Marine Raiders: Strike Back (Blood War Book 2)

by Rod Carstens

  "What is that you wish from the Anjin?" Istas repeated as she heard her mother speak.

  "We need the Anjins’ help finding a way to identify these hybrids and then eradicating them. I have convinced the security general that between your expertise and ours, we can come up with a way to do that. We have to have a way to show the House and Senate as well as the corporations that we can bring some sort of order to this terrorism and concentrate on the war."

  Istas waited for a long moment for her mother to respond.

  "She agrees. What do you wish?" Istas asked.

  "Your best doctor and as many operators as you can spare. The establishment of a more direct link between your people in the field and our intelligence people."

  Again, Istas waited as her mother thought.

  "First, the best doctor we have is standing next to you, Doctor Inta. I sent our best for Istas because I felt her mission was that critical. Second, you may have all the Anjin that I have. We, too, have come to the same conclusion that this is a true threat to us all. Istas has been identified, so her mission as your protector is over. She will become the direct link between the Anjin and the Confederation."

  Usiche smiled and exchanged a satisfied glance with Senator Kago. Istas felt a flash of concern when she realized her identity was no longer a secret.

  "She has a suggestion and a question," Istas repeated.

  "Yes, of course."

  "She suggests that you form a unit of special operations troops against these hybrids. There are not enough Anjins for this size threat. We will need help. She suggested they come from your Rift veterans since they are familiar with the hybrids. They should be composed of all the human breeds, that way they will be able to blend in no matter where the assignment."

  "Of course, I will make it so," Usiche agreed.

  "Istas will help with the selection and training of the team as part of her mission. Second, who secured this contract with the Confederation for Von Fleet? Who's behind the scenes was pushing for this?"

  "It was Senator Colbert Carroll for Von Fleet."

  Another long pause as Istas waited for her answer.

  "So he was not injured in the assassination attempt?"

  "No, he had minor injury to his arm," Senator Kago said.

  "Is he not the only survivor from the Von Fleet operation on Rift?"

  "Yes," Usiche said.

  "I do not like this much luck in someone's life. We will look at this Senator Carroll," Istas repeated for Mother.

  "Do you suspect something?" Senator Kago asked.

  "Only that he has too much luck."

  Istas closed her eyes. She was getting tired. Doctor Inta had been staring at the displays. He frowned and looked at Usiche.

  "She is tiring. We need to stop."

  "Mother says she can tell it is time for me to stop. Senator Kago, she says that it is time for you and her to see one another again. Given this new cooperation between our peoples, it will be much easier."

  "I am at her service," Senator Kago said. "I look forward to seeing my old friend."

  He came over to the bedside and gently placed a huge hand on Istas’s shoulder.

  "Be well, my child," He said.

  "Thank you, Brother," Istas said.

  Senator Kago turned and left the room. Usiche stood and leaned over to kiss Istas gently on the mouth. She went to turn to leave, but Istas held onto her hand.

  "Mother said it is time you and she meet, Admiral."

  "It would be my pleasure. I am at her convenience."

  Istas paused as she listened her mother again. This time she frowned before she repeated her mother's words.

  "Mother said that you should stay, that Doctor Inta must tell me something."

  Concerned, Usiche sat down in the chair. Fear knotted Istas’s stomach. What did the doctor have to say that would require the support of her lover?

  Doctor Inta looked at them both.

  "Istas, I have treated you on four different occasions now. This was by far the worst. The only reason you are still alive is your enhancements. As you know, they are designed to begin to treat any wounds that you suffer immediately. Well, treat them to the extent that they can keep you alive long enough to get more sophisticated help. They also have a setting that when someone is badly wounded and the enhancements are also damaged, the system goes into what we call survival mode. It puts you in stasis. It suspends your bodily functions. Once that is accomplished, the enhancements shut down in a effort to survive their own damage."

  Doctor Inta paused.

  "I go on too long."

  Doctor Inta paused again as if he had to gather himself before he could finally tell her what he needed say.

  "We had to remove your enhancements."

  Istas was stunned. She had known that was possible, but it had not crossed her mind. She was her enhancements. Without her enhancements, she was an Anjin in name only. Istas stared at the ceiling, unable to respond. Through her communication device, she heard her mother say, "This happens to many of us. I lost mine on the mission with Senator Kago. Do not despair, Istas. You are still my daughter and an Anjin."

  Usiche stared at Istas’s face. It was stricken. Her whole personality was wrapped around her physical abilities. It was as if someone had physically extracted who she was and changed her very being. For Istas, this was a stunning blow.

  "Little one, please talk to me," Usiche said.

  Istas turned her head. Usiche saw something she never thought she would see from Istas. Tears ran down each cheek.

  "Baby, you’re too strong, too wise. I need you by my side. There are others who can protect me. I need you," Usiche told her lover.

