The Guardians of Sol (8 page)

“And we are grateful for that, Michael,” Lwazi said.

“As long as we are speaking of irradiated wastelands, what has been done about the
Middle East?” inquired Uther.

Michael chuckled. “That’s a question better asked of yourself as most of it falls under your dominion. I’m sure we’ll get to that eventually though. However, our resources are better spent in other areas. Especially since Asia Minor has only been useful for its fossil fuels, and we have long been above the need for those.”

“Still, I would like to not be bound by what foodstuffs my colonies can produce, so if you would make this technology of yours available, I would be most appreciative.”

“This technology is something I gladly make available to all who would use it well. It seems to me that creating arable land, and using it, is worthy of that,” Michael said gently.

“Then it is settled!” The Emperor exclaimed, startling his peers to full awareness. “Now, have your men had any more luck than mine at finding the pirates who have been raiding the outer colonies?”

“We think that they’re holed up somewhere in the inner asteroid belt. At least, the main group is. From what we’ve been able-“

“There are more than one group of Pirates?” Uther interrupted, disbelievingly.

“As I was saying, we’ve been able to find evidence of separate groups operating out of the Kuiper belt, as well as spaces between the planets. History has shown that there is never just one group of pirates. What I have to wonder is how such individuals gain their weaponry.”

“I believe that the black market has been a plague on civilization for almost as long as pirates, historically.” The Emperor chimed in helpfully. “Now, I’m sure we have much more to speak of, however, I grow weary. Are there any objections to continuing our discussions tomorrow?”

“None from me, I would actually appreciate the opportunity to retrieve some more up to date information for the talks,” Michael replied. Lwazi, Roberts, and the unusually quiet CEO Romo signaled their consent. Uther merely nodded his agreement with the sentiments.

*****

By some unfortunate miracle, Kiyoshi had managed to cut through his heavy shield. Having tossed the now useless piece of metal and wood aside, Arkadios had drawn his second short sword.

Both warriors were now bleeding from multiple wounds. Kiyoshi’s armor had been splintered in more than one place, while Arkadios’ breastplate now possessed many new dents, scrapes, and runnels.

Arkadios threw himself into a whirlwind attack, his blades coming from high and low, and no pattern to the blows. Kiyoshi was barely able to deflect each attack, as each pushed him back a step. After a few seconds, the Spartan came out of his spin, slightly lightheaded and dizzy. Kiyoshi flashed a riposte, angling in from the bottom edge of Arkadios’ guard.

Arkadios caught the sword on his cross guard, and heaved a strong kick into the Samurai’s belly. The stricken warrior stumbled, and fell onto his back. Trying to take advantage of this, the Spartan leapt forward. Kiyoshi turned his head from the blow, and struck back with his Katana. The sleek, curved blade took Arkadios in his right bicep, ripping apart some of the muscle.

The pain caused Arkadios to drop the sword held by that arm, and granted the Samurai a momentary reprieve. Securing his grip on the remaining blade, Arkadios threw himself into his attack. Kicking, punching, stabbing; it was all Kiyoshi could do to keep his feet under him during the assault. Finally, their blades met again, the Wakizashi flew from Kiyoshi’s grip, the Katana slipped down to cut into the Spartan’s arm. Arkadios’ blade finally pushed forward…

*****

Telamon activated the electronic scrambler in his gauntlet, keeping all would be listeners at bay. He was again in the garden by their apartments. “You didn’t tell them that we’ve lost communications with one of the colony clusters by Saturn.”

“There’s no need for them to know until
we
know just what’s going on. Besides, they count on us to keep a watch on the colonies out that far. Until the
Sands of Cronus
reports what they’ve found, I’ll not endanger our standing with the terrestrial powers, which means maintaining their confidence or fear in us.” Michael replied sternly.

“Still, the men out by Saturn don’t seem to be the most reliable sort any more. Don’t you think we should at least send someone more reliable in charge of the investigation?”

“Wow! What good thinking!” Michael snorted. “You know, for a glorified bodyguard, you really try to take an active role in my decision-making. I tasked Barak Simeon with that assignment already. He was sniffing around on
Cronus
Station anyway.”

Telamon smirked, and leaned back, his head on a tree. Nestor walked into the garden, chuckling to himself, oh so slightly. “Boss men, I think you might want to go visit Arkadios in the infirmary. He seems to be inordinately pleased with himself and I just can’t tell why.”

Telamon and Michael exchanged quizzical glances. Finally, Michael gestured to Nestor. “Well, lead on, son. We don’t have all day.”

