Defender (Battle Born Book 4) (27 page)

“The support of Tandori Tribe is important to our long-term goals, but recruiting hybrid females might be far less crucial.” Kotto ended the prediction with a sly smile.

“Meaning.” Garin was clearly not in the mood for word games.

“I’d just left the
Intrepid
when Vox arrived. According to Kaden, all four of the research teams agree that they’re ready for human trials.”

Garin stilled and possibilities narrowed his gaze. “The second formula is finished?”

Kotto nodded. “All the simulations have been flawless. Now we need to see if the procedure works with full-blooded human females.”

“That would certainly simplify things,” Raylon mused.

“And it strengthens our position with Ulrik,” Kotto added. “If the second formula works, we’re no longer at his mercy.”

Garin shook away the speculative haze and refocused on the present. “One obstacle at a time. Akim has eluded us for much too long and Milanni needs to answer for her actions.” Vox had placed the device on the table. Garin motioned for the Bilarrian to hand it to him. “How did you convince Haven to give you this and where did she get it? I’m presuming she didn’t happen to have the exact device we need on her person when she was kidnapped.”

“Not at all. We told her that being able to find the
Relentless
was the price for her rescue.” Vox paused for a sardonic smile. “Danvier might have hinted that we’d put her right back where we found her if she didn’t agree to our terms.”

Everyone chuckled and Garin said, “Sounds like Danvier.”

“It took her a while, but she figured out what we needed and where to find it. The device was stored in this massive warehouse about an hour away from the capital,” Vox explained. “You wouldn’t believe all the tech the IG keeps on hand.”

“Tech is what the Integration Guild does,” Garin muttered as he turned the device this way and that. “How does it work?”

“It plugs into your scanner system, allowing you to detect the ‘continual modulation of their transponder signal’. Beyond that, I have no clue.”

Dread spread through Raylon as he processed the implication. “The
Crusader
and all the
Phantoms
have modulating transponders. Can any technomage with one of those devices track us?”

“Afraid so,” Vox agreed.

Raylon shook his head. “We should have realized the IG wouldn’t leave themselves vulnerable. They never introduce a new technology without building a back door into it.”

“A lesson we learned from Letos,” Garin muttered.

“Who’s Letos?” Vox looked around the table, waiting for someone to explain.

“He’s a technomage/spy,” Raylon told Vox. “He was working undercover aboard the
Relentless
when Bandar crossed paths with him. Bandar was trying to figure out how to bio-stream through Akim’s covert shields and suddenly Letos had a device that allowed them to do exactly that.”

“The IG intentionally creates problems so everyone has to turn to them for solutions. That way they benefit from both sides of the equation.” Garin looked even more suspicious than Raylon felt. “I’ll have our engineers make sure this new device does what Haven says it will do before we install it in one of our ships.”

“A wise precaution,” Vox agreed.

“Then they can get to work on a countermeasure for the weakness.” Garin shifted in his chair, scooting closer to the table. “Akim thinks he’s safe. That’s how we’ll get him.”

“This needs to be fast and clean,” Raylon warned. “As soon as he realizes we’ve found him, he’ll jump to safety.”

“Can the device be replicated?” Kotto asked.

“I didn’t ask, but I don’t see why not.” Vox shrugged. “It’s tech. There’s nothing magical about it.”

“Then I say we use the
Phantoms
,” Kotto suggested
. “
All six have been updated with the device Letos gave us, so they can bio-stream through covert shields. Besides, spatial displacement and vapor trails will be minimized with the smaller ships.”

“Do you need all six?” Garin asked. “The greatest danger is premature discovery.”

“There are only four available,” Raylon pointed out, “but that should be enough. Danvier hasn’t returned with
Phantom One
and
Phantom Six
is still grounded, or at least it was this morning when I checked.”

“Raylon, I want you to coordinate the strike. No one thinks faster on their feet than you do.”

“Of course.” Garin’s unflappable confidence in Raylon meant the world to him.

“It’s basically two simultaneous missions.” Garin rubbed his chin as he often did when he was strategizing. “One team needs to focus on capturing Akim, the other Millani.”

