Alpha Man Chapter 5

[Ed Man]

The Rescue

Chapter 5


Josh and Ann were headed to the ship so they could talk in private all areas of the station were monitored.
They had just entered the docking area and noticed that the ships had been docked next to each other for convenience. The modifications on the freighter were well on the way as they entered the Zipper.

Josh ordered. “Sarah: secure the ship and compile a standard information report on Robert Lank and Rose Shell and her son Jess. And see what you can find out about the Split they referred to as the Dragon. We’re going into the passenger area to talk.”

Ann asked. “What’s the plan?”

Josh replied. “Ann I want you to stay here with the freighter and take care of things.”

Ann stated. “O how gallant! I am a trained military fighter pilot and can hold my own with any one!”

Josh asked. “And are you willing to kill any thing that gets in the way if we need to! This could get ugly fast! We’ll be in their station surrounded by his friends. Dogs run in packs and when you attack one you had better be ready to kill them all or walk away. Are you willing to do that?”

Ann replied. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get that boy! If that means killing them all then I’ve got your back!”

Josh stated. “Good I need you to watch my back. Alone it would have been unhealthy but together we can get the boy! Plasters want work when the security field is turned on. So I want to you to get a pair of projectile pistols with extra clips and shoulder holsters and get a knife. You won’t find a good selection on the station but we just acquired a good assortment on the freighter so help yourself and if you don’t have a vest get one. Then meet me at the firing range you need to get use to them.”

Josh took his pistols and placed them in a tote bag to go to the firing rang to try them out. No weapons were allowed on your person while on station except for security. A standard rule on most stations. Pulling up the directions on his PDA he was on his way when Sarah stated. “Josh, Caption Mitchell has just sent you a personal message stating. Alls well will get back in touch soon so we can talk.”

The Pirate was cooperating this meant the rescue is a go Josh thought as he entered the range area.

Josh asked. “Officer I would like to rent your range for a standard pistol trial exercise run for two.”

Officer asked. “And where’s your partner and what scenario?”

Josh replied. “Station assault and I’ll be alone but I use two pistols with live rounds. My partner will be here shortly so let me pay for hers also a Miss Ann Dane.”

The officer nodded as he took the payment off Joshes card and pointed to door #2 and replied. “Enter when ready.”

Josh opened the door and went in checked the pistols setting them to standard round and released the safety. There’s always a target first to check your accurateness. Josh fired five shots in each bull's-eye at the same time so fast it looked like the pistols were automatic.
Each shot was so close in the targets it just made a big hole. Josh went through the course setting a new record. As he exited the officer was waiting to inform him of the results.

The Officer declared. “Mr. Galen you just broke the record for time and mad a perfect score on hits 1to 1.
No one has ever done that on record.”

Josh replied. “Yes and no one has now either. Don’t enter the record I helped design this program and have an unfair advantage so delete it. I practice it a lot. So please forgive me for not telling you.”

The Officer stated. “I know something was up no one could do that. That’s still very good marksmanship. Can I tell my fellow workers your call sign?”

Josh answered. “I don’t like a lot of publicity it could cost me my life by someone trying to make a name.
I’m not good on anything else so please keep it quite. I’m the Phoenix.” As Josh shook the Officers hand.

Josh spoke to Ann as she entered the range. “Ann I’ll meet you back at the ship. Ann is better of the hip than I am so watch out Officer.” Josh was hopping to defuse a serious blunder by showing his ability.

Josh picked up a few snacks up on the way back to the ship a full meal would have to wait till after the mission. And a snack would be nice as he studied the reports he thought as he entered the ship.

Josh ordered. “Sarah place the reports on the laptop I’ll review them in the passenger area at the table. When Ann returns please inform her where I am. How the progress on the freighter going?’

“Freighter repairs on schedule.” Sarah replied.

Josh looking at the reports on Rose and Robert both had been successful in their fields. Rose was in sells and requisition and had been hired by a larger corporation to supervise a sales reps. team. Her taxi ship was attacked and captured by pirates. Robert had been given a great deal on his new ship. Which was most likely a set up for Pirates. He had a productive and honest trading business until Pirates seized control of his ship and had taken him prisoner.

The Dragon on the other hand was a lifetime criminal a part time pit fighter and trainer. And a fulltime killer and thief with a 250,000 credit bounty on his head. Which was an added bonus. But all we wanted was the boy and to stop or kill the Dragon. And if anyone tries to stop us his or her bounty will be a bonus.

The Dragon needed to be captured and brought to justice. Death means little to criminals but captured and imprisonment they fear. The fear of punishment for evil deeds will keep most men honest.

Sarah hailed. “Josh Caption Mitchell has just sent a message waiting for you in interview room #8.”

Josh stated. “Sarah tell Ann about the snacks in the back and to try to rest I’ve gone to interrogate the Pirate.”

Josh left for the room past his ships and ordered Sarah. “I want to order a reconstruction surgeon to repair the scares and damage done to Rose and Robert and a retainer for the boy and make it anonymous. If we don’t make it back see that the freighter and its contents are given Robert Lank. Give Rose 20,000 credits and the rest to Noah.”

Josh entered the room and sat down across from the Pirate and stated. “I need some vital information about your former boss the Dragon. “I’m ready to tell you whatever you want to know.”

Josh asked. “Tell us about his habits; form when he gets up to when he go to sleep, where and what he eats. Who are the members of his gang and his #1man? And tell me all about the boys he fights.”
The Pirate explained. “He treated the boys as his pets they were with him all the time. He would teach them fighter moves and make them use them on one another. The Dragon has loaded his ship and Little Ds his #1 mans ship with the rest of their loot. The rest of the pilots are escorts and considered expendable if they need to run away from a fight. I was his #2 he’s not liked but well feared. And will kill you if you look at him wrong. I was to escort and run blocker for the freighter till we got to the base. The freighter pilot was to be sold as a slave. He didn’t have a record and wouldn’t draw attention to the freighter. He’ll be in the Crows Nest Bar to eat and drank. Then take a slave to use for entertainment before they leave in about 5 hours to the new station in the open sectors. Where the Dragon plans to reek havoc on whom he wills, as they come through the sector.”

Josh asked. “Caption can I talk to you outside Sir.” They stepped into the hallway as Josh asked. “Elk is an innocent man can he be released into my custody when I return?”

Mitchell asked. “What do you want with him?”

Josh replied. “He wants to be a pilot and with the right training he can be and I’ll need pilots soon.”

Mitchell replied. “He’s yours if he wants the job. But you have to release him after 6 months if he wants to go and you have to pay him a fare wage while he’s under your custody. I’ll tell him of the offer I’m positive he doesn't want to go to a workhouse for 6 months.”

“Mr. Galen safe journeys and good luck.” As Caption Mitchell shook Joshes hand.