by C. R. Daems
"Sounds like fun, Captain," Senior Sergeant Solow said, receiving nods of agreement.
* * *
The trip took three days, aboard the cruiser Crouching Tiger. This time there were no army aboard, just the commandos who are a normal contingent of every Jax cruiser. There was no trouble, although there is always some tension between the Guard and the commandos. They tend to dislike the Guard on general principle—commandos are commandos because they failed to qualify for the Guard.
"Captain Sapir, congratulations on your double dragon award. I’ve heard about your assignment on Lanzhou. Very impressive." Colonel Berger, the commander of the commandos, said as I was getting ready to leave for the showers after my workout.
"Thank you, Colonel. I believe the Jax military action on Lanzhou sent a strong message to the civilized worlds—the Jax military has no equal, whether army, commando, or Guard."
"It was basically an army operation." He frowned, staring at me.
"A contingent of commandos were sent to support the army for the final battle. The army was greatly outnumbered, yet couldn’t be defeated. Do you think anyone doubts the commandos weren’t a significant factor in the outcome? I don’t."
He laughed. You’re right, Sapir. I wish commandos could have been more involved initially. It might have saved lives, but they save us for ship-to-ship engagements, except for rare occasions like Lanzhou, and even there they were hesitant to commit the entire force. As a consequence, we tend to see very little action. A commando’s life can be very boring on a ship with nothing to do."
"I think we all wish for excitement and a chance to prove ourselves until it happens. Then, we wish for boring."
"How true. If the rumors are correct, we are dropping you off and going on to another planet. Hopefully, your reputation will keep things boring.
* * *
At the Molova space station, we were directed into two civilian shuttles and flown to Prince Badal’s estate, a four hour trip. From the air, the building looked very much like a picture of an old English mansion: a two-story, granite building in the shape of an "H." The main building stretched a hundred meters between the two wings, which looked to each be fifty meters in length. The only thing that destroyed the image was the military barracks and equipment sitting less than a klick away. We landed at the military facility and were met by a man in dark green combat dress with three gold clusters on his collar.
"Welcome to the Prince Badal estate. I’m Colonel Jarde." He stood a head taller than me, a narrow, clean-shaven face with a light tan complexion. "Everyone is interested in seeing the Black Guard and you, Captain, particularly Prince Badal’s private guards. More so now that their captain and a considerable number of your team are women." He laughed. Then pointed to Sergeant Glick’s sleeve. "Are the double dragons a new kind of rank?"
"No, they are the veterans of Lanzhou."
"Interesting. The Jax Guard has always had a good reputation, even before Lanzhou. We had heard the Guard had women, but I think most thought there were only a few and not fighting members of the team. I seriously doubt Prince Badal is expecting a woman captain." He smiled at some thought he didn’t share. "If you find time before we leave, I’d like to give you and anyone else a tour of our detachment and have you meet the troops who will be accompanying the Prince to the capital. The states have had a long history of border disputes and wars, so our current law restricts a state’s total force to five hundred. In theory, they are a reserve force for the Molova military, which is the country’s official armed forces. And we are allowed only fifty military troops across any state’s border, even with their permission."
"I’d like that, Colonel. It’s going to be difficult to control access outside the Prince’s estate, so being able to identify your troops will help. And I think getting to know the Guard won’t hurt in the event of trouble."
"Agreed. If you’re ready, I’ve two ground vehicles ready to take you to the palace." He pointed toward two off-road armored vehicles with undercarriages fifty centimeters off the ground and seating capacity for twelve. The road from the compound led to a gray bricked driveway four vehicles wide and flanked by large trees, manicured lawns, and gardens. Two armed guards stood at the entrance to the building, which sat between two semi-circular staircases leading to a second-level terrace. Like in an "H" configuration, the main building sat back from the two two-story wings on each end. The building appeared to be made from old-fashioned stone containing a yellowish tint.
