- -
- 100%
- +
Cover made with use of AI Kandinsky
© Damantha Makarova, 2024
ISBN 978-5-0064-8693-5 (т. 6)
ISBN 978-5-0062-7070-1
Created with Ridero smart publishing system
Chapter 1. Gear
Serena stepped calmly, even though she felt confused and enraged by what the Empress had done.
A million questions flew about her head, not allowing her to stay collected. Was she being punished for arresting Elijah? Was it because she took in an Ilarian man that was supposed to be dead? Was the investigation leading to something the Empress didn’t want her to find out?
Walking up to MSS Lyssandra, she saw a royal engineer stepping up with a smile:
«Serena Dal Thara-Lyss, an honour to meet you.» the young man bowed. «Ilzer Garad, my lady.»
Serena stopped before him and nodded in a polite half-bow, greeting the man:
«Ilzer, a pleasure.»
«Allow me to deliver some new gear for your crew, my lady. By order of the Empress.»
Serena frowned:
«Gear?»
«Empress Alathea ordered to have your crew geared up with Special Forces jetpacks for the upcoming missions. She thought they will come in handy where you’re going.» Ilzer showed at the container behind him. «I was told to deliver them to your ship.»
«Uh… and how many of those have you got in there?» Serena nodded to the container.
«Enough for your whole crew, my lady. Even your new crew members.»
«Some of them don’t have Veluthian armour and won’t be able to use them.»
«Irrelevant, my lady. I was only told to issue you as many jetpacks as you have crew members.» Ilzer shrugged. «It is up to you if you wish to make them our armour. The Empress gave an order and I am only following it.»
Serena sighed and gestured to her ship:
«Very well, then…» she bowed slightly, welcoming him aboard. «You can leave the container in the cargo bay.»
«If there is anything else I can help you with, just let me know.»
They walked into the cargo bay and Ilzer ordered the anti-gravitational platform to unload the container next to the wall.
«I do need… something.» Serena felt strange, asking the royal technicians for anything, but since he was the one to offer her his services, she couldn’t pass this opportunity.
«I’ll be glad to help, my lady.» Ilzer sent off the platform and smiled to the Captain. «What is it you need?»
«Do you think you could spare us some hover bikes?» Serena watched his face flash a bit of surprize for a split second, and then he chuckled:
«But of course! How many do you need?»
«Eight will do.»
Ilzer nodded and tapped his wrist band, inputting something into it. A few moments passed and two rows of hover bikes – four in each row – slowly flew up and landed into the cargo bay, folding into parking position.
Serena couldn’t help but twitch her brow: these hover bikes weren’t the typical ones available for purchase all over Velutha.
«You’re giving me Dragons?» Serena asked, glancing at Ilzer.
«As per the Empress’ orders, I am to supply the best of our gear to you.» the man replied with a polite nod. «You must be a very important person if the Empress holds you in such high regard.»
Serena bit her tongue, not to say that she doesn’t think so. Ilzer stepped up closer with a very intrigued squint and asked quietly:
«Is it true that you are now working directly for the Empress as her tactical crew?»
Serena cleared her throat, collecting her thoughts:
«Yes, I guess, you could call us that.»
«And… with Terrans in your crew? How peculiar…»
«These Terrans are hand-picked and capable, Ilzer. Do not underestimate them or disrespect them.»
«I beg your forgiveness, my lady.» Ilzer bowed. «I meant no offence, I was only surprized a Veluthian captain would associate with Terrans. As you understand, we are… in a state of high alert towards Terra and its threat. Your investigation has made it impossible to think otherwise.»
«I understand. But these men ran from Terra for a reason. More than enough times they have proved their loyalty to me as their Captain and to the Laithorian Empire. So yes… I associate with Terrans. Even Terrans have honourable men.»
«Then not all is lost in our cause.» Ilzer bowed. «Safe travels, Lady Serena.»
«Thank you, Ilzer.»
«Until we meet again.» the man walked out of the cargo bay and Serena took a moment, looking at the new hover bikes she received so easily.
«Lyssa! Send Cipher an order to get to Veluthian orbit. And commence lift-off!» Serena ordered.
«Yes, Captain.» the AI closed the bay door and began the lift-off sequence.
