Starlight Gleaming Ch. 21 Pt. 02

"His own sister?" The general's face darkened thunderously.

"Yes, sir."

General Rikoletsi is an impressive man. Four inches taller than I am, he's also about sixty to eighty pounds heavier. And while he's in his fifties, there's no gut as far as I can see. The man is just huge.

"First Tolmec shames her with his deeds, and now this?" His voice dropping to nearly a whisper, he said, "Commander Kandikan, I have a younger sister whom I love to death. If anyone hurt her or my wife like Izel has no doubt suffered, I would rip their arms and legs off and use them to beat them to death. It grieves me that you can't break his neck, Commander. However, if Lord Kirfan were to have multiple broken bones from any duel that might arise between you two, and if getting access to the healing tanks took some time? Well, those sorts of things happen, don't they."

"Commander!" Mack suddenly called out. She pushed a button on her radio set, and the speaker came to life.

"--Red! Repeat, all units, Quadrant 6, Code Red, Code Red! Distress signal from House AI at 1210 Cirrus Drive. Troopers reported down at the scene. Multiple armed assailants, possibly as many as twenty. Multiple shots fired. Day Overwatch reports at least two missile hits to the structure itself. Confirmed, Raptor Flight is launching to assist. ETA four minutes."

"Go, Commander! We'll look after your wife! May the gods keep you safe!" He clapped me on the back as I grabbed my satchel.

"Ranji!" Izel called out. She and Lady Killa jumped up, alarmed. "What's going on?"

"Someone's attacking our home! Stay with the general, Izel! I've got to go!"

"Ranji, wait! Please, don't go! Not without a kiss goodbye first!"

I spun about and headed for her.

Her arms latched on like steel, hugging me fiercely, tilting her head up, and tears suddenly spilling. "If this is Kirfan's doing, he's a stupid fool! I know you have to go. Go save them. But I just got you, Ranji Kandikan, and I couldn't let you go without a kiss for luck!"

I kissed her, and she leaned into it, mouth open, hungry, and urgent. And then I pressed her away, and she released me. "I love you, Ranji!" she cried. "Please, come back to me!"

"I love you, too," I told her. And we ran out of the Diner's main doors.

* * * * *

Part 11 -- Two Raiding Parties, No Waiting

* * * * *

Outside, Akama tossed me my helmet. "Put it on!" she barked, then hopped into the driver's seat. Mack tumbled in on the other side, and I climbed into the back, helmet beside me as I belted in.

In seconds, lights and siren were on, and she backed out, tires spinning. To avoid the lunch rush coming to the Commissary Diner, Akama honked and went over the sidewalk to the street. In seconds, we were on Meridian Street, heading north.

Mack turned on the radio.

"-- is Unit 39, Trooper Inklee here. We are under fire. Repeat, we are under fire. At least a dozen suspects visible, but probably more. They have five, no six vehicles. There it is, one of them just rammed the garage door! Looks like they didn't get in. They are armed with tactical gear, pistols, and rifles. Repeat, assailants armed with tactical gear, pistols, and rifles. Units 7 and 18 are in place at the intersection of Meridian and Cirrus, re-directing traffic away from the scene."

"Confirmed, Unit 39. Hold your position at this time. Reinforcements on the way. Unit 42, status report."

"42 here. Just arriving east end, at the cross streets of South Agate and Cirrus Drive. Setting up roadblocks now."

"Dispatch, this is Unit 18! 39's been hit! Repeat, vehicular explosion at the west end of Cirrus Drive! It appeared to be a rocket or missile of some sort! Vehicle is fully engulfed by fire. No sign of Inklee or Melkeem!"

"This is Unit 7, Trooper Azsoc, south side of Meridian. Melkeem was blown clear, but appears badly injured. Gustar is moving in... he's got Melkeem! Pulling him clear now. Dispatch, Inklee didn't make it out."

"Units 7 and 18, reports logged. Ambulance already on its way. Deadly force is now authorized. Repeat, deadly force authorized. Stay in position. Raptor Flight, this is Dispatch. What's your status?"

My phone buzzed. I pulled it out on the off chance it was someone from home. It was the Commandant.

"Kandikan here."

"Rikoletsi here. I know it's not much help, but I've authorized General Barankoshto to respond as she sees fit. I've just checked the status of Lord Kirfan. The officer on duty reports all of Kirfan's men are accounted for. I know it's not much consolation, Commander, but I thought you should know."

"Thank you for the call, General."

"May the gods be with you." Then he hung up.

