“Is Rosanheer coming?” Zion questioned.
“If he wants to and if he knows how. It might do you two some good to stretch your legs and see the sights,” she joked. She motioned to the door where Danstu hurried out. “You’ve been around him enough these past few days. What are your impressions?”
Zion crossed his arms over his muscular chest. “Impressive. He’s been on the job three days and has already accomplished a lot. We’ve hit him with several major issues and so far he’s managed to come up with solutions or found people who could.”
“Do you trust him?” she asked seriously as she tapped on her forehead.
Zion uncrossed his arms, leaning forward against the table. “In the field, no. He’s raw. Here, leading Gathow, yes. The man knows what he’s talking about and gets things done. And surprisingly, he’s extremely loyal to you… considering.”
“Considering I’ve threatened his life numerous times, hum? Do you think he’s better than me?” Sedom questioned.
Zion leaned closer to Sedom. “Baiting me?” he questioned. Sedom shrugged. “You’re smart and have the ability to make good decisions quickly. But, I have to believe most of your decisions are luck. Danstu, he’s had the schooling and knows what he’s doing, without guessing.”
Sedom blinked nervously. “The truth stings, but it’s better to live with a little prick of pain than suffer endlessly with a lie. Very well. Your recommendation means a lot to me.”
Zion’s bottom jaw gaped with surprise. “Who are you and what did you do with our Chadon?” he joked.
Sedom returned with a smirking grin. “I’m looking at ten-thousand new recruits in the next few months. Something had to change, and that something had to be me. Lolum mentioned I need to ask for more help so… help.”
“Gladly, Sortec,” Zion returned bowing slightly at the hips.
She stood from her seat, walking over to the open window. Even though they lived underground, there was still a cold breeze that would enter her unit at night. She closed the window. “Fine then. I’ll meet you in the ship bay in the morning.”
Zion grunted his acknowledgment. “Tomorrow then. Night.” He dismissed himself, leaving Sedom to her computers.
Moments later, Garric appeared from around the corner, carrying a cup of tea. “Are you planning to sleep tonight?” he asked. Sedom hummed her response. “Will there be anything else?” he asked humbled. Sedom dismissed him away with a flick of her wrist. There was no need to keep him up all night.
FOURTEEN
In the ship bay, Danstu waited anxiously as Qilo and Cidele joined him. Right behind him walked Sedom, along with Zion and Rosanheer.
Danstu rushed over to Sedom, his eyes wild with concern. “Chadon? I can’t assure your safety. It would be better if I handle this on my own,” Danstu insisted.
“You are. I’m flying you to the moon, to our sub base which has a ship more suitable for your mission. From there, Zion and Rosanheer will guard your ship to Zaltez,” Sedom explained.
Danstu waved her aside. “I thought you trusted me,” he whispered.
“You, yes, but barely. This will be the first time a Narkoy vessel will be seen outside this quadrant or any quadrant in nearly a hundred years. I’m not risking my technology or my friends ending up in the wrong hands,” she explained. “Considering these ships are why the Marisheio destroyed my people,” she added.
“Good point, Chadon,” Qilo spoke up from behind them, even though it was supposed to be a private conversation.
She glared over at Qilo who backed away. “The cargo ship is already loaded. I’ve also added a few items to sweeten the deal,” she said while she handed Danstu a computer pad. He had to switch his small overnight bag to his other hand to grab it. “Let’s go.” Sedom waved everyone to follow her.
Zion gazed around at the ship bay, unsure which ship to choose. “Which one, Sortec?” he called.
“Anyone except those two,” she pointed to her ship and Qilo’s, who nodded his thanks that she acknowledged his ownership of the ship. “Just make sure you can operate the weapons,” she added. “We’ll meet you on Nogoana.”
Sedom slid inside a small cargo ship, scanning over the controls. Qilo, Danstu and Cidele slid into the three other seats. “Are you good to do this?” Qilo asked, noticing Sedom searching nervously over the controls.
“I haven’t had the chance to fly one of these yet,” Sedom admitted.
