by John Walker
“I see.” Cirilla approached. “I assume you know me then?”
“I do. I met your father when I attended the academy as well. He gave a lecture about infantry tactics.”
“Yes, he was quite the prominent figure at the university. I took one of his courses.”
“Great general,” Brahn said, “and an even better teacher, from my understanding.”
“At least at the end of his career.” Cirilla moved into the kitchen.
“Is he still…” Brahn cleared his throat. “You know…”
“Alive?” Cirilla asked. “Yes, though he’s not up to much these days. I rarely see him or my mother. They live in the north. The climate is better for them.”
“My mother did the same.”
“Your father?”
“Gone. Died in the wars.”
“I’m sorry to hear it.”
“He went doing what he cared about. I was too young to know him really. Not that it makes it okay… I guess… I’m just saying—”
“No,” Cirilla interrupted, “I understand. I heard a lot of stories like that at school.”
“Exactly.” Brahn followed her. “Do you have an agenda today, ma’am? Or are we mostly staying here?”
“That depends on you. Are you alright with me going into the tower?”
“Yes, the building is secure. There’s a battleship in orbit acting as a screen and we have constant air… well, you probably don’t care about all that. Suffice to say, whenever you’d like to go, I just have to let someone know we’re on the way.”
“Thank you. We’ll be heading over there soon then. I have some things to look into.”
“Also, just know that Aeden… that’s the head of our division… said I’m to help you with anything you need. That includes whatever job you’re up to. Research, reading, whatever you need providing it doesn’t send me away from your side, I’m up for.”
“That’ll be very helpful… Brahn? May I call you that?”
“Certainly.”
“Excellent.”
“Um… ma’am? May I make an observation?”
Cirilla lifted a brow, turning to face him. “Seems our relationship is rather new to be doing so. What is it?”
“Begging your pardon, but I didn’t expect you to be quite so amiable about having a shadow. I appreciate you taking it in such a… I don’t know… pleasant way.”
“What did you think I’d do?”
Brahn cleared his throat. “My colleagues have spoken about their charges being rather indignant about protection. It invades their privacy and such. So they become difficult.”
“I was in deep sleep when the wall took a direct hit from a weapon meant for vehicles,” Cirilla explained. “I found myself shoved off the bed, likely in an effort to save my life, but then the security force took him from the room and left me to be burned alive. Once I crawled my way out, I was nearly beaten to death.”
“I… didn’t know any of that.”
“Couple all that with the fact it happened at all. Sev believes this is necessary. He put you here for a reason. I trust his judgment when it comes to my safety. Until we know what has happened…” Cirilla sighed. “Until that point, I welcome your presence, Brahn. You won’t get a complaint out of me.”
“I’m sorry you went through that.” Brahn advanced. “I promise you, the security forces did not mean to leave you behind. If they would’ve seen you…”
“Yes, I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt.” Cirilla narrowed her eyes. “Until such a time as they don’t deserve it.”
“What do you mean?”
Cirilla smirked. “I’m sorry, Brahn. I’m not at liberty to speak my mind at this time. Conjecture without fact merely makes the innocent unhappy.”
“You don’t think the security forces had anything to do with this situation, do you?”
“Puzzle through the facts from my perspective,” Cirilla said. “Think about what happened and how long it lingered.”
“The invaders brought jamming equipment,” Brahn replied. “They were prepared for comm traffic to ensure reinforcements did not arrive.”
“My understanding of security protocol, and correct me if I’m wrong, is that the signal is always left open. The moment something interrupts that connection, an alarm goes off. So this leads us to wonder a couple things. First, did the reinforcements not come because they were in on it? Or two, did the security force find a way around the failsafe?”
“I… don’t know.” Brahn scowled. “I would like to believe my people had nothing to do with it.”
“As would I.” Cirilla furrowed her brows. “Please don’t think I’m accusing anyone. You or otherwise. I simply want to get to the bottom of the situation so we who and what is threatening our lives.”
