Birthright

by L. Fergus

  Mickelson introduced Kita to the men and directed them to contact Central Hub. One of the men showed Kita where to stand and where to look. Kita stood, waiting nervously.

  “You’ll be speaking to General Barneky,” said Mickelson.

  The panel in front of her filled with an office much like the one she was in, except ten times larger and holding twenty times the personnel.

  “What is it, Lieutenant? I haven’t time to deal with your crap today.” Barneky had his back to the camera, spoke with a hard accent, and clipped words. He must deal with Bowersox often. Kita waited for him to turn around.

  “Well, get on with it, Bowersox! I haven’t got all day.” Barneky turned around. He wore a Legion uniform, but with rows of decorations and medals attached to the front.

  He glitters like a sweet sixteen on her birthday.

  “Who the blazing suns are you?” Barneky demanded.

  Kita squeaked out her first word. “I’m—I’m Katrina Logine, Junior Commander of The Legion of Yorq, and I need to speak to you about several things.”

  Barneky chuckled. “Rosie, we don’t have a junior commander. If we did, I’d be the first to know. Sergeant, will you get her out of here? And why in the blazes did you let her in? You better have a good explanation.”

  Mickelson didn’t move.

  “You’re being informed now, General.” Kita tapped her chain to make it move. “It’s not like I don’t come with the proper credentials.”

  “That chain is unique, and it checks out. But, it’s not hard to counterfeit if you have the right equipment.”

  “Are you saying you have trouble with people pretending to be Legion commanders, General?”

  “Only on the surface and never with the proper transmitter.”

  “Fine. Where’s a biometric scanner? Will that work, General?”

  “Yes,” Barneky growled.

  A scanner appeared held by a legionnaire. Kita jammed her finger in and waited impatiently on Barneky.

  “Looks legit. What can I do for you, Junior Commander? Make it quick. I haven’t got all day.” Barneky’s voice dripped with contempt.

  Kita fought her anger. “Commander Angus is missing, and we need to find him.”

  “Commander Angus goes missing for long periods. Get used to it.” Barneky turned away.

  Kita grit her teeth. “He was overwhelmed by elves.”

  Barneky turned around. “Commander Angus can take on a pack of elves by himself. He’s probably trying to catch up after you ran away.”

  “We skirmished with ten elves. I took three, Commander Angus took three, and my companion took three.”

  “And the last one?”

  “My cat got it.”

  Barneky’s eyes lit with amusement. “Your cat got it? Rosie, elves don’t come in packs larger than five. Are you sure you weren’t fighting cave cucumbers?” Someone to Barneky’s right snickered.

  “You doubt my report? After those ten, the cavern floor opened and released hundreds, as well as something big. I want a rescue party to go back and check out what happened.”

  “I think your imagination is getting the better of you. I don’t have the men to waste on a fool’s errand. And, I don’t have the time to waste talking to you. Go sit in a corner, and I’ll send you a babysitter. Until then, stay out of the way and leave the real men’s work to us. Understood?” Barneky glared at her.

  Kita’s hands clenched. Sarge hissed at the large face on the panel.

  “General…YOU’RE FIRED!” Kita shouted angrily. “Get your number two in here, NOW!”

  Barneky laughed. “You can’t fire me, only Angus can fire me.”

  “And right now, Commander Angus is missing, which leaves me the acting commander. If he cares to reinstate you, that’s his choice. Until then, get out of my sight!”

  Barneky turned away and disappeared. Another man appeared. He had a round face with a funny nose and wore glasses. His uniform was neat and pressed, but other than a nametag and his rank, it held no decorations.

  Kita tried to rein in her voice. For now. “Are you General Barneky’s number two?”

  The man nodded. “Yes, Commander. I’m Colonel Bradley.”

  “Well, Colonel, you’ve been promoted. Did you hear our previous conversation?”

  “Yes, Commander. We have the resources to mount the operation. I advise we send a small team with some of our heavy light weapons.”

  “Why not send a larger force? There are a lot of elves and something else we couldn’t identify.”

