by Tim Marquitz
She raced to the pilot’s seat as quickly as she could, shouting all the way, her voice raw and ragged. “I need you, Lina.”
The engineer grunted, clearly still fighting the vertigo that had struck her down, but she climbed to her knees, doing her best to get up.
“I need Dent back online right now,” Taj shouted as the ship shook, the scout ships taking advantage of the Discordant’s sudden discombobulation.
Jadie appeared at Lina’s side. Though she had blood coloring one side of her face, the fur there matted and sticky, she helped the engineer up and started dragging her toward her station.
“I’ve got you,” Jadie mumbled to Lina, though she didn’t sound a whole lot better than the engineer.
Taj took a second to familiarize herself with the pilot’s controls, glad that S’thlor had simplified them. She wasn’t anywhere near the pilot Cabe was, but she didn’t need to be at that moment. She only needed to be good enough.
She engaged the engines as the Wyyvan scouts reached close range and began pounding the Discordant. She groaned as she swung the ship about. With Lina struggling to gather her wits and pawing at the console, and Dent offline, there was no good way to adjust the shields to better ward off the enemy’s blows.
That meant the shields wouldn’t last much longer, especially not with the scout ships so close.
Just give me a few seconds longer, Rowl, she begged, casting her prayer into the ether.
She angled the ship toward the Wyyvan scouts and pushed the Discordant forward.
“What are you doing?” Jadie questioned, eyes wide as she held Lina in place. “There are no guns!”
Taj nodded. She’d known that.
With the engineer on the only console with any real control options outside of the piloting aspect, her flailing efforts focused on bringing Dent back to life.
Taj was on her own.
She pushed the engines for all they were worth, catching the scout ships by surprise. The first of them still managed to veer off, changing directions to avoid the charging leech ship that flew right at it.
The second wasn’t so lucky.
The Discordant cut through its shields with its hull and clipped the rear hull of the scout ship. The Discordant shuddered at the impact, and Taj drove the ship into the other as it adjusted to pull away, keeping the leech ship’s nose driving into the other ship.
The blow hadn’t been significant, but it had stalled the scout ship for a moment, which was all Taj had hoped for, the Discordant now hugging the scout ship’s aft. The second scout circled around, trying to find an angle to blast the leech craft without striking its companion.
“I need Dent, Lina!” Taj screamed. “I need him now!”
She fought the decay of her controls as the Discordant and scout ship ground into one another, Taj struggling to keep them locked together while the enemy pilot attempted the opposite.
A moment later, she lost the battle.
The scout ship yanked free with a thunderous roar that reverberated through the hull of the Discordant. Taj hissed as the Wyyvan ship angled away, trying to put some distance between them. It was succeeding slowly.
The second scout ship closed on the barely moving leech craft, drifting into position, obviously wanting to pummel the Discordant at a range where its shields would be effectively useless.
Then Lina giggled, the awkward sound echoing across the bridge.
“Looks like you could use some help,” Dent said a heartbeat after, his voice spooling up and growing stronger with every word. “What can I do?”
“Oh, bloody Rowl!” Taj shouted, happier to hear the AI’s voice more than anything in the universe right then.
She forced the Discordant into a sideways spin.
“Activate the tubes,” she ordered.
Dent didn’t question, immediately doing what was asked.
The boarding umbilicals shot out on the starboard side, two of the three crashing into the Wyyvan scout ship, magnetic clasps locking on.
“You know, I don’t think it’s safe to try and board a ship while yours is spinning about,” Dent advised.
“Wasn’t planning on going anywhere,” Taj answered, her eyes locked on the view screen.
Then there was a sudden jolt, the tubes stretched to their limits, as both ships waged a war of momentum.
The Discordant won out.
The scout ship, unprepared for the forced shift in direction, did exactly what Taj had hoped it would do, thinking, like Dent had, that she meant to board. Its engines flared to get back to speed and break away from the leech craft, but Taj had already changed the angle of its nose.
“Release the tubes!” she called out.
Once more, Dent did as he was told without hesitation.
“Oh, that’s…devious,” he complimented, realizing what she’d done.
Unfortunately for them, neither of the scout ships realized it anywhere near as quickly.
The captured scout ship shot away the instant the clasps released, then barreled directly into its companion.
The two ships collided, their bridges warping together as if their hulls were made of molten steel. There were flashes of explosions, sparks that died out before they could truly form, and the two ships tumbled away into the bleakness of space, forever joined in a ruined heap of armor filled with broken lizard bodies.
Without celebrating their victory, Taj jumped from her seat and ran to Cabe’s side, pawing at him and pulling him from under Vort’s dead body.
She cradled him to her chest and planted a kiss on his forehead. He groaned and forced his eyes open, staring up at her.
“We win?” he asked, the words barely a whisper.
She grinned and hugged him tighter. “We sure as gack did.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Several days later, Taj stood on the bridge of the Discordant and watched the view screen as Dent guided them toward the hangar bay of the sprawling space station Corzant.
A flutter of excitement prickled the fur along her arms. “This is them?” she asked.
