This is a work of fiction any similarities between the characters, events, or locations in this story and actual locations, events, or people are purely coincidental.

 

© 2004 Warlord

 

Scout

By Warlord

 

 

Chapter 21

 

 

Most of us are familiar with an asteroid field as part of a planetary system.  A torus shaped mass.  Chunks of iron and rock acted on by the gravity forces of the star.  The asteroids rotating around the star. 

 

The Wastes is an asteroid field outside any planetary system.   A huge - several planetary systems in volume – rectangular, box-shaped, irregular mass of asteroids ranging in individual size from tiny to massive.  They extend about one third of their area into imperial space and two thirds into unsecured “bandit” space.  It is the preferred border crossing for raiders. 

 

There are raider-plotted courses or routes through the Wastes that take advantage of clear spaces between asteroids, allowing fast transits.  These secret routes allow the raiders to traverse the asteroid field, outflank the navy patrols, and attack deep within the empire at will.   Navy patrols inside The Wastes were suspended after several disastrous ambushes.  The raiders had all the advantages inside the immense asteroid field.

 

Daisy had indicated that Reprisal used the same route, entrance, and exit point for each of Ronnie’s attacks in empire space. We would look along that route for confirmation of our emissions “rut” theory. 

 

With this impetus, it was time to add a sense of urgency for our trip to the Reprisal Home world.

 

I asked, “When is the soonest we can leave?”

 

Crystal answered.  “Ship modifications complete in six hours.  We can underway in less than eight.”

 

I asked, “Transit to Reprisal Home World at maximum cloaked warp?”

 

Daisy said, “Through the Wastes, approximately eleven hours.”

 

I asked Aella, “Is there a FTL transmitter on this base?”

 

“Yes, Captain.  Using the Navy’s faster than lightspeed relay system you can communicate with any planet, base or space station.”

 

“Is it secure?”

 

Aella answered, “Very.  The Navy system obscures the sending location.  The system also prevents tracing and tapping.”

 

I said, “If I am understanding correctly, I could be standing on Reprisal’s Home World in 20 hours from right now.  Correct?”

 

Crystal answered, “Yes, Captain.”

 

“Okay, let’s do it.  I had planned to lie around the pool, but not now!  We are underway in six repeat six hours.  Quickest route to Reprisal’s Home World.  Be prepared to land, take prisoners and suppress any resistance. Crystal, in charge of ship mods.  Andrea, loading and securing equipment.  I will contact Ben to coordinate Demarest response.  Aella is with me.”

 

I stood up.  Supper was over and we were back to work. 

 

I turned to Aella.  “I want to transmit from my ready room.  Is that a problem?”

 

“No, sir.  I can link to the base FTL using the Shark communication system.”

 

“Thank you, Aella.  I will be at my desk.”

 

Shortly, Aella entered my ready room with equipment that she set up on my desk.  She asked for senior brother Ben’s comm codes.  In a very few moments Ben’s face appeared on the screen.

 

I started the conversation.  “Greetings, Brother Ben.”

 

Ben looked confused for a moment then with a surprised shout, “EDDY!”

 

“Goddamn, Eddy where are you?  Where have you been?   Why haven’t we heard from you since the battle?”

 

Ben’s questions ran down.  He looked at the screen with concern on his features.

 

“Ben, I’ve been hiding.  I don’t trust anyone right now.”

 

“Understandable.  What do you need from your family?”

 

“Did you receive my message about the raider home world?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Good.  I want to meet there in two days.”

 

“What are the conditions there?”

 

“It is supposed to be undefended, so assume it’s a trap and bring overwhelming force.”

 

Ben laughed.  “Got it.  Overwhelming force. Two days.”

 

“Let us land first, Ben, then you follow on.”

 

Ben changed the subject.  “Your father is upset with you and your silence.”

 

“How upset?”

 

“Remember when you stole his personal shuttle to visit Great Grandfather Phillip on Caddis?”

 

“Borrowed, Ben.  I only borrowed it.”

 

Ben continued without acknowledging my words.  “You took along father’s blonde personal secretary for company on a long boring transit.  You remember the one with the colossal…”

 

“Yes, Ben I remember, and your point is?”

 

“That’s how mad.”

 

“That’s pretty mad, Ben.  Any particular reason?”

 

Ben replied, “You never call.  You never write.  Admiral Dreesen is on his ass twice a day to return the daughter.   Emperor Quintin is calling for updates.  Your mother is hysterical and had to be sedated.  He is beside himself with worry that you might have been lost.  The Smugglers Guild told grandfather William that the raiders have placed a large price on your head.  Other than that, and oh yes, you are the number one topic on at least 100 planets of the empire.”

 

“God damn, Ben.  I had no idea.”

 

“That particularly worries him.  You could lob a bomb right into the middle of Demarest interests in Court Quintin and never even realize it.”

 

“I’m a scout.  I’m not supposed to know about that shit.”

 

“Then quit fucking picking up princess hitchhikers.”

 

Ben continued in a more reasonable tone, “I’m worried too.  Not about the court shit either.  You need to keep safe and I see no evidence that you are any less reckless than you were on Westphalia.”

 

“Have to be Ben, the fuckers are everywhere.  They were waiting for me at Clement.  They were waiting for the princess’s yacht.  The family needs to be very careful traveling, the raiders’ intel is too fucking on!”

 

“Good point, brother Ed.  We will only use Demarest resources. We will be on a higher level of alert readiness.  Now do you have a story to justify your absence?”

