She doesn’t have to wait long to find out. A large grey shape swoops down onto the stage, causing a collective gasp from the crowd. The greyness disappears into Callendra’s cord, and she swiftly incapacitates the man in front of her, before leaping on the second man. The third man only has time to weakly raise his knife before he joins his companions in slumber. Extra security personnel finally arrive, ploughing into the crowd and making quick work of subduing the rabble. At Callendra’s motioning, Nemmy bundles her way through the crowd onto the stage. She spots Confed security personally rushing to the President, and to the other side, the Emperor’s personal guards clamouring to reach him. The thought strikes Nemmy that it was odd for both sides to be so lax with security, or that Sanctum would allow that to happen. Mr Famous would have some serious explaining to do. She isn’t slow to find him, humbly drawing both leaders to him and bowing almost to the floor.
“My deepest apologies, companions. I have committed a great blunder and shall work to rectify this post haste” Mr Famous says, bowing before spinning on his heels and marching away. The Emperor approaches Callendra, who takes a knee. Nemmy instinctively does the same.
“You have done me a great service this day,” He says, nodding slightly. Callendra looks up but remains on one knee. She certainly knows high court etiquette, Nemmy notes.
“I am simply a servant, Your Majesty. Your loyal officer, Captain Nemantha Le Beau, was able to decipher this plot and employ me to assist her valiant efforts” She replies. Nemmy’s jaw drops. The sounds of the crowd disappear behind the thundering of her pulse in her ears. The Emperor motions her to get up. She can only stare blankly for a few seconds. The actual Emperor is about to speak directly to her. She awkwardly struggles to her feet whilst trying to bow as she approaches the most powerful human alive. Her awe is magnified when he places a friendly hand on her shoulder.
“Your selflessness and loyalty are an inspiration, Captain. I would expect nothing less from a Le Beau” The Emperor says, smiling warmly. His handsome, flawless face wears a surprisingly heartfelt expression. The astonishing brightness of his eyes seems to hypnotise her as she fumbles over her response.
“Of course, Majesty, uh, Your Majesty” Nemmy blurts out. Her face burns with shock and embarrassment. She fights the urge to rub it. The Emperor motions Callendra to stand, and she complies with smoothness Nemmy can only dream about.
“In recognition of your heroic actions, I grant you both one Favour that you may call upon at any time. Whatever you wish, I shall give” The Emperor says. The assembled Imperials murmur amongst themselves. Nemmy understands the gravity of the offer. Emperors were traditionally generous, pouring lavish gifts on loyal followers. But this goes beyond even that. A Favour is an incredible gift. One she isn’t quite sure she deserves. But refusing it was not an option.
“Thank you, Your Majesty” Nemmy squeaks. Callendra bows slowly. The Emperor tilts his head, recognising the gesture. He turns to the adoring crowd, now freed from any malcontents.
“We shall reconvene in one hour” He announces, his cape fluttering as he marches away. Nemmy’s awed staring is interrupted by another hand landing on her shoulder.
“Very impressive, what you both accomplished there. My thanks to you both” Shianna said. She shakes hands with Callendra, then offers her hand to Nemmy, who hesitates.
“It’s alright, Captain, this is neutral territory” She laughs. Embarrassed, Nemmy takes her hand firmly.
“Thank you…Ms President?” She asks. Shianna nods and beams a gorgeous smile.
“You were on Calamora recently, I believe? I recognise the hair. You and your crew were quite the news item” Shianna says. Yet again, Nemmy cringes, touching the red tips.
“I keep forgetting about the hair” She moans. Shianna laughs. She leans in towards Nemmy’s ear.
“Now, I can’t promise favours or anything of that sort. But I’d like you to come and see me sometime. I’m sure your friend here could arrange that” Shianna whispers. Going to meet the Confederation President would have ramifications that Nemmy can’t even begin to contemplate. Shianna quickly waves at the crowd before returning to her elevator.
“I certainly can do so, if you wish,” Callendra says, touching her cord against the metal on Nemmy’s arm. It instantly liquefies, merging with the cord within seconds.
