Chapter 7
Rebel-held fortress, Southland Uplands, Aldebaran
A long, windowless, cavern-like room is subtly lit by warmly glowing crystal lights. Many thin pillars of honey colored stone support a vaulted ceiling. The stone is mostly smooth but shows evidence of much wear with sections of damage and repair.
There is the sound of footsteps and voices, and a moment later Caria followed Bucky then Deadeye and Blinky enter down a graceful metal staircase of much newer construction. Caria turns to the others as she steps onto a polished stone floor warn into smooth undulations.
Caria: Many of the modern structures are built on remains such as these. There has been a fortress in this location for a long time.
Bucky steps into the main room and looks around. Deadeye follows with his usual scowl and Blinky totters behind.
Bucky: How long?
Caria: I'm not sure exactly.
Blinky: Humble robot can request access to records.
Bucky gazes around the room.
Bucky: Don't worry about it, just thinking aloud. What's it used for?
Caria: Now? Mostly storage I believe. But this area will be kept clear due to the generator.
Bucky: Alright, let's see it . . .
As they continue forward the light around them changes to a bright glow. They round a corner and see four stone structures, each holding a glittering mass of rough crystals and surrounding a central well of light containing a multitude of glowing balls that rush in all directions. There's the faint sound of wind.
Caria stands to the side as the others approach the glow. Bucky frowns at the shining structure as Deadeye peers curiously at the crystals and Blinky scampers excitedly around.
Bucky: This is what I shut down when we captured this place? It powers the defenses?
Caria: That is correct. This generator and five others form the outer shield as well as providing energy for many other functions. It's powered down now but should be ready to restart soon.
Bucky: Not soon enough. We don't have nearly the number of fighters needed to hold this place without those perimeter defenses.
Bucky approaches nearer the device, looking closely at intricate carvings set in the stones.
Bucky: How is it controlled?
Caria: You operated the remote control system in the main building. That system is designed for convenience.
Bucky: But you can also control them from here?
Caria: Yes, but it's more difficult accessing the stones directly. It would take a much longer time and require a powerful artificer.
Bucky: Good. Destroy the remote control system once this is operational again. I don't want anyone doing what we did. (glances around) Are there cameras here? And at the others? If not, get them installed ASAP. Blinky will help.
Military convoy, Southland uplands, Aldebaran
The uplands are a barren steppe; cold and open for miles around. Rolling hills surround the plain and distant mountains with streaks of snow at their caps can be seen further away. A smudge of disturbed dust is apparent in the vast expanse. Closer in, the dust resolves into a large group of vehicles speeding across the desert.
Inside the rumbling bulk of a massive ground transport, Sarradel strides along a utilitarian but elegant corridor. An Aldebaran officer with flame-red hair keeps pace beside him and several guards follow some distance behind.
Sarradel: How many did we capture?
Officer: Three, my Lord. Two were killed outright and we allowed two to escape, as ordered. The prisoners have been secured in separate cells, as ordered.
Sarradel: And their vehicles?
Officer: Badly damaged, my Lord.
Sarradel: Get one working, that's an order. Strip down the others for parts.
Officer: Yes, my Lord.
They reach a set of heavy doors; many other doors extend down the corridor. The officer stops and the rest of the party stop with her.
Officer: Here, my Lord. This is the patrol leader, Master Sister Tessa.
She activates a locking mechanism and the door slides open to reveal a nearly bare cell containing a single occupant. The captured solider sits on a low bunk; gem-less with her hands in chains. Her long black hair is arranged in complex plaits but these are coming loose. She looks up with a hard but calm expression on her tabby-patterned face. Sarradel steps into the cell. He glances over his shoulder and addresses the officer and guards.
Sarradel: Leave us.
Sarradel turns back into the room as the officer quickly bows and closes the cell door. He walks briskly over to the prisoner then immediately grabs her chin with one hand and sharply tilts her face up to him. Sarradel stares hard at her face then twists her head roughly to the side to regard another angle. She grits her teeth.
Tessa: I won't talk.
Sarradel keeps studying her face. His gems start to pulse darkness.
Sarradel: You won't need to.
Three sleek Aldebaran jets bank against the bright sky then curve towards the convoy of ground vehicles, heading for the open bay of the large transport. Inside the bay, the landed craft are met by half a dozen Aldebaran foot guards. Jenny disembarks from one jet, sweeping down the access steps in a long gown and closely followed by a nervous looking Rada. As they step onto the hanger floor, the guards immediately shift up around them. One guard addresses Jenny.
