Drang closed her eyes in disbelief. She did not doubt the seriousness of the situation, and she was caught in it. Sight of the foreign warship earlier—with the fish-scale hull plating—had badly shaken her. The question at the moment—
Drang shook her head. There were several questions, not just one. Should she flee to the space station? Could she save the situation up there, and possibly gain a promotion from it? What about the people stuck on the planet? Did she have an obligation to them?
Drang took out a handkerchief and mopped her sweaty face and throat.
“There you are,” a woman called.
Drang turned around to see Lieutenant Godfrey trotting to her. The woman had refused to enter the cage with the mutant, at least at first. The woman had shot the bastard. It hadn’t saved Sergeant Bolson, though.
“Arbiter,” the lieutenant said. “The Sub-Protector is calling. He’s demanding to speak to you this instant.”
“Thank you,” Drang said. She reached for a communicator.
“You can take the call in the comm shack,” the lieutenant said. “It’s air-conditioned.”
Drang nodded. “Yes. I’d like that.”
The lieutenant turned away.
“Just a moment,” Drang said.
Lieutenant Godfrey faced her.
“You work well under pressure. Thank you for what you did in there.”
“I had no idea the mutant could shrug off stunner shots. That was horrible.” Godfrey hesitated and then blurted, “I’m beginning to hate this world.”
“What do you think about our prisoner?”
“The man?” asked Godfrey.
Drang nodded.
“Tough,” Godfrey said. “Smart. Dangerous.”
“He is that.”
They started walking to the comm shack together, although Drang was too preoccupied to notice the lieutenant fidgeting.
“Arbiter, I should probably tell you this. The man said he was in tunnels with the mutants. He said there are Diggers helping the creatures. Hearing that sent our caged mutant into a frenzy.”
“You spoke to Cade before I arrived?” Drang asked sharply.
“I gave him food and water. We talked a bit after that.”
Drang took two strides before she said, “Thank you for telling me. I appreciate it. Lieutenant…”
“Godfrey.”
Drang took two more strides. “Give the soldier more water if he wants. I’ll be back to speak with him shortly.”
With that, Drang hurried to the comm shack, leaving the lieutenant staring after her. Inside, a man was monitoring the comm. Drang asked if he could leave so she could speak to the Sub-Protector alone. The tech got up and left. Drang sat at his spot, as she luxuriated in the room’s cool air. This was more like it.
Drang clicked a control, and Sub-Protector Egon Krenz with his shriveled face and tufts of white hair appeared on the screen.
“You’ve been busy,” Krenz said without preamble.
Drang noticed the Sub-Protector spoke from within a shuttle. That would mean he was returning from the cruiser and likely headed to the space station.
“No words, eh?” asked Krenz.
“I wasn’t aware you asked a question.”
“Don’t get coy with me, Arbiter. I run the space station. In fact, I run the military in the entire system. That includes those on the planet and most especially on the station.”
Drang did not reply.
“I’m referring to the senior commandant in the Operational Center. I’ve confined Estevan to quarters for disobeying direct orders. I am of course referring to his unauthorized use of the new sensor nodes.”
Drang was surprised Krenz said that. “Are you aware Estevan spotted a foreign warship in the Asteroids?”
“I’m aware of the claim. It’s false.”
Drang did not close her eyes in pain, but maintained a blank façade as she said, “How can you possibly know that?”
“Are you questioning my competence?”
“Sub-Protector, surely you realize that it’s my job to protect the station and planet from enemy infiltrations, from secret espionage assaults. I’m in the middle of an investigation. I’ve also consulted with Senior Commandant Estevan. I implicitly trust him and would appreciate it if you would put him back at the Operational Center.”
Krenz studied her. “What are you implying?”
“Nothing more than what I just said: that I have complete confidence in Senior Commandant Estevan.”
“Estevan is under my command.”
“I’m well aware of that.”
“Are you saying that you lack confidence in me?”
