Ultimate Warrior (The Fight for Creation (Book Three)) (4 page)

Slade’s expression turned nasty and he said, “I resign.”

“You may leave and sign the appropriate papers. Sgt. Malone, go with him and help him complete the forms and send his father a copy of the action he just completed.”

Russell turned around, “Why would you do that?”

“Because he was a great leader who always looked after his warriors; he’ll understand what happened.” Russell stared at her trying to think of something to stop what was happening until Col. Dorg said, “You’re dismissed.” Everyone watched him leave and the first platoon did not add to his shame by applauding. Some started but Mitch stopped them with a look.

Telah said, “This exercise is one that I’ll probably use to train future warriors. I must say you’ve made it interesting. However, you have completed training and all of you will report to your units in ten days, except for Private Mille who will report to Scout Training in two weeks. Congratulations and enjoy your time off; you’ve made me and the service proud of what you’ve demonstrated today.”

The two platoons came together and celebrated. The fifteen sent in the first wave surrounded Mitch and slapped him on the back. They would tell their children about what they did to save other warriors this day.

Pixie waited and finally walked up to Mitch, “Why did you do this?”

Mitch slowly shook his head, “You know I’m right; don’t you?”

“I guess.”

“One should never let their personal feelings get in the way of doing the right thing.”

“That’s often easier said than done.”

“Don’t feel bad, Pixie. I’ll eventually join you. It’s just going to take me longer to get there.”

“Where are you going now?”

“I don’t know.”

“What do you mean you don’t know?”

“My family is not happy that I joined the Warriors. My father needs some time to get over it. I’ll probably go to Ross and sightsee.”

Pixie smiled, “Have you ever been there?”

“No, do you have any suggestions?”

Pixie pressed her wrist unit, “This is my personal number and I’m going to be there. Contact me when you arrive and I’ll give you a list of what you shouldn’t miss seeing.”

Mitch smiled at her and said, “Thanks, I really appreciate it.”

“Thanks, Mitch. You’ve taught me a lot.”

“I knew you were intelligent. Go get em at Scout Training.” Mitch turned and walked away with the rest of the platoon following him. Pixie looked at the Colonel and saw that she knew who the real leader of First Platoon was. Pixie saw her make a notation in her wrist unit and knew Mitch was going to be watched. Pixie turned and knew she was going to keep track of him as well. She may have mastered her armor but he was an extraordinary tactician. He had caught the Second Platoon burning tunnels from the bunkers to the side of the north hill. He knew the fifteen would not encounter any forces at the enemy camp and had told them to find cover and wait for him to relieve them. He could have told Russell where the enemy was located, but chose not to release that little tidbit of knowledge. Pixie also knew that Mitch had not told the others to lower their weapons. He just couldn’t live with the fact that he had helped place warrior’s lives in Russell’s hands. She knew he was right and followed his lead. It’s easy to follow someone whom you respect. That was a lesson she would not forget.

• • •

“Sir, one of the Blue Ships has shown up at the former Swarm Planet.”

Jason punched his display, “What’s it doing?”

“It’s just sitting in orbit.”

Jason looked at the recording of the planet the Blue ships had enslaved and said, “Computer, what is the estimated population of that captured planet?”

“Three billion.”

“And what is the population of the former Swarm Planet?”

“Two hundred and twenty million.”

“Why did you ask that?”

Jason heard Eyes in his mind and said, “I’m hoping those aliens are good fishermen.”

“You’re hoping they throw the small fish back in to catch when it grows larger.”

“I am. I know they’ll see many of the old buildings have blaster burns and I’m hoping they surmise there has been a war and most didn’t survive it.”

“They’ll be right in that assumption. How do you think they will account for the sixteen advanced scouts with such a small population?”

“Maybe they’ll think they just stopped at this planet before coming to their space…I don’t know? I’m just hoping it goes away.”

The Blue Ship remained in orbit for an hour and then disappeared. Jason took a deep breath and blew it out. He started to relax until the Blue Ship appeared in the outer system and destroyed the two probes located there. “Who placed those probes!?”

“They’re one of the newer models and were placed by the Scouts.”

“Thank the Creator.”

Eyes nodded, “We were lucky.”