Serena breathed out the tension gathered in her and stepped up to the hover bikes, admiring the sleek design. She knew that hover bikes like these were usually issued for the Empress’ private guard, and the fact that she and her crew received them was surprizing.
«Lindon? Hunter? Wolfin?» Serena called the men through the communication device in her ear. «I think you’d better come to the cargo bay. We have new toys you’d love to see.»
«Toys?» Wolfin’s voice came through. «I’m more worried about your visit to the Empress.»
«Let’s talk when we get to orbit and reconvene with Cipher and the others. Just get your asses here. I know Lindon will definitely be thrilled I got this.» Serena kneeled next to one of the Dragons and ran her fingers on the matte black spine of the steering panel.
As the men hurried to her, she was enthralled by the amazing tech before her eyes, in awe of the gift she was given.
«The fuck?» Wolfin gasped as soon as he stepped into the cargo bay.
Serena glanced back and saw all three standing there – Hunter intrigued and Lindon wide-eyed and with his mouth open. Wolfin, on the other hand, was completely baffled.
«We got new toys, boys.» Serena chuckled. «And the best ones in all of Velutha.»
«Dragons…» Lindon breathed out. «They gave you Dragons…»
The Captain stood up and walked over to the container, flicking the open button. The container unravelled, becoming a portable holding for the small, but powerful jetpacks.
«And Wings, Lindon.» Serena smiled, taking one out and taking a good look at it.
Lindon walked up to her, hesitantly taking the jetpack and meeting her gaze:
«But… why? How?»
Serena shrugged with a smile:
«I guess, our team has made it clear we’re worthy of an upgrade…»
«But… this is…» Lindon looked at the jetpack in his hands and fell silent.
Serena glanced at Hunter, who studied the hover bikes attentively and then at Wolfin, who stood at the door with a deep frown on his face. When the Veluthian noticed her looking, he grunted, crossing his arms:
«And, uh… what did you do to get these?»
«Well…» Serena’s smile faded slowly. «We received an order from the Empress. And we were supplied with means that could come in handy.»
Her mentor approached her, still frowning:
«I’m serious, Serena. What did you do?»
«Our investigation granted us favour of the Empress. I didn’t question it, Wolfin. I just accepted it.» the woman replied, feeling uneasy under his heavy gaze.
Wolfin glanced at the bikes and the jetpacks and took a deep breath:
«Why do I get the feeling we’re getting into some shit storm of a situation again?»
Hunter looked over his shoulder, locking eyes with Serena:
«We are, aren’t we?» he asked.
Serena sighed heavily:
«Maybe.» she looked at the information tablet provided by the Empress. «Give me a little time to get my thoughts together and invite Cipher and his crew on board. All hands on deck meeting… let’s say… twenty minutes? By that time I’ll know exactly what kind of a shit storm we’ve been sent to face.»
As she walked off, the men exchanged worried glances, but said nothing.
Chapter 2. Briefing
Serena looked at the information tablet and sighed. She wasn’t sure if she should mention the possibility of Veluthian children being on the Kargalan planet. After all, even the Empress didn’t know if the Academy students reached it or not.
She remembered her own Academy days, when they would be subjected to months without any contact with the outside world – either training survival skills on distant planets or going through battle training with the older kids on designated training fields located all over – within the Laithorian Empire, and outside its borders on distant outposts.
Could the students be elsewhere? Maybe.
«Captain, the whole crew is gathered and awaiting your attendance…» Lyssa reported.
«Thank you. Tell them I’ll be right there.» Serena replied with a sigh.
She ran out of time to decide what she should tell them and what to conceal, so they won’t be worried ahead of time.
The woman stood from the couch and exited her quarters, still looking at the information on the tablet before her eyes. Reaching the dining area, she stepped to the wall, activating one of the larger screens and sending to it the map of the Karaleer system, where planet Kargalan was located:
«Alright…» she sighed, raising her eyes to her crew and seeing worried eyes aimed at her. «So… we… uh… were taken off the smuggling case.»
She fell silent, seeing surprise on her men’s faces.
«What do you mean we were taken off the case?» Wolfin frowned. «How so?»
«Well, the development of our case turned a little… sideways. As all the things we’ve found out made the Empress and Counsellors believe the Laithorian Empire is facing a direct threat from the Terran Company.» Serena took a deep breath. «And because of the high alert, our crew has been asked to investigate a Laithorian outpost in the Karaleer system that sent an emergency signal a couple of days ago and fell silent.»
