

 

The Airlock doors opened, and the cleansing beams swept over the five of them, decontaminating them and preventing them from bringing any harmful onto the planet and as soon as the outer doors peeled back they were hit by a wave of hot dry air.

 

They stepped down the ramp and strangely there was nobody there to greet them.

 

“Capt…” Elise murmured, and Marcus waved a hand, acknowledging her concern but suggesting she wait a moment. He was right. The doors at the far end of the Docking Bay opened and a pair of individuals swiftly crossed the gantry towards the five crewmembers of the Fenrir.

 

One was wearing a flowing, beautifully sown sleeveless trailing man's charcoal grey kimono with a gold and orange flame motif ringing the hem, circling about the back of the garment was a beautifully sewn in dragon. He wore it open, revealing a slightly tanned physique and a wide plum coloured silk belt that held up a pair of loose black pants. His face was that of a man in his early thirties, still full of vitality and had a mischievous, scheming glint to his eyes that immediately set Maxi on edge. About his upper arm was a silver armlet studded with beautiful ochre gems and he had a matching ring on his right hand's middle finger. To top off the ensemble, his hair was jet black and long, tied into a very loose pony-tail that reached the small of his back.

 

The other was his polar opposite. A man in his early fifties, it was nevertheless apparent that he took care of himself physically, as his musculature was easily visible through the thick folds of his dusty beige coarse-woven attire. The only hint of colour on his otherwise bland tunic, pants and boots was the burgundy belt he wore about his mid-section. His hair was a flint grey and his skin a leathery tan. His only decoration seemed to be a pair of faded burgundy tattoos running down each of his bare arms and a ring that matched the first individual's sitting on his ring finger on his right hand. However, despite looking as unremarkable as some peasant on a backwater desert world, his grey eyes were hardened by experience and time.

 

“Marcus! You never fail to surprise me and bring with you such exotic trinkets.” Marius said as soon as the two groups were within a few meters of each other.

 

Elise shifted closer to Maxi upon hearing this - he clearly was referring both to the blond and to Fenrir.

 

“Marius, you're looking well. Business thriving?” Marcus replied evenly.

 

“As well as could be expected. The Guilds expect too much for too little nowadays, and it often pains me to have to remind them just who is doing who a favour by putting up with them playing Governor.” His voice was low, unnaturally so for someone so apparently young and all the while his eyes kept tracking over the group and settling on Maxi.

 

“Allow me to make some introductions.” Elise interjected “This is Barthella, our pilot and Davin, our security officer.” Both nodded their greetings, but Marius barely glanced at them. He swiftly moved closer to Maxi.

 

“And who is this?” He almost purred.

 

“This is Maxi. He's something of a trainee. We one day hope to have him as our quartermaster.”

 

“A pleasure.” He took Maxi's hand and shook it slowly.

 

Marcus coughed audibly, bringing the Baron's attention back to him.

 

“And who's this?” he asked, indicating the beige-coloured tower of muscle with his arms crossed over his chest.

 

“This is Theban - he's my bodyguard. Anyway Captain, I can hardly imagine this is a social call, especially in such a unique craft.”

 

“I'm here to call in a debt, Marius. You owe Elise and me big time for the Yinchrory job.”

 

“Oh come now, you got compensated for that little hiccup.” Marius countered, his smile hardening into a façade.

 

“It's not like we're asking you to sell your wardrobe, Marius. We just want a few of your techs to install a new AI on this bird that can handle running her more…eclectic hardware.” Elise soothed.

 

“What exactly are her specs?” Marius asked, finally distracted enough to stare up at the still new hill of the Fenrir.

 

“You'll do it for us, then?” Marcus asked, winking over at Elise.

 

“Certainly, but it'll take some time. Please, let me be your host while my best work her over into something resembling an independent trader's vessel.” Marius said, glancing once more over at Maxi.

 

“I must say, you're all attired unusually.” He added he turned to lead everyone into the Citadel.

 

“That's due in large part to our circumstances. Our previous ship, the Longshot was impounded, and with it, all of our possessions. I'm afraid we only have the clothes on our backs.” Marcus explained, obviously including Kai and Reiko in this so as not to complicate the lie.

 

“And in poor Maxi's case, not even with that.” Elise added, and Marius instantly looked back, his curiosity piqued once more.

 

“Oh?” His eyes lingered on Maxi, who was following Elise's instructions religiously and wearing the jacket open. He even used the recalcitrant eye technique, briefly meeting Marius's eyes before looking away, apparently shy.

 

“Yeah, he was in the shower when we the Longshot was impounded. Didn't have time to grab anything, just had to leg it from the ship as naked as the day he was born.” Elise mused.

 

Marius grinned salaciously at this “Well perhaps I can help out there with you all. But first, let us have some dinner.”

 

-=[]=-

 

They were led through a winding set of corridors, down several stairways (all ornately decorated, yet not so much as to remove any functionality) into a beautiful tea room. The table was so low that one had to kneel to sit around it, there were no chairs, only cushions ringing the U-shaped beautifully carved table. The entire room was lined with paper walls and doors that slid back when one neared and Marius insisted that everyone remove their footwear before stepping in. Around the perimeter of the room were several display stands with various items, such as bonsai trees expertly manicured, displays of a set of Swords in ornate saya, ranging from tanto to tachi size and even fans spread on display. About the walls were calligraphy scrolls and beautiful pictures, nearly all of them displaying streams or rivers. Clearly, Marius didn't wish to be reminded of his abode being on a desert world. The tatami mats were also antiqued, but clearly were regularly maintained with new straw padding and regular washing so as not to be faded. Windows looked out onto the desert world, but had blinds drawn over them so the unrelenting sun didn't blind the casual observer.

 

“Huh, you got a new set of blades.” Marcus remarked as he walked past the display and knelt by the table where he was able to face both entrances. Kai sat next to him, and Elise urged Maxi to sit facing Marcus. He was confused at first but winced in understanding as Marius slid next to him.

 

“Yes, yes. They were a gift from Nobu-san - as thanks for allowing to continue making blades and tutoring in his little academy on Nyfheim.” Marius sand launguidly as several maids came in and started serving a beautiful smelling tea and lighting a smoky incense.

 

A moment later, Theban entered and whispered something into Marius's ear. He nodded understanding, then turned back to Marcus.

 

“If you'll just excuse me for a moment, I've arranged some entertainment.” He said, his veneer never wavering. On cue marched in a pair of beautifully dressed women with archaic white makeup covering their faces and outrageously bright kimono wrapped tightly about them with the aid of even more dazzling obi - a type of wide belt tied in a bow at the back. One was carrying a shamisen (a small boxed string instrument). They both knelt and bowed a greeting to Marcus and then one settled into the starting motion of a dance while the other played. Marius had slipped out before any had noticed.

 

-=[]=-

 

“He's an ancient.” Theban said without preamble as soon as they were in the corridor.

 

“Marcus?” Marius asked incredulously.

 

“Of course not.” Theban responded, growing impatient with Marius. Anyone else wouldn't have dared take such a bold tone with the Baron of such a successful criminal empire, however Theban was one of the few people that didn't fear retribution from Marius - indeed the crime lord needed Theban more than Theban needed him.

 

“The boy. He's completely untrained, though; you can tell by the way he moves.”

 

Marius's eyes widened. This changed things significantly.

 

“What's Marcus doing with an Ancient?” he mused allowed, the gears in his head already spinning to weave a way of him profiting from the scenario playing out before him,

 

“My guess is he doesn't know, otherwise he'd never bring him to you - the boy is far more valuable than that ship. He knows how far he can trust you, and an ancient is too valuable prize for anyone to pass up.”

 

“We have to get him away from Marcus - perhaps if we inform him of his status and offer you as a mentor, we'll be able to tempt him away from the noble captain.” Marius said, his eyes narrowing at the thought of having such an acolyte at his disposal. Not one, but two ancients.

 

“That'd involve my revealing myself as an ancient. I thought we'd agreed to keep that a secret until absolutely necessary, so as not to draw too much attention to our little operation here.” Theban protested.

