Starlight Gleaming Ch. 21 Pt. 03

"Many of those that have been here for years have not seen sunlight in all this time, and are showing signs of vitamin D deficiency. STDs are also rampant. Oh, and one last thing. The Security forces at High Guard were looking for the man you know as Charunt. The one called Charunt at Sparantzlo was human. We found evidence that the one you believed was the same man was actually draconian in disguise. Your troopers killed all the draconians down here. Ah, we've arrived."

Ja-See parked off to the side and we got out. The astonishment of her news about Charunt was compounded by the sudden sight of a small city underground, complete with lighted streets filled with shops, many of which had windows recently shot out, and squads of Ground Service soldiers nearby.

Four soldiers in power armor stood at attention at the nearest building. Near us was a Type-M ChoCac, its crew on alert. Beside that was a Ground Service staff vehicle.

After we were examined, the lieutenant opened the outer door, leading the way.

Inside was a converted office, with dried bloodstains in one corner. At the desk were wires and cables rudely spliced into a junction box and connected to a desktop computer.

I should not have been surprised, but Sergeant Barris was at the desk, looking very sleepy. "Are you taking over?" she asked Ja-See.

"I'm sorry, but not yet. I received word that some of my underlings are arriving by submarine today and are expected to arrive at any time. I have brought the commander to see the general, but I must leave right away to meet these new arrivals. Just don't mess with anything and the computers will continue to download information while searching multiple databases."

"Databases? As in more than one? I thought we were only searching the Imperial database?"

"That wouldn't help us identify the foreigners," Ja-See explained. "We're also connected to the state and the national law enforcement database for the Seven Nations, as well as their military records, law enforcement records for the Eastern Island records, the Aesir, and the Atlanteans. I couldn't make connections to any other governments from down here."

"Who are you again?" Barris asked, but by then Ja-See was already exiting the building.

Barris stood up. "Here, you," she said, pointing at Klitch. "Sit here. Don't touch anything, and don't let anyone enter without permission, and you get it by asking first."

Panicked, Klitch looked at me. "Commander?"

"Trooper, we won't lose you, I promise," I assured him. "Meanwhile, do as she told you."

Barris went to the door and knocked twice, then opened the inner door. "General? He's here. I'm going to try and get a few hours."

"I don't blame you. I'm getting pretty punchy myself. Thank you, Barris."

"She'll see you now," she said. To Klitch, she growled out, "If you wish to live, do not disturb me before ten hundred hours." At the couch she grabbed a blanket, rolled over, and promptly fell asleep.

Bemused, I went to the door and opened it. "General Barankoshto?"

"Kandikan, come in! Come in!" Then she spied Janetta and Zinja behind me. "Only have one comfy chair for visitors, but you have a choice of three folding ones."

Behind her in the corner, a tech was operating a field radio, talking quietly with various units and writing things onto a tablet.

I offered the comfy-chair on wheels to Janetta. Zinja and I took two of the folding ones.

"Why am I not surprised by you doing that gentlemanly courtesy to a lady officer?" the general said. "Well, I wanted to bring you up to speed on what's been going on down here. Did you hear about the nest of draconians? Yes, nasty business that. From false IDs found, we are sure that one of them is the one who escaped from custody when you first arrived, Commander."

"Are you sure?" I asked, anxious for confirmation of Charunt's death.

"I'm satisfied and Tikún isn't a hundred percent, but they concede that the one we apprehended could have been using his camouflage to mimic the identity of a known Imperial Agent. It's been known to happen." She gestured at the window. "We are taking the place in sweeps. It's slow going because we're trying to get the war base back up and running while dealing with this mess and everything else. It's possible some might have escaped, but if so, not many got away. All other known exits have been located and locked down. Several even tried to escape by mini-sub, but the Navy detected them on their patrol and fired on them, forcing them to surface. Capisco Harbor Patrol picked them up early this morning. Because they have criminal records and were found in unknown underwater vehicles, they are currently being detained for suspicious activity.

