Chapter 1 - The Lapse
Chapter 2 - A Past Life
Chapter 3- Old Friend
Chapter 4 - Pirate Spy
Chapter 5 - Dream Factory
Chapter 6 - Pirate Colours
Chapter 7 - The Ruse
Chapter 8 - The Other Face
Chapter 9 - Reflection
Chapter 10 - Cracks
Chapter 11 – Back on the Trail
Completed under the **********
Chapter 12 - Close Quarters
Creed surveyed the busy concourse and took a short draw on the cigar, he rolled the smoke over his tongue and launched a single perfectly formed smoke ring. His mind burnt with suppressed cold rage, not restrained by the Goner teaching, but from the knowledge that he had a job to do which spontaneous carnage would not help him to complete.
“You’re looking a bit lossst,” A sibilant voice whined closer than he cared for.
Creed knew the patter, as Lumar he had studied the words to use carefully but as Creed he needed no practice and gave the pointed Teladi face barely a glance and in that brief moment he managed a degree of utter contempt that few would have thought possible. He muttered in a quiet voice, “The master wants a new toy to pleasure himself with.”
“Ahh, you’re in luck, ssslave market open in twenty mizurasss, but maybe you want to find sssome pleasssure firssst,”
“Not with you,” Creed replied and shifted the position of the pulse rifle.
“No need for threatsss, I know where to find some nice Argon girlsss. I can ssshow you place for small commissssion.”
“What if I don’t like what I see?” Creed said and added, “I like the best, anything less and my raider will leave this station with your head strapped to the right wing.” He looked directly at the Teladi and saw her crest flush from emerald green to brilliant aquamarine and then to deep purple.
“You not nice to Teladi, I only try to help.”
“Don’t let it concern you, I’m not nice to a lot of people, it’s not been a good tazura and it’s been a long journey.”
The Teladi looked at him thoughtfully and gave a shrug, “Very well, five hundred creditsss and I ssshow you bessst place to find Argon girlsss.”
Creed looked long and hard at the Teladi while his mind calculated all the ways the female could die before they left the dockside, he said with slow deliberation, “Didn’t I just say I’ve been having a bad day.”
Once again the Teladi crest plate flushed with colour but more into the blues and reds, “One hundred asss a ssspecial deal.”
Creed gave this some thought and said, “Point to where the Slave market takes place and you have a deal.”
The Teladi face beamed and they sealed the bargain. She pointed a long finger over towards the left and Creed could see where the broad plaza led to another corridor screened by heavy blast doors, “Now we make the credit transssfer.”
The Teladi held out the transfer pad.
Creed gave it a thoughtful look and for a few moments he hesitated to make the thumb scan. When he authorized the transaction he said in a quiet voice, “Don’t make me want to hunt you down.”
The Teladi looked perplexed and then reviewed the credit transfer, she said, “Tofin have good time, no need to look for Nattelaminnus.”
“Then lead the way.”
Along the promenade the inhabitants seemed to exist in varying levels of intoxication and bored looking hookers either stood chatting together or accosting anyone that appeared to have some credits left. While they wandered along Creed noticed the prostitutes were selectively targeting individuals that were smiling as they left the casinos.
“Looking for a good time honey?” A woman’s hand caught hold of Creeds flight jacket.
“Go away, he not interested in you,” Nattelaminnus interrupted and not only managed to dislodge the hand but get in between the two of them by pushing the woman back.
The prostitute gave the Teladi a surprised stare and then a bemused smile towards Creed. He gave a shake of the head and moved on towards a bar where there was the sound of cheering. A few moments later and he felt the brush of the Teladi catching up with him and her eager voice saying, “You like to bet?”
“That depends on the sport.”
“They watch pit fight in there,” Nattelaminnus said with a slight hesitation.
“Really,” Creed said without feeling and his fingers closed gently about the assault rifle grip.
“Therum, Therum , Therum, Therum ..” The chant filtered out from the bar and was followed by a loud cheer.
Creed entered a packed bar with holo-projectors on every table and screens around the walls. He looked impassively at the figure of a half breed, who appeared jubilant from the screen. Therum was reveling in his victory and any sense of emotion left in Creed vanished like mist.
“Twenty seven sezuras, and he was only playing with him,” Someone close by yelled to make themselves heard.
“He’s the best. Snapped the guy’s right arm in two in the first five sezuras, I mean even Creed never managed that.”
“Lower life, you talk crud, Therum’s a wannabe compared to Him. He took fighters out in less than ten Sezuras when he had a mind too,” the deep rumbling growl of a Paranid boomed over the general noise.
