Wanted A Home

By Terry Compton

Josh Gunn and his partners locate and retrieve items or people all over the universe. Not many challenges defied them for long.
But getting a spaceship load of sex slaves back to their own planets or to a new home is proving to be tougher than they ever dreamed. Everything they do is draining more of their money and resources.
A chance to earn twenty million credits for retrieving some artifacts seems simple enough but reality proves otherwise. The people lurking in the sidelines could disrupt all of their best laid plans.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Terry Compton
• Release date: Sep 19, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310888809

Terry Compton

Terry Compton has raced stock cars, rode horses across the Scapegoat Wilderness, fished and hunted most of his adult life while working at several different jobs. He is an Air Force veteran and served in the Air National Guard for several years. He is currently retired from being the owner, chief welder and installer for an ornamental iron business where he has made several award winning metal creations and is now turning this creativity to writing.Terry loves to read science fiction, westerns and mystery stories. Some of his favorite authors are Clive Cussler, Robert Ludlum, Tom Clancy, Andre Norton, Poul Anderson, Robert Heinlein, Louie L'Amour, Zane Grey and Anne McCaffery. He is currently learning about 'indie' authors who are publishing e-books.Terry currently lives in Montana with his wife and a dog who thinks she is a short furry people.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Josh Gunn sat tensely at the controls of his spaceship staring at the busy space station ahead. Twelve heavy freighters sat at docks around the place. Retro jets blazed blue from three more as they plunged toward the station. Dozens of smaller spaceships flew to and from the swirling purple mists of the planet below.

As he watched, a freighter slipped loose from the station and started out into space. The shields on Belle were set to invisible so Josh had to keep watch for any traffic around them. His seven-foot tall blue android partner, Cherry Kang, stared at results from the scanners. His hands stirred restlessly over the controls, adjusting them, looking for their mark.

Josh muttered, Hersh assured me the criminal would be here to catch that spaceship we just followed here. Where is he?

Cherry grunted, I see Kassie still hasn't taught you how to be patient. LOOK OUT!

Josh jerked the flight control to move Belle away from the large freighter lurching into the space station. Cherry said, Follow that freighter. We need to be closer to the station.

What good will that do us? We can't just become visible.

I want to launch some sensors and snoops. We may not be able to go inside but that doesn't mean we won't be able to see inside.

Josh carefully followed the freighter to the dock. Cherry launched the snoops before it docked. The gnat, fly and wasp-shaped spying equipment, hid in the upper folds of the dock connector beside the controlling remote sensors. After the freighter docked and the airlock opened, Cherry spread the sensors and snoops along the docks.

In a few minutes, the view screen in front of Cherry came to life with the busy traffic inside the station. Alien forms trod from dock to dock pulling goods from the ships and taking other items back to them.

Crews pushed around those carrying goods. Most made a beeline for the drinking establishments just beyond the dock area. Some moved past those to the merchants' space. Several ships' officers haggled over lists in their hands.

A new ship zipped close beside Belle. The sleek lines, novel paint job and obviously powerful engines caused Josh to look a little more closely. He twitched but didn't move his spaceship. He muttered, Idiot. Someone should put a hole in that nice shiny new spaceship. Then maybe they would be a little more careful.

Cherry maneuvered some of the snoops near the berth of the ship they were following. As soon as he had a chance, he flew five of them inside the ship. The android's eyes flickered as he monitored all the snoops and remote sensors.

Josh sat there jiggling his foot on the deck. After a bit, he added a drum roll from his fingers. Shortly after that Cherry snapped, JOSH, I'm trying to concentrate. Here, watch this screen to see if you can spot our target.

The snoop's view came from just outside the new spaceship. Thirty minutes went by before Josh's foot twitched again. Cherry's fist clenched. A short Cebu crewman came off the spaceship and disappeared down the passageway.

Josh watched other people move by the snoop. Moments later, the Cebu crewman came back pushing a grav-sled loaded with luggage and boxes. A short female, reminding him of a Yinyi native, walked behind him. She kept her face covered, piquing Josh's interest.

He muttered, There's something familiar about that female. Belle, record this and get that ship's signature if they take off. Why does that walk look familiar?

Cherry glanced up from his screens to look at the female. After a few seconds, he turned back to his own task. Josh watched the crewman and the female until they disappeared in the ship. His face scrunched into a frown as he concentrated.

