Searching for Armelia
3: Salathor and Scarran years
Crais and Talyn moved deeper into Scarran Territory. Running after the fact, running after Armelia, just a couple of days too late all the time.
The longer the search took, the less Crais cared about his health, and the more the bloodlust grew. After a while it affected Talyn as well and soon both Captain and ship were driven by one goal: find Armelia!
Talyn had stopped pressing Crais that he should take care of his health. He had stopped reminding him that he had to eat or take his rest, since Crais had stopped listening when he came on board with the news that Armelia was taken.
Had anyone who had known Crais seen him now they would not have recognised him. His hair had grown into a wild curly mane more than halfway down his back. When he remembered he shaved his beard into a goatee. This normally happened when he went into a battle and only if he knew he was going well beforehand, the same accounted for his queue. His eyes burned with a feverish passion and his skin had grown pale with fatigue, pain and lack of nourishment.
The Scarrans found out soon enough that somehow they had picked up a formidable foe on one of their forages.
Sanity had disappeared together, with looking for Armelia and Crais' negligence of his health. The bloodlust had taken over.
Crais had recited the ancient Peacekeeper vow to find Armelia or die trying. Anyone could have told him he was making a good job of the latter part of the vow.
Salathor would bear the brunt of this dedication.
+++++
Crais had touched down with the transport pod after Talyn had told him where the mining base was. Crais had taken his frag-gun and his grenades with him. He had landed near the mining-camp in the seclusion of the woods. Talyn had not detected any planetary scanners. Crais emerged from the pod.
Totally clad in black, his hair hung loose and was blowing in the wind.
Between the woods and the fence of the mining camp there was a wide expanse to traverse. Crais didn't wait long and crossed the space with determination.
When the first guard saw him, Crais let the frag-gun speak for him. By the time the Scarrans came running to the perimeter fence, Crais was lopping grenades at them and had blown the gate away with the frag-gun.
By sheer luck he wasn't hit at all, while the Scarrans flew through the air and fell to the ground (or in smaller pieces). His gun and grenades spewed death and destruction.
What made it all the more chilling was the calm on Crais' face while he strode forwards with his wild mane of hair flying behind him. To the Scarrans he resembled an invincible demon.
Soon the courtyard was filled with the dead and dying Scarrans. The silence was absolute.
A quick sound behind him made Crais turn around and in one fluid movement his pulse pistol was out of the scabbard and dealt quickly with two wounded Scarrans who were struggling to rise.
When he got to the entrance of the mine he moved forward cautiously. It paid off and two more Scarrans hit the ground. Crais was surprised not to find more resistance.
Once he was inside the mine, he dealt swiftly with the few remaining Scarrans.
He moved deeper into the mine and found the first pockets of captives. It didn't take long for them to realise that their Scarran masters were no longer in charge. They moved slowly forwards. "Are we free now," they asked hesitantly. Crais nodded.
Slowly the word swiftly spread and reached the deeper parts of the mine and the people emerged from their depths.
Crais had been right in assuming that even the Scarrans from the depths had come up and lay now dead.
He looked at the misery around him. Hollow eyes and scared faces. Starvation, hardship and torment were written over the features of men, women and children.
Crais was enraged with what he beheld.
He ordered them out of the mine and to help the ones who couldn't help themselves out to the courtyard.
There were no more Scarrans inside the mine. Crais walked outside and checked if there were no more Scarrans coming from other compounds, Talyn confirmed that all seems quiet. He then checked each Scarran lying in the courtyard, his pulse pistol dealing promptly with the ones still alive. Only when he was sure that all were dead did he contact Talyn, "Talyn, can you land near the mining colony?"
Talyn had checked the atmosphere and gravity and said he could but not for a long period.
Crais motioned everyone closer together near the gate. The wounded and weak near the front, they would have to be brought on board first. He made sure everyone was out of the mine and had been assembled. He then moved to the edge of the trees and retrieved his transport pod, which he had landed just outside the fence.
He concentrated and asked Talyn to come down. A hush descended over the people gathered when the sky darkened and the most magnificent black Leviathan glided towards the ground. They stood in awe.
When Talyn had landed Crais guided the pod in first. He reappeared at the door of the Hangar bay and urged the people forward into Talyn.
The wounded and weak were carried in first, then all who could walk.
While monitoring Talyn, Crais kept an eye on all who came on board, especially the children. He couldn't detect Armelia's golden red hair nor anyone who resembled her but then again most people's hairs and faces were black with soot.
Finally everyone was on board and none too soon, Talyn was already complaining about the strain of the lower gravity. Before going back to space, Talyn turned around to face the compound and a barrage from his heavy weapons destroyed the mining camp. It was no more.
With a shudder they took off from the planet. Once in space Talyn was happier and moved quickly away from the planet, after he had given confirmation that this was the only mining camp on Salathor.
Crais walked to a group of men, "Are there any more compounds to be found on Salathor?"
The men looked at their rescuer and thanked him profoundly but Crais had no patience for it. "Are there any more slave camps on Salathor?"
The men looked at each other, concerned that their thanks had so little effect on their saviour and they turned back to the man standing impatiently before them, one spoke up for them, "No, Salathor only has one mining camp. It is not inhabited. Why?"
"Wasn't there a drop of new people at the mining camp a couple of Solar days ago?"
One of the men stepped forward, "Yes, a Scarran ship did land yesterday but took off almost immediately without unloading anyone. I overheard them, they were going to Azathor."
Crais' face turned pale and he reeled slightly. A ghost of pain flitted over his features. He managed to regain control quickly.
He left the Hangar Bay but the many hands that wanted to touch and thank him hampered his progress. His patience vanished rapidly and when he passed the galley, he appointed two men at random to oversee the well being of the people. He showed them where the food was kept in the galley and where clothes were stored. He showed them the infirmary and the medication availability and all but ordered them to create sense in the chaos.
The quiet of Command was almost a relief to him, "Any safe planets nearby Talyn?"
Not that I know of Crais
"We have to offload these people and set course to Azathor."
Crais you should...
"I know Talyn but we need to get these people to safety and then proceed to Azathor. The Scarran ship which had Armelia on board has left the planet yesterday."
Maybe someone of the people here are familiar with the area and know of a safe planet. Maybe you should consider getting a small crew on board
Crais scowled but saw sense in Talyn's suggestion, "All right Talyn I will try."
Talyn wasn't happy with the way Crais looked. Maybe if they had a small crew on board Crais would take some rest. He had hardly allowed himself any rest and he hadn't eaten for two solar days.
