Annals of the Keepers: War 267 (Book 1 in the Gashnee Saga) (11 page)

Data Cell 17

The shuttle veered
through the clouds of
Kalanis
as the planet’s surface came into view. It had been a full moon since Lintorth last laid eyes on his home world. What a glorious sight to see during spring-glory, he thought.

Breaking through the last sporadic cloud layer, Kalanis City appeared in all her splendor.

The futuristic cityscape went on for miles. The lush green foliage and blue streams crisscrossed the landscape darting in and out between the city’s architecture.

The shuttle came to a rest on one of many landing pads near a half-pyramid shaped structure.

Lintorth stepped off the ramp and headed towards the enormous building’s entrance.

The guards in the corridor stood at attention as Lintorth passed.

He knew his comrades must be seething with anger at this moment, waiting for his briefing, not being able to do what they wanted against the new unknown threat towards the Domain.

He must convince the Si Generals, if not the Si Lord, that attacking Earth at this time would be futile. A far heftier task than fighting the black-armored being.

The great Chamber Lore stretched ahead of him. He observed the splendor of the massive pillars and arched ceiling. They gave a far greater impression of strength and security than the generals who waited for him inside ever could.

Lintorth could already hear the commotion going on within the chamber as the strident voice of General Poth Kar presided over the others.

Lintorth walked between the last two guards and their Aythra beasts, and entered the chamber unseen.

“This is an outrage! We sit idly by while the whole of the Domain could be under attack!” General Poth Kar shouted.

He saw the generals standing around a large glass tac-board in the center of the room, engaged in their discussions, still oblivious to his entrance.

There was General Poth Kar, equal to Lintorth’s height but not his build, the black cape designating the Kar family line. The thinner one, and almost as tall, was General Turlon Ti; the gray cape noted his line as second in order.

Lintorth couldn’t place the third but knew he was boot-licking around somewhere.

General Ti voiced his concern. “The
Voktar Nar
fleet is in sector 24-T and within circles of Sol. We need to send them in and retake the system. I agree with General Poth Kar.”

A grin seeded General Poth Kar’s face.

He turned.

“Well, well. It’s the secret warrior of the Domain, Lintorth Sol. We’ve been wasting our precious time waiting for you. I do hope you brought some answers besides a good story,” Poth Kar announced.

Lintorth approached the generals.

“Charming as always, brother. Have I been missed?” Lintorth asked with a sarcastic tone.

“Always sly and witty aren’t we, Lintorth. I am glad to see your seriousness regarding the matter at hand.”

“We don’t have time for your games, Lintorth,” General Ti stated. “We can attack now without you and your damn secretive information.”

“Attack whom, General Ti? I might be in agreement if you could tell me whom we want to attack.” Lintorth stood there, waiting for an answer he knew would not come. “No?” Lintorth questioned.

General Ti’s eyes flashed with anger, his fists clenched.

Poth Kar approached Lintorth.

“Why don’t you get on with what you’ve come to tell us all? We can let the Si decide whether we should attack or not,” Poth Kar said.

A voice came from the shadows near the back of the room.

“Lintorth, Lintorth. Must it always come down to subterfuge with you?” General Sontar Jal asked, approaching the group.

“There you are, my brother. I figured you would slither from the shadows sooner or later,” Lintorth quipped.

Lintorth observed Sontar Jal approach with that casual grin he always seemed to have splashed across his smug face. His white cape followed behind him. Lintorth knew that, out of all the generals, Sontar was the one you always had to keep an eye out for, or you just might wake up beside your own beating heart.

Sontar Jal moved towards Lintorth with arms behind his back. “Are we trying once again to move up the command structure with some feeble and misguided hunch? You know, Lintorth, being third order in line from the Si makes one desperate. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Enough of this banter,” Poth Kar interjected.

Sontar continued to stir the muddy waters. “Yes, enough of the drama, Lintorth. Please, enlighten us with your tactical view on why we shouldn’t attack the Sol system.” Sontar’s eyes narrowed as he savored his next words. “You know, that system, the one which bears your inherited family name. Another disgrace upon the old blood line, huh, Lintorth?”

Lintorth was no stranger to his brother’s taunts.

He stood there without flinching or contorting his face to the verbal lashes he was receiving. His lack of response kept drawing them in more and more, as if intentional.

General Ti had about enough. “You stand there so arrogant; nothing to offer but silence. Your disgrace goes beyond words. The time has come. We will attack on the next full circle.”

“What will it be, Lintorth? Are you with us in this final decision or will you back down in the face of the unknown?” Sontar said.

“That’s it. I have had as much as I can stomach with this coward. Call the Si. She will override his silence and give us what we want,” Poth Kar lashed out.

