I guess that is true," he agreed begrudgingly. "I spoke with Del'vath a moment ago, and he said that he informed you of the traditions of Tr'oka Zur? Do you have any questions?"
"Mainly just one," she answered. "He told me there would be various weapons in the arena. I don't suppose I could get a look at what they are?"
K'oron nodded. "Certainly. Zr'ika has used them all at some point in her training. I think it only fair that you get an opportunity to familiarize yourself with them before the duel. Come with me." He led her out of the room and down the hallway.
When they entered the dining hall, Zr'ika and some others were having drinks. Zr'ika put her cup down and looked at Danielle with an evil smile. "Enjoy your last day among the living, offworlder. I'm sure that Th'warzin will be pleased to have you in his realm. An exotic woman like you will bring him great joy in his bedchamber," she laughed.
"Silence, Zr'ika!" K'oron snapped at her. "You should be careful not gloat before fighting, for it might be you who stands before Th'warzin. You have dishonored me be attacking a guest of mine. If you truly felt dishonored by her wearing the uniform that I gave to her, you would have challenged me directly since it was on my orders. No, you are too cowardly for that. Let me assure you though, I will have my vengeance for my honor's sake. If this woman dies by your hand at high sun tomorrow, you shall die by mine the next high sun. Take the rest of day off from training. I want you to have time to get your affairs in order, for your time among the living is swiftly coming to an end. Now go!" He pointed to the hallway leading to the exit. Zr'ika glared at him, but rose and left.
K'oron and Danielle left the dining hall and took the hallway leading to the armory and training areas. Upon entering the armory, Danielle was amazed by all the different types of weapons and armor on display. Some looked newly constructed while others looked ancient. There were various armor, shields, swords, knives, spears, and maces. Off in one corner, there was even a small collection of what looked similar to crossbows.
"Every type of weapon and shield you see will be available in some form during combat," he stated. "Only the ceremonial items in the center of the armory are forbidden from combat use."
"It's a lot to chose from," Danielle said feeling slightly overwhelmed. "I don't suppose you have any Terran weapons in a corner somewhere?"
"No," he replied, "you are the first Terran we have ever encountered. We know little of your race, and have no weapons or artifacts from your people."
"That's too bad," she sighed. "I wish I had my sidearm since we Terrans train primarily with pulse blasters for combat. Hand to hand training is secondary. We only fight that way when the enemy is too close to shoot, or catches us unawares."
I will leave you to prepare," K'oron said with a bow. "Take all the time you need. Return to my quarters when you are done. I will have the evening meal prepared for you." K'oron left the armory and went to his office in the upper level of the Citadel. He opened a drawer in his desk. Inside were various items that had been collected from the Terran women when No'tok had captured them initially. He confiscated them from No'tok upon his arrival. He rummaged around for a few seconds. He removed an item from the drawer and placed it in his pocket. He then left the office and took a walk towards the arena.
***
Th’arn walked along the thoroughfare and offered slight bows and smiles to all he passed. Young or old, rich or poor, it mattered not. Th'arn was considered to be a man of the people, both the common here in the streets and those of stature in the capital proper. He had been working for years to build alliances and friendships with powerful people in the Dominion’s government. He had support in every area of society, except one. Anyone that had aspirations of rising the ranks to become important in the Emperor’s court needed the backing of two groups. The first was the Dominion fleet, and he had that with No’tok and a few other commanders. The second was the V’drellz Stragizi. As Commandant of the most elite fighting force within the Dominion, K’oron wielded far more power than most realize. Since K’oron’s rise to leadership, the order had distanced itself from the politics of the court, choosing instead to take a more traditional role as personal army of the Emperor. K’oron was well liked and respected by most in the Dominion, probably due to his traditional approach to his position. Th’arn had tried on several occasioned to sway him gently to his side, but K’oron couldn’t be persuaded. That made him a threat and liability. A man with real honor was dangerous in the world of politics. One never knew what they might do. Th’arn had known for a while now that K’oron would need to be removed from the picture. No’tok could have handled it discreetly, but chose not to and would be dealt with for his error in judgment. That fool could have solved a long-standing problem for me. I need K'oron dead before I make a move against the Emperor.