“Technically we do now…” Telamon muttered.

Michael elbowed his friend in the ribs. Following a still chuckling Nestor, they wended their way through the labyrinthine halls of the palace. After several minutes, they found Arkadios sitting in a bed, the one next to him filled by Kiyoshi.

Quickly noting a rather large detail, Telamon pointed it out to Arkadios. “You lost your arm.”

Arkadios grinned. “But I won.”

“
You lost your arm.”

“But I won.”

“Ok," Michael broke in. "Now as interesting as this conversation is, I’d really like to know why one of my bodyguards is sitting in the infirmary next to one of the Emperor’s bodyguards, and missing his arm.” Telamon noted that Michael looked a bit… perturbed, yes; that was the word.

“I can explain that,” Telamon volunteered. “Last night at dinner, the pup and the Samurai noticed that they would both like to test themselves against each other. Knowing this, I, being the helpful fellow that I am, talked to the head of the Emperor’s Guard who was sitting next to me at the time. Between me and him, we figured a time wherein the two could duel, I even slipped a note to one of the Knights of the Table. You know, Marcus isn’t really half bad, despite the company he keeps. I mean, he’s courteous and honorable and-”

“Back to why Arkadios is missing his right arm please.”

“Oh, right… well, Marcus volunteered to judge the event, Nestor went for support and… I guess its all Arkadios’ story from there.”

Arkadios related the fight from his perspective, albeit somewhat colored by the drugs in his system. At some point, Argentos had wandered into the infirmary. By the end of the tale, Argentos, Nestor, and Telamon were all laughing; Kiyoshi, while unconscious, was relatively untouched and still in good shape. Michael wasn’t nearly so pleased with either the event or the outcome. At least neither of them had died. At least the Emperor had a sense of humor.

June 17, 2289. The Forge, Block 2

I don’t know why I thought that this would be a good idea. Then again, is there a better way to learn the best way to use a long-handled hammer in combat? I was facing off against Jimmy; he did a little flourish with his hammer and pounded at my side. I stepped back and swung my own hammer in a counter attack, barely missing his shoulder. He was a tricky one, that much was sure. We exchanged blows for a little while, playing a game of give and take. He would give and I would take. The tip of his hammer brushed against my stomach before I could parry.

With the exception of Boar, who had inexplicably come down with a strain of influenza, my whole squad was practicing with the new practice hammers. To the left of Haywire and me, the twins, Dumper and Gripe, sparred back to back against Shot-put, Squatter, and Nickel. To our left Spicy and Voodoo were working as a team against Filch and Tinder. Amazingly, no one had been knocked out yet.

While this particular gym in the Academy block was reserved for instructors and graduates, my squad hardly had it to ourselves. All around, there were Vindicators and Castigars exercising, jogging, and sparring. There were even a few Brazilians and Rastafarians practicing Capoeira to the beat of wild music.

Even though he kept avoiding my strikes, I had managed to work Haywire around in a circle. Because of this, I had the perfect view when the doors opened to reveal a half-dozen figures, all dressed in skintight jumpsuits that sported dozens of pockets. I swore quietly. I wasn’t the only man to see the pilots enter. Haywire took advantage of my momentary distraction to land a harder than necessary blow to my stomach, bursting the air from my lungs.

“Dammit… Jimmy… uncalled… for…” I growled as best I could at him. The dreg just smiled at me. That grin grew larger as one of the new arrivals bounded over to him and kissed him on the cheek.

I grimaced at the very feminine form. She peeled herself off of Haywire and embraced me. Finally able to take a deep breath, I spoke.

“When did you get back on the Forge, Sis?”

“Just a few hours ago. My ship docked for routine maintenance, but we’ll still be around for a few days. Oh, and don’t worry, Big Brother, I already put my things in your apartment,” she beamed at me. “Oh, you just have to come to dinner with me and Katie! We’ve been hearing all about this new café down on block five!” She smiled coyly. “You’re welcome to join us, James…”

“As if you have to ask?” He replied.

“I’m sorry to rain on your parade, sis,” I told her. “But I already have plans tonight.”

“What kind of plans, big brother?” Sarah teased, though my reluctance to even breach the subject probably gave her a fairly good idea of what those plans were.

“Personal kinds of plans. Ones that wouldn’t be very happy with me if I went to dinner with a strange woman.”

She smiled at that. “Katie isn’t strange. But why don’t you just invite your mystery girl to dinner with us?”

I started to reply, thought better of it, and instead said, “I’ll be right back.” I wandered off to a private area and pulled up my comm. Called Rachel. After a moment I came back over to where my sister and Jimmy were waiting.

