Gunship (Trilogy One)

By John M. Davis

With the Skyla System at war, the unlikeliest of heroes are about to step up and become legends. Prepare to discover the true meaning of adventure as vampires, saloons, epic sword battles and personal quests for cigars and good whiskey creep up at every turn.

• Language: English
• Publisher: John M. Davis
• Release date: Nov 24, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310768613

John M. Davis

John M. Davis is the bestselling author of Gunship, as well as Wicked, and the novelization of the motion picture REDD. Also known for his popular Book Commander Podcast, John is a former writer for the Legends Football League and owns a minority share of the Canadian Football League’s Saskatchewan Roughriders. He currently lives in Virginia with his wife of 18 years and their two spoiled kids. When he isn’t writing or podcasting, John enjoys reading, studying history, and listening to his favorite band, Evanescence.bookcommander.wordpress.com#bookcommander

Book preview

Gunship (Trilogy One)

Gunship

Glimmeria

Reflections

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2016 Serenity Valley Publishing

Written by: John M. Davis

Editing: Daniél Lecoq

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Book 1: Gunship

Book 2: Glimmeria

Book 3: Reflections

About the Author

Book 1

Gunship

And so begins the greatest story ever told.

Strangest weather. Adam thought as the high winds continued to push across the barren, near lifeless ground outside. The border planets always seemed to have the toughest climate, no matter the season.

When you were on the fringe of charted space, you could be sure of a few things. Rough weather, rougher living and the roughest damn drinking establishments known to mankind. Those were the facts.

Another hand, or should we just count you out Michaels? the dealer asked, a thick beard of black covering most of his experienced face as he continued shuffling the deck of cards, only slightly moving his thumbs as the cards crisply fell into place.

Let's get something straight right here and now. You don't ever count Captain Adam Michaels out. he said as he raised his glass for a long drink of the roughest ale he'd ever fallen victim to.

The pay in for this round is seventy credits. The dealer said as he surveyed the table, giving his best effort in an attempt to block out the dozens of scoundrels in the background drinking ale and most likely telling lies.

I'm out. Captain Michaels said quietly as he stood up and walked away from the table, doing his best to ignore the taunts and insults directed his way as if to keep some of his dignity.

Watching the news huh? he said as he sat down on a raggedy wooden stool beside Dalton at the bar.

Wearing a long, brown duster and a stubbly dirt-colored beard hiding the scars of his past scuffles, Dalton had been a part of Adam's crew for nearly five years. Old military friends, fighting in the Glimmerian War had brought them close together, each earning the trust and respect of the other.

Hell no, Dalton replied with a slyly grinned face.

Adam laughed as he motioned the bartender over to them, ordering a tall glass of water as covertly as possible in order to maintain a decent reputation among this night's patrons.

All I'm hearing is some pencil necked jackass talking about impending civil war between the colonies. You think I give a damn about politics? Dalton asked.

Obviously having already consumed his weight in alcohol, or even more if it was a good night, he continued puffing on a withered cigar that sat limply in the corner of his mouth.

Tastes like watered down piss if you ask me, or even weaker than that, Dalton said loudly, with his full intention of the words hitting the bartender's ears. Not that I would know what watered down piss tastes like, or any piss for that matter, he quickly added as he turned to convince Michaels of the fact. Of course, if I have, I wouldn't know about it. Dalton added, drawing a strange look from the Captain.

Adam had drifted away from the conversation a bit, the loud events of the bar in full swing becoming nothing more than white noise as he noticed a man enter the front door of Paulie's Bar. Not the run of the mill scum that usually frequented the place, this man carried himself with a certain swagger, there was a military feel about him.

He looked the part well enough too, with the dark green cargo pants, solid black t-shirt and shaved head which had a look of shimmering marble to it.

Michaels had needed another crew member for some time now, a hired gun if nothing else. He and Dalton could both handle themselves well in a fire fight, but an extra set of arms slinging shells would always come in handy in his line of work. He was a cargo transporter. Not the kind you contact through a government office, more like the type that considered a checklist of felonies to be an honest day's work. The black market kind. Transporting things that needed to be moved, all while skirting the law and dealing with only the worst of the worst. That was his job, and he did it well.

