Then, he heard the familiar buzz of someone at his quarter’s door. Ignoring it, he continued to pray, but it buzzed again. Closing his prayer, he let go of Celeste’s hand and wiped his eyes. He then looked up as Celeste wiped her own tears away. She smiled, leaned down, and gently pressed her lips against his.
The door buzzed again, and their lips separated.
“Come in,” Jake said.
The door slid open and Scott Hauler walked into Jake’s quarters.
The anger that had subsided during Jake’s prayer rose to the surface again and he squeezed Celeste’s hand.
“Celeste, I’d like to speak with Jake alone.”
Celeste nodded and kissed Jake on the cheek. “I’ll wait for you in the mess hall.”
Jake gave his fiancée a warm smile, letting her know how much he appreciated her, and watched her leave the room. After the door slid shut, he narrowed his eyes and shot a glaring stare at Scott. “What do you want, General? We’ve already gone over this, so whatever my punishment is … let’s get it over with.”
Scott did not return Jake’s glare. Instead, and surprisingly, he dipped his head slightly in humility. Looking back up, he said, “Jake, I didn’t come here to issue a punishment to you for questioning my orders.”
“Well, then, what is it?”
“I just wanted to come here and let you know that I am sorry for reprimanding you like I did in front of the other officers.”
Jake cocked his head with suspicion. “Apology accepted, sir.” With hesitation and knowing that he was humbled in front of his peers, Jake then offered an apology as well. “And I am sorry too, sir, for questioning your decisions. I know that my leadership and experience is necessary here for what’s left of our military.”
Scott took in a deep breath. “Thanks, Jake, for recognizing that. But, as Anyta pointed out to me, even if you and Celeste stay here and help, it’s a lost cause.”
“What are you saying, Scott?”
Scott looked down at his feet for a moment then looked back up with an expression of anguish on his face. “Jake, I’m not cut out for this. Your father was the chosen leader for this army and world. You were right. He would have let you go to Gnolom. And … and that’s why I am giving you the okay to go.”
* * * * *
Earth Time: 1 day later, July 5, 2042 – Zikf Slave Camp, Terrest . . .
Captain Noran Belzar sat in the leather chair just outside of Commander Schaal’s office. The waiting area was nothing more than a small room with five leather chairs lined up against the near wall. He was relieved, however, because the main office complex was air-conditioned. It was nice, at least for now, to be out of the hot, humid air of the jungle.
As he sat, he noticed that his right leg was jittering up and down. Grabbing it, he drew in a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He knew that he couldn’t give Schaal any indication about where his new allegiances rested, and he once again went over the plan in his mind.
Closing his eyes, he calmed his mind. As his body began to relax, he heard the entrance door to the waiting room open. Belzar snapped his eyes open and looked up. Commander Schaal stood above him, dressed in his best military dress uniform. He looked immaculate, as he obviously would, coming from a meeting with the revered Vlamer Kreuk. The dress uniform was all white with a long-sleeve, button-up dress shirt, buttoned all the way to the base of Schaal’s neck. The buttons were pure gold, and the whiteness of the uniform seemed to make the buttons glimmer even more. Three small medals, about a half-inch each in circumference, lined the left breast of his shirt. On each shoulder rested three medium-sized gold stars that symbolized his rank. The dress pants were white as well, and were neatly tucked into his polished knee-high black boots.
Belzar quickly stood to attention and gave the standard Gnol salute.
Commander Schaal gave a half-hearted salute in response, which indicated to Belzar that he wasn’t in a particularly good mood. Pulling his black beret off his head, Schaal then glared at him. “Captain, why are you here, and where is Hendricks?”
Belzar gulped. “Sorry, sir. Hendricks is in his room completing slave transfers. I know you don’t like to be disturbed after you get back from meetings in Chast, but there is something important that I need to discuss with you.”
