by Jake Bible
“That’s insanity!” Stolt shouted. “The passengers will revolt outright!”
“Not if we attack the lower decks before they can really protest,” Corbin said. “That one and only working lift becomes ours. We start sending down regiment after regiment onto the middle decks, preparing them for a faster descent and assault once we begin. The lift will be tied up for days as we get men in place. The passengers will complain, yes, but they will also be wary to join the lowdeckers once they see the show of force we place on their decks.”
“But what’s to stop the lowdeckers from retreating deeper into their territory?” de Morlan asked. “We’ve tried something similar and they just get lost in that maze they call home.”
“Because we cut off their avenue of retreat,” Corbin answered. “With the longslingers. Before shutting down all the other lifts, we get them as close to the lower decks as possible without being detected. They then use the maintenance tunnels and access ports to get in position.”
“You have lost your mind,” Stolt said. “If the longslingers are found they’ll be cut to pieces.”
“Not in the access ports, or even the maintenance tunnels,” Corbin smiled. “There isn’t enough room for the lowdeckers to use their heavy blades. They’d barley get them out of their scabbards, let alone be able to swing with any lethality. They’ll be banging elbows and raking knuckles while the longslingers pick them off, one by one.”
Stolt started to respond then closed his mouth. He looked at de Morlan for help, but the older steward just shook his head.
“And to keep them from holding out too long,” Corbin added, his eyes focused on Stolt. “You can make sure your man Diggory doesn’t come to Langley’s rescue. Without the backup he needs, Langley will be quickly cut off from the rest of the lower decks. We’ll have him surrounded by longslingers while the main force runs him down from the front.”
Stolt looked shocked. His mouth opened several times to speak, but only a small squeaking came out.
“What does he mean by ‘your man’?” de Morlan asked Stolt.
“The steward has been cultivating a relationship with Moses Diggory, one of the major crew bosses down there,” Corbin said. “He’s considered to be Langley’s successor if the man ever falls. Steward Stolt has made sure that Diggory is bought and paid for. I can’t say exactly what the steward’s end goal was, but I’m sure it was in line with the crown’s needs.”
“I’m sure it was,” de Morlan said as he glared at Stolt then looked at the master. “Your highness? How should this be handled?”
“We use Corbin’s plan,” Alexis said.
“No, sire. I meant how should—”
“I know what you meant, Alasdair,” Alexis responded. “What I’m saying is we use Corbin’s plan, including the suggestion that Stolt here reach out to his turncoat and make the man an offer he cannot refuse.”
Stolt swallowed hard, but composed himself quickly. “And what offer is that, sire?”
“That Diggory will become the next leader of the lower decks once Langley is in custody,” Alexis smiled. “Making sure the lowdeckers are beholden to me and the crown as before, of course.”
“Of course,” Stolt nodded. “I’ll dispatch a messenger immediately.”
“I believe it would be safer if the steward took the message to Diggory directly,” Corbin said. “I can vouch for the men in this hall, but I cannot vouch for any of Steward Stolt’s messengers. I would hate for the entire operation to be jeopardized by the loose lips of a careless servant.”
“Good suggestion,” Alexis nodded then looked to Stolt. “Away this instant. Meet with Diggory and set everything up. Report back to me tonight.”
“I may not be able to meet with the man tonight,” Stolt said. “Communicating with the lower decks is troublesome, to say the least.”
“I’m sure you’ll work it out,” Alexis said in a tone that told Stolt he had no choice in the matter. “Now go.”
“Yes, sire,” Stolt said and bowed low. He glanced over at Corbin and turned his lips up in a grimace. “I could certainly use an escort as my most capable guards are in the service of your highness at this moment.”
“Very well,” Alexis said. “Corbin? See to it that Steward Stolt gets to his meeting. I’ll feel better with you there anyway.”
Corbin glared at the steward, but nodded in agreement. “Yes, your highness, a wise decision.”