"On the surface, we have three mechanized infantry platoons in various warehouses and run-down industrial buildings that -- surprise, surprise! -- led to this little hidden den of thieves. We've asked Navy for cooperation and information sharing, but they haven't been very responsive yet. If you can believe it, we don't even have a full list of personnel that worked at Brader Naval Hospital. They insist their hands are full with ship repairs and whatnot. What I suspect is they're trying to hide their losses to appear more competent."

The general snorted, then she frowned at Janetta. "Captain, why exactly are you here today? This is not your usual duty concern."

"You're correct, General. Our bulldozer broke down, and we need one to finish clearing the airfield. I tried to speak to War Base Command and Control, but I've been redirected to submit our request to you." Janetta smiled.

When the general glanced at Zinja, the mechanic said, "I'm just here to lend support to my officer, sir."

Rubbing her tired face, the grey-haired officer sighed. "So, I get you a bulldozer and you get out of my hair and I don't have to deal with your CO, is that it?"

"Basically, General," Janetta admitted.

"Huh. No promises, but in the spirit of joint cooperation, I'll see what I can do, Captain. Commander, I'm told something from Research and Development is on its way to High Guard and a working airfield is needed to test it out. Meantime, I need you too--"

The phone on her desk rang. Turning it to face me, she said, "I believe that's for you, Commander."

I picked up the phone. "Kandikan here."

"I'm trying to reach Faraway Imports. Could you repeat your name, please?"

"Is this Detective Sergeant Jon Crazy Wolf?"

He paused to exhale. "It is. Commander Kandikan? Commander Ranji Kandikan?"

"Very good, Detective," I concurred.

"I dialed a local phone number, Commander. A local Capisco business phone number. How is it that you answered this phone?"

Checking the phone, it said Local Government for the caller ID. "I'm not sure what to tell you, Detective, except that maybe it's your lucky day."

"Look, Commander, as much as I'd like to chat, I need to follow up on some official business. I'll speak to you later."

"No problem," I told him. "I'm not going anywhere."

He hung up.

I looked at the general, but she was chatting quietly with the tech, and they were both looking at something he was showing her on his tablet.

The phone rang again. I answered.

"Maritime Custom Rentals? This is--"

"Jon? Is that you again?"

"Kandikan? Maybe you'd better explain after all. We have reports of Imperial soldiers sighted in various businesses along the waterfront area. What do you have to say for yourself?!"

"First off, I thought you were Homicide. Were you and your partner demoted since last week? If you were, I hope it wasn't because of something I said or did."

"Ha ha. Very funny. We had a report of several shots fired, including automatic weapons. However, when a police cruiser went by, they were told by three different staff at various businesses it was all just some fireworks that were accidently set off and it's all under control now. When pressed, the shop owners refused to give a statement or to cooperate further."

"I wasn't trying to be funny. Besides, I thought we had reached some sort of professional respect, Jon."

"You still haven't answered my question, Commander. What exactly is going on down at the waterfront?"

"Oh, well, that's a good question. When a farmer builds a barn, it usually means that rats move in shortly afterward. Look, didn't we do you and your people a solid with the information we provided you several months ago?"

"Yes, and we thanked you publicly, I might add. Two of your people are set to receive awards from our police department. Are you asking for a favor now?"

"Yes, but mostly patience at this time, Detective Sergeant, but we expect things to reach a satisfactory conclusion soon."

"So now I'm Detective Sergeant?"

"Both of these phone calls were to different businesses, were they not?"

"Yes?"

"Are they associated with a gang or cartel?"

"Maybe."

"Jon, I need you to work with me here. You want me to be forthcoming, but you don't want to admit to anything first? What kind of message are you trying to send?"

"I've got an open murder-kidnapping file on my desk. The murder is unsolved as is the kidnapping. I hate open cases. What do you know, Commander?"

"He really hates them," Thunder Cloud added.

The general paused and turned to watch me intently.

"So I've been informed," I replied drily. "Officially, Lieutenant Tchanoonka and Sergeant Parletl died heroes, and that's as much as I can say. I'm sorry but my hands are tied there."

"You know for certain that she's dead, Commander?"

