VFF The Book Continues Part 6
POSTED BY: Colt99
UPDATED: Friday, June 3, 2016 04:01
VIEWED: 92656
PAGE 11 of 15
Abbey’s chastising only made Colt keener on getting the two of them as far from this particular piece of ugly as possible. As Abbey saw to the final preparations, Niska made the introductions.
“Colt, I’m sure you know Mr. Cornwell” Colt and Grayson just glared at each other “Allow me to introduce, Li Chang” the man bowed and Colt returned the same “and Tony Siringo” Colt shook Siringo’s hand and immediately wished he could go wash it.
“Quite a gathering” Colt said.
“All men of reputation, yes?’ Niska replied.
“Not sure I qualify to be here. Maybe I should go out, drown a few puppies and come back” Colt directed his comments at Grayson but everyone except for Niska, seemed equally offended.
“I assure you Captain you have enough blood on your hands” Niska quipped.
Abbey stepped in to try and diffuse the situation. “Gentlemen, if you would please take your seats, we are ready to begin.”
Abbey pulled out the chairs for each man and directed them where to sit, Colt on her right, Niska next to him, then Grayson, Siringo and finally Chang on her left.
“Before we begin” Niska stated “Colt has agreed to do a job. I think he should meet who will be joining him.” Niska sat back and clapped his hands. The door opened and in walked a tall lean cowboy. Abbey looked at Colt for a reaction.
“You know this man yes?” Niska grinned.
“Twister” Colt stood “Been a long time”
“Howdy Colt” the cowboy said. “Long time indeed. Shame, I heard Sky just moved on. Would have liked to seen her again”
“Think that’s wise, seeing as how you left things with her?”
Twister shrugged his shoulders “Yeah you might be right. Could do without that lead in my diet” he pulled up an extra chair spun it around and straddled it. “Have a seat” Colt sat back down “Seeing how we’re going to be working together, don’t you want to introduce me to your little lady?”
Colt tensed “Abbey, this is Twister Johnson. We used to work together.”
Grayson pulled out a small monitor and started typing.
“Let me save you some trouble there officer. You won’t find any more hunting up my name than you did Colt’s. Now you want to see that thing light up light a Christmas tree…” Twister looked at Colt “If I were to say the name…”
Colt stood, forgetting he was unarmed, he slapped at empty leather.
Twister grinned “Now that’s mighty interesting. You acted just like I expected. But your pretty lady friend didn’t even flinch. Seems you haven’t gotten ‘round to telling her about your past” Twister stood and nodded to Niska. “Guess I’ll be letting you folks get on with your game. Be seeing ya Colt, real soon.”
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abbey was fuming as she went about making final preparations. Then Niska started making the introductions and for some reason, he seemed quite amused and excited when he did.
First was the "introduction" to Grayson. That went over well. If looks could kill, both of them would be dead.
Next was Li Chang and Tony Siringo. Both well known slavers. Just being in the same room made abbey nervous, but she was keeping her cool. You wouldn't know it if you looked at her.
Then Colt insulted everyone with the "drown some puppies" comment. If abbey could have kicked him from under the table, she would have. Was he trying to get himself or both of them killed?
Quote:
Originally posted by Colt99:
“I assure you Captain you have enough blood on your hands” Niska quipped.
What did he mean by that? Blood on his hands? And the word "enough" coupled with that? How many people has he hurt?
Then she tried to lighten the mood by asking them to take their seats. Then Niska got that devious grim on his face again. Something was going to happen again and soon.
Quote:
Originally posted by Colt99:
“Before we begin” Niska stated “Colt has agreed to do a job. I think he should meet who will be joining him.”
A JOB? He agreed to what? She looked over at Colt who seemed to be avoiding eye contact, but soon she realized that there was someone else there. Someone that Colt knew. And his name was Twister. And apparently he knew Sky too and their last meeting did not go well. Bad enough that it was a certainty that Sky would've shot him.
And there looked to be no love lost between the two. Her stomach dropped. This was not good.
Quote:
Originally posted by Colt99:
“Seeing how we’re going to be working together, don’t you want to introduce me to your little lady?”
Colt wasn't happy about it, but he introduced Twister Johnson to her and verified that they used to work together. Grayson pulled out CorPad and started typing. He didn't seem to worried about who saw him either.
