Starlight Gleaming Ch. 18

"I'll finish the rest after the fight," I told her.

Then I was introduced to the referee. Recognizing him immediately, I grinned, holding out my hand.

"Lieutenant Terapan. What are the marines doing here?"

"Commander," he said, shaking my hand and grinning back at me. "Someone thought a more neutral party should oversee the duel. I volunteered."

"You look well. How's your wife doing?"

"She's well. Thank you for asking."

The marine lieutenant, as referee, really didn't have a lot to do. His presence was more of a formality, but was expected because the general and I were high ranking officers. A duel was a duel. The main rule was that if the fight was until one yielded, that all fighting ceased after one conceded victory to the other. Fights to the death were frowned on by High Command, but sometimes happened when someone lost their temper. As referee, Terapan also had to make sure there were no cheats, such as hidden weapons.

Before I could follow up further with him, another person arrived who demanded my attention. Commander Barankoshto, second in command of the 67th Armored Division.

Seeing the commander and the look on her face, the marine stepped aside.

"What do you think you are doing, Kandikan?" she demanded, hands on her hips.

"I was challenged by the general. I had no choice."

"This stunt here could have wide-ranging repercussions. Explain yourself."

"I caught Captain Belliko in the process of raping Lieutenant Hanti. She asserted her consent was made under duress. She says two of her command had been injured, and that Belliko said more of her people would be injured until she submitted to him. I arrested him, and I plan on interrogating him with Truth Drugs to verify the charges and for any information about the injuries. Injuring military personnel requiring medical attention without due cause is a crime. Belliko was hurting people who didn't deserve it so he could fuck someone against their will, a blatant attempt to suborn my Protection Order. The general took exception to my actions, and demanded I release the captain. I refused, and so the general challenged me. I gave him two chances to reconsider. He refused both of them, insisting on the fight."

Her lean face looked puzzled. "He knows your orders, and that they come from the Air Marshal himself. Indeed, what has surprised the rest of us is how strong the support has been from the Ground Marshal and the War Minister as well. Why would he press this?"

"Commander," I replied, "The general has not blocked me directly, but he has treated me and my staff with disdain, and has encouraged his staff to do likewise. People who should be cooperating with security matters have been finding means to interfere with our duties or dragging their feet with requests or even requiring follow up to make sure things get done. That means more work for my troopers in the field and for my support staff. I don't think the general saw my arrest of Belliko as enforcing the law, but rather as a personal attack on him."

"Why would he think that? Have you done anything to provoke him?"

Lowering my voice, I said, "During the changeover in command, certain incriminating documents related to the general were discovered by Lieutenant Killayana. I turned those over to the general, hoping he would see that I intended to run Air Security as it is intended to be run - to maintain security and enforce the law. At least he should be grateful he no longer had to pay blackmail money to Voyacherno. Last year, when Commander Orchid was here, she told me she tried to get the general replaced, but was blocked by others higher up. Then there was the beach incident. With the families dead, there would be fewer people to remember what happened last year."

"I'm curious about that. Those people boarded a ship. Where did they go, Commander Kandikan?"

"My parents have a lot of land with very few people living on it. My mother found them places to live. It was tough for a bit, but the area seems to be doing well with the larger population."

"A remarkably compassionate act. So your bold ways have precedence. I'm pleased."

I took a deep breath before I continued. "And, well, there's more. The commander asked me for sex while we were in the general's office. She didn't order it, but asked me as a friend. I cleaned up the desk afterward, but when he returned, he knew what we'd done. There was no hiding the scent. Commander Orchid also made sure there was an Imperial Guard on the commandant at all times while she was here."

Her eyes widened briefly, lowering her voice as well. "I'm not sure I know what to say or to think about that, Commander Kandikan. You certainly like to play with fire, and I'm wondering whether you have balls of steel. So you knew her before she arrived at High Guard?"

"Yes, sir."

"She did a lot for the women here, myself included. I also remember your part in helping her escape. I take it she's still alive?"

"As far as I know. A hit squad to two Imperial Security and a draconian agent tried to kill her in Capisco, but Captain Lovyanchiti helped defeat them, and took a bullet in the process. But I've heard nothing since that time."

