“We need to go back don’t we?” asked Angina. Veego nodded as did a tired looking Evie.
Veego hailed his watch officer “warp to Cheklin.”
Chapter 16. Slidwon 0200, 22 September
Torine looked at the device she held in her left hand and confirmed that the security systems had been high jacked. She unlocked the front door to the apartment with a simple press of her finger onto the device’s screen. She gently pushed the door ajar, waiting a few seconds to confirm no audible alarm sounded. The device confirmed no silent alarm had been sent. She carefully entered. Her right hand was by her side holding the handle of a slender blade, which was razor sharp.
The mods to her eyes that allowed her to see in multi-spectrums automatically adjusted to the dark by selecting infrared. She knew the layout and was careful to avoid the hallway table with the ornate artefact that the owner had received from the First Consul.
The mods to her hearing organs could easily detect the rhythmic breathing coming from the bedroom on the right. She already knew there would be two occupants, her target and the poor unfortunate who had thought himself so lucky to have scored.
She had considered the option of using a pistol instead of the blade. But she wanted to use the blade because there would be no doubt about what was intended here. But she well appreciated the need for speed. Much would depend on the relative positions.
She slid into the bedroom to find both her target and her lover sound asleep. Her target was facing into the back of her lover. She would deal with the target first. With a light touch she moved to her target. In one motion she placed her hand over the targets mouth and with the quickest of flicks severed her neck artery.
Raitah wanted to scream but could not. She did however struggle, even as her life force was draining out of her. ‘How….’ was the last thought she had.
Her lover was truly unfortunate. He rolled over when Raitah’s knee collected him in the back. But in the dark he struggled to make out was happening. He barely managed to mumble a “What…” before he felt the stinging sensation of Torine’s blade sever his neck open.
Alas Torine was not able to stem the flow of blood from the unfortunate and it spurted out with violent force for each of his remaining breaths. Torine was splattered with it all over her upper body. As soon as she confirmed they were both dead, she used a towel from the linen closet to partially clean herself.
She took it with her. Later she would destroy it along with her disposable gloves and the clothes she was currently wearing. There would be no evidence to link her.
Chapter 17. Resolute over Checklin 0800, 22 September
Dave had been meditating now in his cabin for a good twenty minutes. Tears were flowing down his cheeks. Keeping his eyes closed he grabbed a tissue from his pocket and wiped his eyes. ‘What a butcher’s bill’ he thought.
He took a deep breath in and returned his focus to his inner world. He repeated his mantra in time with his breath and soon dropped back into the velvety dark blue space he loved so much. There was serenity here no matter what was happening on the outside. It didn’t wash away the pain from so much loss but it freed him from its grip. It gave him detachment while still allowing him to care. It cushioned the blow as it were and for that Dave was grateful.
A few moments later he was lost in the space. He regained physical awareness ten minutes later. He was still tired but that was more physical than emotional. The surprising thing for Dave though, was that the question he had posed at the outset of his meditation had been answered, even though he had no recollection of pondering it during meditation.
He had woke early despite his fatigue. He knew he had to make an important decision whether to stay or return to Qwantum. But his tired mind could not really think clearly. Politically he should stay and maybe strategically he needed to as well. But there were grave risks involved with that as he still had no missiles and it would most likely be three weeks before some arrived.
But now as he rose gently from his cross legged position he realised that the most important factor was his people. They needed to be looked after. They had just suffered a huge loss with over 50% of his marines killed. He remembered his guru’s teaching ‘if it comes down to a choice between looking after the task or looking after the people, always choose the people. Only then can you achieve the task.’
It was a bleary eyed Crystal who Dave passed as he entered the mess. She had pulled the dog watch and was heading back to her cabin. They exchanged nods. Dave detected a shift had happened in Crystal. There wasn’t the edginess in her expression that had been her constant companion since the loss of John. He hoped it was a turn for the better.
He found a sombre Jim sitting with Argha at a table. He could see that Argha was still very fragile. It was obvious morale had taken a massive hit despite the victory. Dave grabbed some juice and cereal and sat down with Ivan who was on his own in the far corner.
“Good morning Sir” said Ivan. There was a little hesitancy in his voice.
“Good morning Ivan. You see the cas figures?” Ivan nodded, his face turning grim. Dave continued in a low voice “our marines are spent, we’ve lost 80% of our droids, no missiles and most importantly morale has plummeted. We gotta go back to Qwantum. The main fleet will be arriving there on the 29th. They can refit and repair the minor damage, hopefully restock us with droids and missiles but I just don’t know what can be done about our marines. They’ve probably borne too much. Maybe not spent but certainly too vulnerable to commit to another engagement like the one we’ve just had. What do you think?”
“I agree with all that but I’m not sure Ms Orocash will take that too kindly.”
“No she probably won’t. She needs to recall her own fleet so we can recover. I’ll speak to Pious and Draag this morning. They’re more likely to understand.”
