Ghost Stories
“Chan slow
down!” Exclaimed a portly man as he trotted along a corridor of the busy
“Why William
Lemont, I haven’t see you since that dust up at Lang Jiang’s
To his credit
Lemont only blushed red as opposed to the deep crimson shade he used to reach
whenever the term Lang Jiang’s
“Now Chan, you know that wasn’t either my doings or my fault. The bachelor party for Jason got out of control when the twins took a liking to the best man. I barely escaped the fire and Lang Jiang hasn’t spoken to me since. I miss that old reprobate.”
“Okay, okay,
you win; I only mention it as I know I can get you to blush whenever I do.”
”Well it’s not every day a man of
my girth has to crawl out of the second floor of a burning building, wearing a
hastily acquired and strategically tied kimono. Now how about we move on to the
present mei mei. I hear you are
hiring.”
“You know you are the only person in the ‘Verse I let call me that don’t you? Not even my real brothers can refer to me as ‘little sister’ even though they are my older brothers.”
“I consider it both a term of endearment and an extreme honor that I am afforded the privilege.”
“You’ll have to
remind me why I allow you that privilege again?”
”Why it’s my sparkling personality my dear soon to be captain.”
Chan lost her battle not to laugh and William joined her for several priceless moments before the big man turned solemn again.
“I’m serious Chan, you want a crew, I want to be on it, and I’ve got the coin to pay my freight, even if I might be packing a bit more freight than the average bear.” He added as he rubbed his vast belly and leered lasciviously.
Chan punched him in the shoulder for all the effect it had before trusting herself to maintain a serious face and reply. “Seriously William, I thought you had a gig?”
“I do, but bouncing isn’t a job in the Black and you know I have the soul of a spacer. I’ll take what work as I can find, but given half a choice, I want to be on a ship and given half of a half’s choice I want to be on yours.”
“William you have the soul of Henry the Eighth, but I also know I couldn’t ask for a better man on my crew. The job of First Mate is yours if you can front your share. I hate to have to resort to offering shares in the ‘Ghost, but you know my situation and I’ve had to make some choices I don’t like. Between you and me, I really need someone I know I can trust on board.”
“How much exactly is my share Chan? I’ve got some money saved, but I can’t buy your boat for you.”
Chan’s eyes flashed for a moment and she took a deep breath before replying with a heavy sigh. “Used to be a time I would have slapped you cross-eyed for saying that, but times have gotten hard enough that I can’t be anywhere near as choosey as I would like, but then again, you are a bit different, you are an old friend that I can be honest with. Walk with me William, the ship’s not far.”
“Certainly mei mei.” William replied with a soft voice knowing his friend was talking about something that was a source of deep pain for her.
The two walked in silence for a while as Chan gathered her thoughts, finally tossing her head as if to chase away the last of her doubts before beginning to speak.
“I knew I was talking a chance when I saw that old Firefly sitting in the scrapper’s yard, but she was sound and despite what happened to Lattimer and her former crew, I knew she would treat me right. And she has, it was my crew that was the problem. We ran the Black for two years before we ran into a bad patch. Them as were in my crew at the time got to talking that it was the ghost of Harold Lattimer himself that was acting as our Jonah. Seemed like there was nothing I could do to break that run of bad luck and keep us in coin, finally we set down here on Verbena eight months ago with a busted compression coil and empty pockets. The crew was nice and all, being stand up enough to tell me to my face that they’d had enough and were shipping out as best as they could with other ships.
“I leveraged every friend I know. I even contacted some of my old Browncoat ‘buddies.’ Those as would even talk to me were of no help and I’ve been stuck here in Kennewick ever since, spending good credits on docking fees and going nowhere about as fast as an Alliance bureaucrat. Since I was alone and had the run of the ship, I could have nice long conversations with our merciful Buddha and finally he sent me an epiphany so pure I could only shake my head as to why I couldn’t see it in the first place. William, what is the root of unhappiness?”
The big man blinked taken by surprise by the non sequitur question before replying with the central core answer known to all Buddhists. “Desire mei mei.”
“Exactly William, I was so deeply focusing on what I, and my damn pride wanted, I couldn’t see I had the answer all along. Do you remember an old poem from Earth-That-Was about no one being an island?”
“My, but you have had time to think Chan. I haven’t heard a quote from the meditations of John Donne in a long time.”
“Yeah well, eight months will do that to you. Anyway, my point was I was trying to be an island, trying to do everything on my own to suit my own prideful desire to be a one woman show. Once I figured out I had a resource others would desire I had a means to resolve my problem. Here she is William, the one and only Lattimer’s Ghost.”
The would-be First Mate joined Chan in smiling from ear to ear as they arrived at the docking port and they got a good look at the parked standard Firefly-Class Mid-Bulk transport. William took his time looking the ship over as Chan stood to one side to give him the time and space to thoroughly examine what would become his home.
“Beautiful as you are mei mei, but I do have a question.
“What’s that?”
“I have to ask, why does the hull have that brassy color? Typically Fireflies look more gunmetal gray.”
“Ah, yes, I looked into that ‘cause I was curious my own self. The ‘Ghost was one of the very last ships off the line and the contractor supplying the hull plates, knowing the Firefly contact was about to go south, left the builder hanging to pursue other deals that would last longer. The shipyard had to scramble to find a source for hull plates that could meet standards and were forced to settle for a supplier that used a different alloy that contained more copper, the reason for that, I could never find out.”
“Simple enough, makes her look more unique than the average Firefly, I like it. Now that I see exactly what this resource you had is first hand, how much will it cost me to quench my own problems with personal desire and to get myself back into karmic balance?”
“Four hundred credits.”
“Ah…um…wow, I knew I was a man of many passions, but I didn’t know I had so much desire residing in this fine frame of mine.” William replied as he stood hands deep in his pockets and rocking back and forth from his heels to the balls of his feet, deep in thought as he wrestled with the decision. “You have any other investors?”
“I’ve got a pilot and a mechanic solid. I’ve got a line on a medic that’s not as solid, but it’d be a shame not to have one considering the full infirmary. I’ve had several other offers, but not fully sure on any of them, you know folk.”
“Well, you’ve got a First Mate solid as well. I just need to tell my current employer to gen hou zi bi diu shi[1]. I’ll be back in two hours.”
Chan smiled and hugged the big man fiercely. “I knew I could count on you William. Now git! I’ve got captain like things to get done.”
“What sort of things?”
“Mainly making sure I get that medic before she gets away and seeing if I can squeeze out any other serious crew. Things will be a mite tight if we only have five. If I can firm up seven, we’ll have enough capital to keep us flying.”
“See you soon mei mei.”
“I’ll be here.”
True to his word, Lemont walked up the cargo ramp of the Lattimer’s Ghost two hours later. He had a large duffle bag on his shoulder and was pulling a hand-truck stacked with boxes behind him. As he entered the ship he was met by a small man.
“Who are you and why are you on my ship?”
William looked the scrawny guardian up and down before replying with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m the first mate and who might you be?”
“Crap! The Captain said she went and hired a first mate, I just didn’t know she hired so much first mate.” The man guffawed for a moment until he suddenly found himself dangling off the deck in one meaty fist and staring at the other meaty fist drawn back and ready to strike.
“Okay slick, you’ve used your freebie, next ‘fat’ joke and whatever you do, we’ll get another one. Now I asked you a question, who might you be?”
“P-P-Put me down you big…uh…Sir. I’m Sylvester Marsh the pilot!”
Before William could respond, Chan Juan and another man entered the cargo bay from the rear entrance.
“Marsh, that mouth of yours is going to get you in trouble one day. You should consider yourself lucky that William Lemont is a kind hearted individual. Since you two have had a chance to meet, I’ll introduce you to Willis Thorton, he’s our mechanic. Oh and put Mr. Marsh down. Despite his mouth, he really is a good pilot. Or at least that’s what he likes to tell everyone.”
