Chereads / Starship Raiders: Spacefarer Saga (Concept) / Chapter 3 - Drug Money is Free Money

Chapter 3 - Drug Money is Free Money

The bustling city of Jurya sprawls before the crew, its maze-like streets and alleyways teeming with activity as the members of the Dreadnoughts disperse to follow their designated coordinates. Captain Steele walks through the city's bustling streets and alleyways quickly, keeping his head down. He walks into an underground parking lot, his eyes scanning the area.

The underground parking lot is a vast, cavernous space beneath the city's surface, where vehicles come and go in a constant ballet of movement. Harsh overhead lights cast a sterile, fluorescent glow across the concrete expanse. Rows of sleek, modern vehicles line the designated parking spaces, their owners oblivious to the covert activities taking place.

Captain Steele's sharp eyes scan the area, searching for a particular spot—the drop point. Nestled discreetly in a secluded corner at the top of the parking lot is a tiny bird's nest. It seems inconspicuous, camouflaged among the structural supports and ventilation ducts, far enough from prying eyes.

With the finesse of a seasoned operative, Steele retrieves his trusty grappling hook from his belt. He aims it carefully, the hook whizzing through the air before securely latching onto the bird's nest. A swift tug brings the concealed cache closer, and with nimble fingers, he unwraps the cloth that conceals a valuable data chip.

A grin of satisfaction plays on Steele's lips as he carefully stashes the precious chip into a small, plastic baggy he has pulled from the depths of his coat pocket. He speaks softly into his comm unit, his voice carrying an air of triumph, "One down. All clear by the parking lot."

Siren's voice crackles over the comm unit, filled with equal satisfaction, "Excellent. I'm good here too." The remaining members of the crew chime in, their voices confirming the successful retrieval of their own data chips.

Steele nods to himself, his eyes once again scanning the underground expanse. "Meet me at the top of the building right next to the parking lot." The familiar voices of his crew respond in unison, their synchronized affirmation ringing in his ear. With the first phase of their mission accomplished, they are one step closer to their goal.

Perched atop the rooftop, the crew of the Dreadnoughts gather as Captain Steele takes charge, outlining the next phase of their daring mission. The city of Jurya sprawls below, its myriad lights painting a vivid canvas against the night sky. Steele's eyes settle on Whisper, his trusted assassin, as he begins to brief the team.

"Alright, Whisper," he speaks in hushed tones, his voice carrying the weight of their mission. "Your time to shine. We're going to Sylar's estate next, and we're gonna need you to silently take out the guards in the backyard."

Whisper nods, her dark bobbed hair blending seamlessly with the shadows. Her dual blades and augmented pistol are ready at her side, glinting softly under the ambient city lights. Her eyes gleam with determination as she prepares for her part in the operation.

Steele continues, his voice low but resolute, "Gizmo, you'll need to disable the security systems first. Siren, you're our eyes and ears, monitoring any incoming threats. Boom-Boom, Chef, you're on standby for extraction and any surprises that might come our way."

The crew members acknowledge their roles with silent nods.

Steele looks at each member in turn, his gaze firm and unwavering. "Remember, we're in and out, no unnecessary risks. We've got a kid waiting for us back on the ship. Let's make this quick and clean. Whisper, lead the way."

With a practiced synchrony, the crew of the Dreadnoughts deploys their secondary grappling hooks, preparing to traverse the cityscape of Jurya with an effortless grace that speaks of their expertise. As they embark on their journey, the night air whispers past them, and the lights of the city glimmer below like a sea of stars.

One by one, they leap from the rooftop, their movements resembling a well-choreographed dance. Whisper, nimble and soft, leads the way, her dual blades gleaming in the moonlight. Steele follows closely behind, his powerful frame soaring through the air as he aims for the next building.

The mechanics of their grappling devices are a testament to the advanced technology of their era. Each device consists of a compact, sleek launcher held in their hands, fitted with a spool of durable, ultra-thin, yet incredibly strong, synthetic cable. The cable is made from a cutting-edge material that combines lightweight flexibility with incredible tensile strength.

