Chapter 9: Shuffling the Deck

Planet: Crucis II - City of Rhea, Southern Outskirts

Date of 241.10-10

After only a few hands and a couple rounds of drinks, Matt was tired of the new company. Part of him wished they had left them back on that isolated rock.

They were sly bastards if he ever met one, and he knew plenty of those types. Anderson was by far the worst of the two. He held the largest winnings by a wide margin. But it was not only the card game that turned him off. His mannerisms and stories, and the attitude about it all. Needless to say, Matt needed a break from Greth junior.

All about the money, just tolerate the personalities for now…

“I fold.” Matt tossed his cards on the crate. “Screw your luck! I swear to whatever your god is that you cheat.”

“Me? A cheater? That’s a harsh accusation, my friend.” Anderson pulled the plastic chips towards himself with cheaply veiled innocence, some falling to the floor. “You sure you don’t want to stick with one more hand? Maybe your luck will change for the better?”

“I highly doubt.”

Another hand dealt, Matt ditched them to go find something else for entertainment. He slithered out of the room as his empty seat was quickly occupied. His hand braced against the doorway, the rosewood frame felt warm to the touch.

A fleeting thought of Jayne crossed his mind, and when this might all be said and done.

That hinged on Greth and his master plan, a former politician whose past seemed to hang around as close as his own damn shadow. Greth had the charisma without a doubt and a natural born leader dwelled within him. However, his heart of gold was of the more literal sense.

Maybe bail sooner rather than later, for personal health reasons…

It was not the first time that thought crossed Matt's mind.

When this was all said and done, he could care less about Greth’s endgame. Once the payment was no longer worth it, then back to their freelancing ways if not out of the game entirely. For now though, stomach any bullshit and keep his head down.

“Leaving the game early?”

The question caught him off guard and broke him from his thoughts, eyes swiveling to see Greta leaning against the bland white wall of the hallway. Her hair had been left alone to grow longer than normal and now tied into a ponytail.

"I’m not much of a card person, you know that." Matt glanced back at the exchange of cards, eyes not holding long. "Give me a weapon though and I’ll know what to do with myself, no questions there.”

“Say it ain’t so? Our fearless leader, all but beaten to submission by a deck of cards.” She stifled a laugh, leaning against the bland white walls. “I'll keep that in mind for the future.”

“I'd rather you not.” He brushed it off with a grunt and put his feet in motion, one hastily in front of the other.

“Make no promises.” Greta fell in step behind him as he marched on, boots echoing with each step. “Where are you off to now?”

“Don’t know, figure I’d let fate decide.”

“Huh, too easy.” Greta picked up her pace and overtook him, brushing his shoulder. “Follow me before you get bored and extremely dangerous.”

Through the bland hallway, towards the gaudy designed vestibule, and out the squeaky double doors into the street. A few hover bikes sped past them with no care other than a few curse words. Muttering back a few of his own, Matt and Greta hit the streets at a decent pace.

After recent events, the crew took a minor break while Greth organized his next steps. Freeman had gone off to Crucis IV for personal business, Hines and Leon had split for details they kept to themselves, thus leaving Greta and Lydria planetside with him. Matt was not worried about the others getting in trouble.

“What exactly do you have in mind?”

“Nothing you’d be interested in considering your bad luck, but I don’t feel like going alone.” She cocked her head with a sly smile. “Think of yourself as my intimidating bodyguard.”

“Bullshit, you’re more intimidating than the average man.” Matt weaved through the human traffic behind Greta. “You could kick ass without much trouble.”

“Yeah, yeah.” She waved a careless hand and kept him moving along.

Rhea was the largest human footprint on Crucis II. It was a decent sight to behold considering the rest of the planet. Smooth and sharp edges outlined the majority of buildings, displaying a higher refinement of humanity. The streets remained fairly clean with few deformities. All in all, it was the pride of the planet. It gave a certain respectable-ness that Havens Hold did not, hence why Matt preferred the latter.

Following the crowds, they made their way out from the dense commercial and residential area to the city’s edge. Part of their route took them on the subtransit railway that webbed out from the city center. About three fourths of the way there, he realized where they were headed when he looked at the progression tracker above the railcars door. Set aside in a large area of land was the Thyriad Raceway.

What is a thyriad one might ask?

Thyriads were strong two legged beasts akin to oversized birds, with thick thighs that powered them over distance. It’s extended and flexible neck sprouted from imposing shoulder high legs, with a thin whip-like tail at the other end. It did not have arms or wings, but that did not make it any less dangerous if cornered. Razor sharp teeth made the beast a tough nut to crack, especially on top of the armor plating that grew from its hardened leathery skin.

“Hey, why are we going to the tracks?” Matt was half sarcastic and half not, knowing her for as long as he had. “I’m not in a betting mood lately, as you may have seen.”

“You aren’t betting, I am.” She replied with subdued aggravation. “Calm down and go with it.”

“Alright, it's your money to lose.” Matt let out a high pitch whistle.

