Cidele forced herself away from the tree and walked over to Sedom. “Like I said, what choice do I have? You want them here, they're here. Forgive me if I'm not exactly happy about the situation.”
Sedom shrugged. “That's your choice,” she muttered. If her friend wanted to live in the past, then why waste her energy forcing the issue?
***
Inside her quarters, Sedom settled into her com station and dialed Jasper’s number. A dark-skinned Dormin man appeared, wearing a military uniform. “You have reached the office of the Braum Daveric. How may I assist you?” he asked.
“I’m Chadon Sortec. I am looking for the Braum. Is he available?” she asked.
The man stared at her for a long moment and then nodded. “He’s in a meeting. It will be one moment,” he said. Sedom started to say she would call back, but the screen blanked before she could force her words out.
Moments later, Jasper appeared, sweat glistening on his forehead. “Sedom!” he exclaimed. “I apologize fully in advance. My people had no means to know that you had a cloaked sub base on Terilan Tro. I was just informed and I was about to send you a full report.”
Sedom flinched. “Terilan Tro?” she questioned. “Now tell me, why would the Dormin need to go there? It’s a dead moon,” she questioned amused and befuddled by his statement.
“I was given reports of a downed vessel. We believed it might have been my cousin, Borik Ornool’s, ship. He went missing several weeks ago. All I do know is its Narkoy, impressive, and we’re staying clear, as promised,” he offered.
“Kind of you and I’m sorry to hear about your cousin,” Sedom replied. She sat back, taking in a deep breath. “You wouldn’t happen to know how many ships are housed there, would you?” she asked, hinting she didn’t even know of the base’s existence.
Jasper licked his thick lips, allowing a small grin to form. “Fourteen-hundred and seventy-two. You didn’t know about the base, did you?”
“I do now, thanks,” she said with a wink. “Now, on to the question I called you about,” she began.
“I can’t believe…” Jasper huffed. “What’s your question?”
“I’m looking for a background check on someone. How do you handle these matters when you want to look into them personally?”
“Former employers?”
“Your sister, the Underground and the Marisheio Empire,” Sedom replied straight-faced.
Jasper chuckled. He leaned closer to the monitor. “Sedom, seriously? He must have done something impressive to cause you to give him a second look,” he asked. She nodded. “Name?”
“Rosanheer—”
Jasper’s eyes widened with surprise. “Torreh, Rasadan Rosanheer Torreh? Is that the man you’re talking about?” Jasper returned amused. “Talenvanc’s son?”
Sedom stared at the view screen for a long moment, searching through her memory, trying to recall some of the conversations she had with Rosanheer. “You’re joking, right?” Sedom gasped. Her skin suddenly lost all color and her toes began to tingle. She thought back to their conversations in the forest, recalling a few comments that could have been construed as hints about his background. “That explains a few things.”
Jasper nodded. “Not that it’s a bad thing. I’ve hired him a few times to work alongside Qilo when we were looking for Narkoy survivors. I’m simply surprised you’d be willing to bring him on board, history and all.”
“Garric?” she mentioned. He frowned, turning away to keep from showing his frustrations. She knew how much he hated her servant. Garric was the one who ordered his sister, Asa, to her death. “How the hell do you know Qilo?” Sedom barked.
“Zion was my sister’s bodyguard and… I’m fairly certain they were romantically involved at one point. Anyone who knew Zion knew my sister.”
“And would presumably know you, got it. So, do I trust this Rasadan Rosanheer Torreh?” Sedom asked straight, knowing Jasper would never sugarcoat his response.
“Any man I trust with my life, I’d vouch for. Just a word of warning, he turned his back on his people and his family. He may have been right to do so, but nevertheless. Don’t forget that,” he mentioned.
Sedom agreed. “Thanks. And we’ll talk later about Terilan Tro. I’m a little short-staffed at the moment. I may need your assistance after all,” she mentioned.
“Call me, day or night. I’m sending you my private line in case I’m not near my office,” he offered. “I have to go. Take care.”
