by Jessie Wolf
“Why do you say that, even if all three Houses strike at the same time I still outnumber them.”
“No, you don’t Nakatoma. And it won’t be just the three, but all seven of the rightful Houses that come at you. Yes, you heard me correctly. Your whore of a Great Aunt saw to that with her little stunt this afternoon. So you see you won’t be facing three Regimental Combat Teams, but all seven at one time plus the AI tanks we stole. I look forward to seeing you in chains the next time we talk. Why I might just bid on you, myself. Who knows you just might make a half way decent sex toy.” When he starts to laugh I stop him cold with two words.
“Death Dealers.”
“What does that have to do with anything? They’re all over protecting the space ports.”
“Nope, not even close. By now all four of the divisions I had requested earlier to be sent here have arrived. Then there are the eight free mercenary units who came of their own free will. So let me sum it all up for you. Right now with in the compound wall there is a total of twelve RCTs’ plus we own the skies. Your fellow rebels are still walking into a trap that will leave every last one of them dead or dying on the battle field tomorrow. So in closing I hope you enjoy your new life as a Freedoms Landing High Priest.”
“What?! No! We had a deal! I tell you everything I know and you take that off the table!” the poor man was shitting his pants by this time. “Where’s your so called honor?!”
“Oh, I still have my honor. As for our ‘deal’ I never said that I won’t sentence you to being a High Priest. What I said was and I quote ‘Talk! If I like what I hear you’ll get a deal.’ End quote. I never once said anything about what the deal was only the conditions. And you know what, I didn’t like what I heard one bit, not one stinking bit. So I guess you don’t get a deal. Have a nice day.” I give him a finger wave and head out the door. Taylor and Ravenswood are right behind me. Once the door is closed they both break out laughing.
“My Lady Maiha, that was priceless. In all my years at my mother’s court, I have never heard of someone wishing a condemned man a nice day.” Ravenswood was trying his best to gain control of his laughter. “Thank you so much for allowing me to be part of his interrogation.”
“Same goes for me, my Lady Maiha, the same. That piece of slag mayor in there will finally get what’s coming to him” at Taylor’s use of slag mayor I become curious. It’s a term I have never heard before and it piques my interest.
“Excuse me, Corporal Taylor, but what does that phrase ‘slag mayor’ mean?”
“Oh sorry, about that ma’am. I know I shouldn’t use foul language around a lady.” The big man was actually blushing. It was rather cute if you asked me. Damn that behavioral program. I did it again. Oh well no help for it, I’ll just have to get used to it.
“That’s quite all right, Corporal. I just want to know what it means. Now, please will you explain that phrase?” I gave the big man my best ‘little girl’ pout. When the two of them see this they both break out laughing.
Taylor just shakes his head “Very well, ma’am, I’ll tell you, but you have to promise me you won’t tell your mama.”
When I heard this I decide to have a little fun with the big man, so I started to clap my hands in front of me like a little girl and bounce up and down on the balls of my feet. All the time saying in my best little girls voice. “Oh Goodie! It’s a secret and a naughty one too!” my little act just made them laugh all the more. I know it was in bad taste at the moment, but what the hell I needed a laugh and so did they.
“Ok, my Lady, ok. Please don’t bounce around like that. It just ain’t right.” When I stop I have to smile up at this truly gentle giant. Here was a young man who had been forced to make some very hard decisions in his young life, and he could still laugh and find the joy in this cruel world. “That phrase comes from my home planet ma’am. It is what they call the worthless ore that comes out of the mines. It’s what’s left over after the raw ore is sorted and processed. Most of it is so worthless that the only thing it’s good for is land fill. When we call a person slag mayor what we’re really saying is they need to be put down and buried.”
“I take it that you don’t use that comment in front of polite company?”
“Ma’am, if my mama heard me using that around a woman, or someone of the feminine appearance, she’d tan my hide with a horse whip.” By this time he had turned a bright red from embarrassment.
