“If the Intelligentsia enters this room, I will kill them all,” promised Colonel Lopez. “I will not be interrogated by those thugs. They intend to drug me?”
“I am sure the Intelligentsia will take proper precautions against your wrath,” commented the spider commander. “They have vast experience interrogating you human pestilence.”
“It is not necessary to interrogate me,” insisted Colonel Lopez. “I have given information to the Empire before. I will answer all questions freely.”
“Our records indicate that was a long time ago,” agreed the spider commander. “I do not know how much you can be trusted now.” The spider commander pondered for a moment, then abruptly gave orders to his guards. “Secure Lopez and search this cell!”
Spider guards strip-searched Colonel Lopez, finding the folding buck knife. A spider guard checked the fouled toilet and flushed it, only to find it clogged. Watching the turds swirl as the water rose almost to the top, he seemed much relieved as the putrid mess finally settled back down to normal level.
“You should fix that,” commented Lopez, hoping to distract the spider guard. “How can you stand such stink?”
“If you would stop using your toilet for a trash can, it would not clog,” snapped the spider guard, moving on to the bedding. There he found another knife, a watch, a small amount of cash, and wallets belonging to the deceased team leader and corporal.
“Don’t you ever search this cell?” asked the spider commander, now highly agitated. “I want Lopez and his cell searched thoroughly every day!”
“Yes, sir!” replied the spider guard.
“I want to negotiate my release,” bargained Colonel Lopez. “I possess valuable strategic information of galactic importance. I would rather give that information to you instead of to the Intelligentsia. It will make you a hero.”
“I bet you do not want to be interrogated by the Intelligentsia,” responded the spider commander. “Nothing you say could justify your release. We will execute you. You are nothing but dead human pestilence walking.”
“You won’t know for sure unless you listen to my information,” insisted Colonel Lopez.
“I am listening,” said the spider commander. “Out with it! What could be so important that the General Staff would spare your life? Tell me now, and I will pass it on to those who will make the final decision.”
“That worthless mine under Cemetery City really does have rare metals in it after all,” announced Colonel Lopez. “We tricked you again.”
“Impossible! You will pay for your lies! We have proof that mine has no rare metals!”
“You have nothing,” advised Colonel Lopez. “Think about it. All you have are some dump trucks carrying worthless dirt. That means nothing. Your spies gathered statements obtained from drunken legionnaires. That information is worth less than nothing. Have your geologists been allowed inside the mine to actually see for themselves? No!”
“There was a cave-in.”
“How convenient,” commented Colonel Lopez. “Surely that mine has been dug out by now to repair the phony crypt. Call Colonel Czerinski to ask permission for your geologists inspect the mine and take core samples. Czerinski won’t let it happen. He will come up with all sorts of excuses to delay and prevent any inspection. I’ll bet my life on that.”
“You will be,” advised the spider commander. “Czerinski is a compulsive liar. So are you. I would never believe anything either of you has to say about anything. I will call General Daly.”
“I can show you the exact location of the vein.”
The spider commander produced a small phone and called General Daly’s personal number. Daly picked up immediately. “How are you doing, my dear human pestilence General of the Legion?” asked the spider commander. “It’s a great day, isn’t it? How is the treachery business treating you this fine day?”
Lopez could hear General Daly boom, “It would be a better day if you released Colonel Lopez! What do you want?”
“Negotiations are continuing on the Lopez matter,” advised the spider commander. “I have moved on. I want my geologists to inspect that defunct mine under Cemetery City.”
“Why?” asked General Daly. “There’s nothing there except a bunch of coffins and bodies. I don’t want you looters snooping about.”
“It is just a formality so I can close the file on this whole rare metals matter once and for all,” replied the spider commander. “You and I both know that mine is worthless, but the Emperor does not trust you human pestilence. He wants our geologists to make sure. Have you dug it out by now?”
