“I was hoping you would at grant me an audience to discuss this,” she replied, waving the blank paper. “I am sure you have guessed my goal is to lessen the loss of life and property that is sure to come if we continue with this madness.”
“What I know is that you fear losing. I do not fault you for that fear or for trying to preserve lives and property. Actually, I should thank you for the thought because soon the lives and property will belong to the Khalnalax empire, once you’ve accepted my terms of surrender.” Tazleaha fumed inside at his audacity.
“Emperor, your battleship is a fearsome war machine, but it is not invulnerable. We have analyzed it in the time it has sat unmoving over Idaline and we know its weaknesses. Yes, we will lose several of our ships if we continue, but in the end, your ship will be taken from you or destroyed. We know you have no support ships arriving any time soon. Would you not agree to, if nothing else, peace negotiations with a written offer to take your ship and go? You have two minutes to decide.”
She motioned to the comm officer to disconnect, but stood in place. The two minutes would pass quickly. Benjamin was quiet, most likely talking to Captain Kimit. He had made her promises and he would keep them. Tazleaha thought he should let her in on what he was planning before she heard back from the emperor.
“Benjamin—” He held his hand up, cutting her off, then spoke to the admiral, who nodded and began looking at his screen. Damn him silencing her. “Benjamin!”
“What? I asked you to hold on. Do you know what you’re going to say if he turns you down? How you’re gonna get us on that ship?”
“You said he wouldn’t pass up this opportunity.”
“There is always the possibility. You need to be prepared. Begging will get us nothing but suspicion.”
“I will not beg. You know better,” Tazleaha said. “We will attack and pay the price with blood, Cjittan and Khalnalax alike. Like you, I now hope we find our way into the belly of the beast. Then we will rip its guts out.”
****
“That’s my girl. Smile and agree, within reason. You aren’t going alone, so tell him you need the admiral and your staff to attend the meeting. Admiral, step into view when she tells him. It will help when he sees that you do not pose a threat. No offense.”
“You wound me,” Cushda said, having lost some of his melancholy from earlier.
“Admiral, do you have battle armor and weapons? Not ceremonial, the real thing.”
His eyes opened wide. “Why? What are you thinking? I can’t tell you the last time I’ve worn battle armor.”
“Exactly. They should have your quarters cleaned up. You might need it.”
“My Queen, Emperor Khalnalax wishes to speak with you,” comms reported.
“We will finish this conversation in a minute, Admiral.” I fired off three quick messages. First to Natalia. Report to flagship immediately upon your arrival. Then Kimit. Keep the minimum required crew for the Black Scythe and send the rest to the flagship. Then Aisling. Any of your marines who wish to join us boarding the battleship need to shuttle over with their mechs.
“Emperor Khalnalax, what is your decision?” Taz said. I liked the no-nonsense approach. Get straight to it.
“I am intrigued that you would take the position of peace. I would think you weak, yet your ships continue to attack. Explain this to me.”
“It’s simple. I’m surprised you need an explanation. There is nothing weak about it. We have the momentum and advantage. I am offering an alternative to all of our people dying. Until we have an agreement, there will be no ceasefire. We will continue until you and your whole fleet are destroyed or surrender unconditionally. I will not be inclined to favorable conditions after if this continues.” There was a long pause and I could only assume the emperor was trying to stare her down. Fat chance.
“Emperor, like me, you need not consult anyone for permission. What is your answer?”
“You stated you will present your terms on my ship. I find that odd, but fitting that you should come to me.” Just stroking your ego, buddy. I thought.
“It will make the situation more comfortable for you. All I ask in return is your promise of safe passage coming and going for me and my advisors, regardless of the outcome.”
“How many advisors do you need?”
“I have six in mind. It’s possible it will be fewer.”
I moved, careful to stay out of sight, to the weapons console targeting screen to check on my people and found Kimit was already docked in the hold offloading her people. The Warhammer was lining up to enter once Kimit and the Black Scythe exited. Sash’s stinger was docked in front of the Claymore.
Natalia messaged. I’m on my way to the bridge. Sash is with me and we have a four-guard escort. Something about humans causing trouble earlier.
Stay in the corridor until I call for you.
Understood. You stay out of trouble.
Are you my daughter or my mother?
“That is many advisors. You only just stated we need consult no one else. Can you not make a decision without them?” The dumbass wanted to prod her into coming alone. Not going to happen.
“I do not require their advice so much as their knowledge. I cannot remember every law set down that pertains to agreements such as this. What we decide others will have to abide by in the future.” The emperor must have been trying to stare Taz down again. She crossed her arms and kept a stern face.
“Bring them,” Khalnalax replied in his surly tone. Then Taz looked at me and smiled.
“He is gone. Had to get last words in, though,” Taz said, still smiling.
“Masterfully done, My Queen,” Cushda said.
“Cushda, don’t be such a kiss ass. Now, this tub needs a new captain. Pick someone; call it a field promotion. We need to keep things moving along. I have people waiting.”
“Weapons officer Lieutenant Belleaha, front and center.”
I messaged. Natalia, you and Sash can come in. It would be good to see them. I looked toward the doors. Zuri lay on her side. She stretched and yawned. This must be awful boring for her. It was for me.
