Pluto VII

[Cherubian]

With how much money they had just spent it took no more than a casual remark from Michaela and the clerk threw in two high quality shoulder holsters for free. To his surprise she immediately took off her jacket, strapped on the carriage with professional ease, cracked open the package of ammunition, loaded the pistol and the three spare clips and placed them all into their custom fit spots, before dressing again. She could not stop grinning as happy as she was about her new toys, finally no longer feeling naked. The smaller guns and its accessoiries she was content to deposit in a bag for now.

Once that was done, she just nodded to Fiona. "I am set now. Off we go." and waving one last time at the clerk she left the room. Once outside she faced her boss, and with an expression of sincere gratitude she started "Thanks. I knew that was a lot of dough, even for you. But trust me, t'was worth it. I owe you one. But what now? You're the boss, what's the agenda?"

 

[Belinda35]

Fiona Cole

Well, what now? That was a good question. She could not tell her about her special agenda. She was not ready for it, if she ever would be. She had used her contacts to get her a gun license. Having a bodyguard, wasn't that easy. If she visited her contacts of the important thing, how long would it take until Michaela would find out that something was suspicious about it? And going home, would be a burden, too. She would read and prepare for the next day, but what would her bored bodyguard do, with only a tiny room to dwell? Maybe she should have looked for a more intelligent person, but to late.
"We should go somewhere to eat, after all. We didn't have anything so far."

 

[Talon]

Seth nodded with satisfaction as Jason gave the thumbs up, grabbing his pistol and backpack and heading into the bathroom to shower. He showered quickly, the hot water was sparse and lasted only a few minutes, and was forced to shave with only lukewarm water. Even with a less than desirable amount of warm water the shower felt refreshing, and Seth left the bathroom in a fresh change of clothes, Jason already passed out on the bed. Seth set his backpack next to the bed, pulling the desk away from the wall and over towards the middle of the room.

Turning on a small lamp on one of the beside tables, Seth turned off the main light in the room and climbed up onto the desk. He reached up, using his old, dirty shirt as a makeshift glove to turn the still warm bulb of the overhead light a few times until it was loose in the socket. Seth hopped down off the desk and pushed it forward until it blocked the doorway of the entrance alcove. Not only would they be alerted to someone entering the room via the chair against the door, but now anyone who rushed in would smack into the thigh high desk in the dark, the main overhead light out of commission. Perhaps the intruders would be wearing night vision equipment and using flashbangs, but there was nothing Seth could do to prepare for that short of booby trapping the door, something he wasn't supplied to do at the moment.

Seth grabbed the pillow and sheets and pulled them to the side of the bed opposite the door. He turned off the beside lamp and laid down between the bed and the wall, placing his gun beside him under the bed. He would be able to react quickly and shoot under the bed at anyone who tumbled over the desk, or at the ankles of anyone who had seen it and stepped over. Satisfied that they were as prepared as possible, Seth settled down to sleep.

 

[Cherubian]

"Something to eat sounds like a good idea. Any particular place you could recommend?"

As they stood in front of the weapon store, with Fiona pondering where to go, they could hear the speaker's voice from a nearby news terminal.

"General secretarey Hao Zhung of the People's Republic of China denies any allegations that the massive fleet movements close to the Japanese territorial waters are anything more than a regular operation. Accusations made by Japan and the United States that China is preparing for an invasion of Japan were refuted as an attempt to interfere in the People's Republic's internal affairs."

 

[Belinda35]

Fiona Cole

"Oh dear. This sounds like a lot of work coming close to us. Although the asian affairs are not in my resort. But we will have something to eat first. I think we go to the closest place."
There were no five star restaurants or haute causine on the space station, and if there had been any, it wouldn't been a place where Fiona would go. She would not to into the cheapest, lousy place either. She prefered something in the middle of them, not to fancy, but at least average. There was such a place close by.

 

[Cherubian]

Michaela followed Fiona to something resembling a steak house, although everybody knew the 'steaks' were in truth made from tofu. Soy was simply more durable and therefore easier to handle on the six month trip from Earth to Pluto. Of course you could buy real steak on the station, although that was REALLY expensive.