Crais left Command and moved back to the Hangar Bay where most of the people were assembled. His arrival made most people turn to him.
Crais just stood there and looked at the misery before him. It enraged him to see people in this condition. He recognised a variety of different races. Luxans, Sebaceans and Matiks were amongst the most prominent.
Slowly the Hangar Bay fell silent.
"Is there any among you who is familiar with this area," he asked.
Two Luxans and one Sebacean stepped forward, "We are."
"I need a safe or relatively safe planet, preferably en route to Azathor to drop everyone off."
"There is such a planet," one of the Luxans said, "it is not very far from here. Up till now it has been able to withstand all Scarran threats. Maybe it is because the planet has a rather cold and dense climate. It is named as one of the planets to flee to if we had been lucky to escape."
"Do you know the coordinates or the position?"
"Yes."
"Then give it to me."
Once Crais had the coordinates he made Talyn set course to it.
He looked back at the people, "I will be going deeper into Scarran Territory. I will need volunteers to help me... liberate the mining camps and to coordinate the people on board once we have done so. Are there any volunteers among you?"
The three who had stepped forward with the information of the area moved to his side and were soon followed by three others, in total three Luxans, two Sebaceans and one Matik.
Crais nodded. He ordered five of them to coordinate matters and took the Luxan who had given him the coordinates with him to Command.
On the way Crais learned that the Luxan's name was Dag'or.
In Command he spoke to Talyn, "This man will be part of the crew. He says he has knowledge of this area."
Dag'or looked at Crais in confusion, who had he been talking to?
Crais turned to Dag'or, "I want you to tell my ship anything you can about this area. The planets, the distances, any safe planets and Scarran held planets. The information can save our lives and possibly any we will rescue."
"How can I tell your ship?"
Crais let Talyn show them a view of the vector above the main console panel. The hologram showed Dag'or the vector they were in and as many planets as Talyn had been able to detect in the immediate area.
"That is amazing," Dag'or said, "and I just tell your ship? (Crais nodded) Can I point?" He had stepped forward and touched the holographic view. Talyn shifted the view to where he had pointed and Dag'or's face lit up in pleasure, "I will be delighted to instruct your ship."
Thank you said Talyn over the comm.-link, his voice only slightly lighter than Crais'.
Dag'or turned to Crais, "Your Leviathan can speak?"
"Yes, it helps him communicate with others than me. He enjoys it." Crais could feel a ripple of pleasure go through Talyn and smiled tiredly. He made to leave Command.
"How will you know when I am finished Captain?"
"My ship will inform me when we get to the planet. I will take a rest in my quarters."
Dag'or nodded. The Captain looked as if he hadn't slept for days, "Rest well Captain."
+++++
Crais made his way to his quarters. Talyn had been right, he was tired and even that was an understatement. He took off his tunic but couldn't be bothered with the rest. Apart from his two knives in the back of his belt, he lay on the bed fully clothed but sleep wouldn't come. It turned over and over in his mind that he had missed Armelia by a day. The worry and frustration made his chest constrict painfully and he tried deep breaths to ease it. He was not successful and he turned into a ball to lessen it.
Talyn could feel his anguish and thought of a way to alleviate it. He flooded Crais' room with purified oxygen and added some of his own energy to it. Within microns he detected a change in Crais. He seemed to be breathing easier. He sent out a "thank you" to Talyn before drifting off into some much needed sleep.
Talyn was worried. He had taken a big risk by flooding Crais' room with oxygen, it could have easily harmed him. It been more instinct on Talyn's part to choose for this option and luckily it had paid off but it wasn't right. Pure or purified oxygen was harmful to most species and yet it gave comfort to Crais. Talyn promised himself to look into it when he had the time. For now he was just happy that Crais was finally resting.
Talyn turned his attention back to what Dag'or was explaining. At the same time he monitored Crais and the rest of the occupants.
One of the Sebaceans Crais had appointed was coordinating matters in Medical and was taking care of the weak and wounded.
One of the Luxans was coordinating the people in the galley and had found the food. Soon they had a multi-racial soup from the available ingredients going that would feed the multitude on board.
The other Sebacean had found clothing that had been left by people from former rescue-attempts and were distributing to the many who had only tatters to wear.
The other Luxan and the Matik were keeping order in the rest of the ship.
Talyn was pleased with the new crew. He only hoped that Crais would allow himself some more rest with others on board to help him run the day-to-day duties.
+++++
All too soon they approached the safe planet. Talyn considered leaving Crais to sleep but knew that Crais would wake up the micron he dropped in orbit. He had been right in his assumption and Crais spoke to him before he could say anything.
"Are we there yet Talyn," Crais asked. The two-arn sleep had not been able to dissipate the exhaustion but at least had helped him to get a little rest.
Yes Crais but why don't you finish your rest? The others can coordinate the disembarkation
"I will be in the Hangar Bay shortly. Send the others to me."
Crais...
"No arguments, Talyn!" Crais turned the transponder to privacy mode.
Crais put his tunic back on. He felt slightly better but when he looked in the mirror the same haggard face greeted him. Maybe later...
When he arrived in the Hangar Bay everyone was already assembled, waiting to get off.
Crais had turned his transponder back on and spoke to Talyn silently, "Do you see a possibility to land on the surface Talyn?"
No Crais. The atmosphere is too dense. It has to be done by transport pod or other means
"Open a channel to the authorities of the planet." Once the channel was open Crais said, "I have about one-hundred-and-fifty refugees on board from the mining camp of Salathor. I ask permission to have them transferred to your planet. Do you have the means to help me transfer them? There are many weak and wounded, that will need medical assistance."
First there was silence on the other side of the link and Crais wondered if they would be rejected. Then a voice answered, "What has happened to the mining colony?"
"It is no more and the Scarrans are dead."
The voice came back to him and Crais could detect a note akin to excitement in it, "And you are sure of this, Captain..."
"I prefer to keep my name to myself but, yes, the mining colony is no longer operational."
"We will be delighted to take the refugees. We will dispatch transportation immediately."
Crais closed the comm.-link and turned to the people around him, "The planet will take you in. Hopefully many of you will find your way back to your own home planets."
The gratitude on the people's faces almost made Crais turn away. He wished he could do more for them but knew he couldn't.
They didn't have to wait long before the first transport ship arrived and within the arn Talyn was cleared of all the refugees. Only the new crew of six remained. Crais had ordered them to refresh first and then to join him in the Hangar Bay.
Before leaving his quarters Crais had ensured that he had credits on him and now motioned the men over to the transport pod, "We will go down to get you properly outfitted and to get some more weaponry. We will also need more food and medicines."
