Drifting lazily in a slow, sickening roll the LMI 14 waited for assistance in the lonely, blackness of space. It's life extinguished by some unknown accident, the dim light from a distant star was the barge's only comfort and warmth. Something barely felt in the empty space between the Kailen System and Brak Sector. It's call for help a beacon only heard by a distant ship's communication's suite.
Suddenly, out of the blackness a sleeker vessel entered realspace and was on a near collision course with the vessel. Slowing, the patrol craft slowly made a turn to port to avoid the ailing barge. Onboard, two crewmen in dark blue uniforms sat to the captain's right and monitored everything within range as lights of various tones and colors brightened the dimly lit cockpit.
Younger of the two, the lieutenant turned to the ship's captain. "Sir, I'm receiving a distress signal from the vessel which appears to be a X-Twenty-Three Barge. It's life support seems to be offline."
"Any survivors onboard," the aged veteran inquired, his stern gaze rose to the transparisteel window.
"Yes, sir. Five in the aft cargo bay." He studied the commander's face intently, waiting for further orders.
Nodding, the captain turned his gaze to the pilot. "Bring us in," he commanded then turned to the security chief. "Ready a team, just in case."
"Yes, sir." Dutifully, the partially armored sergeant nodded and turned towards the entryway, then disappeared.
* * *
In the tight confines of the cargo bay, Cymbrecia looked up from her pocket computer which had been linked to a camera in the cockpiit. "Here they come," she informed as the nervous adrenaline that had become the norm on this type of operation welled within.
"You owe me for this one," the taller gunner's blue eyes glared through the thinly masked helmet, his deep voice still holding power even through the life support suit.
A playful nudge from the copilot preceded a chuckle from his right. "For such a big guy, you sure complain a lot."
"This wasn't my idea," Korentin replied, nudging back and sending the Curry into the quiet mechanic as Armand shoved back.
"Hey guys, relax," the frustrated security specialist yelled through the muffled mask's comlink as Galen turned to Cymbrecia. "You sure this guy is worth all this trouble?"
Blue eyes turned to the fourth of her team. "Yes."
As they lingered in the darkness, the five crewmen waited for their rescue and soon heard the distant resounding pop of outgassing and she knew it wouldn't be long before the questions began. She listened to metallic footfalls on the hallway's thin tiles approach the main hatch to the cargo bay, then stop as Galen pushed through them and moved towards the small, inset panel to the right and manually opened it. They all waited quietly as light streamed through onto the wall of plastisteel crates hemming the anxious faces looking back.
"Hi," Cymbrecia greeted as helmet mounted lights turned to her, praying they weren't going to shoot first.
* * *
Once aboard the Gallow's End, she sat with her four companions in the galley as three guards posted at the door watched quietly, rifles at the ready. Across the blue, smooth table sat an officer in pressed uniform belonging to a Brak Sector marshal. His quiet, serious demeanor as he peered through their doctored ship's log helped her judge the first of many targets.
Steel-blue eyes soon looked up to her. "So, you were enroute to Enet from Laud, that correct?"
She nodded, her long, curly black hair loosely flowing behind the tightly fitting, dark blue body glove whose broad, black border around her neck stretched down the outside of both arms to the wrist leading to baggy, medium grey pants. "That's right. Had to make a drop at Jinet when the main reactor blew and took everything else with it." She shot him a sultry smile. "Just lucky you found us when you did."
"Hmm," his professional demeanor apparently unimpressed as he returned his eyes to the small screen. "How long have you all been together, Brandi," he looked back up to her. "That is your name, correct?"
"It is," she agreed and straightened in her chair and glanced down the table to her cohorts. "About four years now," blue eyes returned to the officer. "Why do you ask?"
The lieutenant shrugged. "Filling in all the blanks, that's all," he glanced up to her momentarilly, then back to the computer. "We've called for a tug to tow you to Jinet, so once they arrive you can embark on their vessel."
"That'd be great, I appreciate it."
He continued scanning the long list of details. "It also says that you reside on Bacrana. You originally from there?" This line of questioning was becoming a bit more personal than she liked, but played along.
"Yes. My family is mostly farmers," she lied.
He nodded quietly. "Galen Haag, ex-military. How'd you find yourself aboard the LMI-Fourteen?" She turned her attention to her friend whose light brown hair had been marred by the helmet.
"Needed a job," he stated, deadpan with arms crossed. For their sake, she hoped their stories would pass the marshal's test as Armand stood and motioned to the door.
"Mind if I hit the 'fresher," his face curled as left hand went to his stomach. "Something hasn't set well. Sorry."
