Joe felt his entire world come crashing in on him. He fell back against the wall and slid down to sit at its base. He felt small and alone.
○O○
Nash sat alone in a large conference room. The room was guarded and secured against all forms of eavesdropping. He had been escorted into this room, figuring that as a former IIEA officer they didn’t trust him. In a few minutes, that was proven wrong as every time the door opened, the next person to enter was also escorted. Soon, there were several officers and NCOs in the room.
A major from G-3 entered the room from another door and called out, “Atten-shun!”
Everyone rose. Nash did, too, of course, out of respect for the commander, and because he’d been a soldier too long to just ignore the command.
Colonel Lindsey entered the room at a brisk pace. “Be seated,” he called out.
“Ladies and gentleman, you all know the situation; the mercenaries have kidnapped forty-two of our citizens, mostly women. They have demanded we place a call to Earth, by way of the DSN ― the Deep Space Network ― to secure their extraction. We told them we would do so, predicated on the release of the hostages. They have refused, saying the hostages are their guarantee we will take no action against them. We offered to exchange a like number of volunteers for the hostages. They refused that, as well.
“Now, we are receiving reports from E’meset scouts that the mercenaries are abusing the hostages—”
“I beg your pardon, sir—” A young captain came to his feet. “When you say abusing, what do you mean…exactly?”
“Ladies and gentlemen, I have learned that the E’meset have no word for rape.”
The captain fell into his seat. The group became alive with animated chatter.
“Please,” the colonel shouted, getting the room back under control. “Captain, I know how all of you feel with loved ones out there.” The colonel paused, he clenched his fists, his eyes filled. Slowly, with a trembling voice he said, “They have my wife.” He paused again, and took a deep breath. “The situation is intolerable, and we will not leave those people in the custody of those savages for the next decade waiting for a ship from Earth that we are not going to call, regardless. This means we only have one choice. We are going to launch a large-scale operation against the almost two thousand mercs holed up in the old factory. This is only possible thanks to the willing cooperation of our E’meset allies.”
Nash stood up and interrupted, “Sir, you mean the people we call peacocks are willing to risk their lives to help us?”
There was silence in the room for several seconds at Nash’s statement.
“You’re Mr. Rastaban, are you not?” the colonel asked.
“Yes, sir, I am.”
“First, I want to thank you for volunteering for a very dangerous portion of the plan. Second, I want to go on record as saying that the use of that word to describe a people who have already sacrificed a great deal, side by side with us, and who are instrumental in providing us our daily sustenance, is outrageous. I am aware its use is growing among the civilian population, but ladies and gentlemen, I do not want to hear of a single member of the CDF uttering that word in that context.” He frowned deeply and looked at the faces arrayed before him. “I will not tolerate it.”
After another pause, the colonel continued, “Thank you, Mr. Rastaban for the introspective,” The colonel paused and looked out over the assembled faces. “I will now turn the briefing over to Major Charles who will detail the plan.”
“Thank you, sir,” the major said, standing. “The plan is a simple envelopment. As all of you know, the mercs have occupied the old factory, and no doubt fortified it.” Behind the major, a map appeared on the wall. The major utilized a laser pointer.
“From northeast of the factory beyond the River Hau, out of the E’meset city of Vortain Val Leasa will come twelve hundred E’meset warriors. Half of whom will break off from the main body before they are in sight of the factory and sweep south to cut off any southerly retreat by the enemy.”
The major swept his pointer to the center of the map.
“From above the river Kau E’tay, a thousand E’meset will descend to attack from the north.
“From the area of the clinic will come all two hundred eighty-four members of the CDF consisting of a hundred and four SUBs and a hundred and eighty bios. Joining the CDF will be six hundred E’meset from their village here within the walls of New Roanoke, Kulan Kaus. This group will attack from the west.” The major turned off is laser pointed and turned to face his audience, his hand behind his back.
