“I know what kidnapping is,” she said. “Revenge?”
“You know the two guys who poisoned Binda? That was revenge against me. The fact that she didn’t die doesn’t change anything. Then of course I had to show them how revenge is really done. You know firsthand that I am intimate with the process, Your Highness.”
“I do,” she said. “I knew you would but I wanted to stop you. I didn’t care what you did on Athena or along the way if it eased your pain and brought you some peace. But this is my empire and my people and you can’t—”
“I can’t what?” I interrupted. “You would have done nothing, and they would have smirked and looked down their noses at us as they strolled away. Then you would have tried to tell me there was nothing you could do. I know that we are not Cjittan, so therefore we have no rights. Your people could walk all over us and your hands would be tied. Well, if I have no rights then I commit no wrongs. I’m sorry that one of them was your family, but that just makes this suitor situation more stupid and makes me even more pissed off.”
“So they are both dead?”
“Well, maybe their spirits are on some other plane, but on this plane they don’t exist anymore.”
“A simple yes would have sufficed,” she snapped.
“Nothing is ever simple,” I said. “Anyway, now you know. I will go; I’m sure you would rather not have me around.”
“I didn’t say that, but if you want to leave I won’t stop you.”
“Just tell me,” I said as I stood to leave. “Are we through?”
“It’s not that easy for me. Is it for you?” she asked. “If so, then we shouldn’t prolong our parting another minute.”
“Of course it’s not easy, and I don’t want it to end. I just figured that after all that’s been said and done, you were out. You were hell-bent to find out what happened to those two, and now you know what I’ve done.”
“It was not unexpected, my love,” she said softly. “I only thought to stop you, and you cannot blame me for not wanting you to make more enemies. Now my aunt and my ambassador will want revenge. It’s a vicious cycle and I will have to stand against my longtime friend and family for you.”
“Sometimes we have to choose,” I said. “Which reminds me, I ran into a friend as we were leaving. He was waiting for us; you remember Captain Dakkon, don’t you?”
“Yes. I asked Xamand for help,” she answered readily. “I anticipated you fleeing and knew we would never catch the Claymore with our ships. I take it he failed, if we are still heading into deep space.”
“He didn’t fail,” I said. “We had a talk about everything and he thought he would check with Xamand to clarify his orders. He’s probably two cycles behind us, but will be six to eight before he moves. He did say he will fulfill his duty to you and his emperor, if that is the decision they come to.”
“He let you go!” she marveled. “You never fail to surprise me, but I should have guessed when I asked them for help that they would not be impartial; they are very fond of you.”
“Is it possible you asked them because you knew they would be less apt to blow my ass to atoms?”
“Maybe,” she smiled, “but you will never know.”
As soon as she said that, it felt like things might actually work out, at least for the next few minutes. I wasn’t going to divulge any of the details. I would just continue to take responsibility. It was on me; I had given the orders and orchestrated the op, regardless of who did the deed. She gave me a hug.
“It seems someone else has neglected to shower. Clean yourself up and we will contact Zora and Captain Dakkon,” she said after we parted.
I had to laugh, as it was the truth. “Your wish is my command and all that nonsense.”
“Oh Benjamin, it’s not nonsense,” she smiled. “One day we will have a long talk about formalities.”
****
“Brother, I have heard news from our sources in Cjittan that there is a lot of activity at the outer edge of the Cjittan Empire in unprotected space. Traders are reporting much more pirate activity, yet there is a boldness to it that speaks of organization. It is said they attacked the Cjittan naval outpost and laid waste to it. Have you spoken to Benjamin since yesterday, and do you know his destination?” Emperor Xamand’s face showed some concern.
“I will contact him and inquire,” came the answer. “My crew believes he is bound for Dratma 6. What of your orders to apprehend the Claymore and its crew? I do not believe Benjamin will offer resistance, but do you still feel we should involve ourselves? Dratma 6 is a favorable location to detain them, if you still feel it necessary.”
