Prevail (The Pike Chronicles Book 2) (19 page)

The station became larger on the viewscreen as the freighter drew closer. They had turned the hulking vessel around after the rest of the men had boarded. They came around from behind the star and were back in the system.

During the trip Kevin and Jarvi debriefed Neeman and accessed the ship’s computer. They gathered as much intelligence as they could on the station, including maps and schematics. The station’s main city was the logical place to look for the Captain. Unfortunately it wouldn’t be easy. The Captain could be anywhere, and he didn’t want to be found. There was likely a manhunt for him. They had to somehow gain access to that search and find the Captain first.

His team had taken off the combat suits and had donned clothing acquired from the freighter’s crew, consisting of jumpsuits and coveralls. With the amount of commercial traffic on the station, freighter personnel should fit right in. The clothing was made with carrying tools in mind, making it ideal for hiding their weapons. Nobody would think twice about a group of big, muscular men in work clothes.

The additional men who boarded the freighter would be left behind with the combat suits, to guard the freighter and make sure the crew didn’t tip anybody off. They would also serve as backup in case they ran into any real trouble and needed help. This was a covert mission, but if they ended up needing to fight their way out, the armored soldiers on the freighter could tip the scales in their favor. Kevin hoped it wouldn’t come to that. This was not how he expected to see the lost colonies for the first time.

“We are being hailed, Sir,” said the helmsman.

Neeman looked at Kevin who said, “Remember what we talked about. Audio only.” He hoped Neeman wouldn’t try anything stupid. Jarvi was scowling at him, reminding him of the very real danger present in the room with him.

Neeman nodded his head in quick movements. “Acknowledge the hail,” he said to the helmsman. “Audio only.”

“Captain Neeman,” said the voice coming over the audio. “Why have you returned to DLC station? And why are you restricting communications to audio?”

“We’ve been plagued with system malfunctions since we left. It’s affected everything from our viewscreen to our core. We need to perform a full diagnostic and have the ship serviced.”

“Why wouldn’t you just run your diagnostics at your destination? Why come back here?”

“DLC station was closer,” said Neeman. “I was afraid if things got worse we might end up stranded in between systems. Vulnerable to any raider crew that might appear.”

“This isn’t like you, Neeman. You’re not the type to panic about things like this. Is everything alright over there?”

Neeman gave Kevin a worried look. “Everything is fine. I’m just getting paranoid in my old age. This ship is not a young girl anymore either.”

The voice laughed. “It sounds like you need a full diagnostic yourself, old man. Kill your engines and I’ll have you towed in.”

“Thanks a lot. Neeman out.”

Neeman killed the connection and looked over at Kevin.

“That didn’t sound too bad,” Kevin said. “You did good.”

“There will be an inspection,” said Neeman. “It’s standard procedure.”

“How many inspectors?” said Jarvi.

“Usually two.”

“Their inspection is going to be delayed a bit.”

“How long does one of these inspections last?” said Kevin.

“Usually several hours. Sometimes longer. They go through the cargo to make sure we’re not smuggling anything.”

“Good. They shouldn’t be missed for at least that long. That’ll give us a good head start,” said Kevin.

“They will be missed eventually,” said Jarvi. “More will come to investigate. If we have not found your Captain by then things will become… complicated.”

Kevin waited with his men and the Chaanisar as the freighter docked. The two teams were dressed like freighter crewmen. The rest of the Chaanisar and Marines who were to stay behind wore full combat suits. Two of those armored men stood by the hatch, flanking it on each side. The floor vibrated as the massive vessel slowly positioned itself. The clanging sound of connecting metal followed while the ship fastened itself to the station. Above the hatch a light had been flashing red. Now that they had successfully docked the light switched to a solid green, indicating that it was safe to open the hatch. With a bang and a hiss the hatch was unlocked. It slid open with a moan and revealed two waiting inspectors. They had the same annoyed, self-important look on their faces that most bureaucrats have. The look said, I have power over you, so you better suck up to me if you know what’s good for you. There was something corrupt about them. They were equipped with hand held devices used no doubt for checking the cargo. Kevin wondered how much it cost for these men to ignore certain things. Some things don’t change, even a thousand light years from home, thought Kevin.

The two men stepped through and boarded the freighter. As they passed through the entrance a metal glove seized each man by the elbow. At first they acted outraged and threatened retribution. That act must have been a reflex because their protests quickly stifled when they had a real good look at the armored soldiers taking them into custody. Not only did they tower over the men, but the barrels of their oversized weapons were very persuasive. Their attitude changed so quickly from outrage to panic that Kevin was surprised neither of them pissed themselves. The armored soldiers took the inspectors away and the two teams prepared to board the station.

One of the Chaanisar walked out first, clearing the corridor. His weapons were concealed in his freighter work clothes and acted natural, like he belonged. Inside the freighter the rest of the men had their weapons drawn and ready, just in case. The Chaanisar scout whistled, signaling that the gangway was clear. The rest of the men put their weapons away, hiding them in the tool pockets of their work clothes, and stepped through the hatch out onto the gangway. Ahead was a long corridor which the two teams followed until they were outside. Or, more accurately, in a part of the station made to mimic the outdoors. Directly ahead was a parked vehicle, likely used by the inspectors.

