Into the Abyss Read online

  Didn’t matter.

  So far as Zyra was concerned, the President made the right decision. Zyra straightened her back as her heartbeat began to quicken. The thrill of the hunt filled her with strength as she readied herself to stalk her prey. For Zyra, the hunter’s lust was intoxicating. She would find Molly, retrieve the stolen item, bring it back to authorities, and collect on the enormous bounty they promised her.

  Zyra lost her train of thought when she heard someone speaking nearby. She sidled against the cold metal wall of the dark maintenance alley she was traveling, careful to avoid being caught in the dim rig light that shone from the adjoining corridor. With catlike movements, Zyra approached the edge of the maintenance alley and stuck her head out just enough to steal a glance at the pair of approaching women. Both women were armed with rifles, but appeared to be unaware of her presence. Zyra ducked back tin the shadows to keep from being seen.

  “So what’d you tell him, Red?” the first woman asked, her voice a subtle mixture of weariness and indifference. The other woman ignored her partner’s blasé attitude and continued her spirited rant.

  “I told ‘im if he don’t wanna spend the rest of his life drinking out a straw, he’d best keep his damn hands to himself.”

  “Old boar.”

  “Tabbers’s worse than y’know, Lopez. I swear that man’ll hump anything that has a hole in it. Heard Shamrock caught him with his package stuck in a pigeon hole.”

  “How’d that happen?”

  “Guess he got blue balled once too many times on the ship and figured he’d get up close and personal with a probe-launcher.”

  “Why?”

  “Closest thing to a love-droid on our ship. Anyway, he’s lucky he didn’t lose his goods. Can’t imagine what he would’ve done if the pigeon hole had went live on him. His knob would’ve lit up like the rainbow trees of Cannelista Five!”

  “I don’t know what’s more tiring, Tabbers’ out of control hormones or your lame jokes.”

  “Only reason ya ain’t laughin’ ya guts up’s cause ya ain’t got no damn sense of humor!”

  “Well, I’m all out of laughs. Captain’s been bustin’ our chops for days. I’m ready to get off this whale-infested rock and go raid some ships. Heck, I’d do a sprawl just to shoot the passengers out an airlock.”

  “Me too. Kinda wish he’d hurry up and get this damn meeting over with. I need some action!”

  “Should be over soon if Groenig’s right. Anyway, this is as far as I go. Gotta meet back up with Desuzu at the port entry and make our rounds.”

  “Get going then, you old scab! See you at the mess,” said the dark skinned woman, not breaking her stride as she advanced down the hallway. Barely glancing at the other, the women went their separate ways.

  Zyra had eavesdropped on the pirates’ conversation, hoping to chance upon some vital information that would help her complete her mission. Unfortunately, the conversation amounted to nothing more than idle gossip. Another bounty hunter might have felt this was a lost opportunity.

  But not Zyra.

  No sooner than the first woman turned to head back down the corridor from which she had come, Zyra leapt out of the shadows and hauled her prey back into the darkness where she struggled with the woman.

  Like most pirates, Zyra assumed the woman possessed the skills to put up a tenacious defense. But Zyra didn’t have the time to get into a long drawn out duel. She grabbed a fistful of the woman’s dark braids, coiling them around her neck to strangle her. The woman sputtered with terrified, shocked eyes as she rolled, desperately seeking for an escape. The woman’s strength withered under Zyra’s anchored grasp; Zyra listened intensely as the woman harbored her last defeated breaths and finally surrendered to death.

  Zyra emerged from the shadows a few minutes later wearing the dead woman’s outfit and toting her sleek black and grey rifle. Even though she was still shivering, Zyra could feel some of the warmth return to her flesh. Zyra double-checked her surroundings for threats before assuming a determined march down the hallway. As she walked past a mini-sub docked in the water, she stopped, struck by her reflection in the sub’s silver hull. She purged the contents of her stomach again when she observed her “borrowed” outfit.

  It was a mish-mash of tight red leather and lingerie that failed to cover most of her arms and legs. It revealed far too much skin and hugged her curves too tightly. Zyra realized that there was very little of her body that couldn’t be seen if one looked closely enough. This was not the attire of a bounty hunter. It was not the sort of thing she expected to see anyone wear except at the local brothel.