"Unofficially, the man who ordered her death sent us a digital recording of her murder. She faced her death bravely, but it was a hard and brutal death. Savage, even. Mark it as unsolved and committed by unknown agents of Imperial Security, but you will get no further on that case."

"You say there's a recording? Could we at least have that?"

"No, and not because I'm trying to block you. Once you see it, you cannot unsee it. Let it go, both of you. I assure you, we have not forgotten their murders and we are pursuing justice within our political reality. Now, do I need to repeat my question?"

"No, Commander. These businesses are known to be under the control of the cartel known as the Obsidian Tears."

"All right, I need to put you on hold for a few minutes. Will you remain on the line?"

"Yes, Commander. It better be good though."

I pushed the hold button. "General, are the young women from the Seven Nations available? I believe it would be better for us to turn them over without delay. They may have been brutalized and will likely need medical treatment and counseling, but most would benefit from a return to their families. No one would be forced to leave, of course."

"That was the same assessment of your Special Ops Lieutenant," General Barankoshto said. "If that's what you want to do and it will buy us more goodwill, I will agree to this. All the refugees are on the surface under guard. The blacks and whites are being held at separate locations, pending further questioning. We don't expect much from any of them, but our CID unit wants another round of Truth Drugs to be sure."

"Agreed, General. However, I'd like officers from my own unit to at least be present when and where possible. The goal is to foster joint cooperation and shared experience. To get that experience, they need to participate."

"That's entirely reasonable, Commander. I will instruct the 1267 accordingly," she said. "The Seven Nations' kids are now your responsibility."

"Thank you." I punched the hold-release button on the phone. "Jon, are you still there?"

"Yes, we're both still here. I was beginning to wonder if I needed to call back."

"When we provided you with names and places last time, how many people being trafficked would you say were rescued?"

"Sixty-seven," supplied Detective Aranan Thunder Cloud.

"And if I said that today we freed more than ninety additional captive women?"

"Is this true?" Jon demanded.

"I will call you this afternoon with details with names and last known addresses. Those who want to go home will go home. Those who want to stay because of their home situation, you will be given the opportunity in an attempt to make things better. However, if they end up choosing to stay, we will not make them go, and you will have to accept that. Do you both agree?"

"Sarge? It's your call."

"Apparently, that's why they pay me the huge salary with the gracious vacation package and lovely retirement benefits, so I can take the fall alone."

"Ouch," his partner replied. "That was harsh. I'll stand with you, whatever you decide."

"What is it that's bothering you about this?"

"Besides the fact that we have nothing to show for this miracle appearances? No open case files, no investigations? I'm not saying we aren't grateful. But our bosses will want to know answers after all the furor dies down."

"Gentlemen, I sympathize. But for the time being, this remains an active Imperial operation. I'm told some of these are young women who've run away from home. You will get to close those files. Be aware that some of these women have been assaulted by the criminal gang that held them captive. Some will require counseling and all of them should receive a physical as well as examination for sexually transmitted diseases. I will collect the list of names and will call you at approximately fourteen-hundred this afternoon with their respective particulars. At eighteen hundred, we will arrange to transfer them by bus into your custody. I will answer more questions this afternoon. Good day." I hung up.

The general gathered up her things.

"Are you leaving?" I asked her.

"One of my brigade commanders is expected to arrive within the hour to take over here. I'll collect Barris, and will happily drop you and the captain wherever you need to go."

I looked at Janetta. "What do you want to do?"

"The sergeant and I will head to work. Meantime, we will anxiously await the fulfillment of our request, Commander."

We moved into the front office to await the general's ride. Klitch stood, giving the seat to the general. With Barris asleep on the couch, there was no place to sit. Still, Janetta perched on the arm of the couch.

