“Stop. You’re making me hot, you suave bastard. Go down there and invite them to the party we are having. That will flip their lid. Everyone’s lid. And listen, if they are peaceful, be nice. I don’t know where they are from, but we may need another Empire to move to. Your ex is going to bust the blood vessels in her head when she finds out we have this city in the stars.”
“How are Binda and the others doing?” I asked.
“Everything seems calm. They are having a conversation. Body language doesn’t look out of place for a first-time meeting.”
I stepped closer to where Shawna sat. She looked up at me, but couldn’t see my face. There was curiosity but no fear. I held out my arm and with a thought my armored glove rolled back to reveal my hand. Her eyes opened wide, astonished. I willed my helmet away and it flowed in ripples until it was gone. I pushed her strawberry blond hair behind her ear and kissed her cheek. “Thank you, for the talk. Don’t ask or say anything. I know I can trust you.”
I turned, bent over and pressed the hatch release. It opened and I dropped through. About thirty feet later my feet hit the deck with a loud clap. Between the armor and my newly rebuilt legs, it was almost effortless. All our new guests jumped, even the copycat with the tits, although she recovered more quickly than the others. I must say my own people were a little spooked, too, maybe even fearful if I was any judge of facial features. I needed to correct that. I needed to fix the unwelcome voices in my head.
Deireadh, do we know anything about this species? I asked.
They are the Akelorians.
Anything special I should know?
They are a Confederation. Guild houses set up by clans. The strongest houses rule the confederation and decisions are made by vote. They are not warmongers, but they do have a taste for battle, mostly among themselves. They settle disputes and rise to positions of power by defeating their rivals. They are far from home if they are standing here.
Remind me if I forget that I want to maintain the peaceful atmosphere that seems to be present at the moment.
I will, My Lord.
Stop or I’ll jettison you out the fucking airlock. First it’s ‘Your Highness.’ I get you to stop that and now you’re slipping in ‘My Lord.’ It’s just Benjamin or Reaper. I get you were designed and made for a king, but you got me, understand?
Benjamin, we understand.
Is the language of the Akelorians available to me?
It is, but it is ancient. Like other languages, there may have been many changes over time.
It will do. Remember our conversation about the sigil on my chest. Time to try it out. Would you like to see the latest incarnation of a King of Cjittan, Deireadh? Even if I’m just pretending.
Yes, Benjamin, it should be enlightening.
Go with Reaper right now. I’m feeling it.
Yes, Reaper.
Binda, Adeen and Snake were still watching me, as were the Akelorians and their leader. I approached both groups and they were totally silent. I could almost feel all the eyes upon me. “Binda, have you found out the identity of our guest?”
“No, Benjamin, only that she is seeking out Tazleaha to conduct business with their Confederation. I don’t think they are a threat,” Binda said nervously.
“I don’t think the Akelorians are, but their leader, I have a problem with her.”
“If you try anything, my soldiers will defend me,” the leader said.
“I’m sorry, I wasn’t speaking to you. You will get your turn to speak soon.”
“Shawna suggested we invite them to the party and I’m inclined to agree, but only after.”
“After what?” Binda asked, still not able to hide her apprehension.
“After I have a talk with them. I’ll be right back.” I walked past their leader to face the small Akelorian soldiers.
Translate for me, Deireadh.
“Akelorians, do you mock me standing in my presence? Would your Council approve of your lack of respect for the King of Cjittan? Bow before me!” I only needed to see their faces to know I had them. Fear gripped them as they watched my chest speak the ancient language of their fathers. Armored knees clanked against the deck as hands slapped the metal, faces down in reverence. I walked among them for effect, stopping for a few seconds at a time. Our drill instructors used to do that shit.
“Does your leader do you justice? Bringing you into my Empire flaunting and disrespecting our ways. Making your people look ignorant. But I don’t believe you are. Who among you would like to see her replaced with one of your own, my proud Akelorians? Raise an arm to indicate your agreement.” Every arm but one raised. “By the laws of your Confederation, I will administer your decision. Fear no reprisals. Keep your arms up.”
I turned now to face the leader. I forgot to have Deireadh turn off the show. “They have found your leadership to be…lacking.” Binda, Adeen, Snake and all the rest who could see me looked fearful of me. “Snake, arrest her and put her in a cell. Be careful. She seems to think a lot of herself.”
Before Snake could move, she charged, pulling a pistol from under her cloak. She raised it and fired, but I had already moved. I caught her wrist and twisted while bringing her up and over, letting her land flat on her back. I knelt and punched her so hard it caved in the armor, covering her abdomen below her breasts. I grabbed her throat under her helmet and began squeezing. Like it was nothing, I turned my head to face the Akelorians.
“My friends, you have traveled far to meet with the great Queen Tazleaha of Cjittan.” I paused. “As you can see, I am taking care of your problem. Stand now and be at ease.” They did, but they weren’t at ease. It would take a little time, I assumed.
My foe was still thrashing, trying to kick me. “I’m not going to stop squeezing your throat until you’re still and I’m not going to worry about what state you’re in when you stop.”