The guards snapped to attention and saluted the Colonel as we exited the vehicle. Inside we were met by a tall, thin elderly man in a light tan suit with a gold sash.
"Doshi, this is Captain Sapir, and the Black Guard team," Jarde said. Doshi gave a small bow, after a double-take look from Jarde to me and back. It looked to be an interesting tour—women guards in a man’s dominated world.
"Captain Sapir, if you would wait in the Blue drawing room, the Prince will join you shortly. Your… team should have stayed at the military compound. Colonel Jarde’s men can take them back."
"They stay. I’ll want to tour the palace with them and to meet the Prince’s family we will be guarding."
"But that’s impossible—"
"No, it’s not. I will decide what my team needs to keep the people we guard safe. For now they can wait in a separate room while I meet with the Prince," I said. From the looks of the fifty-meter circular foyer and twenty meter wide hallway that led to the two wings, this place had enough rooms for several hundred troops without inconveniencing the residents.
"Yes, Captain," he said, somewhat reluctantly. ’If you will follow me." He led us to the right down the hallway and stopped at the second door. "If you and Colonel Jarde will wait here, the Prince will see you shortly. Your team will be in the West wing drawing room."
The colonel opened the door and waved me in. Governor Li Ho Lew’s estate had been large and lavish, but this made his look like a rundown little shack in comparison. The hallway alone was filled with paintings, statues, and expensive looking articles on pedestals. The room was definitely blue where pictures, tapestry, or windows weren’t shielding the wall. A variety of chairs and couches were placed around the perimeter of the room, leaving the center open. The ceiling appeared to be a giant mural of angels, or someone’s idea of them. The colonel remained standing, so I did. I was still surveying the enormous room when a middle-aged man about my size walked in accompanied by two tall, muscular men in black military clothing. Colonel Jarde braced to attention and saluted.
"Captain Sapir, may I introduce you to Prince Badal." Jarde said. I gave a small bow.
"Welcome, Captain Sapir. I have to admit I was expecting you and your team to be men," he said as he stood appraising me. "I contracted for the captain who was the Black Guard commander at Lanzhou, so I assume that’s you." He continued to inspect me while his two bodyguards stood behind him with smirks on their faces. On their belts were what looked like multifunctional weapons.
"Yes, I commanded the Black Guard at Lanzhou. In fact, half of my current team were at Lanzhou during the incident."
"You reportedly killed over two hundred rebels. What were the women’s… parts?"
"Men and women are equal in the Black Guard. Each individual has earned the right to wear the red dragon and is second to none," I said, amused as Badal and his guards wrestled with the idea that a woman could be an elite Guard.
"How about a demonstration, Captain? You and my private bodyguard, Dara," Badal said, nodding to the man on his right, who was sneering or had stomach cramps.
"I don’t do demonstrations. They prove nothing."
"They prove who the better man is. Are you afraid you’ll lose?" Dara said, trying to sound belittling.
"Since Prince Badal has picked you as his personal bodyguard, I have no doubt that you are good at what you do. But the only proof that counts is if you can keep Prince Badal alive when he is attacked. Unlike a match between two persons, there will be no notice, no c
hoice of weapons, and no artificial determination of winning. The Prince either lives or dies. My teams and I are members of the Black Guard; therefore, we have proven we’re qualified. Whether you or anyone else is qualified or not means nothing to me," I said, preparing for some macho move from one of them. Dara’s face broke into a smile as his hand slid towards his weapon. I hit the release on my whip, and it dropped lose. The Prince’s face lost his amused look.
"Prince Badal, I’ll wager I can separate Dara’s head from his body before he can pull the trigger on that weapon he’s considering drawing." I stood ready, watching no one but aware of everyone in the room. "That includes your other guard if he interferes."
Silence followed as Dara considered his options, which weren’t good. If he backed down he would look foolish and admit I was better, at least, in his mind. If he tried to kill me, he faced a Black Guard with an unknown weapon and risked death. And if he killed me, what would Badal think and would the Guard leave?
