Chapter 16: Take Flight

“Excellent, Shira,” Thiago informed her. His face showed a satisfied smile on his face. “I know what you provided to me was just some of the initial report. I wanted more of an update on what happened today.”

The CO and XO’s room was somewhat dark. It had been several hours since the battle. Shira was sitting down on her chair, smoking and relaxing herself. Javier was in view of the table display to listen and converse with the admiral.

“The Gray Hawk and the Angolan Fury have been captured and taken to Valdivia,” Shira calmly explained. “Unfortunately, the crews destroyed and scuttled the databanks it contained. All of the pirates on the shuttles are dead, killed during the attack. However, we have taken in nine captives from both ships that have surrendered to us or were taken by force. After offering initial incentives, it’s been revealed that none of them currently know the locations of the pirate bases. Most likely, the Gray Hawk and Angolan Fury operate separately from these locations.”

“Hmmm...,” Thiago seemed disappointed.

Shira took a drag from her cigarette. “However, two of the pirates are willing to accept a plea bargain for a lighter sentence. They claim to know about other equipment and pirate checkpoints in the asteroid field. It’s possible the others will be more willing to talk under fairer conditions. I wanted to clear it with you first before they will be surrendered safely to your custody.”

“It’s not for me to decide, but we’re willing to take any and all information that we can get. I’m sure something can be arranged for them depending on how severe their crimes have reached.”

“Of course.”

“At least the Ajusco’s Captain is getting his ship back,” Javier said. “Looks like the pirates didn’t even touch it. They were really just waiting for us to show up.”

“Yes,” Thiago remarked. “The pirates completely fell for the trap that you planted. My commendations to you, Javier, on a job well done. I understand that Shira was onboard the Gray Hawk and personally killed their Captain. I respect a commander who takes the fight straight to the enemy like that, although I would probably advise her to be more cautious in the future. The same could be said for Master Sergeant Stone’s incredible work and bravery. To hear of a person who commanded the Angolan Fury that could control other bodies...” Thiago shook his head. “Shame we lost two marines in the process, although I imagine it could have been far worse.”

“It’s a mess in the lander, sir. The repairs have been also quite extensive. After we finish up with this campaign, I would like for the Lifen to land on Palora, give the crew some shore leave, and maybe enjoy one of the big hot springs.”

Thiago nodded. “Even better,” he told them. “I think the Lifen has done enough for this campaign. In one week alone, you and your crew have done above and beyond my expectations. I think ... that it’s time for us to move ahead of schedule. One of those pirates must know the location of those bases. In two days, I’ll arrange for the Lifen to return and transfer the prisoners to us ... give your crew some validated shore leave. Maybe even go to Cebravis and relax for a good week or two.”

Javier showed some relief on his face as he looked at Shira. “I’m sure our crew would appreciate it.”

“Agreed,” Shira said. “However, there is still the matters at hand. Stone has informed me that he wishes to conduct a burial in space ceremony for the fallen marines. We can do that here on the Lifen or have their bodies transferred to Palora for memorial services.”

“I respect Stone for making such an offer,” Thiago said. “It’s traditional, but the families have requested that the bodies be brought back for UHN burial ceremonies. I will honor their request.”

“Of course,” Shira said before she tapped her cigarette ashes into her ashtray.

“Ugh...,” Thiago sighed and shook his head. “I was hoping for more information. This ambush was intended to thin down the Novan’s fighting forces. It was a shame we lost two marines in this fight.”

“I would not be so quick to judge, Admiral,” Shira explained. “The battle that happened today accomplished a number of goals. We have eliminated two capital ships that the pirates have been using while destroying three of their attack shuttles in the process. Essentially, we have reduced the Nova Hamidou naval forces by 75% with the information we have alone. All information and recorded feeds have been provided to your staff. You may ... use it for your public relations ... ensure the civilians that the asteroid field is a safer place to conduct mining.”

Thiago smiled. “The public could always use some good news. You have a point. Do you have any other information available for me?”

Shira took another drag of her cigarette. “The equipment that has been recovered from the Gray Hawk and the Angolan Fury further implicates UHN firearms that were in their procession. This includes Oshunian guns and weapons that the prisoners escaped with back on Oshun.”