 

“Naughty Ben.  My story is that I am at a raider base attempting to negotiate their surrender in exchange for amnesty.  These are the same raiders who have been supplying me with information.  They are betraying their fellow raiders for Demarest money.”

 

“Good God, Eddy, is this true?”

 

No, Ben.  It’s total bullshit!  But over the next two days I want it spread across the empire.”

 

“Will do.  Anything else?”

 

“Try to calm our father before we meet. Give my mother my love.  Take care.”

 

“Got it.  As you scouts say, Die Bravely, young Ed.”

 

“You keep well and safe, Ben.  Shark out.”

 

At my gesture Aella broke the connection.   It was good to talk to Ben.  He had been understanding of my peccadilloes as I was growing up.  He often seemed amused by my actions, so unlike his calm, cautious, measured approach to life.  Hopefully he would smooth the waters in Westphalia.

 

It was time to get moving.

 

 

Chapter 22

 

Crystal announced that the Captain was on the bridge. 

 

I asked, “Progress, ladies?”

 

Andrea answered, “All items identified for loading are aboard and secure.”

 

Crystal answered, “We are ahead of schedule with ship modifications.  With loading complete the entire crew is helping.  The consoles with the added antennas and sensor arrays have been installed.  The  modifications to the shielding to reduce our signature are nearly complete.  Changing the existing sensor array to reduce its leakage and signature is well underway.” 

 

“Good work.  Carry on. Beverly, please join me in the dojo.”

 

We entered the dojo.  I said, “Bev.  We will be on the ground first, then joined by Demarest forces.  I need to identify Shark crew and avoid fratricide.”

 

“Yes, sir.”

 

“For this operation I want our people to carry a two meter by 30 mm staff made of a hard white composite which is self illuminating.  Can you design such an item?”

 

Bev showed real enthusiasm as she said, “Yes, sir.  No problem.”

 

“Very good.  Everybody in black jumpsuits with boots.  Personal weapons and body armor.   That includes rail guns, and assault rifles.”

 

“Yes, sir.  I will be ready well before planet fall.”

 

“Thank you, Bev.  I knew I could depend on you.”

 

I returned to the bridge, leaving Bev in the dojo to deal with her new assignment.  

 

Crystal announced that the Captain was on the bridge

 

I commented, “I’m not planning to hover.  I will be in my ready room.  Daisy, please join me.”

 

With that, I entered my ready room.  I moved behind my desk and began disrobing.   Daisy entered and stood in front of my desk awaiting instructions.

 

“Daisy.  I need you to lay a detailed route from this base to the point in The Wastes we will be using for our entry.  Then very detailed transit through the field.  Then again from The Wastes to Reprisal’s Home World.  I would like this complete before we get underway.”

 

“Yes, sir.  No problem, right away.”

 

“Thank you, Daisy. Carry on.”

 

I sat in my chair and contemplated the upcoming operation.  I tried to think of all the things that could go wrong.  It was a mind-bogglingly long list!  I needed to do something constructive.  I walked through the bridge, waved off Crystal and headed back to the hold. 

 

Throwing on a pair of coveralls, I grabbed an anti-grav sled.  I positioned it next to Shark’s workshop.  Then I dragged one of our newly acquired 25-millimeter heavy tripod mounted machine guns next to it. 

 

I dismantled the gun from its mounts.  The tripod went on the sled, and I proceeded to spot-weld the feet solidly to the base of the sled.  Then I re-mounted the gun to its tripod base.   One magazine with its belt of explosive rounds was attached to the gun’s feed system.   Two more rested at ready in the cart.  I looked around the hold for some metal.  I found some loose pieces that I welded to the cart, to give the operator some protection from direct fire and fragmentation rounds.

 

I placed the new ‘gun cart’ in line with the main hold door, ready to exit first when we reached “Reprisal.”

 

I adjusted the various controls on the gun to fuse the shells for contact explosion.  The controls could be set for an air burst, but that also required ranging to the target.  Too much to explain to the gunner before our operation.  Later we would have time for more complete training.

 

Feeling once again like a productive member of society I rested after my burst of activity.  I returned the tools to their proper place in the workshop.  Note to self: Clarence deserves a letter of commendation for designing the workshop and tool room.

 

Musical tones came over the speaker.  Crystal said, “Captain to the bridge, please.  We are ready to get underway.”

 

I walked on the bridge, wiping my hands on a shop rag.  Andrea smiled as she said, “I love a man who likes to get dirty.”

 

“Later, love, we have work to do.”

 

This time when Crystal announced captain on the bridge I walked to my chair and sat.  “Status please.”

 

Crystal reported, “At mark four hours and seventeen minutes, Shark is ready to get underway.  Cargo loaded and all ship mods completed.  Course laid in.  Awaiting orders.”

 

I said, “Prepare to get under way.  All crew to the bridge.  Crystal, please secure Shark.  Aella, contact base AI and arrange our exit.  Shark is at DefCon one.”

 

Aella announced that the base AI was depressurizing the cavern and preparing to open the first blast door.   The blue flashing nav lights were visible in the view screen.  The klaxon was silent but the flashing red lights acknowledged our increase in readiness.

 

I said, “Crystal, take us out.”

 

Shark elevated smoothly and hovered.  Crystal retracted our skids orienting us to follow the lights out of the cavern.  The first blast door was already open and the second slid open at our approach.  For some reason it seemed to take much less time to depart then to enter!   As we exited the crater I asked Crystal to cloak and move us quickly away from the asteroid.

 

I had further instructions.  “Crystal.  With course set for the entrance to the asteroid field, please uncloak and take us to maximum warp.  I want an all out speed run!”

