Lidon replaced his second at the weapon command station and studied the vids reporting the situation. His grimace was no surprise to Tranis. The security grid was of Bi’isil origin. The superior technology was far too sensitive for a large Kalquorian destroyer to slip through without alerting the Tragoom fleet to their presence. Georgehuberts and his crew had managed to escape undetected because of the size of the Joshadan shuttle. The tiny ship had been small enough to scrape through the fine net of sensors.
When Lidon spoke, he actually sounded pleased. “One of our fighters could slip in. I volunteer for a recon mission.”
Tranis frowned. The Nobek was absolutely right that a Kalquorian fighter could get through without giving any alarm. He looked at the thus-far silent Piras, who was doing his own frowning at the readouts.
The young first officer came to a quick decision. Without taking the time to consider if it was a good idea, he said, “The weapons commander’s suggestion is a valid one, Captain. However, I don’t think one man should go alone, for obvious reasons. If I may make a recommendation, the grid would allow a two-man fighter to sneak through. I volunteer to accompany Commander Lidon on his mission.”
Lidon stared at him with sharp eyes, though his expression was bland. Tranis couldn’t guess what the Nobek was thinking. Meanwhile, Piras pursed his lips and frowned deeper than ever. Tranis didn’t think the captain’s concern had anything to do with personal issues this time. Piras’ expression was one of a man seriously weighing the risks and opportunities as any captain should.
Finally he nodded. “The destroyer will remain here on this side of the grid and await your report as well as the arrival of the rest of the fleet. We still have five days before the first wave of our defenders shows up to take on this force, so that’s what I’m giving you. Find out what you can, and if you can disable any of the Tragoom force, do so.”
Piras looked from one man to the other, letting them know how important the situation was. As if they didn’t already know, but again, Piras was being the captain. “No doubt that Earther battlecruiser has returned to the main group warning them we’ve been alerted, so they could move at any time. If it looks like they are leaving orbit, get back here on the double. I won’t be able to wait long before I must fall back with the rest of the fleet.”
Tranis and Lidon both said, “Yes, Captain.”
Lidon looked at Tranis, “We should begin our preparations immediately.”
“Agreed.”
They both went straight to ship’s transport. The instant the door closed and Lidon told it to take them to the fighter bay, he raised an eyebrow at Tranis. “Can’t stand to be away from me?”
Tranis pretended to be offended. “You know we have a better chance of doing some damage to the Tragooms if there are two of us.”
One side of Lidon’s mouth lifted, letting Tranis know he wasn’t fooled in the least. “Degorsk will not be happy about this.”
Tranis sighed. “Which is why I need to make sure his Nobek returns to him in as few pieces as possible. I’ve decided I don’t like him to become displeased with me.”
Lidon grinned broadly. “So, you’ve learned the Imdiko breed isn’t one of pushovers? I did warn you.”
“Yes, you did. Make sure he gives you your hover cuffs back.”
Lidon chuckled, not bothering to deny he’d handed Degorsk the means to overcome Tranis with. The smug bastard.
Keep laughing, Tranis thought sourly. I’ll get you back for helping him. His sudden hard grin made Lidon shut up and eye him suspiciously.
Tranis only grinned all the more. You’d better be nervous, Nobek. You’re not the only one who can wield discipline.
They reached the corridor that led to the fighter bay. The pair walked down it, their steps quick. Rounding a bend, Tranis slowed as he saw a glowering Degorsk waiting for them in the middle of the walkway. Lidon never missed a step, and Tranis hurried to keep up.
The Imdiko’s worry beneath a veneer of anger was easy to see. He snarled at them, “Going somewhere?”
Lidon stopped before him and regarded him steadily. “Listening in on bridge business?”
Degorsk’s eyes narrowed. “We’re heading into a situation that could mean high casualties. Of course I’m monitoring the bridge.” His voice lowered. “Besides, you’ve claimed me as your Imdiko, Lidon. Anything to do with you is my business.”
Lidon gave him a slight nod. “Then walk with us and we’ll discuss it.”