“Snake, quit jerking off and get over here. Do I have to do everything for you?” He hurried over, not before giving me a look. He wasn’t over it yet, either. I twisted the pistol around in her hand, bending her fingers until she let go. I flipped her over and helped hold her while Snake secured her wrists. I heard a whistle and so did her crew. They moved out of the way as two creatures came running out of the shuttle. Vicious-looking buggers only about half the size of my sleeping beauty back in the lab.
Imelda, take one and feed.
Only one?
You can have the second when I’m through.
Growls and snapping teeth preceded them as they charged me. It was nothing. Been there, done that. I held out my left forearm and eased the katana out into my right. That’s it, come on.
Deireadh, it’s time to show me your stuff. The creature bit down and tugged, then looked stunned. It let out a howl as my katana entered its chest. It hung off my forearm, legs kicking air. Even when the jaws let go it hung. My strength and the fact it was a pin cushion for my katana kept it hanging in place. When I laid its body down on the deck I rested my hand on its head. The other hand held the katana.
Have you had enough?
More than enough. This small skirmish was hardly a drain on our power.
I moved my hand away from its head and pulled out the katana. The head was stripped clean around it, leaving the skull exposed and a hole in the chest I could put my fist in.
Imelda, clean this shit up. The large, hungry spider wasted no time. Hooking a claw in the creature at my feet, she retreated high into the top of the hold, one in her mouth, the other in her hand.
I walked back to the thoroughly shaken up Akelorians. “Didn’t think there would be this much excitement, did you? Take your shuttle back to your ship and sort out these new developments according to your own ways. Then I would like your leaders to come back and discuss the future with me and my people.”
“Benjamin, Captain Kimit is requesting a status report. She has been at battle stations since arriving,” Shawna reported.
“Shawna, tell the captain to stand down and co
me on over at her earliest convenience. Also, thank her for the backup.”
“Copy that. Everything ok down there?”
“Yeah, other than the bad girl’s pets getting eaten, I’m happy to report no deaths or broken bones. It’s really good Imelda got to eat, believe me.”
“Your Highness, please forgive my asking, but what is to happen to her?” the lone Akelorian holdout of the vote asked.
“She will be staying with us as our guest. I want some answers. You’re the only one who did not vote for her dismissal. Why?”
“I was hoping to kill her myself and take the captain’s seat. She killed my uncle Cezera in an act of treachery. There was no gain in it.”
I thought about my response. “I can’t tell you what her fate will be. She is going to cool her heels in a cell till I decide.”
The alien gave me a strange look. “I will leave it in your hands, Highness. We will return soon.”
Chapter Eight
The Akelorians went back to their ship, Snake had our new guest locked up and messages began flooding in to both the Generations ship and the Claymore. I assumed they didn’t know which to message, so they hedged and sent them to both. Kimit confirmed everything was fine and put her ship back on normal operations. Aisling was quiet but said she would be arriving shortly. Sash and the other two captains, Tonnek and Lhohn, reported in and requested orders.
Binda wanted to meet with her senior officers. This shindig she was planning was a morale booster and a chance for everyone to get to know each other. There may be questions some had that needed answering. First order of business would be getting the Generations ship and World Eater out of the Kanlost system. There was still a war going on and it didn’t pay to have those two lumbering giants just sitting around. I wasn’t sure a get-together was wise, but I put her in charge and she forgave my butting in.
I saw Doon and Joon easing their way over to me. They must have watched the excitement, although I doubt it scared them any more than they were already scared of me. I gotta say, Joon had a dark side. Wouldn’t know it by looking at her, though, at a hundred pounds soaking wet. I saw it in her on the World Eater; the hate for the Khalnalax was eating her up inside. I hoped hers was only temporary.
I opened a channel on my com to my daughter, whose ship was close enough for personal com use. “Hey, when is that ball buster going to let you come visit me?” I asked. Wasn’t even sure she could talk.
“That ball buster is giving me the evil eye because of you,” Natalia answered.
“Put your damn com on private. I might want to badmouth her some more.”
“Dad, we are kinda busy right now. I’m in the middle of kicking her ass again. There are people standing around holding money in their hands that has my name on it. I’ll call you later when I’m counting my winnings.”
“Go get her, Tiger. I want to talk to you about Doon and Joon, and I better see you later or I’ll be coming over there kicking some ass.” Sash will never beat her, I thought.
“How are you two doing? Do you like the Claymore?”
Joon looked sheepish, almost afraid to speak. “We don’t know what to do or where to go.”
“I’ll have someone get you set up with a room or two. There are plenty. My question is what you two want to do with yourselves. Stay here and work on this Generations ship or, if there are billets available, work on one of the other ships? Do you have to stay together?”
Doon looked ready to panic. He shook his head yes, vigorously. Joon watched her brother’s reaction. “I have always spoken for him. We have to stay together.”
“What if we get him some help and he learns to speak for himself?”
