“Not far. Close enough to watch the shuttle. If no one comes to investigate, we will camouflage it with tree limbs and branches and use it for our base.”
“What is camouflage?” Zora asked, expecting the source of the word to be human.
“I’ll show you later. Let’s just get going.” Tazleaha ordered. “Dela’maah, get up. You can die some other time when I don’t need you.”
“Yes, My Queen,” Dela’maah whimpered.
Chapter Six
The Capitol of the Cjittan Empire, Xanlos, was in a state of shock. The fleet, en route to Idaline, had received a message of the arrival of reinforcements by the Khalnalax and had received no additional messages or responses since. It was believed the fleet was destroyed. In addition, the queen and minister could both be lost. Their message had indicated crash and rescue.
Ambassador Renji assumed the role Regent of Cjittan until the fate of the queen and minister was determined. While she was not the highest-ranking member of the government, her house was next in line for the throne. There were no royal heirs from the current house and she would have been regent anyway had there been a child who was too young to rule.
“We have twenty ships we can send in support of the six waiting, and four of the transport ships are full of warriors. Home Defense Force is tasked at ten ships and two transport ships to protect Xanlos,” Admiral Cushda said. “The crews are trained well enough. We cannot wait any longer. We can add more to both the assault and home defense as they become available.”
“Admiral,” Renji said. “Send fifteen and four transports ships to Idaline. The remaining, send to Kanlost. I wish to reinforce our border. Reports say the Allond destroyed the Khalnalax fleet and somehow that barbarian of Tazleaha’s has destroyed the World Eaters, according to Allond officials.”
“I read that. Quite a feat—”
“Please, Admiral, do not show any admiration for them. Criminals, pirates and all manner of unsavory characters comprise that group. If our queen has met her demise, we will deal with the Khalnalax first, then we will rid ourselves of her vermin.”
“As you wish, Regent,” Cushda said. I may find a use for those vermin. This empire’s navy needs to be remade.
****
Your Highness, My King, you do not want to revive that creature.
“Why? I’ll admit it looks formidable. I have fought creatures equally as formidable and lived. Some even more dangerous than this one,” I said out loud. I needed to hear my own voice. It was way too quiet in the lab.
The records show the ancestors were going to harvest its DNA and splice it with another creature that had a more docile demeanor. They hoped to get a breed that was easier to control but just as deadly.
“Revive it, if it will. Tell me what I have to fear with you as my protector.”
You will have nothing to fear. It would be a waste because we would have to destroy the creature. It is fearless and does not stop attacking until either the prey or the hunter is dead, fighting to the finish with its last breath.
“Now I know why I like it. It probably won’t talk me to death either. Are you through screwing around with my armor?”
Yes, it is ready for you.
“I should dress and go meet my friends. I was wondering, when you’re doing whatever it is you do in my head, does anyone else ever talk to you? Like another copy of me that is angry and ready to tear you a new asshole?”
We do not understand.
“Lately I have been losing myself. There is an anger that takes over me. I’ve been angry all my life, but I controlled and used it. This is different. I have the nanites Queen Tazleaha had put in me and I think they might have been to blame—”
Tazleaha the Kingslayer?
“What? No, I don’t think so. She has never been married. Still screwing around with a list of suitors and another reason why I’m crazy.”
Yes, you’re right she wouldn’t be. Your Tazleaha just shares the name.
“I see from her moniker how that story ended. What are the odds of history repeating itself?”
Does she have a sister?
“That would have been something. No, her sister died before she was born.”
Then I would say no. The Tazleaha we speak of had a tragic past. King Nirtosinin was a great king and his Queen Tazleaha was equally so. The problem was in tradition and the arranged marriage of noble houses. Tazleaha was a firstborn, as was Nirtosinin. She loved him and he loved her younger sister Marzleaha. Duty trumped love and Nirtosinin and Tazleaha became King and Queen of Cjittan.
“Yeah, I get where it’s going.”
