“What did I say about sir?” Luke growled. “At ease.”
“Sorry,” she said.
“On board my ship I don’t dwell on military protocol. I expect everyone to speak their mind and be truthful. If I give an order, you can disagree with it all you want, but you had better carry it out to the best of your ability or I will go all military discipline on you. Argue with me all you want outside of a combat situation, but never hesitate to obey my orders. I recommend using tact but won’t hold it against you if you are least truthful and honest, just don’t be stupid.”
“Aye, aye Commander,” Brita said looking at Luke. “Is there anything else I need to know?”
“When I think of it I will tell you,” Luke said turning back to his display.
“Thank you, Commander,” she said looking at his battle kit. “Is there a recommended uniform of the day?”
“No,” Luke said. “Wear whatever. I prefer battle dress when on duty and I am always armed. The Conglomerate is not a place to travel unarmed or defenseless.”
Brita took in the display and everyone’s attention on it. “May I join you?”
Luke nodded. She came closer and peered over his shoulder for a better look at the displays from his point of view. She was close and Luke smelled her. It seemed she had just bathed and used scented soap. It reminded Luke he had not been this close to a woman in many years. He tried to crush that line of thought and returned his focus to the displays but it was distracting. Would there be a plausible reason to send her away?
A red light flashed on the planet and Luke had it zoom in. It was supposed to be their meet point but detailed maps of the area were not available. The best way to describe the area was ‘ghetto’, or low-income housing, so bad it was abandoned. It was between the borders of two different Chonka Federation ‘barons’. His data was not up to date but he was familiar with the concept. Because it was between borders, it was a dumping ground for undesirables. Because neither baron claimed it, they did not take care of it, police it, rebuild it, or otherwise care about it. In the Conglomerate, it was about as lawless as it could be. It could also be deserted ruins or a thriving population center. So far on the fringe of Conglomerate space, who knew?
Luke tried to imagine what sort of being associated with the Topa, would spend time there. He was supposed to help this Soma and train her? Did Topa go crazy or was this some twisted method of dealing with his insolence? Too many questions and no intel. He tried to pull up what he could on the barons, their race, their orientation and policies. Would they interfere with him directly or indirectly? Would he have to pay bribes or favors to traverse their territory?
“Opinion?” Luke asked staring at the displays. There were ten different screens with different pieces of information.
“A mess,” Brita said and Luke looked at her. He had forgotten she was here.
“You pissed off the Topa in an epic way,” Gray said. “We have to get better maps of the area.”
“I will concur with the jarhead,” said Nelson. “I didn’t know the Topa were this twisted or vindictive. I know they have the data and the details. This is likely another test of some kind. In the past, he would have given you detailed maps of the surrounding systems too.”
“They test you?” asked Brita.
Luke shrugged. “Not that I have been able to say for sure. They are straightforward and honest. I’ve never caught them withholding information or lying. I’ve worked with Suresh quite a bit. This is unlike him. The smallest data dump he gave me before on a mission was about a terabyte.”
Brita nodded. An hour later Amanda and Jeremy came in and Luke gave them the speech about military protocol and uniforms. Like Brita, they entered the CIC wearing NADF utilities.
“Do you expect an attack on your bridge?” Jeremy asked looking at Luke’s armor and weapons.
“No,” Luke said. “But by always wearing my armor and carrying my weapons their presence and feel becomes second nature. I do it without thought; it is a part of me. Like my skin.”
Luke paused and wondered if he should continue, “This is a Combat Information Center. A bridge is for a ship captain, his staff and engineers running the ship, although this could double as the bridge it is the nexus for all the information and data the Leonis Ultio collects. Let’s move to the conference room to discuss this more.”
* * *
In the conference room, they sat at an over large table. It was rare Luke used it, mostly with clients when screen time was not good enough. He was not sure he had ever had fellow humans in it, but like the rest of the ship it was plain and utilitarian.
With his apprentices seated, he stood up and moved in front of the table so he could look at them. Brita sat by herself while Amanda and Jeremy sat by each other.