 

Andrea said, “They might see us.”

 

“Fuck’em -- catch me if you can. Before you came aboard my princess we made over twenty!”

 

Andrea just looked shocked as she mouthed, “Warp Twenty!”

 

Crystal announced, “Commencing full speed uncloaked now.”

 

 

Chapter 23

 

 

I ordered, “All consoles manned, please.  Weapons powered up with targeting active.”

 

I announced to the assembled crew, “It is my intention to lock open the ready room door.  Please stand watch at the consoles, then take breaks in the open ready room.   Beverages and snacks will be available.  I expect each crewmember to meet with Beverly in the next four hours to dress and arm for the coming operation.  Perform personal clean up and meditations as necessary before arming.”   

 

Crystal, Aella and Daisy seamlessly split the duties and tasks of supervising Shark’s speed run.  Abbi and Cara had absorbed useful console training at the naval base.  They were comfortable wearing their neural helmets supervising their particular consoles.  Bot Agatha was tirelessly standing at the armaments control console ready to engage any threat. Bot Beverly was shuttling between the hold and the dojo gathering equipment for our individual weapon loads.

 

Andrea first went to the galley where she filled trays with assorted beverages and snacks.  She made several trips until they were conveniently placed in the ready room.   When Andrea was done with that task she returned to the bridge with a question.  “Crystal.  Is there any compelling reason why our captain could not leave the bridge to take his shower and dress?”

 

Crystal looked back at me.  She was taken aback by Andrea’s boldness yet again.  I said,

“I have to clean up sometime. Is now a good time?”

 

Crystal answered, “Yes, sir.  Before we reach The Wastes and raider controlled space would seem the most opportune time.  Our current speed would seem to preclude interception.”

 

I said, “Very good.  Crystal, you have the bridge. When next you see me I should be cleaner.”

 

“Yes, sir.”

 

I rose from my chair.  Andrea grabbed my hand and dragged me into the ready room.  Well, that is not entirely accurate. Dragging would inaccurately convey a reluctance on my part that was not there!

 

 As Andrea stripped and helped me out of my clothes, she stopped with a pensive expression.  “I have a question. You have to promise not to laugh.”

 

I may be young but I do know that can be the opening round in an argument if not handled gingerly.  I said, “Ask away, my princess. I won’t laugh.  Promise.”

 

“Why is there so much trade moving between planets vulnerable to the raiders?  Why don’t we just replicate what we need?”

 

“That’s a good question, love.  It’s mostly because the replicator tech isn’t that good.”

 

Andrea looked shocked.  “Really?”

 

“Replicators work best with simple items.  Let me give you an example:  We replicated your knives and axe.  Then my spikes.”

 

“Yes, they seemed just fine.”

 

I answered, Yes, they were.  We did not attempt to replicate my knife even though I would like you to have one.”

 

Andrea looked confused.  “Why not?”

 

“My knife is a special construction by the master knife smiths on my great-grandfather’s world of Caddis.  This blade is a modern extension of a Japanese art known as Tamahagane.  The Japanese smiths forged soft iron and hard steel in a series of laminations that resulted in a tough, sharp blade.  Caddis’s masters carry this many steps further, using more varieties of steel, forging until some laminations are only microns thick, finally heat-treating and quenching with cryogenic materials.”

 

She still looked confused.  “Okay, master.  I guess.”

 

“I’m sorry, love.  I’m over-explaining for a reason.  The blade is a highly complex mixture of materials.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“When I attempt to replicate my knife, I get a knife shaped correctly but with a single harmonized unalloyed piece of steel with the pattern of lamination etched on the surface.”

 

Then the light came on. “The replicator can’t copy something complicated.  No one ever told me that.”

 

I answered, “Most people never notice.  A hot drink.  A snack.  Small straightforward items of a homogenous substance. These all work fine.”

 

She asked, “What else is a problem?”

 

I answered, “Anything with many small intricate parts is problematical. Guns, for instance.  Mixtures of materials.  Crystals and jewels are a total failure.  The lattice of atoms seems to just collapse.  Replicated diamonds, for instance, come out with bits of coal through out.”

 

“Why?”

 

I answered, “I’m not entirely sure, and nobody else is, either.  I had to study replicators since scouts are so dependent on them when we are deep in uncharted territory.  I learned that the atomic structure and something called the Heisenberg Uncertainty conspire to prevent those needed ‘exact matches.’  The replicator has to ‘estimate’ or ‘guess’ at the make up of the object being replicated. With wildly mixed results.”

 

Andrea said, “A replicator would never be able to replace the items on even one modest freighter.”

 

“A fair estimate of the situation, my very smart love.”

 

“House Quintin is certainly not sharing this particular bit of information.”

 

“Can you blame them, my princess?”

 

She replied in a very resigned voice, “The raiders could literally strangle a settlement.  No one has been able to make any impact.  What can we possibly accomplish?”

 

I held her as she finished.  I kissed her.  Which cheered both of us.  I said, “The raiders chased me and made me hide.  That made this personal.  I want some payback.  I plan to annoy them. When the raiders react, they will hopefully make some mistakes.  When they do make that big mistake, much smarter people than me named Demarest and Carteris will be there to make that impact.”

 

She asked, “Then what?”

 

“Then, back to scouting and trying to control a very hard-to-manage blonde slave!”  That brought a giggle and a return to Andrea’s sunny smile.

 

I asked, “Now my lovely blonde goddess, am I getting that shower or do you have more interrogation for your sorely put upon master?”