She showed at the map and pointed out Kargalan.
«What do you mean the outpost went silent?» Lindon tensed up.
«I mean, the partial signal that was received stated that the outpost was under attack. Who attacked it is unknown. And since the Empress believes this could be connected to Terran Company’s efforts in obtaining Veluthian and Laithorian tech… we were ordered to check it out and report on the findings.»
In the heavy silence that hung among the crew everyone heard the tapping Dean made, and Hunter cleared his throat, translating his words:
«Does this mean we are no longer pursuing the Veluthian traitors?»
Serena shook her head:
«Unfortunately, not only Veluthian traitors are roaming about.» she said. «There are people from all four Laithorian planets that have been found connected with the smuggling… So their reach is wide. I suspect the attack could have also been made by forces of these traitors. But, unless we go to Kargalan and investigate, we can’t be sure. Whatever the case may be, this just got a lot more complicated than we’re used to. This isn’t a usual mercenary job, guys. And I’m afraid we can come upon something… even more disturbing than ever before.»
«What’s so special about this… Kargalan outpost?» Pher leaned over the table.
«Well…» Serena zoomed in on the map, showing the outpost’s location and its schematics. «This planet has long been used as a training ground for the Academy, and some research, including testing some new weaponry and other means of war. If the outpost has been, in fact, attacked by either Terran forces or Laithorian traitors, then they could have gotten their hands on some prototypes the Laithorian Empire hadn’t yet fully developed. This does pose threat not only to the Empire, but also to all other colonies that aren’t as close to Company government as the Company wants them to be.»
Serena looked at Dean, and saw him nod in understanding.
«You said it was used for Academy training…» Wolfin crossed his arms, leaning back on his seat. «Are there students on the planet?»
Their Captain shrugged:
«There shouldn’t be.» she said, realising she slipped and told them this information, even though she didn’t want to in the first place. «According to the schedule the last group should have left the planet two weeks ago to undergo battle training elsewhere.»
«This planet seems…» Taliesin took a moment, choosing his words. «Barren? What did the Academy do there at all?»
«Survival training.» Wolfin replied instead of Serena. «Kargalan is best in teaching our children how to survive in harsh environments. It looks barren, but it’s actually filled with places that are rich in animal life, water, shelter – everything you need to survive when left without your regiment somewhere. All you need is know where to look. And that’s exactly what the children are trained to do there.»
Serena nodded to this fact, because most Academy students went through Kargalan during their studies.
«Wait…» Dean tapped again. «So are those students or children?»
«Our Academy students wary in age, but we start teaching them early, Dean.» Wolfin glanced at the Ilarian. «These students can be… maybe twelve, thirteen years old.»
«Like I said…» Serena cleared her throat, catching everyone’s attention once more. «They should be off the planet already, according to the schedule. If you’re so worried, we can check the barracks as soon as we get there to make sure.»
Dean seemed to be satisfied with this answer.
«So what’s our plan when we do get there?» Cipher watched Serena closely, noting her tense posture.
«Our first objective is to get into the outpost and search it for survivors or any signs of battle.» Serena brought up the detailed schematics of the outpost. «We’ll have to split into two groups and enter from these points…»
She showed the two main gates of the outpost, surrounded by watch towers.
«Laneth, you will need to access the surveillance system remotely, however I was informed this could pose some difficulty, as the outpost might have been issued with prototype anti-hacking servers to test them. I am hoping the fact that Lyssa’s systems are marked with Royal Decrees and approvals will help us access the system without a problem, though.»
«I’m more of a mechanic, so if that fails, I’m ready to open the gates the old fashioned way.» Laneth smiled to her Captain.
«That too is an option.» Serena nodded to that thought.
«And if it comes to that, I can also take one of those amazing hover bikes to get around quicker if needed…»
«Question…» the Captain frowned. «Did you make yourself a set of Veluthian armour?»
Laneth opened her mouth, then closed it, but a moment later sighed:
«I did. I couldn’t force myself to try it out though…»
«Why?»
«I’m afraid it will hurt.»
Serena took a deep breath:
«Well, then, if you are to come with us, and I would prefer you do to help access any closed doors we won’t be able to… you will have to put it on. And it will be easier if you don’t take it off, as it does hurt every time you do…»
Laneth pressed her lips together and nodded, understanding everything.
