Chapter 5
El-Dorado in the clouds
Part II - Everyone can hear the song of death
We paid the sheriff Aisha's bail money and got her out of prison. We also agreed to hire her as extra support (though deducing the bail amount from her wages!), and by that time, the city's artificial illumination had been switched off and it was night.
On populated planets like our current base of operations Heyfong IV, or our place of origin Sentinel III, their specific rotation and revolution dictate a day duration and year calendar. Since it would be quite troublesome not to use those, but also considering the fact that there's a need for common ground when dealing with other planets and star systems, all planets actually use two calendars, their own for local affairs, and an 'interstellar calendar' used by all of mankind, based on the one from Old Earth. However, in an artificial city like El-Dorado there is no natural day or seasons, so it follows the interstellar calendar only and a day is 24 hours. When you're used to Heyfong IV's 26-hours day, nightfall feels too early and that's disturbing. Slight changes in the body's bio-rhythm dull the senses, among other things. Therefore in those situations I try to avoid drawn-out confrontations, but until we can figure out a way out of this planet, barricading ourselves in the sheriff's office is our best course of action. Although of course, if it did draw out, my bio-rhythm would eventually adapt, but there's also the continuous stress about the fact the we are so pressed to find a solution.
"It will be 7 days."
Hawks, the sheriff, said while sitting on his wooden chair, legs crossed on his desk, holding a beer. Just like on his first appearance, he looks more like a resort tourist than a law enforcement officer.
"One week? That's going to be a long wait.."
I replied, annoyed, while sitting on that rocking chair (wooden, of course). To my surprise, it's actually quite comfortable.
"What are you talking about?"
Jim asked, sitting together with Aisha in the corner, also on wooden chairs. No need to say, all the furniture in this office is made of wood. That would have cost a small fortune, that's an enthusiast for you.
"That's how long the elevator 'breakdown' is going to take to repair. Or should I say, the longest they can afford to keep it out of order until they have no choice but to have it running again.", I replied.
"It's simply that that next freighter coming from the Heyfong star system is due in 7 days.", the sheriff explained.
"That's precisely why they can get away with feigning it's a breakdown, nobody else from outside will be coming here until then. If word of this affair were to reach other star systems, never mind that the McLaglen family didn't sign the FTS union's treaty, the union police would get involved and they would be done for."
"So if I understand right, all we have to do is to lay low for 7 days, then we are out of trouble?"
"That's a way of seeing it. But on the other hand, from their point of view, that also means that no matter what, within that timeframe, they have to kill us all, take back Billy, erase all the proofs, and pretend like nothing happened. Right, sheriff?"
"Spot on."
"What ya all babbling about. Just go raid bad guys' base and raze to ground!"
There she goes again, this dashing simple-minded cat-girl..
"And if we do that, who do you think's gonna end up getting hurt, you stupid? We're seven people and we don't even have the Outlaw Star."
"But wait, before anything, is the sheriff capable of participating in a preemptive strike?"
"I wonder... look at him."
"Of course I can, you dumbheads."
"This tiresome. Justice no need reasoning, only iron fist!"
"That iron first should be coming your way, you petty thief!"
"Are all the Ctarl-ctarl people this way?"
The sheriff asked, in a fed up tone.
"I think this one's a special case."
"What your problem!?"
"Please calm down Aisha, everyone. Here, we made peach buns."
Melfina said, coming out of the kitchen area, followed by Suzuka, both holding a tray of steaming buns.
"Yeh, me love buns! Ah, missy Suzuka, you no go and eat them all by yourself, yes? Missy Suzuka manners bad!"
"Oh, at least she got that right!"
Jim said, maybe a bit too daring considering who we're talking about. But nothing happened, she just blushed and looked down. Sometimes I really don't understand Suzuka (but that was an unexpectedly cute reaction!)
"So anyway, in order to get out of here, all we need is to reach the Outlaw Star, right? Is there really no other way than the space elevator?"
Jim said, while grabbing a bun from Melfina's tray.
"If you were to use a maintenance work suit, those have pressure resistance and you'd be able to get to the asteroid's surface, but not further since they have no propulsion..."
Victor said, coming from the kitchen behind Melfina and Suzuka and holding a tray with cups of hot coffee for everyone.
"Then what if, using one of those suits, one were to grab and follow the space elevator cable to...", Melfina started, but was interrupted by the sheriff:
"Do you have any idea how long this cable is? Here at this end, we're so deep the atmosphere is on the verge of turning liquid under the pressure. The other end is outside the planet's Roche limit!"