“Yes, but there is toxic natural gas down there, preventing any more work at this time,” advised General Daly. “We’re working on ventilation, but no one can go into the mine now.”
“I’m sure our geologists can wear oxygen masks,” suggested the spider commander. “They will be safe.”
“That gas is highly flammable too,” explained General Daly. “One spark, and half of Cemetery City would go up in the explosion. I can’t risk more damage to the crypt. No one can safely go down there until the mine is vented. It’s not worth the expense to do that. If you insist, it could take months. Perhaps you can take core samples from the surface?”
“Maybe,” said the spider commander. “I will get back to you after conferring with my geologists. Thank you very much for your time.” They disconnected.
“Our conversation was very interesting,” commented the spider commander.
“It was a lot more than very interesting,” advised Colonel Lopez. “General Daly was stalling. That proves everything I told you is true. You cannot determine any useful information by taking core samples from the surface. Ask your geologists if you do not believe me. The rare metals we discovered are located in a specific vein that can’t be easily found by core sample drilling. However, if you dig a tunnel and break into the mine, I can personally lead you straight to the mother load. Let me escape afterwards, and everyone gets what they want. I can continue to be a spy for the Empire, in the heart of Legion Military Intelligence, and you are a hero. I’ve done it in the past, and can do it again.”
“Traitors can’t be trusted,” replied the spider commander, distastefully. “But your proposal sounds plausible.”
“I’m telling you the truth,” continued Colonel Lopez. “Do you see these gold eagles on my collar? I would not have been promoted if that mine was worthless. These are proof I’m telling the truth.”
“I will take everything you told me under consideration, and pass it along to my superiors,” advised the spider commander. “I am sure the General Staff and the Planetary Governor will be very interested. You will still be interrogated by the Intelligentsia. We cannot take the chance you are lying.”
“They will never interrogate me!” said Colonel Lopez. “I will not allow it. Not now, not ever. Never!”
“Whatever,” said the spider commander, dismissing Lopez.
* * * * *
Colonel Lopez recovered a small, tightly wrapped plastic bundle, secreted from his rectum. It contained an Arthropodan handcuff key, and a wad of cash taken from the dead spiders. He slid the large bills under the cell door.
“Hey!” yelled Colonel Lopez. “Merry Christmas! This cash is for you. There’s at least a month’s pay.”
“What is this?” asked one of the spider guards. “Where did you get all that money?”
“What do you care?” asked Colonel Lopez. “You missed it in your search. I’ll bet your commander would be real upset again if he found out about this, but I don’t want to get you into trouble. You two have been decent enough. Keep it. It’s a gift from a dead human pestilence. I don’t need it. You know they’re going to kill me!”
“Thank you,” said the spider guard, giving half to his partner. “I appreciate your gift. You are not such a bad human pestilence – for a murderer and a bloodthirsty cannibal.”
“Just do me a favor if you can,” pleaded Colonel Lopez. “How about getting me
some human food, or some coffee? These goo tube rations you spiders eat are nasty!”
“Tell me about it,” agreed the spider guard. “Sorry, but I have no control over what food they bring you.”
“Maybe you can do me another favor?” asked Colonel Lopez. “When the Intelligentsia arrive to interrogate me, try to give me about an hour notice first.”
“Why?” asked the spider guard, suspiciously. “Do you plan to resist?”
“You and I both know they are going to be rough on me,” answered Colonel Lopez. “Of course I am going to resist. What do you care? I have a low threshold of pain. I just want to steel my nerve. Maybe I will kill myself like your commander suggested. I don’t know. Please warn me of their approach.”
“Sure,” said the spider guard. “Kill yourself. I will let you know when the Intelligentsia comes for you.”
* * * * *
At 0100 hours, there was a light knock at Lopez’s cell door. “The Intelligentsia have arrived for you, human pestilence. They are preparing their equipment. The bastards will be here in about a half an hour.”
