Chronicles of Benjamin Jamison 4: Empires at War (Part One)
Page 31
“That’s the plan.”
Snake hadn’t taken his eyes off the body lying in front of him. He needed to secure it and get to work. He holstered his pistol and walked over to pick up his knife where it had dropped. He began cutting a long strip out of the blanket to tie its wrists, then decided on two pieces. In that unguarded moment, the creature sprang up, pushing him back. Its intention was to run this time, not fight. Snake got a hand on its ankle and tripped it up. Crawling on his hands and knees, Snake hoped to pin it down, but it kicked out at him, catching him in the side of the head.
Landing on his back, Snake stayed put, assuring himself the thing was running. It landed on him no sooner than he had the thought. It was trying to get at the latches on his armor. Its smell was more concentrated with the blanket and clothing laying on top of him. It reeked to high heaven. Snake turned his head. Like cards, the flinch was a tell. Bunching up the blanket, it threw it over Snake’s face and tried to grab his head.
Snake pulled the rotten blanket off in time to see Angel come from behind and kick the creature in the head. It went down and this time it didn’t move.
“Warlock, Snake is demonstrating how not to subdue an enemy. If you find yourself a pretty girlfriend and she wants to wrestle on the floor, that’s one thing. Otherwise there is no place for it. If Snake carried a stunner, he could have stunned it and been done. Not saying you can’t carry a powerful weapon, but sometimes you just need to use a little finesse.”
“This is just a bullshit ending to a bullshit day,” Snake mumbled. “Ball busters.”
Chapter 20
“Well, I guess that’s that. I appreciate you getting me there and the extras. I’m going to go back to my quarters and wait on you to give the word we’ve arrived.”
“You need to eat. Come with me and we will talk while you eat.”
“Captain Kimit, I don’t want keep you from your duties. I can find the dining area. Just let them know I’m on my way, would you?” I asked.
“I wish for you to tell me about this new role you and your crew have taken on.”
“New role?”
“Yes, the pirateers. I believe that’s what Dakkon said.”
“Privateers, although I’m beginning to wonder. I do like the that word you used.”
“Why is that? What makes you wonder? I was told this was your own idea.”
“It is. We’re supposed to be working for the queen, attacking enemies of the empire and taking the ships, cargo and any wealth and turning them over to the empire to use in the war effort. It’s a percentage haul setup. We take our share for services rendered and turn the rest over to the Cjittan government. We don’t attack our own or our allies. It could possibly work out well for all, but it’s off to a rocky start.”
“How so? You are here doing what you were asked to do.”
“I also sort of took fifty million credits. We had a contract, but the queen wants them back. I think she wanted a freebie on this job as payback for killing two of her people, even if she won’t admit it. I guess if you’re the queen you get to change your mind, your contracts and your lovers on a whim. Whew…We are also in the process of taking a Cjittan Generation ship we found, presumably abandoned. I haven’t heard from the team yet, so I’m not sure if we have. I need to ask you to keep that tidbit to yourself.”
“I understand.”
“Oh, I doubt you do. She has threatened to filet the skin from my body. They were just idle threats in the past but now I’m not so sure.
“Let’s just say I understand that you make your own rules, no matter where you are. The end result of your actions is all that matters to you, not how you attain the results. That is not how most citizens of an empire act. They usually obey the laws set down by their governments. You don’t, but you do have a code you feel is righteous, even though in the eyes of others it is criminal.”
“I guess. Most of my ideas seem really great at the time. I don’t think of them as criminal. I try to plan things, but they usually don’t work and I have to improvise. I know you think you have me all figured out, but none of my actions on Cjittan should mean anything to you. What should matter to you is that I have never done anything against the Allond.”
“I know, and that is good, but in case you ever find yourself at odds with Allond, unprotected space is where you want to go.”
“I keep hearing about it. You saying no one is going to come after me and my people there?”
“Probably not. It’s vast, large enough to be another empire if someone could conquer it,” Kimit hinted. “If the Khalnalax win the war with Cjittan, it will cease to exist as a buffer between Cjittan and the Khalnalax and become part of their empire.”
“Thanks, I think. I suppose there is a hidden message there, but all I want to do now is concentrate on Kanlost and keep the only Empire I’ve committed no crimes in my friend.”
“Of course. I have something to attend to and will be back shortly. Enjoy your meal.”
****
Kimit left after walking me to the officers’ mess. Sitting, I realized how hungry I was and shoved a mound of food in my mouth. I wasn’t exactly sure what I was eating, but it had some taste. I remembered missing the taste of my grandmother’s cooking when I joined the marines. The food we received was filling and there was plenty of it, but it had no flavor. Now we were happy to eat anything that wouldn’t kill us.
I finished my meal and returned to my quarters. I didn’t have much to get ready, but what there was I gathered and piled by the door.
The door buzzing brought me to a sitting position on my bunk. “Come in!”
“Bring your things; you can leave them in the shuttle bay.” Kimit said. “I want you to look over everything we are providing for you to see if it meets your approval.”
