The Tenth Street Reds
Omega. 2183, August 13th 11:47 AM
Beep beep beep.
Beeping? Who the fuck is calling me? I slowly open my eyes, glaring at the stupid face of Nulan displayed on my omni-tool. It feels so fucking early. I'm going to kill him for this.
I answer the call and close my eyes again. "What do you want?"
"Why are you so cranky?" Nulan asks. I can practically hear the smug look on his face. "Was poor Vexy sleeping? It's almost noon." Yep, I'm going to kill him.
"Not that it's any of your business," I mutter, finally sitting up with a stretch. "But I was up late on a job, it took me days to find this guy."
He hums thoughtfully. "So I guess you haven't heard then?"
"Fine, I'll bite." I roll my eyes. "What haven't I heard?" This better be worth waking me up.
"I don't know how to say this, Vex." He clears his throat and I suddenly feel uneasy. "Riley Shepard died."
"No way." No fucking way. She's not dead, it has to be a joke, or maybe she's undercover. The Alliance probably does that, right? I throw off my blankets and sit on the edge of the bed, trying to process the information. "Are you sure?"
"I double-checked all my sources, it's legit," he confirms. There's a heavy silence before he adds, "I'm sorry, Vex. I know she was important to you."
Important? Riley was more than just important; she was the reason I'm here. Even though I haven't thought about her much lately, hearing this still hits hard. It's strange to think she's gone.
"Nulan?" I need a distraction. "How about we grab some drinks? Even if it's early."
"Sure thing, Vex," he replies, trying to sound upbeat. "Whatever you need."
"Cool." I sigh, standing up. "I'll get ready and head over."
He nods. "Okay, call if you need anything before then."
He ends the call, leaving me in silence. I glance across the room at the closed window wall, blocking out the artificial sunlight. It feels appropriate at the moment.
Would she be proud of me? I've got credits, a nice apartment, top-notch gear. But it all feels hollow somehow. If I'm being honest, she wouldn't approve of my line of work. She always tried to be a goody two shoes.
Shaking my head, I grab some fresh clothes. This line of thinking isn't going to get me any closer to being drunk. I just want to forget everything for a little while. Forget about Riley, the stupid gang, Jay. All of it.
Earth, 2170, August 24th 7:13 PM
There was a boring cartoon on the TV. I barely paid attention to it as I slung myself over the couch, absently staring at the screen. I could see Jay, my brother, in my peripheral vision. He was in the kitchen, his black hair was sticking out from under his hood, and jeans cuffed over the top of his boots. He probably thought he looked cool in them.
He was visible from the living room through a square archway. The fridge was open, the door against his side as he dug through it. He didn't even acknowledge I was there until he slammed the door and turned towards me with a can of soda in his hand.
"Where's the folks?" he asked, stepping closer and leaning against the archway.
I glanced his way, the words slipping out almost automatically. "It's Friday night." A simple explanation to him. Our parents always tried to go out on Fridays. Their way of escaping, I suppose.
"Right." Jay nodded before checking the time. "I'm heading out then."
"You're supposed to be watching me," I reminded him. Not that it mattered, he would always leave me. Trouble seemed to find him effortlessly, and our parents would always bail him out, no matter what he did. Maybe they should have done more.
"You'll be fine." He breezed past me and messed up my hair on his way out. With a quick flash of a smile, he was gone, the door clicking shut behind him.
I shut off the TV and peered through the slightly opened blinds. Jay walked towards a group of people who were dressed similarly to him. Two guys, one with black hair, another with brown, and a girl with red hair. I didn't recognise any of them.
I watched them go down the street and knew I couldn't let him get himself into trouble again. I knew I had to follow them. I didn't know who they were or what they wanted with him, but they seemed like bad news. Maybe things would have been different if I stayed back or even told our parents.
Earth, 2170, August 24th 7:32 PM
I followed them to an abandoned shed, it was old, but huge, and very, very, shitty. Crappy neighbourhood, with rusted walls, broken windows, and an old chain fence surrounding it. To top it off, forgotten trash littered all over the property. I always thought it used to be an auto shop or even a factory of some sort. I never actually found out what it used to be.
I watched Jay and the others enter through an ancient-looking side door. From what I could see, there was only one way in besides a window that was left slightly open, or maybe it was stuck like that, either way, it was too high up for a kid.
I managed to find some old crates to help me reach it, I didn't anticipate the loud screech as I dragged them over though. I froze immediately, my heart was pounding so loud I almost missed it when a voice called out for me to stop.
I saw a guy running towards me and I turned to run, only to bump into the red-headed girl from earlier. I had no idea how she managed to get to me so quickly and without even making a sound. I remember my ass aching as I fell down, followed by a flash of amusement on her face before she quickly helped me up and held me by the collar.
"Chill out," she demanded, her tone surprisingly gentle as she pulled down my hood. "It's just a kid."
