Gray Panthers Captain Short Blade (4 page)

The Phoenix, orbiting Dixie

10 April 2129

Short Blade was furious. He had been cleared to enter Dixie’s orbit as a prelude to landing, but now a pair of destroyers and four shuttles had taken up position around him, just waiting for the opportunity to blast him. He decided to grab at a straw.

“Comm, Ambassador Scholl!” he practically screamed.

Scotty wondered who could be contacting him via his old implant. “Ambassador Scholl speaking.”

“This is Short Blade. I’m in orbit, in my ship, the Phoenix. The Dixians are getting ready to blast me. Can you stop them?”

The agitation in Short Blade’s voice was genuine and kicked Scotty into gear. Picking up the red phone, he waited tersely while it rang.

“Command Center,” a bored voice answered.

“This is Ambassador Scholl. Connect me with whoever is in charge, now!”

Within moments, another voice began to speak. “This is Colonel Woods. Good day Amba—”

“There’s an Earth shuttle in orbit, the Phoenix, that’s about to be blasted by your ships,” Scotty interrupted. “If that happens, it’ll be an act of war. The pilot just called me. He’s a dear friend and comrade of mine. Why are you showing such provocation?”

“Sir, the Phoenix is being piloted by a Jacka—”

“Yes, Colonel, the most highly decorated, highest-ranking Jacka in the Gray Panthers. I have ordered the Bia to counterattack all ships that fire on the shuttle. Do you really want to start a war today?”

Scotty could hear shouts and commands in the background, and almost immediately the colonel came back on the line.

“Ambassador, the ships have been ordered to stand down, and I will have one of my shuttles act as an escort to avoid any more problems.”

Scotty could hear the panic in the colonel’s voice and decided to use it to his advantage.

“Colonel, have the escort ensure that the pilot is directed to Culpepper Plantation. I have a large shuttle pad area that is adequate for the shuttle to land. I’ll be waiting to welcome my old comrade.” Scotty felt the sweat sting his eyes as relief washed over him. He still wasn’t sure if his bluff might be called. “Comm, Short Blade.”

“Short Blade here, Ambassador. They’re no longer actively targeting me.”

“Do you have the ability to track me, Short Blade?”

“Yes, sir, I do.” Short Blade was puzzled as to where this was going.

“Home in on my comm device. I have a parking location for you.”

“Yes, sir. Just waiting for clearance from Dixie.”

              Scotty contacted the Bia. “Commander Erickson, please switch to diplomatic code.”

“Ambassador Scholl, we have switched to diplomatic code.”

“There’s a shuttle in orbit, the Phoenix, that is crewed by a Gray Panther. Please make it known to the Dixians that you are concerned about his well-being.”

As the commander adjusted the Bia’s orbit to bring it within ten miles of the Phoenix, the shuttle received its instructions.

“Phoenix, you are authorized to land on Dixie. Please follow your honor guard and accept our apologies for any misunderstandings.”

Before Short Blade could reply, he saw the shuttle pull up at his twelve o’clock position and then wiggle, indicating that he was to follow it as it began a slow descent into the Dixie atmosphere.

“Thank you, Control. I’m following my honor guard now.”

Though the atmosphere was very rough, the Phoenix’s advanced inertial dampeners and artificial gravity kept Short Blade from feeling any turbulence or strain from the Gs being pulled. Ten minutes later, he was over a large landing pad.

“Phoenix, this is Dixie Control. Please prepare to land, and contact us when you are ready to depart. Enjoy your stay.”

“Thank you, Control. Phoenix, out.”

Exhausted from the encounter, Short Blade had the AI land the shuttle. As soon as he opened the hatch, he saw Scotty standing there.

“Damn, Short Blade. That’s an interesting shuttle you have there. I thought you’d be flying a standard shuttle—this thing is three times the size. Must be a bitch for long flights … like coming here to Dixie. Thanks for making the trip. The gesture means a lot to me.”

Short Blade was caught off guard by Scotty’s display of emotion, but he knew what to do with the old pilot.

“Would you like to see my ship?”

In a flash, Scotty was up the small ramp, evaluating everything in sight.

“Nice big cargo area. Is that three cabins you have?” Not waiting for an answer, he continued on until he was in the cockpit.

“I like the way the controls are laid out. I see it’s set up for a two-man crew as an option. How long would a trip from, say, your home world to here take?” This time he waited for Short Blade’s reply.

“The Phoenix has an FTL, so it took about five days. She also has a class-one AI, so the longer trips aren’t as exhausting. She still feels small on long hauls.” Short Blade didn’t try to hide the pride he had for his shuttle.

