Starlight Gleaming Ch. 19

In short order we reached our staging area and the rest of our unit.

Yalcamara did another head count while Stimmi completed the paperwork for the civilians to ride with us to High Guard. Meanwhile, forklifts worked and the Condor was loaded up under the supervision of the Load Master. An important position, it's the Load Master's job to make sure the weight was evenly distributed throughout the transport aircraft. Too much weight on one side could result a crash before ever becoming fully airborne. He also had to make sure everything was strapped down so it didn't move during the flight.

Cholan gave me a kiss, and with an impish grin, quickly ran her hand over my crotch. "Just making sure your dingle isn't dangling in the dirt, sir."

Before I could respond, she moved off, helping get her family settled.

Hoo, boy.

* * * * *

Part 28 -- War Dogs

* * * * *

The early morning was calm and clear with a slight breeze coming in from the west.

A Ground Security cruiser pulled up, followed by a Tortoise. I wandered over, then grinned in recognition. Kestral got out of the front passenger side.

"Packing up your shit and going home, Commander?"

I laughed. "I think I've had my fill of Copán for a while, present company excepted. Commander Brenaka, too, did right by us."

"I saw your brother's people to the south gate, and I sent along two cruisers to escort them as far as the Imperial Highway. Lieutenant Sovansi is riding with the civilians to Sentry War Base."

"Oh, I wondered what happened to her. Very well. I'll fix her paperwork when I get back to High Guard."

The back of the Tortoise opened up, and ten Ground Service troopers with dogs advanced toward us. Leading them was a Third Sergeant. The sergeant said, "Stay," and the dog promptly sat. The sergeant then advanced toward us.

Kestral grinned at him in greeting. "Commander, this here is Sergeant Paolto Spokane, the man I spoke with you about."

"Hello, Sergeant. We aren't set up for war dogs, but the lieutenant here assures me you've had great success so far. So tell me, what makes your war dogs different?"

"These aren't just war dogs, Commander," he began. "Yes, they are trained to protect. War dogs get ten weeks of training. However, our dogs have had an additional eight weeks of specialized training. They can sniff out both contraband drugs and explosives. Lieutenant Janoose says this will be a great opportunity for both of us. He also says you will give us a fair chance."

I raised my eyebrows. "I'll do my best to give you a fair shot. Electronic sniffers work pretty good and rather quickly. Security forces have been using them effectively for years. Why should we start using dogs at High Guard?"

"Electronic sniffers are good, but they won't pick up trace smells below a certain point. The software has too much to cope with. Our dogs aren't to replace the sniffers. They are meant to work in conjunction with them. Evolution has given dogs a superb sense of smell. Also, I'd like to point out that electronic devices can be fooled, even jammed. The dogs aren't a hundred percent, but we really have had great success with them so far, Commander."

Kestral nodded. "Like I said before, our capture rate with contraband drugs has nearly doubled since we began field testing them. They really do--"

Suddenly the lead dog stood up and started barking. The other dogs joined in.

"What's going on?" I asked. "Why are they doing that?"

The dog handlers held onto their dogs. All the dogs had their ears forward, eagerly pulling at their leashes. Except for the sergeant's dog, who remained in position, even while barking.

Sergeant Paolto gave a worried look. "They're trained to notify us if they smell what they're trained to look for. Something's amiss, Commander."

I shrugged. "All right, a practical demonstration then. Show me what they can do."

Leaning down next to the dog, he gave the animal a reassuring noise, and a long, reassured stroke along its back. Standing up, he said, "Chattok! Hunt!"

The dog was all business. Moving quickly, it sniffed around, then lifted its nose. Took three paces up the ramp, came back down, then it set off at a run, away from the Condor, making a beeline for a lone Ground Service uniform walking briskly toward the terminal.

Paolto ran off after the dog.

Kestral and I looked at one another, and then set off after Paolto. Kestral's driver hopped back into his vehicle, kicked on the lights, spun tires, and zoomed around us.

Due to the noise of the airfield, the man walking briskly away from us didn't hear the dog running up behind him. The dog leaped and tackled him, latching onto an arm and taking him down. They tumbled, then yelling, the man shook his arm loose and scrambled backward, keeping his eyes on the dog. Growling, the war dog advanced slowly toward the man.

The corporal screamed, "That dog's crazy! He bit me! Get him away from me!"

Sergeant Paolto yelled out, "Chattok, guard! You there, freeze. Stop moving or he will attack!"

