“Just got the numbers. Cain is coming in heavy,” he said, not smiling.
“We’re doing what we can, Captain, to set him up. We’re going to be packed full! Every square centimeter of space is designated and what is up with all the water buffalo?” she asked.
“How serendipitous that I ran into you, literally,” he stated with a half-smirk. “He’s bringing a rather large number of ‘cats. Can Mixial talk with them, maybe keep them from running rampant throughout the ship until we can talk with them all?”
“What do you think, Mixi?” Tandry pushed away from the wall, capturing the ‘cat in the middle of the corridor.
‘I’ll try,’ the small calico said in an exasperated thought voice. Her dislike of zero-g radiated from her.
‘Lutheann,’ the ‘cat called.
‘Mixial,’ the all-white ‘cat replied, from her uncomfortable position clinging to a Wolfoid harness.
‘The humans are a bit concerned about the number of our people coming. Do you wish me to tell them to pack sand?’ she asked.
‘Not yet,’ Lutheann replied with a ‘cat giggle. ‘We’ve eaten quite well for the last seven sleeps so we have some time before anyone does anything but sleep. When will our paws hit the ground?’
‘Soon. According to my human, a large supply of fresh meat is coming. As soon as we have that and you, we’ll leave. Then we will be on solid ground again,’ Mixial replied.
‘The ship is not far now.’ Lutheann ended the conversation so she could concentrate on not letting go and floating away. Her paws were starting to cramp from having her claws out for so long. The Hawkoid had already rescued two ‘cats that had floated free.
The Price to Leave the Traveler
Stalker led the way down the cable, the platoon strung out behind her. She pulled as quickly as she could but her small hands weren’t gripping the cable as tightly as she wanted. She was wearing down. She looked behind her to encourage the rest of the platoon, but her grimace was reflected in the faces of those she could see.
She growled and kicked her back legs, hoping for an extra push. Less than a kilometer to go. The area between the cryopods, space, and the clear material that kept the atmosphere in started to draw closer together as the platoon approached the space station’s docking port. The danger of floating free in a large open area was past. When Sergeant Night Stalker realized this, she pushed off one side, floated through the open air until she contacted the far side, and kicked again, accelerating forward. Those behind her followed her lead. Wolfoids, humans, and one Lizard Man kicked back and forth while the others pulled themselves forward to the space where they would be free to let go of the cable.
The rest of the platoon started pulling faster, realizing the end to their pain was within reach. Stalker, Pickles, and the first squad raced ahead.
Stalker was in between kicks when she saw the Android raise its weapon and fire. The beam narrowly missed her as she twisted mid-jump, trying to bring her lightning staff to bear on her target. She hit the structure while trying to aim, sliding along it as the next laser beam burned against her ballistic cloak. She rolled up the bulkhead, stopping when her body wedged against the wire. She took aim.
Cain was in the back, looking forward to when he could stop pulling himself. He saw the first laser beam lick past the sergeant. He didn’t see the second beam as there were Marines in the way. A Hawkoid raced past, looping far above them as it tried to get behind the attackers.
The discharge from the lightning spear was unmistakable. It sparked and crackled, lighting up the area with its familiar blue tint and blinding white flash. A second lightning spear fired.
“Move, move! Into the fight!” Cain yelled, regardless of whether that was the right call or not. He knew that Androids stood between him and his ship. He was too close to be denied.
‘Ascenti, how many are there? Show us!’ Cain called to the Hawkoid.
An image appeared in his mind of two dead Androids who had been within a caged catwalk that led from inside the Traveler to the airlock and access tube. The Hawkoid veered suddenly as he saw Androids within the Traveler’s tunnel. They seemed to be packed wall to wall, but they were waiting for something.
‘All right people, you all saw the tactical situation. Ascenti, pull Stalker around the entrance to the other side. Get your flash-bangs ready, Sergeant. Pull your Tasers, First Squad. Second and Third Squads, throw your Tasers forward to First Squad.’ He saw the people start digging into their packs. Those with lightning spears had them aimed at the tunnel opening, ready to fire at any head that may appear.