"I'm guessing attaching a jet-pack on the back also won't do?", Jim added.
"Even if you somehow found such a jet-pack and successfully alter the suit, try ascending all the way to Rio Grande with that. Decompression sickness would kick in and you'll be kicking the bucket in no time."
"Decompression sickness what kind sickness?"
"Aisha, you moron, didn't you learn anything from our last treasure hunt? After spending time in a high-pressure environment, when you return to a lower-pressure one, the nitrogen dissolved in your blood forms bubbles and block your blood vessels."
Once again, I end up wasting my time trying to explain her something.
"So we'd need like a heap of GCU's and some way of controlling pressure. That's pretty much what a spaceship is... there's really not a single spaceship in this city?"
"No."
A resolute answer from the sheriff. In other words, whatever incident happens, there's no escape. That's not uncommon for remote space stations or settlements on the frontier, I guess. Essentially, if you blunder you die.
"So we're back at square one. In the end, we have no choice but to barricade ourselves here for a week."
"Somehow it feels like camping, I'm looking forward to it!"
Melfina said, happy-go-lucky as always.
"It's the same as always no? We're doing the same kind of stuff we always do, and our team is the same too."
"But how should I say, I feel like a different place gives it a different atmosphere.."
Right, whatever.
"I am not one to brood over inconsequential things, so if you will excuse me I will retire for the night."
Suzuka, who was quietly drinking green tea from her usual tea set she pulled out of nowhere, stood up and quickly headed for the bedroom. Her demeanor felt so natural, we didn't give it a second thought, and it's only later that evening, when she was already soundly asleep, that we realized she monopolized one of the only two beds. Damn, you have to constantly be on your guard.
* * *
"So Gene, see you later!"
Melfina said with a radiant smile, and left the sheriff's office to head to the city, followed by Suzuka and Aisha.
"Right. Be careful."
I replied, while relaxing on the rocking chair in front of the office.
"The ladies are going out?"
Hawks, the sheriff, asked me while coming out of the office. Unlike yesterday, he's wearing a think shirt with jeans, an imposing gun belt on his waist, and sturdy leather boots. This time he looks just like a gunman from the old westerns. He's just missing the cowboy hat.
"Shopping. We need seven days worth of provisions, and they also said they need new clothes."
"Clothes..?"
"There's at least Aisha who can't really stay in this delivery uniform forever. In the case of Melfina and Suzuka, they said they need lighter clothing. It's true that this place is quite hot."
"Women... but are you sure it's a good idea to let them go alone?"
"Try provoking Suzuka or Aisha and see the bloodbath that ensues..."
"I see. About that, there's something I wanted to ask."
"What then?"
"How come highly-skilled individuals like a spy from the Ctarl-ctarl empire and a high-profile assassin like 'Twilight Suzuka' are bothering teaming up with a brat like you?"
I would like to know that too! Maybe Suzuka deserves the praise, but Aisha's appraisal is way overrated. What kind of spy gets caught for dine and dash? That's not even an act, that's her real personality. Both are hanging around aiming to find that mysterious Galactic Leyline, but I have no obligation to reveal that to the sheriff.
"Who knows. What don't you ask them directly? From my perspective, both of them are beauties so I have no problem with that."
"Women will be the death of you someday."
"You know what, Jim has told me that before, too. On a different subject, the street is quite crowded compared to yesterday, isn't it? It was completely empty".
"Since the elevator is stopped, the factories have to suspend their operations and the workers are off. Besides, they are all very curious."
"About what?"
"About what will happen with us. By now they know that Billy has been captured and that the McLaglen elder is enraged. They're all out in hope of witnessing a majestic clash."
I see. Now that he mentions it, people are constantly glimpsing at the office.
"Being in the spotlight like that gives me a bit of stage fright. I don't want to disappoint."
I'm trying joking around again, but the sheriff takes it seriously:
"If the McLaglen think like that too it's bad. There's no telling what they could be up to."
"I think when they make their move it will be quite obvious."
I whisper to myself, while staring at a huge white limousine that appeared on the other side of the street. I then slowly get up, not taking my eyes off the car. The limousine stopped right in front of the office, literally blocking the street. Triforce Corporation's top-class model; not uncommon back on Heyfong, but probably the only one here. First, yesterday's droids, then this - you could say that the McLaglen take a liking to Triforce's sturdiest machines.
