Chapter 25

A handful of minutes had passed since the melee onboard Crusader C471 had erupted, and Dominique’s boarding party was no closer to accessing the cargo bay. Part of this could be attributed to Convoy Commander Dandridge’s superb crowd control and close combat skills. The rest owing to the inherent flaw of boarding with so many members.

It was a well-established fact that the corridors comprising a Crusader’s lower level were notoriously cramped. A premeditated decision by the military brass who inherited and modified the schematics of early Crusaders designs. And one that made it possible for a single soldier to hold the corridor in the event multiple enemies made it onboard.

In a similar vein, a security officer could survive the waves of large boarding parties when they only had to contend with enemies from one direction. One of many advantages that officers were routinely drilled on when it came to review sessions and training seminars. But such countermeasures, especially those that had been in place for many years, had also spawned an innumerable number of countermoves from the raider side. A majority of which had thankfully been rendered obsolete by Dominque’s orders to avoid ascending to the upper level.

Recognizing this conflict of interest a party member from a lesser-known outfit might have chosen to disregard the order for the sake of the end goal. Such a blatant act of insubordination, however, would not be tolerated among the ranks of one of Baugh’s feeders. Here orders were absolute, and the people issuing them vetted thoroughly to ensure needlessly cruel or nonsensical demands were avoided.

That’s not to say those in command of the visits weren’t subject to criticism. But at the very least party members could act more readily knowing there was always some underlying method to the madness.

A sentiment that would go unshared by the scores of future LCF Convoy Commanders and archivists who’d revisit the itinerary from this day and insist the true madness was the raider Dominique’s aversion to amending those initial orders. Orders built on the understanding that the targeted Crusader would be that of C274, not C471 which ferried both pillars of command in Lautnor Dandridge and Sumiye Endellion. Whose presence onboard had also reduced the effects of the temporary comms blackout relative the other two Crusaders.

This distinction would prove to be the deciding factor in Cloud Nine’s second visit as C471’s security forces were able to concentrate their manpower at key locations rather than be spread thin across the Crusader. A strategy emboldened by the return of C362’s as a defensive crutch, giving the deck officers freedom to vacate the posts above so they could focus on the threat below. Such marked the defeat of Cloud Nine’s carefully orchestrated second visit boarding attempt. And further exasperated by the loss of the raid captain Matus to a head injury that would ultimately force his retirement.

Those same future scholars would go on to both applaud and criticize Commander Dandridge’s decision to let the boarding party recover its wounded and depart without threat of retaliation. An offer Dominique would have been remiss to reject in light of the blunder that had led them to being stalled within the corridors. But let it not be said that she didn’t do her due diligence in acquiring assurances of her subordinate’s safety as they pulled out. Assurances provided by the captive self-identifying as Carrie Roe. Here real name having been redacted from the official report and LCF databases as part of an eventual plea deal. The transcript and context leading up to the conversation being detailed below.

“Talk to me Commander.”

Lautnor stood just up the corridor but within speaking distance of the disarmed boarding party members, all of whom had been instructed to remain on their knees with both hands on the floor in front of them. An assortment of superficial wounds dotting each of them to varying degrees. Their overseers, the entirety of the Command Crusader’s security force, looking no worse for wear. Bent perhaps, but far from broken.

“Miss leader wants assurances that the deck officers onboard the other Crusaders won’t have a field day as they depart.”

“A poorly contrived stall tactic if you ask me. Now that comms are back up there shouldn’t be any discrepancies or confusion on the clearance order.”

“It’s not that absurd a request if you think about it. People hold grudges, and we’re not in any position to bench officers who violate the clearance order. Not that I think anyone would.”

Over on the bridge of C362 Jericka exchanged a knowing look with Wash, recalling Kircher’s misgivings about his security rep’s loyalties.

“Then what would you suggest we do?”

“Perhaps our guest on C362 can talk some sense into her?”

He made eye contact with the short haired woman, his own hair several centimeters shorter thanks to his brush with her throwing knives. Meanwhile Jericka who’d heard the proposal over the group channel abruptly pressed her headset into their “guest’s” chest, keen on being rid of the enemy presence on the Command Crusader.

“You’re up legs.”

The raider made a face but accepted the headset nonetheless. Donning it despite her cursory knowledge of the situation taking place on the other Crusader.