“I’m impressed! Have you had any problems with pirates? With this beauty, I guess you can just hop if you find yourself in trouble. I envy you your new life, Short Blade.”

Short Blade couldn’t believe that the old pilot, now an ambassador, would envy him.

“Well, if I get in trouble, I have a forward-facing beamer and an aft-facing beamer. I also have hard points on the hull that I can attach a variety of weapons systems to if need be. I just don’t have them.”

Scotty looked at the shuttle again with narrowed eyes and then back at Short Blade.

“Where the hell did you get that, anyway? Hmm? It’s definitely a GP design based on Flem technology. Daniels worked out a deal for you, I bet. Did he take your soul in trade?” Scotty asked, imagining only the worst.

“Dan Daniels gave me the shuttle because he knew I had no life to go back to. I am a second-class citizen in my world, and an alien only to be distrusted on Earth, and most likely imprisoned on Dixie. He gave me a new lease on life after the Gray Panthers.”

“I’m happy for you, and still envious. Hey, I have plenty of room up at the plantation. Do you want to stay up there, or would you prefer your shuttle?” Scotty started feeling guilty because he hadn’t realized the harshness that Short Blade faced.

“You must have much to do for your wedding, so I’ll stay here in my shuttle. Can I help you with your preparations?”

Scotty could see that Short Blade was being genuine with his offer, and he appreciated it.

“Thank you. I have everything under control. You’re safer here in the shuttle than you would be around all of the women involved with the wedding. If you need anything, you just let me know.”

As he walked back toward the plantation, Scotty began to think about his life aboard the Beater, when he was a simple fighter pilot.

Culpepper Plantation, Dixie

11 April 2129

Scotty hadn’t slept the entire night, and he now looked out the bay window in trepidation as two hundred white folding chairs were being set up on the lawn behind the house. He imagined himself a prisoner watching as the scaffolding was being assembled for his hanging. On one side of the lawn, a large tent had already been set up. Inside the tent, tables were still being strategically placed. He examined the champagne bottle in his hand before taking another long swig.

As he contemplated the day ahead, a transport arrived out in front. He wondered if it was one of his idiot future relatives or an inbred Dixian that didn’t know how to tell time. Going to the front room to look out the window, he couldn’t believe what he saw.

“Lieutenant Scholl, where the hell are you?” Guns bellowed, obviously still feeling no pain from the night before.

“That’s Major Scholl now, Chief. But I’m retired,” Scotty shouted back, still holding the open bottle by the neck as he ran down the stairs and hugged both men. Jimmy helped him let go of the bottle, took a deep swig, and handed it to Scotty empty.

“We have a few more of those out back, I believe,” Scholl said, a little loudly and with a slight slur.

Jimmy and Guns exchanged a quick glance, both realizing the task ahead of them.

“How about some coffee, Scotty?” Guns suggested.

Scotty shrugged and led them to the kitchen, which was a beehive of activity. Dozens of caterers were weaving in and out and around one another. Jimmy spied the coffee pot and filled three large mugs.

“C’mon, Scotty. Let’s go back outside and get some fresh air,” Guns said, gently grabbing Scotty’s arm and following Jimmy through the door to a picnic table that had been moved out of the way to make room for the guest seating.

As the men sat drinking their coffee, Scotty put his head in his hands, elbows resting on the table. “What the hell am I doing getting married at this age?” he asked, looking first at Guns and then at Jimmy. “My girl is twenty-four, for chrissakes! She should be my granddaughter.”

“You’re right,” Jimmy told him. “Let’s get you to the Bia. In less than a week, you can be back in Wisconsin working on your farm, and you can find yourself a nice seventy-year-old woman to marry. Then, in five years, maybe ten, you can bury her.”

“Man, you got a do-over in life,” Guns chimed in. “You’re a war hero. You’re famous on this planet. In another hour or so, you’ll have a gorgeous wife. You’ve got an outstanding plantation here. What the hell is wrong with you? Those nanites in your body will keep you twenty-five forever, except for that ugly kisser of yours.”

Before Guns could continue, a familiar figure appeared from around the corner of the house.

“Short Blade!” Jimmy and Guns shouted at the same time, getting up and running to their old comrade. They hugged him hard and each draped an arm around him as they walked back to Scotty.

Short Blade was stunned, both from the hug attack and the immense pleasure it brought him. “It’s good to see you guys. Isn’t it great that Lieutenant Scholl is getting married?”

