Part 2

“Well, well, if it isn’t our lovely General Caldwell come to visit.”

The raspy voice of a familiar enemy woke John up and he forced his eyes open to look his old comrade in the face. The light was bright and blinded him. His head was already throbbing from the blow he had received with the stun gun. His whole body ached and blood trickled down his face from a cut above his eye.

“Vince.” John growled and wished his hands weren’t handcuffed to the chair or else he would jump the Captain right here and now.

“Ah, so you remember me then old friend?” Vince said smiling. But his smile faded just as fast and he bent down to look John right in the face. “But you forgot, my name’s Vadar now you piece of shit.” Then Vince struck out with a blow to John’s bleeding wound, causing John’s vision to swim and his stomach to feel nauseated.

“Now, I want some answers John Caldwell.” Vadar said stepping back and looking at a set of sharp tools on a clear table beside him. “First, I want to know what Rocky has gone with your son.”

John’s head snapped up, his eyes burning with rage. “Leave my son out of this.”

“Oh, but I can’t. You see, the only reason I’ve come after you with such a vengeance is because I found out just how much of a...how should I say it..a threat your son will cause me if he isn’t stopped.”

John’s heart fell. How did Vince know about Max and the legend?

Vince smiled at the look on John’s face. “You know what I’m talking about don’t you. You see, I found some old records...records of your son and the weird golden sphere he was born with. Then I remembered something about an old legend. I know you’ve heard of it. The legend about a young man born to ‘Save the World’. Sounds a little biblical doesn’t?

“Now, I give you my word as a Captain and your old comrade in arms. Tell me where your Lieutenant took your son, and I’ll let you live, unless you happen to know where the golden sphere is located.”

John gritted his teeth. “You should know a General wouldn’t give his name to save his life, let alone a father betray his son. I won’t tell you anything, even if I knew. And also...your word means shit to me.”

John could see the anger welling up inside of Vince. “Fine. Let’s see how a little bit of old fashioned torture will turn you.”

When morning dawned, Rocky led the way. Max had no idea where they were going, nor did he care. Half of him seemed dead without his dad. Would he ever see him again? Max found himself rubbing the gold ring on his finger and his throat tightened when he thought about John. How would he..how could he go on living without his dad beside him?

Rocky was also feeling a sense of lost. He didn’t say much but he was constantly on the alert for Max and anyone that could be following them or looking for them. John had meant what he had said about Max. Rocky didn’t know how or why John believed it but Rocky had known Max was special since he was born. Of course his mom and dad had been special too. Now they were both gone and Rocky was the only one that Max trusted or loved. Rocky’s heart felt heavy as he thought about the responsibility he now had. Even though Max was old enough to be on his own, the loss of his father had killed something inside of him and Rocky knew he couldn’t leave Max alone.

Another fear welled up inside. If indeed John had been captured, Rocky knew Vince would torture the General in giving up where his son had been taken. John was strong but would he be strong enough? Rocky felt sick thinking about what would be done to his good friend. John would certainly be killed but now quickly and not painlessly either.

Rocky pushed those thoughts out of his mind. Now he had to make a plan to protect Max. The best thing to do was get off of Earth and take Max to another planet for now. The other planets were more lenient to humans and Rocky knew he could hide Max until something was thought up. Yet, another problem arose. They didn’t have a ship to take them off the planet. And ships were hard to come by anymore, unless you were part of Vadar’s army. Rocky knew he would have to go to the ‘Underground City’ if they had any chance of getting off the planet.

The Underground City was exactly that. It was created two years ago for the humans. Only a few aliens knew about it. It was a place where humans could drink, fight, and forget about the horrible world up above. It was more like hell and John had always stayed away from it. Rocky had never been there himself and didn’t look forward to going there. But he had heard of places where you could win money and maybe they would get lucky and find a person selling a ship. Rocky only had a few dollars on him but he had no other choice.

“So, where are we going?” Max asked softly coming up next to him.

“To the Underground City.” Rocky replied, not looking at Max. He knew John had told Max all about the city and that it could be very dangerous to go down there.

Max didn’t say anything but remained walking beside Rocky, hands in pockets and eyes diverted to the ground. His blond lock fell over his eyes but he made no motion to brush them back. Rocky quickly made sure his gun was in his belt. He wouldn’t be caught without a weapon in the city, that was for sure.

The Underground City was exactly how John had explained it, yet worse. The air was filled with smoke and drunks wandered around, bumping into people and asking for money. Half naked women danced in cages and nasty looking men were exchanging money for sex to their women in cages. Max felt disgusted and wished he was far away from this place. At one point he lost Rocky in the crowds and as he was looking for his friend, a woman whose hair was dirty and teeth were missing came up to him.