It was many years they ruled, then one evening Tazleaha found them together and they fought. Tazleaha had this same anger you speak of and Nirtosinin thought himself too great a warrior to be beaten by his queen. He was wrong. Upon his death, the queen declared that there would be no more kings who held equal power. She established the suitor list and is credited for the start of the Khalnalax race, though not intentionally. Some of the nobles rebelled against the queen and her policy that stripped future kings of the power they should rightfully possess. Many of the ships in the armada stayed loyal and followed their queen while the others turned and followed Archduke Khalnalax and founded their empire. Nirtosinin was of the Khalnalax line, a cousin. It is said their hatred for Tazleaha drove them to color themselves red for anger. Marzleaha went with the Khalnalax and while she didn’t marry for love, she did become the first empress of the Red Empire.
“How long?”
She was empress—
“No, how long until we know if it can be revived? The history lesson was informative and my Tazleaha is always threatening to kill me, so no great mystery there. Although I don’t think she is mine anymore.”
While we have knowledge of many things, protecting the king and warfare are two of our main protocols. History is just a byproduct of our search for knowledge in the service of the new king.
“Search away. I’m going to finish dressing. You are coming with me, right? Are you leaving some behind?”
Yes, your—
“Call me Benjamin or Reaper. Cut the Your Highness shit.”
As you wish.
“Where is the etching on the chest plate? I didn’t say you could remove that.”
It is not proper for the King to bear such a sigil.
“Put it back right now. Hold up. Can you make it move, make the fire in its eyes dance?”
That would make you happy?
“That’s a start. It will make me think twice about dropping you all in a vat of acid.”
What if we synced with the helmet and made it move when you spoke?
“We could definitely be friends if you could pull that off. Do you know how that would affect someone in a potential standoff before a fight?”
This visage is fearful, then?
“It has been. If nothing else, it brings a moment of pause and deep, disconcerting thought to the mind of the enemy.”
Are the weapons necessary if these are truly your friends and compatriots?
“Yes.”
As you wish, Your—Benjamin.
****
I walked through the humongous ship and came upon Adeen walking in the same direction. I didn’t do anything to disguise my footsteps and her reaction brought a smile to my face. She frowned for a long time. She had her reasons. Me being witness to her jumpiness topped the list. She stopped and waited for me to catch up. I didn’t speak to her when I did, just walked past and heard her mumble and take a couple quick steps to catch up.
“What’s your problem, too good to say hello?”
“No, just keeping to myself. It’s safer that way.”
“Do you hate me so much? Why did you let me come along when you left Athena?”
“It seemed you didn’t have many options. The team approved. I didn’t care and still don’t. Not caring doesn’t mean I like you or want you meddling in my life.”
“Your skin is too thin!” A
deen barked. “You were never so sensitive before. Pathetic.”
“No, you are just a constant reminder of all that was bad in my life. The others are a reminder of the good. You work for me now. Maybe it irks you and that prods you to say stupid things to me. Maybe I do hate you after all. But the others like you and I don’t want to do you harm. Just wish you would leave me be.”
“Fine, I hate you, too.”
“Good. Now let’s go greet whoever is landing in the hold. If it’s the Claymore, great. If not, take my pistol so you have two.”
“Did you clean up your armor? It seems shinier, or maybe it’s the light.”
“That’s probably it, different light.” I didn’t say any more.
We walked the rest of the way in silence. It was good to see the Claymore parked with people disembarking and gathering in groups. I spared a glance Adeen’s way and saw her physically relax. She picked up her pace and it was clear to see she missed some people.
“It’s good to see you both,” Genius said as I approached. “We thought you might have, you know, killed her.”
“Shit, was I supposed to? I still can. She’s standing right there,” I answered in a serious tone.
“No, no, stop being a dick. She is ok, just likes getting under your skin too much.”
“We talked.”
“And?”
“We hate each other.”
Benjamin . . .