“Are you sure he’s old enough to have a license captain?” William said as he lowered first his fist and then the pilot. “He barely looks old enough to be on his first joy ride in a hover car.”
“Trust me William, I ran the license six times and called the flight academy. Young Marsh here was first in his class.”
“You’re the captain.” He replied as he turned to shake Thorton’s hand. “Sorry about the little display, it is nice to meet you, both of you actually.”
”It is a pleasure to be working for you Mr. Lemont.” Willis said with a stiff formality.
“None of that fancified stuff young feller. Please call me William, but never call me Bill. I never liked being associated with a notice of debt.”
“William it shall be then. I must take my leave of you good people. I’ve got some more tuning to do to be certain we are ready for when we are given the order to go.” Nodding to each member present, the intense mechanic turned and headed for the engine room. William watched him leave and turned to Chan with a raised eyebrow.
Noticing the silent exchange, Marsh took that moment to leave as well speaking over his shoulder as he departed. “I’m ready whenever you are captain. William.”
Once they were alone Chan shook her head. “I know William, I said I had a resource that others would desire, not that I was a woman of means. I screened both of them carefully. The flight academy said Marsh was top notch in spite of his age and mouth. Thorton had the same sort of recommendations. He’s just a tad too deep into his religiosity to be quite right.”
“Chan, I know
how you’ve been struggling, we’ve known each other a long time and it was hard
for me to stand by and watch, but I knew you had to face this thing by
yourself. Now I don’t have to keep my mouth shut and you are not alone. If
these guys come with good ratings, then they know their jobs. Making them get
along and be a crew is my job. It will work out mei mei.
I’m really looking forward to it.”
Chan’s eyes twinkled as she replied. “I am too William.”
The two were interrupted by a small voice from outside.
“Uh…hello?”
“Cindy! I’m glad you decided to come by. Cindy Schultz, this is William Lemont the first mate. William, this is the medic I told you about.
“Charmed Cindy, captain said you were a top notch find.” William said while doing an admirable job of not staring at a woman that could in, best kindness, be called unattractive.
“Nice to meet you too William.” Said Cindy. “As for being top notch, well I like what I do.”
“Have you thought about my offer Cindy?” Chan asked, carefully maintaining an air of total calm and Zen-like control.
“I have captain and after considerable thought, I accept. I’m a traveling sort and I can’t stay in one place too long, having a home that travels with me appeals to me.” Replied Cindy.
“Born under a wandrin’ star Cindy?” William asked with a big smile.
“Excuse me?”
“You’ll have to forgive William he’s a font of knowledge from Earth-That-Was. I’m sure that line was a quote from some obscure poem or song.” Chan said with a knowing look that women share when they are talking about a man right in front of him.
“It was from a play actually, but you are right, I do go on at times. It’s part of my sparkling personality.”
Chan rolled her eyes in mock disgust. “Get used to hearing that one too. It’s his favorite line about himself.”
“Actually I won’t mind. Getting to know a new unit will be good for me.” Said Cindy.
“Unit?” Chan replied, obviously going on guard.
Looking over
both shoulders to make sure they were alone before replying. “I’m going to take
a guess here as not too many pro
“Well, I’d say your guess is right on track. I chose to stay out of the war, not something I’m proud of, but I don’t exactly have the shape of a soldier.” William said so smoothly that Cindy failed to notice the flash in Chan’s eyes.
“The Browncoats weren’t exactly picky about a soldier’s appearance, just as long as they made an appearance. Being there was more important than looking good.”
“Ah yes, that was so true.” Chan added with a thankful glance at William for his timely intervention to give her time to collect her thoughts.
“You were a Browncoat captain?
“Yes I was, but not a very good one. However, we are talking about today’s news and not yesterday’s news Cindy. When can you be ready?”
“Uh I have a
few loose ends in
“Three days then Cindy, I am so happy you joined us. The ‘Ghost has a full infirmary and it would have galled me to no end to lift without a medic.”
“I’ll see you out Cindy.” Said William as he led the new medic to the main hatch. “Since you were a Browncoat, you know how life is in the Black, you never know when a medic will be needed and I’ll echo the Captain’s sentiments about having you aboard.”
“Thank you William, I think I’ll be happy here.”
“It’s my job to see that you are. Bye now.”
“Bye.”
William returned to where Chan was standing with a distant look in her eye. “Mei mei, she has no way of knowing what happened. Besides, you are the captain. She’ll see that the story is a load of gos se[2].
“Yeah that it is, but I doubt if I’ll ever be able to get out from under that load of gos se William.”
“Those that know you have already figured out the truth, those that don’t know you don’t matter.”
“Still ever the gallant one I see. My hero!” Chan said as she clapped her hands and looked at her friend with fawning eyes before bursting into laughter.
“Ah that’s what I was aiming for.” William replied as he joined in the captain in a hearty laugh. “So, which way to my room?”
”Oh right, let me show you the accommodations, by the way, what’s in the boxes?”
“One guess.”
“Food.”
“You know me too well mei mei. I may love the life of a spacer, but that doesn’t mean I have to love protein packs.”
The next morning found the crew of the Lattimer’s Ghost going over the myriad of details to make sure the ship was really ready for spaceflight. It’s been said the devil is in the details, what gets left out of that simple saying is the fact that devil’s name was Murphy. Fuel, water, oxygen for life support, foodstuffs, parts, tools, calibrations, flight certifications inspections, and what seemed like a never ending list of niggling annoyances to make life more difficult than it needed to be. All of those details paled compared to the most important detail, namely finding a cargo.
“Another six waves from this Xavier nutcase. I swear that woman is going to drive me to drink.” Chan snarled as she closed the Cortex link.
“Uh, you already drink mei mei.” William offered cautiously.
“Okay to smoke then!”
“Uh, you already smoke mei mei.” William added even more cautiously.
“That’s beside the point; she’s going to make me drink and smoke more.”
“Not having met this woman, so I can’t go too far out on a limb, but are you sure she is in fact a nutcase?”
“Well, I did see this chick and let’s just say she’s not boosting on all thrusters.” Marsh added from the pilot’s seat of the bridge.
“Her coin good?” Asked William.
“Yes damn it, she’s got the coin, but I don’t want her on my crew.” An obviously and completely exasperated Chan replied.
“Okay then captain, I guess I’ll ask the obvious question…why?”
“I…uh…I…uh… Damn it William do you have to be so logical?”
“Not always, but it seems appropriate at the moment.”
“I too have seen Miss Xavier and while she strikes me as a troubled woman, I did not perceive her to be an actual threat.” Willis said joining the conversation after having heard the raised voices all the way from the cargo bay.
“No she’s not a threat, but I’m not seeing what she would add to the crew. She’s damn sure no fighter and as for her ‘technical skills’ I don’t see where we can use a computer brain trust.”
“What did her former employers say, she got any references?” William said after some thought.
“That’s the main reason I don’t trust her William, this woman doesn’t exist as far as the Cortex is concerned, she’s got names of people she’s worked for, but I couldn’t find a word on her that I could confirm. Even when she sends me a wave, they come with no header and I can’t trace them to where she sent them.” Chan replied shaking her head.
“Are you sure we can’t use skills like that? Being able to move though the Cortex without leaving a trace strikes me as a right useful talent.” Said William.
Chan took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of her nose as a headache threatened to form. “I have to admit, that could be a useful talent, but since I can’t check her background, what sort of problems is she towing behind her that we can’t see? I guess that is what my main problem is about this woman. I don’t mind a surprise, especially if it involves jewelry, candy, or something made out of lace, but you all know surprise out in the Black come in two kinds, trouble and bigger trouble.”
