Treason, page 23
part #2 of The Descendants War Series
Luckily, they hadn't been able to lock it down. It rested on the floor without adhesive, but the countdown already started. They had less than five minutes. "This has to go," Maz shouted. "We can't disarm it in time." He snatched it up, dropping the rifle on the ground. Hustling to the maintenance doors, he pressed his hand against the biometric scanner.
Every second it delayed, he became more anxious. When it finally crawled open, he started squeezing through. The guards behind him called out but he ignored them, pressing into the cold, into the snow that accumulated at the bottom of the stairs. Plowing through it proved far more difficult than he anticipated.
Every step took a lot out of him. The medication he'd been given wasn't fending off the pain as well anymore. As the dull ache rushed back through him, he wondered if he'd make it. Maybe I should've let one of the others take the thing. But they didn't know precisely where to go.
Maz reached the top of the stairs and already found himself gasping for breath. Pushing on became a sheer act of will, one he had no idea he possessed. Deep snow covered his shins, nearly touching his knees as he kicked his way through the area. The device began to beep. He glanced at the screen.
Thirty seconds. The situation became dire, making his heart pound beyond exertion but with abject fear as well. His destination was only fifty feet away... close enough to have a sense of victory while futility chewed at his hope. Moving out there felt like running in a swamp... and he knew he was going too slow.
At fifteen feet, he had to risk it. The countdown showed less than ten seconds. Hurling the device, he put everything he had into it, collapsing to the ground face first as it soared through the air. He shoved himself up, watching with wide eyes as it made it over the lip of the cliff, possibly missing the edge by a few inches.
Thank the spirit... Maz collapsed again. Silence fell over him with only a hint of the wind off in the distance... and then chaos rumbled the world.
The explosion made the ground shake and far off in the distance another avalanche cracked. Maz pushed to his feet, swaying as the world around him seemed to shimmer as the natural reaction to the boom made all the snow vibrate. He hurried to the nearest wall, leaning against it to ride out the moment.
A soldier grabbed him from behind, dragging him back toward the maintenance tunnel. By the time they reached it, things returned to normal, at least in that immediate vicinity. He knew most of the paths would be covered from the cascading debris from higher up in the hills. Fortunately, they kept the peaks nearest the facility clear of dangerous obstructions.
"Kivda wants to see you and your friend," the soldier said. "We'll be taking you with the prisoners."
"I have to coordinate here," Maz replied. "They need some direction. The admins are dead. Some of the servants... most of the guards. We have to do something for them."
"They'll be taken care of. You will be with us. I'm not asking."
Fantastic. Maz went down the stairs, leaning against the wall. I suppose I need some medical attention, but this doesn't bode well for either of us. He'd taken the assignment at the archive to be done with men like Kivda. Going to the ship risked being drafted into the regular army again. It's what happens when one does a good job.
He hoped they might want an in person briefing. He'd push for it, in fact. But until then, there was no point in arguing. Not that he had the energy for complaining. Or anything else for that matter.
***
Kivda rubbed his eyes hard, leaning back in his chair. He felt exhausted despite the fact he'd been sitting on the bridge the whole time. Porth worked with the others to establish a connection with the station survivors. Vhel took over communications with the surface crew as they prepared to clean up.
"Two prisoners," Renz said. "That should shed some light on our situation, don't you think?"
Kivda shrugged. "It'll tell us who attacked this place. It won't exactly assist us with our mission. We have a different task at hand if you remember correctly."
"I'm certain these people will have something to do with the..." Renz stopped himself. "That man. And if so, then it may get us out of this assignment and onto something else entirely. Back to the war for example." He scowled. "I cannot wait to witness the interrogation of these prisoners."
I'll just bet you can't. Kivda doubted the two individuals would have much to say. If they had anywhere near the training they needed for the gear they stole, they'd be conditioned against most forms of torture. And worse, they knew the tactics of Kahl interrogators already. We might find out what they were after but that will be it.
"Sir?" Inda called out. "I've established a connection with the archive now. I'm drawing out the information we're looking for directly. The transmitter is down, however, so they have to fix it before anyone will be able to gather data through the station again. No estimated repair time on it."
Renz waved his hand. "They won't have anything better to do for a while anyway. Are you bringing some of the soldiers up here to question?"
"And possibly more," Kivda said. "Two of them in particular proved to be quick thinkers. I'll be speaking with them directly."
"Whatever you want." Renz stood. "I'll be in my quarters. Let me know when you have the prisoners ready for questioning. Until then, don't disturb me." He paced out of the room, leaving them alone.
And that's the sum total of your contribution, Kivda thought, let me know when I can go somewhere else to be useless.
"You okay?" Vhel asked.
"Hm? I'm fine. Why?"
"You look perplexed, that's all."
"No, I just prefer to go on the missions when I can. And this is the first thing we've done since I lost a close friend I worked with." Kivda shrugged. "It's odd being up here making decisions. I'll get used to it." He motioned around the room. "What did you think of our efficiency?"
"Better than some ships I've traveled on. Unfortunate that we lost a shuttle, though."
