Janus: dreams, #9

UNIVERSAL SOLDIER BOOK 2

JANUS

Chapter 1

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Darkness at last lifted across the swooping arid plains on the planet of Skyros, moved only by the silent appearance of a reptile that had crawled out of his hole.  It paused for a moment then ran across the open ground to the entrance of the cave, peering inside.  Stealthily it entered, sensing food and quickened its pace.  Something stirred, moved and immediately it found a hole in the wall and climbed inside, entering one of the many sub-terrain tunnels.

Elo opened his eyes just in time to see the end of the lizard disappearing into the wall.  The other two stirred.

Did I fall asleep in the middle of my story? asked Kevin.

You didn't fall asleep, you simply faded.  We all did.  Did you ever see Indifference again?

Kevin shook his head.

I waited many nights after that waiting for him to return, but he never did.  I never dared tell anyone.

What about the head of the science department.  Did he allow you to further investigate that ship?  I would have thought that was a challenge you couldn't resist - a ship that could take you anywhere.  Didn't those fools realize the implications of such a device?  Nothing could stand before it; any point of the galaxy was theirs at the wave of a hand.

In spite of popular perception scientists basically are conservative.

I don't believe it would have stopped you once your curiosity was aroused, and the potential of such a craft.

It didn't but the strangest thing was the ship had disappeared.  There was a search throughout the whole tech center of the Ark.  It had been taken from the science department by mistake and no doubt stored with the modern squadrons.  There was a minor panic, not from the military but from the science department who, I suspect, shared at least some of my admiration for the inventor of that craft.  They never found a trace which caused a rift between the military and the science department.  The chief scientist was convinced his section was either the butt of a heavy handed joke or had been superseded by a department who saw it their right to re-claim that craft.

What came of it?  Did they find who the culprit was?

The guards, the security people, were questioned extensively, but none claimed to have seen it leave.  The mystery was never solved and it ended my short though illustrious career in science and ship design.

Surely you simply didn't forget after everything that happened.

Kevin shrugged.

What could I do, trace a boy who disappeared twenty years before I was born?  After a month I just put it down to experience.  I knew he wouldn't return and my life began to open within the space academy.  My talents, I thought, were being explored and my focus fixed on the present.

What about your experience with the robots.  That would have been invaluable.  Did you remember the coordinates of that planet?

I never forgot them but how do I put something like that to a scientist.  Remember I was a cadet pilot, what they would call a wet nose.  Telling a scientist that the far end of the galaxy was a planet with a robot civilization which in many ways dwarfed our own, I would be simply patted on the head, pointed towards the door and told my true career was in entertainment and fiction.  As well as being conservative, scientists are the hardest people to convince of anything of an abstract nature.

But Indifference himself, he was the greatest anomaly of all.  He disappeared thirty years before, but survived and remained the same.  What had happened to him over that period and why did he return?

What had happened is he crossed the time barrier like you and I would cross from one room to another.  We both did.

But you returned safely to your own time while he could only go back to his own.  So by definition he was dead before you were born.

Normally yes, but by a chance meeting with a robot boy Hal who discovered the principle of time lines which enabled him to jump and meet me thirty years after his reported death.  I know it's difficult to understand.  If he hadn't met me he would never have found the robot civilization which gave him that scientific gift and without that principle he had no way of jumping from one time period to another.

I understand that completely.  It presents no difficulty; it's simply a matter of perspective.  But where did he go?

Just think of the possibilities.  A ship that could instantaneously navigate from one point of the galaxy to another and with the ability to jump time lines.  Where would you go?

Into the far off future.  I would always look for something better to measure myself against and I think that's why he sought you out.

No, he was seeking a lot more - not for himself but for me.  There was a connection which I never really understood.  It may have something to do with a future time when we will meet again.

Do you ever get homesick now after all that's happened?

Sometimes I reminisce on fond memories, but I would never go back to those times.  I was younger, less mature.