However, K’oron had just provided the opening that Th’arn needed. He brought that Terran woman to V’drell Prime. Th’arn had made sure that knowledge of the battle with the Terrans became public. In fact, Th’arn had become the public face of Dominion nationalism, demanding action be taken against the Terran Commonwealth for invading their territorial space. The people loved him and wanted vengeance for the perceived attack against them. By bringing the Terran here, K'oron was openly showing support for the Terrans against his own people. Even though K'oron didn't know that when he arrived with her. Or at least that is what I will tell the people. Now he would discredit K'oron and be rid of the Terran woman in the same moment. That is, provided that the woman he was meeting with could do her job. He stepped into a rundown looking bar at the fringe of the capital city and looked around. There, sitting at a table in the corner, was the person he was meeting.
"You're late," the woman growled.
"Did you have somewhere more important to be?" He asked as he tossed a small bag of coins on the table in front of her. She quickly grabbed the bag and stuffed it in her pocket. "Is everything taken care of?"
"Yes," she answered. "I will kill her tomorrow at the duel. It shouldn't take more than a moment or two. I doubt she will be any kind of challenge to me, after all, she wasn't trained in our order."
"Don't underestimate her," Th'arn warned. "She may not be V'drellian, but she has survived more than most just to be here now. Don't play games with her, just kill her quickly and end it. The last person that had an opportunity to kill her chose to make her a prisoner instead, and she escaped."
"Oh, don't worry," she said smugly. "I plan to kill her before the horn fades. I want to see the look on K'oron's face when she falls dead at my feet."
"I too want to see that," Th'arn said smiling.
"There is another matter," the woman said. "K'oron is extremely angered with me. He has threatened to challenge me to Tr'oka Zur if I kill the Terran female. You will handle that for me, yes?"
"Of course. He cannot challenge you based on the outcome of Tro'ka Zur." Th'arn lied to her as only career politicians can. The law provided no such protection. Foolish woman, you should have studied the laws of our people better. No matter, your ignorance works to my advantage. "Do not worry about K'oron. He will not be a problem for you."
"Then tomorrow I will do as you wish." The woman got up from the table and left the bar.
After she had left, Th'arn allowed an evil grin to cross his face. Indeed you shall, Zr'ika. Then when K'oron kills you in vengeance, I will be able to destroy him. Then we will be rid of both of these troublesome meddlers.
***
Zorgash hated being late. Especially when it involved his court cases. He had never been to Mars before, and since his arrival a few moments ago, he was yet to be impressed by this place. It was a giant red desert, save the domed cities like the one he was in now. I guess they don't spend much on the terra-forming budget. He chuckled as he retrieved his luggage. Several well-dressed people approached him, and the woman in front greeted him. "Ambassador Zorgash," she smiled as she spoke, "it's so nice to meet you. I am Regina, and Her Majesty has asked me to look after you while you are staying o
n Mars for the trial. We have a room prepared for you at the palace, or you may stay at your embassy if you prefer."
"First of all, it's not Ambassador," he corrected her, "it's just Zorgash. I appreciate your queen's hospitality, but I prefer to stay at our embassy." He looked at the woman and smiled, "I mean it as no slight, but I tend to keep odd hours and spend many late nights preparing my cases. I would hate to disrupt your Queen's palace with my behavior. Please offer your Queen my apologies for turning down her hospitality. I do hope she understands."
"Of course," said Regina. "May we offer you a ride to your embassy then?"
"That would be splendid," he answered. The woman snapped her fingers and one of the men with her picked up Zorgash's luggage. "Follow me, please," Regina said with the fake smile used by hostesses throughout the universe. They got into a shuttle and were off. As they flew over the capital city, Zorgash observed the city below. This one looks like so many cities in the Protectorate. Metal and glass, without a personality. He could see the palace off in the distance. It rose above the other buildings like a glass thorn protruding from the sea of glass and metal around it. Unimpressive. Only a few moments passed before landed just outside the Protectorate Embassy. As he exited the shuttle, she handed him a card.
