“Sir, I found some footprints leading down the tunnel where the worms came from,” said Johannsson.
Sheridan’s skin crawled at the thought of heading down the passage. He took a deep breath and cleared his mind. “Lead on, Staff Sergeant.”
The tunnel came out into a large room dug out of the rock. The sight that awaited them was more horrific than anyone of them could have imagined. They had found the missing search team. They had died of crucifixion. Their dead bodies hung from pieces of machinery crudely formed into crosses. The worst part was the bottom half of the remains were torn the shreds. It looked as if the worms had been feasting on their flesh.
“God, no,” said a Marine.
“Cut them down and retrieve the bodies,” ordered Sheridan.
A couple of the youngest Marines hesitated.
“You heard the man!” barked Cole. “Snap to it.”
Johannsson pulled a dust-covered tarp from a generator and used it as a makeshift stretcher for the remains.
“Sir, you’re not going to believe this, but there’s a note on one of the bodies, and it’s addressed to you,” said Sergeant Nez.
“Give it to me,” replied Sheridan.
Nez handed him the note. Sheridan read it over once before giving it to Cole. He clenched his fists tight in his gloves and shook his head. Sheridan was as mad as hell. There were only six words on the paper: See you on Kattarak, Michael Sheridan.
“How the hell did he know you would come here?” said Cole.
“I have no idea, but I feel like I’m a bloody novice playing a game of chess for my life against a master opponent,” said Sheridan. “He must have lured both search parties here to kill them and leave this note for me to find.”
“Where’s Kattarak? I’ve never heard of it.”
Kabar’s voice sounded in Sheridan and Cole’s headsets. “Gents, I’ve been monitoring your comms throughout. Kattarak is a planet far from the Kurgan home world.”
“Why would Harry want to go there?” asked Sheridan.
“I can’t be sure without speaking to some of Admiral Kaar’s staff. But I believe this planet recently went over to the rebel forces.”
“I wonder if Mister Williams has decided to support their side in your civil war,” said Cole.
“If he has, that means they now have a weapon capable of wiping out billions of innocent Kurgan lives,” said Sheridan.
“Sir, I don’t think it’s an accident that he chose to go to Kattarak,” said Kabar.
“How so?”
“Kattarak is what our military calls a fortress planet. It was built to slow an aggressor down and chew up his forces while our military massed for a counterattack.”
“Wonderful,” said Cole.
“Okay, I’ve heard enough,” said Sheridan, ending the conversation. “Tarina, get the ship ready to leave.”
“Already on it,” she responded.
Sheridan looked at Cole. “First Sergeant, get the men on the move. I want to be back on board our shuttle in record time.”
Chapter 19
The inner airlock door on the starboard hull of the Intrepid slid open. Michael Sheridan was surprised to see Captain Killam standing there waiting to meet him. Behind him were two fully armed Marines. Sheridan came to attention and smartly saluted his superior officer. Killam returned the compliment and stepped to one side to allow the rest of the passengers and crew of the ship to disembark.
A Marine sergeant major with a square jaw and arms like tree trunks rounded up Johannsson’s squad and quietly led them away.
“What’s going on, sir?” Sheridan asked Killam.
“They’re being quarantined until I say otherwise,” replied Killam.
Sheridan furrowed his brow. “Sir, is that really necessary?”
“Yes, it is, Major,” said Killam, bluntly. “I don’t want those Marines talking about what happened on Kelazar-3 to anyone.”
“Does the same go for the rest of us?” asked Cole.
“No, you’re to come with me,” said Killam, turning to walk down a long corridor.
“Excuse me, sir, but it’s important that I report back to my own people right way,” said Kabar.
“Captain, your orders have not changed,” replied Killam. “You are still Admiral Kaar’s LO to this fleet. Now, no more talking from any of you.”
Sheridan and Cole exchanged a curious look. They had never seen Killam acting so secretive. They were ushered into a room deep into the bowels of the ship’s power plant. There was a single table present with six chairs stacked up against the wall.
