The Jurou Biljana in the opening froze, crouched against the floor, his hand poised at his hip. Providence could see what she assumed was a weapon strapped to his side.
"Uh uh. Hands where I can see them." Providence growled with a shake of her head.
The male raised his hands with a hissed snarl. Providence was glad they understood her.
There was movement by one of the crates. Providence instantly fired at the alien on the floor separating his head from his body.
"I'm not fucking around. Come out asshole." Providence hollered.
The alien behind the large crate didn't reply or show himself. Providence listened for the sound of movement as she kept her back against the wall. She heard nothing, not even the sound of breathing as her eyes scanned the stacked boxes.
Again there was movement on her right. Providence fired and hit the crate of supplies. In her periphery she noted movement on her left. Providence swung around to see one of the reptiles aiming his weapon at her. Before she could aim and fire off a shot, a searing pain struck her in the side.
The last thing Providence saw as everything around her grew dim, were two looming scaly faces.
Fuck!
3 A Brave New World
Providence
Providence awoke in pain. Every muscle in her body cried out in protest as Providence struggled to sit up and open her eyes, only to be roughly shoved back to the floor.
Providence scowled at the handful of captors surrounding her, and then looked around the dingy cargo bay. She was obviously no longer on Cila and Zer's ship. This ship looked like it had seen better days and needed to be scrubbed.
Providence hoped the Miran Sona had gotten away safely with her fellow humans. She wondered if the reptiles discovered there were more of her kind on Cila and Zer's ship or were they content in capturing her alone? Providence couldn't tell as she surveyed the room.
The Jurou Biljana hissed in displeasure, their expressions menacing. Then again maybe that was just how the ugly bastards looked. Providence couldn't understand the overgrown iguanas without the ship to translate for her.
A clawed hand attempted to grab her but Providence swatted it away.
"Back off." She growled as she looked at the aliens closing in on her.
Undeterred, the lead male reached for her again.
Providence waited till he was close enough then struck out with a right hook, clocking him in his scaly thin lipped mouth. Her daddy didn't raise no weakling! The reptile reared back in surprise, his hand flew to his mouth feeling the split lip that poured blood down his bony chin.
The male quickly grabbed his weapon and fired on Providence. Her eyes closed as the searing pain lit her up. Fortunately or unfortunately the stunning blast didn't knock her out this time. Providence's muscles seized up like a full body charlie horse. She gritted her jaw against the pain. Providence refused to cry out. She'd known pain, hell she suffered through intense training just to join the Air Force pararescue squad.
The Jurou Biljana closed in on her while she was incapacitated. They tore at her clothes till Providence lay naked at their mercy.
Providence eyed her primary attacker with daggers in her gaze. The gleam in his eye as he hissed at his companions pointing to her, told Providence he was gloating.
"Congratulations, the seven of you overwhelmed an unarmed female." She taunted.
The male's triumphant expression turned to one of anger.
It was probably unwise to antagonize her captors, but Providence didn't care. These were slavers. It wasn't like things could get much worse. She refused to go down without a fight.
The disgusting male stunned her again.
Providence gasped then bit down on her tongue as she sealed her lips preventing any further sound. She refused to give them the satisfaction. She tasted blood as agony shot through her. It was hard to breathe as every nerve screamed out.
Providence crouched on her hands and knees as she panted, willing the pain to subside. She counted the rivets in the small patch of floor that she stared at, and then did it again by odd numbers. All the while Providence replayed the gruesome yet satisfying images of the Jurou Biljana she killed. If she concentrated on a dozen things at once she could shift the agony to the back of her brain. It was a trick she taught herself years ago.
Providence looked back up at her assailant when she was finally certain her face showed no evidence of the pain they inflicted on her. She looked the male square in the eyes. She refused to be broken though eventually her heart would probably give out from the repeated jolts.
Providence slowly rose to her feet and threw her shoulders back. She didn't blink as her gaze stared at the yellow eyes with black slitted pupils.
