Honor the Threat

by Kevin Ikenberry

  Kurrang started to walk down the slope, and Jessica fell into step next to him. The children playing in the streets froze and stared as she walked by. Adults murmured and glanced at each other. “Nurr doesn’t trust Humans because our initial observations of Earth, more than four hundred years ago, weren’t positive. Humans warred too much and shared too little. That they’ve matured enough to merit a Human Peacemaker is a good sign, but it’s also trouble. I sincerely hope it’s not too late for your planet.”

  Jessica walked into the hidden city, surrounded by fearful citizens, and wondered if humanity would be reduced to something similar if nothing was done. Her first hurdle was a mercenary company of the worst Humans imaginable. She reached up unconsciously to tap her earpiece and remembered it wasn’t there. She had no contact with Lucille, and that meant no contact with the guild. She was officially missing in action. The guild would come for her as fast as they could—leaving a Peacemaker behind was never an option. She, however, had options. Taking care of herself first would enable her to plan, despite the overwhelming force facing her.

  The hard things are always simple. Maybe he knew what he was talking about, and there was a simple solution. Gods, I hope he’s right.

  * * * * *

  Chapter Seventeen

  Weqq

  TriRusk Colony

  In Kurrang’s home there was a small fire to dry her clothes and warm her skin, and a stew Jessica wolfed down without thinking about parasites or diseases. The rich, fatty meat was unlike anything she’d ever tasted, and while she was curious about it, she didn’t ask, even as Kurrang filled her bowl a second time. There were no utensils, but crusty bread worked well enough to soak up and shovel the incredible dish into her mouth. Kurrang moved gracefully across the dirt floor and sat down on his haunches across from her. The dark brown walls were scratched with the telltale skill of a child. There seemed to be bits of letters in Standard and a language she did not know, as well as caricatures of the sun, clouds, and the chicken-things that had attacked them that morning.

  Jessica spooned more stew into her mouth, chewed the tender meat for a moment, and swallowed. Her mind finally put together the question she wanted to ask. “Your people seem to know a lot about Humans, Kurrang. Why?”

  “The Union is much older than your civilization, Peacemaker. As such, we observed your planet a long time from afar. There are volumes upon volumes of observations about humanity in the Union’s archives—of that you can be sure. There were many species that didn’t want to initiate contact with your people. You were too unpredictable and collectively ill-tempered.”

  That should be in the dictionary under Human. Jessica pushed the thought away as Kurrang’s words struck a different chord. “If you wanted to avoid Humans, why did you evacuate me from the MinSha compound? You had to be close by during the initial attack. Why rescue me?”

  Kurrang chewed his stew longer than he’d taken with a bite since they’d started to eat. “The MinSha have my daughter, as I said before. My mate…” He paused and looked away for a moment. A lump formed in Jessica’s throat, as she expected the worst. “My mate has not faced this situation like I have. She is with her parents, as is our custom, until I can return our child home.”

  “You saw me as a way to get your daughter back?”

  He huffed, sounding amused. “I saw you as a tiny Human on their wall, bearing the markings and dress of a Peacemaker. I didn’t think that was possible, but I stayed behind when our patrol returned after confirming my daughter was alive inside their compound.”

  Jessica blinked. “How did you know she was alive?”

  “Children stricken with her condition have enhanced sensory perceptions that usually manifest as sharper hearing. The little one with the patrol you observed confirmed Maarg was alive when he heard her breathing.”

  Inside a fortified compound made by the best metallurgists in the galaxy? Jessica kept her face neutral by spooning another serving of stew into her mouth. “When the mercenaries attacked? What did you think?”

  “When they attacked, I wasn’t sure what to make of it.” Kurrang seemed to shrug. “After all, they had to know you were there, and that your position and jurisdiction had both a purpose and limitations. Why did they attack you?”

