The mood had been unspeakably tense over the next few days since the news broke that a bounty hunter had taken on the contract on Sonny and not just any bounty hunter. This one had a past as a Pirate, one of their own, and even with his memory erased, Corso wasn't sure he wouldn't find Shiloh city anyway and track Sonny down there. As a former pirate,he could move around undetected within shiloh city, under a secret alias. And what was more, it was now known, he had taken on a contract on Sonny, the objective being, to capture him and deliver him into the hands of his mortal enemy, Technoid. Or, someone whom posed as Technoid. That was information that posed a real risk to Sonny's safety as this man knew how to disguise himself and could follow Sonny without him knowing it.
The security around Sonny was at a maximum now, with armed guards watching his home and him all the time. It limited his freedom, true. But out of all the pirates, Sonny was the one that appeared the most at ease with the situation. As the leader, he was used to this kind of threat, Until something happend, he was going to attempt to live as normal as possible. Callie found this peculiar. Sonny being so calm, when everyone else was on high alert. But all was not as it was seen, and Corso had his own explanation to offer her.
"He's just pretending to be at ease Callie, this has him worried too. That's just how Sonny works. He was trained to respond like this, calm under stress. As our leader, he has to act like this, to keep the rest of us fcoused. Better leave him to it when he does this. If he appears to be in deep thought, a word of advice; don't touch his shoulder unless you speak his name first. It can startle him. Also, try to speak to him calmly so he doesn't get more on may not show it, but he is tense. Massage his neck if you can, that will also help. If you need help with him and the situation, come to me. I know how to deal with him when he is like this." He explained. Callie agreed. Corso, Bennett and Artie were all tense and stressed about this but Sonny seemed to take in stride, going about his everyday life. Corso worried that his friend would be more vulnerable and exposed than before because of this contract, But so far, all seemed normal. As she was working on an interview segment, Callie was in her own thoughts.
She remembered a conversation with Corso. One that showed her just what level of trust she had gained. Corso had asked to speak to her, in private.
"Callie, being the new commander of The Black Manta, takes me away from Shiloh City and Sonny is very exposed as it is. Even with Artie and Bennett around, I still worry for him. We're dealing with a former Pirate here, one that happens to know Sonny well and where he is likely to be found. He would seek him out, and Sonny may not even be aware that he is tailed. Someone that knows our lair and our ways, is more dangerous than other bounty hunters. He may be able to track Sonny and capture him when Sonny is unaware. He's very dangerous to us, and especially Sonny. He's also very good at disguising himself. I got to protect Sonny at all cost. And I've got an idea on how to do so,if you could help me out." He explained. Callie nodded.
"Tell me what you're thinking. I also want Sonny safe.I dont like it at all that someone is now actively hunting him down" She said. Corso nodded at that.
"We have the Bodyguard Program. In this we train people to protect high ranking Pirates in need of an extra set of eyes. And Sonny is in need of an extra set of eyes without the presence looking suspicious to anyone. Do you want to try out to protect Sonny?" He asked. Callie was surprised. "You know I am a journalist, not a bodyguard, right?" She asked. Corso nodded.
"That's what the training's for. You're around him all the time. You already live with him. It wont look suspicious to anyone and Sonny is relaxed with you around him. It would be the best way to protect him,and not draw attention to him in a bad way" Corso explained. Callie nodded. She would be the best choice for Sonny to remain safe. All she had to do was learn how to protect him. Corso was right.
"Okay, you convinced me. I'll sign up for the program."
The bodyguard program was difficult. It was a brutal physical training and called for a level of attention that Callie never experienced as a reporter. you had to be aware of potensial pitfalls and danger to the one you protected. Corso was relentless in how he pushed the candidates and Sonny had decided to act as a guinea pig for the students, giving them the possibility to practice their skills and get the chance to practice shielding and removing a mark from dangerous situations. Corso had a specially built slope set up inside a building that would always change. Sonny now wore a hood, since his situation was the way it was, but he was still playing his part. For security reasons, Corso had equipped him with a full body armor that was hidden under his clothes. All lists were updated and if your name was not on it, you couldn't enter the lair and Shiloh city. However, since Keiran had several identities, the Pirates took their precautions with Sonny's protection either way.
Callie found herself sweating after the physical training part. To run like this, having to keep up with Sonny and keeping snipers from targeting him with their laser pointers was hard work. Sonny could see it wore her down but he said nothing during the exercise, he just let her take the lead and bring him to safety through the slope. Corso had deliberately set the hardest one for her, if she could get Sonny safely through it, she would pass the program. As they ended the run, Callie breathed hard. Sonny smiled calmly at her as she led him safely through the last part, with no laser pointer having marked him through the run. Callie grabbed the water bottle Sonny handed her at the end of the slope.
"This is harder than I thought." She said.
"This is just a stress test to see how you react under pressure. You did well." Sonny said encouragingly. Callie looked at Corso. somehow, Sonnys words made her suspicious.
"Is he saying this just to cheer me up?" She asked suspiciously. Corso shook his head, checking her preformance.
"Not at all Callie. Top score in this impress me" Corso said with a smile. Sonny nodded in agreement, as he looked over Corso shoulder at her results. Callie could tell Sonny had enjoyed this part of the training. He made sure to give each student pointers, letting them know what was good with their run, and what needed to be worked on.
"Anything I need to improve?" She asked. Sonny shook his head.
"Nothing I could point out, did you see something Corso?" He asked. Corso shook his head too.
"You did great, and from the looks of it, you're ready. Good thing, since I may have to do a shipment soon, and leave Sonny here in your care, I can rest easy knowing you will be there watching over him" He said. Callie smiled.
"So, it's time to finalize the training then? You think I am ready to protect the most wanted man in the galaxy after just a few short weeks?" She asked. Sonny nodded.
"Get ready for it. The final ceremony is in just a few days." He said. Callie smiled as she stood with the group she had trained with and they were given their assignments for the day.
Within a few weeks, the program was finished and the Pirates focused on what needed to be done. Sonny and Corso were handing out assignments to the new bodyguards. Callie already knew who she would be assigned to, so when her name was called, she was not surprised to see Sonny's name as her assignment. Others were shocked.
"Wow." The student next to her said. "You're going to protect Sonny Blackbones himself. That's a huge honor. but stressful too. Sonny is not known to sit around silently. He is up and about all the time. You will be getting plenty of excersise" he said. Callie smiled.
"And he is a great challenge to keep up with. Sonny is a busy man, always doing things. I need to keep a close eye on his daily schedule. and plan ahead, so I dont lead him into danger. I hope he wont make it too difficult" She said. The other student nodded.
"We've all heard about the bounty hunter. It's horrible that he's targeting Sonny. But he wont get him, you will have to make sure of that. Do you know who it is?" She asked. Callie nodded.
"Sonny and Corso told me all I need to know. I am not gonna let him hurt Sonny." She answered. The student nodded.
"Make sure he stays safe at all cost. We can't afford to lose him. We got someone ready to step in for just about every position, except for Sonnys. No one has yet been trained to take his place,should something happen. I wonder when Sonny is gonna make the call to have someone trained as his successor." She said. Callie smiled.