Chapter 18. Neeblo 1000, 22 September
Dave had finished his case for a return to Qwantum. Silence reigned as both Julian and Felis pondered both the need for this course of action and the implications.
Julian was concerned for the signal it would send politically but his heart and his head knew that Dave’s force had been through so much since May. ‘Yes it’s been only four months’ thought Julian ‘and they have suffered so much. But so much more still needs to be done.’ He looked down at his own mangled left hand. He knew he had Dave to thank for saving him. He knew also that he had taken time out to recover from the ill treatment he had suffered back on Beta Phi. And here he now was back in service. ‘Yes they need some time out, but how best to spin this?’
While Julian pondered so too did Felis. He recalled how Dave had hobbled into the conference room. It was symbolic perhaps of Dave’s command and perhaps of his own force. How he wished he had the option to redeploy. He took another look at Dave. His eyes were scrutinising him just as they had done after the surrender of the Kunter. Felis too knew that he owed his life to this man. He knew that the reasons being advanced were valid but what he needed was time.
“Can you delay your departure till our fleet returns? I asked for their recall yesterday. I expect their answer later today. Also I need to seek approval from the President.”
“I understand” replied Dave “We must leave by the 24th if we are to get to Qwantum in time for the main fleet’s arrival.”
“Is that important?” asked Felis.
“It is to me. That minimises the time we are without missiles. I hate being so vulnerable.”
“You know we manufacture our own missiles here.”
“Yeah but we both know they are not the same.”
“Could your ships be reconfigured to take ours?”
“In the short term, no. And if we are thinking long term then it would be better to build a capability to manufacture our missiles here.”
“Actually, that makes a lot of sense” said Felis.
“The transfer of such a capability” interjected Julian “would be subject to council approval. I alone could not
authorise it.”
“Well perhaps you should canvass this option as it would definitely be to our mutual advantage” responded Felis.
Both Dave and Julian were thinking the same thing, namely that it might be beneficial in the short term but do they really want to be providing a technological edge to the rogan, even if this faction is currently on their side.
The silence, while the two humans pondered was noted by Felis. He too was well aware of the sensitivities involved. But he did not want to muddy the waters at this moment. “Anyway it’s something for you to consider” he proffered tactfully. “Right now though I agree you need to replenish. Let me confer with the President.”
Chapter 19. Mintoslum Facility 1600, 22 September
They gathered outside the Mintoslum facility for a commemorative ceremony. The late afternoon sky threatened to unleash a storm. It was humid and you could smell the impending rain. All around was rubble and the detritus of the battle that raged over the area just 24 hours ago.
There were also rows of body bags, human and rogan alike. The last two hours had been a grizzly time collecting the bodies. Some were reluctant to do this but most felt it a duty and service to their fallen comrades. They could not account for all the losses but they had found most of them.
It was a very moving ceremony in the open area outside what was left of the Mintoslum facility. There were raw nerves, raw energy and raw emotions but there were also heartfelt reflections. Sorrow was worn openly and there were many red eyes.
Felis said a few words and thanked everyone for their sacrifice. He deliberately kept it short and handed over to Dave to deliver the eulogy. As he finished Felis felt a craw in his throat. He knew he would be attending other ceremonies for the huge losses suffered by his own forces.
Ivan had offered to do the eulogy but Dave had declined his offer. Dave stood not far from where he had been when they formed up for their withdrawal. In his mind’s eye he could see Ginty coming through the doorway barking instructions to her marines. In that moment he discarded what he was going to originally say to the gathering.
“It’s fitting that we hold this ceremony here” said Dave in a big voice. “Many of you passed through this location yesterday when we withdrew from this facility.” He pointed to where the doorway had been. “Just over there you exited and formed up here. I saw Lieutenant Ginty Morales come through that doorway. She and her 1st Platoon had borne the brunt of the initial enemy assaults. She had rallied her troops to stand firm and despite the horrendous losses inflicted, she came through that doorway determined to carry out her mission.”
“She was and still is the embodiment of the spirit which makes our small force so effective. Her drive and resilience under extreme pressure was not the only example on display in this battle – far from it. There is no shortage of heroes here. You were called to stand and you were not found wanting. Of that I am very proud. I so wish that we did not have to pay such a high price for our victory. It saddens me no end.”
At this point Dave had to swallow hard and then take a deep breath lest he give way to the tears that threatened to overflow. “Yes, it’s a sad business” he managed to continue “and one that alas is not over just yet. We have destroyed the so called Confederacy. Its irksome leader Sallusam sits now in a Republican jail. He will be held to account, not only for the atrocities he has committed here but also for Polaris. Don’t worry he will get his just deserts.”
“But the Imperialists are still fighting on and so must we till we defeat them too. They will be defeated. It will take time and further sacrifice. We must maintain our resolve. If we do that we will prevail and then we can go home.”
Dave handed over to Jim whose expression was one of appreciation for what Dave had just said. Jim had been struggling himself but now felt a small measure of relief from the load that he was emotionally carrying. He called the honour guard to attention and gave the order for the firing of the salute.