“We have twenty-seven different ships here. I doubt you’d know how to fly them all,” Qilo mentioned.
“Twenty-seven?” Cidele asked in a gasp.
“That are here in Gathow, yes,” Sedom added.
Qilo motioned for Sedom to switch seats. “Watch me first, then you can fly her home,” he offered.
Sedom agreed, switching seats with Qilo. There was no sense sitting there, looking like a fool, when all she really needed was to see how it was done.
“Chadon, tell me again why you’re coming?” Danstu asked from the backseat.
Sedom turned back to him. “You need a Narkoy to enter the base,” she mentioned. “A lot of the security protocols are still under my Grandmother’s command. I have to physically alter them before I can make any adjustments.”
“You’re in rather high demand, aren’t you, Sedom?” Cidele joked.
“I would gladly share the responsibility, but unfortunately Narkoy blood is in limited supply,” Sedom spoke distant. “Set your coordinates to the furthest moon.” She tapped in a set of coordinates into the computer. “Okay, this is easier than I thought, there’s just no stick and no weapons.”
Qilo pointed to a section on the controls. “Minimal weapons. This is only a short-range ship. How large is the other cargo ship?”
“The Corin? Big,” she exclaimed.
“As large as the Oslo?” Qilo questioned in amusement.
“The Oslo? Seriously? I thought the Oslo was only a myth,” Danstu asked from the back seat.
Sedom shrugged dismissively. “No and yes. The Oslo can house a crew of fifteen-thousand. The Corin can transport maybe one thousand. She’s basically a fancy cargo ship, but she’ll get the job done,” Sedom returned monotone.
“Fif-- we have a ship that large?” Danstu asked amused.
“No, I do,” Sedom returned cryptically. She turned to Danstu, scratching her ear with two extended fingers as if to motion to him without Qilo knowing.
Danstu mouthed “two?” and Sedom gave him a quick wink.
“The Oslo will be my next priority. There’re too many rumors circling around about it. Besides, I’d rather the Braum didn’t steal it from me.”
Within minutes, the ship neared an opening in the moon’s surface. The opening resembled more of a crater than an entrance to a sub base. As the ship grew closer, the speakers crackled to life. “This is Sorrel, gatekeeper of Nogoana. State your clearance.”
Sedom tapped the com on the ship’s dash. “Chadon Sortec, Sedom. You’re expecting us,” she called out.
“Welcome, Chadon. Prepare to provide blood verification to gain entry,” the voice called back.
A small finger-sized drawer opened on the dash of the ship’s console. Sedom slipped her finger within it and a blue light scanned over it.
“Proceed,” the computer returned.
“Who is Sorrel?” Cidele asked Danstu from the back seat.
“The main computer of Gathow,” Sedom called back to Cidele while she removed her finger from the drawer. “You’ll run into him from time to time, usually in situations like this,” she mentioned. “Think of him as a digital Zion… just more deadly.”
The main doors opened to the base, allowing the ship to glide inside. Two large clamps reached up, taking hold of their ship. Slowly the ship was lowered to the surface. Zion and Rosanheer’s ship glided to a stop next to their ship.
The only difference between the bay in Gathow and the sub basis was that this bay housed nine large cargo ships. Each ship had the ability to transport a thousand p
eople.
“There’s only one level here,” Sedom called to the group as they exited their ship.
Qilo stepped out of the much smaller ship, gazing up at the large cargo ships in wonderment. “You weren’t kidding,” he said in awe to Sedom.
Sedom stood beside him, looking up at a ship which towered nearly three-hundred feet above her. “This isn’t anything. You should see what else we have,” she whispered to Qilo.
“Like the Oslo?” Danstu questioned from behind her.
“Do you think you can handle the Corin?” Sedom pointed to the ship in front of them.
Qilo’s eyes brightened. “With pleasure.”
Danstu came up behind them, his eyes wide with surprise. “You weren’t joking. And here I thought all the ships we had were in Gathow,” he mentioned.
