by C. R. Daems
The Omom and her daughter were sitting on the couch and the general on a chair off to the side. They appeared to be engaged in a conversation when I entered.
I gave a small bow. "Omom Nastya, I am Captain Sapir in charge of the Black Guard detail assigned to protect you and your daughter. I apologize for the violence in front of you and your daughter, but we have a contract to protect you. When I entered, you appeared to be in danger, and the Gurk didn't seem in a mood to talk."
"Why didn't you arrest Colonel Prakash?" Nastya asked as she sat appraising me, her voice quiet and her face calm.
I smiled mentally. Invariably, clients assumed all sorts of things about their contracts they had read and signed that weren't there. "Omom Nastya?"
"Yes, or just Omom until I'm ordained, then Holy One. You can call my daughter Sanaz."
"Omom Nastya, you contracted with the Jax for protection for you and your daughter. We don't arrest people. If they are a danger, we kill them so they don't cause future problems. I didn't kill Colonel Prakash because I felt his death might have increased you and your daughter's risk. His death would have caused Major Gowad and his twenty men to attack in revenge. In the melee that followed, you or your daughter could have been injured or killed."
"They will seek revenge eventually," she persisted, watching me like a master appraising an apprentice.
"You could have them all arrested," I said.
"Not without cause."
"It won't be necessary then," I said.
She nodded after a few seconds. "I've spent several hours contemplating your performance at Outpost. At the time, I thought it miraculous. But meditating on it, I realize you were prepared for the trouble. You knew your potential enemies and where each was positioned. You did that today when you entered the room. Both were impressive performances. That's good, because I can't afford to take any action against my Gurk guards. They'll use it to incite the Gurk clan. I can justify relieving them of the honor of being the Holy One's guard due to their extravagant demands. I don't have to justify the killings—the Black Guard did it." She sounded sad. "I wish there was another way to make the transition, but there isn't. I'm sorry."
"There is no need. No one hires the Jax if there is a reasonable alternative. But the honesty is appreciated. Although keeping you and Sanaz safe is my only concern, it may help me in choosing between options."
"I've told General Heydar to support you anyway he can, although I'd prefer it didn't directly involve the army, since its members come from the six clans. Over time, he will select the group who will eventually replace the Gurk as the royal guards."
"I'd appreciate any advice you are willing to share with me," Heydar said.
"I would be happy to so long as it doesn't conflict with my duties. You should be aware that the Black Guard's only concern is protecting Omom Nastya and Sanaz. If someone interferes with us doing our duty, then they become the enemy—no matter who they are. And while we will be happy if our actions help others, that is not our primary concern. You were a good example. I swept your feet from under you because you were in my line of fire. You being on the floor may have saved your life, but it was not the reason I moved you out of the way."
"I'll make sure my men understand that. What about accommodations?" Heydar asked.
"Nothing special. The Black Guard does not segregate men and women. Since we will be providing night and day security, it would be nice if our quarters were close to the Omom Nastya and Sanaz. That would also help counter the threat from the Gurk should they pursue a course of revenge."
"There is room in the palace. With Omom Nastya's permission, I will take care of it," Heydar said while watching Nastya. When she nodded, he rose, but he stopped when I raised my hand.
"Omom Nastya, I would like to introduce my team to you and let them take up their duties immediately." I waited for her to nod. "General, would you ask Lieutenant Elijah to come and bring in one of the teams?" I doubted the Gurk would respond in force so soon, but why take the chance?
Elijah entered with Senior Sergeant Catz and her team of nine.
"Nastya, I'd like to introduce my second-in-command, Lieutenant Elijah." I stepped to the side, content to watch Elijah conduct the introductions.
"Lieutenant Elijah, have you served with Captain Sapir long?" Nastya asked, clearly interested.
"I've served with Captain Sapir on four different assignments over the years."
"I understand the red dragon on your captain's collar, but what are the double dragons on your sleeve?"
Elijah smiled. "One of our senior sergeants described it well. He said, 'It's the only recognition the Guard gives for doing your job. Not so much as a reward to the individual, but as a reminder to the rest of us what it means to be in the Black Guard.' Mine were awarded for my team's action on New Kief; others in this detail for their actions on Lanzhou."
Nastya closed her eyes for several moments before speaking, "Great battles which earned your present designation, the Black Guard, and a reputation of being heartless ... But I sensed compassion at New Kief." It wasn't a question but begged for a response.
"We're in a killing profession, but we take no pleasure in killing."
"Good. I would rather die than be the instrument of wanton killing. Proceed."
"Senior Sergeant Catz will be assigned to you, Omom." She said, stepping aside.
After each Guard had been introduced, Elijah had Catz's detail leave and Nadel and her detail entered.
"Miss Sanaz, Senior Sergeant Nadel and her group will be assigned to you." Elijah stepped aside and Nadel stepped forward and gave a shallow bow.
"Miss Sanaz, I am Sergeant Nadel. My team and I will be your private security."
"The Gurk are very good ... and scary ..." she said almost in a whisper, and her voice carried a slight quiver. I think everyone in the room involuntarily leaned forward to hear Nadel's response.
