The Black Guard: Book III: The Black Mamba (Black Guard series 3)

by CR Daems

  I scanned the tablet. "You have meetings with several of your ministers. Is that normal?"

  "It is the end of the quarter. So, we will be looking at the revenues and expenses over the last quarter, and reviewing the budget for the next quarter."

  "The other names on the list?"

  "Influential merchants and business owners who want to discuss the future of the kingdom. In other words, attempt to influence me."

  "Do you and your brothers disagree on any of these matters?" I asked. Liserli gave me a hard look. "I mean that a merchant or business would see an advantage to having them decide rather than you."

  "My brothers and I talk frequently. We agree on all the issues that they are interested in." She smiled, looking in their direction. "Their concerns are, like yours, very myopic: the army and the air force."

  "Are any of the merchants interested in issues that would affect the army or the air force?" I asked. Liserli shook her head.

  "They would like their budgets cut and allocated to their priorities, if that counts." She smiled. "But if I'm killed, my brothers would more likely increase their budgets."

  "Which of the ministers you are scheduled to meet with this week has access to cash?"

  Liserli, looked at the table and frowned. "Ministers Sandalio and Gervasio, but they have had their positions for many years. I've never seen any irregularities in their books."

  "Those attacks on you cost significant credits. So, they are either coming from your treasury or an outside interest," I said, thinking the urgency appeared to favor insiders. "Can you move up the meeting with the ministers?"

  "What will that accomplish?" she asked, leaning towards me.

  "Nothing, if it's not them. However, if they are involved, it will force them to act prematurely and give them less time to be creative."

  Liserli nodded to Vinicio. "Tell them an emergency has come up, and I need to know the status immediately."

  * * *

  I stood with Benita, waiting on Minister Sandalio to show for his 2:00 p.m. appointment with Liserli. She didn't seem nervous or upset when her tablet chimed 2:15 or 2:30. At 2:35 it was apparent why as Prince Bartli marched in with four army personnel and ministers Sandalio and Gervasio chained together at the wrists.

  "Your Majesty, Ministers Sandalio and Gervasio were caught at our border with King Mateusz. Probably looking to trade information for asylum," Bartli said, smiling. The two Ministers stood silent looking like they were waiting for the firing squad to show.

  "Would one of you gentlemen like to tell me what this is all about in return for a bit of mercy?" Liserli said as she sipped from her recently refilled glass of wine.

  "Sandalio and I had an investment go bad several years ago…and thought to borrow some money from the budget. We intended to repay the money over the next couple of years, but when it wasn’t discovered we changed our minds. Then we borrowed some more… Revenues are down this year and with the Black Guard expense, we could no longer hide the money we borrowed. We thought if you weren't the queen, your brothers wouldn't notice the missing funds."

  "Thank you, Gervasio for your honesty. Make a complete, taped confession including the specific details and using the correct terminology–stealing funds and killing the queen–and I will not extend the crime to include your families, who I assume did not participate," Liserli said without emotion.

  "No, Your Majesty, they knew nothing about us stealing money or our plans to kill you," Sandalio said. Gervasio nodded agreement.

  "Colonel Benita, take charge of the prisoners, record their confessions, and charge them with treason," Liserli said and waved for Benita to take them away. She spoke into her communication device and within minutes four palace security guards arrived; they were taken away with Benita following.

  "Well, Captain Sapir, what do you think?" Liserli asked, looking tired. "I trusted those men."

  "That’s the reason the Black Guard trusts no one when on assignment. It's safer that way and everyone gets equal treatment," I said and Liserli nodded.

  "If you don't mind, I'd like you to stay for a few more days to give Colonel Benita advice on creating a group dedicated to protecting the queen and her family," Liserli said as she finished her wine and rose. "I would like to retire to my room."

