VAGABONDS : Xanders Tale 1

XANDER'S TALE

1:

Rain. Ice cold rain. The neon flashing lights turning the drops red, blue, yellow-green. The slick streets and damp sidewalks look so clean, probably the only clean thing in this damned place. Killers, junkies, thieves, dealers, gangsters, cyborgs and other social rejects. I hate 'em all. Ah well, it's off these scum and freaks that my belly is full and my head swimming in booze.

Kresge City, named after this centuries most famous general. The savior of the Aartesian Wars; Henzo Kresge. To all the city dwellers though, it’s just called The K and is the biggest city South & East of Babylon Port. No time for history and geography lessons. All those files are memorized in my head and it’s too cold to be out. Too cold and too damn wet. If only I had steady work I could be lounging in a posh unit instead of trying to sleep in my Ranger.

You’d think in a town as alive as the K ,a guy like me could find something to do. There is just not enough ice to move, no hits to be made and so forth. At least Im plenty drunk and plenty full on food.
Things were not always so. I was top gun in this city, pockets deep with cred notes, and women, oh the women. My partner and I were living like kings. That all changed in a blink it seems. As it is just coming back to these streets was dance with fate. Sixteen years hiding in the deserts and six more on the outskirts.It was hell. My bones are old and cold but I welcome the rain and the chilly breeze. Yes sir this jug’o White Whiskey and apple cigarettes are a nice comfort too.

My names Xander, jack of all trades, but gunman and smuggler probably my best trades. Yes sir, I was twenty-six summers, drinking at the Blue Cherub. We were discussing the than new mayor and other politics. Then SHE walked in.

Twisted my world up and over…..

“Everyone says they are for the people, but, this guy, I dunno, he’s got other plans I think. He’s just playing to the crowd. I haven’t seen any changes, no extra bills in my pockets. “

“listen Xander, that’s not the point, this guy he really is for the people. I mean, who would you rather have back that old soldier Vogul!?! I’d rather have this blue collared ted Nash. So what if he plays poker and Zen chips with Red Hand gangsters, at least we don’t gotta worry about martial law again.”

Xander relaxed and took a shot of snake gin. His partner in crime smiled at him.

” Look Xan, He just wants life to be easier for the folks of K, so what if he gots his hands in Skoog’s pockets and all that.”

Skoog. The name made Xander grind his teeth. In all the cities in the great galaxy, Commander Arthur Skoog was the most twisted, two-faced cop he ever met, and Xander knew quite a few.

“ Yeah, your probably right Rey. “

Rey rose from the table and strode over to the jukebox. Xander washed down a couple of red moons and ordered more snake gin, wishing it were tequila.

Red Moons were like all amphetamines, except stronger.For some reason they were the drug of choice for the people of Aartesia. Back on Terra, it was a low grade version of Snow Candy.

My senses were kicked to unnatural heights and I was getting steadily drunk. The Cherub was jumping that night, all sorts dancing and mingling enjoying themselves. Rey was bopping about with his on and off fluessy Priss. Smart girl just a real tramp. Rey didn’t mind though. I was riding on the moons boy! I could hear conversations across the dance floor, smell a cigar being lit in another room. My head was tingling good. That’s when SHE walked in. I followed her long legs all the way to the bar. She sat a few moments then ordered my favorite imported whiskey. Damn, how could she afford that, only gangsters and guys like Rey and me around here order that. I could smell it from her lips, a good sixty paces away. Belladream whiskey. Mmmm. The scent is unmistakable. Stronger and sweeter than this shit snake gin I was sippin. God she was beautiful. Long legs, jet black hair, slender yet supple body and..Ah shit!! She caught me diggin her! She sauntered towards my table. Damn does this dame know me?
I was about to stand when all of sudden…

” Xander you hopped up dreg! Glad to see you smiling’ again!” it was Raz Balethorn. The Big K's knower of all.

“ What brings you this way Raz?”

“ I got great news and some very great propositions” Raz talked on, but I was focused on the girl. She stood arms length from Raz; usually I was all ears for Raz, but this dame…

“Oi! Xander! You all right then? Look a bit flushed, you aint too high are ya?” She was smiling now, and starring.

” No, go on.”

“right, I cant be too specific here but one of the delicacies is that the Navidian Ice is pure, uncut and of a very rare strain.”

Raz kept talking but Xanders mind was focused on this girl, this dark angel of beauty….

“And this Zeetakan he needs three men to do the job and …”

Xanders blood ran cold. The name drop made him practically choke Raz, What did you say! Zeetakan? You talked to him ? Told him about me? Speak you fucking go-tard!”

