Tarizon, Civil War, Tarizon Trilogy Vol 2 Page 12

 

   

   

   

   17

  Tribute

   

  Commander Lanzia got a kick out of the locals’ claim that Queenland was his home. He’d been telling people that ever since he’d joined the Loyalist movement but just as his cover story. Now he was curious about Queenland and wanted to visit it. Since Queenland had the largest and most effective Loyalist movement outside of Lemaine Shane, it made sense for him to go there and do what he could to propel the movement forward. When he asked Threebeard about it, Threebeard advised him to first go to Shini with Lorin to make some political hay out of the 3rd Army’s recent successes. He said to use the excuse that he wanted to give a report to Chancellor Mammett and discuss a campaign in Queenland.

  “But do you think Lorin will be welcome in Shini?”

  “Not by the Chancellor but most everyone else will be glad to see her. If there were a vote for a new Chancellor today I’d bet she’d win. Nobody is happy with the Chancellor’s performance, but nothing bad enough has happened to warrant a no-confidence vote. Everyone knows who’s been running the war and who’s behind the Liberation Network..”

  “Okay, then. I’ve been wanting to go to Shini for a long time. There’s someone there I need to see.”

  “Tehra?” Threebeard asked.

  “Yes, you’ve been reading my mind again.”

  “You and I have no secrets anymore.”

  “Is that right? You can’t tuck something away where I can’t see it?”

  “If I wanted to I could, but there is no need, and keeping such secrets with someone with whom you regularly share your thoughts is tedious work and I haven’t the strength for it.”

  “My brother should be born by now. I’m anxious to meet him.”

  “I’ll arrange a meeting. I’ve got more contacts in Shini than you do.”

  “Thank you. I can’t wait to meet this woman who seduced my father. I still can’t believe she did it.”

  “Don’t blame your father. You know about seafolken women.”

  “Yes, I’ve heard the stories. How long do you think I’ll have in Queenland before I’ll be needed back here?”

  “Not long. Don’t linger. They only need your guidance and moral support. Evaluate their leadership and put someone in charge before you leave. Help them develop a general plan. Let them work out the details.”

  “Yes, sir. I’ll keep you updated.”

  “No need. I’ll be there with you in mind and spirit.”

  “Right. Of course.”

  When Leek told Lorin that he wanted to go to Shini and that he wanted her to come, she was resistant. First she complained she had too much work undone to leave her command station. Then she voiced her fears that if she went to Shini the Chancellor might try to sidetrack her and prevent her from returning to her post. But when she heard it was Threebeard’s idea for her to go, she reluctantly acquiesced.

  The Chancellor seemed pleased when Leek called and said he wanted to come to Shini to give him a report. He seemed equally delighted when Leek said he was bringing Lorin.

  “Good. We wanted to have a memorial for Jake and give him a medal posthumously. With Lorin coming to town it will give us the opportunity to do it,” the Chancellor said.

  “I’m sure Lorin would appreciate that,” Leek replied. “After the visit I’m thinking of going to Queenland to give our supporters down there a boost.”

  “I don’t know,” the Chancellor said. “That could be dangerous and with the enemy still on our doorstep it may not be a good time to go.”

  “I don’t plan to stay long. Just a few days to let the people down there know we care about them.”

  “We’ll talk about it when you come here. I’ll start making the arrangements.”

  “Good. See you soon.”

  Several days later Lorin, Lt. Hawkh, and Leek arrived at Shini. They were met by Colonel Tomel, who had been given the assignment of planning the memorial service for Jake. Colonel Tomel had been one of Chancellor Garcia’s trusted aides, so Lorin was happy to see him. On the way into town they talked and reminisced about old times.

  When they got to their hotel, Colonel Tomel advised them of their schedule. The memorial service was to be early the following morning. In the afternoon they would meet with the Chancellor and then later with his military staff to discuss Leek’s proposed visit to Queenland.

  “Tonight I believe Senator Marcuzzi and General Zitor are taking you to dinner, Lorin,” Colonel Tomel advised.

  Leek looked at him. “What about me? I’m not invited?”

  The colonel shrugged. “I don’t know. I was told to take you to see a woman, ah . . . Tehra, I believe, is her name.”

  Leek smiled. “Oh, good. I definitely need to see Tehra.”

  “Who is this woman?” Colonel Tomel asked.

  Leek explained the situation to him.

  “I wanted to meet Tehra too,” Lorin said. “I wish I could come along.”

  “Well, hopefully we’ll be seeing a lot of her and the baby from now on. After all, they’ll be my family.”

  Lorin smiled. “I’m happy for you, Commander. I know it’s been hard for you to be so far away from your family on Earth. This will be nice having a family here on Tarizon.”

  Leek nodded appreciatively. Later that evening Colonel Tomel took Leek to Tehra’s compartment. Leek pushed the intercom button and looked into the camera. A moment later the door slid open. Tehra greeted them and invited them inside.

  “Oh, my God! You look so much like your father,” Tehra said.

  “So I’ve been told. How are my mother and father? I understand you’ve seen them recently.”

  “Well, it seems like just a segment or two, but I guess it was actually a little over an Earth year ago.”

  “Were they okay?”

  “Yes, I guess you know your father finally told your mother what happened to you and it lifted her spirits immeasurably. She was still missing you, of course, but dealing with it much better knowing you were alive.”

  “So, where’s my brother?”

  Tehra smiled. “I know it must have been a great shock for you to hear about me and your father. I did a lot of soul searching before I decided to tell you about it, but I finally decided it wasn’t fair to you or Sophilo.”

  “Sophilo?”

  “Yes, it means hero.”

  “So, where is he? I’m anxious to see him.”

  Tehra stood up and said, “Come with me.”

  Leek and Colonel Tomel followed her into the next room where there was a white crib. They walked over to it and looked down at the sleeping infant. Leek began to choke up.

  “He’s so beautiful,” he said. “I can’t believe he’s my brother.”

  “Oh, he is, believe me. His DNA has been tested. You can see the report if you like.”

  “It won’t be necessary. I can tell by looking at him that he’s related. There are several Turner characteristics that I see right away.”

  She laughed. “Right. I know what you mean.”

  “So, what are your plans? I want to see a lot of you and Sophilo.”

  “I’d like that. I want you to be part of his life.”

  “Do you have a mate?” Leek asked.

  “I did, but he died while I was on Earth. I haven’t applied for a new one yet.”

  “Are you planning to?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “So, you’re an Earthchild, right?”

  “Yes, I was born in Texas like you.”

  “Wow,” Leek said. “That’s weird.”

  Tehra laughed. “Yes, it does seem a bit strange. The Dallas Metroplex has changed a lot since I was a child.”

  “I bet. We’ll have to get Threebeard to loan us some of his video collection so we can watch them together.”

  “That would be nice,” Tehra said. “I went to a movie with your father once. He’s a great movie lover.”

  “Yes. He took us every week t
o whatever new shows were up. They don’t have movies here on Tarizon. I wonder why.”

  “Not since the great eruptions. The world’s been in too much turmoil, but there are old movies available. They run them on the VC sometimes.”

  “Really? I’ ve never seen one.”

  “Well, the next time you visit I’ll rent one and we can watch it together.”

  “Cool. I’d like that.”

  Leek liked Tehra a lot and stayed and talked with her all afternoon. Sophilo woke up once during the visit and Leek got to hold him. Colonel Tomel grew weary of the visit and several times hinted that they had a big day ahead of them, but Leek ignored him. Finally, Leek reluctantly consented to be driven back to the hotel. They said their goodbyes in front of the PTV. Tehra held Sophilo in her arms and Leek kissed him on the forehead.

  “Thank you for a wonderful evening. I really enjoyed talking with you. You have a wonderful son and I’m looking forward to watching him grow up.”

  Tehra smiled broadly. “I’m glad you came. I hope you can come back soon.”

  “I have to go on a trip for a few days, but I’ll visit again when I get back. Now that I have a reason to come to Shini I’ll do it more often.”

  “Good. I’d like that.”

  They embraced and then Leek and Colonel Tomel got in the PTV and drove off. Lorin was waiting up for Leek when he returned to the hotel. She was anxious to hear about the visit. Leek gave her a detailed report and told her how much he liked Tehra. Then Leek asked her how her evening went.

  “It was great seeing Senator Marcuzzi and General Zitor again. They both send their regards.”

  “So, have they been able to keep your supporters in line?”

  “Yes, apparently so and my political stock has gone up a notch since I teamed up with you.”

  “Good. So, how long until you’re elected Chancellor?”

  “Ah, well, that’s a difficult question. We’ll have to wait for the right circumstances. In the meantime, I’m quite satisfied doing what I’m doing.”

  “Yeah, I suppose you’d have a lot of distractions if you were Chancellor.”

  “I would, most definitely, but I’d put up with them if need be,” Lorin replied with a sly smile.

  “I bet you would.”

  The next day Colonel Tomel put on a great tribute to Jake Boskie. It was held on the parade field of Garcia Army/Air Force Base appropriately named after the late Chancellor Robert Garcia. A military band played stirring music, troops marched in impressive patterns, and Chancellor Mammett used the occasion to laud all those who had made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the success of the Loyalist movement. The Chancellor got a moderate applause but when Lorin took the podium the big crowd gave her a standing ovation.

  “Thank you,” she said with a warm smile.

  “Mr. Chancellor, Colonel Tomel, and all of you who came to remember Jake. I want to thank you for this wonderful tribute to him. I still can’t believe he’s not with us. I still wake in the night and reach for him—for his strength, his compassion, and his love. Then I remember that he is gone—stolen from me at such a young age because of a greedy, selfish, godless man who decided to make himself King of Tarizon.