  Istas said nothing. She simply brought Usiche’s hand up and kissed it. Usiche sat there with her until she fell asleep. The doctor stood next to them until Istas was asleep. Then he said to Usiche, "Mother wanted me to tell you that Istas was one of the best ever. The hybrids will tell of her battles for generations to come. She has set the standard for operators. Now she will need much help to adjust to her new life. It is not an easy adjustment. She will need support."

  "I will be there for her," Usiche said, staring at Istas’s beautiful face.

  "Mother also said that Istas has never loved another before. She had wondered if she was capable of love. Mother wants you to know that Istas does love you, even if she has not told you. You will be very important to her recovery. She must recover because she is the best to lead this partnership between the Anjin and the Confederation. So it is important both personally and to the Confederation."

  Usiche was silent for a long moment. She reached up and gently brushed the hair off of Istas's forehead.

  "I, too, did not think I was capable of my feelings for Istas. We have not spoken of it together. I had intended to as soon as she is able. So you are right."

  "Mother says to tell you, Admiral, ‘I am glad to hear this, for I consider you the most important person in our fight with the Xotoli. You understand them and you have proven yourself a true warrior. Istas is right to care for such a person. We Anjin also consider you a special friend to us. I have sent two operators to protect you and Istas.’"

  "Thank you," Usiche said.

  "’We will meet soon. It is important for us to know each other better to fight these vermin,’" Doctor Inta repeated for his mother.

  "I will look forward to it."

  "Good, now take care of my child. She needs you."

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

  Landing Ship Dock

  Tarawa

  Lieutenant Chesmu Taro’s Office

  Taro had been avoiding this meeting all day. It was going to be the hardest meeting of his long career.

  "Lieutenant, Corporal Hu is here," his orderly said.

  "Send him in."

  The door opened and Hu strode in and stood at attention in front of his desk.

  "Corporal Hu reporting as ordered, Lieutenant."

  "At ease, Corporal, and have a seat."<
br />
  Hu sat down in the chair in front of Taro's desk.

  "There are several things I must talk to you about. The first is that little stunt you pulled back on 703."

  Hu felt the color rising in his face. He knew he had fucked up.

  "Lieutenant, I know what you’re going to say. I … uh, well I let my emotions get the best of me."

  Taro frowned.

  "I spoke with Nani and she and I agree that you understand the gravity of your actions. She feels that you now understand your responsibilities as a NCO."

  Hu could only stare at the lieutenant.

  "Do I need to chew your ass out about this? Will it happen again, Corporal?"

  "No, sir," Hu said.

  "If it does, you won't have those stripes, and you’ll be lucky to still be a Raider. You don't get second chances in combat. You were lucky this time. Next time you could get another Marine killed with your recklessness. If you’re that stupid and end up getting yourself killed that’s just fine, but I do care about your teammates. If you fuck up like that again, I will come down on you like a fucking ton of bricks. Understood?"

  "Understood," Hu replied.

  "The only reason I’m going easy on you is your performance on Rift and 703. This is the last time I’m going to talk about this. We clear?"

  "Yes, Lieutenant. "

  Hu took a deep breath. He had been holding it since he’d gotten the summons. He was afraid the lieutenant was going to jerk his stripes. Taro took a deep breath and his face changed. It became softer somehow, more like a teammate’s and not the face of the commanding officer.

  "Hu, I have some news that’s going to be difficult for you to hear. I need you to remember that you’re surrounded by your friends."

  Hu was completely baffled. What could the lieutenant possibly tell him that would make him want to turn to his friends?

  "First, Von Fleet has sued the Confederation over the use of your DNA when we grew your new legs. They claim to own the patent to your DNA since they engineered you. Their suit claims the Confederation has to pay for the use of your DNA since the Confederation didn’t work out a deal with them prior to your treatment. They have seized your savings and are garnishing your wages starting with your next paycheck."

  Before Hu knew what he was doing, he had jumped to his feet and shouted, "Those motherfuckers don't own me or my DNA! I got out of there! That savings was for my family back on 69. I was going to payoff their debt to Von Fleet and get them off that fucking rock!"

  Taro's face seemed to change. It almost looked sad. He smiled a small smile.

  "Those were my words when I found out. They were also General Sand's. The commandant was a little more polite, but from what I hear, Admiral Raurk had the same reaction as well. You’re not the only one they’re pulling this shit on, but you’re the only one in the battalion. Please sit down."

  Hu had to force himself to sit. He wanted to pace, scream, or punch somebody or something. Those Von Fleet fucks! It wasn't enough that they were working his mother, father, and sisters to death. They wanted his money too.

  "Corporal, this has become an issue that Admiral Raurk is taking on herself. She is relishing the fight, and she has the secretary general in her corner. She told me personally to assure you that all your money will be returned with interest."

  Hu had sat back down in the chair. He looked up at Taro.

  "Lieutenant, you’re not just saying that to make me feel better, are you? I mean, it's Von Fleet. They own whole systems."

  Taro smiled.