Kevin's attention was drawn by the smell of food which began to fill the cave.

Where did this come from? he said, gesturing to a box and then moving out of his sleeping bag to investigate.

It wasn't there last night.  Wait a minute, my ship!

Kevin had hardly time to put his boots on then run to the cave entrance.  He whooped with delight when he saw the familiar shape of his ship.  Hardly hesitating he sprinted across the rocky ground to the ship and leapt onto its wing only to find someone inside.  The cockpit opened.

Get out!

Kevin's jubilation had changed to anger.  He grabbed the pilot by the collar and wrenched.  He looked up, pistol in hand pointing at Kevin's face.

All right, buddy, take it easy.  I had to borrow your ship, see, there's no sense in getting your feathers ruffled.

Kevin was forced to release his grip.  He had no intention of arguing with a pistol.

The pilot climbed out pistol still in hand.

Get in.  First hand me the hardware.  Pistol butt first, that's more like it.

Kevin didn't dare even glint back at the cave.  As far as his adversary knew he was alone.

What's this all about?

You were attempting to steal my ship.  That's what it's all about buddy and I'm making an arrest.  You will have plenty of time to cool your heels and consider the foolishness of your errant ways.

You won't get away with this.  Was it you who left the food?

The pilot nodded.

I know about your friends but I want you.

Why?  And no lies about stealing my own ship.

I need someone smart enough, capable of doing a job.

Kevin laughed.

There must be places that hire and fire the type of talent you're seeking, desperado, but this isn't one of them.  If you have any sense I'll take you back to where you came and wish you good-bye.

The ship suddenly lifted off, skimming over the surface and shooting up into the atmosphere.  Kevin had to admire the pilot's ability, he was no amateur.  He showed flare and style and too much confidence to stomach.

Why did you pick on me?

I looked up your record, you fitted the bill exactly.  Aren't you flattered?

No, and why did you take my ship?

Setting up an alibi.  If anything goes wrong you will be the culprit.  A pirate who specializes in stealing ships.

But this craft is mine.  What are you talking about?

I have several witnesses will vouch for my bona fide ownership of this star fighter.  You see, my friend, I plan and act carefully, nothing I do is by chance and that's why I succeed.

What makes you think I won't just dump you at first opportunity which you richly deserve?

You won't because of your two friends back in that cave.  If anything happens to me they will have to pay the price.  I do have other contacts who will get their particulars on the advent of my disappearance or unfortunate demise.

You won't get away with this.  Once I notify your parents you are through.

A sense of humor, that's great.  It will be an advantage for what I have planned.

How old are you, hot shot?

As old as this pistol muzzle which is far older than you.

I don't believe this, Kevin thought, hijacked and hog tied by a baby bandit.  Once we land and I'm on level ground I'll bag this bird.

I can see what you're thinking.  You want to give me an evil beating at the first opportunity, you think I'll lower my guard.

Kevin grinned.  It was a beautiful thought.

Why did you leave my friends that food?  As bait to draw me out?

If that's what you want to think then do it.  I didn't need to go to that length, I could have done it a lot simpler.

There is a soft side to your hard nosed personality, unless of course you poisoned them.

You can think that as well but you don't believe it.  If you did you wouldn't be so calm, you'd be on the verge of panic right now.

Kevin closed his eyes.  His sleep had not been sound and it had been interrupted.

When he opened them again it was to the nudging of the pilot.

Wake up prince charming, we're almost here.  Our destination is straight ahead - Space Station Budd.

That rock.  It's just another asteroid in this belt.  Don't tell me you have a gang.

Still that needle sharp wit.  By the time we're finished a few of your blunt edges should be rounded off.

Again the pilot's flying was expert and even Kevin had to admire his ability.  The asteroid the size of a small moon did not have one flat surface, it was a continuous line of jagged peaks and rough cliffs, a pilot's nightmare.

Watch out for that cliff!

