“They are acting real guilty,” Leonessa said hopefully, her eyes glued to the tracking board. “You sure this isn’t a trap? Seems too easy.”
“I have found most aliens aren’t even half as violent or sneaky as humans. They don’t deal well with threats and their subtlety is frequently childlike when they get threatened. Some of them have lived for centuries and threatening their life or wellbeing really messes with their psychology,” Luke said. “If the prisoners are not on that ship then we will go to plan B.
“On the flip side they do tend to be much better traders and industrialists than humans. We are still violent and untrusting. We are not the only ones though, but I would say we are in the upper ten percent of violent, sneaky, and dangerous beings in the Conglomerate.”
“Target one in range,” the Cutlass reported.
“Nelson, notify Bizzen control we are likely to be firing and maneuvering,” Luke said. “Invoke our license to initiate violence, not the Shoka license. I don’t want the Topa to be able to be implicated.”
“Aye, aye Commander,” Nelson replied.
“Cutlass, when you get clearance from Nelson, power up drives and intercept Target One at full speed. Target the engines and then weapons. Detach fighters and open a channel to Target One.”
“Aye, aye Commander,” the Cutlass replied. “Clearance received. Fighters detached, targeting complete and hailing target one.”
“This is the free trader license number Alpha-Four-Omega-niner-niner, we deny your hostility. Do not fire.”
Luke shrugged. “Free trader license number Alpha-Four-Omega-Niner-Niner we are invoking a class three license to initiate violence against the person and property of Mashgol trader Jangol. Your vessel and crew belongs to him. Per class three license to commit violence specifications, you are a legitimate target. You may not deny hostilities. You may surrender your vessel to avoid violence and death. Failure to surrender will result in hostilities being initiated.”
“Target one is requesting help from Chonkan Patrol Command,” the Cutlass reported. “Chonkan Patrol Command has verified license and condition and is prohibiting Patrol or Bizzen orbital involvement. They warn us if the vessel is severely damaged and crashes on Bizzen we will accountable. If uninvolved vessels are damaged we may also be accountable.”
“Copy that,” Luke said with a smile. “Acknowledge and thank them.”
“Aye, aye Commander,” the Cutlass replied. “Fighters accelerating and ranging target.”
“Free trader license number Alpha-Four-Omega-Niner-Niner, this is your last chance. Prepare to be boarded or fired upon.”
“Incoming Brazat targeting lock from Target One,” the Cutlass computer announced.
“Fighters may engage at will,” Luke said watching the screens. Just lights and numbers hovering in the air over the holographic board. There was nothing to show a life and death struggle was about to begin. Cold and clinical. “Cutlass may fire at will.”
“Aye, aye,” the Cutlass answered. “Fighters are beginning attack run. Cutlass is firing primary plasma lance.”
The primary view screen showed a close view of the transport. It looked like so many others, barely atmosphere worthy, relying more on gravity suspension technology than aerodynamics. Blocky, utilitarian, and a basic gray, with a gray capsule on both sides and a pulse engine in the back. There were no special markings or coloration on it to set it apart from the millions of other similar vessels.
A narrow light slashed the darkness and touched the pulse engine, stealing the light from the back. Small bits of debris fell away from the ship.
“Standard drive appears disabled,” the Cutlass reported. “Cutlass is initiating evasive maneuvers. Incoming enemy fire.”
Small, unseen turrets on the target ship flashed toward the view screen. Another beam lanced out as a fighter swooped past the ship. Luke observed the transport’s fire had hit the frigate, but he felt nothing, so it had not penetrated the shields. A quick glance showed the shields at 99.4%.
“Engaging sensors and point defense targets with beamers,” the Cutlass said.
“Move us closer and prepare the boarding teams,” Luke said.
“Free trader license number Alpha-Four-Omega-Niner-Niner, surrender your vessel immediately. Oppose our boarding and we will use lethal violence against you.”
“What will happen to us if we surrender?” the transport broadcast.
