“I doubt the Captain cares how dangerous the mission is,” I said. “Results are all that matter to him. And I wouldn’t hold my breath regarding more Marines. After this attack he’ll want as many Marines guarding the Base Camp as possible.”
“Maybe so, but he’ll have to send some of them out with us,” Money said. “We’re down to a single squad. That’s not enough to safeguard the engineering platoon.”
“What about Gloria?” Abe asked. “Isn’t someone going after her? I thought we didn’t leave people behind.”
Money’s face stiffened with displeasure and I looked down at the ground. I knew the Master Sergeant wasn’t angry about the comment, it was the answer that bothered him. We didn’t have to wait to see the Captain in person to know he didn’t care about the lives of the men and women who served under his command. To Rigel, Gloria would simply be a name on a report — collateral damage that would be forgotten as easily as the face of a stranger in a crowd.
“What are you two not telling me?” Abe demanded.
“Odds are, Rigel won’t let us rescue Gloria,” I said.
“What? Why not?”
“It doesn’t do us any good to question a superior officer’s motives,” Money said. “That’s above our pay grade and won’t give you the peace you’re looking for.”
“This isn’t right,” Abe argued. “She’s alive, I know it. You said so yourself, Master Sergeant.”
“That’s true,” Money said, “and as long as she is alive, there’s hope that we can save her. We don’t know what might happen tomorrow. She might be traded for something we have. It’s been known to happen; a prisoner exchange, or perhaps they will return her for some of our technology. It might even be part of a peace agreement. We have to hope for the best.”
I knew better than to think the Prog would seek a peace agreement. An alliance against the other races on Apex Venandi perhaps, but there would be no honor in having someone else fight your battles for you. My guess was that if they kept Gloria alive, it would be to fight in their violent gladiator-style games. Perhaps she would be lucky and find a way to escape, but something Money had said gave me an idea. I let it take root in my mind. I would have to develop it and look at the idea from all angles, before I did anything rash, but perhaps there was a reason to hope.
Chapter 23
We rode back to the Base Camp in silence, the bodies of fallen comrades at our feet. We were met at the clearing by more Marines who helped with the dead and injured. I followed Money, Sergeant Thatcher, and Lieutenant Duffer to the Command Post. I wasn’t allowed inside, but I heard their debrief through my Command Helmet. As expected, Rigel didn’t seem to care about our losses. He was much more concerned with continuing the progress of the road construction.
“Look,” the arrogant Captain said in a condescending tone, “that road is the mission. Without it we can’t support any kind of operation to mine the IX gas.”
“Do we need to?” Duffer said. “Why not just fly a ship to the top of the mountain and mine the gas?”
“In case you hadn’t noticed, Lieutenant, IX gas is highly flammable. If our ships are attacked while mining the gas, we run the risk of igniting it. The Fleet can’t afford to lose even the smallest amount of the gas. And there’s always the possibility of igniting the entire vein, which would probably blow the mountain apart. No, the best course of action is to establish a ground force close enough that support can be given in a timely manner, but far enough away that they pose no threat to the gas mine itself. Once the road is complete, we can move to the mountain, remove the natives from the vicinity, and begin mining operations.”
“The enemy will know right where to hit us, sir,” Money explained. “Perhaps it would be better to start at the halfway point and being cutting a new road to the mountain.”
“That’s absurd Master Sergeant,” Rigel said. “That would more than double the time to complete the project. No, we can’t afford to waste any more time. The construction is going slow enough as it is.”
“It’s a thick jungle, Captain,” Duffer said, trying to defend his platoon. “We’re all working as quickly as we can.”
“Yes, and now there will be even fewer of you to do the work. All the more reason why we can’t allow any more delays. Construction will begin at dawn and resume where you left off today. If your report was correct, I doubt the natives will have any desire to tangle with the Space Marines again.”
“Sir, what about reinforcements?” Money asked. “We’re down to just a few Marines, and I’d prefer to double our numbers in case the natives do try to ambush us again.”
