- -
- 100%
- +
Hunter felt good seeing Serena more like her usual self.
«So you won’t mind if we leave them here?» the Captain asked.
«Not at all.» Taliesin smiled. «Honestly, I’m better off without those two. They always got me in trouble and I’m tired of it. I told myself before I took this place with Cipher that I will no longer let them drag me down.»
«Good answer.» Serena smiled to the man.
Cipher slapped Taliesin’s shoulder and they all continued their path through the bustling streets of Garmfrig, heading towards the less decorated, but sturdier establishments that usually dealt with the more shady stuff.
«So… uh… Serena…» Wolfin caught up with the woman. «How do you know about the Usual Place?»
«You’ve followed my life, so how come you don’t know?»
«Places like these don’t actually offer reports on where people go and what they do.»
«Well… as you might know, I’ve been running off from time to time, whenever my father would get on my nerves…» the woman shrugged. «So sometimes, instead of fighting on the human colonies in cages I came here to get my mind off things. Tickle my nerves and get into brawls…»
«And you still hadn’t answered my question.»
Serena stopped, glancing to the dark building with a very simple sign «Usual Place’ above the entrance.
«I… uh… didn’t think it better to start brawls in usual bars and places. This location, however, never made me feel guilty for beating someone up. Or for gambling with people who thought they could try and cut my throat in the nearest alley.» she said a few moments later. «The owner at the time was quite an interesting person. Not sure if he’s still here, though. A lot of time has passed since I’ve seen him last.»
«You knew the owner?» Lindon frowned.
The woman glanced at him and smirked:
«He was a good man, all things considered. Had his own code of honour and never tolerated disrespect in the walls of his establishment. He loved seeing me there, because I usually took care of people he couldn’t really touch for different reasons. As a client of his bar I could beat up anyone and it was up to the owner to decide if he wanted me banned from the place or not. He never banned me. And offered a lot of entertainment.»
«You mean to tell me you knew Killian Reph?» Wolfin asked with a frown. «The head of all this block?»
Serena smiled, nodding.
Lindon glanced at Wolfin and the Veluthian cleared his throat:
«Killian was thought to be the most powerful of gangsters around this place. At the time I knew him he owned this block and half of the neighbourhood west of here. It was said that he was a dangerous man to meddle with.»
«Dangerous, true.» Serena sighed, obviously remembering something. «But he was a man of culture and honour, though, definitely was quite a hard man to negotiate with. When I knew him he owned just this place and a little pawn shop down the road, though…»
She continued her way, and the others followed, falling silent. When they walked inside the establishment, they were met with three very tall men with augmentations on their limbs to ease their jobs as bouncers. The men followed the crew with their eyes until Serena saw a smiley young woman approaching:
«Table for all? Are there any more coming, or just you?» she asked.
«Just us, dear.» Serena replied. «Do you still serve Killian’s Brew?»
«Oh, but of course! The owner prides himself for his recipe! This way!» the waitress led them to a large table in the corner, separated from the others by a comfortable booth meant to leave all conversations private.
When they were seated, Serena caught the woman again:
«Killian’s Brew for everybody and…» she glanced aside to her men and waved her finger at the waitress, and when she leaned in Serena whispered. «Killian Reph is still alive and well, I take it?»
«Oh, yes!» the waitress replied quietly.
Serena took a split moment to consider her options and whispered again:
«Please let him know Serena is here. He’ll know.» she met the waitress’s eyes and nodded.
The young woman smiled and nodded in return, before swiftly retreating to the bar.
«What did you tell her?» Hunter watched the waitress speaking to the barman.
The man behind the bar seemed to frown, but nod in reply and then call someone through a communication device he was wearing on his ear.
«Don’t think about it just yet.» Serena smiled at her men. «And enjoy Killian’s Brew – it’s the finest beer in Garmfrig.»
The beer arrived quickly, and while the men thanked the waitress for their tankards, Hunter watched how the young woman leaned in to Serena and whispered something to her ear. Finding the interaction strange and suspicious, he kept his thoughts to himself, taking a sip of the offered beer.
The taste that hit his mouth was definitely pleasant – better than any other beer he had ever had in his life, even after meeting Serena and visiting many different spots in the Human Universe.
«Damn!» Taliesin exclaimed first. «This is the best thing I tasted in a very long time!»