Stevedores from the space station came into sight pushing bigger grav-sleds a few minutes later. They both contained unmarked boxes and bags. Josh could see food items in some of the bags. He moved the snoop closer to get a better look at the unmarked boxes.

He didn't see anything to give him a clue about what might be in them, so after moving the snoop back to its original position, he continued to watch the foot traffic. The stevedores came back with empty sleds. A half hour later, two more came back with more food and boxes. It didn't take long to dump them into the new spaceship.

Josh started to say something to Cherry, but he saw that the android was completely focused on his screens. Josh quietly said, Belle, track that ship when it leaves. I know that female from somewhere. I smell a scoundrel there.

The airlock doors at the new spaceship's berth started closing. Josh could see the lights indicating that the folding connector was releasing. A few minutes later, the ship eased away from the space station. It took off much too fast and Josh heard the warning broadcast telling the ship to slow down. It ignored the warning as it flew away.

Josh watched the scanners to see the ship disappear into hyper-space. They just cut their own throats. No one from that ship will ever be allowed on this space station again. Of course, it serves them right. Arrogant morons. They can't even fly a sweet ship like that in a decent manner.

Josh's eyes went back to the view screen. The foot traffic started to thin in front of the snoop. Cherry muttered something but he didn't understand. The android exclaimed, NO! He's doing it again. Josh, I've found him, but he's setting an incendiary device. I'll bet it'll set a hot inferno in that area.

What do we do? Do we dock and let the administrator know?

We can't do that. They don't like bounty hunters here and they really won't like us just appearing next to the station. They'll try to lock us down and arrest us. By the time we convince them there's a bomb, it will be too late.

We have to let them know. This station is too busy. Too many people will die if we don't do something. What's that psycho doing now?

Cherry leaned back and waved at a view screen. He's got the thing set. Now he's heading for his ride out of here.

Josh turned to a control for the remote sensors. He flew one along the ceiling until it stopped a short distance from the bomb. Cherry asked, What are you doing?

I'm going to use the laser on this thing to create smoke. Someone will investigate and dispose of it.

Cherry plugged his pinky into the computer slot and worked silently for a few seconds. He said, There. The sensor will burn a message that there's more. The station will shut blast doors and seal off things. At least they'll get this one and limit any damages from others.

Josh growled, I want this creep. I'd like to take a laser torch to his feet and work up. Let him personally feel what burns feel like.

I'm moving all the snoops and sensors to that dock. The mark will be leaving before those bombs go off. We can salvage most of our equipment. The one sensor should be the only one we lose.

As soon as you get the others moving, preprogram this one to move to the opposite side of the station. We don't want anything tracing back to us.

Josh started the remote sensor burning the message into a wall near the bomb. As soon as it finished, the sensor moved the laser to a bundle of wires. Thick smoke soon billowed from them. Alarms sounded inside the space station.

Cherry chuckled, That got our pyro's attention. He's starting to run. Must think his bomb went off before it should've. Look at him scream at the ship's captain to get out of here.

Josh blew a big breath of air then said, Why can't we just have an easy grab? I want to get this weirdo, turn him in and get back to moving the asteroid. We're six months into making the repair-trade space station at Orlowa and here we sit a million miles away watching a pyromaniac trying to burn a bunch of people in another space station. Tell me again why we're here.

We need the money. Setting up that new place burns money faster than the Charter Alliance can print it. We need to step up moving the former prisoners to their homes. So far, we've only got four hundred and something to their planets.

As Josh wiped his face with his hand, a frown replaced the smile. Yeah, and two thirds of them came back. Now they're working for us too, making more salaries to worry about. It would be easier if the others just gave up and stayed to get the space station working.

If it were you, would you give up? Have you given up on getting back to your home?

No, but —

Cherry firmly chided his partner, No, but. You're still looking for a way and so are they. You're busy with this and a hundred other things or you wouldn't be fit to live with. We just need to keep them busy so we don't develop any more riots like happened before.

Oh, I know. I'm just tired of fighting everything. For once, I'd like something to go smoothly.

If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. Think of what you get paid for doing the impossible.

Yeah, what am I getting paid?

They both laughed and turned back to the view screens. After a few seconds, Cherry said, Josh, get a sensor stuck to that ship when the airlock closes. I'm going to be busy monitoring the ones inside. I think they are up to something.

