by Calista Skye
She slid into her jumpsuit and laced her boots. Better to at least find out what was going on. If they were about to be raided by the Imperial military, they should prepare. And if it was something else, she’d play it as it came.
Their footfalls echoed off the metal of the halls as they ran towards the bridge. Already familiar with the layout of the small frigate, she charged up the staircase leading to the forward deck and flew through the control room door. Her pilot’s instincts kicked in as she assessed the situation.
At the nav board sat the XO, the dark skinned Kamaran called Ja’al. Tyrus sat at the communications board, pouring over a stream of incoming text on the holoscreen in front of him. Two other crew members, a Malotravian and a Yordaskian that she hadn’t seen before, sat monitoring the weapons systems.
But still no sign of Captain Adaar.
The alarm blared as the rest of the crew filed in and took their stations. No one paid any attention to Lana or Kira. The crew operated with the ruthless efficiency of an elite military squadron.
The side door leading to the great cabin slid open as Adaar stepped into the room. Without uttering a word, the entire crew stopped to salute.
There was trust among them. Respect. That much was obvious, even to a suspicious outsider.
“What’s the status?” he asked.
“Captain,” said Ja’al. “We received a blip from a medical vessel in the Delta sector.” He glanced at Kira. “Preliminary scans show they’re fully stocked.”
Adaar called up the image on the holoscreen in front of him, zooming in on the scan with a pinch of his broad fingers. “Looks like quite a haul. What’s their position?”
“They’re making their way into Gamma now. It appears they’re headed for Anara. We can head them off in sixteen hours if we engage the hyperdrive. It’ll pull power from the secondary weapons systems.”
“Escorts?”
“Doesn’t appear to be heavily guarded, sir. Two long range fighters. Imperial JRV class, by the scans. Nothing we can’t handle.”
“Trax,” said Adaar to the older Kamaran man sitting at the helm. “Set a course. Looks like we’ll be taking a little detour.”
“Roger that, Captain.”
Trax punched the coordinates into his panel and engaged the thrusters. The room filled with the deafening roar of the engines as the Vendetta sped off to engage its prey.
Kira grabbed Lana by the shoulder. “Must be fate. Let’s go show them what we can do.”
“Gods help us all, you’re excited about this?”
Her eyes lit up, but before she could respond, Adaar was in front of them.
“You don’t belong here.”
“Like hell we don’t,” said Kira. “We’re as competent as any of these men. Give me a job.”
He looked at Lana, whose mouth had fallen wide at Kira’s audacity. Lana met his gaze. It was too late to back down now. They were in this whether she liked it or not. And Kira was right, this was a medical ship. If they had a dose of serum, they could all go their separate ways before they got in too deep. As long as Adaar let them leave when it was time.
“Yes, Captain. We’re ready to help the Raiders.”
“I like her,” he said, glancing at Kira. “Your enthusiasm is a breath of fresh air. And I can’t say I blame you. But you’re not equipped to handle this job. It’s going to require more finesse than you’re capable of. Besides, you don’t want to help out the Gamma Raiders. You’re a fine, upstanding citizen of the Empire.”
“Did you hear that, Lana? He thinks we’re upstanding citizens of the Empire!”
Adaar’s face tightened, his amusement fading.
“What Kira meant,” said Lana, “is that as long as we’re on board your ship, we’re invested in its safety. We’re both skilled pilots, and as long as we’re here we want to help.”
He studied her, his face unreadable. “You want something. And it’s not ‘to help.’ Speak plainly.”
Lana swallowed. “I want a share.”
Kira cleared her throat.
“We want a share.”
Adaar’s eyes narrowed as he glanced back and forth, considering the implications.
“This is a tight crew. We work together so well because everyone here knows their role and knows their place. We work efficiently, and we work fast. That’s only possible because of the trust these men have for one another. And the trust they have in me.”