Jason nodded, “This time.”

M
itch arrived on Ross after spending one day at home. His father told him he was no longer welcome. He didn’t even unpack and walked out to find transportation to the space port. He found his sister waiting for him at the street, “He will eventually get over it.”

Mitch shook his head, “It won’t be any time soon.” His sister looked at the house, sighed, and nodded. “I love you, sissy. Take care of the big lug.”

“I will. He is what holds the wheels on.”

“I know. I feel bad I disappointed him.”

“If Mom were still here…” Mitch nodded. “Well, stay in touch. I worry about you.”

Mitch hugged her and said, “I’m sending my pay to your account. Use it wisely.”

“You shouldn’t do that. How will you get by?”

“I keep enough to pay my way. Just make sure everything stays together.”

“I love you, too.”

Mitch waved a vehicle down and left for the Space Port where he purchased ticket and a room on Ross. Ten hours later he arrived among a standing room only crowd. He also discovered that his reservation was no good for two days.

“What do you mean, I don’t have a room. Here’s my reservation.”

“Read the small print at the bottom.”

Mitch pulled the reservation closer and saw, “Reservation not valid during Royal Functions.” He looked at the reservationist and said, “What function are you having?”

“The Duke and Duchess announced two hours ago that they are greeting the citizens tonight. Your reservation will be honored the day after tomorrow.”

Mitch groaned and shook his head. He was tired and needed a bath. He picked up his bag and then remembered. He pressed the number and Pixie answered, “Hello.”

“Pixie, this is Mitch. My hotel just informed me that my room is not available until after the Royal Function is over. Do you know anywhere I can get a room? I’m worn out and need an opportunity to rest.”

“What’s the hotel’s number?”

“Why?”

“I know someone. Stay where you are for a moment and give me the number.”

Mitch looked at the reservationist and said, “Do you have a direct number?” The reservationist scowled at him and gave him a number. Mitch entered it and said, “I’ve sent it to you.”

“Ok, I’ll call you back later.”

“Wait a min…” and then he saw the display go dark. The reservationist’s wrist unit buzzed and Mitch saw his face turn white, “No, I didn’t know he was a warrior. No I don’t want to lose your good graces. Please forgive me for this obvious error. I will correct it immediately.” The reservationist was actually shaking. Mitch stared at him and the young man handed him a key, “Your room is on the top floor. There will be no charge for as long as you choose to visit our establishment and if there’s anything we can do to make your stay more enjoyable, just let me know personally.”

Mitch took the key and saw a hotel manager come sprinting up, “Please pardon our stupidity, Sir. We hold the warriors in very high esteem.” Mitch saw him glare at the reservationist and saw the young man wilt.

“Thank you. However, if anything bad happens to this young man, I might have to make another call.”

The Manager shook his head so hard Mitch knew he was going to get whiplash, “That won’t be necessary, Sir.” Mitch looked at the reservationist and saw his gratitude. Mitch smiled and nodded. He went to the top floor, found his room number, inserted the key and found he was in the penthouse suite. He whistled and went back downstairs and managed to get the reservationist to notice him. He came hurrying over, “Is something wrong, Sir?”

“Yes, I used this key and it opened the penthouse suite. I can’t afford that room.”

“Sir, there is no charge for your stay. You are in the right room and I do hope you enjoy it.”

“Really?”

“Really, Sir.”

Mitch went back upstairs and wondered who Pixie knew that could make things happen like this. Especially that fast. He went to the main bath and found a tub that was huge. It also had a whirlpool and massage couch in it. He said, “Ninety nine degrees.” The tub immediately teleported the water in and Mitch climbed in. “Massage.” Ohhhhh, this is heavenly. “Whirlpool.”

Mitch reclined and closed his eyes. He wondered just how much this room would cost normally, much less during a Royal Function. He called the reservationist’s number and said, “How much does this room normally rent for?”

“Sixty thousand credits a night. During Royal Functions, double that.”

“Thanks.” Mitch shook his head. This was impossible. But the water took him as he relaxed and let the tension leave his body.

He heard the chime ringing and he stood up and put on a robe hanging on the shower door. Even the robe felt like twenty layers of clouds. He went to the door and opened it. The reservationist was standing there and said, “You have been invited to view the Royal Family from a special seat.”