At the sergeant's command, the dog halted, yet kept his attention focused on the man on the ground. Paolto clipped the leash onto the collar and stood close by.

The driver got out, stunner drawn and pointing at the man on the ground.

When Kestral reached the man, he hauled him to his feet and spun him around, pushing him up against the vehicle. "Hands on the hood and feet apart!"

"I'm bleeding!"

"We'll take care of that in due time." Kestral did a quick pat-down, then glanced at the torn trousers. "Using one hand at a time, take everything out of your pockets, and place them onto the hood. And I mean everything. Tooth picks, breath mints, loose change. Everything. Move slowly. Once your pockets are empty, show me your ID."

He looked nervous, though it could just be he was rattled by the dog, which would be understandable. "I was just heading for the shitter. What's going on?"

I checked on the other dogs back at the Condor. Remarkably, the other dogs waited patiently with their handlers. In my past experience with war dogs, when one became agitated, it usually set off the others and it took a lot of work to calm them down. I also saw four or five of my own people at the ramp watching us with interest.

Taking the man's ID, Kestral went to the other side of the vehicle, opened the door and reached in to the radio. Puzzled as to why he wasn't querying the AI, I moved around. His cruiser was as old or older than the staff vehicles we'd been stuck using over the weekend. No AI -- all manual, and dependent on the dispatcher.

The man suddenly bolted, running toward the terminal. The Ground Security trooper fired the stunner at him twice. Immediately going limp, the corporal landed hard, sprawling face down onto the tarmac and earning some road rash for his trouble.

Paolto had readied his dog to give chase if necessary. Instead, he praised the dog and the animal gave him its full attention, then watched what was happening.

Kestral rolled the man over and I squatted beside him. Blood ran from his mouth and nose, and a small spot of blood appeared on the man's chest. Kestral yanked open the shirt, popping several buttons.

A small piece of bone poked out, right above the heart, blood oozing out. A quick check to the neck proved he was dead.

"What the fuck!" Kestral exclaimed, looking at me. "This can't be drugs. Depending on what it was and how much, the usually result is twenty lashes, the loss of two steps in grade, and a year at hard labor. At worst, he'd be cashiered with a dishonorable. But this?"

I pressed the area around the wound. Mushy. I looked at Kestral, raising my eyebrows. "I don't know about you, but I've been running into an amazing amount of nano-bombs this entire weekend. I'd prefer if you confirm it."

He nodded. "I'll order an autopsy, Commander." Then he narrowed his gaze at me. "You think this is from the QC team, about the armaments?"

"Maybe, maybe not. There's the money extortion set up illegally run by slaves I broke up yesterday. Then we might have been involved in a raid on a domicile with dozens more citizens wrongfully enslaved were freed late last night. The civilian liaison working with the QC team turned out to be involved with the terrorist group, the so-called Night Hunters. So, I don't know? Pick one."

He gave a wry laugh as we both stood. "Seven hells, Ranji. I bet you used to have fun knocking down hornet nests as a kid, too, didn't you."

"What is this fixation everyone has with me and hornets?"

Kestral went back to the vehicle to call it in.

"Sergeant Paolto, with me!" I strode back toward the Condor. The sergeant and his dog immediately fell in behind me.

Once we were back by the ramp, I saw Yalcamara was among those curious about what I was up to.

"Lieutenant, I want everyone off the Condor, right now. Search the latrine, too. Make a quick sweep. Pilot and crew, too. Quickly and quietly, no exceptions. Threaten them if you need to. All packages and gear remain aboard. Send the Load Master to me."

"Sir!" A quick salute, and she jumped into action. "You heard the commander! Stimmi, Yelts, Cooma, with me! The rest of you, move everyone else away from the ramp, get them back at least five hundred feet."

Turning to the sergeant, I nodded. "Okay, first test was a success. Time for the second one. Once the people are off, check this aircraft. What do you need?"

"With four of us, we can cover a lot of ground quickly, Commander. The others will stay outside. They should sniff everyone who comes off."

"Do it. There's still crates to be loaded. Check them, too."

"Yes, sir." He moved over to his people, getting them sorted out.

The Load Master, looking seriously steamed, stormed over to me. "What's this I hear about a delay? We're still loading cargo! We are already running late because of you people!"

