Starlight Gleaming Ch. 21 Pt. 02

Calia gave Sowitwee a smile, fixing him a sling. "All right. This will help staunch the bleeding for right now. Don't use the arm, Sergeant! I'm serious."

"Yes, ma'am," he replied.

Troopers Kimmi and Wahno had single gunshot wounds; Kimmi to her upper thigh and Wahno to his arm. Deeko, unconscious, had bled a bit before getting attention. He'd taken a bullet to each arm. Menali was also unconscious; he'd fought upstairs beside Janetta. One hit to his right arm and two to his left leg.

Calia examined them in turn, her hands on both sides of the wound while her face showed intense concentration. There were a lot of wide eyes and gasps as another bullet came out while the bleeding diminished. After that, no one said a word, absorbed and amazed by what they saw. Once the bullet was removed, she dressed the wound with a pressure bandage with a matching Nu-skin on the reverse side. When she was done, our supply of large bandages was exhausted.

Each bullet removal seemed to wear on Calia. When the last of wounded had been seen to, she moved over and plunked down heavily next to Ixma on the floor.

"All of you here saw what Lady Calia did with your own eyes," Mack growled out. "She's a healer. Lady Calia saved Akama, here, too! The commander doesn't want this talked about. He's afraid some might not understand and try to hurt her. Or some higher-ups might try to take her away from him."

The Ground Security troopers and Izel's servants continued to stare, some of them trying to absorb what they'd just witnessed.

Akama quietly told them, "When I was shot and taken to the hospital, the doctors said I shouldn't have survived, I was hit that bad. She stayed beside me until they could put me in the tanks. Lady Calia saved my life. She's a genuine healer she is, right out of the old stories. You all saw what she did for them with your own eyes! We have to protect her -- like we protect the commander and his family."

The vests we wear are really very good. It's the equivalent of wearing an inch of flexible tungsten-steel plate-armor without the same weight. The round that had hit Akama had penetrated her vest, but in so doing, had dropped a huge amount of velocity, passing through the nano-hardened steel and the lattice-mesh behind it, while absorbing and re-directing the secondary shockwave away from the body. Had she been hit three inches lower, hitting her below the vest line at her unprotected rear end, the bullet would have amputated her leg at the hip, likely turning her hipbone into explosive shrapnel, killing her instantly as it ripped her apart before punching through to hit me. My own vest still would have taken a lot of the damage, but the bullet would have had a much higher chance of killing me as well. Pen, too, had nearly died. That had been a very lucky day for all of us.

I suppose it's natural to ignore the materials and tools that work like they should and only pay attention to the deeds of those around us. Perhaps that's the right of it after all. The tools help, but it's the people and what they do that matter most.

Nariya snuggled in against her husband while her son nursed contentedly. "Wit? I don't see your father. Where is he?"

"Gone," he answered, his voice tired and empty. "They killed him, Nariya."

"I'm so sorry, honey!"

"Pops saved me. While I was... when I was reloading, he jumped up and he fought with them!" He gave out a long, shuddering sigh. "Yesterday, after little Daydo was born? He said to me that you made the most beautiful babies, and that you were the best mother he'd ever seen."

"Oh, Wit!" Leaning against him, she buried her face into his chest and wept. Soon, they were both crying, sharing their grief while consoling each other.

The rest of us listened, our thoughts too full of fear to be spoken aloud, as if giving them voice would give them life.

Janetta pulled from her trouser pocket a shot-tumbler. Uncorking the partially opened metl juice bottle, she filled it and held out both. "Sergeant Mack. If the wounded are awake, give each of them two full shots. It'll help deaden the pain. If you run out, let me know. I have two more bottles here."

She and Zinja had polished off the fourth the night before.

"Yes, Captain." Mack came over, took the items and did as she was bid.

I turned to Janetta, "Only one of Izel's men-at-arms made it here? I saw the dead one by the front door."

"No, her second man's upstairs. My headache was getting worse, so I went back upstairs around nine. I was dozing when they attacked the front door. I grabbed the pistols and was going to head downstairs when they began battering at the door to the deck.