 

“If it's just to the boy, it won't matter, especially since he'll be staying with us.” Marius soothed, smiling now - he loved surprises.

 

“How will you get the boy away from the others? They seem cagey.” Theban asked, as always acting as the devil's advocate for Marius's schemes.

 

“They're doubtlessly parading him around in front of me to try and catch my affections and lower my defences. We'll simply play that up, make out as if I'm smitten with him. It shouldn't be too hard to gain a few minutes alone with him, especially if the others are distracted with some sort of task.”

 

“The coup?” Theban suggested.

 

“Yes! Perfect! Marcus was never one to turn down a chance to make a few credits, especially if he's stranded, and it's not like he'd hire incompetents. He'd also remove any of my fingerprints from the job if he gets caught.”

 

“I'll make the necessary preparations.” Theban said and set off down the corridor towards the command centre whilst Marius allowed himself a moment to pull a small cigarette case from his waistband and light a small black cylinder up, exhaling blue, scentless smoke out. Sometimes, the stars just lined up perfectly.

 

-=[]=-

 

“They're excited, out there.” Kai murmured to Marcus as the two geisha artfully took turns to play the shamisen and dance. All of them were sipping a beautiful Jasmin tea, and without exception the five of them were unsettled by their host's absence.

 

“He's probably creaming himself over that ship. They haven't even got in Fenrir yet and are drooling all over her.” Marcus remarked, to which Elise shot him a warning look; they were almost certainly being listened in on, and the Shamisen might not be enough to drown out a murmured conversation.

 

Before anything further could be said, Marius returned bearing a wide smile.

 

“My apologies for my bad manners, however a matter came up I had to attend to. Was the entertainment to your liking?” He asked, taking his place next to Maxi once more.

 

“It was very civilised. What matter came up?” Marcus asked, ignoring the scathing look of admonishment from Elise at being so rude.

 

“I'm glad you asked, actually. You'll recall I mentioned a Governor having ideas above his station on the docking gantry.” He said conversation as one of the two Geisha knelt beside him, pouring his tea whilst the other quietly slipped out and returned a moment later with some barbequed fish on skewers and laid them on the table for the occupants to snack on whilst dinner was prepared.

 

“Well, I feel it has come to be that Helios deserves a regime change - especially since the Governor has no populace other than myself and my enterprises to oversee, and his taxes are getting troublesome. I'm planning on…removing him from the equation.”

 

“Won't the Guild try and install another Governor?” Reiko asked, speaking for the first time since stepping off the Fenrir.

 

“I've identified the three most likely candidates and slated them for assassination once the Governor is removed. The Guild Council will get the message and leave Helios to me.” Marius answered, dropping his charming façade now that business was being discussed.

 

“You wouldn't have told us this unless there was a reason.” Marcus pointed out, chewing on a piece of squid (an incredibly valuable commodity on a desert world).

 

“Indeed.” He paused while sipping his tea once more. “To ensure a level of success, I was hoping I might be able to tempt three or four of you away from the Citadel to assist in the hit on the Governor. You'd be compensated for your efforts, of course.”

 

Marcus spared a look over at Elise, who looked carefully neutral. This was a completely unexpected play. Suddenly her eyes lit up and she pointedly shifted her gaze to her right, where Maxi was sitting. Marcus caught on to her thought too: Marius had only said 3 or 4, indicating that not everybody was needed - probably Maxi, as he didn't have any combat or intrusion skills as far as Marius knew. He was trying to get some alone time with the blond.

 

“Elise and I would be glad to accompany your team, however, Barthella and Davin will need to stay with the ship, as will Maxi.” Marcus replied carefully, watching his host for a reaction.

 

Marius seemed unperturbed and nodded. “I'm sure just two of you will be exactly what the team needs, and I understand your need for security-ah, here's dinner.” He remarked as the maids brought in platter after platter of beautifully prepared and presented foods.

 

Conversation drifted to the trivial and mundane as they ate, and Marcus had to admit Marius spared no expense when it came to entertaining. Throughout the meal the two Geisha drifted about the table refilling glasses of sake and tea whilst stimulating entertainment was provided in the form of a pair of martial artists doing expertly choreographed fight scenes. At the conclusion of the meal, Marius leant back and signalled one of the two geisha. She gave an abbreviated bow and left, returning a moment later with her companion carrying several packages wrapped in silk held in place with velvet ribbons.

 

“Here we are!” he said, drawing conversation to a halt. “In thanks for bringing such an intriguing project to my home, I was hoping to present you all with gifts.” He proclaimed.

 

“To your security officer, I offer an antique Hashsashin short blade. This blade was crafted in the smithies of Masyaf in the 1100s - I've had it restored by Nobu-san and it is now a fully functional weapon once more, complete with a compartment to store various poisonous vials in the hilt.”

 

“Marius, you really don't have to go to this trouble for us-“ Marcus began, but the Baron cut him off.

 

“Nonsense, it's been so long since I had guests that I cherish the opportunity! Now, to your lovely pilot, I offer the keys to a personally designed starfighter you must've seen on your way in - one of the fighters from my Icarus Squadron: a Phoenix advanced starfighter.”

 

The Geisha handed Reiko a small data card as the other moved back to the set of gifts stacked by the servant's entrance after handing Kai his Assassin's shortblade whilst Marius continued.

 

“To Elise and Marcus, I offer an avatar body for their new ship's AI to better help with their crew demands.”

 

“Marius, really, you don't need to-“ Elise tried once more as a geisha handed another datacard to Marcus, presumably to display the statistics of the AI body.

 

He waved her quiet and gestured for the final gift to be brought forward and placed before Maxi.

 

“To the final guest, I offer the prize of my collection; a man's kimono made of shell spider silk - energy deflectable and also unparalleled in its beauty.” The simple package was placed before Maxi, who looked quite uncomfortable as he unwrapped the unique garment.

 

It was midnight blue fading to almost black at the shoulders and looked quite plain on the front, however across the back was a phoenix beautifully picked out in gold and ochre threads with startling ruby eyes rising from the embers of a dying fire. The inside was also a matte black. Oddly, the kimono was lacking sleeves.

 

“I imagine after your travels you'll be in need of some relaxation, and would love for you all to join me in the bath house later this evening. In the mean time, please feel free to return to your ship and my engineers can begin working on her.” Marius said by way of dismissal and he rose, prompting the others to join him.

 

Theban was waiting outside and led them in silence back to the docking bay where the crew boarded the Fenrir once more. A moment later a trio of Halflings scurried up the boarding ramp, and Elise showed them to the avionics bay where the AI's core was located. The rest of the crew headed to the bridge. Elise joined them a moment later and made sure to bring up a visual of the avionics bay to keep an eye on the Halflings, who were chittering with excitement at the sophisticated AI software rather than the standard Virtual Intelligence installed on most large mainframes.

 

“Okay, what the fuck was that about with the gifts?” Elise said as soon as she stalked in.

 

“I didn't sense any duplicity, well, no more than I'd expect from someone in his position, and it didn't pain him to give us such expensive gifts.” Kai replied.

 

“I'm guessing he's just trying to put us at ease, which in turn suggests he's up to something that wouldn't put us at ease.” Reiko surmised grimly.

 

“Yeah, that's my thought as well - however, we can't turn down a job like this while he's working on the Fenrir. We do need him for now.” Marcus said, not looking at all happy about the situation.

 

“Why'd you have us stay with the ship?” Reiko asked.

 

“Ostensibly, for exactly the reason I said - I want someone on board to watch it while we have his guys crawling all over her, however I expect he's trying to get Maxi into bed with him-“ At this, Maxi groaned and evoked a chuckle.

 

“But” Marcus continued “I promised that wouldn't happen, so I want one of you two to act as a chaperone. When we're gone on this Governor job, don't leave Maxi's side.”

 

“I'll do that.” Kai said simply, and even Maxi looked reassured to be chaperoned by a former Extractor for the Federation - their reputations definitely preceded them.

 

“What about this bathhouse thing tonight? Are we going to that?” Elise asked.

