by John Walker
“Do you not know already?”
“Maybe. Perhaps I’m testing your honesty. This is your last chance.”
“And if I call your bluff?”
“Then a person dies.” Kivda shrugged. “I have no love for your people. And even less for criminals. So it’s your chance to keep them alive when I would happily discharge each of you into the airlock. There is something more important we need to discuss. But we’ll get to that. Right now, you must answer… oh, this is ridiculous.”
Walur opened the door, bringing in a rough-looking man. Grease covered his face. A wrinkled coverall tucked into his boots. Blood caked the front, dried both there and on his chin. He looked into the room with wild, brown eyes. His hands were restrained in the back, his feet hobbled by chains.
“Here you are,” Walur said.
“Execute him,” Kivda replied.
Walur drew his sidearm, pressing it against the back of the man’s head.
“No!” Filoa shouted. “No, you can’t!”
The weapon chirped, filling the room with the scent of burnt meat and hair. The victim’s eyes rolled back as Walur let his corpse drop to the floor. A burnt hole occupied the back of the man’s skull, steaming from the tight impact point.
“Would you like me to remove the corpse?” Walur asked.
“No, he can stay,” Kivda replied. “Get another and bring them here.”
“You didn’t have to do that!” Filoa shouted. “You killed him to prove a point!”
“Stalling means death. I have quite a few prisoners, Filoa. Here’s the best part, I have no intention of killing you. In fact, once you’ve got all of these men and women on your heads, I’ll let you go. Not whole, of course. I don’t want you to be capable of busying yourself. I need you to think about it.
“And the best part is you’ve proven you care. Maybe if you’d sat there, watching him die calmly, this wouldn’t have worked. But it will. And now you’re going to answer the question, right?”
“Your guards…” Filoa turned away from the body. “They transitioned too many of us at once. Got sloppy. We weren’t all restrained. Once we were in a group, we attacked them, took their weapons. From there… well, you came in on the rest.”
“My men formed a different story, however security cameras confirm your version.” Kivda tapped the table. “What do you know about the Flotilla’s storage of secrets? Tell me about what they kept onboard.”
“I don’t know what you mean. Cargo?”
“Special cargo,” Kivda emphasized. “Something the Manager kept, perhaps?”
“Oh… you’re referring to his treasure chamber.” Filoa rolled her eyes. “I didn’t even know it existed until the place went to warp. I don’t think any of us were aware of it. Maybe a few heard some rumors but what was in it specifically? That’s anyone’s guess.”
Kivda squinted at her, tilting so he saw her face clearly.
“I’m not lying!” Filoa cried. “I swear it!”
“And what good is the oath of a criminal?” Kivda shrugged. “I feel as if I need to ensure you’re telling the truth.”
“You can’t kill another one after that! What else do you want to know? I’ve got some of the rumors if that’s your aim! Would you like to hear them?”
“Perhaps you should’ve started with those.”
Filoa scoffed. “And then had you execute one because I was telling tales? I think you’re simply trying to eliminate your prisoners and want to torment me with their ends. Why, I don’t know. Are you simply cruel?”
“No. But you need to keep talking.”
“Alright, he had all manner of things stuck in there. Realize I didn’t know about the rumors until we were all stuck there. When they sent most of the ships out to fight you lot I assume. I pushed to find a functioning vessel and leave immediately but the greedy bastards I signed on with wouldn’t have it.”
“So you’re saying you had no interest in seeing what the Manager had hidden away?”
“Not after what we’d gone through.” Filoa shook her head. “Practicality and greed are contrary motivators. They wanted to make up for our losses. Our ship was gone. Much as I felt convinced we could take another…”
“You intended to steal a vessel.”
“From other thieves, yes. You can’t convince me you care about what we get up to.”
“Your specific kind rarely make it into our territory,” Kivda said, “if you tried, you’d be long dead. We don’t tolerate criminal seizure.”
“No?” Filoa chuckled. “Is that what you believe? Because I know groups that take from you. Your own kind. Kahl occasionally show up at secret docks. They boast about taking things out of your stockpiles, weapons, armor… a crew we worked with recently had some of your special operations equipment.”
“That’s not possible.”
Filoa’s eyes widened. “If you say so… I’m not going to argue a point you refuse to see for yourself.”
“Have you purchased or sold such goods?”
“We went after merchants… colonies. Low profile stations. Buying military grade equipment was crazy and a waste of time. Not to mention dangerous. Those sales tend to go wrong. May I ask you a question?”
Kivda smirked. “Why not?”
“Why do you want to kill every species in the galaxy?”
“Rather direct.”
Filoa shrugged. “What have I got to lose?”
“Inferiority. All others have been deemed unworthy of the planets they hold, the ideals they claim. We are here to cleanse the universe of the stain you represent.”
“Stain? What are you talking about? How are we so different? What makes your culture superior to mine?”
“We have a code, ethics, religious propriety. What do you have?”
“The same things!” Filoa shouted at him. She tried to lean forward. The bindings kept her in place. “And you can’t say your propriety works all that well since you do have criminals! Along with a resistance! Yes, I know about that. We’ve heard the stories. Some of our own have joined it!”
