The Whorls of Jupiter

Chapter 13 Escape

August 5th 2521

"Prominent Rage, this is the Ellen Bridgemoor Memorial Colony. We are pleased to finally receive you. Please follow the flightpath to docking bay 4."

"This is Captain Adam La Trois of the Prominent Rage. We read you loud and clear. See you soon."

***

As the airlock cycled, Captain La Trois stood at parade rest along with Sergeant Major Keun MG, Gunnery Sergeant Oddie Velvar, and corporals Jorge Murillo and Johnny Singer. Also in tow was Doctor Willoughby Preston Vaquez and bound with enough zipties to hold down a lion was Bravo Twenty Nine. The Insurrectionist prisoner Nastaya Pankina was left in the brig.

"Remember men, to look intimidating but not like you're looking for a fight."

"Afraid of something Cap?" Jorge asked.

"Only a firing squad of men like me," Bravo Twenty Nine said, smiling. "I told you before captain that Bridgemoor keeps their word as long as you keep yours."

"Of that I have no doubt," the Captain lied.

"If you're that worried Cap you should've had me get my power armor."

La Trois's voice was calm but urgent, "No need Keun. This is just a greeting, not a battle. Jorge here with our guest's modern armor is enough muscle to make them reconsider fucking us."

The airlock opened and Calvin Emery stood there talking with the governor herself.

Cal remarked at the sight of them, "You see Ms. Shaw, I told you the crew of the Prominent Rage were the best men for the job."

"They're late," she sneered even as the doorway opened.

Calvin opened his arms theatrically, his tone shifting, "Ah! Captain La Trois, I must congratulate you on a fantastic job," before nodding to the doc, "Infiltrating the heart of our enemy..." and reluctantly he looked at Bravo Twenty Nine and shuddered when he grinned back revealing a row of metal razor teeth, "rescuing our... beloved asset, and still accomplishing the mission and bringing it safe aboard."

La Trois tried to speak "Thank you-"

"Is it now?" Governor Allison Sara Shaw asked skeptically, "Is safely aboard?"

"You'll see it momentarily," Doctor Vasquez said as he jogged off to oversee its unloading.

"This had better be worth it Cal. If anything goes wrong it's your ass."

"Governor Shaw, I'm merely representing the Venusian faction's wishes."

Governor Shaw scowled in contempt, "It's been high time we ditch those fucking parasites and move this enterprise into a more progressive position."

Cal feigned disappointment, "I'll overlook your lapse of judgement Sara, because it's hardly wise to refer to our founding family as... 'fucking parasites.'"

"This 'kirin' project of theirs is pointless. As soon as the war breaks out between Earth and Mars the Bridgemoor family is finished and I'll have you cleaning my floors with your tongue!"

"Is that a threat or an invitation Governor Shaw?"

Keun cleared his throat, "Look lady we don't give a shit. Give us our bennies and we'll be on our way before we stain your floors with our low class presence."

The governor's eyes narrowed and she approached him, "You must be Keun. The one he's always talking about. You'd make a suitable 'bull' in our relationship."

Keun stared her down and smiled, "I don't swing that way sweetheart."

She eyed him carefully admiring his ripped biceps covered in bujog tattoos, "Too bad..."