They followed Crais into the pod. When Benim, one of the Sebaceans, noticed how tired Crais looked he offered to fly the transport pod. Crais let him do so willingly.
Instead of resting Crais turned to his new crew and learned that the other two Luxans were called Dez'or and Maz'ir, the two Sebaceans were Benim and Valtor and the Matik was called Metak.
All had similar stories to tell of their capture. They had been on the wrong planet at the wrong time when the Scarrans came to raid the planet. They had fought but to no avail and now sought a way to repay the Scarrans. If Crais was the man to provide it for them they would accept it with pleasure.
When they asked him for his name, Crais told them that "Captain" would suffice. The others looked at each other. Only Benim and Dag'or had accepted it without questioning.
Crais leaned back in his seat and had closed his eyes.
Benim looked over at him. His new Captain looked as if death could claim him every micron. Yet, Benim had been one of the first to see him enter the mine and he had been a totally different man. The Captain's features had scared him. He had appeared like the devil himself. The "Captain" sitting next to him looked as if he could collapse any moment. His face was pale, lined with pain, he had dark circles under his eyes and there was sweat on his brow. Not a healthy sign for a Sebacean. He had obviously not shaved for days.
As if Crais could sense that someone was watching him he flicked his eyes open and looked at Benim intently.
"Captain, if you don't mind me saying, I think you should rest."
Crais practically growled at him, "I will once I found what I'm looking for."
"How long will that take?"
"As long as necessary."
+++++
Once on the planet Crais took them a clothes shop. He couldn't care less what they chose to wear as long as it was combat comfortable and not in bright colours.
He left Valtor and Maz'ir to restock on food. Metak and Dez'or he left to take care of medical supplies. He took Benim and Dag'or with him.
Benim was pleased to notice that his new Captain had noticed where each of them had used their best abilities once they had been assigned the tasks with the refugees. He also came to recognise Crais' limp as a sure sign how tired his Captain was. Right now he nearly dragged his leg.
After some careful questioning Crais and his men were directed to the outskirts of the town and entered the shop of a weapon monger. Here Crais bartered for frag guns, grenades, kinetic dischargers, ammunition and personal protection for six men.
They agreed on a price and Crais was about to pay when the door opened and a handsome young man stepped in, "You will not sell the weapons to him."
Crais whirled around in anger, "What gives you the right..."
The young man continued to the proprietor, "You will give it to him and double the ammunition. I will pay for it."
Crais looked at him in surprise, "May I ask why you are doing this?"
"My brother and my sister were taken by the Scarrans about ten cycles ago. I do not harbour any hope that they are still alive but I hope you will allow me to contribute to your quest."
Crais nodded in understanding.
"Will you do me the honour of dining with me before you leave," asked the man.
Crais shook his head, "I am sorry to disappoint you. We will leave immediately after the supplies are gathered."
"That won't be for another two arns," said Benim helpfully.
Crais shot him an angry glance.
"That is settled then," said the young man, "I will also arrange for your other crewmembers to be dined and "entertained" and I will make arrangements to have extra provisions and medical supplies send to your pod. If you would like to come with me, it is not far from here."
Crais could only accept. Benim and Dag'or went with him.
The young man's name was Levarthes and in his house they were presented with a lavish banquet. Benim and Dag'or yelped with joy, "Pity the others can't be here, we will have to eat for three."
Crais, although he had not eaten for two Solar Days, wasn't hungry. When Benim saw that Crais had not chosen any food he took it on himself to prepare a plate with the finest morsels and put that in front of Crais. Other than picking at it Crais made no attempt to finish his plate.
"The food is not to your liking," asked Levarthes, "I could always..."
"It is not the food," Crais assured him, "I am rather anxious to be on my way. I have already lost valuable time."
Levarthes looked at Crais. He seemed to be in worse shape than his crewmembers. "Have you been injured recently," he asked quietly so only Crais could hear him.
"Minor," Crais answered him.
Levarthes doubted that, "Do you want to visit a Healer while you are waiting?"
Crais looked at him with a shocked expression, "I have no time to waste!"
It confirmed Levarthes' suspicions, "Maybe my personal Healer can provide you with painkillers."
Crais was about to object but knew Levarthes had a valid point. He nodded, "Very well, I will accept."
Levarthes could see the pride in the man's eyes and the reluctance to own up to his present condition, "Come with me while your crewmembers are finishing their meal."
Crais got up to follow Levarthes. The brief rest showed him how tired he really was.
Levarthes had noticed this too, "How long ago since you sustained the injury?"
"Almost a weeken ago."
"Does it... trouble you much?"
Crais didn't answer him. To admit would be unacceptable and self-weakening and Crais couldn't afford to that admission.
The Healer only confirmed what Crais already didn't want to know, "The tissue around the lung and heart section is still healing but you need rest to let it heal properly. The longer you wait, the more it will aggravate the condition and the walls of the heart and lungs will thin. The longer you leave it the more chance of a rupture. You will experience the symptoms of Kevolek-syndrome and over time it will get worse, unless you will undergo an operation to restore the walls."
Crais jumped off the table where the Healer had been examining him and clasped his tunic close, "At present I do not have the time to rest, I will soon. Is there anything that will diminish the symptoms?"
The Healer looked worriedly at his patient, "Painkillers will take away the immediate effect. Also, since the symptoms will be very much alike, medication against Kevolek-syndrome. Tests have been done with purified air to help strengthen the lungs, with mixed results. I advise you to avoid strenuous exercises and strong emotional stress. Both can make the condition worse. I do beseech you to have an operation soon and to rest."
"I will, once I find my daughter."
On Levarthes' insistence the Healer made up a large measure of painkillers and medication against Kevolek and write the ingredients on a slip of paper. Crais folded this and put it in his sleeve pocket together with some of the painkillers. On the insistence of the Healer he took one and felt an immediate relief.
+++++
When he and Levarthes walked back, Levarthes looked at him, "I know you are looking for your daughter now but will you heed the Healer's words and seek help once you have found her?"
Crais looked at him and nodded.
Levarthes continued, "If you give a description and the name of your daughter I can let my traders look out for her as well, just in case she had managed to escape. Will I be able to send word to you?"
"What is it that you want in return," asked Crais without answering him.
"Very astute, Captain. It is true I want something of you too but it isn't something tangible. I told you the Scarrans took my brother and sister ten cycles ago and I had already given up hope to ever seeing them again. When you said you were going deeper in Scarran Territory, for the first time in ten cycles hope was rekindled in me. Maybe you are the man who can bring me news of their existence, or their death, or even return them to me. You are the first man who has ever endeavoured and succeeded in freeing the mining and slave camps. You are the man who has given me hope."