  “For so many cycles Tarizon was at peace under the Supreme Mandate. Most of us thought we’d seen the last of war and all the suffering it brings. Then the Purist Party sprang up and began spreading its message of hate and fear. It was unfortunate our planet was devastated by the great eruptions, but we had survived and were slowly bringing our planet back to life. There was no justification for scrapping the Supreme Mandate and suspending all the rights and freedoms that we all so loved and cherished.”

  There were shouts of approval. Chancellor Mammett nodded in agreement.

  “My father, and now my husband, have given their lives to restoring peace, justice and democracy to Tarizon. We cannot let the loss of their lives, or the lives of the countless others who have died in this struggle, to have been in vain. We have to win this war! We have to rid our world of those who think they are superior to the rest of us and think they have a right to rule the world for their own pleasure and profit! It is our duty to stand up and say no! No, Videl! No more tyranny!”

  Lorin smiled and concluded, “I better sit down or I’ll be accused of campaigning for the next election.” The crowd laughed. “Jake would love this tribute. I hope he’s somehow watching us. Thank you again for being here.”

  Colonel Tomel got up, joined Lorin on the podium, and took the microphone. “And now it is my pleasure to award to Jake Boskie for his courage, determination, and sacrifice for the citizens of Tarizon, the Limbidium Pyramid which symbolizes the unbreakable bond between Citizen, Law, and God.”

  Colonel Tomel picked up a box and took out the Limbidium Pyramid. It was a small crystal pyramid that glowed from within and pulsated as if it were alive. Lorin’s eyes widened as she saw it. The crowd let out a collective sigh of astonishment. Colonel Tomel handed the pyramid to Lorin. She took it gingerly and held it up to the crowd. The pyramid had a calming effect on the viewer like a flickering fire. There were screams and applause as the pyramid glowed magnificently in response to the crowd’s emotion.

  After the ceremony there was a lavish luncheon in the officers’ dining hall put on by the officer’s wives. Leek and Lorin stuffed themselves, drank tekari, and then watched as comics and jesters entertained the crowd. Finally, a band called Earth Jazz took over and played music that made Leek think of New Orleans. He wasn’t a great dancer, but the music put him in the mood so he asked Lorin if she wanted to dance. She agreed and they took to the floor. Lorin felt good in Leek’s arms. He imagined he was dancing with Lucinda. Lorin felt safe and peaceful in Leek’s arms. She closed her eyes and imagined she was dancing with Jake. As the party wore on they danced closer and closer, brushing against each other often and looking deep into each other’s eyes. A few heads turned and eyes widened. When it was time to leave Leek and Lorin lingered, thanking the band for their wonderful music and their host for such a fine party. Finally, Colonel Tomel insisted they leave.

  “The Chancellor and three generals are waiting for you, Commander,” Colonel Tomel reminded him.

  “Yes, we must go. Come on, Lorin,” Leek said.

  Lorin said one last goodbye and then they finally left and got into the PTV that was waiting outside. Colonel Tomel sat next to the driver and Leek and Lorin were in the backseat alone.

  “Can I see that pyramid?” Leek asked.

  “Sure,” Lorin replied and passed him the box.

  Leek carefully opened the box and pulled out the Limdidium Pyramid. It was dark in the box but it lit up just as soon as Leek touched it.

  “How does it work?” Leek asked.

  “It’s actually a real stone found deep under the ocean. Some say it’s alive. Others believe it is a chemical mix that reacts to heat and other stimulation.”

  The pyramid was glowing softly. Leek took Lorin’s hand. She looked up at him in surprise but didn’t resist. The pyramid’s glow intensified. He squeezed her hand and the pyramid responded with a burst of light. Leek laughed.

  “This is cool. I wonder what it would do if I kissed you?”

  Lorin pulled her hand away. “Commander, what’s gotten into you?”

  “Nothing. I’m just trying to figure this thing out. I wonder if it’s really alive.”

  “How could it be? It’s a rock.”

  “I don’t know about that. It has magical powers. Look at it. It turns a different color when our moods change.”

  “Magical? Don’t be silly. I’m sure it’s just some sort of chemical or heat reaction.”

  “No, it can’t be that. It has to be something else.”

  “Like what?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe it makes some sort of psychic connection with the person holding it.”

  Lorin shook her head then changed the subject. “I’m nervous about this meeting. I know they’ll be wanting information about our cel
ls.”

  “Just give them a general report, no specifics. I’ll try to protect you.”

  “You’d better. If they get that information they won’t need us anymore.”

  “I’m not so sure about that. The cell leaders are pretty loyal to you. I doubt they’d be anxious to take orders from someone else. Besides, Threebeard’s behind us.”

  “Yes, but I’m sure the Chancellor would like to dismiss Threebeard and appoint his own defense minister.”

  “Our coming today was Threebeard’s idea, so I guess he’s not worried about that.”

  When they arrived, General Zitor was there to greet them. They followed him into the huge conference center. Large electronic maps adorned the walls. Several staff members sat nearby at computer and communication stations ready to provide any information needed for the meeting. The Chancellor was seated at the head of a long black table with the Loyalist crest in the center. Three generals and six of their staff members sat across from Leek, Lorin, Colonel Tomel and General Zitor. Threebeard sat at the opposite end.

  “Well, quite an enjoyable party, wasn’t it?” the Chancellor noted.

  “Yes, quite nice,” Threebeard replied. “Now, unfortunately, we must again focus on the defense of our capital. Lorin and Commander Lanzia believe the time is right to open a new front in the war.”

  “So I heard, but do you think that is wise with the enemy still at our doorstep?” the Chancellor asked.

  “There is a story often told to children. A man, his wife and their baby are traveling to another city to see relatives. On the way they are held up by a bandit brandishing a sword. The family is poor and they have nothing of value to steal, so the bandit tries to take the baby, for he knows he can sell it on the slave market at a good price. When the mother protests the bandit tosses her to the ground. The father has no weapons so he picks up a large rock and comes at the bandit. The bandit laughs at this and is about to strike a deadly blow to the father with his mighty sword when suddenly the mother lunges for him and grabs his ankle. He trips and loses his concentration just for a moment, but long enough for the father to smash the rock over the man’s head and save his child from a life of slavery.”

  “So, you think if the enemy is distracted in Queenland that could help us in Rigimol?” the Chancellor asked.

  “The enemy will have to divert troops and supplies from Lemaine Shane to Lower Azollo,” Leek replied. “We estimate it will weaken their offensive capacity by one-third for a cycle or more at almost no cost to us.”

  “What do you propose to do in Queenland, Commander Lanzia?” General Zitor asked.

  “Meet with the leaders of our underground organization there, encourage them, and help them develop an effective strategy against the TGA. I’ll also summon the seafolken, nanomites, and the rhutz down there and enlist their support for the war effort.”

  “Won’t it be dangerous for you to go down there? If the TGA gets wind of your presence they’ll try to assassinate you,” Colonel Tomel warned.

  “And if they are successful,” the Chancellor added, “that will be a crushing blow to the Loyalist cause.”

  “I’m at risk no matter where I go. We’ll just have to be careful who we tell I’m coming down there.”

  “I don’t plan on telling them Commander Lanzia is coming,” Threebeard explained. “I’m only going to say that we are sending a delegation to consult with them. Only the people in the delegation will know who they are and we’ll swear them to secrecy until after we’ve gone.”

  “When will you go?” the Chancellor asked.

  “Soon,” Leek said. “I want to get back before the next TGA offensive.”

  “How will you get there?”

  “I haven’t decided yet.”

  “When you do, will you tell us so we can provide more security?”

  “That won’t be necessary. The fewer who know about it the better. We all know there are spies about and I don’t want to get ambushed before I even get there.”

  Chancellor Mammett sat up straight in his chair. “You think there are spies here?”

  “Not in this room, but somewhere in your staff there probably is. I’m sure there are spies in my organization too. Don’t you think it’s inevitable when an army is split in two, like the TGA was, that a few stragglers would be left behind to spy?”

  Chancellor Mammett didn’t respond. He was wondering if it were true that he had spies in his organization. The thought hadn’t occurred to him before. “How will you prevent your own spies from reporting your trip to Queenland to the enemy?”

  “By not telling them about it. Only a very few will even know I’m gone and those will think I’m taking a short vacation.”

  “All right,” Chancellor Mammett said. “It sounds like a prudent course of action. Keep us informed.”

  “I’ll report to Threebeard and he can pass it on to you. It won’t be safe to communicate by GC. When I come back I’ll give you a full report in person.”

  “That will have to do then,” the Chancellor replied. “Go and good luck to you.”

  Lorin and Leek left the base and headed for the airport. What they hadn’t told the Chancellor was that the delegation was already on its way to Queenland and Leek was leaving that very day in his own fighter. His plan was to take off for Queenland and fly over Northland since it was the shortest route and the TGA would have no reason to be monitoring the skies in that direction. On the way back, however, he’d have to take the long route as the TGA would be on the lookout for him.

   

   

   

   

   

  18

  Queenland

   

  Major Freelan led the advance delegation including Red, Lt. John Sillmar, Sgt. Lindshill, the seafolken representative who’d been promoted since his part in the mission at Gallion, and Rhin the rhutz. They were met at a remote airstrip in Southern Queenland near the town of Rinfeld by a driver and three armed militiamen.

  “Good afternoon,” the driver said cheerily as Major Freelan stepped off the plane. “My name is Rohn Sulch. Tobeth Jons sent me to transport you to the farm.”

  “Excellent,” Major Freelan said, wrapping his arms around himself. “Gee, it’s cold down here.”

  “Yes, we’re pretty far south. The winters are bad.”

