One
Holiday in Cambodia
The Black Rose arrives near a planet, the ships enters orbit and is making its descent. The Black Rose outside an abandoned town. We got off the ship and Star Warrior inspects the area. "Hmm, I'm picking up life readings. All of them X'Andi," he said.
"What's left of them," I said.
"We should be on guard, Tetrax. If what the other Plumbers say is true, then these X'Andi could be dangerous," Gwen said.
We entered the town square, only for us to be ambushed by the X'Andi; we took cover behind the fountain. "That could've gone better," Rad said.
"We need to split up, they're corralling us." We split up to take them on. Star Warrior enters one of the buildings and takes out an X'Andi sniper. "Darn, you're ugly," he said.
Xylene takes out a squad, while Rad takes out another sniper. "Is it me or are these X'Andi a bit disorganised?" Rad asked.
"You're right, we should end this before they call in more reinforcements," Pi said.
Rancid notices one of them fleeing from the battlefield. "There, one of them is fleeing and it looks like he's the leader. He's wearing a gold insignia," Rancid said.
I ran up to him and I use my powers to block his escape. He turns around and looks up at me. "Well now, Gen. Balnarc. This must be our lucky day. Seeing you flee while you men fight is sickening." Minutes later, we tied him and his men up in the town square. "Pi, contact the Plumber Corp and tell them we captured Gen. Balnarc," I said.
"You'll regret this, exile," Gen. Balnarc said.
Star Warrior knocks him out cold. "I hate it when guys like him monologue," he said.
The Plumbers arrive and they take Balnarc and his men into custody. "Good job with finding Balnarc and his men. The bounty has been paid into your account. I know we're short on manpower, but I need favour of you lot. We need a group to deliver some supplies to Revonnah. They're not weapons, they're medical supplies," the Plumber said.
"We'll take on the job," he said.
An hour later, we loaded the supplies onto the Black Rose and we left the planet. "It'll take us a few hours to reach Revonnah," Pi said.
"Good work, Pi," he said.
Gwen was sitting alone in the cafeteria when I showed up and sat opposite her. "You seem to fitting in well," I said.
"Thanks, it means a lot. I learned a little about how the Outlaws came together. I would like to learn more about the circumstances that led up to the Outlaws formation," Gwen said.
I told her the story how the Outlaws came to be. It started not long after Petropia was restored. It didn't take the other kingdoms long to figure out who was responsible for aiding Vilgax in the destruction of my homeworld. I was brought before the Council.
"Tetrax Shard, you have been brought to the Council to face charges of treason. How do you plead?" the High Councillor asked.
"Guilty, not a day goes by when my nightmares are haunted by the destruction of our homeworld. I was careless and reckless. I rather face death than a prison," I said.
"You make it seem you want to be redeemed for your past sins. Under current Petrosapien law, the charge of treason brings about execution. However, after some consideration, we spare you the death penalty. In gratitude for restoring our homeworld and our race, the Council hereby exile you instead to wander the galaxy. You are banned from setting foot on Petropia or any of our colonies. We have provided you a ship and supplies. Farewell Tetrax Shard and may we say, good luck," the High Councillor said.
I walk out of the Council Chamber and head over to a landing pad. I boarded the ship and left Petropia for the last time. "Computer, set course for the Lanning Cluster," I said.
"Any destination in particular?" it asked.
"Yeah, Kashmir," I answered.
The computer sets a course for Kashmir. The ship arrives and lands in a spaceport. I left the ship and head over to nearby bar. I sat down at the bar and two barflies notice me. "Well now, look who it is. If it isn't the Traitor of Petropia," one of the barflies said.
"What's new for Vilgax's lapdog?" the other asked.
My hand moves slightly to my blaster hoister, then things change when the barflies left. "That was cutting it a bit close," I said to myself.
I moved my hand away from the hoister. "You think? So, what'll be?" the bartender asked.
"The Long Shot and I'll keep the bottle," I answered.