Lintorth spoke. “Would you like to know the information I bring?” Lintorth drew them in closer with the question. “The ship matrix I gathered of the unknown enemy is a match to. . . “

Lintorth paused to extract the last bit of patience from them.

“…the Gashnee.”

The generals reeled back, their grinning expressions now gone, turned to shock and repulsion towards the name Lintorth spoke.

“You lie, Lintorth Sol!” Ti yelled.

Poth Kar was bursting at the seams. “This is outrageous! How dare you elicit that name here! What evidence do you have but from some useless Cuukzen spy?”

Poth Kar turned and walked a short distance, too aggravated to stand in one place, which Lintorth enjoyed seeing.

Clapping and chuckling issued from Sontar. “Bravo, bravo, my brother. You have outdone yourself this time. You bring 500 years of peace in the galaxy to an instant stand-still with your phony information on the long-forgotten Gashnee. I call your ruse.”

Lintorth walked a few feet to the tac-board and placed a sem-disc into a glass slot. The glass board blackened and sprang forth the hyper-drive matrix of the unknown enemy, which Voskal had relayed to him hours earlier.

The generals stood stunned, even Sontar Jal’s expression went numb.

A smile came over Lintorth’s face.

“Who stands in silence now, brothers?” Lintorth said.

A voice, much different in tone from the generals’, different in gender, spoke out.

“Lintorth, must you amuse yourself with the generals this way. You know how sensitive they get when they are eager for battle,” the Si Lord said as she approached the group.

It had been several full moons since Lintorth laid eyes upon Xoma Si. Her beauty was renowned across the Domain.

Her sultry glide caught all attention in the room as she passed by the generals and over to Lintorth.

The generals and Lintorth bowed to acknowledge their subservience.

“My Si,” Lintorth said.

Her galaxy blue cape brushed his arm as she rounded behind him. Her long black hair fell in front, cascading down the inviting breast armor.

“Lintorth is correct when he says Gashnee,” She said.

She had all the generals’ attention.

Sontar Jal glared at Lintorth with hatred in his eyes at the favor he now seemed to garner with the Si.

She continued. “The signature Lintorth brought is not fully Gashnee. Only parts of it match. The rest is that of another race; a race called humans.”

All the generals looked at one another, confounded by the unfamiliar race.

“How does my Si know this?” Poth Kar asked.

“Their government acknowledged their attendance to the upcoming conference of races being held next cycle in the Montis system. They sent word that they would explain all on why they have attacked our holdings around Sol.”

“How can we allow their presence at the conference after what has happened?” General Ti questioned.

“They said there would be no more attacks on the Domain as long as the Sol system remained unchallenged by the Kryth Mahr, and that all would be explained if safe passage is allowed to the conference.”

Sontar jumped into the discussion. “We can’t allow this. It doesn’t matter who they are. No one has dared oppose the Domain in 500 years. And now we just allow them to keep what they have taken without even a mere thought? The weakness this shows.”

“How could we not? We know nothing of them. It would be wise to learn before we act,” Lintorth added.

“Lintorth is correct. We must learn of our new adversary if we are to know how to defeat them. This is what I have decided,” she said.

The Si moved to the tac-board.

The glass turned to a galaxy image showing Kryth holdings throughout many sectors.

“Generals, you will have full defense mobilization at your disposal. You will command all forces to reposition in any sector without needing my approval. This order will last for a full cycle.” She paused and turned to Lintorth, “And, Lintorth, you will have the same amount of time to find out any information regarding this race. At that time, I will make a decision on whether we attack and retake the system or allow their delegation to speak at the conference.”

“My Si, may I make a request?” Lintorth asked.

The generals looked on with suspicion towards Lintorth.

“May I have full access to the Lore Archives to unearth any information on this human race?” Lintorth asked.

Uproar broke out.

“He cannot be allowed to view the secret archives,” General Ti said.

“No, I object to this viewing,” Poth Kar announced.

“No one but the Si is commissioned to. . . “

Sontar was cut off.

“My word is law and it is final.” The Si looked over her generals. “These files within the archives may save the Domain.”

“Or condemn it,” Sontar said under hushed breath.

The rest drew back at his comment towards the Si.

She approached Sontar Jal. “You have nothing to worry about, general.” Sontar sank down before her. She continued. “What Lintorth will know is what you will know and that knowledge will stay with you all and it will die with you all.”

Everyone bowed their acceptance.

“Now go. Defend the Domain. Find this new enemy who hides the secrets of our destruction,” she said.

The Si Lord turned and exited the Chamber Lore.

The generals sneered at Lintorth as their capes undulated through the air as they left the chamber.