  Major Freelan looked back at the delegation as they deplaned. He made brief introductions.

  “Take a seat inside. I’ve got the heat on.”

  “How far is it?” Major Freelan asked.

  “Just twenty loons or so. It won’t take long.”

  As they started moving Major Freelan gazed out at the beautiful snow-covered landscape. It was late spring and he was surprised the ground was still covered with snow. They were traveling in a twelve-seat Korstar 7 commercial transport vehicle along a bumpy rural road. The land was flat with only a spattering of trees here and there. They turned off the main road onto a poorly maintained gravel one. When the road forked they went left several kylods through rolling hills studded with clusters of leafless trees. Two armed guards were posted at a gate before a long driveway. The driver spoke to the guards and they let them through. Armed men and women walked along the road and stared at them as they passed by. A few loons later they arrived at a large farmhouse with a half dozen barns and assorted outbuildings. The place was brimming with activity. A man and a woman came out to the Korstar and greeted them. The man was Tobeth Jons, a man of forty cycles, lean, with black hair. He was an advocate by trade and a former member of the Queenland Senate. Perona Guilin was a pretty brunette in her mid thirties. Her husband had been a lieutenant in the TGA when the war broke out. He had wanted to defect to the Loyalist cause but was killed in battle before he got the chance. Although she had no business or political training, she was personable, intelligent and had been instrumental in getting the Queenland cells organized.

  “Welcome!” Tobeth said to Major Freelan as he stepped out of the Korstar
into the chilly air. They shook hands and made introductions. The people, who had been busily at work when they drove in, gathered around the delegation. There was a gasp of fright when Rhin suddenly jumped out of the CTV. Everyone in her path scampered to get out of the way.

  “Don’t be afraid,” Red said. “This is Rhin the rhutz.”

  “Commander Lanzia’s companion?” Perona asked.

  “Yes, we were told there are a lot of rhutz in Queenland, so we thought Rhin could help us communicate with them.”

  “Right. Well, we can talk about that later,” Tobeth said. “Come inside. You’ll catch a chill out here.”

  The spectators stepped aside, leaving a corridor to the main house. Major Freelan and the rest of the delegation followed Tobeth inside. The corridor widened as Rhin walked slowly through it.

  “We’ve prepared lunch for you,” Perona advised. “We knew you must be starving after such a long flight.”

  Red’s eyes lit up. “I don’t know about everyone else, but I could use a bite to eat,” he said.

  “Good then, the dining room is this way,” Mr. Jons said, pointing straight ahead. “If you need to wash up a bit before you eat the washroom is down the hall to the right.”

  The dining room table was full of delicious looking meat, vegetables and desserts. All but Rhin sat at the table and ate heartily. Rhin sat on the floor next to Red, who dropped an assortment of meats and bread onto a plate for her. While they ate Tobeth and Perona filled them in on the situation in Queenland.

  “Fortunately, the TGA forces are small and scattered in this part of the world. Videl Lai isn’t popular since it is believed he ordered the assassination of our senator, Sami San, just before the Senate was to vote for a new chancellor.”

  “Hmm,” Major Freelan said. “I heard that.”

  “So, when Lorin told us it was time to get a militia organized it wasn’t hard to find volunteers. In fact, we’ve had quite a time keeping this operation under wraps.”

  “What’s its size right now?” Major Freelan asked.

  “Almost two thousand,” Tobeth said, “but that number could quadruple if they actually had something to do. Nobody is anxious to join an organization that has no purpose.”

  “Well, that’s going to change now,” Major Freelan said. “Loyalist Command has decided to open a new front in Queenland. We want to solidify control here and then move north and take control of all of Lower Azollo.”

  “That’s what Lorin said in her communique,” Perona said. “That’s good news, but we’re not quite ready to confront the TGA, I’m afraid.”

  “We know that our plan will take time and we will give you guidance and support while you prepare,” Red assured them.

  “How many soldiers would we need to recruit and train?” Tobeth asked.

  “At least twenty-five thousand,” Major Freelan replied.

  Tobeth swallowed hard. “Even though the TGA is not strong here, the people are still afraid. They don’t want them bringing hovertanks and vipers down here. It may be hard to get that many recruits.”

  “We know that. That’s why Commander Lanzia is coming here tomorrow. He’d like to help you do some recruiting.”

  “Commander Lanzia is coming here?” Perona gasped.

  Major Freelan smiled. “Yes, he’s on his way.”

  “That’s wonderful, but I’m shocked he’d risk coming down here.”

  “Well, he feels connected to the people of Queenland simply because for so long everyone thought this was his home.”

  “Well, this is his home and he’s welcome here.”

  “He’ll be glad to hear that.”

  “Now, say we go along with your plan,” Tobeth said. “What if the TGA finds out and tries to stop us?”

  “They will find out and they will try to stop you, but they have most of their resources tied up in Lemaine Shane right now. They will be reluctant to divert forces to Queenland. This will give you time to train your troops and prepare for battle.”

  “We don’t have enough rifles and ammunition for that many soldiers,” Tobeth noted.

  “We’ll provide the weapons, uniforms, and supplies along with personnel to help you train your recruits. We’ll send you someone to help set up an airborne squadron as well. You’ll need air cover for your troops. We’ll provide an advisor and liaison officer too. Any orders or communications from command will go through them. Your outfit will be know as the 3rd Loyalist Army’s 31st Infantry Division and 4th Airborne Wing.”

  Perona laughed. “Boy, you don’t waste any time, do you?”

  “We can’t afford to. We need to get a second front opened within thirty days. If you will accept this assignment I am prepared to offer both of you commissions in the Loyalist Army.”

  Tobeth looked at Perona. She nodded, smiling broadly. “Yes, we’ll accept the assignment and the commissions,” Tobeth said. “We are anxious to get rid of the TGA, believe me.”

  “Good. Commander Lanzia will swear you in just as soon as he arrives.”

  “Speaking of Commander Lanzia, how does he plan to help us with our recruiting?” Perona asked.

  “We were hoping he could give a live address on the Liberation Network here in Queenland tomorrow announcing the establishment of two new Loyalist divisions here in Queenland.”

  “Of course,” Perona replied. “That’s no problem. I can set that up.”

  “Good. In his address, he’ll invite and encourage recruits to enlist immediately. He’d also be available for some impromptu appearances at various venues around Queenland to shake up the TGA and give the movement down here more credibility.”

  “That’s an excellent idea,” Tobeth agreed. “What type of venues did you have in mind?”

  “We don’t know yet. You’ll need to help us with that.”

  “You know there is a field tournament in Guthlin tomorrow,” Perona advised. “Athletes from all over Queenland will be competing for a spot on the national team. There will be thousands of spectators.”

  “Good. That sounds perfect for his first appearance. Can you arrange to commandeer the public address system for a few minutes?”

  Tobeth laughed. “Yes, I think we can manage that.”

  After lunch the delegation was given a tour of the farm. The barns had been converted to barracks and the outbuildings were used for supplies and armaments. From the air the farm looked quite ordinary unless you started counting the number of farm hands working the property. About midway through the tour Rhin suddenly ran off into the woods.

  “Where’s she going?” Perona asked.

  Red watched her thoughtfully. “Probably to make contact with the rhutz in this area. That’s why we brought her. We won’t know for sure until Commander Lanzia gets here. He’s the only one who can talk to her.”

  “Do you think they’ll be much help to us? I mean, what can a rhutz do against an armed man?”

  “Ask Commander Lanzia about that. Rhin has saved his life more than once. I’ve been told she even took down a copter once.”

  “Really? I didn’t realize they had that kind of abilities.”

  “Yes, besides being ferocious fighters, they are telekinetic as well as telepathic. You don’t want to mess with a rhutz.”

  “I guess not,” Perona agreed.

  When they got back to the farm more people had arrived. Some of them were recruits but many were just ordinary people curious about what was going on. They lined the streets and cheered as the delegation went by.

  “Who are all these people?” Major Freelan asked.

  “I don’t know. We weren’t expecting them. They must be people from town who heard you had come.”

  “Well, I hope they don’t plan on staying. They’ll be in the way once you start training.”

  “They’ll leave when it gets dark, I’m sure,” Perona said.

  At nightfall, however, the crowds didn’t leave but continued to grow. By morning thousands had gathered around the perimeter of the farm and al
ong the road leading up to it. After breakfast Tobeth took Major Freelan and Red back to the airstrip to pick up Commander Lanzia. They were shocked when they drove up and saw that the crowds had overrun the airstrip as well.

  “I can’t believe this,” Major Freelan complained. “What do these people want?”

  “When you arrived yesterday with the rhutz the people assumed that Commander Lanzia would be coming too. They’re here hoping to get a glimpse of him, I am sure. After all, they consider the Liberator to be a holy man, sent by God to save them from Videl Lai.”

  “Well, if all these people know he’s coming, the TGA will soon find out as well. This could be a dangerous situation for everyone.”

  “I’ve posted lookouts on all the roads. They are to call me immediately if they see any TGA soldiers.”

  They drove up the road to the airstrip slowly in order to avoid running over any of the spectators. When they got to the strip Major Freelan saw that some of the militiamen had cordoned off the airstrip and were keeping the crowds clear so the Commander’s fighter could land. He watched the skies nervously, fearing he’d see TGA aircraft or copters investigating all the activity around the airstrip. But instead a fighter streaked by and turned around to come back for a landing. Major Freelan recognized Commander Lanzia’s T-47 as it had the identification R1 on the wing.

  The crowd began to yell and scream at the sight of the fighter coming in for a landing. Then they began pushing inward in defiance of the militiamen surrounding the runway. When the fighter rolled up in front of the crowd they pushed their way through and surrounded it. As Commander Lanzia climbed out of the cockpit the crowd began to chant Seama lo dante! Seama lo dante! Seama lo dante!