And I snapped right back at him. "You people? Just what the blazes do you think's going on here, Lieutenant? I see two pips on your shoulder boards. Look at mine. Now take a look at my unit patch. Air Security, Lieutenant. I appreciate you have a job to do. Well, damn it, so do I! We are performing a safety check. Until Air Security gives the All Clear, you will cool your heels with the rest of us. Am I clear?"

Grumbling, he nodded. "Clear, Commander." Then he noticed the trooper a short distance away, the body on the ground, and the flashing lights. A glance at me and he quieted.

The passengers already aboard filed back out. I moved my arms. "Everyone away from the aircraft! At least five hundred feet. Move along! Move along. Let the dogs sniff you!"

The pilot and co-pilot looked as steamed as the Load Master. A few angry words were exchanged and looks-that-could-kill were thrown my way. I just pointed at the waiting area until they started moving. The Load Master joined them.

A few minutes later, Yalcamara and several troopers came down the ramp. "We've finished the sweep, Commander. Everyone is off."

"Excellent. Come down and wait with me. Sergeant Paolto, are you ready? Good. Turn to! Cooma, Yelts, shadow them."

Four pairs of men and dogs moved up the ramp and the canines began sniffing. I checked the time on my watch. It was already zero-six hundred.

Less than three minutes later Corporal Cooma came back to the top of the ramp, her face alarmed. "Commander, we found something."

"Show me."

She led me inside the Condor to one of the cargo carriers. Yalcamara and Stimmi trailed behind. Paolto and his dog stood nearby. Hidden along one of the inside struts was a line of explosive with a detonator device. You had to get up close and peer back to see it.

Yalcamara saw it and barked out, "Yelts! Fetch Orin and Kader. They have bomb disposal experience."

Yelts disappeared.

I nodded to Paolto, impressed. "Good work. If you were in charge, Sergeant, what would you do?"

"I'd keep looking, Commander. Check everywhere and everything to make sure I got it all."

"Good man. Carry on."

At Yalcamara's look, I moved back outside the aircraft.

Our two troopers discussed the situation, and concurred that the detonators were safe to remove. They explained the devices were fixed with an altimeter, and were set to blow when the aircraft reached a thousand feet.

Kestral and his partner brought out sniffers and joined the dogs. Six more devices were located and also safely removed.

For safety's sake, I had the other four dog teams make a second run through the aircraft, but thankfully came up empty. The sniff check of the passengers likewise came up empty, though a few were nervous around the inquisitive canines. In the meantime, Ground Security Bomb Disposal arrived and took the explosives away.

Once Paolto and his people were satisfied, they exited the aircraft. They returned to the Tortoise and began loading the dogs into carriers for air travel.

Kestral returned, gesturing toward the sergeant and his team. "Well? What do you think, Commander?"

"Seven explosive devices recovered. I'd say the dogs are worth their weight in gold."

He grinned at me. "I thought you'd like them."

I walked over to the Load Master, the pilot, and co-pilot. They'd seen the Bomb Disposal team do their work removing the devices. "Load Master, the explosives have been safely removed and the aircraft is now secure. You may resume loading the Condor."

Suitably chastised, he nodded quickly. "Yes, sir, Commander."

The pilot and co-pilot quietly hurried on by and re-boarded the Condor.

Similarly, the passengers quickly returned to their seats, and the last of the loading proceeded apace.

"Don't go anywhere, Sergeant Paolto." I pulled out my phone and dialed Commander Brenaka.

"Brenaka here. Is this Commander Kandikan?"

"It is. We were unavoidably delayed. We're still loading up to go home."

"Nice of you to call to say goodbye, but it wasn't necessary."

"Actually, I called to ask if you are familiar with the dog sniffing program."

"No, I'm not. Why?"

"Lieutenant Janoose with Ground Security has started using them recently to supplement their searches. He says his capture rates are substantially higher than previously. I just had them check out the Condor we were leaving on, and we found seven bombs aboard."

"What!?"

"As a ranking officer with Air Security, my recommendation, Commander, is that all aircraft and cargo henceforth be searched by both electronic sniffers and by trained dog teams. You should work with Lieutenant Janoose with Ground Security and Lieutenant Sticks, who's in charge of the special dog program. They can help get this security measure implemented. I don't know how many teams are here at Copán, but I'm thinking there aren't nearly enough for what you need."

"Seven bombs you say?"

"Yes, sir. We safely removed explosive devices."

"Lieutenant Janoose and Lieutenat Sticks, you say? Tell Janoose I look forward to reading the report from Ground Security and to seeing a presentation on these dogs. I'm glad the devices were found prior to detonation. Thank the gods you found the bombs, Commander Kandikan."

