by John Walker
“And if I don’t pass?”
Krilan shrugs. “You’ve still helped us. I won’t kill a man who has come so far and offered so much but you will be made to leave. You can take the ship you brought along with our thanks. I’ll even reward you handsomely but you will not be part of our organization and I will warn you. If I ever see you again, I will have you killed.”
“I see.” Trellan’s heart raced but he maintained a calm expression. “And what is it you would have me do?”
“Guards!” Krilan shouted. The doors opened and they entered, dragging a man whose hands were bound behind his back. His face was bloody and bruised, his body mostly limp as his toes scraped across the floor. They paused a good five feet away and let their burden slump on his knees, head bowed. “Voila.”
Trellan had a bad feeling he knew exactly what was about to happen. He steeled himself for the task without asking. Turning to Krilan, he me the man’s eyes, noting the cold intensity of his stare. They were silent for a long while with only the labored gasps of the man to break it up. Finally, Krilan pursed his lips and spoke.
“Kill this man and become one of my officers.”
“A generous offer,” Trellan said. “An officer?”
“I need men who can perform their tasks and get others to do so as well. You have formal training and skill. That’s more than many of the people here do. I’ll expect you to train the conscripts and get some of the lower volunteers in line as well. You’ll be paid well and have a seat at my council when we win…an elite few.”
“If I kill this man.”
“Indeed.”
Trellan turned back to the captive who seemed resigned to his fate.
“I assume he’s done something wrong.”
“That shouldn’t matter to you if you’re truly loyal,” Krilan said. “But because you’re new, yes, he did. He failed me. I gave him an important task and he did not deliver. I suppose you can consider this a lesson as well. People must succeed under my command. If they do not, I will get rid of them.”
“I’m surprised he didn’t kill himself as penance.”
Krilan shrugged. “He leaves behind a family. His daughter is in our custody as well. Would you rather teach him a lesson? I can put her in front of you and he can watch her die instead.”
Trellan swallowed back his immediate answer, thankful the bastard hadn’t tried to push him that far. He drew his weapon and aimed it at the man. This is the moment. If you don’t pull the trigger, you’re done. You might as well attack Krilan now and commit suicide with all the guards who will come down on you. One life for many….remember it.
“Lessons like that,” Trellan spoke carefully to cut emotion from the comment, “tend to build a reserve of hate. They’re not corrective.” He steeled himself as the man lifted his head, meeting his eyes. There was no pleading there, no hope for mercy. The victim knew if Trellan didn’t do it, someone else would. The expression made the whole thing easier.
Trellan pulled the trigger, the gun bucking in his hand. He became wholly aware of the sensation, from the way it jarred his wrist to the tremor riding up his forearm to his elbow. He’d fired a weapon countless times but executing that man made it feel like he’d never held a weapon in his life.
As the body collapsed on the ground, a blackened hole marring the forehead, one of the guards began to complain about getting blood on his pants. The look Trellan gave him silenced his whining instantly. “He may have deserved to die but at one time, he worked with you. A comrade. Pay his memory some respect.”
Krilan clapped slowly. “Bravo, Trellan. I’m glad to see you genuinely are on my side. Guards, take the body away.” The two men dragged the corpse out. “I agree with your assessment. Though he failed, he did at one time serve well.”
“Don’t you think it would’ve been better to give him some guidance? If he worked out before, it seems wasteful to kill him now.”
“Examples at the highest level can bring others into line. While I might’ve salvaged one man, others needed to know they must get their tasks completed. In any event, I suspect you’re worrying about your own neck right now.”
“The thought has crossed my mind, yes.”
“Don’t worry about it. There are men who are expendable and those who are not. I have a feeling you’re the type who likes to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, to find an opportunity in potential failure. I have faith in you. Providing you prove yourself worthy of it, I think we’ll have no problems.”
But you don’t know that. I could mess up at any time and end up on my knees in front of the next idiot who thinks he might have your ear.
“When will you return to your ship?” Trellan asked. “Will we have another opportunity to talk?”
“Quite so.” Krilan nodded. “I’m not due to leave for several more days…until we perform our own attack. Don’t worry, I’m far too intrigued by you to say goodbye just yet. Meet me for breakfast in the morning. I think we can discuss tactics with the others. I’m curious about your view on the subject. A fresh pair of eyes might just be the thing.”
“I look forward to it.” Trellan looked back at the table of food and realized everything he ate felt like a pile of rocks sitting in his stomach. If he didn’t get sick, it would be a miracle. “I’ll take my leave now then?”
“Yes, have a good rest of your shift. Thank you again for your prompt attention to our problem there. I hate to put people on the spot but it tends to get the most honest reaction. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“Indeed.” Trellan nodded. “I certainly do.”
***
Gray sat on the bridge as The Behemoth departed space dock. They’d spent the last two hours ensuring everyone got back on board and everything was stowed away. Adam gave him the final nod of approval and they were able to detach and begin the hours long journey to a safe jump distance.