The general broke the silence. "I tell you straight up that two days ago, I didn't even know if we were going to have a High Guard. What Navy did hurt, but it also stopped those bastards cold. Despite the fact that High Guard was soundly beaten, unit after unit fought bravely. Both the Commandant and I took notice of your unit in particular, Commander. Just over three months ago the 602 was a broken regiment that existed only on paper. It had no morale. I'm aware you put in twelve-hour days six days a week and your command staff work just as hard. When this breach was discovered, I knew you would have preferred to rescue your people, but you followed orders and instead of saving a few hundred, you and your wife have directly saved thousands. The Main Gate tells me supplies are coming in by the truckload. Yes, Mobile Construction worked their asses off, but you made the deal happen. And while you were occupied, Captain Lovyanchiti and her volunteers did you proud. Elements of the 851st Mechanized Infantry fought beside them. Reports from Captains Reno and Kolloksl spoke glowingly of the bravery of Captain Lovyanchiti and her troopers, stating that the fierceness and thoroughness of their attacks repeatedly overwhelmed the enemy with a minimum of casualties to our side, and earned the respect of their fellow warriors."

"I will convey your words to them, General." I noticed Janetta nodded in approval at the general's words.

"Have you had a chance to debrief your Second, Commander?" she asked.

"Lieutenant Ja-See told us some of it, but no, not yet," I admitted. I caught the look from Trooper Klitch. He'd heard something. "But I intend to."

"If the Seven Nations asks, the official answer is there are no other prisoners than the ones apprehended by their Harbor Patrol. The Empire has dealt with the issue and the matter is closed." She paused. "It would be good if you talked to the women in your command. Their rage was just, but they could use your direction." Pursing her lips, she added, "Sometimes it's an effort to remember that not all men are bad, that good men really do exist. General Rikoletsi is a good man. So are you. It's up to us women and the good men to teach the young ones how to behave. I am grateful for the changes you have made to High Guard, Lord Kandikan. You stood up and took a stand. From one warrior to another, I thank you."

The front door opened and in walked three officers followed by their support staff. As the general stood, all of them saluted her. A field commander said, "Reporting for duty, sir."

She returned the salute. "I was under the impression that Commander Baylakon was taking over here, Xiatsl."

"A call came in for assistance just as we arrived, General. We were detached here to assume temporary command while the commander and the rest render field support to First Company."

"Very well. I consider myself relieved. You have the command, Xiatsl. I was debriefing Commander Kandikan, and he and his party are returning topside with me."

"Not a problem, General. The transport we brought is a W-type. There should be room enough for everyone. The troopers can ride in the escort vehicle. Another ride and escort are already waiting for you topside."

"Very good. Carry on, then. Commander Kandikan, would you be so good as to carry my helmet?"

"Of course, General." I took the helmet in question.

With a great deal of gentleness, the commanding officer of the 67th Armored Division knelt down and scooped up her sleeping aide. Barris started to protest, but the older woman made a shushing noise, then quietly said, "I've got you." And like that, the cradled woman settled back to sleep.

Janetta's face was unreadable, but Zinja looked on with an indulgent and knowing smile.

A Ground Service sergeant held open the door for us as we exited.

* * * * *

Part 19 -- Reinforcements and News

* * * * *

The general had her ride and escort. But rather than strand Janetta and Zinja at the airfield, I had the troopers drop me off at Air Security before driving them to the airfield, where they would remain on duty until relieved.

Janetta informed me she was still pissed at me, but acknowledged that I had done good things. Then they took turns giving me a sultry kiss before leaving. Before she stepped into the cruiser, she said, "If you're going to be late, you better call."

"Yes, ma'am," I said.

Zinja settled for a brief kiss and a solid hug. Then they drove off.

I went into the main office area and checked to see who was in. Pen was actually at Housing, checking on the refugees and our returned warriors and their families. Someone had had the brilliant idea to team those who had been abducted with one of the recently returned women troopers to be a call-buddy. Pen had taken several staff, and they were getting a list of supplies and arranging for food.

Since Pen was already on the task I was going to work on, I told him to get me a list of names, dates of birth, and last known addresses onto a list. He promised to take care of it.

In the office itself, I found Lieutenant Tsutsunin busy working at her desk. She was Pen's Second. She gave me status reports, and after half-an-hour, I let her get back to work.

We had one hundred and seventy-three known dead, and over a hundred still missing. Each day that went by increased the chance that when we found them, they would add to our fallen.