Gateway (Gateway Series Book 1) (23 page)

“Mori, you—”

“I still feel like crud but needed a shower. I was—”

She was cut short by Ty’s embrace. “I missed you. I didn’t know you had been captured. I had—”

“Not now Ty. I just want to rest…and eat. I’m starving.”

“Sure. I’ll take care of it. I’ll go right now and get something,” replied Stone quickly. “I’m just glad you’re doing better.”

Stone quickly picked up an exchange card and turned toward the door.

Mori stopped him, grabbing his arm. “Ty.”

“Yes?”

“Thank you. For everything,” she said as she rose up on her toes and kissed him lightly. “You saved me.”

Stone smiled. “Now let’s get you some food.”

Chapter 15

Stone and Mori sat at the small table in their room. A few weeks had passed since they had arrived in Port Royal and Mori was getting stronger every day.

“How about blonde?” asked Mori as she looked at the hair growth enhancers Stone had bought at the market.

“I liked it the way it used to be,” replied Stone.

“Bald?”

“No, like when I first saw you.”

“Flattery…nice. I think I should change it, though. There will be bounty hunters and spies looking for us if they aren’t already. Besides, you get to grow that beard.”

“It’s not like I have to follow regulations anymore,” he said as he rubbed his beard, now about an inch in length.

He placed his arms around Mori’s waist and kissed her cheek. She returned the kiss and Stone could feel her hands reach up toward his neck and embrace him.

Suddenly, she stopped.

“I’m sorry, Ty,” she said, putting her hands over his. “I’m not ready.”

“It’s okay. I understand.”

Stone felt for her. She was getting stronger. Her bruises had diminished and her sense of humor returned, but she still had demons that she had to come to terms with. “I want to be with you. I just—”

“It’s okay. Really. Whenever you are ready, I will be here.”

“Thank you,” she said, pulling his hands to her lips for a kiss. “We’re quite a pair.”

“We should probably figure out our next move,” said Stone as he felt the reality of his situation start to sink in.

“There should still be some agents here that I can contact. They could get us back to Terillian lines.”

Stone paused momentarily.

“What is it, Ty?”

“Sorry,” he replied. “I knew there would be consequences to my actions but it’s just really starting to sink in. I can no longer fight for the Xen war machine, even if I had not left the way I did. At the same time, I have no desire to kill Alpha Humana rank and file. They are only doing their duty.”

“Your—our duty is to the greater good, Ty,” said Mori. “Not to archaic codes based on lies.”

“We have to find a way to let the Alpha Humana people know that the Terillians did not start the war.”

“So you finally see things for what they are?”

“Yes. I have finally seen the truth and feel like a fool for spending my whole life fighting for a lie.”

“How much do you know?”

“I know that the powerful families of Alpha Humana, with Xen support or direction, have instigated this conflict.”

“Do you know why?”

“Something about providing slaves for the Xen home worlds.”

“There’s more to it than that, Ty,” added Mori. “I’m sure the increased raids by slavers over the last two decades and the operations around Navato have something to do with it also.”

“What do you think is going on in the Navato system?” asked Stone.

“A few years ago a long-range patrol picked up increased neutrino and electromagnetic readings just outside of the asteroid belt surrounding Venato.”

“The asteroids cause that whole area to be electromagnetically unstable though,” said Stone. “It’s almost impossible to track a ship there.”

“The patrol wasn’t sure either, but it stayed on station for a few weeks. During that period it picked up signals from Xen warships and dozens of slave transports-all heading into the Navato system. Most likely they were going to Venato. It’s the only planet stable to humanoids, so unless they terraformed another planet, it has to be Venato. Once I return to my unit I will petition for another mission. Maybe there the proof can be found.”

“What do you think they are doing there?”

“We don’t know. The last two missions have gone missing.”

“Maybe we can find support on Alpha Humana?”

“Who will believe you? You undoubtedly have been branded a traitor, and it’s not like I could just walk into your Senate and say, ‘Look, it’s not our fault. Join me in rebellion against your Xen masters.’ I don’t think that would go over well.”