  Jessica took a breath. There was probably a good reason not to share her history with Kurrang, but he’d pulled her ass off the battlefield and given her a second chance to salvage the situation. “I know their commander.” She laughed. “My father used to work with him, but it wasn’t a good partnership. As a matter of fact, they hate each other now. He called on the radio to broadcast their intentions, and I responded.”

  “Do the other Humans know you are here?”

  Jessica shook her head. “Raleigh Reilly rules with an iron fist. Are you familiar with that term?”

  Kurrang chewed for a moment. “Someone who belittles those under them?”

  “Close enough.” Jessica finished chewing and swallowed a bite of bread. “In his case, Raleigh doesn’t believe anyone should handle anything on the battlefield except him. He sits back from the combat and directs his troops like he’s playing a game. He blocks their transmission capabilities and makes sure the only person capable of discussing terms with the opposing force, or a Peacemaker, is him. He trusts no one. His forces likely don’t know there’s another Human on the planet, much less a Peacemaker. Even if they did, it wouldn’t make much difference, I’m afraid.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  Jessica shook her head and glanced at the bare walls as if searching for something. “What are those bird-things that attacked us?”

  “The Urrtam?” Kurrang grunted angrily. “Those little…demons are the worst creatures in the jungle. They attack what they do not know, and there is nothing they will not go after for food, even a lone TriRusk. When they work together, it’s an uneasy agreement. They believe the meal they’re pursuing is best subdued by teamwork, before they go their separate ways. Why do you ask me that?”

  “Reilly’s Raiders are very similar. We have a word for them. Pirates. They’ll do anything for credits, without regard for anyone outside of their unit, and maybe inside their unit, too. Raleigh Reilly takes the dregs and outcasts of the Human mercenary companies and beats them into submission. They take the worst contracts and seem to do well enough, but their reputation is simply awful. They remind me of those Urrtam things.”

  Kurrang ate for a moment without replying, allowing Jessica to do the same. His reason for helping her was as finite as anything she’d encountered. He wanted his daughter back, and he believed she could help him. Nurr, though, and whatever constituted leadership in this community, wanted her out. Eating quietly, Jessica felt her anger rise as she thought about Kurrang’s child alone in that cold, plastic pen, while Fuul and Psymrr took her synthetic diamonds and lined the pockets of their blue chiton without a smidgen of regret.

  Remain dispassionate and provide justice within the framework of the law.

  There was no law that mandated the reunion of Kurrang and his daughter. Raleigh Reilly had a contract to kill everyone and everything on this planet. That such agreements could exist turned her stomach, but a mercenary company could be hired for any mission. She had a responsibility to set the terms for peace according to the regulations of her guild. There was nothing in the standard Peacemaker oath about justice for those in need. She’d made sure there was in hers. The Peacemakers allowed and encouraged personal commitments in the oath of office, for the most part. Her entry raised the many eyebrow hairs of Guild Master Rsach and her selector, Hak-Chet. They’d wanted a Human Peacemaker, but they really weren’t ready for a Human interpretation of the oath of office. Jessica had raised her right hand, with a perfect right angle in her elbow like her father showed her during rehearsals, and swore the basic oath of office.

  I, (state your name), having been appointed a Peacemaker by my guild under the laws of the Galactic Union, do solemnly swear that I will uphold the c
harter and principles of the Galactic Union, ensure their fair and just application, and defend them rigorously against all enemies who seek to subvert or destroy the rule of law; that I take this obligation without hesitation and understanding all inherent risks; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of this position for the duration of my life, on my sacred honor.

  Hak-Chet had smiled and nodded at her with the final approval of the guild for her personal commitments. She’d taken a deep breath and continued from memory.

  I will always honor the threat.

  I will always stand for those in need and for that which is right.

  I will always honor justice.

  I will stand or fall.

  “There is nothing I can do about your situation, Peacemaker. Nurr will expel you from the city in the morning. Without your electronic devices, you do not know the precise location of this cavern and our civilization. I am supposed to take you outside the colony and chase you into the jungle deeply enough for you to lose your way.”