“Xander! Easy mate! What’s wrong?!!?”

Xander settled his nerves and became very very paranoid.

“ did I say something wrong Xan?”

Xander took a shot and popped two more red moons. There is no way Zeetakan could be alive. No way in hell.

“ You said Zeetakan. Raz, that’s what, did you talk to him personally ? Did you see his face and all that?”

“well yeah, I met him today at Babylon Port. He’s you know tall, like all Veluzian, pale, got a big scar around his neck…"

Raz continued to describe Zeetakan, but it was not the same person Xander had killed almost ten years ago. No, he was describing the evil bastards son. Krug had slit the little boys throat, but I guess he lived.

Xander stopped Raz.

” Did you give him my name?”

Raz was thoroughly puzzled now, not knowing where Xander was going with this.

” No you dumb ass, I just said I knew three guys who are the best in town. He only needs three, the fourth he says will be someone from his crew I guess.”

Xanders mind raced. He knew this was bad. It had to be a set up. If he takes the job Krug will not be the third man.

“ Well Ill call you later, you don’t look too good. I need a stiff drink and some spicy food.” With that Raz walked out of the Cherub.

Xander was still starring at the girl, when Rey and Priss joined him at the table.

” Say Xan, your gonna burn a hole in her shirt you keep on with that!” Rey said as Priss poured more drinks.

“ Yeah, I hope so. Listen we have to talk, but not here. Raz was just here, has a gig for us, real big. I gotta go though, gotta talk to this dame.” Rey and Priss laughed and nodded in agreement.

Xander followed the girl as she made her way out the bar. The red moons and gin had got the best of him. He was having trouble walking and thinking. Damn Red moons, he thought. Funny, could have sworn she was standing in the doorway to Jujees arcade. Better double check. Best put on my shades in case any swine decides to stop me. There she goes. Who is she and where is she headed? Okay Xander, keep it together. She just entered the bodega. I'll just grab her by the arm and make her talk when she comes out. Gotta focus. Damn red moons, what’s this? Only two smokes left. Ah well, Ill have a smoke and wait. Best charge up my pistol to max just in case.

“ Just in case what?” said a small sultry voice.

“Huh?” was all Xander managed to say before he realized he had been talking aloud.

“ Say handsome, you don’t look too good. Want a detox hit or a ride home?” asked the voice.

Xander tried to aim his pistol but began blacking out.

” Just tell me who you are and you won't…these neon lights sure do make this dame look really cute." Xander began mumbling.

She smiled and he passed out again, this time the concrete giving him a great big hug.

I always have strange dreams. It’s not just the drugs either. Im always lost it seems, trying to get home by streets I have never seen. Yet, the places seem so familiar. Skyscrapers. Bigger than the ones on Earth, bigger than Kresges’. That woman, she’s always in y dreams too. A tiger tattoo, she has green eyes. Black hair too. Im always running, she’s trying to kill me, Dav is there, and Rey.Always two steps ahead of me. Then Im in the desert, I can feel the sand scraping my skin. Just when I think Im going to make it home, she gets me. Im about to die, then the cyborg calls my name and wake up.

“NO!” I scream, forcing myself out of the nightmare.

My eyes try and adjust to the low-key lighting. I’m in my den. My head feels like a broken beer bottle. My legs ain’t working as I try and stand. Rey comes into view.

” Easy partner, you overdosed last night. Don’t move so much. Lay back down, your lucky you didn’t fry your brain, thank God you passed out before the last ‘moon took affect.”

Rey walked into the kitchen area and brought me a cup.

“ Drink this Xan, that dame said it’ll help counter the ‘moon.” Xander sipped the drink, not recognizing the taste.

” What is this, he said.

” Its ice cold lemonade you dumb shit!”

For the life of him he couldn’t remember what that was, or, if he even knew what it was.

” Lemonade?” Xander said, drinking the rest of it.

” Yeah, you know made from lemon juice. From Earth.”Rey sighed,” Anyways, you’re damn lucky that dame dragged your ass back to the club. I stuck you in the ranger and had to give you six detox hits until you stopped convulsing.”

Xander shook his head in disbelief.

” Did you get her name Rey?”

“Nah, but she should be here any minute.” Rey opened the blinds and the sun nearly blinded Xander.

” Fuck! What time is it?”

“Four thirty, you’ve been sleeping all day”

“ We have to contact Raz about that gig. It’s big money, a bit risky though. Too risky for Krug."