Be back in a couple of minutes. he said to Dalton as he stood up from the sad excuse for a bar, which was nothing more than aged wooden boards poorly assembled by hand.

Adam made his way toward the stranger sitting at one of the corner tables as the smell of must, smoke and public perspiration hit him in the face like the heel of the heaviest of boots.

Mind if I sit? Michaels asked as the stranger glanced up at him for a moment, quickly going back to eating his plate of bread without so much as a word. Every single time I come here, the bread seems to get worse, Adam said as the man continued to eat without missing a beat. Got work here or just passing through? Adam added, hoping for some kind of response.

You Legion? the stranger said, looking up from his plate with stern intentions.

Legion? No. Hell no, Michaels quickly replied. Far from it friend. Legion patrols and my ship might be on a first name basis, but it's for all the wrong reasons. he added.

In that case, no I don't have work yet. Not sure about the just passing through part, I'll get back to you on that one. the stranger replied.

I see. I'm former military myself, if you don't mind me asking, where did you serve your time? Adam asked.

Gali Special Forces. the stranger replied.

Fresh out I take it? Adam asked.

It's complicated. the stranger replied.

It usually is. Interested in a job? Michaels quickly asked, almost expecting the answer to be an even quicker no.

Who's asking? the stranger calmly answered.

Captain Adam Michaels. Rather not get into the details of the type of work we do, at least not until we make it official. For now, I guess you could consider the type of work we do to be, well, off the grid. Michaels replied.

Off the grid is where I live. the stranger said, as he continued to eat without pause.

I see..and you would be? the Captain asked.

Roman Raines, the stranger responded without hesitation.

Finishing his meal, Roman pushed the empty plate to the side, its thick green glass dragging across the table's coarse wooden surface as he looked at the Captain. What kind of job? he asked.

Well, we do pretty much anything that needs to be done. From medical supplies to weapons, we transport anything that pays well enough, under the radar of course. Michaels replied cautiously.

Roman gave no reply, just an ice cold stare as a welcome for Adam to continue laying out the details.

Truth is, sometimes what we take people aren't willing to let go of. Other times, when we deliver the goods, people start second guessing the whole payment process and, well, gunfights tend to ensue. Would be your job to help protect me, my crew and our ship. In return, you get ten percent of the take and free room and board. I decide to let you go, you go. You decide to leave, you are free to do so. Michaels explained in a stern tone of his own.Sounds fair enough. I'll think it over. Roman replied in a humble tone, his desolate blue eyes focused on the Captain.

Well enough then, I'll look forward to it. You can find me at the bar next to the drunk in the brown coat, the one yelling about the alcohol. Michaels said as he stared in the direction of the bar, watching Dalton bitch the bartender out over the house brew as only a drunkard could do.

Slowly standing to his feet, Adam took a deep breath as he began heading back toward the bar, his thick leather boots striking hard against the creaking wooden floorboards as he switched himself into babysitting mode.

What'd he say? Dalton asked, wiping a bit of ale from his lips with the sleeve of his duster.

He's thinking it over. Michaels replied as he sat back down and motioned for a glass of whatever it was they were passing off as the house special here at Paulie's.

Well, that's damn thoughtful of him, Dalton said with a sarcastic look on his face as he yelled to the bartender. Hey! Do you have anything stronger than this shit? he yelled, the chubby man decked out in what looked to be borderline rags for clothes quickly nodded yes and motioned that he would be over in a few moments.

Well, let's hope he decides soon, otherwise this trip has been a disaster. Jones fucking us on a deal we came through with, it's been raining since we landed, and who only knows what this shit is that I'm drinking. Dalton said under his breath as he turned the glass up, never flinching as every drop of it punished his throat on the way down.