The two front doors open, and two oriental guys in colorful traditional Chinese clothing come out. Those are old-fashion Taoist outfits and so those guys are very likely TAO-magic users. The driver is a tall young guy in his 20s, with long flowing black hair. His face has nice features but is completely expressionless. His clothing is crimson silk, with embroidery of a large dragon. The other guy is the opposite, short, elderly. A clean-shave head, with a long white chin beard and a face full of wrinkles. Exactly the kind of old hermit that would appear in a manga or something like that. He has a hearty smile that gives the impression he's a gentle person. His clothing is also made of silk but white, with embroidery of a Yin-Yang symbol.
Both of them turn towards their respective rear car door, then open them conscientiously while bowing. Three Caucasians slowly get out of the car, all wearing similar black suits with ties. First a senior in his 60s, then a middle-aged in his 40s, followed by a younger one in his 30s. All are tall but their frame is different. The old guy is so skinny he reminds of a scarecrow. But judging from his severe expression, I would say he's the one we'd have to be most careful about. The middle guy is quite fat, the portrait of a confortable, powerful CEO. But he doesn't seem have the amiability often found in overweight people, instead, his expression betray a profound disdain for others. The younger one is quite body-built, you can tell through his suit. He wears a holster long enough that it's still visible even though he's wearing a suit jacket, and in it a huge raygun. It seems to be intended as a message saying 'look at what I'm holding'. Undoubtedly, they are the McLaglen elder and his two oldest sons.
At first sight, it appears the young McLaglen is the only one carrying a gun. They came here without the bunch of bodyguards you'd expect, just the five of them. I'm wondering whether that's just to show off their guts, or whether they have complete confidence in the ability of these two TAO masters. If it's the latter, I foresee trouble ahead. After all, even though all magic has vanished long ago, TAO masters are able to wield unnatural powers, not explainable by science. I don't really like those guys, their common sense doesn't have much in common with the rest of us. And if on top of it they're highly-skilled, it's all the more troublesome.
So anyways, while I was pondering about all that, the sheriff went to greet the McLaglen family.
"Well, well, Mr. McLaglen himself. The entire family, even! What might be the purpose of your visit today?"
"I have heard that my son Billy is in your care. We came to visit him. Can we do that?"
The elder replied, with an amiability as if talking about the weather. It's a bit creepy.
"Relatives are always welcome. However, I would ask you to leave all your weapons with me. That's the rule."
The younger son slowly removed his raygun and put it down on the floor.
"Are you satisfied now?"
"Yeah, sorry about that."
Upon receiving approval, the McLaglen family headed for the office entrance, followed by the two TAO masters. The sheriff and I draw our weapons simultaneously and we each point it at a TAO master, barring their way"
"I'm sorry, but I did say relatives only."
Upon hearing the sheriff, the McLaglen elder, who was about to enter, turned around.
"You should know that right? That Mr. Wan here has been by bodyguard for over 20 years, and that Ron is his top apprentice. Both are like family."
"I'm sorry, but 'like' is not good enough."
The sheriff flatly rejected the argument, not even turning back and still holding the TAO master at gunpoint. The young TAO master named Ron then said in a very innocent tone:
"You're a sheriff, and yet you're making so much fuss about just two unarmed people?"
The younger McLaglen son stepped in:
"Let me clarify. John Hawks was once reputed a highly-skilled outlaw. A fast-shooter feared throughout the frontier. But now he's just a dingy old dude secluded in his office, a coward trembling in face of danger."
"You know what, cowardice turned out to be a great way of staying alive."
The sheriff decided not to react to the provocation. The face of the young son, who'd been trying to start up a flight, became sullen, and he started walking towards the office door at a brisk pace.
"Hey, didn't the sheriff say to drop the weapons, chief?"
Like the sheriff earlier, I'm keeping the TAO master at gunpoint while addressing the young McLaglen.
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about those hidden holsters on your left waist and under your right right leg's cuff."
"Wha...!"
He then began to turn around, motioning his arms, but was stopped by Jim's voice coming from inside the office.
"You there! I have a needle-shotgun pointed at you. If you try anything suspicious I'll pull the trigger and it's going to sting."
Without loosing sight of the TAO master, I give a look in direction of the office. Jim's shotgun's nozzle is peeking out of one of the windows' gun port. But once again, I'm concerned about the fact that if he shoots from there, we'll probably get 'stung' too.