“Corporal, trust me, I have used far worse language than that, and had it used towards me. Another thing if you don’t think my mama hasn’t used worse language; just go ask to hear a tape of her inside of her APS on a training run or in combat. That woman could peel paint at fifty yards with some of her language. Believe you me, there isn’t a ‘Lady’ out there, that doesn’t have a foul mouth when they have too. And I’m no exception.”
“It still ain’t right, ma’am. I may be from a backwoods area of Doreen V, but my mama still tried to teach me proper manners.” I could tell the big man missed his family. I wonder how long it’s been since he last saw them.
“Taylor, when was the last time you were home?”
“A little more than five years now, my Lady.”
“Have you heard from your family at all during that time?”
“Lady Maiha, if I contact them, they’ll be arrested for harboring a fugitive. I can’t even write them as all mail going to the outlands is monitored. When I ran-away I knew there was no going back for me. So I just cut all ties, and prayed that someday House Moore would be taken down for the way they treat the people.” From the sound of his voice I could tell that not being able to even talk with his family really hurt him.
Looking up at him I smile and place my hand on his massive chest. “I promise you here and now, House Moore is going down and you’ll be able to go home and visit your family as a freeman. After all of this is said and done there will be nothing left of House Moore and Doreen V will be a free system.”
As he looks down at me I see something I thought I would never see in the eyes of a soldier. Love and hope. The two things all soldiers want, and here he is showing them to me. “Lady Maiha, I don’t know about the rest of the House troops, but for me, all I can say is, I’ll walk through the very fires of Hell and come out the other side for you. I can see in your eyes that nothing short of death will stop you from putting things right.”
As I look up at this big man, I realize that more than just putting down this rebellion must be done. If I truly wish to change the world and the galaxy to, I must destroy the current system of government. I must remove from power the seven Houses that have caused the most harm to their people. Starting with House Moore and the others.
Looking over at Ravenswood “Prince Raygel Ravenswood, I have a favor to ask.”
At the sound of my very formal request Ravenswood stood straighter and then bowed. Switching to High Court Elfish “What may the Clan Ravenswood do for the House of Nakatoma, which they cannot do themselves?”
Seeing as how he has made his request in his native tongue, thereby making this a matter of honor I reply in the same manner. “I Nakatoma Maiha Mana, Head of House Nakatoma, First High Lady of the Death Dealers, and Protector of the Nakatoma Family request the assistance of the High Winds Royal Military in freeing the people of Doreen V from an illegal regime. One that has for untold years sought to oppress its people to the point that they are little more than slaves.”
With a very formal bow and a small smile upon his lips. “Lady Maiha, I can have at least fifteen heavy divisions on planet Doreen V within three days hence, without asking for the Elder’s permission, of the finest Elven warriors to ever grace the battle field. Do you believe that to be enough?” never once did he change to Standard. Something was up and I needed to know what. Thankfully he supplied the answer. “I owe a ‘life debt’ to Laurence Taylor, if I can repay it by freeing his home, then may the very Gods themselves quake in fear. My own personal division shall rain down on House Moore. For far to
o long they have been a thorn in the side of the Empire. It is time to remove it.”
“Use my personal code to get through to your units Prince Raygel. Bring down the House of Moore and those who would profit by their excesses.” I know with that simple command I just sentenced an enter High Family, every man, woman, and child to death; but for far too long this Family has profited off the hardship of its people. Most especially its young men. Bowden’s Syndrome can be cured though the use of antibiotics and a different diet. There is no need for castration. I was willing to bet that they knew this and was using it as an excuse to produce feminine slaves. I dare not tell this to Taylor, but I can give him the credit for saving future generations.
When he switches back to Standard I know he has done it for the benefit of his friend. “Lady Maiha, I’ll make sure it gets done. One way or the other there shall be fifteen Divisions on Doreen V in the name of my brother. I hope to see you and the Lady Allison at dinner tonight.” At my quizzical look he explains. “We must celebrate the passing of Ni’ola Ne’ Great Oak. As well as the coming freedom of Doreen V.” with a quick bow he heads off to make the call that will bring down one of the seven Houses in open rebellion.