“Two ships per team.” Raylon nodded, the pieces starting to fall into place within his mind. “Three men per ship.”

“I’m just warming a seat.” Vox pushed back from the table. “Unless you have more questions, I’m going to head back to the Pavilion.”

Garin stood as Vox came around the table. “Thank you.” They clasped arms again. “I know what you risked to help us.”

“I might be willing to assist from time to time, but anything I do would require the same discretion.”

“Things are moving quickly now. I’ll keep your offer in mind.” Vox left and Garin returned to his chair. “This is your mission,” he told Raylon. “I’ll allow you to choose your teams.”

“I appreciate the freedom.” He hesitated then asked, “Is anyone off limits?”

“Who’d you have in mind?” Garin leaned back in his chair. A lifetime of training and experience had made him comfortable in the role of general.

“There aren’t that many pilots with actual time in the cockpit of the
Phantoms
. Unless Danvier returns, which is doubtful, I’ll have Zilor fly my ship.”

Garin chuckled. “Don’t let my puppy know he’s your second choice or he’ll pout for a week.”

Raylon smiled. Zilor hated the nickname, which was why Garin persisted in using it. “It’s nothing personal,” Raylon assured him. “The puppy knows I love him. Danvier just happens to be a better pilot.”

“Anyone else?” Garin asked, dismissing the momentary tangent.

“Kotto, Bandar, and anyone else you can think of with lots of fighter experience.”

“You’ll want Orrin,” Kotto suggested. “He’s meaner than hell’s outer ring, but can fly anything.”

“I’ve got no problem with mean,” Raylon assured him. “Is he part of your crew?”

Kotto shook his head. “We served together a few years back. He’s on the
Destroyer
now
.
Their flight instructor in fact.”

“Sold.”

“Who else?” Garin asked.

“I need Kaden Lux.”

“Why Kaden?” Kotto wanted to know.

“Garin trusts him to keep things running smoothly, but—in my opinion—he’s wasted on the
Intrepid
.”

Garin smiled. “Babysitting scientists might seem beneath him, but the
Intrepid
is the most important ship in the fleet right now. I wanted one of my top men ensuring that nothing goes wrong. What those scientists are doing will determine the fate of the battle born.”

Raylon tensed. “Does that mean I can’t have him?”

“I didn’t say that. If he’s willing, you can borrow him for the mission.”

“Thank you.”

“Why is Kaden wasted on the
Intrepid
?” Kotto asked.

Raylon wasn’t sure how many were allowed to know Kaden’s background, so he looked at Garin rather than answering the question.

“Kaden Lux spent ten years as a field operative before I promoted him to commander,” Garin explained. “He’s a damn good commander, but at heart he’ll always be a spy. I’m sure he’ll enjoy a little adventure after months on a research ship.”

“Do you want Akim alive?” The bitterness in Raylon’s voice made it obvious why he asked.

After a thoughtful pause, Garin said, “We need to interrogate him. If it comes down to escape or execution, I’ll accept execution. But I really do want him alive.”

“Then Kaden needs to lead the team targeting him and I’ll lead the team targeting Milanni.”

“It’s your call, but Akim is a higher priority than Milanni.”

Just thinking about all Chandar had suffered because of Akim sent rage coursing through Raylon. He had to take a deep breath before he could speak. “If I see Akim, he’s dead. If you want to interrogate him, it has to be Kaden.”

“Like I said, it’s your call.”

* * * * *

“Are there any questions?” Raylon looked around the conference table five hours later. The men he’d hand selected stared back at him attentively. Each man understood the importance of the mission and the need for secrecy. Akim had eluded them for so long, the only news Garin was willing to release was of Akim’s capture or death.

“Do we know the current position of the
Relentless
?” Zilor asked.

“We do. Kotto found the ship about an hour ago.” Raylon shook his head, disgusted by their enemy’s proximity. “Akim parked his ass just inside sensor range. Like an invisible fly on the wall, he’s been monitoring every move we make.”

“I know the covert shields disrupt sensors, but won’t they be able to spot us visually?” Orrin was from the
Destroyer
, so he wasn’t familiar with the integrated systems found on the newer ships.