So do I.

Spaceships started to separate from the station. Josh moved away and warily eyed the new traffic. The ship with the pyromaniac inside eased away from the station. It slipped between two of the big freighters. Josh followed its movement by the sensor.

With a burst of speed, it turned away from the freighters and joined the smaller ships headed to the planet. Josh moved Belle to follow. Cherry said, Wait a minute and just track it. I'm picking up a conversation inside it. The creep is threatening the captain. I think they are about to do a disappearing act.

The ship dipped into the atmosphere and then skittered around the planet like a stone skipping across water. Josh kept Belle out of the atmosphere but stayed within sight. The sensor shut down as the air heated the outside of the fleeing ship.

Josh glanced at a view screen showing the space station. Ships floated around it but still hadn't returned. The ones coming up from the planet continued to swarm upward. Josh said, This is costing the station some credits. Those ships aren't offloading or spending anything.

Yeah, I'd bet they would like to get their hands on our creep. I'm sure they'd like to see if he has any money, then shove him out of an airlock.

Did any of the fire bombs go off?

Cherry's eyes unfocused for a few seconds before he said, One. Two dead and fifteen injured. They've got it under control. The manager is just making a sweep to see if there's any more that might go off before he lets anyone re-dock.

How many of those ship captains will want to re-dock? I'd be a little nervous.

They may not have a choice. They have to pick up cargo, but they may not drop off the rest of what they have unless they get a really good price for it.

Josh saw the other ship reach the opposite side of the planet from the station. It flew off into space. He said, They thought they could burn off any bugs on the outside of the ship. Now they're going to try to escape. Well, they are in for a big surprise. I'm not letting them go.

Cherry stared at a screen then said, There's another ship looking for them. They're going to go dirtside though. We'll have a little lead.

I don't think we want to capture that monster in this solar system. I think we'll have trouble getting him back to Kuris to get our reward.

I think you're right. Those tracking improvements that we picked up from Lobos' crew might come in handy.

I know where I've seen that female.

Cherry stared at him, What female?

The one leaving the space station. Belle, bring up the video of the little jerk on Europaische that wanted to buy our fliter. You should have shots of him going and coming from his ship.

They both stared as Belle projected the female and the little male walking. Cherry said, You're right. That is Lobos' man. Why's he in disguise? Did he have something to do with our mad bomber planting devices here?

I don't know, but he sure took off like a scalded cat. Maybe we should leave the bomber and go after him.

No, this guy is worth fifty thousand credits. We don't know if that other one is worth anything.

Josh said, But he will know where Lobos is. She's worth five million credits.

Take what's right in our hand for now. Then we can take a look at the other one.

Josh muttered, but he kept flying after the fleeing spaceship. Cherry gave him coordinates he'd picked up from the snoop. The other ship jumped to hyper-space and Cherry said, We've got another ship interested. It's been hanging back but it's headed this way now.

Friend, foe or competition?

I don't know.

I'm going to slow them down. I'll fire one shot at their engines. They'll think they got hit by space junk.

Josh turned Belle and lined up for the shot. After a few minutes, a big plume of gases escaped from the rear of the ship. Josh turned around and jumped after their quarry. As soon as they came back into normal space, Cherry checked the feed from the snoops.

He said, They're going to jump again. Give me a second and I'll get the coordinates.

Josh fidgeted as he waited for the numbers. He watched the other ship jump again. A quick glance at the scanners showed distant spaceship traffic but nothing close. Cherry gave him the numbers and they followed the other ship.

They followed through two more jumps before Josh declared, That's far enough. I'm tired of messing with them.

Do we warn them or just attack?

I hadn't even thought about that. Belle is enough bigger, we could attach the tractor beams and hold that ship here.

There's some traffic over there. They might interfere.

Not if I expand the shield. They won't even see anything.

Cherry frowned, That means we go inside that ship. They aren't going to send the mad bomber out. Did any Nagini come?

No, they've been kind of restless since we started moving that big chunk of rock towards Orlowa.

Then I'd better alert our crew. Who goes in with them?

Josh said, I will. You can connect to the computer and monitor all the snoops in the other ship while you fly. Besides, it's time for me to take out some of my frustrations on some evil doers.

