Jak Phoenix: Paid in Full (A Short Story)

JAK PHOENIX

  Paid in Full

  Matt D. Williams

  Copyright © 2011 Azore’s Crown Publishing

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of Azore’s Crown Publishing.

  Special thanks to Dayna for her exceptional support.

  Dedicated to my loving wife Shannon.

  R2

  ISBN: 978-0-9865266-3-3

  VISIT

  WWW.JAKPHOENIX.COM

  Jak Phoenix

  Jak Phoenix 2: The Markazian Deception

  “Well, it’s as simple as that.” Prince Herrold, of the planet Shalen, sat back as if Jak would be fully satisfied by the glossed-over explanation.

  On the other side of the fancy desk, Jak Phoenix ran his fingers through the hair on the side of his head. It was a reflex reaction as he finally became aware of Herrold’s perfectly coifed blond head of hair. The motion did nothing to correct Jak’s wrecked mop. “In my experience, nothing’s ever simple,” he said, briefly considering if it might be his fault and not circumstance. “We need details.”

  “It’s called the Travanon Talisman,” said the prince, pausing as if the name would either impress Jak or fill him with wonder. It did neither. “It actually isn’t even all that valuable.” Jak was sure it was, but had no interest in selling it out from under the prince. Business was business. “Immaculate craftsmanship, really. One blue gem in the centre with ten ever so delicate spires surrounding it.” He animated the design with his hands.

  “So why do you want it?” asked Baxter. Jak knew his partner was always pretty nervous about any job until the facts were on the table. Then again, he was usually more nervous once the facts were laid out.

  Prince Herrold hesitated. “I must confess, I’m something of a relic hunter myself.” Jak didn’t miss the irony in the fact that he had to pay random pilots to go and get his collectibles for him.

  “So why do you need us to do this?” Jak at least wanted to make sure he knew what foolishness was bringing about the mission.

  The prince smiled nervously as if he had been outsmarted. “Aside from your experience, you’re both intelligent men and I’ve heard you’re actually quite honest as well. So, I’ll be blunt with you. This planet is in an economic downturn. Half the people are calling for an end to our monarchal system and the pressure is on from all sides. Every time we spend a cent, we’re scrutinized and attacked. Still, this shouldn’t mean I can’t live a little and indulge in my hobbies from time to time. I’m sure you two understand.”

  “Yeah, I see where you’re coming from.” Jak didn’t really. The guy was an idiot -- but he was an idiot with money.

  “So you want us to be quiet about it,” said Baxter.

  “Absolutely,” said the prince, relieved to speak the word.

  “You don’t have to worry about us,” said Jak. “We’ll be in and out with your little knick knack and no one will have a clue. I’m not interested in getting in the middle of your problems. It’s really none of my business what you guys do here.”

  “Then it’s clear I’ve chosen the right men,” said the prince, leaning back with confidence. “It is also very important that my father never finds out about this. This is between the three of us and absolutely no one else. The king will not look kindly on this use of funds and resources, let alone the fact that this is technically an invasive maneuver against a nearby planet.”

  Jak nodded.

  Prince Herrold slid a piece of paper into the center of his desk. Jak peeled it up, glancing at series of roughly scribbled numbers. It looked like spatial coordinates followed by some very specific planetary identification numbers. It didn’t take Jak long to realize the significance of the location. This was the catch. If there was one thing Jak knew, it was trouble.

  “This is a Zeldok planet,” he said looking up from the paper, directly into the prince’s veiled eyes.

  “Not much escapes you, Jak -- and I like that about you. It is a Zeldok planet. This is actually one of their storage hoards – a minor one. I’ve got solid information that says they’ll be leaving this area vacant for at least another week. At those coordinates, I’m told you’ll find an underground storage bunker. There will likely be a stash of other stolen Zeldok items along with my talisman. It’s up to you whether or not you want to take anything else.” Jak had no plans of taking any more of the Zeldok’s haul. He had known only one man who had stolen from the Zeldoks before. Luckily they hadn’t killed him. They only cut off his left leg and right arm. Now he pressed buttons with his left arm in a fueling rig. “However, I’ll make it worth your while to make haste and stay clear of the other items.”

  “What kind of figure are we talking?”

  “Two hundred and fifty thousand,” said the prince, looking directly into Jak’s eyes. Jak tried his best not to show his cards by hyperventilating on the floor. He hoped Baxter wasn’t drooling, but was afraid to look over at him.

  “I think we can do it for that price,” said Jak, trying to make it seem like they were doing the job at a bargain rate.

  “Excellent.”

  “We usually work for fifty percent down.”

  The prince made a face to show his disappointment in something out of his control. It was a great trick of the best politicians. “Unfortunately, that is a serious issue for me. Part of the reason I’m giving you such a high sum is that there is no possible way I can get you the money before the job is complete. I will give you the entire payment in one lump sum at a safe spot. The coordinates of the payment location will be waiting for you in my lake house -- a little place I have, which is unknown to my father and where I keep some of my nicest pieces.” Jak opened his mouth to say something but was politely hushed. “Part of the secrecy relies on a last minute payment. This will have to be the way.” Jak and Baxter looked at each other and gave a silent, if hesitant agreement. It clearly sounded shady, but neither of them could even vaguely remember a payday so golden. Now that the prince had them, he tossed a small electronic pass card onto the desk and continued quickly. “A key card: good for one entry through the cottage’s security system. I hope you can see that because of your reputation, I’m putting an awful lot of trust in you both. I hope this at least gives you some comfort.”

  A lack of a response was good enough for the prince. He stood up and offered his hand.

  “Gentlemen,” he said. “Can I expect you back in three days as planned?”

  Jak arose and took the prince’s hand. It was of course a dead fish, that Jak crushed as a final reminder that he wouldn’t welcome any funny business. The prince locked eyes with him, reading Jak’s unspoken warning but knowing full well that Jak and Baxter were up for the risk. “See you soon,” said Jak, eyes still locked and watching for a last blink of deception that didn’t come.

  “Sadly, we won’t meet again, but I’ll make sure everything is taken care of as promised.”

  Jak smiled politely -- well aware that promises in the galaxy weren’t what they used to be.