Starlight Gleaming Ch. 20

"Second Lion, advance to the intersection," Jay instructed. "Do not exit vehicle unless instructed."

"Confirmed. Moving in now."

I removed the covers on my scope, and drew a bead on the man two buildings over, his own weapon coming up and pointed at the security cruiser approaching from the west. As planned, the cruiser pulled over near the stopped vehicle with its doors ajar and the two bodies laying on the ground. The cruiser's lights went on.

Just then, Jay's cruiser roared in from the north, tires screeching as it zoomed ahead, then swerved just before running over the sidewalk, emergency lights flashing and headlights aimed directly at the Print Shop.

Speakers blaring, Jay's voice barked out, "Freeze! This is Air Security! You are under arrest. Throw down your weapon. Now!"

I could see the echo of the emergency lights flashing, but the third cruiser was hidden from my sight.

Taking in the scene, the sniper started to move away from the edge. I squeezed off my shot. Even with the noise suppressor, the loud coughing bark of the rifle echoed off the nearby buildings. I watched him stumble and fall.

"Megonom, tell Night Overwatch to close in and use the searchlights to keep the sniper in view."

While he did that, I policed my brass and flipped the safety on. "Come on, trooper. Let's go see who I shot."

Down one set of stairs, and keeping my eyes open, we hurried up the street, then up another set of metal stairs. As we moved, I thought about the radical discrepancy between what had just transpired and what Calia had conveyed to me. In the images I'd been shown, we had stopped and while rushing to assist the dead, all four of us had been shot and killed, hit in a crossfire from two different directions and two different angles by high-caliber explosive-tipped rounds.

Climbing onto the second rooftop, the area illuminated by the hovering Kite, I approached the prone body, his weapon just out of his hand's reach. He looked dead from the large wound in his neck, and blood pooled around him. Flipping off the safety, I kept him covered while Trooper Megonom moved around me to check him out, his pistol in a standard 70-30 two-handed grip.

As the trooper leaned in, however, the sniper's eyes opened. Stepping back, Megonom kept him covered.

"You escaped... this time," the man said with a burbling hiss. "The Minister... does not... give up."

"Let's see how much he trusts you," I replied. "You are free."

He gave a strangled laugh. "That's for slaves... asshole." Then he said, "Long live Supay... Master of Death!"

He grunted, his back arching as pain flashed across his face, then his body relaxed.

I pulled out my phone to call Jay when the man's body exploded. The blast knocked Megonom and I off our feet. I slammed into the roof's safety barrier, the wind knocked out of me.

For several long seconds, I lay there, stunned by the blast and the impact. My ears rang, and after a moment, shook my head to clear it.

Megonom wasn't moving. My left and front were covered in gore, and some chunks with bone were stuck to my vest, but aside from being stunned and thrown, I was pretty much okay. I made my way to the trooper and turned him over. He was breathing, but he appeared to be knocked out. Blood dribbled from his nose, and along with some roof rash on his cheek, there were scorch marks as well as blood covering him.

"Commander! Commander!" It was Jay's voice coming through. "Are you all right?"

Megonom's radio was intact. I picked up the mic and answered. "There was a bomb. Megonom's out cold. What's the status on the other one?"

"He's refused to surrender, so Banders hit him with the cruiser and--"

There was a loud whumph from the street below.

"Seven hells," I muttered. "Night Overwatch, you and Raptor 9 are cleared to go. Thank you for the assist."

"Confirmed, Commander. Do you have casualties?"

"Affirmative. Contact Dispatch and send us three ambulances at the intersection of Battery Row and Seco's Causeway. Kandikan clear."

"Roger on medical transport. Dangerous prey you hunt, sir. Night Overwatch clear."

Megonom started to come to, and I helped him stand. I grabbed my rifle and spotted my phone. Then I saw the screen was shattered, but apparently still operational. Sort of. Slipped it into my pocket, then we walked to the fire escape. Despite signing off, the helicopter kept the searchlight on us until we reached the roof's edge. A courtesy much appreciated.

Sirens began to wail as more cruisers began to appear, followed by the first of the ambulances.

Trooper Banders' partner, Trooper Chonoc was more seriously injured, but much of the blast had been deflected by the vehicle itself. These newer cruisers could take some punishment. Banders had been on the radio, partially shielded by the door during the second explosion.

Jay ran over to us, lending a hand as he escorted us back to the main scene in front of the Print Shop.