Schaal grunted as he walked toward the entrance to his office. He typed his security code into the numeric keypad located on the wall next to the entrance. The door slid open, and he walked in. Belzar hesitated, knowing that Schaal never allowed anyone in his office unless invited.
With his back to Belzar, Schaal tossed his beret on the leather sofa and loosened his neck collar. “Well, come in, Captain. I do not have all day. You know I like to rest after these meetings.” Schaal then walked around his desk, plopped himself into his leather office chair, and rested his feet on his desk.
Belzar walked into the office, and the door slid shut behind him. Clearing his throat, he spoke. “Sir, I need to speak to you about the guards on detail for the computer center.”
Schaal shook his head in frustration and brought his feet down back under his desk. He pulled his chair in closer and rested his elbows on his desk. “We have had this discussion before, Captain. You know as well as I do that those guards need to be replaced. But our forces are spread thin between Earth and Terrest. There are not enough soldiers left to replace them.”
“I understand that, sir. But there may be a way to increase their performance.”
Commander Schaal tilted his head slightly, giving Belzar an inquisitive look, “Don’t tell me, Captain. You want take Skyler Green out of his mind lock to make those drugs. He’s a security risk. Even though those pitiful guards are in withdrawal, I feel safer knowing that human scum is in a constant trance twenty-four hours a day.”
Belzar took a few steps forward. “I-I understand, sir. But—”
Slamming his fist down onto his desk, Commander Schaal stood, extending his 6’6” frame, posturing his superiority. “No, Captain! That is not an option! Even though I believe human beings are inferior in every way, there is something about Green that worries me. He’s calculating and intelligent. He’s a threat!”
Belzar lowered his gaze from Schaal’s and looked at the floor. Even though he himself stood nearly five inches taller than Schaal, the commander still had an intimidating presence. He knew that if Schaal wanted to, he could tear him apart simply with his telekinetic abilities alone. But Belzar knew that he had to be persistent. Without Skyler Green, their plan wouldn’t work. Clearing his throat, he looked back toward Commander Schaal with determination. “Yes, sir. I know Green is a threat, but think about how the guards performed duties when they were on the drugs Green concocted? Some of them even performed their responsibilities more efficiently.”
The commander furrowed his eyebrows and opened his mouth as if he was about to respond in anger, and then the look on his face softened.
They both stared at one another in thoughtful silence for a few moments. Belzar didn’t dare say another word. He got the sense that his commander may have considered the logic behind his argument.
Commander Schaal took a few steps closer toward Belzar, standing within a few feet. He placed his hands behind his back. “Hmm … you may have a point, Captain. But I want two guards on him when he is taken out of the mind lock, and when he makes his drugs as well.”
Belzar was taken back. He knew that Schaal would want a least one guard on Green, but two? This was something he didn’t anticipate. “Two, sir?”
“Yes, two. You and another guard of your choice.”
Belzar managed to keep his smile in check, and with a serious tone responded, “Yes, sir. And thank you for listening to my suggestion.”
For the first time in a long time, Belzar witnessed the edges of Commander Schaal’s mouth turn upward to form a small smile. His commander took a couple more steps toward him and placed both of his hands on Belzar’s shoulders.
“Noran, you are one of my most trus
ted officers here at this camp. I consider you a friend, and I trust your judgment. If you think that our guards will perform more efficiently with Green’s drugs, then that is what we will do.”
Belzar was shocked. Yes, it was true that he had developed a friendship with Schaal during his years of servitude at Zikf, but the commander had never expressed his friendship. However, Belzar had now developed another close friendship. “T-thank you, sir.”
Still smiling, Schaal backed away and nodded. “You are welcome, Noran. Now if you do not mind, I would like to get some rest.”
Captain Belzar stood to attention and saluted. He turned and exited Schaal’s office. After the door slid shut behind him, he stopped and ran his hands over his shiny, ebony head. He questioned once again where his true loyalties rested – with the Commander who had been his mentor all of these years, or with the human whom he had only known for a few months?
CHAPTER 5
Washington D.C., The White House . . .