"Imperial Security? With a draconian? That's incredibly disturbing." Then she snorted. "So that's where your Second got her bullet wound. I once asked her directly about it, since a certain Air Security sergeant has spent months bragging about it and Captain Tlacotli's insistence that it was a badge of honor. But Lovyanchiti refused to answer me, saying you were her officer, and you'd ordered her to keep silent."

"Now you know."

"This is strictly my own curiosity, and you don't have to answer it because it's presumptuous and rude. Did you show Commander Orchid a good time?"

I raised my eyebrows at her. "Commander Orchid is a noblewoman, an officer, and a patriot."

"I'm well aware of that," she snapped. The commander scowled as she blushed and looked away. "It would help if I knew she didn't have you fuck her just to piss off General Dagantochtlo."

I shook my head. "No, Commander. She asked me because she said she needed good memories to help get through some very unpleasant tasks. For all the men she had executed over the years, it was not something that she enjoyed. Commander Orchid did it because the law demanded it. And yes, she did enjoy herself."

Her face softened as she took my measure. Then she nodded with a small smile. "So we're here because the general has taken a personal dislike to you."

"I don't think that's all of it."

"Oh?"

"He seems to have a personal concern for Captain Belliko, and grew even angrier when I mentioned I was going to use Truth Drugs. Voyacherno was blackmailing the general because he has a male lover. I suspect that lover is Belliko."

Barankoshto rolled her eyes. "Perfect."

"Why the concern, Commander?"

"Because while you are an officer, you aren't flag rank. If he wins, no one at the top will care. Even if he should kill you, there will some fall out, but he'll survive that. But no one in High Command will tolerate someone of flag rank owing service to a field officer. General Rikoletsi will be arriving shortly, Commander Kandikan. Once we got wind of what was going on, the War Minister was notified. If General Dagantochtlo loses, he will be retiring effective immediately. For your own sake, I must warn you. Do not kill him."

"I already told him, in front of witnesses, it was to be hand-to-hand and non-lethal."

"For whatever it's worth, I hope you win," she told me.

I grinned at her. "That means quite a lot to me, Commander. Thank you. Did you know my daughter Sisi includes you in her nightly prayers?"

Taken aback, she commented, "Does she now."

"She prays that the gods keep you and Commander Orchid safe, for saving her and Mina."

She gave me a pleased nod. "If you ever decide you want to drive a tank, Commander, we'll find out if those balls of yours really are made of steel." She clapped my shoulders before moving off into the crowd.

Just how would she test my balls, exactly, I wondered. I had no idea what to make of that statement. And why are the women telling me I have them?

I saw several people staring at me, including Terapan, Jay, and Pen. Obviously, even over the noise in the gym, they'd heard what Commander Barankoshto and I had been discussing. Pen and the marin lieutenant looked shell-shocked.

Seven hells. I should have kept my damn mouth shut.

Jay's face, however, was incredulous. "You... and the Vengeful Hand herself?"

"Not a word to anyone. Am I clear?" I warned.

"Yes, sir. Not a word. Mum's the word, right, Pen?"

Pen just nodded, digesting the revelation.

Seven hells. All three hot, all three cold, and the one in between.

Terapan looked at his watch, then moved to the center of the fight circle. A marine ran up to him, giving him a wireless microphone before dashing back to the sidelines.

"Oyez, oyez!" his voice boomed out, and the noise of the audience quieted. "Your attention, please! Everyone, please take your seat. Warriors of Chimorro, greetings! We are gathered here to witness a duel of honor between General Tolmec Dagantochtlo, the Base Commandant of High Guard, and Field Commander Ranji Kandikan, CO for the 602 Air Security regiment.

"The general is well-known as a Quichu Master, a deadly opponent, and victor of numerous combats and championships. The commander has no declared school, but it is known that he defeated the late Captain Tonca, Aerie Captain of the Eagle Warriors here at High Guard, in personal combat. Who will win this contest between champions?

"The time is seventeen hundred hours exactly. Our understanding is the match is scheduled to begin now. Confirmed? Yes. Commander Kandikan is present. We await the arrival of the general - ah, there he is, coming through the south doors right now.

"Both combatants now have five minutes to warm up. Audience, you are warned! No matter who you support, do not attempt to interfere with the fight. Anyone other than the contestants or the referee crossing the boundary once the match begins will be subject to extreme force and sanction. This fight is being broadcast and recorded."