“The covert shields are amazing,” Zilor said with a smile. “You could be standing next to one of the
Phantoms
and not know it.”

Orrin only nodded, so Raylon went on, “The coordinates will be transmitted to each
Phantom
as soon as you clear the mouth of the cave.”

“You said there will be two teams. Who’s on which one?” Bandar asked. “And who’s the other team leader?”

Raylon quickly told each man which team he was on then said, “Kaden will lead red team and target Akim. Blue team is with me and we’ll target Milanni.”

Kaden was clearly surprised by the choice, but he didn’t object. Instead, he asked, “Dead or alive?”

“Garin wants him alive, which is why you’re leading red team.”

Understanding unfurled in Kaden’s eyes as he said, “Got it. Are we authorized for deadly force if he leaves us no other choice?”

“Yes. Akim cannot be allowed to escape this time.” Raylon looked around the table, waiting for anyone else to speak up. When no one did he pinged Garin.

Easily guessing the reason for the call, Garin responded using Raylon’s private link.
They’re working on the last ship now. It’ll be ready by the time you get down here.

Copy that. We’re on our way.
Raylon pinched off the connection before he spoke out loud. “Show time, gentlemen. The
Phantoms
await.”

Raylon pushed to his feet and the others quickly did the same. They walked through the commerce district and out the main door of the outpost, trying not to look too conspicuous. Anyone who was paying attention would know that something was about to go down, but only a select few knew the specifics of the mission.

Garin stood beside
Phantom Five
, so Raylon walked past the other shuttles. Zilor and Lintrel, the other member of Raylon’s crew, followed in his wake. “Was there a complication?” Raylon nodded toward the mechanics who were still working on the shuttle.

“No.” Garin waved away his concern. “They’re almost finished.”

“Is Kotto still monitoring the
Relentless
?”

Garin nodded. “He’ll make damn sure Akim doesn’t slip the noose again.”

Raylon shook his head. “I can’t believe he’s been out there all this time. I thought for sure he’d left the star system.”

“I suspect he was about to when he heard a certain announcement from our favorite crown stirate.”

“Oh, you mean the one offering fifteen million credits for the Nox brothers.”

“That would be the one,” Garin grumbled.

“It’s finished, sir,” the lead mechanic called as he ushered his team away.

Garin acknowledged the statement with a distracted wave, but his mind was already on the mission. “You have Akim’s ident code?”

“Of course.”

“And Milanni should be the only female aboard, so you’ll be able to identify her.”

“Yes, daddy.” Raylon grinned. “The teams have been briefed. Everyone understands their role and we have everything we need to make this happen.”

“Then why are you still standing here.” Garin shoved him toward the ship.

Zilor and Lintrel were already seated and halfway through their pre-flight checks by the time Raylon joined them aboard
Phantom Five
. “Let’s do this thing.” He retracted the stairs and closed the hatch before taking his seat behind the other two. Raylon might be commanding the entire mission, but Zilor had the most experience piloting the
Phantom
shuttles. Well, Danvier was even more skilled, but he had yet to return from rescuing Haven. Lintrel was young and idealistic, and Raylon liked his drive.

“Kaden’s in
Phantom Two
,” Zilor told him.

Raylon nodded then switched his audiocom to the designated frequency for the mission as he asked for a ready count.

“
Phantom Two
ready,” Kaden assured.

“
Phantom Three
ready.” Orrin’s voice was the least familiar, which helped Raylon identify him.

“
Phantom Four
already in position,” Kotto assured. Raylon had filled him in on what his role in the mission would be before he departed in search of their target.

“
Phantom Five
is ready,” Zilor said for the benefit of the other pilots.

“Triple check your covert shields then follow us out,” Raylon ordered and Zilor set their ship in motion.

They didn’t have far to go. As promised, Akim had positioned the
Relentless
at the edge of scanner range. Arrogant bastard. He was close enough to monitor the outpost’s main entrance without risking a collision with one of the ships flying in to or out of Lunar Nine.

Zilor flew in a wide banked loop, coming up behind the
Relentless
. The larger ship was still shielded, so they couldn’t see it, but thanks to Haven the
Relentless
showed up clearly on their scanners.