Arriving at their destination, the stench of manure wafted near. She placed bets and dragged him to open seating in the upper corner of the stands. Spanning the length of the seats, holo-screens hung from protective cover to provide full video coverage. On the grounds in front of the stands, riders and beast prepared themselves for the upcoming event.

“You sure you don’t want to bet?” She lightly ribbed him. “Maybe one just between us?”

“With you?” Matt propped his feet on the back of the seat in front of him. “That’s worse than making one with the brokers. You're a brutal woman, you know that?”

“I prefer to get the job done by the means necessary, reputation can fuck itself. And don’t think I don’t know you’re worse than me.” She followed his lead with her feet as well. “Just keep your eyes above the shoulders and be somewhat professional in public.”

Greta wore a black low cut halter top with a maroon jacket and semi worn pair of jeans. Matt did not have any physical interest in her thanks to Jayne, per say. However, he could appreciate beauty wherever found and Greta was a fine catch. But he adhered to her wishes as usual.

“You know you don’t have to worry about that with me.” His eyes wandered off into surroundings. “Number four, it wins and you handle negotiations with Greth in my stead. Hell, might as well throw in Hobbes too.”

“Owe me a new scope if number seven, and deal.”

"Agreed." Matt twiddled his thumbs in thought. “How about you? What's on your mind?”

“There’s always something on my mind.” Around them, the stands were filled to almost full capacity. It was easy to be ignored. “I feel though, you have a particular topic in regards to current matters. Am I right?”

“Of the sort, yes.”

Greta slowly nodded her head. “Okay, hit me with it.”

“First, we’re normally a job to job kind of group, no attachments or standing ties.” The PA system announced the time, only a couple minutes until the race began. “Now we seem to be partnered to one winding path and an undeclared finish line. Not against it, but can’t deny being a little unsettling.”

“This is some of the best pay we’ve had in a while, a very long while.” She angled her head and gave him a you know I am right stare. Matt shifted in agreement. "But you do have a point, admittedly."

The race would be the first of a few, which probably meant Greta bet on all of them. The ambient noise was getting noticeably louder. The thyriads were lined up and raring to go with riders prepped on their backs, the track cleared of other personnel.

“Well, don’t worry about being the only one. You’ll find out later anyway, but Freeman talked with me on it.” She rolled her head and neck causing an audible popping. “Actually, I think he even got a second opinion from Hobbes after mine.”

“I wouldn't necessarily fault him...”

Necessarily, I mean considering…

“...hold yourself now, no one’s leaving you high and dry anytime soon.” The pistol fired and the race was on. Greta waited for the initial roar to die down, the cheers and heckles waning. “Don’t jump to conclusions on your crew, especially me.”

“I’m not. Hell, turn the clock back enough years back to Nerit and you know where I stand.”

Matt remembered almost drowning himself that day. Then the tunnel chat afterwards, and Greta having to almost drag his ass out of the bar from intoxication. That discussion, that’s where this mercenary shit all began between them.

Back on the track, the racers were off at full speed and vying for lead position. The more seasoned were easily spotted, staying the course in the middle of the pack. In a matter of time they would make their push towards the front.

“Other ramblings or people of interest?”

“Hobbes, Greth, and Vorosh.” Matt counted them off one by one on his fingers. “Too absorbed, too deceiving, and too much of a ghost. Thoughts?”

“Hobbes? He’ll survive. He can get engrossed and stubborn at times, but that’s part of what makes him good at his job. As for the latter two, I can lump Greth and Vorosh into the same category. It’s the ‘I don’t trust them over my dead body’ one.” Greta propped her arm on the middle rest and leaned inward towards him. “But in the end, I guess it goes back to the money as noted. They keep paying us, and we’ll fight our way through as we always do.”

“That’s where my mind is settling in.” Matt mimicked Greta with his own elbow and a lean. “Suck it up for the moment, then walk away and move on with our lives.”

“Amen to that.”

The crowd reactions escalated as the race broke the halfway point and distances lengthened. One screen showed a rider almost running another completely off the track, the beasts snapping at each other upon rough contact. Other riders jarred with each other, both playfully and not so much. A louder and angrier roar erupted when two collided and one went down hard.

“By the way, I heard our logistical and financial backers have been busy behind the scenes.” Matt took the opportunity to switch to another subject, and some news he had been drip fed through Hobbes mainly. “Those at the table seem to back up their words.”

“So I’ve heard too.”

Of course, as she and Minerva were almost in each other’s lap at the last meeting…

“Considering what we just pulled off, interest has grown." His eyes followed the lead racer down the stretch. "Rumors say the next target is going to be big. Greth has been working his charm, if you can call it that.”

“He does have his ways.” Greta replied sarcastically. “I mean, even if it’s an asshole personality in my opinion.”