I moved over to the circle, moving across the line of the challenge circle. As the challenged, it was my role to enter first, to show that I intended to stand my ground.

The general had three servants with him, and it appeared he also had at least four personal bodyguards as well. One of the servants removed his jacket and the general advanced toward the fighting circle.

My own worn tee-shirt, displaying Tohingo Air Academy, and my plain, loose cotton shorts were in stark contrast to the general's clothing. He wore a light green silk pair of loose-fitting trousers and a similarly-styled loose shirt, embroidered with a large red and blue hummingbird over the right breast. His grey ponytail was bound up into a tight queue tied off with a leather cord. On his feet were slippers with grips on the soles. I was barefoot, for better gripping on the rubber mat.

I gave him a short nod. "General."

"Last chance, Kandikan," he sneered derisively, speaking loud enough to be heard across the room. "Do you acknowledge my authority over you? Will you release Captain Belliko, acknowledge my rank, and your fault in defying my orders?"

"General, I have done my best to acknowledge your authority. Captain Belliko committed crimes and he remains under arrest. I will do everything in my power to ensure the Emperor's peace, maintain security, and protect the people of High Guard War Base. I will not apologize for doing my duty."

He snarled and strode forward and shifted to an attack stance.

I circled, countering, when he suddenly moved faster than I expected. I blocked three of the strikes, but the fourth hit me solid in the face and I staggered back, my lip split.

His arms whirled and flew while I dodged and rolled, trying to clear my head. Once, then twice more he made solid hits to my left shoulder and back.

Managing to get some distance, I kept my eye on him while I gingerly touched my bleeding lip. Then I saw the general's eyes were fully dilated.

Seven hells! I thought. The fucking cheater is hopped up on drugs! I'm going to have to really hurt him to put him down.

There wasn't a thing I could do about it, though. Once initiated, the duel continued until it was resolved.

Calm, I told myself.

As I continued to block and dodge his attacks, I paid attention to how he moved. Began to see how I could respond.

His quick attacks landed some blows to my shoulder and arm.

Then I moved. Eskeirat provided the moves to deflect and put me in close. Fourth Jaguar, with the Iron Claw in three rapid hits to the sternum. His arms flailed and I delivered my strikes. Two steps back, then a spinning high kick connecting with his jaw, continuing my spin, and my left hand hooked him under the arm, a twist and over my hip. He grabbed on, preventing me from tossing him down. Responding with the sixth Snake, using my weight to drop and roll, he was forced to roll with me, hitting the floor hard, cushioning my own fall. He grunted.

Continuing the roll, I tried to climb up his body. Like the Eagle school, Hummingbird depended on distance and deflection while delivering punishing strikes. Eskirat was my counter. Getting in close, using Jaguar blows and Snake holds was exactly what I needed.

I had his arm, twisting it as I tried to get onto his back. He hit me hard in the leg, kicking free, but the damage to his elbow was done.

As we moved apart, I shook out my leg and crouched.

The general could use his arm, but he was also favoring it.

Then he charged, arms and legs spinning and flailing. Moving with him, I grabbed his tunic and slid in close again. His arm tried to block me using plenty of force, but it wasn't enough to keep me away. I felt the joint in his arm grating as I pushed it aside. Punch to the face with the left, spin and hammer with the backhand to the side of his face. Follow with elbow to the collarbone. Damn! Hit the meat of his shoulder instead.

Knocked back, he hit the ground hard, but rolled away and rose up. Looked at his torn shirt and he felt his own split lip, spitting out blood. "I'm going to kill you!"

Pulling on the cord in his braid, he wrapped the ends in his hands and charged me again.

Terapan stepped into the circle, yelling out, "No weapons, General! No weapons! Hold! Hold!"

Shouts of "Foul!" and "Cheat!" roared out from the onlookers. Some started to stand in their seats. Air and Ground Security shouted, demanding they sit down.

Enraged, the general tried to overbear me. Knocking aside his makeshift garrote, I gave him four rapid punches to the chest, two solid hits to the face, and then swept his legs out from under him.

Terapan waited. Behind me I began to hear a chant.

He rolled and got up, but I was on him, delivering two more overhand strikes to his face. His arm went up, and I grabbed it, throwing my next hit at his good elbow, breaking it.

"Kandikan! Kandikan! Kandikan!" roared the crowd.