 

“After all that crap he's given us, we can't very well turn him down, however I'm loathed to leave his people alone with the ship. Kai, Reiko, you guys up for babysitting?”

 

“Sure thing, it'll give me a chance to have a look at the fighter he gave me.” Reiko replied, grinning.

 

“I'd also like to get my bearings on board this ship.” Kai added.

 

“Good. Maxi, might be a good idea to wear that kimono he gave you.” Marcus added.

 

“You just want your jacket back.” Elise teased.

 

“Damn right I do. Okay, Elise you have first watch on the bridge. Give a shout when his attendant arrives. Everyone else, you're free.”

 

-=[]=-

 

Marcus had claimed the captain's cabin earlier in the journey, but still felt like he was staying in someone else's room - there were no of his effects scattered about the place other than his boots by the door. He sighed to himself and sat down heavily at the desk. The computer was down, so he couldn't even scour the newsnets to see if any bounties had been put on him yet.

 

In his previous cabin, he'd kept a bottle of whiskey for moments such as this, as well as an extensive collection of sultry musical scores that allowed him to drink himself into a satisfying stupor and somehow rationalise the cavalier life of crime he led. He'd initially tried to find a like mind in Elise and the pair had briefly dated, however they both discovered early on that they'd make a terrible couple and as such kept their relationship professional. Since then he'd scattered flings about the known territories, never once settling down with anyone due in large part to his lifestyle and occupation. Nevertheless, he was far too young to be lamenting a lost youth, as he was a mere 21 years of age - far younger than most of his contemporaries, yet a brief career in the military where he'd lied about his age for a chance to fight the federation and subsequently received his first command at the age of 17 had jaded him to the universe. It hadn't help that his parents had been political activists that had mysteriously disappeared when Marcus was 15 due to a rally they held condemning the latest Federation budget allocation to fund some new detainment facility.

 

Elise had been the only real stable influence on his life since he was 15, and after he was kicked out of the armed forces, it was a simple decision to start a business with her, but he still yearned for a relationship that meant something, and when he was on his own it really hit home.

 

The door chimed and he abruptly stood. It slid open a moment later and Maxi entered, grinning slightly.

 

“Hey captain, just came to return the coat.” He said amicably as he handed the garment back to Marcus, who nodded his thanks.

 

Maxi had found somewhere a black wifebeater and a pair of sweat pants that looked military issue, however they definitely helped show off his defined physique, in particular, Marcus's eyes were drawn to Maxi's arms.

 

The blond noticed and his grin widened “I also want to thank you for taking me in. It means a lot to me.”

 

Marcus smiled in return, and once more the blond turned his scrutiny (forged from Elise's tutelage on flirting) on the Captain. Marcus's smile wavered uncertainly as he tried to decipher Maxi's `look', but before he could his XO's voice cut through his train of thought.

 

“Capt! The attendant is here!” Elise's voice came over the intercom.

 

They jumped apart as if they'd both been shocked and Marcus muttered a curse under his breath.

 

“We should probably get going.” Maxi said, looking a little shocked at his own boldness with such a relative stranger - he didn't exactly have a frame of reference, but he didn't imagine that was his style.

 

-=[]=-

 

Instead of Theban, there was only a simple attendant who gestured for them to follow her. The trio did just that and allowed her to lead them deep into the Citadel until they reached a rather ornately decorated turbolift. Maxi was per instructions wearing the new kimono loosely and it did suit him, especially his eyes, however he did feel naked without his Katana; he'd just have to be careful. The lift deposited them in the bowels of the citadel, presumably underground as there was only bedrock about them when they stepped out onto some heated decking. The attendant brought them to a simple changing room and waited patiently whilst the three changed into the bathing suits provided before sliding back the screen. Before them was a huge underground steaming spring and the bedrock had been smoothed to a marble finish around the nearest edge of it, even with steps carved into it that led deep into the murky water. Marius was sitting opposite, resting against a small alcove. He was similarly attired and only his shoulders were visible, however they were powerfully muscled - clearly he looked after himself despite his extravagant wealth.

 

“Welcome, Welcome! Please, join me - I have some other guests joining us in a moment, so it should prove quite a stimulating evening, can I get you a drink?” Marius said, waving them over.

 

Marcus spared a look at Elise who smiled privately at him, knowing full well how he hated being pampered like this. He grimaced and stepped into the water which was so hot that it took a moment to get used to. Maxi stuck close to Elise's side and she couldn't help glancing over at him, remembering the first time she'd seen him in similar attire just a few days ago in the engineering section of the Dream of the Rood. He looked good, and part of the attraction was that he simply didn't realise it.

 

“You got a whiskey?” Marcus asked as he settled into the boiling water, letting it lap about his chest.

 

“Oh but of course. Elise? Maxi?”

 

“I'll have a cold beer, thanks.” Elise said, sliding gracefully into the lake-like natural spring.

 

“Same for me, please.” Maxi said promptly, not knowing what the proper protocol or etiquette was for this situation.

 

A moment later, from around a corner of the lake came a server holding a tray aloft. He waded through the water (and had an eye-catching physique, once again Marius had spared no expense) and handed the drinks out, then informed the guests that they were free to visit the bar around the corner of the cove if they required anything else. His eyes briefly lingered on Elise's ample chest - a fact which she chose to ignore, though it pleased her that she could still catch an eye without trying. The paper partition slid back from the changing room and another four individuals approached in bathing suits, sliding into the water. It took a moment for Marcus to realise that they were the two geisha and two martial artists that had entertained them at dinner. Each of them was in excellent physical condition.

 

Marius and the four `entertainers' slid seamlessly into the role of hosts and artfully directed conversation this way and that and even Marcus had to admit that he was having a fair bit of fun. Eventually the trio were split up without realising it. The two geisha engaged in a breath-holding game with Elise, the two martial artists led Marcus to the bar and Marius was left with Maxi. He didn't even realise he'd been manoeuvred until his conversation with the Baron lulled and he spared a look about him.

 

“Something wrong?” Marius asked conversationally, however his eyes were glistening with mischief.

 

“No, I was just a little thirsty.” Maxi replied - his third bottle having been emptied a while back.

 

“Come with me - there's a cooler by the shallows.” Marius replied and before Maxi could object, he'd taken him by the hand underwater and was leading him further away from Elise.

 

He reached the side by the changing area and briefly stepped from the water to grab a bottle from a cooler that had since been placed there and turned around to face Maxi, who's expression was a mixture of shock and curiosity. Marius was as naked as the day he'd been born and seemed completely at home with his appearance, indeed he displayed no shame as he waded back into the water and handed Maxi the bottle.

 

“What's the matter?” Marius asked quizzically.

 

“I, uh, I thought you were wearing a bathing suit.” Maxi replied, and Marius chuckled.

 

“I've got nothing to be ashamed of, don't you think?” The Baron grinned at this and drifted closer to the youth.

 

Maxi couldn't help but drink in his appearance. Despite being twice his age, Marius was in extremely good physical condition - his long hair had pooled around his shoulders and framed such an exotic face with penetrating dark brown eyes - he was the picture of fertility and virility.

 

“You're such a rarity, Maxi.” Marius said softly and the blond gulped in return as Marius gently herded him until his back bumped against the soft polished bedrock.

 

It happened so fast Maxi didn't realise his lips were pressed against the Baron's before he could see the black hair falling like a curtain around them both and the exotic taste of the older man filled his mouth. He kissed back initially, an almost automatic reaction but then relaxed into it, allowing Marius to lead. He opened his mouth slightly, allowing his tongue in ever so slowly and even groaned slightly in pleasure-

 

“Baron, you asked me to notify you when it was midnight.” One of the two Geisha said as she stepped from the pool, apparently nonplussed about disturbing Marius during a private moment.

 

He leant back, grinning contentedly and never took his eyes off Maxi.

 

“Yes, thank you.” He didn't sound displeased at all for being interrupted.

 

“Captain, perhaps you'd like to join me tomorrow over lunch to discuss the Governor Job?” Marius said, turning to his right to face Marcus.