The night continued on its normal course of action in an establishment such as Paulie's. Stories being conjured and told by those who consumed the most drink. Poker games filled with lies, heavy smoke and even heavier drinking. Pick-up line after pick-up line used on one of the very few women brave enough to set foot inside the run down dwelling. Not even several hours of drinking what could have doubled as Gunship fuel had Dalton the least bit sideways, although Captain Michaels kept telling himself when it came time to stand up and walk away, he would be hard pressed to.

Yep, everything seemed normal on this rainy night, that is until Michaels caught glimpse of a group of Legion guards passing a nearby window; moments from entering the bar.

Ah shit. Michaels said in a low and discouraged voice.

What is it? Dalton said, turning to the door as it flew open.

The Legion soldiers were unmistakable, wearing the dense red outfits that were finely stitched and trimmed in black leather. Solid black riot style helmets with the standard tinted face shields.

Ah shit. Dalton said moments later, agreeing with the Captain's previous assessment.

He slowly began to reach for his short barrel shotgun, which looked antique. But the gun, which was covered in a dingy haze, had gotten him out of more than one close encounter.

Michaels quickly grabbed his arm and gave a slight nod. Not yet, too many of them. Chances are they aren't even here for us. he said as the four guardsmen quickly approached them with battle rifles aimed and ready.

Captain Adam Michaels! one of them shouted in a loud and administrative voice.

Really? Is it too much to ask for one lucky break now and then? Just ONE? Michaels said under his breath, almost as if he were talking to some higher power.

Anyone who had known Adam long enough; knew all too well the fact that he had the worst luck of anyone in the Skyla System, or possibly even all of charted space. Women, authorities, games of chance, it didn't matter. He was the unluckiest man alive, and he felt abandoned, if not shunned by the Gods because of it.

You are under arrest and subject to prosecution for possession of illegal materials per item seventy-one of the Legion Articles. one of the officers pronounced aloud as two more of them disarmed both Michaels and Dalton.

The fourth guard yelled Back, otherwise you will be getting the same! as Roman approached the conflict.

That's kind of the idea, he replied as he looked into the direction of Captain Michaels. Twenty percent sounds about right, don't you think? Roman asked Michaels as the men remained under gunpoint.

What do I think? I think they should be arresting you for attempted robbery. Hell, I would rather rot in a Legion prison cell for the next decade of my life. Twenty percent? Michaels asked in disbelief.

Have it your way friend. Roman said as he turned to start walking out of the bar.

On the other hand, fifteen percent sounds about right. Michaels replied.

Roman turned back to face them for a moment, his blank stare was an obvious sign of mental calculations at work, not to mention the thought of Adam negotiating a deal while being arrested.

I can do fifteen. he said as he walked toward the Legion guards and their drunken prisoners.

STAND DOWN! one of the soldiers yelled as a last warning; not even remotely phasing Roman.

In what seemed like the most basic of motions, Roman thrust his arm under one of the Legion guards rifle hand, sending a shot bursting into the air. In that same moment, he buried a hard fist into the ribcage of the defenseless man of the law, immediately grabbing the vacated rifle from the air and aiming down the iron sights with precision. Surprised, the remaining three Legion troops fumbled with their rifles for a moment before laying them on the ground and reaching skyward.

Well, you can damn sure pick 'em, I'll give you that much. Dalton said to Adam as he collected their weapons from one of the hostage soldiers. Yea, I would have to agree, Michaels said, looking at Roman with amazement.

Best be getting out of here, but before we do. Michaels said calmly as he returned to the card table, pulling an empty cloth sack from one of the large pockets of his faded brown coat; quickly filling it as he raked the card games winnings of every man into it.

Like I said folks, don't ever count Captain Adam Michaels out. he said as he grinned widely, obviously proud of robbing the men at gunpoint.

As Dalton grabbed an almost full bottle of whiskey and raced toward the door, keeping his piece pointed in the direction of the Legion soldiers, Adam glanced back at Roman for a moment.

You got the job. he said as he dashed out of the door.