“Mental note to self, ‘something made out of lace’ for captain.” William said with a huge grin.
“Do not make me hurt you so bad that I will need to hire a new first mate while you recover William.”
“New mental note to self, erase previous mental note.”
“Did Miss Xavier leave you a contact address?” Willis asked. “It seems to me that while she may be an enigma, I believe she would have a function on this crew.”
“She’d be entertaining if nothing else.” Marsh chuckled as he watched the exchange while waiting for the main navigation computer to reinitialize after completing the calibration routine. “I’d like to see her in something made out of lace.”
“I’ve hired a crew of pigs. Sweet Buddha, I know I was prideful, but is this to be my lot forever and always?” Chan beseeched the silent heavens hoping for some sort of answer. “To answer your question Willis, no she never does, I’m sure she will contact me again in an hour.”
“Captain, while the rest of the crew may have certain rough edges, I do not believe you would have hired them if they were truly the pigs you speak of. As the Yin and Yang tells us, we must have balance. I believe your own refinement requires that at least part of the crew be of a more raw state to keep the crew and Feng Shui in proper harmony.” Willis said with complete sincerity.
“Willis, why didn’t you become a monk? You obviously live the life and would be worthy.” Chan replied with an honest smile.
“My parents wished this so Captain, but it seems my destiny is on a different path.”
“It is the monastery’s loss Willis.”
“You are most kind Captain.”
“Um I hate to interrupt, but I realize that not being able to check out her claims is offering a bit more trust than is common in the ‘Verse, but you yourself said she wasn’t a fighter, to my thinking, that means if she does try anything, she won’t be hard to subdue if it comes to that. I say we give her a berth and if she proves to be a problem, we buy out her share and dump her on the first planet we reach. If she tries anything, we just give her an all expenses paid close up tour of the Black without a spacesuit.” William said without a trace of humor on his face.
“That sounds like a first mate talking to me.” Chan smiled. “I think you have hit on a plan, besides, there is no doubt we can use the coin.”
“It’s settled then, now next order of business. Uh, is there a next order of business?”
“A cargo might be nice William.” Said Marsh.
“All too true Sylvester.” William replied and catching the flash in the pilot’s eyes. “Serves you right you smart ass.” He thought knowing that Marsh did not like being called by his first name.
“I’ve been stuck on this rock for eight months, and I’ve had a chance to cultivate a few contacts that should lead us to a right proper cargo.” Chan said arching her back in a full stretch as she stood up.” I’ll wait ‘til I hear from Xavier, then William and I will go out and canvass some of the local establishments for a paying cargo.”
“This should be interesting indeed.” William rubbed his hands together then turned to face the pilot. “You got that nav-computer working yet?”
“Yeah finally, the ruttin’ thing had to be wiped clean and manually reload it, but it’s as ready to fly as anything else on the ‘Ghost, that is if old Harold Lattimer gives us his blessing.”
“Don’t give me that haunted gos se.” Chan snapped. “I won’t lose another crew to fairy tales.”
“Easy Captain, I was kidding.”
“Sorry Marsh, I’m overly sensitive about the topic of the late Mister Lattimer.”
“He was a bona fide hero and whether he meant to or not, he’s left us a fine ship mei mei, we’ll make him and you proud-” William was interrupted by a tone announcing a new wave from the Cortex.
“Captain Wu, it is so nice to finally catch you at home.” A bald woman with pale white makeup and darkened eyes and lips said from the display.
“Ah Miss Xavier, sorry for the delays in returning your waves, there is so much to get ready when you are trying to get a ship registered for space worthiness.”
“I quite understand Captain. I’m actually standing at the bottom of your cargo ramp and I’d like to come aboard if that is okay with you.”
Marsh slammed the mute button before snarling “That chick is stalking you captain!”
“Please un-mute the Cortex Marsh.” Chan replied and waited the half second it took for Marsh to stare blankly at the captain and then comply.
“That would be fine Miss Xavier, welcome aboard. Well gentlemen, let’s talk to the lady”
“Lady?” Marsh muttered as he followed the rest of the crew to the cargo bay.
“Captain Wu, I am happy to finally meet you in person.” Xavier said warmly and then waited expectantly.
“Yes Miss Xavier, nice to meet you as well. I-”
“Please Captain, no need to be so formal. Xavier is all I go by, I require no honorifics.” The slight woman interrupted. “Is this the rest of the crew?”
“Yes, well almost all, our medic, a Cindy Schultz, will join us in two days.” Chan went through the formal introductions as each of the men tried hard not to stare at the would-be crew member’s unusual appearance, before they all found things to do at a glance from the captain. Chan then took the woman on a tour of the ship, returning to the cargo bay once finished.
“Captain, I know you’ve had a chance to read my proposal, do you accept?” An obviously satisfied Xavier said once the tour was over.
Chan hesitated for only a moment before replying and shaking the woman’s hand. “Yes Xavier I do.”
“I only have one question.”
”And that would be?”
“Why did you name your ship the Lattimer’s Ghost? Is this in reference to the previous owner Harold Lattimer?”
“Well that’s two questions, but they are related. You are correct this ship was originally owned by Harold Lattimer and she used to fly under the name Tantivy. This ship is actually one of the last 03 model Fireflies produced and she’s plied the spacelanes for just over twenty years. Lattimer was one of the first to join with the Independent faction and his ship was converted into a med-ship to support the war effort.
“I never met
the man, but everything I’ve ever heard points to him being a true patriot, he
kept the Tantivy close to the battle lines and brought out wounded when no one
else would even try to go get them, but the old girl here suffered for it. She
may not look like much, but she’s tough, ‘cause she was hit many times despite
a collision avoidance upgrade he put in. The Tantivy stayed flyin’ mainly due
to the sheer orneriness of the ship herself and her owner. Being so close to
the front lines, it didn’t take long before the Tantivy was flagged by the
“But the wear
and tear on the ship from her wartime exploits was something fierce and
constantly having to fly the longest courses to avoid
“The Tantivy sat in the scrapper's yard waiting to be broken up for nearly a year before I found her and despite how she looked on the outside, I knew I couldn’t just let her get broken up to make the next generation of Blue Sun razor blades, So I bought her, despite her reputation she’d picked up for ‘killing’ her crew. Hell, I know fifty people that wouldn’t be breathing if not for this here ship. I knew that rep and I didn’t need any baggage dragged along with her original name, so in a bit of gallows humor, I renamed the ship in honor of her late owner the Lattimer's Ghost.”
“I can tell you have great pride in your ship Captain, I look forward to being a part of your crew and being on a ship with an illustrious, if a tad colored background, too many things in the ‘Verse lack color. This ship shines and I like that. I’ll go get my things and be back in an hour.”
“You travel light Xavier.”
“Well the ‘Verse isn’t always a friendly place and I’ve had to make more than one quick exit, so I’ve found it’s best to be mobile.”
“We can swap quick exit stories one day. I’ve got a few of my own.”
“I look forward to it Captain.”
”Chan.”
“I...thank you Chan, see you soon.”
“See you soon.”
Chan watched the decidedly different woman walk away and began to wonder about her reasons for letting someone she knew absolutely nothing about join her crew. “I hope I haven’t become a whore to money.” She though savagely. “I know I haven’t had much choice in my crew and this choice is going to be the biggest risk since I kept my girl from the scrapper’s yard. Thank you dear Buddha for William, I couldn’t do this alone again.”
As Chan watched Xavier disappear into the crowd, she felt a presence draw next to her. She didn’t bother turning that direction as she knew who it was, why he was there, and smiled to herself at his impeccable timing.
“Ready to find us a job Captain?” William asked after a moment.