“I know, but there has to be some way.”

“Let me know when you come up with a good plan. In the meantime, let’s get back to Akota territory and figure things out where we don’t have to avoid Xen hit men and the Elite Guard. There is a recreation center near here where Scout Rangers and spies have set up safe passage in the past. Hopefully we can get lucky. You have made very powerful enemies, Ty, and I am sure they will stop at nothing to get at you.”

***

Astra walked into her father’s marble-floored office. At the end of the room her father sat behind a grand desk surrounded by hanger-ons, advisors, and other cronies.

“Everyone out!” she shouted as she reached her father’s desk.

The room fell silent.

Astra cast a cold, concentrated look at the group.

Quickly grabbing up their documents, they scurried from the room.

As the door shut behind them, Astra sat on the edge of her father’s desk. “Father, have you found him yet?”

“Not yet, Astra. I have posted the bounty at 100,000 Humani with an additional 50,000 for the Terillian he helped escape. My agents on Port Royal are checking each polis and I have requested the Association Council contact me.”

“They will not give anyone up. They are too concerned with maintaining their reputation as neutrals. Why do we not just destroy the Association and take the base for ourselves?”

“Our resources are currently stretched too thin. Besides, as you know, the Association is not only useful to our financial endeavors, but vital to the Directive.”

“Can’t we use our secret pets?”

“No,” snapped Dominotra. “They are not ready…not yet. And you shouldn’t speak of them—not even here.”

“I understand, Father,” stated Astra matter-of-factly. “But he must be found. He must be punished for what he has done to me—to us. Increase the bounty as much as you need to catch them,” demanded Astra. “Our family has been dishonored and the other families must know you will not stand for it.” She paused for a moment before leaning down to kiss her father on the forehead. “I am sure you will do the right thing, as you always do, Father,” she smiled.

“I understand, Astra. You mustn’t fret. I will find them. Until we have, however, I have arranged for an Elite Guard officer to be assigned to watch over you.”

“Do you really think that is necessary? Most of the Elite Guard are from insignificant families and they are so…uncivilized.”

“This one is an exception. The newly promoted Major Arilius Tacitus.”

“The late General Cataline Tacitus’s cousin…Oh. What does he look like?” Astra’s face beamed.

“You will find out shortly. I have called for him. He should be here presently and I am confident you will find him satisfactory.”

‘
Senator, Major Arilius Tacitus is waiting outside
,’ was heard over Dominotra’s desk intercom.

“There he is,” stated Dominotra, activating his intercom. “Very well, send him in.” He glanced upward toward Astra with a smile. “He is currently unattached as well.”

As Arilius Tacitus walked into the room, his tall proportioned stature was the epitome of military bearing and professionalism. “Major Arilius Tacitus reporting as ordered.”

“You may stand at ease, Major. There is no need for military courtesies here,” replied Dominotra.

“Thank you, Senator.”

“Arilius Tacitus,” said Astra, as she looked him over from head to toe, “it’s nice to see that there are a few worthy officers in the Guard.”

“Thank you, Lady Astra. I am looking forward to this duty, although I do not think the traitor will bother you again. He is too smart for that, although he is a fool to have left you.”

“No need to look at this as duty, Arilius,” replied Astra as she looked him over. “He will do,” she said to her father as she turned toward the door. “Let me show you the grounds,” Astra said as she looked playfully at Arilius and extended her left hand for him.

Arilius took her hand and she led—almost pulled—him toward the exit.

“Astra, do not worry. I will deal with our problem,” promised Senator Varus.

“I am sure you will, Father,” replied Astra, her gaze still on Arilius. “Oh, and Father,” she said, looking over her shoulder, “make sure I see their bodies.”

***

“Here we are,” declared Mori as she and Stone walked into the crowded recreation center. The sound of numerous conversations, loud music, and laughter created a low roar. Scores of Recreation Girls worked the room, looking for the highest bidder. Criminals, smugglers, and renegades all called this and other places like it on Port Royal their temporary home.