Then I called Pen. He picked up on the second ring.

"Ranji! They're saying your home's under attack! Where are you?"

"About a rad away and moving in. Mack and Akama are with me. Listen to me, Pen. The security units are arriving piecemeal, and the men attacking my home have portable rocket launchers. One man dead, one injured, status unknown. One vehicle destroyed. Most of our people are green with just a couple of months of training. If they go in separately, they'll get slaughtered. We don't know what other firepower they might have. The 67th has launched some Raptors to help take them out. Keep the rest of our people back until either the Raptors deal with them or the Ground Service heavy units arrive. Get our own Heavy Weapons people ready but keep them in reserve. Do not pull anyone from mission critical areas! They are to proceed to their assigned positions and proceed under alert status. Until we know different, we have to assume this is part of something bigger."

"Your family!"

"Gods, I know that, Pen. That's why I'm heading there and why I need you to stay there and run things."

"Understood. And confirmed, Commander. What vehicle are you in?"

"Unit 23. Mind the shop, Watch Commander. And if you break those ribs again, I'll be pissed."

"Message received. Safe hunting!"

I hung up.

"They shot him!" Mack exclaimed, pointing. "There! See him? The helicopter's been hit and he's trailing a lot of smoke!"

"-- I say again, Mayday! Mayday! I'm going down! Main rotor hit. Power gone. Will attempt landing at parade ground. No civilians there."

"Gods be with you, Daywatch! All other units, maintain your assigned patrol areas. Regular Ground Service units are being mobilized to assist. All units at the Cirrus Drive scene, switch to Tac 6. Repeat, all units at the Cirrus Drive scene, switch to Tac 6."

"That's got to be frightening," Mack muttered, adjusting the radio frequency. "To suddenly lose control, falling from so high up."

"It's no picnic," I replied. "He's too low to use a parachute. If he jumps, the blades will kill him. He's scared, but all he can do is ride it down. He knows he might not make it, but he doesn't want to hurt anyone else when it crashes. He knows his duty and he's doing it. That's real courage."

"You sound like you know what he's going through, Commander," Mack said.

"I do, somewhat. Last year I was in an Albatross flying at night in the mountains. It was a slightly smaller version of the one we flew when we picked up all those kids. A SAM battery targeted me and fired. I jumped out just as a missile blew the plane apart. I was smacked by the plane's wing like a bug with a flyswatter. I survived, but I was seriously hurt. Between that and the frostbite, it took two days in the nano-tanks for me to heal."

"Are we setting up the command post at the west end?" Mack looked at me.

"No. I'm going to get the rifle and spare ammo in the boot, and you two, armed with those shields and your pistols are going to provide me with cover. They're still trying to get inside my home and hurt my family. I intend to kill as many of the bastards as I can."

"Commander, we're supposed to keep you safe, sir," Akama protested.

"From assassins, yes. Tell me, troopers. If these pieces of shit were coming for Shima and Tambo, what would you do?"

"Kick them in the balls and double-tap the fuckers between the eyes," Mack growled out.

"We're with you, Commander. But the captain is so going to have our asses," Akama said worriedly.

An ambulance soon passed us going the other direction. While the new Ground Service hospital was closer, with Meridian Street blocked, it was a long drive around, so they were likely heading to the Naval hospital.

Akama parked us mostly onto the sidewalk so as to not block the street. She opened the boot while I secured my helmet.

Mack grabbed the shotgun and loaded it, chambering the first cartridge. Stuffed a couple of boxes of ammo into the oversized waist pockets in the front of her vest.

Handing me the rifle, she next passed me two spare magazines. I passed out belt knives for all three of us. Grabbing batons and shields, Akama looked at me.

I paused. "You okay?"

"Does it get any better, sir?"

"Eventually the bad guys learn to move on." I put my hand on her shoulder. "You were hurt really seriously not so long ago. Sometimes the mind takes a lot longer to heal. Do you need to sit this one out? There's no shame if you do."

"I'm scared shitless, sir. But I'd never be able to look at myself in a mirror again. I'm an Air Security field trooper. I'll do my duty, Commander."

"Llam nuqan," Mack said, dropping down her faceplate.

"Llam nuqan," we echoed back, doing the same.

Seeing us approach, a Ground Security corporal approached. Seeing my rank, he quickly snapped a salute. "What's the plan, sir?"

"We're going in along the south side of the street and flank them, Corporal."

"Yes, sir!" Turning, he barked out, "Peelo, Oyam, Beckar, grab shields and ammo. We're going in, supporting the Commander! Zomal, Sanko, stay here and re-direct traffic!"