The reptile's clawed hand gripped his weapon.
Providence braced herself for the imminent discharge.
There was a hiss from behind the male as another Jurou Biljana appeared. Her assailant hissed back at the newcomer. The two exchanged words till her attacker reluctantly lowered his weapon.
The new reptile gripped Providence's bicep and tugged her out of the room. As they passed into a dimly lit corridor, the temperature dropped considerably. Providence noted the numerous barred doors that lined the hall. A throng of tall hairy beasts, that reminded Providence of Chewbacca the Wookiee, stood staring from the inside of several of the cells they passed.
Providence took some relief that none of them appeared to contain humans or the Miran Sona.
The Jurou Biljana male opened a door and pushed Providence in, then slammed the door closed, locking her in the dim prison.
Providence shivered as she huddled naked in the far corner of the cell. Tears squeezed past her clenched eyes and she furiously scrubbed them away. She had to be brave, but it was hard not knowing what horrific fate awaited her when that door opened again.
Dagaa
Dagaa stood near the center stage of the market tent as Kagan mounted the steps of the dais to address and rally the people.
Dagaa smiled as he looked around at all the Vidya and Scelus Cadi that had gathered with the sole intent of seeing that justice was served where the Jurou Biljana were concerned. The reptilian traders thought they could cheat the Cadi. They were about to learn otherwise.
"The Jurou Biljana just entered orbit and will be landing soon." Madhava reported.
Dagaa nodded to Kagan letting him know it was time. Kagan turned to the hundreds of Cadi gathered in the massive tent. He was an imposing regal figure, dressed in both the colors of Vidya and Scelus Cadi, crimson and obsidian. Everyone's eyes were on him as the noise of the crowd died down.
"Citizens of unified Cadi, I am humbled today to see the way our people have set aside their differences and come together as the strong, proud people our ancestors hoped for."
A loud cheer and thunderous noise rose up as the gathered warriors stomped their feet in agreement.
"We stand poised at the precipice of a new age for Cadi. As you know the universe is a vast place and we are not alone in it. Our years of fighting amongst ourselves blinded us to outside threats and even potential allies. No longer can we ignore this fact while shamelessly squabbling amongst ourselves."
"We have become too dependent on the goods provided by the Jurou Biljana merchants. The reptilian species has taken advantage of our situation. No longer will we stand for this. It stops here. It stops today. Not only are we are gathered to make right the wrongs the Jurou Biljana have wrought against us, but to send a message to the universe that the Cadi are no longer an easy mark."
Kagan had to pause as again the crowd broke out in cheers.
"But do not misunderstand my message. The Cadi are great, but we are not the only species that exists in this vast and glorious universe. If we hope to move forward, we must seek to exist in harmony, not only here on Cadi but with the other honorable peoples that we will come to meet." Kagan turned serious.
"All around us stand a people, the Toufik, whom we have subjugated to hard labor
, because all our efforts were selfishly turned to war. We have taken advantage of the fact the Toufik seek refuge from a dying planet and are willing to put up with being chattel, so that their people may merely survive. They are not the simple beasts of burden we deluded ourselves into believing because it served our purpose. I know this first hand having fought side by side with them. No longer can we claim to be an advanced race while condoning the subjugation of another." Kagan bellowed.
Dagaa looked to see Stone, his hairy Toufik compatriot, standing amidst members of his clan. The male bowed his head in deference to Kagan's acknowledgement.
Dagaa noticed the serious looks on many of the warriors' faces. Many nodded, though a few shook their heads. Kagan knew it was this very issue of welcoming and forming alliances with other species that had divided his planet and started the civil war so long ago. Add to that the difficult task of freeing the Toufik and their planet was in for some rough times. The Daimio knew he needed to tread carefully so soon after ending the terrible war, but Kagan was also unwilling to stand down on certain issues.
"There will be much needed change in the years to come. Some of these changes will be difficult, but I have no fear that we can weather the storm, because we are Cadi!" Kagan threw up his fist as he shouted.
