by John Walker
“Thank you, sir.” Rhys headed for the door, pausing. “I… am still worried, sir. If that helps.”
“About Niva?”
“All of them…” Rhys cleared his throat. “But yes. Her particularly.”
“We’ll all keep the faith.” Titus waved over his shoulder. “See you soon.” Left alone again, he returned to his desk. He stared at the blank monitor, playing through a dozen combat scenarios. Dread of the thing is worse than the thing. The reminder helped calm him down. There won’t be dozens of ships out there.
How would we arrive in time? No, this was going to be a few rogue vessels. And they would likely be feeding on the bones of the Flotilla. No one cares about a bunch of military people of no particular value. Without the promise of ransom, why bother them? He brought his terminal online, bringing up the Engineering reports.
Best to occupy myself with something I can make an impact with.
Chapter 4
Kivda’s earpiece crackled, making it difficult to hear the interrogation. His people had a number of the pirates separated out into different rooms. They’d come up with some information about the Flotilla, but a few of their guests proved sturdier than the others. Those, of course, had been the ones with the most to offer.
The ones with a little training to help them resist.
Renz stood near the viewscreen. He stared at the planet as if he might gain some insight through proximity to the image. The others worked around him, coordinating the ground forces as well as the various soldiers aboard the hulk that was once the Flotilla. Their progress had to be carefully monitored.
Their suits protected them against the worst of the radiation. Unfortunately, the seals had their limits. Inda made it clear they needed to take shifts. Those who went over required treatment as well; a full cleansing. Kivda figured the danger sat in the backs of every mind over there as they searched for something they couldn’t identify.
We at least gave them a visual of the altars. Most Kahl soldiers visited temples many times in their professional lives. Everyone wanted a blessing before heading off to battle. Bigger engagements brought them together in large congregations. Oddly though, the priests never accompanied their flocks.
They don’t want to risk their own necks. Kivda became cynical of the intentions of their clergy early on in his career. He’d seen too many things to believe the propaganda and once he caught the small fibs, everything became questionable. Which did not help him overly much when he was forced to sell their drivel to his subordinates.
No one would understand. Kivda hadn’t even told Renz about his concerns. Not when they were mere officers in the military and certainly not after his friend ascended to take the general position. I doubt he believes either, but he had to make more of an effort. His father’s status demands it.
Of course, Renz fostered a belief in his own superiority. Maybe he’d be willing to defy the church, speak openly against them but only if it somehow proved his worth to the universe. Without that, it was easier to maintain the status quo.
I always felt guilty that I didn’t trust him. Now I feel like fortune shined upon me. Kivda had no idea how crazy his friend had become. Not until he’d practically taken Inda without consent. When did he go so wrong? What made him think such behavior was remotely okay? Someone whispering in his ear perhaps?
Kivda looked at Vhel. The man had some influence though they hadn’t seen him in years. Could he have affected Renz so quickly? I doubt it. The general is far too stubborn to buy into anyone’s story right away. Praise sometimes goes over his head when he’s not expecting it.
So who else? No one on the ship. That’s for sure. Kivda hummed. Maybe he came by it on his own. It certainly wasn’t the Lord Marshal’s fault. He’d broken them down in their last encounter; had given them some honest grief. He wants his son to have some humility. That much is obvious.
Renz had a long way to go when it came to appreciating others. Without some kind of respect for those he deemed beneath him, he’d never be the sort of leader the Kahl people needed. Whether his father knew that or not was another matter. Kivda wanted to believe the Lord Marshal saw past blood… but he couldn’t be sure.
The comm squealed in his ear, making him pull the headphone off. What is going on down there? He stood. “Vhel, I’m going to check on the interrogation.”
“Something the matter?”
Kivda frowned. “I don’t know. Something odd’s going on. I just want to see for myself. I’ll be back.” He paused at the elevator. “Contact me if any ships arrive. Ours… or theirs.”
“Will do.”
The lift doors closed. Kivda fiddled with his tablet, trying to clarify the communication link. He had no connection to the security section. Which made no sense. None of the pirates possessed the technical expertise or equipment to impact the Kahl network. Which left incompetence as the greatest possibility.
I have a hard time believing anyone assigned to security on that floor would make a significant mistake. Kivda frowned. Surely, none of them could be coerced into helping these criminals. He didn’t have as much experience with the supposed resistance. How much had they infiltrated the ranks?
We need an intelligence briefing. As soon as possible.
The doors opened. A flash of light dazzled him as a wave of heat came dangerously close to his face. He stumbled away, his shoulder bashing the wall as he turned a surprised gaze to a black mark on the wall. The sounds of gunfire in the hall dazed him for a good ten seconds as he registered what must’ve been happening.
They got free? Kivda dropped his tablet, replacing it with his sidearm. This is impossible. It must be. He peeked out. Three bodies occupied the floor not even ten yards from the lift. Others piled up at the end of the corridor. The intersection led to the prison cells where the pirates had been kept.
Exchanged blasts flickered across the way. Kivda didn’t see anyone who could’ve shot at him. He wondered if the rogue attack had been meant for one of the dead people lying nearby. It didn’t have to be a pirate. That might’ve been a friendly fire situation. He tapped the comm in his ear, trying to reach the bridge.