"Dara, relax. Captain Sapir, you said matches prove nothing but you were quick to incite one." A smile spread back on his round face.
"Prince Badal, I gave warning only because you started the tension by suggesting a match, which encouraged Dara to be aggressive. You seem to think this is a game or need proof that we can protect you. I’m here because you hired us. If you would prefer your private bodyguards, that is fine with me. It will give me more guards for your family."
Silence followed. Dara was furious but unable to take any action. His sidekick stood staring at me like I’d grown horns, the colonel appeared amused, and the Prince stood staring at me as if that would help him make a decision. When he finally spoke, he surprised me.
"Is that whip really that dangerous?"
"It will go through skin and bone like a wire through cheese."
"Doshi informs me you and your team would like a tour of the palace and to meet my family."
"Yes, I would have my team take up their responsibilities immediately. It will give your family time to adjust. Guarding someone while traveling is different from guarding someone in their own environment. A few days adjustment would be helpful."
"And you need me?"
"I think it would be beneficial for you to be able to recognize my Guards’ faces, and helpful if you introduced us to your family. You are placing their lives in our hands.
* * *
After I collected Lieutenant Ceder and my three teams and introduced them to the Prince, we proceeded down the hallway into the East wing, which was reserved for the Prince and his family. At the intersection, we were led right and into the first room on the right where two women stood, obviously having been warned we were coming. Badal approached the small petite woman, whose eyes locked onto me after a quick survey of the others. Another young woman stood a few steps behind her.
"Captain Sapir, my wife Princess Sophia, and my daughter, Princess Jovana," he said, emphasizing the titles as he introduced them. I gave each a small nod of recognition.
"Ladies, I will be assigning each of you a team of six. One member of that team will be in your sight except when you are alone in a room we can protect." I said.
"That will be very invasive, Captain Sapir," Sophia said.
"We, the Black Guard, are very good, Princess Sophia; however, we cannot protect you if we cannot see you. In your home, we can control who is in the building and can identify those authorized to be there. When you are traveling, we cannot. So yes, it will be invasive but necessary if we are to provide you adequate protection."
"What if we don’t want someone following us?" Jovana said, frowning.
"Unless your father stipulates you do not need protection, it’s not optional."
"You work for us," Jovana said, placing her hands on her slender hips.
"That is not exactly true," I said, watching Babal and his wife, who seemed amused. "We are contracted to Prince Babal to protect him and his family and have configured teams to meet those terms. If conditions are such that we cannot adequately fulfill our obligation then we will leave."
"We are not used to such arrogance and certainly not from a woman," Sophia said with a small smile. "But you have a point. A contract requires that both parties agree to the terms. My husband believes strongly in the teaching of the Prophet Nomiko, who was the founder of Xintoism, the dominant religion on Molova. The other major Sect follows the teaching of the Prophet Azarias who appeared a hundred years later—"
"And saw man as evil and God as vengeful," Babal interjected. Sophia continued as if he hadn’t spoken.
"Our current laws are based on Nomiko’s teachings. But this time the Princes are divided; therefore, my husband will be the deciding vote. The followers of both Sects have been at odds with each other for many generations, but the followers of Azarias’s teachings have been growing over the years and tend to be more radical and prone to violence. If my husband were to be killed, they would come into power."
"Sophia believes my brother, Meric, would side with the followers of Azarias if I were to die and he came into power, which transfers through the male line."
"Yes. That is why I talked him into hiring the Guard. Badal will decide which Sect will dominate, but I didn’t realize the Guard had women. Women guarding my husband is going to inflame the radicals among the Azarias."
"Of course it’s Prince Badal’s decision, but if the Guard stays, they operate by my rules, which are designed for your safety," I said, wanting it clear I would not compromise.
