Cutlass Sharpened (19 page)

“
Word for word correct.”
Renee smiled, satisfied. “I’ll take a sample of your blood and let
the analyzer run to determine what you can legally ingest.” She
grabbed her gun and painlessly got the sample and got it started as
they headed for the door.

Empty halls greeted the three all the way to
the nearest elevator. Renee watched Oliver closely and noticed he
was still uncomfortable walking around and said “Do you want me to
increase gravity around us?”

“
You can do that?” He asked
in surprise.

“
Of course. I can patch into
the gravity modules grown throughout my ship in a range of fifty
meters. I can crank the gravity up if you stay in range of me.” She
focused and her chip linked to the sensors under her feet and
Oliver paused when he felt he change. “This is Earth’s gravity.”
Clothes and body grew heavier inside the elevator as it ascended
towards the mess deck. “This is two gees, three and four… and a
half. This is as much as I can withstand easily. I can do six, but
not easily.”

Oliver closed his eyes and
lifted his arms and legs as a test. “This is
nice
. I’m liking this
gravity.”

‘
Ding!’ the wooden elevator
chimed. Renee smiled as he walked out right after her and
immediately looked much more comfortable in his own skin. His gait
was more crisp and lithe. It didn’t mean he wasn’t awkward. He had
a lot to catch up on to become comfortable. “I’ll keep a three
meter gravitational bubble between the two of us so you stop
looking like a stick was shoved up your ass.”

“
Thank you for this, Renee.”
He matched her step with Sparky silently watching and following
behind.

“
No problem, but if anyone
comes too near us I’ll need to turn it down. Half the ship was
space born and some never set foot on anything heavier than moons.
I’m just glad Papa sent me to grow up on Drakken Prime, Sparky’s
home world. Their gravity is like we’re experiencing.”

“
So did you adapt or get
genetic splicing for denser bones?” He asked out of innocent
curiosity.

“
Adapted all the way.” They
entered the mess hall since the Dorgenox’s elevators move in a
three dimensional network of tubes since the elevators were
spherical yet square inside. Using vacuum pressure, elevators take
an individual to all nearest places on the ship. Up, down, left,
right forward and back. Three dimensions for swift access in a
short amount of time. “All I’ve done were my ears, but that was for
Phantom training. I don’t like doing things the easy way. It’s too
bad Papa won’t crank the gravity up any higher. But it is just
right for people with average psionics. Making objects lighter does
help with levitation I suppose.

The mess was lively at eight in the morning.
Wooden tables surrounded by barstools dotted the entire spacious
floor. Directly in the middle was a small island building
surrounded by a bar table where people can go order a meal. A
holographic display showed what choices were available for the
moment. All selections were hearty breakfast items. Off in the
direction of the bow was a stage up against a wall where
entertainment would raise some noise. Currently a realistic morning
news announcement was taking place. Oliver only knew the
anchorwomen were not truly there due to multiple lights on the
stage currently active. More than two dozen adults were eating and
listening in. The mess had two dozen elevator entrances and the
three of them merely exited one.

Renee’s blazing red hair did not go
unnoticed, though some people had odd colors of green and blue
highlights. Hers was naturally that color and it tended to draw the
eye like a flame. Then many did a double take as they noticed
Oliver walking at her side and whispers ensued. Seeing a Drake
wasn’t uncommon as two lived aboard. Sparky and his mate were
always around.

Seeing a girl of about ten years running over
Renee said “Oliver, I’m turning down the gravity. I’ll turn it back
when we take a seat.”

Forewarning was much appreciated and he felt
himself get tremendously lighter.

The girl screamed “SPARKY!” Sparky’s eyes
glinted as soon as he saw the child. Oliver gasped in horror as
Sparky’s deadly maw opened wide and consumed the girl from head to
groin, leaving out a pair of scrawny legs. The green Drake then
lifted the child up off the ground, turned his neck and dropped her
down at the base of his neck to deposit her. He then nudged her
with his snout and elicited a gleeful giggle.