Lana looked around the room. With a course of action decided and set in motion, the frantic activity of the crew had stopped. Every eye in the room was on her. Watching.
Adaar was keenly aware of it, too. But he didn’t take his eyes off her.
She met Adaar’s gaze. Felt his radiant blue eyes boring into her, sizing her up. Searching for something.
“You’re willing to follow my orders?”
“Yes.”
“Without question?”
Lana hesitated. Her insides fluttered as she held his gaze, aware of the rise and fall of her chest. Aware of his body, too. Every movement, every breath. The room faded into darkness around her, and in that moment, they were alone.
“Yes.”
Adaar nodded, the faintest hint of a smile crossing his face.
“Welcome to the Gamma Raiders.”
Chapter 6
Lana focused intently as Trax familiarized her with the controls of the ship. It was a welcome distraction from her feelings. The physical layout of the Vendetta was almost identical to the Endurance, but the control board was completely foreign.
“I know it’s not what you’re used to,” he said. “But you’ll get the feel for it in no time. All the mods make the design more efficient. She handles like a dream. It just takes a light touch.”
“It would have to, if you’re hiding out in the Dennegar belt.”
“Oh, that’s nothing. You should see what Tyrus has done with the engines.” His eyes sparkled with pride. “Looks like he remembered more from our old racing days than I thought. Glad to see him putting it to such good use.”
“Tyrus is your son?” she asked.
“He’s mine, alright.” Trax straightened in his chair. “He’s the reason I joined up with the Raiders. The Imperials had him tagged from the time he was three. ‘Had a gift’, they said. Which means they had plans to take him young and use him up.” His eyes narrowed as he looked out the viewport. “I’ve seen what they do to their ‘gifted’. And I couldn’t let the boy suffer that. He has too much potential to burn out so young. And for what? To fatten the Empire’s coffers.” He spat. “On his fifth birthday, the recruitment officer showed up at our door with the orders. I wanted to give him a better life. So here we are.”
Lana listened without interrupting. She had heard the horror stories of what the Imperials had done with their young prodigies. It was a fear her parents shared for Tanner until the testing found genetic markers for the Rend. She felt sympathy for the old man. She understood his motives, if not his conclusions.
“But piracy? The Gamma Raiders? Wasn’t there a better way?”
“You’re new here, Lana. There’s a lot you don’t know. But trust me when I tell you that the Raiders aren’t so bad. Tyrus has a good life here. He’s among friends.”
Lana looked around the bridge. Most of the small crew had gone about their business, preparing themselves for the upcoming raid. But the faces that remained confirmed Trax’s assessment. Their eyes held no fear, no burden of Imperial oppression.
“You’re still not convinced. You will be, Lana. I have a feeling about you. And Captain Adaar…”
Her face tightened into a scowl.
Trax burst out laughing. “You look like just tasted a boot sole!”
It was contagious. Lana couldn’t help smiling.
“Give him time. Get to know the man. Let him get to know you. Contrary to what you might think, he’s not as bad as all that. He’s just protective of this crew. We’re like his family. And I trust him with my life. Follow him to
the edge of the universe if he asked me to. Every single one of us would.”
Lana had a hard time believing it. Trax seemed decent enough, but trust, real trust, among pirates? That was as wise as swimming in the Anaran ocean with an open wound. The predators would savage at the scent of blood. It was their nature.
“I’m not going to convince you.” He said it without judgement. “But time will. Get to know him. Give him a chance.”
The nav panel lit up in front of them, flashing brilliant green as the field of stars outside the view port narrowed into tiny glittering points of light. The deceleration pulled Lana back against her seat as the Vendetta dropped out of hyperspace.
“Debris field,” said Trax. “Think you’re ready to give it a spin?”
Lana smiled. “Let’s do this.”
She slid her chair into position and took the yoke, edging gently left, then hard back right to get a feeling for the response. The ship jerked as she accelerated into the turn, the artificial gravity picking up beneath their feet and lifting them through the maneuver.