“Yes I am. As I mentioned I know a few people, we’ll start with the legit ones, and work our way down the scale.”
“Who’s at the bottom of the scale?” Said William as he checked his pistol and slipped into the folds of the back of his shirt.
“A charming
little snake named
“Oh him, mei mei, you’ve got to keep better company.”
“Yeah well the old saying is beggars can’t be choosers and just in case you haven’t noticed, we are only one step short of that status.”
“Then it’s time to take a couple steps up the ladder of success.”
“After you good
sir.” Chan replied with a sparkle in her eyes that hadn’t been there a couple
days earlier as she lit up a fresh cigarra and followed William into the busy
streets of
.
“Oh come on
“Chan there is
no doubt you could make it worth my while and I’d jump at the chance if I
thought for a second that you had the slightest intention of actually allowing
me to touch you, but we both know you won’t, so please don’t insult me.” The
oily man with a thin Fu Manchu moustache replied. “I know you Chan, but I also
know a bit about your background and the rep that bucket of bolts you fly in
has, neither is what you call stellar. I have to live here and if I give you a
lead, it’s my reputation that stands
to suffer for you and yours. That doesn’t exactly put you in the strongest
bargaining position despite, your other obvious assets.”
“Okay
“Two hundred and fifty platinum.”
”Two-…wha…Are you insane?” Chan sputtered.
“I’m certain a professional would find me so, but you asked what it would cost and two hundred and fifty in coin is my price to provide what you desire.”
“Maybe we could do you a service instead?” William asked to give Chan a chance to gather her thoughts and calm down.
“Y-Yes a service, maybe a cargo run at ten percent off?” Chan added.
“Ah Miss Wu, you then ask me to place faith in your…vessel. I would prefer not to do so. My price is my price. Have you the coin or are we finished here?”
The look that
boiled out of Chan’s eyes would have done a fine job of turning the underworld
broker into an even finer pile of ash, but Chan’s shoulders slumped as she knew
she really didn’t have the option to be choosey. She and William had spent
several hours going through every person they knew in
“
“Extortion is
such an ugly word for such a lovely woman Captain
Wu and so inaccurate in this case. An extortionist takes damaging
information and forces someone to pay them to keep quiet. I have no such
information on you and I am forcing nothing. You are asking me for information
and I am asking a price for that information, no extortion is involved.” He
replied as he gathered up the colorful notes and making them disappear into the
folds of his synth-silk robe. “The man
you wish to meet is one Patrick Hong of Dragon Flower Interplanetary. I will
send him a wave that you will be visiting him…”
“It is getting
late for proper introductions, so tell him tomorrow at ten.” William
interjected smoothly. “A proper introduction requires somewhat more formal
attire than we are currently wearing. Thank you so much for your time
“Looks like you needed some air.” He said after a few minutes.
“What I need is to strangle that hou zi de pi gu[4].”
“An admirable goal, but we got what we wanted even if it cost us a bit more than expected, but I suggest we focus our energy on getting this Mister Hong to actually hire us as his shipper. Just because we have a name it doesn’t mean we actually have the job yet. Focus mei mei, I know you know this wasn’t going to be easy.”
“It just galls
me to no end to have to drop good coin on the likes of
“It takes money to make money captain.”
“You just have to be logical don’t you?”
“It is my way more often than not.”
“I don’t know
whether to kill you or kiss you, but either way I’m glad your here dear
friend.”
”As if I would choose to be anywhere else. Now, let’s get ready for tomorrow.
When Chan and William reached the ship, they were met by Marsh who was so excited he was nearly hovering. He bolted down the cargo ramp, hit a slick spot, landed hard on his rump and slid down the ramp coming to a stop head down on his back.
“Uh hi captain.” He said sheepishly as he rolled back to his feet. “I have some good news.”
“Good news? Why am I suddenly suspicious?” She replied guardedly, but obviously trying not to laugh at the pilot’s misfortune.
“No kiddin’ cap, real honest to Buddha good news.”
“The suspense is killing us Mister Marsh, what is this news?” William chuckled.
“I’ve got someone that wants to rent one of our shuttles, long term even.”
“You rented a shuttle without talking to me first?” Chan said quietly.
“No, no, no Captain, I wouldn’t do that! But let’s face it captain, its extra money and it’s not like the shuttle is being used.” Marsh said defensively.
“So what exactly did you do?”
“Well this damn fine lookin’ woman sashays up to the ship just as hot as all get out and says she got word as we was lookin’ for crew. Well by the time I got my eyes pushed back in my skull, I managed to get her name and all and that I would let the captain know you was interested in signin’ on.”
“And what is her name?” William queried with his head to one side and a small smile trying not to dance at the corners of his mouth.
“Wong Li Ming. And trust me Cap, she lives up to the Li Ming part.”
“Okay, okay, I got it she’s one hot number, Marsh you sound like you could use a dip in the fuel tanks to cool off. This Li Ming leave a way to contact her?” Chan said wearily not really in a mood for any of her pilot’s juvenile behavior.
“That she did Cap, it’s on the Cortex and I’ll pass on the liquid hydrogen bath, I don’t mean to go on, but whoa, you just didn’t see her.”
“As you say money is money, but why does she want a shuttle and not a berth on the crew?” William added to bring the conversation back on topic. ”What sort of hand is she?”
“Said she was a gambler, likes to travel about lookin’ for the ‘hot table’ she called it. She wants a mobile home, but doesn’t quite have the coin for a small ship of her own.”
“First a ‘computer expert’ and now a gambler, add a couple circus animals and a bearded lady and we can will have our own traveling carnival. However, as you both have said money is money. I’ll give this Li Ming a call and see if she’s another problem or worth putting up with cause she’s got the coin.” At that point Chan went up the ramp and headed toward the bridge.
“Captain’s under a lot of stress isn’t she William?” Marsh asked as he watched Chan leave.
“More than you know son, more than you know.”
“Miss Wong you have a deal.” Chan beamed and shook the hand of the woman that even the captain had to admit was stunning. “Easy girl, you know it’s been too damn long when you start checking out other women, that or I’ve been around Marsh too long” She added silently.
“Most excellent, I will have my things aboard by nightfall. I am sincerely looking forward to the freedom your ship will provide.” Li Ming said with a big smile. “When will we be departing?”
“Well honestly now that we have a full crew, anytime. But two things are keeping us in place. First, our medic won’t be aboard until tomorrow and if all goes well in today’s meeting, our cargo will be aboard tomorrow as well. Once those final details are done, we can lift at any time.”
“Excellent Captain.”
“Chan.”
“Then I insist you call me Li Ming.”
“Deal. See you this evening.”
“Until then.” Li Ming then turned and exited the ship climbing into her own hover car and sped away.
“Okay you man apes she’s gone and the show is over. For the love of Murphy guys, can’t you show even a little class?” Her eyes widened when she noticed a familiar silhouette trying to remain unnoticed at the back of the cargo bay. ”Oh sweet merciful Buddha, even you William?”
“Hey that’s not fair captain to single me out. The whole crew is here.”
Chan glanced upward and sure enough, her entire crew was peeking out sheepishly from various half hidden perches. She smacked her forehead in mock frustration. “Xavier?”
“Well Marsh made such a big deal, I was curious. I’m certain this won’t be the case often, but he was right, she is a beautiful woman.” Said Xavier as she walked down the stairs to join Chan. The ship’s ‘security expert’ was now sans the gothic makeup, but sporting a day’s growth of hair on the top half of her scalp.
Chan staged whispered conspiratorially. “Please Xavier, I need you on my side at the very least, someone has got to help me balance the raging testosterone on board.” Then she made an elaborate wink.
“Oh right got ya captain, but don’t forget, when your medic joins us tomorrow, it will be estrogen that rules the roost. That will serve the knuckle draggers right smart.”
