“Wait!” Taz yelled. I could hear her bare feet on the metal floor. I kept walking. “Wait! Benjamin, stop!” she said hurriedly. “Where are you going? Why don’t you come with us? They would all benefit from your instruction.”
“Taz, they have all had the benefit of my instruction, and most didn’t like it. You have enough people to match up and spar. Separate Harry and Nedra so they can work on fighting a larger opponent.”
“You see, that’s why we need you there guiding us.” She stood there looking me in the eyes. I wasn’t falling for it.
“Turn around,” I said.
“Why do I need to turn around?”
“Could ya just do what I ask? I am getting so damn tired of being questioned!” I was almost yelling, almost.
She looked a little hurt as she turned around, now facing away from me. Her braids hung down to the small of her back. I pulled the neck of her top open and she made a choking noise. “Sorry, Gimme a second.” I crisscrossed her braids into one and pushed it down the opening between her shoulder blades. The tight material would hold them in.
“I like the look, Taz, but it would be better with a shirt cut off at the midriff and a mini skirt,” I told her. “Not so good in an actual hand-to-hand scenario. Next time roll it all up into a bun on the back of your head and pin it. When we get to Athena I can get you some long metal pins that are sharpened to a point to put through the bun to hold it place. They make nice weapons if you’re in a bind and up close and personal.”
She leaned back into me and laid the back of her head against my shoulder. She turned her head and kissed me. I held her by the arms, trying to keep a little space between us. Looking down the hall, I saw everyone exiting her room, first looking at us then walking towards the gym.
“What’s a mini skirt?” she asked.
I tried to explain it, telling her the fabric went around her waist and came down to about this area, then I touched her leg. She looked at where my hand was and then back at me.
“That only just covers 'things'.”
“Yes, that is one way to put it,” I chuckled.
“Do the males of your species wear miniskirts? Do you have one you can show me?”
“Hell no I don’t have one! We’ll have this conversation later, now go work out!” I gave her a shove forward towards the others and went to my quarters.
Sitting at my desk, looking at the terminal, I called up the data for the exact time in its rotation. It seemed the days were hotter than hell and nights only cooled off slightly, but it was something. It was not a big surprise to find out that most of the wildlife was nocturnal and had evolved with big eyes and sharp teeth. There didn’t seem to be anything much larger than a big dog on the land, but there were a number of larger sea creatures.
The most interesting thing was the volcanic activity and the company that was taking the chance capturing the gases, refining and selling it in liquid or gas form. The processing plant was built on a giant flat platform with grav drives mounted under it. In the event of an earthquake, the control room would activate the drives and raise the plant off the surface. There were no permanently attached hard lines, just a number of lines with electronic quick disconnects that would detach during an emergency. In the event the base was damaged, outriggers would allow it to be landed in an alternate location.
The plant workers lived on the immediate property, in addition to a number of small settlements scattered within a ten-mile radius of it. The larger of the settlements had a landing area for small craft. I forwarded the coordinates to Lorelei's com for her to load and view from her current location.
I was thinking about a nap so I could stay awake the whole time we were planet-side, especially while Imelda was out. I could see the locals with pitchforks and torches hunting her like some Frankenstein monster.
The one you call Snake is currently bleeding on your ship. I placed my head in both hands and sighed.
What happened?
I believe he did something to Natalia and her reaction caused the queen to attack him.
Is Natalia okay?
Yes, I believe it was a misunderstanding and the queen acted before understanding the situation.
Is Snake okay?
Yes, the one you call Ronnie is seeing to his injury. I do not understand the word tickled, but it is what the snake man did to Natalia.
I assume Taz didn’t know either. Was it explained to her?
Natalia tried to show her but it did not work. The Cjittan must not suffer from that affliction.
The snake man was bested by Natalia and should have yielded the floor, but instead he tickled her, forcing her to release him.
Thank you, Imelda. Have Natalia tell Snake that I will see him later, and that I am not ticklish. Also his name is Snake, but he is not a snake man. He is a human like me and some of the others.
I see. I was confused because he didn’t smell like a snake man. Natalia has given him your message, and he said “shit.” I will leave that to your interpretation.
One day, my friend, I will sit with you and teach you how to cuss, how to understand a word’s meaning, and then its other meaning when used by former marines.
Wonderful. I feel lower on the food chain already, Imelda replied, catching me off-guard with the sarcasm.
Chapter 9
“What are these coordinates for? I haven’t said we’re stopping there.”
“Lorelei,” I said, “you're not doing this for me. You are doing it for Imelda and yourself.
“Me? Why am I doing this for me?”
“Because when she gets so hungry she can’t control herself, she will eat one of us. More than likely it will be Grubb or Buddy because they’re back there with her all the time. When that happens, I am going to drag you back there and feed you to her. There will be no mercy this time, do you understand me? She will do exactly what I ask her, with none of the shit attitude I get from you, and if she is crazy still I won’t have to ask her, she'll just do it.”