Don't get too carried away. The captain and crew may not know who they are carrying or maybe they were coerced.

They better give me a good story or I'll consider them enemies of the Charter Alliance. Admiral Zaide would like to get a speedy little scout like that.

Josh flew over the other ship as they started to maneuver for a hyper-space jump. Cherry attached the tractor beam as Josh enveloped the other ship with Belle's shield. Cherry studied the scanners and the view from the snoops.

He said, It looks like you have crew in the cockpit and galley. I see one heat signature in a room. I'd say that's our bomber.

Show me the layout of the other ship.

As Cherry explained the layout, the other ship struggled to come up to speed for a jump. Josh kept moving them in a circle. The other ship shut down after a few attempts. Josh stood from the pilot's seat and said, It's all yours. I'll try to be quick.

Just be careful. Our crew doesn't have the experience. One mistake could cost some lives.

Josh went to the situation room to explain to his three crewmen what they were going to do. He then inspected their weapons and spacesuits. Satisfied at last, he led them to the airlock. Cherry kept him updated to the other crews' movements as they cycled outside.

Outside in the vacuum of space, Josh went to the other ship's airlock. He used a device that Cherry had invented to open the outer door. Once he had everyone inside, he slammed it shut and started the airlock cycle. With the same device, he overrode the interlock and opened the door before the cycle could complete.

Josh called to Cherry, Tell them to give up or suffer the consequences.

A crewman ran from the rear of the ship toward them as they stepped out of the airlock. Josh shot him with a stingerray. He shouted, Picu, stay here and drop anyone who comes from that direction. There should only be three more but you never know.

The other two followed him toward the cockpit. A blaster bolt ricocheted off the cockpit door as he stepped up to it. Ducking down, he yelled, One more shot and we take the front off of your ship. Do you have your spacesuits on?

Josh heard a gurgle from behind him, but he couldn't turn around. He thought he heard a sob as he lunged inside the cockpit. The captain and two crewmen had their hands above their heads. Josh waved them to his left.

Jaya said, Captain, Diri's been hit. It looks bad.

Chapter 2

Josh turned his head to glance at Diri. Movement at the corner of his eye caught his attention. The captain was easing toward his weapon. Josh shot him with the stingerray. The other two crewmen started to dive for cover so he shot both of them.

Josh started to go to Diri, but turned to go check the three fallen crewmen. All three were lying senseless on the deck. Josh rushed back to Diri. A sliver of metal from the door jamb stuck out of Diri's spacesuit. Bubbles moved through the purple blood oozing around the metal.

Dropping to his knees beside the wounded crewman, Josh looked up at Jayu. He said, Go down the passageway and watch the door with the passenger inside. Don't do anything foolish but if that pervert steps outside shoot him with the stingerray. Don't take any chances.

Diri looked up at Josh to whisper, I'm sorry, Captain.

Sorry about what? Being in the wrong place at the wrong time? It's as much my fault as it is yours. I forgot to teach you to duck. I'll put it on the remedial training as soon as we get back to the asteroid.

Diri smiled weakly but didn't say anymore. Josh called Cherry, We need a shield generator over here pronto. Also bring Nurse Lori.

What's wrong? How bad is it?

I don't have time to talk now but we need them right away.

He's lying there and you can't talk, right?

You got it. I'll see you in a few minutes.

Josh put his hand on Diri's other arm. He said, Take it easy. Cherry will bring a shield generator so we can get you back aboard Belle. The robot will get you all stabilized.

Diri started to say something but Josh stopped him. Don't talk now. Save your strength. It'll be a little rough going to Belle.

It didn't take Cherry long to bring the shield generator and the robot. One look was all he needed to urge her forward to look after the patient. Josh stayed on the deck next to Diri until Lori told him to move out of the way.

Cherry said, We can put him on the grav-sled and raise it up off the floor if it'll make it easier.

Josh, Cherry and the robot lifted Diri onto the sled. Cherry raised it up to waist height. Lori opened the front of Diri's spacesuit. She motioned for Josh to help her get it off of him. Josh took his vibro-knife and cut it off.

Once the suit came off, the robot shooed Josh back out of the way. Cherry quietly asked, What happened?

I thought we had them but the captain or one of them took a shot at me. They missed, but hit the door jamb there. Knocked a piece off and into Diri.

What about the pyro?