Degorsk fell into step with the other two men, keeping pace between them. “Is this really necessary? Can’t others go instead of you two?”
You two. Tranis warmed to hear Degorsk was just as worried for him as Lidon. Keeping his mien professional, he said, “As the second and third ranked officers of this destroyer, it would be irresponsible to send anyone else on a mission of this magnitude.”
A public display of affection from an officer on duty was frowned upon. However, the need to comfort the obviously upset Degorsk overwhelmed Tranis. He brushed his hand against the doctor’s. “We will be careful, Imdiko.”
Degorsk swallowed. They reached the fighter bay doors, which opened obediently.
The grouping of two-man fighters was smaller than the single-man vessels, and they were docked along the far side of the bay. There had been talk of discontinuing their use because of the greater effectiveness of the smaller, faster craft. Speed and the adroitness of movement had replaced the need to have fighter pilots face in opposite directions to fire at the enemy. Tranis was glad it hadn’t come to that yet. Otherwise, Lidon would be going in alone.
Crewmembers were already preparing one of the vessels for him and Lidon, storing supplies they’d need for five days of recon. Tranis had basic training on piloting and firing the weapons, having made a point of getting in as much experience on everything to do with a destroyer-class ship. Still, he knew this was Lidon’s game. Once they were in flight it would be the Nobek in charge until they landed. The first officer had no problem with that.
As they headed towards the fighter, Degorsk muttered, “Nobeks and young Dramoks bent on making their mark don’t know how to be careful.”
Lidon gave him a sidelong glance. “We’re not fools, my Imdiko. With you to come back to, I’ll be extremely cautious. For a Nobek,” he amended. There was no point in offering false security when they all knew Lidon would do his job to secure the Empire’s safety, no matter the danger to himself.
Degorsk halted, grabbing their arms to make them stop too. He looked from one man to the other, his face expressing misery. “Then promise. Swear you’ll return and you won’t be in pieces when you do.”
Lidon gaze was gentle, but his tone held no compromise. “You of all people know there are no guarantees.”
“Then lie to me, damn you. I don’t want to think I’ll have two more men to mourn. I can’t do this again, Lidon. It will destroy me.” The Imdiko was shaking, and Tranis was nearly desperate to embrace him. For the sake of his rank, he couldn’t.
Lidon had no such reservations. He reached up and stroked Degorsk’s cheek once. “In five days, we’ll meet you back here. We’ll be tired and filthy but whole and ready to fuck you senseless. This is my promise to you, my Imdiko.”
Degorsk stared at him a moment more, then finally jerked a nod. He turned his agonized attention to Tranis.
The Dramok wanted nothing more than to wipe the hopeless, despairing look from Degorsk’s face. Not that he would stay behind for the doctor’s peace of mind. No, Tranis’ whole being was tuned to keeping this man safe from the Tragoom threat that loomed. More than anyone else, Tranis wanted Degorsk to not be afraid, to not have to face danger, to not be harmed by a vicious enemy. The intensity of the emotion stunned him.
He couldn’t help but wonder, is this how a Dramok feels for an Imdiko he’s meant to clan?
Steeling his voice to not give away the tumultuous feelings, Tranis said, “We will return to you, Degorsk. And if I’m not in good enough health fo
r your liking, I give you permission to cuff me and make me do whatever you like.”
Degorsk was not amused by Tranis’ attempt at humor. He said, “I guess that will have to do, won’t it?”
The Imdiko took a step away from them. He abruptly turned and ran out of the bay, heading back into the bowels of the ship in a blur of movement. He was gone.
Lidon’s forced lack of emotion betrayed just how moved he really was. “He’s strong enough to survive another loss, if it comes to that.”
Tranis glared at him. “It had better not, Nobek. Is that clear?”
Lidon blinked at him. After only a moment’s hesitation, he bowed his head. “Yes, Dramok.”
They turned to their fighter, hurrying to it without another word. They got to work, double checking the crew’s preparations for their flight and the supplies for their trip.