“Everyone, take a seat,” said Killam.
“What wonderful accommodations you’ve found for us, sir,” said Cole, handing around the chairs.
“First Sergeant, I don’t have time for sarcasm right now,” admonished Killam. “A lot has happened since your departure ten days ago.”
Sheridan took a seat at the table. “Such as?”
“First off, there was an attempt on Admiral Kaar’s life the day after you left. The assassin, believe it or not, was one of his own bodyguards. The guard had been with the admiral for close to two years. His loyalty had never been questioned.”
“Is Admiral Kaar alright?’ asked Kabar.
“Yes. Kaar is an accomplished fighter. He was able to disarm his attacker and hold him down until another man from his protection detail arrived to take the traitor prisoner away.”
“I guess the shoe is on the other foot now,” said Cole.
Kabar looked at Cole. “I don’t understand.”
“Instead of your people using Chosen citizens to infiltrate our fleet, it looks like you’ve now got the same problem,” replied Cole. “This time, however, it’s going to be Kurgans trying to kill their fellow Kurgans all in the name of religion.”
“You’re one hundred percent correct, First Sergeant,” said Killam. “That’s part of the reason why I secreted you all away down here. The other is that the information you supplied to us on Harry Williams has set off alarm bells in both the Kurgan senate and our government back home. The Kurgans quickly moved to establish a blockade around Kattarak. Nothing is getting on or off the planet without their knowledge. The problem is that several divisions of Young Guard warriors declared their support for the rebels and managed to join the insurgents on Kattarak before the blockade was fully established.”
“Sir, with the addition of the Young Guard divisions, how large is the garrison on the planet?” asked Tarina.
“Intelligence estimates that there are upwards of sixty thousand soldiers and rebels ready to repel any invasion,” responded Killam.
“I take it the Kurgan armed forces aren’t going to sit back and wait to see how this all falls out?” asked Sheridan.
“Correct. They’re scraping together everything they can to form an invasion force. The ceasefire negotiations have been put on hold as Admiral Kaar has been placed in command of the mission,” explained Killam.
“If this place is as formidable as they say it is, they’ll need at least three hundred thousand soldiers to take back the planet.”
“That is why soldiers and equipment from all over this sector of Kurgan space are being mobilized for the fight.”
“When do you think they’ll attack?” said Cole.
“They’ll go in as soon as they have sufficient combat power to force a landing on the planet’s surface. And by my estimates, that will be three days from now.”
“Sir, it sounds like the Kurgans have this well in hand,” said Sheridan. “I still don’t get why you had to bring us down here to pass this information on to us.”
Killam looked into the eyes of the people in the room with him. “Folks, the Federation president has made retrieving or destroying the Alpha Virus this command’s highest priority. Admiral Sheridan spoke with Admiral Kaar the instant he learned that Mister Williams was still alive and had the virus with him on Kattarak. Only a few high-ranking government and military officials on both sides of the b
order know about this turn of events and have made it clear they’d like it to remain that way. Both admirals have agreed to allow a small team to accompany the Kurgan assault forces onto the planet’s surface with the mission of finding and securing the virus.”
“And if this team can’t secure it? Then what?”
“They are to destroy it, and if possible, they are to eliminate Harry Williams as well.”
Sheridan shook his head and chuckled. “Well, it doesn’t take the brains of a quantum astrophysicist to figure out where this is heading. I take it only you, my father, and this blessed handful of people back home know about our involvement?”
Killam nodded.
Cole groaned. “Who’s our backup?”
“No one will be there to help,” replied Killam. “You’ll be wearing Chosen uniforms and for all intents and purposes, you’ll be part of the Kurgan armed forces until the mission is completed.”
“This job gets better by the second,” said Cole.
Tarina raised a hand. “Sir, Captain Sullivan and I aren’t really trained for this kind of work.”