Drang dodged the question by saying, “I find it odd that you’ve failed to use the new sensor nodes. I find it even odder that you aren’t reacting to our sighting of a stealth vessel of unknown origin. Your actions are strange—unless you’re in league with the smugglers.”
Krenz did not stiffen, nor did he rebuke her. He studied her more carefully than before, and smiled falsely. “You’re much younger than I am, and have served far fewer years in the service.”
“Yes…”
Krenz’s false smile widened. “Do you believe we’re receiving proper compensation for our lives spent in harm’s way protecting the interests of rich bankers of the wealthiest Concord worlds?”
“I’ve never sought wealth,” Drang said, “but to do my duty as sworn under oath when I joined the Patrol.”
“That’s a noble sentiment, and I mean that, I really do. However, I’m due for retirement soon, and I find next to nothing in my savings account. The pittance the Patrol plans to give me upon my discharge…for the first time, I find myself admiring the bankers. The reason is the money one banker in particular has put into a new shell company in my name. The amount will quadruple upon his agent receiving certain artifacts from the Pit. However, since speaking with the captain of the cruiser, I’ve had a change of plan. We’ve agreed to take the items in question and sell them on the black market. Do you know there are…clandestine buyers willing to spend a fortune for the relics down there?”
“I’m surprised you would say such things to me over an open channel,” Drang said coldly.
“Arbiter, we could use your expertise, your Intelligence back-channels. I would have spoken to you quietly about this up here. Unfortunately, events have forced my hand.”
“Meaning what?”
A fervent look spread over Krenz’s pinched features. “You must return to the space station at once, as an attack is about to commence on the planet. Because of that, certain…uh, parties in the Asteroids might try to renege on their promises to me.”
“I understand none of this,” Drang said.
“I doubt that. You see, I checked up on you. You’re highly rated as an Intelligence officer. But in case you’re telling the truth, let me tell you that the smugglers possess advanced technology, as good as or better than what we have in our Patrol vessels. I’ve no doubt Estevan spotted a foreign military vessel. That actually proves my point. I’m waiting, don’t you see.”
“Waiting for what?”
Krenz studied her as if deciding upon something. He leaned closer to the screen. “The mutants are about to strike. They’ll swarm the Pit, killing everyone. They might also attack the Spaceport. The key for them is raiding the diggings and acquiring the newest artifacts.”
Drang hesitated, finally blurting, “Are you seriously suggesting we sacrifice our people down here?”
Krenz scowled. “Grow up, Arbiter. This is a harsh world. I know you know that. As an arbiter, you know the dirty secret of life: that people only strive for their self-interests. Well, I’m pulling an end-run on the banking agent that sought to use me. I’ve baited a trap. Help me, and we’ll bust these smugglers and later sell the relics ourselves, becoming crazy rich in the process.”
“Yes, I see what you’re saying,” Drang said, abruptly changing tack. “I appreciate your confidence in me.”
“
I don’t know if you’re lying or telling the truth. In a way, it doesn’t matter. I’m going to bust these bastards and take the…the artifacts.”
He was going to say treasure. That’s what the cyborg artifacts are to him. If I’m hearing him correctly, he’s going to screw the people thinking to use him, running away with the relics aboard the cruiser. All he can think about are the vast sums someone is willing to pay for the items.
“It appears you’re not worried about saying any of this in the open because everyone down here and possibly on the station is going to die.”
“Harsh but true.” Krenz nodded as if she finally got it. “There’s nothing I can do now to change any of that.”
“You could send the marines from the cruiser and destroyer down here. We could use the extra combat personnel to defeat the mutant horde.”
Krenz hesitated, staring at her, finally becoming earnest. “Don’t you understand? Everyone down there is going to die. It’s just a matter of who ends up with the artifacts up here.”
Drang turned away as her thoughts spun. She was down here and the Sub-Protector in a shuttle. Thus, neither of them was in the space station. If Monitor Varo was still alive—
Varo is dead. Accept that and operate with what you have, not how you’d like it to be.
