“The Calembras, please.”
“Who may I ask is calling?” the woman asked.
“Chadon Sortec of the Tasgool. I’m calling from the Narkoy city of Gathow. It's regarding a former employee that served him,” Sedom explained.
The woman frowned, her eyes down as if searching through the records on her computer. Her eyes widened with amazement. “A Narkoy? Wow... um, right away, Chadon.”
The screen blanked for a moment. A politician in his office? That astounded Sedom. She was seldom in her office, yet Gathow held very few citizens compared to No'nee's command.
Moments later, a round-faced Windrit man returned, dressed in a long, black lab coat. He was of the short ethnicity, those she learned typically held the ability to control the mind. His short hair was white with streaks of copper and gold. He was wearing a medical lab coat.
“Chadon Sortec, such an honor to see you again. I haven't seen you since your Ardath celebration. How are you, my child?”
Sedom scowled examining his features. Yes, she did recognize the man from her Ardath party... or at least she remembered his voice. She spied on him under the table while hiding from her family. Beyond that, she didn't know the man.
“Yes, as well as can be expected. I'm sure you're aware of my situation?” she asked.
No'nee nodded grim, thick lines appearing around his thin lips. “I'm deeply saddened by your loss. Your grandmother was a fine leader and your people noble. I only wish there was more I could have done to help.”
“My people are dead. A fine leader wouldn't have allowed that to happen. But I appreciate the sympathy,” Sedom return sternly.
An awkward silence was broken by his asking, “Is there any way I can be of assistance?”
“There is. A man by the name of Danstu Keriney has come to work for me. What are your thoughts about this man?”
Deep scowl lines appeared around No'nee's eyes. “Danstu? I'd have to say he's a pretentious, selfish man who put his family’s needs above my political aspirations. He left me in a bad situation of having to do my own job after he helped me win a seat with my government.”
“Ah, I see,” she chuckled. “In other words, he's exceptionally good at his job and takes care of his own?” Sedom asked amused.
No'nee nodded, not sharing her amusement. “If you want to put it nicely, yes. And good isn't a word I would use. There is no word in any species to demonstrate just how adept he is at his job. If he asked for his position back, I would gladly offer him his job back, plus a substantial raise. Though, I'd be concerned he'd eventually take my position.”
“And if I used him as my assistant?” Sedom asked.
The man grinned. “I see you're calling from Gathow. Your grandmother gave me a tour of the city a few years back. It has marvelous potential. Give him enough space and he'll turn Gathow into what it was meant to be. It's no wonder why he went to work for you, more opportunities. He's a man who enjoys quiet power. He'll stand by your side no matter what, as long as he believes in you and your cause.”
“Nom'kel only knows how much help I need. Thanks.”
“Sortec,” he called before she could end the transmission. “If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to call. Your grandmother and I were good friends and I have a lot of pull with the Windrit counsel. Know that you will forever have a friend in me,” he offered.
Sedom nodded her thanks. “That is very kind of you. Feel free to visit Gathow anytime, Calembras No'nee.” She ended the transmission, feeling Danstu watching her from the doorway. “Why was No'nee wearing a lab coat?”
“His pastime is genetic engineering. He's the head of the Windrit science counsel and a genius at cellular manipulation. I have to admit though I'm a little surprised by his comments,” he admitted.
“You are?” she questioned concerned.
Danstu shrugged. “He threatened to have me shot if I ever returned to Loos. He was quite upset when I left. But… ah… I see you two were able to catch up on old times?” he asked.
Sedom spun her chair to look at Danstu. “Not exactly. He knew my grandmother, but so did half the galaxy. And those who knew my grandmother--”
“Presumably would know you. I understand. So am I in the clear?” he asked.
Sedom handed Danstu a stack of computer pads. “Have fun. The top three I want you to read by tomorrow. I want to go over them with you before I leave.”
Danstu grunted, taking the computers. He took a seat at the end of the table and began working. For some reason, Sedom couldn't help but stare at Danstu.