 

 

Chapter 24

 

With that Andrea led me to the shower.  We entered the rainfall of water together.  Our shower was not sexual, or perhaps it was the best kind of sex.   We expressed our feelings with soft touches and caresses of soapy bodies until we were both clean from head to toe.

 

In the drying chamber we held each other quietly kissing until Andrea asked, “Why are you so worried?”

 

“I am afraid that some raider has occupied Reprisal’s home.  I would hate to run into an ambush.   I don’t want to lose anyone.”

 

“You have done the best you can.  Now you just need to be lucky.”

 

I said, “I found you, how can I be that lucky again?”

 

Andrea smirked as she said, “That’s better.  My Captain Master Darling is back.”

 

We walked hand in hand into the dojo. Bev was there to “dress” us for combat.  We wore our combat armor under our black jumpsuits, with our combat harness over.  Everyone had a belt gun, assault rifle, and a set of shuriken.  Andrea had her throwing knives and axe as well.   I had my personal knife, rail gun, and my spikes.  I took my complete Daisho, wearing my katana, wakizashi, and tanto.

 

Bev racked our rifles in the hold by the main lock along with the new illuminated staffs.

 

Our return to the bridge signaled a speed-up in crew preparations for the landing.   It seemed only a few moments later the bridge was filled with clothed and armed Amazon warriors.

 

The Wastes loomed in our view screens.  I said, “Daisy, take us through highest cloaked speed.  Aella, please observe scanners to report on emissions and possible raider trails.”

 

During the transit we all observed the closeness of the rocks much larger than Shark.  To take our minds off the tight quarters in the passage, we began discussing the upcoming operation.

 

Daisy floated a holo of the raider base for us to study.   By the time we popped out of The Wastes, everyone was clear on their task.  We had at least a couple back ups for the inevitable “surprise.”  I tried to follow the dicta of an ancient general named Patton:  “Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do.”

 

Crystal had resumed the navigation in the clear space of  “bandit country.”  I had questions for Daisy.  “Daisy, any men usually left at home during the raids?”

 

“No, Captain.  Ronnie was always worried about being betrayed.”

 

“How many women are we talking about?”

 

Daisy answered, “Several hundred, Captain.  I never had an accurate census.”

 

Every head snapped around to look at Daisy after that startling statement.    I said, “We can’t hold a hundred women in an open field without some amenities. We’ll lose control of the situation.  Let’s think about this.”

 

Andrea offered, “I’ll fill a sled with water and juice containers, plus throw in emergency ration bars.  We put the sled next to the fountain on the west side of the house and you direct them to gather around it.”

 

I agreed.  “Good idea.  Do it.  Bev, please give her a hand.  Just a thought -- put some flashing lights on the sled to make sure they see it.”

 

“Yes, sir, we’re on it.”

 

With that Andrea and Beverly scampered back to the hold.  They would handle provisioning the anti-grav sled.  In their absence I again studied the hologramic representation. 

 

I asked Daisy, “Who was in charge in Ronnie’s absence?”

 

“He hated to have anyone “in charge.”  He finally allowed Gwen, a long-time captive, to take care of things in his absence.”

 

“That gives us at least one person who might be able to help us, IF she decides she wants to.”

 

Daisy offered, “She did not love Ronnie.  He always made a point to humiliate her to demonstrate his authority.”

 

I said, “He sounds like a lovely man.  I am regretting less and less my part in his demise.” 

 

A musical tone interrupted us.  Crystal announced on all the shipboard speakers, “We are in orbit around the Reprisal home world.  Prepared to launch comm satellite now.  Atmospheric entry point in 95 seconds.”

 

Aella announced, “No current emissions have been detected.  Emissions detected consistent with Reprisal.”

 

I said, “Launch now.  Please sound alarms once and begin landing procedure.  This operation is a go.”

 

The klaxons bellowed once as the lights flashed their red warning message.  Bev and Andrea were quickly on the bridge.  Bev stepped up to a weapon console. 

 

One problem on the ground would be that the ship’s battery of energy weapons would be ineffective in the atmosphere.   The energy quickly dissipates when it strikes the air molecules, dust, and moisture present.  At best, our cannon shots would constitute a distraction. 

 

Crystal announced, “Satellite away.  Satellite is optimal in stable orbit.”

 

Andrea stepped up next to me, taking my hand as I sat.  She asked, “Satellite?”

 

“Yes. It responds to Demarest transponders. That will inform Ben that we are on the ground.”

 

She continued standing next to me as Crystal started the atmospheric entry.  This would be another speed run as Crystal burned off velocity without leaving us floating high and vulnerable.

 

Quickly Crystal had us “on the deck!”  We leveled out over one of the oceans.  We were 500 meters up following the terrain as we came ashore.  Crystal had us at Mach Three.

 

I announced, “Time to go, loves.  Please join me in the hold.  Crystal, you have the bridge.”

 

We moved to the hold for final preparations.  I gave a kiss and hug to each.  Then we lined up at the hold lock door. 

 

The small screen in the hold next to the lock came alive.  We saw the compound.  Crystal blasted less than 250 meters over the top of the house still at Mach Three.  A noisy announcement of our arrival as the sonic booms penetrated. 

 

Crystal quickly decelerated and turned Shark around.  We were now at 100 meters and sinking fast.  Skids dropped, the hold doors opened and the ramp was down.  The wind coming in perked us all up.  I hung out the door for a look just before we touched down. 

 

Shark was 100 meters from the end of the portico of the stylized roman mansion that had been Ronnie’s raider headquarters.  As we landed, Crystal launched two salute fireworks and one red flare directly over the roof of the mansion.  It was time to go! 