“Captain, your war record would suggest otherwise,” said Killam. “The one consolation we managed to get out of Admiral Kaar’s staff is that you will be supplied with a Kurgan shuttle similar to the ones you have flown in the past. You will be onboard a Kurgan ship ready to pick up your friends at a moment’s notice once they have accomplished their assignment.”
“So, now it’s down to just the two of us,” said Cole, throwing his hands in the air.
“No. It’s the three of you,” said Killam. “Kaar expects Captain Kabar to go with you.”
“Sir, I may wear the uniform of a Kurgan officer,” said Kabar. “But I’m not trained as a combat leader.”
Killam let out an exasperated sigh. “Folks, we’re in a war. We don’t get to pick and choose our missions. You’re going, Captain, because you may be needed once the three of you make your way inside the rebel fortress. Don’t worry about not being a trained killer, the men sitting next to you are more than proficient at that.”
“When are we leaving?” asked Sheridan
“In about fours’ time,” replied Killam. “A rep from fleet research and development will be here in the next few minutes to give you some trial equipment which may prove handy.”
“How experimental is this stuff?” said Cole.
“To the best of my knowledge, it’s never been field-tested.”
Sheridan and Cole grumbled in unison.
“It’s better than the alternative,” said Killam.
“Which is?” queried Sheridan.
“Nothing but standard Kurgan-issued clothes and equipment.”
There was a knock at the door.
“Yes,” said Killam.
The door opened slightly. A Marine stuck his head inside and said, “Sir, Madame Rey is here to see you.”
“Let her in,” he replied.
A woman in her late forties with her hair tied in a bun on the back of her head walked into the room. She was wearing a set of blue coveralls and was accompanied by three men carrying a pair of heavy suitcases. They placed the cases on the floor and unfastened the hasps keeping them together.
“That will be all for now,” said Rey to the men. “You can wait outside until I call for you.”
When the door closed, Rey walked over and flipped open all three cases.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is Sophia Rey, and I work in the fleet research and development office. Everything you will be given today is classified top secret. Care should be taken to ensure that none of this falls into the hands of the enemy.”
“I’ll try to remember that when I’m under fire,” said Cole, sarcastically.
“See that you do,” shot back Rey.
“What do you have for us, ma’am?’ asked Sheridan.
Rey bent down and grabbed four sets of underclothes. She set them on the table. “Your sizes were sent to my lab late last night. Everything we have was made to fit you.”
Wendy picked up a pair of the green-colored garments. “These look like long underwear.”
“They are the latest in mesh body armor. It is lightweight and breathes,” explained Rey. “If you are unlucky enough to be shot or stabbed, the fabric will instantly harden, preventing the bullet or blade from penetrating your body.”
“Up to what caliber will it block?” asked Cole.
“All knives and bullets up to and including 7.62mm. Anything after that, the fabric begins to breakdown. We’ve shot at human analogs with .50 cal bullets. The results were only about fifty-fifty. So I’d recommend keeping away from heavy weapons’ fire.”
“I always do,” replied Cole.
“To also help ensure you come back, slender packets of liquid armor have been sewn into your Chosen combat fatigues. All of your vital organs are protected by this additional layer of armor.”
“How much does all of this weigh?” asked Sheridan.
“It’s negligible,” responded Rey, handing him his combat shirt. “See for yourself; it only adds a kilo to the weight of all the garments.”
Sheridan held it in his hand. He couldn’t feel where the added protection had been sewn in. “Very impressive.”
“We’ve also modified the standard helmet issued to all Chosen warriors. “Yours is far more robust than theirs, and there is a built-in comms system for you to use.”
“Range?” asked Cole.
“Captains Pheto and Sullivan should be able to reach you even when they’re in orbit above the planet,” said Rey.
“I like the sound of that,” said Tarina.
