Cold Planet: A Gateway Universe Story Page 19

  A few more steps and the officers came into view.

  It was Captain Tacitus and Major Stone along with another officer and some enlisted men. Focusing closely on the group, she saw Lieutenant Varus step into view from behind Tacitus.

  She gripped her rifle tightly and picked up her pace.

  Vengeance was in sight.

  A burst of gunfire erupted and Martin watched Stone, Tacitus, and the others dive for cover behind container boxes and pilings of metal and ore as one of the Guardsmen fell to the ground. Looking to her right, she saw a large electrical utility box and knelt behind it for cover. “Daemon! Cover!” she shouted and the war dog moved behind the utility box with her.

  She saw Stone and the others begin to return fire toward a damaged utility building and wrecked Terillian hover tank. Martin swung her rifle toward the source of the enemy fire but couldn’t find a target from her position. Preparing to move to her right flank, she looked through her scope to get one last view of Stone and the others’ position.

  Martin saw Tacitus, Stone, and two other Guardsmen returning fire. “Where are you?” she said aloud, scanning for Varus. Shifting her view further to her left, she saw Varus hiding behind a container several meters behind Stone and the others. “Fucking coward,” she said, sliding her finger over trigger.

  But she wanted him to see her face when she killed him. She lowered her rifle with a sigh and prepared to move.

  Something caught her attention and Martin raised her rifle again. Scanning past Varus to the left, she saw a Scout Ranger moving into position behind Varus. She shifted back to Varus, still cowering behind the container.

  A smile came to her face as the thought of a Ranger driving his blade into Varus’ skull. “No,” she mouthed as she realized even she couldn’t allow that. Besides, Varus didn’t deserve to be killed by a Ranger.

  She slowly shifted her view toward the Ranger, centering her sights on the Terillians head as he raised his rifle to take aim at Varus.

  Suddenly, Daemon burst from his position toward the Ranger.

  “No!” shouted Martin, turning to look at Daemon as it rushed into the open.

  Martin swung her rifle toward the Ranger again and fired as she saw a burst erupt from his rifle. The Ranger fell and Martin looked toward Daemon.

  The war dog lay motionless in the open ground between Martin and the dead Scout Ranger.

  “No!” she shouted as she let her back slam into the metallic housing of the utility box. “Why did you do that?” she said out loud, wondering why a Humani war dog would rush an armed enemy in the open unless—

  “Fucking First Families,” she cursed, remembering that war dogs were compelled to protect First Family members above all others according to the hierarchy embedded in their AI. The brave war dog had sacrificed itself for Lieutenant Sequentis Varus. She slammed her fist into the ground, her eyes welling up with tears.

  She pressed her back against the utility box, gripping her rifle, and smacked the back of her head against the metal housing. “Focus,” she told herself, tears now flowing down her cheeks. ‘First the Rangers, then the traitor.’

  Martin rose from her position and rushed toward a pile of metal scrap to her right. As she reached the metal piling, she swung her rifle to the right and dropped a Terillian regular as he rushed from behind the main building. Turning quickly toward her left, she stepped forward to see the two Scout Rangers using the damaged hover tank for cover turn their weapons toward her. Bullets whizzed past her as she methodically took aim and fired. The two Rangers fell and she quickly moved to take cover behind the tank.

  From behind the tank, Martin could see Stone and the others’ position. “Alpha One, Scorpion One. I’m on your right flank. Tank is clear.”

  ‘Roger, Scorpion,’ came Tacitus’s voice. ‘Contacts are to your 2 o’clock.’

  “Roger,” she replied, peeking around the back of the tank. She twisted away from a hail of bullets ricocheting off the tank. “Shit.” Another quick glance over the tank brought a second wave of bullets.

  The Scout Rangers were positioned ten meters away in the remnants of a utility building. And they had chosen their ambush point well; a bomb-hole provided cover from Stone’s position, and a partial wall and debris covered them from Martin’s position.

  Resting her back against the warm metal of the damaged tank, she inhaled slowly. “Fuck it,” she puffed as she grabbed a grenade from her vest and flung it toward the Rangers’ position.