“I’ll help you uncover that truth. Because if it is on my end…” Brahn lowered his voice. “If someone on my team betrayed the Lord Marshal, I’ll personally execute them. They won’t get away with it.”
“I trust you won’t have to worry about performing such an act.” Cirilla turned away to wash her hands. She scrubbed particularly hard, fighting back a wave of emotion that made her chest burn. Clearing her throat helped keep her voice steady. Losing trust in everything frightened her. “I’m sure the Lord Marshal will devise a suitable punishment.”
“Do you think something can be found at the tower to exonerate or condemn our people?” Brahn asked.
Cirilla shrugged as she slung her bag over her shoulder. “I can’t say. Not yet. In any event, please let the guards of the building know we’re on our way. I expect to be spend several hours there before we return here. We’ll visit the archives, I think. It has an encrypted connection to the outside. We won’t be disturbed.”
“I’m on it. I’ll fly us over in an unmarked vehicle I procured. We’ll go incognito.” Brahn gestured for the door. “If you’ll follow me, I’ll make those arrangements as we go.” He led her down the hall, speaking quietly into the comm.
Cirilla watched him intently. I understand why I’m being assigned a personal guard, but why didn’t Sev tell me about it? He wished she would’ve. Without some word from him, the whole situation felt shaky. Brahn could’ve killed me in my room. I don’t believe he’s going to waste his time doing so elsewhere.
It would be harder to dispose of the body. Unless he dumps me from the air car. The cheery thought made her huff. Maybe I’ll be held for ransom. She sent a message to Sev asking him about Brahn. He can’t be much older than me. But he certainly looks capable. Definitely a former soldier.
There’d be plenty of time to get to know him later. Just then, she had to focus on her own tasks. Get to the office, see what I can dig up on the various people working with us, determine how much intelligence might’ve been involved.
That last bit she hadn’t told anyone about. They owe me some explanations. Which might be hard to get with Brahn around. Or easier. Depending on if he’s willing to defend me against those bastards. Considering how the bodyguards carried themselves, she assumed she was in the best of hands.
Unfortunately, I’ll be putting that to the test soon enough. You’d better be ready, Brahn. Your day’s about to get a lot more exciting. Sev didn’t get back to her right away. She figured he must’ve been too busy to look at his device. I’ll have to have some trust. Please don’t be a double agent. I need some good news for a change.
Chapter 6
Titus received a summons to the bridge. They were ready to depart. He’d been anxious to get underway after sending his report to command. The admiral had yet to reach out, but it was only a matter of time. If they picked up their missing personnel first, it would alleviate any argument for their retrieval.
I can get back to work with a clear conscience.
As he stepped off the elevator, Rhys turned. “Ah, sir. We’re ready to go to warp. Just in time, it turns out.”
“Oh?” Titus looked at Violet. “What’s going on?”
“We hav
e ships incoming,” Violet replied. “Six more Kahl. Molush identified their signatures.”
“How long before they get here?” Titus asked. The other Prytin vessels left over an hour earlier. With only two battleships, they were at a distinct disadvantage. I should be grateful they took so long to respond to the distress calls of their pals.
“Just under a half hour,” Violet said. “Which surprised me but Molush made it clear the only way you have more notice is if you’re in a civilized system with functioning satellites. And unfortunately, the first thing the Kahl did when they besieged the world—”
“Was take out the early warning system,” Titus finished. “Got it. So what’re we waiting for on this warp?”
“Course is plotted,” Jane replied. “We’re about to initiate. I’ve worked with Authen to ensure we arrive at roughly the same time. Time to arrive is four hours.”
“Both better and worse than I hoped,” Titus said. “I assume we cut every corner within safety margins?”
“Yes, sir,” Rhys answered. “This was the best we could do. Fortunately, the Flotilla didn’t make it far from their original point. We were under the impression they’d be going somewhere remote enough to take nearly a day to arrive.”