As they had taken their seats and placed their order, waiting for the food, Michaela asked "Say, you seemed quite distressed about that newscast over there. What's so special about it, sonds like the usual sabre-rattling to me that happens every couple months."

 

[Belinda35]

Fiona Cole

"In the best case, it will mean just some more work for everyone. Even a threat will cause many turbulences in the financial affairs I have to handle at the embassady, what will mean more work. If it turns out to be something more serious, this will backfire at us even up her. If my superiors - or other important people or groups - can act under the protection of emergencies, they can act with much more freedom then now. Some of the people who do not like me - not to speak of real enemies - could use that against me." She did frown a little, when she thought of the more arward threats that she got from some time now.

 

[Cherubian]

Michaela nodded, that made sense. If the troubles from Earth did indeed spill over to the station, there might be some collateral damage in the proceedings, and few would bother to investigate what really had caused her bosses demise.

"So yer sayin' we have to be extra careful now? Check." Michaela placed her cutlery on the plate and shoved it away from her, having finished eating. "But what's up next?"

 

[Belinda35]

Fiona Cole

"Yes, we are careful now. My outer enemies are more dangerous then I did expect, and my inner enemies might be encouraged by the news. You know, I get all kind of letters, as all politicians. Threats are normal and part of the job, many are ridiculous. But since a few months I get also.... obscene letters and threats. I do not think that they are from a lonely pervert or some adolescent stalker, although they shall look like it. But the dirty language and the sexistic threats in them just look fake, meaning to intimidate me. So we have to be careful about my own people as well. And next..." Fiona was a bit unsecure about that self. Maybe she should hurry back to the office, but her office was still in a mess and not ready by now, and they told the authorities all they had to know. They got their weapons and papers, and the eating was done. She realized that she had spent most of her life at work or at her secret agenda, but she could not tell her now about that. Going back home again, wasn't that promising as well. She hadn't got used to have a bodyguard in there yet. She had visitors from time to time, but they didn't stay to long.
"Maybe we just talk a walk through the station, if you are new. I have to settle my mind after all this disturbance."

 

[Cherubian]

"As you wish boss, I'll be alongside" That might be a good opportunity to see more of the 'noble Quarter' as she called it, the place where the wealthy of Pluto VII lived.

As they got started she tried to continue their conversation "So those weird sex threats, why do you think someone would try to get at you that way?"

 

[Belinda35]

Fiona Cole

"It is just a try to intimitade me. Some kind of psychologigal warfare. Some enemy thinks he can hit me with that better then with common death threats."
She kept walking, feeling uncomfortable to talk about that disgusting affair. She decided to take a shortcut; she didn't mean to stroll around only at the pretty places, but give her an impression of the whole station, not only the good quarters.

 

[Cherubian]

Michaela was surprised as Fiona entered the elevator and for no apparent reason sent it downwards to one of the less than reputable levels.

"Uhh, boss, are you sure this is a good idea? Not that I am afraid, but why should we actively seek out trouble?"

 

[Belinda35]

Fiona Cole

"I don't spend all my time up there. I have been here before several times alone, and nothing happened." She paused a moment. "In fact, I think it might be even more dangerous for me up there. Especcially with the new developments."

 

[Cherubian]

"Well, maybe you are right. At least the danger down there is a lot more open and visible."

Michaela fell silent as the elevator hummed, descending deeper into the nowadays neglected levels of the station. She was still not sure this was going to work out, but Fiona was the boss, and maybe after a first little row with a few thugs...

Finally the cabin came to stand still, and the dorrs opened with a hiss, giveng a clear view on the corridor leading away from the door. Down here maintenance was far less thorough than on the upper levels, and an occasional rust stain could even be seen in a few places.

"Well, we are here. Where do you want to go?" was Michaela's comment as she motioned outwards with a mock inviting gesture.

 

[Belinda35]

Fiona Cole

"We will take just a round to the next elevator. Sometimes I come down here, so it is time that you now that area as well." She walked out, as if she knew the way very well. Which she did, because her was an important meeting point for the Movement around some corners... But she would not tell her yet, of course. But she would come down here again, probably more often by now, with the changes, so she would better learn the way right now.

