.Space Stories Proudly Presents

Return
Written By IXI

“Do you think he’ll come?”
Joseph turned his head, the bright white surroundings didn’t seem to hurt his eyes. 
He looked at the person standing beside him. It was covered in white, one from the Collective.
“Oh he’ll come.” Joseph was sure.

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Robin steered his ship into the docking port. “This is Bay-control 19, please approach on flight-vector 003.” The message sounded clearly through Robin’s cockpit. It was nice to hear another voice after 17 hours of Frank Sinatra. He turned the music down and yawned: “This is Wild Indigo 01 to Bay-Control 19, that’s a roger.” He heard the steel clamps latching on to his ship. Fresh air streamed into his ship as he opened the cockpit. His sleepy eyes looked around the hangar-bay. Three other ships were docked, two from the Outer Colonies and one from THUG. “Great.” Robin sighed. He climbed out of his ship and locked his cockpit. His Valkyrie was still feeling cold. He read the sign above the entrance to the main-hall: “Welcome to The Zone.”

Robin had arrived on the only station near the Dead Zone: It was originally built by the NTA for their experiments within the Zone. But after their demise it was transformed to a ‘normal’ station where pilots could rest after a long journey. Perfect for Robin. Not many knew of this station’s excistence, but it was still a bit crowded. He entered the lobby: Pilots of all sorts were going about their own business. Robin knew he was watched, he was quite famous after all. He checked in: “My regular room.” “Ah Mr. Robin, welcome back. Here’s your key.” He was given a keycard. “Thank you.” He was about to walk to the elevator when he heard: “Hey! You’re that Robin guy aren’t you? I heard you flew alongside the Baron.” Robin turned around, a group of ex-Space Pirates gathered in the middle of the lobby. He looked each in the eyes, almost casual. He stopped paying attention and turned around. He searched his pocket and put a coin in a vending-machine. A white cup was filled with hot tea. He waited for it to fill up, no doubt annoying the Pirates. Robin knew this and he sipped his tea with a grin. “What about it?” He finally said. “You killed one of my friends.” One Pirate yelled. “I’m sure one of you did the same.” Robin leaned against the coffee-machine. 
The group walked closer to Robin. “Guys not now, I’ve just had a 17 hour flight and I’m a bit tired.” Robin yawned. “Well looks like this is our lucky day!” A pirate came bolting towards him. Robin sighed and put the cup back on the machine. The Pirate came in with a powerful right. Robin dodged and planted his fist under the Pirates’ ribs. He bent over in pain and Robin rammed his knee into his face. 
“Anyone else?” Robin asked, reaching for his tea his tea. He stepped over the knocked-out Pirate, tea-cup in his right hand, casual look on his face. The pirates backed off. “Good.” Robin took another sip from his tea and turned around. He pushed the button that called for the elevator. A warcry came from behind him. He turned around and saw a Pirate running towards him.
“Some people...” He dodged the Pirate’s left arm, grabbed it by the elbow and broke it. He then rammed the Pirate headfirst into the elevator doors. The distinct ping sounded and the doors slowly opened, too late for the pirate. Three shots sounded through the lobby. “Alright that’s enough!” A fierce female voice followed the three loud bangs. Everyone turned their heads. “Playtime’s over.” She looked over the crowd. The pirates in the middle and Robin standing by the second unconscious pirate, drinking the last drop of his tea. “Take the Pirates to the brig.” Four other security guards with heavy weapons went to arrest the Pirates. She glanced at Robin: “You, come with me.”

“Are you always that late?” Robin walked with the woman towards security HQ.
“When it involves show-off pilots? Yes.” She chuckled, opening the door with her key-card.
“I don’t know what you’ve heard, but I’m no show-off. I’m just good at piloting ships.” Robin took a seat. The woman took her place behind the grey-coloured desk. Her office was metal-coloured with accents of Navy Blue, different types of weapons hanging on the right wall. Illustrating a violent past. 
“It seems that’s not the only thing you’re good at. You caused quite a stir there.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t quite get your name.” Robin wanted to know. “My apologies.” 
She got up and gave him a hand. “Kingston, Mary Kingston.” Robin let out an affirmative huff. “Aren’t you the one who won the Meteo Run 5 years ago?” He asked. 
She seemed surprised, not knowing she was that famous. “You raced too?”
“Yes.” Was the answer.
“Why didn’t I see you on the finish line then?”
“Well, a ‘certain’ individual steered her ship into mine...”
“Oh you mean the Hydra-rock?” She laughed. “That was you?”
“All me.” His smile was a fake one. “Sorry about that.”
“No need, for apologies. A victory is a victory.”
She nodded, dark-blond hair moving around her face. Blue eyes rounding every line of Robin’s head. Robin was alright, a show-off, but still alright.
“So what brings you to these regions?” She asked.
“I’m on a rescue mission.” Robin leaned forward.
“Rescue? Who?” Mary was as surprised as she was interested.
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” This answer wasn’t satisfying and she waited for Robin to add the truth. He chuckled when he saw Mary’s curious face.
“Joseph Varageva.” A slight pause betwoon both words.
Her face turned silent, surprised. “You mean...?” Robin nodded.
“He’s still alive?” She asked.
“He was never reported dead was he?”
“And you think he’s here?” She wondered, leaning forward.
“Somewhere.” Was the answer.
She nodded slightly, knowing this was all she could get out of Robin.
“Well if this was all...” Robin got up from his chair.
“Yeah, I’ll see you around.” She still had an unsatisfied feeling.