Rey looked puzzled. “ Speaking of the gig, Raz says you freaked out when he mentioned this Zeetakan guy. Anything you want to tell me Xan?”

Rey was starring him down. Xander had known Rey for three years now. Trusted him with his life. Still, He never told Rey about Zeetakan, the Fury, the Deep or the real reason he and Krug came to Aartesia.

“ I knew his father a long time ago. Bad blood, that’s all. I don’t think he was old enough to remember, but, Krug wont take that risk.”

Rey relaxed.

”Are you okay with this? I mean what if he does remember?”

“I don’t look the way I used too, and he doesn’t know my name, so I gotta chance at pulling it off clean.” Rey gave his friend a scolding look.

Xander knew the look, Rey was worried and angry.

“ I thought you trusted me Xan, you never mentioned Zeetakan before. Why?”

Xander snapped his teeth.

“Look, it’s not like that at all… Everybody’s got skeletons in their closets. Some more than others. I don’t wanna talk about this now okay!”

Rey shrugged.” Fine, oh and Jorge Blazinov called too. Apparently you owe the Trade Guild some serious cred. He says you better go and see him before things get out of control.”

Xander smiled. Jorgy Boy. Little did anyone know he was related to Xander. They grew up together back on Earth, or as everyone calls it now, Terra.

“ Yeah, yeah, I'll give him a holler later.”

As Rey and Xander ate soup and drank cola’s the Vid-screen droned out the latest news. Two men found dead at Uncle Zeke’s Bar’n’grill in Sin-Sin.Three Enforcer Patrol officers still missing.Unemployment up five percent since last year. Haven Tech opens up two factories in Tokyo and one on Saturn. The weather-droid takes over but is interrupted by the door chime.

“ Identify yourself,” Rey said.

“ Im looking for Rey Quida and Xander Drigo, I uh, met you last night at the Blue Cherub.”

Xanders’ heart raced.

“If it’s the dame let her in dammit.” Rey smirked and tossed his head back.

“Door open,” he said, and the Auto-lock doors unsealed and in the doorway stood an angel worthy of the all the gods.

“ Hello again” she said in her small, sultry voice.

“ Hello,” Rey said back.

” Hello Xander, good to see you feel better, oh, by the way, my name is Zaiyuri Dean.”

Her smile melted my heart like a freakin’ Popsicle. You know one of them fruit icee’s with a plastic handle. Yeah, anyways ………
My heart stopped for a second. She looked even better in full light.

” Its so nice to finally meet you properly.” She said.” The pleasure’s all mine Zaiyuri, I mean for helping me and all, I was off my head last night.”

She smiled again” Your welcome, I wanted to talk to you last night but you were busy with that older gentleman…. and Im a bit shy, but I really wanted to talk to you.”


Then I did the most uncool thing in the world. I blushed like a ten year old kid, me! She didn’t care though; she just laughed a little cute giggle.

Then Rey spoke up.” Care for a drink Ms. Dean?”

“ Oh, no thank you, I just wanted to introduce myself. I must be running along though. You understand don’t you?”

“ No harm at all Ms. Dean,” Rey said.

“ I sure do hope you feel better Xander, I’d love to see you soon.”

Here’s my chance I thought. No more high priced whores, exotic dancers, loud mouthed bar sluts. She’s beautiful and nice. A real keeper.

“ How about tomorrow, if its okay with you. Pick a spot, I’ll be there.”

She grinned from ear to ear. She walked up to me and whispered in my ear.

” Call me tonight, my number is in your coat pocket.” She smiled again, waved goodbye and walked out of my unit.

“ Whoa, Xan, bro that dame really digs you. Hot Damn boy, what she say anyhow?”

“ She said to call her.”





We spent the rest of the day relaxing and prepping for the meeting with Raz and Zeetakan. I still couldn’t believe he lived. Krug had ripped his throat out from ear to ear. The memory still burns bright. The kid was laying on the white carpet of old Zeetas’ room trying to scream. I know he never saw my face, but Krug, He wanted the boy to see he was the one taking his life. It was the vilest murder we ever committed. Revenge was necessary though.
Rey and I loaded up for this little meeting. I charged my Laz-pulse pistols and holstered them in my coat. Rey packed his stiletto and sawed off plasma rifle. Young Zeetakan chose the meeting place. We were to be at the Silk Lounge at eight thirty exactly. I was not used to high-class affairs like the Silk Lounge. I like all the excesses that money brought, but rubbing elbows with the Big K’s aristos and fat cats didn’t exactly make my day.

“ This place is too nice for a couple of gunmen like us” Ray said.

