Bounty Hunter...plus Chpt 3

Joseph and Cassy stepped out of the large building. Both looked back; Cassy was smiling; Joseph irritated.
The officials told him that the bounty had been removed; that it had been a mistake. They would not, however, say who had put the bounty up in the first place, nor why it was removed.
"Okay, so there's no bounty on me now." Cassie glanced up at Joseph. "Does that mean I can go?"
"Yeah" Joseph said, still upset. There would be no payment for his time, but at least he would be rid of the human. "You can keep the ten mil."
"I don't have it!" Replied Cassie, through gitted teeth.
Joseph couldn't help smilling at the girl's expense. She was telling the truth, but that didn't help his situation.
Cassie saw the smile and calmed down. She stepped away.
"Okay, I guess...I'll go."
As she turned, Colin poked his head up out of the pack. He climbed onto Cassie's shoulders.
"Are you coming, too?" He asked Joseph.
Cassie spoke up. "He's got his own life to lead, Colin." She put her hand on him. "Lets go visit Holmes." She said, enthusiastically.
Colin squeaked. "Really? We can go home now?"
"For a while." She hesitated when she noticed Joseph near her.
"I changed my mind." He said stepping up to her. "I think I'll give you a lift to IO."
Cassie stood watching as he headed for the space porty.
Joseph turned vack. "Are you coming along or not? Beats spending money on a ticket back." He continued walking. He smiled as he heard her footsteps running to catch up.
A few days later they were at IO space colony. None to soon for Joseph.
Cassie and Colin both looked around with gleams in their eyes. They were the ones setting the pace as soon as they took off.
Joseph walked calmly behind them as they passed shops and various building. He felt their excitment as they went by familar surroundings, exchanging greetings with ones they knew. Soon, Joseph noticed that Colin couldn't keep still.
He would climb on Cassie's head then back to her shoulders; repeating the manner until he shouted. "We're almost home!"
Cassie started to laugh.
Joseph eyed the building they approached, then saw a camera outside the doorway.
He wondered if 'Holmes' was a bit paranoid as he followed the two inside.
Standing behind a counter was a young man that greeted Cassie as she entered.
"Cassie? When did you get back?" Said the red-haired young man.
"Hey, Dorion. Just now. Holmes in?"
Dorion nodded. He stared at Joseph as Cassie and colin went though another doorway toward the back.
Joseph ignored him and examined the shop. Electronic parts were all over the shelves and table tops. Joseph noticed there was a security system near the front and cameras at certain points of the shop. He decided to 'open' up a little and tried to focus on the back of the store. He felt excitement from the girl and young one, but a little anxiety from another. Joseph walked around, looking at the shelves, as he kept focused on the back.
Something about the other person made him wonder. There seemed to be something familiar about the feelings of the unseen person.
"C...Can I he..help you?" Dorian stuttered.
"No." Joseph kept walking, ignoring the cowering boy.
Suddenly he felt anger, from Cassie , it seemed. He moved toward the front door and waited.
Cassie came out, still angry.
"Um...Holmes says 'thank you''.
"Can I speak with him?" Joseph asked.
"He doesn't want to see you." She looked back for a moment. "He told me to thank you and tell you to go away." She looked at him. "I'm sorry." She passed him and left.
Not looking happy either, Colin never said anything.
Joseph stood for a moment, surveyed the store once more and left. He moved off in the direction he had come. He didn't look back at the store he had decided was a little more interesting. Bounty hunters can be very pateint when they needed to be.

It can get very dark on IO, so far from the sun. Joseph skirted around the buildings to the alleyways. he pinpointed the shop he had been in earlier and found the back entryway. He stared at the entry panel and pushed slightly. The doore opened easily. Some one was expecting him. Weapon draw, Joseph slowly entered and saw a lit room to one side. He make his way toward it.
"I knew you would come back." Said the man at the desk. "You always let curiosity get the better of you." Fiftyish, gray-haird, and stoic, he stood and faced the taller man.
Slack jawed, Joseph stared at him.
"Gabe? Partner?" Joseph grinned that turned into a laugh as Gabe stood up. "You're alive!" I can't believe it!" He rushed over and grabbed the shorth man in a bear hug.
Gabe tried to laugh but gasped instead. "Joseph...I can't...breathe."
Joseph let go and stepped back. "I can't....they found your craft on that moon; a burned out husk." Jospeh became serious "Every one thinks you're dead. What happened?"