“Hey honey, how about some sex?”

“No...no thank you..” Max stammered trying to get away. But he was stopped by another woman.

“Please, help me..” she cried and Max noticed one of her eyes were missing. Both women were now grabbing at him, ripping at his clothes and Max couldn’t get away. Luckily Rocky found him and yanked him away from the women. When they tried to follow him, Rocky shoved them back and quickly dragged Max back into the crowded walkways.

“Look, stay with me, you hear? This place isn’t safe for a boy your age.”

Max was about to object but he decided it wouldn’t do any good. He did take Rocky’s advise and didn’t leave the big man’s side again.

After two hours both men were beginning to feel worse and worse. Rocky had no luck in finding anyone with a ship for sale and Max hated the look everybody gave him. Some were from men who wanted to rob him and others were from women wanted to rape him. If Rocky hadn’t been right beside him, Max knew he probably would be dead right now.

“ALL RIGHT EVERYBODY!” came a loud shout up ahead and Max looked to see a huge steel cage off to the right of the walkway. A short fat man with a dark mustache and weasel looking eyes was standing up on a box. “Come one and try you luck with the Beast here! Winner will receive $1000 and a space ship to boot!”

Several people gathered around. $1000 plus a space ship was a huge win, especially when space ships were scarce anymore. Rocky and Max gathered around to watch some of the contestants.

The Beast was exactly that. He stood over 7 feet tall and looked to weigh over 500 pounds! He looked human but Max knew that some alien blood was in the beast. A brave man decided to be the first and stepped into the cage.

The announcer laughed and locked the door. “And here is our first contestant. Billy Gunn will challenge the Beast to a Last Man Standing match!”

The crowd oooed and ahhhed over that last sentence and Max saw the look of horror on Billy’s face when he heard that part. Max turned to Rocky. The ex-Luitentant was frowning, his brown eyes showing his anger. Max understood. It was an unfair match, a human pitted against a 7 foot beast.

As the match begun it turned out that Billy wouldn’t last five minutes. The Beast was putting hit after hit on the man. Yet Max had to admire him. Everytime he was knocked down, Billy would struggle to his feet. But both Max and Rocky knew it wouldn’t last long. The next minute Billy was head was in an arm lock and the Beast laughed wickedly just before he snapped Billy’s neck in half! People murmured and some even exchanged money. Max felt sick to his stomach.

Just then something caught his eyes. A young girl was standing off to the side of the cage. Her brown hair was tied back into a ponytail and her green eyes sparkled with fire and intensity. She didn’t look at all like the other women who had tried to take Max with them. This girl looked normal and appeared to be about his age.

She suddenly turned to him and their eyes met. Max felt over taken and weak all of a sudden. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from her. She was dressed in leather pants and a cotton short sleeved shirt that showed her midriff and set his heart to pumping.

Yet the announcer’s squeaky voice made him turn back to the action in the ring. “Come on folks. Won’t another man be brave enough to try?”

Max looked around to see some people shaking their heads and walking off, the thought of trying for the ship and money or risking their lives to great a choice.

“Come on Max,” Rocky muttered and turned to leave.

“Hold up young man...you in the black!” the announcer yelled. Rocky turned around a frown on his face. Max felt his heart race in fear. What did this guy want?

“You look like you were once in the military, eh?” the announcer said, his eyes slanted in a mischievous way. “Why don’t you try your luck with the Beast here?”

“No thank you.” Rocky said gruffly and turned his back on the announcer.

“Come on now, I know you want the prize...especially the ship.”

Rocky stopped and turned back around. “I don’t need it bad enough to warrant my life for it.”

“Oh come on. Guaranteed. You win, you walk out with the money, cash may I add, and the keys to the ship.”

Max noticed Rocky hesitate. “Rocky, it’s too dangerous.” Max whispered.

“It’s even more dangerous staying here.” Rocky whispered back.

“But what if something happens...” Max couldn’t finish the last part, to you. People were already beginning to gather after hearing the announcer talking to Rocky. Some were even starting to shout, “Come on” and “Let’s get this show on the road!”

“I promise. Nothing will happen. I have to win this.” Rocky patted Max on the shoulder and turned to the announcer. “All right, I’ll do it.”

Cheers went up and some people clapped Rocky on the back as he took off his leather jacket and gun, handing them to Max. Max felt his heart drop like lead and tried to smile when Rocky winked and turned to walk towards the steel cage where the 7 foot man was waiting, a smirk on his face.

“All right and what’s you name sir?”

“Rocky.” he said.

