The Fight for Creation: Book 02 - Scout Warrior

by Saxon Andrew

  “It’s not good enough, Sir.”

  “Keep at it. You’ll improve.”

  “Is there any way for some of us to come in after hours and train?”

  The Officer looked at a clipboard and said, “Tomorrow night at eleven is the only time it’s available.”

  “Please clear me to come in and work.”

  “You’re down. I’ll have the facility powered until one AM.”

  The Trainer saw leadership potential in the private and those selected to lead were given every advantage to improve. It was actually available two hours earlier but he wanted to know if the private was sincere in his desire to improve. He would check and see if he actually showed up that late.

  • • •

  Jixie saw that Robby was going to the electronic training facility in a couple of minutes and she shook Jennifer, “What, what!”

  “Get up and come with me.”

  “Leave me alone.”

  “Jennifer, get up or I’m going to snatch you out of that bed like I did at the bog!”

  Jennifer groaned and rolled over. Jixie said, “Get dressed.”

  Jennifer followed Jixie out of the barracks and said, “What’s going on? Will you slow down?”

  Jixie slowed her pace and watched Robby join the three others outside the Electronic Training Facility. They entered the building and Jennifer said, “What are they doing?”

  “I suspect some additional training. I want to see what’s going on.”

  “And you didn’t want to get in trouble by yourself?”

  Jixie looked at Jennifer and smiled, “Exactly. Let’s go in and sit in the back row. They won’t see us.”

  “The door chime will warn them.”

  Jixie didn’t think about that. “I don’t think it works at night. We’ll tell them we’re there to practice as well.”

  Jennifer was hopping up and down on her toes, “Jixie, we could get in trouble.”

  “For wanting the same opportunity to grow as the four of them?”

  Jennifer stopped hopping and said, “You’re right. Lead the way.”

  Jixie moved up to the door and silenced the chime before she opened it. They bent over and slipped into the chairs in the back row of the darkened viewing section. They slid down in their seats and watched the four run attack simulations. Jixie heard, “The best we can do is eighty eight percent on level six.”

  Dort said, “Why did you want to do this, Sam?”

  “We need to see what will happen if we link.”

  Robby said, “I thought you were going to wait and do that at the armory?”

  “We need to know before we go.”

  Jixie now knew who the leader of the group was.

  Gon said, “Why?”

  “Because if it does, we should go alone.”

  Jennifer stared at Robby and saw he was not an integral part of the group. She wondered why he was here.

  Dort and Gon shrugged and said, “We yield to your judgment. How do you want to do this?”

  Sam looked at Robby and said, “You need to link in with us.”

  “Let’s do it.”

  Jixie was watching Robby’s mind and as soon as the four linked it disappeared. She took a quick breath and Jenifer looked at her with a stern expression. Jixie turned back to the front and heard, “Maintain the link and pull up level seven and let’s see how we do.”

  Jixie felt something and looked over at Jennifer. She saw a smile and she immediately looked in her mind and heard music. She backed out quickly and looked at the four in the front. The simulation had started and they were destroying everything coming at them. Three minutes later the simulation ended and a mechanical voice said, “Scene Seven completed. Accuracy 100%.”

  Sam looked at Robby and said, “You can hear it as well.”

  “I can.”

  Jennifer stood up and said, “I can hear it too.”

  All four standing in the front jerked their heads toward the back of the room and Sam said, “Who’s there?”

  Jennifer walked forward and said, “I can hear the music.”

  Sam stared at her and then said, “Break the link.”

  The link was broken and Jennifer said, “It stopped.”

  Sam looked at her as Dort said, “We’re like Molly.”

  Sam snapped his head toward Dort, “What do you mean?”

  “We’re not able to give the music to anyone because we don’t have the swords. But remember that all of Molly’s warriors heard her melody and fought together as one. When we link, others can hear.”

  Robby looked at Jennifer with a soft smile, “Why are you here?”

  Jennifer looked at the back of the room and Jixie was gone. She turned back around and said, “I want to be a better warrior as well. I thought you were gaining an upper hand.”

  Gon said, “So what do we do about this?”

  Robby said, “I don’t see any other choice, but to use your rank and get a platoon to see if this works.”

  Jennifer looked at Sam and he was about to say Robby could do it just as easily and saw Robby running his hand back and forth across his neck. “I’ll see what I can do.”

  “Can you include Jixie and me in that platoon?”

  “Who’s Jixie?”

  “She’s the blonde that stands next to me in formation. You know; the one that eats so much. She was here but I guess she left.”

  Sam said, “You will not discuss this with anyone and that includes the training staff here.”

  “Just who are you?”

  “I’ll let you know after training. We still have to complete that first, but I’ll make sure you are included in whatever we decide.”

  “Jixie, too.”

  Sam smiled, “Jixie, too.”

  Jixie was still there but had turned her body transparent. She knew at some level she should be worried, but this looked like it was shaping up to be a hoot. Now where did that word come from? She focused and smiled. It was the perfect word. These warriors were going to be wonderful playmates.