Both of their eyes lit up. Joon’s turned into clear glass and I could see the wheels turning in her head. “You would do that? What would it cost us? We will not be your slaves.”
I made my helmet open around my face and looked down at her. We locked eyes until she looked away. “Joon, look at me. There are no slaves here, and never will be. You will meet people who were slaves and are free now. They will be living and working right alongside you. What do you do if someone wants to make you a slave?”
“We ran. You found us.”
“You don’t have to run ever again, but you may have to fight. What happened to the ones who chased you and held you captive?”
“You happened.”
“From here on out, you know what to do. One more thing. Just because someone is part of our group doesn’t mean they will be nice to you. A lot of our people were pirates before this. You may have to stand up for yourself and you may take a beating, but get up and don’t give up. Doon, you understand what I’m telling your sister? . . . I’m sure you do.”
“You really think you can help my brother?” Joon asked.
“I’ll have to ask for a few favors and check to see if we have what’s needed but it’s a possibility. The Warhammer has a real doctor; we have the technology of your ancient ancestors. Don’t think your people have changed much. Odds are good something can be done.”
“Can we stay with you?” Joon asked.
“Aren’t you scared of me?”
“We are, but we are more scared without you.”
“Are you scared of the Spider Queen Imelda?”
“Yes, of course. Only a fool wouldn’t be.”
I sighed. “Are you hungry?”
“We have been hungrier.”
“Go up the ramp of the Claymore and take the corridor all the way to the bridge. Shawna will be there. I will have her get you something. I will find you later when I know more. Captain Kimit—you remember her—will be here later. Make sure you find her and tell her thank you, again. She will be a good friend to have, as will Lorelei the captain of the Claymore and Aisling the captain of the Warhammer.”
“They are all females?” Joon asked, curious.
“They are; strong females you can learn from. Depending on unforeseen actions, past history and foot-in-mouth syndrome, they may or may not like me from time to time.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Neither do I.”
****
“Drop the crate right there and sit down!” Tazleaha ordered. All three men did exactly that. They all faced the same way and Tazleaha walked around to stand behind them.
“I want information. Detailed information. It is imperative to your health that you tell the truth,” Dela’maah said. “We work for the Ministry of Intelligence. Our ship was destroyed along with the fleet that was trying to break the blockade by the Khalnalax. First and foremost, is there anywhere to send a message from?”
The three men looked at each other. That action usually smacked of dishonesty of some kind. The barrel of Tazleaha’s pistol dug into the mayor’s neck at the base of his head. “Would the two of you feel more at ease to answer if he was dead?” she asked. “The questions are not going to be complicated. One of you better answer her or answer me.”
“There is an encampment. It is the largest and they have full comm array judging by the equipment visible outside. There are smaller outposts that look like they are only set up to transmit to the main command center. They keep most of the Etash warriors and our people they have captured away from the central command center,” the mayor said.
“How many of our people do they have right now awaiting transport?” Tazleaha asked.
“How often are the transports arriving and departing?” Zora asked.
“You’re falling behind, Mayor. You need to start answering,” Dela’maah said. The Mayor looked as if he were going to have a mental breakdown.
One of other two decided to jump in. “They do not have a transport schedule as much as they depart when they have a hold full. There is an overseer who drives the hunting parties to exhaustion in their pursuit of our people.”
“Yes, just yesterday they increased their efforts. We were lucky to have escaped. We spy on the main encampment all the time and it has never been so busy. The posted guards h
ave doubled through all shifts,” the mayor answered. “They separate the families; that is another reason why there are multiple outposts.”
The only man not having spoken began crying. “They feed the old or unfit to the Etash along with children too small to work. My family elders are gone; my children and wife are together but will leave on the next transport when they have enough for a shipment.”
Tazleaha took her pistol from the Mayor’s head and lowered it along with her head. Zora watched her as she stared at the ground. When she looked up, her face was filled with rage.
“How many are still free and able to fight?” Zora asked. “Men, women and children who are healthy enough can all perform one task or another.”
“We are scattered because of the increased hunts. If we can gather everyone in one place, I believe there could be two hundred able bodies who can fight.” The mayor looked to his companions for confirmation.
“So few.” Tazleaha sighed. “Have they taken so many?”
“They have. Some were able to leave the area,” the sobbing man said. “Without the World Eaters destroying the land, there are still places to hide. The Khalnalax presence is focused on the area around the lake where the resorts are located. They have not ventured deep into the jungle.”
“We need to find more of our people. If what you say is true, we cannot attempt to take the main encampment with just two hundred souls,” Zora said.
“We will need weapons; do you have any information about obtaining some?” Dela’maah asked.
“I am sorry. They have confiscated all our weapons. I am sure they have them at the main encampment but where I don’t know.”
“How large are these hunting parties?” Tazleaha asked.
“Twenty Khalnalax and ten Etash are what they sent out yesterday,” the mayor answered. “I can only guess any other parties were equally as large.”
The Chronicles of Benjamin Jaminson: Empires At War (Book 5 Part Two) Page 10