They made their way to the main floor, which included two large bars and several gambling tables. A set of stairs in the center of the room led to the second level, where a series of rooms were utilized by the Recreation Girls to make good on the deals negotiated on the lower level.

“What kind of places do you hang out in?” asked Stone, as he smiled at Mori.

“Funny,” she replied. “Sometimes you have to get in the muck if you want a dirty job done. Over there,” she added. “The Scapi.”

Scapi were one of three nonhuman intelligent life forms that were known to the Humani. The Dorans and Xennites were the other two. The Scapi were from the water planet Scapalus. Evolved from sea mammals, they communicated through high-pitched squeaks and squeals. They were also massive. Generally close to three meters tall, they weighed in at over 1000 kilograms. Although very few of them actually left their home planet, those that did were usually pilots, merchants, or mercenaries.

“Good day, Hanagus,” said Mori as she bowed toward the Scapi.

The Scapi raised his webbed hand to his massive head and manipulated a device over an ear hole. A series of pitchy squawks and squeaks came from his mouth. A few seconds afterward, the universal translator attached to his ear spoke for him.

“Captain, it took a minute to recognize you. Your hair is a different color. Good to see you. Rumor had it you had been lost in space. Sit, please.”

The huge alien rose from the table and extended his arms to invite them to sit. Towering over them, his bluish-gray face and arms glistened from droplets of recycled water that continuously ran through a specialized pack on his suit, creating a slight mist around him.

“I am Hanagus Hanaga Hanagato—Hanagus for short. I manage the entertainment here and am a longtime friend of the Terillians. Who be this?” he asked, turning his massive head back to Mori.

“This is…my friend,” answered Mori.

“No need to be secretive with me, Captain. Rumor of a high-ranking Humani officer deserting to the Terillian side has been promulgated in the bounty hunter and mercenary circles. Together, you two are worth more than a million Humani.”

“One million,” replied a flabbergasted Stone.

“Either you must have some valuable information or pissed off someone very powerful.”

“A little bit…well a lot of both,” replied Mori. “But that’s not important, Hanagus. We just need to get back to Terillian territory.”

“I agree. There are a lot of people asking questions and bounty hunters crawling all over Port Royal. Let me have one of my girls help you out.” Hanagus motioned with his hand and a beautiful, scantily clad woman walked over to the table.

“Hi, Hani,” she said in a low, husky voice. “Are these two for me?”

“Yes, Bianca, but these are specials—the ones I have told you about. I recommend you take them to room 5.”

“Sure thing, Hani. Come with me, honey,” she said to Mori, taking her hand. “Have your man come along too.”

“Just a minute, Bianca,” interrupted Hanagus. “I am always willing to help, but I am a businessman and Bianca’s time is valuable.”

“I understand,” said Mori as she took one of the exchange cards and tossed it to Hanagus. “This should cover it.”

“Thanks, Captain,” he replied as he palmed the card with his huge hand. “Enjoy your stay.”

“Come with me, guys,” teased Bianca as she pulled the two away from the table.

Walking up the stairs to room, Stone took in the scene with a bird’s eye view. The bar was full of hundreds of rough-looking sorts—some were no doubt looking to cash in on the bounty on his and Mori’s heads.

After the three entered, Bianca punched in the lock code and turned toward Mori and Stone. “Captain. General. What do you need from me?”

“We need a spacecraft and passage to Terillian lines.”

“That will take a couple hours but it can be done for about 5000 Humani. You will meet a man named Tye at launch station 101 at 2200.”

“That’s it?” asked Stone.

“Pretty much,” replied Bianca. “The less you know about the details the better off we all are.” Bianca paused looking over them both. “That is unless you and your woman had something else in mind. You do have some time to kill and you have paid for me already.” She stepped toward Stone, placing her hand on his stomach and rubbing Mori’s arm with the other.

“No, that’s okay,” answered Stone quickly, backing away from Bianca. “Thank you for the offer, but no thanks.”