SWNOVELS Chapter Another thug?
Act 4: The black hole
“This is really nice,” said the Palanian as he walked around the delivery company’s office and looked out through the only window. “What you’ve raised here in such a short time.”
Dios and Kuren raised their voices together, slightly sceptical. “What do you mean by really nice?”
“Isn’t it? Nice?”
“It’s more than nice, and if you say otherwise you won’t make any friends here, especially after the shooting,” Kuren retorted.
The stranger was not put off by this and walked across the office. “I’m not here to make friends either,” he said charmingly, looking at a shelf full of data logs. “And you shouldn’t take this little skirmish too seriously, rather the opposite. Formidable partnerships have come out of situations like this, or at least they’re seen as a show of respect in some circles.”
“With whom? Who would find such a thing good with you?”
“Oh, I’ve only had the pleasure once so far, unfortunately, but I know all the more stories,” the Palanian replied, raising a hand. “Although I must admit that some of them seem rather exaggerated. But they are all exciting to listen to.”
The Palanian and the Sororan women were not alone, but Thais and Re’Lis remained silent.
Kysaek, however, broke her own silence. “Glad we could establish that,” she said, taking a deep drag from her cigarette, the smoke of which she exhaled in a long, relaxed manner. “But wouldn’t it be about time we introduced ourselves?” she asked, now taking a closer look at the Palanian. She had sat in the back seat on the way back because she didn’t want an armed stranger sitting behind her and Thais.
The Palanian’s scaly skin was turning a fresh russet colour and its bone ridges ran for the majority of the way down the sides of its head, but only as far as next to and below its mouth. They were like arrows pointing at a target and the pointed ends of the ridges were painted over with white paint. Clothing-wise, the stranger wore mostly synthetic material and fabrics, but elastic, light phase armour covered his torso and knees. Besides, from the fight before, yes, it was known that he still had some things hidden in his sleeves and certainly in his shoulder bag.“Yes, it would be time,” the man said. “Not that this whole thing is going to get weird.”
“I call it rather awkward.”
“Oh please, don’t be so pessimistic,” the Palanian replied nonchalantly, but always with one hand near the holster holding the short shotgun. “Allow me, Tavis Ciran, honest Thug, avid collector of antique coins and I rarely say no to a good card game.”
Thais could barely suppress her smirk. “Who calls himself an honest Thug? There is no such thing.”
“There are rules and those who follow the rules can be trusted. You may or may not live to see it. That depends entirely on you, dear ...?”
“Pashalia,” Thais introduced herself succinctly. “Everything else is none of your business.”
“Sounds fair enough, but perhaps the rest is more open. There is no need for total secrecy.”
“Everyone has reasons for certain things,” Kysaek agreed, taking over the rest of the introductions. “Nora Faith, Alra’Ta and the twins are Vola and Meru.” She looked to the Sororan women, of whom Kuren, aka Mera, had been going through the captured list for a while. “Found anything yet?”
“Quite detailed,” Kuren murmured intently. “The loading directories marked PGI all go to Themis all the time. Presumably as a staging area for further shipments to new destinations.”
“PGI?” asked Tavis, but he didn’t come across as too curious. “What do you ladies have to do with the megacorporation?”
Keeping a low profile was important, but Kysaek was clear that the group’s objective could not be hidden and tried to dissuade the Palanian. “This is our business or do you want to be dragged into a dirty game? We are always looking for volunteers.”
“Dirty game? Volunteers? Don’t tell me this is a network operation?” surmised Tavis, now seeming less relaxed. “In that case, let me take a look at the list and we’ll part ways in a moment.”
“No, we’re not part of the network,” Kysaek shook her head, though her scare tactics seemed to have worked. She could understand the man’s caution, though, for the Network was a radical, self-described group of fighters for freedom and justice that never shied away from extreme measures. “But you’d better not keep asking. It’s healthier.”
“PGI is rarely healthy and that’s enough for me to know,” Tavis nodded, leaning against the nearest wall with an outstretched hand. “Still, do you mind if I take a look at the list now?”
“Sure,” Kysaek said, taking a drag on her cigarette. “Mera, be so kind.”
The twins moved and Kuren became the front as she handed over the data log. “Don’t be silly, because you and I used to be on the network.”
The assertion made Tavis reach for the log more hesitantly. “Former members of the Network were either too soft or too hard, and hard means something with extremists.”