"Sonny will be safe when I'm guarding him. trust me, no one will get near. I am sure Sonny has a plan ready, even if the worst should happen" She said.
It was time for the bone marrow extraction to make Corsos salve. Sonny sent Corso to get the Doctor and the equipment to Shiloh city as it was the safest thing to do right now. With the bounty hunter on the loose, Corso didn't want to risk Sonny going off alone to another part of shiloh and being exposed to the risk of capture. The way things were now, Corso and the pirates wanted him to stay in hiding. Sonny had made a stealth call to his Doctor and asked if the procedure could be done safely at his home, after explaining the cricumstances. The doctor understood the problem and had agreed to meet with Corso to make a house call. Sonny was warned, this could possibly become more painful for him, with a higher risk of infection setting in. Sonny understood, but saftey took precedence over comfort this time. He also sent Sonny a list of things they needed to have to help Sonny recover quickly. It was a long list. Callie had helped Sonny stock the gelatine based meals he would eat to recover faster and other supplies for the days to come. The Doctor also gave Corso and Callie a warning that doing this outside his clinic could cause an infection and he would stay close until Sonny was all well from the proceedure.
While they waited for Corso and the doctor to arrive, Sonny and Callie prepared the bedroom where the proceedure would take place. Sonny also made a special set of handcuffs ready on his side of the bed. he attached it to the head board and also put a special mat on one side of the bed.
"What is that for?" Callie asked, confused as to why Sonny pulled out the cuffs. Sonny looked at her.
"The first day is very painful. I have a habit of trying to itch where the needle penetrates, wich will only make matters worse. The handcuffs are meant to keep me from doing so. Corso will stay here during that time, as he witnessed this before. He will know what to do. Whatever happens, just follow the doctor and Corso's instructions. It may be hard to observe me going through this, but I will be fine, I promise" He explained. Callie nodded.
"Something tells me I won't like this. I dont like the sound of it either. But I guess, there is no other way to do it" She said. Sonny sighed and pulled her into an embrace.
"If there was any other way to do this, Corso would have forced me to do that a long time ago. Until I can get the pardon secured for the Pirates, I have no way of getting access to any laboratory with the means to work through this and create a better way. The risk is just too great. Hopefully, this will be one of the last times we have to do this" Sonny said as he looked at the checklist. Callie wrapped her arms around him.
"This is going to hurt you alot, isn't it?" She asked, worried. Sonny knew he couldn't lie about this.
"Yes Callie, it will. Be prepared for that. Corso will stay here during this process. He and the doctor knows what kind of treatment I will need. There is also the chance I might catch a fever too. Corso will tell you what needs to be done. He will administer the meds. Just.. be prepared this may be a painful thing to observe" He said as he pulled Callie to his chest. It pained him to know she had to see this but as he hoped for her to be his girlfriend, he had no choice but to tell her honestly what was going to happen.
"I'll be fine Callie. It will just be a rough few days. Listen to Corso and everything will be fine." He said. Callie kissed him lightly.
"You really have a heart of gold. I really hope Corso appreciates you doing this for him" she said. This made him smile.
A little while later, Corso arrived along with the Doctor. A young but clearly skilled Pirate, whom greeted her politely, before the three men started getting ready for the proceedure. First, Sonny underwent a close physical examination, before he laid down on the bed, after Corso had pulled his t shirt off of him, and gently rubbed a spesific area on his back with a mild sedative, to make things easier on him. Callie stood in the doorway and watched as the doctor gently injected Sonny with a needle to his back. Sonny clearly bit his teeth together, as the needed pierced his spine. Corso held a firm grip on his arms, and keeping a watchful eye on him at all times. After a designated number of vails was filled with marrow, the needle was retracted and Corso gently put some cooling bandaide on the puncture mark. Sonny appeared to sweat some, and Corso helped him find a comfortable position, before he cuffed Sonnys hand above his head. The Doctor also packed up his gear, preparing to store the marrow they had extracted till Sonny was well enough to mix a new mix of salve. A spare room had been made ready for the doctor to stay in. Corso informed Callie Sonny would be bed ridden after the procedure, for as much as three days, while on a special diet with lots of gelatine to recover faster. He would be in pain, and the best thing would be for him to sleep through it.
During those days, Corso was staying with him all the time. Callie noticed how Corso would vigilantly keep watch over Sonny whom slept most the time. The pains he was having, was very bad so Corso, to protect him, had cuffed his hands to the bed to keep him from hurting himself. Corso was suffering every bit as much as him and Callie. All he could do was give Sonny a painkiller that would allow Sonny to sleep deeply most of the time. Callie almost started crying when she saw the pain Sonny was in. He had warned her about this, but this was really too much to take in. Corso looked compassionately at her as he sat next to Sonny, and used a cream to help calm down the inflamed area where the needle had entered Sonny's spinal cord. Callie could see the gentle care Corso had for his friend. Corso had a pained look on his face when he would hear Sonny moan in pain. Corso gently massaged Sonnys back, trying to ease the tension, using different pressure points to alleviate the pain. Sonny moaned of pain when Corso accidentally came too close to the inflamed area. Corso looked pained as he had caused Sonny to feel like this. He gently brought a cooling cream and gently applied it to the inflamed area of his back as carefully as he could. Sonny once again moaned, breaking into sweats. Corso struggled to keep himself from crying. He hated putting him through this. But there was no way around, he needed to bring Sonny to sleep, that would help the most.
"I know Sonny. It will all be over soon." Corso said as he gave Sonny a sleeping agent to help him deal with the now intense pain. As soon as he slept, Corso gently placed a blanket over him.
"If there was another way to do this, I would have taken it. I hate seeing this, hate for him to do this, to keep me alive" He whispered. Callie nodded.
"He really cares deeply for you if he puts himself through this every month" She said. Corso nodded.
"I just wish he didn't have to suffer to keep me alive."
Callie made sure to follow the Doctor's orders for those days but it had been hard to see Sonny in the kind of pain this process was causing him. The doctor had told her to use cooling towels to help Sonny's back recover from the puncture wound the needle left. Corso had also been taking care of Sonny when she needed to rest. Most the time, Sonny slept while he recovered from the extraction. He only woke up for carefully prepared meals and the mandatory examinations that followed doing the proceedure at his home.
The first day had been really hard and Corso had placed his hand on Sonny's back, to block a nerve, while he ate. As Sonny was done eating, Corso asked him if he wanted to go to sleep before he let go of the pressure on the nerve. Sonny nodded, clearly used to what would follow, and also noticing that Callie stood in the doorway, near tears, watching his suffering. The doctor gave him the sleeping agent and as soon as Sonny fell asleep, Corso carefully placed him on his stomach and let the pressure go. This continued until Sonny was better. 4 days in, she found Sonny sitting up in bed, reaching for his clothes. Callie looked at him as he carefully got dressed.
"Are you sure you should get up Sonny?" She asked, worried. Sonny shrugged.
