“Ouch,” Taylor said. “How’d you come to end up in Jax then? Why not head back to Chicago, or someplace closer to home?”
“Two things you’ve gotta know about me, Taylor. I love what I do, and I never back down from a fight. As for Jax, my editor at the Times is an old friend from college. He found out what happened and landed me a freelance spot in their bullpen until I got back on my feet. I’ve been in Duval County ever since.”
“How do you like it so far?” Taylor asked.
Lisa took another pull off her beer. “Truthfully, I came here expecting to hate the place. Per my understanding, North Florida was nothing but a state full of backwoods hicks with enough religion, fried food, and guns to populate a small moon. But then I got to know the area. I got to know the culture and the people.” She looked up. “Folks around Jax genuinely care about their community, be they transplants from out of town or the natives whose families date back to the War of 1812. They look out for each other, support each other’s businesses. More importantly, they’ll do whatever it takes to do right by their loved ones. From where I sit, the whole Union could benefit from a little more of that. Lord knows, I did.”
Taylor folded his arms. “So this is about redemption, then. A chance to clear your name.”
“There’s nothing to clear,” Lisa said. “I chose to cut corners and rush a bogus story to press. That’s on me. By contrast, this story has the potential to forever change both our understanding of Union hyperspace travel as well as the Guild who runs it. That story’s gotta be told, Taylor. It’s gotta be. All I need now is the ending.”
Taylor put his beer down and slumped back against the wall. He empathized with Lisa’s plight, truly. At the same time, granting someone access for an interview and granting them clearance for a site mission—particularly one with this much at stake—were two totally different things. Not only would such a move put Lisa’s life in danger, but it would also jeopardize the lives of Taylor’s fellow team members as they’d now be tasked with watching over a reporter in addition to their other responsibilities. In no scenario was that acceptable.
“Listen, Lisa,” Taylor sighed. “I appreciate your position here. I really do. However, I simply cannot sign off on this.”
“But—”
“But.” Taylor raised a finger. “I will make you this compromise. I’ll grant you bridge access from launch to transition. That way you’ll be able to chronicle the Osyrys’s dash to the stargate, while gettin’ real-time updates from the admin station via my team’s comm chatter. Fair enough?”
Lisa’s twisted expression said she wasn’t thrilled with his deal. Still, she had to know it was the only one on the table.
The reporter fumed for another moment, then extended a palm. “Fair enough.”
“Good.” Taylor shook it, then accepted her empty bottle as she strolled past him to the door.
“You know,” Lisa said. “That stuff ain’t half bad once you get through the first few swigs. Gotta be cold, though.”
Taylor touched two fingers to his ear. “Did you hear that?”
“Did I hear what?”
Taylor grinned. “Another angel in Heaven just got her redneck wings.”
Lisa rolled her eyes. “See you in the mess hall, Van Zant.”
* * * * *
Chapter 13: Interception
Taylor rose the next morning and powered down three cups of coffee instead of his usual two with breakfast, hoping for an extra boost to kickstart the day. Afterward, he bypassed his usual hunter green fatigues in favor of the 231-series Nightshade BDUs. The latter’s pattern, comprised mostly of black, dark blue, and gray, was designed to obscure the wearer’s shape in dark environments. Thus, given that most stargate admin stations were anything but sunny inside, Taylor hoped the extra cover would give his people an edge.
Every little bit helps. Once he’d finished dressing, Taylor fastened his gunbelt and holstered his Firestorm then headed out to the Sanctuary’s hangar.
“Good morning,” Billy said as he emerged from the Osyrys. “I know it’s a little late in the game, but any chance I could still talk you out of this? I’ll throw in a case of Long Branch gratis to make it worth your while.”
“Temptin’ but no,” Taylor said. “Nice try, though.”
Billy shrugged as Smitty, Jack, and Stan filed out to join them, all wearing rag clothes over their Nightshades. “The four of you, come with me.”
The group trailed the XO past a trio of RFC deck hands to the back of the hangar, where Keeto was waiting beside a stack of crates. Each one carried the Hemming Arms logo on its side.
