by L. Fergus
“You’ve got the courage, training, and potential. Join me, it’ll be far more interesting than steering this tub.”
“It’s an excellent ship.”
“I know, because of you. It’s time to excel someplace else.” Kita kissed the dog’s hand. “Please?”
“I will give you my best,” Zentix said, her voice trembling.
“Thank you. Do you think you can stand?”
“Yes, of course. What are you going to do?”
“What would normally happen?”
“We scrape off our old colors and wear yours.”
“Does it hurt and grow back?”
“It grows back slowly.”
“Good. Let’s get you on your hooves.”
“What are you going to do? They won’t respect you anymore.”
“I can be very convincing.” She stood and pulled Zentix to her feet. Many of the crew were starting to leave. “Lieutenant Zak, patch me into the entire ship, both video and audio.” She floated up to the middle-level tiers, so everyone could see her. Zak nodded to her.
“Is this not what you wanted?” Kita thundered. “Did you not want to see your best soldier test me? She has, and has the scars to prove it. I’ve defeated a Graniite in single combat and killed Captain Draffno to prove my greatness as a warrior. A great warrior does not make a great leader. A great leader does not kill a soldier like Commander Zentix. A great leader rallies her troops not by striking one of them down, but by lifting them up with her own deeds. I have led great armies into glorious battles, and our deeds have become legendary.
“But I only lead the greatest soldiers that demand of themselves greatness. Follow me, and you will become more than simple soldiers. You will become the vanguard of the Diamock military. The entire universe will fear us. We will go where no one dares and do what others say is impossible. We will not only survive, but thrive. We will be victors, and our battles will be legendary. This ship and its crew will become legends and long after we are gone, whispers of myths will echo throughout the universe. And when they think of us, this is what they’ll remember…” Kita opened a wing, pulled out a long flight feather, and slammed the quill into her arm. She raised the feather, dripping with her blood, into the air. “…This is our badge of honor. Follow me to greatness and become legends in your own time as the Blood Raptors.”
Below her, Zentix thumped her chest to start the chant again. Zak and others followed. I need to give them a bone later. As more joined the chant, the intensity shook the ship.
Zentix walked forward and picked up the ancient weapon they’d used. Using the hooked end, she scraped off the old unit crest. She handed the scrapings to Kita as the Angel landed next to her. “Crush it. It symbolizes Draffno’s authority is over.”
Kita did as instructed.
Zentix took the giant feather and gave it to Zak, who painted the outline of a feather and drops of blood onto Zentix’s chest. When he finished, she turned to show it to the others. The chant died away as the others took off their uniform tops and followed her example. Red paint appeared to apply the new emblem. Those that wavered gave in to peer pressure. A few diehards remained. I guess they’ll join or I need to go recruiting.
“I have a design for the unit patch,” Kita said to Zentix.
“A patch?”
“An emblem worn on your shirt so others know you by a glance.”
“We only put it on our chest.”
“You’re going to put one on your uniform. Everyone needs to know who we are just by looking at us.”
“It’s against uniform regulations.”
“Special units are often granted exceptions to such regulations.”
“It will take years to get such a change approved by the Admiralty.”
“Then tell the new executive officer to file the paperwork. Until we’re told no, we wear them.”
“New executive officer? Why am I being demoted?”
“You’re not. I said you were coming with me. You’re being promoted to Special Assistant to the Vicereine.”
“What are my duties?”
Kita smiled. “Do anything and everything I want.”
Zentix’s quills moved to show her confusion.
“She be teasing you, Diamock,” said Cotton. “She says you are one of us.”
“One of who?”
“A member of the princess click,” said Case.
“I am not part of a pointless hereditary title lineage,” said Zentix.
“It’s not just a title, but an attitude,” said Case with a sly smile.
“Attitude?” said Zentix.
“I’ll explain it to her,” said Cotton. “The doggies don’t have any position like ours.”