"There's too much to do Callie. This is the normal recupperation time. I am all fine now. I promise" He stated. Callie didn't argue, this was a normal process for Sonny and if his doctor said he'd be able to work again, there was no stopping him from doing so.
As soon as Sonny was able to get out of his apartment, Callie got to see another part of the building they lived in. In the cellar was a small laboratory. It was heavily controlled, and the only reason she was allowed in, was that she accompanied Sonny. The bone marrow that had been extracted from Sonny was taken down to the laboratory to mix the formula Corso used for his eye. Callie was fascinated with the smooth way Sonny worked. There was no sign of what he had just been through. He knew exactly what kind of extracts and liquids to mix. She could see his hands mix things, like it was an automatic reflex in him. She also noticed the pots of rare herbs that he pinched small amounts of, to use in the salve for Corsos eye.
"Where did you get hold of these rare herbs?" She asked. Sonny smiled.
"They've grown in a special greenhouse here, near an underground heat source. A lot of the Pirates' medical supplies are mixed in this lab. Right now I'm the only one using it. Well, me and my bodyguard that is." He said. Callie smiled.
"I like to think I'm a bit more than a bodyguard by now." She said as Sonny smiled.
"Really?I would like to hear more about what you are thinking about the matter" He smiled. Callie blushed.
"Some even think we're a couple rumour mill is going around here. So much for doing that job discreetly." She said. Sonny smiled.
"I've heard that rumour too, and it raises a few new challenges." He said. Callie noticed how Sonny turned away, his back facing her, wich he usually did when he was thinking about something. Callie prepared herself, Sonny would pull the plug on whatever they had, for her safety. He would protect her, by pulling away, to keep her safe from the danger he lived with.
"What are you trying to say Sonny?" She asked. Sonny took a deep breath. Talking about this was hard. He felt nervous, almost afraid.
"Come on Sonny."He told himself. "You've faced far worse. Why is this so scary?" But he knew the answer. This could either make or break his hopes for a better future for himself. This was what made him hold back. Sonny closed his eyes. "Say it, Blackbones and get this over with." He looked at Callie, feeling very shy all of a sudden.
"Let's get things clear; I like you, you like me. I know this may sound foolish, and I understand if you say no…" Sonny stopped there. He was rambling like a teenager. What was wrong with him? Callie seemed to wait for him to clarify things. He tried again "I would love to offer you a normal life but right now that's just not possible but you still mean so much to me." He tried. Callie could see he was struggling to find the words. She took a few steps towards him.
"Sonny, are you trying to ask me something?" She asked as she looked at him. Sonny nodded.
"Yes and I can't seem to find the right words." He admitted. Callie nodded with a smile.
"I can make a guess. Do you want me to?" She asked. Sonny sighed.
"I could do with some help." He admitted. Callie embraced him.
"Are you trying to ask me if I want to be your girlfriend? To take a chance on a future, together with you?" She asked. Sonny nodded.
"That's exactly it." He said. Callie smiled.
"My answer is simple Sonny; yes,I would love to."
The next few weeks, Sonny and Callie focused on getting a routine going, adjusting to being a couple, not just on a professional level. It wasn't normal for Sonny to be in his apartment for this long and Callie was adjusting to doing her job as a news reporter from a different location than her own home. Corso had given her a laptop with a secure connection to the channel and her boss. Aaron agreed with Sonny that Callie would continue the interview and if possible, speak more with the players of The Pirates football team. Sonny agreed, as their coach, to speak more about the seed of Shiloh, and how his players trained to perfect it. Callie had seen the special made holo trainer the Pirates had, where the main team they saw in the cup trained, and then, the original pitch of the Pirates, which was in the secret Shiloh city. Here, young recruits of the reserve team trained but the stadium was also used to keep all Pirates in shape. They had not yet revealed that they were a couple, but that was something Sonny looked for the right moment to do.
Callie was even allowed to film a training session with Corso and Sonny as the instructors inside the stadium. She was glad she was not a Pirate in training, as the sessions were brutal. Corso was not cutting anyone any slack and even Sonny was pretty though on the recruits. A young pirate stumbled and fell behind the other recruits in his run. Sonny helped him up.
"Back to the start and do it again." He said before he looked at Corso. "Set the timer again." He said. Corso nodded and did so. Sonny turned back to the young man.
"You will get through this, Cody. We all fail at times but we don't stay laying down. When that happens, we get back up again until we make it. I will give chase this time. Keep me from taking the lead. Think you can do that?" He asked. Cody nodded.
"I'll do my best, Sir." He stammered. Sonny patted his shoulder with a smile.
"Never liked being called 'Sir'. Just Sonny will do. I'm your ally and I will do my best to get you through this run. I don't want to lose anyone if I can do something to prevent it." He said with a smile. Cody smiled back shyly.
"Okay, Sonny." He said.
"That's the spirit, let's go." Sonny said. Sonny got ready next to Cody.
"Sonny, you will start ten seconds behind the kid, I know how fast you are, let's give him some advantage and a fighting chance." Corso said, making Sonny and Callie both look at him with a smirk. Sonny could not help but tease.
"Who are you, and what happened to Corso?" He chuckled. Callie grinned too. Corso shook his head. This bodyguard thing had given Sonny a new ally to gang up on him with.
"The two of you are teaming up against me. Not fair" He joked. Sonny grinned.
"That's what couples do, dont they?" He said. He wasn't sure how Corso would react but he caught them all by surprise as he smiled warmly and hugged Sonny.
"About damn time." Corso said before he turned to Callie and also embraced her with a warm smile. "Welcome to the family Callie. I'm so glad since you make Sonny so happy. It is just what he needs, even if he doesnt see it himself" Corso said. Callie felt herself tear up.
"Thank you Corso. That means a lot coming from Sonny's closest you for accepting me into the family and as his other half" She said. The other recruits had heard what Sonny announced as well and cheers broke out. Sonny having a girlfriend was cause for a celebration in the pirates camp. Callie was very touched by this welcome, but they still had work to do.
"Let's not forget why we're here." She reminded them. Corso nodded. He looked at Sonny with a smile.
"This calls for a celebration Sonny! If you only knew how long we've wanted this for you. It couldnt happen to a more deservibg person" He said, causing Sonny to tap his shoulder.
"What makes you think I didn't know Corso?" He asked with a small wink to Corso. "After the training is over, we will set up a party. That's been a positive news is always a cause for celebration" he mused,Corso smiled at Callie.
"I'm happy you choose him Callie but be careful. You're gonna have your hands full. Sonny is not always easy to deal with, you will find out soon enough that he is the bossy kind" Corso chuckled. Callie laughed.
"I'll be just fine as long as he knows how to cook." She said. Corso laughed.
"He usually lets the bots do it." He said. Sonny chuckled.
"That's enough of you ratting me out. Let's focus on getting Cody through this."
Sometime later, the Black Manta was on its way back to Genesis Stadium. Sonny suggested an early arrival to have some other matters taken care of. As they were flying, they watched the latest segment of the interview. This segment was aimed at Former General Bleylock and his role in matters. Sonny briefly told of how Bleylock had been searching schools for students that stood out. Back then, Sonny had been very interested in science and was always ahead of his teachers.