"This card has all of my contact information. If you need anything at all during your stay, don't hesitate to contact me." She smiled again, and she and her entourage left him and his luggage just outside the embassy gate.
Well, at least they are courteous. He thought as he gathered his things. He approached the gate, and a guard walked up and looked at the Maracovian man. "My name is Zorgash, and I am on official business for Prime Minister Hobarth. I believe you are expecting me."
The guard spoke something into a lapel mic, and moments later the gate opened. "Welcome to the Protectorate Embassy on Mars. Please follow me, the Ambassador is waiting." Upon entering the embassy, he was quickly checked for weapons. Can't be too careful, I guess. Afterward, he was escorted directly to the Ambassador's office. The ambassador was a tall man of Drogarish decent. He stood up and walked toward Zorgash.
"Mr. Zorgash," he said with a firm handshake, "I am Ambassador Jotz. The Prime Minister has informed me of your business here. Personally, I can't wait to see that disgusting Terran taken back to the Protectorate for the punishment he so rightly deserves."
"Rightly deserves?" Zorgash asked. "Did the trial already take place? Was he already convicted? I wish someone would have told me all of this, I could have saved myself the trip." He took his responsibility of being one of the top legal minds in the Protectorate very seriously and did not like the man in front of him just throwing out verdicts. Zorgash had no personal feelings toward Ridgeway or his actions, which he did find deplorable, but he would do everything in his power to bring a guilty verdict. He held the law, all laws of all peoples, in the highest regard and had made it his life's work to ensure that the law was carried out and those guilty of violating it paid a just price.
"You know what I mean," the Ambassador replied. "There is a recording of him giving the order to fire, but now he is scared and claiming it's a fake."
"Well, Ambassador, that is what we have trials for," Zorgash responded. "To search out the truth, vindicate the innocent, and punish the guilty. If possible, can I get someone to take me to the Terran court building? I would like to begin going over the evidence."
"Very well," the Ambassador replied. "I'll have a shuttle prepared at once. Although, I doubt the Terran prosecutor is in his office at this hour."
"I'm not going to see the prosecutor," Zorgash corrected him, "I'm going to see the evidence."
CHAPTER 14
Danielle looked out the window. It was a beautiful day. The sky was clear. A nice day to die. K’oron hadn’t left her side all morning. She knew he blamed himself for what was happening, but the truth was that she had disregarded his warnings. She had chosen to leave the room because she was mad. She had chosen to speak to Zr’ika instead of keeping quiet. They were both just sitting in silence. The stillness was broken by a knock on the door.
The door opened and Del’vath entered. “It is time,” he informed Danielle. She and K’oron stood up and looked at each other. The moment had finally come. She started walking toward the door, but K’oron caught her by the arm.
“I need to tell you something,” he told her in a soft voice.
She turned and faced him. She wondered what he would say at a time like this. Some last words of encouragement, or perhaps even a confession from the heart. Do you have feelings for me, K'oron? This quite possibly might be your last chance to tell me if you do. She leaned in close to him. “Oh, what is it?”
“Stay to the shadowed side of the arena. That will keep the sun in Zr’ika’s eyes when you fight,” he shared with her. “Also, she likes to drop her guard on her left side, but it’s a trap. Go for her right leg when she does. Lastly, search for the weapon that you feel you are best qualified to use and then show no mercy. I assure you, Zr'ika will not show you any.”
"Yes, of course. Thank you for the insight," Danielle replied somewhat deflated.
“We have to go now, K’oron,” Del’vath insisted. “I assume you will be in your usual seat?”
“Yes,” he acknowledged to Del'vath. He gave one last look to Danielle. “May you be Th’warzin’s champion today, and may his strength fill you. I do not know the names of any Terran gods, but I pray they will watch over you as well.” K’oron followed them down the hallway at a respectable distance. When they reached the arena, he watched as Danielle and Del'vath entered the lower area of the arena before he climbed the steps toward the seating area.