“Lastly, we tinkered with the standard Kurgan assault rifle and made it better.” She bent down and hauled one out from one of the cases. She held the weapon in her hands. “Like ours, the Kurgan weapon fires caseless ammunition and has a grenade launcher attached under the forestock. It also has a thermal and laser sight system. Our scientists were able to increase its lethality by adding an entirely new aiming system for the grenade launcher.”
“How so?” asked Cole
“We replaced the Kurgan sight with a brand new one of our own design. If you can see it, you can hit it.”
“Nice.” Cole stood up and looked over the table. “Have you got anything else in your suitcases for us?”
Rey nodded. “We have made alterations to the standard Kurgan-issued boots, gloves, and combat glasses. They are more comfortable and have added ballistic protection. All of this added equipment is in the case with your names on them.”
Cole hit Kabar on the arm. “Looks like you’re going into battle wearing your standard, old Kurgan crap. Good luck, mate.”
“The Lord will protect me,” replied Kabar.
“Let me know how that turns out for you. Me, I’ll put my trust in human ingenuity.”
Rey reached into her pocket and placed a tiny hearing aid on the table. “The last thing I have is for you, Major Sheridan. This new device is the latest in surveillance technology. It can act as both a normal hearing aid and when you need to, it can hear a person whispering up to a kilometer away. All you have to do is tap your ear twice to activate the enhanced hearing capability.”
Sheridan removed his old device and slid the new one in place. “Thanks. It fits better than the last one did. I’ll take your word on its efficacy. I don’t want to try it in here and ruin what’s left of my hearing.”
Cole raised a hand. “Ma’am, can I get some new mini-UAVs? I seem to have used all of my old ones up.”
Rey smiled at Cole’s less-condescending attitude. “There’s a box in your case with three insect-sized robots and a new computer watch for you to wear.”
“Are there any question for Professor Rey before she leaves?” Killam asked the group.
“No, sir,” said Sheridan. He stood and offered his hand to Rey. “Ma’am, thanks for all you and your people have done for us in a short period of time. I suspect we’re going to put it all to good use over the next we
ek or so. Hopefully, we’ll all be able to meet you again and tell you how things went.”
“I’m not privy to what you’re going to do, so all I can say is be careful and come back home, all of you.”
“We always try to,” replied Sheridan, shaking her hand before she left.
“There’s a bathroom at the back of the room for the ladies to change in,” said Killam. “You’re not to leave here until I send for you. Just in case you decide to go for a stroll, don’t, as there will be two guards outside your door at all times. I don’t want anyone to see you leaving this ship. The threat of Kurgan deep-cover operatives is still a major security concern for the fleet.”
Kabar looked at Killam. “Sir, that shouldn’t be necessary as Admiral Kaar assured your admiral that we would not use them against you or your forces while the ceasefire is in effect.”
“Captain, we trust Admiral Kaar to keep his word,” replied Killam. “It’s the threat posed by religious fanatics on either side of your civil war that is the danger. If the rebels knew we were about to send people to Kattarak, they might see that as a threat and strike at us, hoping to drive us back into a war with the Kurgan armed forces.”
“I hadn’t thought of it quite like that, sir,” said Kabar.
“Well, I have, and I’m getting ulcers from all the worrying I have been doing. Nothing, and I do mean nothing, is to come between Admiral Sheridan and Kaar’s peace treaty. If need be, the five of you are expendable.”
“When you say it like that, sir, you make our mission sound like a joyride,” quipped Cole.
“You have never failed me or each other before,” said Killam. “I know this won’t be easy, but it’s imperative that you find that virus, and, if need be, destroy it along with Harry Williams before billions die.” Killam turned and strode out of the room.
Cole looked over at his friend. “Tell me again why hanging around with you is a good idea.”
Sheridan shrugged. “Someone has to keep me from doing stupid things.”
“In case you missed the briefing, Major, this suicide mission is the very definition of stupidity.”
Sheridan ignored Cole and turned his attention to Tarina, who was rummaging through her case for her new clothes. “You know, I could help you change.”
Insurrection (The Kurgan War Book 6) Page 10