Bleylock, with his high status, was welcome to these schools, as he could provide opportunities for the students.
Sonny explained how he himself and other young students with him, jumped at this chance to get ahead in the game. He shared the personal story that he had a huge argument with his father over Technoids offer, but had let ego get the better of him and he had taken Bleylock's offer for a schollarship. When it came to his school results, it had been a boost, but as far as personal life went, it was a trap. General Bleylock had made him his personal protege and made sure he was having funds for research, a laboratory to work in and all he wanted, really. In exchange for small favors, at first. Sonny had recalled how those small things gradually grew bigger. He had felt insecure at first, but buried himself in work to compensate for it. During this time, he had met his wife to be, and social life all of a sudden became important again. General Bleylock let it be, as he understood that he needed some time with friends. Sonny had taken advantage of it, proposed to his wife and got married within months of meeting his wife.
General Bleylock had supported this, thinking it would make him look more responsible and mature, despite his young age.
It was after the honeymoon that things took a turn for the worse. Bleylock had been obsessed with power but didn't know how to obtain it. Not until Duke Maddox constant complaints about the Football Droids not being up to the challenge of galactik football became an issue he could use to persuade two scientists; his protege I'Son Danvers and a new face; Yarritt Labnor, to take on an ambitious project.
He needed them to create an undetectable weapon that would allow him to seize power and rule as the Galactik emperor he saw himself as. Labnor and I'Son had been in the laboratory for months, trying to make something that would improve the Football Droids' performance.
When I'Son, almost by accident, found and created the formula that later became the Metaflux, he followed his instinct to not write it down on paper.
His suspicion had been raised by an unexpected visit by General Bleylock in the lab, the way he talked had made them realise, what they were doing could potensially have another purpose than they were told.
Sonny explained how Labnor almost fell for Bleylocks silver tongue when he had intervined and told General Bleylock they had to finish their tests before they could say with certainty that the results was what he hoped for. It had bought them some time but Bleylock, being suspicious, had rigged their laboratory so that he could keep an eye on them. He and his partner had been unaware of the alarm attached to the Metaflux. It was a weapon that could be used to start another Flux War. No one at the lab wanted to be associated with that, or be blackmailed by Technoid.
Sonny talked about how General Bleylock had deliberately kept Labnor under his control after the meta flux exploded on Akillian, by erasing his memory and giving it back later on, to attempt to gather the meta flux that the snow kids had in them, in a second attempt to rule the galaxy.
Callie was astounded by the sinister plan the Galaxy had been saved from. Sony himself had nearly lost his life in this fight, but had managed to prevent history from repeating itself. As of now, The metaflux was no more. Sonny had seen to that, but did not elaborate on what he had done to dispose of it.
"Do you believe this is the real reason behind why you have a bounty on your head Sonny?" She asked with a slightly concerned expression. Sonny nodded slowly.
"I can't say for certain Calli, but the thought has crossed my mind. Many of my fellow Pirates think the same. We think that Techhoid was able to erase part of many of their scientists' memories before they left the company. The ones that made it out were very few and far between. We've been investigating what happened to them for over two decades now,and it is painful to say it, but a lot of death and tragedy follows Technoid in regards to this matter. General Bleylock was a key player in that sadness, and I suspect, I have not yet seen the end of what he's responsible for. If there's more, it will come to the surface and we will intervene to clean up the mess." He said.
"It sounds almost as if you're cleaning up after General Bleylock Sonny. do you feel like that yourself?" Callie asked. Sonny nodded.
"It's necessary to do this job, to keep the Galaxy safe. That's our main motivation for doing what we do." He said before he went silent for a second. "on a more personal note, much of what General Bleylock is behind, I feel responsible for. Some of the things he used, was based on my research from when I was still with Technoid. I was not informed that my creations were used for this purpose. If I had, I would have made sure to put an end to it then. Since I found out how he abused my creations, I made a personal commitment to be in his way, even after his Death, to prevent his plan of seizing galactik power from ever taking I stand by that commitment to this very day" He said. Callie nodded.
"Did you ever confront him directly about all of this?To my knowledge, and surely the galaxys, General Bleylock was a very influential man, with a lot of power within Technoid. I imagine he would be close to untouchable. But it sounds like you were able to get through to him, at least on some level" She asked. Sonny nodded.
"I did confront him and I made it clear to him that whatever I created in those laboratorys, if they were to be used as weapons of any kind, if they would be used to hurt others, I would be there to stop him. By any means necessary. As for wheter he listened to me, or anyone else, I would not draw any conclusions at this point. Bleylock would never really show emotions, or give any sign he agreed with you or not. Maybe I did impact some of his judgementcalls, we will never know for sure, We can only hope that we have seen the last of his wheeling and dealings." He said. "When I realised what was going to happen, I had to act quick to remove the creation that he was seeking to use for his own power struggle, there was no time to make any back up plans. We had to move and had no time to lose. As of today, the Metaflux is a story I have closed the book on on a personal note, as it no longer exists. That doesn't mean no one else won't have the same ideas that Bleylock had. There are still individuals out there whom will pick up from where he left off. In this matter,We, the pirates, will be the Galaxy's last line of defence. We will do anything possible to avert and stop evil from ruling the Galaxy." Sonny said, invountarily clenching his right fist as he said this. Callie nodded as she noticed his reaction. But was this known by the actual leader of Technoid? She had to ask, as this was of importance for the galaxy to know.
" Sonny, General Bleylock was a prominent member of Technoid. Is the current head of Technoid, Duke Maddox, aware of all this going on?" She asked. Sonny nodded.
"He knows some of it, but not the whole story. There has been times where I wondered if he ignored it because it was convenient for him, but I came to realise the answer was more complicated than even the other Pirates know the whole story of what General Bleylock was up to, or whom the accomplices to his power struggles hide, and they are making the task of finding them difficult. There are loyal Pirates, directly and indirectly affected by his dealings. Some of them, we searched for, for years, withtout a trace, and others, we found in a short time, most often either damaged to a point where they will need lifelong care, or on a graveyard, forgotten by the galaxy.I've come close to getting killed by this General myself. Threats were also made towards my son, wich forced me to make decissions that could have ended my own life too soon, if not for the fact that I got people with me, whom believe in the same values I do, and whom will fight to keep it going till all the answers are forthcoming. I can't and won't let a monster like that walk free." He said.
"Was your son blackmailed by General Bleylock as well?" Callie asked. Sonny nodded.
"Yes he was. I learned of it after the matter was resolved. On hindsight, I saw what it did to him, at the time, he was very young and day, he stared the evil of the galaxy right in the , that is in the past now. General Bleylock is dead and gone. And my son is safe from anything that monster could do to him, that is what counts. He can focus on his passion, wich is football" He said with a small smile.