Gabe sighed. "Sit down, partner." He said and motioned to a chair, which Joseph took as he sat back down.
"Why?" Joseph faced him. "Why fake your own death?"
"Partner, we were together a long time, you know that. We made a lot of enemies." Gabe leaned back. "Some I made when Diver sent me to Earth that one time."
Joseph's eyes narrowed. "I remember that one. The weapons dealer."
Gabe nodded. "Yeah, that one was a sneaky fellow. Diver and I traked him down to that moon that time." Gabe pause. "Well, he snuck up on us that day, there was a fight. I got away in an excape pod, but not without some scars to show for it."
Gabe raised his left sleeve and exposed the prostetic. "From what I heard, Diver never made it."
Face hard, Joseph asked. "Did you think you got him?"
"No." Gabe shook his head. "That one is too lucky. When I finally regained consciousness in a hospital, there was nothing I could go on. He just disapeared as before."
Joseph nodded. "So you went into hiding?"
"Yeah, sort of. I set up this place and kept my ears open." Gabe paused a second. "I have it set up so I hear quite a bit of info."
Joseph perked up and leaned forward
"He's still in hiding but can't resist the money. I heard that he's dealing again and has a few partners." Gabe said.
"You have any idea where he might be?" Joseph asked.
"Not yet, but hopefully soon." Gabe grinned. "I hear you've been busy." He shook his head in amazement. "I can't believe you took on a Guroon."
Joseph smirked and shrugged. "It wasn't that hard. Just a couple of broken bones and collapsed lung." He grinned. "I got ten thou for the effort."
"It's a wonder you didn't loose you life. You know those beings are stronger because of the higher gravity on their planet."
Joseph shruged again.
"How come you haven't gotten another partner?" Gabe asked a little quieter.
"Can't find any one as good as you." Joseph sat back and relaxed.
"You mean, any one who will put up with you temper?" Gabe chuckled.
Joseph smiled for a moment. Then, "How did you and the girl connect?"
Gabe's smile disappeared. "That is a story." He stood up and motioned Joseph to follow. "How about a drink. I have that terran beer you like."
Joseph followed him to a pantry near the doorway that led to the front of the shop. He saw a small table with two chairs, a counter with a hot plate, and, off to one side, a cold box. Here, Gabe opened it and took out two bottles.
Joseph had glimpsed into the almost empty cold box.
"Don't cook much for myself." Gabe said when he notice the look. "Now that she's back, it'll get filled."
"Speaking of the girl, where is she?"
"Upstairs, in her room."
"Are you going to tell me anything about her?"
Gabe took a drink before he began. "Well, you know pretty much her background. That she was born on earth; her and her mother came to IO when she was about five." Gabe paused again.
"Who is she?" Joseph asked as he saw that Gabe's eyes clouded.
"She's my niece, Jordan's child."
Joseph waited. He remembered Gabe talking about his younger brother, born almost sixteen years after him.
"Jordan had become a officer on Earth..." He took a deep breath. "He was killed because of something he was following up. Kressa soon had problems popping up and their credits were confiscated. She had no place else to run to, so she came here. She followed a small lead that Jordan had, found me, and I took them in."
"What exactly happened to her mother?" Joseph finally spoke. "Report just said she disappeared."
Gabe nodded. "She worked for me for a few years. Then got a job at a shop some blocks away. Kept it about three years before she vanished. That day she headed for work...but never arrived."
"Did any one ever look for her?"
Gabe sighed. "I did and I have a friend that kept me informed on anything." He moved his arm, motioning nowhere. "Nothing. She just vanished."
"Why didn't the authorities take the girl?"
"I guess she kind of slipped though the cracks. I don't think she has anyone else. So I took her in and gave her the education she needed and...more."
Joseph smiled. "So you were the one who taught her how to fight? And told her about bounty hunters??
Gabe laughed. "Yep. Did she catch you off guard?"
"Oh, she didn't fight me." Joseph narrated Cassie's fight on Caldon against the burly alien.
"Hmm. She's going to need more training." Said Gabe offhanded. "How was she when she when you confronted her?"
"She wasn't afraid, just cautious. I never met any one like her." Joseph stared at Gabe. "Even you were afraid when I chose you."
Gabe laughed again. "She is different. Couldn't you tell when you met them?"