“It is hard for me to believe that Tazleaha is a prisoner aboard the Claymore. Ask to speak to her as we planned and decide what is best based on her current condition. Our services may not be required and you can return home. The Cjittan Queen may have acted hastily in asking for our assistance.”
“We share the border with Cjittan. Do you think it wise to investigate? Perhaps we should maintain a parallel course with the Claymore. Tazleaha may ask Benjamin to take her all the way to unprotected space so she may see firsthand any activity or destruction.”
“That is a wise course of action. We do not need the Khalnalax or pirates entering Allond space and using it to their advantage against the Cjittan. We have not sent a battle cruiser to that area in many years, however, so the inhabitants are in for a surprise.”
“That is for certain, brother. I will contact you when I am apprised of the situation with the Claymore and its owner.”
****
Deep inside a cave on the planet Naloon, the leaders of the newly formed pirate coalition were discussing the distribution of wealth brought on by their latest endeavors, as well as evacuation to their current base of operation and a rendezvous at the stronghold in unprotected space. There was no sense of urgency; they knew it would be weeks before any ship arrived to investigate the loss of the naval outpost. But the navy would eventually come and they needed to be gone.
Unlike Naloon, which was too close to the sun, making it too hot to survive for more than ten minutes above ground, the stronghold on Rolecra where they went after any job involving the Cjittan empire had a much more agreeable climate, but they had to steal, stock and store more supplies for a much longer period of time. The Cjittan Empire didn’t venture into unprotected space, leaving it to the pirates, slavers and smugglers. That also meant they had to defend their home from other pirates, which was another good reason to band together. Former Captain Onal Ooni was the first elected Admiral of the Coalition and, along with his two captains Farat and Sashet, they were the leaders of their little band of cutthroats.
Attacking the naval outpost was not something they had ever thought they would have to do. The navy was outmanned and outgunned in that sector, so they usually chased the pirates but never strayed far from their base. This was the main reason the pirates had been able to set up a long-term stronghold on Naloon. Admiral Ooni blamed the Khalnalax. If they hadn’t stepped up their presence in unprotected space, there would have been better pickin’s than the slim ones they had met with. They did well enough, netting a significant amount of food, water and weapons, a couple of two-person crafts, and one more thing: the golden egg that would net them millions of credits. The survivors wouldn’t starve, but would need to ration to stay alive until relief showed up.
Ooni looked up from the table at his two captains. “Sashet, when do you think the women and children can depart for Rolecra?” he asked.
“The doctor is requesting a week so that the weak can regain their strength and participate in the journey instead of lying useless around the ship,” Sashet answered.
“A week is acceptable. What about you, Farat? Did our guest participate, or is she continuing to sabotage our effort to make a believable ransom vid?”
“She is proud, that one. She was proud to admit she was the queen’s cousin, I’m sure hoping it would bear some weight. When I asked why she was patrol
ling the rim instead of one of the cushy core sectors, she spit at me. We may be counting on a family bond that is strained and end up stuck with some useless noble we have to feed and water, only to kill. The queen does not suffer fools. She may laugh when she reads our demands and tell us to keep her.”
“That would be unfortunate for the commander. I will talk with her. I have found over the years that if the hostage is in good health and shown to have been treated well, the demands of the ransom are met more favorably and with less anger, though our queen will be plenty angry.” Onal Ooni spoke to his captains with the authority of experience.
“Admiral, would you agree to send seventy-five percent of the food and water along with our families to be rationed out evenly after their arrival, and we can divide the remaining quarter three ways for each of our ships?” Farat asked.
“Captain Farat, you know well that I am entitled to a larger share, but because we have displaced ourselves and our families have a voyage ahead of them, I will concede to the equal split—but only the food and water. The ransom will be divided according to rank, as agreed in our by-laws. I hope you do not seek to challenge me on that.”
