by C H Gideon
She raised her weapon and kept running, bursting through the door right behind him.
He shrieked when he ran into a wall of people who’d come out of nowhere.
Brilliant lights instantly illuminated the area and Jiya blinked away the brightness, grateful that Takal’s tech had a failsafe, adjusting to even the most sudden or extreme changes in lighting.
She staggered to a halt as Lek grinned at her.
Her people grabbed Jaer Pon, holding him firmly with rough and firm hands.
A little surprised to see her, Jiya looked from the captive president to Lek.
“I thought all of your people were backing up my crew,” Jiya said.
“And miss out on seeing Jaer Pon’s face when he found out I was alive and well?” she asked, chuckling. “I think not, young lady.”
Jaer Pon didn’t even bother to squirm. He stared at Lek, wide-eyed and terrified.
“Maybe he thinks he’s seeing a ghost,” Jiya suggested.
“Well, your inventor’s replica android head had me thinking that maybe I had lost mine somewhere along the way,” Lek chuckled. “I hadn’t expected it to look quite so…real.”
“Takal has his talents,” Jiya said.
“That he does,” Lek agreed.
Reynolds stumbled out of the tunnel entrance right then. Vice President Shal Ura clung to his arm, and the rest of the crew stood there grinning from ear to ear. Roe and his troops stood at their backs, happy to see Jaer Pon in the arms of their companions.
“Now it’s a party!” Reynolds shouted.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Reynolds stood before the captive Jaer Pon, wagging a finger at him.
“I have to say, I’m not appreciating Sergeant Gib blasting a hole in the only good body I have right now,” he said.
“You’ve still got the Jonny-Taxi one,” Ka’nak suggested.
“And how you missed being shot when you went through the door first is a mystery to me,” Reynolds stated, glaring at the Melowi.
Ka’nak barked a laugh, and Reynolds turned his attention back to Jaer Pon.
“You had me there for a minute,” Reynolds admitted. “I was just about to switch sides again and throw my lot back in with you, Mister Prez, but you went and fucked it all up.”
Jaer Pon sneered, but it didn’t carry much of a threat since he was trussed up like a turkey ready to go into the oven.
“Don’t worry, Reynolds,” Lek told him, “He’ll pay for his transgressions. You can be certain of that.”
“Of that, I have no doubt, Lek,” Reynolds replied. “It’s just that it’s sometimes more satisfying when you get to shoot a betrayer in the face in the heat of combat.”
“So it’s not just me that feels that way?” Ka’nak asked.
“What’s going to happen now?” Geroux asked, fiddling with her wrist computer.
Lek held a hand out to Shal Ura. The vice president took it and Lek passed her over to Roe, the two locking hands.
“We’ll let the people decide who rules them from now on, but we have a pair of candidates from both sides of the people to keep things in order until that happens. It’ll be a solid move toward cooperation.”
Roe grinned at Shal Ura, who smiled right back. While Jiya saw the mutual respect between the pair, she wondered if her imagination was playing tricks on her since she saw a little bit more than mutual professional admiration flash between them when their eyes locked.
She didn’t have time to think about it further.
“And the rest of the Orau here on the planet?” Reynolds asked. “They’ll fall in line with this?” He gestured to the temporary leaders.
Lek nodded. “They will since they feel they are Krokans anyway. Colonel Raf has already informed the fleet of the change in leadership and the military has pledged their loyalty to the new government of the people.”
“What will you do with him?” Geroux asked, pointing to Jaer Pon, who was doing his best to slink into the background noise.
“We’ll imprison him for a time, I think. At least until the government is settled,” Roe answered, Shal Ura nodding her agreement with the decision. “After that, we’ll leave it to the people to decide, same as their method of governance.”
“That seems rather…lenient,” Jiya said.
Roe shrugged. “Don’t underestimate the will of the people when it comes to revenge,” he said with a laugh. “Once news gets out that he ordered Lek’s head brought to him as proof of her death and celebrated its delivery, however fake it might have been, I suspect any goodwill he might have earned over the years will be erased quite effectively.”
“He will be punished, of that, you can be certain,” Shal Ura stated. “He has long tied the hands of the people with his schemes to keep us divided, but we will stand for it no longer.”
“Then it seems we only have a couple pieces of business left to us here on Krokus 4,” Reynolds announced, glancing at Lek.
“Indeed,” she said, offering him a pleasant smile. “You have fulfilled your end of the bargain you struck with Jaer Pon and then some. We would gladly call you friend to the people of Krokus 4 and provide you with a safe haven in your time of need, supplies as necessary when you visit our planet, and the schematics of the great water purification system as you were promised.”
Lek cleared her throat and looked down at Jaer Pon.
“Of course, we’ll need to pry the latter out of his head first, but I assure you we will send them your way the moment they are available. You have our word.”
Reynolds chuckled and gave her a shallow bow of appreciation.
“We look forward to it,” he replied. “And in return, we offer the means not only for your people to build a defense ring around your planet to protect against further Orau invasion or anyone else who might happen along but also the means to create your own supply of food safely and easily without the need for large tracts of land or even soil.”
Lek’s eyebrow rose in surprise. “This is possible?”