"Sure," the officer straightened and motioned for one of the guards to accompany him and they both departed. It would only be a matter of time now, she thought. "You know," he glanced back to Cymbrecia. "I find it odd that you wouldn't be working for Lant Mining, a lot more money for a budding ship captain."
She smiled. "I know they don't like competition but, there are many other companies in the Sector that pay well too." Lant also had a close affiliation with the Empire whose attention was the last thing this crew needed. "I'm not looking to get rich," a comment that gained the attention from the remaining three at her side.
A smile finally cracked the law enforcement officer's face. "You're kidding, right?"
"No," she shook her head. "Must be the humble beginnings," a pressed grin followed as the comment couldn't have been further from the truth. One nearly uncovered as Curry coughed, trying not to laugh and she shot him an evil glare as he tried to recompose himself.
"Sorry," the copilot poured another glass of water and quickly drank.
Cymbrecia looked back to the lieutenant. "How soon did you say the tug would arrive? We kind of have a schedule to keep...as closely as possible."
"Within an hour or so." He finally turned off the computer and pushed himself up to stand, then nudged the chair back in. "We'll ask you to remain here in the lounge and you'll be notified when they arrive."
"Okay," she relaxed. "Thanks again for your help."
"No problem, that's why...."
Suddenly, the lights cut out and she sprung into action. From her belt, she pulled out a shank and stood, grabbing the officer's coat and upthrusting with the homemade weapon into his throat. As the other three charged the guards at the door, she rifled through his pockets and found the pass card she needed, then turned to the door as the scuffle and slumping bodies were illuminated by emergency lighting over the door. In their hands, Curry and Galen held the rifles as Korentin removed both men's stun sticks and handed her one as she approached.
"Go," she motioned as Curry led them out into the hallway, then headed right as gunfire was heard further down. "Next floor down, four doors to the left."
"We know," Galen replied as they quickly moved and cleared the near hallway, then continued down it to the turbolift. "You've only been drilling us with the floorplans for the past week," he replied, watching down the barrel of the stubbed rifle and moved to the keypad as she handed him the access card. As he pushed it in, the red buttons turned green and opened the lift, allowing them access as Korentin continued to the next hall and moved to help Armand.
She watched the numbers quickly indicate the next floor as adrenaline pumped, causing sweat to bead on her forehead. Sliding open, the thick doors revealed a patrol in dark uniforms who immediately were ambushed by the trio. Without thought, she stabbed the closest guard in the exposed flesh of his neck, then rammed it into the face of the one behind him as her companions shot them all. Once all four fell to the floor, they grabbed up rifles and unstrapped the belts, then continued on to the detention area.
Knowing they had little time, she glanced backward to note two crewmen duck into a room and shut the door. Hopefully they would stay there.
Once at the target door, she spun and crouched, then glanced to the e-clip. Full. Once she thumbed off the 'SAFETY', she kept watch as Curry did the same in the opposite direction while Galen did his magic on the security panel. All three avoiding the door's plane, she calmed her breathing and soon heard the whirring of a droid approaching. Concentrating on the nearest corner of the hallway they had just entered from, she waited.
"How long," she whispered to the security specialist.
"Working my magic, darling," he returned distractedly as she soon noticed the front, protected wheel of the droid round the corner and fired into it's midsection. Four shots found their marks and the last hit the faceplate directly, sending a shower of sparks into the nearby wall as the sentry went silent.
"Nice shot," Curry congratulated from the other side of the intrusion expert.
"It's in the blood," she replied, thoughts of family piercing the cold veneer she had thrown up to get their target free of prosecution. As she waited impatiently, Galen finally chuckled as the door opened and they heard the chaos of combat beyond. Blue eyes glanced into the melee as freed prisoners mobbed the few guards now trying to survive behind a small computer desk.
"Curry," she called and aimed at the nearest guard, then fired as both companions shot at the remaining defenders. Red bolts hit not only uniformed men, but also the wall and desk around the guards until a large group of angry faces turned to them. One in particular stepped from the crowd and smiled as he moved towards her, causing her to lower the rifle and step into the room. Relieved, she hugged him as he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her passionately.
Once letting her down onto her feet, brown eyes looked into hers. "Miss me?"
"You have no idea," she smiled broadly, then backed. "We've got a ship on the way so, we have to leave now."
He nodded, then turned to two other men in light green jumpsuits who appeared like a before and after picture. "Let's go." Neither one made her comfortable but, she didn't care right now as they quickly moved into the hallway and allowed the rest of the prisoners loot the ship and do what they wanted to the remaining crewmen and officers onboard.
