by Brian Dorsey
***
“Prince Vali,” said Astra with a smile. “I am glad you could see me at this hour.”
“Your support of my brother King Vali and the naming of Lord General Zorlar in your report to the Emperor has brought honor to our family and made you a friend of the true Doran King.”
“It is I who am honored,” replied Astra.
Prince Vali nodded. “And what have you asked me here for, ProConsul?”
“I offer to your King the base of Port Royal.”
Vali tilted his head. “Is this not the base of your Association allies?”
“They are no longer allies,” replied Astra.
“Then why don’t you take care of them yourself?”
“I have more pressing matters in other sectors but have also recently obtained information that the Terillians are planning an attack. I cannot let the Terillians gain control of Port Royal.”
“This Association must not be very good at playing the neutral.”
“As I said, I no longer have need of them.”
“And you want the Dorans to take care of the problem for you?”
“I have put things in place to weaken their defenses when you attack in five standard weeks.”
“Five weeks,” replied Vali in what Astra though was laugh. “Do you now also plan to tell the Dorans when to attack?”
“No, Prince Vali. But in order to take the city before the Terillians, you must do so in five weeks.”
“And why would I order my forces into combat for you? You have to know by now the Dorans do not spill our blood needlessly.”
“I do, Prince,” said Astra. “I can assure you, when you start your attack their leaders will be dead. And then you will have a foothold in the Neutral Quadrant…one the Xen will be unaware of. From there you can gain resources and possibly information on the Siksika and Numinu people that can help you in your struggle with them.”
“The Association must have—or know—something you really want to keep from the Terillians.”
“And I am sure you have secrets you do not want your enemies to learn as well, Prince.”
“Or our allies,” he replied.
“Of course. Then we understand each other.”
“We do, ProConsul.”
“Then I offer Port Royal to your King as a gift from the Humani people.”
“And what will be my gift, ProConsul?” asked Vali.
“It will not be the first time you will unwrap it, Hector,” replied Astra using the Prince’s chosen name, “but I am sure you will find it just as pleasing as the first time,” she added as she let her dress fall to the ground.
***
Stone’s thoughts wondered as he walked toward his office. Mori had remained tight-lipped about the conversation between her and Martin. He knew the two didn’t like each other…he even knew why. But he had no clue what to do about it. Every time the two were together around him, he felt as if he was being pulled apart by two mountain bears.
Turning the corner to his office he saw Martin leaning against the wall at the entrance.
“Sir,” she replied as she snapped to attention.
“Emily?” he replied.
“Sir…you said we would talk this morning.”
“Yes, of course.” He’d hoped she would have dropped the issue. But it was Emily Martin. “I really don’t think—”
“Sir, if I may?”
“Emily, I shouldn’t have snapped at you but I can’t—”
“Just…damn it,” cursed Martin. “Just fucking listen to me…” She paused. “Sir.”
Martin was mouthy and opinionated but had never directly challenged him. “Go ahead.”
“I’m am truly sorry and meant no disrespect last night,” said Martin. “I’ve never tried to understand your personal life. You’ve been my commander and it’s my job to follow your orders. And that’s been good enough for me…until now.”
He really didn’t want to have this conversation. “Emily. I—”
Martin raised her hand to silence him. “You’re going to let me finish…or find another Chief of Staff.”
Martin was not one to toss around ultimatums she wasn’t willing to carry out. “Fine, Emily. Speak your piece.”
“You have taught me how to lead men and…” She paused, taking a deep breath.
He could see tears begin to well up in her eyes. “Emily?”
“I’ll never forgive myself for thinking you were a traitor against our people.”
He placed his hand on her shoulder…he didn’t know what else to do. “Emily, it’s not—”
“Please,” she said, shrugging his hand from her shoulder and looking toward the floor. “I know a lot of people don’t…” She let out an awkward chuckle. “…nobody likes me. I’m a pain in the ass.”
“Emily—”
She looked up into his eyes. A resolve had replaced her fragility. “But you know there’s no one you can count on more in a fight.”
“I do,” he replied. “I—”
“If you can trust me unconditionally in battle, then why won’t you trust me when I tell you that woman is not good for you?”
He took a deep breath. “She showed me the truth about the Xen. I wouldn’t be alive if it wasn’t for her…she’s been my anchor.”
“She told an enemy what she knew to be the truth for her own benefit…a truth that has made you question everything…” She exhaled hard. “…even yourself. You’ve risked your life for her as much as she has for you…if you’re not careful that anchor will drown you.”
He couldn’t hold back anymore. “Damn it,” he cursed, slamming his fist against the wall. “I can’t keep being the referee between you two…I don’t have the energy.”
“I just don’t want you to lose yourself in your attempt to fight the Xen.”
He saw Martin’s jaw tighten and felt her hand on his forearm as she spoke.
“And I’m afraid she is going take you away from…” She stopped and stepped away from him, looking toward the floor again. After a deep breath, she looked up. “…away from your people.”