It wasn't the first time Roman had disarmed four men at once, although to his knowledge, it was the first time he had done so and then followed it up with chasing two heavily intoxicated fugitives down one of the busiest streets on the small mining planet of Antillia.

He began to wonder if he had made the right choice, trying his best to figure out what fifteen percent actually meant in terms of money. At this point, it didn't matter. He couldn't stay here, he was wanted by the Gali government for unspeakable crimes; as well as the Legion because of the incident only moments ago. So at least for the moment he was part of the Gunship crew.

Kelly, get ready to get us the hell out of here! Dalton yelled into a com unit as he sprinted down the filthy streets of the impoverished town, both Adam and Roman right behind as the rain poured down; a staggering stench of cheap whiskey all over Dalton like a thrift store blanket.

Copy that. Anything I should know about? a female voice responded.

The Usual. Just have us ready to lift when we get there, gonna have a whole lot of the wrong kind of company on our asses. Dalton replied.

Not again. Kelly responded in a puzzled voice.

Within minutes, they could see the ship. It was easy to spot to the naked eye, strikingly antique; with the only difference being antique gave the impression of value. The Gunship that Adam had poured so much of his heart and soul into, had more of a junk yard feel to it. Different shades of grey on its exterior gave away the fact that it had been pieced together from other ships.

I may just hang out here and take my chances. Roman said jokingly, earning an immediate response from the Captain.

It doesn't look like much, but it's pulled me through a hell of a lot of scrapes.

As they approached the faded blue metal grating of the ship's ramp, a thin Asian man with long brown hair and a white tank top that was littered with grease stains slowly walked down, holding Roman at the end of a single barrel shotgun.

Who's the trailer? he asked.

Relax Kato, he's with us. Adam said as he waved everyone inside.

May want to put the toy away tan man, before someone gets hurt. Roman replied with heavy sarcasm as he walked right by Kato unwaveringly.

Don't judge a book by its cover I guess, Roman said as he looked around once aboard. I'm impressed. he added, his eyes skimming the cargo area of the ship.

Several wooden crates were stacked nearby, as well as a couple of very large bins made of reinforced sheet metal. The outside of the ship may have looked like a train wreck on its best day, but Roman immediately recognized the interior to be that of a Gunship.

Once a very popular model, the Glimmerian forces leaned on them heavily during their loss to the Legion in the first Glimmerian War. Once the war had come to an end, they were considered obsolete and quickly phased out in favor of more high-tech vessels. The more advanced things became on a ship, the more likely they were to fall apart when you needed them the most, which is why Adam preferred the older model ship. It was solid, built to take a pounding and so basic that it reminded the Captain of himself; his core values simple, yet unwavering.

Kato followed the men inside aggressively hitting a red button by the door, followed by a hard turn of a switch to seal it airtight before they took off for orbit.

Punch it Kelly, I'm on my way up, Michaels said as he pulled the com unit from his pocket and headed up a narrow steel ladder that would eventually lead him to the bridge of the ship. Dalton, put Roman in a room and give him the grand tour. I'll catch up with everyone shortly. the Captain added as he disappeared up the ladder.

You're gonna love the armory. Dalton said proudly as he motioned Roman to walk with him.

Kato stayed in the cargo bay, shotgun over his shoulder as he held onto a stainless steel handle bolted to the wall until they broke orbit from this sad excuse of a planet, the vibrations of lift-off jolting throughout the ship.

Shortly after the Gunship had fully entered the system, Michaels met with Roman on the observation deck of the ship. It was nothing more than a small balcony with two large windows made from hardened glass looking out across the stars, but it was considered to be the perfect place to talk business amongst the crew.

For the next hour or so, the Captain heard all about Roman's past; or so he thought.

Everything from his many years of service with the Gali special forces, to the recent events during the past couple of years that had him moving planet to planet, doing his best to elude the Legion while making a living for himself.

Sounds like it'd make a good book. Adam said jokingly, trying to make the newest member of his crew feel a little more comfortable.

I suppose it would. Roman replied with a slight grin.

