After signing a contract, Fraya was told to reenter the airlock and she would be sent to Sahara 5 . Apparently fast travel like this only happened on startup. If Fraya wanted to leave Sahara 5 she would need to book travel on a starship.
Again the metallic blue door closed behind her, cutting off her sight of the woman and the beautiful nebula, and the metallic blue door in front of her whisked open. Fraya stepped out into a small town.
It looked more like the western towns in the old cowboy and Indian western movies were the cowboys happily slaughtered the indians and stole the indians land but the cowboys were somehow noble and heroic.
There were only fifteen buildings along the main avenue and surrounding the village on all sides were miles and miles of plants. It was like how the northern states were before China launched a nuclear bomb at Omaha and the fallout irradiated most of eastern Nebraska, Iowa, and even reached parts of Illinois.
Chicago would have been struck but the missile ran into a passenger jet, a freakishly lucky interception, though not for the almost 300 people aboard the passenger jet. Las Vegas Nevada, Dallas Taxes, Tampa Florida, and Annapolis Maryland were not so lucky and millions died in nuclear holocaust. Washington DC and New York had enough warning to shoot down the missiles.
Fraya was surprised at how happy and carefree everyone seemed.
Almost on the heels of that thought an unending thunder screamed out of the sky. Jerking her head up towards the thunders blasts towards the northern sky, Fraya saw an armada of ships stretching as for as she could see.
“Well fuck.”
Was all Fraya got out before more thunderous blasts echoed over the world this time to the south. Turning in that direction, Fraya saw another armada just as numerous as the first.
“Double fuck!”
Even form the ground, thousands of miles away, the ships looked massive.
“AI! What the fuck is going on!”
“The news is showing on all the channels that Empire of Xatar has declared war on the Star alliance.” The AI answered serenely.
“Great but what the hell does that have to do with Sahara 5!”
“Sahara 5 is right between the two powers and unaligned to any political group. Empire of Xatar is 46 light years away to the galactic south and the Star alliance is 49 light years away to the galactic north. There are only two other planets between the political groups, the closest one is 38 light years to the galactic west and is barely habitable and no one has claimed it, and the next closest is 51 light years away to the galactic east and is part of the corporate worlds.”
“Goddam it!”
This was not Fraya’s first time being in war. After the Chinese’s missiles were launched form a rogue submarine at the very end of the war, the devastation and fallout of the nuclear attack sparked the civil war that followed two years later. Fraya hid out in sewer tunnels as the Northern Union tried to secure the port of Los Angles.
Fighting had been heavy and intense with bombs going off literally above her head as she coward underground. The fighting didn’t stop until Texas started invading the Northern Union and the soldiers were called back to fight the new threat.
It seemed like history had repeated itself.
“Fuck!”
Fraya was going to kill these stupid sons of bitches, this time she could not die. An evil smile graced her face as she thought about how she would kill every one of these invading bastards. As Fraya was contemplating the bloody death of the invaders, the two sides opened fire on one another.
The sky light up in spectacular color form rail gun fire, missile launches, tracer rounds form anti-missile defenses, and gauss rounds. Along with the avalanche of weapons fire, fighter craft started spewing out in the thousands; the two powers were not fucking around.
The lighter space ships were first to blow up and not because they were directly targeted. No they were attacked almost on accident as both sides tried to massacre the others biggest capital ships first. As the first fusion power plant detonated, Fraya could feel the explosion form the ground as the overpressure of an atmospheric 10,000 ton blast rippled outwards.
The view was frankly amazing! Fraya gazed in awe as more and more ships blow up, caught fire, or pieces were blasted off. More than one ship was headed to the ground fire blazing out form every port until they were vaporized impacting the ground.
Fraya was almost thrown off her feet as the impacts shattered the ground and the tremors could be felt for miles. In the first opening of the war both sides lost hundreds of ships.
Knowing it was a game and Fraya could not be harmed permanently she just enjoyed the show, until troop transports battle their way to the ground.
Without weapons Fraya looked around for inspiration on how to deal with this new problem. Spotting a weapons store Fraya took off running. Charging into the store Fraya started grabbing weapons and armor, ignoring the shop keeper yells.
Gearing up in unpowered armor with two thigh pistols, a vest pistol, two pistols in the small of her back, and holding a large sniper rifle, Fraya charged up the stairs and found herself on the third floor of the building.
Going to a window that had the best view of surrounding area, Fraya looked out and saw the two powers ground armies were already clashing.