“Chief, you take the vehicle and travel to the city,” said Jarvi.

“What about you?”

“Our augmented speed will enable my team to reach our target quickly. The vehicle may draw attention to our approach. A craft like that heading into the city will not be suspicious.”

“Understood. Good luck, Lieutenant.”

Jarvi looked confused. Apparently the Chaanisar did not know what luck was. Probably for the best. Jarvi chose not to respond. He merely turned to his men and ordered them to move out.

“Chen,” said Kevin.

“Yes, Sir.”

“Figure out how that damn thing works.”

Private Chen stepped up to the craft and produced a handheld scanner. He checked out the vehicle, walking around it and manipulating the display.

“Got it, Chief,” he said, and opened a small panel on the craft’s driver side. Behind the panel was a service display, providing access to the craft’s systems. Chen used the scanner to bypass the system’s security protocols, and within seconds the vehicle lit up and came online with a faint hum.

The Marines, eight in all, jumped on board. Chen sat in the driver’s seat and Kevin set his large frame beside him. Sergeant Henderson and the rest of the Marines filled the back. Forced air jets powered on and lifted the team of Marines off the ground. A display came up on the dashboard indicating how many meters were remaining until they reached optimal altitude. It counted down as the vessel climbed until the display signaled success. Chen touched the controls and the vehicle turned and sailed away toward the city.

Everyone looked out the windows with wonder at the lush vegetation. The trees, grass and flowers were just like those on Earth. Even though Kevin knew they were not really outside, the effect of the landscape still touched a nerve. It reminded him of his island home, the tropical plants, the blue skies, the ocean. He hadn’t realized how much he missed Mother Earth. He was sure the rest of the Marines felt the same. He also knew the question wasn’t when they would be back, but if they would ever be back. He thought he had accepted that fact, but now he wondered if he ever could.

The people who lived here had probably forgotten Earth. It was probably something they were taught about in school. A subject that bored children, during which they daydreamed about what games they would play when the school day was done. They might retain some knowledge of Earth, something telling them that their ancestors came from Earth centuries ago. Beyond that it would likely be a subject for historians, irrelevant to the struggles and conquests of daily life. Yet when Kevin looked out the window he saw vegetation that had obviously been imported at some point from Earth. Sure, most of it was likely cloned, but where else would maple trees and oaks come from? Where did they find the rose bushes? The junipers? Or the cedars? Even out here, over a thousand light years from Earth, people still clung to home without even knowing. Whenever humans settled in alien environments they always tried to bring something of Earth with them. Kevin saw it on other planets, on space stations, and on starships. It was like people needed an anchor preventing them from drifting too far into the unknown.

He knew he needed it, and he suspected his men did too. But what about the Chaanisar? Where was their anchor? Certainly the Juttari didn’t provide any. When it came to the Chaanisar, the Juttari’s main goal was to extinguish any and all attachments to their humanity. The brain chips would have suppressed any negative reactions, like homesickness. But what would happen if the chips were removed? Kevin suspected that the chips regulated the Chaanisar’s physiology, even without Juttari control. Every one of them seemed too composed. Too in control. It wasn’t normal. But if the chips were removed? Then what? Would the weight of their experiences come crashing down on top of them, driving them insane? The Juttari had made them commit atrocities against their own kind. What would that knowledge do to them without the chips? And what of their childhood traumas? Would all those suppressed emotions, hiding deep in the dusty corners of their minds, come back like vengeful beasts to tear apart any hopes of normality? What do you do with an insane Chaanisar super soldier?

Leaving the chips in wasn’t a better solution either. That brain chip was every Chaanisar’s Achilles heel. If they went anywhere near a Juttari ship again, that would be the end of their freedom. The Chaanisar would be turned back into ruthless slave warriors. The Juttari possessed the jump system technology now. How long would it take them to retrofit the rest of their fleet with the systems? How long until Juttari warships started showing up out here? That would mean imprisonment or worse for his Marines. An unacceptable risk. They had to remove those chips before that happened.

Up ahead he began to see the city’s skyline. It was an incredible contrast to the landscape they had encountered so far. The city seemed as overcrowded and depressing as any back on Earth. Even here humans lived on top of each other. From a mere glimpse he saw that they clung to more of Earth than just its plant life. People were the same everywhere. Group large numbers together and they scurried around, thinking they were making progress, but really just finding different ways of securing their next meal. They compete with fervor in the contest of life, vying for rank and status, clamoring for a few golden hairs of Fleece. They believe themselves free and ambitious, but are blind to the true nature of their bondage.