“I’m not sure. There’s only so much treason I can do, you know” she says. Callendra smiles at the joke.
“Perhaps. I think, however, you have come out of this situation well. I said I would rectify my mistake, and I have. You have gained favour with the Emperor, and your mother appears pleased” Callendra says, nodding her head towards the crowd. Nemmy turns to look. Her mother, standing out even amongst hordes of identically dressed Imperials, did indeed look pleased. Or at least, as close to looking pleased as her mother had ever been. She also spotted Admiral Winters close by, staring right at her.
He did not look pleased at all.
Give Me a Chance
Nemmy had let the crew return to the ship before following on board. She’d hoped to avoid too many questions about what happened on Sanctum. A forlorn hope. In truth, she is as shocked as anyone else that Callendra basically gave her credit for saving the Emperor’s life. The various crew members that have asked her about it don’t seem to believe her, with the responses ranging from wide-eyed adulation to barely disguised contempt and mistrust. She prays that the bridge will provide a distraction. She makes her way to her seat quickly, giving Ravaan a cheerful smile.
“Are we ready for another adventurous week of scanning cargo ships?” she asks. Ravaan responds with a polite smile of his own, before tapping his console.
“Actually, we have been asked to wait. Admiral Winters wishes to have a word before he departs Sanctum space” he replies. Nemmy grunts her disapproval.
“Great, even more questions”
“Well Captain…it is an interesting situation that requires an explanation, would you not say?” Ravaan says, and Nemmy becomes acutely aware that he is not the only person on the bridge listening for the answer.
“Yes, but like I’ve said, I didn’t know that Callendra had discovered the plot until I got there, and I don’t know how she did it”
“Perhaps she planned it herself, to gain favour with the Imperium” Ravaan offers. The idea seems nonsensical to Nemmy.
“Of course not, that’s insane. Why go through all that risk?”
“It would not be as risky if she had collaborators. Keep in mind Captain; she is not an Imperial officer. We cannot be sure of her loyalty or her motivations” Ravaan warns. It is an uncomfortable idea for Nemmy. She feels something, if not friendship, then at least a respect of sorts for Callendra. She has helped her more than once, putting her own life at risk to save Kenji. That she is not all she claims to be hasn’t really occurred to Nemmy before. She does however seem to have skills and resources far beyond that of an average mercenary. Particularly, that metal cord weapon of hers. It is incredible, and dangerous, and probably not something any mercenary should ever have access to.
“Captain, Admiral Winters is ready to speak to you right now,” Kerry says, giving Nemmy a more immediate issue to face. She gives her consent, and Kerry activates the viewspace. Judging by Winters’ grimacing face filling most of the screen, his mood hasn’t improved in the past couple of hours.
“Admiral Winters, how can we help?” Nemmy says with a salute.
“Captain. I didn’t have time to congratulate you on your…astonishing success in preventing an attack on our beloved Emperor” he says. For some reason, Nemmy doesn’t take the compliment seriously.
“Thank you, Admiral. I live to serve” she replies, with a cheery, exaggerated smile. His eyes narrow slightly.
“His Most Glorious Majesty has authorised me to gift you with the Celestial Shield for your surprisingly well-informed heroism” He spits. Nemmy
can only gasp. The highest award available for heroic acts in saving lives granted only by the Emperor himself. She stares silently at the Admiral; unable to believe the incredible honour she’s been given.
“Wow. Thank you” she finally breathes. Suddenly the Admiral’s demeanour changes, and he appears to relax, leaning back into his chair. He even allows himself a warm, knowing smile.
“Unfortunately, I’m far too busy for a proper ceremony, but I will have your medal sent for pick-up at your next assignment,” he says, brushing his beard upwards.
“Assignment?” Nemmy asks.
“Oh yes. Because of your…selflessness and heroism, I fear that you may be exhausted, so I’ve decided to re-allocate the Boomslang to system defence for the next month. Report to Greyblock immediately, and congratulations again Captain” Winters smirks, before ending the comm link. Literally, every person on the bridge turns to glare at Nemmy. She sighs, recognising their annoyance. Greyblock, a single continent-spanning facility, on an otherwise barren moon orbiting a gas giant, in an otherwise featureless system.