Moments later, the man reached us, suggesting they bring me inside to speak with someone named Finch. The girl didn't protest and started pulling me towards the shed, the man following closely.
"What are you going to do to me?" I asked, struggling against her grip, but she was too strong.
"We're not going to do anything to you," she assured me with such surprising kindness that I wanted to believe her, but it wasn't that simple when she was literally hauling me off towards whoever Finch was.
The inside of the shed was slightly less gross than the outside. However, it was dirty and reeked of alcohol among other things. Makeshift seating was scattered about and near the back was a blocked-off area, using some not-so-clean sheets.
I saw Jay standing near the back by some kegs and tables filled with food. He was talking to some guy with greasy black hair and the beginnings of some stubble. He was slightly taller than Jay, probably older.
"Jay!" I shouted, hoping he would hear me over the room filled with talking and loud music. Lucky for me, he did and quickly made his way over to me.
"Hey, let her go!" he yelled, and that's all it took for the girl to oblige. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah." I nodded. Despite being scared, I was okay. It wasn't like anyone had actually hurt me.
"And who is this?" The greasy-haired guy questioned as he slithered up beside us.
Jay pulled me close beside him. "She's my sister, leave her alone Finch."
"That's no fun." Finch glowered, shoving Jay a little.
"Knock it off, Finch," the red-headed girl added, pushing Finch back slightly.
"Chill out." Finch holds his hands up. "I was only having some fun." He broke eye contact with the girl to look at Jay, pointing at me. "What's she doing here?"
"I don't know." Jay shrugged. "She must have followed us."
I could feel a fire inside me, I wanted to stand up for Jay. I pushed away from him and stood up straight. "I came to keep Jay out of trouble."
Finch regarded me with an amused smirk. "Cute, but he's fine, he doesn't need you to look out for him."
Jay sighed. "Lay off, man."
"Yeah, whatever." Finch relented. "She may as well hang out, go nuts." He gestured around before skulking off to the back of the shed.
"I can show her around," the red-headed girl suggested, putting a hand on my shoulder.
"Sure, just stay out of trouble," Jay agreed before he patted me on the back and headed off into the crowd.
The girl turned to me after watching him go. Her green eyes were kind, watching me with a gentle gaze. Her red hair was cut shoulder length, her nose and cheeks littered with freckles.
I thought I should say something, but she beat me to it. "So, how old are you?" she asked with a smile.
My natural instinct was to lie, tell her I was older to seem cool or something, but instead I just awkwardly muttered, "Eleven."
She seemed unsurprised. "That's pretty young to be in a place like this."
"I had to come, he's my brother." It was the only explanation I could come up with.
"It's a brave thing to do." She smiled again. "So what's your name?"
Her smile was infectious, so I couldn't help but smile back. "It's Vex."
She straightened up and held out a hand for me to shake. "Nice to meet you, Vex. I'm Riley."
Earth, 2172, March 7th 7:53 PM
"All you have to do is get the money," Jay argued as Riley adjusted her mask.
Both of them were standing in the alleyway with me, at each other's throats like usual. Riley was always apprehensive about jobs, and Jay would always get annoyed by it. I understood Riley's reluctance; she wanted to keep her record clean, but the need for money pushed her into it.
"I know what I have to do. I just think there's a smarter way to do this," she sighed, fingers pinching the bridge of her nose.
"We don't have time to overthink this, Riley." Jay peered out from the alley's edge towards the store down the street. "We don't know how long he'll be alone in there."
"Fine, fine." Riley relented, straightening up and joining Jay. "You ready to go, Vex?"
"Of course," I replied calmly, ready to do my part.
"Be careful," Jay warned as I walked past him.
"She'll be fine." Riley rolled her eyes before giving me an encouraging smile.
I nodded, receiving a thumbs up from Riley and a scowl from Jay, and made my way to the front door of the store. We picked the place because it had minimal technology and an old-timey bell on the door. It was your average small-time store, a real mum-and-pop place.
There was no one inside besides the shopkeeper, an older man with salt and pepper hair and a full beard. He didn't seem like something we couldn't handle. I waved at him to seem polite, as the old bell jingled.
I started browsing the aisles, pretending to be a regular customer. After a few minutes, I purposely tripped and made as much noise as possible as I dragged down some items from the shelves. Instantly the crocodile tears began in an attempt to get the shopkeeper to help me. And he did.
He rushed over to help, leaving the counter unattended. He was kind and tried to comfort me and tend to my injuries. A moment later, the bell chimed again, indicating that it was show time.
As planned, Jay came into view between the aisles, gun raised and a mask covering his face. It didn't take the shopkeeper long to realise and turn around slowly to see him, leaving me forgotten on the ground.
"Scram kid," Jay barked, completely in character. I got up immediately and bolted for the door. I could see Riley behind the counter on my way out, shoving the money from the register into a bag. She seemed to be on autopilot mode, it was just something she did, emotionally distancing herself while on jobs.