“Yes. Yes it will, but I must put off that celebration for now. William and I have serious business to do. Oh William dear?”
“Coming captain dearest.” The big man replied tugging at the neck of an obviously brand new uniform-like coat with a closed collar and joining the two women.
“Leave it alone William, you look fine. You actually clean up fairly nicely and this Patrick Hong will be impressed. He had better be given what we had to shell out to get these outfits ready by today.” Said Chan.
“It will be worth it mei mei, he’ll take one look at you in that fine captainy like uniform and you’ll have him wrapped around whatever appendage you want him wrapped around. If you say I ‘clean up fairly nicely,’ then you are a down right knock out. Miss Wong may be quite the seductress, but you won’t be getting kicked out of the bed for eating crackers anytime soon either.”
“You see how he speaks to his captain? Such disrespect, and from my first mate no less. I’m going to have to institute floggings. No wait, scratch that, the knuckle draggers will expect me to do it personally and would enjoy it. Maybe something involving a plank”
Xavier burst out laughing at this and both William and Chan joined her.
“Well we do need to be going. Xavier you keep an eye on the other two knuckle draggers, I’ll have my hands full with this one.”
Xavier sketched a mock salute. “Aye aye captain ma’am.”
“I’m counting on you Xavier. Now stand clear, this mule is a close fit for the main hatch.”
The two boarded the hover mule and waited for Xavier to get clear. Under William’s skilled hands, once clear of the main cargo bay, he pivoted smartly and the ship’s officers departed amid the whirring of gravitics and impellers.
The main office
of Dragon Flower Interplanetary was a modest, sprawling building right on the
edge of the
“Good to meet you Captain Wu and this must be Mister Lemont your first mate. I received a wave from our mutual acquaintance requesting I grant you this meeting.” Hong said in a cultured voice as he rose and warmly greeted the two spacers. “May I offer you some tea?”
“Thank you Mister Hong that would be most gracious.” Chan replied taking her seat with the grace of a feline. “William and I as well as the whole crew of the Lattimer’s Ghost are grateful that you would see us.”
“Yes sir, we appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.” William added as he took the proffered tea in a cup of the finest bone china.
“Ah yes the Lattimer’s Ghost, I took the liberty of looking into your ship’s background before you arrived. Quite a storied career the ship has had.” Hong said after pouring tea for Chan and himself then returning to his seat. “However, the recent history has not quite been so storied. You are asking me to risk using an unproven ship to carry cargo of substantial value and with an unproven crew as well. Captain, I find myself asking the question why should I take such risks?”
Chan was thankful for the cover the tea provided as it gave her several precious seconds to collect her thoughts before she answered. “Since you have obviously done your homework I will not attempt to insult you and make any claims beyond the truth. While my current crew is new, both my first mate and I have ample experience with mid-bulk freighter operations. My pilot was rated first in his class and my mechanic has equally high recommendations from his previous employer. My medic, while not a certified doctor from an accredited medical school, she has four years of the most intensive instruction course in existence, that of battlefield medic. I know the references from Browncoat officers do not hold the same weight that they once did, my own personal experience have shown me that a good medic is better at keeping you alive than the best doctor in the ‘Verse, as they had to learn to do more with less.
“I did some research on Dragon Flower Interplanetary as well and if your company has a watchword, it is dependability. You do not strive to compete with Blue Sun in total amount of freight shipped or to best the fastest shipper either. What you guaranty your clients is that if Dragon Flower says a cargo will be on a given planet at a given time, then come the return of Earth-That-Was, you will have it there. Prior to the set of circumstances that resulted in me being stuck on Verbena, you will note that I never missed a delivery date either. I would not disrespect you or indeed myself if I wasn’t completely certain I could make the same guaranty today. My ship and my crew stand ready to meet the same standard of excellence your own company uses. I am a woman of honor and of my word, that is all I can offer as collateral that the Lattimer’s Ghost is without a doubt the ship to fulfill your contract.”
When she stopped speaking, it was clear that Hong had not expected Chan to take this particular tack with him. It was his turn to be grateful for a cup of tea to give him time to gather his thoughts. “Well Captain, you certainly speak passionately in the defense of your ship and crew. This is something I would expect and would not do business with you if you didn’t feel that way. However, almost any other captain would make the same passionate plea; tell me why should I consider you more likely to meet your obligation than any other ship of the same size?”
“I doubt if any other captain would offer their own ship as tangible collateral to back up my passionate plea.” She replied without hesitation.
This time Hong was caught by surprise, he hid it well, but a minute widening of his eyes had been caught by both William and Chan, all they could do at this point was pray that it was going to be enough to sway the businessman. They waited breathless as Hong carefully placed his tea cup on the saucer as if he no longer trusted to keep holding the delicate piece.
“Captain, you are indeed a singular woman. It is now my turn not to disrespect you and ask if you are serious. I have been in business a long time and I have a certain gift for detecting who is lying to me and who is not. I do not believe you would make such a statement and risk your way of life and the independence those that choose the tramp freighter existence treasure if you did not place such confidence both in yourself, your crew and your ship. Captain Wu, I believe we can do business.”
Chan stood to take Hong’s offered hand and let loose the breath she’d been holding with a beaming smile. “Thank you Mister Hong, I can only hope this will be the first shipment of a long term relationship between my ship and Dragon Flower Interplanetary.”
Hong laughed with genuine amusement. “One step at a time Captain, I can only take so many surprises in one day. I will have the loaders at your ship tomorrow morning. It will take them a good six hours to get the cargo secured, which will get you off planet by 1400.”
“What exactly are we transporting Sir.” William asked, finally feeling it was safe to speak.
“Two hundred
tons of mining equipment bound for
The silent assistant appeared without being summoned and led Chan and William to the foyer and graciously bid them good day.
Once back in privacy of the hover mule, Chan hugged William fiercely, perhaps trembling more than she intended before pulling back to share his huge grin. They sat there wordless until William started the mule and steered for the spaceport.
“You did it mei mei. As if there could be any doubt.” He said after awhile.
“We did it William. I wasn’t alone. You were there with me and the abilities of the rest of the crew were what sold him.”
“No we did not mei mei, it was you and your faith in us that sold him. I would never have thought to offer the ship. If you had not, he would have shown us the door empty-handed.”
“Well you know the old saying, I have got what I wished for, now it’s time to make good on having got it.”
“Don’t you go second guessing yourself, you have got us in business and we will make it happen. Your job is to stand back and look captainy now. It’s my job to make sure we are ready to lift, which will be easy as we are already ready to lift.”
“Yes we are.”
They drove the rest of the way back to the ship in silence having already said all that needed to be said.
Cindy Schulz arrived, as promised, the following day as the cargo was being loaded. She got her things moved into her cabin and then made a complete and thorough inventory of the ship’s infirmary. She took copious notes, then returned to stock items she found lacking with supplies from her own store of equipment. During this time the entire crew, after meeting her when she arrived gave her room to set up her place of business and to get settled.
As Cindy worked
though the infirmary, the loaders were making great strides with the cargo and
they were going to have the ship fully loaded an hour sooner than expected. The
rest of the crew moved through their pre-checks to be certain all was in
readiness. The quiet mechanic Willis was a whirling dervish of activity as he
brought the Lattimer’s Ghost’s power plant to full power for the first time in
eight months. Marsh was on the bridge no longer looking like a teen too young
for a learner’s permit. He was in his element and he was all business as he
completed the astrogation plot to
Xavier and Li Ming did not have a role to play in getting the ship ready, so they kept out of the way, each working on things that mattered to them. Xavier with a watercolor painting she had started on arriving on the ship and Li Ming with decorating her shuttle as her new home.