Kevin closed his eyes, gritted his teeth as his star fighter flew directly into a jagged wall.  It was too late to wrench the controls away from the boy and he silently prayed that this was just an act of bravado to impress and frighten him which it had.

All right, you can open your eyes.  You're still in the land of living.

What the hell do you think you're doing?  Pistol or no pistol I am going to choke every breath out of that skinny body.

The star fighter had come to rest in a darkened area but there was enough light for Kevin to make out the features of his antagonist.  He un-buckled himself and felt a pistol in his side.

One move, Captain Rebel, and I'll blow so many holes that you won't be able to hold water.

The boy's voice was quiet, calm and cold.

You better do it, buddy, because . . .

The pistol pressed painfully into Kevin's side and he winced.

You will climb out of this ship and do as you're told.  Keep your mouth shut until I say otherwise because if I'm forced to kill you, that boy and girl back in the cave will be deprived of a best friend.

The boy had made his point.  Kevin had to consider those he would leave behind if anything happened to him.

He climbed out of the cockpit, jumped from the wing to the rocky floor, conscious the boy's pistol was still aimed at its target.

Is this the reason you went to so much trouble? asked Kevin, gesturing at the crude facility.

This was around long before you and I were.  It goes back a few hundred years, used by ancient space navigators as a stopping point, a store depot for food and emergency.  In this cave alone there was more than one gun battle between rival squadrons.  Just think, pirates, bandits, space patrolmen all walked these floors.

But not all at once and never space brats.

You can include yourself in that category.  I didn't have the privilege of an education, a rank, an organization that would support me, I had to work alone.  Everything I have I've fought for tooth and nail.  Just think of the headlines if they only knew who I was - street brat makes good.

You're not a street brat.  You've had many hours of flying training.  Who gave you that, the space corps?

You're joking.  My first solo flight was my first flight.  I stole a ship.  My philosophy was if they hang your for a sheep they can only do the same for the whole damn flock so I went the big one.  Not just petty pick pocketing, I choose the best and fastest ship I could get my hands on and I never looked back.

Then why did you steal mine?

Fortunes of war.  I lost my ship in a fire fight and I was lucky to get out alive, but that's the name of the game.

Space patrol finally caught up with you.  How did you get away?

It wasn't space patrol, it was a pirate.  It seems I was trespassing in his zone and he didn't appreciate my arrival and thought someone small like me was best obliterated.  It's a pity I had to kill him, he had a lot of talent and I could have learnt so much.

A shot kicked up a small plume of vaporized rock at Kevin's feet.

Another move like that and I won't fire a warning shot.

Kevin had slipped his hand unseen inside his jacket, finding something he could use as a projectile.

You can do what you like but there is a time you will have to sleep and then there will be a reckoning.

No there won't, we can have it out now if you think you're good enough.  Here, catch.

He reached cross ways into his belt, pulled out Kevin's pistol and threw it.  Kevin caught the butt in the air but didn't dare point it.  Something told him he wouldn't be fast enough.

Put it in your holster and stand off in that shadow over there.  I'll give you every chance.

Kevin grinned.  No one had beaten him in a face to face confrontation.  Defeat was un-thinkable.  He stood apart from the ship so no shot would damage it.

Any time you're ready, gun fighter.

The boy looked confident, his balance good, his legs spread, his pistol hand poised.

Changed your mind?  Lost your stomach?  I promise my first shot will drop you and you'll be dead before you hit the stone.

How old are you?

I told you, it's none of your damn business.  Now use that thing or hand it over to me the way you got it, then get on your knees and grovel.

Kevin's hands moved like lightening.  The time between life and death would be a split second.  Accuracy was taken for granted but for the first time since he'd used that weapon it didn't work.

The boy didn't laugh.

You've got guts, Kevin Rebel.  I could have easily shot your head off.

My pistol, what's happened to it?

I disabled it.  You didn't think I'd give you a live weapon did you?

What were you trying to prove?

That the man is as big as his legend.