“Okay,” Luke began. “First off I’ve never had an ‘apprentice’ so I’m new to this. My wife and I immigrated to New Alamo and immediately joined the NADF and never socialized outside that. The last time I had a subordinate was over forty-five years ago. She died. Prime Minister Harrison forced me to take you, and interesting enough, Suresh wanted it as well. So, I’m not sure what to make of this. I work alone. Always have. I’m familiar with your service history and dossiers provided by the Prime Minister.
“You will continue to hold active duty positions in the NADF and will receive pay and benefits. You are listed as ‘away on specialized training’.”
“I realize you aren’t wet behind the ears rookies who need to be coddled. This is good, and makes my life easier and harder. Easier because I don’t have to teach you how to wipe your nose, and harder, because I don’t know what you want or where your knowledge gaps are.
“I expect you are here to learn from me the ins and outs of mercenary work because New Alamo wants to expand its Mercenary offerings. Is this correct?”
The three nodded.
“Reference pay,” Luke continued. “While I’m not required to pay you, it will work like this. Seventy percent of a job’s profit goes to New Alamo, after operational expenses. I get the remaining thirty percent, which I usually put into my ships, droids, or equipment. Now, with you aboard and acting as members of my crew you will receive a percentage of my portion. We will decide later and it will be based on performance.
“Any questions?” Luke asked.
“Fraternization rules?” Jeremy asked, which was perhaps the last question Luke had expected. He took a minute to change mental gears.
Luke looked at Amanda and Jeremy, things becoming obvious now. “Keep it professional and be discreet. I have no tolerance for drama. If I say it impacts the job, it ends. If it is a problem in battle, I will probably kill you both to avoid future liabilities. I don’t need that crap. I won’t nurse maid you and I don’t have time to screw with you if you disobey me.”
Luke observed Jeremy’s and Amanda’s hands come together under the table and winced internally. Maybe it had been a bad idea; it would be a reminder of what he had lost. He looked at Brita; she was paying attention but appeared oblivious to the couple. He would rather have their interest in each other acknowledged rather than hidden at any rate, but maybe hidden would have been better? Damn. Too late to change his decision now.
“Additionally,” Luke said. “I expect you to get fitted for new battle dress from the ship stores. We are not NADF, we are mercenaries, and we should make this distinction to the rest of the Conglomerate where we can. If we screw up, then New Alamo should not suffer. If you have any weapon preferences, make sure they are in ship stores, we can order it or we can make it. The manufactories on this ship can produce just about anything hand-held and I have plenty of different small arms licenses. Additionally, you will need to go to medical and get a full range of implants and upgrades. I want you all to walk, talk, and survive on any Conglomerate world without a need for re-breathers, special diets, filters, or excessive protection. I suspect you are all physically fit, regardless, I will expect each of you to spend at least an hour or two a day wit
h my trainer Musashi. Coordinate with him.
“I expect you to be armed at all times, or at least have a weapon or three within reach.
“We adhere to NADF rules of engagement as well. We do not target and kill non-combatants. Avoid unnecessary killing at all times. We are not pirates, and the only loot we take is from fallen enemies. Break these rules and you are gone, probably through an airlock. Understood?”
The three nodded.
“Per Shoka rules I am responsible for you,” Luke said. “You are my Shoka-ta which means you can act as Shoka but if you screw up I am responsible. I will send you the Conglomerate rules and regulations for Shoka and Shoka-ta. I’ll also have Nelson make sure you have access to the systems. Questions?”
Everyone shook their head.
Shit. One year? Too damned long, everyone thought.
CHAPTER NINE
The Dream
They both stumbled into their minuscule room and pulled down the bed leaving only a foot around it to squeeze through and navigate. It was tiny, but it was theirs and it was home. There was no danger of Sharia police kicking in the front door and finding some infraction to execute or punish them for.
“About another month,” Luke said.
“I can’t wait,” Elena answered as they pulled off their flight suits.
“If the Caliphate leaves us alone, we should be able to make good our escape,” Luke replied, “You want the shower first? Lady’s first?”
“You go ahead cupcake,” she said and Luke smiled despite his exhaustion. He slipped into the coffin-sized shower and cleaned up. She liked to take her time sometimes and wind down before taking a shower.