“Tighter than I’m used to.”
“She should be. Her guts are closer to a fighter than a freighter. It’s saved our asses more than once.”
Trax took the controls and whipped the ship into a tight corkscrew around the twisted steel remnants of what must have once been a space station. “See? Nice and smooth. You just need to get the feel. Try it again.”
Lana wrapped her hands around the controls and boosted into the turn as she pitched downward and banked left, wrapping a tight arc around another patch of the shattered station.
The old Kamaran’s beard glistened in the light as he grinned at her. “You’re a natural.”
She was surprised by how quickly she adjusted to the feel of the controls. It was nothing like the Endurance. Despite its size, it handled with the easy familiarity and precision of her magnecycle. Lana decided it was time to see what she could do.
The Vendetta whipped around in a smooth roll as she leaned into the foot pedals. The spiraling stars outside the viewport were the only evidence of their motion. Her confidence building, Lana decided to replicate the maneuver that Trax had shown her only moments before. She pitched the ship upward and rolled to port, driving the thrusters as she corkscrewed around the wreckage, grinning wildly.
“I know that look,” said Trax as he studied her face. “You’re a rider.”
“Busted,” she said. The easy comfort he engendered was a welcome change of pace.
“You’re going to fit right in here. Next time we make port, you’ll have to join us for a ride. I know all the best spots.”
Lana hated to admit it, but it sounded tempting. It would be a relief to escape for a while. There were too many heavy burdens, placed on her too young. Didn’t she deserve to enjoy herself while was still young?
She shook her head, dismissing the thought. Tanner needed her. And as comfortable as she felt with the old helmsman, she wasn’t about to throw her life away getting mixed up with the rest of these bloodthirsty brigands. Especially not…
“Lesson’s over,” said the now familiar deep voice of Captain Adaar. Lana hadn’t noticed his entry. “She’s proficient enough already, and there are more important things to do. As much as I appreciate the stunt show, we’re on a schedule. That med ship isn’t going to wait for us.”
Lana’s smile fell from her face at the grim reminder. She didn’t like the idea of raiding any ship, let alone a medical transport. Yes, there was the possibility that they’d have the serum, but the thought of seizing them by force didn’t sit well with her. That would make her no better than…well, than a pirate like him.
She avoided eye contact with the captain. She didn’t need his penetrating cerulean eyes in her mind right now.
“Get her back on course, Trax.”
The old Kamarran complied without hesitation. He slid back into place at the helm and realigned the Vendetta on their intercept trajectory. “Aye, sir.” He said with a nod. “Bearing 0853.42, hyperdrive re-engaged.”
Adaar nodded and folded his arms behind his back. “You’ve got talent, Lana Riley, I’ll give you that.”
He must have noticed the shock in her wide eyes, despite the fact she wasn’t looking at him.
“I give credit where it’s due,” he said. “There aren’t many pilots who can execute a Molodrian corkscrew on the best of days. You picked it up like it was nothing. Well done.”
Warmth surged through her. She looked up at his broad chest, stretching the fabric of his white shirt across his body, and immediately looked away as she exhaled. No need to make it worse.
But his compliment had done its damage. Her face flushed bright red. She wished the chair would swallow her up and hide her deep in the belly of the ship.
“Since you’re already proficient in the pilot’s chair, it’s time to move forward with your training.”
“I’m sorry?” said Lana. She wasn’t aware of any training other than familiarizing herself with the Vendetta’s controls.
“The Gamma Raiders are a small crew. Everyone has their specialty, but every member of my crew is expected to know how to perform every role, at any time. And every member of this crew,” he locked eyes with her, “participates in the boarding party.” The firm, commanding stare left no room for doubt in his unspoken addition: That includes you, princess.
Lana’s heart dropped into her stomach. Flying for the Raiders was bad enough. There was no way she was going to participate in the raids. The thought twisted her insides in knots.