As they aim the launchers at nearby buildings, sophisticated sensors in the devices calculate the precise angle and trajectory needed to reach their targets. With a gentle squeeze of the trigger, a small, controlled explosion propels the grappling hook and its attached cable into the blue sky. The cable shoots out with a soft hiss, extending to its full length in the blink of an eye.

The grappling hooks find their marks, securing themselves onto the building's architecture with magnetic clamps. The crew members are then reeled in smoothly by the retracting cables, their movements agile and controlled. The entire process, from launch to landing, is executed in a matter of seconds.

Their journey through the skies above Jurya is a ballet of technology and skill. The crew members soar gracefully from one rooftop to the next, their actions both precise and fluid. The city sprawls beneath them like a mesmerizing tapestry, a vivid mosaic of lights, streets, and secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Amid their graceful rooftop gliding through the city of Jurya, a sudden cacophony of squawks and flapping wings disrupts the otherwise serene night. Startled, Whisper and Steele find themselves at the center of a feathery commotion.

A flock of birds, attracted by the commotion or perhaps simply intrigued by the intruders in their airspace, descends upon the two Dreadnoughts. It is as if the avian inhabitants of Jurya have decided to take them under their collective wing.

Whisper, dressed in her sleek, black attire with dual blades at the ready, suddenly has to contend with a barrage of beaks and feathers. Birds of various sizes and colors swoop around her, seemingly determined to make her their new roost. She swings her blades and performs deft acrobatics, attempting to fend off the feathered assailants without harming them.

Steele, known for his towering presence and rugged demeanor, finds himself grappling with a particularly assertive seagull. The brazen bird squawks loudly and flaps its wings in defiance as Steele attempts to maintain his composure. With a bemused expression, Steele tries to reason with his feathery foe.

"Alright, you've made your point," Steele mutters under his breath. "I promise we won't disrupt your affairs any further."

Finally, the last bird flutters away. The crew regroups, their laughter echoing through the Jurya night.

As they soar from rooftop to rooftop, the crew can't help but share a good-natured laugh at their recent avian encounter. Gizmo, always the tech wizard, is the first to speak up, concern lacing his words.

"Steele, are you alright? Those birds came out of nowhere!" He glances at Steele, who seems no worse for wear

but has a few rogue feathers clinging to his rugged attire.

Chef and Boom-Boom, still chuckling, chime in with their playful commentary. Chef, his culinary skills matched only by his quick wit, can't resist a jest.

"I'm just impressed the birds could keep up with the amazing Captain Orion Steele." He grins broadly, joining in the laughter that erupts among the crew.

Steele, always one to embrace humor and camaraderie, responds with a hearty chuckle of his own. His voice carries over the sound of the rushing wind as they shoot their hooks to and fro between rooftops.

"Like I said before, every dog has its day."

Siren, ever focused on the mission, gently shooshes the group as they approach their destination.

"Sylar's estate, comin' in hot."

Steele, his hair whipping wildly in the wind, glances ahead to spot their target on the horizon.

Sylar's estate, nestled high in the affluent hills of Jurya, is a work of opulence and power. As the crew descends upon it, they can't help but be impressed by its grandeur.

The estate is surrounded by tall, ornate walls that exude an air of exclusivity and privacy. Vines cover the stone barriers, their lush foliage adding a touch of nature's beauty to the otherwise imposing structure. Iron gates, adorned with intricate patterns, mark the entrance, their dark metal gleaming in the dappled sunlight.

Beyond the walls, the estate's grounds unfold like a carefully curated paradise. Manicured lawns stretch out in every direction, each blade of grass seemingly trimmed to perfection. Flowerbeds burst with a riot of vibrant colors, their petals catching the sunlight and creating a mesmerizing display of nature's artistry.

The centerpiece of the estate is undoubtedly the mansion itself. A colossal, multi-story structure, it is an architectural masterpiece that blends contemporary design with classic elegance. Tall, arched windows adorned with elaborate wrought-iron grilles punctuate the facade, offering a glimpse into the luxurious world within.

A cobblestone path leads from the mansion's entrance to a grand, circular driveway, where an assortment of luxurious vehicles wait patiently. Gleaming starships are parked in a nearby field, a testament to Sylar's vast wealth and extravagant tastes.