Max looked around to see already money exchanging hands as people made bets. The young man bit his lip as he watched Rocky walk into the steel cage and the announcer lock the door behind him. Max had to say, Rocky looked real good and in shape. His biceps flexed under his black tee-shirt and his muscles grew tense as he surveyed his opponent. The Beast wasn’t nearly as big muscular like Rocky, but he had weight and height to his advantage.

The Beast suddenly lunged for Rocky but he quickly and expertly dodged and sent a kick into the huge man’s side. The Beast grunted but didn’t seemed fazed at all by the powerful blow. The Beast flew a punch which Rocky blocked but before Rocky could react, the monster shot out his other arm and punched Rocky in the face!

Rocky stumbled back by the blow and Max could see blood running from a busted lip. Now it was the Beast’s turn. Blow after blow the beast ravaged on Rocky, leaving the Lieutenent bruised and unable to get up and take the offense to the attack. Then the Beast grabbed Rocky’s shirt and lifting him up, flung him into the other side of the cage. The steel connected to Rocky’s back leaving him groaning in pain and unable to get to his feet.

Max didn’t want to watch yet he couldn’t tear his eyes away from the awful scene. The Beast laughed and yanked Rocky to his feet. He then locked Rocky’s neck into the headlock he had used before to Billy. Max couldn’t let this happen!

“ROCKY!” Max shouted and ran towards the cage.

“Get back boy,” the announcer growled, but Max wasn’t going to leave.

“No...Rocky!” Max shouted.

The Beast grinned wickedly at Max was about to twist Rocky’s neck off when suddenly Rocky drove his left hand into the Beast’s groin!

The Beast groaned in pain and let go of Rocky’s head, using his hands to hold his broken groin. Now Rocky had the advantage.

The Lieutenant drove his elbow into Beast’s back, sending the man crashing to the ground. Then he knelt down, driving his knee into the small of Beast’s back and wrapped his hands around the beast’s neck.

Max knew Rocky could easily kill the Beast now, just by easily lifting up and breaking the beast’s back.

“Finish him!” the announcer yelled and so did the audience. But Rocky wasn’t a cold blooded killer. He shook his head and released his hold.

“I won. I’m the last man standing. Now let me out and give me the award.” Rocky ordered standing up and walking towards the door.

“No sir, that’s not how this game is won. You must kill your opponent before you win.”

“You didn’t tell me that, you son of a bitch.” Rocky growled, his muscles bulging in anger. “Now you let me out before I rip that head right off your fat neck.”

“I told you what you need to do. You’re not going to be released until you kill your opponent.” the announcer said angrily, not at all afraid of Rocky.

Max felt his heart sink. Rocky wouldn’t kill someone for the game. How would they get out of this? Just then Max noticed Beast getting up, an angry look on his face. “Rocky! Look Out!” Max shouted as the Beast charged at Rocky.

The Lieutenant swiftly turned and in one easy move dodged the beast’s charge. What came next Max knew was instinct for the Lieutenant. Rocky did it so fast hardly anyone knew what had happened. Grabbing for the Beast’s neck, Rocky all of a sudden took ahold and snapped it. A second later the beast was lying by Rocky’s feet, his neck broken.

There was a moment of stunned silence then suddenly everyone started cheering. “Well now, I see we have a new winner.” the announcer said, his voice telling of his unhappiness. “Come on out Rocky and get your prize.”

Rocky stepped out and glared at the announcer. He towered over the fat man and now the announcer was afraid. “Here.” he said and shoved an envelope and a set of keys at Rocky. “Ship’s out back in Lot 3.”

Rocky nodded and walked back towards Max. Neither said a word and Max could tell Rocky was angry at himself. Max knew that Rocky hadn’t intended to kill the beast. Yet his old military days came back and instinct took over.

“Hey, Rocky!” a voice was heard. Max and Rocky turned around to see the green eyed girl Max had seen earlier running towards them.

“Angel!” Rocky said smiling. “I haven’t seen you in ages.”

Max starred in horror at Rocky. “You know her?”

“Yes, her dad served with me and your father. Angel, this is Max Caldwell, John’s son.”

Angel smiled at Max, making his heart melt yet again. Before their eyes could meet, Angel turned back to Rocky. “Congratulations on the match. Nobody’s beaten The Beast in over a year. You’re the first. And I’m guessing you’re not going to stay and protect your title.”

“No, Max and I have to leave the planet.”

“Oh, I see.” Angel seemed sad.

“Angel, what happened to your dad? And what are you doing here in this place?” Rocky asked, concern showing on his face.

“My dad was killed last year. I took to the streets after Vadar took over our home. This city seemed the place to go.”