"What is the scariest animal on your planet, Sanaz?" Nadel asked.
"A Rock Bear. They are very fast, have long knife-sharp claws, and are evil," she said after a moment.
"To us, the Gurk are like very young Rock Bears—a little dangerous but still learning. The Black Guards are like mother Rock Bears, and you, Miss Sanaz, are one of our cubs. And like a mother Rock Bear with a cub, we are very protective and will watch after you night and day. We each began our training at age six, and we have much experience dealing with pesky young Rock Bears," Nadel said just above a whisper as if she were sharing a secret with the child.
Even Nastya smiled.
* * *
We were in the Omom's residence within the palace, which she now shared with the current Holy One. Although the contract was very specific, it was void of any details: what was the threat, where would she be traveling, when, etc.
"Omom, could you give me some general background on Blackwood's situation and what you are planning in the days ahead? It will help me be better prepared."
She closed her eyes and said nothing for several minutes. "We're a religious planet and would rather not have an army, but when we moved into the Helix Sector a hundred years ago, we were plagued with raiders and had to arm ourselves in self-defense. So, we created an army to protect our citizens and an honor guard to protect our leader, who we call the Holy One. She or he is descended from the first teacher of the Holy Book."
I nodded.
She continued. "In the beginning, the honor guard was rotated among the six clans; however, the Gurk proved to be our best fighters over the years, and they became the Holy One's exclusive honor guards. But for the last twenty or more years they have sought more and more privileges and authority. It has evolved to a point where they are beginning to shape our laws. I sense that any attempt to redefine their privileges or authority could result in a military takeover. Today confirmed that. Although Colonel Prakash's supposed reason for holding my daughter and me prisoner was a potential assassination from an outside system, in truth he heard I had signed a contract with th
e Black Guard and intended to ambush you and at the same time let me know he was in charge. I'm sorry I couldn't warn you. By the time I realized what was happening, he had me sequestered."
"I thought that might be the Gurk's logical response and prepared accordingly. The more I know, the better I can prepare."
"In two days, there will be a formal ceremony in the palace sanctuary, where I will be officially named the Holy One by the Council of Omoms. Over time, I will be expected to visit each of the clans. Because of my controversial decision to terminate the Gurk as palace guards and thus to remove their authority and privileges, I feel it necessary to make the journey immediately, or a civil war may result."
"I can understand the Gurk clan but why the others?"
"First, the Gurk are the most militant of the clans. Over the years, they have taken a strident approach to the teaching of the Book. At least one other clan, maybe two, may be inclined to side with the Gurk if they choose to overthrow my rule."
"Power can be seductive," I said, leaving off to those least fit to rule. "You understand the current contract is for your daughter and your safety only. We will not involve ourselves in any revolt or civil war except to protect you. That would require the Jax army or marines."
"I'm hoping quick visits combined with your presence will avoid violence. Using the Jax to quell a civil war would leave scars we could never recover from." She gave a wry laugh. "Of course, a civil war would divide us into parts and weaken us forever. I'm asking a lot from you and the Jax, Captain Sapir."
* * *
Yesterday had been a busy day. The general had secured three rooms for us in the Holy One's area: one for each senior sergeant and her detail and one for Elijah and me. I had designated six-hour shifts to keep everyone alert because of the immediate concern over the Gurk.
There were three entrances to the palace: one into the Reception/Sanctuary, one into the main hallway from the front, and one for workers in the rear. Inside the palace, there was one entrance into the Holy One's quarters. On each shift, the team on duty would assign two to cover each client and one to cover each of the four entrances, leaving the senior sergeant and one other to take turns roaming the palace and responding to problems. For the official ceremony, both teams would be on duty.
The trip to visit the clans would be more complicated, because an army contingency would be accompanying Nastya and her daughter, the heir apparent.
I met Sergeant Catz in the hallway to the Holy One's area. She only nodded as I approached, since she was on duty.
"What's the current status, Catz?"
"Omom Nastya and her daughter are in the dining room eating breakfast. Everyone is at their post, and we're scanning those entering the Holy One's area with the help of a lieutenant that General Heydar sent over. There have been no problems, but we are spread very thin. It's too bad we can't enlist the army's help."
"The problem is the regular army has personnel from the Gurk clan. We need to give General Heydar time to put together a group he can trust. He won't be able to while the Gurk security forces are here, but at least it won't appear the army is supporting the foreign troops."
The only safe wager was that the Gurk would attack sooner or later. I feared their first attempts would be against the Guard. They needed to convince Nastya the Guard couldn't protect her or her daughter and that she must negotiate with them—or die. Of course, they could go for the prize and attempt a coup d'état. Nastya seemed to think that was a possibility.
Space doss, I don't think I had ever felt so vulnerable before, not even at Lanzhou. There, at least I knew what the enemy was planning. Surprise was either an advantage or a disadvantage depending on whether you were the surprisee or the surprisor.
"Our training is going to have to make the difference. Like at Molova, I want everyone to consider possible Gurk scenarios and we will review them daily. Let Nadel know." I continued into the Holy One's area.