Cymbrecia raced into the ship, knowing that the tug would be in system all too soon and hoped escape without detection was still possible. Once through the gangway, she turned right and continued to the rounding incline which led up to the narrow hallway, hovering above the corridor to the berthing area, and moved into the cockpit. Twisting past the navicomputer, the lights from the many control panels greeted the lithe pilot as she plopped into the highbacked, leather chair and began the sequence to get their 'working' systems back online.
"It's too bad we couldn't keep their ship," Kiryk stated as he leaned over her shoulder and peered through the large cockpit window to his previous home. "Be a nice slap in the face."
"And tell everyone who just murdered all those crewmen and a marshal," Curry replied dryly as her copilot dropped into his seat and then pushed various buttons to return their sensors and communications back on. "Good idea."
"I have fences that would pay big money to strip something like that, idiot. I'm not stupid."
Cymbrecia glanced to her friend and hoped he wouldn't continue the argument. "Strap in, guys. We're leaving here hot," she announced through the vessel's internal com system. The last thing they needed now was a fight on this ship as well.
"A.P.U.'s are online. Ready when you are, boss," Armand's voice stated in reply. Kiryk finally took the seat behind her as Cymbrecia pushed all three levers forward and banked to port, away from the scene of the crime. Stars peeled along her view as she lined up the nose towards home.
"Ready for jump," she stated as Curry accessed their jump points in the navicomputer, then glanced to her.
"Go."
Suddenly, streaks of light elongated and they were gone. Her body soon released all the stress built up for the past eight days as she fell back into the seat and allowed her arms to drop in relief. Blue eyes glanced to her copilot as she turned her head, then slapped him on the arm. "We made it!"
Curry chuckled happily as he spun his chair to face her, then glanced to her boyfriend. "All in a day's work."
"Now time to get to work," Kiryk stated and prompted Cymbrecia to turn her chair around as well. "Once we get rid of these clothes," forefinger and thumb pulled at the jumpsuit. "And find a real ship, then we'll be on our way to wealth you can't imagine." His handsome smile and dark brown eyes drew her in farther as she grinned.
"What's wrong with my ship," she asked.
He shrugged and leaned forward. "Nothing. It's a good cover and has a lot of cargo space. That'll come in handy when the time is right." His left hand reached for and took her right. "Once we reach Genesia I have to make a call."
"Okay," she nodded as a swirl of emotions roiled as she lost herself in his eyes, then stood. "Curry, keep an eye on things." She led Kiryk towards the hallway as he smiled in anticipation.
"No problem."
* * *
Sunlight beamed across the highly polished, dark grey floor as high heels echoed through the lounge. Voices in low tones created the backdrop for Meron Val Kel Myr's headquarters as one of his Twi'lek secretaries approached. The tight, light blue dress clung to the shapely female whose creamy, smooth skin was as unblemished as the rest of the furniture.
"Sir," her silky voice called as she approached his large desk whose modest adornments shone as cleanly as the obsidian top they rested on. "The operation was successful."
Nodding, the middle-aged crime boss glanced up to her momentarily. "Good. Let me know the moment he calls in."
"Yes, sir," perfect white teeth smiled. "I also have a message from Mister Aryl that the meeting with Mister Kirat has been rescheduled to the Fourth."
Meron nodded and she noted his apprehension at the mention of the name of their newest benefactor. "Very well. Bring me the spreadsheets for the Lant account and tell Oren to have my speeder ready in an hour."
"Right away."
Quietly, she crept out of the room into a dimly lit hallway. Still floating, her perpetual smile hadn't been felt in so long and knew that the weeks of planning for the rescue was well worth the trouble that they were now in. But, Cymbrecia didn't care right now.
She walked towards the galley and buttoned her white shirt until suddenly stopped in her tracks by a shadowy form, silhouetted against the lights over the cargo hatch. Blue eyes looked up to one of Kiryk's friends who was now smiling at her.
"Morning, darlin'. Now that you're warmed up, let's go." Large hands reached out for her and she instinctively dodged backwards. "Come on, you're not the shy type."
"It would be best if you go do your friend that you came with. I'm spoken for." A comment that obviously angered her new guest as his arms lowered slightly.
"Then I'll take him out and you'll have no excuse. How's that?"
"That would be a mistake on your part, since this is my ship," her fear quickly turned to anger as she lowered her right hand to her gunbelt. A motion that he noticed as he stopped his advance.