“It’s good you realise that, otherwise we’ll have to use harsh methods...” put Kuren conspiratorially. “Understand?”
“I don’t want any trouble.”
“Better for you.”
“Mera,” Thais shook her head and smirked. “You two have never been to the network, so don’t say that to Him. Not that he’ll blow us up with him after all.”
Kuren was disappointed. “Why did you reveal that? It would have made him much more compliant and it was amusing.”
“Not exactly my sense of humour,” Tavis agreed, but he relaxed again and began to rummage through the data log. “But at least you can be persuasive. I like that.”
Kysaek regarded the searching Palanian. “Do you like us enough to reveal more about your part in the list?” she asked, but not too intrusively. “After all, you fought pretty doggedly and you said not everyone was out for fortune and especially not tin this case.”
“A word for word quote,” Tavis replied. He didn’t look up from the log, but he didn’t seem disrespectful. He was simply absorbed in hiswork. “But like you, I don’t want to say anything about my exact motives. I’m just trying to fulfil a promise.”
“To whom?”
“Someone I know much better than you.”
“Message received,” Kysaek nodded, stubbing out the stub of her cigarette in an ashtray. “But we’re not in each other’s way, are we?”
“Not by all accounts,” Tavis replied as he studied a section of the data log much more intently. “No, no, rather the opposite. Unless I’m mistaken, my target has been shipped to Themis under the same identifier as whatever it is you’re looking for.”
“PGI?”
“PGI.”
“Hardly surprising,” Thais commented, stepping up to Kysaek so that the two formed a united front. “According to our Seeker’s information, this spaceport is probably exclusively responsible for shipping slaves for PGI. We just didn’t know where the cargoes were going or who exactly was behind it. That it’s PGI itself, I can’t imagine.”
“You’re certainly right about that, it would be far too risky,” Tavis agreed, pointing to the paragraph he had just read. “Every PGI identifier goes to Themis and everyone knows that on Themis neither spectrum, nor governments, nor a company like PGI is in charge. However, whoever is organising these transports is on top of things on Themis.”
Knowingly, Thais echoed. “Because of the amount of slaves?”
“You seem to know your stuff, yes,” Tavis said, putting the log away. For the first time, both his hands were away from the shotgun. “We’re talking hundreds of slaves per cargo and within a standard month that must make several thousand. To ensure that constantly takes a lot of resources and power.”
The Palanian’s statement made the rest of the room wonder. More resources and power? Wasn’t an enemy like PGI enough already? At least that was what was going through Kysaek’s mind. “And you wouldn’t happen to know who exactly that might be?”
“No, it’s not clear from the data,” Tavis said, amused. “”Once on Themis, though, that’s certainly the easiest part to figure out. The question is what comes after that. I’m guessing you’re going to die.”
“So? Will we?” retorted Kysaek with defiance and folded arms. “We’ve already survived a lot. What makes you so sure?”
“Unknown territory, or have any of you ever been on Themis, or even close, anywhere in the Maw?”
With certainty, Kysaek looked to Thais. The Talin raised her hand, however, making it clear that Kysaek’s thought was wrong. “You haven’t? Never in your life?”
“One of the few places I’ve never wanted to visit by choice.”
“Is it that bad? Worse than Sector Seven?”
“Even better in terms of living conditions, I would argue, but a lot more dangerous,” Thais quibbled. Was there more to her timidity about this place or was it mere respect for Themis? She spoke of it a little too certainly. “You only go there if you want to do business, belong to one of the groups there or want to hide, the gathering place of the Maw, that is. Loners or independents who want to live there permanently don’t keep to themselves for long, unless they have a death wish. Makes submission sound sweeter, doesn’t it?”
“I don’t see the difference with Sector Seven,” Kysaek said. To her, Themis sounded like another rat hole where the criminals were in charge. “Keep trying.”
Tavis returned his expertise. “Themis doesn’t make false promises. The place is what it is. Central, lures you in with promises and safety, and even if there’s at least a chance of that, it’s a huge sham, the dirtiest lie in the galaxy,” he noted, clenching his claws as if he were crushing something. “On Themis, you either perform some kind of service or you’re gone fast. Begging, free housing and free rations or an open welcome, no, you won’t see that there. People need some strength to make it there, or at least some brains.”