«Told you!» Serena chuckled, drinking her beer.
«Somehow I get the feeling there’s more to all this…» Cipher noticed how the back door opened and a tall, lean old man with a cane walked out.
The way this old man carried himself told Cipher about the power he had among the people working for him – everyone stepped aside to let him pass, and he walked proudly, as if he wasn’t old at all. Why he needed a cane was beyond Cipher’s understanding – he wasn’t at all limping and looked like he was healthier than the men that worked in his establishment.
Serena noticed the old man approaching and set her tankard aside, standing up with a smile on her face.
The old man stopped in front of her, studying her with his eyes, and his harsh, emotionless face suddenly blossomed a genuine smile:
«Serena… you are even more beautiful than I remember you!» he bowed, taking her hand and planting a soft kiss. «I’m so happy to see you again.»
«Killian, my dear friend.» Serena stepped up, when he straightened and lay her palms on his shoulders. «I was afraid I’d never see you again.»
«These old bones are still strong, Serena.» Killian chuckled, sliding his palm over his long white hair, neatly combed back and falling to his shoulders. «Though, I am not as young anymore, I can still show some people what it is what.»
He glanced at the table where Serena’s crew sat silently, sipping on the beer.
«Your friends?» Killian twitched his brow, noting how Hunter, Lindon and Wolfin watched the old man closely. «Or lovers?»
Taliesin choked on his beer and started coughing.
«Jealous, Killian?» Serena smirked. «They’re friends. We’re here on business. And I was hoping you could help us out? For old times’ sake?»
Killian squinted a bit, thinking something over, then studied the men behind the table and bowed to them:
«Any friend of Serena is my friend. Drinks are on me tonight.» he said. «Enjoy.»
«Thank you, Killian.» Serena replied to the old man with a smile.
«But… if you want to discuss business, Serena… I propose we talk privately…» Killian threw a quick glance at her men. «You can take two men to accompany you to ease their nerves. I’m afraid, these three are not very trusting of me.»
He pointed at Hunter, Lindon and Wolfin.
«Hunter, Lindon…» Serena nodded aside. «With me. Wolfin, stay here and keep an eye out.»
Wolfin swallowed any objection, understanding that whatever discussions Serena and Killian might have – will be heard by the two, even though he still hadn’t fully trusted Hunter.
Killian offered Serena his arm and she gracefully took it, following him to the back. Lindon hurried after, and Hunter sighed, before quickly taking a big swig from the tankard and walking off after them.
As soon as they all entered the corridor, Killian chuckled:
«Oh, Serena… If you only knew how I wished you to return to me one day.» he sighed. «What happened to you? I was afraid you had died somewhere.»
Serena opened her mouth, then closed, chuckled and shook her head:
«Something like that. I had to hide for a while.»
«Why didn’t you come here? I would have gladly offered you refuge from whatever trouble you were in, my dear Veluthian Siren!»
Hunter and Lindon exchanged glances – both frowning.
«Veluthian Siren?» Lindon asked cautiously.
«Ah, yes. She is my muse, my Siren!» Killian leaned in to Serena with a wide charming smile. «The woman, who stole my heart and helped me build my empire.»
«It was a long time ago.» Serena’s smile looked sad.
«Yes, it was. But I don’t regret it one bit.» the old man opened his office door and gestured inside. «My home is your home, Siren.»
The woman walked inside and looked at the lavish décor he had on the walls – several paintings and statues placed in niches provided the needed flair of culture this man had. When she glanced back to her men she noticed a painting above them and gasped, closing her mouth.
Hunter and Lindon turned and froze, seeing a painting of Serena lying on her side with her long silver hair covering her breasts and a sheet hiding her thighs from view. In her hand she held a chalice, smiling seductively at the painter.
«You still have it…» Serena whispered, looking at Killian.
The old man cackled, offering her a seat and closing the door behind them all:
«But of course, my Siren. I would never part with it.»
«I’m flattered, Killian.» the woman smiled at him.
Hunter and Lindon gritted their teeth, understanding now that some time long ago Killian and Serena were lovers.
Killian walked over to his table and leaned over it, smiling wide at the men’s faces:
«Are they always so easy to be flabbergasted? They didn’t know we were once a thing in the distant past, my dear?» the old man leaned in closer to Serena. «Or are they jealous because they’re your lovers?»