“Not exactly,” the AI answered. “This is a Federation-aligned outpost, one of just many havens where the locals support the Federation, helping to expand the frontier.”
The gaping mouth of the hangar bay swallowed the view screen, and Taj couldn’t help but be awed by the moment.
“How do we know they want anything to do with us?” Torbon asked from his station. The white bandage wrapped around his head stood out in sharp contrast to his fur.
“Because I radioed ahead,” Dent replied. “The local authorities have granted our request to dock, and a representative of the Federation has offered to meet us. Uh, well, meet you, more precisely, seeing how I’m stuck in the hulk of this ship.”
Torbon shrugged. “Better than being a short alien with bug eyes, right?”
“That is quite true,” Dent agreed.
The Discordant drifted into the bay and turned about, the station’s automated docking system having taken control and settling the craft in its assigned berth with barely a metallic thump. The engines wound down as the magnetic clamps locked the leech ship into place.
“At least here we don’t have to worry about those gacking lizards showing up,” Jadie said, obvious relief on her face as the ship quieted.
Torbon burst out laughing. “We don’t ever have to worry about those guys again,” he said. “I still can’t believe you did that, Taj.”
She shrugged. “Well, we needed to get rid of Vort’s body and the tracking device. It seemed a waste not to do them both at the same time.”
“Yeah, but launching his body out the torpedo tube with the tracker attached… That’s cold,” Torbon said with a wry grin.
“It would have been much worse had she done it and he wasn’t dead,” Lina countered.
“That was the plan before everything went sideways,” she admitted, grinning so wide it hurt.
“What about Commander Dard?” Jadie asked. “What are yo
u going to do with him?”
“I figure I’ll offer him up to the Federation’s people,” she replied. “He’s got to be worth something to them.”
“Too good an ending for him, if you ask me,” Torbon stated, “but whatever, I’ll be glad to be rid of him either way.”
“Me too,” S’thlor concurred from his new seat near the back of the bridge. Bruised and battered, the Wyyvan leaned to his right, favoring his ribs. “I kind of like being the only alien aboard.”
Taj smiled at him, then glanced away, spying a small ground vehicle approaching on the view screen.
“They’re here.”
“Those would be the locals,” the AI clarified. “I suggest you don’t keep them waiting.”
Taj grunted an affirmative and cast a glance around the bridge. Lina grinned at her and started over, only a few scrapes and scratches still visible as reddened lines under her fur. Torbon followed a moment after, and Jadie flopped into the engineer’s seat.
Taj waved to her and the three started toward the bridge door. It hissed open before they reached it.
Cabe stood there, leaning against the wall. “You weren’t planning on doing this without me, were you?”
“Never,” Torbon replied.
“They most definitely were, Cabe,” Dent stated, “Torbon specifically.”
Torbon sighed. “We’re gonna have to have Lina program some kind of discretion filter into Dent before he gets me killed,” Torbon muttered, biting back a laugh.
Cabe grunted and hobbled over alongside the others, his leg in a plastic cast Gran Verren had provided. He reached out and clasped Taj’s hand, and she entwined her fingers in his.
“Care to help a cripple?”
Taj smiled and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Let’s get you to the transport before you fall over. Wouldn’t want to have to carry you.”
Cabe laughed, and the crew made their way out of the Discordant and down the gangplank, to where the transport waited.
“Welcome to the Corzant,” a lean, wisp of a woman called out as they approached, her voice soft and ethereal. “I am Eliarar, spokeswoman of the Ooror people. We are honored to make your acquaintance.”
Pale and willowy, she looked as if a strong breeze could carry her away. She wore bright white robes that flowed around her, making it look as if she had wings. She smiled, her teeth even whiter than the rest of her, and she ushered them into the transport.
“Please come,” she said. “You are right on time.”
The crew thanked her, and she climbed into the vehicle after they did, gracefully settling in across from them. Then the transport shot smoothly across the hangar bay.
The trip was short and uneventful, but that didn’t stop Taj from gawking out the window. After what they’d been through, even the most mundane of scenery was a thrill she was grateful to have.
Not more than a few moments later, they had come to a halt and Eliarar waved them from the transport. With a bright grin, she led them from the hangar bay into a broad corridor that seemed to stretch on forever. The crew followed her as she swished ahead of them. Cabe’s casted foot thumped along behind, Torbon chuckling at the sound every time it happened despite Lina shushing him.
They arrived at a pair of open double doors, and Eliarar waved them inside the meeting room beyond.
“Please, sit,” she told them, gesturing to the table set in the center of the room, chairs strung out around it. A large view screen covered the far wall, its face reflecting their arrival in its off state. “Refreshments will be served shortly.”
The crew made their way into the room and settled in. Eliarar saw herself out, offering a pleasant smile as she shut the doors behind her. The crew sat there alone, looking about.
“I thought someone was gonna meet us here,” Torbon complained.
“And someone is,” a roughened voice sounded from the view screen as it wavered and brightened, coming to life.