More helping couldn't hurt, I thought. Let's hope they don't have anymore rockets or missiles. Or at least let me see them first.

As our larger party reached the corner, air raid sirens began.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Mack snarled, glancing skyward.

"Could be a drill or it could be an attack by the Atlanteans," I said. "We keep focused on the job. Eyes peeled and head on straight. I don't want any more troopers down! Now, get moving!"

"Sir!" they echoed.

My house is at 1210, six houses east of Meridian Street. The other cluster of security forces were at the eastern intersection where it crossed with South Agate Road, two blocks away. At the north end of Meridian was the new Ground Service hospital. At the south end of Meridian were the Commissary buildings, laundromats, rec halls, uniform supply and the like.

We scooted along the ground, our clear shields out front. Down the street, we could hear the periodic pops of pistols and automatics, with the occasional sound of a shotgun going off. We were at the third house when the bad guys noticed us. Several of them changed position and opened fire.

The sirens continued their loud wail. And the sound of Lightnings hitting sky, followed by the booms of their afterburners.

Bullets began to bounce off our shields, refocusing my attention.

"Hold up," I said, and they hunkered down. Releasing the safety, I chambered a round, then took a kneeling position, extending the barrel between Mack and Akama.

Then I heard the distinctive heavy pop of an LRS-12. One of the attackers in front of my house practically exploded next to the ChoCac he'd been hiding behind. Two turned, looking up towards the second-level deck. I took aim and squeezed off a shoot, then swore as it missed by a foot. The sight was off! Adjusting, I popped off five more shots in rapid succession and both men fell.

Two more shots from the LRS, and another man hit the street a bloody mess, ending the resistance nearest to us.

Out past the beach, naval anti-aircraft guns began firing, their noises even louder than the afterburners.

Shit. That means the air raid's real. Focus!

Moving my barrel over Mack's head, I shifted targets, aiming at the men and vehicle two hundred feet further east down the street. Another six shots.

Then the Raptors arrived, screaming in low over housetops. Two banked up, then did a run down Cirrus Drive, a cascade of rockets screaming out from battle pods and pounding vehicles and men. Two more hovered over the house we were in front of and let loose with Gatling cannons, liberally spraying the area with hundreds of rounds of high caliber death.

In seconds, the five ChoCacs were burning wrecks, and all movement ceased.

And just as quickly, the Raptors lifted high enough to clear rooftops and zipped toward shore, hanging low over the war base. Higher up, another Kite accompanied them.

"Holy shit," one whispered.

"That's how a Raptor do," said the Ground Service corporal. His name was Aarpo, like my nephew.

"Up, up, up!" Mack suddenly yelled. "If anyone's alive, they'll be out of it. Secure them and move on. Move it!"

"Keep an eye out overhead," I warned. "Looks like the Atlanteans want to play, too."

Mack and Akama kept close to me. As I trotted forward, scanning for any hostile movement amidst the smoke and burning vehicles, the other four flanked us. As we split off toward the house, they rushed ahead to the burning vehicles for any survivors.

As we approached, a voice called up from the deck, "Ho, security forces!"

Janetta stood up on the deck and waved down at us.

Popping the visor up, I shouted up, "If it isn't the most beautiful warrior woman in the world! Well met, Captain!"

"Kandikan? Is that you? Am I glad to see you! We got casualties inside!" Then she turned and entered the second floor of our home.

We came upon the sixth vehicle that had tried to crash into the garage; the door was badly damaged, even buckling partway, but the vehicle had failed to penetrate.

Coming around the corner, we saw the hole where the front door used to be, and the blast marks from the heavy rocket. And a cluster of bodies piled up at the doorway. The left side of the house also showed scorch marks.

"Air Security!' Mack called out, taking the lead. "Coming around the corner! Hold your fire. Air Security!"

I kept watching while Mack and Akama secured weapons, then grabbed legs and hauled bodies from the entrance. There was movement inside, and I saw Sowitwee pop his head around, his face with multiple scratches and his left arm soaked with blood.

He nodded at me. "Nice to see you, Commander. Permission to be relieved?"

The SAMs at the airfield began letting loose, the missiles shrieking skyward.

"You're relieved, Wit. Everybody, downstairs, into the emergency shelter! Mack, call those troopers outside and get them in here. Akama, go to the pantry, get the first aid kit, then help Wit get down into the shelter. Go!"

Flipping the safety on, I strode inside toward Wit, and almost stepped on another body just inside.