 

I jumped off the end of the ramp and stood to one side, with my assault rifle up covering the house.  Abbi and Cara quickly followed, pushing the 25-millimeter machine gun cart at a run.  They moved out of line with the ramp and ten meters forward from the ramp, then they flopped on their bellies behind the cart.  Abbi was at the controls of the gun, while Cara was next to her with her assault rifle at ready.

 

 Beverly and Agatha moved as only bots can, swiftly taking their positions at the bow and stern of Shark, about five meters toward the house.  Andrea was next.  She was running as she pushed the anti-grav sled down the ramp.  She quickly moved to her spot west of the house.  She took a position behind the marble fountain with her rifle at ready.  We had a cross fire on the house.  

 

The bad news; we were significantly outnumbered if there was any organized resistance.

 

I keyed my microphone activating the shipboard loudspeakers.  “Attention in the house.  This is Edward Demarest, captain of the scout “Shark.”  Exit the house immediately.  Do not attempt to resist.  Go immediately to the fountain on the west side of the house.  Follow the instructions of the women with the white staffs.  Gwen, please join me at the ship’s ramp.  I repeat immediately!”

 

My amplified voice boomed over the landscape.  I repeated my message.  I waited what seemed like forever but was only seconds as women began streaming out of the house’s side entrance toward Andrea.  Many were naked.  Some had a simple white shift as their only clothing. 

 

I keyed my radio sending Bev and Agatha to help with crowd control.   The front door opened.  A tall, statuesque, and very naked red head tentatively stepped into view.  She slowly came toward Shark’s ramp with her hands high. 

 

I was distracted for a moment as I noticed some very beautiful naked women being helped to the gathering by the fountain.  I raised my binoculars to examine them.  The silver wires visible at their temples confirmed their identity.  Ronnie had “Stepfords.”

 

Legend has it that the Stepford conversion was named for an ancient play. That seems so unlikely…  The conversion was the programming of a person, usually female. The implants with the silver wires visible allowed the brain to be modified, essentially reprogrammed.  The result was a totally obedient flesh and blood woman, with only the personality and intellect granted by the programmer.  Naturally, the conversion dramatically increased the sex drive as a matter of course. 

 

Trafficking in unregistered Stepfords was one of the crimes that the Empire took very seriously, with draconian penalties.  There were several regulated clinics where “legal” Stepfords were “made,” for lack of a better word.

 

One of the sources for such legal Stepfords was the Empire’s legal system, where accepting conversion was an alternative to death penalty or long sentences at a “rehabilitation center” which worked out to be the same thing.

 

Stepfords were a status symbol of the first order.  To have a flesh and blood woman, amenable to any and all of their deepest, darkest fantasies, was a dream come true for many men.  That Stepfords were rare and even more expensive than the most expensive fembot only added to the cachet. 

 

That the raiders had a Stepford conversion clinic and were trafficking in the highly sought after love-dolls was brand new news to me.  This might explain some raider influence in the empire worlds.

 

Chapter 25

 

I dropped my binoculars just as the red head reached the end of the ramp.  She fell to her knees and began begging me not to kill her.  This would mark the second time recently that a lovely naked women thought I was going to kill her.  I really had to work on lightening my image!

 

I asked, “Are you Gwen?”  She nodded mutely.  “Are any of you armed?” She shook her head. “Any men in the house?”

 

Another mute headshake.  She looked miserable.  After thinking about my dress and weapons displayed.  I could not blame her. I keyed my radio to summon Daisy.

 

Then I keyed it again, releasing Abbi and Cara to join crowd control. They grabbed their staffs from the sled, trotting off to link up with Andrea.

 

When Gwen spotted Daisy on the ramp, I was forgotten as Gwen jumped to her feet and hugged the AI.   Gwen began babbling questions that Daisy did her best to answer.  Finally a much calmer Gwen turned to me.  She said, “I don’t understand how Daisy is here without Reprisal but it doesn’t matter.  I hope you are one of the good guys.  We have lived in terror.  Ronnie was overdue. He was bad enough.  We were utterly horrified that other raiders would land and claim us.”

 

I was just starting to explain when a series of sonic booms echoed.  I looked up to see a series of large shuttles drop out of formation as they came in for a landing.  Raising my binoculars I made out the Demarest crest on each one. 

 

The shuttles literally surrounded the house as they landed in a loose circle.  There were more then 50 shuttles, each one with a heavy machine gun mounted in the bow.  They were landing alternating, facing in and out. 

 

The shuttles, each holding 24 troopers, came in with the rear and both side doors already open.  Troops in their dark blue uniforms of the Demarest security forces were disembarking before the shuttle was on the ground and stopped.

 

It was a disciplined exercise, from a force that was demonstrating experience in landing in hot LZ’s.  One-third of the force was deployed faced inward, toward us, and two-thirds were deployed faced outward toward any possible ambush threat.

 

Two large armed transports landed outside the cordon. When their ramps dropped, large anti-grav vehicles unloaded.  Armored tanks and troop carriers quickly moved out.  Several tanks joined our security line, wheeling to face outward.  Others formed up into patrols, moving outside the perimeter and out of sight.  

 

Troops in “sticks” of six made their way to each of Shark’s white staff wielding ladies.  One stick was heading my way.   I recognized my brother Ben in unfamiliar garb of combat armor and katana. 