Once the interview piece was over, Callie sent the segment to her boss. There was no need to edit this piece wich was done on board the Black Manta. Her handsome boyfriend had gotten comfortable in front of the camera, and showed just why he was such a great leader. This segment was an unedited truth the galaxy needed to hear. As it aired, about an hour later, Artie watched the comments.
"This segment drew a lot of positive attention. Sonny was now seen as a hero of the galaxy. People are going wild. No more images of us pirates as the villains. Looks like we're going to be busy with new requests from potensial recruits to join us." He commented. Sonny nodded.
"Just remember Artie, we're on lockdown. No new recruits until the bounty hunter is dealt with. Have our team on Genesis set up a hotline where they can call with their requests for now." He said. Bennett nodded.
"You have a plan to smoke The villains out? Or the man on the top of this mess?" He asked. Corso grinned.
"Since when do we make plans when it comes to the bad apples in the basket? We just need the right bait to get an identity to chase down. " He asked. Callie chuckled.
"It's on now, look at how everything is boiling. I were the villain, I would start to sweat by now" She said. Sonny smiled.
"Seeing the support is nice. Now we only have to find out who we're dealing with inside Technoid. I doubt its just one person. I would not be surprised if we are dealing with a large group. We could use that later on, playing a divide and concuer tactic to get closer" He thought out loud.
"But Sonny, we already know him; Maurice Miller." Artie said. Sonny was not convinced.
"That just sounds too easy Artie. There is someone else involved, someone we're not seeing. Someone is still hiding in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to act" He said. Corso nodded.
"If that is the case Sonny, we better be careful. Especially with a Bounty Hunter on your tail. Its not like the villains has not tried to take you out before, unsuccessfully, might I add" He said. Sonny nodded.
"Which is why we'll operate with two bodyguards Corso. Callie needs some field practice." He said. Corso grinned.
"Also some hand to hand combat training." He added. Callie smirked as she stood up.
"Then why are we wasting time here? Corso, would you like to be my instructor?I promise to play nice" She asked. Corso got up.
"I'll make you work for it. No need to play it nice" He said. Callie laughed and gave Sonny a wink as she got up.
"I think you are in for a few surprises Corso, my idea of nice and yours may be very different" she said. Corso grinned and got up. He was curious as to what Callie had planned. As soon as they left the lounge, Sonny chuckled.
"This will be fun to watch."
It was the night of the baby shower. D'Jok and Mei had decorated a room in their cellar for the party. Since they knew the Pirates would join, they tried to make sure no one could see them. The room was decorated with ribbons and balloons and baby pictures. Mei smiled as the guests started to arrive.
Mei's mother had been busy. and sadly couldn't make it. Neither could her father, who had to be with her mom. Mei wasnt all that upset, she was not at all sure she could trust her mom, if the pirates was to join. And they had received notice, Sonny was going to join them. Along with a bodygiard. Maya, D'Jok's fostermom was the first to arrive, followed by the various players of the Snow Kids. A light knock on the backdoor alerted D'Jok to their next guests.
"Dad!" D'Jok embraced his father as he entered the room, followed by Corso and Callie.
"Wow, Callie Mystic. This is a surprise." Mei said, excited. Sonny grinned.
"Tonight she's not a reporter Mei. She's here as my second bodyguard." He said. Callie smiled and winked at him.
"Why don't you tell them the truth Sonny? They are not stupid" She said. Sonny smiled at her.
"Tell me the truth of what?" D'Jok looked at Sonny for an answer. Callie saw Sonny's gaze call her to his side. Mei smiled. She had seen the subtle signs. It seemed someone was off the market, and planned to tell them good news.
"Should I congratulate you too?" She asked with an innocent smile, looking at her father in law. Sonny nodded with a smile. Mei had figured them out. She was an excellent observer, definately the kind that would make for a future spy for the pirates.
"You can Mei. t's official. Callie and I are an item now." He said. This led to lots of smiles and several snow kids coming forth to congratulate them. Maya, who watched them from the couch, stood up after the fuzz died down some, and approached them.
"Congratulations Sonny and Callie, you make a beautiful couple. I can tell you compliment eachother in more ways than one. It is such a beautful thing, especially for someone that has been hurting as long as Sonny has." She smiled. Then, her eyes locked onto Sonny's. He was her son's father, and you could tell when they stood next to each other. The same facial features, and even jaw line. For years, Maya had held anxiety that one day, Sonny would claim custody of D'Jok, taking him from her. Or that D'Jok would turn pirate, and be on the edge of the law alongside his father, whom she knew he admired enormously. As a wanted pirate, Sonny was not in a good position for making such a claim,and D'Jok had remained with her, with Sonny visiting when he wasnt often Sonny came to Akillian, and never to her met in places where Sonny could easily get away if he needed to. And now, as D'Jok became an adult, Sonny did his best to be there for his son. The two had found ways to work around Sonnys status as a wanted man, and had a good father and son relationship now, especially after D'Jok had moved to Genesis, a place less haunted by bad memories for Sonny, and a place it was easier to hide, so things could develop further. Now, she looked at her fathers son, his hazels clearly searching for an answer to what he seemed to expect she would ask him. She had heard of his uncanny perception before. Now, as she stood before him, and could notice for herself, she felt a bit nervous before such a powerful man as he was.
"Hello, Sonny. I don't know if D'Jok has spoken of me..." She started. Sonny's hazel eyes looked at her. They had a warm glow, It dawned on her why D'Joks mother had once fallen in love with this man. Sonny smiled, as he reached out his hand towards her.
"I've heard about you, Maya. From both D'Jok and Corso. I believe I owe you a thank you for saving my life. If not for your visions back then, I would not have gotten to know my son at all" Sonny said and held out his hand in a friendly gesture. Maya took it, fearing what kind of memories she would gain from Sonny. It surprised her, to see images from when his mother was young, with him in his arms, a proud father to be, images of D'Joks real mother, the fear of the weapon he and his partner had created, the hastily put together plan to rid the galaxy of the danger it posed, the great escape and finally; the moment when it all went wrong, and he could only watch in horror at the powers that were unleashed. Maya held a hand to her head. This had been an intense moment.
"I.. need to sit for a moment." She said. Sonny nodded and gently led her over to the couch, sitting down next to her.
"I hope what you saw wasn't too hard to handle." Sonny asked, compassion and understanding in his hazel eyes. Maya looked at him.
"How… how did you know of my ability to see things?" She asked. Sonny smiled.
"Corso told me after I was rescued. He is not a believer, but I am more open to it. Some may not believe in what you do for a living but life has taught me not to dismiss anything until it can be proven false. I believe you have a special gift. Without your help, I would have drowned in the Genesis reservoirs. Your vision was the key to save my life, and the life of all of the Genesis population at that time. Thank you." Sonny held her hands. Maya could feel more memories. But it felt like a part was left out. Like it was only the good stuff she was allowed to see, there was a darker element, one Sonny suppressed, and successfully. Maya looked at him.
