The realization she’d used Kurrang’s words brought a tight smile to her face. “But how can we do both?”
Xander didn’t reply, and it was just as well. She’d intended the question to be rhetorical as her mind worked through the options. Only two came to mind. The first was to consult with Bukk once they reached orbit and locate the first target from the Intergalactic Haulers codex. With the compromised data, there wasn’t much chance they’d roll into the searchable systems without resistance. If they chose that route, additional forces were a requirement. That brought the second option into consideration. She needed to find a group of experienced, pissed-off Humans to take the fight to the galaxy. Contacting the Four Horsemen wasn’t an option, and as tempting as the thought was, she didn’t want to. Jim Cartwright and the other commanders had a plan, and they were ready to execute it. However, the Peacemaker Guild also had a plan, and for the moment, she was part of that operation. Her mission was clear—find Snowman.
But no one had told her how to do it, and that was the salvation she needed.
“Victoria Bravo,” Tara said. “We should go to Victoria Bravo.”
Xander looked at her. “I know the reports were good, but do you really think those blokes are going to charge into the galaxy with you? They’ve got a planet to stabilize. I can’t imagine too many of them signing on for this mission without a significant amount of money.”
Tara laughed. “Not everyone fights for money. There must be some people out there who realize Humans are not well thought of by Peepo and her minions. Those are the kind of people we want on our side, Xander. Not mercenaries. I want people who are willing to stop Peepo simply for the promise of tomorrow.”
“Sounds awfully idealistic, Tara,” Xander said. “Are you sure the folks at Victoria Bravo are ready to do that?”
Tara shook her head and felt the first tugs of microgravity on her body. Victory Twelve had reached vacuum, and the first stage of the search was underway. “I’m not sure about anything, Xander, except that I have two Peacemakers downstairs, and one has a burr up his ass. I don’t know why, and there’s not much time to figure it out. If I’m to do the job I’m supposed to do, I have to search the galaxy and build a force to protect us while we do it. That’s one too many things to—”
<
Damn this whole permission thing!
“Yes, Lucille. Connect them.”
A gruff, familiar voice rumbled in her headset. “Victory Twelve, this is Peacemaker Blue Flight closing on your position. Slow your course to the gate and deploy your docking collar for official business.”
Sonuvabitch!
“Blue Flight, Victory Twelve. Understood. Can you update us on official business?”
“Negative, Victory Twelve. Some things are best said in person. I’m sure you understand that.”
Tara frowned. “Roger, Blue Flight. Victory Twelve will comply.”
She looked at Xander, and saw he was watching her. He smiled with one side of his mouth. “I think things are about to get a lot more interesting, Tara.”
She snorted, then laughed, the tension in her body breaking like a mighty wave. “As much as I hope you’re wrong, I know you’re not. That’s what concerns me. Dammit, Xander. What now?”
* * *
Victory Twelve
Above Araf
Kurrang appeared through the docking collar and frowned, at least that’s what Tara read from the look on his face. His calm, quiet demeanor belied his obviously troubled thoughts. The Peacemaker Captain wasted no time getting to the point.
As they moved toward the central hold, a place wide enough for them to hover face to face in the microgravity, he said, “You were the target of that attack.”
Tara nodded. “That’s what we deduced. That’s why we’re outbound from the planet.”
“To where?” Kurrang asked, then shook his head. He brought up a massive hand and waved it in her face. “It’s better if we don’t know right now. This whole damned galaxy is coming apart at the seams.”
Tara squinted at the TriRusk. “Is that why you’re still here? You were waiting to make sure the attack happened? Or that we made it?”
“Both,” Kurrang said. “We should have jumped twelve hours ago, but we’ve been bumped from the queue three times, which in and of itself is highly unusual. Our specialized transits have been severely curtailed. This decision by the Cartography Guild severely impacts our operations.”
“As in the number of transits?”
Kurrang shook his head. “Number and type. That’s all you get, Tara. You don’t have the need to know. We remained behind to ensure you, and other vessels, could perform normal jumps and hyperspace operations. The restrictions only appear to affect the Peacemaker Guild.”
“That’s not good.”
Kurrang harrumphed. “No, it’s telling. The Mercenary Guild’s gambit against Earth was so risky, the other guilds are flexing their muscles. Where that stops? No one knows. We have a theory, but that’s not your concern. You know what your mission is.”
Tara felt the same way. War was coming, but it wasn’t going to be a normal war. Guilds fighting guilds for control of the Union would mean a great deal of unnecessary casualties and socio-economic strife. Even the worlds where different species worked together in harmony, like Araf, would feel the pinch of a prolonged conflict. If Guild Master Rsach was to be believed, Snowman had something all the guilds wanted, not just the Mercenary Guild.
“We have to find Snowman as quickly as possible.”
Kurrang nodded. “Finding him is your mission, but my concern is greater. The attack on D’Nart and the obvious intent to take out the spaceport and this ship gives us some clarity. The Mercenary Guild knows you are here, and they know your mission. While not ideal, that gives us an idea of where to focus resources.”
