Countdown by John Walker (most life changing books TXT) 📕

“Pretty sure this side’s clear.” She kept her weapon aimed at the open portal. “You guys?”

“They’re done,” Zem said. “McCully, find the control room. I suspect there are some other pricks hiding in a panic room that might be shielded. House servants or something. You’ll have access there. Torrence, meet up with her for security. I’m heading back to the ship to chat with our host about how he’s going to help us.”

“You sound pretty sure that we’ve got this,” McCully replied. “You think we can lock this place down?”

“Because Loch has a bunch of guys he’ll bring with him, is that it?” Zem asked. “Yeah, I’ve got a plan for that too. Hurry up. We may not have a lot of time.”

I’d love the whole plan. Torrence pushed away from the wall, heading back the way she came. The intersection acted as a reasonable rendezvous. And what’s he intend to do with the civilians? They can’t possibly help us with Loch. Some asshole pirate won’t have told them anything of value.

She had to err on the side of Zem. He knew that world; what their opponents were all about and thinking. If he decided to start killing innocents, that wouldn’t go over well with any of the others. I wonder if he did this kind of thing when he worked in the military. Special Forces guys often were reputed to do whatever it took to get a job done.

Including atrocities? Torrence waited for McCully, wishing she could take the helmet off. Sweat covered her face, partially from exertion but also nerves. I like that guy… this side of him actually scares me. She figured his attitude would put anyone off. How exactly did Rita put up with it?

Torrence figured they never had to get so dark. Their jobs weren’t all that intense. Stealing things didn’t have to result in murder. And definitely didn’t require the kind of killer instinct he displayed. I guess it’s good to be his friend if he’s willing to do all this to get her back safely.

But if she was hurt, heaven help Loch. Zem will kill that guy. Of that, I have no doubt. He probably would anyway for the inconvenience. And it likely wouldn’t be pretty.

***

Rita ensured the doors locked before getting cleaned up. Loch’s facilities looked like a resort ship. The flashiness of it all struck her as funny. White towels hung neatly in the washroom. Tile floor reminded her of facilities back at Noah’s house on Earth though the gold-colored fixtures set it apart.

Most of the ship seemed to worry a lot about aesthetics. Even the walk down the hall to get to her assigned quarters saw wood paneling and carpet on the floor. She figured the more work-oriented sections would be more utilitarian, like fancy space stations that went for a high-end feel.

But she couldn’t guarantee that. The Engineering section might’ve had spinning disco balls for all she knew. And considering how Loch acted when she stepped off the ship, it wouldn’t have surprised her either. If I only we’d known this guy was so much of a freak. We should have found another way to make ends meet.

After cleaning up, she changed into a pair of black leggings and a matching long-sleeved shirt. A dress sat on the bed next to the outfit, which made her huff. Hope springs eternal. You asshole. The reasoning made sense for a couple reasons. First, he showed his desire for her to look traditionally ‘feminine,’ but that wasn’t it.

Had she settled on that thing, he was the kind of man who would push his ‘masculinity,’ talk about how he knew better or just generally talk down to her. Well, you’ve got another thing coming at your stupid dinner. The masquerade kept her alive, but she desperately wished he would’ve just been straightforward.

If he listens to what happened, if he thinks about it, then he’ll know I wasn’t trying to screw him over. Loch had been in business a long time. Not every job could be a success which led her to believe he couldn’t possibly kill or make an example of everyone who failed. I guess it’s possible. Wouldn’t we have heard about that?

Loch didn’t strike her as a man capable of hiding a reputation of murdering people who worked with him. She figured he’d want potential partners to know so they’d ensure delivery of service. I’d have changed my mind about this asshole. Goddammit! One lapse in judgment and I’m deep in the shit.

One last thing remained before she visited Loch. The metal case by the bed held refined ether. The effects of withdrawal already tickled the back of her mind. She had to get a fix in before she visited him. He let her keep the computer for the purposes of scanning it. When she did, he proved to be true to his word.

It was safe. Or as safe as the stuff ever was.

I wonder why they even have it. Rita leaned back as she prepared the shot. Surely, people aren’t taking this recreationally. I didn’t think anyone was stupid enough for that. Why not go for designer drugs that weren’t guaranteed to kill them? Those seeking a thrill didn’t often care about such things.

Rita popped jabbed herself in the neck, taking the dose. The familiar freeing sensation rushed through her limbs, cleared her mind, made breathing easier. Everything felt normal though she half expected it not to at any moment. Remember, the scan was fine. She set the stuff aside before heading to the door.

“Hey!” She whacked at the metal a couple times. “I’m ready to see Loch! Let me out of here already!”

The guards opened the door. Neither of them said anything but they did gesture for her to follow them. They walked down the hall, passing by ten different doors before pausing.