 

Marcus stood with the water lapping gently against his abdomen, holding a bottle of beer and his expression wasn't at all happy - he'd clearly seen everything.

 

“Yeah. Sure.” He nodded his thanks to the Baron and ignored Elise and Maxi as he waded from the water and grabbed a towel from the rack.

 

-=[]=-

 

Theban was waiting for Marius when he entered the laboratory, still wet from the bath house.

 

“Did you get it?” he asked without preamble.

 

Marius gave him a look that could melt through steel.

 

“Of course.” He replied, peeling the transparent film from his lips and handing it to the technician, who immediately ran it through a series of complex scanners.

 

A full bio-electric breakdown was displayed on the far wall of the lab and Theban frowned as he studied it. There seemed to be 8 separate concentrations of energy in his body, ranging from the crown of his head, straight down the centre of his body to his groin. Only one seemed to be in motion.

 

“His first gate is open - he'll have passive abilities, but he probably won't know about his heritage. It's a common side effect when the first gate opens to experience amnesia.” Theban said.

 

“He doesn't even know himself? Beautiful. We shall have to…reveal his true nature to him during the Governor's Job.”

 

“I'll make sure to be ready.” Theban replied grimly, obviously expecting a fight. Marius didn't look in the least bit perturbed.

 

-=[]=-

 

The next morning, the Phoenix Heavy Fighter was delivered into the empty Hangar bay aboard the Fenrir and the computer was shut down for a while, during which time the Halflings swarmed about the bridge and avionics centre, calibrating various software nexuses. The Halflings were amicable and possessed none of the malice Marius was so famous for. Indeed, they were a chatty bunch and were absorbed by the complexity of the Fenrir.

 

Just before Marcus and Elise were about to depart for their meeting with Marius about the Governor Job, the airlock door was opened and a large cylinder was brought into the arterial corridor. The Halflings jabbered around it excitedly and manoeuvred the cylinder down the corridors into the lift and then to the avionics bay. By this point it had drawn a crowd and Reiko leant over Maxi's shoulder to see what was in the cylinder. With a hiss of hydraulics, the Halflings drew the lid back-

 

To reveal a naked human male no older than twenty five. His skin was completely unblemished and lightly tanned. This, coupled with shoulder length dark brown hair and a dusting of stubble on his skin lent him a slightly feral air, especially since his jaw line was protruding ever so slightly, as if his jaw muscles were slightly overdeveloped, like a wolf's. His arms, legs and chest were lightly dusted with hair as well, though not excessively so and his brows were thick and expressive. To top it off, he seemed to have a defined musculature not dissimilar to Marcus, though it was more compact as the being in the cylinder was a few inches shorter.

 

“This is the latest in AI technology - like a living being in every way, he will be the Avatar for the Fenrir. He is able to perform every function a human male could and several things besides. We upgraded this one specifically to have augmented strength, reaction speeds and a few other…trivial gadgets.” The chief Halfling engineer stated proudly, looking over his creation with satisfaction.

 

“Better go get Marcus and Elise, kid.” Reiko commented as the Halflings struggled to heave the Avatar from the cylinder and lie him on a workbench. Their little hands pressed down on a particular part of the AI's sternum, and his chest split open, revealing complex electronic components and a metallic skeleton beneath a cloned skin. Then, as one, they set to work calibrating him to the Fenrir's new AI.

 

“I'll go get him some clothes.” She said, visibly tearing herself away from the spectacle of a naked machine designed to look and act just like a human.

 

-=[]=-

 

“Did you like your gift?” Marius asked after sipping a cup of jasmine tea.

 

They were once again in the beautifully ornate room Marius had entertained them in the previous afternoon, though it was just the three of them this time. Marius was as extravagantly dressed as ever, and Marcus couldn't seem to shake off a scowl. Elise had noticed, but couldn't work out what was wrong with him.

 

“Yeah, it's shiny. What's the job?”

 

Marius's smile widened at Marcus's reaction, but he got down to business none the less, rather than bait the Captain.

 

“The Governor resides in a palatial mansion on the other side of the planet. It's built on an annexed area of a Guild Garrison, so security is tight. I have acquired disguises and access codes for the both of you which should get you inside the Garrison proper and have arranged infiltration via a security inspection speeder that'll be checking one of my processing plants on the southern range tomorrow. From there, you will stow aboard it and let it take you into the Garrison. Once inside, you need to find your way to sub-level 6, section 5 and find a waste chute. You will deposit a parcel you're provided with down the chute, and exfiltrate within ten minutes by any means necessary.”

 

“What's in the package?” Elise asked.

 

“A francium bomb - because of its nonstandard yet reactive material, it shouldn't trigger any bomb sensors, but when it hits the water in the waste disposal unit it'll bring the entire structure down. I've installed a ten minute time delay casing to give you time to get out, but you'll need to be quick.”

 

“Okay, seems simple enough. What's the catch?” Marcus said, leaning back slightly, almost forgetting that the cushion he was sitting on wasn't a chair and as such, didn't have a back to support him.

 

“Actually, no catch this time. I want this to be as simple as possible as I stand to gain ownership of an entire system if you pull this off.”

 

“Then why trust us to it? Surely, it'd be better to let your own people handle this.” Marcus retorted sceptically.

 

“I have deniability this way if something goes wrong, plus I've worked with you before; I have a certain measure of trust in your competence.” Marius said, sipping once again.

 

“What's the payment?” Elise asked, leaning forward.

 

“After I gave you all such extravagant gifts-“ he began but was cut off by Marcus.

 

“We didn't ask for those, don't try and make them an advance payment, Marius.” He warned.

 

“But of course. Will twenty thousand credits be enough?”

 

“Thirty, and basic supplies for the Fenrir.” Marcus said immediately, already falling into the familiar routine of haggling.

 

“Twenty two and emergency supplies.” Marius answered.

 

“Twenty Five and basic supplies.” Marcus retorted.

 

Marius pursed his lips, but nodded. “Deal. Now, I believe we need to head back to your ship - your new AI is about to be activated.”

 

-=[]=-

 

The bridge was crowded for once. One of the Halflings was sitting by the operations console monitoring the AI feeds and getting the ship back up and operational, whilst another was recalibrating the communications array. The last was standing by the Avatar, waving a scanner over him. Reiko, Kai and Maxi stood in front of the avatar, watching the Halflings work in curiosity. Marius, Elise and Marcus finally arrived, the former sweeping onto the bridge with his kimono flowing behind him. He instantly sighted Maxi, who blushed.
 
“Why Maxi, you're not wearing your kimono.” He remarked, noticing that the blond was only wearing a wife beater and sweat pants - an attire mirrored by the dormant Avatar.
 
“I've just been doing some reps in my quarters.” He hedged, and Elise gave him a discreet thumbs up. Marcus just looked even more irritated by the Baron's attention being on his junior crewer.
 
“Of course, such a garment needs care and you look just as inviting without it.” Marius said, his eyes gleaming mischievously.
 
“Let's just get on with this.” Marcus cut in.
 
“But of course. Elise, Marcus, as I said last night, your gift was to be an AI Avatar and tonight I'm pleased that I can finally give it to you. He is indistinguishable from a normal human male in every aspect and has been given our most sophisticated personality - you'll find that out as you get to know him. The AI itself is easily able to handle the…unique qualities the Fenrir possesses and on top of this could operate a full planetary defence network if necessary. The Avatar can remotely control the ship from as far away as orbit and can operate independently for almost two years, however he does require the occasional battery recharge. In addition to having augmented strength and dexterity, he also comes with a few in-built extras, such as full photoscopic vision and an experimental thermal arc vent built into his right palm. On top of this, my technicians have ensured that he is built with the latest military operation protocols - a
 necessity for a ship of this class. Also, he's been programmed to be a proficient CQC fighter and I made sure he had field medical training added to the vast library in his memory banks, as you seem to be lacking a medical officer at the moment.” Marius finished.
 
“That's quite a résumé.” Elise murmured dryly and even Marcus had to agree - the AI had more qualifications than he did.
 
“It's ready, sir.” Squeaked the Halfling technician and Marius gestured for him to start it up.
 