“I’m sure it’s all more than satisfactory,” I replied. But would do as she asked. She was probably covering her butt. Two swords across my back, my new and improved rifle, and my old stand-by pistol and knife. Check. Oversize duffle bag. Check.
“You are very calm for a soldier who is going to face an enemy force alone.”
“You ever heard the phrase ‘been there, done that?’ No, of course you haven’t. I’ll have surprise on my side, and if my luck holds, the explosions from the mines will disorient them. When that wears off, I’ll mow them down with this,” I said, patting my rifle.
“There is a little time before we depart. Is there anything you need to do to prepare? Meditate or pray to your gods?”
“No praying, I leave that to my enemies. I used to meditate but find it harder and harder to do. To many ghosts.”
“I am not familiar with ghosts but there are a few female officers aboard who have expressed an interest in you,” Kimit teased. Her lips quivered, creasing the corners of her mouth. “They would test the stamina of the warrior Dakkon praises so highly.”
“Captain, you would send me into battle tired and worn from the attentions of your female officers.” I laughed. “That would definitely not be a good idea, but you can tell them thank you for the interest. I need to keep a clear head with nothing distracting my focus. I would like to use a terminal to send a message to my daughter. I have an apology to make and forgiveness to beg for.”
“You disciplined your child and now you would apologize for it?” Kimit asked. “Come, we need to leave. Grab your things and tell me more on the way.”
“I would apologize for doing it in anger, Captain, not for the discipline itself.” Kimit motioned for me to continue. “She deserved the smack-down. I also said some things I regret, which probably hurt her more the punishment. Even if she doesn’t forgive me, I will make the effort. If I die on Kanlost, at least I will have tried to make peace.”
“Anger or not, my father would never do what you are going to do.”
“We are all different. While your father may think it weak, I will feel stronger afterward and my mind will be clearer. She won’t forget what I did, but we will come to terms w
ith it.”
“Can it wait until we are in the shuttle?”
“I don’t see why not. It shouldn’t take long.” Kimit had us moving quickly.
We moved along in silence now. Our conversation seemed a little odd when I thought about it, but maybe she was trying to distract me with talk of her father just to give me something to think about besides the mission. The shuttle bay of the Black Scythe was surprisingly empty. All the shuttles were locked up except one. Kimit led the way in through the rear where the supplies they were providing were placed and locked down. I could only stare.
“Um, thanks. I think I have enough to take two planets like Kanlost, if you’re up to it. Too much is always better than too little when you’re blowing up something you’ve never blown up before.”
“What do you know about your targets? The World Eaters are not going to be easy to destroy. They have offensive and defensive capabilities as well as security forces.”
“Do I have to answer that? The queen of making my life hell said to take the planet. She didn’t give me any intel or anything, just a hard time.”
“You feel you can do it alone with no aid?”
“Who said that? Hell no! I’m going to recon then infiltrate. When my ships arrive, I’m going to cause a diversion and they are going to make scrap metal out of them. Or we will just see what happens.”
“I do not think it will be as easy as you explain.”
“Never is, but it has to be done. You could join me if you think your ship will run without you for a few days.”
“My duty to the emperor and empire would not allow it, even if the duties on my ship allowed.”
“I understand. He isn’t my emperor but I do feel loyal to him, Jinwasys and Dakkon.”
“Shall we go? My second on the bridge is in discussions with the Khalnalax. I am taking you to the space port on Kanlost; a World Eater is not far from there.”
“Let’s get the show on the road,” I commented.
“Do others have a hard time understanding you?” Kimit wished for a database that would explain the strange comments he used so often. She navigated the shuttle out and away from the Black Scythe. “Benjamin, you need to send your message now. A highly charged storm rages on the surface at our destination.” Kimit began adjusting settings the com. “Data or visual?”
“Visual, in case it’s the last message I get to send her.”
“Start recording. If the storm interferes with transmission, I can send it later once I’ve cleared it.”
“Natalia, I have to make this fast, my dear daughter. Forgive me for what I said in anger. You are my daughter and will always and forever be. I love you.” I stared at myself on the screen for a second. I wanted to say more, but couldn’t. Just as I was reaching to turn it off, it flashed. Natalia and Sash were staring at me. No one said anything for a few seconds. They were listening to the buffered message.
“I love you, Father. I am sorry too.”
“I wish I could talk longer but there is an electrical storm at our destination. I will lose you in a minute. Sash, wait for the Claymore. I know you’re closer than I wanted you to be or we wouldn’t be face-to-face right now. I’ll deal with you later.”
“I love you too,” Sashet confessed.
“You do not.”
“No I don’t, and I don’t have to listen to you, either. You relinquished command to Admiral Binda and I have no orders concerning you or where I choose to take my ship.”
“Now that you’re here, close, don’t go too far.”
“I may choose to leave if I get threatened at every turn by you or the Khalnalax.”
“Father, apologize to her before your signal drops,” Natalia interceded.
I stared at them both. “Sash, I promise I won’t kill you.”
“Your heart wasn’t in that,” Sashet replied.