Joseph sat, thinking. "Yeah, I noticed. Was she that way when she was little?"
"The same way. She's cautious about every thing, but I've never seen her really afraid."
"She told me how she got the young one. Is it true?"
Gabe nodded. "I tried to find out how the merchant got him, but he had already left the planet. Cassie never got his name."
"So it's a dead end."
"That's what I figured."
"Did you ever try to contact the Dolanar?" Joseph asked. "You were one of the few humans that has ever been to that system."
Gabe sighed. "I don't have that kind of pull. I did try to send a message, but nothing."
They both sat quite, downing the drinks.
"Want another?" Gabe asked as he got up.
"No." Joseph sat thinking. "What do you think of that little ability those two have?"
"You mean their 'connection'?" Gabe was smlling again. "Those two are special together. It started that first day." He sat down as his eyes took on a far off look. "She and that little one just looked at each other and you could see it. The connection was made. And the first thing she does is name him. I knew right then that there was no way they were ever going to be separated."
Joseph nodded. "I've seen it. That's got to be how the little one survived."
"I know." Gabe was still smiling. "It was good for Cassie, too. After Colin was born, she really got down to studying and practicing more."
"How did they end up on Caldon?"
Gabe shoook his head. "About six months ago, she decided she was going to travel. I didn't like the idea, but she's of age."
"Did she say why she wanted to leave?"
Gabe shrugged. "Said it was time she was on her own for a while. I suggested that she could stay here and look for work on IO or on the other moons, but she said no." Gabe took a sip. "I tried to keep track of her as best I could. I was worried when I heard there was a bounty on her. I was hoping it was you that would get her."
"Did you get who might of put the bounty on her?"
"No and it makes me a little worried. But its off now and she's here."
Joseph just nodded.
Soon, both men were laughing as they reminisced.
"I thought you would pass out when I said I wanted you as my partner." Joseph said. "You were one of the best, but still young."
Gabe laughed. "Passing out was the least of my problems. I thought I would have to change my pants."
Both men turned when a sound came from the stairs.
Cassie stood at the bottom of the stairwell. the stunned look on her face seemed comical.
"You didn't tell me you knew each other." Hands on her hips, she faced Gabe.
Gave chuckled. "You know now. How long have you been standing there?"
She relaxed and leanded against the wall. "Just long enough to see you two are the best of buddies." She glanced at Joseph before she spoke. "Then you know Tobias?" She asked as she faced Gabe.
Gabe tensed. "You had a run in with Tobias?' Clear anger on his face, he faced Joseph. "Where did she see him? Did he get his hands on her?" He started to get up.
"He never got her." Joseph calmly said. He watched as Gabe reaxed and sat back in the chair. To his eye, Gabe acted like a father who just learned his child was attacked. He notice Cassie watching Gabe.
"Who is Tobias?" Cassie asked again. She stared long.
"Some one I had hoped you would never run into." Said Gabe. "He's the most unethical, cruel-natured son of a...." He mumbled when he saw Cassie flinch. He looked down.
Colin came down the stairs and into the room. He climbed up into Gabe's lap.
"Why are you mad, Papa Holmes?" Colin looked around. "Did Cassie or me do something wrong?"
"No, little one. Neither one of you." Gabe picked him up and looked him i the eyes. "I'm happy you are safe and glad to have you home, really."
Cassie went and picked Colin up. "Who is Tobias." She asked yet again.
"Tobias is no good, is all I'm saying." Gabe said. "Evertime he goes after some one, the bounty is battered or ends up dead." He gave Cassie a look. "How did you get involved with Gosan?"
Cassie blushed. "That is a story."
"I'm listening." Gabe said.
"I just got to Norba, when there was a fight. Gosan was there and saw me handle myself. He offered me a job." She spoke quickly. "I didn't know what he did on the side at first. When I found out, I was ready to quit But that day, he sent me on an errand and when I got back, I found him in the back...dead."
"You contacted the authorities right off?" Gabe asked.
Cassie nodded. "I wandered around for a while. When they said I could leave, I decided to go to Caldon." She nodded toward Joseph. "That's were we met up."
"And this is where we part." Joseph said, as he stood. "Gabe, I got to leave."
"Gabe?" Cassie said. She glanced from one to the other as Gabe caught a strange look from her.
Gabe grinned sheepishly. "Uhm, that is my real name. Gabe Sterner."