The screen blanked, sending back a blackened image of herself. She rubbed her neck, trying to motivate herself to stand. Her arms and her legs ached and she wasn’t certain why. She flexed her arm over her head, trying to loosen her muscles. As she did, her shirt sleeve split.
“What the…” she felt to the rip, perplexed by why the fabric gave way. Was it faulty fabric? Were the replicators not producing quality clothing? Had she snagged her sleeve on something and didn’t notice?
Regardless of what happened, it didn’t really matter. She changed her top, only to find the new one a bit tighter than before. She took it off and tried another top. The same thing happened to the other top. “Huh.” She stretched her arms back and forth, attempting to loosen the top. The new top split down the back. “Oh, you’ve got to be joking. What is going on?”
“Chadon?” Garric called from the living room.
“Why are all my tops so tight?” she yelled to him. “None of them are fitting.”
Garric stood by her bedroom door. “You’re probably going through a growth spurt,” he mentioned. “I’ll replicate you a size larger and see if that helps. I’ll be right back.” He took her top and hurried out the door to fetch a larger one.
Meanwhile, Sedom paced anxiously in her living room wearing only her undershirt, which barely covered her chest. “Growth spurt?”
“Um-hum,” spoke a voice from her com screen.
Sedom spun around, mortified to see Rokaa on the screen. “I hope you weren’t talking to the Braum dressed like that. I might become jealous,” he mentioned.
She snatched her jacket, wrapping it around her and zipping it tight. “You could have given me a little warning.”
“And miss the show?” He jabbed back. Sedom glared at him. “Sorry. I heard you talking to Jasper, and I thought I’d call and see how you were. Naked, so it seems.”
“Ha, ha. No, I split my top. Garric went to fetch me a larger one,” she explained.
“Too much good food?” he accused.
She unzipped her jacket, revealing her firm six-pack abs. “Hardly. I guess I’m just growing,” she huffed. “How are you doing?”
Rokaa shrugged. “I’m surrounded by twenty guards all the time, my family wants me dead and I’m stuck on an alien world who worships Narkoy,” he stated.
“So, not bad, hum?” She jabbed back. Behind her, she could hear Garric returning with her top. “I’ll call you later. I have to go talk to a man about a punching bag.”
“Oh… okay. You are loved,” Rokaa returned slightly confused.
“You too.” She hung up and then spun around, grabbing the top before Garric could offer it to her. “Heck of a time to start growing.”
“I’ve ordered ten more, just in case. Should I order pants as well?” Garric called into her bedroom.
“Good idea, thanks,” she called back. “Don’t wait up.” She rushed out the front door before Garric could get out another word.
Inside the cafeteria, Sedom found Rosanheer eating late meal alongside Zion. He glanced at Sedom with a smirk.
“One of these days you should sleep. It will age you staying awake all the time.” Zion pulled out a chair for Sedom to sit.
Sedom accepted the seat. “Good. Even an infant knows that only the exciting stuff happens when you're asleep. Why miss out?” she joked, knowing full well that wasn't the case.
“I'm not sure what to make of you. You are an odd one, Sortec,” Rosanheer smirked back.
“I guess that's a complimen
t. When you're done, come find me. We need to talk,” Sedom said, almost as an order, but not with quite that much authority.
Zion rose from his seat, taking his tray. “Talk now. I'm leaving.”
As Zion left, Sedom turned her attention to Rosanheer. “So, Rasadan, you do realize the last man who came in here with a title like that is now wearing a collar around his neck? Mind telling me your story before I force one on you?”