Crais turned to Levarthes, "Give me their names and descriptions and I will look for them too." He pondered his next answer, "My daughter's name is Armelia, she is ten cycles old and has red blond hair, she has a tattoo on her left shoulder. If you want to leave word for me, you can use these frequencies (he gave him Talyn's frequencies) or leave word for Captain Xercus."
"Thank you, Captain Xercus."
When they reached Levarthes' home Dag'or and Benim were already waiting for him. After Crais received the information of Levarthes' siblings they left for the transport pod. The supplies and the others were already waiting for them and shortly they were on their way to Talyn.
+++++
Crais left the others to sort out the supplies and accommodation for themselves, while he moved to Command. He wasn't at all surprised that Benim followed him, "You have something on your mind, Benim?"
"Sir, it will be close to a Solar day before we reach Azathor. I can stand watch in Command while you rest. I have been in battle situations before. I believe you must rest..."
Crais turned angrily towards him. "If I want your opinion on that, I will ask for it but I don't. I don't need rest. I need to find my daughter. We will be in Azathor in less than a Solar day. Now, go to the others and get yourself changed into something more appropriate."
His anger left him reeling and he leaned against the bulkhead.
Benim looked at him and realised that Crais would not appreciate his help in steadying him, "Captain, we will need your sound judgement once we get there. Your rest will be beneficial in our mission. You are in no condition to help us at present."
Crais glared at him and knew he was right. To Benim's surprise he conceded, "But I want to be alerted once we get near or when we get in a potential dangerous situation."
"Yes Sir!" Benim smiled at him.
With a growl Crais went to his quarters.
+++++
Azathor was almost a repeat performance of Salathor. The ferociousness of the attack now enhanced by six more men set on killing Scarrans. Yet, even Crais' new crew was appalled by Crais' viciousness when killing all Scarrans. Men and women alike, he made no distinction.
Two mining camps and one slave camp were liberated that day. Total tally: four-hundred-and-fifty-two people but Armelia wasn't among them.
Crais was wounded on the second raid but it did not deter him from leading the third raid. They did loose Metak on the third raid.
This time they managed to secure a Scarran transport ship to carry all the people. Crais and Talyn stayed long enough with the transport ship to alert the authorities of Rhagnor that he was sending in another load of refugees and only waited long enough for them to acknowledge their status before taking off with Talyn immediately.
On a secure channel to Levarthes, Crais left a signature: any Scarran or transport ship bearing the signature would carry freed refugees or messages from Crais, this way Talyn and Crais wouldn't have to accompany the refugees every time they freed another group.
+++++
Benim was worried for his new Captain. Once back in space Crais was to be found in Command to watch the stars, while Talyn plotted a new course.
Crais allowed the others to rest and bind their wounds; yet, he didn't rest himself. The loss of Metak didn't seem to touch him.
Benim followed him into Command. He noticed that Crais lurched with fatigue. The wound on his shoulder must give him grief too. His clothes were bloodstained with Scarran blood and his own.
"Captain..." Benim started.
"What," Crais growled in annoyance at the one who had been silently accepted as his second in command.
"It will take two solar days before we reach Avathor. You should change and rest. Let me tend to your injury. I can take over watch while you rest."
"I'm fine," growled Crais.
"I beg to differ, Captain. Your shoulder needs attending. You don't want to die of a simple infection."
Crais glared at him. Then, as if a switch was thrown, leaned on the console in exhaustion. He nodded and let Benim lead him to Medical.
When Crais shrugged out of his tunic, Benim couldn't suppress a gasp when he saw Crais' chest wound. It had not reopened but the area was fiery red as if a fever was burning there, "Captain..."
Crais lifted a weary head, "What?"
"Your injuries..."
"They are not debatable. You can treat the shoulder. I will use the Refresher and change into clothes and take a brief rest. I will relieve you soon in Command," his determination and secrecy was back in place.
Benim frowned but did not pursue the subject. He treated Crais' shoulder and then made sure he was going to his quarters to rest before returning to Command.
While Crais was resting Talyn flooded the room with purified air and added his energy to it. He could feel the easing of Crais' pain.
+++++
In the following cycle they liberated many. Valtor died on the fifth expedition, Dez'or was badly injured on their ninth and Maz'ir decided to stay with him on the last planet, where they left the last refugees, to wait until he had recuperated and then they would go to Rhagnor.
Dag'or and Benim stayed with Crais until well into the second cycle of his search. They had many replacements for the first four lost during that time.
Finally Dag'or announced he was leaving the crew to go in search of his own family. Crais provided him with enough credits to be able to do so and live comfortably for a while.
Benim knew why Dag'or had left. They had spoken of it previously when they were on their own. The voracity of their Captain had grown beyond proportion in the last cycles. The more disappointment he met in finding his daughter the stronger his hatred had become.
Dag'or had no problem with killing the slave-masters but when Crais, on a few of the raids, started killing every Scarran in sight, including children, it became too much for him.
Benim started to worry for Crais' sanity, as well as for his health.
Benim would walk into Command only to find his Captain talking, yelling and pleading with his ship. The ship had become just as crazed and obsessed as his Captain and would lash out at him even before the next group of refugees had left the ship.
Crais' health had deteriorated as well and it was on many occasions now that Benim would walk into Command after a raid and find his Captain unconscious on the floor. He knew by now that Crais was carrying medication for his condition in his sleeve pocket and it would give him a brief relief, yet he would refuse further help after Benim had carried him to his quarters.
On Benim's insistence Crais finally went to see a Healer on one of the Sebacean planets where the Healer confirmed the symptoms as Kevolek-syndrome but Benim had his doubts. Crais wouldn't listen to those doubts when Benim spoke with him.
Crais' mind only knew three overriding thoughts: Find Armelia, Free the slaves and Punish the injustices of the Scarrans.
Raiding the Scarran mining colonies became fraught with danger. They were now alerted by evidence rather than rumours, that a lone gunship and its crew were raiding the planets and freeing the slaves, more and more mining colonies were now protected by Scarran forces. This, however, did not deter Crais and Talyn to pursue their madness and Benim wondered whether to stay on or part company. He still felt bound to his Captain; someone had to look after him.
+++++
One evening, halfway in the third cycle, Crais came to Benim's quarters. This had happened on only two occasions before and Benim was surprised to see him.