  “The tubes limit maneuverability. A large force would be wasted. The weaponry will make up for it.”

  “I have two names I want to be included in the party. Private Savage is a former Ranger, and Private Petersen is a man I trust and would like to be the senior sergeant. I’ll lead.”

  Bradley shook his head. “I recommend you leave this to a lesser officer. We have received repeated requests for Commander Angus to move to the front with the king—though, they stopped ten days ago. We’ve been waiting for Commander Angus to see what he wants to do.”

  Kita’s shoulders slumped—she wanted to go. “Alright, I’ll move to the front and figure out what’s going on there. Pick an officer to lead the party, but I want daily updates. Notify me immediately if Angus is found and what they find in that cavern. How fast can you have the team together? I’d like this to be their base of operations.”

  “It could take a few days to get everyone selected and moving.”

  “Not good enough. The trail is already several days old.”

  “I’ll see what I can do,” said Bradley in a neutral tone.

  “Find new assignments for Barneky and Bowersox. Something nasty.”

  “General Barneky is an excellent officer, but a little old-fashioned,” said Bradley.

  “Your loyalty is admirable. If he handles it well, move him someplace where his talents are useful. For Bowersox, he needs to be well-supervised by someone who can straighten him out.”

  “I know just the man. Will a tour at a sewage treatment facility be nasty enough, Commander?”

  “Yes, that will work. Also, see that Sergeant Mickelson is promoted to lieutenant and placed in command of Outpost Twenty-four.”

  “That’s highly irregular, Commander.”

  “Yes. But he knows what’s wrong and what’s right with this place. It needs to be cleaned up.”

  “I’ll make sure it happens. Anything else, Commander?”

  Kita shook her head. “No, I think that’s it.”

  “I’ll start immediately, Commander.” The panel went black.

  Kita turned to Mickelson, “Three more things, Lieutenant.”

  “Yes, Commander?”

  “Food, shower, and a bed. We haven’t slept in days and eaten anything besides these.” Kita took a wrapper from her belt.

  “Someone gave you those to eat? Usually, the men use them for firewood. We’ll get you fixed up, Commander.”

  After a quick meal, Kita was shown to a guest room.

  “Follow me,” the sergeant said to Zidin.

  “I’ll stay with her.”

  Kita didn’t have the energy to deal with Zidin. Sometime apart would be good. “Go with him.”

  “But—”

  “Do it.” Kita went inside, leaving Zidin with the sergeant.

  A knock at the door caused Kita to grunt, thinking it was Zidin. A private stood at attention with a pile of clothes.

  “The lieutenant said you needed a change of uniform, Commander. When you’re ready, I’ll take your armor to the armorer to have it cleaned and checked.”

  “Thanks for the uniform, but I’ll hang onto my armor.” Kita didn’t want just anyone working on it.

  “Don’t worry, Commander.” A grizzled old veteran appeared in the doorway. “I’ve seen this style before. It’s been a long time. Whoever made it didn’t make many sets. Last time I saw one was the War of Repulsion. The set belonged to a mercenary, if I remember correctly.�
�

  Kita sighed. I can guess who that mercenary was. Mother. “Alright. Just be careful with it. It’s been abused.”

  “I’ll have it fixed good as new by the time you’re back on your feet. I’ll wait here.” Kita took the uniform and headed to the shower.

  Kita awoke in the dark to a polite chime. She’d gone to sleep with the lights on after being unable to turn them off. So, what’s the secret to turning them back on? “Hello? Light on?” She snapped her fingers. Clap? Damn. Maybe my visitor will know. Kita stood, and the lights turned on. Relieved, she opened the door.

  Zidin didn’t look happy.

  Kita sighed. “What?”

  “I’ve been sent to tell you the first troops for the rescue patrol have arrived.”

  “Did the officer in charge arrive?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Tell Mickelson I’ll meet him in the mess.” Kita wanted a chance to freshen up.

  Zidin huffed. “Fine, but you owe me an apology first.”

  “For what?” Kita said harshly.

  “You’ve insulted me, treated me worse than that thing,” Zidin pointed at Sarge, “and you didn’t let me do what is required to preserve my honor.”

