The Black Guard: Book II: Evolution (Black Guard Series 2)

by C. R. Daems

  I shook my head. "No. My detail and I will be quartered in the king's residence. The outside of his residence is your domain; the inside belongs to the Black Guard."

  Naxal gave me a hard look, but then nodded. "Yes. Our responsibilities must be clear."

  The two guards at the door saluted as we approached, and one quickly opened it for us to enter. Inside, we were met by an elderly man dressed in a brown suit wearing a red shoulder sash and a gold medallion hanging from around his neck.

  "Minister Seack, this is Captain Sapir of the Black Guard," Naxal said as Seack stared at me.

  "Welcome, Captain Sapir. The king has been expecting you. If you will accompany me, I'll get you comfortable while I let his majesty and his son know you are here.

  "Thank you, Minister Seack," I said, following him down a long hallway and into a large room with several padded wing-backed chairs with the Asina crest; a red hawk with wings spread and talons showing on a brown circle. The walls of the room were half red and half a dark colored wood, and the floor was covered in a brown rug embroidered with red symbols, making the room feel smaller than it was. The room would have been dark except for a wall of windows. I stood admiring the pictures on the wall: beautiful paintings of landscapes and colorful birds.

  A short time later, the minister entered followed by two men, one in his later years and the other in his twenties. The older one dressed in white silks partially covered with a Red robe decorated with a delicate yellow vine design. The younger man had on a brown military uniform with a vertical red stripe on the pants. By the pips and shoulder boards it was an officer's uniform, and the brown shoulder sash with the red bird indicated royalty.

  "Captain Sapir, may I present King Zeruf and his son and heir, Prince Kalom," Minister Seack said as two guards in white closed the door behind the men.

  I gave a shallow bow, but before I could speak, Kalom stepped forward.

  "They sent women. It's an insult!" he sneered.

  "If King Zeruf finds women unacceptable, we can leave," I said, looking toward Zeruf.

  "I'm informed you have men and women in your detail. Make sure only men are providing my security," Kalom said before his father could reply, although I had the feeling he was content to watch.

  "My teams only have Black Guards. You will get the team I designate, unless you choose not to have one." I kept the amusement out of my voice, preparing for the confrontation to come.

  As expected, he stepped toward me with his left foot while he prepared to throw a right fist at me when he stepped forward with his right leg.

  I moved forward as he did, putting me inside his punch, and drove my right knee into his groin and my head into his nose—breaking it. Simultaneously, I drove my right leg down his leg and into his instep.

  Bones snapped.

  A twist at my waist sent him airborne, and he landed on his back, blood pouring from his nose. I tripped the catch on my whip, and it dropped loose as my laser rose in my left hand.

  "Anyone who draws a weapon dies. And you, Prince Kalom, will lose that arm if you draw the laser your hand is resting on. Unlike your nose and the bones in your foot, I doubt you have the technology to reattach your arm."

  I looked to the king, who appeared pale and in shock. "We are here to protect your lives and will risk ours to save yours. However, we are not your servants, nor paid help, nor here for your amusement. If he weren't your son, he would be dead. If he chooses to try any of us again, then he will be dead. We are the Black Guard. We are not subject to your laws, and we don't take orders from you. And in case you consider making us, we have orbiting this planet a state of the art Jax cruiser capable of reducing one of your cities to dust."

  The king raised his hand and a small smile creased his lips. "Seack, get Doctor Essoz. My impulsive son needs attention. Kalom, get your hand away from your laser, unless you are planning to learn to eat and shoot with your left." He gave a wry grin. "I apologize for my son, Captain Sapir. But like him, I'm afraid I too had my doubts about women guards. Reputations can't always be relied on. They tend to grow with each telling, and the Angels have a legendary reputation of their own. How do you want to proceed, now that we've been introduced?" He gave a short laugh.

  Kalom didn't look like he found the situation amusing.

  "I've configured four teams: one for you, your son, your wife, and your daughter—"

  "The contract was for my son and me only."