“What’s up, fellas?” Taylor asked.
“Just before we launched from Jax,” Keeto said, “our Hemming rep stopped by for his usual delivery.”
“I know.” Taylor said. “I was there, remember?”
“You were there for the shipment’s end. You didn’t see what was loaded on first.” Keeto walked over to the nearest crate, his wings fluttering, and flipped open the lid. He then reached inside and came back with a rifle.
“Well now.” Jack licked his lips. “Ain’t that a pretty sight to behold.”
“Meet Hemming’s latest creation, the JXR-14 assault rifle.” Keeto presented the weapon. “It’s a compact carbine variant of the JXR-10s we carry standard. Like its counterparts, the 14 is built to fire either semi or fully automatic, though its primary appeal comes by way of its universality.”
Smitty wrinkled her nose. “How do you mean?”
“When Hemming set out to design a new rifle, they did so with the goal of creating a weapon that could be sustained in the field using whatever parts were available.” Keeto pointed to the rifle’s side. “Note the universal attachment rail on the side of the receiver. This makes the 14 compatible with every scope or optic sight Hemming manufactures, and even some from its competitors. The rifle also accepts most synthetic and metal magazines.
Taylor nodded and grabbed a rifle for study.
In addition to a streamlined frame and grip assembly, the JXR-14 presented a shorter barrel than the 10—about twelve inches—with a trimmed-down muzzle brake. It also featured a glass-filled polyamide stock which folded back along the receiver. By comparison, the 10s Taylor was used to had fixed stocks. That’ll make it easier to conceal. Nice.
“I heard about these rifles when I was still with Steeldriver,” Smitty said. “I didn’t think they were expected out until the fall.”
“They’re not.” Billy grinned. “We’re just special that way.”
“The partnership between Hemming Arms and Swamp Eagle Security dates back to the early years of both companies,” Keeto said. “In that time, we’ve cultivated something of a relationship with them, so much so that when Hemming prepares to unveil new products, they’ll often pass them to us for a sort of pre-release trial run. In exchange, they get our endorsement for use in promotions, and we get our first ten shipments at cost.”
Taylor shouldered the 14 and peered down the sight. “Call it the perk of bein’ an Eagle. We may not be able to spend with the big boys, but at least with us you get to test drive the latest toys before they do.”
“Staying on that theme.” Keeto reached into crate two and came back with a vest. “Hemming also provided us with a batch of their new body armor. It boasts a ten percent reduction in overall weight with a fifteen percent boost in durability versus laser and projectile weapons.”
Billy grabbed one of the new helmets and flipped the visor up. “I’ve gotta say, Chief, I’m a little jealous. The one site mission I get benched for is the one on which Keeto decides to break out the fine china.”
“Consider this extra incentive to hustle back with my ship once you’re through that stargate,” Taylor said.
The hangar’s rear exit slid open, and Valawn entered with Retay.
“I just received word from our contact in Nyo Colony,” Valawn said. “The supply shuttle is on schedule to depart for the stargate at thirteen hundred hours.
”
Taylor double-checked the time in his pinplants. That’s in five hours. “Any word on our Maki friend?”
“Currently parked in a geosynchrnous orbit,” Billy said. “We’ll wait for your team to exit the badlands then we’ll deploy the bandilaro. By the time the frigate reaches it, your shuttle should be well on its way to the gate if not already docked.”
“Good deal,” Taylor said. “We’ll check in once we’ve taken the shuttle then again from the stargate. As discussed, update two is your cue to launch the Osyrys from the Sanctuary.”
“Ayew,” Billy said. “You kids had better hit the road.”
Valawn turned to Retay, while Keeto returned to his hardware. “Go topside and ready the cargo hauler. We’ll meet you there in a moment.”
“Yes, sir.” Retay saluted and took off for the lift, almost colliding with Lisa as she exited the Osyrys.
“Good luck,” she mouthed to Taylor.