Lintorth stood there for a moment, not realizing what he had asked of the Si. This information in the Lore Archives could be as Sontar said, a condemning venture against the Domain.

Lintorth began to walk in the great chamber, contemplating what he might find. It could contain all the answers regarding this race called humans or nothing at all.

He knew the generals would know what he knew. This would put them on an even playing field with respected positions in the order of the Domain.

Either way, he would have this new knowledge before his brothers. After all, knowledge is power that separates the victors from the defeated.

He smiled at the thought.

“I have things to uncover!”

Flinging his cape around, Lintorth had renewed zeal in his stride as he exited the great Chamber Lore, heading straight for the Lore Archives.

Data Cell 18

Kason knew he
wasn’t going to find the answers at the bottom of a glass. It was only his second drink in the last hour since the break bars reopened onboard the
Orion’s Rage
. Still, he did like to have a smooth one after a mission, answers or not.

It helped take the edge off after hyper-accelerated combat, though he didn’t think the Cuukzen mission was hyper anything. Hyper-annoying, maybe, but not combat to his standards. Being in the same room with Nevlen was about as hyper-accelerated as picking up a midget alien on a sand moon.

No matter. Nevlen would aggravate his senses soon enough.

This called for another drink.

Kason motioned to the bartender to be topped off when Alon stepped in front of his table.

“May I join you?” Alon said.

Kason waved the Keeper to the seat next to him.

He called to the bartender, “A glass of water with a. . .” he turned to the Keeper, “twist of lemon?” Kason asked, being polite to the Keeper’s normal order.

“Cognac. Old, please,” Alon said.

“Well, a gentlemen’s drink. And I thought you Keepers didn’t drink hard liquor.”

“I’m not a zealot, Kason. I, like any normal person, from time to time, like a fine cognac. A classic drink warmed in the hand.”

The bartender set Alon’s drink on the table, and, with a nod, the Keeper picked up the glass, inhaled its aromatic tone, swirled it around, and then took a small sip.

Kason looked at the Keeper with a curious expression.

“Interesting. You learn something new every day. And here I thought I had you pegged.” Kason laughed. “What’s the occasion?”

“Nothing, I just like to take the edge off every once in a while.”

“
You
have an edge?”

He was now more curious than before. As if Alon ever needed to take the edge off anything with a drink. The Keeper could be writing the Annals even if the main reactors onboard went critical and began melting down. The Keeper would still remain composed as he wrote.

Kason was curious, so he pushed.

“So tell me, what types of edge we talking about here? And, remember, just free your mind and let it go.”

“Good try, Kason, but remember you’re not the mentor here. I am.”

“You’re right, I’m not . . . but I am a friend.”

“That you are, and a good one.”

Alon placed the drink down and leaned back in his seat as well.

“Since you asked, I will tell, to a point of course.” Alon smiled. “Commander Parejas wants to speak to me in private.”

“Had one of those before,” Kason replied. “Is it about Nevlen and me?”

“No, it’s not. Though, he did want me to speak to you about it when I had time to, but that’s not why. You see, I did something . . . more of what I did not do.”

“And that is?”

“I can’t divulge anything further Kason until I speak to Commander Parejas; but, I will tell you when the time is right.”

“I see, one of those super-secret Keeper things?

Alon chuckled. “You could say that. Now, why are you taking the edge off with your drink?”

“You already know the answer, Alon. It’s about Nevlen. Commander Parejas thought it would be beneficial for us to work together, to take our ‘edge’ off . . . pun intended.”

“Good, because it was my suggestion you two do a mission together.”

Kason’s glass hit the table hard as the Reaver placed it down.

“Wait a minute. It was your idea he could use two of my Reavers? Am I hearing this correct, Alon?”

“Kason, you and I know this issue needed to be handled between the two of you. Let me ask you. Was the mission with Nevlen’s troops horrible? Did they not listen to your orders?”

Alon was making a logical argument.

“No. Everything went fine. I mean, they didn’t do much except take out a few pilots on the Kryth shuttle; but, overall, they did okay.”

Kason didn’t want to admit the mission went well with Nevlen’s troops. He knew he was conceding to Alon’s point.

“Now, if we are going to work together, it starts with trust. It wasn’t hard, Kason. The mission was over before you knew it.”

“It’s not my mission I’m worried about,” Kason sighed.

“Ah yes, your men. It’s your men you’re worried about, not yourself. This I can understand, but let me ask you . . . Do you trust your Reavers over Nevlen’s troops?”

Alon’s question was obvious again, Kason thought. Another well-placed point by the Keeper.

“Of course.”

“Is there any concern then?” Alon said smiling. “I’m the one who should be concerned right about now. Commander Parejas waits for my arrival for our meeting.”

