The Chronicles of Benjamin Jamison: Call Sign Reaper (34 page)

“If she has a secret, Andrea, it is hers to have and none of our business.”

“You’re not curious?”

“She is my friend,” Ben said, “and digging around trying to find answers that I don’t care about would be a violation of her trust in me.”

“I want to get to Anubis,” Ben continued, “and get a plan of action going for the whole planet. If we can’t defend it we need to be able to evacuate it. If we can get the people off, we can at least come back and rebuild it later. The other thing is, it’s just not about the people of Anubis; our whole alliance relies on the food they produce. I am worried our military leaders will not see the big picture. They will spend all their time protecting Ares and all the industrial planets with the political and the rich, and later when they are starving and can’t eat the bright shiny tech around them they will see the error of their ways.”

She leaned back farther and kissed him. “I’m sorry, when we started this conversation it sounded like you just wanted to take care of yourself. I should have known better, because you never worry about what happens to you. I see you have thought this out and have put a whole planet, a whole galaxy even, in front of your own desires. The only problem I see is that it is based on an unknown. We don’t know if they will even invade.”

“Andrea, you love me but you don’t trust me,” Ben said. “Everything you thought I did for myself was for a greater good. The team, the people I love, a planet, a galaxy. Until you can trust me, you will never be happy with me or us together.”

“If they are sending scouts in our direction and they arrived to find a fleet of Trillond warships and our four colonial warships, then they might change their minds,” he continued. “But that isn’t what they are going to find, is it? Look, forget all this for now. I want you to come with me or join me when you can. Please just think about it. Right now the plan was to start a company. That is done. Now with the addition of the new starships, we can branch out into some other avenues of work besides just freight hauling.”

“You mean like merc’s?” she asked.

“Depends on how you look at it. If we stay on the right side of the law we can be a specialty team capable of doing a number of legitimate operations.”

“Sounds interesting,” she said, “and we already have the skill set and equipment.”

“Andrea,” he said seriously, “I love you. This would allow us to have a relationship that works. It’s all I have to offer. I hope you think about it.”

The lights flickered on and off. She sat up and moved away from him. She looked at him and he looked as puzzled as she did.

The captain stood at the cell entrance with Lorelei standing back behind her. She winked at them.

“There must be a short somewhere for the lights to flicker like that.” She looked back over her shoulder at Lorelei.

“Major,” she said, “the general and his entourage will be here in about an hour. They pushed it harder than we anticipated to get here. They are going to come aboard and we are going to have a short meeting before retiring for the night. If you like, I will notify the lieutenant when I notify Emily.”

“Thank you, Captain. Any idea what it is going to be about?” the major asked.

“I’m hoping we are going to mend some fences before getting started tomorrow on the real issues. There may be some backlash for me for hanging up on them, but I don’t care.”

“Captain,” Ben cut in, “would it be possible to get some clean clothes and take a shower? I give you my word that I will cause none of your crew any problems.”

“Make it quick.”

“Yes ma’am.” He got up wearing only his boxers and pulled on his pants. He didn’t bother with his shirt or shoes and didn’t really care what anybody thought. The door opened and he made a run towards his quarters.

E’Aria, I’m going to be in my quarters in three minutes, can you meet me there?
he thought.

Yes,
she replied,
but what are you doing out of the brig? Did you break out?

No, I got a 20-minute leave to shower and change. We need to talk while we have the chance.

“You know we can talk anytime. I am totally synced with your mind now, so just start talking.

I want to get out of here as soon as I get released. Pack up my room for me and get it all on the gunship. Get Natalia to pack whatever she is taking. I will have Lorelei get ready. Let’s all travel on the gunship and slave the shuttle behind us. I know you already know all of this, but I have to say it get things straight in my head.

Yes, it is a mess in there

Not you too,
he thought crossly.
Does everyone want to mess with me?

I think they do.

If you need help, get someone you can trust,
he thought.
Could you see if the chief got our second set of armor done? My other one has scratches now from saving your ass.

I will have it all done,
she replied.
It will be better to do this after everyone has turned in. We should be ready to go tomorrow.
Do you still need me to come to your room, or are we finished?