“She says that she can make it… we’re going for seven, right? Have you made any reservations yet? We’ll need them if this café is as good as you say it is.”

“I haven’t really had a chance yet… between filing paperwork and dropping my luggage off. I just haven’t had the time. I’ll take care of it in a bit.”

“Okay, fine. So where should me and Jimmy and…” I looked over my shoulder to see Shot-put sitting on the ground rubbing the side of his head. “Hey John! Get over here! And John. Where should we pick up you and your friend, Katie was it?”

“That won’t be a problem, she’s staying at you’re apartment too!”

“Don’t I get a vote in this?”

“Took the words right out of my mouth,” John said from behind me.

“Later, John. Besides, it’s not like you were going to do anything but get drunk tonight anyway.” I gave my attention back to my little sister. “Well, do you have an answer?”

“Oh don’t be rude. Where else would she sleep?”

“Where in the Depths am I supposed to sleep? I only have my bed and that crappy inflatable mattress!”

“Well, there’s always the couch. Or, I’m sure James would let you stay with him this week.”

Haywire burst out with something of an evil laugh at the mention of the latter option. James Freed shared quarters with his three brothers, and given the mess (and smell) that they cultivated there… it was an idea even less appealing to me than going on any sort of date with my little sister.

“Uh… I think my couch will do just fine…” I said. But my how cramped my small apartment was going to be with three people…

“Perfect! Well, I have to be off now… I’ll see you later, James.” With that, she hugged us both again and ran back to her shipmates.

Haywire put his hand on my shoulder. “Tonight is going to be great, eh brother?”

Instead of talking, I replied by whipping my hammer down, around, and pulling Haywire’s legs out for under him. Then I slammed the rubber head into Haywire’s unprotected stomach.

“About time I hit you!” I exulted as Jimmy wheezed.

“So I really don’t get a say in this?” Shot-put asked, still puzzled.

*****

About a half hour later, after everyone else had hit the showers, but hours before it was time to teach the next session of combat class, I jogged along the track, working off steam. Something about my sister, though I love her and practically raised her, always agitated me. It didn’t help that she always tried to set me up with her friends. With both her and her friend Katie at my apartment, I didn’t want to go back there any sooner than absolutely necessary.

My run finished even faster than I anticipated, but that was fine, I could waste time on other things. I rinsed off and made my way to the innermost hallway and from there to the fast track station. The transport travelled swiftly along to block three where I got off.

I wended my way through halls full of engineers and technicians rushing from one project to another. I even had to stop a few times to keep from getting squashed as a few of those projects were being moved. It took me a few minutes, but I finally got to the cafeteria I was aiming for.

I got a bowl and ladled beef stroganoff for myself. I frowned, the beef was reconstituted, but at least the sauce seemed perfectly creamy. With fork and bowl in hand, it only took me a moment to find where I wanted to go. As suavely I could manage, I sidled up next to Rachel. She was halfway done with her lunch, but I’m pretty sure she still appreciated the company. I kissed her cheek and tickled the back of her neck, making her cringe and giggle.

“It’s about time you got here, mister. I was probably going to leave in a minute or two.”

I gave her a grin. “I got here exactly when I intended to. How much longer do you have for lunch?”

“About a half hour. Ruiz takes the term ‘lunch hour’ very seriously. But I wouldn’t mind getting back early to get in a little extra work.”

“Well,” I said in between bites. “Don’t feel any pressure to stick around on my part. After all, we do have that harrowing experience later tonight.”

“Oh you worry too much. It will be fine. Until then you should just concentrate on not getting hit by anymore shuttles.”

“Ha. Ha. Ha.”

She hit my arm, took her last bite of the pasta. “I’m serious. I expect you to get in trouble on a battlefield, not when you’re training teenagers to spacewalk. Alright, I’m going now. Take it easy, Captain.” This time, it was her turn to kiss me. She walked away, and I watched her walk away. I had only known Rachel for about a month, and I had never met a more intelligent or beautiful woman. The intensity of the feelings she stirred up in me scared me.

*****

Sitting at the desk in the small cubbyhole I call an office in my apartment, I polished the designs on my uniform bracers. I had moved my few articles of clothing to the office, quietly cursing the whole time at the inconvenience. I sometimes wonder if I like cursing too much… Although, one can’t be seen giving in too easily, you know. I still had yet to see Katie, but I didn’t really care. Mostly because I figured that Sarah was using this whole thing as a setup just to go on a date with Haywire.