‘Our goal is to take out the Androids without damaging the tunnel. If we want to eat, we need what’s coming. If we destroy the tunnel, we’ve won the battle, but we’ll have lost the war,’ Cain clarified.
‘In position,’ Stalker told them.
The people inside the spaceship were mortified. They pulled up the external cameras to watch what was going on. Ellie’s heart felt like it would explode, seeing Cain so close and under fire, once again. His people, all dressed in a mottled green covering of some sort, were scattered on a long line from the access catwalk into the distance.
Everyone flinched with the nova-like sunbursts that appeared at the entrance to the tunnel. When the images returned, she saw Wolfoids and humans sending tiny electrical arcs into the opening where they could barely see the mob of Androids within. Shortly, the humans swarmed into the tunnel, then it looked like a mass of humanity. A laser beam flashed toward the camera. The telltale arc of a blaster dialed to a narrow beam flashed the tunnel walls.
Cain threw himself forward, pushing a mass of floating Hillcats as he passed. The Marines were spread on a wide front as they approached the tunnel entrance. Cain grabbed the cage and waved the next squad of Marines in.
The first squad was throwing bodies out as they plowed deeper into the tunnel. “Flash-bang!” someone yelled a second before another exploded within the confined space. They heard the electronic sound of Tasers when those near the entrance uncovered their ears.
“All secure,” Stinky yelled from well within the tunnel. Cain could smell burnt fur.
“Injuries!” he yelled.
“Sorry, that’s me,” Bull reported from right in front of Cain. No one else admitted to being injured.
“Clear those bodies out of there and let’s get those supplies moving. Chop, chop, people! Ascenti! Recover those ‘cats,” Cain yelled as he pulled himself into the catwalk cage. Bodies were pushed hand to hand from inside the tunnel. Bull and his squad guided them through the catwalk cage and with a hearty push, sent them into the weightless space between the inner and outer shells of the Space Station Traveler.
Cain pulled Brutus and Lutheann to him, asking for their help to account for the rest of the Hillcats. With the Androids out of the way, the bots that had backed up were free to move again. Lieutenant Leaper and Sergeant Stalker stayed inside to make sure the Androids didn’t have more surprises planned. Stinky intended to check each of the loads as they passed, hoping that no Androids would be trying to hide within.
The Marines and ‘cats floated within the catwalk, waiting. Cain wondered what they were doing. He looked at Bull and saw a scorch mark that barely touched the flesh of his foreleg. The Wolfoid shook his head. “It’s nothing,” the corporal said dismissively. “After you, sir.” He nodded respectfully.
Cain pulled himself into the middle of his people and with their help, they sent him floating down the access tube and into the open airlock. He kicked off one last time and found himself inside the spindle section of The Olive Branch. The captain and commander were waiting. Ellie floated behind them with a huge smile. His heart rushed into his throat.
“Permission to come aboard?” Cain requested.
“Granted!” the captain said, grabbing Cain by the shoulders, careful to avoid the two ‘cats clinging to the major. “Bring your Marines aboard, Major, and then let’s get the hell out of here.”
“Marines,
get your asses in here!” Cain yelled back down the tunnel. He looked to Ellie, who just shook her head.
“Good to have you back, Cain,” she told him as the group moved away to make room for the platoon. “And who’s this fine specimen?” Ellie said, looking at Brutus attached to Cain’s chest.
‘So there you are,’ the ‘cat replied.
“And yes, he’s always like that,” Cain added. “Luthie threw me back into the bond pool and look who got stuck with me, the great-great-great grandson of Prince Axial De’atesh.” Ellie laughed, the sound music in his ears.
“I thought you looked familiar. You are the spitting image of Klytus, young Axial’s bonded,” the Tortoid interjected.
