Elissa huffed in agreement. “I know. I deserve a raise!”
He laughed tears into his eyes, and then felt better.
INTERLUDE
A long silence held the group. His interrogator retreated. Another took over, offering an apology. “We have intruded where even we have no right. Accept our apology.”
“We all have the same job to do,” Chim said. “And the same demons to carry.”
Another x-class agent approached. She said, “Despite appearances, you do take your work seriously.”
He nodded. “Yes.”
“So what happened with the rescue of the Xanian researcher? Your partner managed to pull your fat from the fire on that one, but it was a close call.”
“Sometimes, the best laid plan dies in its sins and goes to hell, but doesn’t that prove my far-ranging wisdom in augmenting my ship with the Hera crystal?”
“Elissa pioneered that development on her own, right?”
“Well, uh…”
“And she was acting on her own to save the Xanian, without your supervision right?”
Chim was growing angry at the constant nitpicking. “So, Elissa shows a little initiative now and then. What’s wrong with that? Her kind are our partners, not domesticated beasts. The pinnacle of creation can hold more than one species—no matter what the arrogant choose to believe.”
6. DRAGON KNIGHT
“You sleep-learned their dialect last night. Why don’t you just reason with these guys?” Elissa asked.
“That’s just not how it’s done,” Chim swung a replicated broadsword experimentally. “These colonists are culturally atavistic. Their ancestors came here to create a fairytale kingdom with castles, wizards, and knightly quests. Mock-violence is all they understand.”
“So you’re going to wade into their midst, beat your chest, grunt in a manly fashion, steal their prize dragon in an unguarded moment, and run for it?”
“Actually, if I provoke a fight with the top dog by insulting his manhood, honor, family linage, and intelligence…”
“He’ll kill you.”
“No, the official champion will try to kill me. Once I defeat him—the rules of chivalry should allow me to claim the beast as my winnings.”
“She’s not a beast. She’s a well-respected academic from the University of Xan in the Rigel star system.”
“Not to the townsmen of Saberham,” Chim said. “They’ve never seen a Xanian before, or any other non-human sentiency. This colony’s been lost for centuries now. It’s why the lady dragon’s here, doing covert research for GETBAC. If she’d only been a little more careful…”
“Then we wouldn’t be crashing a world proscribed by the Galactic Evaluation and Temporization Bureau for Anachronistic Cultures.”
Chim used an overhead block and a pivoting step to deflect an imaginary sword. He followed this up with a decapitation stroke. “Hah, got you!”
“Having fun, are we?”
Chim’s grunt was prideful. “Oh, yeah!” He followed up with a backhanded slice that showed great enthusiasm. He could have fallen back on proper technique, delivering death in movements too small and quick for observation, but the swordplay wouldn’t have been quite so fun.
“Don’t get too carried away, Chim. They say chest-beating goes before a fall.”
Chim paused, puzzled. “Who says that?”
Elissa shrugged, gesturing vaguely with gleaming hands. “You know—they.”
“Oh, them.” He spun and leaped at a bulkhead. His foot shoved off the surface. He bounced higher, his sword wagging over his head. Chim dropped two meters to the deck, slashing downward as though to cleave a man in two. “Imagine what I could do if I were suited up.”
“My love, you are forever a terror and joy to behold. Now, when are we going to get this mission going?”
“I’m waiting on you. Do you have the modifications finished to my exo-suit?”
“Turn around.”
Chim did so. A servo-unit approached, pulling a little red wagon. It entered the departure bay and rolled up to him. Dwarfing the wagon bed was the modified exo-suit. The helmet’s crest now sported an anodized gold dragon figurine with garnet eyes and jaws frozen in an eternal snarl. The suit’s attached cape was the same the same eye-searing shade of crimson he usually sported, but a matching surcoat had been added. The platinum bands that crossed the torso were still there. He inspected the joints closely. They’d been cosmetically altered to a more primitive look. With this, he was all set to pass as a run-of-the-mill armored knight.
