She gazed back at him suspiciously.
“Why, you a pilot?”
The small man pointed ahead, to where the Valorian station was visible through the cockpit windscreen—with the Colonial ship still tethered to it, and the Musashi docked on the other side.
“I have the privilege of flying that little beauty there. Maybe a tad small, but she's a scrappy wench.”
Cruz laughed. “Mine’s bigger. The badass silver one with the knives on front.”
“So, you like them cold and imposing, eh, miss?”
She cocked an eyebrow. “I know how to get her thrusters going. My hands are damn amazing on a console.”
“You don’t say.”
“That’s Spartacus!” Washington exclaimed. “Damn it, Hawking, that’s our ship.”
The little man smiled. “Apparently, even those bone-clad bastards couldn’t find it in their hearts to destroy such a thing of beauty.”
Molokos shrugged. “Perhaps if you ask the Commander nicely, we can take it with us.”
Washington leaned closer to Molokos. “Let me talk to your Captain. Man to man.”
Molokos smiled. “Well, she’s a woman, but… I’m sure she’ll want to chat.”
#
Brattain entered the wardroom and sat. A hologram of Wesley appeared above the conference table, resplendent in his red, Roman-esque Mars uniform.
His too-handsome face wore a very formal smile.
“Captain Fitzgerald,” she said calmly, saluting him.
His expression was guarded. But she knew him well enough to see that there was real tension in his bearing.
He wouldn’t be this nervous just because he’s talking to me again for the first time after the break-up, she thought.
I know him. For him to be this edgy it has to be…
A professional matter.
“Hi, Liz. I'd like you to know how sorry I am about Captain Kane. He was a true hero and the Republic will feel his loss. As to your... situation, well...”
She listened with growing dread.
“We received your transmissions. Congratulations on getting the ship spaceworthy again, your Engineer must be quite resourceful.”
“Thank you,” she said. “He is indeed, and we’re lucky to have him.”
“Still, you shouldn’t risk another jump. We’ll rendezvous with you shortly and take all of your crew aboard the Mars, as well as the Colonists.”
He was smiling, but his eyes flitted away for just a moment as he spoke.
You’re hiding something, Wesley. I always knew when you were.
When we were engaged, I always denied my instincts, but… I always knew, in the back of my mind.
She shook her head. “That won’t be necessary, Captain. We’re fully capable of getting safely back to Auris under our own power.”
“Liz…” he took on a lower, deeply serious tone. “This entire mission is being watched from on high. This isn’t my own order; it’s executive level. I’ll transmit a Code Indigo to confirm this is a Fleet Command priority order. But I’m making this call as a… personal courtesy.”
It only gets worse, she thought.
They knew, didn’t they? They got our call for help days ago, they know all about what the Valorians did to our ship, the crew, the Captain…
They’re scared.
And it’s not out of concern for the Musashi’s crew, I’m sure.
“Wesley,” she asked—trying to sound slightly submissive, pleading—“why didn’t Command know about the Valorians on Earth? This operation of theirs has obviously been going on for some time. They built an orbital station… And it was protected by Republic autocannons?”
He sighed, spread his hands. “Our… relationship… with the Valorians is very complicated. No one's blaming you for what's occurred, since you had no way to make an informed decision. But, now's the time to impress Command with your loyalty and... discretion. You're ordered to cease all interference with the Valorians. As for the Colonists, we have security personnel to deal with that situation. Just make sure the women are unharmed.”
“You want to give them back?” she asked, unbelieving. “What about the men… How will you ‘deal’ with them?”
His smile was broad again, but cold. “Liz, just cooperate. All you have to do is have your crew stand down when we approach. Just follow protocols—you’ve always been good at that. I think you're smart enough to see the opportunity in this. This could be your moment... No hard decisions, just do your duty, okay?”
She nodded.
Tried to keep her face looking tense, blinked her eyes…
Make him think I’m overwhelmed. That I can’ t handle this.
“Okay, Liz?” he repeated.
“Yes, Wesley,” she said, “I understand. What’s your ETA?”
“About two hours. Just hold position.”
She shot him a nervous smile. “Understood.”
“Thank you,” he replied, and his hologram faded.
Like hell I’m giving the Colonists back.
She thought about the women in sickbay, crying, shocked, dehumanized by the Valorians, their bodies violated and their minds abandoned to terror…
Like hell.
And as for letting the Mars team board the Musashi…
What would that mean for us? Memory wipes at best? I’ve heard the stories of crews with missing time like that… Those who got too close to black ops matters.
But the Valorians would want more than our memories. If they were hell-bent on executing us before we killed those three Templars on the moon… What about now?
She looked to the picture of the fierce samurai on the wall. It had survived the crash intact, and one of the crew had placed it back in its customary spot.
Honor, certainty, knowing what is right…
I DO know, Captain. I know now.
We can’t give the Colonists back to those monsters, and we have to fight.
But can we fight the Mars too, if it comes to it?
Whatever deal Wesley’s friends “on high” have with the Valorians, we have to let the citizens of the Republic know.