"Who the hell are these guys?"
The McLaglen elder demanded an explanation from the sheriff, in a harsh tone with no trace of the amiability from before.
"Dont mind us, we're just outsiders with good intentions."
As I replied with a smile, the sheriff shrugged and said nothing.
".... Patrick and Richard, you too wait for me here."
"But, father..."
"Stop it, Richard. Understood, father, please send our regards to Billy."
The older son stopped the younger who wanted to retort, putting a hand on his shoulder. Really, with those brothers, the younger the worse. The sheriff let the elder inside while we still held our gun at the others, then quickly closed back the door.
"Victor, show Mr. McLaglen to Billy's cell."
Victor did as asked and we could hear the reunion happening.
"Billy!"
"Dad!"
After a while, the McLaglen elder came back with Victor and headed straight to the desk where the sheriff was sitting, writing a report or something.
"Sheriff, I demand that you release my son at once!"
"I'm sorry, Mr. McLaglen, that's a request I cannot fulfill."
The sheriff replied without even raising his head.
"And why would that be!?"
"When the elevator is operational again, he needs to be transferred to the prosecutor's office on Rio Grande."
"On which charges? El-Dorado and Rio Grande are not part of the union's treaty!"
The sheriff finally looked up and showed the elder the document that was in front of him.
"It's true that whatever Billy did on other star systems is of no concern of mine. However, yesterday at Randy's bar, Billy caused mayhem while being drunk, and ended up shooting an unarmed citizen in the back. Now that's of my concern."
"Randy's bar you say? But that's the place those bounty hunters trashed while chasing after Billy! Where's the proof that Billy did any of what he's accused of?"
"Victor, tell me again the result of professor Thomas' autopsy?"
"Yes, fath... sheriff. Among the casualties at the bar, Gordon Cooper, a 47-years old male, was found with a laser wound going from the back to the chest, the ensuing cardiac arrest being the cause of death. Analysis of the laser scar determined that the murder weapon has an 87% probability of being the raygun belonging to Billy."
Victor was reading with care a paper he took from his pocket. I noticed he was gone early this morning, now I see why. Good move.
"In addition, all others victims were killed by pulse-lasers, shot by the droid you assigned to Billy's protection."
The sheriff pointed out, in a calm voice.
The McLaglen elder shouted at the sheriff, in a way that seemed driven more by sadness than anger:
"You know what is going to happen if you have Billy sent to Rio Grande? The bureaucrats there are just fools at the service of the Union. Billy will be handed over to the space army or the Union police."
That's actually exactly what I'm hoping would happen, so that we could cash in and finally be done with it. That would also save us the trouble of bringing him all the way to Heyfong on the Outlaw Star.
"How the judiciary authorities on Rio Grande decide to treat Billy's case is not of my concern. Just like what Billy did outside of my jurisdiction."
Now that's harsh. After being at a loss for words for a moment, the elder's face reddened and he replied:
".....I built this city. Here, I'm the law. I won't let anyone get in my way. But that's something you should know already."
"You're right, you built this city and it belongs to you. But law is different, nobody stands above the law. Not only did you fail to raise your son properly, now you want to go astray yourself too?"
".....Hawks, when the hell did you become such an upright person? Ten years ago or so, when you were fleeing pirates and outlaws, your young son in your arms, I'm the one who rescued you and made you sheriff of this city. Don't forget about that."
"I didn't forget. That's another reason I want to do my job right."
And with that, they both stopped talking and just stared at each other for a while. Inside the office, it's quiet as if time had stopped, and nobody is making the slightest move. The first one to break the tension is the McLaglen elder. Abruptly turning away, he heads for the heavy door and opens it with an ease you'd never expect from an old man like him, then leaves the office.
"Wow, he was upset alright."
Jim said, while closing back the door. He looks amused. Victor is also grinning. Even I am smirking while gazing at the sheriff.
"What?"
"I must say, you are exactly the kind of justice warrior I was expecting. That was pretty cool just then, sheriff. It was the right decision to take refuge in here."
"Goddamn idiot. I just want to do my job right, that's all. Now you got me involved in this whole mess. Listen carefully, after what happened, we officially got into a declaration of war with the McLaglen family. There's no turning back, it's war from now on."
"Well that sounds interesting."
I replied with a smile, looking from a window at the limousine disappearing behind a street corner.