Titus nodded. “We’d better fall out then. Before the Kahl arrive.”
“You heard him,” Rhys said, “let’s make this happen.”
The ship vibrated. Huxley’s voice piped through the comm, “You have full power. Everything’s green. Hull integrity holding.”
“Thank you,” Jane said. “You sound a little too… surprised by this news.”
“What?” Huxley asked. “There were holes in the ship. I can’t be excited?”
“No one minds enthusiasm,” Titus said, “it’s the confidence we were hoping for.”
“I’m confident we won’t blow up,” Huxley replied. “Beyond that, I got nothing.”
Titus opened his mouth to reply, stopping short. He shook his head instead. Now we can all worry about what happens in the next thirty seconds. At least ‘explosion’ was off the list. Which leaves a whole lot of other problems. Up to and including being stranded out here with a bunch of enemy ships incoming.
The warp drive throttled up, making the bridge vibrate more than normal. They’ll have time to fix it. Titus kept that in mind. He held his breath. If we don’t go and the Brekka does, we’re done for. Carrying that thought made the next thirty seconds feel like an eternity.
Space warbled on the viewscreen. The rattling made his seat shake, turning his stomach. Titus half expected Huxley to call for them to shut down. Jane reached for the center console, tapping the screen three times. All at once, the rattling ended. The viewscreen flickered to black.
Did we go to warp or has the engine cut?
“We’re underway!” Huxley shouted.
Jane leaned back in her seat. “Confirmed, sir. We are at warp. Estimated time remains the same.” She glanced back. “We’re good.”
“Thank you,” Titus replied. Thank God too. Tension released from his shoulders as he turned to Rhys. “Sadly, we can’t sit back for these four hours. We need to get as much done as possible… in case we aren’t welcome there.”
“You don’t think the Flotilla will attack us again, do you?” Rhys asked. “Not after last time.”
“They can’t flee,” Titus replied, “can’t go anywhere. We’re backing them into a corner. The only choices are fight or surrender. And since all of those people are looking at prison time, I think surrender is unlikely.” Depending on how bad Prytin incarceration is, I suppose.
“Unless,” Violet said, “they didn’t leave warp because they wanted to. We didn’t give them time to properly prepare. Which means they may have pushed their reactor beyond what it could take. Which means they may not be in a position to do anything but hope we’re willing to help them.”
Titus nodded. “Good scenarios. We’ll keep them in mind as we approach. Right now, everyone dedicate yourselves to ensuring we’re ready for a fight when we arrive. Best to err on the side of offense in this case.” He stood. “I’ll head down to Engineering personally. Rhys, you’ve got the con. Coordinate from here.”
“Aye, Captain.”
Okay, narrowly escaped enemy reinforcements… charging into the unknown… barely fit for action. All before speaking with high command about our actions. Titus couldn’t imagine finding a better way to push the envelope, to take wild risks. At least we’re giving our people a chance. Without us, they’re stranded.
If they were still alive.
***
“There must be something down there!” Renz shouted. He pointed at Inda. “Why haven’t you found it? Technology, life signs, anything at all!” A deep breath calmed him. He lowered his voice. “We’re counting on you to make a difference here. Those fugitives must be down there!”
“I’ve got shuttles scouring the surface,” Inda replied. “They’re relaying data back to me as fast as possible. We’re tabulating it but so far, we’ve got… ruins and ancient structures. A hundred generations old. No one’s living in those places. And after the shuttle exploded, we lost the Prytin signal. The humans as well.”
“Where could they have possibly gone?” Renz pinched the bridge of his nose. “Wait. What about… I don’t know… what could possibly interfere with our instruments? Some kind of radiation maybe?”
“I’ve checked every form we know,” Inda said. “I’ve looked for anomalies as well. Tech science hasn’t returned results either. However they’re hiding from us, it’s not a simple jammer. Besides, there are no satellites in orbit for them to throw enough noise our way to stop our sensors.”