“You’re speaking nonsense.”
“I’m sure you know about it too!” Filoa scowled. “Come now, Commander. Are you totally unreasonable?” She looked at the body. “Are you only a murderer? Or do you have something else going on in that head? Because a real culture wouldn’t wipe out everyone else. They’d help them.”
“Why? The strong survive. And if the Prytin government can fend us off, then we learn we are not the superior culture. However, they haven’t stopped us. And I don’t believe they will.”
“You fought to a stalemate then turned your attention to weaker targets,” Filoa said, “don’t mince words. What was that for? Gearing up for a bigger threat? Or isn’t it just…”
“What?” Kivda asked. “Why’d you stop?”
“Because you don’t want to hear what I have to say. You’re a zealot.”
Kivda clenched his fist. He had to struggle not to laugh. Of all the Kahl aboard, I fit that description the least. Why am I debating with this woman? “I need information about specific people who are on the surface of the planet. Do you know anyone that got off the Flotilla?”
“We were busy trying to find something,” Filoa said. “Then you lot attacked the place. The damage caused us to take refuge in the only room that had air. We surrendered because no one wanted to suffocate. Anything else that happened out there, I can’t tell you.”
“You don’t know of any group that made their way out?”
“We confronted a Kahl woman near the control room,” Filoa replied. “She came out, murdered some idiot spurring on the greed of the others, then talked the rest down. We went off to find the loot and I didn’t see them again.”
“What did she look like?”
Filoa sighed. “Armored. I stood in the back. I had no interest in being shot over stolen stuff I didn’t particularly need.”
“How did you know she was Kahl then?”
“Accent. W
hen she spoke our language, it was obvious where she came from.” Filoa tilted her head. “One of yours? Or was she a criminal you don’t believe in?”
“I don’t know. But I intend to find out. Are you certain she didn’t go with you?”
“One thing I can attest to,” Filoa said, “is that I stayed out of the crowd. I had a good view of what happened. And no, she and her companions did not come with us. They had other things to do. Maybe they knew a better place to steal cargo. I’m guessing she led them to some ship to steal. There were a few left.”
“What happened to them?”
“I’d have to ask you! I had no access to scans or information about the station!”
Kivda tapped the table. “We are different than you.”
“So you’ve said.” Filoa met his gaze. “I’m not sure why you care that I know.”
“Because—” A knock at the door interrupted him. Walur stepped in. “What is it? I thought it made it clear…”
“Sorry,” Walur interrupted, “but General Renz is here, sir. He’s stated you need to make yourself available in the hallway. Sir.”
“Keep an eye on her.” Kivda stood. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He turned to Filoa. “We will finish this conversation.”
“I have no idea why you felt it necessary to say so.” Filoa wriggled her hands. “I’m a little stuck.”
Kivda left without another word, letting the door close behind him. Renz stood just down the way, admiring blast marks in the wall. He ran his fingers along a bloodstain then turned in his direction.
“There you are,” Renz said, “we’ve been running an operation without you. Seems there was a bit of action here though. What happened?”
“The prisoners attempted to escape,” Kivda replied. “The guards stopped them.”
“What’re you doing then?”
“Questioning one of the prisoners myself. About the operation happening below. What’s wrong?”
“We can’t find the fugitives. Something they’re doing or something with the planet, I don’t know. I’m beginning to wonder if we need to send a person with more experience. Perhaps you.”
“You want me to lead the mission personally?” Kivda frowned. “There’s nothing I can do special that they aren’t already trying. Besides, if Inda can’t…”
“Inda hasn’t been acting herself. She may not be operating at her best.”
“I wonder why that might be.” Kivda lowered his voice, “listen. Maybe we don’t need them. We’re almost done with the Flotilla. We’ll have whatever secrets are on board soon enough. Then we can get out of here.”
“The fleet’s about to arrive,” Renz said, “and I’m hoping the Brekka shows up.”
“This again?”
“I will not allow him to continue if we can help it. You know this.”
“Our mission is to pursue the leads concerning this pilgrimage,” Kivda replied. “If we deny them the ability to finish the path, that’s just as good.”
“Who are you interrogating?” Renz stepped closer to the door. “What’re they like?”
“Some Prytin pirate,” Kivda spoke quickly. “They won’t mean anything to you.”
“Why, Kivda. That was concern. Or nervousness, I don’t know which. I’ve never heard you indulge either. What’s going on? Are you hiding something?”
“No, you just have better things to do than waste time with her.” Kivda touched his arm. “We should go back to the bridge. I’ll find out what’s going on with the men on the surface. Reorganize their search pattern so—”
“She?” Renz interrupted. “You aren’t intrigued by her, are you? I’ve never been with someone outside our own species. I’ve heard men talk about forcing themselves on Rhulins before. Probably Prytins too. I never understood it. The concept that we’re superior to them but they’re still worth poking?”
“That’s a lovely thought,” Kivda muttered.
“You aren’t considering…”
“She’s a prisoner,” Kivda said. “And that’s all. I intend to gather more information from her about the criminals she worked with for later. Then she’ll be dealt with like the rest.”