  "No, Hu. I don't bullshit my Marines. We’ll get this straightened out or you and I will pay someone a very personal visit."

  Hu looked at Taro. He was serious. With Taro, General Sand, and Admiral Raurk on his side, maybe he could win this thing.

  "Thanks, Lieutenant. I'll hold you to that."

  "If this isn’t resolved, I don’t think it’ll be just the two of us.

  The lieutenant wasn’t bullshitting him, Hu thought.

  "Once your story got out, everyone in the battalion signed authorizations for a portion of their pay to be drawn and put in a special account for you. You will not be walking around without money in your pocket. Your mates will take care of you."

  "Uh, I don't know what to say," Hu said. He was truly too touched to be able to speak.

  "I think they all know that you would do it for one of them."

  They exchanged a smile.

  "Now, there’s one more piece of information I must tell you."

  Hu was puzzled. What more could there be?

  "Corporal Hu, we have received intelligence that the Xotoli have occupied Von Fleet 69, your home planet."

  Hu didn't pass out, but everything changed. He didn't hear anything else the lieutenant said for some time. All he could do was think about those children back on 703 and what the Xotoli had done to them. Visions of his little sisters with those grotesque bodies flashed through his mind. So did the mounds of body parts in the landing zone on 703. He knew what those hybrids had done to the civilians on Rift. He had seen it. His mother, father, and sisters were in the hands of the Xotoli; it was beyond his worse nightmare. He sat there, staring at the floor. The world would never be the same. The knowledge of his family in the hands of the Xotoli would always be there. He would see the world through their loss and suffering. He felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up. The lieutenant was standing next him. He had no idea how long it had been since Taro had told him.

  Taro watched as Hu seemed to physically change in front of him. His shoulders slumped, and his face went white. His eyes were unfocused, as if he were watching some terrible video of what the Xotoli were doing to his family. Taro had seen what they had done on 703; it had given him nightmares. He couldn’t imagine what it would be like to find out your family was in their hands.

  "Hu, Hu, can you hear me?" Taro asked.

  Hu looked up.

  "Uh, yes sir."

  "Hu, the secretary general has requested, through the commandant, a couple of marines for a fund drive. I have nominated you and Nani. When we return to Rift, you will be transported to Sol to begin your tour."

  Hu could only nod. Taro had his orderly bring in Nani. She stepped through the door, and when she saw Hu, she rushed to him. She knelt down and looked up at him, her eyes filled with concern.

  "Hu, baby, I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry," Nani said.

  Hu just looked up, his eyes blank. It was as if he was no longer there. Nani looked up at Taro. Taro decided to count on the discipline ground into the very fiber of every legionnaire and Marine.

  "Corporal Hu, you need to go with Nani. Understand?"

  Hu seemed to break out of the world of nightmare visions.

  "Yes, Lieutenant."

  Taro met Nani's eyes and nodded.

  "Ja, baby, come on. I'll take care of you. Come on, let’s go back to our quarters."

  Hu stood and followed Nani. She was leading him like a child. Taro watched the pair slowly walk out of his office. He knew about Nani and Hu, everybody did. You didn't shoot up a hospital to make sure another Marine got the best treatment unless you cared about him. He had known Nani for a very long time, and he had never seen her care about anyone like she cared about Hu. He hadn’t been sure if Nani was capable of caring for someone, man or woman. It was good to see her caring for him. Taro had seen enough in this universe to know that when a woman like Nani decided to care about someone, she would commit in a way that someone who didn’t have her experiences could. It was exactly what Hu needed. He was lucky to have her. It was the end of Taro’s day and he felt exhausted. He leaned over and said, "Get me sickbay."

  "Yes, sir."

  He needed a night with Liya. Duties had kept them apart too long. When his holo popped up on his desk, he said, "You up for some company?"

  "Yeah, the doc just gave me the good stuff. I’ll be soaring when you get here."

  Taro needed some time with someone that made him think that the universe was
n't as bad as he thought.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

  Sol

  Planet Earth

  City State of New York

  Office of the Secretary General

  "Dear God...." Secretary General Anddan Monnetal said quietly.

  "My God...."

  The others in the room were at a loss for words as well. Usiche Raurk had just snapped off the video of “The Children” as they had come to be known. The secretary general fell back in his chair, a hand covering his face. The face of Meir Fohlnm, the Secretary of Military Affairs, had gone white. He hadn’t said a word. Salim Blan from the Office of Legal Affairs simply kept shaking his head in disbelief. Carter Wong, the public affairs officer for the secretary general, sat down into a chair, looking as if he wouldn’t be able to stand.

  "The tall one was the same age as my granddaughter," Monnetal said quietly. "General Sand ordered the killing?"

  "Yes, they tried to take one from the cage and out to a SOC. They almost lost a man in doing that. They would have never gotten any of them to the Tarawa. Sand gave the order. He did not want to take the chance that anyone of them would survive. I completely concur." Usiche replied.