"We need to talk Sonny, in private. I need your help with something, it concerns our son" She said. Sonny nodded as he let go of her hand. "We will talk about this Maya,But not right now. Tonight, we celebrate the arrival of a new life. We will talk when the party dies down some"
The party lasted for hours with everyone having a great time. Since it was held in a cellar, no one suspected they were being watched and they had taken precautions to avoid it. Corso had even installed a system to detect anything that would cause a potential problem for the Pirates. Everyone was relaxed and having fun, as D'Jok started to list his reasons for naming the baby Destiny. Mei gave him an elbow.
"Her granddad is going to name her, remember?The name wont be Destiny. Sonny will make sure of that" She said. Sonny grinned as D'Jok looked at him.
"I'm going to have to persuade you Dad.I really have a good reason for the name" He said. Corso laughed out loud.
"I'll be very impressed if you can pull that off D'Jok. No one's able to do that Sonny, ever. It wont work when he has made up his mind, not even for you" Corso with a raised eyebrow. Sonny looked at his son.
"There better be a really good reason D'Jok. And I am not convinced your reasoning will measure up, so, the answer is no. " He said while taking a sip of water. D'Jok looked at his father.
"Challenge accepted. I will make my best effort to have you change your mind" He said as Sonny crossed his arms.
"This is going to be interesting Son, I am looking forwards to hearing your reasoning for why that name is so important."
Maya had pulled away from the party after a while. She needed to clear her head. Too many energies were draining to her. She had gone out to the back to get some fresh air. The stars on the Genesis skyline didnt seem all that far away, and yet, being in space, made her feel so let out a small scream when she felt a hand on her shoulder. As she turned, she saw Sonny look at her, a little concerned.
"Sonny! You scared me." She said.
"I'm sorry, that wasn't my intention. You wanted to speak to me about something regarding D'Jok? Now looks to be a good moment for that" He said as he looked at her.
"I'm not sure how to start..." She said. Sonny nodded.
"It has to do with D'Jok, right? We both share concern for him. So, start at the top, if there is anything I can do to help, I will look into it" He promised. Maya looked at him.
"Yes. it is about D'Jok, but it is also about you. I often get visions about things that come to pass in our sons life, but for some reason, if anyone of you is in danger, I always think that it's D'Jok thats in danger, while in reality it's you. I've never experienced this before. It is like my wires get crossed with the two of you. I can't tell the two of you apart. It scares me, I am afraid I'll give D'Jok the wrong information. At worst, if I give the wrong information, I worry I could cause my sons death, or even yours, because I got the message wrong" She said. Sonny nodded. Maya was right to be worried. But this sounded like stress and fear got in the way of an otherwise clear vision of what was to come. This could be easily corrected, with just minor adjustments,and a special breathing technique. And he happened to have an idea for how to counter this. Sonny smiled as he gently sat her down on the bench and turned her towards him. She still looked a little frightened. Sonny smiled reasuringly at her.
"Let's sit down and let's think about a possible solution Maya. I think I got an idea your could try, I think you will find it to work"
As the party carried on, a dark figure was sneaking around outside. Kieran stayed in the shadows like he learned from his time as a Pirate. When he saw Sonny with Maya on the outside of the cellar,, he considered taking the chance and seize him right away, but Sonny was not alone. There was always people around him, and Sonny did not leave the group long enough for him to act. Kieran kept watching, studying his mark. Sonny appeared rested. a rarity at best. That wasn't the case when they were both with the Pirates. But Sonny Blackbones was still sharp, even when he was tired. Now that he was rested, he was even more dangerous. His observation skills would improve quite a lot if he had proper rest. Kieran knew he needed more information about his mark. He saw Maya rise as she finished her conversation with Sonny and give him a hug. Sonny placed an arm securely around her as he led her back inside. Just before he went in himself, he stopped and turned to look in his direction. It was as if he sensed his presence, and the danger he was in. And since Keiran knew how Sonny worked, he felt uncomfortable. Kieran stayed in the shadows but that feeling that he had been spotted didn't sit well with him. He knew what Sonny was capable of. If he had sensed that he was here, Sonny would be extremely cautious from this point. He would not leave himself vulnerable to an attack. Kieran remained nearby, trying to figure a way to separate Sonny from the group and give him a chance to get him. He had to make a plan that would lure Sonny out in the open, into his playground and strike then. A few hours later, many of the guests started to leave. That was when he noticed Callie and Mei outside, enjoying a breath of fresh air. Maybe taking Mei would be an angle to work to get Sonny to cooperate without any bloodshed? A surrender would be the easy way. Kieran moved closer to the two women, plotting to grab the pregnant girl, as he overheard their conversation. Mei smiled at Callie.
"I'm so happy for the both of you Callie, you will be absolutely safe now. Sonny's a great man to be around and good looking to boot." She said. Callie laughed.
"Can't argue with that. I am surprised he hasnt been snatched off the market a long time ago. I guess he has to be careful with his status, but still, I find it hard to believe no women would look twice at him." She replied. Mei laughed.
"He's yours now so it doesnt matter. You are so lucky to have him as your man, he is a great compliment to you as you are to him. A very powerful couple I would say" Mei said. Kieran sharpened his ears. Callie Mystic was Sonny Blackbones' girlfriend? When did that happen?But off course. They had been hiding out in Shiloh for months, and he remembered the hidden city. If that was where Sonny had hidden, it was the perfect place to court a woman you saw as a future partner. Kieran had seen the interviews as well as everyone else in the Galaxy. The signs had been there, he supposed. Callie had tried to be professional, but the little signs, her hand compassionately on top of his when he touched on a difficult subject, or an issue that caused his blood to boil with anger.. Keiran knew how Sonny felt about Technoid, it was no secret among the pirates, and Sonny was the most furious of them in all matters related to the company. To see him talk it out on tv, calm and collected, where he usually would be furious, showed that she had an influence on him, a positive influence. All in all, Callie was the kind of woman he would be attracted to, intelligent and able to challenge his perspectives, bringing a positive element to his life, and likely some order to the chaos a pirate life was. Callie was compassionate to the Pirates cause from what he could see. She had to have fallen for him during those recordings made. Maybe even earlier. He had to do research on the news footage, see if he could find out more. Kieran needed to find a way to properly track Sonny. and that looked to become difficult with every passing minute. With two body guards to protect him, it was clear Sonny was on edge, he most certainly knew that he had taken on the contract to bring him in. It was possible he knew his identity both past and present, and that he had been hired to capture him. And if so, Sonny would be very careful, having several back up plans for a possible escape from an encounter.
Kieran had to admit, he had doubts about Maurice Miller's motives. He could understand Technoid having an issue with the Pirates meddling in their affairs but he knew Sonny and what the Pirates stood for. As far as he was concerned, this was a battle between two equals. Kieran knew, that when he took Sonny, he had to find a way to make sure he wouldn't get hurt. He deliberately set his demand high to see if Technoid really wanted him. Kieran didn't trust Technoid but he still needed to make a living as a Bounty Hunter. Sonny... He really didn't want to do this to him but a contract was a contract. He needed to make sure he had all the available information on his mark before he went in. To test the waters, as soon as he saw Mei and Callie return to the house, he left a written message, and an item, with a symbol he knew Sonny would recognize.