Cosmo nodded, backing as his green eyes returned to her face. "If that's how you want to play it, then fine." He licked his lips as his gaze carressed her body. "Maybe another time then."
"Don't count on it."
He shrugged and continued backing towards Korentin who emerged from the cargo entrance. "Your loss." Cosmo spun to see the larger medic and shoved him away. A act that started a fight. Cymbrecia quickdrew her pistol, thumbed it to stun and shot the ex-con. Blue pulses that caught him squarely and dropped the murderer to the floor in a heap.
"Throw him in the closet," she directed, referring to the small locker that had been turned into a makeshift cell from time to time.
"Gladly," the six-foot-five crewman crouched, then picked the limp body up and over his shoulders, then turned and walked the troublemaker to his new accommodations. This wasn't how she wanted this trip to go, she thought to herself and noticed someone else's attention as she turned to the galley's door and saw his partner standing there quietly.
"You guys can do whatever you want once we reach Genesia. No questions asked. I just can't have that kind of trouble while we're trying to get there. Understood?"
Brown eyes looked at her quietly as she spoke, then the shorter ship thief nodded and resumed chewing. "Not a problem." He smiled as she reholstered the pistol. "Kiryk told us you had some fire in your veins."
"Apparently Cos took it the wrong way."
Sewer chuckled, "He never was that bright to begin with. Genetics, I imagine."
Cymbrecia nodded and relaxed somewhat, then heard the hurried footsteps coming down the rightmost stair and turned to find Galen emerge, carbine up as he rounded the corner and gazed at her, then to the newest addition. "What's going on, Cymbreci?"
"It's cool. Korentin is taking Cosmo to the locker for me. Had a disagreement as to the sleeping arrangements that turned into a fist fight with Kore. Everything's fine."
He lowered the rifle's barrel from Sewer's chest and nodded. "Okay."
"One word of advice," Sewer added as Cymbrecia turned back to him. "Don't kill Cosmo, he's part of our boss's family which would bring even more heat than just Imperial marshals down on you."
She nodded. "Noted. I suggest you talk to him then when he wakes up."
Yellowed teeth smiled. "I'll try, but you remember that part about him not being that bright?"
"Can't say he wasn't warned," Galen reminded. She knew that the situation could get out of hand quickly if she didn't keep a lid on it. She pushed passed the shorter man and headed to the autochef, then chose a breakfast and waited.
"How much longer 'til we get there, anyway," Sewer inquired as he sat back down to his own meal.
"Twelve hours," Galen informed as he stepped into the galley, rifle resting now against his right side from the short sling wrapped around his shoulder.
It wouldn't be fast enough, she thought.
Within the mass of piping, conduits and gunmetal colored drivers, each three times her size, Cymbrecia watched as Armand did his regular checks. Diagnostic meter in hand, the brown haired mechanic glanced to the readout on the small screen as he probed various connections with a probe in his right hand.
"How's my baby looking," she inquired, still distracted about the probable backlash of throwing the nephew of her boyfriend's boss into a small cell.
"Good. Though, I think we need to replace the pressure stabilizer as soon as we can."
"Yeah,'' she sighed. "Just as soon as this cargo is sold." Lowering her foot from off of the large pipe beneath her, she stepped back as he moved to her right to continue his task. "Going to need you to keep your eyes on this section until we reach Genesia. I don't want either of those guys back here alone."
"Your boyfriend excluded, of course."
"Kiryk doesn't know anything about ships anyway. I wouldn't worry about him."
Armand shrugged. "That's why he's kept you around, right?"
Her brow furrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Brown eyes glanced to her as he stopped. "Having a girlfriend who's mother is a ship engineer and taught her a few tricks comes in handy when you're a thief. That's all I'm saying." His eyes widened. "Am I wrong?"
"You're jealous," she grinned playfully. "I'm flattered."
He chuckled and rolled his eyes. "Yeah, that's it. How'd you guess?" Shaking his head, he glanced to the hatch and then back to his hand held computer. "No, it's just I think you should be wary, that's all. The five of us have made a good team, just don't want nothin' to come in the way of that. That's all."
She knew there was more to the story but, let it go. "He's a great guy. You'll see that once you get to know him," Cymbrecia smiled to herself and strolled towards the diag station and entrance. "I'll go check on the rest, let me know if you find anything else."
"Will do."
Long fingers tapped on the blue button within the control panel beside the door and prompted the hatch to raise and she stepped out into the narrow hall that separated the port and starboard cargo bays. Overhead lights illuminated the long, narrow corridor and her mind drifted back to his arms which quickened her pace. Halfway to the far hatch, it opened to reveal the object of her desires and she smiled as Kiryk strolled towards her.
