Starlight Gleaming Ch. 18

Except for Tonca. His name was not on the list.

Overall, I think the wall of dead helped. It let the living know that if they fell in the line of duty, they would be remembered, regardless of whether they were an officer or were enlisted.

I heard later that all three of my Shift Commanders, upon entering the break room, would give a respectful nod to the wall, and some of their command began to do the same.

Sergeant Kitam and his crew received a couple of cases of millet beer along with my personal thanks for their excellent work on my home, and for loaning us the talented painter who decorated our break room. As expected, the booze was well received.

I also reached out to Captain Terkouri, Second in Command to Field Captain Chochoonitsi, expressing my desire to show my appreciation to Ground Security for all their help in our transition. He initially demurred, but then agreed, and told me where to send my largesse. The Commissary Diner was given three days to prepare, and they catered soups, sandwiches, hundreds of pounds of potato wedgies, fruit and other snacks, fresh cahault, electrolyte water, as well as a hundred cases of beer. My personal appreciation to them for helping protect the war base while I rebuilt the 602. Eleven hundred credits, with catering. It was money well spent.

Except for one bad night-accident at the airfield that needed my direct oversight, I spent nights at home with my family, usually heading to bed about the same time as my daughters.

I was up at zero-four-thirty, and out the door in half an hour with Sowitwee. Jay and I chatted for a while, going over things I needed to be kept current on, then the three of us went to the gym and worked out. I'd spend time during the day with Pen, catching up with day's events. I'd work, have lunch, go to meetings, and when Doyya came on, I'd spend time with her before heading home, sometime around sixteen hundred hours. I only managed to visit my girls during lunch three times in two weeks, but Sisi's reaction was worth it.

Despite my overtures to the base commandant, General Tolmec Dagantochtlo, it was obvious he didn't like me. Even with ending the blackmail, I think he held me personally responsible for Commander Orchid's visit the previous year, which nearly ended his career. He also knew I'd had sex with the commander in his office, which further bruised his pride. I'd cleaned his desk, but to his mind the insult was everything.

Initially, I had been willing to cut him some slack. High Guard was a big war base, like a small city with a lot of traffic going in and out. Upon reflection, I realized the base commandant, if not complicit, had turned a blind eye to a lot of evil going on during his watch. He should have been grateful that Commander Orchid spared him.

Yes, I was getting a piss on.

In any event, the general began demanding all kinds of status reports. With our already full workload, Senior Lieutenant Hachan and I struggled to attend to these superfluous tasks and compulsory yet intensely boring meetings that always seemed to grind away for hours at a time.

Many of the general's staff, seeing how the wind blew, began to echo the general's attitude toward me. Some, like Captain Xotochan, my former CO at Logistics and Supply, simply kept his distance. He remembered his own rank came from Commander Orchid, and that my own ascendence was due to her intervention. I knew he was grateful for Orchid's efforts on his own behalf, but he didn't want to be drawn into the general's line of sight. Besides, I was too politically hot for his tastes. Even absent in the media, some rumors at C&C ascribed my recent promotion to field commander to the missing woman as well. I didn't discourage them.

More irritating, though, I got the distinct impression the general and his staff believed I would be found wanting by the Air Marshal's inspection, and that my troublesome presence would be whisked away and never darken High Guard again. Afterward, things would return to how they had been. In the meantime, disdain was to be my due.

Trouble was some of that filtered down to my officers and to Air Security, which pissed me off. Supplies were slower than usual about getting to us. Nit-picky juvenile shit. Outside of the general's presence, I chewed a lot of ass.

I didn't challenge any officers to any duels, but more than once I was tempted.

As for myself? I expected the Air Marshal to arrive along with a large staff, and possibly with Itznacoco in attendance - or more likely one of his agents to observe and report. Once week I sent short status reports to Tikún Travel, and both Jay and Pen privately confirmed they too were providing similar reports to the same recipient.

There was one critical event, however, that nearly became a personal disaster. It happened toward the end of the fifth week of my becoming regimental commander.

Hachan and I had stopped by the latrine after yet another mind-numbing meeting at C&C. I was already miffed from having missed my time with Doyya for the start of her shift. Coming out of the latrine, I saw Captain Berliko from Signal Ops accost Lieutenant Hanti, CO for the 1025th Communications Detachment. Hanti was a subordinate of Berliko. The previous year, the 1025th was one of the few units in the Air Service outside of Logistics and Supply to endorse the Protection Order.