Crais was in a bad state but lucid. He clung to the doorjamb and didn't protest when Benim guided him to a chair.
"Benim," Crais spoke softly to him, "You have been with me for over two cycles. You have been a good friend and a good comrade. I know, I haven't said as much to you to appreciate your presence." Crais was pale and his breathing seemed to have taken a terrible turn.
"Captain..."
"Hear me out Benim. For over two cycles you have accepted my command, my madness. I realise I cannot continue killing like this. We have killed innocents, we have lost friends, yet you do not complain.
You have tended to my injuries. You have looked after my health, even when I had been reluctant to let you do so. If it hadn't been for you I could have died many times over. You have been more than a good Second in Command."
Benim was wondering where the Captain might be leading the conversation. He was surprised that his Captain was praising him now after so long and a small feeling of dread crept in.
Crais coughed and it left him speechless for a couple of microts. He continued with a small thoughtful frown, "You have been the only one who have never asked me for my name and still accepted my commands without questions. I feel you have a right to know who you are dealing with. It is only fair."
Crais took a deep breath, "I am Captain Bialar Crais and the ship is named Talyn."
"I know Captain," Benim said softly.
It was Crais' turn to look up in surprise," You knew?"
"I had my suspicions in the first monen. Over time this was strengthened. I used to serve on your Command Carrier. I was still serving her when you left. Serving under Scorpius was Hezmana. You couldn't tell who your friends or your comrades were anymore. You couldn't say what you thought anymore without the fear of disappearing. I was there when you blew up the Command Carrier and like many I found the courage to escape the Peacekeeper's regime."
Benim looked intently at Crais, "When you liberated the colony that was holding me, I thought you bore s strong resemblance to Captain Crais but like everyone I had believed you dead. Crais' gunship had been red, this one was black and I doubted my memory. The Captain Crais I knew would not have given a second thought about other species, as I used to do before I had to work in the mines. Yet, you accepted a mixed alien crew without knowing them, other than their names and the willingness to fight beside you.
Over the last two cycles I have come to respect you as a commander, I have been worried about your sanity and your health. Still, what you... What we have done over the last two and a half cycles are what the old Peacekeepers would have done. Fight injustice for whatever reasons."
"Yet you didn't say anything."
"You had your reasons to remain dead to everyone, I can understand that. The Captain is someone removed from the Captain Bialar Crais as we were believed him to be. Your secret is safe with me."
"I do not doubt that, Benim," said Crais softly, "I would not have told you, would I have believed otherwise."
"But there is something else on your mind also?"
"Yes," answered Crais, his brows pinched in thought, "I am going deeper in Scarran Territory. I do not know how long my search is going to last. I cannot expect you or the others to get killed."
"But Captain..."
Crais held up his hand, "I know that you are loyal to me, dear friend but I cannot bear the thought of losing you as well. We have already lost more than enough comrades. I have to go alone."
"But your health..."
"Is my concern."
"Who will help you..."
Crais stood up and took Benim by the shoulders, 'Benim, I have come to regard you as a brother in arms. I have already lost a brother. I do not want to loose another one. I have noticed the risks you are taking in protecting my back. There will come a day that your protection of me will cost you dearly.
I want you to leave Talyn and lead the others to safety. They have deserved that. You deserve that. I want you to take them to Rhagnor. I will give them and you credits to set up a new life. I want you to go to Levarthes. He will remember you, with a letter from me. In this letter I will ask him to set you up with a new life. He owes that to you and me for saving and returning his siblings to him. I don't know if I will ever have the chance to remind him of that favour but I want him to honour that to you. I don't think he will object."
Crais smiled, it was a sad smile, "I want you to be able to lead the life I might never have a chance to lead, please."
Benim was moved by Crais' words and at the same time torn between his loyalties to his Captain and the tempting offer, "I can't leave you..."
Crais' eyes bore sadly into his, "Benim don't make me beg you to do this for me. Don't make me go back on my resolve. Lead the others to safety!"
Benim squared his shoulders, "All right Captain, I will and I hope to see you again when this is over."
There was almost a look of gratitude in Crais' eyes. It saddened Benim. He didn't want to leave Crais alone on Talyn to search and fight on his own.
Crais reached inside his tunic and produced a roll, which held the letter to Levarthes, "Give this to Levarthes. Tell him it is from Captain Xercus. I will send word once my search is ended."
"There is one thing," Crais took Benim's shoulder, "Do not tell him that The Captain and Bialar Crais are the same person. I will remain "dead" until I see fit to come "alive" again."
He produced a pouch, which held the credits as a parting gift to the crew, "Divide this among you and the crew. Use the bigger transport. I have already put the supplies for your journey in there. Keep well and safe my friend."
Crais clasped Benim's forearm in the old military style of brothers in arms and left the room quickly. Benim didn't see him after that. It was left to him to gather the crew and break the news.
+++++
Benim guided the pod out of Talyn and set course for Rhagnor. He kept looking back at Talyn until he couldn't see the gunship anymore.
+++++
Crais stood in Command and watched the little pod getting smaller in Talyn's viewers and he wished them a silent goodbye.
Why did you let them leave Crais? Talyn asked in wonderment.
"I could not risk their lives as well, Talyn, especially Benim's. He had been a good friend to me... us."
I understand Crais. It is just you and me again
"Yes, my old friend, just you and me."
Crais stared at the pod until it was no more than a pinprick against the multitude of stars, "Just you and me."
To be continued
1
3: Salathor and Scarran years
Crais and Talyn moved deeper into Scarran Territory. Running after the fact, running after Armelia, just a couple of days too late all the time.
The longer the search took, the less Crais cared about his health, and the more the bloodlust grew. After a while it affected Talyn as well and soon both Captain and ship were driven by one goal: find Armelia!
Talyn had stopped pressing Crais that he should take care of his health. He had stopped reminding him that he had to eat or take his rest, since Crais had stopped listening when he came on board with the news that Armelia was taken.
Had anyone who had known Crais seen him now they would not have recognised him. His hair had grown into a wild curly mane more than halfway down his back. When he remembered he shaved his beard into a goatee. This normally happened when he went into a battle and only if he knew he was going well beforehand, the same accounted for his queue. His eyes burned with a feverish passion and his skin had grown pale with fatigue, pain and lack of nourishment.
The Scarrans found out soon enough that somehow they had picked up a formidable foe on one of their forages.
Sanity had disappeared together, with looking for Armelia and Crais' negligence of his health. The bloodlust had taken over.
Crais had recited the ancient Peacekeeper vow to find Armelia or die trying. Anyone could have told him he was making a good job of the latter part of the vow.