  Zyra realized that this was quite an intimidating new look for her. One glimpse of her in this red outfit and her enemies would probably laugh themselves to death. If she was lucky, she wouldn’t even have to fire a shot to capture Molly. Zyra rolled her eyes at her pathetic attempt at self-humor and continued walking down the corridor knowing that it wouldn’t be long before she would be forced to dispatch the next unfortunate pirate.

  She needed to know Molly’s location was and didn’t have time to go through the difficult process of breaking into the resident computer network. Pain would serve her needs. All she needed was the right victim. Zyra followed the winding corridor to a nearby turbo lift where the dark skinned woman she had seen a few minutes earlier was standing guard. The woman’s lips were pursed in the fashion of someone who was sulking with boredom. Zyra made a knit of her golden brows and frowned. Looks like this isn’t going to turn out any better for you. You chose the wrong line of work.

  Chapter Four

  Zyra exited the wide corridor near the turbo lift doors when she heard several voices nearby. She quietly stepped over the twisted body of the green skinned alien she had just killed and stooped to avoid being seen as she peered around the corner of the next hallway. There was a coterie of pirates gathered nearby. They were a dirty, disfigured band of humans and aliens, most of whom were wearing a mish-mash of scrapped together some kind of atmospheric breathers or encounter-suits, the trademark feature of ill-gotten property. Though she recognized a few of her more infamous hosts, one person in particular grabbed her attention.

  Rador!

  Even had he not been wearing the ceremonial garb of the legendary pirate, Korig, Zyra would easily have noticed Captain Rador. He was a very tall man with dark raven hair and a neatly-trimmed goatee. His uniform was clean and well kept. In another setting, he might have passed for a reputable business man. But despite his stately manner and charming looks, he was an imposing figure. Captain Rador was considered the most notorious space pirate alive. He was cold, calculating, and downright ruthless. He had even cut out his right eye just to show that he meant business. Zyra dreaded to think how many innocent people had lost their lives after crossing paths with Rador.

  “And you say that you can show us where to find this new weapon?” asked Rador, in his regal voice.

  “I told you, Captain Rador. It’s not a weapon. It’s a new form of energy. The applications are limitless, if you get my meaning,” replied the dark haired woman standing across from Rador. Zyra didn’t need to see the familiar green eyes that peeked out from the woman’s fine porcelain features to recognize her; she could never forget the voice of Molly Black even after not seeing her for many years.

  “Energy source then. But you’ll excuse me if I appear skeptical,” said Rador, his rapacious glower not unlike that of a vulture ready to pick the flesh from a dying animal. Zyra observed Rador studying Molly, searching for any sign of weakness or deception. But even Zyra could not pierce Molly’s stoic gaze. So cold, thought Zyra. Like looking at a corpse.

  “If you feel you cannot trust me, then perhaps I should take my services elsewhere. Many would sell their lives to possess what I’m offering you,” said Molly.

  “You are asking much of me, Ms. Black, without showing me any proof of your claims.”

  “If it’s proof you require, then you shall have it.”

  M
olly cupped her hands together and flicked a forefinger. An object instantly de-cloaked in her left hand to reveal a long narrow cylinder. Molly raised the object for all to see and twisted the edge of the cylinder to deactivate its glare shield. A blinding light filled the room, causing everyone to hide their eyes with their hands. When their eyes had adjusted to the glare, the observers were able to make out a small white speck trapped in the center of the cylinder, the source of the blazing white light. “This is Gaia! Now do I have your attention?”

  Zyra heard the pirates gasp as they stared in awe at the glowing cylinder. But something stirred within Zyra. Her senses were heightened. Her blood began to race. Her breath shuddered. A deep sense of foreboding overcame Zyra, causing her to shake. She could feel something strange and terrible reaching out to her from the cylinder. An oppressive force clouded her mind; it was as though her consciousness were falling into the depths of eternity. Then, as quickly as it had begun, the feeling passed. What was Gaia? Why did it frighten her? Zyra noticed Captain Rador furrowing his brow as he contemplated the strange light engulfing the room.

