The Last Narkoy: Gathow: Book 2

by Elizabeth Price

  “More?” Cidele quipped. “Fine,” she huffed, then continued trudging up to the new arrivals.

  Sedom rolled her eyes while she continued to walk. She pointed up to the orbs. “They alert me when there are intruders.”

  “Who else has clearance to allow others entry to Gathow?” Danstu asked.

  Sedom turned to him, her hands shaking. His eyes turned to her shaking hands. She shoved them in her jacket’s pockets. “I haven’t had the need—“ she gulped.

  Danstu took hold of her shoulder, steadying her. “You okay?” he questioned.

  She turned away abruptly, frustrated she showed signs of weakness. “Find me pilots!” she ordered as she walked away.

  “The cafeteria is that building over there,” Cidele called from behind Danstu. “Enjoy a good meal and I’ll meet you all there in an hour.”

  Danstu spun around, frightened when he felt Cidele’s hand on his shoulder. “Everything okay? Things looked like they’re a bit tense back there.”

  He nodded, gulping back his own anxiety. “I thought this was normal for around here,” Danstu joked. Cidele returned with a stern glare. “All joking aside, it’s been a strange night. I’ll get over it, thanks,” he admitted. Cidele patted his shoulder and then continued towards the cafeteria. “Hey, hold up,” he called. He hurried beside Cidele. “You’ve known Sortec for a while, right?” he asked. Cidele shrugged. “I hear she’s quite the warrior.”

  Cidele chuckled. “She’s a one-girl army, really. Why?”

  “Her hands were shaking pretty badly after the Marisheio attempted to shoot her. I’m concerned she’s okay. I’m not as accepted by her as you are. Could you check in with her?” he admitted.

  Cidele’s eyes fell to Danstu’s shoes. “It’s her home turf. She feels safe here and probably didn’t expect it. She’s very skittish from living in the forest and probably feels like she let her guard down, which I’m sure upset her. Um, you do know she doesn’t like animal skins, right?” she pointed out.

  “Animal skins?” Danstu questioned. She pointed to his shoes. “Oh, yes. Your father informed me. I’m out of luck until the replicators are available. If my shoes are the only thing I’m doing that’s causing her offense, I’ll consider myself lucky,” he joked.

  “I suppose so. You are a strange one, Danstu Keriney,” she giggled as she continued to walk towards the cafeteria.

  “In a good way or a bad way?” Danstu called out to her. She waved to him, continuing on.

  Rosanheer rested his hand on Danstu’s shoulder. “Forget it, man. She only goes for Dormin men,” he mentioned low.

  ***

  When Sedom woke the next morning, she was still in the cockpit of her ship. The murmurings of several people emerged from all around her. She could make out only a few of the voices, mainly those who seemed enamored by the large assortment of ships.

  “We flying these things?” echoed an unfamiliar man’s voice.

  Sedom sunk back into her seat. What mess had she caused again? Though, what was she expecting? These were hard working and dependable people, but not exactly the most intelligent bunch. Danstu certainly had his job cut out for him on such short notice.

  “Now people, Chadon Sortec will be here momentarily to show us how to fly these crafts. Danstu says it’s the only way we’re going to be able to fight against those Marisheio,” called another man’s voice.

  Still inside the cockpit, out of the group’s site, Sedom proceeded to massage her temples from a fast-forming headache. “I can’t do this. There’s no way.” And there she remained until everyone gave up waiting for her and left the ship bay.

  When the coast was clear, Sedom emerged shaking her head, utterly discouraged at the idea that she would ever find anyone else who could pilot her ships. Danstu came up behind her, standing very quietly.

  “They didn’t meet your expectations?” he asked.

  She shook her head, her eyes distant. “I haven’t the patience to teach them,” she admitted, even to herself for the first time. Some people were more able to teach, Sedom was not one of those people. “Narkoy ships are still considered the best ships and the most powerful in the galaxy. I can’t give simple people, like those you brought, that kind of technology. I need people who already have knowledge of space flight.”

  Danstu remained silent for a long moment, caught in a thought. He took so long to respond that Sedom gave up waiting for him. She returned to her ship and continued schooling herself with its’ operations. She looked down to Danstu, he was gone.