  As the grenade detonated, she burst from the cover of the tank in a full sprint toward the enemy positon. The dirt and debris from the blast was still drifting to the ground as Martin leapt onto the partially collapsed wall and dove into the Terillian position.

  Her feet hit the ground and she fired point-blank into the chest of a Ranger. Spinning to her right, she saw a wounded Terillian swing a pistol in her direction. She fired a burst, knocking the enemy soldier back to the ground.

  Martin’s left leg gave way as the sharp pain of a bullet tearing into her hamstring caused her to fall to one knee. Letting out a grunt, she swung her rifle to her rear. Looking up at her was another Ranger. His left leg blown apart and his stomach torn open by grenade, the Ranger held a pistol in his shaking hand. She pulled the trigger again and the pistol fell to the ground.

  She scanned the area. Including the three Rangers she had killed, six Terillians lay dead around her.

  The threat removed, she fell to her other knee and let out a groan. Her entire body felt like a raw nerve.

  She reached for a neuro-injector but remembered Shara had injected one early; two would make her too disoriented for what was coming next. Gritting her teeth, she pushed herself to her feet. “Alpha One, this is Scorpion One. Targets removed. I’m coming out.”

  Martin emerged from the carnage she had created and began limping toward Stone and the others. As she grew closer, the pain in her leg and the rest of her body gave way to the warmth of anger focusing her on her goal.

  “Good job, Lieutenant,” said Tacitus as she reached the others. “That was—”

  “Yeah,” replied Martin, dropping her rifle and drawing her sword as she walked past Tacitus and Stone.

  Her gaze fixed on Varus’s last position, she saw him stand and walk toward the others.

  When he saw her he stopped.

  “Lieutenant Martin,” he said, his voice broken. “I thought—”

  Varus was cut short as Martin landed a powerful blow to his jaw, knocking him to the ground. He attempted to rise but Martin drove him back into the ground with her boot. Standing over him, she ignored the pain and blood from her wounded hamstring as she pressed the tip of her sword against his neck.

  “Lieutenant!” shouted Stone as he and Tacitus rushed toward Martin.

  “Fucking traitor!” she yelled, rage overwhelming her. “Time to die.”

  Martin raised her sword above her head.

  Suddenly she stumbled to her left as Stone shoved her away from Varus.

  “Lieutenant Martin!” he shouted. “Stand down!”

  “She tried to kill me!” blurted Varus as he scrambled to his feet. “Everyone saw it.” He stepped behind Tacitus. “I want her charged.”

  “Me? You fucking traitor!” she yelled, stepping toward Varus again.

  “Lieutenant!” shouted Stone, stepping between Martin and Varus.

  “But he betrayed us, Sir!”

  “Lies!” retorted Varus from behind Tacitus. “I want this animal in chains!”

  “Animal?” Martin’s blood boiled but she would not defy Stone. “I’ve told you what he’s done. How can—”

  “And you Lieutenant Varus,” interrupted Stone, “what about these accusations?”

  “Lies,” said Varus. “Lies spat from the mouth of a commoner to damage the honor of the First Families. She has disrespected me on several occasions and now has tried to kill me.” He paused. “That is what happens when you place commoners—and a woman—in a position of authority.”<
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  Martin’s body grew hot. “You bastard!” she snarled as she stepped forward again, only to be pushed back Stone.

  “Damn it, Emily! Shut up!” he ordered.

  “See!” said Varus, pointing toward Martin. “She’s a savage.”

  “Silence!” shouted Stone to Varus. “These charges are—”

  “She lies,” interrupted Varus.

  “Lieutenant Varus.” Stone spoke calmy as he stepped close to him. “Despite my last name, do not forget I am a member of a First Family and your superior officer. Do not interrupt me again.”

  Varus stood silent.

  “Do you understand me?”

  “Yes,” replied Varus.

  Stone stepped closer, his face almost touching Varus’s, his voice dangerously quiet. “What was that?”

  “Yes…Sir.”