“Thank you,” replied Colonel Lopez. “You have been very kind, so I give you a word of warning. When the Intelligentsia enter, stay back. It might get ugly.”
“We will make sure our helmet cameras on,” advised the guard, laughing. “What are you going to do? Throw shit on them? Is that why you always clog your toilet?”
“Hey friend, shit happens!” advised Colonel Lopez. “Just stand back.”
“Shit happens!” yelled the captive spider next door, banging on the vent. “Ha!”
Colonel Lopez reached deep into the toilet drain pipe, finding a tether fashioned from the sleeve of his jumpsuit. He pulled the bundle up, kept dry by goo food plastic packaging. It contained the concealed pistol and ammunition stolen from the dead spider team leader. After inspecting the pistol, Lopez braced himself behind his mattress and waited.
The Intelligentsia burst into the cell, expecting complete surprise. The late-night waking of victims for interrogation was a time-tested common tactic to rattle suspects before using torture or drugs. From the cover of his mattress, Colonel Lopez shot all three Intelligentsia, then shoved the metal door shut. A guard outside wildly fired a few rounds through the portal, but stopped for fear of hitting the fallen Intelligentsia. Silence followed. Lopez searched the Intelligentsia for more weapons, as both sides waited for the other’s next move. A spider team leader frantically called the spider commander by phone for instructions.
* * * * *
“Sir, we are going to need three more Intelligentsia,” advised the team leader. “Lopez shot and killed the ones we had.”
“Where did Lopez get a gun?” asked the spider commander, furious.
“I don’t know,” answered the team leader. Maybe he disarmed one of the Intelligentsia. We should have it all on film. Those human pestilence are so fast, it’s amazing. Now Lopez has several weapons, including a submachine gun. He’s barricaded behind the cell door. Don’t worry, we locked it so he can’t escape. The Intelligentsia are still in there. What do we do about the Intelligentsia?”
“We can always get more of those idiots,” replied the spider commander. “I will talk to Lopez directly. Don’t do anything until I get there!”
* * * * *
“Colonel Lopez, can you hear me?” asked the spider commander, speaking through the cell door.
“Yes! It’s about time you got here!”
“I am holding in my claw a fragmentation grenade,” advised the spider commander. “I have an endless supply. Surrender immediately, or I will toss it into your cell. Throw all your weapons out through the cell door window!”
“What about our deal?” asked Colonel Lopez.
“Everything seems to be checking out as you say,” advised the spider commander. “We started a tunnel to break into the crypt. I accept your offer to assist, once inside the mine.”
“I want that spider marine next door to come along, too,” demanded Colonel Lopez. “Why?” asked the spider commander. “He’s a digger. Besides, he’s a good luck charm.” “Whatever,” said the spider commander. “You will both be dead if you double-cross me.” Lopez tossed out his weapons, and slowly exited the cell with his hands raised high in the air. A spider marine knocked him unconscious with a rifle butt to the head.
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Chapter 12
Colonel Lopez woke up concussed in a hospital bed. Guards stood by the door. He immediately checked for the gold eagles on his collar, finding comfort in their still being present. Colonel Lopez removed the eagles for closer examination. One eagle was heavier than the other, being solid gold. The other was hollow, only gold plated. He twisted an eagle wing, allowing a hidden compartment to be exposed. A single cyanide capsule dropped out. I won’t be needing this, thought Lopez, opening a can of pop by his bed and dropping the pill inside. He flicked a small micro switch, activating a transmitter and receiver inside the gold eagle. He then snapped the wing back on. The transmitter’s effectiveness was limited to the battery’s short life, but hopefully it would get the job done.
“Test, test, if you can hear me, I am in a hospital,” broadcast Colonel Lopez, clipping the eagles back to his collar. A spider marine commando in full battle gear entered the room, staring at Colonel Lopez as she demanded, “Who are you talking to?” “I might be delirious from being concussed,” explained Colonel Lopez. “You are not wearing your rank.” “And you are,” the commando replied, amused that the human pestilence wore his rank on a prison jumpsuit. “Is that a mythical flying dragon?”