“It is indeed,” Reynolds assured. “You’ll no doubt need to fine-tune the devices to your people’s dietary needs, and it will take some effort to get the system up and running, as we’re learning ourselves, but in no time at all, you’ll be able to eat something that doesn’t involve fish.”
A cheer rose from the crowd who had heard the last statements and Jiya laughed, watching the Krokans enjoying the moment.
“Will you stay with us to celebrate?” Roe asked. “We promise not to ambush you during the festivities like the previous administration,” he added with a chuckle.
“Where’s the fun in that?” Ka’nak asked, a half-smile pulling at his face.
Reynolds grinned. “I think we can stick around and relax for a little while,” he told Roe. “We’ve got work to do on Krokus 1, and it’ll take time to get your planet up to speed and ready for the new technologies.”
“Vacation at last!” Maddox exclaimed, pumping his arm.
Jiya patted the general on the shoulder. “Honestly, with all the excitement, I’m looking forward to curling up in my tiny bunk and sleeping for a week or two after all this.”
“And miss out on the celebration?” Roe asked.
“Will there be coffee?” Jiya fired back. “I could really use some go-juice if I’m expected to stay awake.”
“I’m sure we can find you some,” Shal Ura assured her.
“Then I’m ready to party,” Jiya said with a laugh. “Let’s do this!”
Epilogue
Despite Jiya’s desire to fall asleep and not wake up until the next decade, the crew spent the next several weeks on Krokus 4.
Between the celebration, the efforts to establish a new government, and the exchange of information, Jiya had begun to believe they might never leave the planet.
There were tearful and heartfelt farewells by the time they packed up to leave on both the side of the crew and the people of Krokus 4.
But it wasn’t all good news.
&n
bsp; While Takal worked on a new android body for Reynolds, one that would support the entirety of his AI essence, the captain was stuck in the Jonny-Taxi body he’d started out in.
He hated every minute of it.
By the time they’d left the planet and made their way back to Krokus 1, he was itching to Gate across the galaxy and drag every Kurtherian out of the dark just so he could kick their asses and make himself feel better about being trapped in that horrible body.
The upside during that time was that was the people of Krokus 1 were quick studies, so it wasn’t long before they had the agroprinters up and running and abundantly supplying their people with fresh food and drinks.
It had been so long since they’d had anything but the scraps tossed aside by the invading Orau that the crew had to teach them about moderation and when to say no.
The majority of the planet’s population was sick the first week or so, but they adapted and overcame, curtailing their zeal.
While the planet was still largely barren and desiccated thanks to the Orau invasion, the people of Krokus 1 decided they wanted to remain.
Jiya thought that was a bold move.
Shal Ura and Roe, both having decided to forego titles until a true election had been held to validate their positions, promised to assist the people of Krokus 1 and sent Colonel Raf and a legion of his soldiers to the planet to assist.
Their mission was to build stronger and better structures for the people to live and work in, with the hopes of the new infrastructure that would last until the people could get on their feet and do more for themselves.
No matter what, it was better than the ramshackle huts and thrown-together buildings the Orau had erected.
Takal and Geroux had pitched in and updated the network systems to facilitate better contact between the two worlds, as well as with the SD Reynolds. By the time they were done, the place was modern and rivaled the sophistication of Krokus 4.
That wasn’t saying much, Jiya thought, but it was a far cry from where they’d started just a few weeks earlier.
They were free.
As far as Jiya was concerned, everything else was gravy.
Reynolds agreed, promising to swing back through the system to check on the Krokans at the next available opportunity.
After all their work, the crew was ready to head back into space.
On the bridge of the Reynolds, Jiya relaxed in the captain’s chair, letting Asya take a break.
Reynolds paced in front of the viewscreen, his Jonny-Taxi body stumping about like it needed a good oiling. Star maps flashed across the screen so quickly that Jiya had stopped trying to keep up with the AI’s mad desire to plot a new course.
After what seemed an eternity, a map came up on the screen and remained there.
“This our next adventure?” Jiya asked, yawning. She still needed that nap.
“I’m not sure,” Reynolds replied, not bothering to turn around. “I’ve been wracking my brain and trying to track down any and all information on this Phraim-’Eh spokesperson and his cult, but there is little to be found.” He sighed.
“There are traces of the cult on Loran, and it’s clear these guys have been following us since I picked up you and your people from Lariest. I’m just not understanding how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together.”
“Before he killed himself, the cultist implied his master and this Phraim-’Eh person had been tracking Reynolds since long before we met him,” Maddox added.
“He made his intentions clear, too,” Reynolds went on. “We’re not going to be rid of this Loranian cruiser until we blow it out of space, and even that might not be enough. There’s more to this than some personal vendetta if the cultist is to be believed.”
“But you weren’t able to get a location out of the guy?” Jiya asked.
Reynolds shook his head. “He was a fanatic. I think when he realized he’d inadvertently told us almost everything he knew that he snapped, deciding to kill himself before he had to face his master and his god.”
“Hell of a way to go,” Maddox muttered.
“Where does that leave us?” Jiya wondered.