‘And that vicious creature from Cornwall, who we won’t name, whose genes continue to taint our entire bloodline,’ Brutus lamented. Daksha bobbed his head knowingly.
Marines filled the small corridor. Cain looked to the captain.
“Hangar deck for now, please.”
“Follow me, Bull. Pickles, let me know when everyone’s on board,” Cain directed, then turned to the commander. “The supplies are right behind us. Those pesky Androids were holding things up, but that issue has been resolved. It appears that the Androids underestimated the determination and fury of a platoon of Marines.”
The New Normal
Ellie hugged Cain as they floated up the spindle. Once their lips met, the captain swore that he saw steam rising. He coughed to get past his own discomfort. Brutus fought to get from between the two former lovers.
‘Holy hell, dumbass!’ the ‘cat exclaimed. Lutheann chuckled over the mindlink. ‘What is with you? You better get that under control or I’ll scratch you into the next plane of existence.’
Cain let go of his ex-wife, as confused as ever. “See you later?” he ventured.
“I look forward to it,” she whispered.
‘What did I just say? So this is how it’s going to be, huh? Hey! Is there a cute little calico somewhere around here…’ Brutus waved his paws wildly as he tried to swim his way up the spindle. Ellie gave him a push, sending him toward the stairway into the core section.
He waited there and she gave him a mighty shove toward the top. “First hatch on your right,” she told the scruffy orange ‘cat as she followed him part way up the stairs, diving out when she reached engineering.
Cain stopped at the first exit from the core stairs, which took him to the hangar bay. He asked Bull to stay there and direct all the Marines and the ‘cats for one final accounting. Lutheann was with him and appreciated how interesting things had become.
“Not you, too,” he told her, petting her absently as they both floated in the weightlessness. The Marines filtered in, most carrying ‘cats in one way or another. Stinky and Stalker were last in. Lutheann confirmed that all the ‘cats were present, but they would like to explore the garden deck as soon as possible. The platoon would have formed, but that was impossible in zero-g.
“Jolly, I’m home and I brought company for dinner!” Cain yelled at the bare bulkheads, clinging to one of the two shuttles stored there. The second one was much bigger and filled most of the space. If it weren’t for weightlessness, the platoon would not have fit in the hangar bay.
“Major Cain, I am so happy to hear your voice and see your friends. We have been anxiously awaiting your return, although leaving space dock early, I feared that you would be left behind. We all missed you,” Jolly shared.
“Are you ready to talk with these good people? I need you to assign quarters, show them the layout of the ship, and provide us with access bracelets, for the ‘cats, too. Stop squirming!” Cain said without thinking as Lutheann twisted herself thinking about the collar they wanted her to wear.
“The captain already has the logistics and billeting assigned. I hope you are pleased with the arrangements,” Jolly replied.
“Open your implants and let Jolly introduce you to the ship formerly known as Cygnus-12. It’s now The Olive Branch and we’re the ones who are going to bring the peace, if you get me. Oorah!” Cain barked. The platoon barked, howled, and shouted.
“Jolly!” Cain shouted over the noise, raising one hand to calm the ruckus. “Connect me with the captain, please.” The intercom crackled. “Captain Rand, I hear that you might be short some people. We’d love to help.”
Commander Daksha was behind the captain on the bridge when Cain’s call came in. They locked eyes, relief on the human’s face and although the Tortoid didn’t show it, he was relieved as well.
“Jolly has a list of our needs, and volunteers would be greatly appreciated. I also hear that the mission commander needs his aide-de-camp back, if you can swing that one,” the captain taunted.
“Done,” Cain declared. “Jolly, we need two spaces to store weapons, one on the command deck and one on this level, so no matter where we are, our weapons aren’t far off. Split our folks based on where they are quartered, and I’ll have them stack spears, blasters, grenades, and Tasers.”
Once Jolly declared that everyone had received their quarters, maps, and weapons storage locker, Cain reviewed the list of requirements. He noted that someone with a name he didn’t recognize had been assigned to his station in waste treatment. It bothered him, but for only a second, when he realized that he’d be too busy managing the platoon to work eighteen-hour days.
