The Key

by Brian Fisher

  Chapter 9

  Captain Jason McWilliams strode through the corridors of his ship. Men and women of the various races that made up his crew quickly stepped to the side to let the man pass. Repairs were behind schedule, and Jason was mad. Communications had been cut off from Olcai, and his wife was on the surface.

  A set of large, armored doors parted in front of him, and Captain McWilliams stepped into the armory. "Major Narja, a moment please." he waited as a large Caldonian stood, and handed the weapon that he had been working on to another marine.

  "On my way sir." the Major's leathery skin glistened in the light as he walked toward the Captain. "What can I do for you Captain?" his voice was crisp and respectful.

  "Walk with me." Jason said as he turned and walked out of the armory. The Major quickly followed him into the corridor. "How long have we been together Major?"

  "I came on board shortly before the Battle of Bakesh, Sir." Major Narja straightened his immaculate black uniform as he walked. The dark color of the uniform accented his leathery tan skin.

  Minutes passed in silence as the two men walked through the ship. Crewmembers let them pass without a word. Repair drones of all shapes and sizes ignored them as they went about the repairs to the ship. Most of the corridors had been repaired, but a few still had burn marks and other scars.

  "Captain, I have an update on the repairs." Angel said as she appeared in front of them.

  "Is it vital to our survival Angel?" Jason almost scowled. Darkness seemed to radiate from his eyes. He was focused on a mission and any deviation was simply not acceptable.

  "No Sir. It is about the progress on the fluctuation in the environmental system." the A.I. informed them.

  "Then it can wait." Jason's voice turned icy, and he walked through the hologram. Angel flickered then solidified before she nodded and disappeared. Jason stopped in front of a door, and paused before opening it. "Care to join me in the gym Major?"

  "Of course Sir." Major Narja paused for a moment. "Sir, may I ask why you asked me to the Gym?"

  "I'll explain inside." a cold smile crept across the Captain's face as both men entered the Gym.

  Inside, the gymnasium was large. Exercise equipment lined the walls, and an expansive open area dominated the room. In the center were two lines, approximately a meter apart. Jason took off his boots, and stood at one line while he waited for Narja to do the same.

  "Is this wise Sir?" Narja stepped to his line.

  "I'll be fine Major." Captain McWilliams bowed in respect to his opponent. "Don't hold back."

  "Yes Sir." Narja bowed in respect and assumed a ready position. His body was relaxed, with his feet firmly planted in the deck, and his fists in a guard position in front of his chest. "When you are ready Sir."

  Jason rotated his neck, working out the kinks, and limbering up his body. The room seemed to expand before him, and to cease to exist at the same time as he focused on the Major. He closed his fists. Placing most of his weight on his back leg, keeping it slightly bent, Jason brought his front foot back so that it nearly touched the back one at a ninety degree angle. Slowly he let out a breath, and nodded to his opponent.

  Narja attacked with blinding speed. He swept in, and threw a powerful snap kick straight at Jason's chest. Jason quickly side stepped, barely avoiding a crushed rib cage. The Major spun on his front foot, sending a quick sidekick that connected with the Captains hip. Jason absorbed the impact, and fired back with a roundhouse kick, aimed at the Major's head.

  The Captain's foot grazed the top of the Major's head. Jason kept his balance after Narja landed a punch to his leg. Discipline kept both fighters in check as they squared off again, each searching the other for weaknesses.

  After a brief stalemate, Jason shot in, with a low sweep, sending Narja crashing to the floor. The Major rolled to the side, barely missing a knee to the abdomen. Narja was on his feet in a split second, and attacking Jason with a series devastating blows. Jason countered by closing the distance between them, taking away Narja's striking ability. Now within arm’s length, Jason grabbed Narja's head with both hands, holding the Major in one place. With his hands firmly on the Major's head, Jason pounded the Caldonians ribs with thundering blows from his knees.

  Pain never entered Major Narja's eyes. He simply took hold of the Captain's head and rammed his forehead straight into the other man's nose. Feeling the bone shatter under the immense impact, Narja watched as Captain McWilliams crumpled to the floor.

  "Sir, are you alright?" Narja knelt beside his commanding officer.

  "Ouch." the Captain touched his shattered nose. "Nice head butt."

  "Thank you Sir." Major Narja extended a helping hand. "Sir, you need medical attention, as do I."

  "Right, but first Narja, I need your help." Jason gingerly touched his nose again. "I need you to plan for the invasion, and defense of Olcai. Just in case."

  "Understood Sir." Narja paused before they walked out the door. "Sir, this is the first time that you have used my name, without any title. I respect you for that, and I also consider you my friend." without saying another word, the two men walked to the sickbay.