Another drone-pulled wagon appeared. This one brought him a sword and a red shield with the winding silhouette of a black dragon on it. He studied the artwork. “My coat of arms, I take it.” Chim picked up the sword in its red-lacquered sheath. The scabbard bore an inset pattern showing an obsidian shape wiggling in pursuit of a pearl. “This is nice, but I already have a sword.”
“That piece of junk? It would never survive the first moment of combat. It’s not even full tang—the hilt is screwed on! There isn’t a blood groove, and the quality of the steel—don’t get me started.”
“All right, already, so how’s your sword any better?”
“It’s magic,” Elissa said.
“Say what?”
“Well, that’s what you’ll say if someone asks you about it.”
Chim pinned Elissa with a questioning stare, raising an eyebrow. “And why would anyone ask me about the sword? What have you done to it?”
“Well, the metal is one of the military’s new ultra-dense super alloys, stronger than titanium-steel, lighter than aluminum. The weapon is balanced so that it can be thrown accurately. And then there’s the small matter of the quantum phase inverter built into the handle. When activated, the blade becomes capable of carving something as dense as a dead star’s collapsed heart.”
“Aren’t the portable models still highly experimental?” he asked.
“I’m pretty sure this one will work—at least two times out of three.”
“And the fourth time?”
“It won’t have enough power for a fourth time, so don’t bet your life on it.”
“Fine.” Chim packed himself into the modified exo-suit, strapped the sword so it hung on his left hip, and picked up the shield. He sub-vocalized, shifting his conversation to stealth mode. “Is that all of the surprises?”
“Nearly.”
“C’mon, spill. What aren’t you telling me, Elissa?”
“Well, I’ve modified some of my equipment, as well as yours. That crystal we got on Hera makes this projection solid within the ship. That being true, it occurred to me that I could override limiters and also project outside.”
“Like you did at my father’s grave?”
“No, I think I can do it full scale now, and keep solidity.”
“Why would you want to?” Chim asked. “You’re with me in the middle of every mission as it is. My comm implant links us. Anyway, if you project outside the ship, you’ll likely scare some old geezer into a heart attack, making him think he’s seeing a ghost or something.”
“Don’t worry, I plan on stashing this trump card up my proverbial sleeve until a life-and-death moment comes along, when victory can be snatched from the slavering jaws of defeat by a timely diversion.”
“Just don’t go popping in and out indiscriminately. You’ll blow my cover.”
“I am capable of restraint—most of the time. I’ll wait until you call.”
“All right then. It’s night on the planet below. Take the ship down. It’s time to go fetch a dragon.”
“Aye, Aye Sir.” Elissa saluted sassily, then her photon-based body faded like the last vestige of a dream.
Chim left the ship nestled in thick woodland, on a small hill. He hadn’t dared land too close to the local villages, or the great manor houses that protected them, so he had a long walk before him. Fortunately, as long as he kept undercover, his exo-suit let him move at phenomenal speed. An hour passed. He
reached a narrow span. It crossed a swift-flowing stream, connecting two pieces of dirt road.
“What do you think?” he asked Elissa. “Will the bridge hold my weight?”
“It should. The locals cross this thing in armor, on something that looks like a unicorn. If it takes their weight, it should take yours.”
“Let’s find out.” Chim started across. Complaining, the bridge creaked, but held. He reached its center as audio pick-ups detected riders coming his way. There was no time to reach the end, and the bridge wasn’t wide enough for more than one person at a time. Whoever the newcomers were, they’d have to wait for him to get across before they could proceed.
Muttering heatedly, the riders pulled reins in front of him, stopping at the end of the bridge. Their powder-blue mounts were a mutant strain of equine, with bony plating on their backs and sides, having a curved horn jutting from foreheads.
“They’re discussing which of them gets to challenge you for right of way,” Elissa said. “Apparently, they don’t believe in patience.”
“Well, I’m not jumping off this thing, and I’m not backing up. If I lose face here, these people won’t take me seriously. I need to play the game their way...for now.”