Sedom giggled to herself. “Not even close. We have about twenty other bases, this size or larger. My people built them throughout this section of the galaxy. I received reports from eight of them just this morning. I have Garric searching for them all.”
“Why would the Narkoy need so many ships five-hundred years ago?” Danstu questioned.
Sedom shrugged. She walked away leaving Danstu standing next to Qilo. “Invasion army?” Zion questioned low. Qilo and Rosanheer nodded.
“There’s more history involving the Marisheio and the Narkoy than any of us will ever know about. You have to have a lot of hate inside in order to destroy an entire species,” Rosanheer mentioned.
Danstu glanced over to Sedom, who was speaking with Cidele. “Do you think she knows?”
“I wouldn’t doubt it,” Qilo grunted back. “We better head out. As it is, we’re going to cut it short getting back here in time. I’d rather not blow up,” he admitted. Danstu agreed.
Sedom gave Cidele a hug. “Be careful and keep an eye on Danstu for me. He’s working too hard and I’m afraid this job is going to break him,” she mentioned.
Cidele hugged her back. “I will. This is exciting. I haven’t been off of Matrador in a long time.” She grew close to Sedom’s ear. “You’re not really going to blow us up if we’re late, are you?”
Sedom grew close to her ear. “Don’t be late,” she warned. She tucked a necklace into Cidele’s hand along with a pistol. “If you need me, I’ll be there one way or another,” Sedom whispered to her.
Cidele nodded, grinning. “I’ll keep them in line,” she said with a wink.
Sedom remained for a while as she watched her friend’s three ships taxi out of the ship port. She wasn’t certain which she felt more concern for, her ships or her friends.
As she turned to her own ship, the holographic image of Sorrel appeared, still dressed in his dark brown robes. “You really need to update your program. Maybe get some new clothing to look more modern,” she mentioned to the hologram.
The man’s clothes instantly turned from robes to the black Tasgool uniform. “Whatever pleases the Chadon,” he returned.
Sedom took a step back, examining the hologram. “Well, don’t you look nice? Now, I’m busy. What do you want?”
“I must inform you that outsiders were allowed to take Narkoy ships. My security protocols tell me to bring this to your attention,” he mentioned.
“I requested they take the ships. I’m using outsiders to build an army to defend Gathow,” she explained. “Danstu Keriney is my second in command. When he returns, the Corin is his ship,” she ordered.
The hologram nodded. “Very well, Chadon.” He disappeared, allowing Sedom to return to her ship.
She slid behind the controls, confident she knew how to fly the ship now that Qilo had given her a lesson. The ship flew with ease, gliding back into the top ship bay of Gathow. Inside the bay, Lolum waited for her. Next to him stood Nokinil and Terman, both which were standing at attention.
The ship’s door slid open and Sedom stepped out. “Interesting display,” she mentioned as she hurried over to them.
“We thought you might want us present, considering,” Lolum mentioned.
Sedom shrugged. “I’m not certain why. Don’t you all have work to do?” She pointed to Terman and Nokinil. “As I understand, we have over five-hundred new citizens arriving here in the next two days. I would think you two…” she pointed to Nokinil and Terman “…would have a lot to do?” she questioned.
Both men nodded in a hurry and rushed out the door, leaving only Lolum behind. “You’re learning. I’m still shocked you allowed Danstu to take one of the ships,” Lolum mentioned.
Sedom started towards the main doors, Lolum following close behind. “I overheard a conversation between Danstu and Cidele, which made a lot of sense. If I want certain things, I’m going to need to loosen my grip.”
“And blowing up the ship if they don’t return on time?” Lolum questioned with concern for his daughter.
Sedom grinned. “The ships aren’t going to blow up. Worse thing that would happen is the ships will leave without them in four days,” she explained.
“Keeping up the Sortec persona?” Lolum asked within a chuckle.