Quote:
Originally posted by Colt99:
“Let me save you some trouble there officer. You won’t find any more hunting up my name than you did Colt’s. Now you want to see that thing light up light a Christmas tree…” Twister looked at Colt “If I were to say the name…”
Twister was baiting Colt and Colt fell for it. If he had a gun, this Twister man would have been dead.
And what was that about Colt's name not being in the Allied Law Enforcement's database. Wasn't everyone in there? Heck, she was in there and she had a new identity.
Quote:
Originally posted by Colt99:
“Now that’s mighty interesting. You acted just like I expected. But your pretty lady friend didn’t even flinch. Seems you haven’t gotten ‘round to telling her about your past” Twister stood and nodded to Niska. “Guess I’ll be letting you folks get on with your game. Be seeing ya Colt, real soon.”
abbey's eyes shifted to Colt's as Colt didn't bother to sit down until way after Twister left. abbey was getting a bad feeling in her stomach and it wasn't morning sickness.
When Colt's eyes turned to face her, she made a barely perceptible look with her eyes that said that he had some explaining to do later.
She just kept thinking about what kind of job had Colt agreed to. And how much that job will endanger their child.
"Shall we get started, gentlemen?" she asked, hoping to get in and out of this game as fast as possible. And with their lives.
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Colt was fuming, not with Niska, or even Twister. He was upset with himself. Twister had played him and he had fallen for it. Not that he normally maintained his decorum, but losing his focus when gambling, was costing him. He was down more than half his stack. To make matters worse, this was not poker night on the farm. There were games he had never heard of and Grayson’s comments each time Abbey had to stop and explain, were wearing on Colt. Would it be so hard to pick a game and stick with it? Colt wondered.
The plan had been simple buy in, don’t lose much, hell maybe even win a little. Once Spots got back to the ship Mobbex and the others would land at the Skyplex, cause a diversion and he would get Abbey out. Only thing that had gone to plan so far was getting into the game. The job Niska forced on him meant they would likely walk away from here, if he could get word to Mobbex not to attack the Skyplex.
One of Niska’s thugs entered and whispered to Niska. The old man nodded. Colt wondered if it had anything to do with his crew. Niska rose “Some business has come up that I must attend to.” He walked to the door and looked to Abbey “A break, yes? “
“Certainly Mr. Niska” The game will resume once your matters are attended to. Gentleman” Abbey said with professionalism that given the circumstances, Colt found amazing. “Please help yourself to a cigar, freshen your drinks and we will continue shortly.”
Grayson went back to work on his pad looking for information while the two slavers discussed business, the rising cost of chains Colt guessed. He was barely out of his seat and Abbey was next to him.
“We have to get out of here” She whispered.
“Ya think?” Colt said too loud. Abbey hushed him with a stern look “Seems I recall telling you not to come to begin with” Colt continued in a lower voice.
“You being here is why we have to go” She said as she pretended to straighten up the various wares on the table. “I had this under control…”
“Under control?” Colt interrupted “ You do see the man that not more than a few hours back was hell bent on taking you and our baby don’t you? Not to mention the two slavers who would be none too happy to add us to their bottom line, for no other reason than that’s what they do” Colt paused” Oh that’s right one of them does have another reason for wanting to.” His voice rising again.
Abbey was moved by his concern. As mad as she wanted to be she couldn’t find fault in his words. She could reach out and hug him, let his embrace assure her that everything would be ok, even if it might not be true. She could take his hand and look into his eyes and apologize for not causing him to worry. Instead… she changed the subject.
“Who the hell was that Twister character? “ She demanded “And how in the world did you end up taking a job for Niska?”
“Later” Colt said “We need to get word to Mobbex not to blow up anything. I’m guessing Niska’s not going to let me wander about so you need to get him the message, dock and wait.”
“What was he planning on blowing up?” Abbey said exasperated.
“Not to worry. Just get him the message” Colt glanced to the door half expecting Niska to enter before he could send word “Oh and one more thing. You have any more of those special chocolates you keep for players?” Colt smiled.
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Mobbex, Spots and Rune crouched next to the airlock that would allow entrance to Niska's Skyplex.
