Ep.#4 - Rebellion (The Frontiers Saga - Part 2: Rogue Castes)

by Ryk Brown

Perhaps it was time for him to face up to that fact, and to embrace it.

  “How’s the shoulder?” Jessica asked, sitting down next to him.

  “I suppose it looks a lot worse than it really is,” Nathan replied, watching the medic working on him.

  “No, it’s as bad as it looks,” the medic corrected. “But it will heal. I’ll give you a general nanite booster to get the process started. They’ll clean the wound up surgically when you get back to the Aurora.”

  “At least I’ll get a week off,” Nathan said wryly.

  “Don’t count on it,” Jessica warned him.

  “Everything secure?” Nathan asked her.

  “First sweep of the ship is complete, and we’ve got about thirty Ghatazhak on board now.”

  “How many casualties did we have?” Nathan wondered.

  “Two dead, eleven wounded. Fifteen dead among the passengers and crew, and another twenty or so wounded. Some of them are being treated by the Mystic’s medical staff. The rest are being evac’d back to the Aurora. I’ve got Rainey’s family on their way here.”

  “Good thinking,” Nathan replied.

  “I told the Mystic’s Cheng where to find the control cards. He says he can have the backup jump field generators up within the hour.”

  “Is that going to be fast enough?” Nathan wondered. “Captain Rainey launched a distress jump comm-drone as soon as he was boarded, so the Dusahn are probably on their way.”

  “Yeah, but as far as we know, they can’t jump any further per jump than we can, so it would take them nearly a day to get here.”

  “They can send smaller ships more quickly,” Nathan reminded her.

  “That’s why the Avendahl’s fighters are here,” Jessica replied. “Between them, the Reapers, and the sixteen Super Eagles that the Morsiko-Tavi ferried over, we should be okay.”

  “Nice work,” Nathan commented.

  “What are we going to do with the remaining passengers?” Jessica wondered.

  “How many of them are there?”

  “Just over two hundred of them, plus another one hundred and sixty crew,” Jessica told him. “We got them all out of their escape pods and had them gather in the forward observation deck, away from the mayhem of the garden deck, so that we could get a count and see to any of their needs. But we’re going to have to tell them what’s going on. They don’t even know about the Dusahn, yet.”

  “I’ll tell them,” Nathan said firmly.

  “Are you up to it?”

  Nathan looked at the medic. “Are we done here?”

  “I just need to apply a sling and restraint, to keep you from moving your arm and shoulder while the wound-assist sets up,” the medic explained. “A couple more minutes and you’ll be on your way.”

  “Can I get you anything while you wait?” Jessica asked.

  “A bottle of water would be nice,” Nathan replied.

  * * *

  Nathan and Jessica entered Captain Rainey’s office, stepping to one side, quietly waiting while one of the medics treated his wounds.

  After a few minutes, the medic finished applying ointments and covering the minor lacerations on the captain’s head and face.

  Captain Rainey opened his eyes, taking notice of Nathan and Jessica standing in the corner, as the medic rose to depart.

  “How’s he doing?” Nathan asked the medic.

  “Lacerations, contusions, a few broken ribs. He’ll be sore for a few days, and he’ll have to stay off his feet, but he’ll be fine,” the medic replied. “If you’ll excuse me, sirs, I have more people to treat.”

  Nathan nodded to the medic as the man departed.

  “Told you I’d survive,” Captain Rainey said, closing his eyes again.

  “That you did,” Nathan replied.

  Captain Rainey sighed. “Then it’s all true.”

  “I’m afraid it is,” Nathan replied.

  “And my family?”

  “On their way here,” Jessica promised. “They should be arriving shortly.”

  Captain Rainey opened his eyes again. His expression was a mixture of relief and doubt. “I haven’t agreed to anything, yet.”

  “We were never holding your family hostage, Captain,” Nathan said. “I told you that from the beginning.”

  “That you did.”

  “I am far from perfect,” Nathan admitted, “but I am a man of my word, which, according to my father, is the true measure of a man.”

  The captain closed his eyes again, his head throbbing. “Then you really are Na-Tan.”

  “I don’t know about that, but I am Nathan Scott. If that makes me Na-Tan, then so be it. All I know is that I intend to lead the rebellion against the Dusahn.”

  Captain Rainey thought for a moment. “And what do you intend to do with my ship, should I agree to join you?”

  “It will be used primarily as a residential area, for the families of those serving on our ships. We will use your kitchens to help feed our people, and your medical facilities to help our wounded recuperate. There is a lot we can do with your ship, Captain.”

  “And you’ll protect it?”

  “Of course.”

  “Will it be put in harm’s way?”

  “Not intentionally, no, but I’m not going to lie to you. The Dusahn will be actively hunting us, and they will not stop until they find and destroy us.”

  “If all you say is true, Captain, we are already a hunted ship,” Captain Rainey pointed out.

  “That is true,” Jessica agreed. “But at least with us, the owners of your vessel have a chance to someday get their property back. If you turn this ship over to the Dusahn, her owners will never get their investment back.”

  “So, in a roundabout way, you’d be protecting the owner’s property.”