With a hum of surging power, the front viewscreen trisected, showing a view fore, a map of the system and their position, and on the right the face of the avatar appeared and looked over at the clustered group of individuals.
 
“I am the H/F Frigate Fenrir, who is the captain?” stated the voice. It was polite, even, and deeper than Marcus expected, but he spoke before Marius could interrupt ostensibly to introduce him - he knew very well that the first person to speak would have control.
 
“I am Captain Marcus Lae.”
 
“Welcome aboard, captain.” The avatar said behind him as he stood up from the captain's chair and crossed the room to shake his hand.
 
Marcus grinned. The AI's handshake was firm but not crushing, and his tight, professional smile didn't make him feel as if he were inferior to the machine.
 
“This is Elise Hypori, my XO.” He said by way of introduction, then had to stop himself from introducing the rest of his crew, as two of them were technically in disguise.
 
“We can do the rest of the introductions later.” Elise said easily.
 
“And you must be Baron Marius Nitta, my patron.” Fenrir said, shaking his hand too. The Crime Lord had been curiously quiet since Marcus had interrupted him; an unusual turn of events as usually he liked to be the centre of attention.
 
“Well, I'm sure you'll want to get acquainted with your now fully operational ship. Captain, I trust that we are even now?”
 
“Yes. Thanks, Marius. What time are Elise and I departing tomorrow?”
 
“2100 hours.” He swept from the room and the Halflings reluctantly followed him.
 
As soon as he was gone, Marcus whistled “Boy, he's pissed.”
 
“What's the matter with him?” Maxi asked.
 
“He spiked emotionally when you identified yourself as the captain.” Kai noted.
 
“Yup. He was going to try and introduce me and thereby muddy the AI's chain of command.” Marcus replied grimly.
 
“He'll have had a job - it doesn't matter who introduces you, if you're the captain, then you're the highest authority I recognise. Also, I take from your conversation that Marius isn't to be trusted?” Fenrir asked.
 
“It's his nature to double cross and scheme - the only reason he let us land in the first place was because he saw some benefit to it.” Elise answered.

“Then I expect you'll want me to disable the surveillance and tracking programs he installed.” The AI surmised.

“No, not yet. We don't want him to know that we have anything to hide, and more importantly give him another opportunity to plant anything else on us. Let's wait until we reach orbit.” Marcus replied and the Avatar nodded.

“I'm Kai, and this is my sister Reiko.” The Extractor said by way of introduction.

“Glad to meet you. Do you all have set positions on the crew?”

“As it stands, no. We've yet to work anything official out.” Kai responded.

“No time like the present. Elise, you're my XO and ops officer. Maxi, you're helm and navigation. Kai, you're tactical and security. Reiko, you'll be our Flight Commander.”

“I'm a little concerned, Captain. We've only got one fighter in the bay, no shuttles, no combat drones, no mine layers and no torpedoes. I've also got no maintenance units on board.”

“Yeah, we're in the process of gathering funds. You'll also notice our vital supplies are incredibly low - we should be getting a load of those tomorrow. I want you to assemble a list of potential non-aligned trading planets, moons and stations no more than 2 days travel from here where we can stock up whilst maintaining a low profile.”

 

“Consider it done.” Fenrir replied promptly.

 

“Good. The rest of the evening is yours, ladies and gentlemen. Fenrir, let's discuss the list in my quarters.

 

-=[]=-

 

The next day, shortly after Marcus and Elise had been sent on their job, Reiko and Maxi were in the hangar inspecting the new fighter when Kai's voice came over the intercom.

 

“There's someone here to see you, Maxi.”

 

“How informative.” He muttered as he hauled himself from the engine cowling and Reiko smirked to herself before responding.

 

“Got a name or reason, bro?” She called out.

 

“It's Theban, and he's here because Marius wants to see Maxi.”

 

The blond groaned in frustration.

 

“Oh great, I'm being booty called.” He said as he wiped the engine lubricant from his hands with a still-new rag.

 

“You don't have to meet him if you don't want to.” Reiko commented.

 

“If I do that, it could create repercussions for Elise and Marcus. I'd better see what he has to say.” He said, sighing.

 

“I'll meet you at the airlock.” Kai responded over the intercom - his voice left no room for argument.

 

-=[]=-

 

Theban escorted the pair a different route through the citadel until finally arriving near the top of the massive structure (through a series of lifts and ornate staircases). The décor had changed noticeably and was reminiscent of a minimalist office workspace; a far cry from the traditional Japanese tea-house receiving room they'd seen before.

 

“You will wait outside with me.” Theban said to Kai, who shook his head vehemently.

 

“No. Maxi requires an escort.” He said sternly.

 

“Only Maxi has been invited into the Baron's private chambers. You will wait outside with me.” He repeated, crossing his arms over his chest.

 

“It's fine. If I need anything, I'll shout.” Said the blond reassuringly, however his insides were knotting.

 

He stepped through the quartz-coated glass doors and into a simply stunning office. The floor was black marble and the desk seemed to grow out of it, cut from the same huge slab of polished rock. The walls also seemed to curve up from the floor - the entire room had an organic feel. The far wall was a single sheet of crystal glass giving the observer a panoramic view across the dusty, desert world, however Marius had disguised this by letting long white drapes flow down over the massive opening. A beautifully crafted cloned leather chair sat behind the desk and a pair of low sofas and a coffee table laid before the desk for guests. In one corner was a drinks cabinet, in another were a set of closed-network mainframes and several white abstract sculptures were dotted about various alcoves.

 

At first, Maxi couldn't spot Marius. It was only when the Baron turned around on the balcony outside the massive cathedral-like window and gestured offhand at the crystal glass did he spot him. Marius, wearing that beautiful Grey kimono once more walked through the opening just as the crystal glass retracted and the gush of warm air sent the drapes into a flurry of movement.

 

“You” Marius began “are special.” He said it smugly, almost accusing the blond of it.

 

“I'm sure you're mistaken.” Maxi hedged in return.

 

“I'm sure you think I am, but I am not.” He returned as he headed over to the drinks cabinet and poured two glasses of a luxurious liqueur.

 

“You see,” He continued, whilst handing Maxi one of the two glasses “You are a valuable commodity, not because of your looks, which are formidable, or the curious company you keep. You are an enigma - something left over from Earth…an ancient treasure.”

 

“I can't be more than twenty.” Maxi responded dubiously.

 

“Aha. I was right. You don't know how old you are, do you?” Marius asked quietly.

 

“My past is a little muddy.” He responded evenly.

 

“How right you are. Amnesia is a common affliction for Ancients just beginning on their paths.” Marius said conversationally, gesturing for Maxi to sit down opposite him on the sofa.

 

“Ancients?”

 

“They're the predecessors of Adepts…and make the adepts look like blind kittens, compared to their power. Well, the modern Adepts. Most just don't have the training of the old guard.” Marius said, taking a long sip of the liqueur.

 

“Their power is centred around their chakras - and they need both spiritual, mental and physical perfection to `open' all of the chakra gates and reach their peak. My guess, if you are indeed…'muddy' over the past, then not even your first chakra, your crown chakra, is open. It has been blocked, either by yourself or another, and thus only your subconscious has access to your extraordinary abilities.”

 

“How do you know all this?” Maxi asked, frowning.

 

“I am an information broker, Maxi. However, in your case I must admit I had a source close by. My familiar, Theban. He is an ancient of considerable power, and has agreed to help you harness this power-“

 

“If I stay here, with you.” Maxi finished, taking a sip of the liqueur.

 

“Well, I doubt your captain would agree to transporting my entire operation along with you.” The Baron chided.

 

Maxi stopped. Something was buzzing. A pressure, right at the top of his head, just under his hairline. It was getting stronger.

 

“That wasn't a liqueur, was it?” Maxi asked, his stomach folding at his own idiocy.

 

“It was a tea, actually. A strong one, brewed up by Theban as a release trigger to your first chakra. A gift, from me to you.”