He's still in his room. I've got Jayu watching it. I told him to blast the twerp if he comes out.

I'll go flush him out.

Let's wait until Diri is safe on Belle. You never know what a crazy like him will do.

They both fidgeted from foot to foot as they stood a few feet away from the robot. Time crawled for both of them as they waited for the diagnosis. Lori said, I need some help here. Captain, I need you to hold his legs. Cherry, I need you to hold his upper torso. I'm going to pull that piece of metal out.

They stepped up to the sled and held Diri down. Lori pulled the metal and immediately went to work to stop the flow of blood. Josh and Cherry relaxed and moved back again. After another twenty minutes, Lori announced, He's stable enough to move back to Belle. I'll keep working on him there. I'm sure he'll need to be moved to a hospital with better equipment.

Cherry said, We're going to have to get that equipment on our ships. Sometimes we're too far away to make it in time.

The three of them moved Diri to Belle and settled him into a bed. Lori continued to work on him while Josh and Cherry went back to the other spaceship. They sent Jayu and Picu back to Belle. Josh moved to the side of the door and knocked loudly.

What do you want?

Come out with your hands where we can see them. You're under arrest for the firebombing of the bazaar on De Oro.

Never been there. Go away or you'll be sorry.

Cherry and Josh looked at each other. Josh motioned for Cherry to get the shield generator again. Josh said, Come on out. We have the crew incapacitated and the ship is stopped. We're going to shut the air and gravity off.

Go ahead. That will trigger the firebomb on here. Didn't the captain tell you?

He didn't mention it. If you had one, I'm sure he'd have said something.

The maniac gave a high pitched giggle. Oh, there's one there. You'll never find it and if you jiggle it or shut off the air, it'll go off.

Josh moved away from the door to wait for Cherry. He kept his eyes glued to the door as he waited. As Cherry slid the grav-sled with the shield generator up behind him, Josh relayed the new problem.

Cherry looked at him. What sort of crazy, illogical plan are you working on to end this stalemate?

What makes you think I'd have a crazy plan?

Because I've been your partner for how many years? Fifteen? Sixteen?

Yeah, close to sixteen. Just think, if it hadn't happened, I might be an admiral like Zaide.

That's a scary thought. Quit stalling. What are you planning?

Josh told him. Cherry loudly proclaimed, NO, YOU ARE NOT. I'll do it.

But —

You think I want to let you try something this crazy and stupid? What if you get seriously hurt or killed? I'd have to go back and face Kassie. No, sir. I'd just go to the other end of the universe and try hiding out. I'll do it. You move Belle.

Josh opened his mouth to argue with him but Cherry turned his back on him. He pushed the grav-sled to the crewman lying down the passageway. After tossing him on the sled, he moved to the cockpit to get the other three.

Cherry pushed the sled up to the airlock, then went to tap Josh on the shoulder. Josh started to speak. Cherry glared at him as he said, I'm not facing Kassie. Go get Belle moved and let's get this over with.

Josh pushed the grav-sled to Belle. He secured the unconscious crewmen under a shield. In the cockpit, he threw off the tractor beam and moved Belle well away from the other spaceship. He told Cherry to go ahead.

He watched his android partner step out of the airlock and fasten a lifeline to a tether point on the hull of the ship. Cherry plugged his finger into a port and seemed to freeze. Josh glanced at the view from the snoops inside the ship.

Nothing moved, then he saw the wall of flame rolling toward the nose of the spaceship. His eyes darted to his partner. The airlock swung open and flame flared outside briefly before going out. Cherry waited several minutes then moved back inside the spaceship. Josh looked closer to see the clothes on his left side were charred beyond recognition.

Josh tried to call but he didn't receive an answer. His eyes darted to the scanners. They showed a live person still huddled in the room. Josh saw Cherry move to the door of the room. The scanner didn't show enough detail to tell what they were doing.

Josh tried to find a snoop still broadcasting. None of them responded. His hands went to Belle's controls. They moved to fly Belle closer but he stopped. What if there's a second bomb? I can't get closer until Cherry gives me the go ahead. Come on, partner, step out the airlock and wave me over.

Picu stepped into the cockpit. He said, Diri is sleeping. Lori says he's doing alright but he still needs a hospital to mend his lung. The metal pierced it. She said he needs it right away.