  Captain Rainey looked doubtful. “In a very roundabout way,” he replied. “What about my crew? What about the passengers still on board?”

  “They will all get to make their own choices,” Nathan promised. “Anyone who wishes to return to their homes will be allowed to do so, without prejudice.”

  “And what will you do if the entire crew decides to leave?”

  “We can always train a new crew,” Nathan said. “But, it would be helpful if at least some of your officers stayed behind.”

  Captain Rainey looked at the picture of his wife and son on his desk. “Can you do it?” he wondered. His gaze returned to Captain Scott. “Can you defeat these Dusahn?”

  “They have no more ships than Caius did,” Nathan replied. “And we have far more firepower than we did back then.”

  “But they have jump drives, do they not?”

  “That they do,” Nathan admitted. “But that doesn’t make them invincible.”

  “But can you do it?”

  “I cannot promise that we can,” Nathan told him. “All I can promise is that I will either succeed, or I will die in the effort.”

  “I don’t suppose anyone can ask more than that of you,” Captain Rainey agreed, his eyes shifting back to the photo. “But how do I choose?”

  “Ask yourself this one question, Captain. What world do you wish your son to grow up in?”

  Jessica turned away a moment, her hand to her comm-set as she listened to an incoming message. “Your family is on their way up, Captain.”

  Nathan could see the tears forming in Captain Rainey’s eyes. He had nearly lost his family, and not even known it. He had nearly made his wife a widow and his son fatherless. The captain must’ve been overwhelmed.

  Captain Rainey rose, slowly at first, wincing from the pain as he stood. “Help me with my jacket,” he asked.

  Jessica stepped over and picked up Captain Rainey’s uniform jacket, carefully helping him put
it on as he prepared to receive his family. Once the jacket was on, she helped him button it, then brushed it smooth.

  As she stepped back, the door opened, and Captain Rainey’s wife and son ran into the room, throwing their arms around him. The captain grimaced from the pain as he embraced the people most important to him. And as tears of happiness flowed down his cheeks, he made his decision.

  Captain Rainey looked at Nathan as he held his family close. “The Mystic Empress will join your fleet, just as soon as we are able to jump.”

  “Thank you, Captain,” Nathan replied, nodding.

  “Will you speak to the crew and passengers for me?”

  “It would be my honor, sir.”

  * * *

  Birk could no longer feel his hands or feet. Had his respirator not been strapped to his face, he would have drowned in the spiced wine long ago. He wasn’t even sure he had remained conscious the entire time. The minutes had become hours, all eventually running together. He knew that his breather had a limited duration, and it must be approaching its limit. But what would he do when those limits were reached? What would he do when he tried to draw his next breath, and nothing came? He was completely submerged in the purple liquid, and it was pitch black inside the barrel where he was imprisoned.

  Was this merely an alternate form of execution, thought up by some sick and twisted Dusahn mind? Were he and Cuddy sitting in a vast collection of barrels in some warehouse, all of them loaded with hapless victims who thought they were becoming freedom fighters?

  Birk had tested his container on several occasions over the past few hours, but nothing budged. Not the lid, not the walls, and certainly not the floor. Of course, he had never really given it all his strength, for fear that if he really were being smuggled out of the city to safety, he might be discovered and really executed.

  And so, he continued to rock in his cramped chamber, submerged in the pungent purple liquid that had always been so popular at parties with his college friends. He was confident in one thing; they were moving. He could hear the drone of the truck’s engine, and felt every bump in the road.

  At first, their journey had been stop-and-go, with long waits at the various checkpoints as they made their way through the city of Aitkenna. But for the longest time, their travel had been at a fairly constant rate, with only an occasional stop lasting less than a minute or two.

  Recently, Birk was sure they were traveling up a mountainous road. He had clearly felt the constant turning back and forth, as well as the uphill angle. More than once, he feared he would vomit into his own mouthpiece, but each time, he managed to force the nausea back down.

  Lately, he had been so thirsty, that he had taken to pulling tiny sips of the spice wine surrounding him in through the corners of his mouth. Were they to travel much longer, he would be too inebriated to stand.

  Birk felt himself nodding off. He struggled to stay awake, wondering how much of his overwhelming fatigue was chemically induced.

  The motion of the vehicle came to another stop. Birk waited, expecting the vehicle to begin moving again at any moment, just as it always did. Instead, he felt a thump. He waited, and then there was another thump, but this one was closer, and more distinct. And he thought he heard something…

  Voices!

  Birk was suddenly wide awake. Were they finally at their destination? Or was this just another checkpoint?

  Birk felt the wave of hope quickly fade, and then surge back. They had been on the road for hours. Surely they were no longer in Aitkenna.

  More thumps, then his barrel began to move, but not in the same way as before. Someone was tipping the barrel slightly to one side, and rolling it. He heard a vibration in the water, and in the walls of the barrel. Something mechanical, like a small electric motor. It repeated over and over, in short bursts. Then it happened. The lid was removed.

  Two hands grabbed his soaking wet shirt and pulled him to his feet. Men held him from either side, helping him stay upright after spending hours stuffed inside the barrel, submerged in spiced wine.