«Yeah, it does hurt to put it on, Laneth.» Cipher tapped his armour pin. «So I don’t recommend taking it off too often.»
Dean glanced at him, then at Pher, who carried the same armour pin that was noticeable under his shirt:
«So they are not Veluthians?» he asked through Hunter.
«No, Dean, we’re Terrans.» Pher replied with a chuckle. «We got the armour to be effective crew members for our Captain.»
Taliesin met the Ilarian’s gaze and shook his head:
«Even I don’t have that armour yet, Dean. And I’ve been here longer than you and those two bodyguards there.» he gestured to John and Fisk, who sat silently.
«It does take time to manufacture it, so…» Laneth shrugged.
«Plus, each pin is bonded to the DNA of a certain person wearing it. So even if we had some dead Veluthian’s armour pin, it would be impossible to make it work for you.» Serena added.
Dean nodded once again, apprehending what he learned.
Hunter stood from his place and walked up to the screen, studying the schematics closely:
«I have an idea…» he said, glancing at the Captain.
«All ears.» Serena shrugged. «What do you have in mind?»
«Well, we have seven people capable of slipping in unseen…»
«Yes, so?»
«Kind of…» Hunter rubbed his chin in thought. «We could limit our reconnaissance groups to the two, but send only those that can be cloaked.»
«Those cloaking devices don’t work without the armour, right?» Taliesin asked, frowning.
«Well, they do, but…» Hunter shook his head. «Without the armour you won’t be able to see us. The devices connect to the armour and allow seeing those, who are using the devices through the visor.»
«Oh. Bummer…»
«The outpost is too big to be searched with only seven people.» John noted.
Serena couldn’t agree more.
«No, I didn’t mean we go in with just those who can use the cloaking devices.» Hunter retorted. «Hear me out… We could scout ahead and if there isn’t any danger, you could go in behind and search the buildings more thoroughly for any leads as to what happened there.»
«We will run a usual life signal scan first anyways, so if there will be anything or anyone alive in there – we’ll know.» Serena shrugged.
«Captain?» Kayla stood onto her seat, straightening. «Will I be on monitors again, helping keep an eye out on the ship?»
«Yes, Kayla. You’re part of this crew, and if you really want to help, you can monitor the scanning systems and alert us if anything goes wrong.» Serena nodded.
Dean tapped again:
«You let a child help you on your missions?»
«Don’t worry, Uncle Dean!» Kayla smiled to the Ilarian. «I’ve done this more than once. I’m capable and smart.»
«Don’t underestimate my crew, Dean.» Serena smiled as well, meeting the man’s gaze.
«Wouldn’t someone need to stay on board to protect the child?» Dean asked, surprised to hear all this.
«No need.» the ship’s AI replied. «I will protect the girl to the best of my abilities.»
«Lyssa will ascend into the skies after we disembark.» Serena nodded, agreeing with the AI. «And it will be cloaked, so no one will be able to see it or catch glimpse of the ship by any sort of scanners.»
«We’re the Ghost crew, Uncle Dean!» Kayla chuckled. «We’re ghosts!»
«I’m a little nervous letting a child be the look out, Captain.» Fisk glanced at Kayla and shrugged. «Sorry, little girl, I am! No child I ever knew was able to keep concentrated on one task for long enough.»
Kayla showed him her tongue.
«Fisk.» Serena’s voice sounded calm and the man looked at her. «Trust your crew. Kayla is not any child. She’s been part of our family not very long, but proved herself being trustworthy and capable. Cipher can second that, as his past crew members weren’t even remotely as responsible and helpful on any mission.»
Cipher cackled, seeing Fisk twist his brow:
«Damn right, Fisky boy!» he said. «Kayla here is better than the two fuckers we had to ditch on Garmfrig! And those two were grown man and woman!»
«Language, Cipher.» Laneth sighed, shaking her head.
«Catch!» Kayla threw Cipher a piece of candy and the man caught is with a smirk and a nod.
«Okay…» John clasped his palms together, looking at the outpost schematics. «So… after the first sweep we go in and search… two by two?»
