CHAPTER 5
CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
"Gavin, man the guns!"
"Aye, sir!"
"We'll show those scurvy knaves what we're made of!"
"They're comin' about captain, orders?"
"Steady on, Gavin, let's give them a fight."
"Yes sir!"
"Captain, they're attempting to board!"
"All men to your battle stations, Gavin, take the wheel, hard to starboard!"
"Aye sir!"
There was a sound of steel on steel mingled with the cries of men being mortally wounded. The young first mate turned from the wheel to see his captain, his hero, valiantly facing the captain of the enemy ship. Gavin had never seen such a fierce warrior but his captain faced the man without fear and matched him blow for blow.
Gavin switched to auto-pilot, drew his own cutlass and threw himself into the fray. He was almost immediately engaged by a sprite male with an arrogant look about him. He smirked at the young binome, supremely confident of his victory. Gavin wasn't in the least bit impressed.
"This will be over quick," the man said before lunging to the attack. Gavin parried, feinted, blocked, and matched his opponent in skill. And unlike his opponent, Gavin didn't speak or taunt but concentrated solely on fighting and inexorably drove his opponent back.
Until he heard his captain scream.
It was a distraction that would have cost Gavin his life had he been pitted against someone else. Gavin turned in time enough to see the enemy captain drive his sword home through his captain's heart. Gavin yelled out in denial at what had played out before him.
His opponent was on him before he had time to react. The sword came down in a deadly arc and Gavin raised his own to block, knowing he was too late, knowing he had lost the battle, and knowing he would never be of any use to anyone again.
*
Gavin came awake, stifling a cry – then immediately cringed against the pain exploding in his skull. He blinked his eye and slowly the world came into focus.
The hard planks of the dinner table made a makeshift bed. Gavin knew he was in the dining room immediately. He also knew it was dusk. The orange glow of the setting soon painted the room in its soft light.
"What in the blazes --," Gavin started to rise.
"Easy, Gavin," Matrix was suddenly beside him, "You're in no condition to get up."
"Matrix, lad?" Despite Matrix's order, Gavin rose up on his elbows. Members of the crew crowded the room. Some had been badly injured. Mr. Christopher, Ms. Sally and Princess Bulla went around treating them.
"What happened, by gar?" Gavin said, "Matrix lad, are ye well?"
"I've been better," Matrix muttered darkly, "Don't move Gavin. Mr. Christopher says your shoulder is dislocated."
"Then put it to rights," Gavin hissed.
Matrix nodded grimly and helped the captain to sit up, "This is going to hurt."
"Don't ye think I know that, lad?" Gavin demanded, "Do it!"
Gavin braced himself as Matrix grasped his arm and the pain in his skull was suddenly inconsequential. So Gavin decided to concentrate on other things. "Status report, Mr. Matrix."
"They screwed us royally," Matrix hissed, "As far as I can tell, they've been here for cycles. They had the exo's and a full cache of hidden weapons. They took all the young men hostage so we wouldn't have any reinforcements."
"By the code, the scurvy dogs."
"Enzo isn't here," Gavin heard the hint of apprehension in Matrix's voice.
"Don't worry lad, maybe they've nay caught him yet," Gavin said. "There's still a chance."
"Who are they? What do you suppose they want?"
Before Gavin could reply the massive doors came open and three people entered. He didn't recognize any of them. The one he looked for probably wouldn't make his appearance until later. He figured the tall commanding older sprite male was his first mate. The other was a short thin rat-faced man. The third, a female binome, almost rivaled Princess Bulla in size.
"Listen well, all of you," the man said, "I am Evan Var, first officer of the Blood Skull. You are all henceforth our prisoners by order of my captain. You will cooperate with us fully, or be severely punished."
"We'll not cooperate with ye!" Mr. Andrew yelled and the members of the crew that were able, cried out in defiant agreement.
Evan Var drew his laser pistol and fired on Mr. Andrew.
"No!" Gavin cried.
The crew surged forward violently as one. All three of the enemy pirates drew their weapons, "Back!" Var ordered, "Back or we start executing the citizens of this island one by one!"
"Stand down, all of ye!" Gavin's voice rose across the commotion. The Crimson Binome slid from off the table. Pain burned every nerve, but he forced himself to walk forward and his crew made way. He came before Evan Var, but before addressing him, he turned to where Mr. Christopher knelt beside Mr. Andrew, "How is he?"
