The Chronicles of Benjamin Jaminson: Empires At War (Book 5 Part Two)

by Thomas Wright

  “Nedra, power laser cannons and keep the shields up.” It was the first thing Lorelei said.

  “What will we need weapons for, Captain?” Nedra asked her.

  “To cut a path through the jungle. Fire directly ahead in a sweeping pattern. I’ll do the rest.”

  Shawna was impressed. In her memory, it wasn’t something they had done before. It must have been a spur of the moment idea. Watching the captain, she saw her fire reverse thrusters then felt the belly of the ship hit the ground. The crew was thrown side to side, up and down, and both at the same time. It wasn’t lost on Shawna that it could be a lot worse without Nedra clearing the way. Lorelei was making constant adjustments to keep the ship straight.

  Risking a quick glance over her shoulder at Benjamin, she saw his eyes were shut and he breathed in an exaggerated manner. He was getting primed. No doubt he’d yell about his ship being damaged even before verifying if it had been. She knew he wasn’t angry or scared, but there was no way he would show excitement over being alive.

  Lorelei exhaled. The thrashing stopped. They were airborne. Shawna smiled. Now they would find their targets and it wouldn’t show, but Benjamin would be happy. “We live,” Mira said softly behind her.

  “I told you Lorelei wouldn’t let us down.” Benjamin said louder than he needed to, negating Mira’s attempt to avoid the ire of a stressed captain, having questioned their survival chances already.

  “I have no idea what that fool queen sees in you,” Shawna heard Mira say, then she turned to her.

  “Honey, it’s what you don’t see. If you ever heard Taz when those two are locked in a room together for a few hours, then you’d know.” She looked at Benjamin and smiled. There might have been a little color in his cheeks.

  Lorelei spun around in her seat. Oh, here it comes, Shawna thought.

  “Benjamin, I am ready for that beer and that one man besides you I have never slept with. Asshole,” Lorelei said. She sat back, arms crossed, and waited for him to respond.

  “Snake, report to the bridge . . . And bring beer. The captain needs you,” Benjamin announced over his com.

  Shawna had taken off her restraints and was ready to stand and stretch. Lorelei launched herself at Benjamin, not caring that Zuri was between them, all teeth and spikes.

  Shawna caught her around the waist. “Whoa now, Captain,” she said. Lorelei struggled.

  “Let me go. I’m gonna punch him.”

  “He has armor on, silly. You’ll hurt yourself.”

  Mira, Nedra and Zuri were watching, trying to decide if anything was really going to happen. Benjamin moved Zuri out of the way and stood up.

  “That was fun. Let’s do it again,” Benjamin said, then waited to see what the captain would do. Shawna felt some of the tension leave Lorelei and let her go so she could sit down.

  “For the record, Boss, I think I speak for everyone. We aren’t doing that again,” she told him and took her seat.

  “Well if that’s the case, then shut off those damn alarms!”

  Chapter Eighteen

  We were all in one piece, no worse for wear. The alarms still rang while Nedra and Shawna worked through them. I listened to Lorelei do a simple roll call, confirming everyone else was ok. Genius called that he was helping clear the system alarms and checking for damage. Lorelei stopped Snake from coming to the bridge. The excitement over, Zuri’s first action was to face me and growl. “What you mad at me for? She was flying the damn thing.” Zuri growled again. “So, it’s my fault. I guess you’re right.”

  Lorelei was fielding questions from the rest of the crew. She looked over her shoulder at me. “You need to go. Angel just messaged that everyone is in the hold getting ready.” Her tone said I was not forgiven.

  “Tell her I’m on my way. Come on, you mangy mutt. Let’s go have some fun.” I patted Zuri on the side of the head and walked toward the door.

  “Benjamin, you need to come back in one piece, too,” Lorelei said. I turned to answer her and found her back to me but two other faces looking at me nodding. Maybe I was forgiven.

  “You three, keep my ship in one piece. Not that I need to tell you that. You prove it every day.”

  “Sometimes when you say things like that I actually believe you’re human,” Lorelei said.