The look he got from Jimmy almost sent him into shock again.

“Scotty, you are getting married today, aren’t you?” Short Blade asked, sounding hurt.

“Well, I’m not sure there, Shor—”

Angry, Short Blade didn’t give him a chance to finish. “I’ve seen your mate, Scotty. She’s young and healthy. They tell me for a human, she’s pretty. You have someone you can share your life with, but you’re going to toss away something I’ll never get a chance to have. What about your mate’s feelings when you tell her she’s not worthy of you? You will obviously use other words when you talk to her, but those are what she’ll hear.”

Scotty just sat and stared at his coffee mug, taking in what Short Blade had just said.

“If you want to make a coward’s escape,” Short Blade continued, his voice a little softer, “come to my shuttle and I’ll take you wherever you want to go.”

“Ah! There you are, Mr. Ambassador,” the wedding planner called out on his way over to the table. “Everything is going well. Guests will be arriving shortly.” As he drew closer, he got an uneasy feeling. “Is everything all right here?” he asked, eyeing Short Blade.

“I want to make a change in the wedding ceremony,” Scotty replied. “My three comrades here will stand with me during the ceremony, the way it’s done on Earth. Gentlemen, where are we going to find tuxes this late?”

“Why don’t we all wear our uniforms?” Jimmy suggested. “Short Blade, do you have yours?” Short Blade nodded. “Good. It’s settled, then. Guns and I are already dressed, so Scotty, why don’t you head into the house and get ready?”

“Thank you all, guys,” Scotty said as he stood up. “I guess I was having pre-mission jitters. This is going to be the best day of my life. I just hope I can still fit into my uniform.” The smile on his face was sincere as he turned and headed back into the house.

“Should we grab a bottle to loosen up before the ceremony, do ya think?” Jimmy asked.

Guns shook his head no, starting to feel a little nervous about the ceremony himself.

“Let’s go with Short Blade and check out his ride,” Guns suggested, pushing himself up from the table.

The short walk to the landing pad was over a path of packed dirt that looked like it had been there forever.

Jimmy let out a whistle as they drew closer to the Phoenix. “Wow! That is one frickin’ big-ass shuttle!”

Short Blade let the entire ramp down, exposing the back of the shuttle. Guns headed in first, with Jimmy right on his heels and Short Blade bringing up the rear.

“Good size cargo area here,” Guns remarked. After the cargo area there was a small but well-equipped mess. From there were four more hatchways. Three led to cabins and the other to the head. The passageway ended at the hatch to the cockpit.

“How did you manage this, Short Blade? Do you need any partners?” Guns asked as he and Jimmy continued to explore.

Short Blade was taken aback at the offer. He wasn’t sure if Guns was joking, but he decided it would be good for someone to have his back on those occasions when he had to leave the shuttle—and to alleviate the boredom.

“I’ll make you an offer. You can both crew with me for a percentage of what I make on each trip. Between trips, you can help out at my ranch in return for a salary. You won’t get rich, but you’ll be comfortable. I already have Juan Ramirez and Ralph Dias running my ranch and a security force of twenty-one Jackas.”

Guns looked at Jimmy and shrugged his shoulders to indicate his indecisiveness.

“Sounds like the best game in town, Short Blade,” Jimmy said with a grin. “That include room and board?” They all laughed, happy to be a team once again.

“Phoenix, record that on this date James Brewster and William ‘Guns’ Wright have joined the crew of the Phoenix, freely and without coercion. Under Galactic law, they are now my responsibility. Both have unlimited access to the Phoenix.”

“Uh, Short Blade, what was that part about you now being responsible for us under Galactic law?” Jimmy asked, confused.

“I’m responsible if you break any laws while on a planet that follows Galactic law. It also gives me the right, as captain of the Phoenix, to punish you as I see fit.”

The men hesitated for no more than a split second.

“Looks like you have two crewmen, Captain Short Blade,” Jimmy said smiling at the sound of that. He remembered when he and Guns were Short Blade’s chiefs, back when Short Blade first enlisted.

“Shall we go make sure Ambassador Scholl makes it to his wedding?” Short Blade said.

The men noted that he’d phrased it as a question, but it was the first order he’d given them.

The chairs were already filled by the time the three of them made their way back along the path to the house and out to the back yard. As they joined Scotty in front of the portable alter, Guns noticed that the front row of guests looked like a who’s who of the Dixie government. The president and members of his cabinet were there, as well as the entire general staff. He glanced around and didn’t see any apparent security for the VIPs.