"Just the one I was looking for," he greeted unemotionally.
"Hey there," she smiled. "Have you eaten?"
He nodded and stopped within two feet of her. As she reached out for him, he grabbed her wrists forcefully, brown eyes glaring. "Are you out of your mind?"
Cymbrecia was immediately alarmed. "What?"
"Get him out of that damned closet. Now."
"Just as soon as he calms down I will."
He yanked on her arms, bringing her closer to him as the thug fumed. "I said now. You realize who he is? The reason you're still alive is because of who he's related to. I'm not dying because your boys can't take a f***ing joke."
Things had changed in the one she loved, though she was used to his moods. Prison does that. "Okay," she replied quietly, not wanting to anger him any more. He sighed and let her go, then turned as she led him towards the door he had just come through. Once open, she turned left and glanced to Kiryk as he continued towards the galley. "You'll need to talk to him and calm him down, no doubt."
"Not my job. I didn't stick him in there."
"I take it you don't mind him trying to fondle your girlfriend," Korentin interrupted from the stairway above her as the larger medic descended. "I do."
Kiryk half turned, "She can take care of herself".
Raising a hand to her friend, she continued towards the makeshift brig. "It's okay. He's right, I'm fine."
Korentin shook his head in disgust. "Whatever." A foot taller, he followed the owner of the larger cargo vessel until they reached the door in question. Pausing, she had a feeling the moment this guy was released again, his temper would flare quicker than before. Or would he bide his time and try to get even?
Blue eyes glanced up and back to the medic. "This could get messy. Be ready."
"He don't behave himself, I'm pushing his ass out through the main hatch." A comment that made her smile.
Turning, she reached for the numbered panel and keyed in the code, then stepped back, right hand on her pistol. As light poured into the darkened interior, she noted the furious eyes glaring back at her. "Another four hours to Genesia and you and Sewer are free to go do whatever you want. I just can't have trouble on my ship."
He stepped out into the light, eyes narrowed because of the brightness and took a moment to adjust. "When we arrive, then you better leave right away. Otherwise, your friends are dead, this ship is mine and so are you."
Elongated stars shrunk back into pinpricks as the LMI 14 came out of hyperspace and Cymbrecia's practised fingers danced across the control panel as she shut off various systems and initialized others. In the distance, she noted the large world which had become a temporary home to she and Kiryk when they had run from the law prior to her own incarceration.
"Ah, home sweet home," Curry's sarcastic tone brought a grin to her face.
"Where we're about to make a fortune," Kiryk stated from his seat behind her.
"That'll be nice too," the copilot added, though she noted a hint of skepticism in his voice.
"Land on our island, babe, then I have to make a call," he directed as she heard the metallic clank of buckles being unfastened and he leaned forward.
"Okay." Freighters and fighters alike cruised to and from the surface as the large freighter cut through the upper canopy of thick, white clouds then towards one of thousands of small islands that dotted the immense blue ocean in this area. Three continents were full of private ranches and a few cities, but most were areas that they wished to avoid. Corruption was rampant on this world and was also why Kiryk's employer was able to hide and make a fortune. Officials at all levels were in Meron's deep pockets and also the reason why Cymbrecia became nervous as she remembered Cosmo's threat earlier. Keeping her pistol close by was paramount now.
Soon, the mountain ribbed dot of green grew larger in their view and she piloted the ship towards the eastern side and found the small compound which hid within the mass of green trees. Beyond, a long tan beach separated their hideout from the waterline.
"Key in the code," she mentioned to Curry who was already doing so.
"Done," he commented, then glanced up to another monitor as she landed the craft in the large yard and perpendicular to the hangar.
"Here we are." Clicking off the engines and life support, blue eyes took in the two story house facing them and she hoped they would be able to enjoy it. At least for a little while, before leaving again. Kiryk was immediately up and she noticed him head for the stairway as she stood and moved to follow.
"You sure about this," Curry asked, then pushed himself up as well.
Cymbrecia nodded quietly, and continued walking. In reality, she knew her non-answer was as clear as quoting a whole line. The good thing was, her friends onboard didn't trust these guys at all, so no one would be caught off guard if things went south.
Once she descended the rampway, a warm breeze wafted up into the ship and greeted the crew who had been gone from here for over a month now. Although, it was hard to enjoy the scenery until she found out what this next job was and followed Kiryk into the house and left the others to mill about on their own. She closed the door and walked from a permacrete entrance to the polished wooden floors which reflected tan walls and dark wooden furniture. Most bought with stolen money or goods fenced in Brenn, the capitol of Genesia.