Salathor would bear the brunt of this dedication.
+++++
Crais had touched down with the transport pod after Talyn had told him where the mining base was. Crais had taken his frag-gun and his grenades with him. He had landed near the mining-camp in the seclusion of the woods. Talyn had not detected any planetary scanners. Crais emerged from the pod.
Totally clad in black, his hair hung loose and was blowing in the wind.
Between the woods and the fence of the mining camp there was a wide expanse to traverse. Crais didn't wait long and crossed the space with determination.
When the first guard saw him, Crais let the frag-gun speak for him. By the time the Scarrans came running to the perimeter fence, Crais was lopping grenades at them and had blown the gate away with the frag-gun.
By sheer luck he wasn't hit at all, while the Scarrans flew through the air and fell to the ground (or in smaller pieces). His gun and grenades spewed death and destruction.
What made it all the more chilling was the calm on Crais' face while he strode forwards with his wild mane of hair flying behind him. To the Scarrans he resembled an invincible demon.
Soon the courtyard was filled with the dead and dying Scarrans. The silence was absolute.
A quick sound behind him made Crais turn around and in one fluid movement his pulse pistol was out of the scabbard and dealt quickly with two wounded Scarrans who were struggling to rise.
When he got to the entrance of the mine he moved forward cautiously. It paid off and two more Scarrans hit the ground. Crais was surprised not to find more resistance.
Once he was inside the mine, he dealt swiftly with the few remaining Scarrans.
He moved deeper into the mine and found the first pockets of captives. It didn't take long for them to realise that their Scarran masters were no longer in charge. They moved slowly forwards. "Are we free now," they asked hesitantly. Crais nodded.
Slowly the word swiftly spread and reached the deeper parts of the mine and the people emerged from their depths.
Crais had been right in assuming that even the Scarrans from the depths had come up and lay now dead.
He looked at the misery around him. Hollow eyes and scared faces. Starvation, hardship and torment were written over the features of men, women and children.
Crais was enraged with what he beheld.
He ordered them out of the mine and to help the ones who couldn't help themselves out to the courtyard.
There were no more Scarrans inside the mine. Crais walked outside and checked if there were no more Scarrans coming from other compounds, Talyn confirmed that all seems quiet. He then checked each Scarran lying in the courtyard, his pulse pistol dealing promptly with the ones still alive. Only when he was sure that all were dead did he contact Talyn, "Talyn, can you land near the mining colony?"
Talyn had checked the atmosphere and gravity and said he could but not for a long period.
Crais motioned everyone closer together near the gate. The wounded and weak near the front, they would have to be brought on board first. He made sure everyone was out of the mine and had been assembled. He then moved to the edge of the trees and retrieved his transport pod, which he had landed just outside the fence.
He concentrated and asked Talyn to come down. A hush descended over the people gathered when the sky darkened and the most magnificent black Leviathan glided towards the ground. They stood in awe.
When Talyn had landed Crais guided the pod in first. He reappeared at the door of the Hangar bay and urged the people forward into Talyn.
The wounded and weak were carried in first, then all who could walk.
While monitoring Talyn, Crais kept an eye on all who came on board, especially the children. He couldn't detect Armelia's golden red hair nor anyone who resembled her but then again most people's hairs and faces were black with soot.
Finally everyone was on board and none too soon, Talyn was already complaining about the strain of the lower gravity. Before going back to space, Talyn turned around to face the compound and a barrage from his heavy weapons destroyed the mining camp. It was no more.
With a shudder they took off from the planet. Once in space Talyn was happier and moved quickly away from the planet, after he had given confirmation that this was the only mining camp on Salathor.
Crais walked to a group of men, "Are there any more compounds to be found on Salathor?"
The men looked at their rescuer and thanked him profoundly but Crais had no patience for it. "Are there any more slave camps on Salathor?"
The men looked at each other, concerned that their thanks had so little effect on their saviour and they turned back to the man standing impatiently before them, one spoke up for them, "No, Salathor only has one mining camp. It is not inhabited. Why?"
"Wasn't there a drop of new people at the mining camp a couple of Solar days ago?"
One of the men stepped forward, "Yes, a Scarran ship did land yesterday but took off almost immediately without unloading anyone. I overheard them, they were going to Azathor."
Crais' face turned pale and he reeled slightly. A ghost of pain flitted over his features. He managed to regain control quickly.
He left the Hangar Bay but the many hands that wanted to touch and thank him hampered his progress. His patience vanished rapidly and when he passed the galley, he appointed two men at random to oversee the well being of the people. He showed them where the food was kept in the galley and where clothes were stored. He showed them the infirmary and the medication availability and all but ordered them to create sense in the chaos.
The quiet of Command was almost a relief to him, "Any safe planets nearby Talyn?"
Not that I know of Crais
"We have to offload these people and set course to Azathor."
Crais you should...
"I know Talyn but we need to get these people to safety and then proceed to Azathor. The Scarran ship which had Armelia on board has left the planet yesterday."
Maybe someone of the people here are familiar with the area and know of a safe planet. Maybe you should consider getting a small crew on board
Crais scowled but saw sense in Talyn's suggestion, "All right Talyn I will try."
Talyn wasn't happy with the way Crais looked. Maybe if they had a small crew on board Crais would take some rest. He had hardly allowed himself any rest and he hadn't eaten for two solar days.
Crais left Command and moved back to the Hangar Bay where most of the people were assembled. His arrival made most people turn to him.
Crais just stood there and looked at the misery before him. It enraged him to see people in this condition. He recognised a variety of different races. Luxans, Sebaceans and Matiks were amongst the most prominent.
Slowly the Hangar Bay fell silent.
"Is there any among you who is familiar with this area," he asked.
Two Luxans and one Sebacean stepped forward, "We are."
"I need a safe or relatively safe planet, preferably en route to Azathor to drop everyone off."
"There is such a planet," one of the Luxans said, "it is not very far from here. Up till now it has been able to withstand all Scarran threats. Maybe it is because the planet has a rather cold and dense climate. It is named as one of the planets to flee to if we had been lucky to escape."
"Do you know the coordinates or the position?"
"Yes."
"Then give it to me."
Once Crais had the coordinates he made Talyn set course to it.
He looked back at the people, "I will be going deeper into Scarran Territory. I will need volunteers to help me... liberate the mining camps and to coordinate the people on board once we have done so. Are there any volunteers among you?"
The three who had stepped forward with the information of the area moved to his side and were soon followed by three others, in total three Luxans, two Sebaceans and one Matik.