  Jessica raised her eyebrows. “You said, ‘supposed to.’ You’re not planning to do that?”

  Kurrang rocked backward for a moment, then leaned his big frame forward. His voice was low and calm. “No, Peacemaker. I have no such intention. Nurr promised you weaponry for self-defense. We will take much more than necessary to ensure safe passage. I believe we can get inside the MinSha compound and rescue my daughter.”

  Certainly, his daughter was an objective, but it wasn’t the keystone of the plan. Jessica wiped the corners of her mouth with her sleeve and leaned forward. “There’s a different way, one that has worked against every military unit in history, to a certain extent. The longer a campaign holds a particular shape, the more a dedicated enemy can adapt and overcome. We’re not facing an adaptable force. They’ll stick with their leader’s rants and strategies, even as they fail. Once that happens, the company will fall from the inside.”

  “What is this method of waging war? It is illogical, at best.”

  “Insurgency.” Jessica grinned. “Humans want to believe an enemy will give in once defeated. Those outside of their direct influence can wage an effective war of uncertainty. Their position at the MinSha compound is weak, and they’ll need outside resources. That’s how we can fight them. You said earlier we have a connection to your daughter.”

  Kurrang shook his head. “It’s not enough to lead military actions against those mercenaries, Peacemaker.”

  Jessica frowned. “If she can relay information, it would help.”

  Kurrang harrumphed and shoveled more stew into his mouth. He chewed for a moment then set the bowl on the hearth of the fireplace. With careful, graceful ministrations he adjusted the fire and placed another small log on it. The extra light and warmth were appreciable within a moment or two. Jessica finished her meal and scooted closer to the fire.

  “There is a way.”

  Kurrang’s words caught her by surprise. Jessica squinted at him. “What do you mean?”

  “We can get a message to the MinSha, provided they are paying attention to such things. We’ve known about their mission and what they’ve been looking for since shortly after they first arrived,” Kurrang said. He looked at her. “There is much more to us that you need to know, Peacemaker.”

  She held up a hand. “First, do you have any water? Second, and most importantly, my name is Jessica. I’d appreciate it if you’d call me that, Kurrang.”

  He tilted his chin at her and stared. “Why would you appreciate that?”

  “It’s much easier to fight when you know who has your back, Kurrang. If we’re going to get your daughter, we’re going to need every bit of information and trust we can manage. How does that sound to you?”

  Kurrang smiled, hauled himself to his feet, and lowered his powerful hands to the floor. “Water I can manage. The information and trust may require some time. Are you okay with that?”

  “That depends.” Jessica grinned. “Are you willing to fight, or are you going to follow Nurr’s wishes that you hide and let the galaxy pass you by?”

  Kurrang snorted. “I hauled you a great distance and tended your wounds for a reason, Jessica. Nurr is a good leader, but she tends to misplace her faith in maintaining a quiet life.”

  “You’re okay with wrecking all of that?”

  He nodded. “Yes, I am.”

  “That’s what I wanted to hear, Kurrang.” She grinned again. “Why don’t we get to work? When daylight breaks, Nurr’s going to throw me out of your city. I want to make sure of two things. One, we collect as much supplies and ammunition as we can get away with. That will drive most of our effort.”

  “What’s the second thing?”

  “When we leave, I want Nurr and the rest of your city to know we’re going after your daughter.”

  Kurrang glanced sideways at her. “And that will do what?”

  “Are you familiar with guilt? It’s the feeling you should either do or have done something you didn’t? It’s a damned powerful tool with Humans, Kurrang.”

  He grunted but said nothing. He didn’t have to. “While hope isn’t a method, I’m counting on guilt to bring some of your people out of this cave to fight for something. Does that sound good to you?”

  Kurrang nodded. “There’s just one problem.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Nurr’s promise of food and water was on me to provide. I’ve done that. She also promised weapons and support. That probably won’t happen, Jessica. I don’t think she’s going to let you leave at first light.”