A deafening cheer rose up from the people making Dagaa smile. It seemed the vast majority saw the wisdom of their Daimio's words. It gave Dagaa hope and made him proud to be alive in this age.
"What ship do you want?" Dagaa asked Cyprian and Madhava as they exited the tent and watched the three Jurou Biljana vessels land on the field outside of the auction tent.
"Well that one looks like it's on its last leg." Cyprian commented as he pointed at the one on the left.
"When we get the signal, you take that one and clear it out. Kagan wants the Jurou Biljana to have safe passage off Cadi and that's it. They made it here in the piece of shit, surely they can make it home again."
"Sounds good. I've got the one in the middle." Madhava nodded towards the craft made for speed.
Dagaa grinned at Madhava's feral expression. He could tell the warrior was spoiling for a fight. They were too used to combat, but none of them had seen a good battle in months.
"Stone should probably go with you Cyprian. He's our best bet identifying if the Jurou Biljana have another one of those chemical weapons. We don't want that vessel taking off again if it’s carrying that poison." Dagaa said as he looked around for the hairy Toufik warrior.
Dagaa shivered as he recalled all the dead people they'd found after Vigdis had murdered the entire city of Nazario using the chemical weapon the tyrant bought from the Jurou Biljana. The silent killer they called Empty Death came from the dying Toufik home world.
"Well I better go hunt down my hairy friend." Cyprian replied.
"I think I saw him waiting to greet the Toufik that will be liberated, on the other side of the auction tent." Madhava told Cyprian.
"Things have been going well." Dagaa commented as he gestured toward the unified Cadi.
"Yeah but I think people are nervous about Kagan's insistence to free the Toufik."
"It's only right." Dagaa added.
"I agree, we've become too dependent on their service, but people don't know how they'll manage."
"I think it’s the unknown that freaks most people out. But it's not like the Toufik will be doing nothing. They will need to make a living like anyone else. We already feed and house the Toufik. The only thing that will really change is the fact that they will now have the free will to choose."
"Kagan will need to be patient. The unification is a lot to handle, but freeing the Toufik will be an added stress. I'm just concerned there will be rebellion on both sides. As it is, there are groups stirring up trouble." Madhava shook his head.
"I know, I saw the looks on some of the warriors' faces. Add to that Kagan's plans to attract allies from off world, and it's a lot of changes to take in. Believe me, I worry that it's too much too fast. But I think overall the people support Kagan." Dagaa sympathized with Madhava's concern. Neither of them wanted to see an end to peace so soon.
"These are good problems to have. Kagan at least gives a shit. You know how long I put up with a selfish asshole. I much prefer this." Madhava cast Dagaa a rare smile. "Sadly I think it took the war to show people how awful things could be, so they might appreciate and fight for something better for their young."
"Agreed." Dagaa nodded.
Dagaa thought back on all the conversations he had with his childhood friend, Kagan. The warrior truly did have Cadi's best interest at heart. Long ago Dagaa had promised the male he would have his back through thick and thin. He'd given up a lot to follow his friend, the true Daimio of Cadi. Dagaa didn't regret the sacrifices he'd made, not after seeing how far his people had come.
The game may have changed from war to politics, but not the friendship. Though lately much of Kagan's attention had turned towards Giselle and the boy, Sabin, he'd adopted. Between family and business, Dagaa's friend didn't have that much free time anymore. Dagaa didn't begrudge his friend though, not one bit.
Dagaa had found himself spending more and more time with Madhava. The grim warrior was proving to be a truly good male. He worked hard and would do whatever it took to get the job done without complaint, adding intelligent insight. The way they got along, the male felt almost like a long-lost brother. Though Madhava did worry Dagaa on occasion. Madhava didn't talk much about his past. Occasionally bits and pieces would slip. Those depressing small snippets made the things Dagga experienced in life seem like child's play.
An explosion of fire rocked the far corner of the market and Dagaa snapped out of his reverie.