  Commander Lanzia smiled and waved to the crowd. Red met Leek and took charge of the fighter. Several militiamen helped him move it into a hangar where it couldn’t be spotted from the sky. Six militiamen surrounded Commander Lanzia to protect him from any direct contact with the crowd. He didn’t seem to be in danger, but nobody was taking any chances, as spies and assassins were always a danger. Most who’d come just wanted to shake the Liberator’s hand or just touch him. Leek shook as many hands as he could as he made his way slowly through the crowd. When he got to the awaiting Korstar 7 he slid in beside Major Freelan and shook his head.

  “What is this? I thought my visit was going to be kept under wraps until my address tomorrow. Now the TGA will looking for me.”

  “Yes,” Perona said. “I apologize. We didn’t tell anyone you would be arriving, but apparently when they saw your rhutz they figured you’d be coming too.”

  “Hmm. I didn’t anticipate that. I wouldn’t have brought Rhin with me had I realized that would tip everyone off. Even so, I’m a little surprised that so many people have come out.”

  “Ha,” John said. “Wait until you see what’s waiting for you at the farm.”

  “Really? More crowds?”

  “Yes, twice the size of this one.”

  “Wow. I guess that’s good news for the Loyalist cause.”

  “It is,” Tobeth said, then introduced himself and Perona.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet both of you. I’ve heard a lot of good things from Lorin about what you are doing down here.”

  “Oh, yes. Lorin has been our salvation. She’s kept us informed and given us much hope.”

  “Good. Now we’re going to give you more than hope.”

  “So, we’ve been told,” Tobeth replied. “We are anxious to start building the 31st Division.”

  When Red made it back to the CTV they eased their way out of the crowd and onto the road. As they traveled back to the farm they realized they were leading a parade of vehicles. The crowd was moving with them back to the farm. The closer to the farm they got, the heavier the traffic became and soon they found themselves in a snarl. Tobeth tolerated the traffic jam for a while but at the first opportunity took a detour to try to avoid the crowds. Leek lost count of all the turns they made before he finally saw a cluster of barns and buildings in the distance.

  “Here we are,” Tobeth announced. “The house is just up ahead.”

  The spectators reluctantly moved aside to let the CTV go past. The windows were tinted so they couldn’t see who was inside. When they got directly in front of the door to the main house a half dozen militiamen cleared a path and Leek stepped out.

  “There he is!” someone screamed. “It is him!”

  “Oh! Thank God and Sandee, it’s Commander Lanzia!” another yelled.

  Leek nodded and shook many hands as he walked slowly past his well-wishers. There was pushing and shoving as many wanted to shake his hand or, at least, get a good look at him. When he stepped inside the door he turned and waved. The crowd cheered and applauded again until he finally shut the door.

  “Wow!” Leek said. “I wasn’t expecting all this attention. I thought we’d just slip in for a few days and leave without much fanfare.”

  “The people have been following your exploits quite closely since you first stole the fighters from Pogo,” Perona replied. “You’ve become quite a hero.”

  “Yes,” Tobeth added. “I particularly liked your adventure with the Drogals.”

  “You heard about that? . . . I didn’t realize that had been widely reported.”

  “Oh, yes. Everything you’ve done has been reported in detail in the media down here up until recently when the censorship began. Fortunately, the Liberation Network came on line pretty quickly, so I don’t think we’ve missed much.”

  The two delegations talked and discussed plans and strategy the rest of the day. Leek was advised of the public appearance that had been arranged for him the following morning. When he inquired about Rhin he was informed that she had taken to the woods the first day and hadn’t been seen since.

  “That’s all right. I’m sure she’s just out making friends. I’ll try to contact her later, which reminds me, Sgt. Lindshill and I need to go visit with the seafolken before we leave.”

  “Yes, we’ve scheduled that for right after tomorrow afternoon’s address. After you talk to the athletes and fans at the stadium, we’ll drive you and Sgt. Lindshill to Zangor. It’s a seaport on the coast.”

  After supper, Commander Lanzia went to the window to see if the crowd had dispersed at all. To his alarm, it had grown. He wondered how long it would be before the TGA learned of his visit. Suddenly there were screams and the crowd began to scatter. Leek strained his eyes to see what was happening. Coming across the pasture he saw Rhin and a half dozen rhutz. They were barking and growling at the crowd and causing a panic. Leek ran to the front door, opened it and to his astonishment realized the rhutz were herding the crowd away from the house. He knew then what was happening.

  He turned and yelled, “Get out of the house now! Get out! Get out now!”

  Red jumped up and ran to the back bedrooms yelling and screaming for everyone to leave. Leek went upstairs and ordered everyone outside. Nobody argued or questioned Commander Lanzia’s order as the urgency in his voice was clear. Just as the last occupant of the house staggered outside there was a loud screeching noise and then the house exploded.

  After the air cleared, Tobeth got up, dusted himself off and ran for the Korstar. Seeing this, Leek screamed, “No! They’ll blow that up next. Follow the rhutz into the forest.”

  Leek began running after Rhin and the other rhutz. The others watched and then began to follow him like sheep following a shepherd. As they all ran for their lives, three TGA fighters screamed over the farm dropping seeker bombs and blowing up everything in sight. When the bombs quit falling and the fighters disappeared over the horizon, the rhutz stopped under a canopy of trees.

  When Leek reached the rhutz, he looked back and couldn’t believe his eyes. The crowd was even larger than he’d previously estimated. A calmness came over the gathering even though the fighters could have come back at any moment. As they gathered around him he climbed up on the branch of a tree and spoke to them.

  �
��Friends, citizens of Queenland, I appreciate you coming out to greet me, but as you can see my presence here is causing you all much danger. I’ve come to confer with your leaders to help them prepare to fight the TGA and eventually drive them from Queenland.”

  The crowd roared their approval.

  “I know many of you were afraid of the rhutz who appeared to be attacking the compound. Actually, what they were doing was warning us that the TGA was coming. You see hundreds of kylods away there is a TGA air base called Torq Air Station. When my friend Rhin came here the first thing she did was to make contact with the rhutz in this area. So when the rhutz living near the air station saw three fighters take off in our direction, they communicated that information to Rhin who came with her friends to warn us.

  “The reason I tell you this is so you won’t fear the rhutz. They are on your side and will help you drive the TGA out of Queenland. If you ever meet a rhutz simply look into his eyes and he will know you are a Loyalist. But if you are a spy or not fully committed to freedom and the end of slavery on Tarizon, don’t dare look into the eye of a rhutz because he will know you are the enemy and rip you to shreds!”

  The crowd stirred at this warning. A man on the fringe of the crowd began to back away slowly. Rhin spotted the movement and looked in his direction. Their eyes met. Rhin began to growl and move slowly toward him. The man turned and started to run. Rhin took after him as the crowd gasped in shock. A militiaman stepped forward and cut off the man’s escape. Two others grabbed him from behind, wrestled him to the ground, and bound him.

  “So, now you have your first prisoner of war. Perhaps when you question him you’ll learn something about your enemy. If he won’t talk the rhutz can help you convince him otherwise. They will be a very helpful ally.

  “So, now I need to find a quiet place to stay and continue talks with your leaders. That means I need all of you to go home. If you follow me around you’ll make it easy for the TGA to find me and put my life and your lives in danger. So, thank you for your wonderful show of support, but now I need you to go home.”

  Nobody moved. They all seemed mesmerized by what had happened. Leek started to get angry. “Please, go home! Go home now! You’re jeopardizing our mission!”

  Finally, people began to grumble, turn around and start walking back to the road. Leek turned and looked at Tobeth. “Is there somewhere we can go until morning?”

  “Yes, Molh Culberth has a boardinghouse up the road a bit. She can put us up until morning.”

  “Good. Let’s go.”

  “The Korstar has been destroyed. I’ve called for someone to come pick us up in something else.”

  “Was anybody hurt back at the farm?” Leek asked.

  “Two were killed. Six others were injured but they should be okay.”

  “The enemy is ruthless and cares little for human life,” Leek said angrily. “I wonder if they had any idea who they were bombing.”

  “Probably not,” Tobeth agreed. “If they get a tip about an illegal gathering they don’t bother to check it out. They just do a preemptive strike. They don’t care if innocent people die or not.”

  Soon two blue PTVs drove up and took the two delegations to the boarding house. Rhin and some of her friends kept watch outside along with a contingent of militiamen. After several hours of discussions, everyone went to their rooms to get some sleep since they had to leave early the next morning to take Leek to Guthlin.

  Leek was so exhausted from his long journey from Shini and unexpected trek through the woods, he quickly fell into a deep sleep. When he woke up the next morning he felt good and was excited about the day’s events. He knew he was pushing his luck making so many appearances in one day, but the warm reception he’d received from the people of Queenland had given him strength and courage.

   They left that morning before the sky lightened. Guthlin was nearly 30 kylods away and they planned to stop at a studio to do the Liberation Network address and make an appearance at a factory before they went to the stadium. On this historic day everyone was dressed up in business attire so they wouldn’t stand out. Beneath their clothes, however, they carried laser pistols, power knives, and stun guns. They were hoping to avoid trouble, but if they ran into any they didn’t want to create a big commotion.

  Making little noise, they slipped in the back door of the deserted studio and Tobeth led Leek to the broadcast booth where the program would be made. They’d planned to do the broadcast first because it would reach the most number of people. They knew the moment the broadcast hit the airwaves, the TGA would be out in force looking for them. During the broadcast, Red said he would prepare a surprise for the TGA when they got to the studio.

