The four crew members stood in the observation deck, a screen over laying the window. The cosmos did it’s thing in the background while they looked at several overlapping pages.
“What about this one?” Reaching forward one page surged forward into Rizier’s waiting hand. “Their looking for someone to stop a counterfeiting vaccine market. It’s in the Zelo Galaxy.”
“I’ve heard of that area. Apparently, a galaxy spanning plague is spreading. I’d rather not catch it.” Ya’Cahin said shaking her head. “Maybe our zorgs would want to take that mission.”
“Negative captain.” Tahu said shaking their head rapidly.
Ula also shook their head. “What about this? Delivery duty?”
Ya’Cahin took it and glanced over the words, job description and stopped at the payment. “Not enough. We need a nice pay out from the job.”
Frowning she swiped through the various jobs. Either too dangerous, not enough pay, too far away, or just plain boring. Nothing that suited her taste until her fingers hovered over one. She tapped one and arched her eyebrow. “Oh? I like this one.”
She floated it forward and glanced at her teammates before expanding it. “How’s this sound team?”
“Body guard detail?” Rizier asked tilting their head. “A member of the Lyian royal family is seeking body guards after recent attacks on the family from within. A festival is starting soon and they need to make an appearance to assure unity amongst their people. But with the mistrust brewing beneath the surface they would like some outside help.”
“It’s marked urgent.” Rizier noted.
“Meaning time is of the essence.” Ya’Cahin told them. “And also inflates the reward.”
Tahu whistled. “Look at that price tag. I really like those numbers.”
“It is in the Inite Galaxy. That is rather close.” Ula said nodding.
“Anyone opposed to being body guards?” No one voiced any concerns. “Alright then!” Swiping her hand through the notice it was slashed with her name. Turning around she pointed to the cock pit. “Alright! Pilots let’s get this party moving. Next stop Inite galaxy.”
They scattered throughout the ship and a new energy flowed through them. It was forward momentum. Ya’Cahin loved that feeling. She truly did and went toward the half circle room. Swiping her new amp off the table she smiled slowly. Returning to the observation deck she played with it as she watched the rush of space before her eyes.
She closed her eyes and let the sparks of her psykik energy kick across her fingers and through the crystal. Gripping it tightly she focused as lights danced across her eyes and the window. With a grunt, she squeezed and heard a satisfying crack. She had split the crystal in two yet both halves carried the charge.
Things were good. They had the amp. Ula managed to complete the dampening container for the stone and had begun to work on a new arm for Tahu. They even had a job to take. Things were looking up for them and she liked that. Who would have thought a short vacation on a moon would have done that much for them.
The ship hummed out of hyper jump and Ya’Cahin was staring at empty space. A star shot across the sky in a fading burst. She wondered what the life of that light once was. “Ula, have we arrived?”
“Yes captain.”
“I’m coming down then.” Walking down the hallway briskly she went through the half circle room and into the cockpit. Stepping into the small space she stood over Tahu to see through the windshield. A massive ball of green and blue with whites for the clouds. The neighborhood star shined, its light very bright. There were ships coming past them and she could see some in orbit around the ship.
“Is this place a popular location?” she asked glancing at her pilots.
Ula nodded reaching up to tap a few buttons and turn dials. The ship hummed again as it rotated toward the planet zooming forward. “This is a massive marketplace planet. Trade is frequent between the cultures across it and other outsiders come to benefit from this trade. It boosts their economy. Especially during this festival.”
“So then they’ll welcome our commerce?” Tahu said with a chuckle.
“We’re not spending money.” Ya’Cahin said glaring at them.
“I’m just saying Yaya. Could get some local fare.” Hands going behind their head they laughed again.
“It should be warm down there.” Ya’Cahin noted to herself and rubbed her chin.
“Captain we have a transmission coming in. They are on a closed channel hailing us. I think it’s royal family.”
“Patch them in.”
Ula did as commanded and twisted a knob and then slid a switch all the way over. “This is Captain Ya’Cahin speaking.” She said professionally.
“This is Commander Mao of the Lyian royal guard. You are the bounty hunters that were hired, yes?”
“Yes we are.”
“Excellent. A location is being sent to you. That is where you shall come and will be able to meet with our people immediately. There is little time remaining.”
