Xenox (Closed for such_a_bad_man)

[SinfuIDreams]

Captain Linda Jenkins
Age:34
Occupation: Space pirate Captain of Xenox III, illegal trader, Bounty hunter and all around not so good girl.

I sit slumped in the Captain's seat of the Xenox III, the previous two having been blown to pieces on different missions, one even by the ship that originally hired us, mind you our Captain at the time shouldn't have turned and fired on them when he made the decision to keep the bounty fee for himself, instead of accepting the generous 75% share we were due. He always did shit like that. It's given the team a bad name even for pirates. His arrogance and disregard have left me in charge of fighting to get us jobs.

With very few trickling in with our crappy reputation, we need this next job more than ever the very lives of every member of the crew depend on this next haul of stolen mech parts. The worst part of it all being we now have to go break him out of Alckra maximum security. He's the only one who knows the drop planet location. So once again no matter how hard I've worked on our rep we will again be reliant on a man who hasn't earned the title Captain an. If screwing the whole crew over wasn't bad enough when we finally kicked him off the ship I found out he'd fucked every female crew member but myself, promising them all sorts of job perks, love and a life together he played with all of their feelings including my own. He never made me promises or confessed love... He just drove me crazy with lust. Heated looks and dirty words muttered for my ears only, that was as far as I ever let it go. Not that I didn't crave more, something deep inside me told me it was wrong.

The whole situation makes me feel sick to my stomach. I glance around at the bridge crew, all of them thinking the exact same thing as I am. We know we need his help we just don't want it.

"Ok, So who's volunteering for the extraction mission?" I croak out around the large lump forming in my throat.
Another look around shows me 3 female staff and our lead navigator who happens to be into men just as much as the female volunteers. Sighing I nod my head and turn towards my second. "Plot our jumps."

Nothing left to do now but figure out exactly how to get our x captain off Alckra without detection.
As I sit and plan my mind starts to drift, my mind on the one man I would have given everything up for one night and broken promises, that was then and this is now. Now I know what a sleazy egomaniac he is. I'm not like the rest of the women, I won't fall for him again.

I wonder what it's like there? I wonder what he's doing? I wonder if he's still even alive still?

 

[such_a_bad_man]

"Captain" Dash Claynor III
Age: Unclear
Occupation: Pirate, Bounty Hunter, Smuggler, Ne'er-do-well, Thief, Vagabond, etc.

Dash leaned his head back against the smooth metal of his prison. If he had to say anything about the Acklar, they did build a fine prison. On his way in, he was impressed by the level of security they used: no single person movement, security checkpoints with limited access to key cards, biometrically encoded weapons to prevent the prisoners from using them, etc. Yes, it was a testament to their engineering prowess. Even the walls and floors were manufactured and maintained to prevent any degradation in strength or appearance.

As he sat there in his sterile cell with clear plastic wall facing the hall outside, he had to admit that he was having trouble imagining a way out. But like the old mechanical clock of Earth, everything had a pattern and a schedule. He just had to learn it.

The thin fabric one-piece garment didn't do him any favors either. There was no way he could hide something under it. It was cut like a pair of shorts on his thighs and a t-shirt at his arms. It clung to him like spandex, which seemed to be the point. It all shifted uncomfortably as he stood up at the horn for the next meal. Slipping on the ventilated foot wear, he stepped out as the clear wall slid to one side.

Already he knew that he was going to have a hard time in this place. On his way from processing, he was pretty sure he saw a few members of the Yagnon crew in one of the other wings. While Dash didn't shoot them down, he did make it pretty easy for the local authorities to do that as he left their payment meet-up. Surely, they couldn't blame him for the cops stumbling on the meet at the worst time... Hopefully, they didn't put together who told them.

 

[SinfuIDreams]

It took three long boring days filled with planning and over planning to reach the outskirts of the Nenoi system and another half day burst to finally lay eyes on Alckra through the large bridge screen. It looked almost desolate, all-metal buildings gleaming off the desert sands. It's what made Alckra one of the hardest prisons in any of the known worlds. It's why the ruling governments all had shares in this one prison.
It's harsh all over top surface is bound to crisp up and escapees within hours, let alone all the tech to get passed along the way.