Dorange was feeling particularly jovial, considering his so-called god was en route to the landing area behind the White House. After all, why wouldn’t he be happy? He had just tortured his oldest enemy to unconsciousness. Moreover, he knew that Koroan would interrogate and torture Adrian Palmer as well. He let a small smile curve along his lips. Soon, Adrian and his family would suffer the most brutal torture and death any human being could endure. And this brought joy to his miserable soul.
Dorange knew deep down the kind of monster he had become. But he didn’t care. The only thing that brought him any kind of bliss was power and watching those he despised suffer. Both of which he was about to achieve.
He looked up toward the sky, still in a thick haze from the attacks, and could see Koroan’s royal shuttle off in the distance, rapidly approaching. The silver, metallic royal shuttle was new, an ideal companion to his Highness’ new battle ship, the Raqel.
Dorange looked back down and cringed upon the thought of his late wife’s name for which his master’s new ship was named. Even though he had loved Raqel at one time, his lust for power had consumed him. He knew that Raqel was a liability, and he couldn’t trust her. But he had successfully eliminated that problem, even convincing his father-in-law that it was Adrian Palmer who had murdered her.
The wind generated from the shuttle’s engines whipped through his long hair, startling him out of his thoughts. Dorange held up his arm to keep his face from being pelted by small twigs and other debris from the White House lawn.
Squinting his eyes, he managed to see the new shuttle. The new shuttle, as with any of Koroan’s other creations, was impressive indeed. The shuttle looked more like a star fighter rather than a transport vehicle. The shuttle was simply a smaller version of the Raqel. The fuselage was about thirty feet in length and ten feet in width. The cockpit contained two pilots hidden behind a tinted windshield. The wings of the craft extended out and downward, mimicking its mother ship.
As the shuttle slowly descended, its landing thrusters fired, while three landing platforms extended from the bottom of the craft. The wings tilted upward to avoid crashing with the ground just as the shuttle landed softly on the perfectly manicured lawn.
Dorange’s stomach churned in anticipation of seeing Koroan for the first time in months. Besides, the last time he spoke to his master, Koroan had been upset with him for his failed mission to capture the Terrestrian rebel leader.
The door to the shuttle slid open and a five-foot long ramp extended out onto the grass. Six of Koroan’s royal bodyguards jogged out of the shuttle and lined up with three on one side and three on the other just below the ramp. The royal bodyguards were dressed in their typical all-leather red fatigues, accompanied with red battle helmets and black visors. The three guards that accompanied Dorange each dropped to one knee, bowing their heads, clenching their right fists, and crossing their right forearms across their chests. However, Dorange hesitated, and then dropped to his knee as well and performed the same customary veneration that his guards performed, although he kept his head up.
Koroan stepped onto the ramp, dressed in his new uniform. Dorange was impressed. The new uniform certainly enhanced Koroan’s physical presence. The Gnol made his way down the ramp and stopped within a few feet from Dorange. “Arise.”
Dorange and his guards stood to attention.
Koroan let a rare smile crease along his lips. “Well done, Dorange.” He then looked around the grounds of the White House. “I have to say, Dorange. I am impressed that a human civilization could create such buildings. Despite this, you have pleased me with your victory.”
Dorange bowed his head in reverence. “Thank you, my Lord.”
Koroan smiled again, and Dorange stepped aside so that his lordship could step to his side. They began to walk toward the West Wing of the White House. Their guards followed in silence.
Koroan broke the silence first. “So, Dorange, this is Earth. It reminds me of Gnolom before it was destroyed. Does it not?”
“Yes, my Lord.”
Koroan continued as they walked into the West Wing entrance, two guards holding the doors open for them. “How long before our forces control the entire planet?”
Again, Dorange cringed. Even though his forces had succeeded in destroying the major cities of the planet, the military might of all the countries posed a problem, especially a portion of the United States military that had gathered in Missouri. “Our forces, your Highness, are spread thin. These humans have powerful armies. We have advanced weaponry, but their sheer numbers are hard to overcome.”