“How long were you employed by No'nee?” she asked.
Danstu looked up with a questioning gaze. “Four years, three months and a hand-full of days. I moved here a few weeks before the attack,” he mentioned.
“So you were at my Ardath celebration?” she asked, almost accusing. Danstu nodded. “Why didn't you tell me?”
He shrugged. “It didn't seem important. It's not like you'd remember me. There were hundreds of government officials in attendance. And if I remember right, you were too busy loathing the Marnet to pay attention to guests.” He handed her back a computer pad. “Which I’ve been meaning to ask… we, meaning you, are still on speaking terms with the Marnet? I figured, considering Mr. Helli leaving so urgently to speak with him.”
Sedom nodded, looking over the computer pad. “Yes. I may hate the Mandicien, but the Marnet and his family are still of mine.”
“Of mine?” he asked, for clarification.
“Of Narkoy blood. What is this?” she asked, regarding the computer pad.
“We're going to need more funds to support education and recreation. Also, I forgot to mention, I've hired twenty-eight new pilots. Qilo's started training them a few days ago. They should be ready for you to inspect tomorrow.”
Pilots? Did he say “pilots”? Sedom stood with her hands firmly on the table. “Trained pilots? What are your thoughts about them?”
He shuffled through the computer pads, handing Sedom one on information regarding a Marisheio battle cruiser in the territory. “There’re two-thousand sixty-eight slaves on board that particular ship. It would certainly be a nice compliment to our staff. And it’s rumored that Arsel Mercaun, the captain who fired the initial attack on the Narkoy cities, is the ship’s commander. I suggest you take them down and see what your new men are made of.”
“Arsel Mercaun,” she growled as she ran her tongue over her teeth. Sedom glanced over the information. “You're willing to risk my life?” she asked seriously.
“That's the point. There's no chance in hell I'd risk your life. But before you run off to find the Oslo, I'd suggest you get some extra forces in Gathow. What's an extra day or two? We save these people… train them. You return to a city that's worth a damn.”
Sedom rolled her eyes. “If you're so sure, I'll go now,” Sedom returned excitedly.
Danstu didn't budge, just kept reading the computers. “Happy hunting. And if you go flying, use a helmet this time. I'd hate to have to go find you. I'm a horrible pilot.”
“You’re a horrible shot too, that’s why you’re staying behind a desk,” she shot back. She grabbed her jacket, running out the door.
TWENTY-TWO
In the ship bay, Sedom found Qilo and his team going over flight pattern routines. When Qilo saw Sedom, he paused and saluted. “Chadon!”
All rose and saluted also.
“Um... at ease,” Sedom called, unnerved at the call of attention. I'm going to have to get use to that. Lightening filled her chest as she started to speak. “I hear you all are ready for some action. We've got a Marisheio battle cruiser off Nogoana... I want prisoners. The person, who brings me Arsel Mercaun, the captain of the ship, dead or alive, will receive a fifty-thousand credit bonus. Try not to damage my ships.”
Qilo gave Sedom a wayward glance, then nodded. “Okay, you all heard the Chadon. Let's take down that cruiser.”
The group hurried to their ships and Sedom to her ship as wel
l. Qilo grabbed her by the arm, holding her back. “Where do you think you're going?” he questioned sternly.
She jerked her arm away. “Like I'm going to miss this?”
Qilo shook his head. “I haven't trained you. These men know what to do, you don't. Next time, when I'm sure you're not going to get yourself killed.”
“I'm going,” Sedom argued.
“Then I quit,” Qilo shouted back. “You're a risk I'm not willing to take. Next time, Sortec,” he demanded as he raced off to his own ship.
Sedom hurried away, cursing herself. What did she expect? Qilo was correct, and she hated when other people were right and she was wrong... or at least not well thought-out.
She hurried into the main tunnels leading back into the city and paused, leaning against the wall. Why was she acting so infantile about not getting to go? Would her people risk her grandmother going into battle? No. Her grandmother would wait in the war room and giving commands.