  “You must have gone through a great deal of trouble to get your hands on such a thing,” Rador explained, his eyes narrowing even further. “The Alliance will no doubt hunt you down. This makes my acquaintance with you a liability.”

  “The Alliance will not find me if you take me to my destination,” Molly urged.

  “As I said before, you ask much of me. But I will give you what you need if you uphold your end of the bargain,” said Rador, turning his one good eye upon the pirates on either side of him. Freitag and Mortimer take Miss Black to the shuttle. Meet me at the rendezvous. The rest of you, attend your stations. I have a feeling the Alliance will come for Miss Black sooner than we imagine.”

  Before anyone could carry out Rador’s orders, Zyra stole out of the shadows with her rifle aimed at Molly.

  “Sorry to be a party pooper. But I don’t think Miss Black is going anywhere except to an IGP detention cell.”

  “Zyra,” Molly snarled.

  “Been a while hasn’t it, Molly? Still causing trouble I see. You naughty girl.” Zyra swung her weapon toward one of the pirates who was reaching slowly for a knife. “Don’t get any ideas, fellas. I would hate to ruin Miss Black’s day,” Zyra warned as she pointed her gun back at Molly.

  “Hold your fire!” Captain Rador ordered the pirates, extending his arms on either side of him to keep them at bay. Zyra stole a glance at Rador to notice the strange expression on his face. Was that fear in his eyes or contempt? Before she could contemplate his odd behavior, one of the pirates ignored Rador’s command and drew his gun from his holster. Zyra had just enough time to blast a gaping hole in the pirate’s chest before the others joined in to respond accordingly. The familiar crackling and hissing of discharging laser weapons filled the air.

  Zyra leapt backwards while firing several rounds from her laser rifle at the pirates who fanned out along the room to ensnare her in a deadly circle. The hair stood up on the back of her neck as arcing ribbons of scarlet energy lit up the hallway like little sun flares. The violent bursts of deepest crimson that came from her own weapon caused her eyes to squint. After taking out several of the closest pirates, Zyra rose from the floor and dove behind a large metal supply crate to avoid being struck by the incoming red bolts.

  While Zyra exchanged gunfire with the pirates, Molly took off running with her escort. An angry Captain Rador quickly faded behind her in a saffron blur.

  A hologram?

  Zyra’s momentary distraction with Captain Rador nearly cost her her life. She had to duck to avoid the well-aimed shot that caused a shower of white hot sparks beside her. Zyra was pinned down by the suppressing laser fire and knew that the crate could only take so much before it exploded alongside her in a fiery cloud. Zyra grew dark with rage while she flicked the rapid fire switch on her gun. She opened fire on the ceiling just above the pirates and struck the running lights, causing jagged shards of glass and metal to rain down on her opponents. Those who weren’t wearing encounter-suits had to cover their heads to avoid being burned by the acidic chemicals that also spilled from the lights. Zyra spun into view from behind the crate and unleashed a steady stream of lasers on the pirates. They wilted before her like burning grass as their smoldering bodies littered the floor. Zyra ran past the dead pirates, ignoring the loud crunch of broken glass under her feet as she sprinted through the door that led to Molly.

  #

  Zyra had barely opened the door that led to the adjacent power control junction chamber when a female pirate lunged at her with the butt of her rifle. In one motion, Zyra ducked, drew the pirate’s own knife from her boot, and spun around once to stab the pirate in the back of her head. Zyra withdrew the knife from the pirate’s pierced skull and hurled it immediately into the left eye of the nearest pirate before he could open fire on her. The remaining pirates let their guns blaze. But Zyra used the female pirate’s lifeless body as a shield and picked off the pirates with her deadly aim, one after the other.

