Chapter 16, auction

(Callie)

With a warm smile, Callie pulled her synthetic black purse from her shoulder. Both pirates flashed their stun batons, while stepping forwards. Without any rush, Callie unzipped her purse and reached casually inside, grasping the grip of her suppressed P223.

"Hey, don't make any sudden moves or I will rough up that pretty face of yours."The human said, raising his crackling baton menacingly.

The grip of the weapon was comforting in her hand, with small indents in the sides of the grip for better support. The weapon slid out of her purse and with no hesitation; she put a bullet into the forehead of the Gwark pirate. Her pistol kicked in her hand, cycling another bullet, the casing flying to the side.

The bullet struck the shell covering the gwarks head, punching through the thin layer of carapace easily and piercing the brain beneath. In the next moment, her sight lined on the human's forehead and the corridor echoed with another crack. The human collapsed like a puppet with his strings cut, falling into a pool of his own blood.

Callie turned on her heel, ready to teach the other two the same lesson. It was unnecessary, however, as both of the humans were running back down the corridor. T watched on, her full lips parted, her light hazel eyes wide..

"What was that? I thought you were teaching them a lesson?" Taniya asked, stupefied. "I did. And that lesson is to not mess with me if they want to live."Callie said coldly, putting her pistol back in her purse.

She reached out and linked her arm back in Taniya's, leading the stunned woman around the two corpses, staining the floor plating with blood. "Don't you think this will draw Hendricks' attention?" Taniya asked nervously, as they moved deeper out of the narrow corridors away from the ligne.

"That is likely. However, we are coming to the auction on behalf of Yergans association. I think Hendricks will overlook the deaths of two flunkies if we are coming into the auction with a lot of lagnars."Callie said loud enough for any listening devices to hear.

What Taniya didn't know was that killing these two was part of her plan to make Hendricks angry. Arms linked, Callie could feel her friend's arm shaking, and more concerning, the young woman wouldn't meet her eyes. She felt that her actions back there were not wrong, but by the look on Taniyas face she had made a mistake.

She pursed her lips and focused back on the widening tunnel. A deep voice akin to a growl came over their comms. "Take the tunnel to your left. It leads to an offshoot corridor of the shipyard that is Hendricks' base of operation. Heads up, there will be a security checkpoint."Lenny said calmly.

"Are they preparing for us? Or are they still acting normal?" Callie asked, unhurried. "No changes so far. I don't think those two humans that ran away have reported back yet. They could have been acting on their own to try selling you both in the auction? We might have gotten a lucky break."Lenny said excitedly.

Callie seriously doubted that they were so lucky, but she kept her mouth shut. They approached the entrance of the offshoot tunnel and were greeted by two large security guards. Taniya squeezed her arm tightly.

Callie could agree with that sentiment. At least twenty people, all dressed like Callie and Taniya, waited in line. The people ranged from the bug like Gwark, to well groomed foxlike Tallax, and humans. Some of them glanced back, looking over Callie and Taniya curiously.

Their arrival sparked some conversation, as even with their disguises, Callie was somewhat infamous. Videos of her attack on Yergan, and his subsequent conquer were floating all over the net. Not many human women were six foot three, with short, pitch black hair..

Just for that reason, Callie hadn't even bothered to come disguised. Well, aside from her skimpy outfit and some makeup. Right now, she looked far from a ruthless killer, which was the point. The outfits were meant to make Hendricks not see them as a threat.. The pirate lord saw women as a resource, a way to make a profit, as inferior. Callie smiled.

After all, if someone had a weakness, then it would be a crime if she didn't exploit that weakness. Callie gave the Tallax at the back of the line a friendly wave as they approached. The Tallax's fur was more immaculate than Lennys, gleamy a glossy blond..

The older Tallax gave Callie an assessing gaze, immediately dismissing Taniya with a glance. "Lady Ark-an, it's a pleasure to meet you."The Tallax said, its voice deep. Callie smiled, noting everyone's attention on her.