"Stunned sir, but he should be fine," Mr. Christopher said.
"Take care of him, Mr. Christopher," only then did Gavin turn to Evan Var, "Where is he? Where is the Red Skull?"
"My captain will see you at his leisure," Var said. He looked Gavin up and down, "So, you're The Crimson Binome?" His tone was less than flattering.
"Aye, that I am," Gavin said.
"He don't look like much," Rat-face said.
"Indeed," Var's eyes fell on Matrix, "Now you on the other hand – Matrix isn't it?"
"Yeah," Matrix growled, "Remember it, because I'm the guy who's going to break you in two.
Var shrugged, "So you say."
Var turned as another man stepped into the room and bowed, "Sir, the compound and the village are secure."
"Excellent," Var said.
"Um – sir?"
"What is it?"
"We caught the other boy in the village. They're bringing him in now but --,"
Gavin glanced at Matrix.
"Enzo," Matrix whispered.
"Yes?" Var was obviously losing patience.
"Well – um – he --," the man cringed when Var turned fiercely to him, "He beat up two of our men pretty bad before they finally got him. They're being treated now."
Var turned a cold stare on the man; "This is the younger boy you're talking about? How old is he? Seventeen? Eighteen?"
"Um – I believe so sir --," the man said.
"So you're telling me this eighteen hour old boy, defeated two of our men?"
"Yes sir."
"Give their names to Fisher. Fisher, you know what to do."
"Yes sir!" Fisher's eyes lit with murderous glee.
Var turned back to Gavin, "So now we have all of your people Crimson Binome. You may as well relax until the captain is ready for you."
"So the Skull is still a lily-livered coward is he? Can't do things for himself?" Gavin taunted.
Var now turned the icy stare on Gavin and the Crimson Binome returned the glare.
"I'm going to enjoy watching you delete as much as the captain will I think," Var said.
"It's the captain who's going to delete for what's he's done," Gavin said, "Ye tell him I said that."
Var turned to the door when a commotion started outside, "Yes, I'm sure he'll lose sleep over your little threat."
Two more sprites came in, forcing a bound and struggling Enzo in between them. Matrix stepped forward, but the female binome leveled her laser at him. Princess Bulla muttered something darkly at her, but the tattooed female seemed to ignore her.
The two sprites forced Enzo to his knees before Var.
"Lay off the Kid," Matrix hissed.
Var spared Matrix a glance, but nothing more.
Fisher stepped forward and wolf-whistled, "Ain't never seen a face that pretty."
"I tend not to notice the beauty of a man's face," Var said, looking pointedly at Fisher.
Fisher pouted, "Sometimes you have to take what you can get." Then the man brightened, "how much do you think we could get for him in the brothels of System 998?"
"No," Enzo growled, and fought his bonds.
"Interesting," Var rubbed the dark growth on his chin. "What do you know of System 998?"
"Be there, done that, bought the T-shirt," Enzo muttered.
"It will be interesting to see what the captain thinks of that idea," Var said, much to Fisher's delight. "Your name is Enzo as well isn't it, boy?"
"Don't call me boy," Enzo hissed.
"Impressive," the first officer muttered. He looked from Enzo to Matrix. "The captain will be very pleased." Var nodded to the two sprites, "Release him."
The file lock shackles were removed and Enzo climbed to his feet, as he rubbed his sore wrists, "Are we through?"
"For now," Var said.
Enzo's fist shot out, but Var caught him by the wrist and bent it back painfully until Enzo cried out and dropped to his knees.
"Don't, you filthy --!" Matrix yelled.
"Do not try my patience, boy," Var warned and released him.
Enzo grasped his wrist and stared hatefully up at Var.
"Try something else and I'll delete your friends," Var nodded to where Matrix and Gavin stood.
"I won't do anything," Enzo muttered darkly.
Enzo stood and Var nodded. "You are quite a warrior in your own right. Two of our men? I'm very impressed, how many have you killed?"
Enzo's fists clenched. His body went rigid with suppressed emotion, "I don't believe in killing. I don't like fighting or violence of any kind."
"But you do fight," Var said, "And you have killed. I can see it in your eyes."
"I'll fight to defend myself and those I care about," Enzo said.