Thanks, Picu. We'll take off for a hospital as soon as we recover Cherry.

That looks like burns on the outside of that ship.

It is…

Josh went on to explain what happened. They both sat anxiously waiting for a signal from Cherry. After several minutes of waiting, Cherry finally stepped to the airlock and waved for Josh.

Carefully easing Belle closer, Josh moved until he could see the hand signals Cherry used. They had developed their own short cuts to communication. Josh told Picu that Cherry wanted him to reattach Belle's tractor beam to the other ship.

Seconds after the beams had them secured together, Cherry came into Belle's airlock. Josh and Picu rushed to the rear to see him. By the time they reached the cargo bay, Cherry had a grav-sled loaded with a shield generator and a laser cutting torch.

Josh asked, You doing some remodeling over there? Is your comm broken or were you just ignoring me?

It's time to pen that maniac up. Yes, I do realize that my comm doesn't work. That blast swirled out a little more than I expected. I was right. If it had been you there, I'd be fleeing to the far side of the universe. That blast would have melted your spacesuit.

Do you have any damage?

Cosmetic is all. Picu, give me your comm. We need to be able to communicate. How's Diri?

Josh's eyes told the tale but he still said, He's stable but needs to get to a hospital right away. That piece of metal pierced a lung.

I won't be long. You'll have to tow that other ship. It'll take some time to get it fired back up. Get coordinates programmed in and get ready to jump as soon as I finish over there.

Josh and Picu hurried back to the cockpit. Josh made some adjustments to the tractor beams and started flying. Cherry kept him informed about how much longer he would be. Josh eased Belle's velocity up close to jump speed.

As soon as Cherry announced his arrival in the airlock, Josh jumped to hyper-space. His eyes flickered over the gauges and dials to see how the other ship fared. Josh's body relaxed back into his seat after he found everything like it should be.

Picu asked, Captain, will we make it there in time?

Yes.

They sat in silence for a few minutes until Cherry walked in the door. Picu started to get up but Cherry said, You're fine. Stay where you're at. I want to check on a few things and I can plug in back here.

Josh asked, What did you do with the firebug?

I cut the door open, enclosed him in our shield and left him. I hope he has enough air to get to where we're going. If not, he can suffer.

The chime of the comm interrupted them. Lemmy's face filled the view screen when Josh answered. Josh, what are we going to do? I can't get this asteroid turned into a repair station by myself. There's —

Cherry swiveled to stare at her as Josh interrupted, Whoa. Why are you trying to do this by yourself? Where's Varn?

He's getting ready to go to Orlowa to find a ride on the next ship.

Cherry asked, Where's he going and why?

Lemmy's face scrunched into a grimace, I don't know why or where. I just know he received a call and went straight to his quarters to start packing. He's taking everything. I don't think he's coming back.

Josh firmly said, Lemmy, go get Varn. Then call me back.

Her face faded off the view screen. Picu asked, What was that all about? I thought Varn wanted to help you and the others. By the way, I think I remember something about comms not working in hyper-space. How does this one work?

Josh said, Varn does. He just has another problem that crops up once in awhile. This is an Alcantaran ship. The comm works if we call other Alcantaran comms. Keep that to yourself though. We don't want that capability to become common knowledge. Why don't you go see how Diri is doing?

Alright, Captain. I sure hope Varn isn't leaving for good. One of my friends is in his class of engineers and she really likes him.

He isn't leaving for good. Go check on Diri.

Cherry looked at him for a few seconds before he said, You know more about this than you're letting on. Do you know where he's going and why?

No.

Cherry glared at him. Josh said, Well, I don't know where he's headed or why for certain but…

But what? Spit it out.

I think he's after the same thing I was when we started this bounty hunting business. I don't know what or why he's chasing it, but I know he's been after it for a lot more years than we have. He must have a lead and needs to follow it.

Why didn't he take up bounty hunting if he's chasing someone?

Not his style. Besides, I don't think he had the resources I did. He has enough talent as a fixer to get around most anywhere he wants, so he does his chasing his way.

Cherry said, If he's chased this demon for longer than you, he won't delay following this lead. Can we get the asteroid up and running without him?

I don't know. I think so, but it will be much slower and one of us will have to be there to supervise. Lemmy is good, but not with directing people. Robots, yes, but not people.