To the rear of the mansion, hidden from prying eyes, lies a sprawling backyard oasis. Tall palm trees sway in the breeze, their fronds rustling softly. An expansive pool glistens with crystal-clear water, surrounded by sun loungers and umbrellas, inviting relaxation and leisure.

At the far end of the backyard, nestled behind the ornate iron gates, is a starship. Its sleek, aerodynamic design contrasts sharply with the opulence of the estate, hinting at its purpose as a tool for both travel and potential escape.

"I see it," Steele replies with determination. "Touch down behind the backyard gates, behind that starship he's got parked out there in the field."

The crew descends upon Sylar's fortress like silent phantoms, every move calculated and synchronized with ruthless precision.

Steele suggests, "We'll wait here patiently until nightfall. It'll be much easier to proceed under the cover of darkness."

The crew huddles together in the shadows of the sprawling estate, their presence shrouded by the veil of nightfall. Captain Steele's wise decision to wait for the cover of darkness has set the stage for their next move. The moon casts a pale, silvery glow upon the tranquil estate, and the distant hum of the city's nightlife provides a soothing backdrop.

Steele affirms, "Gizmo, you're clear to proceed."

Gizmo, master of all things digital, unleashes his fingers upon holographic screens, hacking through layers of impenetrable security protocols with relentless determination. His dark brown eyes shine brightly in the ambient glow of the screens. A wicked grin spreads across his face as he triumphantly disables the surveillance cameras, plunging the backyard gate into darkness.

"All clear," Gizmo says assuringly.

Whisper, the embodiment of stealth itself, activates her cloaking device, becoming one with the darkness, her form blending seamlessly with the surroundings. She is a ghost, elusive and swift, moving with a dancer's grace towards the unsuspecting gate, her steps as silent as death's whispers, each footfall filled with deadly intent.

Behind the gate, a trio of seasoned guards patrols with false confidence, oblivious to the maelstrom of doom that silently encroaches upon them. Time is of the essence, and Whisper wastes none. In a display of uncanny accuracy, she unleashes two throwing knives in a deadly tandem. The blades slice through the air, cutting through skin and sinew, their twisted paths finding the soft flesh of the guards' throats. Panic grips the doomed sentinels as they clutch their gushing necks, crimson rivers cascading through their trembling fingers, their eyes reflecting the terror of their impending demise.

The final guard, a lone survivor in a nightmare landscape, jolts to full alertness at the sickening sight of his comrades' demise. Desperation tingles his frantic search for the unseen assailant, but it is an exercise in futility. Before his senses can even register the danger, Whisper strikes with brutal efficiency. Faster than the blink of an eye, she descends from the shadows above, her invisible arms coiling around his throat like serpents of retribution. With a violent twist, bone snaps, resonating through the stillness of the night, the echoes of his final breath consumed by the suffocating grip.

The backyard falls into an eerie silence, a haunting calm that hangs heavy in the air, punctuated only by the faint rustling of leaves and the distant symphony of a restless city beyond the fortress walls. 

Whisper's voice comes in over the comm unit, cool and composed, "Guards are out. We're in."

Steele nods in acknowledgment. "Time to make our move. Boom-Boom, we're gonna need you in there to blow up any secure safes. Gizmo and Chef, you guys hang back and keep a lookout. We're movin'."

With their roles defined, Steele, Siren, and Boom-Boom advance further into the estate, each of them using their unique skills to navigate the challenges ahead. Steele chooses the direct approach, his tall frame allowing him to effortlessly scale the fence, swinging his legs over in a display of athleticism.

Siren opts for a more acrobatic entrance, executing a front flip that culminates in a graceful landing atop the gate's bar. She balances briefly on her hands before descending like a down-swinging axe onto the manicured lawn.

Boom-Boom, ever the showstopper, adds her own flair to the mix, performing a front flip with a flourish, her movements fluid and eye-catching.

The crew is now inside Sylar's estate, ready to execute their mission with precision and determination.

With no time to waste, the crew stormed into Sylar's opulent mansion, their previous disabling of the security panel rendering it powerless against their intrusion. Determined to find the elusive resistance data chip, they left no stone unturned, tearing through every room with ruthless efficiency. Drawers, cabinets, and furniture were subjected to their relentless search, and every nook and cranny was scrutinized.