Was I?

Greater.  You showed no nerve and need of provocation to take on what you consider an easy target.

You're lethal at close range, damn good.  Possibly better than I am.

Let's hope we never have to find out.  Give me the pistol; I'll arm it for you.

Kevin walked over feeling relieved and drawn by his experience.  Rarely did he have to face life and death at such short notice.

How do I know it's armed now and why should you give me a weapon I can turn on you at any time?

The boy took the pistol back and fired into the wall.  An explosion echoed across the chamber, and without a word he placed it back in Kevin's holster.

The name is Janus - pirate, thief, assassin, terrorist, gun for hire.

Peanut, Kevin thought, I'll call your truant officer.  Well I didn't hire you.

Over here, I need your help.

Inside the chamber was a metal door, now rusted.

Why don't you use your pistol?  That should open it.

If I do that I may damage what's inside.  It will have to be opened the old fashioned way and I'm not strong enough.

Even with Kevin's added weight the door did not move.  They tried again and again until at last it began to give way.

Stores.  I expected gold at least.

The boy knelt down and opened one of the boxes, pulling out a uniform.

Space patrol, Captain, you've just enlisted and I'm your cadet.

Kevin found there were uniforms of all sizes and was surprised when one actually fitted the boy.  His adversary Janus was as tall as himself, but of lighter build.  His face portrayed a younger age.

Did space patrol have cadets also? Kevin asked, referring to the uniform he chose.

The corps was full of recruits as young as I.  The general feeling was, in command the younger they were brought in the more professional they would be by the time they were of age.  They rarely played a part in active service but they were taken along to get the feel of action, and I suspect more than once they played a part.  Even a cadet can use a pistol.

But it takes experience to duck one, said Kevin, still undecided what coarse to take.

Strip off and change.  If you like you can take your uniform with you, you may need it after the job is finished.

What job?  I'm not going into anything blind.

It does not involve killing innocent people or otherwise.  I intend to high jack a gold shipment.

I'll say one thing about you, you think big.  Where do you plan to spend it, all in one place?

I'm not here to debate or exchange witticisms.  I have a tight schedule and so do you.  Here, an extra pistol belt.

There's nothing wrong with mine and I prefer my own weapon.

I can't afford a mistake.  If we are to succeed we will have to look the part and use standard space patrol side arms.  You can keep your normal pistol belt in your ship with your uniform.

What happens if we're caught?  Not only will we face a penalty for grand theft, masquerading as patrolmen must also bring a tough penalty.

Your only enemy is fear, Kevin.  Once you overcome that everything else falls before you.

Kevin fastened up the uniform, pulled on the pistol belt, drawing the weapon and feeling its weight.

It's heavier than mine and delivers a higher charge, he said, pointing it as Janus's middle.

If you don't want to use that I'd make my first shot my best if I were you.

Even at a disadvantage Janus seemed cold and lethal.  Kevin decided against an appropriate witticism and holstered his pistol.

You're a hard case, aren't you?

I have to be.  Are you ready, we're wasting time?

Kevin didn't move.

I warn you, I will not in any way harm another or other than commit this felony, break any law.

You already have by putting on this uniform. 

I'm taking this ship back to Skyros.  I don't know who you are, where you come from.  That I will sort out later with my friends.  And when you decide to be honest I will take you anywhere you wish unconditionally.

Kevin, I gave you back your weapon because you gave me your word.  I will hold you to it.

And if I don't?  I have every right to re-claim my own ship.  You are a thief.

I won't call you into a fight.  We both know it can only end one way and rather than kill you I will stay here.  Take your ship back and be damned!

Kevin climbed in the cockpit.

Come on, we don't have time for this.  I'll go where you want me to.

Kevin stared straight ahead.  He didn't want to see the expression the boy was wearing, but was certain it was just as cold as his.

What maintains this air lock and whole facility if it's been abandoned?