I guess we are done. So no, you don’t need to.

Damn!
She said.
I heard you put on a good show.

You’ve been hanging around humans too long and eavesdropping on their thoughts, it seems.
He changed the subject.
The general is going to be here soon and there will be a meeting. The captain is going to let you know about it if she already hasn’t done so. Did you hire the attorney for me?

Yes.

Thank you. He will be onboard also. We can talk about that later. I really appreciate it.

You need to shower and get back to the brig,
she thought.
I’ll let you know about the meeting later.

Thanks.

He was in and out of his quarters in 10 minutes. He made his way back to the brig.

The major was still sitting on his bunk and the captain was sitting in one of the chairs. Lorelei was leaning against the door frame.

The captain looked at her watch. “You can follow orders when you want to, and you are early.”

“Yes I can. I just don’t like to make a habit of it,” he said.

“You two better go and shine your boots or something. The queen is going to be here in a hour.” The captain walked on out. He stood in the major’s way.

“Come back later.”

“Here? To the brig? That would be obvious, wouldn’t it?” she replied.

“The whole ship knows about us, Andrea. There won’t be many people up and about later. You can set an alarm and go back to your quarters later before first shift gets up.”

She walked past him. “If you are sleeping when I get back, I’ll beat you in your sleep.”

“I’ll stay awake.”

Everyone was in the conference room waiting. XO Holmes let the captain know the general had arrived and was on his way with a number of people in tow. Everyone from the Warhammer was on one side of the table. The captain called her steward and ordered some refreshments and food.

They sat and spoke softly to each other, knowing someone would be coming through the door at any minute. Emily was still not happy, and they didn’t want to talk about much of anything in front of her.

“You three still don’t want to talk in front of me?” she asked out loud to no one in particular.

“That would be a truth, Ms. Brous,” the captain said. “If we don’t say anything, you obviously don’t hear anything. If they ordered you to report on us, you would have nothing to say. We are all protected that way. I like you and I don’t want to have to change that opinion.”

“What she said,” the major added.

“And you, lieutenant, do you feel the same way?” Emily asked.

“Let’s look at it this way,” the lieutenant replied coolly. “You work for Military Intelligence. It’s really not wise for anyone to say much of anything to you. You know this so I don’t see why we are even discussing it. But here is a question for you, Ms. Brous. Did you tell the admiral who Reaper really is?”

That hung on the air and had the attention of the two other officers in the room.

“How would she know?” the captain asked.

“She is a childhood friend of his and he put his trust in her,” Aok said. “I am just curious if she broke that trust to look better in the eyes of her superiors.”

E’Aria was reading Emily. So far she looked innocent. E’Aria got up and stood between the major and the captain. She dropped a folder on the table and continued. “He loves everyone in this room in one way or another. Sign that please, Captain, and you witness it, Major.”

The captain opened the folder and read the document. She looked up at the lieutenant. “Are you sure about this?”

The major took it from the captain and read it. She signed the witness line and pushed it back in front of the captain.

“You aren’t going to try and get her to reconsider?” the captain said.

“No, that would be a waste of breath, wouldn’t it, E’Aria?” Andrea said.

“Yes ma’am, it would.”

“Are you doing this of your own free will?” the captain asked. “You are not being coerced by him, are you?”

“Oh please, Aisling! She would follow him to hell and back. Just sign the damn paper, would you,” the major said.

Emily sat and watched until it dawned on her what was happening. She sat and stared at the table after that.

“Captain, would you make it a matter of record right now. If I may have access to mine and Reaper’s quarters until we depart I would be grateful. I will let you know when I’ve finished moving things onto the ship,” E’Aria said. The captain opened her com and made a log entry of the date and time the resignation was placed with her. She closed the folder.

“Are you two taking anyone else that I should know about?”

“We are taking Natalia,” E’Aria said. “He is placing her with a family called the Vander Hoyts.”

“Anyone else?”

“Captain, don’t ask questions that you already know the answer to.” The captain just nodded to her.