“You will be released unharmed,” Luke said. “We wish to inspect and if necessary rescue your cargo.”
“Are there any conditions we will be killed or enslaved?” the transport officer asked.
“If you and your crew fight, you will be killed. Humans do not take slaves, nor do we kill prisoners. If you threaten us, we will kill you. Hold course and cease fire.”
“We are preparing to be boarded,” the transport replied. “Please be careful.”
“Acknowledged,” Luke said. “Luke out.”
“What did it mean by ‘be careful’,” Leonessa asked. “Is that a threat?”
“No,” Luke said. “Just what people say in the Conglomerate in dangerous situations.”
“Launching first assault platoon,” the Cutlass said. A platoon of warbots launched at the transport from extending racks. “Transferring platoon control to assault commander.”
“I’ve got control,” Gray said. “On target, good delivery.”
The Cutlass approached the transport slowly as the platoon of warbots accelerated, using grav chutes to close. On the screen, Luke watched the platoon as they landed on the transport hull. They immediately moved to disable the weapons and sensors before clustering at the airlocks. Pieces of a turret fell off and away from the ship as the warbots ripped it out.
“Target One’s shields are down,” the Cutlass said. “Beginning detailed scans. Twenty life signs detected. Starting detailed scan.”
Luke watched the readings. It would be very hard to determine race and details of the life signs from outside the ship, but all the life forms could be anything from Brazat to humans. Molecular decay imagers would identify the water content of bodies but not precise shapes and sizes.
“Warbots entering through airlocks one and two,” Gray said. “No resistance. Three prisoners so far. Releasing 2nd platoon.”
Luke brought up some of the displays of the warbots. They were moving through the ship quickly and efficiently. There was no resistance and as soon as they encountered a Brazat they subdued it and passed it back as a prisoner.
“Maneuvering to dock with Airlock one,” the Cutlass reported. “Sensors show no suicide protocols engaged on Target One.”
While Luke had been watching the warbots, the Cutlass had closed the distance. Everything was going smoothly. Luke expected disaster any second.
“Airlock one is secure, forces on standby. You may proceed Cutlass,” Gray said.
“Starting docking procedure,” Cutlass replied.
Luke stood up, put on his helmet, and picked up his rifle. Everyone else did the same. It had been too easy, Luke hoped Leonessa’s crew were here.
“Let’s go see what we found,” Luke said.
CHAPTER FORTY
Reunited
Musashi led the way, with Luke right behind him. Lieutenant Daley was there to meet Luke and there were warbots everywhere. The transport had been flooded with close to eighty warbots.
“Overkill?” Leonessa asked nobody in particular when she saw all the warbots, in some places stacked two deep against the bulkhead.
“No such thing as overkill in my line of work,” Luke said entering the inner airlock.
Two crew members were being frogmarched to a room near the airlock. Each crew member had three droids, one on either side, with one in the back, aiming its weapon. The droids first choice would be stun, followed by something more lethal. Luke stood back until they were passed. The crew looked to be all Brazat, and they were not armored or armed.
Once they were past, Gray reported in. “Slav
e pens are ahead and to the right. Looks like they are here.”
“Oh, thank God,” Leonessa said and Luke picked up the pace following his indicators to the slave hold.
There were only four cells in use. One-way glass boxes with an atmosphere processor on the top. They were no bigger than then the crew quarters on the Cutlass but they had fewer amenities. A simple mat on the floor with a sink doubling as the toilet was all they had.
“Bebchuck!” she said as soon as she entered but the cells were sound proof. She walked up to the first one, but he seemed oblivious. He was a big guy scowling at the wall.
“How do you open these things?” Leonessa said looking over the door.
Luke looked around and tossed her a mask. “I wouldn’t recommend releasing them in this atmosphere without a mask,” Luke said. “You should be fine though.”
Musashi, Carmichael, and Brita grabbed masks and put them in the box, which would deliver them to the prisoners while Luke stood back and looked around.