  "I don't know the Angels of Death, but if I were them, anyone in your family would be fair game. Not because they are in the line of succession, but because attacking them could create the kind of distraction that would make you more vulnerable. So unless you don't love them …"

  "I think this contest between the Angels and the Black Guard would be entertaining if only my son's and my life weren't at stake."

  "Each member of your family will have two Guards with them at all times." I paused to let Zeruf digest what I was planning.

  He frowned.

  "Yes, we will be in the room, not in the hallway. I'm assuming the Angels are professionals like the Black Guard, and I want to force one-on-one confrontations, because I believe we are better."

  "Even the women?" Kalom said through gritted teeth.

  "Prince Kalom, every one of us began training at age six. A few of the best went to marine school after four years of competing. Again, a few of the best went on to Guard school after four more years of competing. And there, we trained for eight more years to become qualified for assignments. So yes, every member here is equally qualified to wear the Black of the Guard."

  Just then, Seack entered with a man dressed in the loose whites of a doctor. He went directly to Kalom and knelt to examine him for several minutes. "I'll need to take him to the hospital for treatment," he said while worrying his lip in thought. "His foot has several fractures which need to be reset and secured."

  "If you would, wait for a moment, Doctor." I looked at Naxal. "Colonel, if you would have my detail escorted to this room, I'd like to introduce Prince Kalom to his security team and have them take up their responsibilities."

  "Can't it wait?" Essoz asked. "The Prince is in pain."

  "It can wait if you know the Angels of Death are not targeting the prince or aren't in the area." I looked to Zeruf.

  He nodded to Naxal, who took a communication device from his belt and spoke quietly with someone.

  "Minister Seack, ask my wife and daughter to join us. Captain Sapir has a point. I've already lost two sons to those cursed Angels. And get us some refreshments." Zeruf sat down. "Your reputation appears to be accurate. A ruthless bitch with a heart as black as her uniform, or words to that effect." A slight grin played on his lips while he waited for my comment.

  "The rules are for our client's benefit. If they or their people knew how to protect against assassins, they wouldn't need the Black Guard. We are not perfect; however, we have years of training. Your current team has extensive experience against assassins. If we let our clients dictate to us, we would give the assassins easy access." I smiled. "And although I may be a heartless bitch, I'd be depressed for days if you got hurt on my watch."

  Zeruf laughed. "True. Although I trust my life to Colonel Naxal, the Angels of Death never fail an assassination contract. So in desperation, I have turned to the Black Guard, hoping you are as ruthless and heartless as the Angels and perhaps their equal."

  Just then, the door opened and my detail entered, along with a young lieutenant, who saluted Naxal. After they exchanged a few words, the lieutenant left.

  "Prince Kalom, I'd like to introduce Senior Sergeant Judt, He will head your security team." I stepped aside and Judt proceeded to introduce his six-person team. The medics then carried Kalom out with two Guards following.

  "King Zeruf, I'd like to introduce Lieutenant Elijah, my second-in-command, and Senior Sergeant Mintz. His team is assigned to you," I said.

  Mintz stepped forward and gave a shallow bow and proceeded to introduce his tea
m. As he finished, two women entered.

  "Your majesty, you wanted us?" the older of the two asked. Her hair was graying and her figure matronly, but her eyes as they scanned the room spoke to an intelligent and enquiring mind. The younger woman looked to be around twenty, tall and sturdy like her mother. They were both dressed in silk blouses and ankle-length skirts.

  "Yes, dear. Captain Sapir, this is my wife, Queen Dulice, and my daughter, Princess Kathyn. The captain has decided to assign you and Kathyn security."

  "Why?" she asked, but I noticed she didn't add they weren't in danger, confirming she wasn't to be taken lightly.

  "For my peace of mind, Queen Dulice, until we find out the Angel's ethics," I said, realizing that had been the reason I decided on four teams. Were they professionals like the Guard who would stick to killing only those stated in their contract, or would they create chaos as a diversion—and who did their contract include?