Renee busted out laughing at Oliver’s
reaction. “Relax. That’s just Chloe. Sparky loves children and they
love getting rides and flying around. He will only let one adult
ride him. Me. Kids on the other hand…” To prove her point four
magnificent wings lifted off the body and began to blur to make the
air him as Sparky took off to do a few laps around the spacious
mess hall. “Come on. You might not be hungry, but I am. I missed
dinner last night.”

Together they made way up to the central
cookhouse and Renee placed her order first. Oliver though was
struck by the many pleasant scents of spices. He asked “Renee, is
there a way I can try all these drinks? I want to see what they are
like. I’m not hungry, but I thirst.”

“
Sure. Food and drinks are
free. When we need to resupply whatever goods we sell is first used
to get provisions. Whatever remains is paid to the person. Don’t
worry about making credits yet. You probably won’t need any, being
a Hunter and all. I would suggest you order small drinks from the
kid selection. I’ll get two coffees and a few hot teas.” She tapped
on her order a few more times before sending it.

Oliver looked over the menu after turning the
screen to the children side and touched orange juice, grape, fruit
punch, milk, chocolate milk and a few more till every drink was
selected and punched the blue enter key and finalized the order.
The wait wasn’t long as two people came out carrying trays. One had
Renee’s order of a six egg omelet stuffed with three types of
cheese, bacon, mushroom, sausage, tomato and potently strong onions
that irritated the eyes even after being cooked. Beside it was
homemade hash browns with a thick slice of toast slathered with
cinnamon butter. All heavily spiced. Beside her dish was six
steaming drinks, two black coffees and four assorted hot teas. The
other server carried more than a dozen kid drinks covered in a lid
with a straw stinking out like quills.

Renee beamed. “Thanks for my colon clogger,
Vic.”

The server shook his head. “Will you ever
call it something different? To name such fine craftsmanship
something so vulgar is shameful. It wounds me.”

“
I could go back to its old
name.” She said as he sat it down.

“
You do and I’ll spit in
your food.” He winked and looked to her right.

“
Did you order all these
drinks?” The other person asked, sitting them down.

“
I did. I want to try
everything. I do not know what I like.”

“
Oh. Then why not eat an
assortment as well. I’ll whip something right up.” Jim went to turn
around.

Renee stopped him. “Don’t bother. He isn’t
hungry, but he also can’t eat any solid foods without it being from
an animal. Eggs, bread, cheese… it’ll make him violently ill. He
can’t process it.”

“
A strict Hunter’s diet
then?” Jim asked and got a nod. “Alright, I’ll keep it in mind.
How’s my baby doing?”

“
Mother and child are doing
well. Talk to you later.” She lifted her tray. “Come on, Oliver.”
He did the same. Renee chose a secluded area of the hall, returning
gravity to their likings.

They sat and Oliver grabbed a cup to put his
lips over the straw and sucked. He was assaulted by a strange
flavor. It wasn’t bad and he handed it to Renee asking “What is
this?”

She swallowed a bite of her omelet and took a
swig, not afraid of sharing a straw like some germophobia
challenged idiot. She had an immune system for a reason and if she
did get deathly sick she could synthesize a cure in under three
minutes. “Lemonade.”

He tried another. “And this?”

“
Grape juice.”

She explained each flavor and he found he
didn’t like bland milk, but chocolate was his favorite. When he
graduated to more adult drinks she started him with chamomile tea,
mint and two others. He liked hot drinks too… until coffee. He said
“I like the smell.” but as soon as taking a small sip he grimaced.
“That’s nastier than I imagined.” Renee bit back a laugh but taught
him how to use sugar and creamer. He still found it disgusting, but
improved.

After associating the names with flavor and
aroma Oliver let her eat. He kept alternating flavors, committing
them to what he learned to gain deeper understanding. As he did so
he asked “Renee, what is it like being a class twelve?”

She shrugged, took a sip, swallowed and
belched. “Has its ups and a few downs. I’m the second strongest on
the ship. Papa is stronger than me.”

“
Two class twelve’s on one
ship? I thought your class is less than five percent of the entire
human population.”

“
Correct. We’re the biggest
badasses around. I’m just not cut out for imperial defense. Being a
pirate is more my thing.”