"Annoying too. That was a solid pilot. I hate that sort of thing." Kivda drew a deep breath before standing. "I'm going to work with Inda to take a look at the data on what might've been taken from our last destination. When we know, you and I should have a meal to discuss it. I can catch you up without Renz dominating the conversation."
"I'd like that." Vhel nodded. "Let me know. The station will require at least a cycle, if not two to clear up enough to be of value. Once I've got them organized, they can contact me with problems so... I'll be free soon."
"Perfect." Kivda clapped his shoulder before heading down to Inda. He hoped they would be able to finish their task before Renz tried to sneak them out of it. Hopefully, the general understood that a minor, accidental victory wasn't enough to change the Lord Marshal's mind about their assignment.
He's going to try something, Kivda thought. I just pray that I'm not lumped into this ridiculous desire to get out of our duties. Something told him he'd find himself on the wrong end of blame for it. Perhaps even the instigator. I need to find a way to avoid it without undermining Renz completely. Maybe Vhel could help.
The operations officer seemed like he might be able to navigate the upper echelons of their command structure. It was time to put his skills to the test.
Chapter 14
Milna woke with a start as something jarred the bed. She reached for her hip, but someone grabbed her wrist, gripping tightly. The arm wrapped in the bandage flexed, tearing the cloth that bound her. She grabbed at the attacker. Sleep made her slow. Much as she struggled, she found herself at least temporarily trapped.
"It's me," Jok said. "I tapped the bed to wake you."
"Let me go," Milna muttered. Her eyes were wide enough that her face hurt. "Now!"
Jok let her go, shuffling back. "We have a problem. The operation I planned to set up was contingent on the success of another situation. I'm afraid it failed. This leaves us in a difficult position. You see, without the data, we're unable to progress to phase two and without that--"
"Stop!" Milna sat up, wincing from the pain in her head. "I don't know anything about your data or phases. You haven't told me anything. All this prattle means nothing if you're not catching me up first. And speaking of that, why tell me at all? Unless you've suddenly decided I'm trustworthy beyond doubt."
"Honestly, because you are what I've got right now." Jok ran his hands through his hair. "I sent people on multiple assignments and they... neither should've been a problem. But they were. Despite expecting no appreciable resistance. They should've encountered retired soldiers, a bunch of Rhulins... but instead, we were met with warships."
"So what happened?"
"First, a battlecruiser arrived out of the blue. It wasn't on any schedule. We checked those records a dozen times. It seems they were visiting for some secret operation. They needed information as we did. Unfortunately, we were already deep into the mission when they intervened. And though my people gave a real fight... they lost."
What a shame. Milna rolled her injured shoulder. It was finally starting to feel a better. "What information were you looking for?"
"Data to provide us our next target. A location with resources, criminals we can liberate... all these things. We need the intelligence. And now that we don't have it..."
"Yes, I understand." Milna rubbed her eyes. "How many did you lose?"
"Total number of dead exceeds sixty-five. Plus multiple starships and more resources... This includes elite ops armor and some high-tech equipment for defying scans. That will be the hardest hit. Far more valuable than even the vessel, I'm afraid. I only have three full suits left. Especially after the second assignment failed just as readily."
How the hell did they get those? Milna thought about asking him outright but he'd tell her soon enough. This blow genuinely set him off, made him nervous enough to risk everything telling a relative stranger his woes. This is luck. It won't last. He'll come to his senses before he gives me anything too potent.
"What happened on the other op?"
"The Kahl followed. Some kind of tip off. I don't know yet, but I've got someone looking into it. Regardless, they engaged the Prytins. Then another couple ships showed up and all hell broke loose. We ended up losing everyone while trying to take a scientist. One of their Pargons who studied our ruins."
"Why did you want them?"
"Because we're looking for something. A better interpretation of the old doctrines. The precepts of our foundation. Essentially, a chance to prove the crusade is a lie." Jok looked her in the eyes. "That we are fighting and dying for the wrong things. This is a strong belief amongst us, and we have to pursue it."
"Huh." Milna hadn't heard of such a thing before. The blasphemy he spouted would get him executed along with every one of his compatriots. How many of them honestly believe this way? The question came down to whether or not she should be alarmed. And if I need to take this man into custody for questioning. "So you needed an outsider for this information?"
"None of our priests will talk," Jok said, "why would they? They have power so long as the crusade is real." He paced away, slapping a panel. "It's so frustrating to know that we live in a world built on lies, Milna! One that we could change if only for the right people to speak up, the proper documentation to come to light."
"If you believe it's out there, then we must find it." Milna considered what a boon it would be to locate this supposed evidence he referred to. We could destroy it long before it causes any harm. She felt confident in the faith of the people. At least until she heard Jok talk. What size of faction does he represent?
That bothered her the most.
"Yes, that's the point."
"Let me just ask... you put your entire force on these two missions? Operations you thought would be simple? Things you didn't believe would require so much force?"