  Another man stepped up and pulled the mouthpiece out, allowing Birk to take in his first breath of fresh air in what seemed like forever. It was dark outside, with very little illumination provided by the headlights of several vehicles.

  Birk coughed and sputtered, clearing the wine from his mouth and throat. “Oh God,” he begged, “please don’t put me back in there.”

  “Don’t worry,” the man in front of him said. “No one will put you back in there. Your journey is over.”

  “Where’s my friend?” Birk asked, looking around.

  “He’s right behind you.”

  Birk tried to turn his head, but could not see behind him. “Cuddy?”

  “I’m here!”

  “Are you alright?”

  “I’m okay!”

  “Oh, thank God!”

  “Look at me,” the man instructed him. “I need you to focus for a moment.”

  Birk turned back to look at the man standing in front of him.

  “We’re going to take you inside, remove your clothing, and get you a hot shower. After that, we’ll feed you and let you rest. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, I think so,” Birk replied. “Who are you?”

  “What is your name?” the man asked.

  Birk had to think for a moment. “Uh…Birk.”

  “Nice to meet you, Birk. My name is Michael. Michael Willard. Welcome to the resistance.”

  * * *

  The passengers still aboard the Mystic were gathered on the forward observation deck. The blast doors had been opened, and the one-hundred-and-eighty-degree vista of outer space was once again available to all those present.

  Along with the remaining passengers were the members of the Mystic’s crew, who were not busy preparing the ship for her journey to join the Aurora and Glendanon at their new location. The members of the Mystic’s crew who were unable to attend, as well as the wounded still being cared for in the ship’s sick bay, would hear what was said via the intercoms and public announcement speakers located throughout the ship.

  Around the perimeter of the observation deck stood at least two dozen Ghatazhak, their weapons slung behind them so as not to appear too intimidating, despite their aggressive-looking body armor and tactical helmets. Their presence insured not only the security of the people gathered, reminded them of the level of training and commitment the Ghatazhak brought to Nathan’s cause.

  As if to further impress those in attendance, two Reapers, eight Super Eagles, and eight Takaran fighters, flew in formation on either side and slightly ahead of the Mystic, in plain view from the forward observation deck.

  Nathan stood at the starboard entrance, thinking about what he would say. It had been years since he had given such a speech. Asking someone to put their life at risk, even for their home, or for the homes of others, was always a difficult thing to do.

  “Captain?” Corporal Rossi said.

  Nathan turned to look at the Ghatazhak corporal. “I’ve patched this comm-set into the ship’s intercoms and public address system. You’ll be heard throughout the ship.” He told Nathan.

  “Thank you, Corporal,” Nathan said, taking the device from the soldier. He studied the comm-set for a moment, then put it on his head and adjusted the tiny wire that ran down from the earpiece to pick up his voice.

  “Do you have any idea what you’re going to say?” Vladimir asked, walking up from behind Nathan.

  “Vlad,” Nathan said with relief, happy to see his friend again. “Thanks for taking care of my ship,” he said, shaking his friend’s hand. “And for bringing the cavalry.”

  “My pleasure,” Vladimir replied. “But let’s not make a habit of it.”

  “I’ll try.”

  “So, have you?”r />
  “Thought about what to say? Not really.”

  “Do not worry,” Vladimir told him. “Just wing it. It’s what you do best, my friend.”

  Nathan smiled, patting his friend on the shoulder before turning and heading out onto the observation deck.

  “Officer on deck!” the nearest Ghatazhak barked, as Nathan entered the massive compartment. All around the observation deck, the Ghatazhak snapped to attention in unison, armor slapping together in their distinct sound.

  The sound instantly attracted the attention of everyone on the observation deck. They turned and watched, as the young man dressed in a long, slightly damaged black coat, with brown hair that desperately needed proper trimming, and a sling and restraint around his left arm, walked out into the middle of the group of people.

  Nathan worked his way through the crowd, moving to the front of the observation deck, turning to stand dead center in the massive forward windows.

  As he took his position in front of the observation deck, it occurred to him that he could not have selected a more impressive backdrop. He climbed up onto a small ledge intended to keep passengers at a safe distance from the windows themselves, elevating himself to be seen by all.

  Nathan took a deep breath, and began. “Twenty days ago, forces of what we believe to be a rogue caste of the Jung Empire, known as the Dusahn, attacked and seized control of all the systems within the Pentaurus cluster, including the Darvano and Takar systems. The entire Takaran fleet, as well as the Avendahl, were completely destroyed.”

  Nathan paused as the audience gasped in disbelief at the news. Before the murmurs had a chance to build, he continued, raising his voice to be heard over them. “In the days that followed, the Dusahn seized numerous jump-capable ships, and rounded up the families of the captains of ships that had not reported in, including the family of Captain Rainey, the captain of this very ship. The Dusahn have killed hundreds of thousands of people on both Takara and Corinair, have glassed the entire surface of Ybara for failing to pay respect to the Dusahn leader, and have destroyed the entire population of the planet Burgess, in the Sherma system, simply because the men you see here today were living on that world.”