“Excellent idea you have there, Your Highness. He will be a much better ally bringing your request to Xamand if you do. You won’t have to beg; just a heartfelt apology should work.”
“I must go, Benjamin,” she said quickly. “We will be beyond the capability of this transmission in a few seconds. I miss you already and I’m sorry I cannot just be Taz.”
“Don’t apologize. I deserve about ten percent of it, and the rest is all on you!”
“Pirate trash, be gone from my sight.” A small sad smile framed her face.
“This pirate trash will serve his queen faithfully and share his bounty with the crown.” The screen went blank. Business being settled, I reached over and punched the com button for the bridge before I could get caught dwelling in the moment. “Sash! How much longer?”
****
The Planet Kanlost fell in a matter of hours. The Cjittan Navy representation was almost non-existent to begin with and in a blink became non-existent. The Cjittan farmers and merchants stood no chance against the Khalnalax invaders. Some of the larger settlements had managed to send distress signals before they were wiped out and the young and able-bodied taken away. The destruction was thorough and easy with little resistance; every building, except a scattered few, was destroyed. In time, those that remained standing were packed with the captives, awaiting transport.
Joon and Doon had no idea there was nowhere to go when and if they left their cave. The icy cold water felt good for the first minute, but after staying under and letting the current take them downstream, it wrapped their bodies like a frozen blanket. They surfaced quickly for air and to check their bearings. Doon knew they didn’t want to drift past the cave entrance and have to swim upstream to get to it. Soon he recognized the large stone that lay on the riverbank marking the location of the underwater entrance to the cave. Once inside, they sat shivering, cut off from any knowledge of what was happening outside of the safety of the cave.
The cave was a favorite place to the siblings; they made many trips and thought to store some small items inside the cave in a waterproof container. They had wood for a fire stacked up high on a ledge to keep it dry. They huddled together for warmth after Doon did his best to explain without speech that they could not light a fire until after dark. He didn’t want the smoke to give away their location, escaping through the fissure in the rock to the ground above. Once it was dark it would be fine; he was sure there were enough things burning that the smell wouldn’t alarm their attackers. Throughout the course of the day, Doon swam down and out of the cave to the large stone on the bottom of the river to look up at the light coming through the water.
On his last trip, he could tell the sun had gone down. The river was dark, so he surfaced as quietly as possible and listened. He could hear the small craft that had destroyed his home off in the distance, the tone of the drive remaining constant; it was patrolling, not attacking. Swimming back into the cave, he built a fire and they warmed themselves, making plans to get to their home regardless of what was left of it.
Doon for once had an appreciation for the tools that were most likely still hanging in the shed. There were a couple of axes that he could use as weapons if the shed was still standing; he had taken a glance over his shoulder as they fled and it had appeared fine. Doon hoped that an alarm had been raised and some of the people had escaped. If a distress signal was sent, it would reach the governor on his home world and then someone could come and save them. Doon had never been an angry young man, but now he hoped his people would come and burn these invaders to the ground so he could taste sweet revenge.
****
“Benjamin, we have a data transmission from the Claymore,” Sash announced. “It reads: ‘Benjamin, you were right and the first blow has been struck against Cjittan by the Khalnalax. Rally my pirates and make haste to the planet Kanlost. I fear it will be bad and you are the only source of help for the survivors if there are any. Be safe, my scoundrel.’” Sash chuckled. “Scoundrel, really? Is that the best she can do?”
“She is a romantic under all the warrior queen facade, and has been reading works set in the time frame of ship and sail,” I answered. “The Claymore has a good library.”
“We are almost to Naloon,” she said. “What do you want to do?”
“Continue to Naloon.”
“There are at least a hundred there who are able to fight you and your people. Are you ready for that?”
“Before we took your three ships with hardly a fight, we killed a hundred Allith, very quickly,” I said. “Are your pirates tougher than that, Sash? If so, then you people have a chance, but if not, you’re all dead just like the Allith if you come against me and mine. In fact, how about you tell me right now where you and this bridge crew stand?”
I was standing on the bridge behind them all and I knew each one of them had heard me. I pushed a button on my com, alerting my team to a possible problem. I heard the running feet a few seconds later. “You better sound off,” I called out. “If you think I won’t shoot you in the back of the head, you’re mistaken. When you speak, it had better be convincing and if you lie I’ll know.”
They turned one at a time, seeing what the others had done, and stared at Sash. She just sat in the captain’s chair. “It seems that they want me to make the decision for them, which is what usually happens,” she told me. “I would answer you right away if I knew what the queen was going to do later.”
“Don’t worry about that now,” I answered. “One situation at a time is my motto. We will worry about the other when the time comes. If you’re thinking you would rather die now instead of later, then I’m telling you not to be stupid. Give me your word and let’s get going on to whatever is next.”
“You have my word, Reaper,” Sash said softly.
“Good,” I said. “The rest of you are all bound by her word, so if you screw up she will be the one to shoot you. If we’re good, let’s get it together and go see what we can steal from the Khalnalax.”
