Liberating Rebel

Nobody can hear a scream in the vacuum of space, or so they say. Yet, I swear I see him smile like he can when I do.

One would think I’d be used to it by now, being left behind. Nevertheless, my heart sinks with the fresh wound every single time. It’s my fault, it really is. I went back to them thinking they’d changed. I can’t help seeing the best in people, even if they are criminals but I’m not above a little retribution when it’s warranted.

The Galaxy Law Enforcers’ (otherwise known as the GLE) lights flash behind me as I speed away from the Galaxical Bank. Seriously, how did they rope me into this? One minute we were talking about the good old times over spirits on Iruta, the next we’re breaking in the safe caves of the most protected bank on this side of the galaxy.

Flipping my propulsion switch, my glider soars to new speeds. I swear this Triologen 71 Propulsion Infuser was the best thing I added to my V1-Quantum Pulse Glider. This baby is a restored classic with a few hidden secrets. There is no way they’ll catch up to me anytime soon.

I’ve gotten pretty good at escaping authority figures in the last few years. I kind of love the thrill of the chase. The sound of your blood pumping in your ears and the adrenaline rush you get when you know you do something slightly wrong, makes me all giddy. Call it having strict parents growing up.

Anyway, looking back, the enforcers are gaining a little on me. Ah hell, looks like they’ve also had their vessels updated. It’s going to take a little more effort to escape this time.

Finally, a challenge. Leaning right, I aim for the asteroid belt I know is close by. They won’t be able to follow in that crowded space. They don’t have the necessary skill.

In a few seconds, I’m gliding between the asteroids blissfully, the lights getting further, and further away. It’s time. Pressing my monitor, my favorite band, Radical Sunset, plays full blast from my speakers. This album isn’t even out yet. Perks of knowing the band personally. If you know what I mean.

Concentrating on navigating through the space rocks, something moves at the edge of my vision. Snapping my head to that side, I slow down so as to not crash into anything. I study the empty area. I must be stressed and seeing things. Turning back, I speed up slightly.

Suddenly, I see it again on the other side of me. Now I know I am not seeing things. I speed up again going as fast as I dare in this minefield. It’s in moments like these I wish I had a locator. The object zooms behind me. Oh, Planet Killer! It's a mercenary glider!

I’d recognize that type of glider anywhere. That means I’m in more trouble than I thought. I’m also almost out of the asteroid belt, just need to get clear. The darkened glider keeps up with me through the maze, slightly pushing me to the left. I don’t care that he does because the second I pass the last rock, I am out of here.

I’m almost home free, but looking to my side the mercenary isn’t there anymore. That is not good. Looking back a little I see him slowing down. Why is he doing that? A pit settles in my stomach. I don’t like this. Not one bit.

He lowers the tint on his bio stabilizer, revealing himself. That cheeky mother-AAHH!

My glider is abruptly stopped by something, causing me to flip wrong-side up. This will hurt a lot considering I was heading towards an asteroid and whatever tripped me up broke my hyper warp bio stabilizer.

They say nobody can hear a scream in the vacuum of space. Yet, I swear I get a glimpse of his smile as I do. As if he is relishing it. Bracing for impact, I feel the first hit on my shoulder then my head, and then it’s lights out for me.

No you can’t! You can’t force me! I have done everything to please you but you will not bargain away my future.

The remnant of my dream fades away. Ugh… Why do I feel like I’ve fought a scaligue and lost? Blinking my eyes open, the grey ceiling and walls welcome me. Where am I?

“You’re in jail sweetheart. You did not fight a scaligue, although that would have been more entertaining than watching you crash your glider.” Someone close by, with an accent, voices.

Shifting to my side, I hiss through the pain and sit up. “Who are you?” I question, “Jail? Planet Killer!” finally registering his words.

He steps up to the laser grid and I finally get a look at him. He is easy on the eyes and his uniform hugs him in all the right places. The patch on his left clavicle glares at me turning my mood and every thought of him sour. My eyebrows crease and I snarl, “Mercenary.”