“I’m sorry, Sash. Protect and keep my daughter safe and you’ll never have to worry about me killing you.”
“I would take that one, Captain,” Natalia whispered.
“Good hunting, Reaper.” The screen distorted. He saw Natalia’s face take up the whole screen. She said something but the audio was scrambled and then they were gone.
“Kimit, there is a pirate ship out there somewhere with my daughter on board. If you’re around, would you keep an eye on it?”
“If we’re around, I’ll be happy to.”
The storm was bad, and Kimit fought the controls. “We are going to pass over the World Eater on our way to the space port.”
“Do you think this storm has them all inside behind closed doors? It would be nice to just get out right here. I’m sure they aren’t expecting company.”
“I will scan the top of the structure. Watch the screen with me.”
“Looks like a landing pad on top. Makes sense. Take us in.”
“I can’t believe there is activity out there. I count eight lifeforms,” Kimit said.
“Kimit, look at it closely. Those two by themselves are small and walking backward, facing the others. That’s not right. Bring us down behind the six, but don’t set us down on the pad.”
“What are you going to do?”
“What I came here to do. Kill Khalnalax and reclaim the planet for Cjittan. I’ll sort out what’s happening there, then unload some supplies.”
“Is this close enough?”
“Looks good. Wish me luck.” I jumped into the storm.
****
The wind and rain pelted their bodies as they made their way across the platform. They had planned their escape for weeks, planning and discarding plans. Doon wasn’t sure what, but they needed something to happen. The storm provided the perfect opportunity. Squeezing his twin sister’s hand hard enough to break her fingers, Doon pulled her along. Fear washed over him, knowing if he lost her in the storm, she would be dead and he could do little to prevent it. Their master had had enough of his interference, so when he wanted to be alone with his sister, Doon knew he had to act immediately. Her clothing was ripped; soaked to the bone, she held on, giving no other indication she even felt his death grip on her hand.
When the Overseer caught them after the invasion of Kanlost, he said they had done well to evade capture for so long. How could he think they wouldn’t try to escape? His sister would thank the gods she prayed to they had gotten away, and he would thank the Overseer’s pride, vanity and equal measure of foolishness that he thought them to be idiots. The beasts were not far behind, and the guards were driving right behind them. He had heard it said the beasts were descended of sea creatures, their bodies twisted and made into disposable soldiers, abominations. The guards, red-skinned bastards who cared little for the beasts that protected them, and less for the Cjittan, pushed them forward. Doon knew the sky would explode and the air would crackle then hit the behemoth machine that was destroying their world. He was counting on it and didn’t have to wait long.
Doon had prepared for just that, by visiting the power plant operation in the belly of the beast they lived on. They had special clothing, gloves and boots worn by the power plant operators that kept them from being harmed by stray power currents, and would also keep the celestial power from killing them, in theory. He had stolen boots and gloves and wanted the suits, but the suits would be too much and a larger hiding space would have been needed for them. The beasts and guards would not be so lucky; they had no special clothing to protect them if they were too close to a platform when struck. It hadn’t happened yet and the chase continued; they had started midway at level nine of the giant machine and Doon had hoped to go down from there. He had hoped to start at a lower level but the Overseer had everyone in an uproar and level nine provided the first opportunity. It would take longer, but they would eventually reach the lower shuttle bay, or so he thought. Too much time had passed and the Overseer sent the guards to find them. Now they had been cut off and so it was upward they climbed. The idea of freedom seemed to wither with each metal step.
****
Doon shook his head no and pointed to the sky.
“What about the storm?”
Doon pointed to the storm and then to her. He followed those gestures with hugging her tight and then grabbing her hand. They ran again for the stairway to the next level. Joon pulled on her twin brother’s hand again when they reached the first step to the next level.
“We must go inside.”
Doon started up the steps. Joon heard their pursuers catching up with them. She loved her brother more than life itself and had resigned herself to trusting him. He had kept them alive from the beginning. She began to grasp what he was trying to convey. Even if its aim was random, the storm was the only ally they had.
The landing platform was the highest point of the structure. It was also a beating ground. The rain hit so hard that it stung. Her brother pulled her along, desperately looking in all directions. She knew then he looked for the shuttle that should be parked there. It wasn’t. His shoulders slumped and his knees grew weak as defeat washed over him. They stood in the spot where it should have been. She watched him as he turned in circles, looking off into the black night.
Joon grabbed her brother’s shoulders to stop him when he faced her. She saw everything he felt in his face and eyes. It was clear to her he was defeated, and now it was her turn to hug him.
“It’s ok. We have accomplished more than any of our people and never gave up,” Joon said. She noticed her brother’s eyes looking past her.
****
Two of the tentacle monsters were moving in on them. The guards, four in total, were right behind. With every blink of Joon’s water-logged eyes, they moved a step closer. She was pulled backward as her brother stepped between her and the beasts. She had hoped they might get a chance to run for the stairway on the opposite side, but the thought immediately felt foolish. With a gentle shove, she moved him over and stood by his side. She clenched her fists. The wet hair plastered to her cheeks didn’t hide her anger and determination.