“Hold up, Genius. Imelda just interrupted. We need to meet in the lab later. How about you and I talk then?”
“Just com me when you’re ready.”
Imelda, I’ve missed you.
I miss you and Natalia. Is she coming back?
She serves on Sash’s ship and will remain there if she stays out of trouble.
The pirate families came down the rear ramp and gathered together. This would be their new home. At least, until they were found out. That would be an interesting day, to say the least: the day Taz found out we had one of her Generations ships. Imelda came out last after they were all off. Joon and Doon were gathered with the crew and something occurred to me. I would give it more thought while I greeted my friend.
How are you, my friend?
Hungry. Happy. Off of the ship.
Do I need to worry about people going missing?
No. They are safe. They are your people, our people.
Do you like living among us, Imelda? It has to be hard, but you have come a long way from when we first met.
I do. I have slept much lately. My kind can stop hunger with long sleep. Although I am slow and vulnerable, I could still hunt.
I’m not sure there will be much of a hunt, but you will have food soon. I will see to that; I know where there is plenty of it. I hope you like red meat and sushi.
I do not know.
Khalnalax and their Etash soldiers.
Yessss I do.
****
Tazleaha looked at the broken and battered heap that once had been her mother’s personal shuttle, stolen when her mother was murdered. Returned by her lover, recovered from pirates, then stolen again by her lover, and now, in one final service to her family, it was only suited to provide a shelter from the elements. All three women were sore, bruised and banged up, but they were alive.
The World Eaters hadn’t arrived at Idaline, which gave Tazleaha hope they could wrest the planet back from the Khalnalax and prevent the World Eaters from ever showing up. The planet was occupied by the Khalnalax and that would have to be dealt with, but it was something her army was suited to handle. The loss of her fleet and the wanton destruction of the transport ship angered her. Why destroy a transport full of valuable cargo? Arguably not as valuable as the ore and precious minerals, but certainly something of value to them. They killed their own also, the captain and the crew of the ship sacrificed.
The thought nagged her, but it didn’t explain everything. Was it possible that the whole thing was a ruse to lure them out? There was no doubt the timing was perfect, whether it was planned or accidental. One lone transport ship, unescorted, full of Cjittan prisoners. It was hard to say no to saving her people, and a lone ship appeared to be good odds against six Cjittan ships, yet all her ships were destroyed. She had expected losses but…
“Tazleaha!” Zora hissed. “Someone is approaching. We need to hide.”
“How much is left in the hold?”
“Just one crate. We already have the food, water and weapons unloaded. That remaining one is spare clothing.”
“Let’s arm ourselves and watch. If the odds are in our favor, then I’m not giving anyone the clothes and wearing this same damn thing until we are rescued.”
“I’m with her on this,” Dela’maah said. “Tazleaha, you’re slipping into human again.”
“Dela’maah, you don’t have any clothes on the shuttle. The crate is full of Tazleaha’s clothes; even I didn’t have time to pack mine,” Zora said. “Tazleaha is fond of the language. Let her regress if she wants; the jungle won’t judge.”
“Tazleaha, are you going to share?” Dela’maah asked.
“You will make do with what you have,” Tazleaha said, her voice an angry whisper. The jungle air was heavy, wet and hot. Her temper was short.
“I’m going to circle around behind them, I’ll let you know when I’m in place,” Zora whispered, then moved off into the jungle.
The uninvited guests were not stealthy and spoke to each other in regular tones. They obviously had no training. Tazleaha checked her weapon and waited behind a plant, broad leaves hiding her from sight. Maybe they didn’t expect survivors, or they wanted their presence known.
“Zora, do you have eyes on them? How many, any weapons?” Tazleaha asked through her com.
“Three, no weapons. Cjittan, not Khalnalax or their soldiers.”
“Our identities should not be made known,” Tazleaha said. “Dela’maah, you will pose as a ship captain and we are part of your crew.”