“I’m not concerned with your preferences, Master Sergeant,” Rigel declared. “I’m concerned with the good of the Corps and the future of the Galactic Space Fleet. We need that gas. Everyday that we delay, more of a very precious resource is lost. I’ll give you enough Marines to get Venom Company up to fighting strength, but no more.”
There was a pause, which I’m sure was needed to keep Master Sergeant Eubanks from losing his cool with the arrogant CO. When Rigel spoke up again, he clearly sounded annoyed.
“What is it, Master Sergeant? You clearly have something on your mind.”
“It’s Private Keyes, sir. She’s alive. I would like to put together a rescue tea-“
“No!” Rigel said. “Let’s be clear, Eubanks. I don’t like losing people, but I’m not a fool. You don’t throw good money at a bad situation. Private Keyes’ loss is tragic, but we won’t waste more lives on an ill-fated rescue attempt.”
“Sir, I understand your objection,” Money said, which caught me by surprise. “And I wouldn’t want to do anything that might endanger our objective.”
“Good, then we agree. You are dismissed.”
“But if I may, sir,” Money continued. “Private Porter has had great success on these types of missions. He rescued Staff Sergeant Barnes and myself from the Prog. He managed to escape from the Vena, and helped me escape, too.”
“What on Earth are you suggesting, Master Sergeant? That we send one man on a rescue mission? Are you insane?”
“No sir, I’m just pointing out that we have someone with the experience and skills to accomplish the goal without risking more lives than necessary.”
I wanted to cheer, but remained silent, hanging on every word of the conversation. It felt amazing for Money to have so much confidence in me. And while I didn’t relish going after Gloria all alone, while three platoons of Marines remained at the Base Camp with nothing to do but stand guard all day long, I was hopeful that Rigel might say yes.
“No, no I don’t think so, Master Sergeant. The risk is too great,” Rigel replied.
What Money said next nearly floored me.
“He’s just a Private, sir,” Money said in a quiet, almost conspiratorial voice. “If he pulls off the rescue, you can take the credit, but if he fails... Well, what have we lost, really?”
Another pause. I could almost see the wheels turning in Rigel’s head. Money had done everything but tell the Captain that I was a loose thread he would rather not have around to spoil his lies.
“Fine,” Rigel said. “Inform Private Porter that he may go in search of Private Keyes at first light.”
“I’ll do that, sir. Thank you,” Money said.
He left the Command Post without another word. I followed him as he walked away from the buildings and tents. Neither of us spoke. When we were sure we were out of ear shot, Money turned around and took off his helmet. I powered down my own helmet and removed it.
“You heard?” he asked.
“Every word, sir. Thank you for your confidence.”
“I have confidence in you, Porter, but I want you think long and hard about this mission. It’s insane. One Marine on a rescue mission...”
“You only say that because there are so many Marines here,” I argued. “But if it was me out there, I have no doubt you would throw caution to the wind and come after me.”
“Maybe, but you�
��re under my command. Keyes isn’t your responsibility, Orry. You know that right?”
“Yes, Master Sergeant.”
“Then why risk it? Are you in love with her?”
“No sir, I’m not,” I said, realizing the truth for the first time that very instant. “I do care about Keyes, but I would feel the same if it were someone I had never met. We owe her the effort sir. And, while I wouldn’t mind taking a battalion to rescue her, more Marines would only be a larger temptation for the enemy to target. I can do this better on my own.”
“Unfortunately, I agree with you,” Money said. “I don’t like it. If anyone should be going it’s me, but Rigel would never go for that. So it’s up to you, Porter. Get whatever you need tonight. You’ll ride out to the spot of the attack with the engineers in the morning, then you can go from there.”
“Yes, Master Sergeant. Thank you.”
“Just make sure you come back, Orry. I don’t want you on my conscience. It’s full enough as it is.”