“And you don’t think we have any of that?”
“Who’s talking about you? That was just a brief introduction for tourists.”
“It will be hard indeed,” Thais agreed, looking to Tavis. “He’s already right. We’re going into this blind and that’s a huge risk, but we have little choice.”
“Shit,” Kysaek sighed, looking from side to side with her arms on her hips. “That it can’t even be a little easier.”
“At least you have sense and know problems when you see them coming,” Tavis said, setting the data log down on the table. For a moment he mused to himself as he paced. “And I have to confess that even I might have a hard time with what I’m trying to do. PGI is involved somehow, and someone big on Themis to boot. You and my path, on the other hand, seem to be following the same trail.”
“It would seem so,” Kysaek nodded. Following the Palanian’s words, she guessed what he was about to say. “And I suppose you have a suggestion for us?”
“Less that,” Tavis hesitated. His thought was clearly buzzing in the air, but the Palanian did not simply rush forward. “Much more that I recognise a possibility. The only question is, should I take advantage of it?”
“Use it, eh? Everybody wants something. What is it with you?”
“You clearly need help on Themis,” Tavis said. He seemed frank and calculated, but he didn’t speak out of arrogance. “I know my way around there and I have a reputation. If you came there with me, there would be fewer questions and believe me - someone, somewhere, will be interested in your arrival. Probably they wouldn’t even have anything to do with what you’re doing, but they would cause you problems.”
“Excuse me?!” echoed Thais, averse. “You want us to join forces with you? Just because you know your way around there? We don’t know you and we might as well stick a knife in our own backs.”
“No, we don’t know each other,” Tavis admitted, confronting the Talin. The Thug made no bones about securing an advantage for himself and putting it across convincingly at the same time. “But you know me better than anyone else on Themis. You know that our quest seems to be following the same path and I’d love to have your back. So why should I betray you?”
“At the latest, if it turns out that our search is going in different directions. At the very least, you’ll drop us and then we’ll be alone in uncharted waters.”
“That’s not my style,” the Palanian made strictly clear. He even looked offended at the statement. “I have a reputation to lose and believe it or not, but many a criminal cares for their reputation. Ask around. I generally keep my agreements unless someone gives me reason not to.”
Thais waved her hand in front of her. “Who should I ask? Your name means nothing to me. Yet you act as if you are widely known.”
“That was more of an exaggerated phrase,” Tavis admitted, but it didn’t change his conviction. “Still, there are enough who know my work and on Themis I’m sure you’ll pick up on that.”
Thais wasn’t the only one who remained sceptical. Kysaek did not immediately jump on the bandwagon either. “You’re suggesting cooperation because, in your opinion, we wouldn’t make it on our own on Themis and you want a few more weapons on your side?”
“Broadly speaking, that’s my thought,” Tavis replied. Besides, he wasn’t going to let the matter stand so one-sidedly. “And who tells me that you would not betray me? My risk is no less than yours.”
“Those who keep their bargain are not threatened by us.”
“You see?” the Palanian murmured, slightly amused. Tavis code reflected itself as pure normality. “My talking and it almost sounds like we have a deal?”
“I didn’t say that. What exactly would the deal be? You’re looking for something, we’re looking for something. Whose goal is more important? And where does our eventual partnership end?”
“Details. I like that, my dear Nora,” Tavis pretended to be charming and put his money where his mouth was. “We’ll go to Themis and if any questions are asked there, I’ll simply say you’d help me with a deal. That will be enough for most and that’s all anyone needs to know. We will find out where the slaves from this list have been taken. After that, we’ll see how our further journey together goes or if it splits. If you ask me, that sounds fair.”
“Too fair,” Kysaek returned blankly. “What if our priorities, for whatever reason, change? Yours, ours. What then?”
“As I said, I’m in the habit of keeping agreements and so are you, apparently. We’ll find out where the slaves are. That after that, is another worry. I can’t be any clearer than that.”
“Pretty clear,” Kysaek admitted, seeking Thai’s gaze. The Talin’s scepticism had faded into indecision and it was hardly different with the rest of Kysaek’s group. She wanted to hear the others’ opinions, though, on her own. “We will discuss this among ourselves. In the meantime, please go down to our canteen and have something to eat. It’s on us.”
“Thanks for the offer, but I’ll head back to my hotel for now then.”
