Who would have thought that retirement would be worse then death?
The rusted metal door grinded open as two men hurriedly shoved a third through the ragged opening. The third man crashed unceremoniously against the back deck, his clothes hanging loosely over his gaunt frame. Moving quickly into the small space, the first man put a hard right across the downed mans jaw.
Youre in trouble now my friend. said the second man as he stepped into the room. His Rhineland accent was impossibly thick even for a rimmer. You pay the Corsys but you dont pay us. Hell, you even pay those damn no-good Zoners. I would think you must be looking for death. Maybe we should give it to you. Answer me when I speak to you!
Before the ragged man could manage even a small noise, the first man landed another vicious blow to the side of his head and he crumpled to the deck. The second man kneeled down to where he lay and put his hand on his slumped shoulder.
You could make this easier on yourself if well actually, he said with a chuckle I dont think you could. So just sit back and enjoy. This is going to take a while. Never taking his hand off of the other mans shoulder; he balled his fist and reached back. A voice from the corridor stalled him. Despite its feminine timbre there was no mistaking the authority it carried.
Careful there Fritz. Or else youll wind up dead. Said the officer in the corridor. Ill bet you have no idea who that is, do you? Casually she stepped to the door and peered inside.
I really dont care who he is. We caught him running his piss through the corridor and he is going to pay. Growled Fritz. Turning back to his captive he spat. One way or another. Now back off and let me do my job Arya.
Grabbing the beaten man, Fritz hauled him to his feet and began to put him into the shackles hanging in the corner of the small room. Despite the beating the man had taken there was a burning defiance in his eyes and a will that was still unbroken.
Now dont make me pull rank, Fritz. Intoned the woman at the door. If he gives me his word that he wont try anything, take him to my office and let me deal with him. Turning towards the man she lifted her hand and grabbed his chin, she looked him straight in the eye. You will give me your word that you wont try anything, wont you?
Nodding his head the man sagged down into the grip of Fritz and his counterpart. The woman turned to the two men holding him and motioned to the door. And dont worry about your cut Fritz, Ill see that you get it. Besides you still have his ship. With that she turned and strode down the corridor.
As the two men dragged him down the corridor, he thought about trying to escape. It would be easy enough to drop these two. Just a shift of his weight and a few well placed shots. It might be a little tougher to get out of the station But he didnt. Certainly it wasnt concern for the men dragging him that kept him from acting. Nor was it concern for his life. Maybe it was the fact that hed given his word. The stars knew that his word wasnt worth much these days. Still, he gave his word, and thats what mattered. Especially these days. So he did nothing, and let the men carry him down the hall. In the end he was just as curious to hear what this woman had to say.
They deposited him in a decent sized office relative to the station layout. He could tell now that he was on a station inside a hollowed out asteroid. This type of station was common, indeed preferred by the less than reputable groups that inhabited the outer rim territories, for its easy construction, maintenance, and concealable nature. A small transpara-steel viewport looked out into the sweeping asteroid field that was constantly in motion. But the most remarkable thing about the room was the ornate wooden desk that sat in the middle of the room. Its dark stained surface sat in stark contrast to the rocky walls of the office. Wood was scarce enough in the inner systems, out here it was priceless. It was a luxury that was totally out of place and spoke volumes about the owner of the office. What was this all about?
Sometimes I just like to watch them. Said the woman from behind him. He had been too lost in his own thoughts to hear her come in. Startled he turned only to find that she had already crossed the room and was taking her seat on the other side of the desk. For a long moment she said nothing and looked out the viewport to the rocky expanse beyond. Its easy to overlook the wonders that are all around us. She said.
Turning to look at him she said. My name is Commander Arya and Im in charge here. Then she asked. Are you a religious man? Most soldiers who have seen as much you have are. she smiled wryly.
Im not a soldier anymore. he said almost grinding the words between his teeth. The subject was one he didnt like talking about even now. He carefully tried to keep his anger from showing. Instead the woman just cocked her head and smiled at him.
Well I am. She continued. And I cant shake the feeling that things always happen for a reason. Take for instance the fact that you are here right now. Some might think that its a sign. Her smile never left her face.
Of impending doom. He muttered under his breath, but she caught it none the less. She let out a laugh. A melodious and beautiful sound that warmed the entire room, it only made him angrier.
You have a way with words. Arya replied And not too far off the truth either. The smile slipped from her face and was replaced by a look that was all business. Now I have to figure out what were going to do with you. She studied him for a moment. I should just throw you out the airlock, save me the headache. She intoned. If she was looking for a reaction from the sullen man she didnt get it. His anger-filled eyes stayed level with hers. Standing up she turned towards the viewport and straightened her uniform. After a moment she said But I wont.
Turning to face him she said. Now my dear D...
Dont even. The man spat out. That man is dead. I dont know who you think I am or was, but he does not exist anymore. So forceful was his tone that even she was taken aback by it. Does not exist. He finished.
Regaining her composure quickly, she leaned over her desk and glared at him. Alright then, who the hell are you?
Sensing that he had somehow lost control and let his guard down, he kept his eyes locked on hers not wanting to concede anything to his opponent. Nobody. He said. Nobody.
Commander Arya laughed. Long and deep. It took her a moment but she finally said Ok. Mr. Nobody. Or should I call you Mr. Furious? I doesnt matter who you are or were. All that matters is who you can be. Sitting back down in her chair, she picked up some documents. Im going to bottom line it for you Mr. Nobody, we could use a man of your experience and skill. In fact its the reason we didnt blow you out of the stars for running our picket lines. She dropped the documents back to the desk. Youre wasted on freight work. Come, fight for us. Pausing she looked out at the asteroids as if to emphasize her point. Or not, the choice is yours.
IllIll have to think about that. He said.
She touched a panel on her desk and the door slid open. Fritz entered and grabbed him by his arm. Hauling him to his feet he turned him towards the door.
Take Mr. Furious to his cell. And be nice to him Fritz. She said. As Fritz led him out the door he heard Arya call after him. Welcome to the Red HessiansMr. Furious.