  Kita cocked her head. “Don’t insult my cat. What didn’t I let you do?”

  “You slept unprotected while I slept with those legionnaires.”

  “Those legionnaires are mine, so don’t insult them. I can’t get any better protection then I am right now. I thought you could use a break,” Kita said sweetly.

  “I won’t feel you’re protected unless I’m standing behind you,” he said in an even tone.

  “I don’t know if I want you standing behind me. I think I’d be safer with an elf. I know it’ll stab me in the back.”

  “I didn’t stab you in the back. I was trying to help you understand yourself.”

  Kita tossed her hair. “If this is your idea of helping me, I think I preferred it when you were attacking me.”

  “How is what I said wrong?”

  Kita wasn’t sure what bothered her more: his insistence he’d done nothing wrong or that he kept the same even tone throughout. She took in a deep breath. “What you said may have been technically correct, but it doesn’t help me. If it were that easy, we wouldn’t be having this argument. I know I’m a mess, and I don’t know how to deal with it—yet.”

  “In this state of mind, you plan on leading not one, but two armies?”

  “I don’t have two armies. I don’t even have one. I have you, me, Sarge, and a vous êtes tous des cons! I know I can’t handle things alone. I’m not stupid. I relieved that pigheaded general because I knew I wouldn’t be able to work with him and he’d either shove me aside or lie to my face. I won’t have that. I need people who can do their job without me and who I trust enough to guide me.

  “Why do you think I brought you along? For your conversation skills? You’re a warrior with experience in combat. You’ve seen a thousand times more combat than I have. Sure, I’ve beaten you, but I can’t watch all sides at once. Angus was supposed to be my mentor for the Legion. You’re supposed to be my guide as a Rose, and eyes and ears I can trust. Now it’s gone to the bloody moons. Angus is gone, and you’ve turned into my BLOODY FATHER!” Kita’s face was contorted in rage.

  “I...”

  “LEAVE ME ALONE!” Kita screamed. She fled across the room to the bed, curling up in the corner, Sarge following her. He wormed his way into her lap and gave Kita something soft to cry into.

  Zidin stood by the door. Kita’s sobs softened. He made his way to the bed, sat down next to her, and put his arm around her.

  Kita leaned against him. For the first time in a long time, she felt safe. A knock on the door brought her out of her comfortably numb state.

  “Commander, are you alright? There was a report of someone screaming,” said a voice through the door.

  Kita wiped her tears away. “I’m fine. Just a debate over command styles.”

  “Yes, Commander. Lieutenant Mickelson would like to see you at your earliest convenience.”

  “Thank you. Tell him I’ll be there shortly.”

  Kita barely heard the affirmation. She took a shower because she could and worked at putting her hair together into something to make her feel better. She put on the top to her uniform and her boots. In the mirror, the uniform did a wonderful job of hiding her figure. The uniform’s tag said male, Small. Her breasts weren’t large, and the uniform made her feel like she had no chest. I want my armor back. Maybe I can get some of these tailored to fit, find some tissues, or something...

  She left the room with Zidin and Sarge. Kita forgot where to meet Mickelson and the layout of the outpost. She looked in a door and found an empty broom closet. Opening a second door, she found a group of legionaries cleaning a storage room and its equipment. Explains the empty broom closet. No one noticed her, so she closed the door.

  They found another group sitting around in a room. “Can someone guide me to the mess?” I should be able to find Mickelson from there. No one offered to help. Kita didn’t take it as an insult. I’m sure I’ve intimidated the bloody moons out of them. The legionnaires had a silent conversation, and the lowest rank came over. “Follow me, Commander.”

  In the hallway, Kita tried to put the legionnaire at ease. “I don’t bite.”

  “Yes, Commander.”

  She tried hard not to take that as an insult. “I do eat small children, shoot fireballs from my eyes, bathe in my enemy’s blood, have wild sex with the mountain nymphs, and can out-drink any man here.”

  The Legionnaire chuckled. “I don’t think so, Commander. Some of these guys can put it away by the barrel.”