When Danielle walked into the arena’s lower level, she was immediately hit in the face by the stench of musty ground, old leather, and sweat. It was apparent to her that this room had been well used over the years. Del’vath gave her a nod of the head and closed the door. She heard the sound of the bolt sliding into place, locking her in.
She looked around and saw various sets of leather and metal armors against the wall. There was a single bench in the middle of the room, and another door on the far side. Well, at least I don’t have to change standing up. She walked over to the armor wall and began inspecting the female sets. There is no point in me wearing this heavy metal stuff. I won’t be able to move, which means that Zr’ika will kill me. If I go too light, her weapons will cut through it easier, and she’ll kill me. She shook her head. I’m having a hard time finding an outcome doesn’t end with her killing me. She looked at some armor that was made from the same kind of leather as the uniform she was still wearing. This one is light but has some strategically placed vertical metal strips along the torso and sleeves. It won’t deflect most of her attacks, but it will keep her from cutting off body parts. It’ll have to do.
She removed the uniform she had on and started putting on the armor one piece at a time. Just as she was finishing, she heard someone working the latch on the door. When the door opened, a V’drellian girl who appeared to be around fifteen years of age in Terran time walked in. “Are you prepared, Miss?” The girl asked Danielle timidly.
Danielle looked at the girl over. She was wearing the same uniform as the rest of K’oron’s order. She must be a cadet of some kind. It made her wonder how young they recruited. “Prepared? Probably not. But I’m as ready as I can be," she told the girl. "My name is Danielle. What's yours?”
"’S’ryn," the girl responded and walked across the room to the far door, and reached in her pocket. She removed a key, unlocked the door, and opened it. Danielle could hear the roar of a crowd coming from the arena seats outside. “Big crowd, huh?” She said to the girl.
“Not an empty seat,” S’ryn replied. “These fights always draw big crowds, but this one is special. We have never had an offworlder fight in the arena. In fact, you’re the first offworlder anyone has seen on V’drell Prime. Subjugates are not allowed on the homeworld.”
“Yeah, well I didn�
��t come here on my own. I was brought as a guest of K’oron,” Danielle clarified, “I’m not a slave or servant. I’m a lieutenant in the Terran Commonwealth Fleet.”
“A Terran!” the girl gasped. “Then you are no guest. You are the enemy! We never bothered your people, so why attack us?” S’ryn gritted her teeth in frustration. “You will pay for your crimes today! I hope Th'warzin takes your soul!"
"I'm sorry you feel that way," Danielle actually pitied the girl. No one that young should have that much hate in their heart. "I'm not the enemy. When I get back, I want you to give me a chance to prove that to you."
"You're not coming back," S’ryn said glaring at her. Then she shoved Danielle out into the arena and locked the door.
It took a moment for Danielle’s eyes to adjust to the sun’s brightness. The girl was right, it looked like a full house in the stands. As soon as she appeared the crowd began making hissing sounds. Must be their version of booing someone. She walked out to the center of the arena. Zr’ika was already there waiting. She could see K’oron standing on a small outcropping of the wall. He raised his arms, and the crowd quickly grew silent.
“Honorable V’drellians,” he spoke loudly, “today we are here to witness Tr’oka Zur between Zr’ika, second daughter of Drag’ath, the lord of the land of yellow sands, and Danielle Hart, Lieutenant of the fleet of the Terran Commonwealth. Zr’ika claims the right of challenge for alleged dishonor caused by the Challenged wearing a V'drellz Stragizi uniform against traditions of said Order. Challenger, do you wish to continue?"
"I do," shouted Zr'ika in reply. "I claim the right of Tr'oka Zur. I wish to take everything from this woman, including her life."
"Challenged, do you have any words for the Challenger?" K'oron asked Danielle.
Danielle shook her head. "No. There are no words that would make her happy. I offered my apology, and she refused it. I would have preferred not to fight her, but if this is the only way to settle this matter then so be it."
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