“Your leaders don’t have offspring?” Kita said with a chuckle.
“The Diamocks’ reproduction is just another specialty in their society,” said Cotton. “If a Diamock wants to have a litter, they ask for a transfer to special nurturing units. It’s not just for sex. They are expected to raise the children. Some Diamocks with unique genetic traits are ordered to one of these units. They do not keep track of parents, so heredity means nothing. It sounds like the Void to me.”
“For most of the rest of us we gain whatever rank or status our parents had,” said Case.
“Gaining a parent’s rank just because they die does not mean the offspring will have the experience, skills, or charisma to do the job any better than the parent,” said Zentix.
“It’s a system humans have had in place since before we could stand up straight,” said Kita. “It’s worked so far. Humans have tried other types of government, but it almost always reverts back to heredity. If I remember, Bush had four members voted into the American system before it collapsed and they disappeared into space.”
“Yes, four,” said Case. “George H. Bush and two of his sons, George W., and Jeb served as President. The first female president, Barbara Bush, daughter of W., led the exodus from Earth and built the colonies on Mars. Her great-granddaughter, Pierce Bush, led the surprise attack to conquer Earth. She was made Emperor when they’d taken the planet.” Case smiled smugly.
“It’s hard to gain surprise on a planetary conquest,” said Cotton.
“During the exodus, we fired all available nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons we had left. The goal wasn’t to annihilate the enemy, but overwhelm them with casualties and destroy any means of communication or detection facilities.”
“Excellent strategic decision.”
“They were too busy trying to rebuild infrastructure and take care of the billions made sick or disabled to try and figure out where we’d gone. When we came back, we overwhelmed them with superior weapons and tactics. Countries fell like dominoes. China, India, and Russia, the three aggressors during the war, fell in a matter of months. Their populations were weak and still suffering from our departure. We reclaimed what was ours and then took the rest of the planet.”
“Hmmm,” Cotton muttered. “You come from a better line of stock than I thought.”
“And what have you done?”
“Our story is similar to yours. My great grandmother unified all the warrens under her rule. I fought in the conquest of Malosa V.”
“Like I’m supposed to know what that means,” Case said, rolling her eyes.
Kita giggled. “It’s the war of the vermin.”
“You think you’re so funny,” said Cotton.
“I am that funny,” Kita said as she fended off a sneak tickle attack.
“I’ve never been in a real war,” said Case. “I have stood on the bridge of a warship while it fired and seen the aftermath of a squashed rebellion.”
“How can a princess not have combat experience?” Cotton said, looking down her nose at Case.
“I was being groomed for political life, a far more dangerous battlefield.”
“Sometimes a real knife in your back is better than a metaphorical one,” said Kita. She waved Zak to her. “You’re a lieutenan
t, correct?”
“Yes, Vicereine.”
“Well, go find the rank for lieutenant commander. You’re in charge of the ship when I’m not around.”
“Excuse me, Vicereine,” Zak said, stepping closer to Kita. “That will take a hundred or more cycles to be approved by the military academy.”
“Then get to sending the required documentation.”
“I’m not even in my window yet.”
“Just put the damn rank on. In my old armies, we called it frocking. You get all the respect and can do the jobs required of it. The only difference is you don’t get the same pay. If I have to, I’ll rip it off Zentix’s uniform.”
“What is happening to Lieutenant Commander Zentix?” said Zak.
“She’s going to be attached to me personally as an aide-de-camp and bodyguard.”
“We have soldiers and administrative staff to fill those roles.”
“Are you questioning my judgment and authority, Lieutenant Commander?” Kita hissed at him.
“No, Vicereine. I will see to it.”
“Good. Remember I’m not Diamock, and my style and needs are going to be different. Please, pass on to the others to be flexible when I request something. Commander Zentix will make sure any requests are appropriate. Make sure the rest of the crew’s uniforms and chest decals are updated. I want to make the next jump on schedule.”