“Besides, it gives you an excuse to try out your new sword,” Elissa said.
“Hey, every dark cloud has a silver lining. Which one would you say is the leader?”
“The one coming to collect your head!”
Chim eyed the rider who urged his mount ahead of the others. His armor was in good shape, partially covered by a rust-colored surcoat with a yellow, stylized wolf-head on it. He brandished a club with a spiked ball chained to its top. A movement of his forearm and wrist set the ball whirling, a metallic blur.
Chim waited as the gap between them closed.
He’s on a damned unicorn and I’m afoot ... so much for fairness and chivalry. Good thing I believe in stacking the deck as well.
The beast was nearly on top of him when Chim moved. His exo-suit thrust him high into the air where he hung inverted for a moment—long enough for a lightning draw and slash. The unicorn passed under him, carrying its confused rider away with only the base of his prize weapon. Most of the morning star’s shaft and its chain hit the bridge as Chim did. The spiked ball however arced over the railing and splashed into the stream. Unable to turn his mount, the first rider had no choice but to finish crossing.
Chim stood relaxed, sword in armored hand, as the second rider climbed off his mount, giving the reins to his companion. The second knight’s armor was severely nicked and dented. Either he was more active, or not as good a fighter as his friends. His surcoat was lavender-blue with a white crescent moon on it. He approached with a two-headed axe in hand.
This one was smart enough to learn from the first one’s errors. I shouldn’t underestimate him, Chim decided.
The new challenger stopped just out of reach. The man lifted his
faceplate, revealing blunt, wide features, coco brown skin that matched his eyes, and a close-trimmed beard. “Ho, Sir Knight, whom have I the privilege of addressing. I would know thy name ‘fore I slice thee open and spill thy giblets.”
“I am Sir Chim…”
Elissa’s soft voice unwound in his head. “Throw in some titles. These types love stuff like that.”
It was a good idea. He made a few up on the spot. “…Dragon-Lord of Rigel, Defender of Avalon, First Knight of Narnia, and Crown Prince of Whales and Dolphins.”
“Impressive titles, stranger,” the axe man said. “I am Moe Towne, the Duke of Url.” He lowered his visor.
That was all the warning Chim got.
The warrior screeched like a banshee and surged forward with an overhand sweep.
Fortunately, Chim’s exo-suit enhanced his response time. He slanted his sword, deflecting the down-stroke away from his head. He quarter-turned his body and brought the flat of his blade down on the man’s gauntlets. The axe fell from stunned fingers. Chim’s weapon bounced up, and he drew back a little to set its tip at the knight’s throat, just under the visor. It was the most vulnerable spot available.
“I suggest you surrender,” Chim advised.
The knight nodded agreement. “I thank thee for the opportunity to yield, but you might as well kill me. I haven’t the means to ransom myself from thy hand.”
Elissa’s tiny voice caught Chim’s attention. “Having defeated him, the local rules say he must give you his armor and mount, as well as a sizeable cash bonus.”
“Can your friends be of assistance?” Chim suggested.
“They are as poor as I. We are on our way to the May Fair, intending to enter the games and better our purses.”
“Then give me something I prize more than wealth,” Chim said, “your friendship, and I will forgive the debt.”
Sir Towne extended his hand. Chim did the same. Each armored hand gripped the other’s forearm firmly, completing the medieval handshake.
Sir Towne removed his helmet. “Thou art a skilled warrior with a great and noble heart. Gladly, we call thee brother.”
The third knight reached them, coming up behind Moe. He shoved his visor back, revealing a youthful face with a pronounced nose and a scraggly mustache. His surcoat was black with silver trim, baring the emblem of a two-headed griffin. He grinned. “Aye,” you are our brother from henceforth. Call in thy need, our swords shall answer. We swear it
on the brightness of our honor.”
“May we look upon thy face, kinsman?” Moe asked.
“I regret, I cannot do this,” Chim said. “I am on a holy quest, and have vowed not to remove a single piece of armor, or show my face, until the quest be done.”