The location pinged their windshield and then hovered over on the planet. Ula turned their ship, focused on it and that’s where they flew. Breaking the atmosphere, the sky was a blue. Bright blue with thin wisps of clouds. The ship didn’t say anything about the atmosphere being toxic. Walking around without a helmet was definitely a benefit.
Below them was a huge river, trees on either side of the water. The trees were a golden yellow color and white trunks. The water flowed crystal clear. She could see straight through to the bottom even from this high in the air. Glancing upward she could see ships flying above going in what seemed to be the opposite direction.
“Is that where the palace and the surrounding market place is?” Ya’Cahin asked and Ula nodded.
“The ships will be landing on a platform that has elevators that take you to the grounds.” Ya’Cahin nodded staring at the pillars that represented the small village. Even from here she could see parts of the architecture that made up this city.
The ship took a turn toward the city in the distance but still remained low to the ground, barely clipping past the trees. Slowing to a crawl the ship began to descend and finally land in an open clearing. They armed themselves then walked out of the ship and were greeted by a gate, two metal and stone pillars with a creature standing. Red furred body, with feline faces and wearing a body suit similar to Ula and Tahu. It showed the muscle underneath. At each hip was a gun of some sort.
“You are the bounty hunters. Your quick arrival is appreciated.”
“Mao I assume,” he nodded and Ya’Cahin asked. “What’s the situation.”
Mao nodded. “There has been talk and rumor of dissent among the guards. Several altercations have arisen. Ambushes and fighting that couldn’t have happened without information that was unique to our guards. We want to expose this dissent but above all protecting the princess is top priority.
“We have reason to believe that an attack on her life may commence today during her parade. As loathe as I am to entrust her safety to outsiders I am left with no choice. Her safety is the top priority. Allow nothing to befall her.”
“His conviction to the royal family is strong.” Rizier said through their minds. “I can feel his passions reverberating like a star.”
“Well then what’s the situation now? What do you need us to do?”
“The princess has already started her parade through the festival. Her personal guard are there. You will be delivered into the center of the festivities. Spread out and watch her. If you see anything suspicious you are authorized to take action. I pray that nothing occurs and your services are not required. Either way you will be paid.”
Ya’Cahin thought about that for a moment before nodding. “I’m assuming that gate behind you will take us there?”
He nodded and stepped aside, resting a hand on one of the pillars. Blue light exploded to life and stretched between both pillars. It expanded upward until it became a door. It hummed slightly but for the most part it was silent. “Alright team. Let’s get going. Rizier, do your thing.”
They walked through the gate one by one and after a short buzz they were teleported into the festival. The huge chorus of voices, shouts, and bargaining. The street in the center was open as people marched with banners and instruments. There was a float in the distance but she couldn’t get a good view on it. On the sides of the streets were the people weren’t lined up and cheering there were kiosk, stalls, tables and more selling produce, handmade clothes, tools, and more. This festival was alive and the energy was palpable.
Rizier looked around dazed, their mind over loaded by all the minds, voices, and emotions. Ya’Cahin took one of their hands and gave it a squeeze. They grunted but glanced toward their captain and nodded slowly. Tahu looked around wide eyed and was grinning.
“This is a festival! Can we enjoy this? Explore? Please Yaya?”
“Maybe later,” she laughed but her serious face returned. “Let’s split up and work our strengths. Ula. Tahu. Technology all around us. Get inside it, eyes on everyone. If you hear some chatter funnel it to the rest of us.”
“Aye aye Captain.” Tahu was smiling and Ula’s face was less then enthused by their fellow Zorg but nodded at Ya’Cahin.
“Rizier can you handle this crowd?”
They closed their eyes and then gave a slow short nod. “Yes. It will take some time but yes.” She nodded and reached into a pocket. Tossing her the other half of the split amp to them she smiled. “The crystal?”
“Part of it. Use it to block out the excess noise. If anything, link to me directly and I’ll help you through it. Find the princess and stay with her like a shadow.”
“Where will you be captain?” Ula asked.
“I’m a sniper remember?” She turned around and pointed upward. There was a tower around the corner from them. It overlooked the entire festival, the sun above casting its shadow away from them. “So I’m gonna find my way up there.”