As they entered the city’s skies the air traffic became thicker. They flew around for a bit, looking out at the metropolis, trying to decide where to start their search. Then something caught Kevin’s eye. There was a buzz of activity dead ahead. They approached cautiously, keeping a safe distance so as not to call attention to themselves, but getting close enough to survey the situation. What looked like official vehicles circled above more commotion below. On the ground lay a smoking craft with a crowd around it. The scene looked very out of place. Of course it could simply be mechanical failure, but something about it smelled of the Captain. They had no other leads so that made it as good a place to start as any.

Kevin had Chen land their vehicle on a nearby rooftop. They all exited and headed for the lift. The burly men crowded into the glass cabin and headed down to the ground level. Looking out at the forest of tall buildings, Kevin knew that the Captain could be anywhere, and they didn’t have much time until they were found out.

“Chief, look,” said Henderson, pointing to one of the buildings. The side of the building was illuminated with an advertisement. Only it wasn’t a product being sold. On the side of the building was the Captain’s face. A wanted sign. The image then transitioned to show Breeah’s face. At least they now knew the Captain and Breeah were together.

“We don’t have a lot of time,” said Kevin.

“No, Sir,” agreed Henderson.

When they reached the ground level they headed in the direction of the downed hovercraft. Soon they came upon the gathering crowd. Station security had cordoned off a perimeter and weren’t letting anyone get close to the vehicle. Once Kevin got a good look at it he was convinced it had something to do with the Captain. The downed craft wasn’t an ordinary civilian model. This one had guns attached and showed signs of recent combat. It was too much of a coincidence. The Captain either shot it down, or was shot down himself. Kevin looked around at the crowd and saw an older, talkative man. He seemed to know what was going on and looked too eager to share his knowledge with those around him. Kevin approached the man.

“What happened here?” said Kevin.

The man turned to Kevin and smiled, eager to tell the exciting story. “It was the fugitive. The one that killed Mr. Jansen. He was in the security vehicle. Making a run for it. But the drone got him. I saw the whole thing. They shot each other down.”

“Where’s the fugitive now? Did they catch him?” said Kevin.

“No. They didn’t catch any of them.”

“Them?”

“Yeah, the accomplices. They were altogether. The other man and the women.”

“You saw them?”

“I sure did. A scary experience, let me tell you. He looked right at me. I’ve never seen eyes like that on a man before. Deadly eyes. I thought he was going to shoot me, but they just ran off.”

“Which way did they go?”

“Just down that way and around the corner,” said the man, pointing with his finger.

“Thanks for the info.”

“It sure is something. But nothing like my run in with the raiders. Now that was a scary situation. I was hauling some freight and-”

“Sorry, but I’ve got to go.”

“Suit yourself,” said the man. He then turned to the man standing on the other side of him and said, “Those raiders are some dangerous people, I can tell you that much.”

Kevin turned to Henderson and said, “Looks like the Captain was here. The question is where is he now?”

“They probably know,” said Henderson, nodding his head in the direction of a couple of security personnel walking away from the crowd. “They’ll have the most up to date information.”

“Agreed,” said Kevin, and they set off after the men.

Kevin and Henderson took the lead, and the rest of the Marines fell in behind. Kevin wondered if these guys were still on duty. They certainly didn’t seem to be in a hurry to get anywhere and they acted too casual, like they were just out for a walk, rather than working. He decided they were just unprofessional. Men like that would never make it in his unit.

The men turned a corner and entered a building. Kevin signaled to the rest of the Marines to stay outside while he and Henderson broke into a quick jog and entered the building behind the men. Inside was a quiet open area. The two men stood just inside talking together. They both turned and looked at Kevin and Henderson, apparently not expecting to be interrupted.

“Excuse me,” said Kevin. “We need some help.”

The one man rolled his eyes and sighed, not hiding his annoyance with the request. “We’re off duty,” he said. “You’ll have to find someone else to help you.”

Kevin and Henderson quickly closed the gap between them and the two men. “It’ll only take a moment of your time, Sir,” Kevin said.

“Do you have a problem with your ears?” said the second man. “He said we’re off duty. Now get the hell out of here before we find a reason to arrest you.”

“I’m sorry for bothering you, but it’s just a quick question” said Kevin, just steps away from the man now. He wasn’t sure what it was that triggered the response. Maybe the fact that two very large men were still coming at them after being ordered to leave. Whatever it was, the first man got nervous and reached for his weapon.

Henderson was closer and reacted instantly, surging forward and landing the heel of his boot on the offending arm, connecting hard with the elbow, probably breaking the joint. Before the man could cry out in pain the Sergeant was on him, landing two heavy punches perfectly on the man’s chin. The blows turned the lights out for the man and he fell backwards like a falling tree.

The second man tried for his own weapon, but Kevin had gotten too close. With a powerful low kick Kevin swept the man’s legs out from under him and the man hit the ground awkwardly, not getting his hands up to protect his face. There was the ugly sound of skull crashing against unforgiving floor and a pool of blood quickly started to build around the man’s head. Not taking any chances, Kevin seized the man’s arm and held him in place with a knee to the small of his back.