* * *
“You think your influence is greater than mine, guard?” Stolt snarled as the lift descended quickly. “You think you can work your will upon the Master of Station Aelon? A pissant like you? What’s your aim, Corbin? Looking for a sector warden position?” The steward leaned in close, his hot breath a menacing stench upon Corbin’s cheek. “A stewardship? Is that what you want?”
“I want nothing more than the safety of the master and Station Aelon, my lord,” Corbin said with a bow.
Stolt looked over at the lift operator and sneered. “A fine answer while ears are listening. But when we are alone, I will get the truth from you.”
Corbin turned and faced the steward, his features calm, his eyes clear.
“I would like that very much...my lord.”
The lift ground to a halt and the doors slid open, showing they were expected. Corbin had both of his blades out and ready as men moved from the deck and into the lift, their heavy blades making Corbin’s look insignificant and weak.
Yet not one of the lowdeckers underestimated the head guard. They knew him by reputation and experience. Even against five lowdeckers armed with blades that weighed almost as much as a small child, Corbin was hardly outmatched.
Diggory was the last man to enter the lift. The doors slid shut and the operator started taking them back towards the surface. Diggory turned slowly and faced the man.
“Do I know you?” he asked.
“No, sir,” the operator answered. “I’ve only had the job for a week now.”
“What happened to your predecessor?” Diggory inquired as he took a step closer to the man.
“He was killed, sir,” the operator replied. “The Battle of Veber Listd. Took one of those particle barbs to the throat. Tore his head clear off.”
“Like this?” Diggory asked and slashed out with his short blade. The operator’s head fell to the floor, his body spurting blood high into the air before it too collapsed. Diggory gave it a nudge with his foot then looked at Stolt. “We can’t afford loose ends anymore, can we?”
“Tell your men to put away their blades,” Corbin said as he ignored the bloody corpse and kept his focus on Diggory. “Nonnegotiable.”
“Nonnegotiable?” Diggory laughed. “Everything is negotiable, Mr. Breach. Or do I call you Head of the Royal Guard? Do you even have an official title?”
“Don’t need one,” Corbin replied. “You know who I am and that’s all that matters.”
“I suppose so,” Diggory agreed. “I suppose so.” He looked at Stolt and grinned. “I hear you have an offer for me?”
“I do,” Stolt nodded. “Direct from the master himself.”
“Oooh-la-la!” Diggory laughed and his men laughed with them. He waved at them and they sheathed their swords. “What is this offer direct from the master himself?”
“The lower decks,” Stolt said. “They will be yours to run, as if you were a steward, sector warden, and deck boss rolled into one. The lower decks will be officially their own region and you get to be in charge. Under control of the master, of course.”
One of Diggory’s men snorted and got a slap to the face for it.
“We do not laugh at our friends, do we?” Diggory growled.
“No, sir,” the man replied. “My apologies.”
“Under the control of the master?” Diggory asked, focusing on Stolt once more. “What does Master Alexis have in mind with this control? Will I be a puppet? Or may I rule my people as they should be ruled?”
“You will rule as you see fit,” Stolt responded. “As lo
ng as it is not at odds with the master’s wishes.”
“Which just circles me back around to another question,” Diggory chuckled. “What are those wishes?”
“No more interruptions of the status quo,” Stolt said. “Servants return to their jobs, lowdeckers make sure the rotational drive is maintained and running, no more talks of revolt or rebellion. The station returns to how it was, just with a new official region.”
“I’ll be your equal,” Diggory stated. His eyes locked with Stolt’s, begging for the man to challenge him on the point.
“Yes, precisely,” Corbin spoke up. “But your seat will be part of the meeting of passengers, not the meeting of stewards.”
“That’s not equal,” Diggory said as he turned to Corbin. “The meeting of passengers is a joke.”
“No, it is not,” Corbin responded. “Not once you are in charge of it.”
“In charge of the meeting?” Diggory asked, puzzled and intrigued. “How is that possible?”