****
We landed on Naloon along with our sister ships. I had them land outside instead of in the cave. I ordered everyone inside the cave, no exceptions. My crew brought up the rear, didn’t want any of the pirates behind us. We were met halfway by the some of the occupants: wives and children looking for their husbands, wives, fathers, or mothers. The adults came to an abrupt halt as well as some of the children, while others were oblivious to the man in black walking behind the group. They were a ragtag band, clothing and health varying, which I realized was more than likely a factor where they fit in the social structure.
“Sash, is there an area large enough for everyone to gather so we can meet and get on with our mission?” I asked.
“We have a great hall where we hold such meetings when necessary,” Sash answered. “Continue on our path and we will walk straight into it.”
“Do you know any of these people? Can you send one ahead to gather the others?”
Sash looked around. “Of course, Reaper. Nona, go gather all our people in the great hall and tell them it is mandatory. I don’t want to hunt anyone down or they will be sorry.”
“Yes, Cap’n Sashet,” Nona replied.
Nona was young, about Natalia’s age, and rail-thin, much like Natalia had been when I found her. I looked over at my adopted daughter, wondering how she was going to deal with everything once it all set in. I slipped my arm around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head. I didn’t know if she needed any reassurance, but I gave it anyway.
Chapter 10
Sash led me over to a natural platform about six feet above the ground. We walked up a ramp of stone and stood watching people arrive. My crew stood with me, and I had the other crews stand amongst the other pirates, family and slaves.
“Sash, call them to order and introduce us. I will take over once you’re done.”
She stepped forward. “Pirates of the Coalition, listen now to my words. We know the risks: every time we leave our home, some may not ret
urn. It is how it has been and always will be and our return this time finds us with new leadership. It has been made clear to me that this transition can be peaceful or it can be violent and without mercy. The choice will be left to each of you which path you will follow. I will let our new admiral, who is known as Reaper, speak now. Listen carefully to his words and choose according to your heart.”
It seemed like a fair introduction. Sash had given them enough to mull over in the few seconds of silence before I stepped forward to speak. There had to be two hundred bodies in front of me. I stood, visor down, sun shield activated and blacked out so they couldn’t see my face. I adjusted the output on the audio projection in my helmet.
“Pirates of Naloon, be warned right now that if you interfere with my orders there will be consequences. Do as I instruct and this will be over quickly. Those among you who are slaves, I would like you to move over to my right, and be quick about it. I warn you, others, do not try to impede their progress,” I commanded.
Watching their faces, I could already see anger and worry in some, while the slaves seemed confused. Having someone come in and turn everything upside down was confusing. Some of the female slaves were pregnant; some seemed really young, too young to be having babies, and now they looked scared. One young girl was being held back by an older man. There was always one, usually more, but at least one. I jumped off the platform and walked through the crowd. They parted like a school of fish when a shark swims through; no one wanted in my way. I came to a halt about two feet from him, and the girl cowered, thinking she was going to get punished.
“Are you hard of hearing, you lecherous son of a bitch?” I asked, and he paused as if it were a legitimate question. My fist snapped. His head sprayed blood on anyone within five feet, but I didn’t let him fall. Grabbing his shirt, I hit him again in the face and brought my forearm down on his elbow, knocking his arm and grip loose from the girl.
“Go stand with the others!” I shouted, though I didn’t need to; she got the message.
The object of my anger was on his hands and knees when my foot connected with his gut, sending him rolling. I was waiting for someone to object, but no one did.
“Is anyone else still being held against their will? Sing out so I can handle it right now!” The man on the ground wasn’t moving and I had mixed emotions about that. No one made a sound, but some dumbass took a shot at me with his pistol. I was about to draw when he was hit, a hole burned through his chest. Sash stood holding her pistol, scanning the room from the platform. Natalia next to her had hers drawn and was watching the opposite direction.
I walked around the crowd, watching them move out of my way until I happened upon a young woman with a child in her arms and a young boy of about six who stood between us. He stood with his little fists balled up, craning his neck to look up at me.
“Where is your father?” I asked in a stern, commanding tone.
“He never came back,” he answered with defiance in his voice.
“Is this your mother and your sister?”
“You leave them alone. I’m not scared of you.”
“I don’t want you to be scared of me, kid. You protect your mom and never back down. You’re in the right. You understand what I’m telling you?”
“I think so.”
“Good. My dad, mom and sister never came back either, so don’t ever think I don’t understand. As long as you have them you’ll always have a good reason to fight those who will seek to destroy what you hold dear. Now go stand by your mom, boy. I’m not going to hurt them.
“Listen up, people. From this moment on you are in the employ of Queen Tazleaha of the Cjittan Empire. You will fight for Cjittan in whatever capacity we find best suits you and you will all get paid. There will be no more slavery; the practice is abolished as of this minute and you will treat the former slaves as equals. If you fail to do what I ask, then your punishment will be harsh—up to and including death. I have no time to rehabilitate you. War has begun and we are going to take advantage of it.”
A young man actually raised his hand. “Who are we at war with, and what is it we will all be doing?”