“However, before the arrival of the main body, a clandestine operation is to be conducted.
“First, paths through the land mines and booby traps have to be cleared and those paths identified to the assault columns.
“Second, and most importantly, the location of each hostage has to be pinpointed within the facility. Then an on-the-spot assessment will have to be made. Should an attempt to extract the hostages be made before the main assault, should it wait until the assault begins, or do we wait till the battle is over and hope the hostages are still alive? It’s not likely they will hurt the hostages at the start of the operation, but when they start losing, they might either kill them all or use them as human shields.” The major leaned on the rostrum, as emphasis for his next words.
“Timing will be key to the success of this operation. As you all know there will be limited communications out there, and the various arms of the force will be widely separated. The E’meset commanders have been given watches and taught how to read them.”
At the conclusion of the general briefing, the various commanders and their lieutenants were sent to other rooms for more specifics on their aspect of the operation.
Nash was taken into an adjoining room where he was introduced to First Lieutenant Joseph Billen.
Nash stuck out his hand. “Nash Rastaban, nice to meet you, Lieutenant.”
“Aren’t you a captain, sir?”
“I used to be.”
Major Charles was standing nearby and had overheard the two men.
“Lieutenant, Mister Rastaban was commissioned into the United States Army. Just before his transfer to the IIEA he was promoted captain.
“And Captain Rastaban…your commission has been reinstated. Your oath to the US Constitution is still on file. I take it you remember how to follow orders?”
“Yes, sir, I remember. But I’ve learned to ensure I only follow legal orders.”
“Captain Rastaban, be assured you will only receive legal orders here. Now, down to business. Captain, I’m told you are familiar with the obstacles surrounding the factory.”
“Yes, sir, their type and location,” Nash responded.
“Then you have two missions, Captain. First, you’ll train the E’meset how to identify, and safely and silently remove the mines, traps, and obstacles around the factory. The E’meset you train will ensure avenues of attack are clear and well-marked. Please take a look at this map. From the north, east, and south we’ll need three paths, one for each.
“And Captain, once the operation goes hot, you will have command of the force approaching from the west. West of the factory you’ll notice—”
Nash interrupted at this point. “The trail south from the clinic runs through these hills and winds down to the river Kau’Etay. At this point, the trail once crossed the river at a bridge which was destroyed years ago. Regardless, the site remains the best place to cross the river ― it’s a natural ford. We can anticipate an ambush here. After crossing the river, the trail becomes an elevated road curving east through a dense and nearly impassable swamp. The road then enters the factory from the west. As you all know, this narrow and restrictive access will be heavily defended.”
“You’re spot on, Captain,” the major said. “Our E’meset scouts report a lot of activity on this elevated road. We believe they are building fixed defenses. This western trail leading to the factory is twenty kilometers long. They
will, of course, have a three-hundred-sixty-degree defense around the building itself.”
Nash reached down and rubbed the corner of the map between his fingers. “A paper map. How quaint.”
“Captain, our COMdes don’t work out in the blue. So yes, we’re doing this old school.”
“Of course.” Nash replied, just a little sheepishly.
“One of our problems, correct me if I’m wrong Captain, is that none of the merc commanders are a professional soldier. For most of them, their only experience with combat is what they went through here last year. This means they will be unpredictable strategically.”
The major leaned forward looking hard at the map.
“Tactically, we should see no surprises. Last year, they tended to run when the action got hot. Of course, this time, they’re trapped in the factory. There will be no place they can run, which was doubtless a consideration of their leader, Major Kuriko.”
The major stood up again and folded his arms across his chest.
“So, in a nutshell, Captain, you’re to teach the E’meset about the mines and booby traps. You’ll train the E’meset how to clear the north, east, and south approaches. Train them to coordinate and execute the many aspects of the mission on schedule. In short, you’re to make of them a modern fighting force that can accomplish its mission on their own, without supervision.
