“Which one is he in!” He heard a female’s voice demand, “This one?” He heard silence for a moment and then the sound of a body falling to the ground.
“Hello?” He found himself shouting, “Who’s there!”
“In here!” The female’s voice shouted, “Rubaan’s over here!” Rubaan knew that voice. He had heard it throughout the course of his life and it had always been a beacon of comfort to him.
“Mother?” Rubaan asked, “Mom! In here!”
“Rubaan!” His mother shouted, “Stand away from the door, your father is going to blow it open.” Rubaan stepped back to the wall and focused his attention in the direction of the door. He waited for a moment and his mother spoke again, “Okay!” She shouted, “Take cover!”
A small explosion erupted, blowing the door off its hinges and across his room. The light from the blast temporarily blinded Rubaan and the shockwave left a ringing in his ears. Before the dust could settle, he saw a male and a female figure adorned in all black, light armor pass through the door frame.
“Mom…” Rubaan said emotionally as his mother approached him, “Oh mother...” He held his arms out for the embrace he was expecting but instead found his mother shoving a rifle into his hands.
“No time for that,” She said quickly as she dropped a pack at his feet, “Gear up, you said you wanted back in the army well here’s your chance.”
Rubaan nodded his head obediently and quickly knelt down to unlace the pack. The hooded male figure, Rubaan’s father, stepped over and shined a flashlight into the pack.
“Lovely to see you breathing son,” He smiled, “Your mother broke my heart when she told me of the news.”
“Quiet down Crinnan,” Rubaan’s mother snapped as she stood guard with her rifle shouldered, “Let the boy dress, we have mere seconds before the enemy arrives.”
Rubaan threw off his rags and quickly pulled on the dark brown pants from the bag. He grabbed a white shirt and pulled it over his head. Next, he hurriedly pulled on the socks and slid his feet into the black boots. He lifted out the black armor-plated vest and fastened the clips across his chest and then pulled out the rig which was already equipped with a couple of magazines of ammo and two grenades. He buckled it over his vest and his father looked to him and smiled.
“Take this,” His father thrust a sheathed sword into his arms. It was a broadsword like his fathers. He quickly slung it across his back and nodded at Commander Crinnan.
“Ready!” Ruban announced as he shouldered his rifle.
“Then follow me,” His mother ordered, “Amaria and Roc are waiting for you.”
“Thank you, Mom… Dad…” Rubaan said almost under his breath, “I…” Rubaan stopped talking as a vision suddenly flashed through his mind. He saw a picture of his brother and his name listed below the picture. The vision said his brother was wanted dead or alive for crimes against the empire and that he was to be considered armed and very dangerous. The vision only lasted a few seconds but that was long enough.
“Mom…” Rubaan said as his mother looked back at him, “Did you…”
“Yes… No time...” His mother replied, her voice cracking, “Let us... get out of here first.” He heard her sniffle a bit as if she was fighting back tears, “Then we shall figure out what to do next.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Alec VI
22nd of Ramlia – 346AG
13:00 – Canrom City, Dauid’s Automotive
“Your little girlfriend needs to hurry her tight ass up,” Dauid groaned as he looked at his grandson, “We’re going to be in trouble if your people don’t get here soon.”
“She will be here,” Alec reassured him, “She and the rest of my squad are on their way now. Should be any minute.”
Dauid hummed and wore an uncomfortable expression, “Son I know I’m an old man and I may sound selfish by asking this but… you aren’t going to leave me behind, are you?”
Alec looked at him and shook his head as he placed a hand on his grandfather's shoulder, “Never grandpa. If we need to take you with us to keep you safe, then we will.”
“Well that’s real good to hear,” Dauid said, “I mean I’ll play the martyr if it means your life or death but only if I have to. I ain’t dying for no reason.” Alec smiled and his communicator rang.
“Yes?” Alec asked into the communicator, “Go ahead.”
“Dierlok and I will arrive in a few moments,” Flox said in his usual flat tone from the other end of the line, “Per your instructions I sent Matalo and Kelso to fetch fuel for the transport. They will not be long. That is all.”