Crais nodded. He ordered five of them to coordinate matters and took the Luxan who had given him the coordinates with him to Command.
On the way Crais learned that the Luxan's name was Dag'or.
In Command he spoke to Talyn, "This man will be part of the crew. He says he has knowledge of this area."
Dag'or looked at Crais in confusion, who had he been talking to?
Crais turned to Dag'or, "I want you to tell my ship anything you can about this area. The planets, the distances, any safe planets and Scarran held planets. The information can save our lives and possibly any we will rescue."
"How can I tell your ship?"
Crais let Talyn show them a view of the vector above the main console panel. The hologram showed Dag'or the vector they were in and as many planets as Talyn had been able to detect in the immediate area.
"That is amazing," Dag'or said, "and I just tell your ship? (Crais nodded) Can I point?" He had stepped forward and touched the holographic view. Talyn shifted the view to where he had pointed and Dag'or's face lit up in pleasure, "I will be delighted to instruct your ship."
Thank you said Talyn over the comm.-link, his voice only slightly lighter than Crais'.
Dag'or turned to Crais, "Your Leviathan can speak?"
"Yes, it helps him communicate with others than me. He enjoys it." Crais could feel a ripple of pleasure go through Talyn and smiled tiredly. He made to leave Command.
"How will you know when I am finished Captain?"
"My ship will inform me when we get to the planet. I will take a rest in my quarters."
Dag'or nodded. The Captain looked as if he hadn't slept for days, "Rest well Captain."
+++++
Crais made his way to his quarters. Talyn had been right, he was tired and even that was an understatement. He took off his tunic but couldn't be bothered with the rest. Apart from his two knives in the back of his belt, he lay on the bed fully clothed but sleep wouldn't come. It turned over and over in his mind that he had missed Armelia by a day. The worry and frustration made his chest constrict painfully and he tried deep breaths to ease it. He was not successful and he turned into a ball to lessen it.
Talyn could feel his anguish and thought of a way to alleviate it. He flooded Crais' room with purified oxygen and added some of his own energy to it. Within microns he detected a change in Crais. He seemed to be breathing easier. He sent out a "thank you" to Talyn before drifting off into some much needed sleep.
Talyn was worried. He had taken a big risk by flooding Crais' room with oxygen, it could have easily harmed him. It been more instinct on Talyn's part to choose for this option and luckily it had paid off but it wasn't right. Pure or purified oxygen was harmful to most species and yet it gave comfort to Crais. Talyn promised himself to look into it when he had the time. For now he was just happy that Crais was finally resting.
Talyn turned his attention back to what Dag'or was explaining. At the same time he monitored Crais and the rest of the occupants.
One of the Sebaceans Crais had appointed was coordinating matters in Medical and was taking care of the weak and wounded.
One of the Luxans was coordinating the people in the galley and had found the food. Soon they had a multi-racial soup from the available ingredients going that would feed the multitude on board.
The other Sebacean had found clothing that had been left by people from former rescue-attempts and were distributing to the many who had only tatters to wear.
The other Luxan and the Matik were keeping order in the rest of the ship.
Talyn was pleased with the new crew. He only hoped that Crais would allow himself some more rest with others on board to help him run the day-to-day duties.
+++++
All too soon they approached the safe planet. Talyn considered leaving Crais to sleep but knew that Crais would wake up the micron he dropped in orbit. He had been right in his assumption and Crais spoke to him before he could say anything.
"Are we there yet Talyn," Crais asked. The two-arn sleep had not been able to dissipate the exhaustion but at least had helped him to get a little rest.
Yes Crais but why don't you finish your rest? The others can coordinate the disembarkation
"I will be in the Hangar Bay shortly. Send the others to me."
Crais...
"No arguments, Talyn!" Crais turned the transponder to privacy mode.
Crais put his tunic back on. He felt slightly better but when he looked in the mirror the same haggard face greeted him. Maybe later...
When he arrived in the Hangar Bay everyone was already assembled, waiting to get off.
Crais had turned his transponder back on and spoke to Talyn silently, "Do you see a possibility to land on the surface Talyn?"
No Crais. The atmosphere is too dense. It has to be done by transport pod or other means
"Open a channel to the authorities of the planet." Once the channel was open Crais said, "I have about one-hundred-and-fifty refugees on board from the mining camp of Salathor. I ask permission to have them transferred to your planet. Do you have the means to help me transfer them? There are many weak and wounded, that will need medical assistance."
First there was silence on the other side of the link and Crais wondered if they would be rejected. Then a voice answered, "What has happened to the mining colony?"
"It is no more and the Scarrans are dead."
The voice came back to him and Crais could detect a note akin to excitement in it, "And you are sure of this, Captain..."
"I prefer to keep my name to myself but, yes, the mining colony is no longer operational."
"We will be delighted to take the refugees. We will dispatch transportation immediately."
Crais closed the comm.-link and turned to the people around him, "The planet will take you in. Hopefully many of you will find your way back to your own home planets."
The gratitude on the people's faces almost made Crais turn away. He wished he could do more for them but knew he couldn't.
They didn't have to wait long before the first transport ship arrived and within the arn Talyn was cleared of all the refugees. Only the new crew of six remained. Crais had ordered them to refresh first and then to join him in the Hangar Bay.
Before leaving his quarters Crais had ensured that he had credits on him and now motioned the men over to the transport pod, "We will go down to get you properly outfitted and to get some more weaponry. We will also need more food and medicines."
They followed Crais into the pod. When Benim, one of the Sebaceans, noticed how tired Crais looked he offered to fly the transport pod. Crais let him do so willingly.
Instead of resting Crais turned to his new crew and learned that the other two Luxans were called Dez'or and Maz'ir, the two Sebaceans were Benim and Valtor and the Matik was called Metak.
All had similar stories to tell of their capture. They had been on the wrong planet at the wrong time when the Scarrans came to raid the planet. They had fought but to no avail and now sought a way to repay the Scarrans. If Crais was the man to provide it for them they would accept it with pleasure.
When they asked him for his name, Crais told them that "Captain" would suffice. The others looked at each other. Only Benim and Dag'or had accepted it without questioning.
Crais leaned back in his seat and had closed his eyes.
Benim looked over at him. His new Captain looked as if death could claim him every micron. Yet, Benim had been one of the first to see him enter the mine and he had been a totally different man. The Captain's features had scared him. He had appeared like the devil himself. The "Captain" sitting next to him looked as if he could collapse any moment. His face was pale, lined with pain, he had dark circles under his eyes and there was sweat on his brow. Not a healthy sign for a Sebacean. He had obviously not shaved for days.