Mitch shook his head, “I can’t do that. I don’t have anything appropriate to wear to such an occasion.”

“Your clothing will be provided by the hotel. Be ready to go in three hours. Now if you don’t mind.”

“What?”

“I need to scan you for you measurements. You may keep the robe on.” The reservationist pointed a hand unit at Mitch and said, “Thank you, Sir. And let me say thank you for saving my job earlier. I didn’t deserve it but I will not mistreat another guest in the future.” He bowed and left. Mitch wondered what was going on. Then he knew. The one Pixie had called was going to allow him to watch the Royal Family with them. He wanted to thank them for their generosity so he finished getting ready and thirty minutes later an orderly appeared with his clothes. Mitch looked at the outfit and knew it was beyond anything he had ever worn. “Do you need assistance in dressing, Sir?”

Mitch shook his head and the orderly said, “The silk shirt attaches in a rather complicated fashion, Sir. I’ll be glad to assist you.”

Mitch looked at the shirt and said, “Perhaps you better.”

“First I’ve ordered you a meal and once you finish we’ll get to work.” The orderly opened the door and six assistants came in and set up the table. Mitch stared at the orderly and said, “We have got to stop this. I’ll be spoiled rotten.”

The orderly smiled, “That is our fervent wish, Sir.”

Mitch smiled and said, “What the heck; spoil me.”

• • •

Two hours later Mitch was dressed and the orderly clapped his hands and an assistant ran up with a full length mirror. Mitch looked at the image and was shocked, “Is that me?”

“Yes Sir, and I must say you cut a rather dashing image.”

Mitch shook his head and sighed.

“What’s wrong, Sir?’

“That can’t be me. I’m just not that…”

“Handsome, Sir?”

“Yeah.”

“Sir, I’ve had a few moments with you and I must say that I have dressed many people in this suite that were quite striking. You are what you see and I also know your character is just as good. I’m thankful we could do this for you.”

Mitch looked at the orderly, “What’s your name?”

“Gregory.”

“Well thank you, Gregory. This is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

Gregory smiled and said, “We need to go.”

“Are you going with me?”

“I’ll be taking you and then I have other duties to perform. I hope you’ll forgive me for leaving.”

Mitch stuck out his hand, “There is nothing to forgive.”

Gregory shook his hand and said, “If you’ll follow me, Sir.”

Mitch followed Gregory to the elevators and was surprised when it went up instead of down. The elevator opened on the roof and Gregory led him to a small white ship. Mitch looked out and saw a giant mass of people that extended from the hotel all the way to the Giant Castle in the distance. He looked the opposite way and saw every street in the city was also standing room only. He looked at Gregory and he smiled, “The Royal Family does have a way of drawing a crowd.”

Mitch shook his head, “I understand the small print now.”

Gregory laughed out loud and led him on the ship. The ship lifted and Mitch wondered where they were going. After ten minutes, Gregory said, “I’m teleporting you to your viewing site where you will be greeted. I’ll be leaving you with them. Thank you for a very enjoyable evening, Sir.”

Mitch smiled, “No, thank you.” The ship disappeared and Mitch found himself in a huge room in front of a fire place. “Thank you for coming.” Mitch turned around and saw Pixie in a beautiful gold and crimson gown. He was stunned speechless. Pixie smiled, “Are you alright?”

“You’re beautiful. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you out of a warrior uniform or armor.”

Pixie smiled and said, “I owe you, Mitch. I wanted to do this for you.”

Suddenly a man and woman walked in and Mitch recognized the two most famous faces in the Realm. Pixie said, “Mom, Dad, this is the warrior I told you about.”

Mitch looked at the Duke and Duchess and said, “Mom, Dad?”

Pixie smiled and her black hair turned blonde and her eyes changed to green. Sam said, “I’ve looked at what you did during training. You are the heart of what the warriors are all about. Thank you.”

Mitch bowed and didn’t know what to say. The Duke said, “Don’t be long, Pixie.”

“I’ll be right there.”

Jixie came up and hugged Mitch and smiled, “You’re quite handsome.”

“Mom!”