  At the appointed hour Leek turned on the microphone and began his address. “Citizens of Queenland. This is Commander General Leek Lanzia talking to you today from your own homeland. Yes, I’ve come to Queenland to help launch the fight against Videl Lai and his henchmen who have stomped on the Supreme Mandate and stolen your right to life and liberty. I’ve come to Queenland because I know the citizens here are a proud people who love freedom and democracy. I know that you value all life forms and will not tolerate bigotry, genocide, or injustice.

  “I’m happy to report the TGA advance has been halted in Rigimol. That is why I am able to come to you this day to encourage you to take up arms against Videl Lai and the TGA. While I’m here I will be enlisting the support of our friends the rhutz, the nanomites, and the seafolken in this effort. They have proven themselves invaluable in the struggle in Tributon and Rigimol and I’m sure that will prove to be the case here.

  “Unfortunately, my visit will be short as I must get back to my duties as Commander General of the 3rd Army. Some of my staff will be staying on, however, to provide assistance to your leaders here in Queenland. Now is the time to rise up against Videl Lai and the TGA. If you are willing and able to fight, recruiters for the Loyalist Army will be around to enlist you in the fight for freedom and justice. If you are a TGA soldier who has been forced to serve Videl Lai, now is the time to defect and renounce both him and the Purist Party. Your enlistment will be simple and with no questions asked.

  “Now I must leave as the enemy will soon be on my heels. May God and Sandee be with you!”

  Leek turned off the microphone and looked at Tobeth expectantly. “What do you think?”

  “Very inspiring, but we don’t have time to talk about it now. Let’s get going. It won’t take the TGA long to find the source of the broadcast and when they do, we better be far away from here.”

  Leek nodded and they all rushed to the PTVs. Sirens could be heard in the distance. Just moments after they’d left, police and a squadron of TGA soldiers arrived at the studio. The police surrounded the building and the soldiers went inside. A few tiks later there was an huge explosion blowing glass and debris into the street. Fire quickly engulfed the building and billows of black smoke spiraled into the air. Those inside were Queenland’s first casualties of the Tarizon Civil War.

  Half a kyloon later Leek was shaking hands with factory workers on an assembly line at the Patrelin Electronics plant. “Leek Lanzia, good to meet you,” he said for the umteenth time. He climbed up a few stairs where he could be seen by a hundred or so workers. “Sorry to intrude on your work, but I wanted to stop by and tell you personally that the TGA’s days are numbered!”

  “Praise to God and Sandee!” a worker said.

  Leek smiled. “I thought if you actually saw me here in Guthlin you might be more likely to believe me. I know when I see someone on the VC or hear them on the radio I don’t always know if they are sincere or just reading a script. So, I want you to tell everyone you know that Commander General Leek Lanzia, Commander of the 3rd Loyalist Army, came to Queenland, came right here to Guthlin to personally deliver this message. So far the war against the TGA and Videl Lai has been taking place on the other side of the globe, but today it has come to Queenland!”

  “It’s about time!” someone scr
eamed.

  “Yes it is. For too long you have been living under the tyranny of Videl Lai and the Purists. They are as dark and evil men as you will ever see and if you don’t believe me ask the friends and family of your own Senator Sami San.

  “Sami San was one of your most cherished leaders. He was a loving son, a devoted mate, a cherished father, a successful businessman, the mayor of your largest city, and finally Queenland’s senator in the World Assembly. But being an honest man who believed in God and the Supreme Mandate, he was a well known foe of Videl Lai.

  “So, when it came time to elect a new chancellor one of Videl’s henchmen came in the night and slit the throat of your beloved senator, Sami San.”

  There were cries of anguish from the crowd. Seama lo dante! someone screamed.

  “And this didn’t just happen in Queenland but all over Tarizon. Good, righteous men were threatened, blackmailed or murdered to make the election of Videl Lai inevitable.

  “We’ve all suffered by the deeds of this despicable tyrant. My beloved mate was kidnaped by Videl’s own son and today languishes in a filthy jail cell, chained to the wall like a vicious animal.

  “It’s time to drive the TGA and Videl Lai out of Queenland. It’s time to drive a knife through the heart of the tyrant!”

  Seama lo dante! another person yelled.

  “Yes, it’s time for vengeance!” Leek screamed, raising his fist high in the air. He looked around and saw a steady stream of workers rushing into the room trying to get a look at him.

  “I know that up until now there was nothing you could do. Videl and the TGA were too powerful. But now that’s changed!”

  The crowd screamed their approval.

  “Do you want to avenge the murder of Sami San?” Leek asked.

  “Yes!” the crowd screamed.

  “Do you want to avenge the murder of Chancellor Garcia?”

  “Yes!” the crowd screamed.

  “Do you want a return to law and order, to justice and a free society?”

  “Yes!” the crowd roared.

  “Then find one of our recruiters and sign up for the Loyalist Army. We must purge Queenland of the TGA and the Purist blight!”

  Seama lo dante! Seama lo dante! the crowd began to chant. Some of the militia passed out pamphlets describing how to contact a recruiter and then Leek and his entourage were off to their next stop. By the time they got there sirens could be heard all over the city and the sky was full of copters and low-flying aircraft. The TGA was looking for the Liberator as they were getting many reports of sightings. Most of these reports, however, were false reports called in by the local militia sending police and TGA troops to every corner of the city and steering them away from the places Leek and his entourage were actually going.

  The two PTVs waited outside the stadium while their militia escort was securing a path to the press booth.

  “How long will this take?” Leek asked.

  Tobeth shrugged. “Not long. We have to get rid of the police and see if there are any TGA soldiers about.”

  “How will you get rid of the police?”

  “Stun guns. We don’t want to kill any of them, just put them out of business long enough for you to give your speech.”

  “You think the police are sympathetic to the Loyalist cause?”

  Tobeth looked around anxiously. “Yes, but they must bow to the dictates of Videl Lai and Central Authority. They have no other choice. But when the time comes to choose sides, I think most will come our way.”

  Tobeth suddenly froze. “Skutz! There’s a police cruiser coming our way.”

  Leek turned quickly and frowned. “Now what?”

  “Let’s see if he’s goes by. He may not suspect anything.”

  “Ah, with the city on high alert, I doubt it.”

  “He’s stopping,” Tobeth moaned. “We have to abort the mission.”

  “Okay. I understand.”

  Tobeth gave a signal to his militiamen and they opened fire on the cruiser. Another backup cruiser was on the scene almost immediately and the two sides began exchanging fire. While the police were pinned down the PTVs made a run for it.

  “Where are we going?” Leek asked.

  “We’ve set up a relay station in case the mission had to be aborted. We’re headed there now. The delegation will be split up, put in new PTV’s and sent away in different directions. Each will merge into local traffic and the TGA won’t be able to find us.

  “Good planning,” Leek said leaning back for the first time. “It’s too bad I couldn’t give the speech. I was starting to enjoy it.”

  “Don’t worry. You’re giving your speech right now. We paid an audio technician to put a copy of this morning’s Liberation Network address on the PA system and then lock the audio booth so nobody could stop it before it was finished.”

  Leek laughed. “Who’s idea was that?”

  “Perona. She’s pretty cleaver.”

  “I can see that. You two make a good team. I pity the TGA being up against you two.”

  Tobeth chuckled. “I am rather looking forward to kicking their collective ass.”

  Leek grinned. “I hope we don’t have to abort our trip to Zangor. I really need to talk to the seafolken.”

  “No, that will be your next destination. We’ll take the rest of the delegation back to a safe house to wait for you.”

  “Good. The seafolken will be invaluable allies. They may be able to help you communicate with the nanomites too. I’m hoping to teach them how to make contact with them. It’s difficult, but must be done as I have little time for it anymore.”

  “Sgt. Lindshill is already there preparing them for the meeting. They should be ready for you when we arrive.”

  “Good. What about the nanomites.”

  “They are in exile at the Litel Cathedral. Of course, they don’t know you are coming since we had no way of warning them.”

  “That’s okay. In exile they won’t be busy, right,” Leek said with a smile.

  “No. I suspect not,” Tobeth admitted.

  The PTV took a left down a street in the warehouse district. An automatic door was raising in a garage on the left. The two PTVs swung in and the door closed.

  “Okay. This is where we switch transport vehicles and split up.”

  Leek stepped out into the spacious garage that appeared to be a repair shop for large dirt moving equipment. Four smaller passenger PTVs were idling. Tobeth pointed to a dark blue one and they both got inside.

  “These are Grinden 230s. Top of the line passenger vehicles.”

  “Really,” Leek said very much impressed.

  “When we reach the tube the driver will open it up and we should be in Zangor in no time.”

  The Grinden lurched left into a tube entrance and the driver opened up. In the time Leek had been on Tarizon this was the first time he’d driven in a tube. To him it was much like driving in a long tunnel except they weren’t going through a mountain. He thought they must be going at least 200 mph.

  “The tube is laid like a pipe in the ground, so there’s never a problem with rain, wind or snow. Driving conditions are always optimal and there’s no speed limit.”

  “These must be expensive to build,” Leek noted.

  “They are now with labor so expensive and supplies in high demand. This one was built before the great eruptions. None have been built since.”

  “That’s a shame. Maybe when we get this war over, that will change.”

  “That’s what we’re counting on, Commander.”

  Leek noticed a sign indicating the Zangor exit was coming up. The driver exited the tube. Soon they were in the harbor district and Leek noticed many ships docked along the Reuhr River that spilled into the Dark Sea. They met the seafolken on the deck of a freighter. Sgt Lindshill introduced them to the six seafolken assembled for the meeting. General Quirken was leading the delegation.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you in person, General Quirken. I want to thank you for y
our help on Lortec. I doubt I’d be here had you and your men not escorted us off the island”

  “Yes, I’m glad you summoned us. We were anxious to help.”