“Understood.” Alec flipped his communicator shut, “How do we get fuel out of whatever container my guys are bringing and into the HAPT?”
“I have a hand pump,” Dauid replied, “Depending on how much they bring we may be looking at up to ten minutes to get it all into the HAPT.”
“Ten minutes is a long time to fight in a place like this,” Alec looked around, “We are completely exposed. They will blow these wooden walls down and swarm us within minutes of arriving and the Inquisitors can fly in from above… this may be suicide.”
“Risk and suicide are two different things,” Dauid pointed out, “You take a risk when you have hope despite the odds, you commit suicide when there is no hope. If you think this is suicide, then we need to get the fuck outta here.”
“No. I am scared, but I know my guys can take care of this.” Alec heard a sound come from within the shop and turned his head to listen. He knelt down and picked up one of the Inquisitor's swords that he had gathered and motioned for his grandfather to get behind the HAPT.
“You better not be Govian,” Alec said under his breath, “I hate fighting with swords.” His heart raced as he waited for the door to the garage open up. Finally, it did and Elia stepped out into the boneyard.
“Sword huh?” Elia asked as she walked toward her friend, “Looks awkward on you. I like you better with an axe.”
“Yeah me too,” Alec let the weapon fall to his side. He looked past Elia and to the three people standing behind her. “Lady Ladia! Commander Crinnan!” He stood at attention.
Lady Ladia was an Elf who had the appearance of someone in her late twenties. She was slightly taller than her husband and her long black hair was pulled back into a ponytail. She was very fit and was wearing standard issue light combat armor.
Commander Crinnan was outfitted similarly to his wife. However he looked much older. As a Humaan he was subject to the physical effects of aging as the NaNe was not compatible with his biology. He appeared to be in his mid-forties or early fifties and had dark brown hair that he swept out of his eyes. He wore black-rimmed glasses and carried a sword at his hip.
“Cut that out,” Commander Crinnan laughed at Alec, “You’re like a son to me.”
“You are going to find my son?” Lady Ladia asked as she briskly approached Alec, “Elia says you have assembled a team to find him.”
“We are,” Alec smiled and Ladia stroked his cheek lovingly, “He is in Belhaas.”
“Captain Bran approved of this?” Commander Crinnan raised an eyebrow and stepped forward, “I cannot protect you if he didn’t.”
“Captain Bran did not approve this mission,” Alec explained, “I have not told him about it yet. Our original mission was to collect the new Centurion recruits... I was sidetracked when…”
“You do not need to explain anything to us.” Ladia waved her hand and cut him off, “We cannot officially support your actions as members of the Black Knight Council of Commanders. On record, we command you to listen to your Captain and that is what you will say when Bran disciplines you for your insubordination. Off the record, as parents, we will support you until all resources available to us have been exhausted.”
“Thank you,” Alec bowed his head, “I would never ask for anything more.” Alec looked past Crinnan’s Lord parents and at the third being still standing behind Elia. His hair was dark and buzzed and he stoo
d about as tall as Lady Ladia and exactly as tall as his twin brother Crinnan.
“Good to see you Rubaan,” Alec waved, looking past Lord and Lady Jamiso, “That armor looks good on you.”
“I’m just doing what I can Alec,” Rubaan nodded his head, “Today is my first day back on the job…”
“Did I hear somebody say Rubaan?” Dauid asked, appearing from behind the HAPT. He wore a big grin and walked past the Lord and Lady Jamiso as he extended his good hand. Rubaan shook his head and smiled as the two clasped hands.
“You survived,” Rubaan said as Dauid pulled him in for a hug.
“So did you,” Dauid replied, “Things ended up okay just like I said didn’t they.” Rubaan thought about all that had happened to him in the past couple of weeks and simply decided to nod his head.
“I’m not dead… my family is alive...” Rubaan said, “So yeah, things seem to be okay for now.” Dauid nodded and let go of Rubaan’s hand.
“Looks like the cavalry has arrived,” Dauid noted, pointing at the door that led to the garage. Everyone turned and watched as Stevill Flox and Van Dierlok walked into the boneyard. Alec hurried over to greet them.