"I top loaded to ensure success!" Jok raved as he spoke. "We didn't only have Kahl on that team, by the way. There were other species. Other people we recruited who believed in the cause. Former criminals, deserted soldiers, all ranks... all walks of life. They're all gone! Dead. Killed probably by people who had no idea who they were!"
One more thing to keep in mind. They've recruited the inferiors. This makes them even more dangerous.
"First thing's first." Milna clapped her hands. "The people who funded these assignments, do they have the ability to get us somewhere else? Can this ship? Or is it too dangerous to leave the planet with it?"
"We have a military grade cloak on the ship," Jok said, "leaving isn't a problem but what're you talking about? Go where?"
"Based on what you want, what you described, I'm guessing you hit an archive. Yes?"
Jok narrowed his eyes... nodded.
"Those are generally out of the way. It makes sense you'd think no one would interrupt your activity. I've seen them before. You must've hit a big one if a battleship went there. Therefore, I can give you a target. One that will get us what we need. The two of us can handle it if you've got that equipment."
"Just two? Are you insane?"
"I'll go in," Milna explained, "you'll provide support. The more people we have, the larger our footprint. We can download half the archive if we want to. No one will interrupt us. And if it looks like someone might, I have a method we can use to catch on before they arrive. With only one of us on the station, it'll be easier to escape."
"And what are you expecting for all of this?"
"A cut of whatever you'll make from your benefactors," Milna said. "Though I don't think there's as many credits in this as you led me to believe. You spend time around the gambling dens, you walk among the scoundrels. That's not what you're about... is it? The brainwashing we discussed earlier must've been overcome through a cause. Correct?"
"There's enough money," Jok said. "To get our tasks done... to live a little better than a civilian straight out of the military. It's not how I wanted to be. Believe me, I thought I'd enjoy high society. Be in the clouds with the highest-ranking officers. Hobnob with the wealthy individuals who give generously to the war effort."
"Yes? What happened?"
"I came to my senses. No amount of gambling, stealing, killing or pirating would get me where I wanted to be. We don't elevate above the wealthy. We serve them until we die. My first thought when I learned that was to kill myself. I didn't want to live in a world where no matter how hard I tried, I would never go anywhere.
"And then I met the people I work with. They showed me things can be different with a little faith. Not in the falsehoods spewed by our priests either. Others." Jok cleared his throat. "I've said too much. Draw up the plans for your idea. I'll take it to the powers that be. If they think it's a good idea, if we look into it and call it safe... then you've got a deal."
"I still haven't heard what I get," Milna said. "That'll be an important part of whether or not I want to write it up in earnest. In fact, why don't you take the basic idea to your people? We might be wasting our time otherwise."
"I can do that." Jok stepped out of the room. He paused, glancing over his shoulder. "Feel free to eat. You'll need to regain some strength after losing all that blood. The bandage may not be necessary anymore either. You should check before you get cleaned up. I don't know how long I'll be gone."
"And the Pargon? Do we need that person still?"
"The Prytins have him." Jok shrugged. "We won't liberate him from them."
Milna nodded. "So you want to what... have me send you this plan later? You are leaving now, yes?"
"It takes a while to get there, so yes. Send it to me when you've got the basics."
"You expect me to just sit around here until you get back?"
"I expect you to do whatever you want. However, if you choose to leave, don't let anyone see you depart." Jok left without another word, leaving her alone.
I should bug this ship. The first thought to pop into her head she tossed out. Undoubtedly, this place is already wired. He'd find out if I did anything like that. This might even be part of a test. I can find them all. Then I'll get word home. To the Lord Marshal directly. He needs to know my plan as well.
Milna went about the motions of getting food, taking care of herself as Jok likely expected. If he was watching her, if some hidden camera provided him the means of keeping an eye on the ship, then she didn't want to surprise him. However, he had to know she'd explore the vessel.
I want to know everything about this ship. If we're going to an archive, my life will depend on this thing. While her orders allowed her to do something like attacking the archive, no one else could know. Security would certainly try to kill them. At any cost for that matter. This is going to be a dangerous game.
Fortunately, she felt confident none of her colleagues would be there. And, with a little prodding, she might find a way to avoid any real military entanglement. That meant station guards only... men that were easy enough to put down. No one will miss them either. Which should be perfect for us.
Killing the soldiers might prove herself to them even more. All that talk about purpose and learning his place, he had to be talking about the Prophet. Milna couldn't imagine there were any more zealous religious nuts out there trying to change the empire with their blasphemy.
She wanted to kill Jok so badly she could taste it. If only he happened to be her target. When she closed her eyes, she could see herself cutting his throat on behalf of the Lord Marshal, reporting the job complete. Unfortunately, she'd be roughing it for a while longer... even killing their own.
They're probably guilty of something. Milna shrugged off the guilt of murdering security personnel. I may never know, but it won't matter if we get what we want. They'll serve. In life or death, they'll serve. She'd heard such commentary from military commanders plenty of times in the past.
Many didn't have any problem slaughtering a few to get a better performance out of many. Some even went so far as to execute troops to encourage the rest of their units to pick up their efficiencies. She didn't understand that particular tactic. It left them one man short, forcing all the others to take up the slack.
