“We have to take every factor into account to get this job done. That includes human evil and human error. If we leave something out and the government—the EPED—find out...it’ll be like last time.”
Netto shrugged, not caring if Zeph noticed his unspoken retort.
“I’m not going to be quarantined to the home system like Dommik was,” he continued. “There’s nothing for a man like me in all that over-trodden space. Especially now that Stryker’s local.”
Netto ran his tongue along his teeth and waited for the rest of his partner’s tirade.
“That snake can take care of all the EPED’s needs near the homeworld. Still, can’t believe he fucked up his last job. Still can’t believe we’re here, all the way out at bum-fuck farm-ville because he destroyed his ship. He messes up once,once, and he gives up monster hunting, and for what? A tight ass? Should’ve bought him one of the newer model sex-bots when I saw him last,” Zeph ranted.
Netto had heard it all before and truthfully didn’t care enough to come to Stryker’s defense, nor to correct the rumors with the truth.
He had seen the way Stryker was with Norah, the woman he crossed the galaxy for and saved from horrible odds. He had seen the inside of the Snake’s ship after the chaos. Netto could still smell the Wieraptor and the waterborne bacteria that had taken it over. All he had to do was pull it up within his memory banks to relive the experience.
Netto wouldn’t be here otherwise. Stryker would fight to the death and give up everything to be with Norah, and Netto wasn’t about to get in the way of that. He always had a soft spot for true love. One more mission from the EPED wasn’t much to ask of him.
“That scientist of his better be worth it.”
“She is,” Netto said.
The beach was below them now, and the ship slowed and turned to follow the coast. It would take them approximately fourteen minutes to get to their destination and land.
“Someone would have to come here, regardless of what happened to Stryker,” Netto continued. It was the most he had spoken at one time today. He threaded his tongue back through his teeth.
“Yeah, I know. I just don’t see why they needed to send two Cyborgs when a simple man could do this job.”
The wood and metal structures of the Montihan’s homestead were now in sight. A large, ranch-style house sat on a bluff over the ocean that led out to another dozen or so buildings. A translucent silver laser barricade surrounded the entire premise. The security measure was not only deadly, but beautiful. It didn’t take away from the aesthetic of the settlement but instead added an almost indiscernible sparkle.
It was expensive. The Montihans screamed money.
He hated what money did to men. It made them powerful when they should be weak; it made them paranoid when they should be trusting. It made peaceful situations volatile.
Puffs of smoke plumed out from a large building, a half-mile up from the house. It was built on the beach with its own separate pier and gate.
The factory. The reason why we’re here.
A woman’s voice came through the ship’s feed; Zeph opened up the call to their EPED contact.
“What’s the status?” she asked without pleasantries. Netto recognized Mia’s soft flutter and tone. She had a beautiful, vulnerable voice that emphasized her callous, hard-working nature. No one expected a bitch...until she turned into a bitch. Usually, that happened pretty quickly.
“We made it to Kepler. We’re about to land.”
“Good to know. Is Netto still with you?”
“Yes,” Netto answered for himself.
“Great. I’ll put that down. Remember to negotiate with the Montihans. This request couldn’t have come at a better time. He needs what we have, we need what he has. Do what it takes.”
“Roger that. No one can deny my bartering skills, babe, not even you,” Zeph’s voice dripped innuendo and sex-appeal.
Something I can’t do, and something I don’t have.Netto mused quietly.
“You know my price, Zeph. It won’t change no matter how suave you are. Don’t let Netto interfere,” her voice went hard and Netto knew she addressed him now. “You’re the muscle, Shark. Stand there and watch, record, and intimidate. Intimidate your blue ass off and keep your mouth shut.”
“Babe, his teeth are the most intimidating thing about my main man,” Zeph quipped and feigned a laugh. He shot him a look, dark and knowing, but Netto didn’t respond. “Anything else, Mia? We’re landing now.”
“No, but keep me updated. We’re getting pressure from above and they’re going to want answers before we have answers to give.”
The ship slowed further until it hovered over the zone outside the homestead. Already several people were emerging from the barricade to greet them.