 

We greeted each other at the bottom of the ramp.  I stepped up the ramp to introduce senior brother Ben and the tall, redheaded Gwen.  I suggested that she would be an aid in his cataloging of raider property.  I told Ben:

 

“Ben, I want all the swords and any jewelry sets you find.  Not loose jewels but sets like a debutante or princess might wear. Delivered to Shark’s hold.”

 

Ben replied, “I don’t see any problem with that request.  Gwen, come with me, and we will begin our work.  First I need to make an introduction.”

 

He introduced the head of Demarest security forces General Richard Bucklin.  Bucklin saluted me with right clenched fist against the left side of the chest.

 

Bucklin had a question immediately.  “Have you secured the house?”

 

At my “no,” the general was on the radio.  Troops whose garb I recognized as entry team ran for the house.  They began the meticulous and nerve-wracking room-by-room inspection. 

 

I said, “Please have them use restraint.  They may find some stragglers too scared to come out.”

 

The general smiled.  “I understand.  The briefing provided the information about the women, and my guys are well trained.   They will be ‘restrained.’”

 

I said, “Sorry, General.  No offence.”

 

He replied, “None taken.   You are not familiar with my people.  They, however, are familiar with you.  My troops are very pleased that you invited them on this joint operation with you.”

 

I must have looked as surprised as I felt.  “Really?”

 

Bucklin smiled.  “No surprise.  Plucky scout attacks big bad raider to defend yacht.  My people loved that.  I loved it. You should be proud of yourself.”

 

I wanted to say something that would be modest, brave and all that crap but I was so nonplussed that all I could come up with was, “Thank you.”

 

General Bucklin walked over to the heavy machine gun on the anti-grav sled.  He examined it.  He asked, “You didn’t trust appearances, either?”

 

I answered, “I was worried about an ambush.”

 

“Good, prudent thinking.  If you were expecting an ambush, why did you land first?”

 

I answered, “Can’t expect somebody else to do Shark’s dirty work.  If there was going to be an ambush it was our job to find it and warn you off.”

 

He shook his head, “Not smart at all, Eddy. Commendable, not smart.”

 

Another landing interrupted us.  I looked up to see a bright gold shuttle approaching.  The shuttle was covered with extra antenna and sensors.  The Demarest crest was large.  I looked over at the general and his carefully expressionless face. 

 

The ship landed and figures began to climb out.  I started counting to try to estimate my personal family problem.  There were three figures in the dark blue of Demarest and one in the gray of Carteris.  This did not look good at all. 

 

I turned to General Bucklin and said, “If you will excuse me, I must go to meet my family.”

 

He reached for my hand, as he shook it he said, “Good luck, Eddy.”

 

The family grouping stood in a loose semi-circle as I approached.  They were armed and armored.  All were wearing their katana.

 

I greeted them in turn.  Charles first; “Hello, Father.  Good to see you.”

 

“Hello, junior son Edward.  It is good to see that you are well.  Your mother sends her love.”

 

I turned to William.  “Hello, Grandfather.  An unexpected pleasure.”

 

“Greetings, Eddy.  How goes the battle?”

 

“Winning, Grandfather, I sincerely hope.”

 

Then my favorite, Phillip.  “Greetings, Great Grandfather.  Unexpected, but very welcome.”

 

“Hello, Eddy.  I have heard much since we were last together.”

 

I replied, “Believe only half of it.”

 

He said, “Most of it is favorable, I hate to discount half.”

 

I replied, “If I expect you to discount half the bad, I guess I have to be satisfied with only half the good.”

 

This brought a laugh, lightening the mood a bit.  I turned to my grandfather Louis Carteris. I said, “Hello, grandfather Louis.  Good to see you as well.  Can I expect to see great grandfather Victor climbing out of the shuttle?”

 

Louis grinned.  “No, young Ed.  Victor sends his greetings and regards.”

 

I draped my left hand over the hilt of my katana.  I was calmer than I had any right to be. 

 

Charles observed, “You wear the Carteris ring very well, my son.”

 

I looked down.  I had quite forgotten the Carteris signet on my left forefinger.  I looked up and nodded.  He continued, “We had hoped the C’s would provide aid in addition to ours for your scouting missions.”

 

I asked, “You are not surprised?”

 

He answered, “House Demarest is as adept on Athens as Carteris.  As a junior son, you never traveled to Athens to observe the court.  That failing could affect all of us standing here.”

 

I stated, “I would not do anything to harm Demarest, or Carteris for that matter.”

 

Charles replied, “Not intentionally.  But it should not be an issue.  Why are we here?  Why aren’t you scouting and making us gain?”

 

I asked, “Why did you arrange Letters of Marque and Reprisal?”

 

“That was Carteris.”

 

I observed, “You could have stopped it in its tracks if you disagreed.”

 

Suddenly Phillip spoke up.  “True, we had veto over it.”

 

Charles looked annoyed as he continued changing the subject.  “Admiral Dreesen demands return of his daughter.”

 

I asked, “Is that your wish?”

 

Charles suddenly launched into a long intricate explanation very similar to Andrea’s where he informed me of the possible damage from prematurely emancipating the princess.  Then he added a surprising note.  “The admiral has threatened us. Both houses.  He rudely demands return without compensation.”

 

I had a question.  “House Quintin, Emperor Quintin.  Where is he in this dispute?”

 

Charles said:

 

“He is annoyed at Dreesen.  Returning the daughter…”

 

“Andrea.”

 

“What?”

 

“Her name is Andrea.”

 

Charles continued, “Returning Andrea without compensation would send shockwaves through the court and all the royal houses.  Mark has requested that we intercede to prevent that unseemly event.”

 

I asked, “Mark?”