The grip of Belliko on Hant's arm and the brief look that crossed her face made me suspicious.

"Hachan, do you have a stunner?"

He shook his head. "We're still on back order for them, and field troopers have first priority."

I'd exchanged my light stunner with Trank Bevion earlier that morning. Yalcamara's former Second had come back as third sergeant, and was now Jay's sergeant. Trank had needed a fresh power cell and none were available. I swapped mine out, intending to recharge mine later, but I hadn't had the chance to return to my office. Chargers and spare power cells were scarce, as were getting the rest of the supplies we needed.

I sighed. "Seven hells. Hachan, when we get back to the office, we need to find a supplier, even if it's private sector, and get that taken care of. Well, there's no hope for it. Stay behind me."

"Yes, Commander."

I strode over to the office where Captain Belliko and Lieutenant Hanti had just entered. Rushing in, I saw what I expected. Hanti bent over the desk, her trousers and panties around her knees, and Belliko humping hard into her.

"What the fuck-!" he exclaimed.

Before he could turn around, I grabbed a free arm and whipped it behind him, pinning him in a lock, forcing him down against the Lieutenant, probably squishing her. My other hand went for my cuffs. As soon as he was bound, I pulled him up and off her.

"Lieutenant Hanti, are you a willing participant here?"

"No, sir," she replied.

"Ask her if she consents, Kandikan!" Belliko snarled.

I slapped him alongside the back of his head with the flat of my hand. "That's commander to you, Captain! All right, what about that, Lieutenant. Did you consent?"

"Yes, sir."

Scowling, I looked at her. "Explain that answer, Lieutenant Hanti."

Pulling herself up with as much dignity as she could manage, she pulled up her panties and trousers. "I let him fuck me, nothing happens to my people."

"I see. Blackmailing you for sex. Do you need medical assistance, Lieutenant Hanti?"

"No, sir. It hurts, but I'll be all right. What are you going to do with him, Commander? I don't want any fallout for my people-"

"Shut up, Hanti, if you know what's good for you!"

"Watch your mouth, Belliko. You just threatened another officer in my presence. Now shut your hole. You'll get your turn. Go on, Lieutenant."

"My Second is still on light duty, and my lead sergeant is recovering in the hospital."

"You can't prove anything," Belliko snarled.

I rapped my knuckles firmly against the top of his head.

"Ow! Fucker!"

"Disobeying a direct order from a superior officer, Belliko. Disrespecting a security officer. Not looking good, Belliko. Another word from you and I will gag you. Got it? Lieutenant, please continue."

She finished securing her uniform. "What he says is true, Commander. I only have what he implied. After boxes that were supposed to be safely stored fell on my Second, sending her to the hospital, the captain came by an hour later and said it was a shame she was injured. Then he demanded I consent to letting him fuck me. I refused. Two days later, my sergeant on her way home at the end of shift. She was side-swiped by a vehicle from behind. No one caught the plate number. Ground Security said it was a dead end. The next morning, the captain came by and remarked how unfortunate these accidents were. He said if I continued to refuse him, the accidents would continue."

So she had consented, but only to protect the people in her command. Like Janetta had done at Tikún to protect Zinja, Cholan, and Ixma. Until Captain Zoubat had wanted more.

"Belliko, you are under arrest. Let's go."

"You said I'd get my turn."

"You will. With JAG. I've heard enough from her and your threats to her to be satisfied several crimes have taken place. You'll get get your chance to speak then."

He laughed. "Go ahead. I dare you!"

I blinked. He wanted me to arrest him and file charges. It wasn't supposed to happen, but both the CO of Air Security and the Base Commandant could suppress a JAG hearing if they cited security and stated it was in the best interests of the Empire.

Seven hells, I thought. I never did check Voyacherno's records. Belliko is probably the general's lover. Lesson learned. Next time I read all the details, especially when blackmail's involved.

Gloating, Belliko added, "Where's your bravado now? Everyone knows you got your rank because you fucked Commander Orchid. Maybe she even liked it. But no one's heard word one from her in months. Months! Once the Air Marshal is done with you, your rank will be rescinded and you'll be a Subbie again. Then all bets are off, Kandikan."