"My wife is right. It will empower the zealots who see women as inferior. Even I have trouble with women soldiers, as you noticed with Dara. But if women aren’t inferior, then aren’t they equal?" He shook his head as if to clear it, and a small smile appeared. "I probably won’t like it, but I’ll like it less if my wife or daughter is harmed. Do what you must."
"Princess Sophia, Senior Sergeant Zinn’s team is assigned to you," I said, and stepped back as Zinn stepped forward and gave a small bow.
"If you have any concerns or complaints, they should be addressed to me. My team," she said, and stepped to the side as each individual stepped forward and introduced himself.
"What is the double dragon on some of the sleeves?" Sophia asked when they had finished.
"It’s the only recognition the Guard gives for doing your job. Not so much as a reward to the individual, but as a reminder to the rest of us what it means to be in the Jax Guard. They were awarded to the survivors of Lanzhou," Zinn said.
"And to those who would challenge you."
"Yes." Zinn smiled. "The Guard has always had a reputation of fighting to the last Guard, but Captain Sapir and her team at Lanzhou have reminded everyone of the cost of doing so."
While Lieutenant Ceder introduced Wahle and his team to Jovana, I turned to Badal. "Sir, Senior Sergeant Solow will be assigned to you," I said, and Solow stepped forward. Badal scrutinized each individual as they introduced themselves. "Be assured, Prince Badal, regardless of the rank or double dragons, each person here has earned the right to wear the Black of the Guard, will defend you with their life… and rarely miss what they shoot at."
"I have two bodyguards…" Badal said, worrying his lip with his teeth, as he wrestled with the potential conflict.
"So long as you agree the Guard is in charge of your security, I see no conflict. They know you and the potential dangers on Molova, and we would welcome their input and support if it comes to a fight."
"What if there is a conflict?" Badal asked. Dara stood glaring at me. The other guard’s eyes swiveled between Badal, Dara, and me.
"Sir, your life and your family are my only concern. We will not allow anything to interfere with us protecting you."
"Meaning?" Badal asked.
"In an emergency, we cannot afford to have even a few seconds of confusion and, therefore, we will not debate our decisions. Any interference will be met with deadly force," I said, then turned to look directly at Dara, whose hand was resting near his weapon. "Sir, I’m sure
Dara and your other bodyguard would gladly risk their lives to save you. I do not know their qualifications, but each Guard member has gone through years of special training to be a Guard. I began my training at age six. You are paying for that expertise and I must assume you want us to exercise it."
"Six… it’s no wonder the Jax are so much in demand and expensive. Yes, you are in charge of my security. I’m sure I won’t like it, but I doubt you’ll care," he gave a strangled laugh. Dara didn’t look happy.
"Only protecting your life is important to me," I said, feeling satisfied I had taken care of the immediate issues and the situation was under control.
* * *
The next day, I met with Lieutenant Ceder and my senior sergeants for an update on their activities.
"Solow?" I asked after everyone had gotten settled.
"The Prince has been cooperative, but I don’t trust his bodyguards. They are looking for trouble—looks, comments, gestures. Particularly towards the women."
"Ignore them but tolerate no interference," I said, knowing they or some man was going to act the fool before this assignment was over. "Zinn?"
"Princess Sophia is being very cooperative, although she is nervous around the male guards. Perhaps it would be less stressful if Solow’s two women were transferred to Wahle and my team and we provide two males to replace them."
"Yes, everyone would be happy—except me." I laughed as I said it. "It wouldn’t affect duty, but it would tradition. If we move members around to satisfy a contract, we would be telling those that hire us that we have men and women guards—"
"But we do," Wahle blurted reflexively.
"… and that they have a choice, which is not true. The Guard will decide who and where members of the Black Guard are assigned, based solely on the individual’s experience or rank." I paused to look at each individual and received nods of understanding.
"Wahle?"
"Princess Jovana doesn’t like being monitored and is nervous around the men guards. But no trouble."