Solar engineering, it is hidden all around this place.  It maintains power and a clean air supply, Janus said, as the ship cruised through the chamber and waited for the air lock to open.

I have a feeling there was something else in there that you were searching for.

Imperial code, we'll need that for the job.  You don't think they'll let an un-authorized ship near them do you?

You have everything planned except for one thing.  How can we explain our presence with no ID and no orders?

We're carrying both in our pistol holsters.

Have you thought where your life may lead?

Only from day to day and that's enough.  You should too; it's a mistake to make plans because rarely do they come to fruition.

Janus pushed the ship into hyper-drive.  In a matter of minutes he came out.  The constellations had moved.

What do you think?  Impressed?

Is that our destination?

No.  See that moon, that's where we wait.

For what?  For that ship?

Kevin gestured to the screen.

Janus enlarged the image and then checked his watch.

It's a change of schedule, they're hours early.

Kevin quickly took action.  The ship changed coarse and quickly flanked the larger vessel.

I doubt if they will let us aboard unannounced.  I know I wouldn't if I were the captain.

They won't have any choice.

Janus, there's four blimps approaching fast.  We will have to break off unless we want to be vaporised.

Janus muttered something under his breath and quickly broke contact.

Damn.  It's not supposed to follow them to this point, it's only a space cruiser, not a cargo vessel.  It's not supposed to have officially anything valuable aboard except people.  Stop grinning, I don't give up this easily.

Face it, Janus, you will have to.  You've already declared yourself by running.  They will stay with their ship now; you'll have to choose another target.

It took some smart flying before Janus considered his ship was now well out of range of the space cruiser's escort.

Why haven't they followed us, they have the advantage? asked Kevin.

They're too smart.  Their prime objective is to protect the cruiser, not chase us.  We could be a Judas goat and lead them away.

But a cruiser?  Why does it have an escort at all?  Doesn't that betray their hand?

The stakes are too high for bluffing and I could be wrong about that vessel.  Do you have stomach for a second try?

You're joking.  If we go near that ship they'll blow us out of space.

I wasn't referring to that space liner; I'm talking about the planet.

They'll pick us up on scan if we try to double back.

Not with these asteroids.  We simply sit in one shadow and wait until they're out of range.  They won't be looking this way.

Kevin automatically turned off the scan.

Why did you do that?  We're blind now.

So are they.  Can't you see that's what they're doing, they're honing in on our scan.  It's acting like a beacon.

You're better than I thought.  If they have the same idea as soon as we poke our nose around this thing they'll blow off.

They're worried about the space liner, see.  They probably think we've gone into hyper drive and now high tailing it back to where we came from, said Kevin, initiating the drive.  The star fighter slowly began to approach orbit around the dark side of the asteroid which they were using as a shield.

Visual is hopeless, they're too far away.

No they're not.  Over there, top left hand corner.  Five specks are moving light like a constellation.

Let me take it, Kevin, I know where I'm going.

Wait until we're in orbit.  This has been too easy, the hair on the back of my neck is beginning to tickle and that means trouble.

I'm glad our careers never started together.  I believe in what I can see, not some irrational feeling.

If we weren't together I'd let you take this sucker alone, unfortunately my life is tied up in this venture too.  If I'm wrong as soon as we land you can kick my ass.

I'll hold you to that and I'm looking forward to it because I know there's nothing between us and . . .  Where did they come from?

The same place we were, playing doggo behind those asteroids.

Kevin, give me the controls.  We are approaching orbit.

Forget it.  It's my ship and I know how to loose their tail.

Four of them, forget it.  Take it out of orbit, use hyper drive.  We will come back another day, the opposition is too much.

You should have thought of that at Space Station Budd.  Did you think it was going to be a push over?

Everything was planned well.  That space liner wasn't supposed to have any escorts or a back up squadron.  Do as I say, take it out.  If we go into orbit we'll be a sitting duck.

And so will they.  Let's see how desperate they are to defend one planet against a single star ship.

The four blimps on