 

The buzzing had increased and was now reverberating throughout his entire head, easing its way down his neck. His vision changed - everything was stretched, and tinged in blues. He could see Marius's lips moving as he prattled on, but all he heard was the buzzing. He looked down at his hands as the buzzing overtook his fingertips and gasped at what he saw. Jagged tribal lines were shining blue beneath his skin, right down to his finger nails.

 

He stretched out his right hand and an arc stretched out across the distance, instantly cooking the technician - removing any trace of identification, such was the wattage being put through that standing corpse, so thoroughly electrocuting the form that the clothes caught fire, the skin charred and blackened and the bones lost their integrity. The hapless technician began to melt-

 

He was back in that beautiful office, Marius was still talking and Maxi wasn't listening - all he could focus on was his hands, those fair skinned hands with an inner light.

 

“What've you done to me?” He gasped, the memories of the laboratory flooding back - he remembered every strike he'd made, every life he'd taken. Maxi wanted to be sick.

 

“You feel it, don't you?” Marius murmured, the hunger evident in his eyes. Maxi couldn't tell what he hungered for: his body or the power he possessed, but he wasn't about to let him find out. He had to leave.

 

Standing up, he staggered slightly and headed for the door.

 

“Stop!” The Baron commanded, standing sharply.

 

Maxi glared at him and Marius took an involuntary step back - the youth's eyes were glowing a bright blue.

 

“You will do as you're told.” He snarled, grabbing at the blond's arm as he moved for the door.

 

There was a whump of discharged energy and Marius was thrown back clean over his desk, careened into the huge chair and was sent sprawling out onto the balcony, his kimono aflame and sparks running over him.

 

Maxi smirked slightly to himself as the Baron moaned in dazed pain, but didn't waste time - he had a feeling that their welcome was fast running out.

 

-=[]=-

 

“Right, I'm going in.” Kai announced as soon as he heard Marius shout through the doors.

 

“You will sit your ass down.” Theban commanded, uncrossing his arms and stalking slowly towards the adept, sand seeping from the folds of his clothes and coalescing into a light cloud about him.

 

Kai didn't bother trying to work out what had happened, he simply charged a burst of telekinetic energy to his right arm and gestured strongly forward. The blast of kinetic force would've been enough to snap a normal person's neck in half, but it never landed. The sand solidified into a barrier momentarily, catching the blow and taking the brunt of it.

 

Kai hadn't stopped with a single attack, however. He dug a hand into his tunic and pulled out the darkvenge pistol, taking aim. The sand whipped out and formed itself into a crude arm, knocking the pistol from his grip, then stabbing in at Kai's throat, it's point sharpening.

 

He ducked below the makeshift arm and dived forward into a forward roll, drawing his curved blade in the process and slashing low at the bodyguard's legs. Again the sand came down and intercepted the blow, this time wrapping around the extractor's blade-holding arm, however he had different plans. Once more he fell back on his adept's abilities and sent a mental jolt in at Theban-

Only to be repulsed by a strong mental barrier. He'd also had training.

 

“Nice try, you little shit.” He growled as the sand seized Kai's other limbs and picked him off the floor slowly.

 

“Put him down, Theban.” Maxi ordered from the doorway, glowing like lightning manifest.

 

“Stay out of this, kid.” Theban said offhandedly, not even taking his eyes from Kai.

 

“Come on, take on someone your own size.” The blond suggested, letting the power build slowly in his left fist.

 

“I am. I'm stronger than you, have more experience, am better trained-“

 

“But you're not one tenth as pissed off.” Maxi finished, and he flickered.

 

He moved faster than Theban's eyes could track and a nanosecond later was next to him and Kai, his fist impacting against the Sand ancient's chest.

 

With another whump of energy, Theban was flung back and slammed into the far wall of the ante-chamber, sparks running over his body. The sand holding Kai aloft released him and fell to the floor, however Theban was far from beaten.

 

“End game.” He snarled, and the sand rose once more, forming a series of projectile blades in the air that hurtled in at Maxi.

 

He jutted the first two fingers of his right hand out at the incoming sand and an arc of blue energy coruscated out and hit the projectiles. The sand superheated and exploded, turning to lethal shards of glass that were sprayed back at Theban. He cried out in surprise and pain as they slashed across him, but Kai and Maxi were already on their way out, the former snatching up his pistol as he went.

 

-=[]=-

 

“Reiko, get the ship prepped for launch. We need to leave. Now.” Kai said shortly down the comm. and she jerked into action, sitting bolt upright in the captain's chair, where she'd previously been listening to a tutorial on the navigation systems on the frigate.

 

“What happened?” She asked in return.

 

“Just get her ready for launch!” Maxi replied.

 

“Uhh, Fenrir, you about?” she asked, suddenly grasping the enormity of the task before her.

 

“I'm beginning preflight checks and securing all external hatches. We don't have much cargo to secure, and you're the only crewer left aboard so it shouldn't take long to be ready. Just got to heat up my drives. Oh, and I can't fly myself out here. I'm forbidden to fire weapons unless you order me, and I can't fly. I need an organic pilot.”

 

“Okay, so what needs to be done?” she asked, feeling a little redundant.

 

“Go down to the main airlock with a gun and cover Kai and Maxi?” Fenrir suggested dryly.

 

“Gotcha.”

 

Fenrir had helpfully directed her to a small armoury which held a number of Federation-issue weapons she was familiar with, and the pilot had opted for a repeating rifle large enough to dwarf her, but she was deceptively strong and thus had lugged the cannon to the airlock and now knelt by the cowling, aiming down towards the entry doors. Thus far, there had been no sign of the pair, but sooner or later they'd be along.

 

It all happened at once. The doors to the landing bay exploded outwards, clattering across the floor after what looked like a lightning bolt hit them and Maxi sprinted out a moment later, skidding into a turn as he headed straight for Reiko. Kai followed him, holding a pistol two-handed as he fired back down the corridor, a classic organised withdrawal. As soon as he was clear of the doors, he ran after Maxi. A trio of guards appeared soon after him, and only the intense bond formed between family allowed Kai the clairvoyance to drop to the floor skidding towards her as she fired through the space he'd previously occupied, taking down two of the pursuers before they realised where the true threat lay.

 

Maxi didn't wait for the siblings, he sprinted down the arterial corridor of the frigate and cannoned onto the bridge, immediately sitting down at the pilot's station.

 

“Fenrir, drives stoked?”

 

“We're good to go. Both of the other crew are on board.”

 

Maxi nodded and brought the sublight engines' throttle to full, then with the care of a surgeon, stabbed down on the accelerator. The Fenrir blasted from the bay like a scalded rhino and easily snapped the power and docking cables attached to her hull.

 

“We need to get to Marcus and Elise before Marius blows their cover.” Reiko said as she sat down at the ops station whilst Kai neatly slid into the tactical salon.

 

“Do you have co-ordinates for the Garrison?” Maxi asked as he nimbly danced the frigate through a series of evasive manoeuvres to avoid the fire from Marius's citadel.

 

“Bringing them up now - it's got a formidable SAM array, I don't think we'd be able to hold position long.” Fenrir's Avatar mused.

 

“Don't worry about that, we can cloak and wait. Do you have any way to get a single person down there without killing them?” Kai asked, a plan already formulating in his mind.

 

“I have a series of one way drop pods. They're ideal for deep insertions, but they'll be detected instantly. Plus, there's no return trip with them.”

 

“Not a problem. How many people can they hold?”

 

“Two.”

 

He paused for a moment. “Okay, Fenrir, you're with me. We're going in, finding the happy couple and getting out by any means necessary. You two will need to be on stand by for a distraction should we need one.” Kai said, his military training kicking in and allowing him to take charge.

 

“Understood.” Reiko said, grinning slightly - this was the sort of thing she was born for.