“Our people are always in my thoughts,” he replied. “And as for losing myself…” His stomach felt tight. “How can I do that…I don’t even know who I am.” he confessed allowing his own frustrations to boil over. “Am I honoring our people? Am I a traitor? A leader of men or a puppet of the Akota?” He stepped forward and grabbed Martin’s arms. “If you are so sure who I am, please fucking tell me because I just don’t know anymore.”
Martin’s eyes locked onto his.
“You are brave, honorable, and should be the true leader of our people,” she replied. “You are the one that taught me what it meant to be a warrior, an officer…how to be Humani.”
Stone saw the conviction and the pain in her eyes. “I don’t know—”
“And every minute you let that Akota fuck with your mind—and your heart—I see it changing you.”
“I…” He let out an audible grunt full of frustration. “What if it is for the better?”
Martin guffawed and turned her head away from him briefly. “She’s…it’s not for the better.”
“What do you want me to do?” asked Stone, holding his arms out in frustration. “Tell me.”
“I—” The look in Stone’s eyes told her he didn’t want an answer.
“Can you just focus on the mission right now?” asked Stone. “Unless you really mean to resign as my Chief of Staff?”
She stared back at him, her mouth twisted and jaw clinched. “I won’t jeopardize this mission,” she said with a sigh. “But there will come a day—and it will come soon—that I’ll have my fill of watching her destroy the man that our people need you to be.”
“Well until that day comes, Major,” replied Stone. “I expect you’ll do you duty.”
Martin snapped to attention. “You know I will,” she replied. “And when that time comes—and I do what has to be done—I’ll be doing my duty then as well.”
He knew exactly what Martin meant…subtly was not her style. “Just make sure the team is ready for the mission.” He paused. “And remember…we are all on the same team.”
“Yes, sir,” grumbled Martin, adding a salute. “Now if I may be excused.”
Stone nodded his head.
Martin dropped her salute and stepped past him.
He turned and watched her storm away, her ponytail bouncing with each angry step.
“Son of bitch,” he said aloud. He was pissed at her but she had only said things that he’d thought himself on occasion—things he and Mori had even fought over. He glanced back in the direction of Martin as the door to his office opened.
She was gone.
Letting out a sigh, he stepped into his office, walked to his desk, and let himself collapse into his chair. He looked toward the ceiling and let out another heavy breath. Stone closed his eyes for a moment and let his mind drift back to before the war had started, before things were…complicated. His hand tightened into a fist as if he was holding his sword as he remembered the night he recited his Oath for the first time. He began to speak them again:
I will stand strong in the face of danger, for my comrades will do the same
I will be unafraid of death for death comes but once and cowardice is forever
I will go close against the enemy, for my will is stronger than his
I will show courage, for it is the one possession that cannot be taken
I will die with pride, for I am fighting for my lineage and my people
I will face death with joy, for I will become immortal—my shining glory never forgotten
A heavy puff of air escaped his lungs. The words that had always seemed to center him brought no relief. Mori’s pressure to change him and Martin’s resistance to everything Akota—the Oath held no answers to that problem. At its core, the Oath was meant to center a warrior on duty to their people and the importance of family. But in order for that to mean anything, one had to know what family they belonged to….what people they were part of—in short, one needed to know who they were.
Stone’s stomach churned and his head grew light. How was he supposed to lead thousands if he couldn’t keep Mori and Martin from wanting to tear each other apart?
“You better figure it out soon,” he said to himself as he closed his eyes again.
Chapter 7
Sierra, with Lieutenants Kawal and O’Neil at her side, stood at the entrance to Councilwoman Woodstock’s office. She looked over the two Association guards at the door. They were both large with thick beards and strong jawlines that would intimidate most would-be opponents purely on appearance alone. Unlike the other Association members, they wore little leather and brass finish on their uniforms. They were made for practicality, not flash.
She looked into the eyes of one of the guards who returned her gaze with an arrogant confidence. If they only knew her true mission. She let out a small chuckle.
“More of the fucking ProConsul’s pets,” laughed the guard. “And how is the biggest bitch in the galaxy?”
Sierra smiled, allowing her canines to show. “Now that wasn’t nice.”
“Oh,” replied the guard. “Did I—”
In a flash Sierra was on the guard. She drove him to his knees, grabbing his rifle and tossing it to the ground as Kawal and O’Neil leveled their weapons on the other guard.
Sierra felt the guard start to rise but shoved him back to his knees with a growl. “Now, Port Royal trash,” she said through her teeth, “I think you need to apologize for taking the ProConsul’s name in vain.”
“Get off me!” he grumbled. “Fucking Guardsmen.”
Sierra’s body tensed. “We’re not Elite Guard,” she grumbled. She tightened her grip on the guard’s shoulder, sending a bolt of pain through his body.
“What are you then?” he groaned.
“The future,” she snarled, slamming his body against the wall.
“I…I’m sorry,” he relented. “I meant no disrespect.”
Sierra shifted her weight and lifted the guard to his feet with one hand. “Do it again and I will drain you and bathe in your blood.”