“I’ve played the part before, if ever so short. It will only work if you, My Queen, do not argue with every word I utter,” Dela’maah challenged.
“Look to Zora, Dela’maah. We have done well lately, you and I. My promoting you to captain was sincere, though ill-timed. You should watch your comments about my speech and its origin. I am fond of it.” Dela’maah nodded her understanding.
“They could be traitors. Until we are satisfied of their loyalties, this charade is good enough,” Zora agreed. “They are nearing the shuttle. Be ready. If they all go inside, that will be the perfect time to move on them.”
“We could just stun them,” Dela’maah offered. Tazleaha looked to where Dela’maah was hidden and shook her head.
“I would rather not wait to find out their story and have to lug their dead weight around,” Zora replied. “Two entered the shuttle. One remains outside.”
“What is he doing? Can you get past him?” Dela’maah asked.
“Possibly. He is occupied.”
“Occupied, doing what?” Tazleaha asked.
“Urinating on the shuttle.”
“On my mother’s shuttle? Shoot him.”
“No, it might alert the others. He will not be long and then he will join them. We will take them then.”
“Tell me which one, then I will shoot him,” Tazleaha fumed.
“He could possibly be the one most informed; I am not taking that chance. Your mother’s shuttle is not a holy shrine, and because of you it is on its death bed.”
Tazleaha was silent for a few moments. She didn’t like Zora clubbing her with the truth. “When we have the information then I will deal with him—or all three if you do not tell me which one.”
“Let’s move. He is inside. Tazleaha, you are to play your part. Do not screw this up,” Zora admonished, ignoring her comment.
They moved from their individual hiding spots at a cautious run, trying to keep the element of surprise. In a matter of seconds, they converged on the damaged shuttle ramp, weapons ready. Zora poked
her head around and back to get a look. She motioned and they all stepped quietly in front of the opening. A man stood holding up a sheer piece of clothing. It was short, the top to an intimate evening ensemble. The other two studied it, then looked at the remaining clothing in the crate.
“On your knees, assholes, and put that down, now!” Tazleaha yelled imitating Benjamin. The man dropped the piece as they fell immediately to their knees. Eyes full of fear, they watched the tall, beautiful and very angry female pointing a pistol at them.
“Effective.” Zora whispered. “The longer you speak in that manner, the harder it will be to stop.”
“Are there any other thieves like you lurking in this jungle?” Dela’maah asked them, getting back on track.
“Stand up, close that crate, and pick it up. One of you answer the captain’s question,” Tazleaha yelled for emphasis. Benjamin always yelled.
“Yes, please answer the captain’s question so our second officer has no other reason to hurt you,” Zora said. “I am first officer, the tall, angry one is second and she is our captain. Zora gestured to each. “That is how you will address us if asked to speak.”
One of the men looked at the other two. “Pick up the crate,” he said, then stepped forward till he stood in front of Dela’maah. “I am Lord Mayor of Antea, capitol city of Idaline. We thought we saw a ship crash from our camp.” He was middle-aged and spoke with the tone of a man who was used to giving orders.
Tazleaha moved the pistol to her other hand in a casual way to not draw attention. The mayor looked at all three women and smiled. It wasn’t leering or disrespectful, it was just poor timing. Tazleaha moved like a striking snake, her fist landing a solid blow to his mid-section. Her elbow to his head. She grabbed his clothing one-handed, throwing him into the inner hull wall. He hit hard, then lay in a fetal position, covering his head with his arms. The other two men dropped the crate and backed away to the bulkhead. It was as far as they could go.
“The first officer just explained that you would be asked to speak. I heard no one ask and I don’t like your tone,” she stated, her voice even.
Zora and Dela’maah once again looked to their queen but said nothing. “Pick that crate back up and come with us,” Tazleaha ordered. “You, get up. Do it quickly or you may never get up again.”
The Chronicles of Benjamin Jaminson: Empires At War (Book 5 Part Two) Page 8
