Wizard Scout (Intergalactic Wizard Scout Chronicles Book 3)

by Rodney Hartman

  “Yeah,” said Tam. “And coming up out of the ground like that. It’s one thing to hear you tell us about it. It’s another to see it in person.”

  “Well, it turned the tide,” said Jerad. With a grin, he added, “Remind me not to get on your bad side, Rick.”

  Richard blushed. He didn’t like his friend’s making a big deal out of it. Their attention didn’t seem right. Richard decided to change the subject.

  “I saw a fire in the DNA Center before I blacked out,” Richard said.

  “We heard about the fire, Rick,” said Telsa. “I heard one of the techs say you blew out half the systems in the DNA Center. It apparently had something to do with your Power reserve. The tech I spoke with said their systems just couldn’t handle the load.”

  Nick? Richard thought.

  No reply.

  Richard shifted his thoughts to the shared space in his mind. Nick?

  Your friend has the facts straight, said Nickelo. That third Power reserve of yours is massive. If your primary reserve was a pond, and your secondary reserve was a puddle, your third Power reserve would be a major lake or small sea. Unfortunately for you, the Power in your third reserve can only be used to selfheal.

  That’s good. Right? Richard said. I mean, it’s a good thing I can probably selfheal a lot.

  I guess we’ll see, Rick, said Nickelo.

  After a few more minutes of banter with his friends, Richard yawned and leaned back in his seat. Within moments, he was sound asleep.

  Chapter 46 – Battle of the Pit

  _____________________________________

  The jar of the hover-tram coming to a stop woke Richard. He looked around him. His friends must have taken a nap as well, because they all looked a little sleepy-eyed. That is, except for Stella. The Sterilian race didn’t have eyelids. They just had clear eye covers that changed positions to protect the eye. Richard had never really figured out how to tell whether Stella was staring at him or whether she was just sleeping.

  Richard stretched and gave a big yawn. “I was tired. I hope the nap helps.”

  “It won’t for long,” said Telsa. “Your selfheal will see your rest as an injury and be trying to return your body to its baseline. Unfortunately for all of us, our baselines are a little bit tired since we didn’t get sufficient rest last night.”

  “It figures,” Richard said. “So much for the great selfheal abilities we’ve been told about for the last five years.”

  “Oh, you’ll appreciate it more when you take a plasma round to the head,” said Tam with a laugh. “Then you’ll be down on your knees thanking your selfheal ability for making the booboo better. I know I will.”

  Once they unloaded from the hover-tram, they made their way out of the station. Richard was surprised to see six utility buses waiting for them.

  “Compliments of TAC Officer Myers,” said one of the drivers. “You’re wizard scouts now,” grinned the driver. “Cadets can walk. Wizard scouts are too valuable to waste time walking.”

  Tam laughed. “I can get used to this.”

  The cohort loaded onto the utility buses and headed towards the tent-cantonment area. Richard sat near his friends. It suddenly hit him they might not be together much longer. A sense of sadness swept over him. He’d come to depend on them during the last three years of Academy training.

  Richard was tempted to say something about their pending separation, but he’d never been very good at touchy-feely stuff. He finally opted to talk about a different subject.

  “I wonder if they’ll feed us when we get back,” Richard said. “I’m kind of hungry.”

  “I seriously doubt it, Rick,” said Jerad. “They fed us a large meal before we left for the spaceport. Actually, I’d have to force myself to eat something right now. I’m not hungry at all.”

  “When did you eat last, Rick?” said Telsa. She sounded a little concerned.

  Richard requested the time from his battle computer using their shared space. An immediate readout came back.

  “The sergeant of the guard gave us a light supper before our first shift,” Richard said. “I guess it’s been about fourteen hours now.” A thought occurred to him. “Oh, one of the techs gave me a sandwich while they were strapping me into the seat.”

  I told you that didn’t count, said Nickelo.

  “That wouldn’t help,” said Telsa. “Your DNA baseline is based upon your body’s cells. They should’ve fed you around midnight or so.” Shaking her head as if hating to give bad news, she added, “I’m sorry to tell you, but however you feel now is how you’ll feel for the rest of your life.”