Chan tried her best to stay out of the way and ‘look captainy,’ but was not having much luck. However, every time she attempted to assist or intervene, almost like magic a towering figure would appear to shoo her away and take care of the matter. So, with nothing else to do, she lit up a cigarra and let the big man work.
William was also in his element and he was cherishing every minute of it. The near chaos of avoiding the load lifters, signing the manifest, answering six questions at once from the port functionaries, and a dozen other tasks he had to keep straight, but keep them straight he did. At 1312 hours he turned to Chan and gave her a big smile and a nod.
Chan walked over to the cargo bay intercom and toggled the switch. “All hands this is the captain speaking. The cargo bay is secured and we have been given clearance to lift. Thank you for your amazing work today and prepare for atmospheric maneuvering. Marsh, take us up.”
The response from the ship was a solid, smooth, and comfortable rise in the hum from the engine room. The barely audible roar of the engines picked up as Marsh fed them power and then the event they all had been waiting for, the vibration of the ship breaking contact with Verbena. Climbing smoothly, the Lattimer’s Ghost cleanly soared through the afternoon sky and soon the curvature of the planet was visible to the entire crew, except for Willis still tending the engine room, on the bridge who had gathered to watch. Only a few minutes later the blue skies of Verbena faded to the endless Black of the ‘Verse. They were on their way and the crew broke out into a cheer.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been happier to leave a place in my life.” Chan beamed so obviously thrilled that she nearly glowed.
“Second star on the right and straight on ‘til dawn.” William mumbled from the back of the bridge.
“What was that William?” Li Ming asked.
“Oh nothing really, a line from a children’s book is all.” He replied a touch of color on his cheeks.
“A children’s book?” Marsh sniggered from the controls.
“Yes a children’s book from Earth-That-Was. Now how about you concentrate on driving this thing Sylvester?” William snapped back and taking some guilty pleasure in seeing the pilot’s ears color slightly at the dig.
“Now children, you behave or Momma Captain will send you both to your rooms without supper.” Chan said tapping her foot and failing miserably at looking stern. When that failed to have the effect she was looking for she added. “I know missing out on protein packs isn’t much of a threat, but I am instituting a new Lattimer’s Ghost tradition called the ‘Lift Day Feast.’ So long as we sail the ‘Verse together, on the day we depart a planet, we will go all out with real food that we purchase fresh on the planet we depart from. I took the liberty while the cargo was being loaded to do the purchasing and tonight we will kickoff the new tradition. I will even prepare the meal this time. Dinner will be a 2000 and you will all dress well. Nothing formal or anything that pretentious, but not greasy coveralls either. Any questions?”
There were none
and the crew began to break up, either returning to their duties or cabins. The
Lattimer’s Ghost cruised blissfully on until Marsh ignited the
Promptly at 2000 hours, Chan entered the dining area with her masterpiece, she never tried to claim being a great cook or even a good cook really, just that she could cook. The meal was a simple sort of stir-fry made with chicken and fresh vegetables on real rice. She placed the meal in the center of the table and smiled approvingly at the crew’s attempts to dress for the occasion. Even Marsh found a shirt with a collar and had combed his unruly hair. Xavier, while still only sporting a couple days growth of hair, didn’t have on any garish makeup or eye inserts. Chan regarded her with her head canted to one side and “Damn she’s actually nice looking once you clean her up.” Chan took her seat at the head of the table after pouring a serving of wine for each member of the crew in whatever drinking vessel they happened to be using. She raised her glass expectantly and the rest of the crew followed suite. “Ladies and gentlemen, I hear by inaugurate the first ‘Lift Day Feast’ and offer the simple wish that this be the first of many.”
“Hear! Hear!” William seconded, and was echoed by the rest of the crew.
“It’s good to be back flyin’ after so long on the ground.” Chan commented her spacer’s patois beginning to loosen by a combination of being back in the Black and wine. “Please everyone, dig in!”
That was all that was needed to start a frenzied round of serving, slapped hands, and just short of a free-for-all as everyone reached for something at the same time. Chan didn’t try to control the flow of the meal, except for occasional flinty stares at Marsh when he got too grabby with the food. The crew laughed, talked, ate, and far too soon, given what a meal like this went for, the food was gone and at everyone pushed back from the table to enjoy the simple sensation of being full and not being full of protein packs.
Chan’s timing was perfect as she sensed the mood of her crew and knew it was time to say something before they started to either feel uncomfortable in the silence or decide it was time to go before getting stuck with doing the dishes.
“Thank you all for making this new tradition a success. Now, rather than scurry away to sleep off this fine meal, I’ll open the table for them as want to speak as much or as little as they would like. Since I cooked this time, I won’t go first. Anyone got words?”
“I do.” Li Ming said immediately. “I know that my skill set is not of direct use in actually keeping the ship flying, so it means a lot to me to a be a part of this crew. I like to thank everyone for making me feel so welcome.”
“I will echo that what Li Ming said.” Cindy added. “I haven’t felt this welcome since my last unit. Captain, you really know how to make a body feel wanted.”
“Anyone else?” Chan asked. There were none so she continued. “A good ship is only half of the equation everyone. Flyin’ certainly takes a good ship, but as I can tell you first hand, if you don’t have a crew to turn the ship into a home, it’s just a big empty house going no where fast. Now since everyone is starting to look a tad on the sleepy side from the feast, I’ll make everyone’s attempts to avoid doing the dishes easier. William, my dear friend, you will have the honors tonight.”
“Why did I know that was coming?”
“Because you know me too damn well. Besides a connoisseur of fine food such as you knows how much work goes into a good meal.”
“Ah well hoist on my own petard as it were. I humbly submit to my fate.” He stood and began to clear the table.
Before everyone could clear out, Chan’s voice sliced though the clatter of the plates and sliding of chairs. “One critical thing to remember is that I will not be the cook for every feast and William will not be the one who clears every time either. We will share the responsibilities. If you absolutely can’t cook, then you will pick up more of the clean up burdens.”
A chorus of ‘yes captain’ was the response and everyone headed their different ways, but still with animate chatter as they left. Chan smiled as she watched William make quick work of clearing the table.
“I think this is going to work this time.” She said finally.
“You only made one mistake with your first crew mei mei.” William replied, studiously washing the dishes.
“Only one? It seemed like it was mostly big mistakes tied together with an occasional smaller mistake.”
“Those were just incidental to the one mistake.”
“Okay William, enough of being coy, what is this one mistake then?”
“You didn’t have me as your first mate the first time.” He replied with a booming laugh.
Chan couldn’t help but join in as in her heart she knew this to be true. “I really shouldn’t encourage that ego of yours, but I really also couldn’t ask for a better first mate.”
“Just remember
that come pay day, now go on and get some sleep. You’ve been running too long
without enough sleep and there’s nothing to do now, but wait to get to
“I think I will take you up on that. I will lay claim to certain excess of fatigue. Good night William.”
“Good night mei mei.”
Chan walked slowly to her cabin reveling in the thrum of the engine, the vibration though the soles of her boots and the smell of a ship under pulse drive. She reached her cabin and managed to kick her boots off before sitting on her bunk. Getting her boots off proved to be a good thing as she was asleep before she could turn out the light.
Chapter Two
It turned out
the highlight of the five day trip was the Lift Day Feast as the rest of the
voyage was about as incident free as was possible. The crew played cards, ate,
slept, talked, walked, but the Lattimer’s Ghost proved to be every bit as ready
as her crew thought she was. Eventually a tone from the navigation array told
Marsh that they had reached
“You do enjoy flying don’t you Marsh?” Li Ming asked as she entered the bridge aware, yet unaware of her lithe movements that accentuated every curve even when she wasn’t trying.