The com got quiet. “Change of coordinates accepted. Course correction initiated,” I heard the computer voice say. Lorelei’s voice followed. “There, are you happy now?”
“Lorelei, she is one of our crew whether you want to acknowledge it or not. You may think this a big bother, but one day she will save your life and you will be happy you took the time to see to her needs.”
The com clicked in my ear. I guess she was done talking, at least for now anyway.
Imelda, it looks like you get to go out tonight. Watch out for the volcanoes and fire. The largest carnivore seems to be about the size of a small Allith. I will be awake while you are out if you need me.
What is the dominate life form on this planet? she queried.
Trillond would most likely be the bi-pedal life form you might encounter. No eating any of the bi-peds, just to be safe, okay? We don’t need any trouble.
Fine, it looks like snacks all evening for me.
I liked you better when I thought you were my enemy and couldn’t understand a damn thing, I thought.
I liked you better when I thought I'd get to eat you some day.
Don’t bother me, I'm gonna catch a nap.
I don’t know long I had been asleep when someone started shaking me. I had forgotten to lock the damn door. I tried to ignore it but it wouldn’t stop, so I turned over angrily, ready to start yelling. Taz sat on the edge of my bed looking at me. It was dark but I could see she still had her workout clothes on.
“Benjamin,” she said softly, “I need to tell about something that happened in the gym tonight and I hope it will not anger you.”
What now? I thought to myself. First Snake and now something else. “What’s wrong, Taz?”
“Your friend Snake. I misunderstood his actions with Natalia and I attacked him, striking him in the head and knocking him out. He bled from the wound I inflicted on him.”
“It's okay, Taz, I knock him out all the time. It’s the only thing he understands, he'll get ov
er it.”
“Yes, but now he thinks you are going to knock him out, and there is no need for that, Benjamin.”
“He cheated a sixteen-year-old girl who had him fair and square.”
“He went easy on Natalia, not knowing how skilled she has become. I believed she realized it, was mad and trying to hurt him. He was trying to get free without hurting her and found a weak spot. I believed him to be doing something improper to your daughter and reacted.”
“Thank you for looking out for her,” I said patiently.
“You’re welcome. Tell me you won’t hurt him.”
“I’ll sleep on it,” I said.
In one smooth motion she was on top of me, kissing my face then my mouth. “What can I do to change your mind?” she said in sultry voice.
“A shower would be a good start. Then we will talk about it.”
“You are evil, Benjamin Jamison,” she said. “Do not move, I will be back shortly.”
She kissed me quickly and got up. I rolled over and went back to sleep. During my time in the Corp we learned how to sleep at a moment’s notice, knowing if you didn’t you might not get another chance for days. I felt her slide in behind me; she was warm from the shower and smelled like my soap.
“Go back to sleep,” she whispered. “Lorelei says we will be on approach in an hour. I will wake you then.” She wrapped herself around me, hugging me tight.
zzz
“They have changed course, Captain, and are heading for the refueling depot. If they filled before departing Allond they shouldn’t need any fuel yet,” Bale said.
“Do you think they have a problem with their ship? They are short-handed and lacking anyone with experience.”
“It is possible, Captain, but I detected no fluctuation in speed or any external system malfunction, so it must be an internal system that we can’t detect, like life support, causing the change of course.”
“This could be our opportunity, Bale. Alert the crew we will be landing and taking a ship within the next two hours.”
“Are we going to kill the crew of the Allond warship or take them captive?”
“You know there is one we will take captive. The others will get a choice if they surrender. If they fight, then whatever happens, happens.”
“That’s good, Captain. The crew will not have to think or make any decision aside from saving their own asses.”
“Watch them and see where they land. If it works out, land us as close to them as possible.”
zzz
“What do you mean you want to go with her? This is for her benefit, and it’s not like she needs you to protect her!” I yelled at Natalia.
Did you instigate this? I asked Imelda. I'm not happy.
No, she will be safe and I may need her to inform you using one of your communication devices if I am too far from the ship and need assistance.
Don’t move a leg in any direction, I told her.
“Natalia, go put your mother’s armor on and get your weapons, now!”
“Okay Dad, on my way!” Natalia chirped. “Make sure she waits on me, this is going to be so much fun.”
“It’s going to be dangerous,” I yelled up the corridor. She waved and kept going. Five minutes later she came running back, and I checked her over.
“Would you stop? I'm fine, the battery is fresh, the heads-up works great, and I'll check the com before we get out of Imelda's mental range,” Natalia said to get me to stop hovering over her.
She ran down the ramp and up Imelda's outstretched leg like a pro. Reaching out, she scratched her on the top of her head and I almost thought I heard Imelda purr. With a quick turn she was off into the woods and pretty much invisible to the naked eye, thanks to the darkness and both of them being in black.
An arm slid around my waist. “She’ll be fine. Imelda would not let anything happen to your child. It will be very educational for Natalia, I assure you.” It was Taz.
“Do you happen to know who is on duty or awake and who isn’t?” I asked.