 

-=[]=-

 

A shimmer surged over the garrison, the barest outline of a large craft hurtling to a stop just over it. There was a blast and a drop pod fell from the sky, smashing through layers of steel and masonry before coming to a rest in what appeared to be a mess hall. Before any of the garrison defences could react, the shimmer had gone again, though the sound of large, powerful engines was undeniable. They'd just been buzzed. Alarm claxons welcomed the duo as they clambered from the pod, Fenris still only wearing a pair of sweat pants and a beater whilst Kai was attired in his extractor's uniform, hood up. The latter landed in a crouch and looked up, sighting the nearest being - a man scrambling to get away from where the pod had just landed. Kai leapt across the floor and landed on the hapless engineer, stabbing the stinger blade into his neck. He got up and slapped away a gun that was being swung in to aim at him, then glared at the security guard, `pricking' his mind with a telepathic surge. The guard dropped to the floor, spasming from the neural overload.

 

By now, the occupants of the mess hall realised the predicament they were in and the non-combatants swiftly made for the nearest exits whilst the security personnel made for the two intruders. Kai smiled grimly from under his hood and moved his arm in a sweeping gesture, letting his telekinetic reach knock the guards before him from their feet, slamming them into walls, tables, each other. The furniture arrayed before him was splintered, thrown aside and generally swept from his field of vision in an awesome display of sheer power. Kai wasn't holding back.

 

Fenrir observed disinterestedly before he noted in his peripheral vision that one of the guards to the side had taken aim at Kai. He raised his palm and blasted out a thermal vent, badly scalding the guard, however he couldn't incapacitate him fully without a direct order from Kai.

 

“Clear.” Fenrir announced.

 

“Secure a transport from the hangar - I'm going to find Marcus and Elise.” Kai said offhandedly, as he stepped through the carnage he'd created, his extractor's abilities once again coming into play as he tried to get a feel for his companions, unfortunately to no avail.

 

-=[]=-

 

“What the hell was that?” Elise asked quietly as the rumble of an explosion or impact shuddered through the rest of the facility. Alarms were blaring before the distant roar had quietened.

 

“Marius. He's probably saturation bombing this place to get rid of us and the governor, so he can get Maxi and the Fenrir all in one bundle.” Marcus said, only half joking.

 

“We'd better find out, just in case.” Elise cautioned and gestured for Marcus to join her at the wall terminal built in for inquiries - the corridor was otherwise deserted.

 

It showed an intruder alert warning at first, but then identified one intruder as an adept and the other as an AI and a brief capture from a security cam displayed the pair's dramatic entry into the mess hall.

 

“Damn.” Elise muttered, impressed - Kai was clearly a telekinetic wrecking ball when he put his mind to it.

 

“Why are they here?” Marcus asked, running several different scenarios through his mind.

 

“They wouldn't be here unless something back at the citadel went wrong - they're in danger of blowing our cover, which means we're in more danger without them here; Marius has probably tried to pull something.” Elise supposed.

 

“In which case, our doing his dirty work is no longer a priority. Let's ditch this thing and bug out.”

 

“Hangar?”

 

“Hangar.”

 

-=[]=-

 

Marius stormed into the operations centre of his citadel still pulling on a new kimono to replace his ruined garment.

 

“They escaped, then?” He surmised, his eyes flicking over the holocam screens.

 

“Yes, sir. We didn't let them think it was too easy - we lost seven men and Theban is in the infirmary. He lost a lot of blood, but should make it.”

 

“Good. What's the situation at the Garrison?”

 

“There's a general alert coming in - they have two confirmed intruders, one of whom they've identified as an Adept.” The technician reported from the comm. station. He was clearly onto a number of contacts they had in place in the Garrison itself.

 

“Ready a gunship and activate the biots.” Marius commanded, then leant over the technician, tapping in an intricate frequency to be brought up. A moment later, a harassed-looking Governor shimmered into being.

 

“What do you want, Marius? Is this your doing?” He demanded.

 

Marius smiled placatingly in return. “Of course not. I've run the faces posted from your general alert and believe I can be of some assistance. I have employees trained to handle adepts-“

 

“Get over here and take him down. You will be handsomely compensated.” The Governor replied curtly and signed off.

 

Marius grinned to himself. This allowed him to finish the task of killing the governor and deliver Maxi right back into his hands.

 

“We'd best get ready, then.” He said briskly.

 

-=[]=-

 

“You two! Hold!” a Security officer shouted behind them and Marcus and Elise skidded to a halt.

 

“Where are you headed?” He queried, approaching them carefully.

 

“Main Hangar. We're to secure the Governor's personal transport ready for his departure.” Elise replied smoothly, running the figures through her hair.

 

“I wasn't aware Governor Khyron considered this a threat worth evacuating over.” The Security officer commented.

 

“He likes to plan for the worst and hope for the best.” Marcus offered, but grimaced inwardly as the Security Officer's grin turned feral.

 

“The Governor's name is Lo Mai.” He said, raising his rifle to take aim.

 

Elise was faster. Her carbine rang out and dropped the Officer before he could react to her moving, and Marcus's pistol had taken out his two companions without them being able to clear a weapon

 

“That's a nasty quick-draw you guys have. Could take someone's eye out if you're not careful.” Fenrir commented from the cover of an archway once the three forms had slumped to the floor.

 

“Tip of the iceberg, tin man.” Elise retorted as she joined the AI. “Where's Kai?”

 

“He's in the hangar, making sure we don't have any security issues.” The AI answered.

 

It didn't take long to reach the hangar, with the captain and his XO having now discarded their disguises. They moved through the facility with impunity - whatever Kai was doing in the hangar had their attention.

 

When they arrived however (via the top gantries, among rows of Scythe-class bombers), the scene wasn't one of a well organised tactical withdrawal from a hostile area.

 

“You have got to be kidding me.” Marcus murmured as they surveyed the scene below.

 

Kai stood with his knees bent, prone, crouched like some sort of predator about the pounce. One hand was at the small of his back, his fingers wrapped around the hilt of the very blade Marius had given him. The other arm hung at his side, slightly away from his body. Facing him was a line of well-dressed SMG-wielding mercenaries with shades and commlink ear pieces. In front of them, clad now in a very subdued black suit and trenchcoat with his arms crossed was Marius.

 

“You, like all adepts, have a god complex. You believe you are better than us mere mortals, and as a result it leaves you open to attack.” He announced, piercing Kai with a glare.

 

“And you love the sound of your own voice. One chance. Move or die.”

 

“Hahaha!” Marius seemed genuinely amused before his expression turned serious once more.

 

“Take him.”

 

As one, the line of mercenaries stalked forward, raised their rifles and opened fire.

 

Kai dived to one side whilst jutting out his right hand, sending a telekinetic wave out at the line of Mercenaries. Not a single one flinched, however the hastily erected wall of sand did ripple under the pressure. From under the cowling of a shuttle emerged Theban, however he was different. Much of his face was wrapped in blood soaked bandages and the sand that seeped out from the folds of his robes was tinged dark red - clearly Maxi had done a number on the Ancient.

 

“Rematch.” He grated out, his voice pained.

 

“You take the left, I'll go right.” Marcus murmured to Fenrir as he pointed Elise towards one of the Scythe Bombers hanging next to them.

 

Then, with exaggerated care, he pulled from a small pouch on his belt a tiny cylindrical canister. From it rolled a single black pellet which he swallowed.

 

Kai's short blade hacked through the air in a defensive pattern about him as the arms of sand lashed out at him, forcing him to duck and weave in an impossibly complex evasive pattern - he was completely unaware of the slow buildup of sand a few meters below him. Theban stood immobile, letting his powers speak for themselves as the mercenaries reformed in a loose perimeter about the Extractor.

 

“Lethal Force?” Fenrir asked as he charged his thermal vents.

 

“Lethal Force.” Marcus answered in confirmation, throwing himself from the gantry.

 

In mid air, the smuggler drew his pistol and took aim at the nearest mercenary. The single bolt flew out ahead of him and cut the top of the Merc's head off, however by the time the shot had registered, two more Mercenaries were put down with similar headshots and it was only then that Theban realised the threat the Captain posed.

 

A tendril of sand jutted out and slammed into Marcus in the stomach, winding him. He was flung backwards and hit the far wall of the hangar with bone jarring force, however it didn't stop the gunslinger from taking a two handed grip to his pistol and firing in retaliation at the ancient. The haze of sand about him hardened once more, catching the oversized bullets easily, but it gave Kai the opening he needed. He slammed his fist down on the ground and a telekinetic shockwave emanated out, flinging the mercenaries away from him. With dark purpose, he drew his own pistol and added to Marcus's fire.