Serena glanced at the outpost schematics and considered it:
«Yes, that could work… After initial sweep, we can break up to smaller groups and check each hall and compartment thoroughly in pairs.» she looked back at her crew. «Question is… what do we do if there will be locked doors we won’t be able to open without Laneth’s help? I mean, Hunter can do that too with his system, but what about others?»
«Rotation?» Hunter proposed.
«I’m not bothered to jump around if needed.» Laneth said with a smile.
«I’m more worried about how to pair up, so that the teams would be balanced…» Serena fell deep in thought. «We have five people strong in these conditions… And only seven of us have the armour…»
«I was thinking the same thing, Captain…» Wolfin tapped his fingers against the table.
«I can make a suggestion, Captain.» Cipher grunted. «Pher and I are already a good team without your Veluthian strength, however… if you allow Wolfin to come with us, he can pair up with Laneth to keep her safe.»
Fisk raised his hand:
«Captain? Serena?»
«What is it, Fisk?» Serena looked at the man.
«My brother and I… well, we’re used to being paired up ever since we served together in the military…»
«And you’re fine without being someone stronger to cover your back?»
«We’ve dealt with worse, Captain.» John shined a charming smile.
Dean tapped out:
«I’m afraid I have to be paired up with Hunter… He’s the only one who can translate what I say…»
The cyborg fell deep into thought, realising the man was right.
«Right…» Serena took a deep breath. «You can’t communicate with us via other means yet…»
Laneth suddenly took out her information tablet and began drawing up something.
«Did we bore you already?» Wolfin grunted.
«No… I just had a thought…» Laneth frowned. «I could make him a wrist-worn device which could translate his taps to vocal means, so that we could all communicate with him through our communication earpieces… if Hunter will help me input the patterns, of course…»
Dean seemed interested immediately:
«Can you make one while we’re flying to Kargalan?»
Hunter looked at Laneth, who froze and raised her eyes to him:
«I mean… if we limit your responses to a certain short list… maybe… otherwise it will take too long to program the thing to fully translate your phrases.» she glanced at Dean, tilting her head.
«Alright… Hunter! Take Laneth and Dean and draw up a list of basic responses and words he could use while we’re going to be at the outpost. The closest wormhole jump to that system is a day away, so you have some time.» Serena nodded.
«A day…» Laneth took a moment to think and nodded. «It will be enough.»
Dean looked at Laneth and Hunter translated his words to the mechanic:
«Do you think a belt-worn device would be easier to make? It could come in handy if I need to be… discreet.»
Laneth smiled wide:
«I can do both!»
Dean returned a smile – though, his was smaller.
«Well, then…» Serena sighed. «Let’s get on the road, shall we?»
«Pairing, Scorpi.» Wolfin sat still frowning.
«While they will be working on the translation device, I’ll have Lindon and you help me pair everyone up to make sure no one will be left unprotected. Plus… I’m not sure if you’ll agree to me being on my own.»
Wolfin tilted his head and his brow twitched, giving her the answer.
Chapter 3. Kargalan
MSS Lyssandra and SS Growler – both cloaked from sight and scanning devices – descended to Kargalan, flying slow and constantly scanning the lands for any signs of life.
Serena sat in her Captain’s seat, frowning, and stayed silent, while Lindon and Kayla were busy with the scanners, ignoring any signs of local wildlife that appeared on their screens. The Veluthian showed the girl how to discern animals from people and humanoid races and noted how she could change the spectrum of scanning to see if there are any other signs – such as energy and radiation.
Kayla was so concentrated at the task that didn’t notice anything else – including Hunter discussing something with the two bodyguards by the window.
Serena looked at the information tablet she managed to learn by heart in the past 24 hours, and sighed once again. Something was bothering her greatly, and she didn’t know if it was just her being nervous to be sent on a particular mission by the Empress, or because the assumptions Alathea and her counsellors had might be correct.
The woman closed her eyes with her palm and took a moment to gather her bearings.
«Serena? Is something wrong?» she suddenly heard Hunter.
«Not sure.» Serena replied hesitantly. «I feel uneasy and I have no idea why.»
She lowered her hand and met his gaze.
«Worried that the grouping we did is imbalanced?» Hunter asked, frowning at her expression.
«No… I’m sure we’ll do fine… I just…» she gritted her teeth. «I don’t know. Stop asking questions I can’t answer.»
She stood up and headed out, frustrated at herself for growling at her men.