An excerpt from Brass Jack: A Fine Bit of Insurrection. This features one of my favorite characters, Ms. Alexandria Pi.
Jack headed back over to the makeshift infirmary in the big recreation room. Lady Crystal was already ahead of him, bending over to check on some patients. On a couch, Jack saw Alexandria Pi, her distinctive up-tech skinsuit tight against her long, tall body. She was unconscious, her green short hair matted from having a helmet on for so long. And she was drooling. It wasn’t a good look on her. Normally after someone was stunned, it was best to let them sleep it off, but this was not one of those times. Jack pulled his military stunner, flipped the butt of it, and pressed the contacts against her neck.
KZRT!
She flopped for a second and came up swinging. Jack barely got out of the way as a hard fist on a long slender arm flailed past his ear.
“WhatintheFlyingGasbagSonofWitheredPissant…!!!!” Jack stepped back and waited while she swore up a storm and beat the crap out of the couch. “OW. OW. OW!”
She spun to a standing position and spotted the big Ursoid across the room. She pointed one of her long fingers at him. “YOU! YOU Mother Humping… Son OF A RUG! YOU stunned me!” She was mid-stride toward the giant Ursoid warrior, who was looking a bit chagrined when Jack tried to stop her.
He yelled at her, “Pi! PI! ALEX!”
She whirled on him, “What?!”
Pointing at Shipshaker, he continued shouting, “You are about to attack, barehanded, a thousand pound, eight-foot bear who also happens to be an Imperial Powered armor trooper. This is not logical!”
“You’re right,” she admitted, focusing blearily on Jack. She adjusted her concentration and pointed to his waist, holding out her hand. “Gun. Give. NOW.”
Jack shook his head no and backed away.
“Alex. We need to talk to you about the Ambassador.”
This sentence had an immediate effect on the tall skinny woman. Her focus came back sharply.
“How is he, where is he, is he okay?” She rattled tersely, stepping forward.
Holding up held up his hand, Jack answered, “He’s decent for the moment. You need coffee.”
The Gatian nodded. She turned and pointed at the Ursoid.
“You and me, Rug-boy. We ain’t done.”
Shipshaker gave her a frightened smile and went back to cleaning a hundred pound rail gun, holding it like a toy.