The Crystal Font joined them, a good five thousand kilometers away but keeping pace. They maintained tight communication as they prepared to jump into what would amount to immediate combat. No negotiation, no conversation and no wonder this time. They knew exactly what they were getting into.
Their pilots spent the better part of their resupply time getting used to flying with the alliance ships. They weren’t working so much as a joint task force as participants in the same action. Rocketing around together gave them the opportunity to communicate and learn some of their habits. It wasn’t much but it was better than nothing.
Clea joined them, having a seat beside him. He’d miss her presence there, wondering who might end up taking her place. The thought of her going soon hit him pretty hard. Their experiences together shaped what his career had become. The entire crew came to rely on her, indirectly and otherwise.
Hard to imagine this bridge without her. She’s been a fine addition to the staff.
Olly would be beside himself. And would she take Durant with her? Maury might finally be able to come back if they’d ever get home long enough to pick him up. He drew a deep breath and forced himself back to the present and what they were about to contend with. Finally, they’d take care of Orion’s Light.
This is an assignment that was not a hard sell. Krilan Ar’Vax needs to be taken down and it won’t be long now before everything he’s built comes crashing down around him. Get ready, terrorist. We found you.
***
Kale went through all the reports filtered up from his department heads. Everything looked good and they were ready for the coming action. Once they reached their destination for the jump point, they would be going directly into combat and those who remained on board seemed more than prepared.
Deva approached, clearing her throat. Kale looked up at her with a smile. “What is it, Vinthari?”
“I hoped we might talk about what happened when we went to the station,” she said. “With Siva.”
“Ah…” Kale shrugged. “Not much to say about it, is there? We were requisitioned.”
“Do you think this is
the right path for us?”
“How do you mean?”
“Special operations tends to be a lot more intense than standard duty…and we haven’t told many people we’re working with intelligence. It might’ve changed their minds about staying on board.”
“These missions are only different from our regular assignments in a couple of ways,” Kale explained. “First, they’re more dangerous. Second, they tend to be a lot less detailed…we have freedom to be creative. In some ways, it is not as prestigious because we won’t be able to talk about everything we do but when we can…well…those who want glory will have it.”
“I suppose so.” Deva looked away, brows furrowed.
“You look terribly nervous, Deva. What’s wrong?”
“I don’t want to fail. I’m afraid I won’t be able to perform well enough for this assignment.”
“Our last adventure was far worse than most things we’ll be asked to do.” Kale patted her forearm. “Believe me, you are highly qualified for this and quite possibly the best candidate to get these things done.” His com button began to blink indicating a priority and private message. “Now, get back to your post and stop worrying so much. That’s my job.”
Deva grinned. “Yes, sir. Thank you for the conversation.”
Kale waited for her to take a seat before retiring to his office to acknowledge the message. It was Siva. She must’ve felt the hackles on her neck standing up. He clicked it on and leaned back in his chair. “This is Anthar Ru’Xin.”
“Anthar,” Siva said. “I’ve got Captain Atwell on the line as well. You both must be getting close to the jump point, huh?”
“We’re several hours out,” Gray said. “What’s going on?”
“I’m afraid I need to tack on a little extra to the assignment but it shouldn’t be anything you two can’t handle quite easily.”
Great, Kale thought. Another complication. “What is it?”
“Trellan En’Dal, my operative working on our problem, is with the Orion’s Light down there. I need you to extract him.”
“That’s going to be pretty tough,” Gray said, “considering we’re about to destroy everything they’ve got.”
“He can take care of himself,” Siva said. “I assume he’ll find a way to communicate with you.”
“We might well shoot him down before he has a chance to talk to us,” Kale said. “Especially if he steals an enemy ship. Siva, this is going to be quite difficult.”
“If Trellan dies, it will be a tragedy but not the end of the world,” Siva said. “I’d like to do right by him but I’m sure you both understand that taking out Orion’s Light is the first and most important part of your assignment. Still, as a bonus to him and his family and a personal favor to me, do your best to bring my guy back. Okay?”
“What will he be done with by the time we arrive?” Gray asked. “I thought he was providing intel.”
“I sent him to kill Krilan,” Siva replied. “And I know now that he’s gotten close to the man.”
“Wait, he’s going to assassinate Krilan?” Kale rubbed his eyes. “And you expect him to survive the attempt?”
Siva chuckled. “Trellan will probably wait until you begin the attack. In the chaos, killing someone won’t be hard. Then, he can make his way out with all the other panicked, conscripted soldiers. He might even be able to make the situation easier for your men going into the station. I wonder if we can get you all coordinated somehow…”
“If you can think of a way to put him on our channel,” Gray said, “I’d be all for it but I’m thinking it’ll be harder than making a quick com call.”
“Of course, Captain,” Siva replied. “But if you do think of something, use him. He’s a valuable asset and I assume if you start talking to him, you’ll have a hard time not bringing him home with you.”
“We will try,” Kale said. “Is there anything else?”
“Not that I can think of,” Siva said. “Thanks, gentlemen. Have a safe trip.”
She left the line open but cut out herself. Kale sighed and leaned forward. “Opinion, Captain?”