“Sensor Operator!” the major shouted. “Who’s interested?” The Hawkoid flapped his wings and screeched, skipping use of his vocalization device. Zisk also raised a hand reluctantly. “It’s okay if we have more than one,” Cain told them.
“You two, report to Lieutenant Chirit after you’ve found your quarters and ditched your gear. Next up, engineering!” Doctor Starsgard raised his hand. The Wolfoid they called Shep raised his paw so quickly that he started spinning. “Report to Lieutenant Brisbois in engineering.”
“Data Analysis! And this, people, as Lieutenant Peekaless will tell you, is probably the most exciting job on the whole spaceship!” Cain probed. Pickles maintained his always stoic expression without a word. Fickle was the only one to raise a hand. “Sold!” Cain shouted, pointing to the private.
“Maintenance!” he called. Every last person remaining raised their hand, paw, or claw. “You’re kidding, right?”
Bull stepped forward, pointing to his spear. “We get to use these to fix stuff right?” he asked, his vocalization device reflecting sincerity.
“No,” Cain responded slowly, trying to figure out if they were kidding or not. “Maintenance!” he shouted as if the first time had never happened. Spence stepped forward, along with Grace, Jo, and the Wolfoid known as Flash. Cain nodded. He hoped Garinst would be pleased with four new recruits.
“For those of you who didn’t find something that may suit you, there will be plenty to do on this ship. We’ll determine that later today. Jolly, if you can remind everyone to assemble on the mess deck at nineteen hundred hours, I would appreciate it. We’ll review the action with the Androids and well done, by the way! Stalker, front and center!” The Wolfoid worked her way in between the mass of floating bodies.
“For your actions in leading the assault against an entrenched enemy, I’m awarding you a Space Star Third Class,” he said loudly and shook her hand gently to avoid sending them both spinning. “Sergeant Stalker, take charge of the platoon and carry out the plan of the day. Drop the ‘cats off on the garden deck on your way.”
She faced the platoon and yelled, “Dismissed!” The ‘cats had grown restless after the first fifteen seconds. Once dismissed, they yowled and meowed as their rides made their way into the corridor and up the stairs. The captain was waiting for them as they arrived en masse at the garden. Most of the Wolfoids simply pushed the ‘cats through the air toward the open hatch. Others delivered them into the space more gently.
Carnesto was there, eyeing the females appreciatively. Lutheann made her way to him and slapped him in the head with a quick right cross. Tobiah declined the garden deck to remain with Spe
nce. Allard drifted forward, favoring his knee even though the med bots had declared him healed, his ears were straight up and eyes wide in shock. Cain had followed, hoping that Brutus would meet him there, but the little orange man wasn’t responding.
“No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no…” Beauchene chanted endlessly.
“You didn’t tell them,” Cain accused the captain, who shrugged. He made his way to the Rabbits, taking one under each arm as he tried to comfort them. Cain thought he saw Beauchene’s shoulders shaking as he sobbed. “Luthie! Please, keep the peace,” Cain begged, before determining that he was better off being somewhere else.
Anywhere else.
He went in search of Brutus, finding him easily on the command level as Tandry held the struggling ‘cat at arm’s length to keep him from entering her sensor space. The major pulled himself casually down the corridor.
“Hey, Tandry.”
“Hey yourself. You brought this creature on board?” Her tone was less than welcoming.
“What did he do?” Cain asked certain that Brutus had violated some ship rule.
“Mixi, well, it’s her time and this bundle of joy thought he’d be her first suitor. Just look at him, he’s insane!”
Cain had no response, determining that this was another place he didn’t want to be.
‘Come here, my pretty. Oh my, look at you!’ Brutus crooned.
Cygnus Expanding: Humanity Fights for Freedom (Cygnus Space Opera Book 2) Page 28