  Richard was as sorry to hear it as his friend was to say it. He took a minute to evaluate himself. It wasn’t like he was starving or anything. But he could feel the hint of an empty spot in his belly. His body was sending him signals telling him it was getting close to time to eat again. He was also a little tired. He wasn’t overly so. He’d functioned on a lot less sleep on many a night during his time at the Academy. His mind was clear, and he had plenty of energy. He just felt as if a short nap would be nice.

  This is just great, Richard thought sarcastically.

  For once, he didn’t get a snide response from his battle computer. Then he remembered he didn’t have the thought in their shared space.

  Good, Richard thought. I can finally have secrets again.

  A short time later, the buses pulled up near the cantonment area’s gate. TAC Officer Myers and the other TAC officers were there waiting for them.

  “What’s he doing here?” Richard said. “I thought he stayed back with the commandant.”

  “I told you,” said Jerad. “The crisis is over. The teleporters must be working locally again.”

  Myers, Richard thought disgustedly. It’s just one bit of good news after another.

  “Outside, you wizard scout newbies,” yelled one of the TAC officers. “The commandant wants everyone to draw their battle helmets out of the armory to make sure your shared spaces are working correctly.”

  “Why didn’t they just have the buses take us to the armory?” Richard said to Jerad as they exited the bus. “We were already on them.”

  “Do you have something to say, cadet 832?” shouted TAC Officer Myers. “You’ve already proven to me what a brilliant mind you have today. Perhaps you can enlighten the rest of your cohort with some of your wisdom?”

  The beast that was Richard’s anger roared. He tried to keep his anger under control, but he only partially succeeded.

  “I said why didn’t you just have the buses take us there?” Richard said. “We were already on them.”

  “Cadets will begin and end all comments to their TAC officers with the word ‘sir’,” said TAC Officer Myers. “You’ve got extra duty tonight, cadet.”

  The beast that was Richard’s anger roared again and broke out of its cage. Richard said, “Kiss my ass.”

  TAC Officer Myers’ faced turned a bright red. He stuttered as if trying to find the right words. All that came out was, “What did you say?”

  “I said I’ve put up with your crap for five years, Myers” Richard said. “And I’m done. You don’t want to give me one of your precious gold-dragon insignias? Fine, it’s no big deal. You want to court martial me and send me to the military prison on Diajor? Great. It’ll probably be a luxury hotel compared to being in the Academy and having to deal with you every day. I’m done with it. Sir!”

  Richard expected his TAC officer to try and stop his tirade at some point, but he didn’t. In fact, after his TAC officer’s initial display of anger, Richard noticed TAC Officer Myers’ expression relax. It was almost as if something he’d been hoping for had occurred.

  “Well, well,” said TAC Officer Myers with an evil grin. “It never fails. There’s always one new wizard scout in the group who thinks the rules no longer apply. And, he or she has to be taught the new rules of the road. I should’ve figured it would be you, 832.”

  TAC Officer Myers snorted, “Ha! The comma
ndant was a fool to waste his time on–”

  “Leave the commandant out of this, Myers,” Richard said. “He’s a great man, and you aren’t worth spit compared to him.”

  Instead of shouting or growing angry, TAC Officer Myers said, “Platoon sergeants, march your platoons to the pit. I think it’s time to show you how wizard scouts settle their differences.

  * * *

  The pit was a circular hole in the ground two meters deep and twenty meters across. Richard stood in the bottom on one side of the pit, and TAC Officer Myers stood in the bottom on the other. The pit was filled with ankle-deep, muddy water left over from the last rainstorm. The smell was not pleasant.

  The cohort stood around the perimeter of the pit looking down. Both TAC Officer Myers and Richard were still in their battle suits. Richard had previously put his M63 back in his dimensional pack, but he still had his other weapons.

  TAC Officer Myers removed his battle helmet and utility belt. He handed them to one of the other TAC officers standing on the rim of the pit. Richard did the same with his, except he handed them to Jerad. He also gave his friend his dimensional pack and 9mm pistol with its shoulder holster.