“
What kind of pirate?” he
went completely still.

“
Just relax, Dumbass. We’re
treasure seekers, not pillagers, grave robbers or marauders. We’re
recognized by the empire. They stay the fuck out of Papa’s business
and let us do what we want in exchange for any rare finds. Besides,
Papa is the pirate king of Andromeda. If they cross the line and
become true pirates, Papa will destroy them. You think Jessica and
Stephanie would associate with a crew of bloodthirsty
pirates?”

“
I do not know their story
so I cannot say.”

“
Then do you think I could
be part of it.” He gave her a deep look and she cackled “I guess I
kind of give off that vibe. Let me put it this way, no registered
medic would join an illegal pirate ship willingly. We can choose to
let someone die who deserves it. My oaths to preserve life do not
include cold blooded murderers. I’d send them out an airlock and
not think twice if I didn’t plan to kill them myself.” She said in
complete seriousness.

He had to force himself from
continuing or risk doing what Stephanie said not to do.
I really wish to hear her story, but Stephanie
said she’ll tell me when she’s ready. Don’t push when things are
more relaxed.

“
And don’t worry. Your mere
existence is safe with us. We may be pirates, but your value will
alert the wrong ears and your life will be ruined. Papa protects
his men.”

“
So I’m part of the
crew?”

“
Far as I know.” She took
another large bite. Oliver liked seeing a woman eating plenty, not
like the little the other women had on their plates. “We found you,
but aren’t a prisoner. If you decide to leave, you won’t be
stopped, but you’ll lose Papa’s protection.”

“
What have we here?” came a
deep, recognizable voice.

“
Hello, Deegen.” Renee waved
her fork.

The Hunters sat down with the two, each
having a loaded tray with a mound of thick purplish meat, darkened
by being grilled.

“
Feels nice over here, eh
Brothers.” Stone said in the stronger gravity field.

“
Damn straight!” Steven said
as he leaned his lance against the table. “So you two lovebirds
kiss and make up yet.” Hazel eyes passing between the two sitting
across from each other.

“
Fuck off.” Renee glared and
stuffed the speared egg omelet in her mouth. “And who gave you all
permission to sit with us?”

“
We don’t need it, Ms.
Deegen.” Stone said as he started tearing off a hunk of cooked
Stingray. “Oliver, why are you looking at me like that?”

“
You like your Beast
cooked?”

“
You don’t?”

Oliver shook his head. “I tried a cooked
strip, but raw was much tastier.”

“
To each their own.” Deegen
said before swallowing.

“
So, Oliver, you ready for
more jumping lessons?”

“
Take it easy.” Renee butted
in. “Oliver’s shoulder is still recuperating. If he heals like you
three morons he’ll be good as new in two days.”

“
Why not give him a massage?
It’ll be good by tomorrow.” Stone spoke.

“
Why don’t you do it if
you’re such an expert? I’m not his mother here to kiss a boo boo.
I’m here to keep everyone healthy, not happy.”

“
Be still my beating heart.”
Deegen teased. She flicked him off with a grin.

The rest of breakfast passed much the same
way. Towards the end Sparky arrived and used his long tail to slap
the back of Steven’s head into the table and the two fought and
tackled over the floor without too much force behind their blows.
During the lively conversations, Oliver also added three more to
his com. Stone was rather insistent. Oliver eventually finished his
drinks and used the nearest bathroom as the extra liquid did what
it does best.

Afterwards Renee had to go back to check on a
patient as the Hunters followed Oliver out on deck and laughed as
soon as he got a view out on deck.

The great Sapphire Nebula stretched out far
and wide all around the Dorgenox. Dust and gas was alive with
light, giving off deep purple and blues. Clouds writhed and changed
so gradually it would be still if you weren’t looking. Patches of
black space was a backdrop for the stellar nursery of a new solar
system one day to be created in the distant future. Distant stars
were brighter through the nebula. It was so beautiful and majestic,
moisture collected in the corners of Oliver’s eye. A nearby small
meteor was deflected off the ship’s barrier, making an explosion of
dust and ice like a tiny star.