“During the actual operation, you’ll command the western force with the objective of keeping the enemy focused on your efforts. Make them think you are the main assault force, keep them busy.”
“Just to be clear sir, my people and I, we’re just a diversion?” Nash asked, prepared to object.
“That depends…if all you manage to do is keep a large portion of their numbers focused on you, then yes, you’re a diversion. If, however, you should see the opportunity to exploit a push to the factory, then you’re the lead element…you’re authorized to act on your own discretion.”
The major turned and looked at Joe. “Lieutenant Billen, you are to locate the hostages. The decision as to when and how best to effect the rescue will be yours. Your team will be provided with flares, red star clusters. When you get the hostages out and you’re all a safe distance away, fire a flare. Lieutenant, if we don’t see that flare, we’ll assume either your decision is to wait, or that your mission failed.”
The major turned and looked squarely at Nash, “Captain Rastaban, you will be buying the time the Lieutenant will need. Let’s hope it’s not too expensive.” The major shot Joe a glance.
“Captain, you have two weeks to train your E’meset to do their assigned jobs. In twenty days, we go. Any questions?”
“Yes, sir,” Nash said, “They have all the PCs and V-tols. If they get those assets mobilized, particularly those air assets, this fight could be over before it starts.”
“Captain, those vehicles are the responsibility of the southern wing of the eastern E’meset. The mercs have made the mistake of parking everything in the factory motor pool. All their eggs are in one basket. The southern force will strike quietly in the dark and secure those vehicles. We hope to use them to get back here. In a worst-case scenario, we will have shoulder-fired AT-88s and Comet anti-aircraft missiles scattered throughout the force. If they get airborne, we’ll stop them.”
“I assume the G-4 has all the logistics laid on?” Nash asked.
“Yes, Captain, the supply staff is working out the details now. Only the G-2 staff is having problems ― they want more intel about the inside of the factory, but every commander always wishes he knew more about the enemy before an operation. We’re no different.”
“I’ll get with intel, I spent quite some time inside the factory. Otherwise, sir, it all sounds pretty tight,” Nash said.
“It will be, once you have the E’meset brought up to speed.”
“Major,” Nash added, “my experience with them has shown them to be quick studies. I have the utmost confidence in them.”
Lieutenant Billen had said little but listened intently.
The major called for a few minutes’ break, and as Nash walked away from the table, Lieutenant Billen caught up to him. “Sir, I appreciate what you said back there about the peacock thing.”
“You did? Why?”
The lieutenant took a deep breath. “Sir, I’m…I was in a relationship with an E’meset.”
“Was—you’re not anymore?”
“No, sir. I couldn’t see anything but trouble for us, so I…it ended.”
“It’s Joe, isn’t it? Do you mind if I call you Joe?”
“No, sir, please do.”
“Okay, outside of earshot of the brass, I’m Nash. Now, listen, Joe…I was once married to an E’meset woman, albeit secretly.”
Joe’s mouth fell open.
“It was a secret because I had the same concerns you have. When Wilmington was in command here, he promoted the bigotry that has you scared, because, unbeknownst to us, he was killing them. We humans always belittle and dehumanize those we are killing.” Nash took a deep breath. “I lost my wife to Wilmington’s insanity.
“Let me tell you what I learned; never let the opinions of the ignorant dictate your life.” Nash’s face reddened, and tears formed in his eyes. “I lost out on a lot of time with my wife because I thought we needed to hide. She might still be alive if I had stood up. Or I might be dead alongside her…which, I now think would have been preferable.” Nash leaned on the table and again took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. “I have been singularly lucky in my life to have been in love twice, but now that’s all gone.”
Nash stood, and in a deep, serious voice said, “Don’t deny yourself and reject her because you’re afraid of a few idiots.
“You’re going to find that the E’meset will accept you entirely. For every person in here that rejects you, a hundred out there will embrace you.”