Serena didn’t answer, smiling.
«Sir, I would ask you not to…» Lindon caught a cautious glance from Serena and cleared his throat. «I’m sorry.»
«So they are! How fascinating!» Killian studied Hunter with keen eyes.
«Killian, I’d prefer not to answer to that assumption of yours.» Serena said.
«Then let us get to business, shall we?» the man gestured to his minibar. «Drinks, anyone?»
«I’ll pass.» Hunter and Lindon answered in unison.
Killian twitched his brow and glanced at Serena:
«The usual?»
«I won’t mind having a drink with an old friend.» the woman replied.
Killian poured two glasses of some golden liquid and handed one to Serena, smiling.
«So… what brings you back to my humble establishment, my dear Siren?» he asked.
Chapter 24. Benefit
After Serena stopped talking, Killian fell into thought – his face became collected and serious, but his eyes still wandered from the woman to her two men. For some time he was silent, but then sighed:
«I know who you’re looking for. Both of them.» Killian said, setting his glass aside. «I was suspecting they were up to something behind my back.»
«Behind your back?» Hunter asked, tensing up.
«I gave Falana an… unclaimed facility and we agreed to a long-term partnership, with payments from her sales. However, she hadn’t provided me with any payment for a long time now. According to what I’ve heard just now… she had dealt with enough people, not giving me my cut.» the old man scratched his chin. «And Darren Holler is one of Sutherland boys. They rarely visit my establishment and do it only to have some entertainment, not to conduct business.»
«And if Falana will pay you this time she visits?» Serena frowned.
«Darling, she has wronged you greatly. That alone is enough of a reason for me to hold a grudge against the woman.» Killian tilted his head. «I know very well that you haven’t told me everything, but I don’t need all the details to see how much she’s hurt my precious Siren.»
«Stop calling her that!» Lindon growled.
«Why not? She is that.» the old man smiled wide. «Or has she never sung for you?»
Hunter felt his face lengthening from surprise. He looked at Serena and saw her deep in thought, but then glanced behind at the portrait.
At that very moment the doors flew open and a man walked in with his face contorted from anger:
«Father!»
Killian straightened and his expression turned dark:
«I’m in a middle of a very important meeting, son.»
«Shut up! We need to talk!» the man stopped in front of Killian and looked at Serena. «Get out of here, whore!»
Killian’s eyes squinted dangerously and his hand flew up, hitting his son across his face:
«Apologise to my guests and get out of here, Soren!»
Soren, gritting his teeth, looked up at his father with hatred:
«I have no apologies for all your whores!» he glanced at Serena, then froze and looked at the portrait above the door. «And your illegitimate daughters!»
He glanced at Killian once again.
«Your boy?» Serena asked Killian. «Never beaten enough?»
«Shut up, whore!» Soren growled at her.
Lindon and Hunter stepped up and grabbed him by the shoulders, jerking back from the woman.
«Tell your men to stand down.» Killian glanced at Serena, his tone calm and collected.
The woman nodded to her men and they obliged, freeing the man from their grasp, and Soren whipped around to them:
«I’ll have your dicks on my wall by tonight.»
Killian sighed and shook his head:
«Serena, would you be so kind and show this mistake I call my son that a meeting is not to be interrupted?»
Soren looked at his father in surprise and fury. As he stood there, frozen in place, the men and Serena could see his face a little clearer. To the woman this man was very alike his father in the distant past – same chiselled jaw, dark eyes and thick black hair. But the traits his father had as thin, aristocrat-like, in Soren were thicker – his lips plump, cheeks a bit puffy, and overall he wasn’t as lean as his father, exhibiting a bit of fat around his waist.
«Do you wish him to bleed?» Serena put her glass down on the table.
«Sure. But try to refrain from breaking bones, please, if you can.»
«Father, this who…» Soren suddenly got swept off his feet with Serena jolting to him, grasping his neck.
A split second and the man went flying across the whole room and out the doors, crashing into a small table with some decorative vases that were standing there. The two men, who stood frozen at the doors, bowed to Killian and Serena, who dusted her palms with a smirk. Killian waved the men off and one of them dragged away the unconscious body of Soren, while the other one closed the doors.