Adam went on to do his best in explaining each member of his crew's story to the newly acquired gun. How he had fought alongside Dalton during the Glimmerian War less than a decade ago, and how he was still the weapon obsessed alcoholic which he had become famous for then.

He explained how Kelly came to them fresh out of flight school, having graduated in the top of her class, she had decided that she would rather work for herself. It presented her a much better chance to see the star system, even the planets on the fringe of uncharted space. It was that, or start making a living taking orders from some suit and tie who would have been signing her paychecks if she would have accepted a job flying a standard commercial transport ship, and that just wouldn't be her style.

Kato had been introduced to Michaels during a two week stint in the prison system of Anon. They had formed a bond that only terrible food and forced manual labor can provide, which led to Michaels helping Kato escape a short time after the Captain himself had been released. Since then, Kato had served as the ship's mechanic as well as an extra gun when needed.

At last, there was Luck. The rest of the crew referred to him as Adam's pet, but the Captain saw him as much more than that. Sure, he was a reminder of the best hand of poker that Michaels had ever played, winning the android in a high stakes game back on Montague.

Still, Adam had grown fond of of him and thought of Luck as being as much a part of this crew as anyone else. Luck had his purpose on the ship, he was a decent mechanic and also knew enough about flying to get the ship to its destination under emergency circumstances.

Still, everyone knew that he was more of a trophy than anything else, giving Adam the opportunity to bring up his rendition of that game whenever he saw fit. Which, painfully for the crew; was quite often.

Long after the conversation was over and Roman had made his way to the crew quarters for the night, the Captain remained sitting in the same chair made of solid stainless steel, finding himself drifting off a bit, thinking of everything important in the here and now.

The ship's maintenance, his crew's safety and value to the overall scheme of things. He even wondered, as he had done from time to time, what kind of life he would be living if he were settled down on a decent planet somewhere; living a normal life.

At times, he found himself missing the feeling of settling down with a wife and children, even though it wasn't a feeling that he had been fortunate enough to experience. The thoughts that raced through his head all too often seemed to end up with the same conclusion time and time again. He loved what he was doing, from the near fatal gunfights to the deep space travel. Especially the deep space travel.

It's hard to explain what space travel is like until you've actually been there. The near frigid temperatures of the ship's interior that you are forced into getting used to. The constant silence of a vast nothingness as you learn to block out the sound of the ship's engines, all while surviving on freeze dried rations and what few supplies you were able to load before leaving the last settled world.

It sounded horrible, that is until you learned to appreciate the beauty of the stars slowly passing you by; almost as if memories were being revived in slow motion.

Most people will say it all looks the same, but the moment you begin to appreciate the simple things, suddenly you realize how beautifully different every trip becomes. As Adam sat on the observation deck, he had almost as many thoughts racing through his head as stars spread out in front of him.

It didn't matter though, all of the problems within the system, the challenges his crew faced every single day and the friends he had lost during the Glimmerian War; all of that was simply put on hold every time his ship became interlocked with the stars. It was the one place that nothing else mattered.

Into the steel I see. Roman said as Dalton continued meticulously cleaning nearly a dozen weapons.

Everything from the basic combat pistol to the punishing double barrel shotgun, it was all right here, laid out on a coarse brown blanket in front of them.

Into the steel, hard liquor and the steel that produces the hard liquor, Dalton said jokingly. I'm also infamous with the ladies, you might have heard? he added.

Nope. Roman replied with a sarcastically fluctuation of his eyes.

What about you? I'm sure you've had your hands on plenty of steel yourself in Gali? Dalton asked.

As well as liquor and women, Roman replied as both men laughed quietly. Yea, I've been trained with quite a bit of everything, still prefer the tactical blade, Roman said, pulling a combat knife from a black leather band that wrapped around his leg. Never jams up on you and it's just as accurate. he added, throwing the blade end over end throughout the room with blazing speed, hitting the wooden post of Dalton's makeshift gun rack, the bulk of the blade burying deep within its unfortunate wooden fibres.