  “Just go already. We will handle it,” Shawna said. “Always do.”

  The doors slid open and we ran to my quarters. Zuri shot past me and sat by the door waiting. Hard to read her features, but she seemed to be smirking. The fact that she was ready to go, fully dressed in her armor, was a plus.

  I pulled my katana and belt out of the locker with everything attached. Not sure I needed any of it, but it felt right. It was all part of me. The Allond railgun was next out of the locker. I sensed Deireadh’s unspoken question. “No helmet for now. Let’s save that for our meeting with the Cjittan in charge of the ground forces.”

  As you wish.

  We reached the ramp and my team a few minutes later. They were watching the forest and talking softly among themselves.

  “Ok everyone, gather round. First off, Buddy and Grubb, back on the ship. Keep your armor on and weapons handy. Report to Lorelei so she knows you’re onboard. You two know what to do. Protect the ship and crew. Go, before they shut the ramp.”

  “Are you sure—” Angel started to ask.

  “Did I ask for your opinion?” I snapped. “Of course I’m sure. We go forward in a diamond formation. I’ll be on point. Snake, Adam, 9 o’clock. Angel, Harry, 3 o’clock. Mira, 6 o’ clock. Genius and Ronnie in the middle. Harry, you and Adam need to be looking wherever your partner isn’t, you get me? Mira, you have a tough job. Make sure no one gets in behind us. Zuri and Imelda, scout right and left flank. Spread out far enough we can’t see you. Zuri, do you understand?”

  “We’re ready, Boss,” Snake said. “Finally, something to do. Hey, dog, the boss is talking to you.”

  Zuri growled at Snake. “Zuri, enough. Stay here. Snake, you take the right flank. Weapons check. Even if you just did it, do it again.”

  Each team member sounded off when their weapon was go. Harry held my battle axe and grunted, then put it on his back. Was he ever going to give it back? “One last thing. Until we make contact and our identity is established, don’t take anything for granted. They might fire on us or piss themselves or both. I wouldn’t want to face us on the battlefield. Let’s move.”

  I started us off at a nice even pace. I set the distance at roughly twenty feet between me and those following. I heard the Claymore depart and felt that brief pang in my heart. Probably because Lorelei was cutting down another mile or two of jungle with my ship. I hoped Kimit and the others were doing well and would enjoy joining forces to bash the hell out of our enemy. With my next step, I felt Zuri bump against my leg.

  “You should be over there with Adam. You are his partner,” I explained. It was lost on her. She was where she wanted to be.

  Keep her at your side, Benjamin. She does not understand why you would send her away. She will learn. Imelda’s thoughts echoed my own. We are not far from the Cjittan. I can smell them. The queen that leads them is the offspring of an old rival. Whatever happens, you cannot interfere.

  What are you talking about? Are you going to fight the queen?

  Only if I must. She may see my presence as a bid to take the horde away.

  You are a member of my team and you go where I go. I hope she can live with that. Do you think she can beat you?

  It is possible. She is much younger.

  “Imelda reports we are close to the Cjittan’s rear forces. I may have to have a chat with the queen spider running the show. Keep an eye on our Cjittan counterparts. I don’t want to get shot in the back.”

  “Like it’s going to hurt you in that thing you have on,” Adam joked.

  “It’ll still piss me off.”

  Zuri was still stuck to me like glue, her ears seemingly turret-mounted, turning in different directions while her while h
er eyes didn’t stray from the path ahead of us.

  “I sure as hell wouldn’t want to play hide and seek with that one,” Angel said, nodding toward Zuri. Harry grunted his assent. Like he could hide his big ass somewhere and not be found.

  “She definitely is a welcome addition. Between her and Imelda, if something surprises us it’ll be a miracle,” I added. There was no sense in being quiet. We weren’t sneaking up on anyone.

  “You know we have electronics that do everything she does already installed,” Genius said.

  “So what? You’re the man for the team when it comes to all things hardware and software, surveillance and hacking, comm expert and so on. But . . .”

  “But what?”