The bartender gets me a bottle of The Long Shot and a glass. I poured myself a glass and I drank it. I must've been drinking for hours when Xylene arrived. "So, this is what you do in your spare time? Drinking Long Shot and get drunk," she said.
"Not now, Xy. I'm enjoying myself way too much," I said.
I passed out and she carries me back to her place. Hours have passed and I woke up. "It's not perfect, but it's a place to call home," she said.
"Thanks for the help," I said.
"What're you doing here? I've heard the news about your exile. I'm sorry," she said.
"There's nothing you could've done. I always knew I'd face the music someday for my crimes," I said.
"At least you stopped muttering your dirty little secrets. I'm just kidding. After some adventuring, I thought it was time to settle down. So, I chose Kashmir of all places. It maybe a desert world, but at least its home," she said.
"Uh-huh. I know you since the DNA Force was formed. What's really going on here?" I asked.
"I'm investigating rumours that a human gladiator is coming to visit the local gladiatorial arena," she answered.
"A human gladiator?" I asked.
"He's not here by choice. According to some good intel I received, the human crashed his ship on a penal colony in the Abnett System. Since then, he became a gladiator and has been travelling nearby star systems to fight in battles. Frankly, he's coming here and I intend to convince his owner to free him," she answered.
"Are you sure? I fought in those battles myself and the owners aren't the negotiating type. What makes you think he'll listen to you?" I asked.
"Oh, I can be persuasive," she said.
"And that worries me," I said.
Sometime later, we made our way to the arena. It's a full house and the crowd is excited. The gladiators come out onto the arena. "That's him, the one wearing the silver plated armour," she said.
They began to fight. "This makes me sick. We should free him," I said.
"His owner is in the box office. We should talk to him during the interval," Xylene said.
Sometime later, we head over to the box office to talk to the owner. The owner was talking to the team medic. The medic leaves, he turns and looks at us. "I don't talk to the press," he said.
"We're not journalists. We're here to negotiate," I said.
"If it's a gladiator you want, I'm willing to listen," he said.
"We want to buy the gladiator who fought in that last battle," I said.
"You mean the human? He's not for sale," he said.
"Why not?" I asked.
"He's one of a kind. Also, he's my prize-fighter," he said.
"Look, he's a human being. He doesn't belong here and the scars say so," she said.
"Perhaps we can offer a compromise. If the human wins, we get him for free," I said.
"Plus reimbursement fees and compensation for the years of harsh treatment he received," she said.
"I'm an owner, not a charity worker," he said.
"If the human loses, you still get to keep him and you can have me. After all, I fought in these battles when I was young," I said.
"Hmm, I may not improve of the compensation and reimbursement fees. But, you got yourself a deal. You might want to inspect him first," he said.
We head down to the dungeon; I and Xylene inspected the human. "The owner didn't tell me I was expecting visitors," the human said.
"Don't worry, we're here to get you out of this hole," I said.
The human takes notice of Xylene. "Hello beautiful. What's a nice piece of calamari such as you self doing in this part of the galaxy?" the human asked.
Xylene punches him in the jaw. "That's racist and did you just try to flirt with me?" she asked.
"Ow, yeah, my bad and I'm sorry about the calamari remark. I'm not use to all of this. Even after two years in space," the human answered.
"Did you say two years? What happened?" I asked.
"I was a pilot; I was testing out an experimental shuttle for NASA. The shuttle began to malfunction and I was able to save my co-pilot and the crew. I was nearly close to the escape pod when the shuttle began to fall apart. I made it back to the cockpit and I was jettisoned to a penal colony. I spent the last two years fighting in these barbaric battles. But the owner kept assuring I'll be freed someday," the human answered.
"We both know that's a lie. Listen, we got a plan to get you out of here. It may involve another barbaric battle. If we win, you'll be free and you get compensation and reimbursement fees," I said.
"If I lose, I'll spend the rest of my life here," the human said.
"Exactly, and the owner gets to keep me," I said.
"What's your name?" she asked.
"My name is Second Lieutenant Gavin Harlock," the human said. Later, Gavin enters the arena while we sat down in the box office. "You better give him a fair fight," I said.