Nice throw, but too much damn unnecessary work for me. Dalton replied, quickly shouldering a short barrel shotgun and cutting two shots loose, hitting both over and under the blade; chopping the piece of post down to the thick steel floor.

Nice accuracy. Roman said.

You should see me when I'm sober. Dalton replied.

A few moments after he had laid the shotgun back in line with the other weaponry, Kato burst into the room, a semi-automatic rifle in his arms and at the ready, responding to the gunfire.

You know, I normally consider it a rule to kill anyone who draws down on me twice. Roman said calmly as he looked into the barrel of Kato's rifle.

Is that a fact? Kato asked, tightening his grip on the weapon as he continued a deadlocking stare with Roman.

Calm down jackass, I fired the shots; not him. Dalton said, making his way to Kato.

I don't care who fired the shots, I'm thinking more about him just threatening to kill me. Kato replied.

Think you're fast enough, then I'm game. Roman said, bringing a tense urgency to the room.

RELAX! Nobody's killing anyone, Adam said as he entered the room. Put the piece away Kato, Michaels added. NOW! he yelled, finally convincing Kato to slowly lower his weapon.

You muthafu- Roman began to yell, charging into the direction of Kato as the Captain drew his revolver with blistering speed, holding Roman at gunpoint.

This ends right now. You both understand? he asked with neither man responding.

It either ends or I'll personally airlock the both of you and hire two more guns when we land on Tameca, Adam added. Seconds after Kato had walked away, Roman held his hands up and backed off slowly. Good, after seeing what you did to those damn Legion soldiers, I'd have to hire two men to replace you. And I don't want to spend that kind of money. Michaels said in an attempt to lighten the mood of the room, quickly holstering his revolver and walking away.

See why I drink? Dalton said, turning up a shot glass full of spirits before catching his breath and tossing a spare glass to Roman.

I'm starting to paint the picture. Roman replied, pouring himself some of the light red bubbly.

You know, you may want to be a little more friendly when it comes to Roman, he may end up saving your life one day. Adam said, catching up to Kato.

That will be the day. Kato replied, turning to enter the confined engine room as the Captain stood for a moment; watching him disappear into the steam filled cave made of faded grey steel.

System checks out fine. Luck said, his upper body under the control panel of the pilot's gauges.

All right, everything looks good up here as well, switching over to self pilot. Kelly replied, clicking several buttons as she slowly stood from the plush leather seat to see the Captain board the small bridge area.

How's the grid? Michaels asked.

We didn't pick up anything on our way out other than a little com traffic, looks like a clean getaway. Kelly replied.

Good. That's good. the Captain replied, taking a seat in one of the two chairs that were stationed behind the pilot.

We got into a little bit of local trouble with the Legion back there, shouldn't exactly be combing the system looking for us, Adam added. I need you to plot a new course out for us, we need to make a stop in Tameca before hitting the outer plains. Michaels said as both Kelly and Luck looked on.

Yes sir Captain. We got a job in Tameca? Kelly replied curiously.

Not sure just yet, maybe; will be a big payday for all of us if things work out, Adam replied, the thought of the Hunters cemented into his mind throughout the entire conversation. I'll pull everybody together when we get there, go over all of the details. Try to bring us to the edge of Tameca City somewhere, without drawing a lot of attention. Good job back there. the Captain replied with a nod as he left the bridge to head to his rack for a few hours of much needed slumber.

The hazy grey rain began hammering the Gunship the moment it made its approach into Tameca's atmosphere. It had been a very short flight, having left one of its farthest moons before flying into one of the larger planets in the system. A semi-sweet sight to the Captain as he awaken to see the distant city skyline from a small circular window near his bunk. He was glad to be landing, still he couldn't help but think cautiously of the hidden dangers that always came attached to such a setting. A gigantic planet, which was predominately covered with water, held one of the most highly populated cities throughout the system. Tameca City, known for its massive number of ports; it was a smuggler's paradise.