"Megallo, I think his name was. He didn't have a pistol, so he stayed around the corner and when they opened the door, he used his long knife, stabbing a couple of them. He didn't last long. Menali and I kept them back with our pistol fire, but I was soon out. He kept guard at the door while I dug out your rifle and put it together. Three of them charged the door, and Menali went down. I took out two with one shot, but the third shoved on past, crashing into the girls' room. He screamed almost immediately and came right back out, covering his eyes with his hands. I shoved him back outside and used the gun butt to crush his windpipe. I went back inside, put a fresh magazine into the Talon, put on both holsters, and then crawled out onto the desk to see what I could do to mess up their day.

"The first two, though. By the gods, Kandikan! One bullet instantly killed him and the man behind, and continued merrily along, punching a large hole into the second floor of the house next door! I think it would kill a mastodon with one shot! That rifle has a lot of kick, Ranji, and it sure makes some big-ass holes."

"It's supposed to take out light vehicles and take out a man with one shot at greater than normal rifle range," I replied, musing over her report. "I'll have to contact our neighbors tomorrow about the repair costs. Probably should do the same for those across the street, too. Hopefully, no one was hurt. Despite my popularity with everyone else at High Guard, our neighbors probably pray that we would move. I could tell you didn't put the noise suppressor on, either. You're sure he didn't hurt anyone?"

Ixma shook her head rapidly, glancing at the tired Calia with concern before giving the slowly nursing Mina a caress.

"No time," Janetta replied. "He went in, screamed, had his hands over his eyes, and came right back out."

Janetta looked thoughtfully at Calia, but the subject of her talk lay still, her eyes closed. Ixma, with Mina huddled in her lap, sat next to Calia. I wondered what it was that Janetta wasn't saying.

"Tenant?"

I looked and saw a worried Sisi on the other side of Ixma. "Yes, Sisi?"

"Can I get a magic hug?"

"Yes, of course, Sisi! Come on over!"

She stepped over people and then flew at me. "I'm scared, Tenant! Are we gonna be okay?"

Picking her up, I held her close. "I love you, Sisi. That's why we're down here. To help keep everyone safe. Remember what we do when you're scared?"

"Remember your family and do the best you can."

"That's right. You're doing good at being brave. I'm so proud of you." I opened up my vest and wrapped one side around her small shoulders.

Seeing Ixma watching us, I nodded to her. She quickly came over and set Mina beside Sisi, then stirring up the lethargic Calia, she half-carried her over, and both of them sat heavily next to me on my left side. Calia shifted, laying her head into Ixma's lap. Mina, disgruntled at being moved, crawled back to her momma. Ixma leaned against me, trembling, and I put my other arm around her.

Janetta watched the whole thing without comment. "I didn't see Izel anywhere, Kandikan. I understand she left the house this morning with you. Did you lose your wife?"

"No, I didn't lose my wife. We were having lunch at the Commissary Diner and we ran into the Commandant. Because the house was under attack, I didn't feel right bringing her along. The general said he'd look after her."

"Ah."

"I'm awfully glad you're okay, Janetta."

She gave me a rueful smile, reaching over Sisi to pat me on the shoulder. "You're a shitload of complications, but I'm happy to see you, too."

"No kiss?" I asked her. "Still hurting?"

"Like a mother fucker. Head's pounding, too. All that burnt gunpowder has made my head hurt even worse. It's never been this bad before, Ranji. Never. It took almost half a bottle of metl juice earlier this morning for me to function. Which reminds me. Did I tell you that rifle of yours has a lot of kick? My shoulder's going to have a bruise."

"When we get out of here, you need to get checked out. I'm serious, Janetta. This isn't normal."

"Yeah, yeah, I hear you, Commander."

"I happen to love you, Captain."

"I know, I know. I'm also beyond my Queen Bitch zone, so cut me a fucking break, will you?"

Sighing, Janetta stood up and removed the rifles, stacking them into a corner while keeping them within easy reach. Making her way to the wall near the stairwell, she put her palm on the black screen. "House AI, respond."

The screen flickered to life, and a friendly male figure smiled at her. "House AI responding. Greetings, Captain Tlacotli. How may I be of service?"

"What's going on up top?"

"High Guard War Base is currently under attack by ten aircraft from the Atlantean Air Force. They are inflicting heavy casualties. Emergency channels are all broadcasting instructions that all civilians and non-essential personnel are to seek shelter. Both cell towers are off-line so portable phones, wifi, and all civilian communications are unavailable at this time. Landline phones are working, but the system is overwhelmed."