Taylor looks down at me from his great height and asks. “Lady Maiha, who is Ni’ola Ne’ Great Oak and what did he mean about the coming freedom of Doreen V?” I know he is confused by how thick his accent is starting to get and the fact he’s slipping back into his deprecating ways. “I’s might’s not bes’ the most intelligent of peoples, buts’ evens I’sa knows’ ya’s needs nine ta’s ten division’s to takes a Home Planets’.”
“Your friend there has gone to call down what would be his personal command on Doreen V. It seems he owes you a life debt. Care to explain that?” I ask of him with a smile. “There seems to be a story there that I would love to hear.”
As he scratches the back of his head a little lopsided smile plays at the corner of his mouth. “Will, it’s like this, my Lady. Me, Ravenswood, Combs, and Morehouse were all downtown at a local bar when this fight broke out. Anyway for once the four of us took one look at this and headed for the door. There was this one joker though that tried to knife Ravenswood in the back. Well I couldn’t let that happen he’s my friend, so I step between them and took the knife in the gut. I broke the bastards arm for that, but I got him and the rest out of there in one piece. They didn’t find out I was even hurt until we got back to the compound. Well I wound up in the Temple hospital for a few days. When I got out Ravenswood tells me that Combs told him what I did and he owes me a life debt. Whatever that is, I never really thought about it. I just did what anyone else would have.”
“And that’s why, my big friend, you’ll make one of the finest NCO’s there ever will be. To you, you were just doing what was right to protect a fellow soldier. To him and your friends you are a hero. That is why Ravenswood called it a life debt. He feels that you saved his life. To the Elves if someone saves your life you owe them your life. That is a life debt, my young Corporal. However the one owed to you is more than a little special. Yours is owed by a member of the Royal Family, to be accurate, the War Prince for the Elves of High Winds.”
“Ok, I think I understand. But that still doesn’t explain how he can get that many heavy divisions to attack House Moore and Doreen V.” I could see that he was having problems with the concept. Hell I would too if wasn’t for the seventy plus years of experience hidden behind my youthful looks.
“Taylor, believe me when I say that he can not only put fifteen heavy divisions on Doreen V but a whole lot more if needs be. That man has more military fire power at his beck and call than most planetary governors.”
“If you say so, ma’am. I’m just happy being a grunt. You always know where you stand in the trenches, there you take care of your buddies and they take care of you. If you’re warm, dry, fed, and got something to smoke by the end of the day then you’re doing just fine.”
As I stand there listening to him I can’t help, but to admire his simple point of view on the world. It took me back to a time when Galactic Politics and High Family B.S. were outside of my own world view. This young man reminded me of an old Drill Sergeant I had. How I wished I could go back to that time, and be a simple grunt again. However I know that is not to be. I am now the Head of House, First High Lady to the Death Dealers, and the Commander and Chief of the only military force that stands in the way of an all-out galactic war of oppression by rebel Houses. Goddess how in the name of the nine Hells did I get mixed up in this?!
“Come on, Corporal, we still have work to do.”
“What’s next, my Lady?”
“For starters we need to bail out Combs and Morehouse. Then I have to get all of the commanders together, and let them know what we have learned.”
“Sounds good to me, ma’am. For such a youngster you sure know what you’re doing.” Realizing what he had just said the big man blushed. “Sorry for being so familiar there my Lady. I meant no disrespect.”
With a giggle I wave for him to follow me. “Don’t worry about it, Corporal. The fact that you would say that to me means more than all the fancy medals and decorations in the world. So tell me more about your friend Morehouse. You said he’s some kind of genetically enhanced genius?”