I decided after hours of debate with the team to make this a simple old school sneak to the surface, blow holes in everything and grab.

Biting my lip I look to the extraction team and bark "Suit up, we move in ten." I know I sound harsher than I should but a lot rests on getting our x Captain out and just looking at the team I know this isn't going to be easy, each member must have spent hours primping and preening, trying to make themselves seem as attractive as they can for him, anyone. None of them would be thinking worst-case scenario like anyone would think they are headed to a party instead of putting their lives at risk for someone who would sell them down the river for a half a credit.

All of us manage to pile in the older style stealth fighter, with Nash the navigator taking the lead pilots seat. I slide my way into the second's place, there is no way I'm leaving all the control of landing safety up to the team.

Entrance into Alckra atmosphere flows smoothly the satellites not picking up on our small cloaked craft. The older tech working better in this situation then newer cloaking which leaves a heat signature behind. We coast our way in the falling darkness, skimming over the planet's surface. As I line the fighter up with the outside walls I drop the landing gear and bring us down on a soft whisper.

I parked directly next to where Dash's cell should be according to the intel we paid the last of the ship's funds for. I lead the way gesturing with my fingers to stay quite.
I walk directly to the wall and place four nano bombs on the wall in the shape of a door.

Stepping back I clutch the detonator with one hand.
3
2
1

 

[such_a_bad_man]

I look around the cafeteria as I try to swallow down the food they serve here. Like everything else in this prison, it's built for efficiency and not taste. Some sort of powder that's reconstituted with water and vitamins to make sure our bodies don't waste away during our stay. My eyes still haven't left the Yagnon crew across the room. I can see them talking among themselves and looking my way. Whatever they are planning, it won't go down here. Too many witnesses and too many guards.

No, they are going to get me in my cell or the showers or some other area that we will be forced to share. I just have to keep my eyes open. Luckily, that's not hard; it seems there's more than a few people in here that I've double-crossed, screwed, or just treated badly. It leaves me with an empty table at chow time.

That also means it's going to be hard to barter for protection from someone while I'm here. I'll need a plan for that as well, it would seem. No ladies in this part of the prison so there goes that option. I'm weighing out what I could possibly have to offer when the horn for the end of chow time sounds. As I get up, I can feel the Yagnon crew staring at me as we file back to our cells.

I don't need to look behind me to know that the big one, N'Chuk, a huge Torgorian with a few more plates in his forehead than usual, is working his way through the crowd to me. He's a big enough guy that it's hard to miss him. The guard calls for my cell to be opened. As I wait, I can feel like this is the moment. I'll have a narrow window to counter whatever he tries. As the plastic of the wall slides open, N'Chuk slides in front of me, hand cupped around a shank. I move my forearms towards his to block and-

The wall behind N'Chuk explodes, showering his back with metal and plastic debris. The shockwave knocks out my hearing, but I still have the presence of mind to hold him up to protect me from the shrapnel and fire. I don't know exactly who would take me out with a bomb, but I topple back, kicking N'Chuk up and over me, monkey flip style.

I look toward the hole in my cell and smile wide.

My old crew from the Xenox II... or were they up to III now? It's so hard to keep track. I jump up and run to them, knowing a prison break when I see one. "Which way?!" I call out, knowing they would have a ship to get off this rock nearby.

 

[SinfuIDreams]

Frack! Silent explosive my butt. I'm going to ring both of that Mekaw traders necks when I get my hands on him. Never trust a Mekaw to make a honest deal but when the chips are down and time is short and with our rep I was surprised he'd even trade with us. Now I know why.

Shaking my head, I stand from my crouched spot by the gaping hole left in the side of the prison and dust my clothes of as best I can. I know it won't make much of a difference with all the debris in my hair and the thin coat sticking to my skin. But a girls still got to try and look her best in the worst situation I think on a giggle, let's face it the situation can't get much worst than this, the breach alarms are blaring out, warning lights flashing between the two it's like a old fashioned Earth disco just a hell of a lot more dangerous.

