by Brian Dorsey
Mori turned quickly toward the old man.
He had moved away from the fire and had curled up on the floor with his back to her, covering himself in a fur.
He would say no more.
Chapter 4
Stone stood on the tarmac awaiting his newly assigned adjutant. Once he arrived, Stone would board his transport and take command of the effort to stop the spread of the Word on Kilo 7.
But his mind was elsewhere.
After their argument, Stone had given Mori her space. He waited until after dinner before returning to their shared quarters. And then he waited all night for her to return.
But she didn’t.
Now, having been awake all night, he stood waiting for a fellow Humani officer but was only able to think about Mori and what he may have lost. Although he faced the platform where his transport was scheduled to land, he periodically glanced toward the exit of the hangar in hopes Mori would be there. After a few minutes, the roar of a transport arriving overhead caused Stone to look upward. Coming in from the north, the Akota transport came to a hover and then descended toward the landing platform.
Focusing on the door as the transport locked into its mooring, Stone could make out the insignia of a wolf’s head with the phrase “Death before Tyranny” written in Humani. After a quick glance toward the hangar, he turned back toward the transport as a figure emerged from the open hatch.
The officer was tall and thin with salt and pepper hair and a well-trimmed beard. As the man brushed off his Terillian confederation uniform, Stone recognized the rank insignia to be that of a Humani colonel. Following the colonel were two captains and four enlisted men. The enlisted men took up positions at the entrance to the transport. This must be the guy, he thought to himself as he began to walk toward the transport.
“Attention on deck!” shouted one of the captains, and the party snapped to attention.
“Good morning, General Lucius Stone,” said the colonel, giving a crisp salute. “I am Colonel Taris Vae, former Chief of Staff for General Nero.”
“Good morning, Colonel,” replied Stone, returning his salute. “And the rest of your party?”
“Sir, may I present Captain Velari Scarus and Captain Gius Juli. Captain Scarus is a member of the logistical staff and Captain Juli is the staff’s security officer.”
“Gentlemen,” replied Stone with a nod toward the captains. “And the enlisted men?” he added as he walked toward the guards.
“Uh, yes, Sir,” stammered Vae. “These men are part of the security team assigned to you.” The colonel paused, glancing toward Captain Juli.
“Sir,” continued Juli, “this is Sergeant Charles, Corporal Thara, and Privates Talla and Rezaro.”
“How are you doing, Sergeant?” asked Stone.
“Excellent, Sir,” replied the sergeant, “I’m just glad to have a Guardsman leading us.”
“Charles?” mused Stone. “There was a Corporal Charles from 2nd Regiment…I believe from Captain Keller’s company. I also believe that same Corporal Charles killed a painted-face Akota on Sierra 7 several years back.”
“A long time ago, Sir,” replied Charles with a slight smile that evaporated as the sergeant continued. “But that’s when we were fighting the wrong enemy.”
“Very true, Sergeant. Very true. Regardless,” he added with a smile, “it’s good to see another Guardsman.”
“Sir,” interrupted Colonel Vae. “If you are ready, we can have Privates…uh—”
“Talla and Rezaro,” offered Juli.
“Yes, Talla and Rezaro can collect your baggage.”
A smile came to Stone’s face. How different the Humani were from the Akota…there was no way an Akota warrior would carry baggage for another because of rank alone. Stone raised the small duffel bag in his hand. “This is it,” he replied.
“Very well, Sir. Shall we board?”
A quick glance toward the hangar confirmed Mori wasn’t there. “Yes,” he sighed.
“We are ready when you are, General,” said Colonel Vae. “And might I add, Sir, it is a pleasure to serve under your command.”
“Thank you, Colonel Vae,” replied Stone.
He had to look one more time.
Turning back toward the hangar, he saw Mori.
She was wearing tactical gear and her hair was tied into two tight braids falling over each shoulder. Even from several meters, he could see her green eyes almost glow.
“Just a minute, Colonel,” said Stone, already walking toward her.
Mori stood motionless as he moved closer, but her eyes screamed for him to hurry. Reaching for her, he took her hands in his.
“I’m so glad you came. I was afraid I wouldn’t get to see you.” He squeezed her hands tightly. “I’m so sorry I—”
“Don’t be,” she interrupted. “You made what you thought was the best decision. That doesn’t mean I have to like or understand it. But it is yours to make.”
“I don’t want to leave you, but—”
“Stop,” she said as he felt her hand on his cheek. “I spent several hours with the wichasa wakhan last night and then several more at the range. The truth is, I don’t know what this means for our future. But I can’t stop you from leading…regardless of what happens to us, it’s your nature to lead.”
Stone was awash in emotions. He was relieved she had come to see him and that she said she understood, but he was also concerned over how she had said it. “I don’t want this to be the end of us.”
“I don’t either, but only time will tell, Magakisca,” she said as a tear ran down her check. “But for now, we both have missions to accomplish.”
“Yes,” he conceded.
He felt her pulling him toward her and he lowered his head for a passionate, long kiss. As he embraced her, she squeezed tightly.
Placing her hands on his cheeks and slowly pulling away from the kiss, she looked up toward him, tears now flowing. His own vision blurred as tears welled in his eyes.