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well. I must admit I am surprised you can identify me on sight?" Callie stated, jovially. The Tallax snorted, letting out a light rumbling growl that was the Tallax version of a laugh. "Are you kidding? After your brutal takeover of Yergans organizations, you are a hot topic. I'm pretty sure everyone here knows exactly who you are."The Tallax replied, its slitted yellow eyes glimmering in interest.

"Well, at least that saves me the trouble of having to introduce myself to everyone."Callie said, with a cheeky grin.

The fox like alien flicked its perfectly trimmed tail in amusement. "So, what brings you here? Is it the merchandise? Or are you coming to takeover, Hendricks?" The Tallax asked, its eyes wide with excitement.

Callie smiled and gesture towards Taniya. "I am here on a date with this lovely lady. She wishes to peruse the wares of the auction. Sadly, she dislikes violence." Callie let out a world-weary sigh. " You might say that she is my better half."Callie said, her eyes landing lovingly on Taniya. The Tallax's eyes flicked to Taniya, who looked incredibly uncomfortable to be the center of attention.

"Oh really? What sort of merchandise are you in the market for?" The Tallax asked, baring its needle-like teeth.

"We are looking for a new pet. Something not so intelligent as a human or a Tallax."Callie said, with a grin towards T. The young woman startled as everyone's attention went to her. "Splendid, perhaps we can talk later? My company often does jobs for specific items on request. We can probably find you whatever you are looking for." The Tallax said, its ears flicking excitedly.

"And who might you be? I do not believe we have met before?" Taniya asked politely, shaking off her startlement.. The line moved forward and several other people came up behind them, getting in line. With a flick of its ear, the Tallax grinned, baring its needle-like teeth.

"I am just an entrepreneur looking for a profit."The Tallax replied evasively. "Oh really? Are you looking to change employers?" Callie asked, as if in passing. Taniya squeezed her bicep, giving Callie a questioning look. The Tallax laughed, shaking its head.

" Lady Ark-an I do not have the authority to join your organization. But once I return to my ship, I will run your offer by the captain."The Tallax said, its lips turning up in a smile. "Of course. Perhaps, but we should talk later? I think I will contract out your ship to get me some things."Callie said.

The Tallax nodded and turned, as it was now his turn to go through security. Like she expected the Tallax flashed a badge. The guards scanned the badge, and let the Tallax in without even checking him for weapons. Callie reached inside her synthetic silk purse, causing the two security to tense.

Slowly she pulled out a badge of her own, compliments of Yergan. The two guards, humans, were over six feet tall, weighing about two hundred and fifty pounds each. Even still, Callie didn't flinch at their threatening stares..

"This is for both me and my lovely date."Callie said, with a wink at the flushing Taniya. On the left, the door guard, helpfully named Burt, took her badge. In his meaty scarred fist, the item looked small, and so did the scanner.

The scanner beeped, and Burt handed back her badge. "You can enter, but if you draw that weapon in the auction we will put you down."Burt said, looking up into Callie's hard eyes with a look that could kill.. She met the man's challenging glare with an innocent smile.

Burts' hardass attitude cracked for a moment and he looked away first, focused on the next two people in line. They enter through a surprisingly nice atrium, into a large room. Tables lined the room, each adorned with finely woven white tablecloth and real plates with flowers and vines embossed on their rims.

Abstract art scrawled across the surface of the tablecloth, painting an image of solemnity. Tapestries depicting meadows and forests hung from the walls, creating a soothing ambiance. The art wasn't at all what you might expect when attending a slave auction..

Along the far wall was a stage with the purple curtains currently pulled shut. That was where the merchandise would be paraded for everyone to see. Next to her, Taniya froze, gaping at the spectacle, as nearly a hundred people roamed the room in pockets, conversing.

Of course, word had already spread, and almost everyone in the room was shooting glances at Callie with either curiosity, anger, or calculation. Callie smirked and tugged on Taniya's arm. "Well, come on T, don't look like a mouse in the headlights."Callie said, sauntering forwards confidently.