Nash looked through the doorway at the other CFD personnel all chatting with their E’meset comrades. “But Joe, I think you have a surprise coming. I don’t believe there are, any longer, as many people in here afflicted with bigotry as you think.
“That same illness has come between me and a colony woman. I can’t cure her, but you, Joe—you can cure yourself.”
Chapter 8
THE LAST BOUQUET
Joe found it hard to concentrate on the rest of the briefing and planning. His mind was filled with Nash’s words. By the end of the day, he had made a decision. He would bolt out of the city as soon as he could and find Nista and her mother and beg for forgiveness. He would marry her on the spot and let the whole world know. He would scream his love from atop the city and have Indra broadcast it on every COMde, over Ismay, and he’d scream it into the DSN.
As the meeting was ending, Captain Rastaban asked Major Mitchel, “Sir, no mention has been made of your participation in this raid.”
“No, Captain. As the political leaders of New Roanoke, Kathy and I will be here. You don’t need us ― you have a very effective commander and the best officers and NCOs I’ve ever served with. Lu’aya be with you.”
The hour was late when the many planning meetings ended. Regardless, Joe bolted for an airlock, his respirator in hand.
Outside, he ran first to the stone dwelling where Nista and Yalga resided. There was nothing to knock on at the doorway. Rapping his knuckles on the stone would be useless, and the door itself was a curtain of cloth. Joe stood there and shouted through the cloth, “Nista! Yalga!” There came no response. He brushed the curtain aside and entered the room. No one was here. Perhaps they’re upstairs sleeping?
At the base of the narrow steps, he shouted again, and again, there was no response. “This can’t wait,” Joe said aloud, and he went up. The room above held two nest-like areas on opposite sides of the room, where mother and daughter slept. Both were empty. On the wall near the farthest nest, something had been painted. Joe picked up a glowing stone in a net carrier and approached the wall. There had once been a painting of a human here, bu
t the face had been completely obliterated…scratched out, perhaps with a knife. Joe lowered the stone and turned away.
He exited the stone building and went to the hut where Nista practiced her trade as Poh’palm meas. This structure, too, was empty. He did notice that a great many of Nista’s potions, powders, and herbs were gone.
Exiting the hut, he turned toward the city when he heard a familiar voice, “Hello, Joe.” It was Talme Zolna, walking hand in hand with his wife, Le’ha. “We heard,” he said as Joe looked up. They met in the center of the street.
“You heard about Nista and me?”
“Yeah, the word among the E’meset is you refused to marry her after fighting for her.”
“I was a fool. I worried what kind of life she’d have in the city, I worried about what others in there would think of me. A fool, an absolute fool.”
“Joe Billen,” Le’ha said, “you would seem to be a fool no longer.”
“I spoke with Nash Rastaban and—”
“Nash!” Le’ha interrupted. “Nash is a good man. He married Silseia Silumay and they gave us Day’Ka Cansan Esat, their son. His name means, ‘He of the two peoples’. He was the first born from sudamine between the E’meset and the Tuva.”
“And Nista was born of—”
“Nista was a blessing to us from Lu’aya.” Le’ha said. “Her Ukse father was but a tool of Lu’aya who used him and did away with him.”
“Well, I’ve been a tool of the stupid people I live among. But I will not be a tool anymore. I love Nista and I don’t care what the bigots think. I have to find her and tell her. I have to apologize to her mother and marry her…if she’ll still have me. She’s pretty mad at me, though. She scratched my face off a painting she’d done in her home.”
Le’ha and Talme exchanged quick glances.
“What?” Joe asked.
“Joe,” Zolna said, “It means you’re dead to her now. That must be why she and her mother left Kulan Kaus.”
“Where did they go?” Joe asked, stunned.
“Some say they went to live with her mother’s people in Vahn’Ha Poh to the east. Others say she has gone beyond the far eastern mountains of Eya’Etee Ki Kee Renot. Still others say she now resides inside the Fish with Regi.”
The Blue of Antyllus Page 11