“Lord and Lady Jamiso and their son Rubaan are here,” Alec informed them, pointing at the trio of Jamisos, “They have come to support us.”
“How?” Flox asked, “Right now we need more than well wishes.”
“We brought more than well wishes,” Commander Crinnan said as he approached the Black Knights, “The truck is out front, you three, Rubaan and Elia come help me carry the cargo back here.”
Commander Crinnan walked into the garage and the five black knights followed behind, “We had only minutes to grab what we could.” Crinnan explained as he led them from the garage and into the entrance of the shop.
“Elia was able to advise me to the best of her ability so I think what we were able to spare should be sufficient for your team,” They stopped at the front door and Alec looked outside and saw the truck parked in front of the store.
“Should I open the garage door?” Alec asked as they walked outside, “Do you want to pull the truck inside?” Commander Crinnan nodded and Alec jogged over to the large metal garage door. He hoped it was unlocked as he knelt down and lifted on it. Fortunately, the door raised and Rubaan ran over to give him a hand.
“I am coming with you,” Rubaan looked over to Alec, “I mean… to get my brother.”
“I would be glad to have you Rubaan,” Alec returned Rubaan’s look but shook his head, “But you have a family, you do not need to risk your life today. Just trust that I will bring your brother home safely and do not spend any time worrying.”
“No,” Rubaan stepped closer to Alec, “This is not a discussion. I’m tied up in all this… I can’t begin to explain how but there is something larger than any of us going on here… listen to me, Alec. You need to be careful. There is something going on you can only dream about.”
“What do you mean?” Alec asked.
“It is difficult to explain in a short amount of time and without sounding crazy,” Rubaan appeared uncomfortable, worried. He looked like he thought someone might be listening, “You are not the only one looking for Crinnan.”
“The whole world is looking for Crinnan,” Alec replied, “With that ‘vision’ or whatever you all saw he seems to have quite a price on his head.”
“No,” Rubaan sounded frustrated, “Something bad is looking for Crinnan. Something I can’t begin to describe to you. Just be careful, take care of yourself and watch out for your soldiers. He can kill them all in a second.”
“He?” Alec asked, “Who are you talking about?”
“Just be careful,” Rubaan said as he stepped out of the way of the truck that was about to pull into the garage.
“Alec, they have arrived,” Flox pointed at a red car that pulled up and parked in front of the shop. Alec jogged up to the car just as Matalo opened the passenger door.
“I really hope you know just what the fuck you’re getting us into.” Matalo angrily spouted as he exited the vehicle. Alec quickly noticed not only the smell but also the fact that Matalo was soaked from head to toe in fuel.
“What happened?” Alec asked, walking alongside Matalo, “Did you get the fuel?”
“Yes we got the fucking fuel,” Matalo snapped at him, “We are both soaked in the stuff.”
“Did you get enough?” Alec asked, looking past Matalo at Kelso, “Will it get us to Belhaas?”
“Probably,” Kelso replied with an uneasy look, “It will get us close at least. The tank of this car only holds about half the capacity of the HAPT’s tank… but like I said, it should probably get us all the way there provided I am easy on the throttle.” Alec nodded his head. That would have to do; he could not have asked for much more.
“Ok get it back in the yard behind the shop,” Alec said to Kelso, “Just pull into the garage around the truck. Matalo, follow me.”
Matalo shook his head and walked behind Alec as they headed to Commander Crinnan’s truck, “We are getting outfitted,” Alec said, “Commander Crinnan and Lady Ladia decided to help us out.”
“Great,” Matalo said as Kelso drove past the two of them, “Hopefully they brought something suitable for Centurions.”
“Anything should do,” Alec reprimanded him, “I would not look forward to having to punch my enemies to death. Anyway, Elia was with them. Hopefully, she was able to pick out things to suit us all.” The two Black Knights arrived at the truck and Matalo crossed his arms.
“Let’s see what the esteemed commander dug up for us,” Matalo said as Rubaan shut and locked the garage door behind them. Commander Crinnan chuckled and threw a tarp off the bed of the truck.