The door slid open and out walked a tall, thin woman in a black dress covered by a leather vest. Her face was pale, made purposely so with makeup, to highlight her raven hair and blue eyes. Her jaw dropped when she saw Sierra had the guard pinned against the wall. “Oh, my,” she gasped. “Is…is everything okay?”
“Yes,” replied Sierra, releasing the guard. “I was just ensuring your guard understood the importance of showing respect for the ProConsul Astra Varus.”
“Yes. Of course,” replied woman with a glance toward the guard. “Please forgive him. Our guards are chosen for their physical abilities, not their politics. His pay will be docked.”
“I think he understands now,” said Sierra with a glance toward the guard. “And besides, you don’t change behavior with a pocketbook…you do it with pain.”
“Of course,” replied the woman, “but don’t you think there are many different types of motivation?”
“Perhaps for some.” Sierra knew Association members were masters of flattery, deceit, and manipulation. “But make a man cry out in pain and you will see their true self.”
“That method would seem to be effective as well,” replied the woman as she stepped toward Sierra. “I am Selena Swanson. I am Councilwoman Woodstock’s attendant.”
Sierra felt the woman’s hand on her forearm. “No,” she said. “No games.”
“Of course,” replied Selena, quickly withdrawing her hand. “Let me take you to the Councilwoman.”
“Yes.” Sierra turned toward her lieutenants. “You two stay with our new friends.”
Sierra followed Selena through the doors and into the councilwoman’s office. Orchestral music played softly in the background as they walked across the wooden-planked floor to a desk of dark wood and brass.
As they reached the desk, a tall leather chair turned and Councilwoman Sienna Woodstock came into view. Her puffy cheeks turned red as a smile came to her face. “Come, Commander Skye, sit,” she said as she rose to her feet. “The ProConsul has told us you would be arriving soon. As usual, any emissary of the ProConsul is welcome on Port Royal.”
“Don’t worry about the niceties, Councilwoman,” replied Sierra. “I’m a warrior, not a politician.”
“Of course, Commander,” said Woodstock, her smile turning flat. “What can the Association do for you, Commander?”
“You mean for the ProConsul?”
“Yes, Commander. For the ProConsul.”
“The ProConsul has learned of a security threat to Port Royal.”
Woodstock exhaled. “So the Terillians are going to attack,” said Woodstock. “We had heard rumblings and were preparing a meeting with the ProConsul to discuss a request for support in turn for a more favorable trade status with the Humani.”
“I’m not here regarding the Terillian assault,” replied Sierra. “The ProConsul is making preparations for the attack on this facility.”
Woodstock let out a sigh of relief. “That is good to hear. Are you here as part of those preparations.”
“No Councilwoman.”
“I am confused, Commander Skye. Why are you here?”
“I’m here regarding a specific threat to the Council.”
Woodstock sank into her chair. “To the Council?”
“I have been sent to brief the Council and provide assistance to your security forces. The ProConsul is concerned your focus on the coming Terillian attack will only increase your vulnerability to the threat.”
“What is the threat?”
“I must brief the assembled Council. Those are my orders.”
Woodstock leaned forward and her brow furrowed. “That is highly unusual? As the Head Council Member I can inform the others.”
“The threat is highly unusual. And I have my orders.”
The Councilwoman activated a pa
nel in her desk and began to flip through files. After a few seconds, she looked up. “It may take a few days to assemble everyone,” said Woodstock. “Councilmen Ravenwood and Coppertree are away…” She paused. “…on business.”
“Then you should recall them immediately.” Sierra leaned forward, placing her hands on the Councilwoman’s desk. “This threat is very real,” she added, allowing her fangs to show. “That’s why I’m here.”
Woodstock leaned away from Sierra. “You’re one of them.”
Sierra stood erect. “I will assign a team to each of the Council members currently on Port Royal…for their safety. I’ll also need to see your head of security.”
“This is highly irregular, Commander Skye. If you could just tell me the nature of the threat…our security structure is very robust.”
“I have told you my orders, Councilwoman,” replied Sierra. “And if you want Humani support against the Terillians, you will allow us to ensure the Council is protected…which means my team will provide the protection.”
“Of course, Commander.”
“And my men will need quarters while we are billeted here,” said Sierra.
“Uh…yes,” replied Woodstock, “Ms. Swanson will ensure all of your needs are met.”
“Excellent.” Sierra activated a communicator. “Lieutenant Kawal, post.”
Lieutenant Kawal walked into the room and saluted. “Reporting as ordered, Commander.”
“Your platoon will be attached to Councilwoman Woodstock.”
“Aye, Commander,” answered Kawal.
Sierra turned toward Woodstock. “Once all of the Council members have arrived, Lieutenant Kawal will inform me and I will brief all of you on the threat. Are there any questions?”
“No, Commander,” replied Woodstock. “And please convey to the ProConsul our appreciation for her continued support.”
“The ProConsul is aware,” said Sierra.
Sierra turned and exited the office. Once outside she was joined by Lieutenant O’Neil.
“Is everything on track, Commander?” he asked as the two walked down the long passageway leading away from Wooodstock’s office.