  * * *

  We departed three days later, after reminding the queen that the only way Colonel Benita could be successful was if she cooperated. She had to treat the security people in the new unit as if they were the Black Guard and let them do their job.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Jax: Socialization

  When I departed the shuttle at Sasser Mountain, Hada stood waiting, with an ear-to-ear smile. "I have snacks and drinks waiting in your room. We can fast-track your after-action report," she said, excitement in her voice. I stared wide-eyed at her as if I didn't understand the rush.

  "You are still planning to go home with me?" she asked and her face turned to a pout. "You promised."

  I grabbed her in a tight hug. "Of course, I am. Even without the pouty face you have been practicing for days." We left four days later after Commander Wexler had reviewed my after-action report.

  * * *

  "What do you think your parents have planned for us this time?" I asked as the taxi shuttle descended into Avivo, where Hada's parents lived. We paid the driver and began walking the few blocks to Hada's parents' home.

  "No idea. You missed the dating experience last time, choosing instead to spend time with Choje Abhaya." Hada laughed. "Personally, I'm not sure either of us is ready for dating. The men our age seem much younger, like they are still in compulsory school. Or, maybe we have had too much real-life experience."

  "Well there is no rush. Probably something that needs to happen naturally, when the man is right for us and we are ready," I said. Hada nodded agreement. Looking up, I saw we were at Hada's house. The door flew open and we got the usual exuberant welcome, hugs, smiles, and words of genuine happiness, making me feel like I belonged to the family. This time I think Hada's older sister, Lui, had designed the curriculum.

  "I thought we would introduce you to some activities which you may enjoy either to watch as a spectator or to participate," Lui said, her face flushed with excitement as we left the house the next day. The first week, we watched ground-vehicle and skimmer races, as well as hang gliding and paragliding events. Then we were signed up for a sailing class and golf lessons. The second week appeared to be more hobbies, and we had short classes in painting, photography, music lessons, and at home, an introduction to card games and chess.

  "My head is spinning," Hada said, on the way back to Sassor Mountain.

  "I think we were supposed to determine the activities we weren't interested in rather than decide on what we wanted to pursue. To separate the chaff from the wheat," I said, agreeing with Hada that it had been like sampling fifty dishes to decide what restaurants you would prefer to eat at. Easier to eliminate those you didn't like.

  "I know I wouldn't like hang gliding or paragliding even though I'm not afraid of heights. I have enough excitement in my work," Hada said while playing with her bottom lip. "I thought watching cars or skimmers race was boring. Maybe photography or painting. That seemed relaxing and you produce something."

  "I tend to agree," I said thinking back on the two weeks. "A musical instrument may be something worth trying."

  "Father tried to get me interested in our family store, but I don't think that's right for me. I think Mei, my younger sister, would like that, and she's good with people and likes managing the store." Hada smiled. "I think I would like to settle down, raise a family, and lead a quiet life."

  I thought that right for Hada. Few of us liked the killing and violence associated with the duties of the Black Guard, but it was somehow more traumatic for Hada. She always thought she had failed to do something that could have avoided the killing. I, on the other hand, didn't feel sorry for the attackers. They had chosen the violence and got what they sough
t. But, like Hada, I agonized over Guard deaths, knowing they could have been avoided if I had only been smarter.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  Safort: Raiders

  Wexler had no assignment for either Hada nor I when we returned. Consequently, the next several weeks were like an extended vacation. Hada and I spent many hours discussing our time at Avivo and what we learned about ourselves. During the day, we helped with the new candidates' training, practiced Wuji, and spent hours at the firing range. A few millimeters off could be the difference between life and death. My extended vacation ended three weeks later, when Yardon intercepted me helping with the third session candidates. Since I was clean and appropriately dress, I went directly to Wexler's office

  "Sir," I said bowing low. "Corporal Yardon said you wished to see me."

  "Sit, Sapir. Outpost appears determined to form an alliance with the members of the Helix Coalition unless I'm going senile," Wexler said. "Over the past several months there have been a number of raids on different Safort states. It has reached a point where the Safort Upper Chamber, SUC, is questioning our ability to protect them, which smells like Outpost involvement. However, Captain Olmert of the Lion Heart has been monitoring each of the merchant ships from Outpost, Lariw, and Valhall, and hasn't been able to find any indication that they are providing or supporting the raiders."