"That's our cue."
"Game on." Dagaa borrowed one of Giselle's phrases. He grinned as he rushed towards the ship he'd singled out. Warriors assigned to him poured out from every direction.
Madhava shook his head as he too jumped into the action with his own warriors in tow.
It didn't take long to subdue the Jurou Biljana. The Cadi had taken them entirely by surprise with only a few minor casualties.
Dagaa wandered through the Jurou Biljana ship surveying the goods that were in the hold. He entered the bay where the Toufik had been secured and peered into each cell to assure that none of the hairy occupants remained. He passed a small cell then paused and backed up.
There was something huddled in the far corner. Dagaa unlocked the door and hesitantly approached the tiny creature.
In a flurry of motion the creature propelled itself at him with a high-pitched scream. Flame red hair flew as small fists, nails and blunt teeth assailed him.
Dagaa gripped the creature by the arms and pried it off of him. A little foot flew out striking him in the stomach making Dagaa grunt. The little thing howled in pain as its foot struck his muscular flesh.
Dagaa held the creature away from him and took a good look at it. He smiled as he recognized the tiny thing that he'd found. Pale skin, pert little nose, full breasts and broad hips. Human, she was a human. Except her hair wasn't golden like Giselle's it was red like his skin.
"Easy fiery little warrior. You are safe now." Dagaa reassured her.
Dagaa found himself frozen as a pair of large green eyes looked up at him in confusion and fear. They were a stunning shade of green like meadow grass in springtime.
Although Dagaa was loath to let her go, he could see her growing fright and set the little female down. She retreated back instantly shivering as she cowered against the metal wall.
Dagaa recalled how cold Giselle got and pulled off his cloak holding it out to the female.
Wide green eyes stared at him suspiciously for a minute then she darted forward and snatched the coat. Dagaa couldn't help but smile. She stumbled back seeing his fangs and Dagaa instantly closed his mouth. He almost cursed himself.
"You are safe." Dagaa held his hand out.
The little human shook her head as she wrapped the cloak around her cur
vaceous body. She clearly didn't believe him or didn't understand. He needed to bring her to Giselle to see if she could help. Dagaa hoped he didn't scare the fiery female too much but it couldn't be helped. He lunged forward and wrapped his arms around the woman.
Her screams were deafening as he carried her out of the ship. He saw Kagan and Giselle at the bottom of the ramp. Dagaa bent and sat the redhead on her feet. No sooner had he let her go then a tiny fist clocked him in the nose. To his shock it actually hurt.
"Dammit Giselle, are all the females from your planet so violent?" Dagaa bellowed as the fiery female stood looking at him defiantly with her fists on her hips.
Dagaa suddenly knew why Kagan constantly wanted to turn Giselle over his knee. This little female was a handful and then some.
Providence
Providence watched as the reptiles led the large hairy beasts from their cells. She didn't know if she should be glad they had ignored her or not as she huddled freezing in the dank prison. Providence grimaced as she stretched her limbs. She froze as they cramped in protest. Every muscle in her body ached piteously from the weapon they'd used on her.
Heavy footfall sounded out in the hall. Providence grew still as she watched the door in trepidation. The massive thing that stepped into view sent a frisson of fear shooting through her.
"Oh please god, don't let this be the creature they sold me to." Providence prayed.
The creature swathed in a black cape was impossibly tall and broad, with a tail that extended out behind. When the thing opened the cell door and came towards her, his hood fell back, revealing a red face and long black hair. In the dim light the creature looked like something straight from Hell.
Providence snapped. Every horrible fate she could imagine at the hands of such a frightening creature propelled her forward.
She struck out with a kick but her foot met a solid wall of muscle. Her muscles cried out in pain and so did she. Providence hoped she hadn't broken a toe.
The beast set her back down in the dark cell and she scrambled back keeping her eyes on him. The monstrous man pulled off his cape and held it out to her.
Warriors' Providence (Cadi Warriors Book 2) Page 4