Rosanheer didn't flinch, just kept eating. “Rasadan Garric Soogal. I thought he looked familiar.” He offered Sedom half of his sandwich. She gladly accepted. “Story time, hum?” He sighed, leaning back. “Let's see, where to start. My father was a high-ranking officer with the Marisheio. My mother was obviously not his wife since I'm half Zalmin. High-ranking military officers were only allowed to marry their own kind, but I was the only boy born of nine children. He accepted me as his full-blood heir and sent me to the best military academy one could afford. I was taught to be the perfect warrior and for a while I made my father truly proud of me. I joined the Marisheio straight out the academy and moved up the ranks quickly. After I earned the rank of Rasadan, I went home to celebrate, but my father had to rush off and presumably find you. I found out that my father's wife sold my mother to a work-camp. Apparently she was offended by the sight of my mother and took the opportunity, while my father was away, to be rid of her. I tortured her until she told me where my mother was and then I took her eyes. That way no one would offend her sight again. I left never to return. I took what money I had, bought my mother's freedom and sent her to live on Carmintor. When my father learned what I had done, he disowned me… and a man without a father in the Marisheio is a death sentence. Since, I've spent my life doing the opposite of what my father wanted me to do… including joining our enemy.”
“And your father?” Sedom asked amused.
“I thought you'd figure that out,” he mentioned.
Sedom shrugged. “I wanted to hear it from you.”
Rosanheer moved his tray aside. “Talenvanc.” He looked into Sedom's questioning eyes. “This bothers you greatly? I know. It would bother me too. That’s why I asked you to research my background. If I told you, you might have thought I was a spy.”
Sedom's eyes turned upward in thought as she turned to the door. “He's dead, you know that, right?”
A sly smirk appeared on Rosanheer's lips. “I was not aware, no. How?” he asked. Sedom motioned to an orb that flew by the front door, obviously guarding Rosanheer. “That’s humorous. So I managed to do what that old fass couldn't?”
Sedom's eyes turned to slits. “What would that be?”
Rosanheer leaned closer to Sedom. “Infiltrate Gathow and befriend its leader. Then I can lull her into a false sense of sodality and learn all the secrets of the AO. I guess he did lack the proper social skills, hum?” he said sarcastically. He offered her a root. Sedom’s eyes grew tense on him. “Happen to know where a fellow can find a gateway?” he asked to lighten the mood.
“Down the alley and to the right,” she smiled, amused at Rosanheer's audacity. “Sounds like a suicide mission. I’m surprised I let you live for so long,” Sedom mused.
“So am I.” He grinned. “Honestly, I don't care about your gateway, your ships or the technology. It's meaningless without honor and integrity and there's no honor in killing millions of defenseless people. I may look Clove, but… well, I don't need to tell you. You already know my feelings and then some. Just know I'm with you.”
“It’s ironic how the galaxy works. Who would have thought the son of my greatest enemy would come to my aid.” She handed him a key-card. “Your story checks out with the Underground and you received a glowing recommendation from Braum Daveric. You're welcome to stay. The key opens your quarters, the blue building, third on the right. Your permanent quarters are four-zero-two. It has a nice view of the sun globe.” She offered Rosanheer her hand. “Welcome aboard.”
He gladly accepted. “Glad to hear.” He grew closer to Sedom. “What about your friend, Cidele I believe was her name? She seemed quite upset with me being here.”
“We talked. You're Zalmin in my eyes. She'll just have to get use to it,” she said, finding it odd that he would concern himself with Cidele's feelings.
Rosanheer nodded. “It is an honor to serve you, Chadon. Now if you don't mind, I'm going to get some bunk time.” He paused, looking into Sedom's tired eyes. “And if I may be so bold as to say that you should too? You worked hard out there. You deserve some down-time.”
Sedom chuckled as she stood. “Not until every bed is full and I have my army.”
Rosanheer stood, also frowning. “An army? We're going to need one. Rumors have it that the Marisheio are planning to build a base not too far from this location. That way they can scan for this city without disruption.”
Sedom ran her tongue over her teeth. “And you're willing to stay?” she asked, suddenly wondering if it was a good idea to keep him around after all.
“It’s a rumor only. That’s why I was on the planet, to confirm the rumor,” he covered. “I also happen to know a few other rogue soldiers, like Qilo and me. With your permission I'll ask them to join us.”