Miller looked at his professor companion.
"Is the laboratory on Akillian ready for our guest?" He asked. The professor grinned.
"It is. There is no escape from this room. Have arrangements been made to capture Sonny Blackbones? The prison cell is ready for him" He asked. Miller nodded.
"A Bounty Hunter is on the case. An ex pirate. Claims he knows Blackbones and his ways. He will do the job for ten million Standard Credits." He said. The professor nodded.
"Make sure he's paid in full. Sonny Blackbones is worth far more. Sometimes I wonder if old Maddox realizes that. He was the most skilled scientist that ever walked on our bases. It would be a real bonus if we could manage to persuade him to come back. " He said. Miller nodded.
"Would explain why it looks like he's trying to kill him half of the time. To pay what he is really worth, would cost too much" He said. The professor nodded.
"We both knew Sonny Blackbones under a different name. There is a chance to have him return to that state of mind,but it will take time. To make his prison in Akillian was a good idea. He has been away from his home planet ever since his wife died. The place still haunts him. And aggravates him. It's a fitting place to have him become part of us again. By taking him back to the place it all began, and where he would see it as it ended. Ground zero, to have him reset to our needs" He said. Miller laughed.
"How will you control him? He is a pirate now, and we dont know how he has trained. Blackbones is vastly different from Professor I'Son" He asked. The professor grinned.
"Let me worry about that, Maurice. I have several ways set for him to be re-educated. Not even the pirates have measures to counter our programs" He said. Miller nodded.
"This cell looks like a small apartment. It will give him a sense of freedom, and still, be an unescapable prison" He said. The professor nodded.
"That's because it is. I know a few things about Sonny Blackbones that most dont. He may look fearless and unphased by many things, but he's just human. The only way to bring him back to the company is through controlling his environment. His brain is his biggest asset, not even he will be able to avoid breaking down at some point, and when he does, we will being re training him" He said. Miller looked at him.
"Are you going to drug him for this? We did sign a contract that he will not be hurt." He asked. The professor nodded.
"We will keep that agreement. Sonny will be safe during this process. We will use mild drugs if he resists, but we must make sure the Pirates can't find him." He said. Miller nodded.
"Leave that to me."
Technoid HQ
Duke Maddox looked at the file that had been delivered by a courier from the Pirates. To learn the full horror of Bleylock's betrayal was sickening. When he came to the end of the file, Duke Maddox frowned. Sonny was making a clear reference to the flux wars on Ascaron, especially the incident where an entire unit of the local military had been wiped out as the result of a weapons test. This knowledge should have been buried with the dead soldiers unless one of them had survived. Sonny would not hesitate to share this with the galaxy either, now that he had proof of the wrong doing. Where he got his information was unclear, but that did not make the information was clear that whoever this survivor was, he had contact with the Pirates and Sonny knew this man's story. Duke Maddox knew his family line would be smeared as a result of this information coming out, but it had to happen. The lies and the deceit had been allowed to continue for too long. All it produced was new sharks, one more power-hungry than the next. When he regained control of the family company, things would change. There would be no more lies and they would have to make up for their past crimes. Duke Maddox's gaze fell on the last note Sonny had attached. When the time comes, use the money for my bounty for something good.
Many people suffered under Technoid rule back then. Use my Bounty to help them.
Duke Maddox stared at it. Sonny cared so much about the plight of others. He thought about the young scientist I'Son and what he had gone through. How did he stay so kind after all that happened to him? Duke Maddox made a decision; he was going to contribute to that needed change in a bigger way than Sonny could imagine.
"I can not undo the past but I can contribute to a new beginning."
The Pirates were getting ready to leave the party. Sonny had shown D'Jok and Mei how the gift from himself and Callie worked. D'Jok could not resist teasing.
"She will have to get used to being watched over, having a Pirate as a grandpa. But she has the advantage of having it early on. I was a teen when I had to learn to accept the protection" He laughed. Sonny looked at him.
"I have a feeling she will be a lot easier to deal with than you. You may be 24 now son, but I am not entirely sure you are still not acting like a teen" He said. Mei laughed.
"Harsh. Sonny has your back to the wall on this one D'Jok" She said. D'Jok pretended to be hurt. "Acting is not your thing D'Jok, you stick to football, that is somewhere you really get to show of your talent." she laughed.
Corso approached them with a serious look on his face. He had been outside for some air, and come across something that worried him.
"Sonny, you may want to see this." He said and handed Sonny a dagger with the Pirates emblem and a note. Sonny frowned.
"Where did you find this?" He asked. Corso looked tense.
"The bench where you spoke to seems Sonny, Kieran knows you're here and wants you to know." Corso said. Sonny looked at the dagger. He knew what it meant for him personally, but he didn't tell. The note was written in Ancient Shiloh. Sonny quickly ready through it. Then, he crunched the paper, clearly angry at what he had read. Corso looked like he awaited Sonnys next order.
"Did you read the note Corso?" Sonny asked his second in command. Corso nodded.
"This is dangerous Sonny, let's get you to the ship, where you're safe. I dont want a confrontation now, with his skills, he could end up getting his mark once again, and I am not about to let that happen without a fight" He said. Callie noticed how tense Sonny got when he read the note. Sonny rose from the couch, note still crunched up in his hand and walked to the fireplace, back turned on all of them. He was thinking and exceptionally fast from the look of things. Then he turned towards them, a determined look on his face.
"Corso, contact Team three and four. Get them over here. We need to make a plan of attack. D'Jok, Mei, pack what you need for a few months. You're coming with us back to Shiloh." Sonny ordered. Then, he turned towards his beloved. "Callie, you need a new communicator with tracking features. Keiran will have back up plans, if he cant get to me directly, he will strike at those close to me. I am not about to let you act as bait for him, that is too dangerous" Sonny said. Corso nodded as he heard what Sonny said. He stepped forward and placed a hand on Sonny's shoulder.
"We'll do anything to keep you safe Sonny. Kieran is not playing around. We will find and deal with the threat he poses to you" He said. Sonny nodded. There was a sound outside the cellar, and Sonny looked up, and saw part of a face. He froze. He had not forgotten the face of the bounty hunter that used to be a pirate.
" There is Kieran! Corso, D'Jok, we have to stop him! Follow me!" Sonny yelled as he stormed towards the back door, D'Jok and Corso in tow. Outside they saw a boot print on the ground.
"He can't be far." Corso said as he checked the print. D'Jok looked around.
"Where is he now?" He asked.
"Close, we have to spread out. He is playing hide and seek, but not for long" Sonny said, looking around.
"Out of the question Sonny. You're not heading off alone." Corso said as he got up and looked at him. Sonny shook his head.
"If we're able to remove the threat Corso, we can lower our shoulders and foucs back on our 'll also learn more about the ones really running Technoid that way." He said.
"Quite right, Blackbones! But that is information you have to pay a price to get" A voice called from the darkness. Sonny and Corso put their backs against each other, looking out for him.
"Just try and find me. I am closer than you think" The voice said. The other teams and Bennett and Artie had arrived too, looking to find the taunting voice that seemed to hide.