"Not to worry, I'm totally non-biased," the owner said.
"And that worries me," I said.
Gavin's opponent enters the arena and Xylene is shocked by this. "You got to be kidding me? You're making him fight a Tetramand," Xylene said.
"You've done this on purpose to make sure we didn't win," I said.
"That's the idea," the owner said.
Gavin and the Tetramand began to fight. "Call the fight off," I ordered.
"You asked for this and I gave you what you want," he said.
Gavin keeps on dodging the attacks until he decides to take advantage of his opponent's strength. "That's the problem with you Tetramands. All muscle, no common sense." He attacks the knees and was able to dislocate his left knee. "Let me guess, the owner bribed you to make sure I lose? I thought so." Gavin punches him in the face, rendering him unconscious. "I ought to be glad you're not a female Tetramand. Otherwise, I would've been involved in a shotgun wedding and that's last thing I don't want," Gavin said.
The owner was left flabbergasted and he begins to cry over his loss. Sometime later in the office, the owner pays out a huge sum of cash as Gavin enters the room. "This should everything. You're a free man, now, Gavin," I said.
"Thank you for everything," Gavin said.
"You're welcome and you need to take a shower. I can smell you from here," Xylene said.
"Come to think of it, I haven't taken a shower in six months," Gavin said.
Later, Gavin takes a shower back at home. He puts on some clothes and gets out of the bathroom. "How does that feel?" I asked.
"Much better from the showers in the arenas. Especially when you don't have your rival trying to kill you. Thanks for the clothes." He sits at the dining table. "I got to ask: why did you free me?" Gavin said.
"So I can get you back home," she answered.
"Listen, I appreciate the thought. You know how I got here. Now I'll tell you the rest of my story. My life hasn't been perfect. My mom was an addict, while my dad was a washout martial artist who struggled to make it big in Hollywood. When I was eleven, he murdered my mom in a fit of rage. I came home to find my half sister cradling her lifeless body. Months later, the police found my dad hanging in a cheap motel room. We were placed in an orphanage." He notices Xylene's eyes were glowing. "What she's doing?" Gavin asked.
"Peeking into your mind," I answered.
"It was there when you had to make a very difficult decision. A couple were looking to adopt a child; it was you or your half sister, Amelia. The couple wanted to adopt you, but you suggested they should adopt Amelia instead. You said she deserves a better life, where she could have a family. The woman sheds a tear at your sacrifice and they decide to honour it. They adopted Amelia," she cries.
She bursts into tears and Gavin comforts her. "I made up for the tragedy by joining the Air Force. Sure my time wasn't perfect, I started a few bar brawls. I started the last brawl because I don't like bullies. There was this jarhead who tried to pick on one of the women. She refuses his advances and he grabs her hand viciously. So I punched him in the face and that's how I start the last bar brawl. I would've been demoted if it wasn't for the good word of my former CO. And the rest is history," Gavin said.
"You remind me of myself. We both share a common trait: we have a problem with authority. Do you want to back home?" I asked.
"That's the thing. For the last two years, I got use to living as a warrior. Now I'm free, I'm not sure if I'm ready for that. When I was young, I looked up at the stars with Amelia, wondering if there was more to life and the universe. I made it my dream to explore the stars and the galaxy at my own pace. I'll put my plans to return to Earth on hold until I explore what the galaxy has to offer," Gavin said.
"You do have a strong sense of honour and a strong moral compass," Xylene said.
I placed a pouch on the table. "This pouch contains your compensation and reimbursement fees," I said.
"Thank you," he said.
Morning came and we head over to a nearby arms dealer. "This is the best place to get armour and weapons. You're going to need them to survive. Not every part of the galaxy is willing to accept humans as an equal species," I said.
"We'll be around the corner if you need anything," she said.
Gavin enters the store and I notices the stock. "It's a bit over-the-top for an arms dealer," he said.
"I tend to get the best stock when available. How can I help you, sir?" the storekeeper asked.
"I'm looking for some decent armour and weapons," he answered.