  “Scenario. Ten enemy soldiers are rushing you right now. You see them coming on your scanner. You have little time to formulate a response, so you fire non-stop. You gonna throw the scanner at them when your laser rifle heats up and shuts down?”

  “So, you think Zuri is better?”

  “No, I think two against ten is better than one against ten. Unless I’m going to run, which isn’t happening. That reminds me. Pick up all the tech on the battlefield you can carry without slowing you down. If Ronnie isn’t tending any wounded, then she can carry some as well.”

  “You know Harry is going to be useless to us until we are in the thick of it,” Adam said. It was just a comment, not slighting anyone.

  “You’re right. We haven’t ever got around to outfitting him with anything but edged weapons,” I said. “Keep an eye out for something that might fit him. Even if it has to be modified, we need to arm him accordingly. This won’t be our last fight, but it may be the biggest ground offensive we participate in.”

  “It’s good we walked, had we just jumped into the Cjittan camp we wouldn’t have had these discussions. Probably been busy killing our allies,” Ronnie joked.

  “We still can, you know. Kill a few of them.” I joked.

  Imelda reached out to me. Benjamin, their queen is growing impatient. I believe you should speak to her.

  Have the military leaders seen you?

  Yes. I’m hard to miss.

  Don’t be a smartass.

  They hold their weapons ready, but are doing nothing. I believe they have sent for someone to speak with me.

  Fine. Keep them busy. We will be there shortly.

  “Imelda has contacted the Cjittan leadership. They have weapons on her. Let’s double-time it.”

  We ran into sentries. They were nervous and commanded us to halt. In the distance, we could see Imelda surrounded by troops and headed straight for the two giant spiders. Laser fire crackled off my back. “Mira!” I turned as she was firing warning shots.

  “Sorry, won’t happen again. I dissuaded them.” Two sentries lay motionless on the ground.

  “Stunned?”

  “Oops. Power rating about fifty percent. They have armor on, so it shouldn’t be too bad.”

  “Damn, Mira, I was just joking about shooting some of them. Ronnie, better see what you can do. Adam, stay with her.

  “Who is in charge here?” I yelled as we ran up on the main force surrounding Imelda.

  “I am. Who are you and why did you shoot my men?”

  I wasn’t about to apologize. I would have to have words with Mira later. “My name is Reaper. We are Queen Tazleaha’s Privateers. They were about to get in our way,” I answered, stopping right in front on him. “Maintain your positions, everyone.” Zuri growled at the officer in front of me. “Quiet, Zuri. Don’t growl at the commander.”

  “You know my rank?”

  “Yes. We rescued the queen’s cousin Dela’maah. She is a commander. I have spent time on Xanlos and know all the military ranks. Taz asked me to learn them.”

  “Taz?” he asked. “You mean Queen Tazleaha.” His face contorted in anger.

  “Yes. Anyway, I hate to be rude but I need to talk the two queens over there before something unfortunate happens.”

  “You are going to speak with the queens?” he asked and burst out laughing, his anger fading somewhat. “They will eat you. No one dares approach when two queens seek to settle a dispute.”

  “Right. I’ll take that under advisement. And you understand this.” My finger poked his chest. “Anything happens to my team while I’m over there, you will be the first one eaten. I’ll have Imelda suck the marrow from your bones. You understand me . . . Commander?”

  I left him grinding his teeth. But I left him with teeth. That had to mean I was improving my social skills. The commander was right, though. It was kind of stupid walking up on two giant spiders hissing at each other. On a good day, one spider queen was bad enough and two was horrible. Their breath, that is. They were no more than five feet apart, eyeballs to eyeballs. Maybe hissing wasn’t the right word. The girls would call this a cat fight. Zuri bumped my leg and whined for the first time ever. I didn’t blame her.

  “Scary, aren’t they, Zuri. Don’t show them any fear or make a sound, ok? Just be silent. No growling,” I said, scratching her head. The closer we got, the more it really sunk in. Approaching two angry spider queens ranked high on the long list of stupid things I’ve done. But I couldn’t let it escalate and risk either being hurt.