  “Good,” said Stone. He stepped back.

  “Major Stone,” said Varus, “you know the Varus family will not stand for these outlandish accusations.”

  Martin guffawed, only to receive a quick, stern glance from Stone.

  “I didn’t say anything, Sir,” she replied.

  “Nor will they allow one of their members to be threatened by a commoner,” added Varus.

  “Fuck you!” snapped Martin.

  “That is enough!” shouted Stone. “Lieutenant Martin, you will not threaten or speak another disparaging word of Flight Lieutenant Varus while we are on this mission.”

  Martin’s heart fell into her stomach. “But, Sir—”

  “Is that understood, Lieutenant?”

  Her head spun and her stomach churned. Was Stone going to let Varus get away with treason? Was he no better than the rest of them? “Sir?” she asked, her arms extended to her side as she looked into his eyes.

  Stone returned her gaze and then turned back toward Varus. “I am well aware of the Varus family’s influence, Lieutenant...” He paused. “…since I am soon to be a member of that family. That is why I doubt your father, or for that matter your uncle, Senator Varus, would care to have the honor of one of their own openly questioned in the Forum.”

  “It will never reach the Forum,” replied Varus.

  Martin’s stomach was in knots. Was he going to get away with this?

  “They will if the charges are supported by another First Family leader and a battalion commander of the Elite Guard,” said Stone.

  “You would not betray your future family,” said Varus anxiously.

  “Betray!” yelled Stone, the power of his voice sending a tingle down Martin’s spine. He grabbed Varus, pulling him close. “Listen, you little shit.” He spoke through his teeth before he regained his composure, releasing Varus and stepping back. “This is what’s going to happen. Lieutenant Martin will not harm you and when we return to Alpha Humana, you will resign your commission and take a position in another branch of the government.”

  “Sir, I cannot—”

  “You will,” interjected Stone. “I don’t care what you do, but you will never wear a Humani military uniform again.” He stepped close Varus again. “If you do not, then you will answer for your cowardice and treachery—or maybe I will let Lieutenant Martin handle the problem.”

  Varus looked toward Martin.

  A smile came to her face. “As you wish, Sir,” she said, holding her sword tightly.

  “What will it be, Lieutenant?” asked Stone.

  “So be it,” mumbled Varus, turning back toward Stone.

  “Good,” replied Stone. “Captain Tacitus, leave the mop-up to your platoon commanders and accompany Lieutenant Varus back to Mt. Castra.”

  “Yes, Sir,” replied a confused but compliant Tacitus.

  “Flight Lieutenant Varus, once you are on Mt. Castra, you will remain in your quarters until we return to Alpha Humana.”

  “Yes, Sir,” grumbled Varus.

  “This way, Lieutenant,” said Tacitus as he pointed toward a nearby transport.

  “Bye,” said Martin with a smile as she raised her middle finger.

  Varus looked toward Martin and then Stone. After a pause he turned and joined Tacitus.

  “Not one of your finer moments, Lieutenant Martin,” said Stone as he stood next to her.

  “Sir, I—”

  “Even if the little prick had it coming.”

  Chapter 18

  Martin stood on the landing platform by the lake with Yates, Shara, and Daniel—the remnants of two Elite Guard platoons. In the two days following what would be called in Elite Guard records as the Battle for Golf 2, the surrounding area had been cleared of any Terillian resistance. Martin knew some Scout Rangers most likely escaped; they were too good for a few not to have slipped away. Most of them would succumb to the cold, starvation, or maybe the Phel if any of them were left.

  “You about ready to get off this rock, Lieutenant?”

  Stone’s voice startled Martin from her thoughts, and she turned to salute her commander.

  “Yes, Sir,” she replied as Yates and the others entered the transport. “Any word on the Phel position.”

  “Desro and his men scoured the base for the better part of a day,” answered Stone. “There were signs the base had been inhabited, and signs of a fight, but no Phel. None alive or dead.”