  Several hours later, Danstu returned to find Sedom underneath her ship. The main engine doors were open so she could look inside. Sedom was too busy to notice that he had returned. Only when she saw his foot lingering below her did she realize he was once again back.

  “Chadon,” Danstu called out. “I have someone I want you to meet.”

  What she loved to do most, meet new people. Couldn’t he see she was really in the middle of something? She tossed a wrench at Danstu's foot, hitting it square on his toes. Danstu yelped jumping back.

  “I'm busy,” Sedom called in gruff tones. If he was going to be her assistant he needed to learn a few things, like not to interrupt her when she was working on her ship.

  “It’s important,” Danstu added with a sense of urgency in his pain-filled voice.

  “Fine!” she huffed. She crawled out from the engine department and dusted herself off. As she stood, to her embarrassment, she was covered with engine fluid.

  Beside Danstu, who she could tell was having as much difficulty trying not to laugh as when she heard he was to be her assistant, stood a robust, stern-faced Mandicien male.

  “Chadon Sortec, meet ex-commander Qilo. He,” Danstu gave a quick glance to Qilo, “used to pilot ships for the Rycal army.”

  “Yes, she knows. Chadon, it’s good to see you again,” Qilo stated within a scowl.

  Instantly Sedom became amused, but confused. “Well, well, well,” she held out her hand to Qilo. “You certainly know a lot of people for a renegade. Does Zion know you're here?” she asked.

  Qilo started with a low grumble, which vibrated within in his barrel-like chest. “I haven't had the pleasure yet. Your man here says you have another job for me. Who do I have to kill this time?”

  Sedom turned back to her ship. “As many Marisheio as you like. And this time, I’m providing bigger guns.” She waved, motioning to her ships. “Think you can fly one of these?”

  Qilo glanced around the ship bay, not once cracking a smile, even though she knew he was beaming on the inside. She had overheard his conversations with Zion and Rosanheer about how badly he wanted to fly a Narkoy ship.

  “Depending on the price,” he returned sternly.

  She liked his answer as well. At least, she knew where she stood with him. “I love this man!” she screeched. She took Qilo by the arm, leading him away from Danstu. “This is a more permanent position, unlike last time. Pay is two-hundred thousand per click-turn and your own housing unit. Plus an additional hundred per month for every pilot you train. And if you steal my ship, I’ve them coded to self-destruct. I won’t hesitate to blow you out of the stars.”

  “Just like last time,” Qilo smirked. “You have a deal.”

  “Very well, choose your ship.” She went back to her ship, closing the engine hatch. “Let’s see what you can do.” Danstu handed Sedom a helmet. She glared at him for a moment then decided to take it.

  Over an hour past when the two finally returned from their flight. Danstu was waiting for the two when they returned. Sedom emerged from her ship, looking quite pleased. She shoved the helmet into Danstu’s gut.

  “Have Cidele find him suitable quarters. Qilo will be remaining with us. Step one accomplished, you found me a leader. Now get me pilots!” she ordered as she hurried away.

  Qilo shook his head, trying to keep his laughter inside. “You’re her new assistant?” he asked. Danstu grunted. “Good luck with that. I’ll find Cidele. You have
more important matters to contend with.”

  “Don’t I know it,” Danstu huffed.

  Qilo grunted amused. “You earned a piece of her respect today, if that helps you any,” he mentioned. He pointed in the direction of the door, asking if he was heading in the right direction. Danstu nodded, but instead of following Qilo, he continued to walk further into the ship bay.

  Row after row he examined each ship, searching for one in particular. Several rows down, he stopped at a larger cargo ship. Across the side of the ship was the name ROLLAN. “Here you are,” he whispered to himself. He tapped the door to the ship, opening it.

  “What are you doing?”

  Danstu spun around, finding Cidele behind him. “Oh, it’s you.”

  Cidele sauntered over to Danstu, stopping to lean against the ship. “You know if you’re planning on stealing this ship, Sedom will—“

  “Order it to self-destruct? Yes, I know. I’ve already been privy to her threats. I’m going to attempt to request this ship. I need to travel to Zaltez in a few days,” he explained.