"Why are we doing this again?" Rune asked. "I know I am new, but this is Mr. Niska. He might take offense to us blowing up something or shooting one of his employees. And I'd really rather not get skinned alive if we get caught."
Rune looked square at Mobbex and Spots.
"I know he has done unspeakable things to folks who cross him."
Mobbex shrugged.
"We're doing this cause the Captain said to," he said. "And I just love to see the faces of people when a grenade falls at their feet. It's priceless."
With that, he handed Rune a grenade and smiled.
"You ready?"
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Quote:
Originally posted by Colt99:
“Seems I recall telling you not to come to begin with.”
"Seems I recall telling you that I had this handled and you should stay away," she retorted.
Quote:
Origanally posted by Colt99:
“You do see the man that not more than a few hours back was hell bent on taking you and our baby don’t you? Not to mention the two slavers who would be none too happy to add us to their bottom line, for no other reason than that’s what they do. Oh that’s right one of them does have another reason for wanting to.”
abbey knew he was right about that, so she quickly changed the subject, not liking where the conversation was going. Instead she asked about Twister. And Colt blew her off. She would get an explanation later. She was sure of that.
“Who the hell was that Twister character? “ She demanded “And how in the world did you end up taking a job for Niska?”
Quote:
Originally posted by Colt99:
“We need to get word to Mobbex not to blow up anything. I’m guessing Niska’s not going to let me wander about so you need to get him the message, dock and wait.”
Blowing something up? That was his plan to escape? What was he thinking? Was Colt trying to get them killed. She would be discussing this with him later too, that is, if they survived.
She tried to think of a way to get Mobbex a message. She didn't have an explanation nor the time to actually walk down there. But then Colt was talking again and she stood dumbfounded and open mouthed at his comment.
Quote:
Originally posted by Colt99:
“Oh and one more thing. You have any more of those special chocolates you keep for players?”
And he had that smug smile on his face. Was he insane? She rolled her eyes at him, but would have rather slapped him into sanity.
But she had a job to do, contact Mobbex and cancel the distraction. She saw Grayson's CorPad. She could use that, if he would let her. She guessed she had no choice. She'd snatch it from him if she needed to.
She didn't get the chance though as an explosion rumbled through the station. She closed her eyes in annoyance.
"Now look what you've done," she said glowering at him. "We're gonna get killed... Or worse."
She looked at the other men and with the upmost professional demeanor, she spoke.
"What is the meaning of this?" she said with an indignant voice. "Our game is being disrupted by explosions on the station. I don't feel safe and according to the House, I am required to cancel the game. It is time to cash in your chips gentleman."
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***** rubs head as it throbs painfully*****
All i did was play with my gorram dinosaurs and those freaks got me ......
**** mumbles as i head back to the bridge****
hey Mobbex whats for break fast? mobbex do you have a spare gun i think i need one now . gorram feds
I am a leaf on the wind
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The floor was cold and it didn’t help Oram's mood by a long shot.
And she knew explosions would be involved.
This just set her foul mood even fouler. Explosions meant death or serious injuries which meant she'd have to stay up late and fix whatever body had been broken and burnt.
She didn’t even want to think about the Niska situation.
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Colt cussed under his breath as he heard the muffled explosion followed by alarms. Abbey moved quickly, announcing the end of the game and cashing everyone out. Niska hadn’t returned yet but Colt could feel time was running out, if only Mobbex had waited. When did he become…reliable?
His thoughts were interrupted by Abbey “Colt…COLT!” He looked down. It was his turn to cash out. “Chips?” Abbey said impatiently.
Colt grabbed her satchel and scrapped all his chips, inside “We’ll settle up back on the Book” Grabbing her hand, he headed towards the door. He felt a tug. As he turned, he saw Tony Siringo had her arm.
“Well now…that’s a mighty interesting tattoo your lady friend has there.” Colt saw Abbey’s blouse had slipped off her shoulder as he pulled her towards the door. “What do you suppose the odd are of me running across two different women with the same tattoo in less than a few weeks?”
“I’d guess they're better than you getting out of here without a limp” Abbey said as she kicked Siringo in the thigh. Her spiked heel dug deep into his flesh, and he let out a yelp. Colt took the advantage and landed a solid left that sprawled him across the felt.