Robin finally got a chance to get some rest. Tomorrow... He looked at the clock on his right... today, he’ll go into the Zone. He closed his eyes. His soft pillow allowed him a calm night. Robin’s heart went to a relaxed beat and his breath slowed down. 

Silence...

Robin woke up. Odd... He looked at the time. He had only slept for 2 hours, but somehow he felt like it had been 9. What made him wake up? Shots were fired and he heard a scream. He jumped out of bed and grabbed his pistol. Good thing he fell asleep with his clothes on. He chuckled at the thought. Robin walked slowly to the door. His steps were silent, calculated. 
He aimed his pistol at the door, not taking his eyes of it. The shooting outside stopped, so did Robin. He waited for something to happen. The artificial gravity pulled drops of sweat to the floor. Two clicks outside...”Oh crap.” Robin jumped to his right as plasma punctured the door. He returned fire, not knowing whether he would hit something or not. The door was kicked in and Robin continued firing. The first Pirate to enter the room took 3 shots in the chest. His allies were smart enough not to enter the room so quickly. Robin expected the Pirates to throw in a flash-grenade or something. But they apparantly forgot to pack one. Good for Robin. He reloaded his weapon, expecting the Pirates to make a move. Silently, he positioned himself behind the bed. What to do? What to do? Ideas were shooting through his mind. He glanced at his right. A window seperating him from the freezing space. He got a daring idea. The Pirates fired a few rounds, trying to smoke Robin out. One of them advanced through the door, covered by his mate. Robin felt his heart beating in his throat. He waited for the right time, that one moment. Seconds passed like hours.
The Pirate stepped on a piece of glass... 
Robin held on tight on his bed, and he emptied his weapon on the window. Bullets split the air and pierced through the window. The immediate decompression caused the pirate to be sucked through the hole. The other was pulled through the room, joining his unfortunate mate.
A shield was raised. Seperating Robin from space. He sighed as he saw two Pirate bodies floating in the deep black. His heart calmed down. ‘Click’ Robin looked at his left.
Apparantly he didn’t get all of the Pirates. This one seemed pretty angry. Robin raised his arms. The Pirates breathing was fast and deep. He held an iron grip on his plasma-rifle.
Three shots sounded. Robin fell to the ground. A couple of seconds passed before he opened his eyes. 
“Oh c’mon don’t be such a sissy.” Robin came to his senses. He saw the Pirate, three wounds in his back and Mary, who stood there with a big grin. She helped Robin up. 
“Thanks.” He said. “Now you owe me.” Mary replied.
“What happened?” Robin asked, picking up his weapon.
“The station’s been attacked by Pirates.” Mary reloaded hers.
“So I’ve noticed. How many?” 
“Around 35 left now.” Was the answer.
“35? Seems a bit unfair.” Robin grinned.
“Well one almost got you.” Mary grinned as well. “Let’s go.”
Robin followed Mary, feeling awkward.

“What about the OC crew? I saw their ship docked here.”
“They’re pinned down somewhere on B-Deck. That’s actually the reason why I saved your butt back there.” 
“To help you out?” Robin chuckled. “I thought you could take care of yourself.”
“Don’t get me started.” Mary teased.
The two crossed the walkway that lead to the main elevator. Bodies from both sides covered most of the floor. Brass was scattered throughout the room. Robin noticed a very large plasma burn on the wall. “I think they brought something with them, something big.” Mechanical sounds echoed through the hall as the elevator moved up. The elevator and... something else.
A deep rumble that vibrated throughout the station. “Whatever it is, it’s coming up.” Mary stepped back. The massive lift stopped, thick grey doors seperating Robin and Mary from whatever the Pirates brought with them. Slowly the doors unveiled the source of the rumble.
Thick, steel legs. Arms the size of a man and a head bearing a certain resemblance to an old foe. “Anion?” Robin cried out. The beast let out a metal roar. 15 foot tall, the behemoth stepped forward. “That’s not Anion.” Mary said, not dropping her aim. “No I am not.” The beast spoke. “I am Amien, Steel-Warrior of the Pirates.” His right foot crushed a soldier’s skull. “And you, you are Robin.” Amien growled. “You noticed?” Robin said, walking back in a defensive manner. “Your jokes will not save you from your demise.” Amien raised his right arm, a plasma-cannon attached to it. The kind only found on Dreadnoughts. Green light came from the chamber as it was charged with a loud rumble.
”Mary?” Robin watched with awe
“Yes?” mary was evenly impressed
“Run like hell.”

Two rounds were fired, finishing off the last Pirate to breach the OC’s defenses.
“That’s the last of them.” The OC Officer said. “Good job men.” He complimented his crew.
He had only lost four men, leaving him with 5. A big sacrifice. The officer sighed. He swept the sweat away from his forehead when a large explosion sounded throughout the station.
“What the Frell was that?” He could see two people running across the station followed by what seemed to be an oversized powersuit. “Jones, are all the civilians safe.” He asked.
“Sir, yes sir. Everyone is off the station.” His young sergeant answered. “Good,” The officer 
grabbed a sigar from his pocket, “looks like this one will have to wait.” 

To be continued...