I relaxed and ordered a drink from the Oriental looking cyborg girl.
She came back with two glasses of imported amber Sake.

“ The rest of your party will be here in five minutes,” the cyber-girl said.

“ Rest of our party? Its only Zeetakan and Raz right?” Rey asked.

“ Don’t know, maybe this is just a trap.”

Xander pulled out his pistols and kept them just below the table. Rey followed suit. When Reys’ timepiece buzzed out the five-minute mark, the Lounge began clearing out.

“ Shit Rey, it is a trap.”

The pair stood and made their way for the door. Then a ghost appeared in front of Xander. No, it was just young Zeetakan. He looked exactly like his father, just with a horrid scar on his jugular and flashy expensive clothes. Raz came in second.

” Hey, you guys aint leaving are ya?”

Zeetakan looked the two men over. Xander glared back at him.” I thought we had to leave with everybody else.”

Raz laughed.” Nah, Mr. Zeetakan rented out the Silk Lounge for the rest of the night. Come on lets have some drinks. “

Rey and Xander sat back at the table. Zeetakan had five bodyguards. All impressive in size and all of the Weisein race. Good choice boy, just like your daddy, thought Xander.

“ So, I am Dedric Zeetakan, these are my associates whose names are not important. Balethorn tells me you are the best gunmen in town, and your discreet. Tell me your names and the name of the third person, since he is not here.”

Xander smiled inside. Arrogant just like the old man.

“ Um, Xander said” Our usual third party is on vacation. But this is Mr. Dark and I am Mr. Dead.” Xander said flatly.

Zeetakan studied Xanders facial expressions.” I see, aliases will do. But, you do have third gunman yes? I can only provide the fourth person.”

Rey thought for minute.” We will have the third man by tomorrow, probably Mr. Fear, another associate of ours.”

Xander stood quiet, but tried to think of whom Rey had in mind.

Zeetakan spoke.

” Very well, the job itself is very simple, the other parts, such as fencing, escape and evasion is what’s dangerous. Balethorn tells me you will have no problem though. Tell me, do you know this man they call “Galron” ? “

Rey and Xander looked at each other.

“ Anyhow, this Galron has a tight knit group of killers who work full time for him. Galron is whom the Navidian ice is supposed to go to. These killers, The White Dawn Assassins, have murdered my main vendor for ice. Their leader, Vinn Hobb, must die. No one disrespects a Zeetakan and lives.The acquisition of the ice and death of Mr. Hobb is only one part. The other part is getting the ice back to my securities. You also have to worry about the local enforcers and possibly this Galron character. Im offering five hundred thousand Terran credits now, and another five hundred thousand upon completion. What say you?”

Xander wiped the sweat from his brow and Rey swallowed hard. They both now knew just how big this gig was.

“ Well do it, but, Im gonna need to hire some extra hands. You know, decoys, pilots, etc.”

Zeetakan winced.

“ Very well, but they are to know nothing of me or the true purposes. If they must ask, you’re just stealing some gemstones or whatever.”

Zeetakan got up to leave.

Rey called to him before he reached the door.

” Who’s the fourth gunman?”

Zeetakan turned and smiled.” Its no man, I will tell you that much. Could not make it to the meeting had things to attend to. She’s worked for me before. Deadly little thief. You wont be let down Mr. Dark.”

With that said Zeetakan and his party left the Lounge. Xander and Rey walked out the back door heading for the ranger.

“ A girl gunner?” said Rey.

“ Its been done before buddy.” Xander added, “ Mr. Fear? Just who is that supposed to be?”

“ I was thinking that creep Volter Hesh. He s pretty good and has no problem killing and keeping his mouth shut.”

Xander shrugged and grinned.” This is really big Rey, we could retire with that much cred. We just must pull it off with no slips ups. Galron and The White Dawn’s aint no joke.”

Rey agreed. They drove back towards their side of town.

Xander gave Zaiyuri a call. Three rings before she picked up.

” Hel-lo?”

“ Hi, its Xander, can I come see you, or is too late?”

“ No, I’ve been waiting for your call “ she said with her little voice.

“ Okay, Im on my way then.”

Xander sped off to her unit. He buzzed her digits in and the slow hum of the hydraulic gates hissed and let him in. Her place was really nice. Nicer than other broads unit he had known anyways. He waited in her living room not sure what to expect. I mean, this girl knows he uses drugs. She knows I carry a gun. What could she possibly want with scum like me? Just gotta find out I guess. I slicked my hair back again and popped a mint to cover up the cigar smoke. Then all of a sudden there she was. An angel in sheer lace, a true justice to womanhood.