“I admire thy piety, Sir Chim. Tis sad, but many that call themselves knights these days do not keep with the old ways.” Moe retrieved his axe. “My friends are Sir Wallis and Sir Wolfe. We would invite thee to join us, but your path is set as the course of the stars, so we shall not hinder thee further.”
Moe and his friend backed up, allowing Chim to finish crossing the narrow span. Once he was over, they clapped him soundly on the back, wishing him well as he continued.
“If we finish this mission soon,” Chim sub-vocalized, “I can still get over to this May Fair. I wouldn’t mind looking the guys up again, maybe getting in a joist or two.”
“Forget it,” Elissa said. “The longer we’re here, the greater chance of cultural contamination.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
“Of course I am. If you’d listen to me a little more often—”
“I’d have a lot less fun.”
“Keep your mind on business, Chim. I’m still getting fallout from your rather innovative solution on Ebon. We really should keep a low profile for a while.”
“Fine, have it your way. Hey look! I think we’re there.” Chim slowed his gait, using his visor’s image processors to enhance the view. He studied structures that suddenly appeared around the side of a hill. “I think this is Saberham.”
“You’re right. The scene’s a perfect match for the aerial shots we downloaded from GETBAC. This is where the Xanian researcher is being held.”
“Well, I guess I’ll head on down there and look around. It shouldn’t take too long to discover who has her and where she is.”
“Let’s not fight anyone we don’t have to Chim. You have an unfair advantage. It would be like clubbing goldfish in a bucket...not exactly sporting.”
“Tell you what, I won’t cleave anyone who doesn’t need it.”
“I’m not sure that comforts me.”
“Best I can do. Hey, does this place seem a bit quiet. I don’t see anyone moving around. The town appears deserted.”
“You’re right, Chim. The people are either out working their fields, or…”
“Or more likely, they’re all over at the May Fair, where we ought to
be.”
He turned back the way he’d come. Looks like I’m going to be hooking up with Moe and th
e guys after all. He stomped off at high speed. Soon, he reached the bridge he’d used earlier. He crossed it and kept moving at a relentless pace. Too much time had been wasted on this mission already.
Outside a stable, near a field littered with brightly dyed tents and booths, he slowed. Chim found his new friends again. They shouted his name, delighted with his sudden arrival. “Lord Chim, I’m glad thou hast reconsidered,” Sir Towne slapped him heartily on the back. “We’ve just quartered our mounts and were on the way to sign up for the lists. I reckon thou shalt cause a stir or two among us this day.”
Chim heard Elissa’s voice in his ear, adding commentary. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”
He ignored her, swept along by his friends. He scanned the crowds, booths, and tents. The Xanian’s gotta be here somewhere. This is the perfect time and place for displaying such a dramatic trophy.
They reached the stands that bracketed the tourney field. The seating was packed with brightly clad bodies. Even the lowest class citizen was elaborately dressed, the benefit of pseudo-barbarism not being as accurate as the real thing. The roar of the crowd told him a contest was ending decisively.
There was a long table set up where scribes were recording the names of knights and the events they wanted to enter. Sir Towne and his friends signed up for joisting. Chim registered for the sword trials, then bid his friends good fortune. They took their leave, needing to prepare for their events.
Chim returned to the booths and tents, making his way generally toward the site where sword trials were held. He listened carefully as he strolled. Something as wondrous as a dragon was going to be a hot topic of gossip. Eventually, he came to a huge tent bearing royal crests. He froze, staring at a cage suspended over the entrance. The gathered crowd couldn’t get too close since posted guards fended them off.
He heard Elissa’s voice, “That’s her! Now we just have to get her away from the locals.”
“Easier done than said,” Chim answered. “We just wait until this affair is over and they’re transporting her back to the holding. I can hit them on the bridge where their own numbers will hamper them. I break the cage open, grab the Xanian, jump the railing with her, and let the stream carry us away to a secluded spot where you can scoop us up. I should only need to injure some knightly pride.”
Agent X Page 12