“. . . you are temporarily promoted to the rank of captain,” Cushda finished saying. I was only partially listening.
“Congratulations, Captain Belleaha,” Taz said. “Natalia, Captain Sashet, so good to see you safe and sound.” The pair walked toward us. The whole bridge was watching the quick promotion and now they focused on the two newcomers: a Cjittan in mismatched armor with heavy black stripes tattooed on her face and a human with wild brown hair in black armor both walked with ease and confidence.
“Congratulations, Captain Belleaha. Let me introduce my daughter Natalia and Captain Sashet,” I said, smiling at her. I placed my hand on the new captain’s shoulder. She turned her head, looking at my hand as if a bird just shit on her, then turned back.
“Thank . . . you,” Belleaha said uncomfortably. “How do I call you?”
“Reaper is what you and your people should call me. Natalia is going to be staying. I don’t know you, and we haven’t had time to complete a thorough investigation to see how much corruption is happening on this ship, so she is going to be your personal guard. We good so far?”
“Yes, Reaper,” Belleaha answered, looking at the admiral for guidance.
“To make this simple, any or all of your crewmates could be traitors and if they try anything, she is going to shoot them. Likewise, you could be a traitor. If she sees you doing anything suspicious, guess what, she is going to shoot you. Is that clear, Captain Belleaha?”
“This is not right. You can’t do this,” she said, bringing out her best indignation.
“Don’t worry. Natalia is smart, fast and lethal. Anyone screws with you, questions your authority, she’s got your back. But if you try to pull some shit while we are away, it’s like I said before. She’ll end you. Captain Sashet will be here and she will be watching also, unless we need to mobilize the Privateers. She will make sure there are no accide
nts. Look at that face. How can you not trust a woman in stripes? Good luck on your first command. No pressure, just relax and follow the admiral’s orders.”
“Geez, Dad, get out of here. We’ll handle it. Scare the shit out of the poor woman.”
“On our way, baby girl. Taz, Admiral, a quick stop at the brig to visit the detainees and we’ll meet the assault team.”
Taz walked up to Belleaha and stared her in the eyes. There was a long pause before she spoke. “I want to believe you are a loyal subject and, if that is true, there is none better to protect you than Natalia. I’m putting my faith in you, Captain. Am I making a mistake?”
“No, Queen Tazleaha. My life, my loyalty, is yours.”
“Hey, c’mon, I already gave her a pep talk. We need to see the prisoners then get everyone loaded up.” I toed Zuri. “Wake up. We have work to do.”
“Who are you to give orders to our queen and Admiral Cushda?” Belleaha asked, her tone full of condescension. She must have felt brave with Taz standing right next to her.
“I’m your king, of course. Speak to me like that again and I’m your worst nightmare.”
I walked out before I had to make an example out of someone. I heard Taz and the admiral close behind; Zuri padded along beside me. I was surprised Taz didn’t stay behind and correct me, but only half the statement was in question. I was their worst nightmare. Being king wasn’t official, more like a prize I won on a game show.
Deireadh, I have an idea for new armor on this mission. This is what I want it to look like. I projected the images. It felt like the whole of my armor vibrated. Are you excited?
Yes, because I feel you are.
The small overlapping scales will allow for flexible movement in all directions. The armor should be the same thickness throughout except for my forearms or arms, depending on how many extra nans there are after you reform.
What is the purpose of this change?
I am certain the Khalnalax will not allow us any weapons. You will use the information you have on weapons to make whatever I call for. All the leftover nans will be utilized to make them, mostly edged weapons.
This transformation will be easy, My King. The sigil on your chest will not change and will continue to instill fear.
That’s is the idea. I have another thought in mind but will save it for later.
Why would you keep the thought from me?
Because I can. Who do you serve?
You, My King.
Damn straight. And what do I say when I’m tired of hearing you in my head?
Shut up, Deireadh.
Exactly.
We approached the admiral’s quarters. “Taz, go on to the Claymore. We will join you in a few minutes after I get the admiral situated. Binda should have your old room ready and your armor should be in the locker. We will meet you at the brig. If you get there before us, feel free to stare the prisoners down, but don’t say a word to any of them.”
She simply nodded and walked away. “Hey,” I called after her. “Don’t get to feeling sorry for Zora. We’ll figure it out.”
Deireadh, com Binda.
“Go ahead, Benjamin,” Binda said a few seconds later.
“Binda, Taz is on her way to her room and then the brig. Who is on duty?”
“Sna—”
“No, send Mira and Angel. Taz won’t be able to order them around if her heart overrides her head.”
“Copy that.”
“Tell them no one opens a cell unless it’s me and once she enters the brig record everything that happens until I tell you to stop.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Damn, not you too. Look, that is only when I need to play that card. Deireadh is the only one that truly believes it.”
“If you say so.”
“I do. Get the Claymore prepped. We have . . . shit I don’t know how many we have but the Allond and maybe some marines with their mechs are coming with us. We will need to put them in rooms.”
“Ok, but it might be a little cramped.”
“We need them just out of sight when we dock. Taz and her advisors will exit a side door.”