  "Ethics?" Princess Kathyn asked. "Killers have no ethics!"

  "Not everyone that is in a killing profession, like soldiers, enjoys killing, Princess Kathyn. Most risk their lives to protect others, some to earn a living, some for love of country, and some to protect those they admire and respect."

  "What about you, Captain?" Dulice asked, her eyes locking on mine.

  "It's very satisfying saving lives. Saving your family would be very rewarding and something worth remembering."

  "What about killing the Angels?"

  "A regrettable but necessary part of saving your lives." I waved Senior Sergeant Nadel over, who introduced her team to Dulice.

  Then it was Senior Sergeant Catz's turn with Princess Kathyn.

  "You assigned male sergeants to the men and women sergeants to us …"

  "Your society may consider women less than men or not fit for combat. In the Jax, men and women are equal. You will notice the women all have double dragons on their sleeves. Although everyone here has seen action and earned the right to wear the uniform, those with the double dragons have survived against impossible odds and taught our opponents the cost of taking on the Black Guard. And although I did make the assignment to ease your prejudices, you will note there are an equal number of women on each team—two." I smiled as Dulice scanned the room, verifying my statement. When she turned back, she nodded and a small smile played on her lips.

  * * *

  After the senior sergeants had assigned two Guards to each client, Minister Seach assigned the Guard a room on each of the two floors and led Lieutenant Elijah and I to a separate smaller room on the second floor. Smaller was relative to the other rooms, which were massive and would have each comfortably held my entire detail, but I wanted the team to have a presence on each floor. This smaller room was set up as a single bedroom, which was perfect as Elijah and I would not be sleeping at the same time.

  "This is perfect, Minister Seack. Now if I can impose on you a little longer, I'd like to visit the ground floor and meet the staff."

  "Why?"

  "To ensure your king and his son live through our contract. You would recognize each member of the staff and know if a person wasn't supposed to be where they were. We wouldn't."

  "If you must," he said, resignation in his voice.

  "Lieutenant, get the senior sergeants. I'd like them to accompany us."

  When everyone was assembled, Seack took us on a tour of the lower level, where food was prepared, supplies stored, and a few housekeeping chores performed. The staff had their own ground level entrance, but there was only one stairway. We spent the next two hours determining each person's function, getting a retina scan, and having both facial and full-length photos taken. Finally, we returned to the Guard's first floor room, an unused bedroom with bathroom facilities.

  "This might be the most dangerous assignment the Guard has undertaken, and I don't anticipate a quick resolution. Therefore, we not only have to be alert and extra paranoid at all times, but sensitive to any weakness. For example, we would normally change shifts and perform inspections at designated times. After today, I want them random. Shifts will be four hours each; however, they may change early, on time, or late on any given day. I want us to be as unpredictable as possible. In addition, I want one of the shifts off duty to be guarding the entrances or roaming. That means eight on and four off."

  "That will be very stressful over a long period," Mintz said, echoing what everyone was thinking.

  "Yes, very. But we have no choice. Until we learn different, we have to assume the Angels are professionals, have been well trained, and will win if we aren't the epitome of the Black Guard—the elite of the Jax military. Therefore, it will be your responsibility to monitor our people and keep Lieutenant Elijah and me aware of any real or potential problems."

  "Yes, sir!" they answered in unison.

  * * *

  I froze in mid-step and felt sweat beading on my forehead. Quickly, I typed on my Mfi: Urgent. status report on all clients.

  Zeruf in his study. Sergeant Peller replied.

  Kalom talking with an army lieutenant in Blue room. Sergeant Glick replied.

  Dulice reading in the library. Sergeant Ganz replied.

  Kathyn on her way to her room. Sergeant Haber replied.

  I let out the breath I had been holding when I learned no one had retired for the night. Then I contacted Senior Sergeant Catz on my Mfi.

  "Yes, sir?" she answered.