They were on prison duty.
“Sorry,” she says. No one responds. Although she’s sure she hears a muttered curse from somewhere. Taking the hint, she leaps out of her chair and heads for the door.
“I think I’ll go talk to Santi and Choi about supplies,” she says over her shoulder.
Choi stands at the entrance to the storeroom as Santiago mumbles his way through a checklist. The Captain had informed them about their new assignment a couple of hours ago, and Santiago had complained bitterly. It amuses Choi, as it always does. He just loves to rant, and she enjoys watching him de-stress. They were going to be assisting in supply deliveries to the prisoners trapped on the complex below. Choi has worked very hard to hide it, but she is thrilled by this assignment. She has been hoping to come here for some time, and now she has the chance. She comes around as Santiago snaps his fingers, angrily motioning towards one of the tightly packed storage cubes. It amazes her how he can instantly recognise what items are in what cube. To her, it’s just rows of grey squares. He is much smarter and professional than people assume.
“Choi! You’ll need to empty all this; the cons are apparently short of fruit. For some reason, murderers deserve to eat my fruit, so this whole line will need to be sent down until a supply ship gets here” he grumps.
“No problem, I’ll get on it right away!” she chirps.
“Your happiness sickens me” he grunts.
Choi giggles, giving Santiago a friendly push as she marks the specific cubes.
“I’ll try to be sadder in future” she jokes. They collectively designate several more cubes for transport. They finish up quickly. Santiago stops her as they reach the door. He leans down, with an unusually concerned look on his face.
“Does anyone else know about your…friend?” he says. Choi shakes her head.
“No. It’s never come up before”
“Well, it might now. You’re a bit wide-eyed, kid. You need to be careful” Santiago says.
“Thanks, Dad, I’ll keep it in mind!” Choi replies with a laugh. She skips out of the storeroom and jogs the pleasantly short journey to the canteen. She gives a quick look around to make sure the place is empty, before heading to her console at the far wall. She can barely contain her excitement as she sends a message. The screen quickly displays a smiling man in a grey jumpsuit.
“You’re finally here!” He says. Choi waves both hands, practically pawing the screen.
“Alvaro! How are you?” she beams. Alvaro rubs his shaved head.
“Just had my weekly haircut. Other than that, bored as usual. I’m glad you are here Choi. There’s a group down here planning to escape” he says, dropping his smile. Choi tilts her head. Even with her limited knowledge of Imperial prisons, she knew that they don’t have access to shuttles, let alone weapons or ships.
“How?” she asks.
“They’ve got some idea about using a Regent’s son as blackmail to keep a supply shuttle here long enough to get on board. Then they’ll take over the ship”
“How do you know about this?” Choi enquires.
“I heard a couple of them going over it. There are no guards down here, so you’re the only person I can tell” Alvaro says.
“Me? What can I do?” Choi asks, still somewhat cloudy on the details. Alvaro shifts uncomfortably, looking around for interlopers.
“You should come down here and, I don’t know, take out the leaders of the group. Something like that. I can point them out” He whispers. Choi really isn’t sure about that. Alvaro notices her reluctance, putting his hands up.
“You can trust me, I promise. I know it’s a lot to ask. But people will be hurt if you don’t help. You don’t want that, right?” he pleads. Choi definitely doesn’t want anyone to be hurt. She eventually nods.
“Of course I’ll help, Alvaro! I’ll see what I can do” she smiles. Alvaro sighs in relief.
“Thanks. I knew I could trust you. I’ve got to go. We’ll talk soon” he says. With a last wave, he breaks the comm link. Choi feels quite excited to finally meet Alvaro in person.
“You aren’t going to meet that sociopath, are you?” Emily shrieks from behind her. Choi jumps a little.
“Oh, I didn’t know anyone was here. Would you like some food?” She asks. Emily jabs a finger at the console.
“Why are you talking to criminals?” She demands.