  Cidele laughed. “You think Sedom will just give you a ship? And they told me you’re smart. That doesn’t sound smart.”

  Danstu closed the door to the ship. “If she wants an army, she’s going to have to trust me. All I have to do is sign a formal alliance and drop off some food packs. In trade we’ll have a hundred trained personnel.”

  Cidele pushed away from the side of the ship, looking him square in the eyes. “Honestly, can you be trusted?” she asked.

  He nodded. “Yes.” He moved away from Cidele, feeling momentarily flushed. “I was hired to do a job, but every time I start to get ahead…” he paused, taking a moment to center himself.

  “Hey,” Cidele took his hands, squeezing them reassuringly. “I was only giving you a hard time. I know you’re only trying to help. What do you need? I’ll talk to Sedom and see if I can convince her to lighten up a little.”

  Danstu blinked nervously. “To do my job efficiently? I need security clearance, a keycard, and Sortec’s trust. I can do everything she requests of me, but I need freedom to do so.”

  “Okay. I’ll talk to her,” she offered. Seeing the frustration in his eyes, she caressed his cheek with her palm. “You need not be so afraid of her. If she sees you wanting the same thing she does, she will love you. You just need to show her you’re part of the team,” she explained.

  He released her hands. “It’s hard to believe. When I was introduced to her, she was punching the tanned skin of her enemy. That’s not something I was taught how to handle.”

  Cidele’s right eyebrow rose in question. “Oh… I forgot she did that. She wanted to display Talenvanc in her office, but I told her I’d never visit. It’s just too… disgusting. Some things about her you have to get use to,” she said with a grimace. “Come, join me for mid-meal. You look like you haven’t eaten in days,” she encouraged. She wrapped her hand around his forearm, leading him away from the ship.

  Sedom watched from behind another ship as the two left the bay. When they were gone, she wandered over to the ship Danstu was interested in. She looked inside seeing several cases of fuel cells and ration packs.

  “Maybe he’s worth a chance?” Sedom thought to herself.

  That night, Sedom poured over information pads in her quarters. She didn’t know what she was searching for, but she’d know it when she saw it. Within the first few she scanned through, she couldn’t help but notice Danstu’s unique writing style. It was direct, to the point with as many exact details as possible. She liked details. It kept her from having to guess and possibly look ill-advised if she was incorrect in her assumptions.

  A knock came to the door, followed by the hesitated footsteps of Danstu. He peeked around the corner into her dining room, finding Sedom surrounded by stacks of information pads.

  “You sent for me, Chadon?” he asked, anxiously, standing a fair distance away.

  Sedom looked up from reading. “Why should I trust you?”

  Danstu blinked nervously, unsure how to respond. “I could give you reasons, but I doubt any would do me any good. You’re someone who learns from experience,” he answered.

  Sedom grinned, setting aside her computer pad. “You know Narkoy?”

  Danstu nodded, stepping into the room further. “I’ve had the pleasure, on a few occasions, to attend social gatherings with my previous employer.”

  “Social gatherings?” Sedom questioned. Narkoy didn’t simply invite any off-worlder to their functions. You had to be of great importance in order to be even considered, let alone invited. “You knew my grandmother?” she huffed.

  “Didn’t everyone?” Danstu joked back. He raised his hand, wishing he hadn’t said what he did. “Irool.” [sorry]

  “No, you’re correct. She knew everyone that could be of importance to the Narkoy,” she continued in Celibec, just to see if he understood her.

  “She was quite social and made a point to get to know everyone she came in contact with,” he continued also in Celibec. “Very lovely woman,” he added.

  “Who failed miserably,” Sedom growled, causing Danstu to take a step back. “Huh,” she mused, finding it rather interesting he knew how to speak the Narkoy’s language so fluently. She continued to speak in Volk. “Her social gatherings, her friendships, her love of her people… what good it did for us, hum?”

  “I’m certain she didn’t know what was coming,” Danstu attempted to comfort.

  Sedom smiled, chuckling to herself. “That’s the sad part, she did. She had the time to prepare. Instead, she sent me away and allowed all others to be slaughtered. She was as spoiled and as sheltered as I was and she was completely unprepared.”