Taylor smiled and pulled a tunic over his uniform. “Smitty, Jack, Stan. Gear up with Keeto’s new swag and head topside with Retay. I’ll join you there in a minute.”
The trio acknowledged and trotted off, as did Valawn.
“Take care of yourself up there, all right?” Billy said. “And keep Smitty close. I know Jack and Stan are solid by reputation, but I’ve got experience with the commander. She knows her way out of a jam should you land in one. She’ll do you proud.”
“I don’t doubt it.” Taylor patted his XO’s arm. “Safe travels, brother. I’ll see you back here in a few weeks.”
“Bet your ass, you will,” Billy said.
“Excuse me, Chief.” Keeto fluttered back over. “May I ask one favor?”
“Name it,” Taylor said.
The Athal looked up, nostrils flared. “If you get the chance to kill Zuul, kill them well…for me.”
Taylor briefly recalled the nightmare which led to the alien’s joining his crew. “Count on it, my friend. We’ll even tell them you said hi.”
Keeto’s clicking sound said he approved.
* * *
Once topside, Taylor shouldered the rucksack containing his mag boots and other supplies for the stargate then ambled across the street to where Retay had the cargo hauler waiting to go. Smitty and the others were there, too, as were three extra Rukori who secured five oversized containers onto the flatbed. As Retay had explained, these climate-controlled bins were typically used for moving large shipments food or perishable goods between colonies. Today, however, they’d be shipping something else to the stargate.
Now I get why they told us to pack oxygen kits.
“Thank you for doing this.” Valawn stepped forward. “For coming on this mission. You could’ve stayed behind on your ship, and no one would’ve blamed you.”
Taylor shrugged. “I know. Fact is, though, I ain’t doin’ nothin’ I wouldn’t ask one of the others to do in my stead.”
“Perhaps,” Valawn said. “Nevertheless, the host in me is glad that you’ll be staying with us a while when this is over. There is much about the Rukori people that’s well worth knowing—things that don’t involve violence or bloodshed. Your brother got to experience that firsthand. Now, so will you. That’s assuming, of course, that we all make it home alive today.”
Taylor chuckled darkly and tossed his ruck into one of the bins with the others. Ri-ight.
The ride to Nyo Colony took its usual four hours. Whereas before, however, the streets inside had been modestly populated, now they were bustling with aliens.
“Looks like you folks are gearin’ up for an event of some kind,” Jack said. “What’s the occasion?”
“Today is Tribute Day.” Valawn followed his answer by elaborating on what that meant.
“We couldn’t have picked another date?” Smitty asked.
“Not in time to beat the Behemoth,” Valawn said. “If history holds true, she should be returning through the emergence point in the next eighteen hours, and most likely with another warship in tow. If the Ryley Osyrys is to leave, it must be now.”
Taylor pulled his cowl down low as a Krulig, flanked by a unit of Zuul, passed them on a corner.
“There.” Valawn gestured to a turnoff ahead. “The shipment hauler will use that cutoff route to skirt the crowds toward the landing field. It’s our best chance to take them unseen.”
“Acknowledged.” Retay veered off the main thoroughfare and eased the hauler down the narrow dirt strip until a cluster of empty warehouses came into view.
Valawn pointed to the middle structure. “That one.”
Retay nodded and pulled the craft inside, then Valawn closed the door.
“Time.” Smitty bailed over the side, grabbing her 14.
“The shipment should be here any moment,” Valawn said, clutching his own 14. “We must hurry.”
Jack sniffed the air. “How come I smell fuel?”
“The refueling depot for Nyo’s hauler fleet isn’t far from here,” Retay said. “We’ll pass it en route to the landing field.”
The RFC corporal had barely spoken when an engine revved close by.
“Places.” Taylor sprinted to the door.
“If I may,” Valawn said. “There will almost certainly be Rukori on that hauler. Please don’t kill them unless you absolutely must. Krulig loyalists or not, they are still my kin.”
Taylor shook his head. “No promises.”
“The target just entered visual range at the end of the street,” Stan called from the door’s other side.