Drang realized there was no way in hell she was going to sell out, no matter how much money it was. She was a Patrol officer, an Intelligence officer. The realization solidified her thoughts.
I passed the bribery test. I really am incorruptible. Now it’s time to nail this bastard. To do that, I have to convince him.
She faced Krenz. “I accept your offer. Yes. I am sick of sticking it on the line for a pittance. What do you need me to do?”
“Get upstairs fast,” Krenz said. “Get your people ready, too. I may need you to arrest some station personnel for me.”
“I’ll leave the Spaceport as soon as I hang up here.”
Krenz eyed her. “Good. That’s good. You must hurry, though. All hell is going to break loose down there. I can do this without you, but working in tandem will make the back end of the operation easier for the three of us.”
Drang imagined he meant the captain of the cruiser as the third member of their little conspiracy.
Krenz cut the connection.
Drang sat back. Egon Krenz was a liar and a crook, playing a devious game for high stakes. She didn’t believe he was going to cut her in with his profits. But it would seem he believed he could blind her with greed, just as he’d been blinded.
It was time to think fast and make the correct decisions, and to save as many Patrol people as she could.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Immediately after her conversation with the Sub-Protector, Drang attempted to call the space station. It didn’t surprise her to find the call jammed. She next attempted to call the cruiser. That was jammed as well. She didn’t bother trying to contact the destroyer or stings. They would be jammed as well.
She sat thoughtfully. Senior Commandant Estevan had told her about the new buoys around the planet. Could those be jamming devices? That seemed likely. While corruption was always a problem, most Patrol personnel were hardworking and loyal to their oath, especially among the enlisted and lower officer ranks. The highest ranks often posed the greatest security risks, especially in places like Therduim III. It was an out-of-the-way posting, without any major planetary population. Krenz could order, but if the enlisted learned he was corrupt, aiding the smugglers, Krenz might find himself under arrest or ignored. The Sub-Protector had spoken openly to her, but he would have made sure no one else had been listening. At this point, it was her word against his.
Yes, she could go along with him. If that ended up being her only choice—
A clouded look swept over Drang’s features. That would mean everyone down here dying, and possibly some of the sting and destroyer crews perishing along with the space station personnel. Could she live with herself if she just let all her professional friends die?
Drang turned the chair around as she glared at the door. Communications with upstairs were cut. She could leave in the shuttle and probably survive the coming massacre. She had to do something to end-run that, though.
An idea struck. She had a soldier, likely the best soldier in the Therduim System. If anyone could come up with a quick plan, it would be Marcus Cade. She’d seen him in action upstairs and heard a little about his exploits down here.
It was time to talk to Cade and see what he knew, and see if he might be willing to help her in return for his freedom.
***
Cade poured himself the last of the pitcher, drinking the water, actually feeling full. If he slept for a time—
The door to the jail area opened. The Arbiter hurried in. She didn’t wear her leather greatcoat, nor did she look as sweaty as before. She glanced at the dead mutant still lying on the floor. Then she strode to his cell, grabbing two bars as she stared at him.
Cade set down the empty glass. “The lieutenant said you ordered her to bring more water.” He nodded in appreciation.
“What should I call you?” Drang said.
“Cade will do.”
“I have a problem, Cade. What’s more, my problem is your problem.”
“Do you mean the coming mutant attack?”
Drang nodded stiffly.
“Let me guess,” Cade said. “You’ve just learned the smugglers are going to attack as well?”
“How would you know that?”
Cade shrugged. “It’s not a matter of knowing—just military logic. The smugglers haven’t made a move for months. The mutants have smuggler-derived weapons. The Diggers have higher technology—”
“Diggers?” asked Drang, interrupting. “You’ve said that name before. What are they, exactly?”
Cade eyed her, glanced at the empty water pitcher and came to a decision. Leaning back against a wall, he told her what he knew about the Diggers, witch doctors and vying mutant chiefs.