Inside the private, carpeted study, she moved to Kiryk who sat behind a desk whose glassy, black surface topped chrome legs. As she moved around to his side, the ringtone on the com center tolled in the silence.
"About time," the mature male voice answered. "Thought you'd never get out of that hole."
Kiryk smiled. "Yeah, it's good to know people on the outside that will help when you need them," he glanced to her and winked. "Which also means I'm ready to get back to work."
"Well, luckily your escape was chaotic enough that you still have a short grace period before the marshals are on to your trail. You may want to lay low for a bit and let me work some things out first before getting caught again."
"No faith in me? What's up with that?"
A chuckle erupted as Cymbrecia glanced to the blank screen which lay at the head of a small keyboard and was built into the desk itself. "Just don't need any of my people rotting in some prison barge when they could be making us all richer. I'll see what I can do for you, just enjoy the beach while you can."
"Alright, thanks Meron. I'll be here when you need me."
"Tell Cos to give me a call also."
"Will do." He tapped the 'OFF' button and sat back in the black leather chair. At least she would have some time to enjoy his company before heading off again.
Waves lapped up on shore, echoing quietly through the open window as Cymbrecia lounged in the large bathtub. Hot water pruning her tanned skin as a breeze wafted through a white curtain to her left. Paradise.
"That looks comfortable," Kiryk's deeper voice stated and prompted her to glance at him as he walked into the bathroom, then crouched beside her.
"It is," she grinned. "Could use some company though."
Gently, he ran his fingers through her soaked, long hair. "Be time for that later. Actually, I need to ask you a few things first."
"Of course."
He nodded. "Your mom know about this place?"
Brow furrowed. "You kidding? I don't need her or my step-dad showing up here."
"Okay, cool." His eyes caressed her body beneath the water slowly, then returned. "How about your brother?"
Cymbrecia's mood hardened. "What are you so worried about? No one is coming here. Relax."
He grinned. "You serious? Two of your relatives are jedi. Your godmother is a jedi. And we're career criminals. Those two things don't go well together, last I checked."
She leaned into him and kissed him for a long moment. "No one is coming for a visit. Not to this world," she kissed him again. "Trust me. I don't need them in my hair any more than you do."
Kiryk looked into her eyes, not inches apart now, then nodded again. "Good, 'cause I'm not going back. Got it?"
Cymbrecia smiled. "I didn't risk my life and that of my crew for nothing, babe. No one knows where we are right now." Her desires prompted her to lean in again as the familiar report from blasters exploded downstairs. Immediately, she jumped from the tub and ran into the room to dress and grab her own weapon belt as Kiryk ran to the door and yanked it open, then disappeared. Yells echoed from the stairwell as she frantically pulled on her pants, a shirt and then boots. Once done, she sprinted towards the hallway and strapped on her gunbelt, body still soaked and cooling as she ran.
Downstairs, she noticed a pair of booted feet on the floor, laying into the living room. Quickdrawing her pistol, she moved to the continued sound of combat which had moved outside and recognized Sewer's body as she ran passed.
Kiryk intercepted the ship pilot and grabbed her. "Stop. Cymbrecia, stay in here," he pressed, strong arms around her waist and shoulders.
Blue eyes found Galen and Curry hunkered at the landing gear of her ship, firing at someone to her left and in the treeline. Armand and Korentin were still missing however. "What's going on," she asked, trying her best to pull away from him and get to the open doorway.
"Nothing," he continued pulling her from the entry. "Damn, relax woman."
Blue eyes turned and strained to see Kiryk. "Let me go! They're my friends."
"This is over here," Cosmo replied from the kitchen as he moved towards them, rifle in hand. "I'm only letting you live for his sake, otherwise I'd have your ass buried with them. Now shut the f*** up and stay out of the way."
In an instant, she raised her pistol and shot him squarely, even through the tight grip that her boyfriend had on her. As the target fell backwards, Kiryk spun her away from him.
"Are you out of your mind?!"
"Let me go!" She leaned forward, trying to pry herself from his grip and found herself falling forward. Now freed, she reached out with both hands and caught herself on a nearby table before hitting the floor as blaster bolts continued flying outside. As she turned, a punch caught her in the jaw and sent sparks flashing in her eyes, then darkness as she hit the floor.
* * *
"Damnit," Kiryk exclaimed to himself as Cymbrecia landed hard on the off-white, tile floor. He sighed, then picked her up and carried his girlfriend to the couch, then laid her down as the shooting outside finally stopped. Straightening, he glanced to the body on the kitchen floor. How was he going to clean this up now?