“Yes, they should all be summarily executed. But we do have use for them for now.” Renz shrugged. “Very well. I’m heading back to the bridge. Finish up here and help with the search. I want those fugitives now. If they escape, we’re losing our touch.” He walked away, still speaking, “still can’t believe we haven’t found natives.”
“We will!” Kivda called. He waited until the general was gone before opening the door. “Walur, take Filoa to brig seventeen.”
“Sir, that’s for us… that has…”
“You need to learn about questioning me,” Kivda interrupted. “Allow her to clean up. Get her new clothes. Then you stay with her. I’m transferring you special credentials directly from me. If anyone at all questions you or attempts to address her, show them. Then contact me. Do you understand?”
“Mostly, sir.”
“What’s the problem?”
Walur approached, whispering, “Why are we giving her special treatment?”
“Because I started with terror,” Kivda gestured to the body, “and now I’ll see if I might gather more with kindness. Do as I say and make it fast. Before the other guards get any ideas. One last thing.” He grabbed his arm. “No one is to touch her. And I think you know what I mean by that.”
“Yes, sir. I believe I do.”
“Good.” Kivda leaned to look at Filoa. “Get some rest. You’re going to need it for our next meeting.”
“I can’t wait,” Filoa replied.
Alright, Renz. I’ll see what I can do. Kivda hurried to the elevator. He figured his people were doing everything in their power to find the criminals. I need to prove it so he’ll calm down. Maybe then we can get out of here. He wanted them back to travel or at least downtime. I have a lot to talk to that woman about.
Though he didn’t have any specific questions. Not at the moment. Something about her intrigued him. I’m being a fool. Kivda leaned against the wall as the lift closed. There’s no harm in this. I’ll learn a great deal about the pirates. Hand it over to intelligence. Let them discover more about our internal problems.
He’d fought in many battles. Killed plenty of women the Prytins put in the field. He’d never had a conversation with one, never found himself staring down the barrel of a gun without his opponent wavering. Maybe that’s why she was different. Perhaps that’s why he cared.
Whatever the reason, he wanted to know more.
***
Renz monitored the Flotilla explorers. The procedures they followed to move from room to room bored him. Each time, they ran a scan before opening the door. He understood they needed to check for boobytraps, explosives, even oxygen pockets. What he didn’t get was why they hadn’t scanned all the spaces ahead of time.
They should be sweeping through with weapons drawn. This whole situation could’ve been finished long ago.
Kivda joined him, taking a seat.
“Welcome back,” Renz muttered. “We’re watching the fascinating crawl of these men as they attempt to find something.”
“My source downstairs talked about a treasure room. Maybe we’ll find it soon.”
“I hope we find something, or this is a big waste of our time.” Renz turned to Vhel. “Have you any idea…” A flash of light drew his attention back to the screen. “What was that?”
“I don’t know,” Kivda said. He tapped the comm on his chair. “Sojourn, please come in. Your camera displayed a flicker. Report.”
Another flash brightened one of the screens followed by third.
“That’s weapon fire!” Renz pointed. “They’re under some sort of attack!”
Sure enough, the expeditionary force fell under assault. They took up defensive positions in the hallway, magnetic boots keeping them rooted to the deck as they fired back. Each vantage point showed a different angle of the action, the blue of
their energy attacks showing up as pure white flashes.
The comm lit up as they came through. Most of it was static, primarily because they were all yelling at the same time. Renz wondered how discipline broke down so fast. Must be surprise. They had no idea this would happen.
“Calm down!” Kivda barked. “Everyone take cover and relax for a moment! I need a full report.” He muted the line. “Inda, get me a scan of the area they’re in. Do you have life signs?”
“It’s pretty nasty over there… but yes, we do have some blips. They knew they were there.”
“But,” Vhel added, “over the comm, they were convinced it was another pocket of survivors to be taken prisoner.”
“Is that area habitable?” Renz asked.
“No,” Inda said. “They are definitely in environmental suits as well.”
“Clever bastards…” Kivda muttered. He made the line live again. “Can you report in? How many are you dealing with and do you have an exit strategy?”
“There are at least five in there!” The man who replied practically screamed. “They’re dug in tight behind some crates!”
“What’s the point?” Renz looked around at the others for answers. “Why would these fools bother? They can’t escape, surely they know that.”
The violence exploded. Pirates stormed the doorway, bursting out. They laid down heavy fire on the soldiers while continuing their forward momentum. One criminal took a headshot, their face mask shattering. A second took multiple blasts to the chest, but they kept moving, providing living cover for their compatriots.
The ploy worked. As the others held up their dead friend, cameras flickered off. Life signs went dead. Kivda checked his screen while bringing the comms online. “Report!” He called. “Anyone on the Flotilla, report in immediately!”
“This is Ermil. What’s wrong, Commander?”
“Sector…” Kivda had to check to get the proper coordinates, “Seven-B has been attacked. We seem to have lost men. Pirates in environmental suits broke from one of the modules and are loose.”
“Do you want us to intercept?”