“War room, damn I almost forgot!” she cried, rushing to her feet again.
She ran into the war room. To her surprise, Lolum and Danstu were already present along with several others. She walked calmly over to Danstu, finding it rather remarkable he was there. He had to have gone to the bridge straight from her quarters.
“Who the hell are all these people?” she asked low as to not sound like an idiot.
“People I hired. You agreed to my hiring extra personnel,” Danstu mentioned.
“How many people did you hire?” she asked.
“We have twenty-three hundred and counting. So far the Underground has come through for us,” Danstu said. Sedom's eyes widened with surprise. Danstu replied with a quick smirk. “I didn't think you'd mind speeding up their arrival. We needed the personnel if we want to join the war.”
Sedom shook her head and then turned to the screen just in time to see the battle begin. There was a quick exchange of weapons fire, an explosion. She couldn’t tell at first what exploded until the debris moved away from the lead ship. To her amusement, they took out the Marisheio’s ship’s main engines in a matter of minutes.
“I can’t believe it,” she gasped.
Lolum stood next to her, shaking his head in amazement. “I’ve never seen a ship do that much damage so quickly.”
“They never had a chance,” Danstu spoke up from behind them as he watched the tactical station over one of the officer’s shoulders.
Over the loudspeakers came a crackling sound and heavy breathing. “We’re in,” returned a man’s voice heavy with anxiety.
“Get down! Get down!” returned another man’s voice in the distance, followed by a volley of pistol fire.
“These are pilots, not fighters. What now?” Sedom called over her shoulder as she listened to the chaos on board the ship. When no one answered, she turned. “You sent fifteen men up there without a backup plan?” she yelled. Again, everyone was silent. “I can’t believe…” she paused, turning back to her computer. “How many soldiers do we have?”
“Two hundred and eighty-three,” a woman’s voice called out from the bridge.
She searched through her inventory of military transport ships, finding three ships best suited for the job. “Have all active ground military meet in ship bay one.”
Danstu casually stepped over to Sedom. “We sent all our pilots off on this mission.”
Sedom held up a finger to silence him. “Zion and Rosanheer, meet me in ship bay one,” she called over the loudspeakers. “We have three pilots. Don’t do anything stupid until I return.”
“Are you insane?” Lolum yelled from the lower level of the bridge.
“My sanity has always been in question,” Sedom joked as she headed into the elevator.
The elevator opened with a rush of men and women, all dressed in the Tasgool’s uniform and all heading to the ship bay. As she exited the elevator, Sedom waved down one of the orbs. “Assign ten orbs per each designated ship to accompany us. Destroy any resisting Marisheio.”
“Command accepted,” the orb acknowledged, then sped off.
Her legs carried her down the street faster than her mind could comprehend. Her eyes grew wide with surprise as she noticed just how many people were racing towards the ship bay. She hadn’t really noticed how many people were now living in Gathow, only that important things were starting to be accomplished.
Zion and Rosanheer arrived in the bay shortly after Sedom. Both men were dressed in tactical gear and armed to the teeth.
“You’re learning,” Sedom joked.
“It’s been three days, you’re over do for a fight,” Rosanheer joked back.
“Pilots took down a starship. They’re being met by resistance and need back-up,” she explained. “I need you two to pilot the troops up there and help take it over.” She pointed to the two ships that needed pilots.
Rosanheer tightened his black, fingerless gloves. “A pleasure.” He hurried off towards the closest ship.
Zion remained a moment, staring at her. “This is fully-cocked insanity, you know that?” he stated more than asked. He continued to walk to his ship, shaking his head, unable to hide his frustration.
Sedom couldn’t help but chuckle to herself. She knew she was on the right track if Zion was upset with her. Every time she upset Zion, good things were about to happen.
She continued into the cockpit of the ship, strapping herself in. A man slipped into the seat beside her, offering her his hand to shake. “Commander Farshaal,” he introduced. “It’s an honor to work with you, Chadon.”
“Likewise,” Sedom called back. “Is everyone on board?”