Daydo, his blood-soaked chest and unseeing eyes, lay lifeless on the floor. Another body lay just inside. I recognized him as one of Izel's men.

"The shotgun was empty," Wit said, Akama helping him stand. "Skoto was already dead. Two more came, pointing guns. The one in front aimed right at me. Had me, dead to rights, sir. Pops sprang up and grabbed his arm. They struggled while I reloaded. He killed Pops while the man behind him shot me, so I opened up until both of them fell. Pops saved my life."

I nodded to him. "Your father loved you, Wit, and he loved being here with you. He was doing his best to repair his relationship with your sisters, too. I know he adored Nariya and was over the moon at seeing his grandson. He was a good man. A brave man. He died a warrior's death. Sergeant, where's your wife and son?"

"Hiding in our room. They tried to make for the underground shelter, but one of them bastards was shooting through the broken garage door. They almost got hit! Your girls are upstairs, sir, with Ixma and Lady Calia."

"Akama, take him downstairs into the shelter."

"Yes, sir. Let me carry the shotgun, Sarge."

Heading for Wit's room, I opened up the door slowly, not knowing if she was armed or even if she knew how to shoot a pistol. "Nariya, it's okay. The bad guys are dead. Come on out! Bring your baby and his change kit. We need to head downstairs to the shelter, right now."

Poking her head up, she looked scared. "Lord Kandikan, thank the gods you're here! Is my husband all right?"

"He's hurt and will need mending, but I believe he'll live. Hear the air raid siren? We need to get you and your son downstairs to safety."

Baby Daydo clutched protectively to her chest, she rose to her feet. Salvia and Terra surprised me, popping up beside her. Terra grabbed the baby's change kit.

They filed out, scurrying toward the garage.

In the living room, I found four Air Security troopers laid out on the floor, all wounded. Two had multiple gunshot wounds in limbs. There was evidence of other hits, but the vests had protected them.

Huddled on the couch were Izel's three servants and two cooks, frightened and holding onto each other. The sixth servant -- I think his name was Ando -- another bloody casualty.

"Mack, where are those troopers? We need to get everyone downstairs."

"They're coming, sir. If you can walk even with help, raise your hand."

"Hey, Kandikan!" Janetta came downstairs, my sniper rifle slung over her shoulder, and wearing two holsters, hers and my spare. Behind her came Ixma and Calia, carrying my girls, their faces a riot of fear and relief and hunger to be held.

I moved to them, and they mobbed me at the foot of the stairs. A few kisses, then I said, "I know, I know. I'm glad you're all okay, too. Come on, head for the shelter! Janetta, where's Zinja and Cholan?"

"They're at the new hospital. They left right after breakfast. Cholan was so sick this morning, she was vomiting, so Zinja took her in. Poor kid. Zinja wasn't feeling all that great herself."

I handed her my rifle, and she slung it over her shoulder beside the LRS-12. I grabbed Corporal Menali who was unconscious. Aarpo and the other Ground Security troopers helped with the other wounded while Mack herded Izel's servants ahead of us.

In the kitchen, Janetta grabbed her four-bottle carry case of metl juice and the bin of cookies. Ixma snagged two loaves of bread. Calia collected a spreading knife and the jar of almond butter. Sisi got out the big jug of juice out of the fridge and they carefully went filed into the garage and we descended into the shelter.

Janetta, who'd pulled up the rear, reached over and pushed the red button. The door pulled closed and locked with a heavy click; the lights on the stairwell brightened.

It was very crowded downstairs and people were still shuffling around, trying to find a space to call their own. Calia unfolded blankets, and the wounded were carefully laid out. Everyone else crowded together.

The shelter comprised two adjoining rooms demarcated only by the arch midway along the room's length. Aside from a few portable chairs, a fair portion of the front part was heavily crowded with Calia's bed, dresser, two portable wardrobes, two chairs, and boxes of possessions. Most of the people sat on the floor.

Wit, Nariya, and her baby ended up on Calia's bed.

Once some of the blankets and pillows had been distributed, Calia came over to examine Sowitwee's shoulder wound. After carefully removing his shirt and wiping away the weeping injury, she applied some pressure to both sides of his shoulder. We watched her concentrate, and then we saw with astonishment the bullet slowly pop out. It rolled off the bed and bounced onto the floor. Calia carefully put on a Nu-skin patch on the backside of the injury, holding it in place for almost another full minute. The bullet hadn't gone through, but the analgesic would help with the pain. The front part was doused with sulfa powder and then given a pressure bandage to allow it to drain.