“Every group has its hierarchy or the assembly dissolves into chaos. Just as there is a hierarchy in the meeting of stewards, there will be with the passengers. You’ll be at the top of that hierarchy.”
“Is this so?” Diggory asked Stolt.
“What? Yes...yes, of course,” Stolt nodded. “The only way to maintain control with the passengers is to make sure there is clear leadership. You will be that leader.”
“Appointed by the master,” Diggory said.
“Appointed by the master,” Stolt agreed, smiling. “What say you?”
“I say I’d like a day or two to think about it,” Diggory replied.
“You have until the lift reaches the next deck,” Corbin responded.
All of the lowdeckers hissed then looked to Diggory.
“You are so sure of yourself,” Diggory said. “I think we both know what happens to men that are so sure of themselves.”
“They win,” Corbin replied. “The lift stops in ten minutes. I hope you have an answer by then.”
“No need to wait,” Diggory said as he reached out and pulled the brake.
The sound of screeching metal and groaning cables made them all wince. The lift shuddered for a moment then stilled. Diggory cranked the throttle into reverse and the lift started to descend.
“I’ll take the master’s deal,” Diggory said.
“Don’t you want to know what Master Alexis wants in return?” Stolt asked.
“You really think I’m stupid, don’t you?” Diggory said, shaking his head. “I know what the master wants from me. Betrayal.”
“If you choose to call it that,” Stolt nodded.
“I call it what it is,” Diggory growled. “I’m a lowdecker and we say things as plainly as they are. We don’t hide from the dirt and the grime like you surfacers. If it doesn’t shine already, I sure as shit ain’t going to waste my precious spit polishing it up.”
“Very well then,” Stolt said. “You get your men ready. Once we have everything in place, you will be notified. At the very least you’ll be asked to just do nothing. At the most you will need to take up arms against Langley. Can you be counted on for that?”
“I can,” Diggory nodded.
“Good.”
“Good.”
They waited in silence as the lift continued downward, the smell of sweat, fear, and distrust thick in the small space.
* * *
The swing was wild and raw, but the heavy blade didn’t care, it did its job and took the man’s head clean off. A fountain of blood gushed against the rusted metal of the passageway’s wall as the headless body fell against it. The heavy blade was brought up again in a rough arc that was driven by desperation and panic.
“Lucas! We must retreat!” a man yelled as he watched as Langley removed the right arm from a soldier then looped the blade above the screaming man and come down to rip his torso in half. “Lucas!”
Langley looked over his shoulder to see that he was a good thirty yards ahead of his forces. He was the only one making a push for the lift; the rest of the lowdeckers were massed down the passageway, panic filling their eyes.
“Come on, you cowards!” Langley roared, parrying a thrust from a royal soldier then using the man’s momentum against him to spin him about into the wall. Langley slammed the hilt of his heavy blade against the back of the man’s head, crushing his skull and sending blood and brains spilling to the ground. “Now is our time!”
“Now is not your time.” Alexis grinned behind a mask of blood as he pushed past his men to face the enraged lowdecker. “Your time is done, Langley. Give up and the rest of your men will be spared. Continue fighting and I show no mercy to a single soul.”
“Mercy is not yours to give!” Langley spat as he gutted another soldier and shoved the wounded man towards Alexis. “You are not a god, Alexis. Just a man. Helios grants mercy, not men!”
“Today, I am as close to Helios as you will get,” Alexis snarled. “I would advise you to take my mercy as if it was given by the Dear Parent. You will not get a better offer, Langley.”
Langley began to walk backwards, his feet finding their own path between the dismembered bodies, severed limbs, crushed heads. The lowdecker’s eyes were filled with nothing but hatred and disgust for the smug monarch before him. He knew he couldn’t hold out long on his own, despite his skills with the heavy blade.
Alexis had the day.
“Take your wounded back to the surface,” Langley said. “Or wherever you take them. To the middle decks? To some convalescence home on a Surface estate? Is there a stewardess doing her duty and giving her house over as hospital? That must be nice.”