A few minutes later they were boarding the warthogs that would take them back up to their spaceships. Dave had accepted Felis’s offer to bury the bodies in a specially marked cemetery at this location. But as his shuttle took off Dave felt like a part of him was being left behind.
Chapter 20. Resolute over Checklin 2300, 22 September
“What?” asked Dave as he struggled to turn on the light from his bed.
WO2 Chuck Meadows, his Master at Arms hailed “We have a problem Sir. One of the marines has been slashed down on D deck.”
“What do you mean slashed?”
“With a broken glass.”
“How bad?”
“Not good. The doctor says he’ll live but he’s sporting over twenty stitches. I have Trooper Garcia in custody.”
“Terrific” said a weary Dave. “Sounds like you’re on top of things chief. Have a report ready for me in the morning.”
“Will do. Sorry for disturbing you Sir.”
“No, you did the right thing. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Dave hit the light and lay back down. ‘It never rains.’
Part 5
Replenishment
The battered and bashed, the injured and maimed
Seek time to heal and replenish again
A safe harbour, home base or refuge is sought
Lest the fabric of life be reduced to naught
Recharged, resupped, refitted for war
Then we can do our duty once more
Chapter 1. Resolute over Cheklin 0700, 23 September
Dave began his morning meditation still tired. The pain killers that Mary had given him for his injured foot had done the trick. Dave knew it wasn’t physical, but rather it was emotional stress that had made him so weary. He’d been here before after other battles, though none where he had lost so many people under his command.
In the darkness of his cabin he sat cross legged on his arsana, in chin mudra with his hands on his knees, palms down, thumbs and forefingers touching. He kept his back straight, closed his eyes and took in some deep breaths, exhaling long. He let his breathing return to its normal pace and began repeating his mantra silently to himself in time with his breath.
He offered up this mediation to his guru as he always did. But this time he also offered it up to those under his command both living and dead. ‘May they find peace’ he said silently. The mantra dropped away and his focus dropped down into the dark void. He felt supported by divine energy and lost awareness of his surroundings. He was neither asleep nor awake. It felt restful and serene.
He stayed in that state for over thirty minutes before an image appeared before his inner eye. It was of Ginty coming through the doorway of the Mintoslum facility. He was right there. He could see the intensity on her face as she barked her orders. But he could also see his own form urging her and her troops to hurry up. He saw a similar intensity and determination on his own face. He was the witness not the participant.
The image being witnessed fast forwarded to the moment when the truck convoy arrived to take them into Lewista. He saw himself there boarding the vehicle. But part of him called out “NO! Don’t do it! You’ve done enough.”
The image changed abruptly. This time he saw Ginty’s body lying on the ground at the Casement entrance and then the rows of body bags at yesterday’s ceremony. Tears began flowing down his cheeks. The emotion overwhelmed him and he rocked his head back and forward and then side to side in an unconscious effort to ease the pain.
He was back in the awakened state now. He grabbed a tissue to wipe his eyes. One was not enough. He became aware of the blue light on his communicator. He had been hoping to see a different blue light, the inner blue pearl. But he was grateful nonetheless. He knew that this was just part of the grieving process. He knew too that there was no real option other than to mount those trucks and head into Lewista. ‘Sallusam would have got away with it’ he reminded himself.
But then a wave of sorrow sent him reaching for another tissue.
Half an hou
r later after a brief workout in the gym he arrived in the mess for breakfast. He saw Meg Songa sitting at a table. Her expression was odd, he thought. One moment it looked pained and then annoyed and then confounded. He assumed she was still in an emotional state after having lost her ship and half her crew. Her survivors were now split amongst the Resolute and Tenacity. Even so there was still plenty of spare accommodation on both vessels.
As Dave poured the milk over his cereal he recalled the genuine grief on Jeb’s face yesterday when he realised the losses his marines had suffered. It had not been the way Jeb had envisioned the battle going nor his part in it, being largely at arm’s length. It had been a new experience for Jeb and one he found difficult. He had looked into Dave’s eyes after the ceremony at Neeblo with an expression that said ‘what now?’ Dave had responded with ‘we look after the survivors’ to whit Jeb just nodded.
It was with this in mind that Dave sat down at Meg’s table and said “How’s it going Meg?”
Meg was surprised to see her boss addressing her. “Oh” she managed but then went quiet. Half a minute passed before she added “just coming to grips with it all Sir.”
Dave nodded. “It’s never nice losing your ship” he said.
“I hardly had it two months…won’t look good on my record will it?”
“I wouldn’t worry about that. You lost it while prosecuting a valid order. I haven’t had an opportunity to review the report. You’ll have to do one up pretty quick by the way. Anyway unless there was some error of judgement on your part you should have nothing to fear from the court martial.”
“Court martial…right!”
“It’s automatic if you lose a ship.”
“Will I get another?”
“That will depend on a lot of things. I wouldn’t worry about that right now. Your main concern should be the welfare of your surviving crew.”
Resilience (Warner's World Book 6) Page 25