  Chapter Five

  Sam came over to Jixie’s table as she was starting on her third trip back from the food line and sat down. “I understand you were at practice last night.”

  Jixie smiled, “I was.”

  “Did you hear the melody?”

  Jixie remembered hearing it in Jennifer’s mind, “I did.”

  “Why didn’t you stay?”

  “You caught us sneaking in on your practice. I felt guilty.”

  Sam looked at the pretty woman and said, “You remind me of someone.”

  “I get that a lot. But no one ever tells me who it is.”

  “I suspect the majority of those that say that to you are male warriors attempting to have a conversation with you. I’m serious. You look familiar.”

  “Oh, so you don’t want to start a conversation with me?”

  Sam laughed, “I guess I just barged right in and started questioning you. I’m sorry. I’m Sam Mica.”

  Jixie shook his hand and said, “I’m Jixie.”

  “No last name?”

  “No, just Jixie.”

  “Well, I’ve requested a platoon to command after training is over and Jennifer asked that I include you. I just wanted to make sure you wanted to do that and had no issues about me being your commanding officer.”

  “Yes and no.”

  “Huh?”

  “I want you to include me and I have no issues.”

  Sam smiled, “You’re fast. Welcome aboard.”

  Sam started to get up and Jixie said, “I’m curious, Sam.”

  “About what?”

  “How are you going to request a platoon and get it? I would think you’d want a company where the three others could command platoons.”

  Sam stared at her and sat back down. “I didn’t think of that.”

  “Well if the ones around the four of you are affected, I would want as many warriors as possible to be around me.”

  “A company has fo
ur platoons.”

  “Normally, but I suspect you will be the overall commander from what I’ve seen. Could you do that and also command a platoon.”

  “If the links works like we suspect it will, there will be little need for an overall commander in anything smaller than a battalion.”

  “Then it makes even more sense to have four platoons.”

  “Thanks, Jixie. I appreciate it.” Sam stood and looked at Jixie’s tray, “How do you eat that much and stay so trim?”

  Jixie laughed, “Hard work.”

  Sam waved and said, “You got that right.”

  Jixie watched him go and decided that he was interesting. She was going to be in his platoon and that should be entertaining. She turned back to her tray and took a huge bite of mashed potatoes. She started chewing and thought, “He’s pretty good to look at as well.” Now where did that come from? She focused and was unable to see where it had originated. She looked deeper and decided that it had come from the body she was in. What was that? She turned and looked at Sam as he left the commissary and decided that he did look pretty good at any distance.

  • • •

  Sam pushed his wrist unit he had been hiding in his foot locker inside a boot. He waited and Jon appeared on his display, “Sam, I’ve been hoping you would call.”

  “Hi, Jon, how’s Maranda?”

  “She’s doing fine. I’ll tell her you called.”

  “Tell her I love her, Jon.”

  “I suspect you’re calling for a reason.”

  “I am. I want you to give me a company of Life Warriors at the end of training.”

  Jon stared at Sam and finally said, “You want what?”

  “Jon; Dort, Teg, Robby, and I can hear the trace when we link. I need to find out where this is leading us.”

  “You can actually hear it?”

  “Clearly.” Jon was struggling and Sam said, “What’s wrong, Jon?”

  “We’re planning a massive attack on a major Grogat construction planet. I’m worried about the losses we’re going to endure in that campaign.”

  Sam shook his head, “Jon, you can’t protect me. I have to face the risks everyone else does.”

  “I know, Sam. I just don’t want to lose you. You’re the only family I have left.”

  Sam smiled, “You have Maranda and the entire Bristone Realm, Jon. I don’t seek command, but we’ve discussed it among ourselves and we need to determine what’s happening.”

  “How are you going to select your warriors?”

  “I’ve already selected two of them. The four of us will be commanding a platoon. We’ll just see how the others are selected when the moment arrives. I need you to make this happen as soon as training is over.”

  “That’s next week.”

  Sam tilted his head, “You have been keeping track.”

  “You’d do the same thing in my place.”

  “I know.”

  “I’ll contact Admiral Gardner. By the way, who is Robby?”

  “Robby Gardner.”

  “Oh that’s just great. We can have both members of the succession killed at the same time.”

  “There are those ready to replace us. The Realm will be fine and you know it.”

  “Tell that to the Admiral.”

  “No, Jon; you tell the Admiral what you want and if he gives you trouble you replace him. I know you’re strong enough to rule the Realm. Do you know?”

  Jon stared at Sam and smiled, “I’ll handle it.”

  “We’ll organize during our liberty immediately after training on Ross.”

  “I’m going to meet you there.”

  “I’d love to have you.”

  “See you on Ross.”

  • • •

  The final week of training finally arrived and the Trainer said, “You will be going to the armory today and selecting your weapons and removing your training equipment. We are slated to arrive in two hours. You may use the time as you choose but be back here at O nine hundred hours.” The platoon began to scatter and Sam walked up to the Trainer, “I need to speak with you for a moment.”

  The Trainer saw Jennifer, Robby, and Jixie still standing around and he said, “Is that the proper way to address your Trainer?”