  Next, TAC Officer Myers removed the top half of his battle suit, but he kept on the bottom. Richard followed his lead.

  Richard noticed the muscles on his TAC officer’s stomach. Despite his dislike for his TAC officer, Richard had to admit Myers was solid muscle. Richard unconsciously touched his own stomach. He could feel the tight muscles underneath, but there was a thin layer of soft tissue on top that wasn’t quite muscle.

  I told you to exercise during our last mission for ‘the One’, said Nickelo who must have guessed Richard’s thoughts. But, no. You were too busy to be bothered. You haven’t had enough time since you’ve been back to get your body back into optimum physical condition. Now you never will.

  Whatever, Richard said. His anger was still loose, but he was starting to calm down a little. Richard had no doubt he was going to have his hands full with his TAC officer.

  “The rules are simple,” said TAC Officer Myers speaking to the other cadets as much as he was speaking to Richard. “Wizard scouts don’t kill each other when settling differences. Other than that, there’re no rules.”

  TAC Officer Myers gestured at Richard. “Anytime you think you’re ready, cadet.”

  Richard reached out with his mind and pulled a sandbag off the top of the pit’s rim behind TAC Officer Myers. Richard aimed the sandbag for his TAC officer’s head. At the same time, Richard ran across the empty space separating TAC Officer Myers from him. Water splashed high in the air as he ran.

  A line of Power reached out from TAC Officer Myers and deflected the sandbag off to the side. Richard’s TAC officer didn’t run to intercept him. Instead, Richard’s TAC Officer sent a line of Power out and downward into the water between them. Richard noticed the line of Power flatten out and then suddenly shoot upwards. A geyser of mud and water erupted in front of Richard.

  Richard closed his eyes, but he didn’t get his Power up in time to deflect the muddy water with telekinesis. For a split-second, Richard wondered why Nickelo hadn’t helped him deflect the water. Then he remembered their shared space. Nickelo couldn’t hear him think anymore unless he specifically thought in the shared space. As the water and mud splattered on his face, Richard had a sudden insight that adapting to the shared-space concept was going to take some practice. Richard began to appreciate the previous intermixing of minds with his battle computer.

  Although blinded by the muddy water, Richard sensed movement of a lifeform with his passive scan. He knew it was his TAC officer rushing towards him. Richard twisted to the side. The edge of TAC Officer Myers’ boot grazed the bare skin along his ribcage. Some of the skin and meat were torn away. Ignoring the pain, Richard kicked upward with one leg in hopes of catching his TAC officer off balance. He wasn’t surprised when his kick met thin air.

  Being blind sucks, he thought.

  Richard was surprised when the pain in his side eased a little. He sensed Power from his third reserve touching his side. His injury was still tender, but he assumed it was already starting to heal.

  Reaching out with his mind again, Richard attempted to grab hold of TAC Officer Myers’ leg. A line of Power met his and knocked his Power aside. A series of blows from his TAC officer’s fists caught Richard in the chest, stomach, and face. Richard hit the muddy water at the bottom of the pit face down. When Richard came up, he spit out two teeth along with a mouthful of blood.

  Sensing his TAC officer’s location, Richard did a sweep with his right leg. By some miracle, Richard’s leg made contact with something hard. Richard heard a splash. His TAC officer had fallen.

  Richard risked taking a second to wipe the muddy water from his eyes. His vision cleared just in time to see another fist heading for his face. Richard dodged to the left and caught his TAC officer’s wrist in an arm-lock. Richard twisted downward with both hands. He was rewarded with the satisfying sound of bones snapping. His TAC officer let out a low-pitched groan.

  Before Richard could follow up his advantage, TAC Officer Myers gave him a head-butt in the nose. Richard almost blacked out. But almost immediately, he felt Power from his third reserve transfer to his face and begin healing his nose and mouth. The pain was still enough to make his eyes water, but he didn’t lose consciousness.