“Vhel,” Renz paced away from the screen, “where’s Kivda?”
“Interrogation.”
“I’m heading down there.” Renz paced to the elevator. “Porth, if something changes, let me know right away.” He stepped aboard, pacing the short distance from one side to the other. I do not understand how so few people can remain hidden for so long. This is ridiculous.
Fugitives were not his area of expertise. He didn’t track down criminals nor did he go on scavenger hunts throughout the galaxy. This nonsense should’ve been the job of intelligence. Why my father didn’t simply… Renz stopped abruptly. There’s something about them he doesn’t trust. How’s that possible?
When they first received their assignment, Renz wondered why the church wasn’t involved. If anyone cared about the pilgrimage, it should’ve been them. We don’t even have a specific representative aboard. That I know of, at least. Though I’m certain we’d know. They aren’t exactly subtle.
On the plus side, at least I know my father trusts me. That was a heartening notion he didn’t believe after Kivda was granted the equivalent of a partnership. I thought that showed a profound lack of faith. I suppose it proves I do not know my father at all. But that doesn’t matter now.
Kivda might have some idea of rooting out the criminals they were after. He’d hunted people on a planet before. Of course, he was the one who set up the patrol patterns. I need him to delve into his bag of tricks. This is no longer a situation we can play by the normal rules. We have to step up.
And that meant no playing with the prisoners they already had. Plenty of time for that later. Now, we deal with the problem at hand.
***
Kivda had the woman’s name from the previous interrogator. Filoa Kas Revel. He didn’t know much about Prytin names. He never bothered to learn, but even he recognized the surname. She came from a somewhat prominent family. Which meant she drifted far afield from her relatives.
So why did you become a pirate? She came on strong enough to give him a slight challenge. Straying from the fold of her family may have been a conscious choice, a decision to escape a cloying atmosphere even. I’ll find out all your secrets eventually, but we’ll begin with the important parts.
Walur and a medic stood near the door. After ensuring she was physically okay, they restrained her t
o a chair, preparing her for another interrogation. Her head slumped forward, chin resting on her chest. They tended the damage done to her through the little escape attempt along with some of the injuries inflicted by the interrogator.
Time to get real information. Kivda cleared his throat. “Wake her then leave the room.”
“Sir?” Walur asked. “Are you sure that’s wise?”
“She’s secured to a chair,” Kivda replied. “Do you think I cannot handle her? Or are you questioning my orders for another reason?”
“My apologies.” Walur bowed his head. He nudged the medic. “Get it done.”
The thin man stepped forward, jabbing her in the neck with a hypo. It hissed, bringing her around with a start. She threw her head back, eyes wide as she looked around the room. Her gaze fell on him, followed by a scowl.
“Welcome back,” Kivda said, “looks like you’ve still got some fire in you.”
“You kept me alive.” Filoa’s voice cracked. She quieted to barely a whisper. “Why wouldn’t you have killed me? After what happened between us… you let me live?” She admired her bandages. “And tended my wounds? What do you want?”
“Answers. Real ones. Not what you tried to give the other interrogator.” Kivda waved his hand at the others. They left the room without a word. “We’re alone. No one can hear you. I’m not recording this. It’s time to talk to me. First, to tell me how you and your friends escaped custody before.”
“I have no interest in talking to you.”
“But you’re going to.” Kivda leaned forward. “Because I’ve saved your life when I didn’t have to. And I’ll execute the prisoners with you one at a time for every time you refuse to answer me. I’ll give you this first one as a pass.” He tapped his comm. “Walur, bring one of the prisoners here. I don’t care which.”
“You would murder them in cold blood?” Filoa tilted her head. “Why? They might have information I do not.”
“Because I’m sure you’ve got everything I need. So your choice is simple. Answer the question or have a lot of blood on your hands. I’ll be fair and repeat the question. It’s an easy one. How did you and your friends escape custody?”