  Danstu crept further into the room, realizing Sedom wasn’t going to attack him. Her heated words were only spoken in frustration at her situation and in no way aimed towards him.

  “At least she had the forethought of sending you away,” he mentioned, hoping she was finally allowing him to join a conversation.

  Sedom nodded. “Yes, well, in her mind, I suppose she thought a ten-year-old child was better suited to lead the Narkoy… if any had survived,” she pointed out. She removed a keycard from her front jacket pocket. “Here, you’ll need this to get into key areas, including your new office. You can give Lolum back his card now.”

  Danstu took the keycard, grinning. “You approve of my office choice?” he asked, more to be certain of his title than anything else.

  “It’s the office of the Chidiil or Chisarel, whoever happens to be second in command of Gathow. I’ve given you level eight security and operations clearance, which will grant you access to pretty much anywhere in Gathow that I can go. Just to mention, Lolum only has level five, so I’m putting a lot of faith in you.”

  “Thank you, Chadon.”

  Sedom sat up in her seat, feeling the muscles in her back start to ache. She would have to back off punching her bag so long tomorrow. “I also spoke to the Underground regarding your arrangement. Good work. It sounds like you arranged quite a bargain. It’s hard to come by trained personnel.”

  Danstu took the card, a sly grin on his lips. “Uh… thanks.”

  “Qilo has agreed to take you tomorrow. Be back in two days.” She handed him a computer pad. “I’ve also sweetened the deal to make sure we have a lasting relationship.”

  “Why the change of heart?” he asked, surprised at her sudden change in demeanor.

  Sedom leaned back in her seat. “Typical Narkoy leader,” she joked, not meaning to. “You’re attempting to give me what I want. I understand that. So, from now on, just ask. I know what everyone says about me. I may be young and naive when it comes to governing Gathow, but I know I’m a good judge of people. You’re smart to be fearful of me, but if we’re going to work together you’re going to need to understand me.”

  He read over his manifest, grimacing. He hesitated to speak for a long moment, slowly letting out a forced breath. “Why am I taking Cidele? I d
on’t know how much help she can be to me.”

  Sedom glanced up at him, shooting a quick grin. “History, my new friend. You can learn from it and you can use it,” she returned cryptically. She believed Cidele would be useful from her previous conversations. It was hinted at that Cidele spent a good deal of time working with the Underground. She was also Sedom’s insurance. She had seen the way Danstu looked at her. There was no way he would do anything to jeopardize their possible relationship.

  Danstu continued to watch her for a moment more, realizing that their conversation had come to an end. “Very well then, I’ll see you in two days.”

  As he left, Zion entered. The two met each other at the door, nodded their greetings and Danstu left.

  “Sortec,” he called.

  “Buried back here. Bring a shovel,” she called back.

  He followed her voice to her dining room. “Redecorating?”

  “Hardly.” She handed him a computer pad. “Congratulations, you’re our new head of security. You’ll need this,” she said.

  He took the computer, looking it over. “Orb command codes? What do you want me to do with these?” he questioned.

  “Memorize them. In this computer is every security code used to control the three levels of security orbs within Gathow. In the future, they can also be used to control the orbs patrolling the forest. I’ve given you level seven security clearance… for now. You, personally are in control over the security orbs. It will be your job to keep Gathow secure and see to our protection,” she explained.

  “You’re giving up your power? Are you feeling well?” Zion questioned, uncertain if she was thinking straight.

  She laughed, finding his comment rather appropriate. “No, I’m trusting you. I’m… delegating responsibilities, as Lolum suggested. I alone can’t run Gathow. Mind you, this isn’t easy for me… trusting that is. But I’m also tired of having to drop everything every time someone walks into Gathow,” she explained.

  Zion grunted, amused by her actions. “I finally have your respect.”

  Sedom stared at him. “That was easy. Now, try keeping it,” she said as she pointed to the orb manual in his hands. “Onto a different subject; do you know how to fly a fighter?” she asked. He nodded, uncertain what she was going to ask. “Qilo’s taking Danstu and Cidele to Zaltez to pick up some new recruits. I need a wingman to keep an eye on them, in case they get into any trouble. This is an important mission and I don’t want anything to go wrong.”