“Good questions. The answer to the first is the Khalnalax, and the second will depend on you. I would like everyone within reason to be a part of the crew on one of our ships. I will put you with someone who can train you, and once you pass your training you will work alone. I understand one of your former captains was of the Khalnalax race. I hope this isn’t going to be a problem for any of you.”
“This is crazy,” one of the crew announced. “I’m taking my captain’s ship and going elsewhere. Come on, let’s get out of here. We have our weapons and we outnumber them twenty to one. Come, everyone, help us take them out.”
I was on him the minute his mouth stopped moving. Ten to fifteen of the crewmen gathered around him and drew their weapons. I looked over at my people; they had started forming up to attack until I held up my hand for them to stop. I signaled for them to cover me, never turning my back to my target.
“Hey asshole, you’re fucking things up, screwing with my time table. So look, it’s fifteen against one. How about you pick the five best out of your crew and come shut me up? Make sure you’re one of the five. You can’t set yourself up as captain and be a chicken shit.”
I gave him about thirty seconds, which was way too long for the mood I was in. He had three guys standing with him while he tried to decide on the last. I walked right into the middle of them and kicked him in the knee. I heard it crunch and he started screaming. I wasn’t sure I wanted to kill any of the dumbasses yet if they could be salvaged. I punched, kicked and beat the three down with enough force to discourage the others. I grabbed the original loudmouth and punched his face until he shut up, passed out.
“Get your asses back with the others and make it quick or I’ll really get mad.” I raised my hand. Blood dripped off my glove. “I want you all to repeat after me our oath, which supersedes any oath of loyalty you may have already taken. Repeat it as I say it. I swear my allegiance to Queen Tazleaha and all her officers to uphold and perform the duties bestowed on me this day as one of the Queen’s Privateers. I also understand that only the queen or death can release me from my oath to the Empire.”
“What does this all mean?” one of the women said out loud, not realizing I would hear her. I walked to her and began speaking to everyone. She backed away.
“Did you all hear her question? She asked what all of this means. I will answer that and hope you understand. From now on, we are not pirates but privateers. What that means is what we do will be legal and in the name of the crown. You are no longer criminals but employees. We will attack the enemies of the empire and take from them or destroy them. We will keep the majority for ourselves and provide the rest to the crown for the war effort. We will hit their supply and courier ships and take them if possible. The crown needs an updated, more modern fleet. As I said earlier, you will all train to work as a functioning member of a crew. Those who cannot serve as crew members will work to keep our home safe and livable. The Khalnalax have already attacked Kanlost and it sounds as if they have wiped out the planet’s defenses. We have been asked to perform a rescue mission, if there is anyone to rescue. Information is sketchy right now. We may not be able to do anything, but we leave in about five minutes. So kiss and hug your families, it’s time to go to war.”
“Listen to you, sounding all righteous, carrying the flag for Taz,” Natalia said to me. “You had your own crew reciting that oath you made up. ‘Cause you did make it up on the fly, right, Dad?”
“Hush, sweetheart, and come on. I need to talk to everyone.” We walked to the base of the ramp and I called everyone down. “Sash, you get crews ready for all three ships plus a few extras and get them loaded up. I’m with you, so be ready to leave when I get there. The rest of you are staying here and getting this place organized and ready for additional people, if I find survivors. Snake, you’re in charge. Protect the slaves an
d set up a brig for anyone who gets out of hand. If it gets bad, shoot them. Today I took it easy, but they have been warned. Ronnie, check everyone out for all the usual stuff and get the malnourished on a diet to gain some weight. If anything happens to this dumbass, you’re in charge. I don’t want any arguments; Ronnie will take over.”
“I’m coming with you, and don’t try to tell me otherwise. For all the big talk, you’re too trusting with these people you’ve just met,” Natalia exclaimed after hearing the plan.
“That is why I’m leaving all of you here. I will rendezvous with the Claymore and then I’ll have some of our people with me.”
“They can all stay, but I’m coming with you!” Natalia said, determined.
“Take her with you, Benjamin,” Adeen said. “If you leave her behind we will have to deal with her piss-poor attitude. You know, you could have left me in charge.”
“I could have,” I said and turned to leave. Natalia walked in step with me and it wasn’t too long before we heard shouting. Four individuals had Sash surrounded about thirty feet ahead of us in the tunnel. “Natalia, run up there and back her up. If it gets out of hand, defend yourself.” I knew this venture wouldn’t be easy. For some, it would be near impossible to cope with the changes.
I watched Natalia run in her armor, and while it wasn’t as smooth as without, she was quick. They saw her coming and were at a loss on what to do. Sash didn’t try to intervene, so I didn’t think it was a friendly argument; she took a step out of the way. Natalia picked her targets and drew her pistol, and while I didn’t see her do it, she had switched it to stun. The girl had trained constantly since Anubis when she started working out with us, and now she sparred with a nine-foot-tall four-armed humanoid or a spider the size of a shuttle.
She stunned the two who were standing farthest from Sash and used her speed and the armor to knock the other two into each other and down. She pointed her pistol at one while dropping her knee into the chest of the leader. In one fluid move, her knife was in her hand and at his throat.
Chronicles of Benjamin Jamison 4: Empires at War (Part One) Page 16