“Yes, Vicereine.”
Kita dismissed him.
“As far as you go, Commander,” Kita said to Zentix, “grab your gear, and you can take one of the racks in my quarters.”
“I really shouldn’t.”
“I may need you at any time. I want you where I can find you. But, most importantly, you’re part of my team and need to get to know the rest of them. Fights go better when you fight with friends.”
“As you instruct.”
“Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it,” said Case. ‘It’s hard to understand freedom when you’ve never had it.”
“Let’s break her in gently,” Kita said to the others. “We did come here to get some practice in.”
“I’m all in for tearing apart some doggies,” said Cotton.
“No tearing apart my soldiers. I need as many as I can get. You and I can work out some, but I want to see what Case can do.”
“I’m wounded by your lack of confidence, darlin’,” Case said frowning playfully at Kita.
Kita and the others stumbled through the door into their living quarters. The next human shift started in less than an hour, and they didn’t want to miss Hawke’s reaction to their hazing. Lacy and Rabbit, neither looking particularly happy to see them, greeted them.
Kita set down Zentix’s bag. Flanked by Case and Cotton, Zentix looked nervous.
“Don’t be shy, Zen,” Case whispered. “They won’t bite.”
“What in the bloody Tower of London are they doing here?” Rabbit snarled at Cotton and Zentix. She wore her armor pieces and looked ready to start the day.
“Case, where have you been?” said Lacy.
“We went to the range.” Case patted one of the pistols on her hip.
“Zentix is moving in with us,” said Kita.
“Why?” Rabbit demanded.
“Because she can fight and has a wealth of knowledge about the galaxy we don’t have. I’m not asking you to share a bunk together.”
“It might help her,” Cotton muttered.
Kita waved a dismissive hand at her girlfriend. Getting Rabbit roiled up over the subject wouldn’t help.
“Where’s that feathered furry-loving bitch?” Hawke yelled from the dorm area.
The three royals giggled. “Why so serious?” Kita called back. “It’s got to be the most attention your little soldier has seen in a while.”
“I didn’t join you to be your goddamn boy toy.”
“If you wanted more you just had to wake up. Apparently, we were too subtle,” called Case.
“How’d you get into my room?”
“The same way Kita did. I have to admit it looks cuter when you stand up.” Case smiled warmly at him.
“That’s it. I’m done. Drop me off at the next depot. I’ll get myself home.” Hawke turned to leave, took two steps, and said, “If any of you mischievous bitches come into my room again, I’ll gut you.” He left, leaving the three girls laughing.
“Bloody moons, I didn’t think he’d have the nerve to admit to it,” Kita gasped.
“Or show it off in public,” Case said with tears in her eyes.
“Wait until he figures out it doesn’t wipe away without the dilutor.” That caused another round of laughter.
“Lasses, please,” Auggy called from the table, busy trying to eat. “It be too early for carrying on like that.”
“It’s not that early for us, we haven’t been to bed yet,” said Cotton.
Kita reached up and stroked the back of Cotton’s ear. The hair stood up on the bunny’s back. “We could go to bed.”
The Verisom shook her head to free herself of Kita’s temptation. “We both have things to do.”
“Oh, you’re no fun.” Kita kissed the short, soft fur on Cotton’s cheek. It was one of Kita’s favorite places to kiss. The short hair tickled her nose and caused her to giggle to herself.
“I’ll find you if I finish.” Cotton kissed Kita and left.
“Goddamn it, Kita,” how do I get this crap off?” Hawke snarled from the hallway.
“Are you sure? You look so cute,” said Case.
“Now, dammit.”
Kita looked at Case and shrugged. She took out a wipe and opened a pouch on her belt, then took a pepper gas bomb from her belt, and rubbed some of the contents on the cleaning cloth. She walked the cleaning cloth down to Hawke.
“You’re not even curious about whose lips graced you?” Kita said with a smirk.