“Be safe, General,” she said with a crack in her voice and a weak smile as she wiped his eyes with her sleeve.
“You too, Major,” he replied, relieved there was still hope for them.
“You should go,” said Mori, looking over his shoulder. “Your lapdogs await.”
“Yes,” he replied. “I—”
“When you return,” said Mori.
He stared into her green eyes, unable to move.
“Go,” she said, urging him to move with her eyes.
“I…”
Mori let out a long exhale, turned, and hurried back into the hangar.
Stone watched until she disappeared behind the heavy metal door of the hangar.
He took a deep breath. “Time to focus,” he said aloud as he turned to return to his new staff.
***
Major General Stone sat in the troop compartment of the transport as Colonel Vae began his briefing. The compartment had been modified for staff purposes, with displays replacing the starboard-side troop seating, and the port side of the compartment arranged around a desk embedded with data screens.
“Very well, Sir. I can give you the basics now,” said Vae. “The Dark Zone Auxiliary Division, known as the DZAD, is comprised of three brigades. First Brigade is called the Humani or Nero’s brigade, and is made up of Humani soldiers and other defectors. It was commanded by General Hara Nero, but he was killed in the attack that killed…most of the Nero family senior officers. Colonel Tiri Scarus has taken command. Current strength is approximately 4200 after taking about 350 casualties on Kilo 7.”
“And the other brigades?” asked Stone.
“Second Brigade is a mixture of rescued slaves and farmers from the Juliet System. It is commanded by a former mercenary named Brand Maxa.”
“A mercenary?” asked Stone.
“Yes, General,” replied Vae. “He is surprisingly good, if a bit rough around the edges.”
“And their strength?”
“3700. They are on thei
r way to Kilo 7 onboard Admiral Crow’s warships.”
“Continue.”
“Third Brigade is 5,000 strong and consists of others recruited from across the Dark Zone. They are relatively green and currently undergoing training on Luta-tunkan. They are under command of the Akota General Joseph Winterbird.”
“How far along are they in their training?”
“They are ready to deploy, Sir,” answered Vae.
“What about armor and air support?”
“First brigade is best set for armor and gunship support. They are full up with Humani manning requirements. Second brigade has a few main battle tanks and several light tanks in one combined battalion. Third is straight infantry with no heavy armor elements but fully mechanized.”
“Send orders to General Winterbird. Have his brigade ready to depart for Kilo 7 in two weeks. Also contact Akota command. Find out how long it will take to have transportation ready for Third Brigade. Once we have the logistics set up, prepare deployment orders.”
“Yes, Sir,” replied Vae.
“Have General Winterbird leave ahead of his brigade. He should have an idea of the situation before his men arrive.” Stone paused. “And I want to speak with all of my commanders face-to-face…we have a lot to do.”
***
ProConsul Astra Varus took a deep breath, holding back her frustration. She hated dealing with the Dorans, especially the authoritative and dismissive Lord General Zorlar. To make matters worse, the Doran commander always required her to meet on his flagship, Kítrinos Potamós. Looking across the white marble desk at the proud Doran royal, she spoke.
“Lord General Zorlar,” she said with a forced smile. “I am simply asking to have one or two of your regiments support General Vlaxi. If you can do this, the Foxtrot System would—”
“Why do you need Doran troops, ProConsul? Why not pull more troops from sector 4? Golf, Bravo, and Charlie System are—”
“The Word—” interrupted Astra, but she stopped as two Doran guards stepped forward. In response, two Praetorians moved forward from their position at the far end of the room. “Forgive me,” mouthed Astra with a nod of her head. “Please continue.”
Zorlar motioned for his guards to stand down. “As I was saying,” continued Zorlar, “Golf, Bravo, and Charlie are firmly under your control, but I have seen reports that a large number of troops are still stationed there. Also interesting is the fact that the flow of slaves out of the region is more like a trickle.”
“There…there have been complications, Lord General,” replied Astra, trying hard to cover her disdain with subservience. “The spread of the Word has complicated matters and driven our casualty rates up drastically.”
“I do believe the problem with these religious fanatics is one of your own making, and your casualties are no concern of mine.”
Astra’s skin grew hot. She was not used to being refused—and even less used to having a mistake thrown in her face. “I…” She paused for another deep breath. “I am handling the problem with the Word fanatics. But I must ensure we, in the name of the Xen emperor, have complete control of the area. Once that is done, the supply of slaves will flow. After all, we both share the goal of supporting the emperor and bringing glory to the Empire.”
Zorlar stared blankly at Astra. She could hear the sound of her breathing during the long, uncomfortable silence.
“And we must bring glory to the Empire,” said Zorlar, breaking the silence. “You may have one of my brigades to support your efforts in the Foxtrot system. But they will still answer directly to me and will be an independent command. Your General Vlaxi may call upon them for support, but all operational decisions will remain with General Dal and myself.”
“As always, Lord General Zorlar, your leadership and wisdom honors your clan and the Doran Kingdom.”