Not only was Sewer dead, but now also the nephew of his own boss. Shadows elongated in the entryway and he turned to see Aryl walk in. One of the syndicate's many lieutenants, this particular one had the ear of Meron and wasn't known for leniency.
Aryl glanced to his left and noted the body of Cosmo, then cold steel-blue eyes turned to Kiryk as two more of his thugs walked in, rifles couched. "Want to tell me what the hell happened?"
Kiryk sighed. "Must've been a stray shot," he shrugged. "I was upstairs with my girlfriend and we heard you guys arrive. I kept her upstairs like you said, then we came down here and found them," he motioned to Sewer as well.
Nodding skeptically, the tall, strongly built lieutenant in darker clothing then noticed Cymbrecia on the couch. "And what about her?"
"She was getting out of hand, so I had to knock her out. It's not easy watching your friends get smoked."
Aryl turned to him. "Is she going to be a problem?"
He shook his head. "No way. She's under thumb, don't worry about her."
"Better be."
"I got it," he tried to sound convincing.
Aryl sighed and walked over to the one that had called them here and glanced down to Cosmo. "He's not going to be happy about this."
"Just tell him that one of those guys shot him. It's the truth. The large one even got in a fight with him on the way here."
"Oh," steel-blue eyes turned back to him. "Over what?"
Kiryk shook his head. "Just being stupid. Mercs and ex-cons are always doing s**t like that. Can't be under the same roof for too long, apparently."
Motioning to the duo at the door, Aryl walked back towards the entryway as they moved to carry the body out to their awaiting ship. "Come with us, we got work to do. Let her sleep it off."
Kiryk nodded, glanced to the slumbering, raven haired beauty on the couch and hoped that she got over this by the time he saw her again. As he followed the two mercs, he closed the door and left.
Sounds from the forest outside woke Cymbrecia to the night. Waving gently like the long robes of a ghost, the drapes danced with the seabreeze and didn't abate the soreness in her jaw. How did she get in her room? The last thing she remembered was watching....
She pushed herself up, threw the blanket aside and raced out of the room. Turning to the right, golden light poured out of the living room and through the opening in the den below her. "Kiryk," she called as she raced downstairs, then rounded the banister to note two familiar females sitting on the couch to the right that bordered the kitchen. She stopped in her tracks as Ilana approached, smiling.
"How you feeling, honey," hazel brown eyes looked into hers and suddenly Cymbrecia felt lost.
"Okay," she replied quietly as her 'aunt' hugged her tightly. For a moment she felt safe, just like when she and Kaliman used to visit Ilana, Alrek and Dara when they were younger.
"Good," Ilana replied in a motherly tone, then kissed her on the forehead. The older brunette backed a step as Dara hugged Cymbrecia also.
"Where are the guys," she finally asked and quickly noted the happy smiles turn somber. A reaction that made her heart sink and she felt angry tears well.
"We took care of them," Ilana stated. "I'm sorry."
"S**t," she replied quietly as the echo of the gun battle earlier returned.
"I'm just glad you're alright," Ilana hugged her again. "Any idea who did this?"
Vision now clouded, she closed her eyes and nodded. "Yeah." They allowed her some time to grieve and walked her to the kitchen. She remained in Ilana's arms as Dara made her something light to eat, then brought it to her as they sat in the dining room. Not feeling like eating much, she picked at it as they quietly waited.
"You can come with us," Ilana finally broke the silence. "You're apparently not safe here any more."
Blue eyes looked up at the one stable thing in her sordid life. As much as she wanted to, there were still some things to tend to. "Not yet. My boyfriend should be back in a few days. I'd like to wait for him to get back first."
Ilana leaned back in her chair. "Okay," she nodded and suddenly Cymbrecia grew nervous.
* * *
Three days later, Cymbrecia worked on one of the cleaning droids which had broken down again. It was time to make a run to Marcino, apparently. Wiping sweat off her brow, she sat atop a small stool and thought about the beach and water that was calling her name. Ilana and Dara had already gone out for a swim and she agreed to join them once this was done.
As she replaced the servo into the small area it was meant for, she heard the familiar sound of a repulsor engine arrive, then wind down. Fingers worked faster as she pressed to finish the task, hoping Kiryk had finally returned home. Light poured in from the open garage door, but she remained hidden behind a large toolbox and a long workbench covered with tools and other assorted cans, parts and ripped packaging as footsteps approached.
"Hey," Kiryk's familiar voice called and she glanced up and to the right to notice the one she had longed to see again.