“ Hi, would you like something to drink?”

I nodded.

“ I hope you like Belladream, it’s all I ever drink!” she said laughing.

We sat on the couch chatting for while.

“ I just thought you where the most handsome man I ever saw, and you looked mysterious, I dunno, I know its silly but I really like you Xander.”

I couldn’t believe my ears. This gorgeous girl was going to be mine. I moved in to taste her lips but she beat me to the punch.
She threw her arms around my body, I caressed her legs. She moaned and whispered a faint “ YES” in my ears. Breathing heavily I kissed her deeper. Pure passion swept over us, we made love until the sun came up and all the Belladream was gone. She slept all morning. I sat there watching the rising of her breasts. When she woke, we made love one more time and then I left for home. Incredibly I made it home without crashing. Zaiyuri called me before I lay down.” Just wanted to say thank you and I hope to see you real soon.” Xander smiled and fell asleep.


While Xander slumbered, Rey was busy getting a hold of Volter. He was a hard person to reach, even for a low life scum bag.

” Hesh, Its Quida. Yeah, got a big job if you’re interested. Ah-huh, Drigo and me. Yup, and some girl gunner. The usual, run and gun, cherry pick and scatter. Yeah. Okay then. At the Cherub, tonight at ten, sure, sure. You'll be paid good pal, just gotta keep your lips tight. Right see you then.”

Rey hung up the phone and dialed another friend’s number.

“ Hi, can I speak with Johnny please, tell him its Rey Quida. Hey Johnny how goes it? Good. Listen you wanna make some creds? At a boy. Come over to Xander’s place in about an hour. Right see you then.”

Rey smiled. So far so good.

When Xander woke up Rey told him the plans. The four of them, Rey, Xander, Volter and the mystery girl would sneak into the cargo bay of the ship while Johnny and gang of hoodlums caused a big commotion at the Ports main terminal. Priss would be waiting nearby in a light cruiser with a course set for Sernek, Aartesia’s smaller moon. There they would turn over the ice and proof of Vinn Hobbs death. It should go pretty smooth. The cargo ship will have only two White Dawn guards and Hobb. The Navidian dealer would have to die as well. They had exactly fifteen minutes to high tail out of Babylon Port before the Enforcer’s actually realize what’s going on. All Johnny would know is that they are hi-jacking a shipment. Xander liked the plan.

Johnny Davis. Born and raised in Neo Haven. The Big K’s ball breaker. A true blue hoodlum. He would have fit in back on Terra like a fly on shit. He even dressed the part. You know, denim pants rolled up to his boots, hair all slick and greasy. Shit he even wears a leather jacket. Seen too many Terran movies I guess.Johnny he and his crew are real bunch of bad asses right. They all drive tricked out mean looking rangers. Hell, people in Neo Haven even call him Johnny Danger, ‘cuss he is so nuts. Like I was saying………

“ Johnny’ll be here any minute Xan, so clean up and quit smiling so damn much!” Rey scolded.

“ Fuck you, I can smile if I want.” I says.

Just then the door chime went off.

“ Uh, Its Johnny man, let me in yeah Xander?”

The auto lock door opened and in walked the teenage terror of Kresge.

“ Whataya hear, Whataya say man!” Johnny smirked.

“ Have a beer kid, we got a lot to talk about.”

Johnny took the beer, chugging the whole thing.

” Rey and I got a little jacking to do, nothing big, but, we need someone to run distraction so the Port Enforcers wont be up my ass while Im trying to work you know.”

Johnny shook his head,” yeah, we could do that, rough up some chums bust some fucking skulls. Yep, not a problem Xander man.”

Rey gave Johnny another beer. Xander liked the kid a lot. He had balls. Not too much of that anymore, and he didn’t ask questions.

“ You let me know if you need anything Johnny, guns, bombs whatever.”

Johnny grinned evil. “ Sure, sure, guns I got though. The boys, they just want to know what’s their stash gonna be though.”

“ I’ll be paying you four hundred creds apiece and you get an additional ten when the jobs done.”

Johnny choked on his beer.

“ That’s alotta dough, Xander man.”

Rey laughed.

“ Yes sir it is, you do a good job I might consider hiring you again and maybe even sub lease your crazy ass.” Xander finished.

The trio drank until ten pm when they met up with Volter Hesh at the Cherub. Xander had never worked with him. Johnny knew of him. Rey had pulled a few jobs with him. Xander knew of his reputation mostly. A cold hearted killer, a decent sneak thief and fearless as the grave.