There appeared a tanned face with a shock of dark hair on top of the creature’s head, silvered at the temples. Two penetrating eyes watched her.
Taj caught herself staring at the view screen, having never seen a human before. She didn’t know what to make of the older man staring back at them. He wasn’t all that different from them, minus the fur and claws.
“My name is Lance Reynolds,” he told them, “I have the inauspicious task of managing the Etheric Federation,” he introduced himself. “We heard you’ve had quite an adventure trying to get here.”
The crew grumbled their agreement with the statement, and Taj offered the man a smile. “It was…interesting, to say the least,” she told him. “But we’re glad to be here and grateful that you were willing to talk with us.”
“Taj is it?” he asked. She nodded. “Pleasure to meet you and glad to hear you and your crew are healing up and recovering from your ordeal. Your AI, Dent, told me quite a story.” A slight smile broke across his lips as he mentioned the AI. “He wouldn’t happen to be related to Arthur, would he?”
Taj raised an eyebrow. “I…uh, really wouldn’t know,” she answered.
Lance broke into a quiet laughter. “No, I don’t guess you would. Earth humor, never mind,” he explained. “But anyway, I understand you want to join us and find a home for your people, right?”
Taj nodded. “Yes, that’s correct. I’m sure Dent provided the details of our forced exile so I won’t make you sit through that again, but we are seeking sanctuary, somewhere to settle and rebuild our lives,” she answered. “We’d be happy to volunteer our services in whatever capacity is needed in exchange for such an opportunity. We’ve also information regarding a substance that might be advantageous to your people, as well as an enemy captive, who just might have some information you can use.”
Lance looked upon the crew for a quiet moment, examining each in turn, though for what, Taj couldn’t fathom. Finally, he nodded and offered a friendly smile.
“I’d be happy to provide you with sanctuary. We can discuss the finer details of what else we can do for each other at a later date.”
Taj brightened, straightening in her chair, raising her hands to the screen. “Oh, thank you so much! This means so much to my people.” She wanted to throw herself across the universe and give the man a massive hug.
Lance nodded. “Glad to help, Taj,” he said, not even trying to match her level of excitement. “I’ll be in touch soon. Eliarar will take care of you in the meantime. Take care.”
The crew muttered their appreciation as Lance Reynolds waved goodbye, looking down as he went to kill the feed. Then he paused, glancing back up at the Furlorians.
“By the way,” he said. “Welcome to the Federation.”
Author Notes - Tim Marquitz
Written August 18, 2018
Hey, all,
Here we are again. A little late, but not overly so, but I apologize for not hitting my marks. Glad you stuck around.
Turns out, the JIT beta readers caught some glitches with the early story, my horror and darker (and weirder) fantasy habits breaking through, so we pulled back and reevaluated. In the end, I feel it was the right choice, and the book is so much better for it, and I appreciate the feedback. I love learning.
In the end, we write these books for you and all the ego and attitude has to get tossed to the wayside so that the reader gets the best experience possible. I’m grateful for the opportunity to do exactly that, provide you with what I hope is the best follow up possible to Any Port in a War.
Thanks to Craig and Michael and Steve and all the LMBPN and JIT folks, as well as Mia Darien for her edits. Thanks to Steven Ott for his constant support. And thank YOU, yes YOU. Wouldn’t be here without y’all.
Tim Marquitz
Author Notes - Michael Anderle
Written August 18, 2018
(Craig Martelle, standing in – this message was approved by MA)
Woohoo! You’re still reading because you are awesome! We wouldn’t be anywhere without fans, you good
people who buy our books or borrow them through Kindle Unlimited and read them. You are the absolute best. Thank you. If you can also drop us a review on Amazon, that is icing on the virtual cake.
What is there to say about this fine story? It took a couple shots to get it polished appropriately for prime time. The story was always sound, but some of the bells and whistles weren’t singing in harmony. The Just In Time readers identified some issues and we pulled the story back. Tim embraced the feedback and made great things happen.
What you read here is 16,000 words longer than the first version, and the flow is simply superb. The story moves along from start to finish at a nice clip. You get to learn more about the characters and become one with their plight and most importantly, their hope.
What do we have without hope? A very dark place that we refuse to go to. We see the best in humanity. Life is worth embracing and living well. Even if humanity looks like a pack of cats that are running for their lives.
Tim Marquitz continues to be an amazing writer, telling stories that people want to read. If you haven’t jumped into his other stuff, I recommend his Demon Squad series. You’ll get a kick out of that one – it moves fast from start to finish. I’m sure there are some of you who can read the current ten books in three days.
Have I thanked you for still reading yet? Well, thank you! I can’t say it enough because you mean that much to me. We tell our stories to entertain and you in turn are entertained:) It is heartwarming and floats our goats.
I have to sign off now – so many stories left to tell and I need to tickle the keys into submission. Thousands of words before I sleep.
Semper Fi, my friends, or as Michael would say, Ad Aeternitatem.
Craig Martelle
Books By Tim Marquitz
Also Available from Tim Marquitz
The Demon Squad Series