"Hey," she straightened and smiled. "Everything go okay?"
He nodded and glanced to the droid, it's side panel missing and revealed it's confusing mass of machinery and wires. "Yeah, got another contact for the future and a little more spending money." Brown eyes looked at her. "How you doin'?"
"Fine," she sobered, then went back to finish tightening the screws. Once done, she returned the panel to the supporting frame and latched it down.
"Good," he crouched at her side and placed a hand on her right forearm. "I'm sorry about the other day. I just didn't want you to get hurt, that's all."
Blue eyes glanced at him as she flicked the 'ON' switch to the droid and nodded. "You hungry?"
"Starving," he stood as she rose and returned her tools to their places in each drawer of the tall box. Shadows walking towards the front of the house prompted her to lean to the left and notice Ilana and Dara. Both dressed in shorts and tanktop, their presence also stiffened Kiryk's demeanor.
"Who the hell is that," he asked defensively.
"Friends."
He looked at her and his returned grip on her forearm tightened. "You serious? Get rid of them."
Cymbrecia turned to him as she shoved the drawer closed. "No. This is my house too."
"Bulls**t. I paid for this place with all the money from the bank heist. You're here because I want you here. Deed's in my name, babe."
"You must be Kiryk," Ilana greeted and they both looked to the mature females now standing at the end of the bench.
"You're just leaving," Kiryk stated coldly. "We're talking here. Pack your s**t."
"Kiryk," Cymbrecia scolded.
"You'll first be taking your hands off of my neice," Ilana replied, her hazel brown eyes narrowed as she stepped closer. "Understand me?"
"Ilana, it's okay."
"No, it's not okay," the ex-assassin returned, eyes still locked with Kiryk's.
"I don't know who you think you are, but I run things here, b***h." With a flash of movement, Kiryk's jawbone crunched and he collapsed to the floor in a heap.
"Come on," Ilana's smooth voice directed as Cymbrecia looked down at the man she had wanted to spend her life with, blood slowly pooling near his lips onto the dark grey, permacrete floor. "Anyone that treats my niece that way isn't deserving of you. Now let's go."
Cymbrecia couldn't believe the turn of events, even though she was pissed at him for what he had helped do to her crew. A conflict of emotions roiled in her mind. She sighed and looked up to Ilana as Dara moved around and stood in full view, then glanced down to the man.
"He made you watch as his friends killed your crew," Ilana reminded. "You can't stay hooked to this dirtbag. He's only using you and when it comes down to you or him, you're out. And I can't stand by and let that happen. I won't. I made your father a promise and I intend to keep it."
Brow furrowed, Cymbrecia didn't remember any promise. "When did you promise anything to Dathan?"
"I meant your real father."
Cymbrecia watched quietly as the dark blue of Genesia fell away from the navigator's seat behind Ilana in the pilot's seat. She hated that her life of adventure was now over. How had it come to this?
Light blue atmosphere turned to black and soon, the tiny sparks of light elongated and disappeared.
She remained in her seat, head leaned back on the taller rest of padded leather. Now for another chapter to begin. But where? She agreed to leave her ship behind. Ilana's reasoning made sense. It was a sure way to be tracked by this syndicate that now was an enemy. Kiryk remained incapacitated on the floor of the garage when they left and she found herself losing any compassion for him. Their years together were shallow, now that she had a chance to sit back and evaluate it. Nothing like Ilana and Alrek had, or even Kaliman and Serena.
Maybe one day.
"This is the Mark Two," she heard an older voice say from the comm station as Ilana half turned her chair to face Dara in the copilot seat. "What's up, girl?"
"Hey," Ilana replied. "How are things?"
"Good. Staying busy. Always another target to take out, you know how it goes."
"Yeah," hazel brown eyes glanced to Cymbrecia, then back to the voice. "Along that line, you have some free time to take on a project for a friend?"
"For you? Always."
"Good. A certain crimelord from Genesia has made life complicated for someone and he needs to be taken down a notch or two. Thought you might be interested."
"Okay. Got a name?"
"Meron Val Kel Myr."
Cymbrecia's body grew rigid at the sound of the name and her eyes widened as she leaned forward to look at Ilana directly.
"No problem. Name sounds familiar actually. I take it you're too busy?"
"Yeah," she glanced at Cymbrecia and touched her hand lovingly. "I have some precious cargo that I have to get to safety, so."
"You bet. But, you owe me one," preceded a light chuckle.
"Whatever," Ilana playfully chided. "Happy hunting."
"See you soon."