Langley walked past a lowdecker that still breathed, although most of his face was nothing but a tangle of flesh and bone. With a swift thrust of his heavy blade, Langley ended the man’s suffering.
“We have no such luxuries down here,” Langley said. “If you fall then you are done. Just like you will be one day, your highness.”
“I think not, Langley,” Alexis smiled. “At least not today.”
A cry of pain from behind him made Langley turn to look at his men. He was instantly surprised to see them moving quickly towards him. He was even more surprised when they started to turn around and face the other end of the passageway, not towards Alexis and his soldiers.
“What are you doing?” Langley shouted. “Face these surfacers and fight!”
“Longslingers!” one of the lowdeckers shouted just before half his head was turned to pulp by a particle barb.
Langley whirled back to face Alexis and belatedly realized why the master smiled so broadly.
How did the longslingers get so far down into the lower decks?
Langley knew the lifts being shutdown was a prelude to the attack that came so he sent men to guard every maintenance tunnel and access port. Every way in and out of the lower decks had been covered. Diggory’s forces had the entire place secured.
How did they get through?
Two possibilities flew through Langley’s mind as he rushed towards Alexis, his heavy blade raised high: Diggory fell or Diggory turned.
Langley highly doubted Diggory had fallen.
“Sire!” Corbin shouted and shoved Alexis out of the way just as Langley attacked.
Corbin brought his short blade and long blade up in a cross, blocking Langley’s heavy blade. The force of the blow nearly sent Corbin to his knees, but he held strong and shoved with all his might, knocking back the enraged lowdecker.
“Get him out of here!” Corbin ordered to the royal guard.
“I will not be removed from battle!” Alexis yelled. “We push the attack!”
Alexis moved forward, his blades already drawn and dripping with blood from his part in the fight. Corbin spun about and slashed madly at Langley’s belly, forcing the man to jump back again and again. Alexis used that opportunity to rally his men forward and attack the exposed backs of the lowdeckers that had turned to face the regiment of longslingers that pre
ssed at them from behind.
“Hold your fire!” Alexis ordered as a particle barb zipped by his ear. “The master is in the battle!”
Many of the lowdeckers whipped their heads about at the announcement, their panic replaced by bloodlust and fury. None wanted to give up the opportunity to take down the master. Whether for good or evil, the man that killed Master Alexis the First would be sung about for centuries. Eternal glory was just a blade slash away.
A dozen men rushed at the monarch, their mouths open and throats vibrating with war cries that drew power from the most primal instincts within them. There was no coordination to the attack, just unfettered fury and rage.
The carnage within the passageway slowed to quarter time as Alexis prepared himself for the attack. He could hear his men behind him, ready to join the fight, but they were a few steps back. When the lowdeckers reached him, he would be on his own for the first few blows.
Alexis was more than happy for that opportunity. His blood was at full boil with Teirmont anger. He could feel his veins burn under his skin. He was nothing but fire and wrath, ready to crush all who had defied him for so, so long.
The first man to reach Alexis lost his intestines with a swipe of a short blade as Alexis dove into a roll and came up swinging. The lowdecker’s heavy blade met nothing but empty air. Alexis lurched to his feet, shouldering the disemboweled man back into his comrades.
Two lowdeckers fell as they became entangled in, and were tripped up by, their screaming brother’s entrails. Alexis placed a boot firmly on one of the men’s heads and crushed his skull like a shaow’s bladder. The other man’s throat was slit from ear to ear as Alexis’s long blade rushed past.
Three down before the royal guards even caught up.
The world around Alexis became a dark void filled with the glowing red heartbeat of rage that burned in his soul. Wrath was all he knew. He’d felt it all before on Aelon Prime when he fought against The Way’s Burdened. But then it had been a campaign driven by the holy desire to remove The Way’s clutches from the throats of the primes on the planet and the stations in orbit. It had been different.