Once everyone understood they scattered around the plaza to their jobs. Ya’Cahin sifted through the crowds stepping through various species. She might as well have been invisible though because not a single one paid her any mind. They were all wrapped up in the excitement of what was going on and she couldn’t blame them.
She stepped onto a side street that had a bridge hanging above her. People were crossing above and a river of the same water split both sides of the street. There was a groove where a spiral stair case going up was situated. The water was calm and a boat floated in the distance. She couldn’t tell how deep the water was but she didn’t want to risk falling in.
She grabbed her amp and then hopped over the river. Thrusting her hand down a circle of blue energy formed under foot and she stepped to the other side harmlessly. Her fingers tingled and she smiled at the sensation but went toward the wall. Tracing her fingers across it slowly she stepped onto a stair case.
Walking up it quickly she got onto the bridge and gripped the edge. Going to one of the windows she stuck her head out then glanced upward. A few people flew overhead but the skies were mostly clear. Gripping the edge, she stepped onto the bar and then leaped forward. Turning midair she thrust her hand down and another platform appeared under foot for a second and she jumped atop the roofs.
Hesitating she made sure that her footing was secure and then started moving. Running across the rooftop she sprinted toward the clock tower. Getting to the top would’ve been an issue if she wasn’t prepared.
Reaching at her hip she pulled her gun free. She tapped the barrel and suddenly it extended to its full size. The scope popped out as well and she narrowed her eyes through it. There was a balcony below the tower itself but what she really wanted was the balcony that was slightly below the clock itself.
Aiming carefully, she stilled her breath and her eyes began to glow. The rest of the world slowed down as she raised her rifle slightly upward. Pulling on the bolt she tapped another button on the rifle. Prongs extended from the muzzle and she was given a green circle appeared around the scope.
“Go time.”
Squeezing the trigger, she fired. A grappling hook spiraled out of the gun with rope behind it. It sank slightly and then latched onto the railing. Running forward she jumped and pulled the trigger again as it retracted. Pulling her upward she ran along the edge of the tower going to the top.
Climbing over the railing she surveyed her surroundings. It was a simple thing. Railing around both sides, two walls in the center that helped to support the top. A staircase that would go up and into the clock. She could cross the center and would be looking on the other end.
She held her gun aloft and pointed it toward the streets. Narrowing her eyes, she let the scope zoom in further. She could see everything from up here. Every face, eye, tentacle, and more. Following the street, she raised it slightly and then found the parade line. And on the float with the most decoration and the fanfare was the princess. She was insectoid, at least from the waist up. Thin lines of hair on her arms and body with a mandibled face along with far set eyes. She was waving and maybe smiling. If that’s what her people called smiling. Reminded her of Xilo honestly.
“Alright guys, what’s the situation with our princess. I’ve got eyes on her. Where are you?”
A small ping appeared on her scope and she glanced toward the right. Zooming in further she could see the hooded figure of Rizier. They were watching the parade intently but something more. She could feel a cloud around them and narrowed her eyes on them. Her eyes glowed again and a chill ran down her spine.
“Captain?”
“How’d you do that without looking at me?”
“I am very adept at my telepathic abilities.”
She laughed lightly. “Ain’t that the truth. What’ve you gotten from the crowd?”
“Outside of excitement. A few stray thoughts of discomfort or frustration. I cannot tell if they are specific to the festival or personal gripes. If there were anything to be found here it is not with the parade or the princess.”
“I guess that’s good news then. Keep watch. I’m going to check in with our partners.”
The tingling faded to a very very dull whine. Their connection was closed but not gone. Shaking her head with a shudder she smiled. Touching the piece at her ear static triggered for a second but then cleared.
“Tahu. Ula. Got something for me?”
“I do not captain but Tahu is following a lead. I am keeping my eyes on the princess.”
“Oh really? Where is Tahu?”
“I am sending you the location. Should I go toward them?”
“Maybe. Stay on the call.”
Pulling back on the gun she turned around and tracked the signal Ula sent her. It was on the other end of the clock tower sadly. She tracked it and was faced instead with a solid wall of stone. Scowling she went back out to the railing and jumped onto it. Using the gun to balance she stepped slowly across the edges going forward.