“No, it is as it should be.”
“Excellent. Captain Farat, do we have any other concerns that would affect our coalition? Any punishments, rewards, promotions, demotions?” Farat shook his head. “Nothing? Good. I will go talk to our prisoner and work on her manners.”
****
Her hair was dry now and she seemed just like her old self, the Taz who had traveled with us, fought pirates and soldiers, and had my crew eating out of her hand. I stood watching her comb her long platinum hair and had an “oh shit” moment. This was not the real Taz—this was an imposter. Yes, it was her, but this was the Taz she would like to be but couldn’t. The Taz back on Cjittan, Queen Tazleaha, the Queen of Queens—that was the real Taz, the one who had the huge fucking burden of ruling an empire. The imposter, my Taz, wasn’t thinking about an empire or an invasion; she was thinking about how she would straighten up this mess I was in. I needed Dakkon to take her back to Cjittan so she could be what she was born to be.
“What are you thinking about, Benjamin?” she asked.
“Nothing,” I said quickly. “Are you ready to contact everyone? Would you like to do it in private? I understand that my being with you may make it worse. I could have Natalia join you to help operate everything.”
“Ha, as if she won’t tell you everything,” Taz said.
“Send her out after you connect.”
“Let’s go,” she said dismissively. “I will let you know if I want you there or not after I make the connection and take its temp, as Zora’s blood boils faster than mine.”
“Let’s get Dakkon on the horn first and see what he says. He may have heard from Xamand and Zora. You know Zora is probably not happy with Dakkon for letting me slip past them.”
“She will get over it.”
“I like your attitude!” I said, opening the door for her. We reached the bridge a minute later. This time I walked in before her.
Natalia saw Taz behind me and was the first to say hello. The rest followed suit, although they were a bit standoffish. It was understandable, as they didn’t know what she knew or didn’t know. I was all for them keeping their mouths shut.
Looking at the back of Lorelei’s head, I asked, “Captain, would you permit Taz to make a few inquiries? The first would be to Captain Dakkon and the second to Minister Zora. If she needs privacy, could you transfer it to our conference room?”
“No problem,” Lorelei answered, turning around. “Anything else?”
“Yes. Has there been any change in Binda’s condition in the last couple hours?”
“She woke up once for a short time, drank some water and went back to sleep. Ronnie says her heartbeat is strong and her color looks normal,” Natalia said.
“How are you two? Will we get to see Taz holding you down and punching you in the face again?” Lorelei asked, eyeing the space between us.
I thought about smacking her in the back of the head. “For your information, we made up.”
“Damn.”
Chapter 6
My red skin is darker than it should be, furthering the contrast with my platinum hair. I wish my ancestors had left our skin pigment alone, but like me, they were angry at the time and wanted to separate themselves even further from their Cjittan heritage—and distance was not good enough. King Khalnalax the First decreed all his people would go through the transformation, and so we were born anew—but not really, since under the skin we were still the same. Khalnalax was a fool, and those that followed weren’t any better, but my grandfather had a vision, a thousand years ago when he waged war on our white-skinned cousins and their allies, ending the thousands of years of stagnant isolation before it that Khalnalax and his descendants had subjected the people to.
My grandfather Khalnalax the Twelfth’s vision was to reunite the Cjittan with the Khalnalax, and I also share that vision, but I have learned from my forefather’s mistakes and will not seek a peaceful dialogue. I will use the war machine we have built to take the Cjittan empire by force and add it to my own. My father should be the one leading our people, but his ill health finally won the war he had been fighting against it. Now I, King Khalnalax the Fourteenth, I will finish what my grandfather and my father gave their lives for. But my reasons are not to reunite a broken people; mine are much more selfish. I want power, unlike my grandfather, who threw our navy and army at our enemies, destroying worlds along the outer rim of three empires, never coming close to the heart of any of them. Who the hell interrupts me now?!