Luke watched Bebchuck as the item slot clanged open, revealing the mask. An angrier look flashed over Bebchuck’s face as he picked it and put it on. Bebchuck and the other prisoners were naked and Luke could see numerous cuts, burns, and abrasions.
With his mask on he glared at the door way, but when it opened and he saw Leonessa, his eyes lit up and he grabbed the wall for support before launching at Leonessa.
Luke smiled as Leonessa came in and hugged him. Luke felt jealous for a second but then he looked at Bebchuck who was doing his best to hold back the tears. He reached up to take of the mask, but she stopped him.
“Not yet,” Leonessa said. “I’ll explain later. You are safe.”
“My people?” Bebchuck asked looking out.
“Next door,” Leonessa said.
Bebchuck’s legs gave out but Leonessa steadied him. He was a lot to steady, and Leonessa staggered under the weight.
“It’s okay,” she said and Luke heard the tears in her voice. “It’s okay. We are going home.”
“How,” Bebchuck asked unwilling to let go of her. Luke wondered if they had been tortured and scowled.
“The New Alamo Defense Force found us. I’ll explain later,” Leonessa said, hugging him. “Let’s get you to the ship so you can be treated and get that mask off.”
She helped Bebchuck out into the hold where he saw the rest of his team and the two of them let everyone else out. Everyone was smiling and more than a few had tears in their eyes and smiles on their faces as they hugged each other. Jackson had to be carried because of a broken leg.
They all looked at Luke who motioned the way back to the ship.
“Thank you,” Leonessa said, tears in her eyes.
“You’re welcome,” Luke said trying to avoid getting caught up in the emotions. “Take them back to the ship. I have to take care of a few things here.”
Leonessa nodded and continued.
Luke and Musashi turned and headed to the bridge.
* * *
Two crew members had been left on the bridge to maintain control of the ship. No fewer than ten warbots and Lieutenant Puller were on the bridge watching their every move. Nelson was patched in, watching what they were doing and making sure it was nothing unusual. One crew member was the captain, an older Brazat missing several patches of fur from what might have been ancient radiation burns. It was odd he hadn’t gotten it fixed, but Luke didn’t care about the details.
“Commander on deck,” Puller said when Luke walked in. The droids clicked a heel on the deck but otherwise remained motionless their weapons never wavering from their targets. The two prisoners looked around in alarm.
“You are the Captain,” Luke said looking at the Brazat. The Brazat nodded.
“Those prisoners were tortured,” Luke said.
“They are slaves,” the Brazat replied without sympathy. “Sometimes training is hard on them.”
“They are not slaves,” Luke said. The Brazat captain wisely remained silent. “They were tortured.”
“What do you want me to say or do?” the Brazat captain asked.
“Were you responsible?” Luke asked.
“No,” the captain said. “They had been tortured before coming on board my ship. I transport cargo, I do not train it.”
Luke scowled at the captain for several minutes and the captain fidgeted, with occasional glances at Musashi and Puller who looked back, their thoughts and emotions hidden.
“Never cross my path again,” Luke finally said. “If your ship comes within weapons range of me I will destroy it. Do you understand?”
The Brazat nodded.
“They are safe aboard the Cutlass,” Gray transmitted. “Orders?”
“Destroy everything expensive and not required for life support or basic maneuvering,” Luke sent back. “I want this ship to be a financial write off for Jangol. Make the bastard pay. When that is done pull all units back. We are done here.”
“Aye, aye commander,” Gray said.
Luke turned and returned to his ship. Around him, the droids began to go berserk, destroying everything they could in the most expensive manner possible. It was petty, but murdering the crew, even though legal, wouldn’t undo the damage done, nor would it prevent it from happening again since they weren’t the ones directly involved.
“Nelson, get that cockroach Jangol on the comm,” Luke said.
He was almost back to the Cutlass when Jangol came online.
“You piece of shit,” Luke said. “Don’t you ever let me catch you or any of your vessels out in space. I have half a mind to drop a kinetic round on your habitat, but I would rather not kill innocent sentients. I will be back for you and I won’t be happy until you are dead or enslaved. Do you understand me?”