“I’ll uh, see what I can do. With whom will I be speaking with?”

“Short hair, choker, a little too fond of knives.”

“So it was Dominique...put her on.”

“...”

A pause before the sound of shuffling confirmed the headset had switched hands.

“Run into a few hiccups D?”

“That’s rich coming from the one who got her sorry ass captured.”

“All the more reason you should listen when I say to fuck off before they change their minds.”

“...what have you told them?”

Emica had to stop and think about her answer. After all she hadn’t been expecting to speak so casually with a member of Cloud Nine again, let alone attempt to justify her actions.

“Enough to know we won’t be seeing each other again.”

It was at this point the Skarpurian CO drew the raider’s attention, tapping her wrist to indicate she needed to move things along.

“Get out of here D, they’re in a hurry so they’ll cooperate. And you-know-who loved stressing the fact that there would always a next time.”

“I trust you girl, even if I probably shouldn’t in these circumstances. You know it was a pleasant surprise for all of us when you decided to stick around after he left.”

An unwelcome sensation began to creep its way into her chest at that confession. Something she couldn’t afford right now.

“Then take some more advice and steer clear of that last castle. It’s going to be a mess that even I would avoid if I could.”

“...”

Rather than wait for a response Emica handed the headset back over to Jericka and treaded over to one of the side windows. Wanting to confirm with her own eyes their exit. To fill the silence that followed Wash posed a question from the controls. The tone and content of which may been a tad too familiar. But if the woman took issue, it didn’t show.

“Mind if I ask who you two were reminiscing to?”

Jericka wordlessly joined their guest at the side window as the first members from the boarding party began being picked up across the way, also somewhat curious.

“The previous party leader. He’s the one who chanced upon and recruited both of us. Separately mind you.”

Wash removed his tinted glasses and began cleaning them against the base of his uniform, absorbing the woman’s answer respectfully. Meanwhile the CO bit the inside of her cheek before speaking.

“You spoke of him fondly just now, but that guy dragged you into quite the unforgiving world didn’t he?”

“It’s true he gave me a push, but I was hardly dragged. I know it might come as a shock since I’ve aged so gracefully, but I’m probably the oldest one onboard this Crusader. And big girls like me are more than capable of making difficult decisions on their own.”

“You’re not wrong, you look great.”

Jericka rolled her eyes as the woman exuded a light chuckle.

“I don’t suppose all LCF engineers are as cute as these two?”

“Hear that Cade! She called us cute!”

“That’s reassuring, I’ve been having some doubts as of late.”

And so the raider watched as the final remnants of Dominique’s approach vanished between the returning outcroppings with a smile on her face. She couldn’t quite call it goodbye knowing a third castle loomed on the horizon, but it seemed she’d begun coming to terms with the reality of her current position and accepting it. Just like all those years ago, it was time for a new chapter of her life to begin.

“Oh, I should probably mention that our interim security officer went a little AWOL. I’d hate to insinuate that her teacher rubbed off on her, but...”

Wash was the first to retort on this unexpected update.

“They grow up so fast.”

*

“You wouldn’t happen to be the rookie CO who supposedly volunteered for this run?”

Kircher had taken a step back to allow the brunette to scale the rest of the ladder.

“So someone’s been spreading rumors about me have they. Well, whoever it is has their facts straight at least. Although as you can tell from the rifle, I’ve been welcomed into the security division with open arms.”

“That’s not a toy little girl.”

Rohner was none too pleased by the notion that someone armed could get onboard without being noticed. The fact it was a rookie making things even worse.

“Could have fooled me. What with you and your buddies holding a little wall decorating contest in the middle of a visit.”

Neither man missed how she’d emphasized the word little in her response, having taken obvious offense to being referred to as a little girl.

“Of course if by some chance I have the wrong idea about what I was witnessing, I’m sure you’d correct me to avoid any future misunderstandings.”

Kircher couldn’t help but smirk at the girl’s wit. Their unexpected back up standing resolutely beside him on the bridge side of the ladderway. Meanwhile the older man filling the doorway opposite them stroked his beard with one hand while the other fiddled with the handle of what appeared to be a quillon dagger, identifiable by its pitch black cross shaped hilt.

“Alright. But only on the condition this one stays on until Riga. And that includes following ALL my orders as acting security representative of this Crusader.”