Sedom nodded without haste. “If they know how to fly, it would be even better.” Men like Qilo and Rosanheer would be a great benefit to Gathow and Sedom wasn’t about to let an opportunity pass her by. “Rosanheer,” she called as he neared the main doors. She wandered by the empty tables. “If I find that I can't trust you no army will keep me from slitting your throat. Same goes with any person employed by me,” she warned.
“Ratisha said once that she would protect you no matter what. Look what hell she went through. I pledged my honor to you… that should say something,” he said sternly. “Good night, Chadon.” He paused to allow Garric to enter. Both men barely acknowledged each other as they walked by.
Garric hurried inside, glancing at Rosanheer as he disappeared out the door. “Now I know I recognize that boy from somewhere,” he said as he approached Sedom.
“Talenvanc’s bastard,” Sedom said, taking the left over food to the trash. “I've agreed to let him stay, for now. He's a hell of a warrior.”
Garric's eyes widened. “Watch out, we'll take over after all.”
Sedom rolled her eyes as she sat. “If you all fought on my side, I wouldn't care.” She glanced down at his hands where he held a computer pad. “What news?”
He handed her the computer pad. “Update on the Braum. He's sent six science ships to the Nevet system to investigate the outer rings of Lomac.”
Sedom jumped up from her seat, grabbing the computer pad. “Son of a faas!” She dashed out of the cafeteria, towards her quarters, not pausing until she was sitting in front of her com.
“Braum Jasper Daveric,” she called to her com station.
An older Dormin man's face appeared on the screen. “You've reached the office of the Braum. How can I be of assistance?”
“This is Chadon Sortec, patch me through to that low-life, son-of-a-faas,” Sedom growled. The man flinched at her words. “Chadon Sortec, NOW!”
“Chadon, the Braum is asleep. I'd be happy--” he sputtered, unsure how to handle the salutation.
“Wake the bastard. I will not wait,” Sedom demanded.
The man nodded. “I'll see if he's available.”
The screen blanked to an image of the Dormin's national symbol. Moments later Jasper appeared on the screen looking quite chipper. “Sedom, my sweet flower. How wonderful it is to see you twice in the same day? It’s such an honor--”
“Sweet flower my rear. What the hell, Jasper? Science ships?” she asked outright.
Jasper's face paled. “It's not what you think,” he protested.
“What am I supposed to think? You've increased your army tenfold and now you have science ships out looking for the Oslo,” she accused.
“You don't have the ability to defend yourself. I was merely trying --”
“To steal my ship and my t
echnology, just like the Marisheio,” Sedom yelled. “Just know, if by some miracle your people do find my ship, as soon as they step foot on that ship its set to self-destruct. There's no way in hell I'll let any of my ships fall into enemy hands… or those who I thought were my friends.”
“You wound me deeply. I am NOT the enemy!” Jasper howled back. “I'm trying to help you. Even with my army I can't defend Matrador against the Marisheio. I thought if we used the Oslo--”
“You could have asked instead of trying to steal it from me. I thought we were friends, Jasper? Friends don’t steal from each other!” Sedom yelled.
Jasper closed his eyes, nodding in defeat. “We are. My judgment was skewed by my own political aspirations. I will call back my science vessels. Please accept my sincerest apologies.”
Sedom stared at the screen, unsure what to say. “Thank you.”
Jasper smiled back. “One question, were we getting close?”
Sedom smirked amused. “You think I'd call if you weren't? There's no chance you'd find the Oslo, but I didn't like you going behind my back.”
He nodded, perplexed by her attitude. “Sedom, you know how much that ship would help influence this war? Why not let us use it?”
“Right,” she laughed. “Tell me, would you give it back when I ask for it? And could you guarantee your military won’t attempt to copy the technology?” she questioned.
“Sedom, come on now—” Jasper whined.
“I can't risk allowing anyone to touch that ship that isn’t under my command. You have only a vague idea what the Oslo is capable of. When I find a proper crew I'll commission it. For now, it remains hidden.”
Jasper looked away, frustrated with her words and his own actions. “I understand. Will you be able to attend my twenty in two weeks?” he asked.
The Last Narkoy: Gathow: Book 2 Page 10