“Get out!” he thundered.
Kita and Case took up station by the door, in case they needed to make a fast getaway. Hawke began to scream even before they arrived. His scream died away, and there was an uneasy calm.
“Should we check on him?” said Lacy.
“I’m sure he’s fine,” said Case.
Hawke stepped into the common room, his face flush with tears in his eyes. “What in the hell was on that rag?”
Kita shrugged. “Just the usual. We girls have to use them all the time, and you don’t hear us screaming.”
“Come here,” said Case. When he didn’t obey, she went to him. She took a mechanic’s cleaning cloth from her belt. “Here.”
“Not a bloody chance in hell.”
“It’s a cleaning cloth used for removing oil and grime. It’ll neutralize the chemicals in the cleaning cloth. I bet you’re just allergic to one of the cleaning solutions.”
“I’ve never had allergies to anything in my life,” he huffed.
“And when was the last time you wore women’s makeup?”
Hawke grunted and took it, then retreated to his room.
“There’s never a dull moment around here,” Kita said to Zentix.
“Actually, it’s very dull when you’re not here,” said Lacy.
Kita laughed. “Well, I never. Come on, Zen. I’ll take you to your room.”
“I can’t sleep here. This is for soldiers above my rank,” said Zentix.
“You go where I go, and sleep where I sleep. It’s not above your rank if I tell you it’s ok.” She picked up the bag, but Zentix tried to take it. Kita held fast. “In here no one outranks anyone. You’re my friend and host, so let me do the heavy lifting.”
Zentix’s quills rippled in doubt and frustration, but she followed Kita down the hallway.
“What are you two doing?” Kita asked Sarge and Jupiter. The pair were cuddled together in the middle of the hallway. The lenses in her eyes changed and she saw the heat map of the area. The pair had parked themselves above a warm conduit. They looked at her and then went back to sleep. Kita shook her head at the pair and tiptoed around them.
The ping of metal on a tabletop was followed by a splash.
“Ha, drink it, long ears,” Case said with a grin.
Cotton picked up the tumbler filled with a blue liquid. She swished it around, watching the betraying piece of metal. She frowned and then knocked the drink back.
“You two must be plotting against me,” Cotton said, shaking her head at the liquid’s aftertaste.
“I don’t think so,” Kita said, cuddling up to the bunny.
“You’re only four shots ahead of us,” said Case.
“Maybe this stuff hits bunnies harder than doggies.”
“Or maybe someone is cheating and not telling her opponents she has an unfair advantage,” Rabbit called from the bar.
“What’s this?” Cotton said while pushing Kita off her.
“What my body does naturally isn’t an unfair advantage,” said Kita, giving Rabbit a dirty look.
“She can metabolize alcohol almost as fast as she can put it in her face,” said Rabbit.
“Oh?” Cotton said. “And when were you going to tell me?”
Kita shrugged in response.
The vengeful Verisom savagely began to tickle Kita. The Angel tried to contain herself until she slid off her seat, taking the table down with her. The bottle and tumbler took turns hitting her in the head.
Zentix shook her head. “If I knew you were going to waste the best spirits we carry by inviting the deck to play, I would have picked differently.”
“How much?” said Kita. “I can’t pay for it until I reach human space.”
“How did you get an account in human space?” said Case. “That’s a trick, seeing as you’ve never been there.”
“I don’t know.” Kita righted the table. “I found out about it when we went shopping in Angelica Transfer Station. I apparently have an ally in the Gjord family.”
Case’s mouth fell open. She shook her head again to make sure she saw correctly. “You’re not her, you’re normal looking. You don’t act like her or talk like her…”
“Like who?” said Kita. Am I not who I think I am?
“Jane Gjord, the daughter of Sven Gjord. She was my rival for a long time. She’s a bitch, whore, and dumber than a box of wrenches. She ruled the party and fashion scene for several years. How on Earth did you get mixed in with that nest of vipers?”
