Rise the Renegade (Rork Sollix Book 1) by George Donnelly Page B

“Nor do I! May I have your bowl, if you do not plan to eat it?”
    Rork grabbed it and brought it over to the man.
    The old man reached for it and Rork raised it higher.
    “Answers.”
    The old man sighed. “The right question is infinitely more valuable than all the answers in the universe.”
    Rork snorted. “You are?”
    “I am Zero. Some wish me to accept titles, but I cannot.” He reached for the bowl.
    “Like the number?”
    “Or non-number, depending on your perspective!” Zero giggled.
    Rork held the bowl higher. His stomach rumbled but he wouldn’t eat this slop. “How do you know me?”
    Zero spread his arms and looked from side to side. “We all know the story of Rork Sollix, the unstoppable pirate. You are very well received among my people.”
    “Your people?”
    “Just people: regulars, put-upons, those bound, slop-eaters, miners, slaves, prisoners.”  
    Rork handed him the bowl and he downed it just as before. Rork returned the empty container to the space under the door.
    “Take my life, you may, Rork Sollix, but to possess my spirit, a harder labor is.”
    Rork hugged his arms to himself and rubbed his hands against the opposing biceps. “How about some clothes here, guard!”
    “No, no, no. Violence will not get you want you want.”
    “What violence? And why would I take your life?” Rork brought a knee up and into his chest, then the other, jogging in place.
    “Comfort is a state of mind. Adapt your feelings to your surroundings and you will—”
    “Enough!” Rork buried his head in his hands. I’ll just escape. It’s that simple. He replayed the entry procedure in his mind. If he could escape and enter at will in space, he could do it on Earth.
    One man can do anything. One man, among many. The idea popped into his mind. Among so many, there must be at least one with years spent planning an escape. Rork need only find that man. He would provide the escape plan. He would know the vulnerabilities. Rork would provide the final exit to space. He opened his eyes, a new confidence giving bounce to his muscles.
    Zero appeared at Rork’s side, a pair of orange pants folded neatly in his outstretched hand.
    Rork stepped away from him. “What? No. I have nothing to trade.”
    “You will simply be in my debt. Everyone here is in debt, to Barbary or other Cartel members. That’s why we are here. What is one more?” He set the pants on Rork’s shoulder.
    Rork grabbed them and shook them. Specks of dust fell out and moved on the floor. He tossed the pants back. “No, thanks! I came in clean. I’m going out clean.”
    Zero caught his pants and put them back on. He returned to his perch, crossed his legs and closed his eyes.
    “Why are you here?” Rork asked.
    “Time to recharge the soul, young pirate.”
    “How did you get all these flowers in here?”
    Zero cracked an eye, a look of irritation on his face. “Young man, I do not wish to be disturbed during my spiritual retreat. If you require this much attention, I will be obligated to recommend your transfer to the children’s cell.”
    “There are children in here?”
    Zero pointed straight ahead.
    Rork went to the cell door and stared into the cell across from his. There was nothing. It was too dark. His eyes became accustomed and he saw bodies. Small bodies. Many sat, against the walls, between, backs resting against each other and a few standing and walking.
    The metal door screeched open.
    “Get your hands off of my sister!”
    A girl sobbed.
    Rork’s heart leapt. If only it was Lala. No matter how horrible it is here, at least she would be here with me and away from Barbary. He gritted his teeth and his stomach turned. Stomach acid rose to the back of his throat. You will suffer, Barbary. He jammed an eye through the bars.
    Devi appeared followed by Anju. The guard held them each by their necks. They wore the throat collars, too, but had orange shirts, pants and slippers.
    “How about my clothes!” Rork yelled.
    The