  "Outpost may not be directly involved," I said, although I doubted they weren't involved.

  "That's why I'm sending you, Sapir." Wexler smiled. "Losing the Safort contract may cause the SUC to approve the alliance with Outpost and that could have serious consequences for the Jax. Besides, you are the Jax Committee's de facto trouble shooter. They obviously agree, as they approved my choice. The War Horse will be in orbit tomorrow. Expect a shuttle at eight hundred hours for you and your team. Here is a roster of the Guards available for assignment."

  As was becoming normal, Wexler let me determine the size and composition of the team and to select the individual members, only questioning my reason for the number and configuration of the teams.

  "Twenty seems a rather large number, unless you anticipate you will have to engage them at some point," he said, frowning in my direction.

  "Sir, I thought four small teams of five each to be used for surveillance and inspections. If it comes to a fight, I would hope to enlist one of the Jax cruisers and their commandos. That is more their expertise."

  Wexler laughed. "Only you would admit the commandos were better suited for a battle than the Guard, because of the apparent loss of face."

  "As General Issak would say, Using the right tool for the job."

  * * *

  "We are headed for Safort to investigate a number of raids that have occurred over the past several months, which the Jax patrols have been unable to stop," I said to the twenty assembled Guards as we waited for the shuttle from the War Horse. Normally, I would have briefed the team the day before the scheduled departure, but the Jax Committee wanted us there yesterday so there had been insufficient time. Better to give the troops time to get their gear ready for deployment. "Outpost is the prime candidate; however, we have no proof. The Jax on station have been monitoring and conducting inspections of the Outpost, Lariw, and Valhall merchants, but have not found any discrepancies in the shuttles or the number of crew leaving and returning."

  "Rather an unusual Black Guard assignment," Lieutenant Mintz said. He was newly promoted and this was his first assignment as an officer.

  "It's part of our evolution and recognition of our previous successes, but dangerous as we have no experience to guide us. Therefore, duty is especially important."

  "What is our duty in this case, Captain?" Mintz asked, his face tight in concentration.

  "To identify the raiders," I said. I had spent several hours considering the assignment at Hada's and my meditation perch beside the waterfall.

  "Not to kill them and go home?" Mintz asked, a small smile on his face.

  "No. We have two Jax cruisers and a couple hundred commandos who train to do that. We have nothing to prove and are not in competition with them. We fight only if there is no other choice."

  When I exited the shuttle into the War Horse's shuttle bay, a lieutenant stood waiting. He saluted, and I gave him a shallow bow.

  "Captain Sapir, I'm Lieutenant Tillson. Welcome aboard the War Horse. Captain Hwang has invited you to dine with him and Colonel Wolfson tonight if your duties permit," he said, and then pointed to a marine sergeant. "Sergeant Walton will show you and your team to your quarters." He saluted and left as the sergeant stepped forward and gave a bow.

  "Good morning, Captain Sapir. If you and your troops will follow me, I'll get you settled," he said and began walking toward the door at the far end of the bay. As we passed through the commandos' workout bay, I thought they appeared eager to see the Guard, which was a marked improvement over the past few years. I hoped the FIST training and the Black Widow had made the Guard and the commandos appear to be part of the same team rather than competitors.

  * * *

  "Welcome aboard, Captain Sapir. You already know Colonel Wolfson and Commander Jamieson. "I don't imagine Outpost is looking forward to their nemesis returning to Safort."

  "We did seem to ruin their plans for a Helix Alliance. If it is really Output and one of their co-conspirators in forming an alliance, they are certainly persistent," I said after returning a small bow from Hwang.

  "Any thoughts on how we can help?" Hwang asked as he motioned toward the side bar. "Help yourself."

  Hwang and I selected tea whereas Wolfson and Jamieson selected beers.