“Hmmm ... I imagine this will be news back on Oshun, depending if they even care about it.”

“We also recovered Itrean firearms. These were traded to the pirates by various means. While some of them were UHN-owned T’rintar weapons from Oshun, many more implicate Aksren and Shal’rein clan trading that took place with the pirates. Most of these weapons will be surrendered to you for further study.”

“That was what I was afraid of,” Thiago turned his head. “We might eliminate these pirates, but it’s only going to be replaced by the Aksren and Shal’rein clan’s cloaked warships.”

“I would still press forward with your current course of action, Admiral. Without the pirates, it will give less excuse for the Aksren and Shal’rein clans to be involved in this system.”

“Agreed...”

“Among the pirate’s equipment was the use of their shields. Analysis has confirmed that these makeshift forms of defenses came from ship hull armor, more specifically from a UHN warship ... one of the numbers matching the ship hull registry of the UHN Shangdong.”

“The Shangdong...,” Thiago seemed to think about it. “I always remembered that story when I was younger. Vanished with all hands in 2312. It’s more myth than anything else. Became the pirates’ ultimate warship, the Black Fang.”

“It’s quite real, Admiral,” Javier said. “The pirates still have it. This just adds more evidence that it’s still here in the field somewhere.”

“However,” Shira added. “It only confirms that its condition may be perhaps less than operational. If the pirates were using ship hull armor as makeshift shields, then it means that the ship is nearing decommissioning due to lack of spare parts.”

“Hmmm ... indeed. Well, then,” Thiago said, resting his hands on the table. “Is there anything else that you need to inform me?”

“Yes,” Shira said as she blew smoke from her nostrils. “There was one thing that I wanted to bring up. It is something that I think the Master Sergeant would enjoy rather greatly. When I shot Constanca, I recovered a card from her jacket. It is a keycard to her personal computer. Attempts have been made to recover its data, but unfortunately, her log entries don’t reveal anything substantial except one piece of important evidence. I would like to arrange something for the Master Sergeant to partake in, but I would like to see what he thinks of it first. I will provide further details to you in the following hours.”

“Very well,” Thiago said in conclusion. “Keep me appraised, Captain. Thank you. Without you and your crew, the pirates would continue to endanger this sector. Sit tight. We’ll get this situated. Admiral Thiago, out.”

The display screen switched to the main menu as the communication link closed. Javier sighed to himself while Shira tapped her ashes into the ashtray.

“That was quite a battle today,” Javier said.

“Indeed, it was,” Shira replied.

“You didn’t bring up the ‘sabotage’ of the EMP warheads to the Admiral. How they blew up in our landing bay.”

“There was no need to inform him. It’s mostly irrelevant at this point.”

“How long are we going to keep that hidden from the rest of the crew?”

“Not, yet ... we still carry one crucial issue with this campaign. The fact remains that we achieved a victory today but haven’t achieved our primary objective.”

“The location of the bases...”

“Exactly,” Shira said as she almost sighed. Her tail moved some and resituated near Javier’s leg. “Even with the defeat of the Gray Hawk and the Angolan Fury, the pirates we captured will likely not have the location of those bases. However, we still carry one individual that does, because he personally worked with trade transfers...”

“Torrin...,” Javier said.

“Yes ... I have one final plan that will be put in place. I will provide the details of it to you in the following two hours. The sooner this happens, the better.”

“Of course,” the XO nodded. He seemed distracted for a moment before changing topics. “I take that the two that accepted the plea bargain were the ones that Dean helped capture.”

“Yes.” Shira took another drag of her cigarette. “I must applaud his thinking for today. It would have been possible that those two pirates would have been later killed in the ensuing fight. Instead, he pacified them for the marines to secure.”

Javier smiled for a moment. “You still insist that he’s some secret mastermind at work?”

“Dean’s actions have proven beyond critical for this entire campaign. He’s done far more than any of us have yet to achieve. I do not believe that ‘fate’ is guiding his actions if that’s what you’re implying. He is making those choices, and those choices are proving fruitful for all of us.”

“Heh...,” Javier chuckled for a moment before shaking off the thought. “You know ... everything that happened today just feels off somehow.”

“In what way?” she asked him, blowing smoke from her nostrils.