Sure, there was a Legion presence here, however the run of docking ports was so immense that they simply couldn't check them all, relying on the help from its citizens. The same citizens who feared the most ruthless clan of criminals on Tameca, or any of its moons for that matter. The Hunters.

An almost Vampiric group of criminals, they were feared, even by the Legion soldiers themselves; which served almost as a free pass to conduct underhanded business and wreak havoc abroad. It was the cannibalistic nature of the Hunters, combined with the stark white skin tone that caused many people to label them as Vampires. Human enough, they bled and occasionally were even killed.

Still, the fact that they moved with exceptional speed and were so proficient with hand to hand combat only added to their legend. It was the Hunters who had brought the Gunship to Tameca, though the rest of his crew remained unaware of the fact.

Adam didn't like the idea of dealing with clientele such as the Hunters; but they had been looking for someone to move goods and were offering a lot of credits to anyone who was brave enough, or stupid enough, to accept the job. A very risky job, one the Captain knew he had to take in order to make financial ends meet; although selling the idea to the crew wasn't going to be the easiest of tasks.

With the crew gathered in the loading bay area of the ship and the vessel snugly nestled between two large hills of high grass, or as smugglers like to call it, a rural landing pad, the Captain knew that it was now or never. He had to sell the idea of working for a group with a name that was more ruthless than the luck that he had been burdened with his entire life. They would be lucky to finish the interview, much less the job unscathed, and it would take every one of them to pull it off.

The Hunters! Have you lost you're damn mind Adam? Dalton yelled as the rest of the crew looked on, his loud voice echoing against the hollow walls of the nearly empty cargo bay.

I don't care how much it pays! If I can't kill 'em, then I don't want to go into business with the bastards! he added.

Relax, will 'ya? We do the job, collect the money. That's it. It is that simple. Michaels replied.

I'm with you Captain, the Hunters don't intimidate me. Kato added.

Easy for you to say, sitting back here at the fort while my dick's out there on the chopping block! Dalton replied angrily.

Captain, what does he mean you can't kill them? Kelly asked. Michaels frowned slightly, looking at the floor for a moment before looking in her direction. Before he could say anything, Roman calmly replied.

They die. Not easily done, but possible. I've put a few in the grave myself.

Adam spun around to see Roman still sitting on an empty crate behind him, quickly asking You can? You have?. Roman replied with a slow nod.

Define a few? Michaels asked. The look he received from the former Gali commando let him know that it was a good damn many, which Adam wasn't sure should put his mind at ease or throw a red flag.

I've put an entire rifle clip into one of the beasts myself! It did little to slow it down; much less kill it! Dalton said with disbelief, as the rest of the crew looked on.

What do you mean beasts? Captain? Kelly asked, glancing hard at Michaels.

Go on Adam, tell her. Dalton said with heavy sarcasm, earning a long glance from the Captain. Everybody just calm down for a minute. Relax. Feels good to be alive doesn't it? Michaels said, trying unsuccessfully to lighten the spirit of the crew.

All right, they aren't human; at least not entirely Kelly. the Captain said, referring to the Gothic appearance of the Hunters. Their hair and skin void of pigment, solid black leather attire and above all things, their uncanny desire to feast on the flesh of human beings.

Any person that eats another person has some damn issues, Dalton said with heartfelt emotion. Unless she's hot and it ain't for keeps.

Even though they kept to themselves, almost like a secret society, they were infamous among the citizens of the star system. Almost demonic in nature; relying on sleek weaponry and a code of honor that rivaled even the Mafia families of the small planet of Benza, which were also notorious for their hard-line methods of getting the job done.

Doesn't matter. By the time you and Luck get back with the supplies and the ship checks out flight ready, we should be back from our meeting with the Hunters and then it's business as usual. Michaels said, trying to calm the crew down before turning to get a list of needed supplies from Kato.

As Adam turned to the exit of the ship, he could see Dalton and Roman gearing up for the much anticipated meeting; both men looking more than ready. Roman was equipped with nothing more than a large combat knife and a military grade pistol, each strapped to a separate leg with thick leather bands.

Dalton,