The Star Alliance, of course, had a white star as their emblem, and the Empire had a closed armored fist on theirs, which did not surprise Fraya in the least.
Fraya leveled her rifle towards the battling armies and searched for the first one she would take out. Finding a person who was yelling orders in the back line of one of the armies, Fraya carefully lined up the shot and pulled the trigger.
Less than a second later the commander’s head exploded in a geyser of blood. This was what Fraya had been doing for almost a year to survive and the feel and sights were intimately familiar. Without hesitation Fraya sighted another enemy and pulled the trigger.
The fighting was so intense that no one noticed Fraya taking out people on both sides. Fraya was on her fifth magazine that held ten rounds in each, when a fighter craft screamed in and unleashed hell on the other side. Fraya ducked down and covered as returning fire hit the fighter and caused it to slam into the building across the street.
Popping up Fraya looked at the blazing building and without hesitating started firing again. She shot either side but leaned more toward taking the Empire bastards out just for their asinine emblem.
Running out of magazines, Fraya had to pause and run down the stairs and into the store to load up more bullets. The store clerk was no were to be seen which suited Fraya just fine. Loaded up with more filled magazines, Fraya returned to her firing position and continued putting bullets into the heads of her enemies.
Finally someone noticed all the senior officers dropping like flies and alerted command. Next thing Fraya knew she was in a collapsed burning building. It happed so fast the Fraya did not even register the missile strike.
Shaking her head to clear it, Fraya felt blood running down the side of her face and her left arm had a large splinter embedded into it. Grinding her teeth, Fraya grabbed the piece of wood and yanked it out.
Before she could do anything else she noticed movement and glancing up to see soldiers running towards her and the ruined building she was in. Pulling out both pistols Fraya carefully maneuvered around burning debris until she could make it out into the alleyway. Slowing creeping to the front of the alleyway, Fraya saw a squad of Empires soldiers advancing.
Sighting both pistols on the squad, Fraya opened fire, grinning. Without the fear of dying or being dragged alive to face torture and rape she was having the time of her life. The soldiers, even on alert for an ambush, were caught by surprise and Fraya took down three of the eight members before they even knew they were under fire.
With no cover the remaining squad members opened fire. Fraya dove for the ground and started retuning fire as bullets wheezed passed her. Thanks to her dive the bullets missed.
The exchange of fire lasted seconds and then all the Empire’s soldiers were taken out. Grinning in satisfaction, Fraya got up and made her way to the fallen enemy. One was still alive and with casual indifference, Fraya shot him in the head, putting him down permanently.
Looking through their weapons Fraya had an idea. Hoisting on of the soldiers who was about her size, Fraya carried him to the alleyway. Quickly Fraya undressed the corpse and then changed into the stolen uniform and donned the enemy’s weapons.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Wiping as much blood off herself as she could, Fraya walked confidently out of the alleyway. Reading the helmets hud, Fraya saw the orders to investigate the sniper position and confirm it was taken out. Fraya helpfully confirmed that the sniper was indeed taken out but she lost her squad to an ambush.
Seconds later she received orders to regroup and a location. Smiling Fraya confirmed and started towards the Empire’s battle lines.
Making her way through the battle lines was easy as the Empire’s soldiers were too busy fighting to check her credentials. Noticing a large gathering of soldiers in front of a ramp to a drop ship Fraya headed over.
The commander stood on top of the ramp and was giving orders. “Listen up! The carrier Xandar’s Fist has been boarded and fighting is ongoing! We are ordered to help kill the Star bastards!”
A grim cheer went up and the soldiers started boarding the drop ship. Fraya trailed behind unnoticed in the rush. When everyone was aboard the ramp rose up and locked into place. The moment the door ramp was secure the ship rocked into the air. Fraya was not the only one who grunted as the gee forces pressed down on them.
Fraya was thankful for the brutal left off because no one had the energy to talk or ask questions. The flight was thankfully short as they thumped down and the ramp descended. Fraya rushed out first with the soldiers following.
Fraya found herself in a vast hanger bay with hundreds of small crafts all around. Sounds of gunfire could be heard echoing in the vast space. The soldiers started running towards the noise and Fraya slowing allowed them to overtake her. As the last soldier pulled ahead Fraya ducked behind a shuttle and started for the bay doors leading inside the massive ship.
“AI any map or floor plan of this craft?” Fraya asked hopefully.