"Indeed," Var said, "We can break you of that, go join your friends."
As Enzo approached where Gavin and Matrix stood, the captain said, "Are ye all right, lad?"
"Well," Enzo said, "My pride has taken a beating but besides that I'm all right."
"You're not all right," Matrix said, "You're hurt."
"I'm fine, Matrix," Enzo said, he glanced back at Var who was just exiting the room.
"Don't worry," Matrix said, "I'll look after you."
Enzo turned fiercely back at him, his face flushed hotly. "I know you think I'm still a little kid but I'm not. I can take care of myself and I've proven it, haven't it?"
"You have," Matrix said, "I wasn't saying I thought you were a little kid -- ,"
"But that's what you were thinking."
"Enzo --,"
"Wait, ye two," Gavin broke in, "We mustn't fight amongst ourselves."
"Gavin's right," Matrix said.
"Yes," Enzo said. "I'm sorry Matrix. Just watch my back, okay? And I'll watch yours. That's what brothers do. But I don't need you to baby-sit me."
"Okay Kid, I asked you to bear with me," Matrix placed his hands on Enzo's shoulders. "I'm still new at this big brother thing."
Bulla approached the three, "Enzo come. Treat wounds." The giantess led the young sprite away.
"How do yea think the lad is faring?" Gavin asked Matrix.
The colonel's hand lowered automatically to his side then he looked down in realization that Gun wasn't there. "He's scared."
"Aye, he has reason ta be as a prisoner of the Red Skull."
"Who is he Gavin? Who is this Red Skull?"
Gavin sighed. Might as well get this over with. "And old enemy and a long story."
"I think we have time," Matrix said.
"His true name be Gates Fortune," Gavin said, "But don't let the name fool ye. The Skull can be a more vicious blackguard then any super-virus yea has gone against. What's worse, he hides his true nature behind a mask of false charm. Ye'll think he's yer friend, and he's really ready ta stab ye in the gut."
"We met many hours ago, when I was about young Enzo's age and I was first mate on another pirate ship," Gavin sighed, remembering those times. "I was young, brash, and convinced I'd make me fortune until our ship was attacked by the Blood Skull one cycle. They were attempting to steal a treasure we had just um – appropriated."
Unconsciously, Gavin rubbed his wrist from where the gleaming hook was attached, "We tangled he and I. I had him almost beaten when --," Gavin looked bitterly at the closed door as though he could see through it to where his enemy sat in wait, "His captain and mine fought. When me captain was deleted I was distracted by his death cry. It cost me me hand."
"I'm sorry, Gavin."
Gavin shook the unpleasant memory away, "But for some morbid reason, the scurvy dog spared me life. He said, 'I won't take yer life yet. I'll decide on the right time. Yer life is mine'."
"What happened?"
"They pressed all the men on me old ship into service," Gavin said, "Those that refused were deleted. Without me hand I wasn't much use to them, so they dropped me in a desolate system and left me there with enough food and drink ta last me a second."
"But you beat the odds," Matrix said.
"Aye, that I did, lad," Gavin said, "And I found me own crew and me own ship and I pursued the Skull, who – so the scuttlebutt had it, killed his captain for the place."
"Charming fellow," Matrix remarked sourly.
"I chased the Skull to that same desolate system and we battled once again, the system crashing all around us," Gavin went on. "We were in the system P.O., fighting and I cornered him on a balcony. The thing collapsed and he plunged into the data sea. Would have gone with him had it not been for me crew. I thought that was the last I'd see of him."
"But he came back as well," Matrix said, "And he wants revenge against you."
"Aye – which is why I don't understand why he involved my village and all of ye," Gavin said.
One of the immense double doors came open and Var returned along with two crewmen. They crossed the room without preamble until they were standing before Gavin and Matrix.
"We've come for the boy," Var announced.
"Never!" Gavin stepped forward, blocking Var's path. Several of the crew, in what seemed like a split nano, joined him to form a barrier.
"Please, let's not make a scene shall we? The young one will come with us."
Matrix stepped around the binome barrier and moved just a hairsbreadth away from Var, "To get to him, you go through me."
"Acceptable," Var motioned with his hands and the two crewmen with him drew their lasers.
"No, don't," Enzo came forward, "I'll come with you willingly. I won't fight you."
"Enzo --," Matrix began.