The other slaver, Li Chang, seemed just as interested in Abbey’s tattoo as Siringo had been, but bowed slightly to Abbey before extending his arm, directing her towards the door. Guess slavers don’t stick together, Colt surmised. They reached the door only to run into their next obstacle, Grayson.
“Do you still think he can protect you? “ He said sternly to Abbey.
Abbey wavered for a moment “You…You left me little choice.” She regretted her choice of words almost immediately. “Colt I didn’t mean it like…”
“It’s fine” Colt said matter of factly. Then he stepped in front of Grayson. “Move or I’ll have her kick your ass next”
………………………………………………………………………….
Colt and Abbey ran down the hallway. Colt had managed to grab his gun and Abbeys large gaming case on the way out but was wishing he had left her stuff behind. “What level is your shuttle on?” He said trying to steer the large case down the hallway.
“Three” Abbey responded. “What about the Book? “
“Plan was simple, Mobbex causes a distraction. Spots hack's the dock releases, and they fall back. Only thing getting off of here for the foreseeable future is your shuttle and the Book.”
They had just reached level three without any problems. The shuttle had been brought aboard and would exit through a space lock on the level. Colt tossed her case inside and ran back out to see Abbey arguing with Dock Master for this level.
“Sorry Ma’am, but we’re locked down until they find out all this commotion is about.” He said.
“Check again son. Niska said we would be able to launch” Colt said assuredly.
He held up his clipboard and at that moment a green light appeared next to Abbey’s name on the list. “Clear the hole” He shouted, then he turned to Abbey” Get your ship in position Ma’am.”
Just as Abbey was shutting the shuttle airlock and announcement came over the intercom in the docking bay. “The intruders are trapped on level six. All F9 security forces report to level six”
Colt slapped the panel and stopped the door. As he ducked under Abbey caught his arm. She didn’t say anything but Colt could see the worry on her face. “Take off. Contact Wash, if you haven’t heard from us in 15 minutes, tell her to launch” Abbey started to object but Colt stopped her. “Don’t worry, that’s not plan A” with that he, grabbed one of the Book’s comm units, punched the door switch and was gone.
Colt examined the skyplex emergency evacuation map on the wall trying to determine the best way to level six. He heard the airlock shut behind Abbey’s shuttle and hum of the air cycle. He stood until he heard her shuttle launch from the lock then he made his way across the deck to the nearby staircase. “Three levels up” he said as he ascended the steps. Glancing down he came to a stop. Turning quickly he ran back down the stairs, taking them two at a time. He hit the deck and sprinted behind some
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abbey docked the shuttle with The Book just moments after the disengaged from Niska's Space Station.
She rushed out onto the catwalk and peered down into the cargo bay. The man that made Colt so nervous and tetchy was now on their ship, as was another man she hadn't seen before. She was nervous. She didn't like it when folks were around her that she didn't know. She saw Mobbex stand up and woot.
"WOOOO HOOOO!" he hollered. "Now, THAT was fun!"
He reached down and helped the other man up off the ground.
"Well, it was a bit more exciting than my normal day," Rune said.
Then she looked at Colt. He was still inside the hover, Grayson's hover, but he wasn't moving.
"Colt!" she yelled as she barrelled down the stairs.
She reached him with surprising speed. Checking him out, she could see the bullet wound.
"ORAM!" she yelled. "ORAM! Captain's hurt!"
She opened up his coat and revealed that he was bleeding pretty profusely from the wound. She put her hand over the wound to staunch the blood.
"MOBBEX!" she yelled. "HELP ME GET HIM TO THE INFIRMARY!"
It was actually Rune who arrived first, ready to pull the man out of the hover. Mobbex then joined him and together they lifted him up.
"Captain done got himself shot again?" he grumbled. "The man oughta invest in some armor."
As Mobbex and Rune were delivering him into Oram's capable hands, his gun clattered on the floor. But she didn't seem to notice it. She was looking at the blood on her hands.
Colt's blood.
Her baby's father's blood.
Then she heard someone approach her from the direction of the cargo bay doors.
That man from the game.
She reached down, grabbed his gun and turned on him.
"Now who are you?" she asked. "And why are you here?"
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