An hour later, the destroyer was nothing but a mote of distant light behind the fighter. Tranis had watched it grow smaller as they flew away. Lidon faced forward, piloting as expertly as if he still flew almost every day. Before him, the gas giant Sujaptrin grew, along with its tiny moon Phescxo, where the Joshadan-Earther colony was located.
Being a two-man fighter, there was no real forward or aft section. Only the direction it flew determined that. The craft ended in points each way with propulsion jets sticking out of its sides. It was like a two-sided javelin with burners to power it when the landing struts, weapons arrays, and explosive launchers were hidden inside their ports.
Before each man was a console that lit with navigation, armament, targeting, and power information. Their data was enhanced by a steady stream coming from the destroyer’s more sensitive instruments. For now, Tranis had nothing to do. He simply looked at his console to see Lidon’s impeccable piloting skills slip them with astounding ease through the Tragooms’ tight security grid.
Tranis let relief wash through him as they left behind the grid. They still had hours of travel ahead and little to fill it with inside the cramped fighter. He turned his head to regard Lidon, sitting next to him facing the opposite direction.
“So. Degorsk.”
Lidon engaged the auto pilot function to take them to the Phescxo colony before meeting Tranis’ gaze. “What of him?”
“After all he’s been through, he’s finally considering clanning again. For an Imdiko, that wouldn’t be so hard considering how few of them there are compared to our breeds. But the Dramoks your age usually have a Nobek already.”
Lidon nodded slowly, his steady stare never leaving Tranis’ face. “The odds of clanning as a pair are against us, if we concentrated on finding a Dramok nearer our age and rank.”
“Not to mention Degorsk’s constant teasing can be a little hard for some men to take. And you know I don’t mean insult when I say that. I like Degorsk.”
The Nobek wasn’t offended. “His humor is a defense mechanism he developed to keep anyone from getting too close. He’s been afraid of committing to anyone since losing the men he was set to clan with.”
“I figured that out. It’s a waste because when you get past the bad jokes, he’s an Imdiko well worth having.”
Lidon smiled. “Yes, he absolutely is. If no Dramok will have us both, then I will still be content with him alone.”
Tranis thought for a few moments, aware he was about to tread on dangerous ground. “May I ask a very personal question?”
Lidon raised an eyebrow. “Have you asked anything else?”
Tranis laughed at that. “You’ve been most patient with my curiosity. This one might get me punched, however. In such close quarters, I can’t avoid being pummeled.”
Both eyebrows were up now. “Well, now you have me curious. Ask whatever, Tranis. If I’m offended, I’ll wait until you have room to run before I come after you.”
Tranis scowled. “I never said I’d run. Maneuvering room to fight back is all I ask.”
Lidon grinned. “Done. Ask your question.”
“Are you in love with Degorsk?”
Lidon eyed him sharply. Nobeks as a rule were not in the habit of proclaiming love for anyone but their mothers, young children, and Mataras. It was acceptable to laud females with both words and deeds. But among the warrior breed, speaking of softer emotions to other men was often seen as a weakness. A Nobek who uttered such words to his chosen Dramok or Imdiko was thought to be insulting them. It was an admission that he was incapable of protecting his clanmates.
After a couple of beats during which Tranis wondered if his companion would punch him after all, Lidon shrugged and turned to his console. “Yes, and if you tell anyone I said so, I’ll hurt you to the point you’d wish you were dead. I will not have Degorsk knowing I committed the affront of speaking of it.”
“No need. You have demonstrated your devotion quite well. I just had to know for sure.”
Lidon’s eyes were on him again. “Why?”
It was Tranis’ turn to look away. “Because it’s obvious that Degorsk loves you just as much. He needs you to return alive.”
“As I told him, there are no guarantees of that.”
“I know. But you can do your best to be careful. You have your duty to the Empire, but you also have a duty to him. I want you to keep in mind how devastated he’ll be if anything happens to you. Especially if you get killed unnecessarily.”
After a few moments of silence, Lidon said in a quiet voice, “He has suffered enough. I would not be the cause of more pain to Degorsk. Since he cares for you as well, you would be well advised to use as much caution as possible too.”