“I don’t know. Is this how a battle should have been done? Like, should we have just blasted those two ships before they even docked with us? We could have lost a lot more people today. I don’t know. Maybe it’s just an odd feeling.”

“It is always important to question your past actions to a certain degree,” Shira explained. “Mistakes are made and must be improved upon, even with a victory such as today. This was the first actual combat event in the Lifen’s service life. We should be thankful that all we had to fight were simple pirates who were mostly ill-equipped, led by inadequate leadership, with a people that lacked uniformity. I would say that the marines handled themselves well accordingly, even against odds that seemed otherwise.” Shira doused her cigarette, burying it into the ashtray. “Ultimately, in the end, you held nothing at fault. I am the one who bears the responsibility for all of you. As for your actions, it is as the Admiral suggests. Your experience is improving. I placed a commendation for you and to many of the crew members and marines on this ship. My trust in all of you is validated without question.”

“That’s actual praise coming from you. Trying to get me promoted?”

“The Shal’rein clan operates on more simplicity, even if it’s crude and potentially haphazard. Being the mate of a higher rank will usually warrant an easier route to promotion than the others of the same ship. However, as my father always taught me. Experience is earned. That experience translates to the rank that properly utilizes and reflects it. The result is what it will become.”

“Commander Javier ... has a nice ring to it.” He still shook his head. “It would be too early for another promotion, but ... thank you.”

“Do not thank me. I’m merely acting based on past action: your actions and your performance.”

He seemed to hesitate momentarily but pressed his thumb to his lips for a second. “Then do me one favor from now on,” he told her. “As a husband, I have a right to tell you not to openly endanger yourself. I get it that Itrean women are ... used to fighting openly in combat, but I don’t want to lose you ... you or the baby.”

Shira turned her head to look up at him. “And as an XO?”

Javier took a more solid demeanor. “Your experience as Captain could be lost if you purposely endanger yourself. Your ship duties require you to be escorted and protected when engaging in such duties outside the ship. If I see that you are continuing such a route of self-endangerment, then I will file a complaint.”

The Shal’rein captain openly held her hand to him, which he took. Javier could feel the gentle warmth of it.

“Very well,” she told him. “I give you my word that more care on my part will be taken in the future. Such incidents as today will not be repeated again.”

Javier went and kissed her hand before he backed up and let it go.

“Somehow...,” he said. “I’m wondering if you withheld telling the Admiral anything else. Maybe it’s just post-battle jitters.”

Shira turned to her computer. “Perhaps I can answer that question with a question.” She began to pull up a series of files. “Have you taken a closer look at the weapons that were confiscated from the pirates?”

“Not really. I was more focused on assessing the ship’s damage and where to focus our repairs first to take notice.”

“I have.” She accessed the displays in the room. A series of Itrean firearms were displayed in various photographs. Some of them had a red color to them and were slightly smaller than the UHN firearms that were displayed beside them.

“What type of firearms are these?” she asked him, already knowing the answer.

“I’m not the grand expert on guns, but ... these look like Aksren firearms. Pistols ... submachine guns ... and a rifle.”

“Some of them were acquired from the female pirates’ remains, most likely due to their generally smaller sizes. Early analysis shows the guns’ date of manufacture to be around twenty years ago. While we don’t have the precise method of how the pirates received these guns, it can be assumed that most of them were acquired from the trade near the tiny planet you call Pluto.”

“The Battle of Charon, you mean?”

“Yes. The Nova Pirates wanted to choose a place of discrete trade. It was unknown how long these exchanges were made till the UHN intervened. However, the number of arms acquired suggests that there was enough to supply thousands of individuals with a variety of different arms. My curiosity had me evaluating the Vob’io’xa click or what you call an in-depth Itrean serial code. It provides the name of where the gun was built and a date.”

“And?” Javier asked.

“Up to 90% of the Aksren arms taken had the same date and time. However, later analysis showed that the other 10% proved to be acquired from somewhere else.”

The display zoomed in on the rifle. A series of highlighted Itrean letters could be seen next to the trigger guard assembly. These highlights were placed in comparison, showing a difference for Javier to observe.

“So...,” Javier said. “The pirates managed to have other shipments of these guns from somewhere else.”