"Are the roof cameras working?"

"Affirmative, Captain. Shall I engage them?"

"Yes, show us what you've got."

The screen immediately changed to four different pictures. There was no sound, but it was unnecessary. From three directions, the images were appalling. In the south to the heart of the war base and to east toward the naval base, multiple pillars of smoke spiraled skyward. The upper floors of the Naval hospital were burning fiercely. Fire crews tried to extinguish the flames while the Atlanteans periodically strafed them. The north camera showed a pair of Atlantean craft coming in for a strafing run on the airfields. SAMs and anti-air missiles from Tlokan tanks raced up, exploding harmlessly against their energy shields. The Atlantean craft roared in, delivering energy blasts to those on the ground and leaving smoking ruins behind.

The east camera showed SAM batteries emptying streams of missile salvos into the sky, while further out at sea cruisers, frigates, and destroyers moved briskly along the waves, their anti-air guns blazing. Further out, the heavy cruiser, Ascension Day, was stopped and listing heavily, fires engulfing the bow and bridge while three aircraft hammered away at it. Sea tugs desperately sprayed water on the flames, and as we watched, one tug was hit by an energy blast and vanished in a fiery explosion. The Sea Dragon and her sister ship, Sea Tiger, peppered the sky with a carpet of continuous flack bursts -- to no effect.

Again, Atlantean fighters dove down and strafed the airfield, chewing up whatever they aimed at, and about every third or fourth shot, a huge explosion would erupt, sending burning debris into the air. Those were likely aircraft hangars. Then they'd pull up into the air, turn around, and come back again.

Janetta watched it all in bitter silence, her fists clenched.

In the air, a dozen Lightnings dove about the more nimble Atlanteans, firing their cannons and missiles -- all to no effect. Two Lightnings deliberately rammed an Atlantean, sacrificing themselves. It actually worked, resulting in a massive, bright fireball of shrapnel and men, the fiery chunks of burning aircraft falling into the sea. The exchange rate was horrendous. In that same few seconds of time, we saw at least five more Lightnings shot down, either exploding immediately or the burning craft spun wildly as they crashed into the sea.

Suddenly, from further out rose two large submarine-launched missiles. They shot up about five hundred feet and exploded. The first EMP missile became a small yet intensely blinding sunburst, and all the Atlantean craft wobbled in flight. However, all the remaining Lightning interceptors suddenly lost power, forcing their pilots to eject. Just as the second EMP missile exploded, all our cameras went out.

At that same instant, an explosion rocked our shelter. Our lights went out, and in at least two places, seams shifted above us and dirt trickled down from the ceiling. There were several cries of alarm and at least two shrieks in the darkness. Sisi buried her face into my chest, and Ixma called out my name. Two seconds later, dim red lights came on, and fear turned to relief.

The monitor screen had some scrolling text, and Janetta read it to us. "House electrical system temporarily down. Battery back up engaged. Rebooting system. Public power grid down. Cell-phone service down. Broadcasting emergency status. Ventilation filters intact and working. All other services are on stand-by. Parts of the house are not responding. House fire in progress. Exit inadvisable at this time."

Turning to me, her face grim and morose, Janetta said, "I guess we wait."

* * * * *

Part 12 -- Taking Stock

* * * * *

After a few minutes, one of the Ground Service troopers asked, "Are there supplies in here? Food and water?"

"We have both," Calia said, her eyes still closed. "Everything's fresh as of last month. Carefully move my wardrobe. Behind that are more supplies. Plates, bowls, cups, and silverware. The door leads to the toilet and sink. The shower's not working, though. Parts are on backorder."

The wardrobe was carefully moved, and bottles of water were handed out to everyone.

I'd left my satchel in the back of the cruiser. So, setting down Sisi, I made my way to the AI screen and had Mack and Akama dictate their shift report. I instructed the Ground Security to do the same, while the details were still fresh. I'd work on my own report later.

Making my way back, I sat between Janetta and Ixma. Sisi climbed back into my lap, and I finally convinced Janetta to let me put my arm around her. She grabbed a fresh bottle of metl juice and set to emptying it. What could she do? She was physically and emotionally hurting and frustrated while having watched her fellow pilots die bravely, and nearly all of them to no effect.