My eyes snap up as our old Captain comes sauntering out of the massive hole, looking as fit and healthy as the last time I seen him. A huge smile on his face, one that my body has two impulses over, slap it off his face or worst yet, throw myself at him and suck that bottom full lip.

Shaking my head again I point to the fighter. I'm not ready to open my mouth around him and have all my thoughts spill out. So I keep my mouth shut and follow three steps behind him and the crew, I look over my shoulder as I climb into the fighter and groan. Mechs are piling out of the hole.

Frack! "We need to move now." I shout out at the top of my lungs. Slamming the door behind me and working my way forwards to the second's seat.

Unfortunately Dash is sprawled out in it.

"Move." I poke his shoulder to get his attention. His to wrapped up in talking to Nash to listen to me, I shove at him again. Now he's just looking at me like I'm a annoyance.

"Out of my chair X Captain Dash." I grunt as the fighter lifts of the surface and I wobble on my feet. His ignoring me, the arrogant asshole is disrespecting me in front of my whole crew.

I can feel my face heating with both anger and embarrassment, but I shouldn't feel surprised at this, it's just like him to think he's automatically in full control again.

"Fine I'll just stand here and.."
The last of my sentence is cut off as the fighter jerks from side to side on a loud explosion.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

I hustle aboard, following where Linda pointed. I breathe a little easier as I see they kept the stealth fighter we used on Hyrax job. It made picking up the loot a lot easier. It also allowed me to disappear with it when I went to sell it. It gave me a lot of job security to keep the crew out of the loop when it came to fences and buyers and clients from our jobs.

Hopping inside felt like old times. I hustled to the co-pilot's chair, letting Mack handle the actual flying as I ran everything else. This was going to take finesse and timing to-

I turn toward the feeling of fingers jabbing into me. I turn to see Linda, trying to say something. With all the shouting in the ship, I can't quite make it out as Mack shouts about a ground-based weapon system that's firing on the ship. I bring up the weapons and fire a missile to knock it out. It's all too close as the mechs on the surface are trying to fire on the ship as well.

I turn again as I think I heard Linda say something. "What? Linda, I can't really..." I turn to the display as I engage some anti-missile lasers to keep us in the clear. It wasn't enough to catch them all and a missile detonates near the ship.

My chair spins and I look up just in time to see and feel Linda sprawling out on my body. I catch her around the waist and look into her eyes. Those loving, trusting eyes of Linda. I never could figure out how we never wound up sleeping together. Then again, when you're sleeping with half the ship, a few quiet ones are always going to slip past.

"To be continued, Linda..." I say, pecking her lips softly as I slide her off of me. I turn back to the controls and see that we are high enough to engage the stealth system. I fire off a thermal flare at Mack's direction and turn on the stealth system, using the blinding flare to cover our diminished thermal output.

 

[SinfuIDreams]

Oh my fracking God, he kissed me. After sitting there and ignoring me the whole time. How dare he! Of all the arrogant things to do.

I'll admit I squirmed when he said "To be continued." Even if at the same time it made me feel like I was accidently throwing myself at him, which wouldn't have happened if he would have moved out of my spot. Instead I had to spend the rest of the harrowing flight of dips and turns crouched on the floor by his feet like a pet. The humiliation is real.

As soon as the fighter landed in the Xenox III docking bay I race my way to my cabin to hide and deal with my embarrassment alone. I know its the cowards way out and that he will probably take over everything again but for the life of me I can't face the music.

I take a scalding hot sonic wash scrubbing at the dust and dirt still clinging to my skin. Stepping out I quickly pull my hair up and dress in black panties and black bra some tight black flight pants and my favorite red vest. Zipping up my boots I take one last deep breath and head to the bridge.

Stomping my feet I make extra noise to announce my appearance, determined to ignore the elephant in the room.