“I do not understand your hostility Sentient Luke,” the Mashgol said, somehow sounding confused. “This is business. Perhaps we could discuss this over a meal like civilized beings?”
“I don’t consider you to be civilized,” Luke said and cut the connection before he could say too much, or get angrier.
Back on the ship, he made his way back to medical, which was next to the galley. To make more room for medical, the galley had been shut down, and the walls shifted. All four of the former prisoners were laying in sludge beds with only their shoulders and heads showing. The medical droid had slopped some sludge up on their faces to cover injuries and it stuck there like real mud.
All eyes turned to Luke when he came in.
“Attention on deck,” Musashi said.
“At ease,” Luke said before people could move. “How is everyone doing?”
“Much better sir,” Bebchuck said with a smile. Luke looked him over. He looked better, more confident, but tired. Jackson, Hubbard, and Murphy were also smiling, but they all looked tired. Carmichael and Leonessa stood nearby talking with them. The medical beds were pumping them full of painkillers and mood enhancers while their wounds were healed. Happy patients healed much better.
“Well,” Luke said and smiled. “Don’t let me interrupt. We will dock with the Ultio in about twenty minutes and you can see the rest of the crew. I just heard from Doc and Amanda. They have located the Shrike and are bringing her back. No sign of the Caliphate task force.”
“Thank you, Commander,” Bebchuck said, starting to tear up again. “I thought we would never see humans again.”
“It was a close thing Lieutenant Bebchuck. I’m glad we found you. Now if you will excuse me I have preparations to perform.”
“Attention on deck,” Musashi called out and Luke sped out of the room before people could get up.
“Carry on,” Musashi said the second Luke was out and then Musashi followed Luke.
Back in his cabin, Luke sat down on his bed and stared at the view screen. He did not have any preparations, but he had felt like an intruder. It was an odd feeling because it was his ship. Musashi came in, crossed his arms, and leaned against his bulkhead.
“You don’t knock metal head?�
�� Luke asked. Musashi shrugged.
“I thought you had preparations,” Musashi said.
Luke scowled at his droid. “Who’s in charge here?”
“Your penis?” Musashi asked sounding innocent. “You don’t have to prepare squat.”
“I felt like an outsider in there,” Luke said looking back to the view screen. Unwilling to meet Musashi’s eyes.
“You ARE an outsider in there,” Musashi replied. “Question for you. How do you become an insider instead of an outsider?”
Luke looked back at Musashi. “Seriously?”
“Well,” Musashi said. “I know the answer, but the question is, do you?”
Luke scowled.
“Do you want to remain an outsider?” Musashi asked.
The screen showed the Ultio was just a few minutes out. There was no rush as the Ultio and the other Frigate Kukri moved toward the outer planets so they could rendezvous with the Shrike, Gladius, and Longsword.
Luke sighed.
“Great! Now you have taken care of things, get your sorry meat sack ass back in there you verminous pus bucket.”
“You are so inspirational,” Luke said getting back to his feet. “Who taught you manners?”
“You did,” Musashi said and stepped back out of the way.
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
A New Danger
The rest of the crew was waiting at the airlock when the Cutlass docked and latched on. They cheered as the former prisoners came on board the Ultio and even Luke was smiling. Bebchuck and his team were now wearing basic coveralls, created in the frigate’s simple manufactory, but they walked like they were on parade. Everyone from the crew of the Shrike hugged again like long lost friends and Luke stepped back out of the melee to watch. An honor guard of warbots in dress colors stood against the walls and Jeeves was playing some inspirational music over the intercom system.
Jeeves eventually got the mob into the galley where he had food, plenty of chairs and music ready. It was like a miniature party. There was even a banner that said, “Welcome back!” which Luke thought was a little over the top.
Luke found a quiet corner and sat down with his drink. Gray sat down next to Luke.
The Return: The Conglomerate Trilogy (Volume 1) Page 27