 

“Yes, young Eddy, there is much you don’t understand.  Emperor Mark Quintin was best man when I married your mother on Athens. We served in the navy together. The Carteris estate is on one side of his on Athens, with Demarest on the other.”

 

That was quite a little surprise.  I was used to thinking of the Carteris on Athens.  This was a new wrinkle. 

 

I decided to ask about Andrea’s status.  “Is my captive under my control as captain?”

 

The heads all snapped up.  Pretty blunt question but we might as well get this out in the open.

 

Charles again led off.  “She is quite lovely.”

 

I agreed as I said, “I would miss her.”

 

Charles looked at me shrewdly.  “You’re not planning to give her back, are you?”

 

I decided he deserved an honest answer.  “No.  What are your plans for her?”

 

He replied, “None.”

 

I appended, “To this point.  What if my Andrea captive affects some other deal?”

 

Charles replied, “To this point, returning your princess Andrea to Dreesen would be a massive loss of face for houses Demarest, Carteris and Quintin.  You have shown that you have grown up a great deal. If this princess’s situation changes we will talk.  Do me the same courtesy.  Please talk to me before you do something irrevocable.”

 

“Yes, Father.  I will.  I’m sorry for any inconvenience.”

 

Charles laughed as he replied, “Don’t be silly.  House Demarest will claim this planet, gaining tremendous profit. We will gain treasure from the raider stores.  The captives will either benefit us directly by ransom, or indirectly we gain esteem for rescuing them from the raiders.  You have done well young Ed.  Your bravery is something I am most proud of.  You are a credit to your family.”

 

He turned to look at the deployments around him.   He said, “I need to check with General Bucklin. I leave you in the care of your grandparents, Ed. Die bravely.

 

“Die bravely, Father.”

 

Chapter 26

 

 

I turned to Grandfather William as the semi-circle became smaller and a bit more intimate.  William said, “He is immensely proud of you, boy.”

 

“I know grandfather.  This is all very difficult since I lack skills I need.”

 

William offered, “Bringing this planet to him was a masterstroke.  He is in a dispute with the navy.  Claiming this planet pressures them in a way very favorable to your father and House Demarest on Athens.”

 

I said, “That just makes me more confused.”

 

Great-grandfather Phillip knew how to lighten a mood.  He reached in his pocket and withdrew his gold cigar case.  He said, “Try these, from my own tobacco farms on Caddis.”

 

He handed each of us a slim, dark brown Perfecto, 12 centimeters long.  He lit them for us in turn. 

 

I inhaled through the cigar, and let the smoke bite my tongue.  I looked at my other relatives as they contemplated their cigars.  I asked, “So, how bad is it?”

 

Phillip reached in his pocket and pulled out his gold brandy flask.  He uncapped it and drank a swallow.  He handed it to me as he said, “Drink first.”

 

I took a big swallow.  I was on the verge of choking.  I stood with my eyes watering and said, “God damn, Gran.  That is some awful shit.”

 

William agreed.  “Yes, Eddy, that is dreadful tasting stuff.  Don’t be selfish, pass it to your grandfather.”

 

Finally the brandy made the circle. 

 

Admiral Louis said:

 

“You have painted a large target on yourself and Shark.  The raiders will only be angrier, when your father claims this planet, and the empire boundary shifts.  The smuggler’s guild tells me that the raiders are already offering a substantial sum of credits and two Stepfords for your fatality.”

 

I said, “Fuck’em.  I had to run once.  Not anymore.”

 

William said, “Don’t be precipitous young Ed.  Discretion is not cowardice.  You need your brain to win this battle, not emotions.  What would your sensei say?”

 

I said, “He would deeply annoyed.  He would take me into the dojo and bruise me up a bit until my brain was again in charge of things.”

 

They all nodded.  They were smiling to take any sting from their words as we discussed in some depth my campaign against the raiders.

 

I had a request, “I need some contradictory stories to gain some legs:  Shark rescued Amazon because we interrupted two raiders fighting over the yacht.   Shark rescued Amazon because raiders betrayed Reprisal for revenge.  Shark rescued Amazon because raiders sold out other raiders for money when I bought information.  

 

The assembled men laughed as they contemplated the effect of these rumors on raider morale. I said, “One other thing, make it clear that Edward Demarest pays top price for information and he can be reached at Scout headquarters on St. Louis Station.”

 

Phillip finally said, “Don’t be afraid to call for reinforcements.  We have over a hundred-thousand troops in our expeditionary force ready for little excursions, just like this.”

 

Louis looked toward Shark and said, “Your slave is approaching.  I can quite understand why you might pause to give her up.”

 

Andrea arrived standing slightly behind me with her left hand on my right shoulder.  She seemed taken aback to confront patriarchs of the two families together in one place.

 

I pulled her into the circle and introduced her.  Each of my relatives immediately became utterly charming and flirtatious each outdoing the other to make her feel welcome.  I stood smirking observing the action.  Andrea turned to me and said in a very respectful voice, “Master, I am here to collect your rifle.  I will rack it back on Shark.  Do you have instructions?”

 

I handed over my assault rifle and said, “Yes.  Please have Crystal check the ship in preparation for our leave-taking.  Have Aella determine orbits and transponder codes for the Demarest taskforce.  Daisy needs to make a data chip for Ben with records of the Reprisal raids. Is the crew safe and in good shape?”

 

“Yes, Master.  Your crew is well.  We are very pleased with your success.  We are receiving valuable assistance from the troops.”

 

She stepped back slightly and said, “May I be excused to complete my tasks, Master?