I was getting ready to enter the dining room when my Mfi buzzed, indicating a Comm from the Crouching Tiger. "Captain Sapir," I said after hitting the accept icon. It helped to relax me knowing my extended Jax family was orbiting in the sky above Blackwood.
"Colonel Berger, Sapir. Captain Blatt and I were wondering how you were doing?"
"We have Omom Nastya and her daughter under our wing with only a minor test of our marksmanship."
"How many?"
"Zero Guard. Six Gurks."
"Do you think that is the end of it?"
"Unfortunately, no. They have too much at stake. Not just a loss of face but a loss of power. They may try assassinating Guards next. If that doesn't work, I wouldn't discard the possibility of a coup attempt. In fact, a coup would be my first wager except I think the Gurk Colonel may consider this personal, since the test was his idea. He's only alive because of the possible ramifications of killing him at that time." I was still sure I had done the right thing.
"The stakes are high, Sapir. If you need or want help, we are here to support you."
"Omom Nastya understands and is willing to pay if necessary."
"Good. Keep us updated between tests." He laughed and the line went dead.
The various Jax services had their rivals, but when the doss hit the fan we were a family. I was smiling when I entered the dining room. It looked like the current Holy One, Nastya, and Sanaz had finished breakfast and were finishing their drinks.
"You look in a good mood. Anything special?" Nastya asked.
"A mother Rock Bear pleased to see her cubs safe and enjoying the moment."
"Including your grown-up Rock Bears," Nastya said, a small smile on her lips. I'd bet she was going to be a hard act to follow.
"Yes, a mother worries about all her Rock Bears, even the older ones," I said, and she gave a knowing nod. "When you have time, Omom Nastya, could you take me through the ceremony so I can deploy my team appropriately?"
"After lunch would be a good time. You will get to see us practicing."
* * *
I stopped to marvel at the front of the ... sanctuary. There were no statues or altars, just a massive set of silver pipes encased in the ebony wood the planet was named after and an organ with five rows of key panels.
"That pipe organ has over ten thousand pipes, and we add hundreds every year. Its sound is beautiful and becoming magical as new pipes are added. The Holy One will sit in the ornate chair with the gold padding and red cross. I will sit to her left, and Sanaz will sit to my left. At some point I will rise and kneel before the Holy One. She will hand me the scepter containing the original Book on which we base our way of life. She will rise, and I will take her chair and Sanaz will take mine. Atefeh, the then ex-Holy One, will take Sanaz's chair. I will say a few words and the ceremony will be over. Of course, there will be a lot of pomp and ceremony before, during, and after we shift chairs." She smiled, but her eyes were sad. "Atefeh is a saintly person and truly close to godly, but she enabled the Gurk's rise to power, fearing to do otherwise would lead to civil war. Now I must risk the destruction of our way to stop it ... or it will surely lead to the destruction Atefeh feared."
I left Nastya with Corporal Toch, the senior Guard on her current security, and I called the Crouching Tiger and was connected to Colonel Berger.
"Need help, Sapir?" he said with a hint of concern.
"I'm hoping you have some bomb sniffing equipment with you."
"Wouldn't go anywhere without it. You think the Gurk have had enough of your marksmanship demonstrations to resort to bombs?" He gave a wry snort. "It would prove they aren't stupid."
"No. It's personal, so they feel they have something to prove to themselves, if not to Nastya. But the ordaining of Nastya tomorrow is tailor made for anyone with a cause to taint the beginning of her rule, to show she doesn't have universal support, and to intimidate her, the next Holy One."
"I was hoping you needed us. The troops could use a bit of excitement, so don't be a martyr when it starts raining doss. I'll send the equipmen
t with Master Sergeant Kame, who's the expert. It should be there in a couple of hours. Good hunting." He cut the connection.
Three hours later, the shuttle from the Jax cruiser set down on the landing pad several hundred meters behind the palace. I went out with Sergeant Nadel.
"Captain Sapir, I'm Master Sergeant Kame, compliments of Colonel Berger. Where would you like me and my equipment?"
"I'd like to understand the capabilities of the equipment and then check out the Sanctuary to make sure there isn't already something there. Tomorrow I'd like to use it on the people entering the Sanctuary."
"The sensors literally sample the air for the chemical elements traditionally used to make bombs. They can be tuned to sniff specific elements if you know what you are looking for. The equipment has an effective range of fifteen meters and will show the direction of each element it detects. I could teach you to use it ... but I'll be faster and that could make a difference."
"I agree, Sergeant. The job is yours." I wanted every Guard focused on the people, not on equipment.
We spent the next two hours in the Sanctuary. First, Kame took out several small boxes containing explosive material in the form of powders, black and yellow lumps, and liquids. He placed them several meters apart from each other, then turned on the machine. It looked like a small flying saucer on a three-foot pole, except it had no lights or moving parts you could see.
"Those are the most common explosives you are likely to encounter. It doesn't really matter, because the machine—which is a combination mass spectrometer and gas analyzer—is looking at the individual elements, not the specific compounds." He turned and played with a laptop he had on his knees. A hologram appeared, with multi-colored arrows pointing to the containers. "There, the arrows show the direction and the colors designate the chemical elements. My laptop shows the exact ratios and even the name of the explosive if it's in my database."