There was a knock on the door. Sarah poked her head through the crack in the doorway. “Are you ready? James and John just got here.”

“I’ll be out in a moment,” I replied without looking up. “Sis, what are you trying to do with him?”

“I don’t even know what you’re talking about,” she replied, a tad indignantly and with a just a touch of feigned innocence.

“Have it your way then, but you should realize that I’m not as dense as you might think,” I told her. I stood, slipping on the bracers. “Let’s go. I’m tired of waiting for you.” I followed her out the door, only now looking at what she was wearing. Was she seriously trying to give me an aneurism? My little blonde sister was wearing a tight green dress – a very tight, and very revealing green dress. I ground my teeth, she’s old enough to make her own decisions, I thought, making it my mantra.

Haywire and Shot-put wore attire similar to mine: The black bracers, with silver styling; and the Castigar version of a uniform. Our uniforms had no sleeves, high collars, and half-kilts over one knee. Like all Guardian uniforms, ours were fitted with ceramic plates to deflect or stop the fire from the small arms still in use around Earth. The uniforms
are made of a variation of the material used in ballistic suits that look a bit like heavy canvas, though it feels much smoother. Silver piping throughout matches the uniforms to the bracers. Castigars are both stylish and imposing, or so we like to think.

After receiving a wicked grin from Haywire, I looked around the living room. “Where’s this Katie of yours, Sis?”

“Oh, she just wants to look perfect for you… um, John. I kind of… um… really built up your reputation for her… So act like a gentleman!” She commanded.

“Right. Will do. No drinking for me then.” He replied. Shot-put still looked like he wanted to argue about being here.

“Not that you could ever hold your liquor, John.” I pointedly looked at my sister’s face, “How are things going out by Mars?”

“Oh, about as good as ever… We took out some pirates that were trying to extort a few of the colonies around there, but it really… wasn’t… a big… deal…”

“Uh, Sis? You okay?” I was only a little confused by her behavior, though less so after I followed my friends motions to turn around.

Katie had made her entrance. She was slim without being skinny, almost voluptuous, actually. Pitch-black, shoulder length hair partly covered her face and its delicate features, from where equally black eyes stared back at me. Her own gown was a great deal more conservative than that of
my sister, and yet somehow it felt like it was more revealing, in my humble opinion. John stopped all attempts at complaint immediately.

“So, what do you think?” Katie asked.

John and Haywire made the appropriate compliments, and I thanked the heavens that I had Rachel. Speaking of which…

“Well I should be off to pick up my date. See you at the restaurant.”

*****

When we arrived, the others were already seated. I just kept stealing glances at Rachel.

Every time I saw her she seemed more beautiful, and she certainly fit the image of a goddess in her crème colored gown. For something called a café, the restaurant was surprisingly upscale. The sad thing was that my uniform was the nicest clothing I owned. As we sat down, Sarah continued a story, seemed to be about the pirates she’d mentioned earlier.

“So, there we were, our ship surrounded by at least… what? Five pirate frigates-” Sarah was saying.

“Seven, there were seven. And each had a full fighter squadron,” Katie cut in.

“Right, and as I said before, we were just barely switched over to Phoenix fighters, which are bigger and have more weapons but they’re slower and less maneuverable... So the Captain had us and the other squadron launch,” Sarah exulted. “It was crazy. There were like a hundred enemy ships flying all around us. I’m surprised none of us got hit launching… I must have taken out at least ten pirates all by myself!”

Leaning in uncomfortably close, Katie asked, “Has she always been this bad with her math?”

“Oh yeah, that’s one of the reasons she almost didn’t make it through… well, pretty much all of school was fighting tooth and nail whenever it concerned her,” I chuckled.

“Well… I’m not exactly sure, but I think she only got five, which keeps her on the Ace lists anyway, but still…”

“I understand perfectly,” I replied very sagely. “Though I thought it was in the job description for pilots to be braggarts.”

“Don’t try to be cute, it doesn’t suit you,” Katie sallied.

“Oh, my aching heart,” I returned, dripping sarcasm. “You’ve pierced it to the very quick. I just don’t know
how
I’ll go on living. It’s a good thing Rachel doesn’t share your opinion.” She gave me a pouting look, a wink, and shoved a scoop of food into her mouth. Rachel just gave a short laughing snort at my expense.

Pretty soon, all three girls were drawn into a fairly technical conversation about the respective merits of the Cerberus and
Phoenix fighters versus the cobbled together boats the pirates used. I have no idea how Rachel kept all that information in her head. Between armor specs and weapon arrays, you would think she would have to try harder to keep everything straight.