“Therum’s the best there’s ever been his record stands for itself,” the first voice droned on and it took more than Creed’s self control not to contradict the speaker.
“Heard about Gobran, champion until five jazuras ago, well He killed him as easy as that,” the Paranid said and snapped two fingers together.
“What’s that prove? Gobran was getting old.”
“He escaped the pit seven jazuras before and broke a former champion, one they thought would rival Him, in a heartbeat. Therum would be no match for Creed, not ever,” the Paranid boomed and Creed had never felt discomfort like he felt now, and kept his eyes firmly fixed on the screen when it changed from the image of Therum as two images of the next pair of fighters were displayed, he felt sick in his stomach.
“Introducing Chert, undefeated female champion versus newcomer Lotis. The contest to begin in fifteen mizuras,” The speakers announced.
Creed looked up at the two faces, one a clear veteran with a fierce but somber expression, the other was a mask of terror and he could only assume was a slave girl that had upset her master. He took time to study the face of Chert and compared it to the victim and had no doubt that he had instilled as much dread in his opponents.
“Odds not good, no bets on winner, only how long it takes for opponent to die,” Nattelaminnus muttered beside him.
“The girl’s never fought before, it’s no contest but if you were to place a bet, then give her thirty sezuras with an incapacity, not a kill.”
“You think,” The Teladi sounded uncertain.
Creed held back from saying it was a unwritten rule as it was only known among pit fighters but suspected by their owners who tolerated it when they could make some extra credits on the side, and so he simply gave a nod and glanced down at the Teladi who gave him a look of curiosity and then scuttled off to a betting booth.
===============
He turned his back on the rooms and looked towards the exit all the while thinking about the fight that was about to happen, ‘don’t dishonour the code’ the phrase rolled over in his head. Moving towards the entrance he found the Teladi jostling through the crowd beside him hissing, “Why we leaving, my money’sss good. You not deceive Teladi jussst to lossse me and break bargain.”
“If I’m wrong I’ll refund your bet, but I don’t like crowds they make me uncomfortable,” and Creed was never more sincere, it was the first time in longer than he could remember that he had been in close proximity to so many people that he was sub-consciously fighting every instinct to clear himself some space. Before it had never been a problem as when he was recognised people usually fought not to be in the same place as him, and the Goner had a residing respect for personal space and would only encroach when invited to do so. He found himself some open space and then turned his attention back to the Teladi who was regarding him with some curiosity.
“You fear enclosssed ssspacesss?” Nattelaminnus said her crest changing through colours of pale to emerald green.
“Something like that,” Creed responded not wanting to tell a downright lie as it was not the space that bothered him, he had been in much smaller without any sense of fear, but the people and with it an inherent desire for space. Then he cursed himself for his curiosity, he had stood amongst a crowd of pit fighter fans and overheard his name being mentioned. How many in the room might have recognised him was a question that he tried to ignore.
“You want girl now?”
“The company of one isn’t a problem, and yes, let’s see what this place has to offer.”
Nattelaminnus showed him to a bar, and from the outside it was not dissimilar to the up market establishment he had experienced in New Income and immediately he felt uncomfortable. The thugs on the door simply gave them a cursory glance and signaled they could go in. Creed wondered if this was due to the fact that he was so well armed that denial did not appear to be an option to them. However once inside the environment was completely different and it appeared that anyone who could walk unaided had been allowed in.
“I find you table,” Nattelaminnus darted off and left Creed surveying the scene before him, ranging from a lewd stage show to pole and lap dancers amongst the clientele. He could feel every facet of his persona harden like diamond at the very thought that every performer was a slave, his eyes scanned the room with cold disinterest as he searched out the owner.
“Care for a drink?” A soft and gentle female voice said close by.
He looked towards her and his expression was impassive, he spoke just loud enough for her to hear him, “Trisku, double, aged thirty years in Tockwood.”
“I’m not sure if we have that,” the waitress looked as uncertain as she sounded.
“Then go ask,” Creed blinked a smile and its warmth lasted considerably less time. The girl moved swiftly away and he took note of the spirited Teladi darting around the room looking for a vacant table or at least asking people if they were leaving soon.
“Are you the gentleman who ordered the Trisku?”
Creed glanced at the android waiter who was dressed in a dark suit while the starched white collar looked as though it had been pressed so hard the fibers had ceased being single strands in favour of being fused together. He said, “I am.”
“The management asks if you have the means to pay for such an expensive beverage?”
“I expect they sent you down just in case I found the question objectionable and a potential slur against my good character.” The android did not give an answer but simply waited so Creed added, “I have the credits.”
“The management are not convinced and therefore decline your request, however they have a number of other spirits that they feel will be more within your budget.”