“Oh yes ma’am. I don’t understand it all, but it seems that before he was even conceived his mother and father had entered into one of those marriage contracts. The other family paid for him to be altered in the ways that would make him more appealing to his future husband. Like I said earlier he is the smartest of all of us, even though he is the smallest. You’ll see what I mean here in a minute.”
When we get to the room that was holding Morehouse I was surprised to see two fully armored guards. Before I can say anything. “I see you morons found out the hard way about Short Stop. How many times have I told you not to go pissing him off?”
“Piss off Taylor. What the hell? Why aren’t you in restraints?” the guard on the left asked.
“Because I pardoned him, Private. Oh and by the way, that’s Corporal Taylor. Now answer his question.” I really wanted to know why they had two guards on this door.
“Sorry, my Lady, we didn’t know. As for Corporal Taylor’s question I don’t really know, maybe twice a month.” The young Private said.
“How many of you did he send to the Temple hospital?” Taylor asked next.
“Three, Corporal.” The young man mumbled.
“You damned idiots! What you thought that just because he’s on the small side you could just go bullying him around? Gods be damned! That man knows at least a hundred different ways to kill somebody. If he wasn’t so damned pretty and petite he could have been a Death Dealer or even an Imperil Hunter! Fools!” by the time he was done Taylor was practically screaming. “Time and again I told you fool’s to leave him alone, that he could kill any of you with his bare hands. What did you think I was joking?” he just pushed them out of the way and barged into the interrogation room. “Stills get your ass out of here you no good sum-bitch before I rip your head off!”
I quickly follow him into the room. What I find damned near causes me to lose my own temper. The petite young man was stripped naked and strapped down to the top of the table spread eagle. “Who the hell ordered this treatment? Start talking Sergeant Stills or you will be on your way to the guardhouse as a prisoner.” I demanded at the top of my voice. “We do not use rape as an interrogation technique!”
“It’s not what it looks like, my Lady. Believe me this is not what it looks like.” Sergeant Stills starts talking very fast, but I interrupt him.
“Corporal Taylor, if this man tells one lie, you can tear him apart. Make sure he doesn’t leave this room while I release Morehouse.” It takes me no more than a few seconds to cut away the ropes holding him down to the table. As I help him off the table I see several fresh burn marks all over his body. With a little further examination they appear to be stun stick burns. What starts my blood boiling is th
e places where they are. They’re all over his inner thigh, rectum area, arm pits, and between his shoulder blades on his upper back. As I turn him over to face me I finally see the gag. “Stills, you better start talking and it better be good. Because form the looks of things right now, you’re about to join Hazes and the former Head Captains sons.” I had let my voice go cold as the artic winds again. I may use torture with to get the information I need, but I don’t do it for the fun of it ether. This was cruelty for cruelties sake.
“When we went to arrest him we found him in the showers. That little she male freak fought back and put three of my men in the hospital before we subdued it.” The sickening bigotry that flows from the mouth of this man makes me want to tear him apart limb by limb. “When we got it here I was told to put it in here and to wait for those Death Dealers or you, my Lady, to perform the interrogation.”
At that point Taylor interrupts with “Then why didn’t you, Stills?”
“Shut up, you freak of nature. Just because you’re sweet on the she-freak doesn’t mean you can say anything to me. I am still your supervisor.” When I heard this I move faster than Taylor or Stills can see. Before he knows what’s going on I have Stills by the neck with one hand.
“Listen carefully Stills, one Corporal Taylor is not a freak, two you are not the one in charge here, and three if you call Morehouse a she-male freak or any other derogatory term again I’ll let Corporal Taylor rip your head off got it? I said got it?!” when he nods his head yes I let him go. “Now tell me why you decided to use a stun stick on Morehouse?”
After coughing for a few seconds he answers me. “That’s the only way to treat these gen-aults. You have to use pain to get them to do as they’re told. Everyone from Hellos Prime knows that. To be honest I always had my suspicions about it. I should have turned Morehouse over to the Port authorities for the reward. It should be worth at least ten to fifteen grand.”