"Your statement wasn't very smart. You just threatened a security officer in the performance of his duty, Captain Belliko. Now I can keep you in custody until JAG reviews the findings."

"You wouldn't dare. The general will tear you apart," he snarled.

"Let's see what you have to say under Truth Drugs, shall we?"

Pulled out my phone with my free hand and hit the speed dial.

"Ground Security Dispatch."

"This is Commander Kandikan. I need a prisoner pickup at Air Service C&C. I've placed... hey, moron, what's your first name?"

"Go to hell, fucker."

"His first name is Xico," Hanti supplied.

"Fucking bitch!" he snapped. "You'll pay for that when I get free, Hanti!"

I shoved him down, putting my knee into the middle of his back. "You already have solitary, Belliko. One more word and it'll be in a straightjacket and chains as well."

Speaking into the phone, I said, "Sorry about that, Dispatch. Prisoner is resisting. I've placed Captain Xico Belliko, Signal Division XO, under arrest. Charges are violating base-wide Protection Order. Blackmail. Injuring officers and enlisted without cause requiring medical attention. Interference with a security officer. Threatening same security officer. Disrespecting a superior officer. Disobeying a superior officer. There's more, but it'll wait. Until I get a chance to deal with him, I want him in solitary."

"Confirmed, Commander. Unit 15 is being routed to your location. Detained in solitary per your order. ETA three minutes. Dispatch clear."

I put away my phone, then reached down and hauled him to his feet.

"I challenge you to personal combat!"

"Nope. Warriors Code says anyone already under arrest for a felony cannot issue a challenge of honor. You as much as admitted to me that Lieutenant Hanti's allegations are true, and that this isn't the first instance, either."

"You won't get away with this!"

"You, Belliko, fail to understand that I am the head of Air Security on this war base. My direct orders from the Air Marshal are to end the hostility between the Air Service and Ground Service, and to restore functionality to this military installation. Your actions directly threaten that peace and functionality. The Air Marshal's orders allow me to handle any miscreants at my personal discretion. You're lucky I believe in the rule of law, miscreant. Now get walking, Belliko. Lieutenant Hanti, stay behind me, please. Hachan, take the rear."

"Yes, sir," Hachan acknowledged.

"At least pull up my damn pants!"

"Nope. I want everyone to see how I found you, out of uniform, with your dick hanging out. Hachan, take off his shoes, and collect his trousers. He's less likely to run off if he's barefoot. Belliko, you violated the Protection Order in a cruel way. So walk careful or you'll just end up hurting yourself."

He tried to struggle, but with a little pressure to his arms, he let Hachan remove his shoes, trousers, and underwear.

Outside the office, more than a dozen enlisted had gathered near the door. This didn't concern me overmuch, but I did see officers heading in our direction. I flipped the safety on the Caiman off, then did the same for the Talon. Left hand on the cuffs, the other on his shoulder, I guided him out the door by way of the door frame first.

Hanti winced, but she also showed restrained approval.

"Ouch! You fucker! You did that deliberately!"

"Oh, my. I hope that doesn't leave a mark. Be careful there, Belliko. You don't want to get hurt."

The onlookers made way for us. We made it about thirty feet when someone called out.

"Kandikan, hold on there! What do you think you're doing?"

It was General Dagantochtlo.

Seven hells. I'd hoped I'd be gone by the time he got wind of things.

I turned Belliko to face the general. "Captain Belliko is under arrest, General. I am taking him into custody."

"What's the charge? And why the devil do you have his trousers removed?"

"Because when I found him, they were already on the floor. Belliko is charged with violating the Unit Protection Order and for blackmail. He is also a person of interest in the felony injuries of other Air Service personnel, including at least one officer."

"You are mistaken, Field Commander. Release him go at once!" the general demanded angrily.

"No, sir. I will not. I am charged with maintaining the Emperor's peace at High Guard War Base. This man is under arrest and being charged with multiple felonies."

"That's a direct order, Kandikan!" He took two steps closer.

"With all due respect, I must refuse. My orders from the Air Marshal are quite clear, and they take precedence, General. Belliko is going to the stockade at Ground Security. If you have security information on this matter, you can present it in private, after the captain has been secured and processed. Until then, I will enforce military law."