"You're outnumbered, Kieran. Why don't you come talk to me face to face? This thing could be solved without bloodshed" Sonny tried. Kieran stepped out of an alleyway. Sonny gave a sign to seize him.
"It's a hologram." Corso growled as two pirates launched at him and fell to the ground. Sonny gritted his teeth as he signaled for his teams to spread out.
"We will find you, Kieran. This isnt over yet." He warned.
"I doubt you will succeed. Catch me if you can Blackbones, if you are not afraid that is" He replied. Corso and Sonny went together to search for him. Sonny signaled to Corso to follow him into a dark alleyway where he suspected Kieran would be hiding. They ran side by side, Corso would not leave Sonny's side for a minute with this threat. They both saw a shadow, trying to hide. Corso was gritting his teeth, maybe now they could get rid of this Bounty Hunter and the threat he posed to Sonny. He threw himself towards the former Pirate.
"Got you!" He yelled, only to fall through another hologram. He turned around, pissed off, when he saw a shadow come up behind Sonny whom had walked closer to a shadowy area to check it closer. "Sonny, watch out!"Corso yelled, seeing the shadow of said bounty hunter rise behind an unsuspecting Sonny. But it was too late. Kieran moved quickly and placed an arm around Sonny's throat before Sonny could duck. Sonny started to fight to loosen his grip around his throat, but to no avail. Keiran secured the grip he had on Sonny, manouvering him in front of him, as a human shield.
"Calm down Sonny, I don't want to hurt you. You are worth far more unharmed" Kieran said, grabbing Sonny's windpipe, to render him unconscious. Sonny continued to try to break free, gasping for air. Corso aimed his cybernetic eye at Kieran.
"Let him go or I will fry you. We never did anything to you." He harshly said. Sonny made an attempt to break free again, using his incredible strenght, but Kieran was one step ahead; he reached for his stunner. Corso could see Keiran take aim, as he held it to Sonnys neck. Sonny felt a sharp pain in the back of the neck as Kieran tased him. Seconds later, He fell limp in the bounty hunters grasp, Keiran now let go of Sonnys windpipe. One down, one to go.
"Sonny!" Corso called as he saw how Sonny grew limp in Keirans grip. Kieran secured his grip on Sonny's now unconscious body, positioning him so that Corso could not hit him without hitting Sonny.
"Step back if you want Sonny to stay safe Corso. I dont plan to hurt him. He is far too valuable to be killed" Kieran said Corso held his hand on his cybernetic eye, trying to find an angle to shoot. This gave Kieran time to throw a smoke grenade at him. Corso coughed, trying to see where Keiran and Sonny were when a hard blow hit his head and he sunk to the ground, unconscious.
"Good night, Corso. Say goodbye to your friend. I have done my best to assure Sonny will stay safe." Keiran said as he walked over to a flying pod and placed Sonny on the passenger side. After tying Sonnys hands on his back, Keiran proceeded to placing a seatbelt securely around the Pirate chief, before he sat down in the driver seat, then, he took off into the night.
The Pirate teams had searched for hours without results. Even worse, Corso and Sonny had both vanished.
"This guy is like a ghost." Kate said.
"Any word from Corso and Sonny? Maybe they found him?" Callie asked. D'Jok shook his head.
"I'll try to call him." D'Jok said as he called Sonny's number but there was no answer. "I don't like this." He said. The teams looked up when they heard something fall outside.
"What was that?" Mei asked, scared. Callie went to look. Outside the cellar door, she was met with a grim sight, Corso had collapsed close to the back door, bleeding from a severe head wound. And there was no sign of Sonny, this could not be good.
"Corso!" Callie called out, carrying him indoors. Corso was barely conscious.
"Sonny… He… He got him. We got to find them..and free Sonny.." He managed. Callie felt herself freeze at what Corso said.
"Corso, what happened?" She asked. Corso was placed on the couch by Mei. He gazed at the ceiling, eye empty.
"We were ambushed. Kieran... he attacked Sonny from behind, he was using him as a human shield. I couldn't stop him…" Corso looked defeated.
"I have to save him. We cant let Technoid have him." He said as he tried to get up. Bennett kept pushing him down gently.
"Team four is back Corso, they saw a small flying pod take off." He said. Corso slumped at the sound of that.
"Bennett, start tracking Sonny's transmitter. Imideately" He said. Callie felt her heart sink.
"What happened?" She asked. Corso looked at her, his gaze dulled by insecurity.
"I-I failed... They got him. We have to track them, and save him." he managed. An eerie silence hung in the room. Corso was receiving medical attention from Bennett. Artie was the one that broke the silence.
"So what do we do now? We cant just let them Take Sonny and imprison him" He asked as all eyes were on their second in command. Corso managed to sit up, a bandage covering his forehead.
"We have to gather all available intel on the Bounty Hunter. Try to find out where he went, and if he still has Sonny. If so, we can't do anything. We're not going to put Sonny at risk."Corso pulled up his sleeve and checked his transmitter. He punched in a code and brought up a hologram of some statistics. "This allows us to track Sonny's vital signs." Corso studied it for a few minutes."He's calm for now, so he may be asleep or unconscious. All the other vitals show no harm for now. For his own sake, I hope Keiran keeps it that way." Corso said. The other pirates nodded. Corso carefully rose. He looked at Callie first.
"Let's get to work. Sonny will be free before you know it. You all know the drill, so get going!" He said, D'Jok watched the Pirates salute him.
"I want to help, too Corso. He's my dad, I was the one that asked him to be here." He said. Corso looked at D'Jok.
"I'm to blame for this, D'Jok. I should have posted guards outside, I should have stopped him from storming after Kieran. I should have protected him, thats my job" He started. Callie shook her head.
"Don't be so hard on yourself Corso. We're all to blame here. Let's just focus on getting him back safely." She said. Corso smiled for a second.
"We'll find him and free him. No matter what, whoever has him, is asking for trouble" He said.
As Corso gathered the Pirates to hand out the missions, Mei and Callie stepped outside. Callie held the dagger Corso had found on the bench in her hand.
The dagger was beautiful, but something told her there was more to it. She recalled how Sonny looked at it. He had recognized it but seemed confused. Callie felt a few tears roll down her cheeks. Mei pulled her into a hug.
"Sonny will be fine. His captors don't have a clue just how resourceful he is. They wont hurt him, for their sake, I hope they treat him well, or Corso may tear tjhem apart" She said. Callie nodded silently as she looked at the sky.
"Wherever you are Sonny,I love you. We will find you and we will get you home. That's a promise."
It had to happen. Why have a Bounty Hunter if he doesn't hun? This will be a new situation for the will learn more about Sonny's point of view in the next chapter and a bit more about the Bounty Hunter. The Pirates have gotten very close to Technoid and now they have to be outsmart Sonny's captors. Can they do it,or will Sonny find a way on his own? Find out in the next chapters.
Thank you to Paranoidgirl, for the beta reading, and helpful advice.
Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Please leave a review if you did.