  The sickening stench of burnt flesh and ozone stung Zyra’s lungs. She fought off growing nausea to maintain her concentration as she surveyed the power chamber. A large power conduit humming with energy ran directly through the center of the room. Surrounding it lay a circular platform with a cross section of bridges that led to multiple emergency exits. Zyra stared at the different doors, pondering which one led to Molly. She would only have time to try one. If she chose the wrong door, she would never find Molly before the criminal fled the undersea base. Zyra gripped her weapon tightly. She noticed a service ladder running up the backside of the power conduit. At the end of the ladder, a service door on the ceiling led up to a maintenance shaft.

  You clever girl. But I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve too.

  Zyra ran over to the ladder and grabbed onto the first rung, climbing it with anxious steps.

  #

  It was obvious that Molly and the pirates had not expected to see Zyra following them up the maintenance shaft because she caught them at unawares just as they reached the top. One well-aimed laser blast struck one of the pirates; he lost his grip on the ladder and fell past Zyra screaming. The pirates guarding Molly immediately opened fire on Zyra. Though quite dark, the work lights in the maintenance shaft offered Zyra a clear view of its interior. She was able to make out the large circuit box at the top of the shaft while she dodged the enemy fire. Zyra narrowed her gaze, took aim at the circuit box, and pulled the trigger on her gun. A shower of sparks rained down from above when the heavy circuit box door came loose from the hinges, swung open, and sliced through the shoulder of one of the pirates causing him to lose his arm. The pirates decided to make a hasty retreat through one of the nearby service tunnels. A lone pirate remained behind to fight Zyra, quickly unloading shots from his pistol, as he took cover behind the thin metal plating of a groove in the wall. Zyra placed a well-aimed shot in his brain causing him to take an awkward dive down the shaft.

  Zyra quickly reached the top of the maintenance shaft and pointed her gun in the service tunnel. Seeing no immediate threat, she wiggled her way into the cramp tunnel.

  #

  Zyra dropped down from a ventilation shaft into an unlit hallway and immediately gazed into the sights of her rifle. She spun around to check the wide path behind her before noticing drops of green blood lying near her feet. The blood trail led down the hallway and around the nearby corner. Zyra sprinted down the hallway, nearly overcome by the excitement of the hunt. Panting heavily, she stopped to gaze around the first corner. A stream of white sparks spewed from the wall beside her head. Unlike the insect faced alien pirate who had just taken aim at her, Zyra did not miss her target. The pirate shrieked as it fell down to the ground dead. Zyra raced down the next hallway as fast as she could. She finally spotted Molly running with the last of her escorts. The pair of masked pirates on either side of Molly spun around to let off a volley at Zyra, but was immediately struck down
by her. Zyra centered the sights of her rifle directly at the back of Molly’s head while steadying her excited nerves. Suddenly, the rifle’s power gauge bleeped , indicating her weapon could not make another shot. Zyra shook the gun, attempting to draw the remaining power from the clip, but the gun lay quiet and dark. Zyra threw the useless gun to the floor and ran to the nearby wall to press the controls that activated the emergency blast doors. Seeing that her escape route had been cut off, Molly broke off her stride and turned angrily to face Zyra.

  “Give it up, Molly. It’s over,” Zyra said.

  “Over? No, Zyra. It’s only just beginning,” Molly replied, pure venom in her gaze.

  “Look, just hand that cylinder over and you might leave this place with some of your limbs intact.”

  “What a fool you are. Coming all this way to find me and not even knowing why.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “They didn’t tell you what it is I’m carrying, did they?”

  “What do I care?” Zyra said, tossing her golden tresses back with a snap of her head. Molly’s eyes turned to slits when she noticed the threatening posture Zyra assumed.

  “I see. You didn’t come for the cylinder.”

  “Oh, I came for the cylinder alright. But I also came for something else. Your head on a stick!”

  “I nearly killed you the last time. Haven’t you learned your lesson?”

  “I’m a terrible student. Maybe you can teach me again.”

  “Fine. But this time I’ll make sure there’s nothing left of you to scrape up!”

  Zyra and Molly began to circle defensively around each other, oblivious to the strange luminescent deep sea fish that swam past the observation window on either side of them. The women sized each other up, tensing, anticipating the moment when the other would strike first. This was not the first time Zyra had squared off with Molly. She remembered their last encounter all too well.