  Sam stared at him and then said, “Lieutenant Haines, I am Duke Scott Anglo Mica Robbins. I am going to give you some orders and you will carry them out if you intend to keep your career intact.”

  Haines stared at Sam and didn’t see him blink. “What is it you need, Your Grace?”

  Sam uncovered his wrist unit and pushed a button. “You now have the names of two other trainees who are in other units. You will go to their units and have them taken off the list to be armed. You also have the names of three other trainees in your platoon that will also be excluded.”

  Haines saw the wrist unit and knew Sam was telling the truth. That particular unit was only used by the Royal Family. The Gold and Crimson dial was proof. “I’ll handle it immediately.” He started to leave and said, “Congratulations on your perfect score in the Electronic Scene Seven.” He turned and sprinted away.

  Sam watched him leave and smiled. He had kept that information to himself and not caused problems.

  Jixie walked up and said, “He was fast on the uptake.”

  “What are you saying, Jixie.”

  “You’re going to need to train a replacement.”

  “I thought you might want that position.”

  “Oh no! It would restrict my playtime.”

  “Playtime?”

  “With the enemy. This is going to be fun.”

  Sam smiled, “Be careful what you ask for, Jixie. You might get it.”

  Jixie smiled, “I really hope so. That’s why I’ve endured all this.”

  Sam shrugged, “You make a good point. By the way, tomorrow we will be leaving for my home. We need to make our plans on how to organize and make sure we’re all on the same frequency. You need to contact your family and tell them you won’t be coming home.”

  Jixie smiled, “That won’t be a problem. Does that include, Jennifer?”

  “It does.”

  “Good.”

  “Why?”

  “She’s my best friend. I need to make sure she’s not hurt.”

  “That’s not something that can be controlled, Jixie. We’re all going into harm’s way.”

  Jixie looked over at Jennifer talking with Robby and said, “We’ll see.”

  • • •

  The six boarded a sleek attack craft and Sam moved to the command chair. Dort beat Gon to the co-pilot’s chair. Jennifer said, “Do you know how to fly this thing?”

  Robby said, “He’s been flying them since he was eight years old.”

  Sam said, “Robby, did you contact your parents and tell them you’re not coming home.”

  “I did and I could hear them without the communicator.”

  “I imagine they were upset.”

  “They just wanted some relief from my youngest brothers and sisters. I think they expected me to babysit while they make an escape. Your brother called and they settled down. Thank him next time you see him.”

  “You can thank him yourself. He’s coming to our planning session.”

  “It’ll be good to see him.”

  Sam pulled his sleeve up and pushed a button on his wrist unit. Jixie saw the unit and entered it to see how it operated. Now this was an interesting piece of machinery. Sam said, “We’re teleporting directly so hang on.”

  Jennifer said, “Where does Sam live?”

  Gon said, “I’m not going to spoil the surprise.” Jixie wondered where he lived as well. The four were still a blank slate to her probing.

  Sam took the small ship through the atmosphere above the training planet and as soon as it reached vacuum it teleported away. Two fast teleports later, the ship was dropping quickly toward the ground with four Algean escorts. Jennifer looked out the view port at the wide expanse of gardens and then the ship rotated and she
saw the castle. Jixie was looking out the viewport on the other side of the ship and Jennifer grabbed her arm and pulled it. Jixie looked out of Jennifer’s port and for the first time in her very long life, she was stunned. She looked at Sam and said, “That’s Castle Gardner.”

  Sam nodded.

  “You live there?”

  Sam nodded.

  “Who are you?”

  Gon said, “He is Duke Scott Anglo Mica Robbins. The King of the Bristone Realm is his brother.”

  Jixie stared at Gon and then looked at Sam, “Did you say your brother was coming to attend our meeting?”

  Sam nodded.

  Jennifer looked at Robby and said, “Why would the King call your parents?”

  Robby tilted his head as Gon said, “He is Duke Robert Anglo Talent Gardner. He is the primary Royal in the Gardner succession.”

  Robby said, “Jennifer, I’m just a Life Warrior. I’ve put the succession behind me.”

  “Are you still a Duke?”

  Robby took a deep breath, blew it out, and nodded.

  Jennifer stared at him and said, “Don’t you think you’re going to use your title to walk all over me.”

  Robby looked up at her and smiled, “That’s why I wanted to know your name.”

  Jennifer got up and went and sat by Robby. “You never took advantage of your title. That impresses me.”

  Robby put his arm around her shoulders and she leaned in on his chest and smiled. Jixie said, “Isn’t that against the rules?”

  Dort said, “Only during training.”

  “Oh, well carry on or whatever.”

  Jennifer smiled and then started laughing.

  Jixie was worried about being in the presence of the Realm’s highest rulers. She needed to be careful. She wondered if one of the Cats was going to be there.

  • • •

  Sam landed the ship and stepped out. Greg met them and said, “Sandra is getting the rooms ready for our guests. The conference room is also ready for your meeting. Admiral Gardner and the Cat are expected to arrive tomorrow at eleven in the morning.”

  “Greg, you never cease to amaze me.”