 

I turned to look at her.  Her facial expression was serious.  Her eyes however were very amused.  With no one behind her I was able to smile quickly at her display of servitude. I said, “You’re dismissed.”

 

Andrea scurried off.  Louis commented, “She seems quite unlike the princess I met at Victor’s cotillion.  You are to be congratulated for maintaining very surprising discipline in your small vessel.”

 

“Yes, grandfather -- surprising was just the word I was going to suggest.”  I took the brandy and drank another large swallow. 

 

Philip asked,  “I heard several names when you were delineating tasks. How many active AI do you have on Shark?”

 

“Three.”

 

There was a minor explosion of surprise at this unprecedented news.  I had to explain the whole AI transplant process in very great detail, answering many perceptive questions.  Phillip finally said, “Excellent news.  You come to Caddis next.  The original Shark is there.  My AI, Kit Carson, is still powered.  I have agonized about final shutdown.  Now that is unnecessary, and Kit can continue. You have again pleased an old man.”

 

I said, “Nothing would make me happier than to add your AI to my ship.  Do you have a secluded area where we can rest and train?  A range would be nice.”

 

Phillip said, “I have just the place, in one of the very picturesque high mountain valleys.  I will have the original Shark there, and you will land with a minimum of people knowing you are even on the planet.”

 

I had another request.  I gathered my copy of Andrea’s axe and throwing knife.  I handed them to Phillip.  I asked him to have the master knife smiths of Caddis duplicate them in their laminated style. Copies and sets for all the crew.  He agreed:

 

“Yes, I can do that. Would you like more copies of the knife your mother ordered for you?”

 

“Yes. Please.”

 

“They will all be waiting for you at the high mountain estate.  I will have coordinates for your AI before you boost.”

 

“Thank you, Gran.”

 

William said, “We must let you return to your captain’s duties. There is a small crowd forming at Shark’s ramp.”

 

I looked over at Shark.  He was right.  I asked to be excused and went back to work.

 

 

Chapter 27

 

 

I arrived at Shark as many blue uniformed troops were carrying boxes up the ramp and into the hold.  My black uniformed crew was clustered at the foot of the ramp, supervising.

 

Andrea stood slightly apart from the rest of the crew, as she talked quietly with three women in the white shapeless chemise of Reprisal captives.

 

I had a strong sense of foreboding as I approached this tableau.

 

Andrea saw me approach.  She moved to the end of the ramp.  The three ladies followed.  Now I knew that I had a problem! 

 

Andrea said, “Captain. I need to make introductions.  Allow me to introduce the newest members of the Shark family and your newest slaves.”

 

I responded in an angry tone, “God damn it TO HELL.  Andrea. What the FUCK are you doing to me.  I just get done smoothing over the situation with slaves that I have and you fucking add more.”

 

Andrea stood serenely at my outburst.  The three captives quailed back visibly frightened.  When I finally ran down she said, “These are high born of Athens.  They are your slaves by custom and rule of war.  They are also your slaves as a result of requesting your protection, as is their right.”

 

Andrea spoke with quiet calm authority.   I paused and collected myself.    Andrea observed my demeanor.  As I calmed, she pressed on.   “May I continue, Master?”

 

There was no irony or sarcasm in her tone.   She posed her question in a reasonable tone of voice, still making that calm eye contact.  I said, “By all means, please.”

 

Andrea continued. “Captain, allow me to introduce Princess Carlisa Neville.  She has been a captive here for more than a year.  Her father and family are on Athens.  Her father is cousin to Emperor Mark Quintin.”

 

Carlisa was another tall, long-legged, large-breasted blonde.  I could think of worse company on our flight. On the other hand, the news of her family’s close ties to the emperor would dampen any libido.

 

Andrea brought forward the next captive as she introduced:  “Anima Dallman.  Her extremely wealthy father lives on Athens. She was also a long term captive.  She begs for your protection.”

 

Anima was a perfect woman in miniature.  She was barely 150 centimeters tall, in perilously high heels.  Caught by a flash of lust, I decided that she would always wear those heels if I were to remain her master.  She had long lustrous black hair.  Her tiny figure was shapely and tight.  Perfectly proportionate to her height and slim stature. 

 

Andrea had one more captive for me.  “Captain, I must introduce our saddest story.  This is Molly Reynolds.  Molly is only 14 years old.  She was captured several months ago in the company of her large family. She is the sole survivor having witnessed the deaths of her parents, siblings and relatives.   The Reynolds were quite wealthy with extensive holdings on Athens.  Molly was to become a princess.  She requests your protection.”

 

Molly did not wait for her to finish.  She launched herself at me.  She grabbed me around the waist, pressed her face into my chest crying in earnest. 

 

Molly was a young beauty with long, slender legs.  Her long hair was chestnut with red highlights.  She was tall for her age.  Her slim body was already shapely with much more than a hint of the full breasts she would finally carry.  I finally managed to pull her back and stand her up so that I could make eye contact.  I was stuck and Andrea knew it.  I conceded defeat as I said, “Welcome to Shark, your new home.   Agatha and Beverly will accompany all of you to your old quarters to collect any personal belongings.  They will move you in as expeditiously as possible.  Abbi and Cara will help your clean up and provide new clothing.    Andrea will orient you on Shark’s culture and expectations.

 

I continued, “We will be traveling to the planet Caddis next so please settle in as quickly as possible.”

 

I could hardly wait until my father Charles Demarest discovered that my lovely Andrea had added three highborn slaves to Shark’s roster.

 

 

 

 

TO BE CONTINUED