They flew for awhile without speaking after that. Tranis felt better having elicited Lidon’s protective instincts for Degorsk. It meant the Nobek would perhaps not endanger himself more than was absolutely necessary.
Lidon spoke after some time. “Now I’m concerned you have heard my admission. Perhaps I need to keep you close from now on to make sure you never speak of it.”
Tranis looked over to see the weapons commander’s steady gaze on him once more. The hint of a mocking smile played around the Nobek’s lips.
He warmed as he realized what Lidon was saying. Would he really set aside their age difference and consider Tranis as his Dramok? And what would that mean for Tranis’ ambitions? After all, he’d not planned to clan anyone until he’d attained the rank of captain. But for the chance to clan men like Lidon and Degorsk, Tranis would be as foolish as Piras to postpone such an opportunity. Neither of them would be an impediment to his career.
Tranis lifted his chin in challenge. “Keeping me near enough to watch might be a good idea, seeing as I’m so young and foolish.”
Lidon never dropped his gaze for an instant. “I don’t think there is anything foolish about you, Tranis. Youth has not impeded you gaining maturity in most respects. Degorsk feels the same way.”
The Nobek went back to studying his instrumentation and readouts, letting Tranis have time to chew on that. The knowledge that Lidon and Degorsk had already discussed the possibility of being his clan, that they would seriously consider an offer to do so, had Tranis’ heart thudding fast.
They want me to ask. They want to clan with me.
Tranis’ mind whirled with the possibilities. A lifetime with Lidon and Degorsk. It was definitely something to think hard about.
They flew for several hours. In that time, the two men took turns napping and eating. With no idea of what lay before them, they concentrated on being as well rested as possible.
At last Lidon leaned forward in his seat. “Space just above the colony coming into scan range. Let’s see what we have.”
Tranis brought up his own readout. The vid flickered over his console. He gasped just as Lidon hissed.
Tranis swore. “I know Pilot Georgehuberts said it was over two hundred ships, but I thought he had to be exaggerating. Tragooms just don’t work well enough with each other to do this!”
Lidon spoke in more of a growl than a voice. “Fuck me. This is a full-scale invasion force
. They’ve got fifteen of those Earther battlecruisers, fully intact. About 80 vessels made up chiefly of our own destroyer class warships. Plus Bi’isil, Yeknas, and Nasin warships. Over four hundred vessels, no doubt armed to the teeth.”
Tranis wanted to pound something. “A concentrated effort to get at the Empire and her resources. Reverse course just enough so we can send a message to Piras without being detected.”
“Yes, Commander.”
Lidon piloted them out of sensor range, and Tranis transmitted their findings back to the destroyer over a scrambled frequency.
Tranis next tapped into his console. “All right. I’m inputting the codes the Earthers gave us to get into the colony’s outer contained area. Take us into the atmosphere and fly as low to the ground as you can.”
“Mapping flight plan. Activating.”
The fighter arrowed for the colony moon, approaching from the opposite side of Phescxo to avoid detection. An hour later, they entered the atmosphere. The surface was mountainous and Lidon kept their flight low. The men hoped the rugged topography would help mask their presence from the Tragooms.
As he navigated between the jutting peaks, Lidon said, “Command will scramble the main fleet for this.”
Tranis asked, “It will take five days for the first defenders to get here. How long before we have a comparable force to match the Tragooms?”
Lidon grimaced. “Probably never, at least not at the border.”
The Dramok’s heart dropped. “Really?”
“Most of our forces are near the Bi’isil end of the Empire. That’s four months away. They’ll probably go straight to Kalquor itself to mount a defense rather than come here. Georgehuberts said the Earthers don’t have anything battle-worthy closer than three months away.”
“So the answer to my question is, we’ll have about one hundred ships in five days and that’s going to be it.”
Lidon nodded. “Two hundred more that might be mobilized on this side of the Empire to stop the invasion halfway to Kalquor … if Fleet Command sends them.”
To Clan and Conquer (Clan Beginnings) Page 21