“He’s just a friend! Please don’t tell anyone” Choi pleads. Emily ignores Choi’s frantic gesturing, not even trying to disguise her sneer. Despite Emily being shorter and smaller, Choi feels a tad uncomfortable around the younger officer. She always seems so aggressive.
“Don’t be a moron. Stay away from him. If he’s down there, he deserves to be” Emily snaps. She marches off before Choi can utter a response. She is utterly confused. Emily doesn’t even know Alvaro. It’s not fair to judge him. People can make mistakes in life, after all. She thinks about his suggestion as she heads out of the canteen. If she is going to go down there, she’ll need someone to help. The shuttle bay is the place to go, she decides. Angela is always friendly and willing to bend the rules. As she steps into a turbo tube, she feels the waves of excitement again. What fun this will be!
She finds the shuttle bay thankfully quiet. Looking around, she spots Angela and Lynsey leaning against one of the small shuttles, holding hands and laughing about something. Choi grins. They are so cute. She trots over, giving each woman a friendly hug.
“Hi! How are you doing?” she asks.
“You know, just dodging work as usual. I hear we’ve to start making supply drops for the next couple of days. Shuttle’s getting loaded now” Angela replies.
“Yes, I’ve been marking stuff for drops. I…was going to ask a favour. Can I come down with you when you go?” Choi asks, pressing her hands together in mock prayer. Angela laughs.
“Sure, if you want, but the auto-transfer system will do all the work. You’ll just be sitting there looking cute” she says with a wink.
“Uh, actually, I mean, could you take me into the complex. I want to meet someone” Choi mumbles. The jovial attitudes disappear instantly. Lynsey leans off the shuttle, grabbing her arm.
“Are you on meds? Why would you want to do that? They eat brains down there” she says. Angela chuckles, giving Lynsey a push.
“Don’t be mean! Choi, who could you possibly meet down there?” she asks. They both notice how unusually uncomfortable Choi looks.
“I have a friend down there. He says there are some people planning to escape. He wants me to go down there so I can identify them” she says. Lynsey can’t contain her groan.
“Did he ask you to bring a change of clothes and a free holiday as well?” she snipes. Choi giggles and waggles her finger.
“You’re not the first person to say something! No
, he’s a friend, and I believe him. Just because he’s a prisoner doesn’t mean he is a liar. I’ll explain what we need to do on the way. Please help” Choi says, lowering her eyes. Angela looks at her with pity. She was always earnest and friendly and helpful to no end. It was hard to say no to Choi. It had become a running joke on the ship. But she was perhaps too trusting and friendly.
“Choi…” she began, but Choi softly takes her hands.
“Please, Angela! I don’t want anyone to get hurt, so I need to help Alvaro. I’ll buy you both a great present for your next anniversary” she enthuses.
“You don’t need to do that. But since it’s important to you, I’ll take you along” Angela says. Choi squeals, leaping into a hug.
“Thank you!” she yells. Angela politely untangles herself from the hug, then opens the shuttle door.
“Get in quickly, before I change my mind” she jokes. Lynsey gives her a stern look. Predicting the incoming rant, Angela cuts her off.
“You too. Get in”
“What? Why? I don’t want to die,” Lynsey snorts.
“You’re not going to leave two young innocent sexy girls at the mercy of a bunch of ravenous, muscular criminals, are you?” Angela shrieks, throwing herself to her knees and wrenching the collar of her uniform down.
“Yes, actually! And don’t think cleavage will change my mind” Lynsey says, crossing her arms. Angela pulls her collar forward just a few more inches with a smirk.
“You make me sick,” Lynsey says, stepping on board and trying to ignore Angela’s laughter. She follows them on board and starts up the pre-flight checks. The first delivery is loaded and ready to go. Angela has to admit, it is slightly irritating to be taking down luxury items such as fruit. The regular delivery is a matter of hours away; can’t they just wait? She isn’t quite as passionate about it as some of the crew though. Regardless of anything else, being stuck down on some barren rock is the kind of punishment she wouldn’t be able to bear.
Unknown Earth Volume 2 Page 17