Hard Luck Hank: Screw the Galaxy by Steven Campbell

Straight ahead from us I saw a
similar hole in the opposite building. In the far distance through that
structure, I could see yet another hole. If there were more, I could not tell,
as it was too dark in this part of the city, even with the molten perforations
shining like red rings.
    “I’m not paying for this,” I said.

CHAPTER
11

    I slept. And slept. And ate. And slept some
more.
    My body was telling me in no uncertain terms
that I shouldn’t be doing anything more strenuous than bowel movements, and
this time I listened to it. Not sure how long I was in my apartment. I shut off
my tele and did not receive information from the outside world.
    I ate mounds of food and surprisingly little
came out later. It was like every molecule was being used to restitch my
fractured self.
    At one point, Garm actually broke into my
apartment—I think she was checking to see if I was dead.
    I finally came around and knew I was better
because I felt like some booze. I figured this was a good time to open the tony
bottle Tamshius had given me in honor of losing a huge sum of money at his
casino. I had maybe a capful and my body suddenly switched instructions and
told me not to drink anymore.
    I was tired of eating rations and not moving,
so I took a long, hot shower and hit the streets. The light from outside made
me squint, but at least the city was still here. So no major invasion while I
was out.
    “Mr. Hank! Mr. Hank!” I heard from behind me.
    Not exactly how I wanted to reenter society.
Jyen ran up to me, her ears swinging when she came to a stop.
    “Are you okay?” she asked out of breath.
    “Getting there. If you’ll excuse me, I need to
get some food.” It’s not that I didn’t like Jyen, I didn’t even know her, but
barring her recent purchase of a narcotics factory, she was just a normal,
non-criminal person. I didn’t know how to act around her.
    “I read all about you in The News . They
said you killed a Dredel Led.”
    I took out my tele and turned it on, scrolling
to the latest edition. To my astonishment, the entire issue was about: me .
I stared at it in awe.
    Rendrae devoted the entire contents to my
exploits since I’d been on Belvaille. He had interviews with almost every boss,
stories from various bodyguards and bouncers and thugs, and practically every
job I was ever involved in—some of it even true.
    The cover story was about the destruction of
the Dredel Led. I skimmed it, and most of the eyewitness testimony was
obviously from Garm. She had neglected to say it was my Ontakian pistol that
had killed the robot and it instead became some struggle between Colmarian and
machine, with me ultimately triumphing. It was so melodramatic I’m surprised
she didn’t tell how I’d thrown myself in harm’s way to save a baby during the
fight.
    What I couldn’t believe was how so many people
spoke well of me. I know a number of the bosses interviewed didn’t like me that
much, if at all, but here they were singing my praises in the most hyperbolic
fashion. They even had guys talking about how I’d handled beating them up with
dignity and aplomb.
    Jyen had been blabbing this whole time, but I
didn’t hear her. I mean it’s not every day you see yourself portrayed as a
hero.
    As I was reading, I got a tele from Garm.
    “Hey,” I answered.
    “So, finally out of your place I see.”
    “How did you know?” I looked up at the nearby
apartments to see if she was peeking out a window like Jyen must have been.
    “Once the techs had figured out how to monitor
doors opening and closing, I decided I would—”
    “Monitor everyone,” I completed for her.
Typical Garm.
    “We need to talk,” she said.
    “Fine, but I need to eat.”
    “Come over when you’re done. I have your
shotgun, by the way.”
    Holding it hostage, more likely. She could have
left it in my place when she came by.
    Jyen was still talking excitedly. I put my hand
on her shoulder.
    “Look. Jyen. Sorry, I need to run. Important
business