Rohner addressed Esma with a hard stare.

“I’m afraid you’ll have to forget about your buddies on C362 in the meantime. So, what’ll it be? Do we have a deal?”

Naturally Kircher deferred to the girl who let out a heavy sigh before responding.

“Sure whatever. Not like returning to C362 was a viable option for a Mundzuk like me anyway.”

Esma ran a hand through her long hair before scratching at the back of her neck.

“Please proceed with your explanation. And don’t feel the need to accommodate. I can only assume Officer Swarek here approached you about this because he’s conferred with you once beforehand. As I’d hate to cut into your busy grooming schedule, I’ll take it upon myself to fill in the blanks.”

“That’s very funny. Think I want to be standing here appeasing you two when there are preparations that still need to be made?”

Despite recognizing the question as rhetorical Esma had every intention of interjecting again as part of her ongoing effort to rid herself of the excess adrenaline and anxiety still coursing through her system thanks to this unwelcome string of developments. The CO beside her had other ideas however and put a lid on the rebuttal with a swift hand motion. Equally eager to head off more of the rookie’s yapping, Rohner dove into the rationale behind his actions.

“There’s no proven method for harming an Eidol directly. Some far-fetched rumors about fetching brackish water from the Silhouette Seas perhaps, but nothing concrete about destroying them. So I improvised a method for driving it away instead.”

“It’s true the Silhouette Seas are said to be rife with unexplained shadow figures, but those accounts describe them as being distinctly humanoid. Nothing of this scale either.”

“Save the commentary for later rook.”

Esma puffed her cheeks out as her sole act of defiance but otherwise remained attentive. Rook was quite the step up from little girl after all.

“I didn’t mention it aloud earlier, but these things like to attach themselves to or inhabit structures. Regardless of its intentions this one attached itself to Crusader C471. The fact the other two Crusaders were also swallowed up by its form was just a coincidence due to its size.”

“If that’s true, how did you discern which Crusader it latched onto?”

Rohner reached out and rapped on the wall of the entryway with his knuckle.

“The make of the Crusader. I’m sure you’re aware that Galen Runs make use of older models.”

“Hence the turret bays. Or in your case nap stations.”

The older officer ignored the jab from Kircher in favor of continuing.

“Through the ages Eidols have demonstrated an inclination for inhabiting abandoned buildings. You’d think it’s because it’s where people aren’t, but in truth they seem to find value in the structures that have been standing the longest. It just so happens those older buildings tend to be abandoned from falling out of use. And don’t bother asking how they can tell the difference because that’s beyond me.”

Esma put her finger down with a frown.

“So it determined C471 was the oldest of the bunch. Which is why you chose it as the site of your spontaneous target practice session.”

“Hold on, if C471 is the oldest, why is it’s number higher than the other two Crusaders?”

Both men exchanged knowing looks, Kircher being the one to respond.

“A Crusader’s number comes down to where it was manufactured and by whom. The date is largely inconsequential outside of separating the iterations. I could go into more detail but now's not really the time. But don’t worry, there are plenty of Crusader fanatics both in the LCF and outside of it who will talk your ear off about this stuff.”

“You really are a rookie.”

Nice to know these two could put aside whatever difference they had to poke fun at her. Though if it meant improving overall crew chemistry, Esma would happily chalk it up as a contribution on her part.

“In regard to the target practice. Like I said, you can’t hurt these things directly. But they can sense subtle changes in the structures they inhabit. Including when it’s under some kind of duress. And having so recently lost its previous home, I banked on this Eidol being extra sensitive to these types of changes.”

“I can’t help but notice some contradictions in your approach to these entities. Earlier you painted them as something akin to beasts, and yet your plan just now relied on one exhibiting and acting on some fairly complex emotions.”

What’s more, the man had clearly done some supplementary research on them at some point or another. Because Kircher seriously doubted Rohner would have encountered them often enough to make calls on their behavioral patterns.

“If you ask me, this thing is just as if not smarter than us. Someone started shooting at it, so it left. Frankly I wish we could follow its example and get out of here. Not that I’m for letting an entire city-state fall to ruin at the wings of a disease ...”