“Everyone secured. Ready to kick some Marisheio, butt,” Farshaal called back with enthusiasm.
Her hands flew across the ship’s controls. The ship lifted off, taxiing out the main door and towards space.
“Fly often?” Farshaal asked.
“Not often enough. Seen battle much?” she asked.
“Not often enough,” he grumbled back.
“You’re going to enjoy this,” Sedom returned with a grin.
Within minutes, the ship docked alongside the starship. Sedom guided the ship to an airlock beneath the starship and blew the hatch. The troops were immediately met by pistol fire. Pistol fire bounced within the ship, forcing Sedom’s team to take cover.
“Move aside,” Farshaal called out as he rushed to the open hatch, holding something small in his hand. He tossed it out the hatch into the starship. “Get down!” he called. The item he tossed exploded, rattling the smaller ship. Sedom held tight to the controls, concerned that the blast would disengage the airlock.
“Watch it,” she called.
“All clear!” Farshaal called back.
The group of seventy-five hurried on board the starship. Sedom desperately wanted to join them, but thought it wasn’t wise to leave her ship unattended. On board the ship, she waited for nearly an hour until two Tasgool soldiers returned. Both were covered in blue blood. “Chadon, you’re needed on board. We’re here to guard the ship,” one explained.
“You okay?” she asked one of the men, noticing he looked like he might have been hurt.
He glanced at his injured arm. “I’ll live,” he stated.
Any excuse, any at all and she leaped from her seat. On board the starship, several Tasgool stood attention in the halls as she passed. All of them held weapons to the heads of kneeling Marisheio. Orbs patrolled the halls in pairs, scanning every room they came across.
“Chadon,” called Farshaal.
She searched the smoky hall for Farshaal. She found him down the hall, waving her to him. She continued down the hall towards him, all the while two orbs followed close behind her.
“Follow me. We have control over the bridge,” he announced, motioning her to follow him.
“Is the ship secure?” she asked.
“We’re still searching the lower decks, engine room, maintenance and medical. According to their duty roster, we have everyone of any considerable
rank in custody,” he explained.
“And how many non-Marisheio on board?” she questioned.
“Unknown at this time. We have found quite a few crew members with collars. It will take some time to remove them all,” he continued to explain. He removed his black cap, wiping away the beading sweat on his glistening bald yellow-skinned forehead. It was the first time she realized he was the same species as the leader of the Underground.
“Are they a threat?” she asked seriously.
“Not with their masters under custody,” he said. He pointed into a large room that served as a cafeteria for the officers. Within the room several hundred men and women sat on the floor, all wearing collars around their necks. Several turned to Sedom, fear haunting their eyes.
Sedom nodded, her eyes meeting the sparkling eyes of a young Mandicien man. “Very well. Let’s start transporting those with collars first. I want those collars off of them as soon as possible. Have our teams search deck by deck for anyone hiding. Tell them not to hesitate shooting if they’re met with resistance.”
“What are your plans for the ship, if I may ask?” he asked, as they continued back into the corridor.
Sedom glanced around the corridor. “I’m not one to destroy anything that could be useful. I have a moon I’ll house it in until I have a crew to fill her. For now, have a team go through the computer banks and strip this ship of every piece of data we can find,” she explained. “Good work.”
TWENTY-THREE
Noral ran out of the infirmary, toting a black bag over his shoulder. “Sortec, two words: more staff!” he yelled as he ran passed her and into the cargo bay.
She hurried after him, followed by a dozen people she didn't recognize. What had she allowed now? Above, the orbs hovered like mad, unsure what to do. She motioned for one to drop to her.
“State directions,” the orb said.
“Capture only those who pose an immediate threat on Gathow, myself, or those listed.”
“Order accepted.” The orb flew off.
“Sortec!” Danstu called out.
Now what? “Remind me to ignore your suggestions. You've single-handily led Gathow into chaos,” she called as he approached.
The Last Narkoy: Gathow: Book 2 Page 30