 

[Cherubian]

"Sounds fair enough. You know the way, you lead the way." Michaela just trotted after her boss, and her seemingly disinterested demeanor concealed how her eyes were darting around actively on the lookout for any potential threat. In their expensive looking clothes they definitely stood out and most likely were attracting trouble like the shit attracted flies. Which was why she found it hard to believe that her boss really came down here regularly.

And just as if to prove her right she noticed them. It was a group of six. Five of them looked like ordinary thugs, dressed in a mix of old jeans and cheap leather imitations, heavily built. The leader stood out because of the stark contrast he presented. Also tall and muscular, but his body was in a much better shape, and most would even call his face pretty. He looked southern, tanned skin and dark black hair, and his clothes were in a better state that those of his five underlings, resembling something like a business suit.

As he was about ten meters away he spoke, although mostly to the men accompanying him "Oh, what do we have here? Black as the night, just as the boss said. My associates, we have been lucky." The other five swarmed out, as if to encircle them "Myladies.."" his attention was on Fiona now "... would you mind accompanying us to our employer?"

They had already formed a semi-circle around the two women as Michaela stepped close to Fiona and whispert so quiet that only she coudl hear it "Told you so. Now please try to run back to the elevator so I can freely deal with those lovely guys."

 

[Belinda35]

Fiona Cole

Fiona frowned. She didn't have troble the times she came down here before, so she believed that this was no coincidence. One or two faces looked familiar to her, but she was not sure. Running away, leaving her bodyguard behind wasn't athing that sounded just to her. And besides, if there was more behind it, what she expected, running away would not help. They would try again, at an other place. So she kept a cool demeanor and looked at the leader.
"And who is your boss, that invites us so politely?"

 

[Cherubian]

"Oh, what would life be without a little mystery" the leader replied with a little chuckle. "That venerable gentelman will introduce himself to you personally, once you are in his office."

The other five were closer to fully encircling them now, and Michaela murmured again, now less calm than before while her eyes did their best to keep track of all their opponents. "Please, get out now so you do not stand in my way when I deal with these shitheads."

 

[Belinda35]

Fiona Cole

"He can make an appointment in my office, if he wants to talk with me." said Fiona. She felt quite vulnerable in her tartan mini, but she had not been molested down here by now. There had to be something behind. Would it be wise to walk with them? Probably not. But attacking them was as stupid. Still, Micheala had a point. Maybe they would get something of them out, if they.. At least, they should see that they were not defensless. She moved a bit to the side, just not to stand in the fire if Michaela should go into action.

 

[Cherubian]

"Ah well" the thug in the suit replied "you see, he is a busy man, and now that you are already in the vicinity, why not make this easier for all parties involved and just come along."

His five thugs continued their encircling movement, but were suddenly cut short by Michaela chiming in. "That is far enough." Her voice was utterly cold and hard. That and her icy stare left not doubt that she thought herself fully capable of stopping the five of them should they advance even one step closer as she had positioned herself between them and Fiona.

 

[Belinda35]

Fiona Cole

"She means it." said Fiona. "And she is well able to do what she says." She paused a moment.
"So if you really want me to speak to your boss, you better speak some sense now, instead of making silly threats." She spoke in her cool, intimitating voice, that had worked so very well in many situations before.

 

[Cherubian]

All Fiona got were sneers and laughter. It seemed - not totallly unexpected - that they did not quite believe that the two of them stood any chance against the combined might of their six muscle packed bodies.

So the two closest to them almost casually stepped forward, until they ran into an obstacle. That obstacle was Michaela's foot at the end of her outstretched leg, as it mad contact first with the chin to her left and then to her right, sending them backwards, reeling and finally flopping to the floor, for now out of the action.

That did halt the other three right in their tracks, and they immediately became far more cautious, murmurs like "Beware, that is one tough bitch" making the round as they approached her. Definitely more careful now, but again trying to encircle her. The leader for was just observing, but the smug grin had disappeared from his face.