“Scanning the users databases. I have compiled an incomplete plan of the Xatar’s Fist. Take a left after the airlock and take the corridor 100 feet and you should reach an elevator.” The AI instructed.
Fraya happily followed the direction and found herself in front of closed elevator doors. As she wondered how to open them without a keycard an officer rushed by and the doors slid open. Not one to let an opportunity pass her by, Fraya followed the officer inside.
The officer looked at her in askance and without hesitating Fraya pulled out her gun and shot him. As he fell to the deck Fraya sighed and did anther quick change of outfits. Happily she saw a maintenance hatch on the floor and dropped the body down the elevator shift.
Straightening up and trying to adjust the overlarge officers uniform to her size, Fraya was just in time as the doors whisked open. To Fraya’s surprise the doors lead out to a command center. It had a complete circle of stations surrounding a center seat that sat a guy yelling orders.
Fraya calmly walked out and looked around stealthy. Fraya noticed to armed soldiers on either side of the elevator and another pair of guards securing the opposite elevator. Breathing out to calm herself, Fraya made her move.
Pulling out twin pistols form behind her back, Fraya shot both guards simultaneously, then point to the two guards opposite her and shot them with deadly accuracy, killing them even before the first pair of guards bodies hit the deck. After the guards died with bullets to the brain, Fraya used her right pistol to take out the central seated commander who barely had time to look at where the gunshots originated. With Fraya left pistol she started executing the officers sitting at the command stations on the left.
As the commander fell back into his command chair dead, Fraya used her right pistol to start firing on the right seated officers. It was a turkey shoot. As the officers registered the gun fire and started to react, bullets were already taking them out. In seconds Fraya’s guns clicked empty and the last officer died.
Smiling at the carnage, Fraya made her way around the circle of stations to the entrance of the center command chair. Skipping down three steps she arrived next to the command chair and dead commanding officer. Pushing the dead commander out of his chair, Fraya plopped down.
“AI is there a suicide command button here?” Fraya had a feeling that the assholes in the Empire would have such a device.
“Lift the left armrest up.”
Fraya did and saw a button covered over in a clear protective case. On a hunch Fraya lifted the right armrest up and saw another button.
“What’s this button for?”
“That button, according to users in chat rooms, is the bridge lockdown button.”
Fraya had a few more questions before she hit the lockdown button.
“Can anyone override the lockdown?”
“No. It is a safety measure to prevented mutiny.”
“Of cause it is.” Fraya laughed, these fuckers made it almost too easy.
Hitting the lockdown button, Fraya saw armored blast shields slide down to block the elevator doors and the white lights turned blood red with an electronic voice announcing. “Lockdown initiated.”
That gave Fraya another idea. “AI will the ship computer respond to me?”
“The commander should have a command necklace. If you are wearing it the computer should respond.” The AI replied helpfully.
Fraya got up and knelt next to the corpse of the commanding officer and with a quick search found his command necklace. Taking it off Fraya placed it around her own neck, and sat back down.
“Computer number of Empire’s soldiers and number of star alliance soldiers?”
“Damaged sensors place current estimates to be 9,875 Empire soldiers and 7,986 Star Alliance soldiers.” The same electronic voice said.
Fraya grinned and rubbed her hands, this was going to be fun.
“Open a channel to the Star Alliance command ship.”
A few second later a large holographic view screen appeared in front of her with a Star Alliance officer glaring at her.
“What do you want Empi…” He started angrily but trailed off as he saw the bodies.
Fraya grinned happily. “As you can see I took out these asshole Empire goons.”
The officer looked shocked. After a moment he responded. “And what do you want?”
Fraya grin got wider. “Well it so happens that this button here..” Fraya pointed to the left button. “will destroy the ship and everyone on it, some 8,000 of your fellow soldiers.” Fraya said sweetly.
The officers became enraged and grounded out. “Again what do you want?”
“I want a lot of things!” Fraya said brightly. “For example I would like 10 million dollars and I will have the Empire soldiers surrender.”
Fraya highly doubted the Star officer would pay but nothing ventured, nothing gained.
If anything the officer looked even more enraged. Someone rushed up behind him and yanked him out of the way.
“Fine.” The new officer replied.
Fraya had just opened her mouth to respond to their denial but was left with her mouth hanging open as they capitulated without any disagreement.
Blinking Fraya straighten up and closed her mouth. “I am glad we can come to an agreement.”
The new officer nodded. “Just keep your word and the Star Alliance will keep theirs.”