  “They must have abandoned the base with all of ours’ and the Terillians’ activity,” mused Martin. “They were there…and at least a few were still alive.” Her thoughts flashed back toward the horrible moment in the dark room. “Mostly kids, I’m guessing,” she added, her voice cracking slightly.

  “Rough couple of weeks?”

  “Yes, Sir,” she replied, trying not to think about the hell she and her men had been through. She looked down toward the platform.

  “You know, I thought about letting you do it.”

  “Sir?”

  “Killing Varus.”

  Martin’s head shot up and her mouth gaped.

  “Not for long, mind you,” continued Stone. “Don’t get me wrong, he deserves it. And we both know he’ll never really pay for what he did.”

  “Then why didn’t—”

  “Because you’re too important,” said Stone, looking directly into her eyes. “If you killed him, justice might have been served, but you would have been imprisoned for life at best. And you’re worth a hundred, a thousand Sequentis Varuses to our people…and to me.” He looked around the soon-to-be-abandoned Terillian base. “All of the men who fought and died here, they are all worth more to me than him.”

  “But, Sir—”

  “If I’d let you kill him, I would have robbed our people of a good leader. And that would have been the real crime.” He looked back toward her. “He knows the Varus patriarchs will make him disappear to some desolate post before openly having to defend a charge of cowardice and treason. You’ll never see him in uniform again.”

  He’d never been this open with her before and she couldn’t help herself. “Why are they like that?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “The First Families. I…I mean no disrespect, Sir. But—” She paused, realizing she had gone too far. “Nevermind, Sir. I’m sorry for—”

  “We’re not perfect, Emily…none of us. And while it has fallen on the First Families to lead, sometimes the benefits of leadership and power also corrupt. But there is no alternative other than chaos,” continued Stone. “Do you remember the histories and what they say about the wars that tore our civilization apart before the Xen helped us rebuild?”

  Martin nodded. She knew the violent and tragic history of her people well.

  “They established this form of government and guided the First Families so that order could be restored and maintained.”

  “You’re right, of course, Sir,” she replied, sorry she had spoken. “I really didn’t—”

  “But we need to be better leaders,” he interrupted, his gaze looking off into the distance. “Sequentis Varus is the worst of us, worse than the lowest commoner. The First Families must be better, w
e must try harder…if not, we do not deserve to lead.”

  “I will follow you to the death, Sir,” blurted Martin. “But not because of your family name.”

  Stone looked back toward Martin.

  “We’ll let’s hope you never have to,” he said with a smile.

  Martin’s attention shifted to a transport landing about twenty meters away. It wasn’t military, but it was heavily armored. The transports engines began to wind down and a cargo door opened.

  Emerging from the open door was a squad of heavily armed men, none of them wearing Humani uniforms.

  “Mercs?” said Martin, looking back toward Stone. “What are mercs doing here?”

  “Well,” replied Stone. “Turns out the Terillians were mining Durumite ore. The stuff that gets combined with the metal alloys in our ship’s hulls to withstand the high forces of jumps.”

  “Hmm,” replied Martin. She knew Durumite was one of the rarest elements in the known galaxy and instrumental to the building of warships. “But why—” She paused as she suddenly understood the situation. “The Association.”

  “Probably,” replied Stone. “Since maintaining military forces here and carrying out major mining operations in the Dark Zone is against the Accords, the Senate must have informed the Association so that they can take over mining operations. I’m guessing that is their security team.”

  “The Association.” Martin laughed. “They’ll mine this place and then sell it to both us and the Ters at double the cost than if we just took it ourselves.”

  “But now we’ll be in line with the Accords.”

  Martin laughed again. “Politics. No concern for a Guardsmen, right, Sir?”

  “Not for the smart ones,” replied Stone with a smile.

  “Then I guess I’m screwed,” said Martin as she turned to watch the group of mercenaries walk past her and Stone. Well-trained and well-paid, they were cold-blooded killers—each and every one. They fought for the highest bidder, without a cause or conscience other than their wallets. They had no honor. And she hated them.

  One of the mercenaries, a tall, powerful-looking man with a heavy black beard, stopped in front of Martin. He slowly looked her over.