“Jed Ra said six hundred warriors are gathered in the assembly area, ready to attack. Given what I saw, I imagine the Diggers will bring the tusked warriors to the very edge of the Pit and/or the Spaceport, doing so underground. What the Diggers hope to ultimately achieve, I don’t know.”
“Are we in danger here?”
“I’d say so.”
Drang released the bars, turning around, rubbing her chin. She spun back to face Cade. “It’s worse than you suggest.” She told him about Egon Krenz, the bankers and the Sub-Protector’s offer.
Cade said nothing, just absorbing the information.
“I have no intention of helping the Sub-Protector,” Drang added.
Cade watched her, realizing she wanted something from him.
Drang seemed to wrestle with an idea, her face closing up. With a swing of her arms, she began to talk further, telling Cade about Estevan and the strange stealth vessel they’d seen before.
That brought Cade to his feet. “Describe what you saw.”
Haltingly, Drang did so.
Cade scowled, shaking his head in disbelief.
“What’s wrong?” Drang demanded. “Why does the foreign ship upset you?”
“You’ve just described a cyborg lurker.”
“Excuse me?”
“I sensed a lurker while heading in-system,” Cade said. “I searched for it, but never found it. Now, your man Estevan has spotted it, at least temporarily.”
“Wait. Stop. What’s a cyborg lurker?”
“That should be obvious.”
“Don’t get smart with me. No. Forget I said that. I’m going to need your help.” Drang frowned. “You said you felt the lurker? When was that?”
“The first time?” Cade snapped his fingers. “It was when the Descartes broke down nine and a half light-years from here.”
“You think the lurker had something to do with that?”
Cade cocked his head, only slowly shaking it. “I’m perplexed. I felt the lurker. I
think it must have had something to do with our breakdown. There was sabotage to the Intersplit. But who would have reason to sabotage the Descartes?”
“More to the point, how could cyborgs have done so?”
Cade sat again. Could the lurker have anything to do with the secret tech company that Rohan Mars had once represented? The secret tech company had had an ancient X-ship pilot. They’d wanted to get down onto Avalon IV, which had held an ancient cyborg Web-Mind. This planet had ancient cyborg relics. It would make sense then why the lurker had come here, but why would a lurker have followed the Descartes?
I’m from the Cyborg War. Could the lurker want me? Had the lurker attempted to force the Descartes to the Therduim System?
Cade shook his head. There were ramifications he did not see. He was sure of it.
“Is the lurker here to help the smugglers?” Drang asked.
“I have no idea.” Cade snapped his fingers. “Here’s a point to consider. The lurker was an ancient cyborg stealth ship. Who’s to say cyborgs are inside it? Still, Jed Ra or one of his warriors said mutants have seen cyborg troopers here. They described one, said it was poor eating.”
“What?”
“The mutants eat human flesh,” Cade said. “I thought you knew that.”
Drang moaned in dread and then got hold of her emotions. “Lurkers, cannibals, Diggers—this is a mess. The Sub-Protector is a traitor to his oath. Cade, answer me the truth. Were you sent here by Group Six?”
“Arbiter, Group Six is my enemy. They hold my wife. Upon waking me, the director had an old cyborg obedience chip shoved into my brain so I’d do his bidding.”
Drang made a face, stepping back.
“Don’t worry,” Cade said. “I had the chip removed some time ago. Now, I want one thing: to save my wife from that evil old man. I don’t know if Dr. Halifax is still secretly working for Group Six. I didn’t think so until he sold me down the river to you. My point is this. I’m not your enemy unless you make me one.”
“Damn you, but I believe you. I even think I can trust you. Okay. How about this? I want to hire your expertise.”
“As a soldier?”
“Exactly,” Drang said. “The Patrol is in desperate need of help. I’ll free you if you promise to help me save the people on the surface, the space station and our military vessels. I’m not counting the cruiser in that, as the captain has sold out like Krenz.”
The Soldier: Final Odyssey Page 12