With a scream of rage, the general held his long braid in his left hand and whipped it around. Just as I pushed it away, my left cheek stung. I was surprised, and he used that moment to shove me off and get some distance.

I stepped forward, ready to finish him off.

Then my face went cold, and I paused.

He started to laugh, jeering at me. "You're dead, Kandikan! Dead!"

Terapan jumped between us. "Weapons are in use! Commander, your face is scratched and bleeding. General, this was supposed to be an unarmed match! Your opponent is unarmed! What do you have in your braid?"

"I am an Air Service general!" he bellowed. "Get off the floor, Navy prick!"

The marine lieutenant stayed interposed between us, glancing at me. "The general has violated the rules of conduct, Commander. It's your right to demand a weapon of your own, and your choice, up to and including a pistol. It's also your right to change this to a duel to the death. Do you wish to continue?"

My vision started to swim. I was furious, but my body grew weaker by the second. Blinked as the cold spread down my neck. Struggled, then fell to my knees. "Seven hells! You poisoned me?"

The general, gloating, rose up, murder in his eyes. He brought the cord forward. "I'm going to choke the life out of you! Then I'm going to fuck your dead ass!"

Terapan punched the general, and then they grappled, rolling onto the floor.

Spectators jumped up and there was shouting, but shapes began to blur. Everything became a roaring noise.

"Air Security! To the commander!" came shouts from behind me.

Jay's face leaning close. "Stay with us, Ranji!"

A ring of blackness closed in, darkening my vision. Like when I was on the Raptor, flying to Mohingo.

Oh, my beloved! From my heart to yours...

Calia?

Last thing I saw was the floor rushing up to meet my face.

* * * * *

Part 8 - Aftermath

* * * * *

"Wake up, damn you! Come on, Ranji! Wake up!"

The sharp sting of a slap, followed by a wet splash on my cheek.

I opened my eyes, and my vision cleared.

Janetta, her eyes red and puffy, saw me look at her and she pulled me to her, hugging me fiercely, crying. "Damn it, Ranji. I've never been so scared. We nearly lost you!"

Feeling achy and tired, nonetheless my arms went around her. I inhaled her scent, a heavenly mix of her, oranges, and jet fuel. Sighed into her hair. I tried to talk, but my mouth was as dry as sandpaper. All I managed was a croak.

Pulling away, she moved to the nearby roll-around table and poured me a glass of water. I drank down the first one and she refilled it. The second went down slower, sometimes holding the liquid in my mouth to hydrate my parched mouth.

Smiling grimly as I drank, she took a few more calming breaths. Once I finished the second glass, the smile vanished.

"I ought to kick your ass all the way to Tohingo and back again. Gods of North and South, Kandikan! I just got you back, and you go and nearly get yourself killed!"

"He cheated," I said quietly.

"No shit! You scared all of us, you moron. What am I going to do with you?"

"Take me home and make sure I'm all right?" I ventured hopefully.

The door opened then, and the nurse bellowed behind her, "Back off! Marines, do your duty. No one else inside, and that's final!"

The nurse, an older woman, entered the room and firmly closed the door. Then she pointed at me. "Lay back and let me take some vitals. No guff about it, either."

Janetta stood, facing me, her arms folded, trying to look put out but failing. The nurse picked up the clipboard, took my temperature and blood pressure, checked my eyes with a light, and after having me sit up, tapped my arms and legs for reflexes. Making notes on the chart, she gave me a baleful glance.

"Looks like you're okay. Dr. Brensoyet said because of the poison, there's one last task, to which I say, 'oh, joy.' You need to urinate, and I need to see you do it. Can you go now?"

"Maybe? I just woke up."

Dr. Brensoyet? Oh, yes, the one we saw about Cholan's thyroid problem. Huh.

She put down the clipboard, collected my glass and refilled it with water. Firmly handed it back to me. "Drink up!"

Janetta smirked at me.

"Drink, Commander. I have other patients to see on my rounds. Once you piss, you can be discharged, I can have my bed back, and you are out of my hair."

I glanced at the grade on her collar. Senior Lieutenant.

"Don't test my patience, Commander. I've had Air Security, Ground Security, and Naval Security running around, checking on you and that marine lieutenant. I've have more bother than I care to shake a stick at over you-"