Despite their exhaustive efforts, the data chip remained elusive, hidden away in a place unknown to them. It was Boom-Boom, with her knack for creative solutions, who proposed a more explosive approach to their problem.

From her belt, Boom-Boom retrieved a silent explosive device of her own creation. The bomb was a compact, cylindrical object, matte black in color, with a sleek, minimalist design. It was small enough to fit in the palm of her hand, yet its potential for destruction was vast. The device was made of a composite material that absorbed sound waves upon detonation, rendering it nearly silent. It had a complex timer mechanism and a remote trigger for precise control.

Planting the bomb on the floor of the main living room, Boom-Boom and the crew retreated to a safe distance. With meticulous care, Boom-Boom set the timer and activated the remote trigger. There was a moment of tense anticipation before the explosion occurred.

The detonation was sudden and powerful, blasting a massive hole in the floor. However, what struck the crew most was the peculiar quality of the explosion. A deafening hiss escaped from the epicenter of the blast, sound waves dissipating into the air before being swiftly absorbed by the device itself.

The aftermath revealed a hidden underground floor, concealed beneath the opulence of the mansion above. The crew peered down into the newfound chamber, their expressions a mix of astonishment and satisfaction. Boom-Boom's hunch had proven correct.

With a knowing nod, Boom-Boom put her hands on her hips and remarked, "Yeah, I figured. Rich guys always got some kind of secret room; it's common knowledge."

Steele couldn't help but chuckle at Boom-Boom's penchant for explosive solutions. "And you just had to blow a hole in the place, didn't you? We could have found the entrance."

Boom-Boom responded with a mock-sheepish shrug, her grin unapologetic. "Everyone's got their role, right?"

Steele nodded, his smile revealing his appreciation for the crew's diverse talents. "Alright, I'll go down first."

With calculated ease, Steele descended into the hole, his boots making a subtle clunking sound as they met the floor below. The rest of the crew followed in succession, starting with Siren, then Whisper, and finally Boom-Boom.

As they landed in the concealed chamber, Steele's keen eyes scanned their surroundings. They found themselves in what appeared to be a clandestine laboratory. Dim, faint lights cast an eerie glow across the room, revealing a plethora of gadgets, machines, and materials for drug manufacturing.

The laboratory was a hidden world of scientific experimentation and illicit production. Countertops lined with glass beakers and vials held various colorful substances, while high-tech machinery hummed softly in the background. Shelves stacked with chemical compounds, ingredients, and equipment stretched from wall to wall, creating an intricate maze of scientific potential.

"Now that I think about it," Siren mused, "it only makes sense for a drug manufacturer to have a lab in his basement." Her observation carried a note of grim irony as the crew found themselves immersed in the heart of Sylar's shadowy operations.

Steele signaled for the crew to follow, and they meticulously combed through the laboratory, inspecting every nook and cranny. They examined the countertops with their array of glassware, scrutinized the shelves lined with chemicals and equipment, and even checked the high-tech machinery humming softly in the background. Despite their thorough search, the data chip remained elusive, frustrating their efforts.

However, it was Boom-Boom's sharp instincts that finally led them to their prize. She opened the mini-fridge, and there it was – the data chip, nestled in its own container, chilling within the confines of the fridge. Her triumphant exclamation filled the room as she retrieved it, her breath causing a mist to form around the cold chip as she held it aloft.

"Mission accomplished!" Boom-Boom declared proudly, her excitement contagious. The rest of the crew gathered around, their expressions a mixture of relief and satisfaction. Steele accepted the chip, carefully stashing it within his baggy, then activated his comm unit.

"Gizmo, Chef? We're on our way out. Be ready to disengage."

With the precious cargo secured, the crew made their way back to the concealed hole they had used for entry, returning to the backyard where the starship awaited. Once again, they vaulted over the iron gate to rejoin their comrades.

Steele turned to Gizmo with a directive, "Gizmo, deploy one of your clean-up bots."

"Aye, Captain," Gizmo acknowledged with a sly grin. He retrieved a small, inconspicuous device from his pocket and placed it on the ground. The device expanded rapidly, revealing an intricate contraption resembling a quirky mechanical vacuum.