“Yes,” Shira continued. “Most likely, after Charon, a separate trade was made. No doubt an Aksren-cloaked warship managed to ship shuttles and other arms that these pirates further utilized. But there is something unique with this Vob’io’xa click. These guns were manufactured four months ago.”

“So the pirates managed to get this shipment sometime before then.”

“And more,” Shira said. “I admit that I had to stare at this number for a long time because there was something else that it contained.”

Shira accessed the computer’s databanks. An Itrean data file was pulled up on the screen and highlighted. The captain pressed a couple of buttons on her panel before the room’s quiet ambiance was replaced with something else.

It was a melody. Itrean music had the ability to be similar or different from human music. Most typically had a Japanese, Spanish, and French-esque combination of instruments, notes, and parameters. This one started off slow. Javier’s knowledge of human instruments was partly limited, but he could recognize a low violin-like instrument beginning to build up. However, it immediately began to build up. Other instruments joined in following slow beating drums. The crescendo eventually utilized a series of other string cello-like instruments. It almost seemed unsettling, almost as if the melody was going to consume the life around it. However, the instruments switched over to the Japanese-like flute. The crescendo’s harshness was replaced with momentary peace and solitude. The occasional violin and cello instruments would continue to echo in the background.

“It’s ... an odd theme,” Javier remarked. “It almost feels haunting to it, till it picks up to the next part.”

“The melody is known as ‘Sio’Jio’Nio’ or, as you humans would call it, the ‘The Wonderful Three.’ It is considered an old but classical piece of music, made by an Aksren during the later time of the Empire of Jalgren. While its reputation has become sullied over the long period of time, you will still find various clans play this theme amongst Imperial music.”

“It’s listened to by all Itreans?”

“Yes. It is known for its three melodies that work with one another to create an entire piece. It was a favorite theme that my father enjoyed listening to, primarily during the time of the Emphra War.”

As the theme reached the second to third mark, a chorus could be heard. It consisted of a combination of the Japanese-like flute and the drums again before the violin and cello joined in. It symbolized a battle or struggle that was taking place.

“What does this have to do with what you found?” Javier asked. A hint of apprehension began to enter him upon asking such a question.

“Simple.” The picture of the rifle’s trigger guard began to zoom in on the serial number. A scanning imprint was lifted that moved to another screen. It showed that the magnification was enough to be no larger than a cell. Javier stepped in closer to see Itrean letters.

“Somebody had this grafted and etched into the guns?”

“The ones that weren’t transferred at Charon. I have confirmed that these transferred firearms carry a similar etching. It roughly translates to ‘Sio’Jio’Nio, part 1 of 3 verses.’”

Javier gave a confused look to Shira. “What does that mean? Somebody went out of their way to have this put on the guns?”

Shira stood up and put her hands behind her back. “This melody carries a unique history to my family. Gular’shel wasn’t the only one who particularly favored this music. It had become the favored melody of the Master Adjuncts during the War with the Emphra.”

“The Master Adjuncts...,” Javier paused as he thought about it. “The Great Three ... each of the Fleet Master Adjuncts, one from each of the clans selected to command the entire offensive operations against the Emphra.”

“You had already met the prior mate of one of them.”

“That’s right ... umm ... back on Aphadus. What’s her name? ... Lij’Lara. She’s the widow of the former Master Adjunct of the T’rintar fleets.”

“Wo’vat’trun, the Wise,” Shira explained. “He was already quite old by the time the Emphra War began. Passed away twenty-one years ago. A regrettable loss, but inevitable.”

“Then there’s your father, Gular’shel, who was Master Adjunct of the Shal’rein clan.”

“And the other?”

A chill ran through Javier’s spine. “I ... I can’t remember her name right off the bat.”

“Most that ever deal with Renlar seldom want to. The Master Adjunct of the Aksren clan is still alive and serves under her Empress without question and without mercy. The triad...” Shira commented, pointing at the etched name. “So, the question would rise. Why did she have this etched into the guns?”

Javier gripped his hands. Shira could see the apprehension in her mate’s stature.

“She was sending a message...,” Javier answered. “But why?”

“For simple reason. She is quite adept in her own theater. The Guardian of Renlar. The defeat at Cipra was one that did not please her Empress and, thus, did not please her in return. This was more than just a simple message. This was a warning ... to me.”