He grins at my realisation. “Ding, ding, darling. Aren’t you a smart thief,” he even has the voice of a god. Smooth and deep. Enemy, he is your enemy. “And your Rebel, the best thief, apparently. Considering how easily I caught you, your reputation is going to take a nosedive. Although your reward money will keep me afloat for a while. So I thank you.” He laughs wholeheartedly. Yep, the attraction is gone.

Not bothering him with a response, I take a closer look at my surroundings. The little cot I’m on has seen better days, as does the latrine pot. Not much to see but I get confused when I realize something. Why is the mercenary in the cell next to me and not in the corridor?

“Why are you in a cell Mercenary?”

His smile melts away. “He is spending the night here, for excessive force used on an assailant,” the enforcer guarding us, answers. I imagine I’m the assailant, now that cracks me up. My laugh comes out strained as it wreaks havoc on my body. It morphs into a cough and a groan. Wormhole, that hurts.

“So Galtreeds, we’ve heard rumors you’ve taken the impossible job. The Royals must have really opened their coffers for you to take the job.”

Oh, shit! Galtreeds is a legend and renown across the entire galaxy. He is one of the best on his planet by only completing the hardest and most rewarding of jobs. And here he is sitting in a cell because of little old me.

“When they offer me my own exo-planet with enough payment for me to retire, it is not something I pass up. They had to hire the best because their time is almost up and I’m their last chance.” I have a feeling I know what they are talking about.

“What impossible job is this again?” I question hesitantly, dreading the answer.

“Finding the lost princess of Moon Zepatis. Princess Jania Donne of the Forgrave royal family. With a name like that, no wonder she ran,” the irritating mercenary replies.

Yep, that is what I was afraid of. “Vortex in a black hole! I have a bad experience with that one,” I mumble to myself, barely above a whisper. Looking back up, I face a pensive expression.

He must be thinking about his next move or something, maybe I should too. I don’t want to spend the rest of my days in a penitentiary. It would make for a good hiding place, but then I wouldn’t be able to enact my revenge on my so-called friends. Urgh, why is life so complicated?

No… I don’t think I would survive the food in those places. Mama needs her spirits and her arczon-royo lunabeef noodles. Trust me, it’s the best dish in the galaxy, and I know this little hidden place that does them perfectly. I’m salivating at the thought of it.

My stomach growls, reminding me of the last time I ate. What was it now? Yesterday? Maybe. “Sir, do you have anything to eat? I am famished. Something with flavor would be great.” I direct to the enforcer with the softest voice I can muster in these circumstances.

At least my mother taught me some useful things before she betrayed me. One of them is to always be courteous and proper toward someone in power. Especially if they have something I need.

“Yeah actually, we got a delivery yesterday. Just a league,” he leaves down the corridor. I hear a snicker so I turn to the culprit with his hand in front of his mouth.

“What? What is so funny, Mercenary?” He waves his hands in defeat without muttering a word. As I’m about to ask him again the enforcer arrives.

He throws something at me and it lands flat on my legs. This is a little heavier than expected for a small rectangular-shaped bar. “There you go. Fresh from the processing factories of Cancri.”

“Umm, what is this?” I question, taking the bar from my lap to inspect it.

“It’s a KSS. Klamirr Supplement Stick. It has all the nutrients you need for a day.” My brows draw together in confusion. I open the packet and an indescribable odor hits my nose. I yank the bar away and it almost launches from my hands. They both snort and grin at my reaction..

“You should try it. It tastes better than it smells.” The enforcer says. I hesitantly bring it back to my mouth and take a nibble. This has a very weird taste and texture. Not something I’d eat voluntarily but it would do in an emergency.

“Got anything else? No offense but this is not quite what I had in mind. I don’t think I can eat this unless I’m starved to the point of considering eating you.”

“Well tough luck, tammeruck. You’ll be eating those the rest of your life,” when I squint trying to understand he adds, “It’s the only thing they serve in the penitentiary.” My jaw falls open in my disbelief.

Yeah, now it’s definitely decided. I need to find a way to get out of this mess.