"I think I'm in over my head. There are so many of them looking at us?" Taniya said, leaning in closer to Callie, her arm tense. "Relax T, we are still playing our role. Don't forget, you offered to be the bait for our trap."Callie said, softly.

"I didn't offer to be bait."Taniya said, anxiously, squeezing Callie's arm tightly. There were three tables of finger foods in separate corners of the room, each helpfully labeled for the humans, gwark and the Tallax.

"Dont be so tense. And don't worry about it. I'm sure they won't try to kidnap you until after the auction. The only person who will dare make a move here is Hendricks, and I doubt he will make a move on you until after the auction."Callie whispered.

"That is not comforting at all. This is not what I agreed to."Taniya whisper, her eyes bouncing around them frantically..

Out of the corner of her eye, Callie watched Taniya flinch as she plastered on a forced smile. They strode through the crowd, towards the back, and the clusters of conversing people. Many of the people they passed stepped out of their way, pretending like Callie and Taniya didn't exist.

Some of the people kept at a polite distance, nodding in acknowledgement, but not approaching. A familiar Tallax from earlier had no such compunctions. The fox approached, clearly intent on making a statement. It was like saying, Yes; I know them, we are friends. It was a common ploy, Callie knew, and she smiled.

She rather liked this fox, and couldn't wait to see what sort of thing it could offer. Surprisingly, the fox was more interested in Taniya than Callie herself. That was good, as the light conversation was helping Taniya relax exponentially.

The milling crowd around them shifted, people changing into different groups. Callie's attention, constantly on her surroundings, picked up both interested parties and those people listening in. She was willing to bet that most of these people were here to make connections, rather than purchase merchandise.

One figure, a gwark, caught her attention. The gwark moved from group to group, never really staying for too long. Even when it did, the blue shelled bug never really said much. More curious, whenever she looked at the bug, her hair rose on her neck.

She couldn't tell what it was, but something was off about that bug. Not its appearance, but something else. It was the strangest thing, as she didn't get that same sense of unease from any of the other bugs in the room. Maybe the bug was an artist just like her?

But no, artists didn't really give off that same feeling to her senses. Her eyes roved over the crowd, never lingering in one place for too long. She couldn't allow her eyes to linger and let the bug know it had her attention. A figure, dressed in a finely cut suit of the slaxian style, strode into the room. His hair was snow white, and his skin was a dark caramel.

The man was about five foot ten, with a protruding gut. He was probably in his late forties, with a sharp jaw and the hard eyes of a monster. The look in his eyes was very similar to Villus's, although they lacked the same intensity.

The mans attention locked on Callie from across the room, his expression calculation."Is that him?" Callie asked over the comm, wanting to make sure. "Yes, I'm surprised he showed up so early. He must have heard of your arrival."Lenny said over the comm chat.

With the unexpected early arrival, Callie decided to change a few of her plans on the fly. She was now somewhat of a spectacle, but that wasn't always a bad thing.

And now that her target was here, all she needed to do now was sell her little ruse. Not for Hendricks, but for anyone else that might want to mettle in her dealings.

Callie linked her arm in Taniya's. She turned, ignoring the Tallax next to them and pulled Taniya in close against her chest, playing her part for the audience. She caressed the startled young woman's cheek with her fingers possessively staring into the young woman's bright hazel eyes.

Like instructor Milan always taught, she infused her expression with a desire that looked genuine. She held the intimate stare for long enough that she was sure everyone in the room knew they were more than friends. In a display of defiance, going against decorum, she lightly kissed Taniya's lips.

The young woman froze, startled by the action. Callie slowly release Taniya from the passionate kiss, plastering a look of rapture on her face.

"Now you go and mingle with the crowd. I think I spotted a person of interest over there."Callie said, gesturing with her chin towards Hendricks. Taniya's cheeks shone like a tomato from both the kiss and the audience.

Taniya reached up, touching her painted full lips, questions in her bright hazel eyes. "But- Callie moved away, hoping Taniya didn't get mad later about that kiss. Her eyes were locked on a figure that had just strode into the room. The crowd parted as Callie strode forwards. Hendricks frowned, watching her approach.