She shrugged. “A little fear never caused harm and shows them I’m still boss. I have my ships rigged so if our enemies did manage to capture one, it would take the best decryptor in the galaxy five days to decipher the code. By then, my ships will return home or their main system computers will self-destruct. If the self-destruct is initiated, they would send back exact coordinates and images of their current location in case there are hostages. There’s no way in hell I’ll place my people at risk.” As she spoke, she could feel the presence of someone walking behind them a bit too close. Sedom spun around, aiming her pistol at the interloper.
A tall blond woman with very muscular features stood at attention behind her. “Constance Tremble, Chadon. Zion assigned me as your personal guard while he was away,” she explained.
“I know you from—“ Sedom questioned.
“A group of your men rescued us two nights ago from the forest. We were assessing the threat of a Marisheio base near by and became lost,” she continued to explain.
Sedom snapped her fingers, finally remembering. “Oh, yes, you’re part of the Underground who brought in those two fMarisheio,” she surmised. “You’ve decided to stick around?” she asked as she began to walk beside Lolum.
Tremble kept pace. “I volunteered to be part of the trade,” Tremble said. “And if I may be so bold to say, Zion told me he would trust you with no one else,” she stated.
Sedom turned to Lolum, a look of amusement on her face. “High praise,” Lolum said.
She agreed. “Fine. Just make sure I don’t get shot. I hate bleeding,” Sedom returned. She turned her attention back to Lolum. “Have Dranium meet me in my quarters with a progress report,” she told Lolum.
“Will do, Chadon,” Lolum said. He gave her a quick bow and hurried on his way.
Sedom turned back to Tremble. “Where were you trained?”
Tremble stepped up beside her. “With the Underground, Chadon. My parents worked for the Underground since before I was born. I grew up learning how to fight,” she explained.
Sedom didn’t say another word until they reached her quarters. “Remain by the door. Only allow those with security clearance over five or my servant, Garric, access,” she ordered. The woman nodded and then took position next to the door.
Inside her quarters, Garric was waiting for Sedom’s return. “Nice day for a flight?” he asked. Sedom continued past him, removing her jacket. “Just to let you know, the Marisheio saw your little romp to the moon. They’re investigating the base now,” he mentioned.
Sedom plopped down in her seat, resting her head back to look at Garric. “The base is cloaked and requires blood authorization to enter. Let them try,” she snipped back.
“And what about your team?” Garric barked. “They’re going to be destroyed if you don’t do something!” he warned.
Sedom closed her eyes, settling her mind. “Tasgoola!” she cursed. She grabbed her ja
cket, rushing to the door. “Reschedule Dranium,” she ordered, running out of the unit.
She ran out side into the street, heading directly for the bridge. There was no possibility to reach the team in time to help them, but if she could warn them they might have a fighting chance.
***
On board the Corin, Cidele settled into a seat next to Danstu. Her eyes turned to his shaking hands. With a soft finger, she caressed his thumb. His eyes turned to her, unsure of her intentions.
“Everything will be fine,” she whispered.
He took in a deep, shuddering breath. “I’m sure it will be. A few days ago I was standing over my mother’s grave, wondering what would happen to me. Now, I’m the second in command of the Narkoy’s army, traveling through enemy space in a ship wanted by nine systems.”
“Only nine?” Cidele joked.
“Transmission from the Chadon,” Qilo called out.
Danstu stood from his seat. “Patch her through,” he called out, turning to a view screen beside him. Sedom’s image appeared with a face full of concern. “Danstu, your ships have been spotted by the Marisheio and they’re in pursuit. The Underground is sending reinforcements. It’s going to get bumpy for you, so hold on,” she warned.
“You catch that, Qilo?” Danstu called over the com.
“Loud and clear. I’m letting our wingmen know,” Qilo called back. Just as he did, three shots echoed against the hall of the ship. The ship quaked, sending both Cidele and Danstu to the gray carpeted floor. “Looks like they found us. What does she advise?” he called back to Danstu.
Danstu turned back to the screen. “Chadon, what is the E.T.A of the Underground?” he asked.
Sedom turned away for a moment. “Five minutes,” she returned.
The Last Narkoy: Gathow: Book 2 Page 21