The network was not down completely. It was blasting all devices on that floor, sending garbage data. While they’d eventually work, they were effectively put down. Considering the basic OS had protection against such an attack, he had to conclude the person who did it knew their systems intimately.
Whatever exploit they found, it wasn’t discovered today. Kivda thought about hitting the button to return to the bridge. Getting help might make the most sense. But then the pirates could roam the ship. If they split up, we’ll be hunting them for a while. Depending on the mobility of their network cover.
I have to get out there. Kivda drew a deep breath before proceeding into the hall, staying low. He checked the bodies on his way by, pressing his fingers to each neck for a pulse. None of them made it. As he drew near to the hall, he slowed, straining to hear any sort of motion.
The chirp of beam weapons made it impossible to catch any subtle sounds, but he did note that some of the weapons were much closer to him. Probably twenty feet away on his left. Depending on which side that represented, he may have some allies… or a real problem on the verge of unfolding.
“This is Commander Kivda,” he called, “sound off!”
No one replied.
“I need to know which side you’re on!” Kivda pressed. He risked a glance to the left first. More bodies littered the floor, both pirates and soldiers. Doors on the right side were open. Weapons poked out, seemingly blind firing down the hall. He drifted back to cover. “Kahl soldiers, sound off now!”
“We’re here, sir!” This from the right side.
The ones practically hiding. Perfect. Kivda wished he hadn’t dropped his tablet. He needed a schematic of the area, to find out what the pirates had access to on the left side. I guess it won’t matter right now anyway. I’m sure they’re on the move already. The elevator doors closed.
“Twenty-five remain alive,” the same man replied, “all Prytin or Rhulin!”
So they don’t know our language. That much is good.
“And how many of you are there?”
“Seven!”
Perfect. The administrative control room sat at the far end of the hallway on the left, past the pirates. If I can get there, I can stop this network noise. Lock the area down. “Did you get the chance to secure the area before they hit us with their little toy?” He figured he’d ask how the criminals pulled it off later.
“No, sir. All doors are available and open if they want them to be!”
Of course they are. Kivda went prone, crawling to the edge. He put shuffled out to take aim. Shots soared by from both sides. The nearest target stood less than five feet away, peeking out of a room. He blasted the man in the chest just below the neck. Before the body even fell, he redirected and fired again, this time scoring a headshot.
The two bodies crumpled into the hall. Kivda rolled to his feet, shuffling out into the hall then ducking into the nearest room over a corpse. A pair of hands slammed him in the chest, gripping his uniform. The person dragged him in, spinning him before slamming his back into the wall.
Kivda threw his hands up between the arms holding him, dislodging their grip. He stared into the startled eyes of a woman for half a second before bashing her with the back of his hand. She jerked away, drawing a pistol as she spun. They aimed their weapons at one another, each breathing heavily.
Blood caked his opponent’s forehead, dripping down her cheeks. White-yellow hair matted, clumped by sweat and gore. Green eyes were framed with dark circles. Her clothing was torn, cuts lining her left arm. But despite her injuries and state, she held the gun steady. It never wavered an inch.
“You’re Prytin,” Kivda spoke in her native tongue. “You should know you’re not getting out of here alive. Whatever this is, your little escape attempt, it’s impossible.”
“Then I guess I’ll kill as many of you as I can before you get me.”
“Or you can give up,” Kivda pressed. “We’re not going to hurt you if you give us the information we need.”
The woman laughed. “Really. I’ve seen the streams of your labor camps. Are you telling me those people are unscathed? Now, didn’t I just hear you announce yourself as a commander? Maybe it’s you who should surrender. I promise I won’t hurt you on my way out of here.”
“You won’t get far. There are no ships for you to take. And we’re at a bit of an impasse, you and I.”
“Guess we need to make this quick then.” She pulled the trigger…
Kivda flinched as the gun clicked. He slapped it aside before jamming his into her chest. She smacked his wrist with her left hand, following up with a punch to the right. The blow caught him on the cheek, but it barely registered. He glared, advancing as she stumbled back.
Another punch hit him in the chest. Adrenaline made her blows little more than nuisances. The rage pumping through him meant it would take a serious assault to put him down. Kivda hadn’t let his blood get so hot in a long while. He couldn’t remember the last time, but as she came in for a third hit, he snapped completely.
He caught her wrist, squeezing until she let out a cry. As she dropped to her knees, he brought the butt of his pistol down on her head three times. The first one knocked her out, and he would’ve kept going had she not slumped to the floor.
Footsteps in the hall drew Kivda’s attention. He spun, aiming at the entrance while pacing closer. Two criminals ran by, firing over their shoulders. A third slowed near the doorway; another woman.
Kivda shot her in the chest then hustled to the wall to take cover. He pressed his back against the metal while risking a glance outside. His men pressed their targets, forming a line as they laid down heavy fire in the hallway. They advanced past him, their shots accompanied by the screams of the dying.
At least we have one prisoner left. Kivda looked back at the woman. If she survives the beating I delivered. He had no idea how bad it might’ve been, but blood flowed freely from her scalp. I want medical attention on her immediately. She doesn’t get to die that easily.