"Ye don't have ta do this, lad."
Enzo turned and faced his friends and gave them a reassuring smile, which didn't quite reach his eyes, "I'll be all right, don't worry."
As Enzo turned away Matrix snarled at Var, "If you so much as hurt a byte of him --,"
" – Yea scurvy dogs will pay," Gavin finished.
The three led Enzo from the room.
"He's a brave lad," Gavin said.
Matrix turned abruptly and took hold of the table on which Gavin had been laying and with a cry of frustration, tipped it over.
"Matrix!" Gavin said.
"I promised Dot I'd look after him," Matrix hissed between clenched teeth.
"And ye shall, lad, but ye must remain calm," Gavin placed a hand on his muscular forearm, "We have ta figure out how ta help Enzo, but first we have ta figure out how to help ourselves."
***
Enzo didn't know what was going to happen to him, but he faced it as he did everything, with no inkling of how apprehensive he was showing on his face.
If anything, he was more worried about Kai at this point. There was no indication that they had caught her, which was good. He hoped she remained safe. When the enemy had finally overpowered him, they had taken his belt, so he no longer had access to his organizer but (barring that their enemy hadn't totally jammed communications) it would still be sending the distress signal.
He walked between the two crewmen with Var bringing up the rear. They led him to the study where he Matrix and Gavin had spoken only a few seconds ago.
Inside, a fire burned on the hearth, which puzzled Enzo, since it was still quite warm. It provided the only illumination in the room.
Two of the plush chairs had been turned towards the hearth and between them was a low table with various foods arranged in an attractive display. Despite himself, Enzo's stomach growled at the scents. He hadn't eaten since yesterday night, not having any opportunity to sample the picnic fare.
"Captain, the boy as you ordered," Var spoke.
A hand was raised from behind the chair and beckoned, "Come and sit young man."
"I'd rather stand," Enzo said.
A dry chuckle floated through the air. "You were right about him Var. Despite his youth, circuits of steel."
"He is worthy, sir," Var replied.
Worthy? Now what in the net did that mean?
An immense figure ponderously raised himself from the chair, "You'll have to excuse the fire," the man spoke, his features hidden in the shadows cast by the flickering flames, "I have an illness that flares up every so often and it requires heat to deaden the pain. Is it too uncomfortable for you?"
Despite his manner, there was something about the man that gave Enzo the jaggies. Even with his face hidden, Enzo could sense his intense stare. "I'm surprised you care," Enzo said.
"Oh but I do," the man stepped forward and Enzo for the first time got a good look at his face.
Wide dark-brown eyes and a bulbous nose, obviously broken several times, were set close together on a face with scarlet skin. A neatly trimmed salt and pepper mustache accentuated full lips. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Captain Gates Fortune of the Blood Skull."
Enzo didn't take his proffered hand and after a while, Fortune's eyes narrowed, "There's no need to be rude, young man. I've been quite pleasant to you."
"There's no need to be rude? After what you've done?"
"It was necessary," Fortune went back to his chair and lifted a bottle of liquor from the table. He poured two glasses, "Cognac?"
"No."
Fortune shrugged and took a sip; "Gavin has excellent taste, Var."
"Indeed, captain," Var commented.
"Are you certain you don't want something to eat, young man?"
"Why was I brought here?" Enzo asked, impatient with the man's mind games.
"To see how much you're truly worth," Fortune said, "Fisher seems to think we can get a pretty unit for you on System 998. I'm inclined to agree."
"I'm not a thing to be bought or sold," Enzo hissed.
"You are if I say you are," Fortune said with a dismissive gesture of his glass. He circled around Enzo and the young sprite could sense his scrutiny.
"Tell me something, have you ever been with a woman?"
Enzo flushed scarlet at the embarrassing question, his ire rising, "That is none of your damn business!"
"Which in itself is an answer to my question," Fortune said. "Have you ever been with a man?"
"You miserable son of a --!"
Before he could finish the insult, Enzo heard the movement behind him and something struck him sharply between the shoulder blades. Enzo went down heavily on one knee.
"You will not disrespect the captain any further," Var's voice hissed from above him.
"Var," Fortune warned, "You will not strike him again, is that clear?"
"Yes sir."