“And your drive to bring glory to the Empire brings honor upon yourself and your people,” replied Zorlar flatly. “But…” Zorlar leaned forward from his chair. “…if this is a ploy to support some separate Humani agenda…”
“I assure you it is not,” replied Astra, lying.
“I will not allow one drop of Doran blood to be spilled for your own personal schemes.”
“My only desire is to serve the Emperor.”
“We shall see,” replied Zorlar, leaning back into his chair. “And now if we are done?”
“Of course, Lord General Zorlar,” replied Astra, rising from her chair and giving the Lord General a slight nod of subservience. “And again, the Humani people are grateful for your wisdom and support in our efforts to support the Empire.”
Zorlar returned her nod. “As always, you have proven yourself to be a loyal member of the Empire…and a skilled negotiator.”
“You honor me,” replied Astra. “Now if I may take my leave?”
“Very well, ProConsul.”
Astra turned to exit the room. As she reached the door the two Praetorians pivoted and fell in behind her as she stepped into the hallway. Awaiting her in the passageway were two Humani senators.
“ProConsul,” said Senator Marcus Sarius, “I hope your negotiations were successful.”
“Of course they were,” shot back Astra as she walked past Senator Sarius and his companion, Senator Julius Lucretia. “Come with me.”
Astra’s frustration simmered as she walked through the passageway of the Doran warship. She had been able to get what she wanted, but she despised having to grovel to get it. In a few moments she strode through the door of her transport.
“Get me off this fucking ship,” she ordered as the transport doors closed.
“Yes, ProConsul,” replied General Vispa, who had been awaiting her return.
“And General Vispa,” continued Astra. “In my room…now.”
Astra, with General Vispa and the Senators in tow, stormed into her small but plush stateroom onboard her private transport. She walked next to her desk, picking up a large crystal image of the Humani Eternal Flame statue. As the door slid shut, she released all of her frustration with a grunt as she threw the statue against the wall.
“ProConsul—”
Astra raised her hand to silence Senator Lucretia. She exhaled heavily as she smoothed the sides of her dress, calming herself. “His Excellency…” She thought she might choke on the words, even if she was mocking him. “His Excellency Lord General Zorlar has authorized a brigade of Doran troops to support our efforts in the Foxtrot System.”
“That is good news, ProConsul,” replied Vispa.
“General Vispa,” continued Astra, “order General Vlaxi to detach his best brigade and have them transferred to General Attia in the Bravo system.”
“Yes, ProConsul,” acknowledged Vispa. “But I must advise that even with the support of the additional troops, removing a full brigade will delay our success in the system and undoubtedly result in more Humani casualties.”
“Thank you, General,” said Astra, slowly raising her head toward him. “Now pass the order to General Vlaxi.”
“Of course, ProConsul.”
“The addition of a full brigade in the Bravo region will definitely help bring the zealots under control,” added Senator Lucretia.
“And it will increase both the number of captives which we can send to both Dolus and to the Xen,” said Astra. “Will it not, General?” she asked with a glance toward Vispa.
“Yes, ProConsul. It will.”
“It had better. I am growing tired of bowing down to these Dorans just to keep our plans on schedule…a schedule which is already behind,” she added with a look toward the Senators.
“The numbers are lower than expected, ProConsul,” acknowledged Sarius. “But we did not expect Tali Vena to—”
“To lose his mind and start believing his own bullshit,” interrupted Astra. “When the ‘Saint’ unleashed his zealots—zealots that were supposed to be shipped off to the Xen and to Dolus—on the Dark Zone, he made a mess of our plans.” She stepped toward the Senators. “Plans yo
u had guaranteed me would succeed.”
“And they will, ProConsul,” said Lucretia reassuringly. “There have been delays, but with some minor modifications, such as freeing up more troops as you have so masterfully done, this plan will still work.”
“Do not try to flatter me like one of your whores,” replied Astra. “Not only does the fate of our people and glory of the First Families depend on this plan…but so do your lives. Ensure that it succeeds.”
“It will, ProConsul,” replied Sarius.
“It had better,” replied Astra. “And I am tired of trying to guess what the Dorans are up to. Do we have any news from our operatives?”
“We have nothing on Lord General Zorlar,” replied Sarius. “As you know, he rarely leaves his flagship.”
“And his staff?”
“Most follow his lead but a few make occasional trips to the recreation areas in Mt. Castra, Tacitus Major, and Varus City.”
“And what do they do there?”
“What most soldiers do, ProConsul,” said Lucretia. “Drink and frequent the recreation houses.”
“The Dorans are sleeping with Humani women,” said Varus, her stomach turning at the thought.
“Apparently their anatomies are very similar to ours,” answered Lucretia. “And from what our sources say, they have a reputation for being rather…ah…”
“What is it?” ordered Astra.
“They will have sex with anything humanoid and take pride in the variety of their conquests,” came a voice from the corner of the room.
“I’m glad to see you have joined the conversation,” said Astra to a plain-dressed man leaning against the bulkhead.
The man was tall and thin with a bald head and a well-trimmed goatee. A thin smile came to his face. “Of course, ProConsul,” replied the man. “You don’t pay me to waste your time, so I only talk when it’s worth your time…and money.”