"Report." I bark out making at least one crew member jump and a few gasp.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

It's good to be back on a ship again. Even better, the Xenox III looks and feels like an upgraded version of Xenox I. Yeah, it feels like home almost immediately. Even better, a lot of the faces look the same. Granted, most of those face aren't happy to see me for one reason or another, but at least I'm not in the prison anymore.

The bridge feels like the right place to be. So much so that I can't help settling into the captain's chair. There's so much activity going on around me as the Xenox tries to leave the system, that I don't think anyone has really noticed that I'm in the chair again.

"Report." a voice barks from the other door onto the bridge. I turn the seat toward the voice and feel my eyes widen. I see Linda, but not the Linda I was used to before I left. No, this Linda is more confident and, dare I say, sexy than the Linda I knew. Black looks good on her and the red vest is the perfect accent. Maybe I was wrong to not try and hop in the sack with her.

"Well, it looks like your crew has gotten us underway and we should have no trouble leaving the system. It's a fine ship, Linda, but it's about time that it had a real captain. Good thing you all came to get me." I say, looking around the bridge. Only then do I see everyone staring at me. I think everyone realized I was sitting in the chair now and the room hung thick as everyone waited and watched to see how this power struggle would play out in front of the crew.

 

[SinfuIDreams]

I grit my teeth so hard my jaw aches, the throbbing of it matching the vein pulsing in my neck. I drag my hand down my face trying to give myself a few seconds to calm down.

Every set of eyes on the bridge turn towards me as one. So quiet and still you could hear a pin drop.

"Actually ex-Captain Dash, this is my ship and my crew now. The only reason you are here is to provide directions. If those directions happen to be incorrect or I suspect you are trying to frack us over again, I will string you up by your balls and feed you your own liver for dinner." I slowly draw every single word out to make sure I'm perfectly clear.

"Now you have two choices, cooperate and I'll drop you off at the closest spaceport after we make the pickup or we can do this the hard way... It's not like anyone here has any qualms about having to torture the information out of you." I pause and look around with a half-smirk on my face.

"Am I right?" I ask the crew with a wave of my hand.
As one the shouts of "Aye Captain, " fill the bridge. A few less enthusiastic from the female crew but still in agreement.

I study our ex-Captain as I walk the remaining distance between us. Hard time has been good to him, he's packed on a lot of muscle and the shaggy hair suits him. Not that I'd ever tell him that. I stop directly in front of him so he can see the truth in my eyes.

"You have a decision to make Dash, what's it going to be?" I whisper just for his ears

 

[such_a_bad_man]

I can't lie on this: hearing the entire bridge crew admit that they'd love to flay me alive, it hurt. After all the jobs we pulled, all the time we shared... Now, I know they are probably all bent out of shape because I'd take the lion's share of the money, but I was captain at the time! What was I supposed to do after arranging the meets with our employers, planning the heists, making off with the goods, I was supposed to share more than half of the goods with these people?

From the look in Linda's eyes and the hard looks from the crew, it appears that was exactly what they were expecting. Dash stood up from the captain's chair and looked her in the eyes. "Look, I can see that me coming back has opened some old wounds and rubbed a few raw nerves. You want your seat back?" He stepped to the side. "It's all yours, but if you want this score, you're going to need me on this ship through the whole thing. No dropping me off, no threats of violence. I'm back on the crew, for good or bad. Deal?"

He put his hand forward, wanting the crew to witness this. He scanned the room, curious how they would react to his. "You better take the deal. You're going to need me to get it." He added, knowing that the threat of violence was very real.

 

[SinfuIDreams]

I stand and study Dash, his hand still held out to me. My thoughts ow aren't as clear as moments ago. Minutes ago I would have been more than happy to throw him in a cell and torture the information we needed out of him. Now not so much, now I'm not sure what I want. I know deep within myself I can't trust him as far as I can throw him.

This isn't going to be a easy choice, I can't let him have free run of the ship, that just isn't possible. He's only out for his own good. He going to have to be watched at all times, I look around the room and mentally strike every single crew member off my mental list. None will do, they all have a reason to either help him or hurt him, most have both reasons.