"We're grateful as well. Thank you for your hospitality. I promise, if you come to our neck of the woods, you'll have a nice place to stay. With real beds, sheets, blankets, and pillows. And we'll feed you, too. Goodbye, Commander."

He laughed. "Ouch. Next time, give me some warning, and I'll see you and your people are treated like warriors should be treated. This Lieutenant Janoose is already looking into who at the QMO pulled that little stunt, putting you in those hangars. Safe flight and safe return."

I hung up my phone.

We were almost two hours late, but now there was a good chance we would make it home. As long as the Atlanteans and those damned Greys behaved themselves.

* * * * *

Part 29 -- The Rad-High Club

* * * * *

Finding where Cholan was seated, I plunked down next to her.

She looked at me, her face distraught. "Commander, the bombs they found -- do you think Breena's husband did this?"

I put my arm around her, kissing her on the temple. "Maybe, but I don't think it's likely. He's involved with a terrorist organization. It's more likely it was the people who held Sowitwee's father. I've been ruffling a lot of feathers with all the things we've been doing at High Guard, Cholan. Or, it could simply be more Atlantean sabotage that our aircraft have been encountering. Don't blame yourself for this."

Sowitwee, who sat nearby, didn't look too happy that my efforts on his behalf might have resulted in the attempt on our lives, but I shook my head at him. "We did what needed doing. Not your fault either, Wit."

"How is that supposed to make me feel better?" Cholan exclaimed. "It means someone is trying to kill you! Just like the man who shot you in the leg and those who tried to murder you in the hospital!"

"Cholan, it means that I'm making a difference. Would you change the protection you have at High Guard?"

She was incredulous. "You want me to choose between feeling safer at the risk of losing you? I don't want that choice! If something happened to you, all of us would feel awful! You are the center of our world, Commander."

I brushed her cheek, leaning close. "You think I'd not move mountains to keep you and the rest of my family safe? If anyone threatens you or the others, I will do my best to end them. You are mine, Island Girl, and I will do everything to keep you and the rest of my family safe."

Squeezing my hand, she leaned closer, whispering, "I love you, Ranji."

Grinning, I kissed her, and then we shared another one just as sweet. "Thank you. I like hearing you speak my name. It only took close to a year."

Flushing, she rolled her eyes. "It's not like it's been easy. You are a nobleman. Whether you are in the military or not, that doesn't change. I'm part of the Warrior Caste only as long as I wear this uniform. When I leave the service, I'll be just another commoner."

"That's not true," I corrected. "You are now part of my family, Cholan. Whatever happens, you will always, always have a home with me. That's my promise to you."

"But... what's the link? You love my captain. You share parenting with Zinja and Ixma. And Calia? I think if you dressed her in rags, she'd be happy just for the chance to be near you."

"Doesn't matter. You are both my lover and my friend, Cholan. I know it's a challenge sharing one man. And if by chance you ever found a man who made you happy, a man you could have all to yourself? Well, I wouldn't be happy about losing you as my lover, but I'd not stand in your way. Your happiness truly is important to me."

"It almost sounds like you wouldn't fight to keep me." She looked sad at that.

"Not what I meant. It sometimes eats at me that in trying to keep all five of you satisfied, I'm not doing that great a job by any one of you. Each of you deserve a lot more than I've been able to give you. I'm not talking about money and things. I'm talking about the most important parts of any relationship, time and personal attention -- talking, sharing moments like walks on the beach, dancing and dates, intimate meals shared with just two of us -- like we had the other night. Because I know there's not enough of me to go around, I'd understand if you found someone better."

Cholan shook her head at me. "There's not a one of us who doesn't love being in your arms. The cot we shared was lumpy and way too small, and I loved it because I got a whole night with you! I admit that sometimes I feel lonely sleeping alone in my bed. But all of us love doing things with you. We also all have careers and responsibilities. Yet you make a point of being home for dinner as often as you can. Zinja might have had those experiences as a girl, but the rest of us? I'm sure I speak for every one in saying that we all love listening to you read stories to your girls. When we all sit together in the living room, I have a real family around me. Even on the nights when you fall asleep because you're exhausted, you are still there, making the effort. I know I matter to you. You tell me that I'm your woman. I guess what I want to say is that if someone tried to woo me away, I'd want my man to fight for me, to let me know I'm his."