“But ... how? Does she know that you’re the daughter of Gular’shel? She somehow knew that you were here? That you would be here to find out about this...”

“She is perhaps just as smart as me, but with the resources of the entire Aksren clan’s elite forces at her disposal. The royal guard, the best equipment, and the most powerful ships available. Even Gular’shel knew how dangerous and powerful she was.”

“The Master Adjunct knew that you were going to be here ... at this date and time. But what does it mean exactly?”

“A warning that only I would understand ... the loss of Cipra was the first verse,” Shira answered. “The next slant against Empress Itsis will be the second part. And then, when the melody concludes, so too will be her arrival.”

“Arrival? ... to where?”

Shira walked away from the display. “ ... It would be best not to find out.”

Javier took a deep breath. “That doesn’t sound good at all. Not exactly something that would make the UHN too comfortable to hear either.”

“Nor should it. There was a reason why I would discourage any unwarranted large-scale actions against the Aksren clan, especially against Empress Itsis, unless there was a profound reason to do so. The UWA was reckless in its desire to retake Cipra. They did not think of the consequences that would follow because of it. Now, it forces me to carry out plans of action more quickly ... before time runs out...”

Even though Shira had remained composed, Javier could see that the Shal’rein captain was a little bit uneasy. It was reflected by the tiniest of inflections in her voice. Even if it was to the slightest degree, it was enough to shake her core. That alone was enough to show the XO that the Aksren clan was watching them...

All had been quiet in the brig. Torrin finished up using the toilet before he closed the Velcro to his pants. The unit automatically closed up and flushed itself as the man walked back to his chair. The handcuffs continued to chaff his wrists.

The silence seemed unbearable, but the man seemed somewhat used to it. He walked back to his chair and sat down. It was unknown what was flashing through his mind. However, it was evident that he was daydreaming, keeping his mind preoccupied from going insane from the nonstop silence.

“Hmmm ... well then...,” Tourin said to himself. “For a little while, I thought someone was going to spring me out. Swore, I heard gunfire a day or two ago.”

Tourin took a deep breath and looked at his left ring finger. He could see a small incision that he made using his thumb. Each tiny scab near his fingernail served as a reminder of how long he had been rotting in his cell. His fingers began to tap the metal table for a moment. It was the following morning since he was about to get his breakfast.

A distant gunshot echoed outside the sealed door. Another bang followed this, and then a scream.

“Hmmm...,” Torrin said with a smile. “That’s new ... Sounds like a struggle.”

“You traitor!” A different voice could be barely heard. This was followed by another gunshot.

The prisoner waited for what happened. Suddenly, the door slid open, and Ramirez entered the room.

The petty officer was panting a little bit. Smoke was billowing from the end of his rifle before he turned to look at Torrin.

“Torrin?” Ramirez asked him.

“Yes?...” Torrin calmly asked him.

“Get up!” the petty officer called out to him. “The Nova Pirates promised me a reward if I get you out of here. This is a jailbreak.”

Torrin almost questioned it for a moment, but a sly smile appeared on his face. “About time,” he said. “Who’s responsible?”

“Morathi ... but he’s dead. Someone else is taking up the tab. Come on! Let’s go before the Lifen stops us. Unless you prefer to be here...”

The prisoner stood up. “Alright...,” he replied. “Who am I to argue in getting out of jail early? Let’s go.”

Ramirez knew that Torrin would have his doubts, but it didn’t matter at this point. Getting out of his cell was more important than remaining there. Still in his orange suit, the prisoner bolted for the door as Ramirez stepped aside.

Upon exiting the room, Torrin had a full view of the scene. Outside the doors of the brig were two downed marines. It was Enlai and Dariea, seemingly shot by Ramirez. Torrin looked at them for a few seconds. It appeared that Enlai had been shot in the head. Blood was dripping on the floor. A rifle stood ready to be plucked.

“Forget the rifle!” Ramirez told him. “I’m trying to get you out, but they’ll kill you if they see you armed. Let them focus on me. You’re the merchandise!”