“The American Bald Eagle is real,” advised Colonel Lopez. “It’s a grand majestic bird of prey. Who are you?” “Pepper,” she answered. “You and I are going to find the Legion’s lost rare metals mine together.” “Just you?” asked Colonel Lopez. “A female?” “We will have lots of company,” advised Pepper, testily. “Not that others will be needed. I am sure I will probably have to kill you for attempting escape. You and I will be a special team. We will remain together.”
“I have to go to the bathroom,” advised Colonel Lopez, turning away. “I can’t do it with you watching.”
“You can shut up and soil yourself for all I care, human pestilence,” replied Pepper, pointing her poison tipped claw inches from Lopez’ nose. “Do not test me.”
“You don’t trust me?” asked Colonel Lopez. “You hurt my feelings.”
“While you slept, a metal scan revealed a cuff key up your poop chute. I personally removed it. Words cannot describe how personally offensive and distasteful I found that task.”
“I was wondering about that,” replied Colonel Lopez, uneasily shifting. “Probed by aliens. I hate it when that happens. Puta! I recognize your name now. You are Corporal Wayne’s girlfriend?”
“Yes,” replied Pepper. “We are lovers.”
“I have known Corporal Wayne for a long time,” advised Colonel Lopez. “Betray him at your peril. Wayne is one very dangerous spider legionnaire.”
“Yes well, we have an understanding,” said Pepper. “We are lovers at night, and do our duty by day.”
Good luck with that!” commented Colonel Lopez. “I think your relationship will have an unhappy ending. Wayne is not a traitor.”
“It is you who claims to be a traitor,” commented Pepper. “It is you who will have an unhappy ending, no matter how this ends. Get dressed. It is time to go play in the tunnels. I brought your Legion uniform, but you will still be chained and cuffed.”
“Thanks,” said Colonel Lopez, removing the gold eagles from his jumpsuit. “Would you like a cola? I just opened it.”
“No!”
* * * * *
Pepper and Colonel Lopez met the spider Military Intelligence officer at the entrance to the new tunnel. Engineers reported good progress, expecting a breakthrough within hours. Lopez was handcuffed and placed in leg irons.
“I don’t need to be chained,” advised Colonel Lopez as he followe
d commandos deeper into the tunnel. A bat flew by. “How come there are bats here already? They are chupacabra with wings.”
“Shut up, human pestilence!” ordered Pepper. “Now I know why Wayne loves you so much,” said Colonel Lopez. “It’s your pleasant demure personality.” “You can be replaced,” threatened Pepper. “By a compass.” “There is a draft,” commented Colonel Lopez. “The engineers must have already broken through to the mine.” When they got to the breach, commandos and engineers stood about, waiting for instructions. The Military Intelligence officer poked his head through the hole, looking down a corridor. There were rows of coffins and bodies stacked everywhere.
“This place is creepy,” advised one of the commandos. “Do you think there are ghosts?”
“Have faith in your guns and training,” advised Pepper.
Commandos dug out the hole so more could pass. Engineers wheeled in drill equipment and established a staging area to stack more equipment and tools. The air smelled a bit musty from the coffins, but there was no sign of toxic gas. The Military Intelligence officer checked oxygen levels with a sensor on his belt. As expected, all was fine.
The Military Intelligence officer cautiously led the column of commandos and engineers down the corridor. They stopped after reaching a locked iron door. A security camera panned back and forth, covering the approach. An illuminated doorbell beckoned to be pressed.
“Remove my chains, and I’ll talk our way past security,” suggested Colonel Lopez. “It’s the only way through. You don’t want to get into a firefight down here.”
Grudgingly, the Military Intelligence officer ordered Lopez released from restraints. With the confidence of a free man, Colonel Lopez strode up to the iron door and pressed the button.
Cemetery City Page 10