“Annoying, but not impossible,” Gray said. “I’m sure we can get this guy out of there providing he finds a safe way to show himself.”
“Perhaps when the marines are on the ground. We’ll need a way to identify him. Do we have an image?”
“I believe Clea does. I’ll get it distributed.”
“Hold on.” Kale rubbed his chin. “We’d better keep it to the need to know men and women. In case we have someone on our ship who may not be entirely on our side.”
“A spy you mean?”
“There’s always the possibility.” Kale rubbed his eyes. “Much as I hate to say it.”
“You’re right, of course. Okay, we’ll be cautious with the data and send it over to you shortly. Before we jump, we’ll want to brief the people who might encounter him.”
“Exactly.” Kale paused. “Are you all prepared for what we’re about to do, Captain?”
“Yeah, this isn’t much different than our assignment hopping into Novalat and stopping a civil war. We had a little more help then but it was a bigger fight. I’m pretty sure we’ve got this one too.”
“Fair enough.” Kale stood. “I’m heading back to the bridge. If you need anything before we arrive at the jump point, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Thanks, Kale. Talk to you soon.”
Kale killed the com connection and took a moment to be alone. Anxiety tickled the back of his neck. The thought of going into straight combat did bother him. The last time they’d been in such a situation, he almost lost the ship. In fact, the same thing happened multiple times to him. Do I have what it takes to lead these people into a conflict?
I guess I’m about to find out. I must get my confidence back. For everyone’s sake.
Chapter 5
Raylin sat in the forward observation post, wondering how exactly he came to work for Orion’s Light. He barely remembered his home colony anymore, it had been so long. They came in one day, landed and started shooting people. A few days later, they put all the young men in uniforms and started training them.
A month after that, Raylin found himself doing the shooting. It felt better than the terror he felt at home but he always felt, somewhere deep inside, that he was doing wrong. He’d never voiced these concerns. His superiors pressed for a state of do what you’re told state and to never question orders. You did your job and you kept quiet about it.
Raylin preferred to obey than die so he simply wondered, from time to time, what it would be like to leave Orion’s Light. Would he ever be aloud to go? Probably not. Even if he survived another decade, he didn’t see much of a retirement option in the future of the organization.
The possibility of death sat heavily on his shoulders but he mostly was able to ignore it. It was these solo operations that let him contemplate mortality, which didn’t take much. The small station he sat in was designed for four people but they never staffed more than one. It was large enough to rest there and he was on a six shift stint.
It’s better than being told what to do.
Something began to beep, one of the computers that never made sound before. Raylin wasn’t particularly well versed in that kind of technology but he located the red light flashing quickly enough. Tapping the button beneath it, the screen lit up and he saw space warble nearby, an incoming jump.
What? That must be one of ours. No one knows about this place.
Part of him suggested he should send a com message to command and let them know what he was seeing but if it turned out to be an Orion’s Light ship, he’d probably get a demerit. No, I’m not getting another one. When I identify the vessel, then I’ll let someone know but for now? I’ll hang tight.
Two ships winked into existence, massive battleships from the Alliance. One was clearly of kielan manufacture but the other one, he’d never seen anything like it. As they began to advance, Raylin’s eyes bulged in his head and his he
art began to race. He forgot the protocol for such a situation…especially since this wasn’t supposed to happen!
How’d they find us? This is impossible! I must be dreaming!
Fighters launched from the vessels, small flares at their distance from him but they raced quickly off in various directions.
The com! Raylin fumbled with the controls, his trembling hands unable to input the proper code to unlock the terminal. Come on! Come on! Come on!
A proximity alarm went off and he looked up at the screen, crying out in shock and horror. Two of the fighters closed in on him, firing their weapons! What? Why me? What are you doing? I’m not even armed!
But the attack made sense. The forward observation posts were the first line of defense for Orion’s Light and if they were taken out, the attackers bought themselves a few more minutes before the fleet mobilized. They would be in the heart of the base before anyone even knew they arrived.
And because I failed to hit the controls in time, I will be to blame. Because my superiors don’t like being bothered, I couldn’t tell them when I first detected the jump. And now…I won’t have to deal with them ever again. As the blasts slammed into his station, he sat back in the chair and let out a long sigh. At least Orion’s Light ends today. Even if I have to go with it.
The point was a small consolation but one he had no choice but to embrace. As the computer started screaming off alerts, a hull breach ended him in an instant. The observation post went up in a burst of purple energy then snuffed out. Raylin was obliterated along with a dozen other small outposts dotting the border.
***
Adam smiled as the report flooded his tablet. Their arrival was the trickiest part of the attack and he questioned their chances for success. To hit so many observation posts at once meant they needed to be at the top of their game, ready at a moment’s notice to deploy their fighters and get them on the attack.
Olly came up with a jamming method to keep the quick ones from reporting back but it wouldn’t last long. Their targets were little more than massive relays, able to get through the worst interference. The moment they arrived, he initiated his program, coordinating with the tech officer on The Crystal Font. Together, they bought them all some time.