His people had already tortured her once. The cuts on her arms, the pale skin, bruising… they’d worked her over for a reason. Maybe she’s one of the captains of these brigands. He wasn’t sure of their hierarchy. She’ll educate me. And when we’re done, I’ll be an expert on their kind.
“Kivda?” Vhel’s voice filled his ear. “Can you read me? What’s going on down there? Renz is asking for you.”
“We had a problem in security,” Kivda replied, “it appears we’ve settled it.”
“Can you explain?”
“Not right now.” Kivda sighed. “Do you need me right away or can I clean up down here first?”
“I’ll stall Renz. He’s curious about the activities on the Flotilla, but they were sending the reports directly to you.”
“I’ll forward them over momentarily. Have a medical team report to the brig immediately. I have people in need of aid. And Vhel? Don’t tell Renz specifically what I just said. Let him know it’s under control and we’ll discuss it when I’m back on the bridge. Work for you?”
“Uh… I guess.” Vhel paused for several moments. “You know he doesn’t like to be kept in the dark.”
“So distract him with something else. Like the data I’ll send… when I get my tablet back.” Kivda cursed. “It’s on the lift. If you want to get it yourself, you can. I’m sure you could break into my terminal if you wanted as well. Or have Inda do it. You have my permission to do whatever it takes.”
“Thanks… I guess. Just be careful, okay?”
“The danger has passed.” Kivda stepped into the hall. He watched the guards drag some prisoners from the other rooms. “But we’ve got a lot of work to do. It might be longer than I thought. Let me know if something pressing comes up.” He tapped his earpiece to drop the connection.
A lone guard stood nearby, examining his weapon. He was a Taul, a new addition to the crew. Someone who likely had no idea what they were supposed to be doing at the moment. Kivda stepped up to him, slapping him on the shoulder with the backs of his fingers.
“Sir!” The guard stood up straight. “What… can I do?”
“What’s your name?”
“Walur, sir!”
“What’re you just standing here for?”
Walur looked around the area. “I… wasn’t needed, sir. The action… I mean, I shot some people. And… and I finished—”
“Never mind,” Kivda interrupted. “Go to the lift. Medical will be here momentarily. I want you to meet them and direct them to find me.”
“Yes, sir! Is there… anything else?”
“Yes, you might see a tablet on the floor. Bring it with you when you come back. You’ll be attending me personally. I have some tasks that need doing.” Kivda waved his hands when Walur didn’t immediately move. “Go! Make yourself useful already!” He backed toward the room with his prisoner.
Don’t worry, young lady. You’ll make it through this. And we’ll figure out exactly how to deal with you. Rest easy. Maybe you can answer some questions about the Flotilla for us. Shore that part of the problem up while we hunt for our fugitives on the planet. The Prytin seemed tough. She hadn’t dealt with him yet.
She’ll break. I’ll be sure of that. Kivda thrust his weapon back in its holster, returning to watch over her. Then I can deal with the security breach… and whoever’s responsible for this failure will pay.
***
“And…” Vhel shrugged. “That’s what’s going on. They’re still searching in shifts. It’ll be a while before they finish, I’m afraid. Despite blasting the structure, we left quite a bit intact. They’ll be at it for a while.”
“Have they found anything?” Renz asked.
“Yes, aside from the prisoners, we also have a great deal of cargo. Not a
ll of it stolen either. I’m talking about real materials. Resources we can send back to command for use. We’re always in need of raw ore and materials. The Flotilla seemed to make good use of their mining implements.”
“Destroying planets.” Renz scoffed. “For profit, of all things. Ridiculous. Anyway, what’s Kivda doing again?”
“Helping with an interrogation issue.”
“Did he describe the problem?”
Vhel shook his head.
“Seems odd he’d go on his own.”
“I… don’t know what to say.” Vhel turned back to his terminal. “In any event, I’ve got all the data on the current operations. If you have any questions, I can answer them for you. Just let me know.”
“Okay. I’m going to work with Porth.” Renz stepped away.
Vhel let out a breath along with his tension. Covering for a fellow officer always carried risks, particularly when the superior was an old school friend. They knew each other well enough to detect falsehood. Fortunately, Renz doesn’t care that much to pry. Or this might’ve been a very different conversation.
“Inda?” Vhel called. “Can you come here for a moment?” She joined him though remained at a distance. “Uh… I need to tell you something confidential. You might want to get a little closer.”
“Okay…” Inda leaned close. Tension in her neck made her skin tighten. “What is it?”
“Are you okay?” Vhel asked.
“I’m fine, sir. I’m just busy.”
“Understood.” Vhel lowered his voice. “I won’t keep you long. I’m about to send a coded message home. I’d appreciate it if you’d bury it in the logs.”
“Why?” Inda cleared her throat. “Sir.”
Vhel smiled. “It’s just a private message to command. No one needs to know about it.”
“When you say bury, do you mean lose?” Inda asked. “Because I’ve heard this type of request before.”
“I’d be grateful.”
Inda looked him in the eyes. “You’re asking me to break a rule.”