“They wanted to stop us before we got started.” Tara nodded. “That’s why we’re preparing to jump.”
“Which is wise.” Kurrang took a deep breath. “But the Cartography Guild is very likely to make concessions to build alliances. I suspect whoever tried to attack you has already compromised the gate master or will do so on your departure. We have remained behind to monitor gate traffic and gather intelligence on departing vessels.”
“That prevents you from departing soon and leaves you in danger.”
Kurrang shrugged. His massive shoulders flexed and relaxed above her head. “Cannot be helped. Though, at this point an attack on a Peacemaker Blue Flight would be an open act of war. While the galaxy slides toward conflict, I doubt anyone really wants to give that a boost, so to speak.”
Tara shook her head. “Stopping every ship leaving the system would tip your hand, though.”
Kurrang nodded. “I’m impressed, Tara. The effects, what you would call second or third order ones, are far reaching. As such, I cannot search or impound any vessels. What we can do is scan them, attempt to get the Cartography Guild’s records clandestinely, and try to warn you. With our capabilities curtailed, the last piece will be nearly impossible.”
“The records,” Tara said. “What about using Lucille? She has had—”
Kurrang shook his head violently. “No. We cannot allow that. Lucille cannot connect to this gate structure or any gate structure for the foreseeable future.”
“What are you afraid she’s going to find?” Tara blurted.
Kurrang took a slow breath and stared at her. He lowered his chin and spoke almost too softly to be heard. “Lucille is a significant advantage in this conflict, Tara, but we cannot risk other guilds seeing her for what she could be. Do you understand?”
Tara did. Lucille was an advantage unlike any other but using the near-AI in the ways Tara had would no longer work. “We have to protect her.”
“That’s one way of looking at it, Tara. But we also have to protect
the Union from her.”
The words stung, but she knew Kurrang was correct. Lucille could do many things well, but every time she did, she exposed her capabilities. Should she do so enough, those around them might attempt to find a vulnerability. If they did so, it would spell bad things far beyond Lucille’s programming.
Kurrang raised a massive forepaw and tapped her left shoulder with a large finger. “You, Tara Mason, have the ability to find Snowman. But you must gain control. You’ve used Lucille to help you control things, and that’s fine to a point. But in a small unit like this, you must clearly be in charge. I believe there is a Peacemaker below this deck recovering from a laser wound?”
Tara gasped. “How did you know?”
“We monitored the D’Nart Spaceport security systems. I expect your adversary did as well. Whether they saw what happened between him and your attackers, I cannot say. I would assume so. You must gain control of Jackson Rains. Now.” Kurrang lowered his paw. “Have you discussed assembling a larger force?”
“Yes,” Tara said. “That’s where we’re heading now. I’m not sure how many we’ll need, but we have to honor the threat.”
Kurrang’s maw turned up at one corner. A smile. “Indeed. The threat that pursued you here was easy. I imagine the Cochkala sappers were experienced professionals, but the mission was a test and not just for your adversary. Whoever they are, they want to stop you. I believe that makes their intentions and their command structure evident. We will do what we can to stop them using our methods, but those will not be enough.”
Tara blinked at the ominous words. “The Peacemaker Guild can’t protect us any further, can it?”
“Not directly, no,” Kurrang said. “In a very real sense, you are on your own.”
Dammit.
Tara tried to keep her face composed, but she knew she failed. Undeterred, she asked the next question that came to mind. “So, what do I do?”
“You Humans have a saying. I may butcher it, but I believe it’s something about trusting your stomach.”
Tara grinned. “Trust your gut.”
“Gut. Yes, that’s it.” Kurrang laughed. “You can build a force, you can fight a force. Do those things well, and you will find Snowman. I think you are more than capable of succeeding at this mission, but you have to realize you need help.”
“We do. I’m hopeful we can find it.”
Kurrang nodded. “Look for it in unusual places, Tara. Humans are often too narrow minded. It’s what Jessica has done.”
Tara’s face flushed at the insinuation she wasn’t Jessica Francis. As quickly as the anger surfaced, it flared out. Jessica had done exactly what Kurrang said. She’d found allies in the Altar, one of whom was on Victory Twelve, prepared to go into the void looking for Snowman. Jessica had won over a growing number of MinSha, as well, by helping them out of her sense of humanity.
“I understand.”
Kurrang laughed. “I was afraid you would take offense. You have great promise, Tara Mason. I have great faith in your abilities.”
The blush returned. “Thank you, Kurrang.”
“Do not thank me yet, Young One. Your mission is just beginning. I fear it may be too long to save the Union, but you must try. We’ll make sure you get the help you need. Right now, though, I’d like to give you some personal advice, if you would be receptive?”
“Yes, of course,” Tara replied.
“Jackson Rains thinks he’s smarter than you. That gives him the ability to plant the seeds of doubt in the others. Over time, doubt grows and destroys what it encounters. His partner, out of respect for you and the situation at the spaceport, did the right thing. That’s hard for me to say of the Veetanho. Rains must be nurtured and developed. Do not pull him out of the line of fire because he disagrees with you. Put him out there and let him see the error of his ways.”