  Chief Instructor Winslow had told him ninety percent of an injury would heal quickly, but the remainder might take some time to heal. Richard now knew what she meant. His side was almost, but not quite healed. He needed to delay his TAC officer in order to give his latest injuries time to heal.

  Richard caught TAC Officer Myers in the belly with his knee. Air rushed out in a gush. However, his TAC officer shot out his left fist and caught Richard just below the sternum. Richard bent over in pain.

  Nick! Richard groaned into his shared space.

  Fortunately, Richard didn’t need to be wearing his helmet for his battle computer to control his suit. The legs of the battle suit kicked backwards. The strength of the battle suit’s assistors flung Richard out of range of his TAC officer’s fists.

  As soon as Richard hit the water, he sensed a line of Power reaching out from TAC Officer Myers towards his chest. Richard used his own Power to deflect his TAC officer’s Power to the side.

  Within the space of five seconds, Richard traded attacks and counterattacks with his TAC officer. Neither of them was able to get through the other’s defenses.

  He’s faster than I am, Richard thought into his shared space.

  You’ve got to work your strengths, Nickelo replied.

  Fine, Richard thought. He said no rules. So be it.

  Richard rushed forward to the attack. TAC Officer Myers ran forward to meet him halfway. Before they got within range of each other’s fists, Richard reached out with his Power once more. As he did so, he sensed his TAC officer preparing his Power to counter any attack. But instead of attempting to touch his TAC officer with his Power, Richard sent it towards the link between TAC Officer Myers and his Power reserve.

  As soon as Richard’s Power touched his TAC officer’s link, Richard knew he had him. The link was unprotected. No traps, nothing. Richard chose a convenient weak spot and used his Power to twist the link back on itself. The flow of Power from TAC Officer Myers’ Power reserve was immediately cutoff. Richard noticed his TAC officer stumble.

  Surprise! Richard thought.

  TAC Officer Myers kicked out with a leg at Richard’s face. Richard wrapped the leg with Power to slow it down. This time, his TAC officer was unable to intercept Richard’s Power. As Richard slowed TAC Officer Myers’ leg, he kicked out with his own leg and caught TAC Officer Myers on the side of the face. Several teeth flew out of Myers’ mouth along with a liberal supply of blood. TAC Officer Myers fell to the water on his hands and knees.

  Richard looked down at his TAC officer kneeling in the water with blood pouring out of his mouth. Without Po
wer, his TAC officer couldn’t selfheal.

  Richard felt the inside of his own mouth with his tongue. His two teeth had already been replaced. Richard gained a newfound respect for his selfheal ability. He had a feeling the pain in his TAC officer’s mouth was making him miss his own ability to selfheal.

  Shifting into the void, Richard knelt down beside TAC Officer Myers.

  “It sucks not having Power, doesn’t it, Myers,” Richard said. “How do you like being helpless?”

  TAC Officer Myers struck out with a fist, but it passed right through Richard. He was in the void. Myers couldn’t touch him.

  “Here’s what’s going to happen, Myers,” Richard whispered into his TAC officer’s ear. “I’m going to wrap your heart in Power. And I’m going to give it a little squeeze for every time you treated me like dirt.”

  Richard used his telekinesis to lift his TAC officer’s chin so he could look into his eyes. There was no fear in TAC Officer Myers’ eyes, just anger.

  “Oh, don’t worry, sir…” Richard said stressing the word ‘sir’. “I’m not going to kill you. Those were the rules, right? But, I’m going to make you think twice before you pick out another whipping boy to bully around.”

  TAC Officer Myers yelled in rage and swung out with his fists. Both fists passed through Richard just like before. He was still in the void. Richard was proud of himself. He’d gotten a lot more efficient with dimensional shifts during the last year. Plus, his Power usage appeared to be more efficient since he’d gotten his baseline. Richard estimated he could stay shifted in the void for three or four minutes if necessary. Richard smiled. It would be more than enough time to teach his TAC officer a lesson in humility.

  TAC Officer Myers made a sudden move downward with his left hand. Richard ignored the move. Whatever his TAC officer had in mind would prove futile. He was still in the void. His TAC officer couldn’t touch him.