“Head count?” Smitty asked.
“Looks like four Zuul guards and one Rukori driver,” Stan said. “All armed.”
Taylor clutched his rifle. “Eagles, take the Zuul. Valawn, the Rukori is yours. Clean and quiet, y’all. That’s how I want this done.”
“Ayew,” the group said.
“Retay, you’re up,” Taylor said.
The RFC corporal threw a scorched tunic over his shoulders and ambled into the street, favoring his right leg. “Help! There’s been an accident!”
The incoming hauler skidded to a standstill, shrouding the scene in a dusty haze.
“What happened?” The Rukori driver asked. “Are you—”
Pop, pop. Two laser bolts struck the Zuul to his right as another leaped to its feet.
“Intrud—”
Pop, pop. Pop, pop, pop. Pop, pop.
By the time the firing subsided, all four Zuul lay face-down in the dirt, while the lone Rukori sat motionless in his seat before the wrong end of Valawn’s 14.
“Clear,” Jack called through the cloud.
“Clear,” Stan answered.
“Valawn,” the Rukori driver snarled. “I should’ve known.”
“Kaidon,” Valawn greeted. “It’s been a long time.”
“The lord prefect will have your head for—”
The butt of Smitty’s rifle smashed the Rukori’s skull, dropping him in a heap to the ground.
“Sergeant Bowyer,” she said. “Take the driver inside and make sure he can’t warn his peers. Move.”
Jack sprang into action, while Stan and the others grabbed the Zuul and Retay moved the second hauler into the warehouse.
Valawn shut the door once everyone was inside. “Hurry. Help me move our storage bins onto their hauler with the rest of the shipment.”
Retay and Stan took the first pair of containers, while Smitty and Taylor took the second pair, and Jack took the straggler.
A thick clang rattled the air as Jack’s bin struck the pavement.
“What in the fargin blazes of hell, man?” Stan protested.
“Don’t look at me,” Jack defended. “This sucker’s heavier than the others.”
Taylor narrowed his gaze, while Retay inspected the overturned container.
“Open it,” Smitty said.
The RFC complied and entered a series of keystrokes into the bin’s access panel. A second later, the seal released and a dazed Lisa Kouvaris staggered out, clutching her oxygen mask.
>
“Okay, so let’s never do that again,” she grumbled.
“Bloody hell!” Smitty erupted.
“I thought we had a deal, Lisa,” Taylor said. “I lead the strike team down here. You stay on the Osyrys with bridge access up there. Did I miss the part where that changed?”
Lisa heaved a sigh. “Sorry, Taylor. Er, Chief. It was not my intention to mislead you.”
“Ya don’t say.” Taylor tilted his head.
“Right.” Lisa glanced around, finding angry looks everywhere. “It’s like I said last night. I’ve got a job to do, and I can’t do that from aboard a starship while the real action is happening down on the surface.”
Smitty snorted. “I say we leave her here with the Rukori driver. We can pick her up on our way back to the Sanctuary when the mission is over.”
“I wouldn’t recommend that,” Retay said. “The entire Colony is swarming with Zuul. Even in here, there’s no way to ensure she won’t be found.”
“What about somebody else here in Nyo Colony?” Jack asked. “Ain’t you got a contact or someone who could hide her a few hours?”
Valawn shook his head. “Ordinarily, I’d say yes. With today being Tribute Day, however, even our most ardent supporters will take pause at the notion of harboring a fugitive.”
“Great,” Lisa said. “So it’s settled. I’m coming with you.”
Taylor stepped in front of her. “You’re to stay behind us at all times, no questions asked.”
“Sure, but—”
“I ain’t finished. You will speak to no one. You will act only when instructed to. Hell, it’s probably best that you not even breathe without our say so. Break any of these rules, and you’re liable to get yourself or somebody else on this team killed. I can’t have that. Now, is anything I just said in any way, shape, or form unclear to you?”
Lisa swallowed but didn’t flinch. “No, I hear you.”
Free Bird Rising Page 15