“Well, it’s not just a Loranian thing,” Reynolds explained. “There were people of a number of different races involved in the plot to kill us, and they seem to be Kurtherian-backed.”
“So we keep doing what we’re doing then, following the breadcrumbs from system to system until we find the bastards?” Jiya asked.
“Pretty much,” Reynolds replied, “but we might try something a little different this time around. I’ve isolated the names of the species of the male in charge of the shuttle crew on Krokus 1.”
“The melted-cheese-faced one?” Maddox asked.
“That’s the one,” Reynolds said. “He’s a Muultu from the planet Muultar in the Quadrain system not too far from here,” the AI reported, examining the data on the screen. “The planet is the polar opposite of Krokus 4. Muultar has almost no water. It’s a bleak and barren place, and the system has three suns. Because of its rotation between all three of them, the place never sees anything resembling night. They’re continuously being cooked by one or another of the suns.”
“That explains why they look like that.” Maddox gestured to the screen, where Reynolds had brought up an image of the Muultu.
“Makes me wonder if I turned the oven off before we left,” Tactical mumbled.
“You thinking we might find more about this Phraim-’Eh cult leader there?” Jiya asked.
Reynolds shrugged. “Worth a shot, seeing as how we lost the Loranian cruiser after that last battle. They vanished to lick their wounds.”
“They’ll be back,” Maddox assured the AI. “Those bastards have an agenda, and they’ve been damn persistent so far. No reason to think they’re going to suddenly stop, especially since they survived the ESD. They’ll come back better and stronger.”
“I’m counting on it,” Reynolds replied. “But until then, we can’t just sit around waiting and wondering what they’re up to and when they’ll show up again. Besides, if we can track down this cult the Kurtherians are using as a front against us, maybe we can find out who this Phraim-’Eh figurehead really is and give him a nice ‘hello, how do you do.’”
“With the ESD, preferably,” Tactical added. “Followed by a side of railgun.”
“Maybe we can get some intel on this Jora’nal character who’s supposed to be captaining the Loranian cruiser while we’re at it,” Maddox said.
Reynolds stared at the screen in silence for a moment longer, then muttered something Jiya didn’t catch. He then stumped over to one of the open console seats and flopped down.
As much as he complained about the newer android body he’d been stuffed into, Jiya knew it was light years ahead of the Jonny-Taxi one they’d commandeered back on Lariest.
Being forced back into that tin can was grating on the AI’s mood. Jiya figured it was more than just a little frustration or depression at having to downgrade, however temporary.
Geroux had said the body couldn’t contain the entirety of what made up the AI’s consciousness, and that every moment he spent in it, more of him degraded. He feared he’d lose something vital in the meantime, the system robbing him of his full potential and knowledge.
The bridge door hissed open, drawing Jiya from her thoughts and disturbing the sullen silence that had settled over the bridge while they’d each retreated to their own thoughts.
Geroux came in grinning, San Roche and L’Eliana at her side. The two Telluride looked the happiest Jiya had seen them since they’d boarded the superdreadnought.
“Should we be nervous?” Jiya asked, seeing the sly looks they passed between themselves.
She wondered what they were up to.
“Only if amazing and awesome things scare you,” the young tech fired back.
“A little,” Jiya admitted jokingly.
Geroux giggled. “Well, you’re going to have to put up with this one for the foreseeabl
e future, I’m afraid. No way around it.”
Before Jiya could ask what the hell her friend was prattling on about, there was a thump of heavy steps and Takal came into the room with a boxy device in his hands. At his heels was a person Jiya had never seen before.
By instinct, heart racing, she leapt to her feet and grabbed her pistol, half-drawing it before Takal’s bright-faced amusement stopped her. She hesitated for a moment, took in the scene, and holstered her gun again.
“Impressive, isn’t he?” Takal asked, unable to stop grinning, his rosy cheeks gleaming under the bridge lights. He looked like a child in a toy shop.
“What is that?” Maddox said, staring at him. “Is that a…”
Jiya stared closer at Takal’s companion, and that was when she realized it wasn’t a male at all.
It was an android.
Reynolds jumped up and ran over to stand face to face with it. Jonny-Taxi eyes wide, he ogled the synthetic creation that had been crafted to look like the humans from the world Reynolds came from.
Quite realistically, Jiya had to admit if her video knowledge was anything to go by.
“I figured you’ve spent enough time clumping around in that junky body you’re currently in, Reynolds,” Takal remarked. “Enough moping. Let’s get you upgraded.”
Reynolds stared at the replacement body enthralled, examining it from every angle.
Jiya laughed, but she could see why Reynolds was so entranced. She marveled at the advancement of the android form compared to the last two bodies Reynolds had inhabited.
This one was sleek, and it was covered in a faux-flesh that made it look realistic even beyond first glance. She suspected it could pass for a living being almost everywhere as long as no one looked too closely.
The body was built sturdy, yet sleek and tall, with bright eyes and dark hair, and it wore the uniform Takal had placed on it perfectly.
He looked every bit the officer Reynolds pictured himself as, Jiya realized.
Reynolds straightened after a moment of looking at the new body and grinned as broadly as his battered Jonny-Taxi face could manage. He spun around to face the crew with a flourish.