"You are being insubordinate!"

"I'm sorry you feel that way, General. Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."

At that moment, from my left flank, two Ground Security troopers entered the command center through the main doors. A corporal and a field corporal. Spotting us, they made their way over to where we were.

"I haven't dismissed you, Kandikan!" the general snapped. "Captain Belliko holds a critical position on my staff. He is vital to the successful operations of High Guard. I hereby invoke my right to cite security reasons for the release of any prisoner."

"In light of that," I replied, "I will clear my schedule for the rest of today and process the charges immediately. Once he is in custody and processed at the stockade, I will hear your security reasons with a JAG officer present. Corporal, please take this prisoner to the Ground Security Stockade. He is to remain in isolation until this mess is sorted out. As CO of Air Security, no visitors without my say-so or that of your own CO."

"Yes, sir," the corporal acknowledged, looking nervously between the general and myself.

"Stop where you are, Corporal!"

The corporal swallowed, then looked at me. "Commander? I need to call this in."

"Please do so," I said, keeping my eyes on the general. The field corporal kept his hands on the prisoner while the corporal called his superiors on his field radio.

"Dispatch, this is Unit 15, Corporal Manico. I have a situation here."

"Ground Security Dispatch. Unit 15, acknowledged. Go sitrep."

"Prisoner has been transferred to our custody. However, the base commandant is invoking security protocols. The Air Security commander wants the prisoner taken into custody and processed. The Air Security commander and base commandant are both standing right here."

"Stand by, Unit 15."

The general glared at me. Being as I suspected that Belliko was his lover, I understood his reasons, but not his choices. Nor did I believe he had a valid security reason for Belliko's release. Voyacherno may have blackmailed the general into looking the other way, but Voyacherno was gone, and the general was still making bad command decisions.

"Unit 15, this is Captain Terkouri, Second in Command, 1267 Ground Security Regiment."

The general closed the distance and grabbed the microphone from the corporal. "This is General Dagantochtlo, Commandant of High Guard War Base. Commander Kandikan has exceeded his authority and arrested Captain Belliko, an important Communications Officer for High Guard War Base. Captain Terkouri, I hereby order Captain Belliko's immediate release."

"Commander Kandikan, please state again, what are the charges?"

"Captain Belliko is charged with multiple felonies. One, violation of the Unit Protection Order, which I issued to restore order to this war base. Two, Lieutenant Hanti has accused him of causing battery to both officers and enlisted under her direct command resulting serious injury requiring medical attention and resulting in loss of duty time without cause. Three, Captain Belliko has implied that further felonious battery to other military personnel will continue unless Lieutenant Hanti submits to a demand for sex. This blackmail demand includes threat of battery to other members of her command, which makes it yet another separate felony offense. Captain Belliko subsequently threatened harm to Lieutenant Hanti for answering my questions, and then threatened me personally. Interfering and threatening a security officer in the performance of their duty are separate felonies. As for disobeying direct orders to cease and desist and disrespecting a superior officer, well, I'm willing to let the general handle that at a later time."

"So noted, Commander Kandikan. General, the prisoner is now in the custody of Ground Security. You are free to come down and file a complaint if you so choose. Ground Service and Air Service JAG teams have already reviewed Commander Kandikan's orders from the Air Marshal. Further clarification was requested and received more than a week ago. Our orders, clear and direct from the Imperial Ground Marshal, are to assist the efforts of Commander Kandikan in carrying out his instructions. Your office should have also received this clarification at the same time. A copy of our orders was forwarded to Air Service JAG. Corporal Manico, by my direct authority, you are hereby ordered to carry out Commander Kandikan's instructions. Escort the prisoner to the stockade for processing, and enforce Commander Kandikan's solitary order."

The corporal held out his hand for the microphone.

The general, furious, let it drop, forcing the corporal to recapture it before confirming receipt of his orders.

More people entered the command center. Six more Ground Security arrived, followed by Doyya with ten Air Security troopers, including Yalcamara, wearing combat vests and helmets, a contrast to the Ground Security. The Ground Security moved to their fellow troopers, clearing a path, while Doyya and the others ordered the bystanders to return to their duties. Manico and the other Ground Security escorted Captain Belliko off the premises.