Chapter 21
Victory and Rumors

Over the next few weeks Jared and Kim fought their way through the light circuit racking victory after victory often followed by short visits to the hospital. The other veterans quickly realize that this boy not yet even an adult was major threat. They adapted by loading up on flamers in hopes of over heating his mech and causing it to shut down, but this was not the case with the composite heat reflecting armor letting Jared just shrug off the heat and proceed to win the match. Not too long after the start of the medium circuit a part of Kim's past practically landed on their front door.

Kim: I got it Jared!

Looking through the peep hole Kim recognized Portia's face even though it was mostly cover by a heavy hooded cloak, she unlocked the door and let her in.

Kim: Portia what...

Portia cut Kim short and stated sharply that they needed to talk in private right then and there.
Jared peeked his head out of the kitchen to see what hell was being raised.

Jared: Hey Portia what brings you here?

Kim: Jared not right now.

With his mechwarrior born instincts telling him to punch out he returned to the fridge and his search for food.

A disturbance I sense is coming.

Once inside Kim's room she locked the door and sat on her bed across from her guest.

Portia: The reason I wanted to tell you this alone was because I don't know if you want Jared's involvement in this. Anyway to the actual matter at hand, less then a hour ago the woman in this photo taken by my security cameras came to our house asking about your where abouts.

She handed the picture over to Kim who froze on the spot when she saw it.

Oh my god... it can't be she can't be here!

Kim showed some fear in her face as she went over very part of the woman again and again looking for something that would tell her that it wasn't who she thought it was but to no avail.

Kim: My aunt she's here... why?

Portia: I did a little spying of my own and pirated a com signal coming from her car. They said that they want to first meet you and talking you into coming with them and if not well... they plan if words don't sway you then kidnapping you is not out of the question. I also heard why they maybe here, it seems that they maybe running shipping for the planet side Steiner terrorists here on Solaris.

Kim: Have they mentioned anything about Jared?

Portia: Yes but they are looking at him as threat only if he gets inside a mech. So basically they're underestimating him but either way they plan to kill him before he can help you.

Kim: Are you sure of this?

Portia: Sadly... yes that's why I want you to promise me that you won't go after them.

Kim nearly exploded in Portia's face for the last comment.

Kim: Go after them! I spent a year running and hiding from them something that took six months of planning and prepping... I'm not about to go after them unless they attack first.

Portia: Ok then you have my number in case something happens. But tell me this... what might drive her to do this?

Kim: My father's mech... she knows that it is unique and extremely powerful, and of course would cause a bidding war between the major powers if she where to try and sell it. The only thing that stand between her and the mech is what was stated in my father's will. It states simply that as long as I live that mech is mine chassis, weapons, and armor and she knows this and will hunt me down until her hands run red with my blood and my mech on a salvage truck.

Portia: Well if I hear any rumors I will relay them to you.

Portia got up and turned to unlock the door but stopped short before unlocking it and said quietly.

Portia: Stay safe Kim please my sake at least.

Kim: I will.

Portia drew her cloak over her head and quickly left the building. Kim sat on her bed silently looking at the picture. From the living room Jared heard nothing coming out of Kim's room.

I know I shouldn't but I can't help myself.

He got up from the couch, killed the TV, and walked quietly into Kim's room. Sitting beside her he asked gently.

Jared: What's wrong Kim?

Kim shut her eyes and gathered her thoughts before telling Jared everything that Portia had told her.

Kim: Jared this could honestly be dangerous...

He stopped her for a second and stated simply.

Jared: I know Kim but if they do come after you then they will have to deal with me as well, and if they think that I'm only dangerous inside of my mech they are dead wrong.

Kim: Why?

Jared: Because you are my friend and they if they want to cause you harm then will do what I can to help protect you. And on top of that if I make a quick call or two I could have the whole tech crew come and help too.

Kim looked up at him and into his eyes, they had a calming effect on her making feel like everything was going to be ok in the end.

Kim: Please do me one thing.

Jared: Anything.

Kim: If you can leave my aunt for me to deal with she is my demon after all. Jared nodded his head solemnly and replied.

Jared: Then it's set if they do come in force I will take care of the minions and leave the boss to you. But just don't be afraid to call on me for help in case if everything goes fubar.

Kim: If there was anyone I could call on for help I can safely say that you would be my first choice because its stuff like this when seems like I can't trust anyone I know I can trust you.

Jared: So trust for you has always been a problem?

Kim: Yeah ever since you know...

Jared: I know but I'm happy to know that you trust me... I don't think anyone has trusted me like that in a damn long time.

She examined his face noticing every scar, every line, and every wrinkle never had he looked so old and so tired.

Jared: My gut tells me that this will be a year of reckoning you will face your demons as shall I. And these Steiner terrorists that we have been hearing more and more about will undoubtedly come after us. I can only think of one way for us to survive as long as we stay on Solaris...

Kim: We stay together I cover your six you cover mine.

Next Chapter
Steiner Strikes Back