"What in the seven hells happened, Commander?" he asked. "Both of you are covered in blood and -- what is that, bits of intestine? Ugh!" He used a pen to flick it off my shoulder.

"Apparently some of the Minister's men have bigger bombs in them. Slaves are triggered by the phrase, 'You are free.' The man on the roof said, 'Long live Supay,' and two seconds later, he blew apart."

"Well, thanks to you, we were caught with our dicks out, but not with our pants at our ankles."

I chuckled. "That's one way of putting it."

Megonom, wounded as he was, said, "Dick is fine, sir. It's the rest of me that hurts."

Two of the three people in the original vehicle were seriously wounded and bleeding out. First aid was rendered by Jay while Trooper Tronitsl helped. The three were alive when the first and second ambulances departed. Chonoc, Megonom, and I rode in the third ambulance, along with Banders as a guard. Jay insisted.

Since it was open and closer, we went to the new hospital being built, adjacent to the old Ground Service clinic. Just over two months ago, when we'd brought in Mack's son, Tambo, only one floor of the new hospital was operational, but now part of the second floor was seeing use. It hadn't been dedicated yet, but it was officially known as the Empress Chaya Medical Center. The new nano-tech facility had been built between the two buildings, with covered connections to both. The newly formed 42nd Medical Group was assigned to oversee its operation.

After I was cleaned up and stripped, the doctor checked me over, and after slapping on some Nu-skin patches on some bruises, he pronounced me okay to leave.

An hour later, Jay and several other troopers arrived, some of them from Ground Security. The area of the ambush had been cleared, and Jay told me Building Maintenance had been informed regarding possible roof damage. The morgue sent over a pair of workers to clean up the body debris. They were going to need a rake and a water hose.

After handing me my gym bag, I got dressed in my gym clothes. I think my socks were the only part of my work uniform to survive. Even my shoes had been badly scuffed. The tactical helmet was cracked, and the vest had been partially penetrated in three locations. The shirt and trousers were bloodied and torn in a few places as well. Everything that I wanted saved, like my patches and grade pins, went into the gym bag. The shoulder holster went on, but the hip holster went into the bag.

"I dropped off the samples for identification," Jay told me. "Once we get a DNA profile, we can run it on the other database as well."

"Sounds good."

"Based on this morning's event, I'm ordering the restoration of bodyguards on Captain Tlacotli and her crew. Also, I'm ordering there to be two bodyguards on you at all times. They will shadow you everywhere you go outside your residence. You will have twenty-four hour protection, Commander. I'm including Captain Lovyanchiti, Lieutenant Fortri and myself as well. I've also notified Ground Security that you and your staff have received death threats, and sent a copy of the incident report to both the Air Marshal and Itznacoco."

"Anything else?"

He frowned. "No, sir?"

"We need to add a new protocol for all incoming personnel. The advanced scanning capabilities of the scout helmets can pick up the nano-devices, so everyone entering High Guard needs to get scanned. Not just the vehicles, but the people, too. That includes all air transports, those coming in by ship, and those returning from Capisco. Make sure Navy is informed, too."

"I'll see to it, Commander. This sure changes things. Human bombs? Holy fuck. In light of the time we've already spent on the Minister's shit show, I think our exercise time today is a bust. Shall I take you home so you can get changed?"

"No, I have my Class A in the boot of my cruiser, and a spare Class B in my office."

"Then we'll swing by the airfield then."

"Oh?"

"Captain Tlacotli recently had words with Captain Lovyanchiti, and she passed it on to Pen and me."

I glanced at my watch. It was just past zero-six-thirty. As of this morning, Janetta was on desk duty, so she had a later shift. However, it was interesting that my fierce warrior was getting my command to accommodate her wishes. I think it was fair to say that Doyya had been properly impressed with the need of keeping Janetta happy.

"I see. All right, Jay. Airfield first, then back to the office. I'll want to check on the status of Megonom and Banders before we leave. You have my rifle and tablet?"

"The rifle has been secured, and taken to the armory to be cleaned and checked out. Your helmet and vest will be replaced sometime this morning. The rifles recovered at the scene have been taken to the evidence locker. The assault rifle's a complete loss, though." He reached into his satchel, and after double-checking it, handed me my tablet.