“I’ve grown very fond of that child. I am going to miss her,” she said.

“I will see you ladies later,” E’Aria said. “I have no place at this table now and have things to do.” She walked out the door.

“Where is your letter, Andrea?” asked Aisling.

“I need to think a little harder before I throw the past ten years of my life away,” Andrea replied.

“I would bet he has a plan,” Aisling said. “He wouldn’t leave you hanging. I bet he would give you everything he has just to have you with him.”

“You would be right, Aisling, as always,” the major said with a small smile.

“Then what is there to think about?” the captain asked

The major was saved by the door opening and the XO calling the room to attention.

“As you were,” the general said “Thank you, Commander Holmes, you’re dismissed.”

They all filed in and took seats. The major messaged the steward that the general had arrived. He came in with sandwiches and salads, tea, coffee and water. He then took a place standing behind the bar. There was a fourth member to their party, a Trillond female in very formal attire.

“General, should I have my steward maintain his vigil or let him retire for the evening?” the captain asked.

“If he could stay that would be wonderful,” Grey replied. “Do you still have some of that wonderful Irish whiskey?”

“Yes sir,” she replied. “Admiral, Mr. Antonio, Ma’am, could I have him make you a drink?” Everyone but the Trillond ordered a drink.

“Looks like it’s been that kind of day,” the captain joked. She looked at the Trillond and asked her if she would like anything at all.

“I’m fine, thank you,” the Trillond replied. “Where it Lieutenant Aok? I was told she would be here.”

The captain slid the folder across the table to the general. He studied it for a minute and slid it back. “Show this to the prime minister.”

She slid it to the Trillond Prime Minister. She read the resignation and closed the folder.

“I’m sorry, Prime Minister,” the captain said. “I was not made aware your ship had joined us.”

“It didn’t, Captain, I joined the general with Mr. Antonio. I did not wish anyone to know I was coming.”

“Well you are our second Prime Minister this week. We are quite popular,” Aisling joked.

“Yes you are, Captain,” she replied. “General, could you get us underway to Hyson immediately, please.”

The captain paged for E’Aria to return to the conference room as orders were passed across the room to set the ship’s new direction at high speed.

The major watched the body language between all the newcomers. The admiral was very quiet and a little tense. The general seemed like himself. Mr. Antonio and the prime minister were a little on edge, but she wasn’t sure why.

“General, while we wait would you play back the vid-com between the Allond and your man Reaper.” He motioned to the captain, who brought in up on the screen behind the bar. The steward took a seat while it played. The captain’s steward carried a very high clearance level and had once been a marine officer. She did not have to dismiss him unless something was higher than top secret.

They watched and the prime minister from Trillond added some things as it played.

“They are brothers,” the prime minister said. “When he said that his brother would be upset it was exactly what he meant. If they are leaving an orbital pod, it’s my guess there will be a lot of data for you to analyze. They must be fond of this Reaper to give such a generous gift of information. The gift the captain mentions receiving from Reaper, what was it?”

“It was what we call a broad sword. They are long two-edged heavy swords that usually take two hands to use effectively.” The captain paused the video and brought a number of pictures of broadswords up on the screen.

The prime minister looked thoughtful. “It is truly a warrior’s weapon. Someone of a large stature would be best suited to wield one of those.”

“Yes, Reaper is above average for our race and the captain was a foot and a half taller. I am sure it worked well for the him,” the major added.

The captain started the video again. The prime minister watched until the end. “He has left Reaper a gift with the blessing of their God King. I will tell you, it will be of equal or greater value. Possibly much greater, because they got the blessing of their God King. They would not do that to give him a similar weapon in return. Can I meet this Reaper tonight?”

“I can take you to him when you are done speaking with E’Aria. Do you want Mr. Antonio to accompany us?” the captain asked.

“That will not be necessary. He can speak with him tomorrow while we discuss other matters,” the prime minister replied.

E’Aria came through the door. She looked like a different person. She had changed from her uniform to clothing from her home world and wore two swords crisscrossed on her back. She was not happy to see the prime minister.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“Your father sent me to talk to you. He is worried about you.”