Still looking at the crew and ignoring his hand slowly dropping to the side. "For now you can be a part of the crew, you have no rights or claims to rank. You will also never leave my side. I don't trust you enough for that Dash." My voice lowered so only he could pick up the last of my words.

I start to walk towards the door, glancing over my shoulder. "Now that is my final offer. Take it or leave it."

 

[such_a_bad_man]

I admit that I'm not used to seeing Linda like this. This is not the sweet crewmate that he had gotten used to. She was commanding, sharp, intuitive. This Linda would be a different animal to deal with. She had read the room correctly, though. I could see only murder in the eyes of the crew. Sticking by her side might be the best idea so long as I'm here.

As she got up to leave the room, I realized this would be my symbolic acceptance of her deal or not. I walked backward, keeping my eye on the crew, as I joined her. I turned as I stepped through the door she used and sealed it behind us quickly.

"Okay, part of the reason that you need me is that I left a data store with someone. That person has explicit instructions to turn it back over to me. The reason that we need the data store is that it has a list of meeting points. It is randomly scrolling through the list and will only lock onto a meeting list so long as I activate it with my biometrics and keep activating it every hour. If I don't do that once the position is locked, both it and the sister device that the buyer holds self-destruct meaning you'll never be able to off-load the mech parts to anyone." I had to explain to her that just getting the location wouldn't do her any good. Once I give that up, I'm just added weight with no value anymore. I had to explain that my continued survival was necessary to get her and everyone on this crate paid.

I just hoped she bought my story...

 

[SinfuIDreams]

I moan out a curse. "Just stop it Dash, I really don't care to hear any more excuses or lies today."

I stomp my way down the main hall all the way to my quarters, the frustration of dealing with him hitting a all time high. I can't believe he things I'm that clueless still.

Turning I give him a glare as we reach my door, this is my personal space, I never let anyone in here not even the cleaning crew. This place was my sanctuary.

"You can use the fresher first, and the lounger pulls out to a bed. Don't go in my bedroom you are free to the rest of my quarters and you will be locked in with me at all times. Don't get any ideas Dash, I still have my taser stick and you remember how good I am with it." I say with a smirk.

I'm really starting to enjoy having something over this man after the hell he's put the whole crew through. Even if the smallest part of me is going gaga over having him in my personal space. It shouldn't be anything to be excited over, its rooming together not sleeping together.

I press my fingers to the panel and wait a second for it to light up green as the door retracts. Just inside is the living space, being captain offers the privilege of larger quarters, mine has its own fresher, lounge, a separate bedroom and a small food replicator area. More than enough space for one and snug but livable quarters for two.

Stepping forward without looking to see if he's followed I head directly to my room calling out over my shoulder "knock on my door when you are done in the fresher."

I close my bedroom door gently behind me.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Linda's taser stick had taken down more than a few guards that thought it was their lucky day. If she'd only gotten better with it, I shuddered to think of places on my body that she might use it. I do a full body shiver and slip inside the door before it cycles shut. Linda went deeper into her personal quarters... or rather MY personal quarters... Well, they would be mine on the Xenox II, but that's splitting hairs.

Speaking of splitting hairs, a solitary refresher cube was a welcome distraction. Sharing public showers with burly dudes gets old pretty quickly; the extra security on a personal cube was not unwelcome. Stripping out of my prison wear, I happily slipped into the refresher. Actual soap and shampoo made the whole experience much better.

Stepping out with a towel wrapped around my waist, I was stuck by an idea. The prison outfit was all I had, but surely, my lock box moved to Xenox III. They couldn't have sprung with without having a plan to have me help out on this score. Plus, I had a feeling this little move might get me on the new captain's good side.

I knocked on Linda's private chamber, my thumb tucked into the front of the towel. I leaned against the frame as she opened it. "So... I'm all done. You got my clothes on board or... shall I just lie around your quarters like this?" I let my fingers walk up and down my chest, water dripping around my fingers. I smile at Linda, wondering if I could breath that little candle she carried for me into a huge flame.