“I um, yeah I do. Please don’t give me the usual answer of ‘you mean last week?’ when I tell you I’ve wanted to be a pilot since I was a kid.”
“You asked to be called Marsh and I have honored your wishes, I think I can manage at least some decorum when it comes to not exploit something I can tell obviously makes you extremely uncomfortable. People make assumption based on my appearance all the time and I can certainly relate to not be taken seriously based on something as random as appearance.”
“Remind me never to play Tall Card with you; you actually said that with a straight face.”
“I wouldn’t be much of a gambler if I couldn’t keep a straight face and know a thing or two about Tall Card.”
Before Marsh could reply, the ship pitched sharply toward the planet as it hit a downdraft. Li Ming was tossed forward and managed to catch the back of the pilot’s seat, this brought her in very close proximity to Marsh. When he caught a whiff of her perfume and could feel something extremely soft pressed against his shoulder, the ship pitched down even sharper as he fought for control and to concentrate.
“MARSH!!! What in the gou cao de[5] hell do you think you are doing?” Chan thundered over the intercom. I’d prefer not to have our first run end with us as a smoking crater. It’s not good for repeat business!”
“I’m on it Cap! Just ran into some…er…stronger than expected wind sheer, I’ve got it now.” And true to his words the Lattimer’s Ghost stopped her precipitous dive and leveled out. As soon as the deck was level enough, Li Ming pulled herself over to the co-pilot’s seat and chuckled despite herself.
“Discretely handled Marsh, I shall from now on endeavor not to be on the bridge during re-entry. The last thing we need is for me to cause you additional wind sheer while you are trying to land.”
“Ah Li Ming, you know you are welcome, I just didn’t expect you to hit me with your…er never mind. Trust me, I enjoyed the experience, just caught me at a bad moment.” Then he began to guffaw in side splitting laughter. The ship vibrated a bit in time with his laughing, but he kept the ship flying straight and level toward the crude landing field he could see in the distance.
“What is so bloody funny Marsh?” Chan barked as she stormed onto the bridge, William, and Xavier right behind her.
“I’m sorry captain, the fault is mine. I should not be regaling our pilot with my tales of the gambling circuit while he is trying to do his job. The bridge is suddenly crowded, and I have no place here. I will return to my shuttle. “As she stood she shot Marsh a sly wink, making him start to laugh again. She deftly exited the bridge before she could be asked to explain.
“Oh great my pilot turns out to be a comedian. You know William that traveling carnival we talked about is starting to sound more plausible every day.” Chan snapped her eyes flashing.
“You might be on to something captain. As long as we kept the overhead down, we could eke out a few extra credits every run as the ship was being loaded and unload.” The first mate replied his own eyes twinkling with amusement.”
“William I hate you right now.”
“No you don’t”
“I don’t? Why not?”
“My sparkling personality.
“Wo de ma he ta de feng kuang de wai sheng dou[6]! I am going to have to kill you one day when I’m not quite so busy running this soon to be five ring circus.” Chan snapped back, but could not sustain her anger in the face of William crossing his eyes at her. She snorted a short laugh and smacked him backhanded on the shoulder. “What ever am I to do with you?”
“I suggest you make your way to the cargo bay with me so we can meet the manager of the mine. We have arrived.” William replied looking out the viewports as Marsh flared for a landing in the gathering twilight.
“Can I tag
along?” Xavier asked from the corner of the bridge where she’d been quietly
observing the entire exchange between the other crew members. “I’ve never been
to
“Uh, oh hell, why not?” Chan replied
with only the slightest of hesitations. “Might as well see how we operate so we
can see if you can find a way to assist with our normal operations. You don’t
happen to know how to juggle do you?” They all got a big laugh out of that one,
save for Marsh, and were still chuckling as they exited the bridge.
To say the mining operation’s landing facilities were sparse was like saying things were tough on the Rim. Consisting of only a bare spot on the top of a mesa for a landing field, three wind worn buildings, and a wind powered water tower the facilities did not promise much of a chance of relaxing off ship. The way things looked, it was much more likely that the crew would have to fend off miners looking for a chance to relax on the ship.
Once the ship powered down, William hit the control that lowered the main cargo ramp. Chan Juan, William, Cindy, and Xavier were met by a blast of warm dry wind, but at least it was a change from the scrubbed faintly smelling of hydraulic fluid air of the ship No one met them as they exited the ship, so they made their way toward the building with a faded sign that said operations. On entering, they found a scruffy looking unshaven man with blood shot eyes attempting to rise from behind a desk with a nameplate that said manager.
“Well now
comp’ny that be somethin’ we don’t get much round here. I’m Grady Smith welcome
to the hou zi de pi gu[7]
of
“Why certainly Mister Smith, as you say time is money, we can actually go look for those missing miners now if you like.” Chan replied her eyebrows creased in concern.
“Oh no, no, none o’ that, first jus’ call me Grady and more important, it’s too dangerous at night with the wind comin’ up. Mornings good enough, that way a couple o’ my men can go wid you an’ show you the way.”
“It’s easy to see why you’re the boss Grady, Dragon Flower’s been good to us so we’ll be glad to help.” William added.
“You all are good folk…uh, one more thing. Again, seein’ as we are a small facility, would y’all mind stayin’ aboard your own fine vessel? We are a might short on space fer visitors is all.”
“That’s what we had planned on
Grady. No offense, but we could tell as we made our approach you would be shy
on accommodations.”
Grady laughed at this and ran his
hand across his scalp again and then shook his head. “Yeah the commode-dations
ain’t much, but you know times is rough, so you take the jobs as what you can
find. My men will be ‘round bout seven to head out. That okay wid you?”
“Certainly, wouldn’t want to waste the daylight, we’ll see you in the morning Grady.” Chan said and headed for the ship, the others trotting to catch up. As they walked, Cindy tried to say something, but was hushed by Chan until they were back aboard their ship. William, Cindy, and Chan stopped at the top of the ramp to confer as Xavier excused herself and headed toward her cabin.
“Cap, I don’t believe a ruttin’ word that hun dan said. See, I’ve got a bit of training on stress response indicators in med school and that guy was lying from the moment his pie hole opened.” Cindy said forcefully as soon as the cargo ramp closed.
“I know Cindy, thanks for just confirming what I-“
A piercing scream from the rear of the cargo bay interrupted and the three raced toward the sound with weapons at the ready, they found the enigmatic Xavier kneeling over a bedraggled barely conscious man. Cindy moved next to the man to check him out.
“William grab his legs and help me get him to the infirmary!” She barked.
Moving quickly they got him to the diagnostic table. Once there, the wild-eyed man grabbed Cindy’s arm as she passed the med scanner over him “The w-w-warehouse.” He managed to croak before blacking out. Cindy used every trick she knew to save the man, but it was too late. He died without regaining consciousness.
By this time the entire crew was waiting in the common room for news on their visitor. One look from Cindy told them how things had gone without a word being spoken.
“What killed him?” Chan asked quietly.
“Extreme dehydration and exposure, according to the med scanner read outs, he never really had a chance. Damn my first patient and I lose him.”
“Cindy, going by what you have already said, he didn’t have a chance, you can only save those who are meant to be saved.” Willis said somberly. “It obviously was not his destiny to survive.”
“Yeah, but destiny can go get bent. I hate losing.” The medic said in complete frustration.
“Did he say anything else?” William asked.
“No, he was pretty far gone. It was amazing he lived long enough to say anything at all.”
“Well we know the manager is lying out his pi gu, we’ve got a dead man, and we know that something is going on in the warehouse. Oh and our cargo is late. I’m sure the missing miners are tied into this thing too.” Chan said her eyebrows creased in actual concern this time.
“Why is this our problem?” Marsh growled. “Our job is to drop and pick up not solve ruttin’ mysteries.”