When I wore my vest, it rode within an inside pocket on my left side for easy retrieval. It appeared intact. "I'll need to get a new phone, too. No, don't worry about it. I'll take care of that." I looked at my watch. "You're off in half-an-hour. You're going to be at this morning's review, aren't you?"

"I am," he confirmed. "Pen will be coming on soon, and he's covering the shop while we're all on display."

Megonom had been treated and released to light duty for the next twenty-four, and like myself, had been told to report back if any issues developed, especially if he experienced any headaches or dizzy spells, or if the ringing in his ears didn't stop within a few hours. Banders was still being treated, his partner waiting for his discharge.

At the lobby, I met my two bodyguards, who saluted as we approached. Jay and I returned them. Sergeant Mack and Corporal Akama.

Akama, Cooma, and Mack were the three returning security troopers who'd arrived at High Guard with sick children. All three kids were recovered and by all accounts, doing nicely.

"Mack, why am I not surprised to see you've been assigned as my bodyguard?"

"I hope that's not disappointment I hear, Commander. I would be wounded to the quick if it is." She gave me a smug smile.

"Not at all. Just wondering how you got the job."

She laughed. "That one's easy. I pulled rank, Commander. Corporals Haytam and Cooma are on afternoon shift, and Sergeant Vaniksl and Corporal Laylandi will come on duty tonight. We'll keep you safe, sir."

"I'm sure you will. How's Tambo?"

Mack gave me an emotional smile. "He's doing great, sir. Nothing more than a little colic these past few weeks. Thank you for asking."

I looked at the other woman. "Akama, you have a daughter, don't you?"

She beamed at me. "Shima, sir. She's growing like a weed and walking already."

"Terrific. Sergeant Zinja tells me that's when the trouble starts, so good luck with that. Jay, are you coming with us?"

"No, sir. I have a bit more paperwork here to fill out, and in an hour, I hope to collect the DNA profiles on those two maniacs. I'll swing by the office once I'm done. Mack, the commander is going by the airfield before returning to the office. Hangar 36."

"Yes, sir. If you'll follow me, Commander?"

On the way to the cruiser, I said, "I've changed my mind. We'll swing by my place so I can change into my uniform. Then we'll swing by the airfield, and then to the office."

"Sir," my driver, Akama, acknowledged.

Once we were in the cruiser, we rode to my home in silence.

Both troopers waited outside, but Mack put her helmet on, then scanned around as I got out.

Out of habit, I checked the door and it was locked. Then the House AI let me in. Striding inside, I found everyone but my daughters up and at the dining table eating breakfast or in the kitchen. When they saw me, they stopped in surprise.

The next instant, Calia was out of her chair, hugging the stuffing out of me. Ixma was right there with her.

"Ranji?" Janetta said, leaning back in her chair, tossing her napkin onto the table. "First off, I thought you went to work, and second, why the fuck did you leave without saying goodbye this morning?"

I put my hands around Calia's face and tilted it up. "Thank you. That's twice in two days that you've saved lives." Then I kissed her. Ixma kissed my face and neck until my kiss with Calia ended, and when it was Ixma's turn, Calia did the same thing! When they were satisfied, they nuzzled into my neck so I finally got a chance to answer.

"I did blow you a kiss, Janetta. You, too, Zinja. I'm sorry, I couldn't sleep and I didn't want to wake you. Jay Raltikon and I were on our way to the gym when Calia warned me about an ambush--"

"Ambush?" She jumped up, her chair falling to the floor in a loud clatter. "What do you mean, ambush!"

"We were warned, so we took precautions and turned the tables on the assassins." I sighed. "Even so, there were some nasty surprises. Both men, when they died, became human bombs. I was thrown about ten, maybe fifteen feet. The hospital put on several Nu-skin patches on my bruises. My vest and helmet took most of the damage. The other trooper, Megonom, was much closer to the blast, but he'll be fine, too."

Janetta narrowed her gaze at Calia, then focused on me. "She warned you?"

"She did. There will be an Air Security unit keeping an eye on your hangar for awhile."

She stared back at me, her face unreadable.

"I'm all right, Janetta," I told her.

"He's going to keep on trying, isn't he."

"The Air Marshal said he and others would plead for the Emperor to intervene. Order him to leave us alone. I don't know what to say, Janetta. I will do my best to stay alive and keep the rest of you alive as well."