If we can fight off the Valorians, survive, run…
Somehow get a transmission out…
She stood to exit. The wardroom door slid open—
—and Brattain found herself facing the Republic’s most wanted fugitive: Balthazar Washington.
The tall, muscular man looked wearied by his labors under the Valorians; but he still radiated strength and authority. He remained imposing, even standing beside the intimidating bulk of Molokos.
“I’m Captain Brattain,” she told him—not bothering to explain that she was only acting Captain at the moment.
She extended her hand to him. He shook it with his own—a powerful grip—and nodded to her.
“You’re not what I expected in a Republic captain,” he said. “You look civilized.”
“Should I say the same for you?” she replied.
He snorted. “We only attacked automated convoys. I know, your propaganda people probably say I eat your children and spit out blood.”
She shook her head. “I’m not concerned with what the ‘casts say, I want to talk to you.”
He closed his eyes suddenly; his expression grew somber. “Are the women safe?”
“Yes,” she said. “We got all of them out, but… Most of them have suffered emotionally. You’ll see soon enough.” She didn’t want to try to explain the pregnancy situation right now.
“More than half of my men didn’t make it,” he said. “Can I see the women, at least, before you haul me off to face Republican justice?”
She shook her head, “I don’t intend to haul you anywhere.”
Reynard protested, “Captain, despite the actions of the Valorians and their treatment of the Colonists, we cannot forget that this particular man is a known terrorist. We have an obligation to deliver him to Fleet Command.”
“Fleet command is not coming,” she said.
“At least not for quite a while. Our earlier messages were somehow intercepted and blocked by the Valorians. The flagship is on its way, but it could take days.”
She closed her eyes for a moment, hoping the others would take it for a look of pain. But she was assessing herself.
Yes. This was the right course of action, the right thing to do.
Was it Captain Kane’s Void that she’d received this wisdom from?
She didn’t know.
But she knew that their best chance was to get moving, jumping…
Likely the Valorians could still trace them… but if they could get away from the Mars, they’d avoid having to fight two enemies.
“We need Mister Washington,” she explained, “and his ship. Engineer Sivarek is prepping special torpedoes which will hopefully exploit a vulnerability in the Valorians’ organic ship design. But they have to be loaded on the Spartacus. Command advised us to get moving, and I’m doing that. The rest of the plan is based on my discretion, in hopes of keeping us alive long enough to reach further help.”
Reynard nodded—although there was something questioning, suspicious in his eyes. “Some of the Colonists will be returning to the Spartacus,” she explained. “Captain Washington here can lead them. For the rest, we’ll find quarters here. They are under our protection. Unless there are some that have skills we can use.”
“If they can fire grazer turrets, they’d be welcome,” Molokos said. “I’ve lost most of my men.”
Washington nodded, “I think I can find a few who will suit.”
“Good,” Brattain said. “Then we haven’t much time. Let’s get going. And good luck, Captain Washington.”
When they’d all left, she stayed behind on the bridge, lost in thought.
It all seemed unreal. Especially standing on the newly-remodeled bridge with those shiny diamond-threaded nanoweave walls reflecting every bit of light…
She sat down in the command chair, which conformed perfectly to her body.
Just as comfortable as Sivarek had promised it would be. Maybe too comfortable, she thought.
I don’t know how to make decisions that will get me a long career. I just know how to make choices so that my people survive… and the Colonists, too, whom we’re supposed to be protecting.
Taking things one decision at a time. That’s pretty much what Captain Kane did, and my father. They did the right thing, and they lucked out into being heroes.
Right now, I’d just settle for getting all of us out of this alive.
Someone had come up behind her on the bridge. He leaned over her, with his dark eyes and old yet strangely childish face: Seutter.
“You are very good at lying,” he whispered softly. “I always thought it would take practice. But don’t worry—you’re certainly doing the right thing. I don’t trust your boyfriend and the Fleet, either.”
She turned to him, “What are you talking about?”
“They are coming soon, our Valorian friends,” he said. “Templars, the wrathful warriors of the Faith. Even without the headband on, I can feel them… The sense of urgency is palpable. And the others… The flagship’s coming too, and we’ve all seen so, so much. Too much. But don’t worry. You have me now. I’m not holding back. They never took away my conscience.”
So he knows about the conversation with Wesley…
This wasn’t just empathy now, he was actually reading her thoughts.
“Mister Seutter,” she asked, “Are you taking your suppressant? “
“Would you leave the safety locked on your most powerful weapon at the time of battle?” he asked. “I need to feel it all, he continued, “Pain, rage—”
“What about compassion?” she asked. “I saw you with one of the Colonial women down in sickbay earlier.”
“The suffering of a single being is the suffering of us all,” he recited. “From the words of a great philosopher. That especially applies if you are a telepath. Charity then becomes purely selfish.”
“Alright, Mister Seutter,” she said, “but stand by, we’ll probably need to make a jump soon.”
“Absolutely. Standing by with giddy anticipation, dear Commander.” He bowed to her in an exaggerated manner, then turned and strode out.
45
Balth’s arms held Jan Dolan tightly, as if never wanting to let her go.