  “So, you do know more than two words?”

  “Yes, Commander.”

  “Care to elaborate on why you’re sticking to two-word sentences?”

  The soldier stopped. “Don’t take offense, Commander, but you’re younger than most of us by half. A lot of guys aren’t sure how to take it. After relieving General Barneky and Lieutenant Bowersox, the sergeants and officers are on edge thinking they could be next. The display in the mess upset everyone. They think you’re degrading them.”

  “And what do you think? You can speak freely.” Kita waved him on.

  “In my opinion, we got what we deserved. Getting a browbeating is something most guys have forgotten how to take. This place has gone to the pigs since Bowersox took command. If it weren’t for Sergeant—Lieutenant—Mickelson, this place would have been a real pit.”

  “Good to know. I’ve kept Lieutenant Mickelson waiting for far too long.”

  When Kita walked into the mess, everyone jumped to their feet. Kita put them at ease and found Mickelson at the center of a hive of activity.

  “Greetings, Commander. Did you get a good rest?”

  “Yes, thank you. Who are these men?” Kita asked, pointing to the legionnaires sitting at the tables checking their gear.

  “These are the men you requested for the search patrol.”

  “I thought they were days away.”

  “They double-timed it here.”

  Kita’s eyebrows rose. They look exhausted, but I need to get them searching. How effective will they be like this? The trail isn’t going to get any colder. “Make sure they get some rest.”

  “Glad we have a commander who cares.”

  Kita turned and returned the salute of a tall, lanky man dressed in the standard combat armor of the Legion.

  “Major Thorne, Commander.”

  “Good to meet you, Major. Will you be leading?”

  “Yes, Commander. I’ll be taking them out and bringing them all back.”

  “That’s dedication I like to hear, Major. Have you had a chance to meet your senior sergeant?”

  “Yes, Commander. Sergeant Petersen knows his stuff.”

  “I’d like to brief you, Sergeant Petersen, and Private Savage, as soon as you’re ready.”

  “Yes, Commander. I’ll get
them.”

  Kita turned to Mickelson. “Is there an office we can use?”

  “My office is clean. You can use it, Commander.”

  Kita raised an eyebrow. The whole outpost had moved forward while she slept.

  Kita waited in Mickelson’s office. He answered a knock at the door and let Thorne, Petersen, and Savage in.

  Kita and Zidin related everything they’d seen and heard during the escape from the elves in the cavern.

  “Do I have your permission to employ the heavy weapons, Commander?” said Thorne.

  “Like what?”

  “I brought two types when I heard the mission parameters. The first is a flamethrower. It shoots a stream of fire. It has a short range but is effective against elves. The second is the light minigun. It’s made of a six rotating light gun barrels. It can clean out a tunnel in a hurry. Two of them make short work of anything.”

  Kita blinked in astonishment. What do they even look like? “Yes, take what you think you’ll need. How does light stop anything?”

  “It burns when it hits. It’s the same as the light rifle.”

  “What’s a light rifle?”

  “A light rifle is a Legion weapon that goes back to the Legion’s beginning,” said Mickelson. “They’re impossible to aim, so we only use them in the tubes where it’s short range.”

  “Take anything you need to bring everyone back home. Do you have any questions, Private Savage? I expect you to lead Major Thorne to Commander Angus.”

  Savage frowned. “It would be better if I knew more about Commander Angus. The trail is stone cold. We might catch a break if nothing’s disturbed the site. Tracking in these tunnels is tricky. If anyone can find him, it’ll be me.”

  Kita clapped him on the shoulder. “Good, that’s what I want to hear. Any more questions?” Everyone declined. “Good, dismissed. I’d like to see Sergeant Petersen for a moment.”

  When the room emptied, Kita gave her old instructor a hug. “Petersen, how did you survive?”

  “I was with a group fighting by the south tower. The enemy came over the wall on ladders. We escaped using them and separated. After a couple of days, we met some Legion recruiters. They drafted a few of us and helped the rest escape. I was sent here as my first assignment. It’s good to see you’re safe. How did you get out?”