"He's the fucking Minister of Imperial Security, Kandikan! He's got thousands of men at his command. Human bombs? What's to stop him from slipping us some poison in our food the next time we go out to eat? By the gods, you think it was him that tried to blow up the school! Think about that! He was willing to murder thousands of other children just to kill Calia and your girls."

Zinja half-rose, her hand reaching out, but Janetta brushed her away.

"What's done is done, Janetta. What matters is what we do from here. Yesterday, I made the offer to repudiate everyone and move out, but you told me to stay, that you couldn't bear it if I left. If you are having second thoughts, I need to know."

Zinja looked torn. Calia, Ixma, and Cholan looked at me, hurt and afraid. Little Mama exclaimed, "Repudiate us? Ranji, please, no!"

Janetta balled her hands into fists. "I hate being this damn vulnerable! Afraid for you, and for them, too!"

"Love doesn't make you weak! It gives you something to fight for!" I took a step forward. Calia and Ixma let me go.

She raised her hand, pointing her finger at me. "Don't you dare say I'm afraid!"

"Seven hells, Janetta, you know better than that! Besides, it's doing what needs to be done in spite of the fear in your belly that counts. My feelings for you and the rest of my family haven't changed, and I will do my best to smash any attempt to hurt any of you. You are first in my heart, Janetta. That's never changed. And there's no other warrior I want more fighting beside me more than you."

"Isn't that the damn point?" she snapped. "He won't fight. One of his minions will strike from the shadows like a sniveling coward. Poisons, bombs, saboteurs."

"Do I go or stay?"

"You ask that one more time and I will kick your arse out the door right now! Stop asking already." A single tear spilled from her eye. "Gods of North and South, Kandikan. You are such a shitload of complications. By all the gods, how much should a woman have to endure?"

"You'd endure more because you love me. I love you, too, Janetta Tlacotli. I love you true."

A grudging nod from her. "May the gods take pity on me."

Zinja snorted. "That aircraft has done left the hangar already, Captain."

Janetta chuckled. "I do believe you're right, Sergeant."

"So are we good?" I asked her.

"We're good, Kandikan. Yeah. By the gods, why should I even worry? You have your good luck charm looking out for you."

"You have nothing to fear from me, Captain," Calia said. "And as freakish as you may think me, I assure you, I am fully human, with wants and needs just like you." She gave me an emotional look, then strode away. Then I heard her running up the stairs.

Seven hells!

"She warned Ranji and saved his life this morning!" Ixma exclaimed. "If that's freakish, I pray the gods I gain the same gift! She saved him, but the image of him dying this morning remains a part of her memory. Did you know that? She got the warning, but at what cost to her heart? Frankly, I don't know how she stays so strong. But you? Captain, you act like she did something wrong!"

"That's enough!" Zinja warned, standing up.

"Get it together, Corporal," Janetta growled. "You don't get to question me. Ever. Am I clear?"

"This has nothing to do with the Air Service! This about our family!" At Janetta's deepening glare, Ixma snapped out, "Sir!"

"All right--" I began.

Janetta whirled on me. "Do not get between me and my ground crew, Commander. They are mine. Mine! Cholan? Are you ready? Because I'm going now. Zinja, you and Ixma follow in the HueCac. I expect you to have straightened out the Corporal by the time you get to work."

"Yes, Captain." Zinja stared at her daughter.

A shaken Cholan got to her feet, grabbed her gear bag, and followed Janetta out to the garage.

"Mama, you know I'm right," Ixma said earnestly.

"And you could see she was upset," Zinja countered. "You know when she's upset, it's stupid foolish to challenge her. You let her blow off some steam and when she has a cooler head, she'll make it right. But if you stand in her way when her temper's under a full steam, you're just going to get hurt."

There was a blaring horn from the garage, and Janetta bellowing out, "Move your damn vehicle out of my way! Now!"

I hurried to the front door, but Akama was already backing out of the driveway.

Janetta backed out, tires screeching, and then floored it, zipping away. Knowing Cholan hated flying, I felt sorry for my island girl.

Closing the door, I returned to the dining area. Zinja was still talking to Ixma. Terra and Salvia had disappeared. However, Sowitwee, Nariya, and Daydo remained quietly at the table, listening.

Zinja shook her head. "Do I have to go over again how much she's done for us? How much we owe her?"

"No, Mama," Ixma said, her head bowed.

"We're both in uniform, Corporal. You know the rules."

"Yes, Sergeant," she replied.

"You going to behave today?"

"Yes, Sergeant."