  "You and two Guards meet me at Princess Kathyn's bedroom." I disconnected as I headed for her room.

  "Captain Sapir, this security is very … annoying," Kathyn said when I caught up with her, Sergeant Haber, and Corporal Polak near the top of the steps.

  "It is, but hopefully over the months ahead you will come to appreciate it." I kept the amusement I felt from showing.

  "Appreciate it?" She frowned

  "Yes—when you and your father, mother, and brother are still alive."

  Before she could answer, Senior Sergeant Catz, Private Smithos, and Corporal Krebs came running down the hallway.

  "Sir?"

  "I just realized we hadn't cleared our client's bedrooms and any attached rooms. Princess Kathyn is ready to retire." I nodded toward her room and entered with them while indicating Haber should wait outside with Kathyn.

  Kathyn's room was massive like the others, and in addition she had a bath and closet. I tossed an infrared detector to Catz, who caught it and smiled but stood waiting until Krebs and Smithos finished their search and indicated it was clear. Then she made a circuit of the room, using the detector to scan each area. When she entered the closet, she pointed to the top shelf, causing Krebs and Smithos to move closer to the closet entrance.

  "I know you are behind that rolled-up bed cover. You have to the count of ten to come down or I shoot. One … two … three …"

  The cover flew off the shelf, opening to envelope Catz as it floated through the air and a figure dressed in black landed nimbly in a crouched position.

  Krebs, Smithos, and I fired simultaneously along with the assassin. A laser beam struck Krebs in the chest, while the assassin took two laser bursts to the head and one to the chest. The man was thrown backward, landing at Catz's feet as she freed herself from the cover.

  I clicked on my Mfi. "All Guards not on duty, report to the second floor." I walked back to the hallway.

  Within seconds, individuals began appearing.

  "Nadel, your team will cover the entrance to the Queen's room. Mintz, the king's room, and Judt, the prince's room. Wait for me to enter." I went back into the princess's room.

  When I arrived, Krebs was examining his chest, which looked singed but otherwise all right, and Catz had removed the assassin's head cap, which had covered everything but his eyes. He was small but I'd wager in his twenties.

  "That was a clever move with the blanket," Catz said, looking embarrassed. "If I had been alone, he probably would have killed me. Worse, I think we'd have missed him without the infrared detector. He would have had all night to kill the pr
incess and maybe the Guards in the hallway."

  "I want everyone briefed. The Angels are athletic, well-trained, good shots, and sneaky. Sergeant Catz is right. If there had only been two of you and you hadn't had on protective body armor, his odds of winning were excellent. Even with the protective gear he might have won if he realized soon enough why his first shot didn't kill Krebs. A fact that we should keep secret." I clicked on Colonel Naxal's number. He answered almost immediately.

  "Captain Sapir?"

  "We've had an incident at the castle. Could you come over and bring a couple of troops? We have a body." I cut the connection and walked down the hall to the prince's room. When I arrived, Kalom was standing outside.

  "What's going on?" he asked when I neared.

  "An assassin in your sister's room. We are going to check yours next." I nodded to Senior Sergeant Judt and he nodded to Corporals Toch and Uziel, who entered and began a search of the room while Judt and I stood watching. When they found nothing, I gave Judt the infrared detector, and he began the search again with Toch and Uziel following. To my relief, the room was empty.

  I had the four clients sequestered to keep them out of sight while we searched each room. Minister Seach had given me a drawing detailing each room on the first and second floors. From the diagram I knew most of the rooms on this floor were not presently being used, with the exception of a sitting room and the family library. At each room, the infrared detector was used to check the door, and then two Guards entered followed by a senior sergeant and then me. The last room was a bathroom at the far end of the hallway. When Judt scanned the door, the detector showed a heat source near.

  I let my whip drop loose and indicated for Corporal Rong to open the door. As it opened, my whip lashed out and around the door. I kept it at thigh-level in case the individual crouched as the door swung open. I felt the whip make contact but heard no sounds of pain.