The clean-up bot boasted an array of mechanical wings that extended from its cylindrical body. Hovering gracefully over to the backyard, it was a symphony of nanobots working in unison. These microscopic wonders created an efficient and hygienic cleaning process. Their collective effort produced a crunching force that reduced the remains of the guards into fine particles. Blood and entrails occasionally spurted from the mechanical marvel's 'mouth,' but the gruesome mess was swiftly dealt with.

Once the grisly remnants were reduced to particles, the nanobots went to work cleaning up the remaining bloodstains and any lingering traces of Whisper's impressive takedown. The clean-up bot moved with precision, leaving the backyard pristine and free of any incriminating evidence, ensuring that their covert operation remained undetected.

"Nicely done, Gizzy," Chef said, acknowledging his work. "Although gross, those things are awesome."

Gizmo smiled. "Oh, I just got too much free time on my hands."

Steele chuckled. "Alright. We're outta here."

As the crew prepared to deploy their grappling hooks and make their swift exit, an unexpected and peculiar occurrence disrupted their departure. A subtle yet distinctly audible beep emanated from the starship, its unexpected origin seemingly within the vessel's interior. The sound carried far enough for them to hear it even from their vantage point outside the ship.

Steele's curiosity was piqued, his sharp ears catching the enigmatic sound. He approached the starship, narrowing his focus on the faint beeping that seemed to resonate from within the cargo hold of the vessel.

"You guys hear that?" Steele inquired, his voice tinged with a sense of intrigue. Drawing nearer to the starship, he recognized the beep's location, now confident that it originated within the cargo hold.

"Gizmo... I know I said we're leaving, but something's in this starship," Steele pondered aloud, his tone contemplative. "The usual rule is not to be greedy, but if these data chips really do have as much value as I think, then this may be our last heist. I think we should sweep the place clean. Are you able to disable the security systems on this starship and unlock the cargo hold?"

Gizmo responded with a confident nod, his technical expertise coming to the forefront. "Oh yeah, no problem, that's amateur stuff. I hijacked my first starship when I was sixteen."

With Gizmo's expertise, the cargo hold's security systems were swiftly disabled, and the large hatch swung open with a mechanical whir. The crew stood at the threshold, their gazes fixed upon an unexpected discovery—a space capsule, emanating a surreal beep, nestled within the ship's interior.

Steele and Whisper approached the space capsule, their curiosity piqued as they peered inside. To their astonishment, a young, humanoid boy lay slumbering within the capsule. His skin bore a delicate pastel green hue, and his pointed ears hinted at his extraterrestrial origins. Most striking were the pair of black antennae that protruded from his spiky, vibrant blue hair.

Steele's brow furrowed in concern as he murmured, "What is this? Why does Sylar have a kid locked in his starship?"

Siren, her eyes focused on the enigmatic child, responded with uncertainty, "Beats me. But by the look of it, he's no ordinary species. I haven't seen anything like him."

Gizmo, always inquisitive, voiced his own ponderings, "Wonder what planet he's from."

Whisper, her voice barely above a whisper itself, leaned closer to Steele and asked, "Steele, what should we do? It's obvious Sylar's been keeping some pretty deep... secrets. What do you think this is? Trafficking, maybe?"

Steele's gaze remained fixed on the mysterious boy, his thoughts racing to unravel the enigma they had stumbled upon. "Could be. Sylar isn't exactly known for keeping his nose clean. We might have just found the biggest booger he's got," he mused with a touch of wry humor. "I have a feeling that this boy, whatever he is... it's got something to do with why Sylar's locked up. I don't know, just a hunch, really."

Whisper, her empathetic nature shining through, nodded in agreement. "We should take him back with us."

Gizmo, ever the enthusiast, added with a grin, "Ooh, another new crew member! Fun!"

Steele, however, was quick to address the practicalities of the situation. "No, this isn't a crew member. We should find where he belongs, where he comes from. Maybe the kid's got family somewhere. Gizmo, open the pod."

Gizmo, deftly utilizing his hacking skills, swiftly bypassed the pod's security system. With a hiss of escaping cold steam, the pod slid open to reveal the slumbering boy within. His chest rose and fell rhythmically as he remained oblivious to the world around him.

Steele carefully lifted the boy, cradling him gently in his arms. "Alright. Now we leave."