“No, is it my job to know that? Message the bridge and find out.”
“What crawled up your ass?”
“Just a man who would rather sleep than play,” she said.
I noticed she hadn’t let go of my waist or stopped pressing herself against me. “I'm going to sit here in the cargo bay until they get back. Would you like to join me, your Highness?”
“Since you asked so politely,” she smiled, “I would love to.”
zzz
“The ship is as close as we can afford to get without it looking suspicious.”
“We have surprise on our side, and the crew is ready to go,” the captain said. “Keep everything online, Bale, we should be back shortly.”
“If it’s possible Captain, some hostages would be helpful, such as someone who can fly the ship and an engineer. We can always kill them later when we put together a crew.”
“No promises, Bale. If his crew is anything like him we can’t rely on any cooperation, but I’ll ask.”
“If I may ask, Captain, why do you want to capture him, or want him at all for that matter?”
“I'm not exactly sure, Bale, but the human I was created from was his mate. I would like to know more about her if I can get it out of him. The master did not care about such trivial things, and I think most of his children didn’t care how they came into being. I know that I am different because I have these questions and don't understand why. When I know the answers I will have no more use for him.”
“Opening the starboard door and engaging the ramp. Happy hunting, Captain.”
zzz
Benjamin, I need you to respond immediately!
What is it, Imelda? Is Natalia okay?
Yes, she is fine, but you need to wake the others quickly. Many armed men and women are approaching the ship.
Have Natalia count them for me.
“Taz,” I ordered, “go get my weapons and yours and come straight back.”
“Bridge, I need you to wake everyone with an alarm and a message to gear up — this is not a drill. They all know what it means. Hurry, we don’t have much time. Maybe just a couple of minutes. Lock all exit doors and keep your finger on the emergency closing button for the rear ramp. Close it on my command.”
“Acknowledged, Ben,” Binda replied.
“Binda, once that is done, arm yourself and anyone on the bridge with you. Dim all the lights to their lowest setting.”
Natalia says there are thirteen.
Thanks. I am going to let them up the ramp, then it is going to close. If they leave anyone outside they are yours and Natalia's. If the ship they arrived in looks like it is going to depart, let me know. I want it.
It is one of the queen’s shuttles, I understand.
It is about to become mine. Do you understand that?
Yes. I will do my best to obtain it for you if it tries to depart.
Imelda, don’t let anything happen to my daughter.
Natalia has taught me a new phrase, she replied. I will say this is piece of cake. They are approaching, currently half the distance.
Eat your fill, but be safe.
Taz touched my arm. She had everything but my armor and axe, which was still on loan to Harry. I motioned for her to step back into the shadows. I waited by the door for the others. I divided the team as they came through the door, sending them right or left.
Splitting Harry and Nedra gave us a larger individual on each side, but the rest were not important. They were retired marines or navy and knew their way around a weapon and a fight.
“Binda, is there a way for the Claymore to jam com signals? I don’t want what's left of the crew of their ship to get tipped off.”
“I’ll do what I can.”
“I've got faith in you.”
They weren’t all that quiet in their approach. I saw a number of heads peek around the edge of the open ramp. Satisfied nothing was moving, they began to shuffle up the ramp into the hold. I counted
eleven inside and two milling around outside.
Three of the pirates made for the door Taz and I were standing near. The rest were looking at everything we had stacked in the hold.
“Now, Binda, close the ramp.”
Marker lights began to flash red inside the hold and an alarm blared a continuous warning. I touched the trigger and the bodyguard closest to me went down. I grabbed the cloaked figure in the middle and placed it in a chokehold.
Taz didn’t have her weapon ready, and the second bodyguard got the draw on her. She slapped the pistol away, sending the shot wild, and landed a clean jab to his throat. She spun in place and caught him with the back of her fist into the side of his head. Staggering back a few steps gave her the space for kick to the chest, sending him flying back to land in a heap on the floor.
Nedra was facing off with two of the pirates alone, until Harry noticed. In a half-dozen running steps he grabbed one from behind and raised it his full arms’ length above his head and slammed the pirate down onto the reinforced metal floor. It was brutal and instantly fatal; the impact was tremendous. Matt, Bill, Snake, Grubb, Buddy and Adam were cleaning up the rest. Moans, cussing and the sound of bodies hitting the floor went on for about three minutes then silence.
“Binda, is Shawna with you?”
“Yes, Ben.”
“Run a scan on authorized versus unauthorized and tell me what you got.”
“Our crew is all accounted for, except Natalia and Imelda. You have the live intruder you're holding and the rest are all horizontal.”
“Good,” I replied. “Turn the lights up in the hold and shut off the alarm.”
I held the limp form in my arms. I could feel her chest moving slightly as she breathed. I eased her to the floor and bound her wrists. Motioning Ronnie over, I gave her instructions on what I wanted done. She would have someone take my cloaked prisoner to the brig, search her, strip her naked then put her in a pair of thermals.
The Chronicles of Benjamin Jamison: No More Lies (Book 3) Page 7