  Imelda, back up some. Let’s take this down a few notches.

  If she attacks you I’ll be too far away. I’m staying.

  I stopped in front of her and scratched her between the eyes. The coarse hair was thick as I ran my fingers through it and spoke soothingly. It’s ok. I’ll be all right. Can she understand us?

  No. Remember, I took the time to learn your language.

  “Deireadh, can you speak spider?” I asked out loud. One mental conversation at a time was enough.

  I do. I can speak to any of the queens, workers and soldiers.

  “Really? Then announce me to the queen. Tell her the King of Cjittan wishes to speak to her.”

  So you accept who you are.

  “Shut up and do it.”

  I listened to the grim reaper on my chest spit, sputter and hiss the strangest sounds, words, whatever it was. I hoped he made flames flicker in its eyes. Up until now, Deireadh had only parroted what I instructed mentally. It didn’t work in reverse. I had no idea what he was saying. She did, and vibrated with tension, her hair bristling from head to foot. I guessed anger, diluted with other emotions, and restraint. Not sure how long it would last, though. She did that little dance Imelda does when she is excited. The one that usually preceded killing and eating. I really was a cocky dumbass to get this close to her. But we had to move this along. “Deireadh, tell her to kneel.” Might as well go all in.

  It took a few seconds of explaining. She danced and moved left to right, I took it as she was becoming more agitated. Then she stepped forward and stopped, her front legs spread out, lowering her head even with mine. I bowed slightly. Any farther and I would stick my head in her maw. I heard the disbelief from the Cjittan ranks via sharp intakes of breath, and excited whispers as I patted her and spoke softly, reassuringly. “You are queen and will remain queen. Do not fear Imelda. She is my advisor on all matters within your world,” I spoke and Deireadh translated.

  She took some time to think about her response. Then it took even more time for her to speak it. Small bits and pieces of things flew from her mouth. Deireadh, why doesn’t she use telepathy? It sure as hell would be free of nasty bits and stink less.

  Traditionally, telepathy is reserved for Queen Tazleaha, the upper echelon of the military command and spider queens’ subordinates. While she could, she chooses not to.

  I’m beginning to think all queens are a pain in the ass.

  You do know Imelda is listening.

  Damn. Except Imelda. She’s a peach.

  I will deal with you later, Imelda promised. I ignored her.

  Let’s do this the hard way, then. But I’m taking a few steps back.

  I spoke and the translation followed. It continued like that for a half hour, but she was
convinced. I would lead her soldiers. Now to take the same approach with the commander. I didn’t need a translator for that conversation. I walked toward my team, the Cjittan Commander and his officers.

  “Commander, from this point forward the Army of Cjittan is under my command. You are going to protest, get angry, but it will do you no good. If you become too much of a problem . . . well I’ve already explained what happens to you, haven’t I? She is always hungry.”

  “May I advise Admiral Cushda of these events?”

  “Of course. I don’t blame you for covering your ass, but he knows we are here. He won’t be surprised.”

  The commander frowned then looked curious, studying me closer. “He may know of you but has issued no orders for you to assume command so . . . If the admiral objects?”

  “Tell him to come down and see me. I will explain it to him.” I was six feet away, then I was in his face. It was so fast even my team was wide-eyed. I sharpened a fingertip and pushed in on his chest without breaking the material. “I am tasking you with rear guard. You and your soldiers can remain here and make sure no hostiles come in behind us while we recon the area.”

  “If we wish to fight for our Empire?”

  “You are mistaking my meaning, Commander. The task I’ve given you is not so you can sit back here on your asses doing nothing. They are going to try to get behind us or simply overrun everything in their way. You will get the chance to die in glorious battle, if that is what you want, unless something changes. It usually does. Prepare yourself and your soldiers. Watch your back and ours.”

  The commander’s eyes were studying me, looking for something. A lie or chink in my armor that he could capitalize on and discredit me. Finding nothing, he turned to his officers and began barking orders. I did the same.

  “Privateers, we are going to the front line.”