  "It's hard to believe the two most notorious persons in the Jax military prefer nonalcoholic drinks. Well, I for one have to maintain the commandos' image." Wolfson laughed as he raised his glass to us. We returned the gesture.

  "By being available as before. Captain Olmert doesn't believe their merchants are part of the raiders. So, I have no idea," I said. "They are apparently using shuttles, as the raids have involved between ten and twenty raiders. If we can find the shuttles, we will have the answer."

  * * *

  The next morning a shuttle delivered my team and me to the Lion Heart. A commander awaited us as we exited. He bowed.

  "Welcome aboard the Lion Heart, Captain Sapir, I'm Commander Delaney, the XO. Captain Olmert and Colonel Vogel would like to see you as soon as possible so that they can determine your needs."

  "Thank you, Commander Delaney." I bowed back. "I'm available now. I'm sure they have other pressing duties to attend to." I smiled as his facial muscles relaxed, understanding dealing with the Guard with its minimalistic rank structure, and reporting directly to the Jax Committee was puzzling. I waved for my team to follow. "My team will also need to hear what Captain Olmert and Colonel Vogel have to say."

  Delaney led us to the upper level where the Bridge and the captain's quarters, office, and conference room were located. Delaney opened the door only part way and said a few words before opening the door fully and waving me in. I waited as my team found chairs along the wall.

  "Good morning, Captain, Colonel. I'm Captain Sapir, Lieutenant Mintz is my second in command," I nodded to Mintz, "and my current team of twenty."

  "Good morning, Captain Sapir. I'm Captain Olmert and that is Colonel Vogel, who is in charge of the Lion Heart's commando contingent," Olmert said, nodding toward a short, square shaped man who looked to have been cut from granite, his hair cut short and his expression stone hard. Olmart on the other hand was a tall thin woman with an angular smooth face and long dark brown hair tied back in a ponytail. Her face had a small thin smile. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you. Your name is mentioned frequently, and from all accounts, you are the Jax's trouble shooter. Not sure I'd like that position. Makes failing a little too visible."

  "It's not a position one volunteers for," I said, noting Vogel's evaluating stare and slight nod of agreement.

  "What are you planning on doing?" Vogel asked, with a tone that
implied, that we haven't already tried. "It's not outpost's merchants or their allies!"

  "I thought I would listen to what you have already tried, before I decide on a course of action," I said, then added. "You have obviously eliminated many of the possible scenarios."

  "It's not outpost or its allies!" Vogel repeated, in an angry tone. "We aren't stupid."

  I took a seat at the table, choosing not to reply to Vogel. He would obviously like a nice army that he could see to fight, not raiders who prefer not to be seen coming or going. He appeared to think my presence was an insult to his intelligence.

  "The sites that were raided, claimed their shuttles were black, whereas all of the merchant's shuttles have been grey or an off white. We checked each shuttle before they left the merchants' ships and again when they returned. We even took pictures of the shuttles before they left and compared them to the shuttles that returned. The same with the individuals who departed on trading missions. The same number and individuals returned. We also monitored the merchant ships entering and departing Safort space and detected no shuttle leaving or entering the ships while in transit. After the trouble started, we assigned each person a pass when they left the ship and checked them when they returned," Olmert said, lips pursed in thought. She shrugged. "I can't see how it could be Outpost or their allies. They maybe behind the trouble, but I don't think they are directly involved."

  "Can you loan me a shuttle?" I asked. "Since you won't be permanently at the space station. I will split my team. Maybe half on the space station to do inspections and half on the planet–"

  "Waste of time," Vogel shouted. "We've proved that's unproductive."

  Proves you didn't find anything, not that there is nothing to find, I mused without a change of expression.

  "You are in luck, Sapir. The Committee had one of your Black Widows delivered," Olmert said. "It's aptly named. It should have a red hour glass painted on its underside. That machine could go toe-to-toe with most fighters. Glad to see you have navy personnel maintaining it and the commandos crewing it. We don't need any unnecessary competition between Jax's units." Before Olmert and Vogel left, Olmert indicated we could continue to use the conference room.