"Judging by your appearance, I say you're human. We don't get your kind much on Kashmir, except for Plumbers. Let's check the current stocks to see what we got." He leaves the counter and goes through the stock. "Hmm, here we go. Try this on; this armour is one of a kind. It used to belong to a Plumber, I think his name was Devin Levin, but I'm not sure," the storekeeper said.
The storekeeper gives Gavin the armour, he heads to a changing room and he tries it on. "Do you get many customers around here?" he asked.
"Not a lot, but I do on occasion get the odd collector who's looking for a rare weapon." Gavin comes out of the changing room. "A perfect fit. I'll be back; I'm just getting the matching helmet." He heads to his office to get the helmet. He puts the helmet on Gavin's head and tinkers with it. "It may need some calibration. Here we go. Listen to me carefully; the gold button on the right cheek slides the faceplate into place. The silver button at the bottom of the neck removes the helmet," the storekeeper said.
"Gold button to slide the faceplate into place, silver button removes the helmet. Got it. Now then, all I need now is some weapons," he said.
"We got a fine selection. Feel free to look around until you make a selection," the storekeeper said.
He looks around until he gazes upon a pair of dual pistols. "What about those pistols behind the counter? Are they for sale?" he asked.
"You mean Queen and Ivy. These pistols are unique, one of a kind in fact. The Plumber Corp has a number of policies in effect regarding to how contracts are given out. When they first started the Proto Program, they need a weapon that can multitask. You know, to defend a Plumber, to protect a Plumber and the civilians. A few weapon manufacturers were out to develop the very first Proto-Tool. These pistols and another of Galvan tech were the only two weapons the Program were considering at time," the storekeeper said.
"I take it the Galvan weapon won?" he asked.
"It did, it had a number of features the pistols lack. However, there are some features that're exclusive to these pistols. The pistols can change ammo type, i.e. ricochet shots, armour piercing and grenades," the storekeeper answered.
"That's useful. How did you acquire them?" Gavin asked.
"The designer of those pistols was my cousin. Unfortunately, he died when pirates raided his ship. So I inherited them as it were and they're not for sale. Those pistols are the only memento of my late cousin," the storekeeper answered.
The gang then bursts in. "Okay, Salim, it's that time of the month," one of the gang members yelled.
"I don't understand, I already paid this month's protection money?" he asked.
"True, but we're going away for a month. So we're collecting next month's payment in advance," the other gang member answered.
Gavin press the button on the helmet and the faceplate comes down. "Leave him alone. He's an honest dealer making a living," Gavin said.
"Hey, you're new around here and that means you have pay us protection money," another member said.
"Yeah, I don't think so," Gavin said.
He grabs the member, uses him as shield and makes him fire his blaster into his friends' knees. "You son of a gun," the member said in anger.
He throws the member out of the window and the others aim their blasters at Gavin. "You're listening to All-Round Radio, the intergalactic radio station that plays every song from this sector to Earth. We have a request from a human Plumber based in Kashmir. Here's the Dead Kennedys Holiday in Cambodia," the radio DJ said on the radio.
The radio starts playing Holiday in Cambodia. "How about that? They're playing my song," Gavin said.
They opened fire as Gavin dives behind the counter. "What have you done?" Salim asked.
"I saved your life. I know what I'm about to suggest may cause you offense, but I need those pistols. I know its sounds like a tall order," Gavin said.
Salim gives Gavin his approval and he makes a run for the pistols. "Stop him before he gets a weapon," the third gang member yelled.
Gavin grabs the pistols and a shootout commences. Outside, I and Xylene witness a gang member getting thrown out of the store. "That's not good," I said.
"I was afraid this would happen. The Galton Gang, they're nasty and tenacious. They usually come here once a month to extort business owners for protection money," Xylene said.
"This is Gom, we need reinforcements. Some vermin is giving us trouble." The other gang members arrive and surround the store and the shooting stops. "We just want our protection money. Come out and no one doesn't have t get hurt," Gom said.