Creed took out the technical datapad and tapped on the screen while saying, “I expect those light bulbs in your head have a direct feed to the control room where your boss is currently watching. Now read this.” He held up the pad for a short while and then cleared his credit balance from the screen and put it away.
There was a slight delay before the android said, “Management offers its apologies and has found an available table, if Sir would take this opportunity to distract his companion and follow me.”
*************************
Contemplating his options he glanced towards the waiter and casually shifted the strap of the assault rifle and said, “Now unless you have a good suggestion how I can do that easily I’d love to hear it, otherwise we could do it my way.”
“Our suggestion is that I will wait here until you have spoken to your friend.”
Creed looked at the throng and the feeling of unease grew, comfort lay nestled in the palms of his hands but reducing the audio system to vapour would not only help clear the room but also attract unnecessary attention. He quietly reasoned that being noticed as a person with wealth would open the hidden doors that were normally barred to the general scum, he had simply turned the key and now he hoped he would find the girl before an unhealthy preoccupation to relieve him of his credits started. For now however he buried his discomfort and kept his focus on finding the small Teladi. All the time he shifted through the crowd who generally made way at the sight of him or needed a small a tap on the shoulder with the snout of the pulse rifle, one client who had stepped out of the way but took exception to the way Creed had gone past, began to draw his blaster.
“Think again,” Creed mouthed the words over the noise and looked in to the wide eyed man who blanched with surprise. Some sixth sense had made Creed move on pure instinct and he found himself pressing the tip of his blaster between the man’s eyes.
Nattelamannis looked alarmed when she appeared through the crowd. Creed looked at her standing agog and said, “We’ve been offered a table.” He holstered the blaster and once again cradled the pulse rifle in both hands.
When they reached a quieter spot the Teladi said, “I think you too dangerousss to be around. I take my creditsss and go.”
“If you believe that’s true then it might be an idea to get yourself off this station, after all you have been seen talking to me,” Creed gave a wry smile.
The Teladi muttered, “tsk, tsk, you not nice. I bring you to good place and Teladi feel reputation isss damaged.”
“It’s about time you went to collect your winnings,” Creed said and pointed towards the door. Nattelamannis gave him a look of uncertainty and appeared torn between the possibility of making a few more credits or leaving to find another opportunity.
“You have your fun and then come find Nattelamannisss, I sssaid I’d ssshow you ssslave market.”
“That’s not the deal I remember, but you’ll be the first I look up when I’m ready,” Creed said and then looked at the proffered fist and reptilian smile ready to seal an agreement. He bumped knuckles and then turned his attention to the waiter. “Lead the way.” He found he was a little more relaxed and slightly bemused that the Teladi still appeared willing to try and make a few credits from him despite everything that had transpired.
The waiter showed him to a glass sided shuttle lift that gave them a good view of the stage while it ascended and then traversed the wall to reach an empty enclosed balcony that looked down on the sleezy shows. Creed noted the sofas were not positioned so that the occupants were meant to watch but he could see the faint scuffs and scratches on the table surface.
“Your drink will be with you soon. We hope you enjoy your visit.”
Creed glanced towards the Android and simply gave him a nod. He put down the pulse rifle and released the utility belt clip, he knew he was being watched so going hunting was not an option.
The paddle screens flickered to life and he took one and casually answered questions as to his preference for company, he chose not to be too specific just in case it led to suspicion and left the choice relatively broad. Then he spent a while scanning through the images acutely aware that his drink had still not arrived. Then it occurred to him that the girl he chose would be the one to bring it, he tabbed through each image and kept the same impassive and unimpressed expression knowing that any hint of interest might have the wrong girl appear unbidden.
He saw her image and regarded it without any change in expression and carried on to the end of the list. In pensive thought he began a mental rewind and selected a characteristic that would narrow the selection. With eight to choose from the screen blinked, ‘Six available. Drink is being delivered.’
Holding the pad he scanned through the selection and found that the girl, listed as Teaser, was one of the ones that was unavailable. He went to the end of the list and took in a deep breath. The door, almost invisible in the side wall opened and a solid looking man carried the glass of golden whiskey on a silver tray. A small jug of water stood next to the undefiled liquid and he placed the tray down with reverence then turned and left. It occurred to Creed that even the management of this place would not trust handing such a valuable spirit to slave girl, just in case she spilt it or worse took exception to the client and threw it at him. While he studied the glass he wondered where the girl was and he could feel his muscles tense while dark thoughts etched themselves behind his watchful eyes.
A momentary lapse of reason - ch 12 complete (05/09)
Moderators: TheElf, Moderators for English X Forum
A momentary lapse of reason - ch 12 complete (05/09)
Last edited by Mercenary on Wed, 6. Sep 06, 11:26, edited 3 times in total.