“Who are her advisors?”
“Me and the admiral so far. I need to recruit a couple other non-threatening-looking people. Our target needs to feel good about his chances.”
“Why are you going if you want non-threatening? That makes no sense whatsoever.”
“If I’m the only one, it won’t be too bad. They probably have over a thousand on the crew roster. No way they will feel threatened by just me. I was thinking you and Dela’maah should come.”
“I don’t know. I think you should have all Cjittan, besides yourself. Dela’maah would make more sense. Not that I don’t appreciate you asking and trusting me.”
“How is Genius? I’m worried about him.”
“He is going to be fine. It was a powerful sleeping drug and he is bruised around his neck, but it will all heal.”
“Not everything will heal,” I said, thinking of Zora’s betrayal.
“No, I understand. Benjamin, you know it could have been a whole lot worse. Killing was never her intention. You need to think about that.”
“I know what you are trying to say. But it doesn’t change anything.”
“I’m just pointing out that it’s not the same thing that happened to me. Those two suitors tried to kill me. Zora cares for Genius, maybe loves him.”
“I know. She will have to answer to Taz; I’ll let her be. The other two, the captain and comm officer, are mine. I want answers before we leave, and they are going to give me something besides blood.”
****
Tazleaha’s feet hit the Claymore’s cargo ramp and she headed straight for the brig. She didn’t have to do as Benjamin said and go to her room first. She knew he was working the situation to suit himself. He didn’t want her to have too much time alone with the prisoners before he got there, and she couldn’t allow that. He expected she might get there before him and stare the prisoners, try to provoke an emotional response. That tactic wasn’t her way; that was his. She had questions and she would ask them. She wanted answers.
She turned down the corridor and saw Snake and Harry walking away. They had possibly just left the brig. Maybe there was no one guarding the prisoners. Not that they could go anywhere, but they might speak freely if it was only her. Zora possibly would, but she was unsure about the other two. When the door slid open she knew there was someone on guard duty. She knew the crew of the Claymore, and Snake would have locked the brig if he was leaving it unguarded.
“Queen Tazleaha,” Angel said, acknowledging her. Mira just smiled.
“Angel, Mira, so good to see you,” Tazleaha said. She hoped they didn’t see the disappointment she felt. “I couldn’t persuade you both to step outside while I speak to Zora, could I?”
“Sorry. Orders. You understand,” Mira said.
“Benjamin?”
“Who else?”
“I expected as much.”
“Don’t get angry or hurt. It’s a good idea, really. We all like Zora. Until we get to the bottom of things, she is safe here regardless of what she has or hasn’t done.”
Tazleaha noticed Zora, the captain and comm officer watching them. Mira turned her attention to the prisoners and they all looked away.
“Can I speak with Zora or are there orders preventing it?”
“You can, but you should stay more than arm’s length from her. If you don’t, I’ll have to stun you both,” Mira said, resting her hand on her pistol.
Tazleaha radiated with pure anger as she stared at Mira. “I’ll have you executed. Benjamin won’t be able to save you. I should have you executed for just saying it.” She hadn’t forgotten the altercation they had during the battle on the planet. Right or wrong, she was the Queen of Cjittan and wouldn’t be treated so disrespectfully.
“That’s enough, Mira,” Angel said. “You’re not going to stun Tazleaha or Zora. C’mon. We are going to
wait outside for Benjamin.” Tazleaha looked at Angel and smiled then back to Mira with a frown.
“They have no respect for you, Cousin,” Zora said after they left.
“I have not given you leave to speak, so keep your mouth shut until I require you to speak.” She walked past Zora’s cell to the stand between the former captain’s and comm officer’s cells.
“Your message was intercepted and a false message sent. We have routed the enemy fleet except for a few ships that will be dealt with shortly. I would be willing to offer a prison sentence in exchange for useful information. As traitors to the Empire during a time of war, you will be executed at our earliest convenience unless you accept the offer I just presented you. How do you answer?”
“You cannot win. They are too powerful,” the ex-captain answered. “I will die and you will follow soon after me. I would be willing to provide information for freedom.”
“Did you not hear me? We have all but won, and when this battle is over we are returning to Xanlos and removing Renji from the throne. Then the executioner will remove at least two heads in a public viewing.” Taz paused to look at Zora. “To simplify: there are two options, life or death. Freedom is not on the table.”
“We did nothing. You cannot prove we tried to send any messages to the enemy.”
“You, prisoner,” Taz said to Zora. “Did we not track the outgoing message to the comm station, and was not the captain present at the station at the time it was sent? It is also true that you are mentioned in the message? Isn’t that correct, prisoner?” The brig door slid open.
“Why didn’t you warn us, stupid bitch? Now we will all die, including you,” the captain said, unable to hide his scorn.
“That sounds like a confession to me,” Benjamin said, walking in. “You really shouldn’t call Zora names. She is a friend of mine. Did I miss any other name calling?”
“No, Benjamin, I offered prison for information instead of death—” Tazleaha got out, then was interrupted.
The Chronicles of Benjamin Jaminson: Empires At War (Book 5 Part Two) Page 37