"Okay, you got us. I knew this gun battle was too good to be true. I admit, you got me fair and square." Gom orders a member to investigate the entrance, just as he opens the door. He gets blasted in the gut. "But you should really attention to the sound the pistols. I never those combine into a rifle to let off an energy blast. I'm calling it the Gut Buster," Gavin said.
We relieved to see he's alive and the rifle transforms back into the pistols. "Let's finish this maggot off before Ma-Ma gets angry," Gom said.
I intervene by placing a shield around Gavin and I joined him. "It looks like you can use a hand," I said.
We resumed the shootout and we managed to wrap things up. Gavin looks down at Gom. "You're a dead man. Ma-Ma doesn't like it when people refuse to pay up," Gom said.
"Who's Ma-Ma?" Gavin asked.
A huge woman comes stomping down the street. "That would be me. I heard someone was shooting up my boys. You dare deny me my payment," Ma-Ma said.
"These people don't owe you anything. You just an old hag looking for an excuse to make money out of these people," Gavin said.
She then becomes angry. "You really shouldn't have done that," Gom whispered.
She gets her shotgun out, she opens fire and Gavin dodges. He opens fire and hits her in the knee and she falls to the ground. Molly Gunther and a squad of Plumbers arrived at the scene. Gavin uses the helmet voice modulator to change the helmet's auditory function. "Well now, Tetrax Shard, what gives all the sudden?" Molly asked.
"These people need our help. They were terrorised by the Galton Gang," I answered.
"It looks like you did a good job at rounding up Ma-Ma and her boys. Booking these guys will take the best part of this afternoon," she said.
"Actually, it was," I said.
"It was me. I did most of the shooting. I did what I thought was right," Gavin said.
Molly looks at Gavin suspiciously. "You look familiar, then again, I see guys like you all the time. Now, who do I pay this combined bounty to?" she asked.
"I'll take the payment, the gunslinger here is new to Kashmir," I answered.
Molly gets her badge out and she uses it to pay the bounty into my bank account. "Okay, that's sorted. I don't know who you are, gunslinger. But you remind of someone I used to date. Unfortunately, he's dead. Have a pleasant afternoon," she said.
Molly and the Plumbers leave with the Galton Gang. Gavin changes the voice modulator back to normal and press the button to slide the faceplate back. "What next?" he wondered.
Sometime later, I gave Gavin the money he owes. Xylene notices something was off. "I notice you change the helmet auditory function when that Plumber arrived. You seem to know her?" Xylene said.
"Her name is Molly Gunther and we use to date. We didn't leave things in a great state before my doomed shuttle test. And its something I don't like to talk about. If she found out I was alive, well we probably picked up on the argument we had the night before the flight," he answered.
"I see. You seem to handle yourself well earlier," Xylene said.
"Yeah, I'm sorry about what happened. I just don't like bullies," he said.
"I hear that," I said.
"Still, I got the armour and the pistols as a reward for saving Salim's life. Not to mention I may've found my true calling. I might as well take up bounty hunting. The galaxy is full of criminal vermin that need to be brought to justice," he said.
We then heard something in sky. "What is that sound?" Xylene asked.
I head outside to the balcony, grabbed of binoculars and looked up at the sky. "That's no meteor. Its an escape pod. Its heading outside of town," I said.
Gavin joins me. "Judging by the trajectory, the pod must've crash landed southeast outside of town. We should go there to see if there are survivors," he said.
He puts the helmet on and he flies out of the house. I and Xylene soon followed. We arrived at the crash site. "There's the pod," I said.
Gavin inspects the site. "My helmet is picking up a life reading." He opens up the door. "I got a survivor and she's alive," he said.
He picks her. Xylene takes a peek inside the pod and removes the black box. "This black box should give us a idea which ship she came from," Xylene said.
"Or which planet," I said.
"Who is she and more importantly, are there more?" Gavin wondered.
Back in the present, the alarm was going off. "We've arrived at Revonnah," Pi said over the intercom.
"It's time to get to work. I'll take you the rest of the story once we unload these supplies," I said.
We head over to the cargo hold.