Syndicated (Malik's Tales - 13) Work in progress

They weaved through the concourse, deftly making passage through the throng.

“I’m just saying it’s truly a blessing that the hangover does not accompany the mind when we jump bodies” Ruros offered as she sidestepped a pair of bickering merchants.

“I still feel sick” Malik mumbled in reply as she followed, carefully rubbing her temples as she walked.

”It’s all in your head dear” came the chuckled reply.

The last couple of hours blurred together as she trailed aimlessly after her tormentor through the commerce deck of yet another frontier zone station. The half dozen jumps from Intaki to the border zone between ‘Gallante’ control and Syndicate space had been as uneventful as they were painful to her fractured mind. Scarabs cloak effectively seeing them safely through semi lawless systems….far more effectively she noted bitterly than the hand full of painkillers she’d gulped down with her Dadayaa infused water were at soothing her ringing head.

The pungent steam escaping from a food sellers cart caused her to dry heave suddenly. Taking two rapid steps to the side she extended a scarlet gloved hand to lean against the concourse’s flyer pasted bulkhead. Her head hung down as she fought to keep from decorating the floor with her troubled stomachs contents.

“Really dear, people are looking….what would our mother say hmmm?”

She spat once, clearing her mouth before standing carefully upright. Turning on the spot she leant heavily against the wall before wiping her mouth with the back of an expensive tailored glove.

“Oh lovely…ghetto chic” Ruros remarked at the lipstick streak that now graced Mals cheek.

She shrugged at the jibe, licking the suede covering her thumb before succeeding in, if not cleaning off the smudge, at least making it more like a faded bruise than a manic clowns grin.

Her self-inflicted suffering may have dulled her edge today, but she was still sharper than the baseliners that thronged through this place. Casting around with red rimmed eyes she noted idly that her passage through this level was being paid a little too much attention.

“Three new friends perhaps?” she asked casually.

“Four” Ruros corrected as she studied a flyer for some kind of live circus act scheduled for later that week. ‘There’s one on the concourse above, trying oh so hard to feign interest in” she shielded her eyes against the neon glare as she squinted for a better look “women’s luggage I think….not really his style though”
“Perhaps an exit to more salubrious surroundings would be advisable….in your current state. Unless you plan to throw up on them perhaps?”

Feigning disinterest she ran her fingers through her fringe before turning quickly and weaving through the crowd. The perceived threat, minor though it was, added poise to her movements as, hand resting carefully on her pistol, she headed for the security screen and the access to the elevator it provided.

If the guards were inclined to question the legitimacy of the armed yet dishevelled woman who sought access they soon changed their minds. A swipe of her id card confirmed her clearance. Cards could of course be faked, but a glance to the implants visible as silver studs at the collar of her jacket, coupled with the e air of complete indifference to their presence that clung to her alongside the expensive perfume scent were sufficient for the two security staff to decide that some decisions were above their pay grade.

Thirty seconds later the lift disgorged its single visible passenger into a completely different world. Gone were the harsh neon lights with the seizure inducing pulses, timed to match the bass beat that leaked onto the crowded public levels from the bars and other less….respectable establishment housed within.

Soft greenish light bathed the open spaces, adding an over-tint to the carefully manicured plants and trees that stood somewhat unnaturally in expensive pots beneath the stations crystal dome. The air, lightly scented and carefully dosed was perfectly balanced to enhance the sense of calm and serenity for the well-heeled residents and guests with sufficient funds to buy access to this level.

A couple gave the newcomer a disdainful look as they took hurried past. Eyes closed, Mal was aware of their presence but chose to ignore them, content instead to stand and breathe deeply of the chemically altered air.
“An hour here and even this headache would be cured” she mused blissfully.

“Happy relaxed shoppers are less careful and more relaxed with their funds” Ruros added as she took in the mix of high end retail interspersed with exclusive condo developments, five star restaurants and member only spa’s.

“Lightly drugging the guests….are they aware…is it ethical?” Malik asked.
“Ethical…..I would think that word has been expunged from the Gallante lexicon by now….ethics, so inhibiting.” Ruros replied.
“Poor boy, be nice now”

Mal counted the steps of the approaching attendant.

“Welcome Ma’am, it is the pleasure of the house to welcome you to our retreat.” He spoke from a deep bow.

Eyes still closed, Mal inclined her head in acknowledgement of his words.

“I must advise you though that it is policy to not allow the overt wearing of arms lest their….use….disturb the tranquillity and harmony of this, our humble sanctuary.”

“He means hand over the cannon lest the boom of people becoming chunks make’s someone sad” Ruros translated helpfully.

Mals smile could slice glass as she unbuckled her belt before letting the holstered weapon slip from her waist to dangle in her hand.
“Don’t touch it, I’ll know if you do” she advised with wave of a finger.

“Of course not ma’am” he replied, obviously horrified at the though. “And err, the bladed weapons too?”

“Cultural decorations” Malik snapped in response, “I can’t be parted from them for religious reasons” she added quickly, tugging the hem of her cropped jacket down while lifting her tail to cover the barely visible handles of the knives she wore tucked vertically across her spine.
“Besides" she added, "I’m probably going to spend the price of a fair sized Cruiser in here if you are sweet enough to indulge my little ways.”

Deciding not to push the point or risk having to explain why he chased away probably one of the richest guests on the station the attendant decided that discretion was best pursued. “You items will be kept safely here until such time as you wish to leave us.
“Again, on behalf of station management, welcome jukhasarumin” he added with a final bow before retreating back to the discreet security booth tucked away beside the lifts ornate outer doors.

Ruros chuckled to herself as they both turned to explore “Mistress” she repeated aloud, We’ve never been called that before…..I think I like it”

“You would” Malik added in response.