“Besides,” Tex winked, “I did my part.”
“Oh? In what way?” Tiger raised a curious brow.
“I did security consulting and private contracting for some firms around town before I retired three years ago. I made a few connections in the business.”
“In other words, you helped fund arms shipments.” Tiger saw through it instantly. He’d had a contract several years back flying weapons and ammo into Houston. Even though it was the official policy of the U.S. Government to remain neutral, private citizens, sympathetic to the Republic’s plight, shipped billions in arms and supplies from the world over to the besieged country.
“Regardless of politics, Texas was still our home. Me and my Cella, we never turned our back on it.” Tex jutted his chin up and out proudly.
“Well, I hope we didn’t disturb the Missus.” Tiger nodded toward the house.
“You didn’t. My Cella died twelve years ago from inoperable brain cancer.”
“I’m uh … really sorry …” It was all Tiger could mumble, as Amber glared at him.
What? He shot her back a defensive look. I didn’t know!
Obviously, Tex could sense the discomfort. “It’s quite all right, pardner. She was a fine woman and she lived life to the fullest. We had three young’uns and all three grew up to be productive citizens. When she went, she had nothing to hang her head about.”
“And here we are causing you more grief.” Tiger was wishing there was some other way. “I’m sorry we have to do this. But we have to go … now. Longer we stay … the more danger we all are in … including you. They might kill you just for having seen her.”
Tex looked from Tiger to Amber, taking her in, as if trying to understand why someone would hurt her. He looked back to Tiger. “It’s always been the nature of man to kill something he doesn’t understand … something that doesn’t look exactly like him. Whether it be in Texas or here or some lab.”
“You sound like a straight-up dude, Tex,” Tiger replied, his voice still tinged with regret. “Again, I’m sorry we have to take from you.”
Tex sighed and looked to the old hover. “That one smokes. It’s old and I’ve been negligent with the maintenance. It would draw too much attention.” He walked over to the late model SkyLiner and ran a hand down the chrome trim. “This is my baby. It’ll get you where you wanna go.” He gave a wink. “And in style.”
“We don’t have to go far. I just need to get across town for the night … till I can figure out how to get back off this rock and out into The Black again.” Tiger was wondering why he should trust this old man. But in his gut, something told him the guy was a straight-shooter. “Once I’m back up there I gotta better chance of keeping us both alive. I’ll call you tomorrow and tell you where you can pick it up. I promise.”
“Well, son, we’re burning moonlight. Let’s get y’all wherever you need to get. Gimme five minutes to put some duds on and grab my travel kit.”
“Whoa there, Hoss!” Tiger raised his hand. “Who said anything about you going?”
“Well, hell, I ain’t got nothing better to do. It gets boring sitting around here watching the neighbor’s dog fertilize my tulips.”
“I don’t think you understand, Tex. I just left a good friend behind a few streets over, probably dying. These guys after us … they don’t play … they’ll kill whoever they have to in order to get her back.”
“I don’t think you’ve thought this thing out, son. First off, how do ya plan on driving my car past all those ZiPs out there looking for you and sweet thang? Second, if you do get past them, how do you get thru the entrance gate? Our guards may not be ex-special forces like those in other places, but they do know the neighborhood well enough to match vehicles to residents. Sorry, hoss. I’m the only one drivin’ my vehicle outta this neighborhood.”
“Even at that, our chances are slim anyways,” commented a worried Tiger. “I’m sure they’ll have ZiPs there wanting to search your ride top to bottom.”
“I was thinkin’ the same thing. I gotta plan for that too,” winked the wily Texan.
“Well,” Tiger shrugged and let out a deep sigh. “It’s your funeral.”
“We all gotta go sometimes, young man. Like we say in Texas … a man oughta die with his boots on!” He started toward the door. “It’s been awhile since I had an adventure.” As he made it to the door, he paused, as a thought suddenly occurred to him. He turned back to the two fugitives. “I just realized … I never got your names.”
Tiger smiled as he shook his head in disbelief. It appeared he was gaining another sidekick, whether he wanted one or not. “My name’s Tiger. And this cuddly, little cutie is Amber.”
“Well Tiger,” the old man smiled back at him, then gave a friendly wink to Amber. “Let’s saddle up and ride.”
Funny thing about being a badass …
No matter how bad you think you are, there’s usually always somebody just a little bit badder …
~ “The Ponderings of an Old Spacer” ~
By
Tanner “Tiger” Thomas
June, 2203
Chapter 10
“Delta Foxtrot One, this is Alpha Base, do you read?” Cee Tee spoke once more into his mic. “Come in, Delta Foxtrot One.” With a frustrated