I nodded, and Money put his helmet back on. I followed suit, grateful for the chance to hide the smile on my face. I would finally get to do something worthwhile. And while I meant what I said about not being thrilled at the prospect of going out alone, part of me was glad that I wouldn’t have to adjust for someone else’s plans. I could do things my way, which was exactly what I wanted.
Chapter 24
“I need a head lamp from the wrecked transport,” I told Abe as we rode out to the end of the road under construction.
Neither of us were wearing our helmets as the Transport rocked along the fabricated road. He looked at me as if I were losing my mind. Unlike on most days, I had overstuffed my pack with rations and extra water, medical supplies, and ammunition. I had a disassembled Sharps Long Range Rail Gun, extra power supplies, and a variety of ammunition for the sniper rifle. What I didn’t have, were tools to get the last thing I needed.
“Why?” Abe asked.
“I’ll use it to get Gloria back,” I told him. “Look, if it’s a problem...”
“I can get the headlight out. They’re probably shattered anyway, but I can get it.”
“Good.”
“Does that mean you’ll let me go with you. I’m not afraid, Orry. I can use an assault rifle just as good as you can.”
“Don’t I know it,” I grumbled. “Look, this isn’t about ability. I’d love for you to tag along, but Captain Rigel, in his infinite wisdom, has decreed that the only person he can spare for a rescue mission is me.”
I shrugged my shoulders. I was telling the truth. Abe was capable, but he had twisted his ankle during the attack the day before, and I doubted he would last an hour hiking through the jungle. The Captain’s orders were a convenient excuse for me to let my friend down easy.
“Do you think the Fae will attack again?”
“Not the Fae, at least not soon,” I replied. “But keep your rifle handy, no matter how inconvenient it is.”
“Lieutenant Duffer moved me to the alpha team. I’ll be in the jungle marking trees to be cut once I show one of the infantry Marines how to operate the wood chipper.”
“All the more reason to be careful,” I said. “Master Sergeant Eubanks is the best operator I know, and he’ll be on point. You’re in good hands.”
“And you’re really going after Gloria all alone?” Abe asked.
“Yeah, but I’ve done it before.”
“So, the stories are true. You rescued your NCOs after Rigel left the planet?”
I nodded. In my mind it wasn’t a story to brag about. I had rescued Money and Staff Sergeant Barnes, but I had been lucky. On Earth I had lived in an urban slum. The closest I had ever come to any type of military had been at the movies. I hadn’t dreamed of being a Marine, but the work fit me like a glove — not just the fighting, but the discipline, the sense of kinship with my platoon mates, even the pageantry. It felt like I had found what I was born to do.
“And you were captured by the Vena and escaped?” Abe continued.
I nodded again.
“Damn, Orry. Who knew you were such a bad ass? I saw you in the battle yesterday. You were cool, calm, and collected. I want to be like you when I grow up.”
“I wasn’t so cool the first time I was in a fight,” I said. “Maybe you’ll be lucky and you won’t have to fight.”
“That’s easy for you to say. You’re a hero already.”
“No, I’m not,” I countered. “I’m just doing my job. It’s no different than you building this road.”
“It’s completely different, but there’s no sense arguing. I wish you luck. And if I can do anything to help, either with my rifle or with a screw driver, I’ll do it.”
Once we reached the place in the road where the Fae had cut down trees to block our escape, the engineers got out and began cutting wood and clearing it from the road. Money escorted Abe and me to the cab of the ruined vehicle. One of the headlights was shattered, but Abe removed the other. I pulled a small battery pack from my pocket and connected the wires from the lamp to the battery. The light came on.
“That will work,” I said, taking it apart again.
“Good luck, Orry,” Abe said. “Tell Gloria I’m saving her a shot of Vodka.”
“Roger that,” I said with a smile.
“Last chance to change your mind,” Money said.
“No, Master Sergeant. I’m doing this.”