Then we need to loan him one of the Zlata ships we took when they threatened Orlowa. He can get there, take care of business and get back.

Josh sighed, If he'll take it. He might not want to wait until we get back.

The chime of the comm interrupted them. Lemmy's face greeted them. Her ears were laid back flat against her head and her face scrunched in a frown. Screams and yells could be heard in the background.

A shaking and pasty Varn appeared in the view of the comm. His eyes stayed glued to something just out of sight. He jumped and faced the comm when Josh said, Varn, I hear you're leaving us. You planning to come back?

Ye know I will, Cap'n, if ye'll have me. I need to – well, ye know I need to give a concert. Lemmy, call off those blasted beasts. I'm not hurtin' anywhere.

But they like you. Are you sure you don't have a twinge somewhere they can relieve?

No, I'm fine. Tell them they can go. I'm here to talk to the Cap'n now.

Josh struggled to keep from chuckling but a smile still crept across his face as he said, When is the next ship leaving Orlowa?

In three days. I hope my source will still be there by the time that ship gets to…

Varn went on to tell about the solar system he needed to get to. Cherry said, Some of the former slaves need to go to that area. If you were willing to take them to their homes, I think we could let you use one of our spaceships. That would get you there quicker.

But I'd have a ship full of greenies. They'd drive me crazy with their questions and foolishness.

Josh said, But you'd be able to follow your leads to a – ah concert. No waiting to see if you could hitch a ride. Then if you didn't find anything, you'd have a fast way back.

Yes, there be that. How soon could I get this ship?

It'll be at least three days. Diri has been hurt and we're on the way to the hospital now. But even if we get there in four days, going directly to where you want to go will shave time off. If your lead is time sensitive, every moment you save could be the difference.

Varn's face twisted in funny ways as he thought about what Josh had said. At last he replied, Cap'n, I'll wait four days, then I have to hitchhike. I hope ye know it's nothing agin ye, but as ye said, time is important. Ye have to take care of Diri first and my little problem is of utmost importance to me.

Josh said, I understand. You have a job waiting when you get back.

The comm went silent. Cherry sat there for a few seconds before he said, That stinks. We need him.

I know, but if we force the issue, we'll lose him for good. You know what a burning passion chasing your demon can become.

Cherry stared at him, then nodded. Belle chimed to let them know that Lori needed to talk to them. Josh answered the inner ship comm. Lori said, Captain, we need to get to the hospital as soon as possible. I'm losing Diri. His lung collapsed and he's getting worse by the minute.

Cherry jumped to his feet to rush back to them. Josh said, I'll do what I can but I think we're about five hours away.

He cut off the comm and went to work to see if he could get more speed out of Belle and shorten the transit time. His fingers flew over the controls, then he sat back to quietly ask the One God to keep Diri safe until they arrived.

Chapter 3

I watched the boss berating the little computer geek. It had been fun at first, but now her shrieks just hurt my ears. Lobos had been in a really nasty mood ever since Ashrafi Huazhuang's crew had rescued us.

I wasn't complaining about being free. A prison planet didn't sound like a place I wanted to be. Ouch, that had to hurt. That little geek is starting to look like a well-used punching bag. His sobs and sniffles are getting on my nerves. Uh oh, the boss is looking at me.

Lobos yelled, Go get our vehicle. I'm tired of sitting inside.

I replied, Where are we going, boss?

I don't care, just out of here. That worm can stay and work on my project. I thought Bersi was bad but this one can't even… Maybe I should stuff him down a disposal chute and find another one that can get the job done.

I opened my mouth to say something then closed it. No sense getting her started on me. I don't know anything about those computers and I don't want to know. Lobos acts like she still has her tail caught in a trap. I'll just let that little twerp take the abuse. Hurrying to the door, I open it for her.

Out in the passageway two more body guards join us as we head outside. The larger of the two body guards stood just a little taller than me. He took the lead and checked for danger. Lobos might be safer here on Julundur, but some of the pirates would still like to kill her and take over her operation. That's where we three body guards came in.

Each of us were heavily armed and fully trained in hand to hand combat. No one with less than a dozen trained crew wanted to take us on. If that big of a group tried anything here, Ashrafi Huazhuang would rip their guts out and hang them all. He was the only one who terrified me more than Lobos.

Our vehicle waited beside the door. The first guard stepped outside and