“They say the scout has returned and if we can get it there, we could push New Alamo through the wormhole. The wormhole will lose stability and collapse in about five weeks,” Elena said waiting her turn.
“Not a lot of time,” Luke replied almost done. “How do you feel about leaving Earth and never coming back?”
“Good,” Elena said. “Might not be as challenging but we are near immortal. I think we can build a new world in the Hope system, without the threat of being killed or enslaved.”
“The Hope system,” Luke said coming out wearing nothing but a smile. “Sounds corny. I wish we knew more about it.”
“It is what it is,” Elena said slipping past him with a quick peck on the cheek. “It means a lot to everyone. Maybe we could have children?”
“Yea,” Luke said putting on some clothes to sleep in, they were both too tired for anything else. “I would like that. Sure would be nice to not have to worry about an inbound assault.”
“No word on Caliphate forces mustering? They must have detected New Alamo moving. It would be hard to hide if they are watching us. I wouldn’t be surprised if they had a sympathizer or two on board.”
“I haven’t heard anything,” Luke said. "We don’t have many sources of Intelligence near Earth these days and the telescopes aren’t able to see anything significant. Jupe Intelligence doesn’t seem concerned.”
“Will they let us go?”
“I doubt it,” Luke said laying back and closing his eyes. “They have a mandate from Allah and Mohammad to spread Islam. The current Caliph doesn’t care if it is peaceful or violent. Considering his history, it won’t be peaceful. He will lose several hundred thousand slaves, victims, or whatever if we convert peacefully.”
“He is a cold-hearted bastard,” Elena agreed, finishing her quick shower.
“I saw the duty roster,” Luke said changing the subject. “We have long range patrol duty, next week for a couple weeks. We should be back a week before transition. I don’t think the Caliphate has the forces or ability to strike us in time, but if they do, we will be on ships and ready for them.”
“Lucky us,” Elena said, drying off and slipping into the bed, wearing nothing more than a mischievous grin on her face. “So, about children?”
Luke rolled over and pulled her closer. Maybe he wasn’t too tired. He looked into her eyes and kissed Brita-
CHAPTER TEN
The Dojo
Luke sat up, his heart racing. It had not been unpleasant; however, it had been wrong. He could still remember the feel of her, close to him, soft, warm, and naked. His body was responding, so he used his implants to adjust his chemistry and calm things down. It was unprofessional and inappropriate, but exciting.
Still. It had been too long. Luke did not want to think about it, or what Jeremy and Amanda were likely doing in their room together.
“Everything okay?” Nelson asked over the InnerBuddy. He monitored Luke’s vitals and would know he was awake.
“Yea. Just a dream,” Luke sent.
“Want to talk about it?” Nelson asked.
“No,” Luke replied. He could trust Nelson but how could he explain it?
“Bad dream?” Nelson asked, prying.
“Drop the subject,” Luke sent. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Acknowledged,” Nelson sent. “If you do, let me know. Are you up for the day now?”
Luke looked at the clock. It was almost three AM by shipboard time. “Yea, let Musashi know he better have some repaired rag dolls. I have frustrations to work out.”
“Copy that,” Nelson replied. “He is standing by.”
* * *
Musashi was an android focused on training, and during some missions, he acted as Luke’s bodyguard. While Nelson specialized in ship operations, Gray specialized in infantry operations, Musashi was a master of individual combat and physical conditioning. He was the trainer of warriors, frequently sadistic, but always effective.
The hatch slid open and Luke glanced in. The mirrors covering every wall made them look like an army of nightmares standing there, all of them looking toward Luke. Tall, short, scaled, thin, brawny, spiked and smooth, with claws, talons and whip like tails, a menagerie of different aliens stood ready and waiting, anger on their faces and threat in their stares. Musashi liked it and the hostility had long ago lost its impact on Luke.
Luke stepped in and noticed the mat was soft. Good, Musashi could change it to hard depending on his mood. The aliens were all rag dolls, androids of sorts, designed as training partners. Their bodies were not organic, but they functioned like the biological entities they represented. There were ten of them, and a closet usually held more. Musashi had several templates and they were recyclable, only able to function here in the dojo. They were called rag dolls and would sometimes inflict more damage on Luke than he did on them.