“You have seen me alive and well. Take the next ship back to Trillond and report that to him.”

The admiral picked a bad time to intervene. “Lieutenant, you do not address the prime minister in that manner. And why are you out of uniform?”

“As usual, Admiral, you have little or no intel on this situation,” E’Aria said coldly. “Let me enlighten you. That folder they passed around was my resignation of my commission. I do not have to listen to you or anyone else in this room. In fact, in the political arena I outrank every person in this room.” A sword cleared its sheath with a slight ring. “Isn’t that right, Prime Minister?” The prime minister looked shocked and was searching for something to say.

“Prime Minister, I asked you a question.” E’Aria was pointing the sword at the admiral.

“Yes, Your Highness, you do,” the Trillond said, “and there is no need for violence. I am sure the admiral was unaware.”

“Oh, but I may need to cut the head off a snake,” she said.

It was very quiet and no one knew what to say. Finally the major spoke up.

“E’Aria, put your sword up and go back to what you were doing. I think the admiral has got the message, don’t you?”

“Yes, I’m sorry,” the admiral said quietly.

“Admiral,” E’Aria said, “you have some unfinished business with Mr. Antonio I want cleared up before we get to Hyson or I will make sure the Cjittan eat you first. Am I clear? And don’t ever presume to lecture me again or Ill cut your tongue out.”

E’Aria turned and left the conference room. It was still very quiet. The major looked around at the shocked faces. She elbowed the captain.

“Three weeks with him and she went from a quiet unnoticeable ensign in engineering to the future queen of Trillond.” They both laughed.

“Prime Minister,” the major said, “I think your little girl has grown up. I would think twice about a surprise visit in the future.”

“I believe you are right, Major Andersen. She is full of surprises, it seems.”

“You have no idea,” the major said.

“Admiral, do you think you could drop the charges against Reaper tonight as a show of good faith and to keep your tongue securely fastened inside your mouth?” the captain asked. “Personally, I don’t think the Princess would hesitate to start a diplomatic incident. She is pretty fired up at the moment.”

“General,” Andrea added, “while we are on the subject I will tell you that Reaper is going to exercise the termination clause of his contract immediately. He is going to collect his gift from the Allond and leave for Anubis.” The major outlined what Reaper had told her for everyone at the table.

The prime minister got on board. “That is pretty sound thinking on his part. If and when they come he is absolutely correct.”

“So you believe these stories, Prime Minister?” the admiral asked, a little more collected now that E’Aria had departed.

“I do, Admiral, and you would do well to take this seriously. The Allond have no reason to lie about the scout ships. I can tell you that their scout ships are not long range deep space ships. There are going to be some larger ships following not too far behind them. Those will not be the main force. It will come along later. You may have some success with the support ships following the scouts, but your four ships will be swept away when the main force arrives.”

“Prime Minister, where is your ship? If we stay at Hyson will it come and get you?” the captain asked.

“It will come, and I hope you people will make the right choices when you see what you are up against. There would be no shame in falling back to a more defensible position,” the prime minister said while looking at the general and the admiral.

“You should catch a ride with your princess when she leaves,” the major said. “She could take you to meet your ship on their way to Anubis.”

“I am not sure she would agree to take me, and I value my tongue,” the prime minister said. Everyone laughed but the admiral.

“I think I know someone who can make it happen for you. Just have your things brought over and yours as well. Mr. Antonio?” the major asked.

“Yes please, Major. I don’t relish being eaten by some giant insects.”

“Admiral, back to you,” Andrea said. “You going to let him go free tonight?”

“Yes, I suppose I can do that,” the admiral said. “Captain, put a guard on my door.”

“Ma’am,” Aisling replied, “if he wants you dead there is no one on this ship who could stop him. But I will tell you I don’t think you have anything to worry about. I will put a guard on him all night.” She wasn’t about to say how that was going to happen.

“General, may I take the prime minister to meet Reaper and let them know he is free to go?” Andrea asked.

“Go ahead, Major. I think we are done here as far as work is concerned. Steward, another Irish whiskey, and make it a double.”