Finally, out of nowhere, Michaela moved again. As long as they stuck to their fists, so would she, and she did not even have to go full speed on them. She darted forward and to the left, sending her fists flying into the face of the leftmost thug as her right leg came up again and her shin crushed the nose of the one in the middle position. The two were still dropping to the floor as she was already on the third one. It might have been his survival instinct finally kicking in, but before she got to him he turned and run, having seen his four comrades falling like fleas without being able to offer much of a resistance. Michaela ceased her pursuit, prepared to shoot a derogatory remark after him, as she noticed an other suspicious movement in the corner of her eye.

The leader, passive until now, had used the confucion of that short and one sided brawl to slip his hand onder his jacket, and right now it was reappearing with something metalic in his clutches, most likely a gun. And sadly, Michaela's lack of specific bodyguard training showed.

Her instincts immediately kicked in, but those were instincts of her own survival. Quickly she darted to the side, getting out of his firing arc as far as possible as her hand fished for her own pistol under her top and with amazing speed brought it up bearing on her opponent, long before he had been able to get an aim on her. Only she had not been his target, instead his pistol was primed on Fiona.

"Stop right there, bitch, or your boss is toast, and drop that gun." Michaela herself had him lined up nicely now, one pull of the trigger and his brains would be all over the place, and he most likely knew it. "Pull the trigger and you are dead" was all she spat back, now in a typical standoff. "Boss, on your word I will blow this idiot's head off." There was always the small risk that he might get a shot off before that, but it still was their best chance, since who knows what would happen should they surrender...

 

[Belinda35]

Fiona Cole

Fiona knew quite well that they would be in real trouble if Michaela would shoot the man, even if she would be fast enough. With the current situation, that could even get someone a possibility to arrest both of them, especially if there was more behind the mysterious boss. On the other hand, she felt that she had gotten her bodyguard in the situation. She nly knew one way out.
"She can kill you, you know that. But after all, let me have a word with your boss." She looked around quickly. "Do not drop your gun, Michaela. I will go with him" - she nodded to the leader - "To his boss. But with him alone. The rest of the thugs stay here, under my bodyguards command."

 

[Talon]

Jack

Jack flashed a smug grin towards Michaela, the pistol in his outstretched right hand still leveled at her boss. His eyes scanned the men lying at her feet, throwaway thugs he had hired specifically for the purpose of detaining Fiona, and he was suddenly glad he had reserved their payment until the job was done. Little help they had been, the large breasted bodyguard had whipped them like a mother schooling her children. He was truly impressed at how she had moved so quickly, something he would have to remember the next time they inevitably crossed paths.

Jack's gaze shifted to Fiona. "Deal." He moved to the side and gestured to the hall behind him with his free hand, pistol now held at waist level in the other, still pointed in Fiona's direction. "Ladies first." He smiled again as he moved to follow her as she walked past, the woman completely oblivious to what The Boss had in store for her...

 

[Talon]

Seth


Seth looked back at the hotel, watching for anyone moving to follow him. He had spoke to Jason that morning, and the two decided that parting ways may be the best course of action. A shame, he had liked the kid and had wanted to help, but Jason felt he could evade pursuit better alone. Seth had respected his decision and they parted ways with a handshake.

Satisfied he was not being tailed he wandered the lower decks of the slums, taking in his surroundings and trying to get a feel for the layout of the station. He felt the reassuring weight of the pistol under his jacket pressing against his ribs, glad to be armed again. With no purpose but to kill time he kept a leisurely pace, hoping perhaps that the embassy would contact him with a contract. He’d take any opportunity for cash at the moment, he was sure he would need to grease a few palms if he ever hoped to find his sister, let alone be able to rent a place to live.

After a few hours of wandering he was about ready to give up and find a hole to crawl in for the night when he noticed some commotion up ahead, a few of the slums more intelligent residents moving rapidly in his direction and away from the scene. He had arrived too late to witness the fight, but the aftermath told him that the woman standing over the thugs sprawled on the ground knew how to conduct herself in a scrap. A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, and he couldn't help but regret not witnessing the fight. Curiously but cautiously he approached until he could clearly make out the scene, leaning against a lamppost on the walkway and quietly observing her next move.