Musashi controlled them like Nelson controlled the ship and Gray’s droid officers controlled their warbots. One of them, a shorter Brazat twitched and Luke ducked as the small egg flashed through the space he had just been. It slammed into the glass. The small egg shattered but the near indestructible glass did not.
Luke glanced at Musashi against the far wall, trying to gauge if the droid was projecting into one of the rag dolls. Another egg flew from one of the rag doll’s hands, Luke dodged it at the last moment but he wasn’t sure if the second Brazat had thrown it or the Tonkan.
Slamming into the wall behind him, the second ball shattered. Luke cocked an eyebrow at Musashi who just shrugged.
“Making sure you are awake,” Musashi said. Two of the rag dolls grabbed some bamboo swords and charged Luke. Luke smiled and dodged to the left, placing one in front of the other, dodging a swing. They were moving fast. The closest one had the spiked tail, and it lashed out at him, slashing his arm, and spraying blood on the white mats.
Luke’s smile grew, Musashi was linked and intent on inflicting pain. This would be good. Musashi never took it easy on him.
* * *
An hour later Luke had lost his smile. Luke struggled to lift his arms, and he was hoping he wasn’t bleeding too bad. Internal diagnostics reported his blood loss wasn’t too severe yet. He glanced around him, seven of the rag dolls were lying about the dojo in different states of wreckage and the dojo looked like a bloody war zone. It
would look like a horrific massacre had taken place.
Luke planted the eighth rag doll on the mat in such a way it would not get back up and looked at the other two who had not moved yet. He collapsed to one knee, using the bamboo sword as a crutch while trying to breathe deeply enough to recover. His entire body shook, and he was slippery with sweat.
“Must not have been that bad of a dream,” Musashi said, a half smile, furrowed brow and unblinking eyes locked onto Luke. “Usually you’ve destroyed ten rag dolls by now. Are you getting old and slow?”
Luke snarled at Musashi, never taking his eyes off the two motionless rag dolls. A snarl was the best he could manage now between ragged breaths.
“Are you done?” Musashi asked. Luke gave a non-committal grunt while gasping for air. The door to the hallway opened and Brita walked in. Luke stared at her, not sure if he should watch her, the rag dolls or Musashi. She stopped in the doorway and surveyed the carnage, the shattered rag dolls, the blood, and the broken weapons. Almost instantly, she relaxed, dropping lower in anticipation of attack or flight. Luke approved, she relaxed instead of tensing like an amateur. Her response made Luke think she had dealt with Musashi before but then he had not introduced them yet. She was special operations, and she was a veteran.
“Are you okay sir,” she asked, looking at Musashi and the remaining rag dolls. Luke just gasped, trying to get more air, talking was a challenge but his body was recovering. His sprained ankle was fixing itself and his wounds were closing. An unpleasant percentage of the blood was his but not enough to be life-threatening. Musashi wouldn’t let it go too far, but he would make damned sure Luke needed time to heal and recover.
Luke nodded. Noticing how soft she was. She was in loose workout clothes leaving a lot to his over active imagination.
“Fine,” Luke finally managed. “Just a tough workout. Almost done.”
Luke pushed himself up, getting control of his breathing. He would have liked another minute but did not want to look weak in front of her. Musashi smirked; he was hard wired into Luke’s psychology and physiology. Luke hoped he was not swaying too much. The remaining two droids launched their attack and Luke barely caught it in time. Luke leapt at them, finding a burst of energy from somewhere unknown. Luke used his sword to block the first one’s club and pushed the rag doll into the other one. The first one’s fist lashed out at Luke, hitting him in the face and Luke saw stars as he fell back, almost falling to the floor. There was blood on the rag doll’s fist. Luke roared and threw himself back at the first one, lashing out with his shinai. The mock sword slammed into the club, which blocked him easily. The second rag doll moved fast to flank Luke and almost got behind him.
The Return: The Conglomerate Trilogy (Volume 1) Page 8