“I’m sorry,” Rocky answered, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. “Hey, why don’t you come with us. I’m probably going over to the planet Krib, just for a time. It’d be a better place then here.”

Angel smiled. “Thanks Rocky.”

“Don’t mind do you?” Rocky asked Max.

Max shook his head. “Not at all. Be nice to have company instead of you.”

Rocky laughed and lightly punched Max in the shoulder. “Come on, let’s go get our ship.”

“You have got to be kidding.” Rocky growled an hour later when they finally came upon their ‘ship’.

Max looked on it in dismay. It was rusted and broken down. Angel was already walking around it surveying it.

“It could take us hours to get this piece of junk running.” Rocky muttered angrily as he opened the door to look inside. The inside didn’t look much nicer either. The seat covers were ripped and most the metal was rusted. “But let’s see if she runs.”

Rocky slid into the captain’s seat and put the key in. The ship started to sputter and cough. Just when they all thought the ship would die, it came back to life. “Well, let’s just hope it will get us to the next planet.”

Angel came up next to them after shutting the door. “All’s ready Cap.” she said, smiling. That smile made Max’s heart melt for the hundredth time.

“Buckle up and let’s get out of here.” Rocky said pushing some buttons. Max took the seat next to Rocky and Angel got the seat behind them. Max bit his lip mixed feelings flooding through him. He knew it was dangerous on Earth but he had never flown off the planet before and he felt sick right now. Turning to Angel he noticed her eager expression. She saw him looking at her and winked.

Max smiled in returned and turned back to see Rocky easily driving the ship towards the exit. This was it.

Suddenly there was a loud crash and blue laser rays were shooting past them!

“Shit! Hold on you guys, we’ve been found.” Rocky cursed and pushing more buttons lifted off towards the black sky.

Max looked out the window to see five blue, sleek ships following them..the ships of Vadar’s troops!

The ship rocked and jolted as several laser rays hit them. “Come on, come on.” Rocky muttered, erging the ship faster. To their luck, it was giving it to them.

“Hey, Rocky, try the light speed button. That will be the only way to out maneuver them.” Angel said from behind.

“It’s worth a try.” Rocky said and pushed the button. At first nothing happened, then a sense of weightlessness overcame then and before Max could prepare himself, the ship took off, causing the stars to blur.

“Holy Shit!” Max cried, feeling the force of the speed slamming him against the chair. But as soon as it had started they were back to normal speed.

Rocky looked down at the scanner. “They’re following us, we’d better find someplace to hide right away.”

Max pushed his stomach back down and looked around. There were several huge asteroids floating around. “Hey, get behind one of those. Because of the electrons they produce, it will screw up the other ships scanners and make us hard to find.”

“Good thinking Max.” Rocky said and expertly maneuvered the ship behind the biggest asteroid. Two seconds later five trooper ships arrived. They didn’t stop but kept right on flying straight, the asteroids working their magic.

“I think we missed them.” Angel said softly. When a minute passed and there was no sign of any troopers, Rocky pulled out and sent the ship in the opposite direction. “Piece of junk.” Rocky muttered when the ship started to stutter and make noises. “Don’t die on us now.”

Angel snickered, causing Max to smile also. “Boy, Rocky. This junk just saved our lives and here you are calling it names.”

Rocky frowned at them but that just made them laugh harder.

The planet Krib was not as big as Earth. It was dark and dirty but bustling with life. Rocky had explained to Max and Angel about how Krib came to be the merchant planet. Everyone from all over the universe brought their goods and other stuff to sell on Krib. It was the meeting place in the universe and Rocky believed to be the hardest place for Vadar to search for them.

Max was surprised about how many people and aliens were walking around. Shouts filled the air as venders yelled to their customers to get their attention to buy their stuff. Angel seemed just as interested. Her green eyes sparkled with interest. Max couldn't seem to take his eyes off of her lean body. She was well muscled and her skin tight pants and leather tank top showed it off well.

"Okay, I've gotten someone to take care of our piece of junk while we're here. We got lucky with it. This guy started looking it over and he was surprised it even ran, let alone did light speed." Rocky put on his sunglasses and shook his head.

"Oh Rocky, it did get us here in one piece. It should be called a 'ship', not a piece of junk." Angel said, smiling innocently.

Rocky rolled his eyes. "Come on kids, lets get moving. I've got to buy some more gas and food before we set off."

"Where are we going from here?" Max asked, tearing his eyes off of some mouth watering meat that was sizzling on a grill.

"Far away from here that's for sure. But who knows how long its going to take the mechanic to fix our 'ship'. " Rocky made a point of emphasizing the word ship for Angel. She just laughed and moved on ahead.

Part 3