«I beg your forgiveness.» Killian bowed his head to Serena and her men. «But I did promise my mistake of a son that no man will harm him and walk away unpunished. I never said anything about women.»
He glanced at Serena and smiled.
«Then I suggest you find a couple of girls as strong as I am to give him a beating every time he falls out of line…» the woman winked at Killian.
The man cackled:
«A wonderful idea, my dear.» he shook off the tension from his shoulders. «Now… back to business. To your question if Falana will come here and pay, this is of no importance, as she had offended one of the few people I am glad to call my friends. However… I do propose a little more caution, because the Sutherland boys might be up to something that can result in street wars. I don’t want that for my turf.»
Serena crossed her arms on her chest, thinking over something, then tilted her head:
«So what would you do in this situation then?»
«We can wait out their meeting. Watch and learn of their plans. And once they part ways, you can follow Falana. I am sure that if she is here, in this system, then she is stationed on the facility I gave her. You take care of her and I will take care of the Sutherland boys myself. It’s a win-win situation for the both of us.» Killian said.
«Then we can’t be seen, Killian.» Serena shook her head with a sigh. «She knows me. She knows… most of my men.»
Killian glanced at Hunter and Lindon:
«She knows you both, huh? Who else?»
«Wolfin.» Hunter nodded aside. «The big guy. Shaved head.»
«Wolfin…» Killian frowned. «Why do I know that name?»
«You might have run into him before. He said he used to work around here somewhere.» Serena finished her drink. «He didn’t mention if you two had beef, though.»
«Trust me, Siren, if I have beef with anyone, they end up dead in a ditch.»
«He’s not easy to kill.» Lindon twitched his brow.
Killian threw him a stern look:
«I would think so, considering he’s a Veluthian… just like you.»
For a second Lindon’s eyes grew tense.
«Relax, boy. I never give out secrets I can use for my own benefit. And I never betray friends. I know the weapons Veluthians use. Though, nowadays it seems that some of those blades can be purchased on the Black Market.» the man fell into thought. «Is that why you’re after Falana? She leaked your tech?»
Serena didn’t answer, but the way her eyes grew dark made Killian realise there was much more to the story that she hadn’t mentioned. He stepped to her and took her hand in his very gently, raising to his lips and planting a kiss.
Lindon stopped Hunter, when he flinched to come closer.
«My dear, I assure you, I am in no position to become your enemy.» Killian said to Serena, watching her eyes. «I give you my word. I know perfectly that you are capable of destroying everything I’ve built here. I am your faithful friend. Always.»
Serena leaned in to the man:
«I hope you know that if you betray me, I’ll come to claim your life in a heartbeat?»
«I do, Siren.» the old man bowed. «And I know that if it won’t be you, it will definitely be one of your… lovers.»
He glanced at the two men that stood frozen a few steps away from them.
«I’ll hold you true to your word, Killian.» Serena said, glancing at her hand, which was still in the old man’s gentle grasp.
«Like I said, we can both benefit from our arrangement. My interest here is getting possible trouble out of my way and helping you, as I remember well how much you’ve helped me in the distant past.» he looked at her portrait. «That’s why I hung the painting above my office door. To remind me who helped me build my empire and taught me how to be a better man… even in such a sin-filled colony as Garmfrig.»
Chapter 25. Siren’s Call
When they returned to the main hall of the establishment, Wolfin met Serena’s gaze and nodded to the bar. Once the woman took a look there, she saw a couple of men dressed in what looked like uniforms of the local police. Seeing where she was looking, Killian immediately tensed up:
«I beg your forgiveness, I have business to attend to…» the man leaned in to Serena and whispered. «If they’re looking for any of you, I’ll throw them off your track. Just stay in the booth for a bit.»
«I appreciate it, Killian.» Serena gracefully nodded to him, gesturing to her men to take their seats.
Lindon forced Hunter to sit further away from Serena – just to make sure that a cyborg won’t be so noticeable.
«Any trouble?» Wolfin met Lindon’s gaze. «Other than the two policemen there?»
«Our Serena has secrets none of us knew.» Lindon shook his head and took a sip from his tankard, carefully glancing at the policemen chatting with Killian.
«Oh?» Cipher twitched his brow, looking straight at their Captain. «You and Killian?»
Serena smiled at his assumption, but kept silent.