Guard: This way, your Highness.
Jenny has been gazing around the bay. She glances at the guard then steps forward wordlessly. As they walk away from the landing site Jenny continues to look the bay over. The hanger is a hive of activity, containing numerous vehicles in addition to the jets and many hurrying Aldebaran's. Abruptly, Jenny ducks between two guards and walks rapidly towards a section of the hanger where a small vehicle is being worked on by a couple of mechanics. The guards and Rada stare after her in surprise. Jenny speaks as she walks.
Jenny: Is that a Southland speeder? I've never seen one properly before.
The guard who spoke previously calls after Jenny tersely.
Guard: Your Highness, this way.
Jenny keeps walking away, not appearing to notice. The guard who spoke makes a gesture to the others and they all start hastily after Jenny. Jenny has reached the repair bay by the time the guards close in around her. She doesn't seem perturbed, addressing the worried looking mechanics with a smile.
Jenny: Are you replacing the propulsion system?
One mechanic looks as if he's about to answer when the guard cuts him off, speaking to Jenny with an exasperated air.
Guard: Your Highness, this way please. His Lordship is waiting.
Jenny glances to the guard then looks back across the bay to the ship she arrived with.
Jenny: I forgot my coat.
The guard's mouth drops open then she snaps it shut and makes a quick gesture to another guard. He takes off at a run towards the ship. Jenny has turned back to the speeder, looking thoughtfully at a large burn mark across part of the chaise.
Jenny climbs up to an open deck. She pulls a thick hooded coat around her as she steps out into the cold wind. The transport moves relatively slowly but the wind is still harsh. Small fighters and larger supply vessels kick up trails of dust all around. Jenny pauses as she steps past a couple of guards; there is the sound of voices from around a corner.
Voice: . . . in place for departure tonight, as ordered. The main force . . .
One guard glances over to Jenny and she continues walking around the corner. On the deck are a small group; Sarradel stands staring out towards the mountains that are visible in their direction of travel. He wears a heavy black robe that the wind moves over his armor. He is being addressed by the red haired officer and is accompanied by couple of hovering aids. They all look around as Jenny rounds the corner, the officer stops speaking. Sarradel narrows his eyes as Jenny inclines her head slightly.
Jenny: My Lord.
Sarradel watches her for a moment then turns to the others and makes a dismissive gesture. They hurriedly bow and move away. Sarradel looks back at Jenny as they're left alone on the empty deck.
Sarradel: (snapping) The air transports docked more than five minutes ago. What took you so long?
Jenny looks at him calmly.
Jenny: They were finding me a coat.
Sarradel barely waits for her to finish before snapping again.
Sarradel: I don't want to hear it. Come here.
Jenny continues approaching unhurriedly then stops near him and looks out at the moving view. Sarradel regards her in silence with an ill-tempered expression. He finally snorts and pulls his cloak around him.
Sarradel: This region's too damn cold.
Jenny is still looking out at the barren scene.
Jenny: I like it.
Sarradel's face twitches. He takes a quick step over and pulls her hood off. Jenny frowns slightly as her head is snapped back sharply. With the hood down, her loose hair immediately flows back in the wind. Sarradel reaches up and buries a hand deeply in her thick locks. He strokes her and speaks more calmly.
Sarradel: That's because you're built for it.
Sarradel abruptly clenches his fist, grabbing a handful of hair then pulling Jenny back against him.
Sarradel: Come here and share some of that body warmth.
Jenny huffs quietly as they collide. Sarradel pivots them around to face the other way with the wind at their backs.
Jenny: Just ask.
Sarradel: Asking takes too long. I'm sick of waiting.
Sarradel releases her hair and wraps an arm around her chest. His cloak whips either side of them. As Jenny struggles to move her streaming hair to one side, Sarradel pulls the gauntlet off his free hand with his teeth and drops it to the ground then pushes his bare hand into her coat. Jenny starts and gasps as he reaches around inside her clothes.
Sarradel: *Humm* . . . you are warm, and soft.
Jenny looks uncomfortable. One hand holds her hair away from her face, the other grips Sarradel's forearm where it disappears into her clothes. She shivers then speaks with a slightly strained voice.
Jenny: Why are you out here if you don't like the cold?
Sarradel: May be I like the view. Everything is clearer in the desert.