The music started to play and Short Blade could see that Scotty was about to hyperventilate. The preacher and the bride were walking slowly toward the altar.

“Get control of yourself, Scotty. If you faint, you’ll hear about it for the rest of your life,” Short Blade tried to whisper. The preacher reached the altar and held out Sam’s hand for Scotty to take. Sam gazed at Scotty, then past his shoulder at the groomsmen, and smiled brightly.

“Hey, boys. It take all three of you to keep my man from bolting, eh?” Sam squeezed Scotty’s hand firmly, turned toward the preacher, and nodded for him to begin.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we gather here in the shadow of death as we rejoice in life. All of us were reborn when our enemies were struck down. Now, in the celebration of life, Samantha and Scotty are joined as one in God’s eyes. Be fruitful and multiply. By the power vested in me by the government of Dixie, I pronounce you man and wife. May I have a witness sign the document, please?”

“It would be my honor to sign as witness.” All eyes were on President Davis as he stepped forward and signed the marriage contract. “No escape now for either of you now,” he quipped.

With the formalities out of the way, the preacher pulled out a large chalice of wine. Handing it to Scotty, he instructed him to drink as much as he thought he needed. When Scotty handed it back, the preacher refilled it and handed it to Sam with the same instructions. She demurely took several large sips.

“Go now and perform your responsibilities to God and man,” he told them. They kissed and ran toward the house while the guests clapped loudly, many laughing till it hurt.

Guns and Jimmy didn’t understand what was so funny. President Davis was standing next to them, so Guns leaned over and asked, explaining that this was the first marriage ceremony they had attended on Dixie.

“The drink the new husband and wife take is a very strong aphrodisiac. Only our clergy are allowed to keep it. Given the amount that Scotty drank, neither he nor Sam will get any sleep tonight. The custom goes back to when we were first marooned on this planet. We decided that we had to be strong in numbers so we would never be victims again. Anyway, the party will go on as long as they are in their marriage bed. With what he drank, it’ll be a long party.”

An upstairs light went on and everyone could see the shadows of the happy couple. Then the shadows disappeared, and a moment later Scotty opened the window and slingshotted something down into the party. A shriek of additional laughter burst out as an old gentleman held up a tiny thong for all to see.

Short Blade figured this would be a good chance for him to try to accomplish his mission. His heart was almost bursting from nervousness as he addressed the president.

“Sir, may I have a few minutes of your time, please?”

Davis glanced down at the little Jacka in amusement and nodded his head yes.

“Sir, I’ve heard that the government is in need of Flem juice for the construction of AIs. I happen to have some at the moment … if you’re interested, that is.”

“How did you come to that conclusion, Captain Short Blade?”

The shock of hearing that the president knew his name and rank rattled Short Blade, but he continued. “Sir, the whole galaxy watched what the Fire Warriors were able to do with only minimal crews on their ships, all because of the AIs. Now, every navy wants the same ability. Only Earth and Dixie have the ability to create the AIs, and until now only Earth has had access to the Flem juice.”

Davis rubbed his chin as he listened. “What do you want for the juice, son?”

“Sir, I’d like fifty of the devices. I can pay fifty units of the juice in trade.”

Davis looked Short Blade straight in the eyes. “Son, I’ve been a trader and politician since well before you were born. We’re not going to haggle like old women over vegetables. What do you have to offer, and what do you need?”

Short Blade swallowed hard before speaking. “I need forty and have eighty juices to pay for them.” He realized that he’d just lied and was immediately ashamed of himself.

“I’ll accept three juices for every AI I provide,” Davis replied. “Is that acceptable to you, Captain?”

Short Blade did his best to appear to be agonizing over the deal. Davis watched him closely the entire time, gauging his expressions and body language.

“Sir, I accept your offer. When can the transaction take place? Is there anything else I can do for Dixie?”

Davis smiled, not knowing if the young Jacka was an innocent or extremely formidable. He decided the jury would stay out on that a while longer.

“If you have payment, I’ll have the military bring you the AIs after the party tonight. I’ll also have one of my military officers get with you about any future procurements. Many would not understand our government doing business with you, I’m sorry to say.”

“Sir, I will take thirty-three AIs on this trip. As a sign of my respect and appreciation, I want to give you a unit of Flem juice now, in addition to what I’ll pay for the AIs.”

Davis decided that the small Jacka was someone he would trust to do business with again, even though he realized that the payment he would receive was more than the eighty units Short Blade originally said he had. He shook hands with Short Blade and rejoined his own group.