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

took a seat at the computer console. “Shit, they’ve just pinged us. They’re not ready for comms anyway. Dammit!”

“Better you’re here and ready,” Zem said. “Never mind. Just do your part. Get them down here.”

“You want me to break protocol and call them?” Biggun asked. “Or can you shut up long enough for me to do my part, huh? Seriously, bro. Settle yourself down. Go have a drink or something. There’s plenty around.”

Zem met Torrence’s gaze. She shrugged, holding her hands up. He called after her, “where’re you going?”

“I figure I’ll be back in position now that we know they’re coming in.” Torrence grinned. “That way, I don’t have to be here for all… whatever this is.”

Nostros chuckled.

“Great,” Zem muttered. “Now this is comedy. You guys are fantastic.”

“Everyone relax!” Biggun held his hand up. “This isn’t normal.”

“What?” Nostros nudged him. “What’s not normal?”

“They’re reaching out right now.” Biggun tapped the comm. “What’s going on, guys? You okay up there? Got an emergency?”

“Everything’s fine, man.” A male voice came over the speaker. He sounded like he’d been on drugs he was so calm. “Boss wants you to prep one of the big suites. You know, the ones we use for dignitaries? The high rollers. Shit, man! The nicest rooms we’ve got! Right? You get what I’m saying?”

“If you’d shut the hell up,” Biggun replied, “yes, I would’ve said I know. What for?”

“Got a big wig on board, ya dope.”

Biggun rolled his eyes. “Who is it?”

“What’s it matter to you?”

“Louie…” Biggun’s tone carried a warning. “You’re a nice enough guy but I’m on the verge of giving you a serious kick to the nuts if you don’t stop being so cagey with me. Who the hell’d the boss bring back? I thought he was after that chick that screwed us over a bunch of money.”

“They made some kind of deal, bro.” Louie chuckled. “I think the horizontal dancing kind, ya hear?”

“Uh huh. How long before you guys are in orbit?”

“Oh, we’re at top speed,” Louie replied. “Boss wants to be home quick. Get back to business. Shit’s stirring up out in the dark. Apparently, the Gold Empire’s on the verge of a situation with those ervas things we’ve been hearing about. I think we’re about to secure the hatches for a long haul if you know what I mean.”

“Shit. You think they’re coming here?”

“No clue. Did the guys get back from the city yet? If not, send a request for double the supplies. We might need them if we have to stay under the radar.”

“Yeah, I’ll contact them.” Biggun hummed. “Seems like a bad time to come for a visit here, huh?”

“Meh, she’s supposedly badass. She can help us with our training problem. You gotta admit, we’ve got some serious screwups. If someone can whip them into shape, I’m all for it.”

“As long as it ain’t you, right?”

“Hey, I’m a flyer, not a fighter. No one’s gotta tell me how to kick it. I’m calm and in charge up here. I told you, flying is the way to go. Knew it from the moment I left school. Got my license and I never looked back. Not a single time. It’s been fabulous too. Never gotten dirty before. You know that?”

“I can imagine,” Biggun said. “I’m getting off the line so I can call those others. Let me know when you’re in orbit and coming down.”

“Should be about… twenty minutes, man.”

“Good. See ya soon.” Biggun muted the connection. “There you go. Twenty minutes before they descend. You assholes sure you’ve got this?”

“Place might be a bit messed up,” Zem said, “but it won’t be anything you can’t afford to fix.” He grabbed his rifle. “Nostros, watch this guy. Make sure he sticks with the plan. You know what to do if he doesn’t. Hold up the bargain, Biggun. You’re about to inherit an empire if you do.” He hurried after Torrence, jogging down the hall.

As he caught up, she glanced over her shoulder. “They on their way then?”

Zem nodded. “Sure are.”

“And we’re… well…”

“Taking them out. Rita’s alive.” Zem smiled. “She made a deal with that piece of shit to get here. Probably has a plan of her own to get out. Won’t she be surprised?”

“I figured she’d be up to something. If they didn’t kill her outright.”

“Well, now she’s got help.” Zem tapped his comm. “McCully, we’re on our way to your position. The enemy’s here. Twenty minutes before they land so wake up.” He put his hand on Torrence’s shoulder. “This is it. I want to thank you for coming here. I appreciate it more than you know.”

“It’s cool.” Torrence patted his hand. “Rita’s a friend of mine too. It wasn’t hard to convince me. Now we just have to take out what… twenty guys? Give or take? Piece of cake after what we did to take this place, right?”

Except I have a feeling they’ll be better at their jobs. Zem kept that to himself. He wanted optimism. They don’t expect anything. Biggun wants this place. He’s not going to screw us over. And Rita’s ready as well. It can’t go wrong. I won’t let it.

***

The door opened to Rita’s room. Her silent guards waved at her to follow them. She huffed as she complied, falling into pace just in front of them. Crew members hustled by them, rushing along to whatever they considered duties on the vessel. She watched a couple of them, noting they pointedly ignored her.

“So what’s up, guys?” Rita asked. “You know I struck a deal with the boss. I’m going to be training people and stuff? Hanging around, acting as a bodyguard? Ring a bell?” They didn’t reply. “Am I being an insensitive bitch about something? Are you guys… deaf? Mute? Something else?” They continued to be silent.