Tara nodded slowly. Kurrang’s words were true, and his complimenting Vannix was significant given the long-troubled history between the TriRusk and the Veetanho. Respect and leadership went hand in hand. It was time to talk to Jackson Rains and uncover the issue. Undoubtedly, there was a much larger problem than her abilities.
“Thank you, Captain Kurrang.”
Kurrang harrumphed, then laughed. “You have a long way to go and relatively little time to get there. Set the terms and build Force 25.”
* * *
Victory Twelve
Above Araf
<
“Let’s hope this works,” Xander said. “Do we have jump clearance?”
<
“Victoria Bravo,” Tara said.
<
“How many ships are in the queue behind us?”
<
Being a hero does have some advantages.
“At least we’ll have a week on the other side to get our shit in one sock.” Xander laughed. “Should be enough time, right?”
Tara sat in silence as the gate indicator system went from standby to operational. There were far too many variables in play. Between the mission, the uncertainty of Snowman’s location, her crew, and the need for more forces, her mind almost spun out of control. She focused on a simple mantra—one thing at a time. She could deal with everything as it came. For now, it was time to go.
“You okay?” Xander asked.
“Once we do this, there’s no going back, and no one watching our six.”
Xander held out his left hand. Tara looked at the callused, rough skin for a moment before she extended her hand to clasp his. He’d never done anything like it toward her—a simple gesture with so many possible outcomes. “We’re in this together. All of us.”
Tara met his eyes and smiled. For the first time, she didn’t see his younger brother’s face. His warm, blue eyes and smile melted her heart. For the silliest of reasons—affection—she believed he was right. They were all in this together, and they were going to be okay.
“Permission to jump, Captain?” Xander smiled.
“Granted. Let’s get to Victoria. The sooner, the better.” Tara squeezed his hand for a moment and tried to let the warm feelings in her stomach cover the doubts in her mind. She turned to Xander and smiled, still holding his hand. Her vision rippled, and the light inside the cabin fluctuated for a split second as Victory Twelve transitioned to hyperspace.
Maybe we’re going to be okay. Maybe this time it will all work out.
* * * * *
Chapter Nine
Peacemaker Contingency Operations Center
Weqq
Guild Master Rsach fought the urge to sag against the specially made chair. Never had the yoke of leadership felt so heavy around the flesh that counted as the Jeha’s neck. His many arms rippling, Rsach studied the stack of intelligence reports provided to the High Council and barely resisted the urge to scream in frustration. The Four Horsemen were still missing, and the Mercenary Guild’s blockade of Earth and subjugation of Humans appeared ready to escalate at any moment. With the delays in time and reporting, Rsach felt every passing moment could be his last as the Guild Master. The Peacemaker Guild, seemingly untouchable a few weeks before, was targeted. The destruction of the Consulate on Luna was clearly designed to instill fear in humanity. Had it not been for the heroic actions of Jessica Francis on Victoria Bravo, humanity might have given up hope. Much like the rumors of the Horsemen filtering through to the general populace, Rsach and his guild ensured Humans knew about the exploits of their Peacemakers. Yet, with Jessica now deployed on the Depik recovery mission and Nikki Sinclair sequestered following her mission against her family’s merce
nary company, the news was scarce. Humanity, though, possessed a large capacity for the concept of hope. But, continually staring Peepo’s ships in the face would eventually have the effect Peepo wanted. Given the nature of the mission to find Snowman, Force 25’s exploits had to be kept as quiet as possible.
Which wasn’t all that possible.
“Guild Master?” A grumbling voice snapped Rsach’s thoughts. “There is rising concern in these chambers. The Guild has been targeted and our location here, on Weqq, is susceptible to an immediate attack. We are vulnerable.”
Graavvaa, the Oogar representative, frowned at him across the U-shaped table. Rsach met the ursine eyes and nodded before looking away. His thoughts flashed immediately to his classmate and one of his oldest friends, who’d died on Luna in service to the Guild they both loved. Hr’ent’s council would have been welcome. The old Enforcer knew precisely what had to be done and when.
I do, too. I know what must be done, though I am loathe to order it.
“I agree, Honored Graavvaa, and I am troubled by these developments.” Rsach paused and let the words come to him. The collected members, nine of the twelve High Council representatives, looked at him. His dark eyes studied the three empty seats. The one marked for Jessica Francis caught his eye longer than the other two. He let out a breath and pushed himself up in the specially-made chair. “We must consider moving the Guild.”
“There are many options,” the MinSha representative, Wednayl, said. “We have the ability to move our operational and support forces from the local gate with relative ease.”
There was truth in the statement. A fusion-powered gate pulling power directly from the star in the Torgero system made hyperspace departures easy and frequent.
“But, from where can we most effectively lead the effort?” Th’nall, the Veetanho representative, asked. “Here, the bulk of the Peacemaker Guild is at our disposal. We can easily portion and assign missions according to the relevant threat.”
Deathangel Page 10