“There’s a change of clothes in your locker. Meet me in the training room in thirty minutes. I want you dressed and ready to work.”
Lana swallowed hard, remembering his words. Without question. This wasn’t the time to play rebel.
“Yes, sir,” she said. “I’ll be ready.”
***
The largest single room on the Vendetta, the training room’s three story ceiling provided ample space for the crew to drill tactical maneuvers preceding any raid. Scattered throughout the large, open room was a maze of steel boxes of various sizes and heights, which could be rearranged at the touch of button to simulate a wide array of tactical scenarios.
An obstacle course lined the room, with ropes and poles of varying height and thickness, walls to climb and gaps to jump. It explains why they’re all in such good shape, Lana thought as she surveyed the scene. She tried to shake the image of Adaar’s perfectly sculpted body from her mind. I hope they don’t expect me to do this.
“Relax, Lana Riley,” said Captain Adaar, placing his hand on her shoulder and giving a comforting squeeze. “The Gauntlet isn’t on the schedule for you today. We’re going to take this one step at a time.”
Lana tensed beneath his hand. The narrow straps of her training uniform provided little insulation against his touch, and her body tingled at the sensation of his skin on hers. But she refused to let him see it. If he wanted her to play soldier, she would play soldier.
She pivoted on her heels and threw her arm up into a rigid salute. “Yes sir.”
Adaar burst out into a warm laugh as his body relaxed. “Cute,” he said. “You’re nervous.”
Lana hated his ease. His charm. Her nerves were on edge, and he wasn’t helping.
“This isn’t the Kamaran marines. You’re safe here. It’s just you and me.”
“I noticed,” she said. Her eyes darted around the room to avoid staring at the perfectly muscled body in front of her.
“There’s nothing to be afraid of. And though I need you to take this seriously, tension isn’t going to help. Just relax, follow my instructions, and we’ll get you through it.”
His tone was warm. Caring. Lana dropped her guard. “Okay,” she said. “I’m listening.”
Adaar nodded. “Good.” He swung his arms back and forth in front of him, loosening his shoulders. “Now, as I’ve told you, every member of the Raiders participates in the boarding party. And that includes you. Even if
you were to remain behind, there’s always the possibility you’ll have to defend yourself on board the Vendetta.”
Lana nodded, considering the possibilities. Adaar’s tactical competence was obvious, and she had a hard time imagining for a second that he’d leave his ship open to being boarded.
“It hasn’t happened yet,” he said with a cocky grin. “But we can’t leave anything to chance. And besides, I’m not leaving you or your friend here alone until you’ve proven your loyalty. That means, twelve hours from now, you’re coming with us. And I need to make sure you can handle yourself. I won’t allow your lack of training put my team in danger.”
Great. I’m going to die out here, she thought.
“Can you fire a weapon?”
“I know the weapons systems on the Endurance. I can protect the ship.”
“No, Lana. That’s not what I asked, and I won’t tolerate your games. Have you ever fired a blaster?”
“Citizens aren’t allowed to carry firearms since the Kamarans took over Tarksis.”
“You didn’t answer my question.”
“Keen observation,” she spat. “No wonder you’re the captain.”
Adaar leapt inside her shoulders and twisted her arms behind her back as he toppled her to ground in a swift, clean attack.
“Don’t mock me, princess.” He said. “If you don’t learn who your friends are, you’ll get yourself killed. I’m here to help you.”
Lana groaned as the pain of the arm-lock spread through her elbow. “Okay,” she mumbled through clenched teeth. “I’m sorry.”
Adaar released his grip on her wrist and backed away, leaving Lana face down on the ground. She drew her arm back into her chest, shaking it as the circulation returned.
“I’m going to assume that you haven’t fired a handheld weapon before. And that’s something we’ll have to teach you. You need to know how to handle a blaster.” He shook his head. “But more importantly, you clearly haven’t had any basic self-defense training, either.”