  Any positive vibes Jessica felt about the turn of events evaporated in a split second. More and more, there was no one she could really trust. Certainly, there were individuals who trusted her, but the collective mindset of civilizations and races seemed perpetually split on the sheer basis of trust. Really, it boiled down to fear. The TriRusk leadership was afraid of her, and they would likely strike out. Kurrang’s food and water warmed her stomach, making her want to rest. Resting, even for an hour, could mean death. Maybe not for her, but for the MinSha and Kurrang’s daughter, most certainly.

  “We have to leave now, don’t we?” Jessica asked. Kurrang answered with a nod, looking out a wide, rectangular porthole in the wall. Through the thin slit, the brightness of the cavern’s lighting faded perceptibly with every passing second. “At nightfall?”

  “Soon after.”

  Jessica stood and removed the bandage on her thigh. The cloth was heavy and black with blood, and through a ragged gash in the bandage, she could see her skin. While there was dried blood around the periphery of what had been a wound, there was nothing to suggest she’d ever been hurt. “How is this possible?”

  Kurrang looked at her. “The MinSha are here to gather medicinal compounds that are similar in structure to some of their own. They rightfully believe the local floral can produce enzymes and genetic building blocks to aid recovery, decrease aging, and extend the lifespan of numerous species.”

  “Weqq is like a pharmacy for the galaxy?”

  Kurrang chuckled. “Not a store, Jessica. A resource. Something that can be taken. Rest assured the MinSha want this planet as much as your fellow Humans do. Of course, once your Humans realize what they might be sitting on, it could change the outcome of any conflict substantially.”

  “Psymrr and the MinSha were distracted by your daughter’s diamonds. They have strayed from their original mission.”

  “They have,” Kurrang said. “Greed knows no bounds. They believe the…diamonds our stricken children produce are more valuable than long lives and genetic defenses against disease. They’ve sacrificed their people and their compounds for it, foolishly. I hope Humans find the same reasons to stay. They will try to find us, and we will have the advantage of knowing the terrain and how to manipulate them into chasing something of perceived value like a sightless worm.”

  Jessica had to admit that Kurrang summed up much of the Human race with a single statement. A longer lifespan, i
f it could be developed from the rare vegetation, could change humanity’s role in the Union. “How did your people find out about this planet?”

  “We seeded it, along with the MinSha. Thousands of years ago, we seeded planets all over the galaxy. You call it botany. The TriRusk word for it is erraan. In our lexicon, it is the same word as life.”

  Jessica nodded, and something clicked together in her mind. “How old are you, Kurrang?”

  He looked at her for a moment. “In your Earth terms, I would be five hundred and six. The TriRusk live much longer than most species.”

  “Your daughter’s not a youngling then, is she?” Jessica grinned. “She’s on the inside and much more capable than I thought she was. Am I right?”

  “You’re both correct and perceptive, Jessica. Your unpredictable nature and ability to fight made you the right person for me to rescue. The Zuul that targeted you was not.”

  “What?” Jessica gaped. “You found a Zuul with orders to kill me?”

  Kurrang nodded. “Before I secured you, I collected his remains and what I could from his tree-lair. I’ve hidden everything a few thousand meters from the compound, near a secondary base he constructed. You can see for yourself. His orders came from the highest level of the Mercenary Guild from what I could tell.”

  She sighed. “My Selector, Hak-Chet, always said I’d end up a target for someone. I used to be a mercenary before I started Peacemaker training. When your former friends come after you in the night, it hurts to think about it.”

  “There is one thing we haven’t addressed, Jessica.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Officially, at least to the mercenary company and the MinSha, you’re dead.” Kurrang’s eyes blazed with something she thought might be mirth. “You talk about fear winning conflicts? We already have the upper hand.”

  Jessica nodded. “It’s too bad I don’t have my slate or a connection to my combat-slate inside the compound. It’s very capable.”