Sometimes I think she's prickly so I'll pay attention.

Sisi soon fell asleep. Checking my watch, I saw it was about her normal nap time. With the fresh infusion of alcohol and exhausted from days of headaches and cramps, Janetta fell asleep against my shoulder.

After a couple of hours, Calia got up and moved aside some of the boxes. She set up the small portable stove and began cooking hot dishes, serving people in rotation.

Sisi woke up, stretched, then introduced herself and checked on everyone. "The captain will want a report," she whispered to me. I had to smile.

Handing over Mina to me, Ixma got up to help Calia prepare food. She set about making almond butter sandwiches to supplement the hot food, quickly going through most of both loaves of bread. Sisi's juice was mixed with water to stretch it out. Sisi felt important, carefully pouring in half the juice, and then handing over the cup for some bottled water to be added.

Because there were more people than eating utensils, there was a box with plates, cups, and silverware, but not enough for the extra mouths to feed. When a meal was finished, they were washed in the sink.

The shelter had supplies for twenty for three days. We had twenty-six, and five of them were wounded. The latrine was frequently in use.

During this time, both Mack and Akama began to get uncomfortable. I was astonished when Calia dug into the boxes of supplies, producing a new milking unit still in its box. I began to believe she thinks of everything. In the spirit of conservation, rather than dumping the breast-milk down the sink, it was offered up to be shared. In some cases, Calia used milk instead of water. While both women were a little embarrassed, I think they also felt good about contributing. Wanting to help them feel better, Sisi had them pour some milk from their bottles into her cup and after drinking it down, pronounced it good and thanked them.

The troopers and servants seemed to have no problem chatting amongst themselves. Unsurprisingly, it was mostly about what they wanted to do once they got out!

Naturally, another topic was how soon it was before we were to be rescued. Mack insisted that I was an important man. Those in charge knew where I was, and they'd be looking for me soon. The others readily agreed, believing rescue was imminent.

Time ticked by and I dozed.

Dinner, like lunch, was a round-robin affair. While they were quick to prepare, Calia could only heat four meal packets at a time, so people had to wait for their turn. What helped is she pulled out a big bin of dried fruit slices and a few boxes of energy bars. With those doled out, people had something to munch on while they waited for their hot meal.

Once everyone had eaten, Calia gently checked on the wounded. Those still asleep were awakened to at least take plenty of water. Thankfully, there were no fevers. Each of the wounds seemed to have clotted nicely. Each one was given two pain blockers from the med-kit to help them rest more comfortably.

That done, Calia asked Nariya how she was doing. She was still achy and healing from childbirth, so she also received a pair of blockers. Janetta still dozed against me.

The line to the bathroom was kept clear. With that many people, we ended up having to empty one of the plastic storage bins so that those who just had to urinate could go so as to avoid accidents. Periodically, it would get dumped, rinsed, and Calia sprayed it with disinfectant to keep the smell down.

After dinner, in lieu of our regular story, I talked to my girls and told them about a few of my adventurers as a young boy, including hunting "monsters" in my mother's garden. Too late I remembered the trouble I used to get into with some of the casualties from my exuberant escapades being her rare plants, but recovered, telling them how sad the injured plants made their Grandma Shanti. We sang the Farmer Song, and afterward, a few others sang some popular tunes. Some voices were better than others, but it helped to pass the time.

There were a few cushions, but more blankets and small pillows were passed out. It was summer out, and while it was cool, it certainly wasn't cold in the shelter.

I stretched out, and Janetta got one side and Ixma the other. The girls settled on a folded blanket for padding, curled together next to Ixma. Calia lay down on the other side.

Just before twenty-two hundred, my phone rang. Some heads raised while I retrieved it from my front pocket. Several sets of eyes looked at me with anticipation.

"Kandikan here."

"Are you all right, Commander? What's your status?"

I couldn't help grinning. "Greetings, Captain Lovyanchiti. Your voice is a most welcome sound."

Quiet cheers and a couple of fist pumps at me identifying my caller. Janetta lifted her head to listen.

"We have five wounded, two are quite serious, but all are stable at this time. There's twenty-six of us in the emergency shelter. We're crowded but okay at this time." Then I listed off the names of everyone.

"Hang on," I added. "I'm putting you on speaker so everyone can hear what you have to say."