“We were lucky enough that the Inquisitors did not stop us to search our cargo,” Crinnan said as he pulled out a long high-powered rifle with a scope and bandolier of magazines. He looked over at Elia and she pointed at Flox. Commander Crinnan looked at him and grinned.
“So you’re the marksman who turned the tide of the Kamlotian Civil War,” he said, “The native?”
“I did my part.” Flox nodded.
“I heard you killed over one thousand enemies,” Commander Crinnan said as he handed the rifle down, “That is a little above and beyond.”
“I am a good shot,” Flox shrugged, “One thousand bullets, one thousand bodies.” Commander Crinnan laughed and tossed him a duffel bag, “Light armor.” He said, nodding his head. Next, he picked up a grenade launcher with a drum magazine and looked to Elia. Elia pointed to Matalo and Commander Crinnan tossed him the weapon.
“Mantan Matalo. You blew up the Grai’vuul Dam and routed an entire battalion of Govian soldiers in Exgrane.”
Matalo nodded and checked the grenade launcher, “Not the worst weapon I’ve ever seen.” Commander Crinnan tossed a large duffel bag at his feet and it landed with a heavy sounding clank.
“Heavy armor,” Commander Crinnan said. He picked up a carbine rifle and looked to Elia. She pointed at Dierlok.
“Vaan Dierlok!” Commander Crinnan announced, “The only survivor of the Battle of Ember in Exgrane.” He tossed him a carbine and a duffel bag of light armor and picked up another carbine. Elia pointed at Kelso who had just returned from the boneyard.
“Oscar Kelso, you went up against some of the best pilots the Empire could throw at you in one of the few fighter crafts that your Base had… and you survived.” He handed Kelso a carbine and duffel bag of light armor.
“One more carbine,” Commander Crinnan said, “And a shotgun. Who gets what?”
“I get the carbine,” Elia said, “Alec gets the shotgun,” Commander Crinnan handed each of them their appropriate weapons and nodded, “You two are still working on your stories. I have no doubt that you will make it.” He kicked the tailgate down to reveal the final two duffel bags of armor and everyone’s melee weapons. Alec and Elia grabbed their duffel bags and everyone else picked up their swords. Alec shook his head and chuckled wh
en he saw all the swords had been taken.
“Elia mentioned you were not much of a sword guy.” Commander Crinnan grinned as Alec picked up the battle axe lying in front of him.
“She knows me too well,” He examined the weapon and nodded his head, “This will do.”
“Excellent!” Commander Crinnan hopped down from the bed of the truck. He placed his hand on Alec’s back and guided him away from the other Knights.
“No matter what anyone tells you, remember you are doing the right thing,” Commander Crinnan said, “In my eyes at least. Remember I am here if you ever end up needing my help.” Alec nodded his head and Commander Crinnan wrapped his arms around him.
“You bring my boy back, you hear?” He whispered, “And remember what I said. I am here.” He let the knight go and nodded his head.
“Ah fuck!” Rubaan suddenly shouted, “They’re here!”
“How many?” Commander Crinnan asked, running ahead to join his son. Alec noticed that the commander did not wear an expression of fear but one that more closely resembled excitement. He looked over at Elia and saw her double checking her carbine. He briefly smiled as he watched her and hurried to throw on the heavy armor in his duffel bag.
“Three interceptors!” Rubaan said, peeking out the window, “Two Inquisitors each.”
“Flox go check the back,” Alec commanded, “Report any enemy activity.” Flox nodded and hurried to the boneyard, “Elia, get a status report from my grandfather. We need to get out of here.”
“Okay,” Elia ran to join Flox in the boneyard, “Be careful.” Alec nodded and turned to the others.
“Matalo, take up a defensive position at the window,” Alec ordered, pointing to the window that Rubaan was looking out, “We will blow them away as soon as it is safe.” Matalo hurried up to Rubaan’s side and peeked out the window.
“Dierlok, take up a position on the other window. Prepare to provide covering fire. Kelso, get to the HAPT and help my grandfather with anything he needs. We need to be ready to go five minutes ago.” Dierlok and Kelso nodded and hurried to their positions. Commander Crinnan looked at Alec and nodded in approval.
The Black Knight Box Set Page 54