Kason smiled at his friend.

He raised his glass to the Keeper. “A toast to good friends and a good mentor.”

Alon raised his glass along with Kason’s.

The men each took a generous pull on their drinks.

Alon placed his glass down first. “My friend, it’s always good to see you.”

“Leaving so soon, Alon?”

“I believe I will be on my way. I think you have more concerning matters to handle.” Alon motioned with his eyes.

Kason looked in the direction the Keeper was eyeing, as Droe Temin walked up.

“Until we meet again, Reaver Bender?” Alon said, winking.

“Yes. Until next time, Keeper Alon.”

“I’m sorry,” she said. “Am I interrupting you two?”

“I was just going, Lieutenant Commander. If you’ll please excuse me, I will leave you two alone.”

Alon nodded towards the two and left the table.

Kason watched his friend leave the room, passing through the cigar smoke and mixed chatter.

“Hello, Droe. Please, have a seat.”

Droe sat down, brushing her hair over her shoulder.

She smiled and waved off the bartender who had approached to take her order.

“No drink?” Kason asked.

“No, I was just passing through. I wanted to see the new lounge that had opened. I was more curious than thirsty.”

Kason laughed. “I’m not drinking this to quench my thirst,” he waved his glass, the ice clanked together. “Are you sure you don’t want one?”

“I’m sure, but thanks.”

Kason took his last sip and set the glass down.

“How are all the preps going for the conference?” he asked.

“As expected, I guess. I mean, having something like that thrown on you the last second by the Assembly is just fantastic.”

“Politicians will be politicians, right?” Kason joked.

Droe adjusted herself.

She ignored the joking question.

“So, I got to see the Cuukzen character you brought back.”

“What’d you think of the little guy?” Kason asked.

“He grows on you after a while, kind of cute in his own way but still annoying.”

Kason laughed.

“Just a little annoying? I thought I was going to pull his head off, but the interrogation wasn’t over yet.” He smiled.

“So what brings you to this fine establishment, Mister Bender?” she teased with the formal name.

“Going proper, I see. Can’t a man enjoy a fine drink in a fine establishment? Does there have to be a motive besides enjoying simple pleasures, to include fine company like you, Miss Temin?”

“You know what I mean. I’m sure a gentleman such as you comes to a fine establishment to have a fine drink to take his mind off those who would take away from the finer things.”

“I know. I was just hoping to avoid it just like politics, Miss Temin.”

She blushed and smiled.

“So what really brings you here, Kason?

“It’s about Ramek and Jens.”

“Any updates yet?”

“No, not yet. They just left in the shuttle we captured. They should meet up with the Rapide in the next hour.”

Droe went to reassure him. “I’m sure Ramek and Jens can take care of each other, don’t you agree?”

“I have no doubt there, Droe. It’s about our friend, the name we won’t mention.”

Droe knew the name. She just didn’t want to start anything she would regret, again.

“I wouldn’t worry about it, Kason. Plus, don’t you have more pressing things to worry about with the upcoming conference and our Kryth hosts, than ‘boot lick’. . . you know who?” 

Kason laughed out loud. “I thought that name was only known in the lower ranks.”

“We have our names for him too. But, despite the nick-names, he’s still a good troop commander, Kason. Sure he can get on your nerves from time to time.”

Kason cocked an eye at her statement regarding, from time to time.

She continued. “Okay, he can get on your nerves a few more than normal. Yet, he still keeps good morale amongst his troops and gets tasks done, minus one of course.”

“You and Alon make great points. It’s hard to argue with you.”

“How about this. You buy me dinner sometime and I’ll let you vent about ‘boot lick’?”

“I could vent for nothing to Alon and he would buy me dinner anyways.” Kason smiled, teasing.

She insisted with her eyes.

“But, you drive a hard deal, Miss Temin. I think that would be a great idea.”

“So do I. Say, plans for after the conference?”

“Perfect.”

Droe got up from her seat.

“It looks like we have a mission then, Mister Bender.”

“Indeed.” Kason stood as she parted. “I’ll see you during the conference brief?”

“I’ll see you then.”

Kason smiled as she left.

His mind was still on Nevlen even though he enjoyed his time with Lt. Commander Temin. He just couldn’t shake the image of two of his best men under that man’s command. He knew he’d better stop thinking about it. The conference was coming up in a few days and he had to focus his team, including Nevlen’s troopers, on the mission ahead.

Kason twirled the glass around, staring at the bottom. He could almost make out Nevlen’s face in the ice and water.

He sighed, sliding the glass across the table away from him.

He turned and glanced out the port window.

Out there, somewhere, was his enemy. He was just having trouble distinguishing who that was at the moment.