  “Well, we’re going to need your help again.”

  “Yes, Sgt. Lindshill has briefed us. The seafolken are glad to see that the Loyalist movement has spread to Queenland. As always, we are at your command.”

  “Good. I’m leaving Sgt. Lindshill here to act as a liaison between you and the 31st Loyalist Division which is in the process of organizing.”

  “As you wish, Commander.”

  “It will be awhile before the 31st gets fully operational. In the meantime I need your help with the nanomites.”

  “The nanomites?”

  “Yes, they will be invaluable to the war effort if we can establish communications. I can talk to them, but obviously I don’t have the time to consult with them everyday. We need someone down here to communicate on a daily basis with the local swarmmasters.”

  “How can we help?” Quirken asked. “I’ve never talked to a nanomite.”

  “It’s not hard for someone with the gift and I know the seafolken are well endowed with that ability. Anyone who can enter a man’s dreams surely will have no trouble talking to the nanomites.”

  Quirken smiled. “It was easy to enter your dreams, Commander. Your mind was openly searching for help.”

  “Was it?” Leek laughed. “Anyway, if you’ll take a little ride with me to Litel Cathedral I think I can show you how to make contact pretty easily.”

  “I am at your disposal, Commander.”

  “Good. Then let’s go now so we can stay a step ahead of the TGA and local police.”

  Leek and General Quirken were taken to the cathedral where many nanomite swarms had taken asylum. It was a beautiful crystal structure very similar to the ones Leek had seen in Shisk. When they arrived they were met by Bishop Bohd who welcomed them and invited them inside.

  “The nanomites swarms were brought around to the back. I imagine they went immediately into the structure of the cathedral. I don’t know how you’d find them. The only reason I can confirm that they are here, is by the fact that much needed repairs and maintenance have been done.”

  “Don’t worry. They are so close, anywhere in the cathedral will be fine.”

  The Bishop led them to a quiet chapel and suggested it would be an appropriate location, out of the way and somewhere they wouldn’t likely be interrupted. Leek thanked him and he left.

  “Have a seat Quirken,” Leek said and began explaining how he’d been able to contact the nanomites in the past. Quirken acknowledged the method and said he was ready to begin.

  Leek closed his eyes and thought of his image of a nanomite. He didn’t know the name of any of the swarmmaster, so he concentrated on the image and said, “Swarmmaster. This is Commander General Leek Lanzia, known to you as the Liberator. I summon your counsel.”

  There was a moment of silence and then Leek tried again., “Swarmmasters of the nanomites. This is Commander General Leek Lanzia, known to you as the Liberator. I summon your counsel.”

  There was no answer. Leek frowned and looked at Quirken. “Sorry, they weren’t expecting us, so this might take awhile. I should have alerted my swarmmasters back at base to contact them and tell them we’d be coming.”

  “No worry,” Quirken said. “Perhaps you’re too nervous. It’s been a trying day. Relax and let the world around you melt away.”

  Leek sighed. “Right.”

  Leek closed his eyes and took a deep breath. In his mind’s eye he saw the nanomite. He took another deep breath and let his limbs relax. Then he tried one more time. “Swarmmasters of the Nanomites. This is Leek Lanzia, known to you as the Liberator. I am a friend of Alo and Lunn, Swarmmasters in Shisk and Tributon. I seek your counsel.

  “Commander? Is that really you,” Swarmmaster 27983 thought. “Or, am I dreaming.”

  “No,” Leek thought. “It is me. Commander Leek Lanzia, known to the nanomites as the Liberator.”

  “We are honored that you have come to us. Thank you for warning us of Videl Lai’s plans to exterminate our hives. Had you not warned us and helped us go into asylum we wouldn’t be here today.”

  “I’m glad we were able to save you.”

  “What brings you to Queenland?”

  Leek explained the expansion of the war to Queenland and the need for help from the Nanomites. He told him he needed the seafolken General Quirken to act as a liaison between the nanomites of Queenland and the new 31st Division of the Loyalist Army.

  “Of course, we will open our minds to him. Is he there now?”

  “Yes.”

  Leek nodded to Quirken.

  “Does he have a name?”

  Leek shrugged. “I’ll ask.”

  “We don’t really have names, but you can call me Milice, if that is easier for you. You will actually be talking to thousands of swarmmasters when you summon that name.”

  Leek passed on the information to Quirken and the general closed his eyes. “Milice of the Nanomites, this is Quirken, General of the Southern Sea Defense League, seeking your counsel.”

  The connection came quickly and Leek was relieved that he no longer was the sole connection between the nanomites and the human race. After the three leaders concluded their meeting, Leek said his goodbyes and headed back to the airport.

  When he arrived a huge crowd had gathered. Seeing the crowd he looked anxiously toward the skies fearing the TGA might show up at any moment. When the crowd saw him they began chanting. Seama lo dante! Seama lo dante.

  Grateful for the show of support, Leek got out of his PTV and waded through the crowd, shaking hands and greeting as many people as he could. When he finally made it to the runway he saw Red had his fighter ready to go. They embraced and then two militiamen helped Leek into his flight suit. As he climbed into the cockpit of the fighter he waved to the crowd and they screamed in unison. Seama lo dante! Seama lo dante Seama lo dante!

  Just then a fighter flew by so low it created a gust of wind that blew off hats and scattered papers everywhere. Leek closed the hatch and fired up the engines. Soon he was shooting down the runway and up into the air. The fighter swung around and tried to get on Leek’s tail but it was too late. Leek gave it full throttle, put it in stealth mode, and disappeared over the Dark Sea.

   

   

   

  Luci looked up when she heard someone fumbling with the lock on her cell door. There was a guard with a woman carrying a basket of linens. The door slid open, the woman stepped inside and the door slid closed. The woman smiled.

  “Hi. I’m Ariela Senna. I’m a midwife.”

  Luci smiled. “Oh, thank Sandee. I think I may deliver at any time.”

  “Yes. The guards said you were acting like the time was near.”

  Luci nodded. “The pains are getting more frequent.”

  “I know who you are?”

  Luci stiffened. “Do you work for Videl?”

  “No. No. I’m a seafolken—a prisoner here. I am from the village of Copesch on the northern tip of Rigimol.

  Luci relaxed. “How did you end up in this rat hole?”

  Ariela sighed. “My husband Jox was a fisherman and we made a fine living until we were captured by slavers. Fortunately, we were rescued by a Captain Lozich of the Dark Sea Defense League. He had a fleet of ships devoted exclusively to tracking down slavers and freeing their cargos of seafolken slaves. When the war broke out we volunteered and a ship was assigned to us in the Loyalist Navy. Unfortunately, we were captured in the Straits of Tributon when a storm blew us off course and we got too close to the coast of Tuht.

  Luci shook her head. “I’m sorry. How long have you been here?”

  “Almost three phases.”

  “Ahh!” Luci screamed as a contraction came and went.

  “Okay. I best get set up. You look like you may come at any time.”

  “Set up? You’re going to deli
ver my baby in my cell?”

  “Yes, I’m afraid that’s how it is done here.”

  “Oh, my God. What if there is a complication?”

  “I’ve delivered hundreds of babies. That was my job in my village in Copesch. Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”

  “Ahhh! Oh, my God. The pain is unbearable.”

  “I know. I have two children. Childbirth is so painful. I’m sorry.”

  “Ah! Ah. The pains are coming so close together.”

  “Yes. That’s good. Anyway, I inherited my home in Copesch from my father. He had respiratory problems that eventually led to lung cancer. I was fortunate to have given birth to two beautiful children, a daughter, Lenira, and a son, Ulith. It was a blessing from God and Sandee that they had no mutations.”

  “My baby should be normal. Leek Lanzia is the father.”

  “Yes. So I have been told. I’m sure it will be fine then.”

  “Ahhh! Ahhh! Ah! Oh, my–.”

  “You’re doing fine. Be strong. It will soon be over. . . . Guard! I need that boiling water!” Ariela screamed.

  Several moments later a guard showed up with a bucket of hot water. He opened the cell and placed it inside.

  Areila got up, took the bucket and placed it near Luci. She took a clean sheet, opened it next to Lucia and rolled her over on it. Then she bathed Luci with the hot water and began to examine her.

  “Oh, my God! You’re fully dilated. How long ago did your water break?”

  “Ahhh!” Luci screamed. “Kyloons ago.”

  “I can see the head. Start pushing!”

  Luci pushed and pushed as Ariela guided the baby boy from Luci’s womb. He almost immediately began crying.

  “Oh, he’s got a good set of lungs. That’s for sure.”

  “Let me see him! Is he normal?” Luci asked.

  “He looks like it. I don’t see anything unusual. Just a healthy baby boy.”

  Aerial cut and tied the cord and then showed him to Luci.

  “Oh, he’s so beautiful,” Luci said as she looked down at her child. “I can’t believe I have a baby.”

  Suddenly there were voices in the distance. Aerial stood up and gathered her things.

  “I’m sorry, Luci. If I could stop them I would.”

  “Stop what?”

  Aerial swallowed hard. “There coming for your child.”

  “No! No! They can’t have him.”

  The guard suddenly appeared at Luci’s jail cell with three men. Luci squinted to see who they were. She recognized Chancellor Lai.

  “Get out of here! This is my baby! You can’t take him!”

  The guard pulled the jail cell opened and Videl Lai and Evohn Cystrom walked in. The third man had a camera and began filming the encounter.

  Videl smiled. “I’ve been anxiously waiting for this day, Luci. I told you that you would regret your treason. You could have gone back to your mate and raised your child in peace. All you had to do was swear your allegiance to the elected government of Tarizon and renounce your traitorous mate.”