She felt all of her anxieties melt away for a moment, her face pressed against his hard-muscled chest. He smelled of stale sweat, grime and blood, but she didn’t mind it. She knew he’d been through quite an ordeal—and she was just glad that he’d come back for her, and their unborn child and Jeremy.
For his part, Jeremy stood nearby with his pad of paper on Doctor Xon’s desk, sketching something. He hadn’t really acknowledged Balth’s presence.
Balth finally let go of her, and he pulled away; though those strong hands still grasped Dolan’s forearms.
“I had to believe you were okay,” he said. “It’s what got me through.”
She nodded, “Me too. I knew you’d come for us.”
“If it wasn’t for the Repubs, I don’t know what would have happened,” he admitted. “Almost pisses me off that they had to save us.”
“But we’re all safe,” she said. She patted her belly. “Our little one here, she’s fine and Jeremy—”
He gently touched Jeremy’s shoulder.
The boy looked up just for a moment and said in a monotone: “Damn it.” And then he went back to his drawing.
Balth chuckled, “Damn it? So I guess he’s not so happy to see me.”
“It’s just something you say a lot,” Dolan explained. “He associates that particular phrase with you. I think it’s his way of saying he’s glad to see you.”
Balth looked around the sickbay. Many of the women had been taken to their own quarters, but there were still some here… Some of the worst cases: shaking, traumatized, a few near catatonic, resting on medical beds with tubes attached to them.
Isaac Bell sat at the edge of one of those beds, where a dark-skinned, curly-haired young woman lay sobbing.
“Maureen… you’re safe, Maureen,” the albino gunner said soothingly to her. “It’s okay… It’s okay. We are going to get these bastards right, we’re going to get them.”
Dolan found tears coming to her eyes watching the scene. “He’s always loved her,” she told Balth, “though I don’t think that she’s ever returned his affections. He’s doing what he can to comfort her.”
“What do they want with our damn babies anyway?” Balth asked.
“From what I gather,” Dolan explained, “their gene pool is getting thin, getting inbred. They need pure DNA… Original Earth human DNA.”
“Why? I’ve seen them… They used human bodies as… materials.”
“No, it’s simpler than that. They wanted the babies as… to raise up as… recruits. They were going to make…”
“More of them. More bonesuits,” Balth finished for her.
She nodded. “Yeah.”
Balthazar knelt down in front of her, took both of her hands in his large ones. “Listen,” he said, “We’re not out of this yet. I’m going back to the Spartacus; the Repubs’ plug-head Engineer says he has some kind of nano-thing that can hurt the bonesuits’ ships.”
“They need your help? The Republicans can’t even fight these things on their own?” Dolan asked, amazed.
“Maybe not. Apparently, the Valorians shot their ship down once before. They’ve been able to get it jury-rigged and flying again.”
“So we help them fight—and then they turn us into their masters?”
Balth shook his head, “Their Captain says no. I trust her, as far as it goes.”
“We could take Spartacus and flee,” Dolan said.
Balth shook his head again. “The bonesuits would find us, just like they caught us the last time, jumped out of nowhere… But if this weapon the Repubs have really works, we might have a shot.”
She grabbed his thick waist and hugg
ed him fiercely. “Just try to get back here,” she said.
“I’ll try… that’s all I can promise,” he said. “I want my ship back, my crew, you and her”— he rubbed her pregnant tummy again—“and Jeremy. And I want to go home. But we don’t always get what we want.”
“Zoom” Jeremy said.
“No,” Dolan said, “Jeremy, it’s not zoom time, I can’t–”
“Zoom,” he said. There was ripping of paper, torn from his pad… And he presented the drawing he’d been working on to Balth.
Balth took it and smiled broadly.
“It’s Spartacus,” he said. “You did a good job, kid. All the plates and welds and wires and little odds at ends stuck on all over the… All over the thing. Looks just like our tough little ship.”
Dolan nodded, her eyes getting teary again. “He wants you to have it,” she said. “It’s a present or some kind of good luck charm, I think.”
“All right.” He tapped the boy on the shoulder again. “Take care of your mom. I’ll do everything I can to get back to you guys.”
#
The engine room of the Spartacus was dark and dingy—but the maze of wires and conduits which stretched back and forth was comforting to Sivarek.
“There's been a lot of work done in here,” he said to Joachim. “I mean, someone was really trying to juice this thing to get as much power as they could out of it.”
“Oh yeah,” the Colonist agreed, giving Sivarek a gap-toothed smile and nodding.
“There’s more hotroddin’ back here, see…” he continued, pointing to either wall. “You see those boxes there and there? They're Wasp fighter power plants that we salvaged. Can tap into ‘em if we need a little bit of extra thrust… And I tried to do some redundant wiring here. That main conduit up there…” he pointed towards the ceiling, where a hole had been hastily patched with pieces of metal where some scorch marks remained. “Well, that’s where they blew us out before, so I've tried to reroute some of these cables. Put them through these relays.” He gestured to a circular unit that hung suspended where several conduits were plugged into it. “I should be able to use them as a dynamic hub to reroute power when needed to compensate for damage, but–”
Space Cruiser Musashi: a space opera novel Page 22