Nodding Fraya instructed the computer. “Computer! Broadcast my voice ship wide!”
“Affirmative commander. Broadcast open.”
Stealing her nerves, Fraya put on her best authoritative voice.
“Soldiers of the Empire! I have taken over the command center of this vessel! You have five minutes to lay down your weapons and surrender or I will be forced to use the self destruct device and destroy this vessel with everyone on it! Please do not surrender! I would like nothing better than to take every mother fucking one of you out! Computer end transmission!”
The Star Alliance officer still on the view screen looked at her in surprise at her brutal declaration. Fraya glowered at the officer.
“I damn will mean it too. So if you do not have my payment say goodbye to your people!”
The officer dipped his head in agreement. “I will transmit payment once the Empire surrenders and my people are in control.”
A long five minutes passed as they waited to see what the Empire would do. A new officer walked up to the Star officer she made the agreement with and whispered something to him. He nodded and turned his full attention back to Fraya.
“It’s confirmed, the Empire has surrendered!” The officer said excitedly.
Fraya ask the AI how transactions worked in the immersive worlds and the AI sent the officer the current code links to complete the transfer. Without any hesitation he sent the ten million dollar payment and said that soldiers would be waiting to take command of the bridge.
Signing off with the Star Alliance officer Fraya instructed the computer to show the location of the Star Alliance soldiers. The holo appeared in the air again showing a bunch of soldiers around an elevator. Giving the computer instructions to allow the soldiers to board, Fraya waited till they were in the elevator to lift the lockdown.
Standing up Fraya asked. “Computer is an escape craft that has jump capability?” Fraya had a feeling that the commander of the Empire’s fleet would have a way to save his own ass if shit went sideways.
“Affirmative. The elevators will take you to a small jump capable craft used to transport the commanding officer.”
It looked like her hunch was correct. Hurrying to the elevator that did not have the incoming soldiers Fraya saw the Alliance soldiers spill out just as the elevator doors snapped shut and the elevator whisked her away.
Fraya had a deep distrust of people and wouldn’t put it passed the asshole who first answered her com hail to order the soldiers to put a bullet through her head. Petty assholes like that were the scourge of the world. A good quote she lived by was from an old movie she saw once.
‘See, there are three kinds of people: dicks, pussies, and assholes. Pussies think everyone can get along, and dicks just want to fuck all the time without thinking it through. But then you got your assholes. And all the assholes want is to shit all over everything.’
Truer words were never spoken.
Moments later the door slide open into a small bay on the bottom of the ship. The bay did not have any other entrances or exits. Inside was a beautiful and elegant ship that was glossy black and maybe thirty feet long and ten wide with the wedge shaped front that was pointed to the hanger bay doors for a fast exit.
Fraya ran to up the ramp into a cargo bay filled with weapons and battle suits, enough to support a small detachment of soldiers, and then down a narrow corridor that was on the right hand side of the ship. Fraya passed doors to two small cabins on the left hand side before finally entering the small bridge was just two seats side by side with armored windows sounding them giving the pilots a 180 degree view.
Taking the first seat in front of her Fraya asked her AI how to pilot the ship.
“You need special training to pilot a ship. I can instruct the auto pilot to take you to a destination but there are severe warning against such an action and depending on the region you enter you could face fines.”
Fraya laughed. “They can fine me! I just made more money than I ever thought possible! Fuck the fine! Now what are the destinations options and don’t say the Empire or the Alliance!”
“The Star Alliance is considered galactic north toward the black hole in the center of the galaxy. The Empire is considered galactic south-east. The possible destinations are the Confederacy League to the west, dozens of small polities towards the south west, or the corporate worlds to the east.”
Fraya thought about each choice. The corporate worlds sounded like a bunch of assholes but corporate America before the war, and especially after the war, meant everything could be bought. With her large amount credits she could probably buy anything in the corporate worlds.
The League was a question mark but probably filled with dicks who would ticket and fine the shit out of her. Bureaucracy loved to screw people with more taxes but they did not come out and say it was a tax, o no, they called it a fucken fine or service charge or insurance or any of the hundreds bullshit euphemisms they pulled out there asses. ‘Quantitative easing’ my ass! it was douche bag speech that meant printing more money to cover their fuck ups and devalue the dollar. Fuck those guys.
“Fraya a 100 million dollar victual credit bounty has been placed on your head. In or out of the game.”
“Fuck!”