  “I’m sorry!,” Luci pleaded. “I’ll do whatever you say, but don’t take my baby.”

  “It’s too late. Give me the child,” Videl ordered.

  The guard grabbed the child but Luci wouldn’t let go, so Evohn restrained her arms so the guard could pry him loose. The baby wailed from the scuffle.

  “No! Give him back, you skutz!” Luci screamed, tears flowing down her cheeks.

  “Shut up you little whore!” Evohn said and then began kicking Luci hard in the ribs. “You’re getting what you deserve! My father has been kind to you. If it were up to me I’d have you both shot.”

  Aerial tried to intervene and protect Luci but the guard restrained her and shoved her out of the cell.

  “Come on, Evohn,” Videl said. “We got what we came for.”

  Evohn reluctantly left the cell and then looked at his father earnestly. “Why don’t we just kill both of them? Why keep either of them alive?”

  “Alive they will be forgotten, but if you kill them they will become martyrs and live in the hearts of our enemies. Trust me. They will be dead soon enough.”

   

   

   

   

   

  19

  Dalo Prison

   

  Leek finally relaxed in the cockpit of his T-47 as he reached his cruising altitude of 55,000 ft. Above the clouds and shroud of pollution that encircled Tarizon it was dark and the stars were as bright as he’d ever seen them. He gazed out in wonder, wishing he could see Earth, but he knew it was not visible from Tarizon. He made a silent vow, as he often did, to return home one day. Of course, he was painfully aware that his return would only happen if the Loyalists were successful. If not, he’d never see his home or his family again. But, if he fulfilled the Prophecy, then the Loyalist government would owe him. They couldn’t refuse his wish to go home. Eventually, Leek’s mind slowed down and he remembered he needed to check in. He got on his GC and pushed Lorin’s code.

  “R1, reporting,” Leek said.

  “Go ahead, R1,” Lorin said. “Good to hear from you.”

  “Likewise.”

  “Everything went well I see,” Lorin said.

  “Yes. How did you know?”

  “I’ve been monitoring all enemy channels. You’ve been the topic of chatter all day. Videl is livid that you were able to get into Queenland so easily and move about at will. Heads will be falling tomorrow, I’m sure.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.”

  “I’ve been talking to Threebeard and he thinks you ought to go to Dalo on the way back. Some local cell leaders want you to make a few appearances as a diversion to their plan to seize one of the TGA prisons. They’ve guaranteed your safety.”

  “Dalo. I don’t even know where that is.”

  “That’s all right, I’ve programmed it into your flight computer. You can just sit back and relax.”

  “Okay, whatever you say. What’s happening on the front?”

  “It’s still quiet. There’s no sign of an offensive getting under way anytime soon. Our air force is growing each day as more planes are coming out of production. Overall, everything is looking good.”

  “Well, I’m sure General Bratfort has something up his sleeve, so keep up your guard.”

  “I will. Don’t worry.”

  “Who’s meeting me at Dalo?”

  “Rulsa Chinet. He’s our cell leader. They plan to free five or so thousand seafolken and mutant leaders who are being held there as political prisoners pending execution.”

  “How do they plan to do that?” Leek asked skeptically.

  “I’m not sure. They say they know how to do it, but just in case I sent Tam and his special ops team to help out. They should already be there.”

  “That’s a relief. You had me worried there for a moment. Breaking into a highly fortified prison won’t be easy, but I guess if the TGA is chasing after me that will give them an advantage.”

   “Sorry to spring this on you. I know you’re probably exhausted from the tight schedule you’ve been on. If you want to come straight back here, I’ll just have Tam run the operation without you.”

  “No. It’s not a problem as long I can refuel on Dalo.”

  “You can. I’ve arranged a safe place to keep the fighter and they’ll refuel it during your operation.”

  “Good.”

  “I heard about your heart-wrenching story about Sami San and what you told them about Luci. It’s really stirring up support for our cause. How did you know about San?”

  “It was one of Threebeard’s memories that just came to me while I was talking.”

  “It was great. I’m going to have my staff research every place you go so you can tell more stories of local interest like that one. Since you left the city the recruiters have taken over twelve thousand applications and there have been three thousand defections with full military gear.”

  “
Outstanding. What’s been the reaction of the TGA?”

  “They’ve been on a rampage, of course. Shortly after you left they wiped out the remains of the farmhouse and the airstrip we used. But luckily, these were only temporary facilities set up just for your arrival. The new 31st Division is being assembled and trained at over a dozen different locations, so that if they discover one it won’t be a disaster for us.”

  “Great.”

  “Leek, listen. Threebeard and I have debated whether to tell you this right now. It’s a distraction you don’t need in the middle of a mission, but I think you have a right to know.”

  Leek’s heart sank. “What is it?”

  “Ah. It’s Luci. She delivered her baby yesterday and he was immediately taken from her. She was very distraught.”

  Tears welled in Leek’s eyes and he struggled to keep his composure. “How do you know this?”

  “We have a contact in Pritzka Prison. She keeps us informed as to what is going on. She’s a midwife and actually delivered your son. He’s fine and there is nothing physically wrong with Luci other than being weak and tired from the ordeal.”

  “Did she deliver in a hospital?”

  “No. The delivery took place in her cell.”

  “That skutz! I’ll kill Videl Lai if it’s the last thing I do.”

  “I know how you must feel. He’s an evil man, but apparently his adopted son is even worse. He wanted to kill Luci and the baby on the spot.”

  “I knew I shouldn’t have trusted him. I got a bad feeling the moment I laid eyes on him, but Sgt. Baig checked out his story and said it was true.”

  “I’m sure the Chancellor expected him to check Cystrom out and made sure his story would fly.”

  “Do you know where they have taken my son?”

  “Yes. He’s in a local hospital under guard.”

  “I’ve got to rescue Luci and the baby. Time has run out.”

  “I understand. I’ll get with Threebeard and we’ll start working on a plan.”

  “Good. Contact Tobeth on Queenland and ask him to find out if there are any nanomites at Pritzka Prison. I’ve trained a seafolken general named Quirken to communicate with them.”

  “Okay. I’ll get on it.”

  Leek signed off, feeling better now that a plan to rescue Luci was in the works. He sank back in his seat and tried to make his muscles relax. He thought of Luci. He wondered if she was really okay. He feared that now that Luci had delivered they’d torture her just for the fun of it. But that was too horrible a thought to even contemplate so he tried to dismiss it from his mind. Unfortunately, no matter how hard he tried to calm down he couldn’t do it. Anger swelled within him like lava in a volcano. He wished Videl Lai were in his gun sights and he could pull the trigger and blow him into a million pieces.

  As the fighter sped on autopilot to Dalo his thoughts turned to his friend Tam. Although it had only been ten days since he’d left, it seemed much longer. He’d missed his old friend and would be glad to see a familiar face. He finally fell asleep and began to dream. First he relived the video of Luci being chained to the wall in Pritzka Prison. Then it was his snake dream. He heard a snake hissing and when he opened his eyes it was hovering over him. Like before, he instinctively grabbed the snake just below its head to keep it from striking him. But this time he was horrified to see hundreds of snakes coming from every direction—hissing, striking, and biting every inch of his body. Excruciating pain surged through him and he wailed in agony. An alarm on his control panel woke him up abruptly.

  He sat up, opened his eyes and blinked a few times, trying to focus on the blinking light. There was a fighter within missile range, he finally realized. He took the fighter off autopilot and took evasive maneuvers. The fighter stayed on his tail but didn’t attack.

  “R1, is that you?” a familiar voice said.

  “R2?”

  “Right behind you. It’s a good thing I wasn’t TGA.”

  “Yeah, well I’m traveling in stealth. TGA couldn’t have found me.”

  “You’re right. Lorin gave me your flight path, so I’ve been waiting for you.”

  “How far to Dalo?”

  “You should be coming up on it soon. I just came out to meet you. There’s quite a lot of TGA traffic around the island so we’ll need to wait for the right moment to land. I’ll see if we’re clear.”

  “Thanks.”

  There was a moment of silence. “All right. We’re cleared for landing. You can put it back on autopilot.”

  “Okay, R2. I’m back on autopilot.”

  “See you on the ground.”

  Leek preferred to land himself but since he knew nothing of Dalo, and it was nighttime, it was safer to let the autopilot to do it. Once on the ground he taxied over to several PTVs with their projector lights shining brightly. He stopped, opened the hatch and climbed out. Tam’s fighter was taxiing in behind him. A short man with a mustache stepped out of one of the PTVs and approached him.

  “Commander General. It’s such an honor that you have come to Dalo.”

  “You must be—”

  “Rulsa Chinet,” he said proudly. “Did you have a good flight?”

  “Yes. Quiet and relaxing.”

  Tam walked up from behind and put his hand on Leek’s shoulder. Leek turned and smiled.

  “Well, I’m glad you slept on the way here because your first appearance is in less than a kyloon.”

  “But it’s still dark.”

  “It will be light soon. We want you to meet with dock workers on the far north side of the island. The prison is on the opposite end. When word gets around of your presence we expect all police and TGA forces to come after you. By the time they get there, of course, you’ll be kylods away at your second stop, a major hospital on the island.”

  “Sounds good to me,” Leek said. “How do you plan to break into the prison?”

  “The local officials have bribed some guards into leaving a maintenance hatch open and unguarded. Once inside we’ll take out the perimeter guards and blow the cell blocks. We’ve got a dozen copters waiting once the guards are down.”

  “Sounds like I’m going to be missing the fun.”

  “Oh, I don’t know about that. Having the police and the TGA breathing down your neck ought to get your adrenaline pumping.”