«So he’ll help us?» Taliesin, though a bit jumpy from seeing policemen in the Usual Place, tried hard to keep his head low. «Or…»
«Calm down. You’re looking suspicious…» Serena winked at the man.
Pher noticed the two policemen shaking hands with Killian and leaving his establishment. Once the two were out the door, Killian’s smile faded into a cold mask. For a second or two he seemed to be thinking about something, and then glanced at his guests.
Returning to them, he looked collected and calm, though something in his eyes made Pher think of some inevitable danger lurking somewhere nearby.
«Serena, my dear… let’s get you and your people out of sight…» Killian offered the woman his hand. «I have a perfect place to wait for Falana and her contact. I’ll even provide you with sleeping quarters if needed.»
Serena frowned a bit, but took his palm, getting up. Gesturing everyone to follow, she looked at her past lover with a frown:
«That bad?» she whispered.
«Everything’s fine, my Siren!» he smiled at her.
«Don’t lie to me, Killian. Your eyes are telling.»
The man smirked and shook his head:
«Never could fool you, could I?» he asked. «Three of your men are wanted for being Company deserters.»
«We have papers stating that they are out of Company jurisdiction.» Serena said, twitching her brow. «Or any other human jurisdiction for that matter. Except for one of the Laithorian Empire.»
«Darling, Garmfrig police care very little for any official restrictions.» Killian met her gaze. «After you left, they became more corrupt than ever. Right now they are only a slither away from being mafia. Though, they already act like one.»
Serena glanced back at Cipher, Hunter and Pher and noticed them frowning.
«Any idea why they thought looking at your place was a good idea?» the woman asked, returning her eyes to Killian’s face.
«I have some…» the man tilted his head. «But I will get to them in a bit, don’t worry. Right now I need to make sure you’re going to be safe with your… crew.»
Serena knew how badly Killian wanted to poke at Lindon and Hunter and call them her lovers. She smiled at this, remembering how much fun she used to have with this man. When they all ascended a set of stairs and entered one of the rooms located on the next level above the bar of the Usual Place, Killian smiled at Serena and waved towards the seats. The woman accepted his invitation and sat down, seeing how Killian snapped his fingers and a set of holographic screens appeared, showing every booth in his establishment.
«No way… you went through with it?» Serena smirked, meeting Killian’s teasing gaze. «And after all your ranting about honour and trust?»
«Not every man and woman have honour, my dear Siren. And trust must be earned.» Killian retorted. «I rarely use the information I get here… other than for my own benefit.»
«Anyone know about this?»
Killian averted his eyes, and Serena tilted her head, understanding that there could be at least one more person who might know about the surveillance installed.
«I suppose.» he answered a little hesitantly. «But not for long.»
«If you need any help, just say so, Killian. I’d gladly help you.» Serena smiled at the man.
He replied with a very warm and loving smile, his eyes becoming just as bright as they used to be years ago:
«My dear, rest assured that if I ever need help of a Veluthian warrior, I will call upon you. But for now, I need to help you sort out whatever matters you have. As they do correlate to my business as well.» he froze for a moment, frowning, and suddenly chuckled. «Falana is here.»
He tapped his wristband and the screens turned to one of the private booths, where Falana was seated. The woman seemed tense, worried and irritated, waving off the waitress.
«Stay here, watch, listen. The system will record the discussion for you.» Killian said. «But I need to appear before this bitch.»
Serena nodded and Killian bowed slightly, walking out.
Hunter followed the man with his eyes and after the door closed after him, the cyborg glanced at the Captain:
«You really trust him?»
«Not exactly, but…» Serena shrugged. «He and I had a… very intricate agreement before. I am hoping he will honour it.»
She looked at Falana, who was definitely on her edge.
«What sort of agreement?» Wolfin still felt agitated to see his named daughter be involved with a man like Killian Reph.
«I get to cut his heart out if he ever betrays me.» the Captain smirked. «And I’m not talking about having someone else in his bed, Wolfin.»
Taliesin decided not to ask, understanding that what little he knew about Veluthians was somewhat intriguing with their strange relationships and how they looked at them. For a moment, though, the man glanced at Serena with a strange thought – he did notice the way Lindon and Hunter acted around the woman and began wondering if they were both her lovers, just like Killian had mentioned.