The chancellor walked into the throne room. “My king, I am sorry to disturb you, but we have confirmed the rumors. The pirates did destroy the naval outpost and its communications array, and it will be quite some time before Cjittan will be able to send a replacement.”
“That is good. Our scouts can infiltrate and monitor fleet movements and any other traffic that may prove useful. What of Queen Tazleaha? Has there been any word?”
“None,” the chancellor answered hesitantly. “Our best guess is that they are on course for Dratma 6, but there is no word from any of our inquiries as to why her captors may have chosen that location. It could be at random; our sources there on Dratma 6 haven’t a clue.”
“Thank you, Chancellor Elock,” the king said. “Would you send the admiral to see me immediately? If there is any news, no matter the time, inform me at once.”
“Of course, my king. Also, one last thing—the Lady Merri requests a private audience with you this evening. She is a persistent one, and quite pretty.”
“I think that is a fine idea. I could use a diversion, so please invite her. Also, prepare the wine, Elock. You’re right, she is persistent. We know what she wants and must prevent it. There will be no bastards born to stab me in the back and steal my empire. But for as long as it lasts, I will continue to enjoy the pleasure of her company.”
“I will see to it; she will bear no child from your seed. The good doctor’s formula has been preventing unwanted childbirth in the royal house since Khalnalax the Sixth. Should I still disturb you, sire? She was quite put out the last time I interrupted during one of her visits.” The king smiled, remembering her anger at being caught with her legs in the air.
“While she is within my chambers, no, for a number of reasons, her embarrassment being secondary. More importantly, she should not overhear anything we discuss.”
“Yes, very true. Send the guard for me when you are available, my king. I will have the wine delivered as per your request. Enjoy the Lady Merri—I mean, your visit with the Lady Merri.”
“You old fool. I know what you meant, and I will.”
****
Taz sat waiting for the com to connect. She had decided on privacy and was in the conference room. Finally, the captain’s face appeared on the screen, looking worried.
“Captain Dakkon, it is good to see you agai
n,” she said. “Thank you for your assistance, although I hear you had some issues with your ship. They are resolved, I hope?”
Dakkon didn’t answer her question, deciding she already knew the answer. “Queen Tazleaha, you are looking well. It seems your captors have not mistreated you. I am prepared to have my marines board the Claymore, secure it and bring you to the Flagship while we deal with your abductors.”
“Captain Dakkon, please. I am not wearing my boots and it is getting deep in here,” she said, keeping a straight face. Dakkon paused, staring at her and clearly not comprehending for a few moments.
“Ah, a Benjaminism,” he said finally. “I’m sorry, it takes a bit of time on occasion to ferret out the meaning of what he says, and to hear you repeat them is stranger still.”
“I understand.” Taz chuckled. “He still says things that I do not follow. Usually he eventually tells me their meaning, but not always.”
“Not when it’s directed at you, correct?”
“Yes, he is not stupid—regardless of what his crew may say about him.”
“What shall we do about this situation?” Dakkon said, returning to the subject at hand. “Xamand has instructed me to leave if you are not going to deal with Benjamin using us as your means. If you are, then I await your orders, but I do hope you have none.”
“Dakkon, Benjamin is a commoner, yet Xamand, Jinwasys, you and others treat him as royalty. I find it strange you came to this realization while he was killing Allith, your relatives.”
“We have not had the interaction with humans like your people have, Queen Tazleaha. Do they know how far back that interaction actually exists?” he asked but didn’t wait for her answer. He knew she had never told any of the humans about their shared past with the Cjittan. “Aside from that, we found Benjamin to be a warrior, brave yet thoughtful, and his rescue of the Trillond from Hyson was inspirational. His battle onboard our ship with the Allith using his hands and a sword was, again, inspirational. We have not fought an enemy in many, many years. Watching him was. . .”
Chronicles of Benjamin Jamison 4: Empires at War (Part One) Page 9