She raised her gun again and glanced through the scope. There they were, roaming down an alley. The buildings and walls weren’t that tall around them. Thankfully from up here she really could see everything. And she could also see that they weren’t alone. There were people behind them, shadowing their movements. They were dressed like the Lieutenant Mao.
“Tahu how’s it going?”
“Oh not bad. Chasing a lead. How you doing Yaya?”
“Oh not bad. Seeing some great sights up here. You’re being tailed by the way.”
“Yeah I noticed them a while ago. Hopefully I can get them. Is Ula on the princess?”
“Yes Tahu. Though I am concerned that things are not going to remain calm as they are.”
“There is agitation amongst the crowd. Some new members have entered the area. They look to be guards. The same as Mao but their minds are conflicted. Very difficult to read.”
“Alright. Well then let’s converge. Tahu feel free to engage them. Maybe they’re friendly. I’ve got your back. Ula and Rizier remain on high alert.”
Tahu slowed and turned around to face them, both their hands up. There were four of them. Just outside of Tahu’s wheelhouse. Diplomacy time. “Hey. Wow. This is awkward. I’m lost at the moment. Never been to this planet before.”
They barked to one another in a language Tahu didn’t understand. That was not one of the common languages of the universe and their sensors were not going to figure it out fast enough. Maybe a high stress environment wasn’t conducive to a healthy zorg.
“Get down filthy machine. Or you die. We care not.”
“Lieutenant Imma won’t tolerate anything but cooperation.”
They each went to their hips and pulled out guns all aimed at them. The tips glowed to life with the pulsating sound of concentrated energy. That didn’t look too good. “So captain I’m not sure if these guys want to shoot me because I look like a criminal or-“
“They should have gotten the info that we took the bounty. They know who we are. They are not on our side.”
“Good to know.”
The ground vibrated and an explosion echoed past. They all flinched, glancing back at the explosion. It was huge, bright green and yellow lights streaking across the sky. Tahu glanced back to them and whipped out their gun. Locking on sharply they started firing.
The shots were somewhat aimed well. They managed to take out two and hit the third in the leg. The fourth however reacted faster and shot Tahu in the leg. Wincing and stumbling backwards they rolled behind a few crates and watched as parts of it exploded with laser fire. Glancing at the new arm they made a face. “I think Ula programmed you with a few small gimmicks.”
The arm rotated and reversed at the wrist. Their fingers and hand fused with the wrist of the forearm and a muzzle occupied appeared. “Yeah I’m keeping this upgrade when Ula finishes building my arm.”
Standing up from behind the crates they leveled the arm and opened fire. Bullets poured out of it instead of the concentrated energy they were used to. Their hand jerked but grabbing the appendage they narrowed the focus. Sadly, the target had dived for cover and their bullets only slammed into concrete. The third had managed to drag himself away to safety.
Ducking down swiftly Tahu tried to avoid more fire from them as it whizzed over the crate and then hit the crate itself. They dove down to avoid getting hit more and groaned. They were annoyingly accurate. “Hey Yaya. Can you take these two down?”
Two shots rang out. Loud booming sounds that tore the air in the same way that they tore apart flesh. The gunshots stopped almost immediately and Tahu arched an eyebrow with a smirk. “Alright. Remind me not to piss you off more Yaya.”
“So you can piss me off a little still?”
“Of course.” Standing up, their arm returned to its normal form, functioning fingers and all. “What was that explosion?”
“Something to be worried about. Get over there. I’m going down myself.”
“Roger that. Hoping that Rizier and Ula are alright.”
“You and me both.”
Rizier coughed into their hand as the smoke filtered around them. Shouting and screaming people were on either side and their mind was quickly becoming a storm of terror. They squeezed a hand around the crystal tightly. An orb of silence formed around Rizier, empty of noise but a visible wall just beyond the edge.
Turning their eyes about they tried to locate the mind of the princess. From the eye of the storm it was easier to focus and like a beam of light they pierced the darkness. Singling out the girls mind they moved toward her.
She was panicked, being thrown back and forth by the crowds. Her personal guards were forcing their way forward to get to her but their minds were open to Rizier. They did not mean to save her, they meant to steal her away and then silence her.
“Ula the princess is about to be taken. I have a plan but I need you to help me accomplish it.” They said into their communicator.
Ula was directing people away from the source of the explosion and tilted their head at Rizier’s voice in her head. “What do you need?”