Excellent first part! Nice way of playing with Creed's vanity and his self control. I have little doubt he will have to face Therum at some point but perhaps not. Was the finger print giving anything away? Creed was obviously hesitant giving it but the Teladi called him then by a different name. So this could be the Teladi knowing what is best for his well-being or Caran could really have altered either the prints or his records.
Looking forward to the next part!
"Creed knew the patter" - should that be 'pattern'?
Looking forward to the next part!
"Creed knew the patter" - should that be 'pattern'?
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Captain Chris sTc
- Posts: 991
- Joined: Fri, 6. Feb 04, 01:21
Marvellous read.
one spot (correction made in red)
Creed entered a packed bar with holo-projectors on every table and screens around the walls. He looked impassively at the figure of a half breed, who appeared jubilant from the screen.
Looking forward to see what happens next. Will Creed be able to control himself after seeing the pit fighters?
one spot (correction made in red)
Creed entered a packed bar with holo-projectors on every table and screens around the walls. He looked impassively at the figure of a half breed, who appeared jubilant from the screen.
Looking forward to see what happens next. Will Creed be able to control himself after seeing the pit fighters?
Nice one. So he managed to walk away from it for now, with a deaf ear toward his ego. 
I like the picture that you manage to paint of the Teladi. Makes it pretty easy to envisage her and get into the story. Also nice conversation with the android.
Looking forward to the next part!
Found these:
"the phrased rolled" - minus one 'd'
"might of recognised him" - of = have?
"though it been pressed" - seems a word is missing
I like the picture that you manage to paint of the Teladi. Makes it pretty easy to envisage her and get into the story. Also nice conversation with the android. Looking forward to the next part!
Found these:
"the phrased rolled" - minus one 'd'
"might of recognised him" - of = have?
"though it been pressed" - seems a word is missing
Mercenary
What can I say? Except that your writing just gets better, more mature and more professional every time I visit this forum.
Very good story so far. I like the way you handle his inner struggle against Creed, impressive.
Only one thing, last line, do you mean 'distract your companion' or 'get your companions attention'? Only the first one suggest trying to give her the slip
Really good stuff
What can I say? Except that your writing just gets better, more mature and more professional every time I visit this forum.
Very good story so far. I like the way you handle his inner struggle against Creed, impressive.
Only one thing, last line, do you mean 'distract your companion' or 'get your companions attention'? Only the first one suggest trying to give her the slip
Really good stuff
"I find your lack of belief in the Three Dimensionality disturbing." Mercenary
"So getting this chick back is more than just getting a chick back. It's the concrete manifestation of an abstract policy goal. And we like concrete - right, Vic?"
Red wine...the only way to frag
"So getting this chick back is more than just getting a chick back. It's the concrete manifestation of an abstract policy goal. And we like concrete - right, Vic?"
Red wine...the only way to frag
Hi Pixel,
Good point it's slightly ambigous as 'distract' can be used in replace of 'get' in this instance (until someone corrects me otherwise) it's meant for him to gain her attention thus 'diverting' her from the task she is currently persuing.
But that might just be bad english ...
Anyway a few corrections made and completed under the **********
Good point it's slightly ambigous as 'distract' can be used in replace of 'get' in this instance (until someone corrects me otherwise) it's meant for him to gain her attention thus 'diverting' her from the task she is currently persuing.
But that might just be bad english ...
Anyway a few corrections made and completed under the **********
Last edited by Mercenary on Wed, 6. Sep 06, 07:50, edited 1 time in total.
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Captain Chris sTc
- Posts: 991
- Joined: Fri, 6. Feb 04, 01:21
-
George Wills
- Posts: 546
- Joined: Wed, 6. Nov 02, 20:31
might be better as 'distract your companion away from bothering our other guests' ? I think as it is, it is a bit unclear. But you are the authorMercenary wrote:Hi Pixel,
Good point it's slightly ambigous as 'distract' can be used in replace of 'get' in this instance (until someone corrects me otherwise) it's meant for him to gain her attention thus 'diverting' her from the task she is currently persuing.
But that might just be bad english ...
Anyway a few corrections made and completed under the **********
"I find your lack of belief in the Three Dimensionality disturbing." Mercenary
"So getting this chick back is more than just getting a chick back. It's the concrete manifestation of an abstract policy goal. And we like concrete - right, Vic?"
Red wine...the only way to frag
"So getting this chick back is more than just getting a chick back. It's the concrete manifestation of an abstract policy goal. And we like concrete - right, Vic?"
Red wine...the only way to frag