Writer’s Note: Drifters: Part Four was published originally in Jump Point 5.4. Read Part One, Part Two, and Part Three
The gunshots were still echoing around the massive landing bay. That high-pitched whine rang in Mags’ ears, but she was locked on Trin, watching as the blood seeped out of her body into the dirty grate. She felt Kel move beside her. He’d put his hands up, as high as he could reach.
Mags looked up at Ozzy. He still had the pistol aimed. His face was twisted, filled with rage. Moments before he shot Trin, he’d accused her of leaving him behind. Years ago, back when they both ran with the Souther Titans, a job went sideways and Ozzy got pinched. He lost five years of his life in the penal hellhole of Quarterdeck while she got away. Mags couldn’t say it came as a complete surprise. Trin had threatened her more than once, most recently to shoot her and dump her out of an airlock. Hopefully in that order.
“What do you wanna do about them?” asked the guy who looked like a spectrum show grandpa.
Ozzy finally broke away from Trin and looked at Mags and Kel. The rage faded as he holstered his pistol.
“Let ’em go, Jack.”
The old man laughed one of those deep belly laughs.
“You been outta the fold for too long, kiddo. Titans don’t let witnesses walk.”
“Jack.” Ozzy glared at him. “Leave them alone.”
Blind Jack Sticha, she realized. Definitely not what she had imagined based on the rep. Maybe that was his trick. She saw him draw a pistol, out of sight from Ozzy.
“You let people with grudges go, all you’re doing is makin’ headaches down the way,” he said, like he was telling a kid about the facts of life. His thumb silently clicked off the safety.
Mags knew she didn’t have long.
“I can get you out of here,” she blurted out. Blind Jack hesitated. She kept going before he could reconsider. “Levski’s on lockdown. You got a way past that?”
Blind Jack didn’t say anything. Ozzy gave her a quick shake of the head that said you don’t want to do this.
“I know how to get you out.” Mags continued. Her mind was racing. Back in the day when she ran with Frank McGarr, they had to slip past a lockdown or two. Hell knew if the same tricks would work on Delamar. Besides, if she could stick with the eriesium, maybe she’d find a chance to steal it back. “Seems to me like you’d want to get a head start on those Four Point hitters roaming around here.”
She could tell Blind Jack knew what she was talking about. Maybe he was the one who pointed the assassins their direction.
“You let Kel walk,” she said, taking a step towards Blind Jack and Ozzy, “and I’ll get you out of here.”
Blind Jack looked at Kel, who hadn’t moved. His hands still reached for the sky.
“Your lucky day, Banu,” he said and motioned to the other Titans. They lowered their weapons and started to leave. Ozzy gave Trin a last look then lifted the lockbox with the eriesium.
“After you,” Blind Jack motioned for Mags to start walking. She looked back at Kel.
“Captain Mags . . .” he stammered as he lowered his hands.
“I’ll see you again.” She squeezed his arm then backed away and joined the Titans in the airlock.
She gave him one last reassuring smile as the airlock sealed shut.