The race was over as the crowd cheered with some jeers and the prize pool was distributed. After all that, people moved on with their lives.

~~~

The crowds had dispersed, leaving Matt to take his time strolling down the streets. Thanks to Greta, he pocketed some spare cash at her behest. The question was what to spend it on and options were plenty. There were a few clothing stores coming up on his right, a nice cafe with an outside shaded pavilion on the next corner, or maybe the crystal shop he passed a minute ago.

‘Montag’s Pristine Krystals’ was an interesting place. Vibrant colors and crystalized hanging beads, making it one of the more odd atmospheres in town. The owner was into the idea of using specialized crystals to store and harness pure energy. Matt had no idea on the science behind it and could care less. In all honesty, it sounded more of a sham than anything else.

“Matt, nice to see you back and alive!”

For being of political background, Greth seemed to have a number of other skills to call on at his disposal. An innate ability of sticking to the shadows was one in particular.

It took a few seconds to register, as gone was the scruffy wardrobe to something of a more than respectable attire. A dark tan overcoat covered the green shirt underneath. He also wore a pair of brand new slacks with polished black boots, fully laced up in the front. There was also a noticeable cleaner trim around his beard, a bit less scrappy. His ponytail though was still as ever present.

“Having a pulse is usually a comfortable feeling." Matt collected himself as he brushed his hair back. Catching a knot or two, he was reminded of the need for a trim of his own. "Nice new look by the way, suits you better than the roughed up drunkard you kind of had going before.”

“I see your humor hasn’t changed, good.” Greth closed the gap between them. “Nice to know the mission went well, as it’s been a boost to other ‘things’ coming to fruition.”

“Yeah, heard about that as rumors tend to run amok.” Matt grimaced, thumbs hooked into his pockets. "Getting extra commission for that extra publicity?”

“Cute, but no. This is of my own volition and we need all the help possible.” He motioned forward to continue on. “Any particular reason that brings you out and about?”

“Enjoying my time. Better yet, what are you doing here?” Matt still had unanswered, and most likely never to be answered, questions for him. “Figure you’d be far offworld with some business that needed your attention.”

“Business? Oh yes, that will be handled in time.” Greth deflected it and then waved to a passing pair of women who giggled in return. He missed the confusion on Matt’s face. “I wanted to make sure everything was in order here before leaving. I would hate to come back and find a huge mess, no offense.”

“Thanks for your confidence.”

“I’m leaving within the week. In the meantime, there should be a flow of fresh blood coming on route." Greth eyed him a little too eagerly. "Your team are the resident experts, so I think their training should be in good hands.”

"Training?" Matt stutter stepped at the news. “Me?”

"Someone of your team’s caliber will get it done." Greth slapped his shoulder. “Between you and Hobbes, well, I have the utmost faith.”

“Martins, level with me.” Mathusala pulled Greth back to a dead stop. "This is more than a few minor contract jobs to make a statement and profit. These jabs feel more like opening shots at the Coalition's soft underbelly. Am I right?”

“First, answer this if you’re so concerned. Does anything change regardless, and I mean truly change?” Greth matched tone with tone, eyes never wavered nor wandered. “Last I checked, you’re a mercenary group that does a job and gets compensated accordingly. Now we just added a few more to the mix.”

“That’s quickly becoming an understatement.”

“You know, it almost sounds to me like you have morals." Greth let slip a cruel smirk. "When did a merc grow a conscience?”

“We’re all human, no matter what space rock we reside on.” Matt wanted to walk away the longer this went on. And in equal measure, his legs remained locked up. “Look, I’ll shoot whoever you want me to if the money is there, but I won’t settle for being sold short. I don’t suppose you feel like spilling your endgame?”

“Endgame? Didn’t I clarify that when I first introduced myself?” Greth took a half step back. “We share the same problems, to a degree. Does the route taken make a difference to you if your ends are achieved?”

“You have a way with words." Matt hushed his voice, careful not to let their conversation become a scene. "But I have a way with weapons, no bullshit.”

“Hmm, to each his own.” Greth had a good laugh. He grinned and then motioned for them to resume their walk. “I have plans, yes, but Vorosh brought us all together for a reason. Take your pick on that one, but I’m going forward with the opportunities that are presented to me. What will you do with your opportunities, Matt?”

Vorosh jolted back into his mind. The ghost he had almost forgotten among the recent train of events and supplanted by Greth, though similarities existed.

“Stick it out and do what we do best as killers.” Matt shrugged his shoulders. “We’re just a bunch of no good mercenaries aren’t we?”

“Well, I wouldn’t say no good.” Greth stopped and surveyed their surroundings. This part of town was thinner of people and buildings, but plenty of dead-end alleyways. “I’ve unfortunately delayed too long and must be off as you so sharply pointed out earlier.”

“Fine, will we hear from you or Vorosh next?”

“Ideally, it will be from me. Vorosh and I have had a talk or two, and he prefers to take a more sidelined approach after his first run with you.” There was some spite to his words, nothing Matt could particularly put in place. “He’ll still stay in touch with me, I'll be making sure of it.”

“That’s somewhat comforting, I guess.”

They shook hands and parted ways. Matt felt he would be seeing him again sooner than wanted and more often than liked, unfortunately. At least they had Hobbes along for the ride with them.