“I’m sure we won’t be too long though. Won’t you wait for that?”
“That’s all right, I’d rather keep moving for now. After actions like that, you never know who might be following you,” Tavis said, trying to connect his vortex cuff. “Let’s exchange our data. Then you can contact me if you agree. Otherwise, don’t bother.”
“Even if you don’t,” Kysaek raised her arm with her vortex cuff. “I will let you know in due course. So much time must be or do manners not fall into your thugs code?”
“Hehe, quite the opposite,” Tavis laughed slyly. “I leave nothing undone. Even cancellations, I deliver. That leaves less scope for any surprises if I can see in advance whether anyone would be angry with me for it.”
“I do it simply out of politeness.”
“Also a good reason. I look forward to your reply,” the Palanian said and took his leave with a raised hand, leaving the data log untouched. “Perhaps, see you soon.”
Kysaek nodded and silently raised her hand, as did Thais.
Re’Li’s, Dios’ and Kuren’s eyes merely followed the stranger as he left the room. After the twins checked to see if he was really gone, Dios said. “I kind of like him.”
“I think he’s a bit cheeky, but I agree,” Kuren agreed. “I think he’s someone to work with.”
“Easy for you to say,” Thais said as she took the captured data log and placed it safely in a safe box. “Kysaek and I need to go with him to Themis, not you.”
That hadn’t even been discussed. Not even before the spaceport raid. Still, it was clear that the next task was just as unlikely for the twins or Re’Lis. “Possibly, but in the end it’s about all of us,” Kuren said thoughtfully. “If something goes wrong there, who’s going to help us here?”
Thais agreed. “That’s why we have to think it through all the more. Maybe we should also just kill him and try it ourselves.”
“Think well yes, kill no,” Kysaek decided clearly. “I don’t think he’s a threat to us.”
“Until he gets caught and then tells us about another group looking for the slaves.”
“Wouldn’t that make it more of a case for joining forces with him?”
“It is and always will be a weighing,” Re’Lis corrected calmly. “I mean, it is true what this Tavis said. Themis is wild and unknown to us. It’s a question of which is the greater risk: Yourselves alone or with a stranger who knows his way around there and has a comparable goal.”
“It’s like a coin toss,” Kysaek said, tapping his forehead slightly in frustration. “If we pick the wrong side, we’ve probably lost.”
Re’Lis couldn’t help a harsh laugh. “Haha, that’s the motto of our journey after all. Our chances are slim, but there’s always a chance of success, no matter how small. Thais is right, though. Both of you have to go to Themis with Tavis, so you should decide that alone. We can only give our opinion and I say the Palanian’s offer is the lesser of two evils.”
“Of course the offer sounds reasonable,” Kysaek agreed. If only she knew what exactly Tavis was looking for, she would feel better. “Has anyone observed what or who exactly Tavis was looking for on the list?” There was no yes to her question and she went to the safe box. “Or we could look at where he stopped last.”
“That’s no good,” Kuren said, clacking her little mandibles. “There are no names of people on the list. It’s all abbreviations and numbers. All that’s clear is that whatever he’s looking for is on Themis.”
“I’d rather we knew what or who he’s looking for,” Kysaek sighed, easing away from the box. She kicked the air once. “Then we would know when he could possibly become dangerous to us.”
“Unless he keeps his word, like he said he would,” Thais mused, rubbing her chin.
“If, yes if, he does.”
“Well, we can find out.”
“Can we?” asked Kysaek, irritated. “We don’t know anyone who knows him.”
“Not here,” Thais shook her head. Once again, it was evident why Talin had been a leader before. “We could go with him to Themis. There, after all, we’ll see what there is to his talk. If there is even a whiff of a lie in the air, we can always part with him there or kill him after all.”
That sounded reasonable to her, but Kysaek had one, not quite so serious, concern. “We could do that, only wouldn’t we be breaking our agreement?”
“What are agreements anyway, vis-à-vis a possible liar?“, Thais raised her shoulders, taking the Palanese as an example. “As he said, if someone gives you a reason ...”
“Is there no reason for us to continue working with him,” Kysaek said, glancing briefly at Dios, Kuren and Re’Lis. They seemed to share this view and Kysaek nodded. “All right then. We will work with him for now and go to Themis. If he is an impostor, we will have to venture on our own. I will contact him right away.”