 

-=[]=-

 

“They're being held up in the Hangar.” Fenrir's AI reported to a nervous Maxi and Reiko as they waited just in the stratosphere nervously.

 

“Is there anything we can do?” Maxi asked, feeling truly helpless.

 

“The barracks complex is currently on high alert - if those troops reach the Hangar then it's over; Marcus won't be able to escape.”

 

“We got anything to hit `em with?” Reiko asked, heading to the tactical console.

 

“The flux cannons would make their eyes water, that's for sure.” Fenrir replied dryly.

 

“Charge them up then!” Maxi exclaimed, bringing the frigate about to aim her main weapons back at the surface.

 

-=[]=-

 

Fenrir raised a hand, palm facing outwards and gave a short burst of his left vent at a Mercenary just beginning to get up before stepping over the corpse and targeting the next Mercenary, who was now furiously scrabbling for his weapon. A second blast of the vent put an end to that threat.

 

Marcus had gotten up and sealed the main entrance to the hangar with a shot into the control console. He turned his attention back to the larger fight and grimaced. As more time passed, more and more sand was being used, and it was only then that he noticed Theban had crouched down, one fist planted into the concrete floor - he was extracting the sand from the floor and using it against them.

 

“That's cheating.” Marcus muttered to himself as he reloaded his preferred gun and took aim once more whilst Theban's attention was on Kai.

 

The Extractor wasn't faring well. His feet were now trapped by a layer of sand that had spread across the floor and they were obviously being slowly crushed by the sadistic ancient, who's eyes glimmered with malevolent glee.

 

The Captain decided it was time to get a little more lateral and slid behind a transport, skirting the edge of the hangar to get a better angle on Marius and Theban.

 

Kai shouted out in pain as the pressure on his feet intensified and the sand continued to crawl up his legs and in desperation yanked his pistol out once more, firing blasts of superheated plasma into the ground about his feet. This served only to heat up the sand, giving it a burnished sheen of glass. He tried to call on a wave of telekinesis to shove the sand away but couldn't concentrate due to the intense pain. Two things happened simultaneously.

 

Another shot sounded out from Marcus's pistol - however it came from the other side of the hangar. The bullet was set to take Marius's head off, however at the last second it swerved to the side and with a grunt, Theban was down. The Baron had a very sophisticated belt buckle on that was able to repel bullets and metallic projectiles, however as he was standing next to Theban, the bullet had been inadvertently redirected into the side of the Ancient. As this was happening, Fenrir scrambled up the hull of a shuttle and yanked an armoured pipe from its housing. He twisted the pipe down, spilling coolant across the floor and made sure it splashed liberally across the sand around Kai's feet. The Extractor shouted in pain once more and tried desperately to gather enough focus to blast the sand away, but it was no good.

 

Fenrir was by his side in a second, jumping straight down from the now-useless shuttle. He dug his fingers into the lining of Kai's boot and yanked, breaking his ankle in the process, but also tearing the leather in the process, and more importantly the grip the sand had on him.

 

By now the sand had all but gone under the highly acidic properties of the coolant and was starting to work its way through the leather, but the sand no longer held Kai to the ground. Fenrir picked him up bodily and tore off the other boot, tossing it aside just as the engines from the Scythe-class bomber above thrummed into existence.

 

“Fire all you want, Captain, you won't land a hit.” Marius grinned despite the dire situation he suddenly found himself in.

 

He shifted his rock solid aim to Marius's right, and let loose another shot-

 

Straight into the fuel tank behind the Baron.

 

There was a whump, a solid wall of heat, and then liquid fire poured throughout the Hangar. Then, just when Marcus began looking for cover, the flaw fell beneath him. With a titanic rumble, the sandy ground shook, sending Mercenary corpses, fighters, shuttles and the Fenrir's crew alike into the air like so much flotsam and the back wall of the hangar crumbled beneath the strain.

 

“I only shot a fuel canister! What the hell was that?!” He exclaimed, but he couldn't hear his own voice - the blast from the explosion had deafened him.

 

Dimly, he was aware of A scythe bomber coming to rest on the now uneven hangar floor with Elise in the lower part of the two-man cockpit. Fenrir was standing on the wing, easing Kai into the gunner's seat before he buckled in the Extractor and hopped back down.

 

He said something to Marcus but the gunslinger didn't stand a chance of understanding him, so Fenrir simply grabbed him by the arm and urged him over to the bomber. With his free hand he blasted a portion of the hull with the thermal vent, weakening the metal. While it was still malleable, he grabbed at it, bending the surface into an adequate hand-hold, then pulled Marcus close to him with his other arm.

 

“You can not be seriou-.” He was cut off as Elise gunned the engines and the bomber shot from the still-burning hangar.

 

Marcus glanced back as they pulled away, buffeted slightly by another fuel tank imploding and saw the curious sight of a perfectly circular block of concrete hanging amidst the maelstrom, untouched by the vortex of fire about it.

 

-=[]=-

 

“They're incoming in a Scythe-class Bomber…and Kai's injured.” Fenrir's AI reported tightly as Maxi deftly brought the nimble frigate down into the lower atmosphere and righted her so that the Bomber could land.

 

Reiko looked up from the tactical station in alarm. “How badly?”

 

“Nothing life threatening, but he will need immediate medical attention. I suggest you go to the medical bay and prepare to receive him. My AI will be able to administer the proper care, but it'll save time if the facilities are ready immediately.”

 

“You going to be ok up here Maxi?” She asked.

 

“Go. I can handle this crate.” He grinned over his shoulder, his eyes tinged with sympathy - she had to be worried about her brother.

 

“Call me a crate again and I'll shut down the food processors so you'll only have rations to eat.” Fenrir's AI replied testily and Maxi flipped the viewscreen's right partition off, evoking a chuckle from the shaggy-haired representation of the avatar displayed within.

 

A few tense minutes later he got the all clear that the bomber was secure in the hangar and started the Fenrir's ascent towards space once more, trying to keep the climb as gradual as possible so that the crew weren't jostled about (the artificial gravity was no match for inertia, momentum and a planet's gravity, especially when all three of those elements were mixed).

 

Marcus and Elise walked onto the bridge, Marcus looking sunburned and windswept, whilst Elise hadn't got a crease in her tight-fitting jumpsuit.

 

“You look like you've been through hell, Captain.” Maxi commented as he glanced over his shoulder.

 

“You should see the other guy.” He replied, thinking back to Theban's bandage covered face.

 

“Where are we headed?” Elise asked as she sat down at the navigational console.

 

“Far from this dustball. I imagine the governor has already called for assistance. By the way, you got anything to do with that earthquake down there?” He asked Maxi accusingly, who could only beam back in return.

 

“That was one of the flux cannons. We blew up the garrison's barracks, but the explosion also took out the manufacturing wing and the administration complex. Sorry.” He tried to look sheepish, but couldn't manage it.

 

Marcus just grinned in return and ruffled the blond's hair.

 

“No problem, kid. Mind you, if that was only one Flux cannon, I'd love to see what all four could do.”

 

“They'd crack the crust, cause massive tectonic fissures across the entire continent and open up the core of the planet, thereby releasing numerous noxious gasses and lakes of lava across much of the planet, effectively wiping out all life for several hundred thousand years. On a desert planet like that, which is already bordering on uninhabitable, I'd imagine it'd never recover.” Fenrir answered crisply.

 

“…Ok, moving swiftly on… heading?” Elise repeated, looking over at Marcus.

 

“Let's head to Ravouin. We'll be able to fence Maxi's kimono there to a decent buyer. You don't mind, do you?” Marcus asked the pilot.

 

“Like I'd ever wear that.” He snorted, deploying the jump vane.

 

“I'm plotting us through a few blind jumps first so they can't follow us.” Elise said.

 

Moments later, they were safely away into Zerospace.