Koroan stopped just as the two reached the entrance to the Oval Office. He turned and looked at Dorange with a look of disappointment. “They are humans, Dorange, and we are Gnols. That fact alone should mean that we should have control of the planet.”
Dorange lowered his gaze toward the floor. “Yes, your Eminence.”
They walked into the Oval Office. The guards following the two Gnol leaders stayed behind and shut the door, leaving them alone. Koroan surveyed the Oval Office. He walked over to the fireplace and peered at the painting of George Washington that rested just above the mantle. “So this is the first leader of this planet?”
Dorange tried not to let his amusement toward his master’s ignorance of Earth’s history show. He made his way next to Koroan. “No, my Lord, that is a painting of George Washington. He was the first President of this country, the United States of America.”
Koroan, still gazing at the picture, continued. “I am impressed. You seem to know a lot about this planet.”
More than you know, Dorange thought. “Yes, my Lord, in order to conquer your enemy it is wise to know who your enemy is.”
Koroan turned and looked at him, giving him a curious look. “Yes. Speaking of this country, the United States; in your last communication with me, you mentioned that their military may pose a problem.”
Dorange nodded. “Yes. This country possesses the most powerful military on the planet. That, along with the fact that they have joined forces with someone very powerful, may be very difficult to overcome without more reinforcements from Terrest.”
Koroan stared at Dorange in silence for a few seconds. The awkward silence was beginning to make him nervous.
“Yes, I am aware of this man,” said Koroan.
Dorange managed to hide his shock from his master’s knowledge of the mystery man whom they had heard was assisting America’s remaining armed forces. “We are trying to identify who this man is. It is rumored that he possesses our strength and abilities. He could be one of our own who has decided to help the humans.”
“No, Dorange, this man is different. The goddess also knows of this man and she wants him destroyed just as much as I do. That is why I am here, not only to claim my new world, but to issue you a direct order from our goddess mother herself.”
Dorange managed to regain his composure. “The goddess?”
“Yes. She has entrusted you with the responsibility of destroying the remaining
forces of this country, as well as the man who is helping them.”
“Yes, my Lord. It is an honor that the goddess mother has entrusted such a mission to me,” Dorange replied as he stood to attention and gave his master the customary salute.
Dorange then looked back up. Koroan took a few steps closer toward him, standing inches from his face. The look on his master’s face sent shivers down his spine.
In a sinister tone, Koroan continued. “Do not fail the goddess mother on this, Dorange. It is imperative this man is destroyed. Not only is your well being dependent on this, but the destiny of this planet and the galaxy is as well.”
Dorange tried to swallow the lump that had formed in his throat. He managed to speak his response. “Yes, my Lord. I will not fail you.”
Koroan backed away and smiled. “Good. Now, let us get down to our first order of business. I think it is time for me to finally meet Adrian Palmer.”
* * * * *
Slave Camp of Zikf, Terrest . . .
“I don’t know, Tiny. I don’t think this is going to work. Are you sure you can trust him?”
Noran Belzar breathed in a deep sigh as he peered through the trees down toward the slave camp of Zikf. He and Skip were on top of the same tree-covered hill where they had discussed the plan of freeing Skyler Green from the mind control of the Enforcer. It was dark now, but the veil of darkness failed to provide any relief from the heat of the jungle.
Looking up, Belzar noticed that a thick cloud had enveloped the night sky, trapping in the heat. The smell of rain was in the air. The only light came from the camp down below.
He turned to his right and looked down at Skip, who stood next to him. “No, I don’t trust him. But he is the only Gnol that I know of who would bring Green up here.”
Skip turned his gaze away from the camp and looked up into Belzar’s eyes with concern. “Why would a Gnol guard bring a slave out of the camp this far away? Who is this Gnol?”
Worlds Without End: Aftermath (Book 2) Page 6