"You'll have to excuse my first mate," Fortune smiled and offered his hand again which Enzo ignored. "This conversation has been most enlightening. Yes, I think you're right Var, he is worthy. No System 998 for you young one. I have a much better proposition for you."
"And that is?" Enzo said warily.
"I want you to join my crew," Fortune said. "I can use a man like you. Strength and intelligence are difficult qualities to find in most men. So I can use you. Think of what you will have under my command? Everything you desire."
"And what about my friends?" Enzo asked.
"Oh I intend to ask your brother to join as well." Fortune said, "The villagers will all be free to go on with their lives, under my command of course."
"And what about Gavin?" Enzo asked.
At the mention of The Crimson Binome's name, Captain Fortune's face took on a sinister look, "Gavin and I have unfinished business. Nothing to concern yourself with."
"He's my friend," Enzo said.
"And my enemy," Fortune said.
"Well you know I just have to ask the obligatory, 'what if I refuse to join'?" Enzo said, his voice laced with sarcasm.
"This is not a debatable subject, boy," Fortune said. "If you refuse I will torture and delete your brother. And I assure you, it will be very slow and very painful."
"You're bluffing. You just said you wanted him for your crew."
"Oh but I do," the captain began to slowly pace. "It would be a shame to lose him, but it's an acceptable loss. I can deal with having just one of you. You seem to be the more logic-minded of the two. Wouldn't you rather have him alive and well and with you?"
For the first time, Enzo felt himself faltering, "You wouldn't."
"You really don't think so? Join me. Swear your loyalty to me and he'll live. I mean, either way, you'll be with me. Resisting is pointless. I'll kill him and then take you aboard my ship."
"If you hurt him, I'll delete you," Enzo hissed.
Fortune laughed much to Enzo's humiliation. "That I doubt."
"I'll join you when the web freezes over," Enzo said.
Instantly, Fortune's face hardened with fury. His eyes were glittering brown stones, "If that your final word?"
"Yes."
Gates gave him a long assessing look, then nodded over his shoulder to Var, "Take him to one of the rooms and lock him in."
"Wait," Enzo said, "What are you going to do?"
"You'll find out soon enough," Fortune dismissed him with a wave and the two crewmen took hold of him and began to drag him from the room.
"I'll swear this to you, null-face. If you hurt my brother --!"
Var closed the door, "That was not wise. My captain is right. You'll soon see the error of your decision."
Enzo fought against his bonds as the two men shoved him down the hall. At the rear of the lodge, there was a narrow door, which Var opened. It led to a utility closet. At Var's word, the men threw him inside. The door closed and Enzo heard the audible click of the lock.
"Damn it," the young sprite picked himself up off the hardwood floor. He knew banging on the door would be an exercise in futility, so he didn't bother. Instead, he examined his surroundings.
Shelves lined the walls and boxes were stacked neatly on the floor. Some were sealed, but others that he managed to open contained cleaning supplies and various other household items.
"Wish I had access to a lab," Enzo said to himself. He made a mental note of what was in the closet for later. Then sat down to wait.
It was a few milliseconds later that the sound of the door unlocking awoke him from a light sleep. Enzo was on his feet instantly, ready to jump the first man who stepped inside. Then thought better of it as the door opened and outside stood Var and the two crewmen, both with laser pistols pointed at him.
"Come out. And don't try anything."
Enzo stepped outside and noticed it was full dark now. He was told to walk ahead until they returned to Gavin's study. A young girl was just leaving the room when they approached. She looked at Enzo, in her eyes was a mixture of humiliation and fear. Her face flushed as she ducked her head down and hurried down the hall. Enzo felt sick to his core-com.
Gates Fortune was in the same chair when Enzo was led into the room. On the table were the remains of some rich dessert. Fortune sipped his cognac with an air of a man who knew he was in command of everything around him. His arrogance sickened Enzo further.
"What did you do to that girl?" Enzo demanded, even though he already knew the awful truth.
Fortune looked mildly at him. "You're worried about some girl?"
"You son of horse's ASCII," Enzo hissed.
"Don't," Fortune said and although Enzo couldn't see him, he was certain Var was about to hit him again.
Fortune set down his glass, "You shouldn't worry about inconsequential things like some village wench. You have more pressing matters to deal with."
"What in the net are you talking about?"
Fortune looked at him his eyes cold and said in a voice devoid of emotion, "Your brother is dead."