“Well, I expected no less. You’re a good Marine, Porter. I’ve got a strong read on Private Keyes’ locator. Looks like she’s over twenty klicks east of here.”
“I’ve got it too,” I said.
“Watch your six, and keep in mind that you don’t have to be in a hurry,” he warned me. “Trust your instincts, and above all else stay alive.”
“Yes, Master Sergeant.”
I saluted, and he did as well, before patting me on the shoulder.
“Good luck. I’ll see you on the other side,” Money said.
I nodded, then turned and headed into the forest. I was soon out of sight of the road. The jungle was so thick around me it seemed impossible that I could be anywhere near civilization. I heard trees falling after a while. The sound carried through the jungle easily. I moved as quickly as I could, while keeping an eye out for traps or movement of any kind.
It took me most of the day to close the distance between myself and Gloria’s tracking beacon, which fortunately didn’t move all day. I hoped that didn’t mean her armor had been stripped from her. As an armored transport driver, her only armor consisted of a flack jacket. If one of the aliens had taken it from her, I might never find my friend. On the other hand, it might be still because she had been slaughtered. That thought was like thorn in my foot. Every step took me closer to Gloria, but it seemed as though I was moving much too slow.
My hope was that she had been caged, much the same way as I had been. Gloria was a woman, but she was strong and tough. She had done well in the hand-to-hand fighting drills we had been taught in Basic. If she had to fight for her life, I thought she stood a good chance of not just surviving, but actually rising to the occasion.
The sun was beginning to set when I reached the last kilometer. I slowed my progress, moving from tree to tree, searching the surround forest for any movement before proceeding. Earlier in the day I had seen a herd of what looked like deer, only they had six legs and small horns on top of their delicate-looking heads. A trio of Fae on flying mounts had raced through the jungle at one point. Fortunately, they didn’t come near me, and after making sure I hadn’t been seen, I was able to continue my search.
When the edge of a village came into view, I stopped and hunkered down in a leafy bush at the base of a large tree. The Prog lived in what looked like mud nests that hung from the trees. In a clearing, I saw a stake, much like the fighting area of the Vena village where I had been held. From the trees, all around the small clearing, hung large pods. Most were less than a meter off the ground, and each had a hole that hardly looked big en
ough for the shaggy aliens to squeeze through.
The Prog were tall and thin, but had thick humps on their backs. Their arms and legs were longer than a human, and their faces were flat. They reminded me of a pug. I couldn’t be certain, but it seemed like the younger creatures had smaller humps. Some of the elderly Prog had humps so large they were bent almost double and tottered around the village as if they could barely support the weight.
As night fell, fires were kindled in small pits, much like the Vena. I felt safe enough to move slowly around the village. I knew from the beacon that Gloria had to be close, but I couldn’t see her. A group of large boulders formed the edge of one side of the village. I took a chance and climbed onto the tallest of the stones, where I could lie down and watch what was happening. With my helmet’s poor night vision, it was nearly impossible to see anything other than the center of the clearing where the small fires gave enough light that I could see clearly.
My fear was that Gloria was gone and only her armor remained in the village, but after meals had been served, a group of strong-looking Prog brought Gloria out. She had been held in the trunk of a dead tree, where it appeared insects had consumed the soft inner wood. She staggered, her head down, hardly resisting. It was hard to see her so mistreated. My feelings for Gloria ran deep. It wasn’t the same passion I felt for Aurora, but it was real enough that I wanted to kill every alien in the village.
She was leashed to the stake, and I could tell there was some excitement among the Prog. I quietly assembled the Sharps LRRG and set out several rounds of solid ammunition and explosive rounds. I needed to get the attention of the Prog, and I knew exactly how to do it, but first I had prepare my gift.
I took the headlight from the wrecked transport and wrapped it a khaki-colored self-adhesive bandage strip, the type used to wrap sprained ankles and wrists. I had to cover up the metal and did my best to make the object look like it came from nature instead of a factory on a distant, technologically advanced, planet.
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