Normally Esma wouldn’t have felt it necessary to include the qualifier at the end, but recognized her comment could be received poorly when it came to officers unfamiliar with her as a person. Then again what did Lux, Cade or the others really know about her as a person. They’d hardly had a month to acquaint themselves.

“In any case, what you’re saying is that the Eidol left because it feared the Crusader was about to be wrecked.”

“Yes. Now if you two are done wasting my time—”

Esma followed her fellow CO’s lead as he took a step back so the security rep could descend the ladderway unencumbered. By the time she’d finished watching the burly man disappear Kircher had already backtracked into the bridge. She followed suit, the bridge being somewhat of a comfort to her at this point. Never mind the fact that the man she’d promised to follow as part of the deal just now left her without any orders to carry out. Whether he’d forgotten in his haste or didn’t believe her capable of handling them was a debate she had no interest in pursuing.

“Yeah she’s here. What? Very funny...”

From what Esma could gather Kircher was presently updating Jericka on her whereabouts. Probably unnecessarily as Cade would have informed the lethargic CO by now. Something she’d gotten a kick out of no doubt.

“Sorry, Rohner insisted. For the time being I’ll keep her close by. Should what we discussed earlier come to pass having her here will be a great help.”

From the other side of the call Jericka made a face that betrayed her skepticism. After all she couldn’t imagine their fledgling shooting a raider let alone a hypothetical mutineer. Though while they were on the topic, something had been nagging her.

“Speaking of, I haven’t gotten word back on the message I sent ahead at Lux’s behest. Not a great sign if I’m being honest.”

Or as her family would insist, a bad omen.

“Text-based messages carry more urgency as well. If they missed it or had to delay their response it must be for a good reason.”

Kircher screwed his eyes shut and rubbed both temples in a clockwise motion. Always something.

“We’ll try and broach the subject at the next check-in. Not like we have many other options at this point.”

“Can’t wait to see how you’ll pull that off now that the accused has a headset.”

The sound of a smack and a groan reached Jericka’s headset.

“Didn’t think that far ahead didja?”

*

“Harrigan, I want all available officers split between the armory and the left wing. Allowing the rioters access to arms will exacerbate the conflict, and failure to maintain comms would spell disaster for our convoys out in the field.”

[Mack Harrigan, 34, Station Riga Head of Security]

“I already have officers enroute to both. It’s your safety I’m concerned about now. Larisan, get in here!”

The head of security beckoned a female officer into the room where various administrators and office aides were at work collecting sensitive documentation ahead of the evacuation.

“Escort the station manager to the garage for evac.”

“She’ll do no such thing.”

Philip Eagen wrestled his arms through the sleeves of his coat as he protested, then proceeded to collect a key and a revolver from the top drawer of his desk.

“Miss, you’re to head straight to the left wing. This old man can plod his way to the garage just fine on his own.”

The woman seemed torn for a moment but did as asked once it became clear her boss wouldn’t refute the old man’s words.

“Sir, trust me when I say that you’ll need someone to see you to the amphitheater safely. The authorities just don’t have enough people to enforce the martial law.”

“No need to fret, I’ll be bringing Osburn and anyone else who’d like to tag along.”

[Leander Osburn, 32, Philip Eagen’s Secretary]

He gestured to the stoic individual and the other aides going about their respective tasks in haste.

“We’ll conceal or toss anything that identifies us as LCF personnel and obscure our faces with masks for good measure. In the off-chance rioters do confront us we’ll play the part of desperate citizens on our way to one of the quarantine centers.”

Officer Harrigan was beside himself at the proposal.

“Sir that hardly constitutes a plan for a situation as precarious as this one.”

“It’ll do just fine. But the longer we stand here arguing about it the more routes leading to the amphitheater become unavailable to us.”

On that note secretary Osburn appeared alongside the station manager and conveyed their readiness to depart with a nod.

“The governor’s quietly began to amass reserve personnel at the new offload site. They’ll have a perimeter set up and escorts of their own waiting for us. In the meantime I need you and your staff here protecting the evacuees and ensuring the safety of Riga’s skeleton crew. I’m counting on you Mack.”

The head of security took his friend’s hands in his own.

“Keep your guard up Philip. They’re getting more desperate by the second. I don’t even want to think about what’ll happen if word gets out.”

A smile from the station manager.

“In which case we’ll all just have to do our best Voyager impressions.”

“Indeed.”