Rizier told them quickly and then the communication went silent. Ula nodded slowly when more screaming echoed. Startled they turned around as they pointed in the direction for people to run. They dove into the direction that people were running, then broke out of the crowd climbing atop a building. From their new vantage point they sprinted through the crowd toward the parade line.
They spotted the princess and then watched as two guards came to her side. They each grabbed one of her arms and dragged her away quickly. From what Rizier told them, she was in immediate danger from them. Coming down from the roofs they ran after them but they were faster, dragging her through the plaza with the now abandoned stalls. They looked like they were going for the bridge where a boat floating there.
Ula raised their arm and tapped their fingers across it. Their eyes opened to highlight the boat. They saw the controls and the electricity coursing through it. Narrowing their eyes they tapped their her arm again. Bypassing the security of the boat wasn’t difficult. They tapped their wrist again and the power signals from it ceased. It was out of commission for now.
Slowing down as they approached, Ula shouted. “Release the princess!”
The princess was dragged aboard the ship while the others turned to face her and whipped out their guns. Ula did the same and they were standing at an impasse. “The princess will go with us,” He shouted back. “We will not allow you to stop our plans.”
“We will not allow you to put the princess in further danger.” Ula said narrowing their eyes.
The other guard came off the boat, the princess not in tow. “The boat is malfunctioning.”
“What?” He glanced back toward Ula and glared. “You’ve done something. You machines are a plague.
They both opened fire on them immediately. Ula did not move and felt the bullets ricocheting off their body. Unfortunate. Lowering their gun they dashed forward swinging both arms forward. Clipping one in the chest they sent them flying into the water. The other they grabbed them by the front of the jacket and threw them into the neighboring wall.
“Princess you’re safe. Come out.”
“I wouldn’t go so far as to say that.” The princess walked forward, her many legs clacking on the stone with another guard behind her. They had a gun at her head and a hand on her shoulder. This one’s muzzle was scarred and one eye was empty with a scratch over it. Wounds from previous battles probably.
“Who are you?” Ula asked form still tense.
“I am Lieutenant Imma. The one who is going to return our country to its former glory.”
“What are you saying? Your countries economy is flourishing. The festival and the marketplace as well. There is nothing but glory to be had.”
Imma chuckled shaking his head and glared at her. “Our strength comes from groveling to these aliens and machines. I will not grovel to these outsiders any longer. Our strength, the ability to stand on our own, that is gone. I will restore it.”
“And what if your people don’t want the greatness that you are proposing?”
“Then I will drag them kicking and screaming.” Imma stared at them with the smug look on his face. He began to walk forward, his gun firmly placed against the princess’s head.
“Do not take another step.” Ula told him.
“You are in no position to make threats.”
“I will not ask again.”
Imma’s smugness dropped as he growled. “I will kill her. She is not needed for my plans. If anything, she’s a bargaining chip. Expendable.”
“I’m glad to know you think so little of the princess,” The princess said glancing downward.
Imma started, glancing down at her. She looked upward and the exoskeleton that was her face started to change. Melting away to become bandages much lighter than her grey carapace. Sand surged from the bandages grabbing the Imma’s arms. Six eyes focused on the guards like a weight came down upon his mind.
Rizier’s voice echoed and layered upon itself from their covered mouth. It reverberated in his ears and in his mind. “You will back away from me. You will kneel down. You will place your hands behind your head. You will submit.”
He fought, struggled to maintain control of his own body but Rizier’s commands pounded at his psyche. Slowly he collapsed down onto one knee and then the other. His hands jerked into place behind his head and he kneeled down entirely.
Rizer stood in front of him, their normal form completely visible now. They glanced toward Ula and nodded. “Thank you for trusting in my plan.”
“Now knowing the extent of your shape shifting ability combined with your mental manipulations it was sound,” they replied and raised a hand to her ear. “Captain. We have apprehended the leader of the rebellion.”
“Really? Nice. What about the princess? Is she safe?”
Rizier gave a short nod. “She is. I requested that she blend in with the crowd and contacted Mao. I can feel her mind right now. She is scared but with her people and they are comforting her. She is safe.”
“Good,” Ya’Cahin folded her rifle as she walked the streets away from the clock tower. “Time to collect.”
The Harlequin Library 