"Well, now, wasn't that just a touching display."Hendricks said, with a frown, his eyes lingering on Taniya, and their new Tallax friend. "What? Do you not approve? She is truly a stunning catch."Callie said, with a longing expression on her face.

Hendricks eyes glimmer, amused. "Why do you say that? She is beautiful, yes, but there are so many women that are beautiful. What makes her a good catch?" Hendricks asked, his gaze calculating.

Callie leaned in, as though giving a secret, ignoring the people loitering close enough to listen in. "Well, she is stunning, but she is also a four-star artist."Callie said with a grin. Hendricks' calm composure cracked for a moment, but he schooled his expression.

"Now, where did you find someone of that caliber? Even I can't get merchandise of that quality."Hendricks said, his interest peaked. Callie smiled knowingly, a glimmer of mischief in her light brown eyes. "I stole her from the Zrixians, of course. Why pay for something when you can just take it."Callie said, clenching her fist possessively.

"Really? That is quite interesting. My connections in the Zrixian empire are not as extensive as I would like. The war has hindered my business dealings in their empire these days."Hendriks said.

Callie smile like she had all the cards. "I'm sure we can come to some arrangement? If you are willing to pay my fees, of course."Callie said with a cheeky grin.

"Of course. I wonder, how much would you be willing to sell her for?" Hendricks asked, his eyes glued on Taniya. Anger blossomed in Callie's chest at the casual question. She pushed it down, but not before Hendricks saw the look.

Hendricks smiled. "Ahh, that is unfortunate. Sadly, it is quite common to fall for the merchandise."Hendricks said shaking his head in disappointment. Callie had to force herself not to punch that smile from the man's face.

Callie shrugged, pushing down her anger."I guess you could say I am guilty. Is it so wrong to want to settle down with a truly unique woman?" Callie asked curiously. Hendricks eyes flashed with greed, and they locked on Taniya.

His nose flared, and he pursed his lips, clearly displeased at not getting what he wanted. Callie held her smile, spotting his look of desire. As though it pained him, Hendricks took a deep, calming breath. "So, lady Ark-an, what brings you here? Surely it isn't only to flaunt your catch?" Hendricks asked, his tone annoyed.

Callie grinned, noting his displeasure. "As you probably heard, I recently acquired Yergan's organization. That is why I am here. I wanted to recruit some new members for my growing crew."Callie said, a little too loudly, making sure everyone near them heard.

"Here to poach some of my crew?" Hendricks asked, his tone menacing. "Of course not. I would never be so brazen."Callie lied.

"Good, your new title of pirate lord wouldn't protect you if you intruded on my members."Hendricks said, his eyes glimmering darkly.

"I don't need any protection from my title. Any of your members that decide to leave are free to join my organization."Callie replied calmly.

Hendricks tensed up, but didn't respond. His eyes flicked around them, noting all the onlookers.. It was clear he was not used to being challenged openly.. "You best watch your mouth, girl. I am not a weakling like Yergan. I will put you on the ground." Hendricks said, clenching his fists.

Excitement filled her chest. Antagonizing Hendricks turned out much easier than expected. All she needed to do was get him to throw a punch, and she would have a plausible reason to kill him. With a look of nonchalance, Callie rolled her eyes, as though Hendricks wasn't intimidating at all.

"The two lackeys i killed on the way here were not even worth the bullets it took to put them down."Callie said dismissively. Rage crossed Hendricks face, and his teeth grated together.

The man ran a hand through his short snow white hair, taking several calming breaths. "I do not know what you are talking about. My men are all accounted for."Hendricks said with a dismissive shrug.

Callie couldn't allow that, and so she decided to poke the bear. "What? Do you need your lackeys to fight all of your battles for you? Can't even discipline an upstart woman?" Callie said challengingly.

Around them, the people listening in took a step back, as the two pirate lords' conversation took a turn from light ribbing to downright insults.. After Callie's insulting words, it was to no one's surprise that Hendricks swung a meaty fist at her face.