Jenny pauses, relaxing her grip on Sarradel's forearm to a gentle hold.
Jenny: If my Lord does not require me, I would like to explore the desert.
Sarradel scowls and his tone sharpens again. He tightens the arm around Jenny's chest and tugs her aggressively back into him.
Sarradel: Your chain doesn't stretch that far. You will remain on board the principal transport. And stop listening in to conversations that don't concern you. That's not why I brought you on campaign.
Jenny frowns thoughtfully. After a brief pause she leans further into him and speaks softly.
Jenny: This place is so empty.
Sarradel drops his chin onto her shoulder with a grunt, calming down.
Sarradel: This used to be an important trade route. There were cities . . .
Jenny: I thought there were buildings in those cliffs. I can't see much else.
Sarradel: There's not much to see, just ruins. It was a long time ago. But there were great battles fought for this place that no one cares about now.
Sarradel's voice abruptly changes from contemplative back to harsh and annoyed.
Sarradel: There are always those who refuse to accept how things have to be. Like these pathetic rebels. They scuttle around here as if they think I don't know how to fight in a desert. I'm going to enjoy educating them. Or I would, if it wasn't so damned cold.
He pushes his mouth onto her neck and kisses her briefly. Jenny's brows knit and she looks down.
Sarradel: (murmuring) That's what you're for. I need you to keep my bed warm. You're good at that. I get sick of just raping the prisoners.
He remains gripping Jenny tightly for a few moments then sighs heavily and abruptly pulls away from her, scooping up his discarded gauntlet from the ground.
Sarradel: Get inside fluffy. Now the air transports are docked I'm going to have the convoy speed up. Even you won't like it out here then.
Jenny pulls the coat tightly around her again then glances at Sarradel. He has returned to gazing out into distance. Jenny looks away and wordlessly walks back into the main ship.
Jenny is dressed in a plain robe; she leans over an ornate desk with an air of concentration. She sits in a large semi-circular room that contains a substantial bed set against the flat wall and other matching furniture dotted around. Long windows wrap the room; the view shows mostly clear evening sky and the tops of mountains slowly moving past. Outside, several small black flags set on poles around the windows snap in the stiff wind.
Jenny frowns lightly and scrolls down the screen of a data pad resting on the desk then glances briefly at the display of another. She reaches for a steaming cup and takes a small sip, still studying the displays. There's a ting of china from close by. Rada stands away from a neatly set table heaped with food. She sets down a bowl and calls out.
Rada: Your Highness, are you sure you won't have anything to eat?
Jenny turns and shakes her head.
Jenny: No, thank you. This Southland cuisine doesn't agree with me.
Rada: I can send for something else.
Jenny shakes her head again and turns back to the desk, continuing to study the data pads. She rubs absently at her chest. After a moment, Rada steps over. She leans close to Jenny.
Rada: If you are not well I should examine you. There may still be damage from the fight.
Jenny glances up.
Jenny: It's nothing. Did you notice they were repairing that speeder in the hanger? It was taken in combat, judging by the damage.
Rada blinks at Jenny as the other cat turns to look at the data pad again. After a moment she also peers curiously displays in front of Jenny.
Jenny: I don't know why they were bothering. It's just a speeder.
Rada: Perhaps they were investigating how it works?
Jenny taps the data pad with a long finger.
Jenny: That information is readily available. The army is well equipped and that class of speeder isn't used by the main forces. It's not really any use to them. So why bother repairing it?
Jenny turns to gaze out of the window. The room's situation is high on the large transport, giving extensive views of the almost setting sun. Rada looks uncertainly at Jenny.
Rada: I don't know, your Highness.
Jenny sighs, turning from the window and pushing her hands through her thick hair.
Jenny: I don't know either. I haven't been able to make proper contact with any resistance groups since we got on board. Oh my stars, I don't know what's happening here or at the palace. I hate flying blind.
She abruptly stops and frowns.
Jenny: Do you feel that? We're slowing down again.
Jenny quickly stands then walks briskly to look out of another section of window where the bulk of the ground transport can be seen as a looming shadow. The flags set around the windows now wave more gently. A bright slit of light appears along the transport and slowly widens. Jenny watches for a moment then swiftly turns and heads back into the apartment. She opens a cupboard and lifts out some neatly folded black material. As Rada watches, she rapidly pulls off her light dress then tugs on the cat suit. Jenny is swiftly back at the window and starting to unfasten the latch before Rada speaks.