Torrin felt inclined to disagree. He reached down and grabbed the rifle, but the handcuffs made it impossible to wield the gun properly. He had no choice but to drop it as Ramirez grabbed him by the wrist.

“You want to stay here, dumbass?” Ramirez asked him. “Follow me or go back into your cell.”

“Alright,” Torrin wasn’t going to argue anymore. Both men began to run as fast as possible. A wondering crewman saw what was happening and jumped to cover to get away. However, Ramirez couldn’t leave any witnesses. He ran up and shot the person once. Blood spewed from the stomach as the man yelled out in pain.

“Good!” Torrin yelled out as he saw Ramirez continue his run. The pathway remained straight before the two reached the elevator of the centripetal ring. The door opened as the two stepped in. As the door closed, Ramirez walked up to the panel and pressed the up switch. There was a slight press of gravity as the elevator began to rise.

“What happened to Morathi?” Torrin asked.

“The Angolan Fury was destroyed by UHN forces. I originally had a deal with Morathi, but the bastard got himself killed.”

“Argh...,” the convict shook his head. “Couldn’t transfer himself into a new body?”

“He can’t really do that if his ship’s been atomized.”

“Who’s the one taking over with hiring you?”

“Ricardo.”

“Joseph Ricardo?” Torrin nodded. “Knew it ... the bastard was always good to his people.”

“I don’t pretend to know him too much. Morathi was my lead contact.”

“What’s your name?”

“Ramirez.”

“Why betray your own?” Torrin asked.

“Just ... tired of the onslaught I’ve been getting. I’m from Batrice. People started finding out who I am and treated me like shit afterwards.”

“Ah...,” Torrin nodded. “Batrice ... good allies to have at this time. I’ve heard rumors that they’ve been wanting to help out the pirates in the last few months. They wouldn’t mind seeing Palora and Oshun destabilize a little bit. Makes competition all the more sweeter for them. You plan on heading to there?”

“After this, yes, but...” the elevator came to a stop. “There was one main issue in this escape. It was done on the fly. We’re heading to the landing bay and escaping by shuttle.”

The top door slid open as the two reached zero gravity. Without the centripetal ring to provide artificial gravity, the two floated briefly before touching the deck. Their magnetic boots stuck to the deck to anchor them.

“Phew,” Torrin said.

“Follow me!” Ramirez told him.

The two began their quick trek before reaching the Lifen lander’s stern section. They were at Deck 2.

“Alert! Alert!” Patterson’s voice echoed on the ship’s comms. “Shots fired in centripetal ring habitat. Prisoner 1-A has escaped from his cell. Two casualties reported. All marines respond. Security personnel respond. This is not a drill. Prisoner 1-A has escaped his cell. Assumed armed and dangerous. He will be wearing an orange vest, has a pale complexion, black hair. Possible conspirator is involved in helping the prisoner escape. Medical personnel remain on standby to tend to the wounded.”

Ramirez and Torrin began their trek through the passageway. The prior damage on the deck had been mostly repaired and patched up ... at least for the areas the two were traversing through.

“Be ready,” Ramirez told Torrin. “We may end up in a gunfight soon.”

“It’d be nice not to be in these cuffs,” Torrin explained.

“Sorry, I don’t have the keys, but the shuttle has tools that we can cut them loose.”

Ramirez could feel the adrenaline surge through his system. On the one hand, he couldn’t believe he had gotten this far. He was betraying his friends, everybody that he knew. It was an odd feeling to be so out of place. But he knew this was his choice. The question was, however, if they could make it to the shuttle. It was all that they needed to do.

As they got to the corner on the portside passageway, a series of shots were flung down range. Two of the bullets struck the bulkhead behind Ramirez, narrowly hitting between Torrin and Ramirez. Both of them ducked behind cover as Ramirez pointed his rifle down range. It was Ioren. The chief of security wasn’t in her wrap armor, but she did have her submachine pistol ready. He returned fire with a few shots back at her. She had found herself in the crosspath leading to the center of the lander. Torrin could hear the gunfire, seeing the bullets striking the walls and leaving small holes in place. Finally, Ramirez managed to shoot Ioren, hitting her in the side of the leg. Blood was tossed into the zero gravity. Ioren was quick in trying to flee. She used the zero gravity to launch herself in the opposite direction of Ramirez.