“In case you hadn’t noticed sunshine, we can’t ‘pick up’ if our cargo isn’t here and in case you have forgotten, we have a dead man in the infirmary!” Cindy uncharacteristically barked, her left hand unconsciously fingering a brass Yin-Yang symbol she wore constantly on her belt.
“Wouldn’t be dead if you were a better doc.”
Despite William’s attempt to stop her, Cindy was across the common room faster than anyone would have believed. This included Marsh, as he didn’t even have a chance to stand before Cindy backhanded him with a blow that reverberated off the walls. His head snapped back and the next thing he knew he was flat on his back with the medic raining blows on him in a battle he was losing to block. How much more damage she would have done was unknown as both William and Willis grabbed the flailing fury the medic had turned into and pulled her off the battered pilot.
Marsh crawled to his feet, his lips and nose bleeding, and with one eye that was showing every signs of developing into a classic shiner by morning. He glared at Cindy, but the heat of the glare was weakened by his disheveled appearance and some doubts as to whether he could actually take the still fuming medic.
“Miss Schultz!” Chan thundered.
Cindy’s head snapped toward the captain’s voice and their eyes locked.
“Have you taken leave of your senses?” Chan asked softly. Soft enough that William moved to stand between the two women, knowing what the captain’s tone of voice portended.
“I…damn it captain, I’m a good medic! That guy was a basket case. A full Core system trauma team and center wouldn’t have been able to save him.”
“I didn’t ask about your medical qualifications or the dead man’s condition, I asked if you had taken leave of your senses.”
Finally Cindy stopped struggling and her shoulders sagged. “No ma’am, I…I’m just sensitive about my medical skills being called into question. Especially by a punk kid that hasn’t seen what I’ve seen.”
“PUNK KID?” Marsh roared taking a step forward, a move that faltered with a withering glance from Chan.
“Marsh, shut up. You are damn lucky these two gentlemen stepped in and saved your life as I’m certain Miss Schultz here would have hurt you. Seeing as how she is our medic, you might want to take that into consideration next time you deliberately choose to piss her off.”
“You can let her go now gentlemen. I think the crisis has passed. Thank you for saving our pilot’s life. Miss Schultz, because you were the wounded party in this sorry exchange, I will not restrict you to quarters this time. However, if there is a next time you and I will have words, dong ma[8]?”
“Yes ma’am.” Cindy replied dejectedly.
“Okay, now that we’ve moved past the internal issues, we are still faced with what is going on in the warehouse, where are the miners, and where is our cargo?” Chan said returning the conversation back to the topic at hand.
“Only one way to find out ma’am, a recon.” Cindy said with conviction, finding her confidence with a topic she knew. “I’ve got some experience in that area.”
“I do as well; we had the same teacher Cindy and I’m not mad anymore, you don’t have to call me ma’am. I saw two guards in front of the warehouse. William, I’ll want you along as well.”
“I’m not exactly built for stealth missions.” The big man replied. ”We’ll need an effective diversion if you expect me to sneak past those guards.”
“I volunteer.” A voice from the rear of the common room said. Everyone turned to face the up to this point silent Li Ming.
“This isn’t exactly your forte Li Ming, or are there skills beyond gambler in your repertoire?”
Chan asked eyeing the young woman intently.
“Yes I have skills you have yet to see madam captain.” She replied mischievously. “But in this case, you are asking for someone to do something that isn’t all that different from what I’ve had a certain talent for my whole life, distracting a man, or in this case men. This is a skill I have used to great effect while at the gaming table.” She almost purred and luxuriantly stretched, more than demonstrating exactly what she meant.
“Uh well yes, that would certainly distract me.” William managed to reply after a pause.
“Men.” Chan said looking upward for strength momentarily before continuing. “Okay we have our distraction and our muscle. Xavier, you think you are up for something outside of your comfort zone as well?”
“M-Me? I…um…as what?” The computer expert stammered.
“I don’t know what we will find in that warehouse, but I know someone that is clever with a computer would be an asset at a time such as now. So are you game?”
It was clear that Xavier was not all that game, but she also knew she wanted a place on the crew and turning down her first chance to help wasn’t the best way to fit in. She nervously scratched the side of her head, feeling the stubble where she had stopped shaving.
“Um, you know I’m not really a fighter, don’t you?” She replied finally.
“William and I are, and Cindy has already proved she is as well.” This earned Chan a sharp look from Marsh, but he chose discretion and remained silent. “The three of us will handle any fighting that might occur. Your job is what you do best; you just won’t be doing it from the comfort of your cabin for a change.”
“I’m in, when do we go?”
Chan glanced out the viewports above the common room and saw that it was now fully dark outside before she replied. “An hour. We will need to get suited up in case there is trouble. Marsh and Willis will stay on the ‘Ghost and keep her ready for a fast break just in case things go completely south.”
The common room emptied quickly as the crew split up to make their preparations. Marsh lingered as he went to the cold storage unit to gingerly apply some ice to the worst of the damage on his face. As he cleaned up the now clotting blood, he had time to think to himself. “That ugly heifer is going to pay for that one. I know I didn’t get to fight in the war, but I’m not some punk kid. Made me look like a hou zi in front of the whole crew too. Yeah, me and that unsightly wench will have a round two, one of these days, and next time, it won’t be me that is surprised.”
Wong Li Ming left the ship exactly an hour later. The chill night prevented her from wearing any of her most effective outfits, but she managed to find something she was sure would do the job. Exiting the side hatch rather than the main cargo ramp in a pair of form fitting slacks and a light coat, that managed to show off enough of her curves to do the job she planned, she walked over to the warehouse and the two guards. The two men immediately noticed her approach and straightened up, making the attempt to try and look professional. Li Ming noticed this and flashed them a brilliant smile.
“Not really a night to be outside is it fellahs?”
“N-No, them as what lives in the desert has to take what is dealt them.” The brighter of the two managed to reply. Neither man even tried to pretend they were doing anything but thinking about the things they would like to be doing if they were inside at the moment. Li Ming knew this and worked the two men like fiddles, she’d laugh at the right times, kidded, flirted, and played the two men against each other. She quickly knew that she couldn’t go inside the warehouse ‘cause o’ orders’ but that things were picking up and they might even be expanding soon. The gambler continued to dance her dance and was exactly the diversion the rest of the crew needed to easily reach the side of the warehouse undetected and as Chan had expected, there was a side door.
“Okay William, work your magic.” Chan said softly, but before the first mate could comply. Xavier answered.
“Let me, a lock is a lock whether it is physical, electronic, or virtual.” She said sliding a pick out of her coat pocket and into the lock.
She worked for a few seconds while the others stood waiting collectively holding their breath and not even knowing they were. She pulled on the handle and the door creaked open. This time even Xavier held her breath, but the wind was enough to drown out that slight noise. The four intruders slipped inside the warehouse, with Cindy closing the door behind them.
Once their eyes adjusted to the gloomy, poorly lit interior, they were immediately struck by two things. First, there were several dozen large crates all stamped “Dragon Flower” stacked floor to ceiling along one wall. And second, and even more interesting, there was an obviously non-Alliance patrol boat with heavy scoring on the hull that could only have come from heavy weapon’s fire.
“Ta ma de.[9]” Chan whispered in awe. “William, guard the airlock, we need to find out exactly who these gao yang zhong de gu yang[10] are. Cindy and Xavier follow me.” Chan didn’t wait to see if her orders were being followed as she crept silently into the damaged patrol boat. The ship seemed deserted and they were able to locate a computer terminal. Still showing signs of being out of her element, Xavier nonetheless effortlessly hacked into the system.
“So who are these guys Xavier?” Chan asked when she saw their resident hacker gain access.