Rada: What are you doing?
Jenny slides the window open.
Jenny: They're opening the hanger. If I'm careful I can use it to access to rest of the transport without alerting the guards. I'm going to find out what's happening, and I want another look at that speeder.
Rada's mouth drops open.
Rada: You-you can't!
Jenny grips the window frame then leaps easily onto the ledge, holding herself poised half out of the room with the nearly sheer side of the transport dropping away below. Her long hair streams to the side in the wind. She peers above her.
Jenny: I can. There are plenty of handholds out here and I bet there's external access for maintenance at the hanger.
She's disappeared a moment later. Rada rushes over and thrusts her head out of the window. Jenny is already well along the roof of the apartment, moving stealthily. Rada calls after her.
Rada: What if someone comes?!
Jenny grips a support and swigs around to face Rada.
Jenny: Tell them I'm unwell and shouldn't be disturbed.
Rada look aghast as Jenny turns away.
Rada: What if it's Sarradel?!
Jenny looks back.
Jenny: Tell him the truth, and that I forced you to help. But I'm almost certain he's gone. Something is happening tonight. May be it's just a scouting party that he's joining, may be there's a raid planned. I don't know, but I'm going to try and find out. Whatever it is, if Sarradel's not here this is my best chance to move around undetected.
Jenny turns away again then pushes off from the roof with no apparent effort, landing lightly on another section of the transport then moving off rapidly towards the hanger where the massive doors now gape into the fast closing night. Rada stares after her in dismay, babbling under her breath.
Rada: Oh my stars . . . *almost* certain . . .
Jenny moves nimbly across the uneven external surface of the transport. As she approaches close to the hanger there's a sudden roar of noise and rush of wind. Jenny crouches and grips a flange of metal as a flight vehicle rises from the hanger with a blast of engines. As the vehicle lifts away from the hanger it's quickly followed by several more. They all hover for a moment then abruptly rush away into the night. Jenny remains stooped over until the commotion ends. She glances up at a grinding noise; the hanger doors begin to close. Jenny takes off at a sprint, moving deftly towards the shrinking slit of light. She leaps a low barrier and reaches a narrow walkway that follows the curve of the hanger doors then runs beside the moving mass of door until she overtakes the edge. Jenny abruptly swings around and drops into the hanger where a thin ladder extends from the walkway. The hanger doors close over her head a few moments later.
Southland uplands, Aldebaran
The massive arc of the sky is thick with bright stars above the dark ground. A small bike-like vehicle rushes through the desert night, leaving a pale trail of dust in its wake. A figure hunches over the controls. The rider abruptly turns the speeder to line up an approach to a pair of tall towers that twinkle with lights.
Rebel-held fortress, Southland Uplands, Aldebaran
Bucky and an Aldebaran officer are walking briskly along a plain but elegant corridor. Bucky speaks hurriedly.
Bucky: When did she get here?
Aldebaran officer: Approximately forty minutes ago.
Bucky answers in uncharacteristically irate tones.
Bucky: And you only tell me this now?
Aldebaran officer: We had to run security checks. And you had been on active duty for over twenty six hours. It was deemed prudent to allow you to rest then brief you as appropriate.
Bucky sounds exasperated.
Bucky: Then brief me. Tell me what you know.
Aldebaran officer: She was picked up at a remote outpost. She rode in on one of the speeders we lost when the last patrol was ambushed. She says she escaped by using the speeder to shadow a scouting party as it left the main convoy. She seems uninjured but is currently declining a full medical. We're starting the main debrief now.
The officer pauses a moment before speaking with more emotion.
Aldebaran officer: She may have vital information for us. This could turn the tide in our favor.
They reach a simple door flanked by guards. The guards stand to attention and Bucky gives them a brief nod of acknowledgement then pushes the door open and walks in. The officer steps in quickly after him. In the room, several Aldebaran's are seated at or standing around a small table. Their attention is focused on an Aldebaran at one end of the table who sits slightly hunched over, griping a steaming cup with a blanket around her shoulders. She's recognizable as the previously captured patrol leader. The room's occupants look up at the newcomers. The patrol leader looks to Bucky and the Aldebaran officer with a tired but calm expression, pulling the blanket around her. When she speaks she sounds weary.
Tessa: Hello Sir, Master Sister. (nods deferentially to each in tern) It's good to have made it here.