  Leek laughed. “True. Good luck to you.”

  “Thanks. You too.”

  The PTVs split up, each going in opposite directions. Dalo was a tropical island with a rugged terrain, lots of vegetation, and an abundance of trees and exotic birds. Toward the ocean side there were white beaches and many sand dunes. Toward the inner part of the island a smoking volcano lurked above them. The night air was warm and salty. It reminded Leek of his visit to Hawaii several cycles earlier. They’d taken a cruise from one island to the other and it had been quite tranquil and pleasant. Somehow he didn’t think his visit to Dalo would be the same.

    Just after the sun had risen, Leek and his entourage of local Loyalist leaders, security personnel, and the press made their way to the docks. A large crowd of workers had been gathered to meet the Commander of the 3rd Army. Leek waded into the crowd, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries. The press snapped pictures and taped video for their local newscasts even though it was unlikely the TGA would let the footage be aired. The reports and video, however, would appear on the Liberation Network. In fact, there were reports that when it came to news, the Liberation Network was getting a much larger audience share than the private networks under the censorship of the TGA.

  Leek and his party didn’t linger with the workers but soon moved on to the hospital. It was just in the nick of time, as police and TGA soldiers soon were swarming all over the docks. At the hospital Leek visited fifteen rooms, talked to doctors and nurses and then left through a back door, again, barely escaping before a squad of TGA soldiers rolled up. At noon the reporter on the local news was reporting an assault on Dalo prison and reports of a massive breach in securi
ty. As he spoke Leek was shaking Rulsa Chinet’s big hand and climbing back into his fighter. His part in the battle of Dalo was over.

   

   

   

  After splitting up at the airport Tam and his platoon followed the local Loyalist militia to Dalo Prison. It was located on a small thin peninsula surrounded by huge rocks and a treacherous sea. This environment made escape almost impossible without help from the outside. In fact, only a handful of escapees had ever made it out alive. The prison was an ancient stone fortress with six main prison towers, each manned with two sharpshooters. It had been built as a military stronghold by the seafolken over a hundred cycles earlier but had been taken over by the TGA after the great eruptions and converted to a political prison.

  Since this was a former seafolken fortress and many seafolken leaders were incarcerated there, Tam had enlisted the support of the local seafolken in the attack. While six seafolken swam in from the sea and waited in the rocks beneath the far tower, two mutants skilled in mountain climbing scaled the wall underneath one of the towers. When the guard saw the first soldier climb up onto the wall he started to scream an alarm, but the second soldier silenced him with his laser pistol. A second guard, responding to the alarm, suffered the same fate.

  After the tower was secured the two soldiers dropped ropes for the seafolken waiting below. Together they systematically secured the rest of the towers using laser guns so as not to call attention to their assault. In the meantime Tam and the rest of the soldiers were entering through the maintenance hatch that had been left open for them. It wasn’t until they blew the first cell block door that the sirens began to wail. The guards on duty were no match for the special ops team and the well-trained militia they were up against. Those who were not killed willingly surrendered.

  A dozen Ritzoen 77 transport copters arrived, bringing in fresh troops and evacuating the prisoners. Hundreds of seafolken emerged from the sea and gathered around the perimeter of the fortress. Since the siege had gone so well, the seafolken and the militia decided to stay in the fortress and use it as a base of operations against the TGA. Before Tam and his team left they helped set up a Trisling missile defense system which included long-range radar and Muscan II missile launchers. The militia commanders thanked them for their help and asked if they’d do one more thing for them before they went back to Tributon. Tam agreed.

  As Tam and his men were heading for the airstrip where their fighters were waiting, they heard several explosions and the sound of a battle raging in the city. They hurriedly put on their flight suits and climbed into their eight fighters. After they’d taken off they circled back over Dalo and while two fighters blew up the police station and TGA headquarters, the other six pounded the TGA air base and naval yards. When they finally left Dalo airspace, forty planes and twenty-one ships were ablaze. They’d fulfilled their promise and now it was time to get back to the main front.

  “R2, are you there?” Leek asked.

  “R2 here,” Tam responded.

  “Since you guys are so good at taking prisons, I’ve got another assignment for you.”

  “What’s that?” Tam asked cautiously.

  “Pritzka Prison. It’s right on the way home. I’ve decided Luci’s rescue can’t wait another minute.”

  “But Pritzka Prison is in Shisk.”

  “I know. It’s time to get her out. She’s delivered our baby and her life is in danger.”

  “Do you have an actual plan? You’ve never mentioned one before,” Tam asked skeptically.

  “Lorin is working on a plan and if she gets it worked out in time we’ll take a detour that way.”

  “Then I’ll pray she gets it put together. You and Luci have been apart too long.”

  “Yes, and if we don’t rescue her soon I think she’ll probably die. Our spies at Pritzka Prison say Evohn Cystrom is trying to convince his father to kill her and the baby.”

  “Oh, my God!”

  “All right. I’m putting it on autopilot so I can get some sleep. I’m so exhausted right now I can barely keep my eyes open.”

  “Confirmed. Catch you later, R2 out.”

  Lorin had promised to contact him just as soon as she had completed her investigation of Pritzka Prison. Leek knew she would be giving it high priority, so he had no doubt he’d be hearing from her soon. He switched on his autopilot, yawned and was out in a tik. He slept for some time—a troubled slumber filled with dreams of past horrors and fears of impending doom. Sometime later an alarm woke him with a start. He looked at his radar but saw nothing. Then he noticed he was just about out of fuel.

  Lorin had promised him a fueling drone at about the point where the Emerald Ocean runs into the Coral Sea. He flipped on his communicator. “R1 to S1, come in.”

  “I bet you’re getting low on fuel,” Lorin said.

  “Yeah. My warning light’s on.”

  “Look on your scope. You should be coming up on the drone any moment.”

  Leek saw a blip on his screen. “Got it. . . . Cutting it kind of close, aren’t you?”

  “Sorry, we’ve got a situation going on. It’s been pretty hectic back here.”

  “What’s happening?”

  “The TGA hit Shini hard by air. They’ve punctured the dome and are dropping thousands of vipers on the city.”

  “Oh, my God! On the civilian population?”

  “Yes, Threebeard says it’s an act of desperation. Their infantry hasn’t been able to advance any closer to Shini on the ground so they decided to hit it by air.”

  “How were they able to puncture the dome? I thought that was nearly impossible.”

  “The vipers were dropped to clutter the radar so that we couldn’t see the missiles coming in. The city is in chaos. Loyalist headquarters has been destroyed and there are reports the Chancellor is dead.”

  “What?” Leek exclaimed. “I can’t believe they’d stoop to such depths. Shall I alter my course to Shini?”

  “Actually no, Threebeard agrees you need to rescue Lucinda now. He’s been in contact with the seafolken woman who delivered your baby. She says Luci is so depressed that she’s given up and her strength is failing.”

  Tears began to well in Leek’s eyes again. “I know. That’s what I’ve been sensing.”

  “But, with Shini ablaze nobody would ever dream we’d launch an attack on Shisk, so it’s the perfect time to strike. Plus Threebeard thinks an attack on Shisk right now is exactly what needs to happen to show everyone we’re still in this war.”

  “Okay, do you have a plan?”

  “Yes, I’m programming your fighter now for a landing site just outside of Shisk. We’ve arranged for transport with our local cells in the area. Tam and his squad will meet you there together with some local militia.”

  “What about the nanomites? Are there any in the prison?” Leek asked.

  “There were until your operation at Gallion. After the nanomites helped you there, as a precaution, Videl ordered all military buildings exterminated.”

  “Oh, my God! I forgot about the maintenance swarms. The poor nanomites.”

  “It was inevitable, I guess, that Videl would finally realize that all buildings constructed by the nanomites had a few swarms left behind. There were so many nanomite buildings there was no practical way to evacuate all of them.”

  “Right, but that doesn’t make me feel any better.”

  “No. I’ve been sick over it too, but there’s nothing that can be done about it now, other than to win the war and put Videl Lai in his grave.

  “I know,” Leek agreed.

  “I’ve arranged for Rhin to come. Perhaps she can summon some help from the local rhutz. We’ll need all the help we can get. Red and John will try to make it too, if they can get there in time. They’re in Lortec right now helping plan a strike on Ock Mezan.”

  “Wow. Things are moving fast and furious.”

  “Yes, they are and we can’t let this attack on Shini shift the momentum of the war
. You’ve got to rescue Luci and then destroy every military installation in and around Shisk as a retaliation for the attack on Shini. You’ve got to make them pay for this atrocity.”

  “Any idea where we can find Videl? Leek asked. “I’d love to pay him a visit while we’re in town.”

  “We’re working on it, but I don’t want you trying to find him. It’s too dangerous. If we discover where he is, we’ll shoot a few missiles his way and hope we get lucky.”

  “All right. Let me know when you have a detailed plan. In the meantime I’m going to get some more sleep.”

  “Affirmative. Sweet dreams.”

  Leek relaxed as much as he could in his flight suit sailing at 55,000 feet over the Coral Sea. He was excited about the prospect of rescuing Luci, but was worried that the plan might fail. His mind raced over the news of the attack on Shini. He could just imagine the chaos the vipers had caused as they darted everywhere seeking out a defenseless victim. Even worse would be the nightmarish scene of people all around screaming in unbearable pain as they swelled up and contorted until a vital organ exploded and mercifully stopped the pain forever. An unbearable anger swelled in Leek and he hoped and prayed to God that one day he’d find Videl so he could make him feel the same pain he’d inflicted on so many others. Even that would be too kind to him, but he’d leave Videl Lai’s eternal damnation to God.