"Oh, yeah, 'Holmes'." Said Joseph, smirking. "Rom those books you were telling me. But you were a bounty hunter, not a detective,"
"A person can dream, can't he?" Gabe chuckled. "Why are you going now? You have another bounty?"
"Not yet."
"Then?"
Just then, the communicator sounded.
"Yes?" Joseph said.
"Joseph, what happened? Did you get the credits?" An anxious voice replied.
"There was a mistake. They took the bounty off."
"WHAT!"
Gabe stared at the communicator. 'Kudro?' He mouthed.
Joseph nodded. "You heard me, they removed the bounty. There are not credits."
"So it was all for nothing?"
"Not all for nothing." Joseph looked questionably as Gabe, who was shaking his head and mouthing 'No.' "Let me get back to you."
"What do you mean...?" Joseph cut him off.
He gave Gabe a stern look. "What's wrong?" He had 'felt' something from his friend when Kudro called.
Gabe hesitated. He gave Cassie a look.
Cassie gabbed Colin, turned, and went upstairs. She knew that look; it meant 'privacy'.
"Well?" Joseph didn't like the feelings he was getting.
Gabe held up his hand until they heard nothing from upstairs. He gave Joseph a guarded look.
"I didn't want you to know because I reallly don't have evidence, but the weapons dealer was working with Kalahnarii. He might be an investigator."
Joseph gave him a hard stare.
"When I was ambushed, I received a shock that made my whole body ache." Said Gabe. "I never saw who did it. If I hadn't set the escape pod on auto, I wouldn't be here now."
"Are you sure he was Kalahnarii?" Not just some one using a shock stick or other device?"
"Buddy, I saw a hand come at me and felt that shock."
"If he's an investigator, he has connections. No wonder you've gone into hiding." Joseph stoodup. "I'll keep your secret safe,...partner."
Gabe sighed and also stood up. "You keep safe, partner. Good hunting."
They clasped hands, hand on arm.
"Stay safe." Joseph walked out the door and didn't look back.
Gabe locked the shop and walked up the stars to the second story. He heard talking behind Cassie's closed door. He knocked.
"Come in,...Gabe."
Gabe opened the door and stood looking in.
"He's gone?" Cassie asked.
Gabe nodded and noticed Cassie's disappointed expression.
"I was hoping you could ask him about Colin's home."
Gabe started rubbing the cack of his neck. "Uhh, kid. I know all about Colin's people"
Cassie glared at him, but the look was replaced with one of dejection a she looked down at Colin.
"Okay, what's wrong?" Gabe sat down in the chair next to the bed.
His tail gripping her arm, Colin was curled up next to her.
"Did any one try to find Mom?" Sh never looked up.
"Child, " Gabe put his hand on her shoulder. "I tried looking. And I was partnered with the best."
"If he is one of the best, would he have found her?" Cassy slowly unwound Colin's tail from her arm.
"What is this about?"
Cassie's head came up. "Is he that good? Could he have done it?"
Gabe gave her a somber look. "Maybe, just maybe, he could have."
"Thank you for trying, Papa."
Gabe nodded. "You better get some rest. Tomarrow, I need you to do some work and errands." He stood up.
"Usual pay?"
"Five credits a day; plus room and board."
"Uhuh." She shook her head. "Six credits."
"What makes you think you're worth it?" Gabe headed for the door.
"Because I learned a few things on my travels. And a few more dishes."
Gabe stopped and looked back. "Any good?"
"You'll see. Deal?"
Gabe laughed. "Deal." He closed the door.
Cassy carefully moved Colin to a soft pillow next to the bed. Slowly she headed for the small pantry downstairs. She cleaned up the table and headed back upstaris. She stopped and looked back to the chairs. Her eyes took on a far off look for a moment. She jumped at a sound from upstairs and headed for her room.
Gabe sat on the bed and rubbed wher the prosthesis connected to his arm. He looked over at a box on a small table that sat near by. He reached over an opened it. Gabe stared at the weapon inside.
"Maybe if I had been with Joseph, I wouldn't have gotten my butt kicked." He mused, and then shook his head. "or maybe Joseph would be dead like Diver."
Diver had been their informant, helping them for many years; sometimes going with one or the other. The three had been the best of friends; though Diver had been the seasoned one of the two humans. Gabe closed the box.
"Take care of yourself,partner. I do miss the old days."