Outside, I sprinted down the street, heading for the drop-off alleyway. A gunshot rang out, followed by the distant sound of howling dogs. Panic surged through me; the plan was never to fire the gun.
I waited in silence for what felt like forever but was probably less than a minute until the sounds of rushing footsteps were heard coming in my direction. Riley flew by the alleyway, throwing the bag of money by my feet. I could hear the shopkeeper yelling for her to stop.
I grabbed the money and ran, just like we planned. I couldn't risk the shopkeeper looking down the alleyway for what she threw. There was just one thought going through my head, get back to the shed.
Earth, 2172, March 7th 8:22 PM
I didn't see Jay or Riley on the way back, so I decided to go in without them. The place fell silent as I entered, all eyes on me. Riley was talking to Finch, but there was no sign of Jay.
Finch approached me shortly after and grabbed the bag off me. "Hey kid, Riley wants to talk to you." His tone seemed off, he was usually so cocky.
"What about?" I asked, confused.
He just shrugged. "Go ask her." And then he turned around and took the money to the back.
Riley came up behind me and put a hand on my shoulder. "Come on, we need to talk."
She didn't wait for a reply, just walked off towards the exit. I followed her and we settled on a few crates at the edge of the lot. She stared intently at her hands, lost in thought.
"Did I mess up?" I blurted out, feeling a wave of uncertainty wash over me.
"No, it wasn't you," she reassured me, her voice soft but troubled.
Confused, I pressed for answers. "Then what?"
She shook her head and took a deep breath. "Do you ever think you could be more than this gang?" Her question caught me off guard, she was acting weird.
"I don't know." I shrugged. "I don't think about it."
"I'll be eighteen next month," Riley continued, a faint smile appearing on her face. "I'm going to enlist in the Alliance Military, I'm finally getting out of here." If there was one thing Riley was always sure of, it was that she would join the Alliance and finally get out. I don't know much about her home life, but she would tell me about how she literally dreamt of it and that she would pass by one of the recruitment buildings almost every day. It meant everything to her.
I figured that's why the mood in the shed was so sullen. She was leaving us. I wondered what Jay thought about it and if he was okay. Despite all the fighting, I knew she was one of his best friends.
"That's great, Riles." I offered a supportive smile, squeezing her hand. "How did Jay take the news?"
Riley's tears betrayed her composure as she looked down at our hands. "You shouldn't stay with the Reds."
"What?" I quickly took my hand back. I thought she was insane, they've done nothing but help us.
Riley made eye contact with me, making sure I understood. "Jay wouldn't have wanted you to stay."
"Wouldn't have?" The pieces started to fall into place. The gunshot, Jay's absence, Riley's demeanour. Dread washed over me. "N-no."
"I'm sorry." Riley reached out to wrap her arms around me, to comfort me. I wanted none of it.
"You're wrong!" I shouted, pushing her away from me. I needed to clear my head, to get away. So I ran, just to get anywhere that wasn't there. I wanted to believe she was wrong, that they were all wrong, that my brother wasn't dead.
But he was.
Earth, 2172, March 12th 10:21 AM
A few hours after the funeral, I returned to the gravesite. I wanted to talk to Jay on my own. I read the inscription over and over again. 'Always loved and forever missed - Jaylen Ward.' It was my parents' idea, but it was fitting nonetheless.
I couldn't shake the lingering question of whether my parents blamed me for Jay's death. They blamed the Reds, that much was clear. They weren't even invited to the funeral, but they came afterwards to pay their respects, including Riley.
She eventually told me what happened that night. The shopkeeper fought back and overpowered Jay. It was an accident, but he still got shot. I don't think I blame the shopkeeper anymore, it wasn't his fault. I blame the Reds, I blame Jay.
Riley had been right all along. Jay wouldn't have wanted me to stay with them. So, I took Riley's advice and left. Finch wasn't too happy about it, but he respected my choice since I was still young. And given the circumstances, I don't think he would have appreciated the reminder, Jay was his friend too.
I still can't believe his final words to me were 'scram kid.'
Omega, 2183, August 13th 12:03 PM
As I turn off the shower, the sound of the water dripping slowly fades into the background. I can't get my mind off of Riley. I just can't believe she's dead. If it weren't for her I could still be back on Earth, caught up in that stupid gang doing stupid things. She saved me and taught me that I'd be better off without them, not that she'd appreciate my current lifestyle any better.
I briskly dry myself and get dressed, the weight of grief settling heavily over me. As I make my way to the front door, I can already feel the ache of missing Jay and now, Riley, too.
Nulan better have some strong stuff, I'm going to need it. With a heavy sigh, I open the door, bracing myself for what's to come.
Author Notes
I'll try to not write any notes at the start of a chapter unless it's a warning.
Thank you for reading chapter 2.