As if Crais could sense that someone was watching him he flicked his eyes open and looked at Benim intently.
"Captain, if you don't mind me saying, I think you should rest."
Crais practically growled at him, "I will once I found what I'm looking for."
"How long will that take?"
"As long as necessary."
+++++
Once on the planet Crais took them a clothes shop. He couldn't care less what they chose to wear as long as it was combat comfortable and not in bright colours.
He left Valtor and Maz'ir to restock on food. Metak and Dez'or he left to take care of medical supplies. He took Benim and Dag'or with him.
Benim was pleased to notice that his new Captain had noticed where each of them had used their best abilities once they had been assigned the tasks with the refugees. He also came to recognise Crais' limp as a sure sign how tired his Captain was. Right now he nearly dragged his leg.
After some careful questioning Crais and his men were directed to the outskirts of the town and entered the shop of a weapon monger. Here Crais bartered for frag guns, grenades, kinetic dischargers, ammunition and personal protection for six men.
They agreed on a price and Crais was about to pay when the door opened and a handsome young man stepped in, "You will not sell the weapons to him."
Crais whirled around in anger, "What gives you the right..."
The young man continued to the proprietor, "You will give it to him and double the ammunition. I will pay for it."
Crais looked at him in surprise, "May I ask why you are doing this?"
"My brother and my sister were taken by the Scarrans about ten cycles ago. I do not harbour any hope that they are still alive but I hope you will allow me to contribute to your quest."
Crais nodded in understanding.
"Will you do me the honour of dining with me before you leave," asked the man.
Crais shook his head, "I am sorry to disappoint you. We will leave immediately after the supplies are gathered."
"That won't be for another two arns," said Benim helpfully.
Crais shot him an angry glance.
"That is settled then," said the young man, "I will also arrange for your other crewmembers to be dined and "entertained" and I will make arrangements to have extra provisions and medical supplies send to your pod. If you would like to come with me, it is not far from here."
Crais could only accept. Benim and Dag'or went with him.
The young man's name was Levarthes and in his house they were presented with a lavish banquet. Benim and Dag'or yelped with joy, "Pity the others can't be here, we will have to eat for three."
Crais, although he had not eaten for two Solar Days, wasn't hungry. When Benim saw that Crais had not chosen any food he took it on himself to prepare a plate with the finest morsels and put that in front of Crais. Other than picking at it Crais made no attempt to finish his plate.
"The food is not to your liking," asked Levarthes, "I could always..."
"It is not the food," Crais assured him, "I am rather anxious to be on my way. I have already lost valuable time."
Levarthes looked at Crais. He seemed to be in worse shape than his crewmembers. "Have you been injured recently," he asked quietly so only Crais could hear him.
"Minor," Crais answered him.
Levarthes doubted that, "Do you want to visit a Healer while you are waiting?"
Crais looked at him with a shocked expression, "I have no time to waste!"
It confirmed Levarthes' suspicions, "Maybe my personal Healer can provide you with painkillers."
Crais was about to object but knew Levarthes had a valid point. He nodded, "Very well, I will accept."
Levarthes could see the pride in the man's eyes and the reluctance to own up to his present condition, "Come with me while your crewmembers are finishing their meal."
Crais got up to follow Levarthes. The brief rest showed him how tired he really was.
Levarthes had noticed this too, "How long ago since you sustained the injury?"
"Almost a weeken ago."
"Does it... trouble you much?"
Crais didn't answer him. To admit would be unacceptable and self-weakening and Crais couldn't afford to that admission.
The Healer only confirmed what Crais already didn't want to know, "The tissue around the lung and heart section is still healing but you need rest to let it heal properly. The longer you wait, the more it will aggravate the condition and the walls of the heart and lungs will thin. The longer you leave it the more chance of a rupture. You will experience the symptoms of Kevolek-syndrome and over time it will get worse, unless you will undergo an operation to restore the walls."
Crais jumped off the table where the Healer had been examining him and clasped his tunic close, "At present I do not have the time to rest, I will soon. Is there anything that will diminish the symptoms?"
The Healer looked worriedly at his patient, "Painkillers will take away the immediate effect. Also, since the symptoms will be very much alike, medication against Kevolek-syndrome. Tests have been done with purified air to help strengthen the lungs, with mixed results. I advise you to avoid strenuous exercises and strong emotional stress. Both can make the condition worse. I do beseech you to have an operation soon and to rest."
"I will, once I find my daughter."
On Levarthes' insistence the Healer made up a large measure of painkillers and medication against Kevolek and write the ingredients on a slip of paper. Crais folded this and put it in his sleeve pocket together with some of the painkillers. On the insistence of the Healer he took one and felt an immediate relief.
+++++
When he and Levarthes walked back, Levarthes looked at him, "I know you are looking for your daughter now but will you heed the Healer's words and seek help once you have found her?"
Crais looked at him and nodded.
Levarthes continued, "If you give a description and the name of your daughter I can let my traders look out for her as well, just in case she had managed to escape. Will I be able to send word to you?"
"What is it that you want in return," asked Crais without answering him.
"Very astute, Captain. It is true I want something of you too but it isn't something tangible. I told you the Scarrans took my brother and sister ten cycles ago and I had already given up hope to ever seeing them again. When you said you were going deeper in Scarran Territory, for the first time in ten cycles hope was rekindled in me. Maybe you are the man who can bring me news of their existence, or their death, or even return them to me. You are the first man who has ever endeavoured and succeeded in freeing the mining and slave camps. You are the man who has given me hope."
Crais turned to Levarthes, "Give me their names and descriptions and I will look for them too." He pondered his next answer, "My daughter's name is Armelia, she is ten cycles old and has red blond hair, she has a tattoo on her left shoulder. If you want to leave word for me, you can use these frequencies (he gave him Talyn's frequencies) or leave word for Captain Xercus."
"Thank you, Captain Xercus."
When they reached Levarthes' home Dag'or and Benim were already waiting for him. After Crais received the information of Levarthes' siblings they left for the transport pod. The supplies and the others were already waiting for them and shortly they were on their way to Talyn.
+++++
Crais left the others to sort out the supplies and accommodation for themselves, while he moved to Command. He wasn't at all surprised that Benim followed him, "You have something on your mind, Benim?"
"Sir, it will be close to a Solar day before we reach Azathor. I can stand watch in Command while you rest. I have been in battle situations before. I believe you must rest..."
Crais turned angrily towards him. "If I want your opinion on that, I will ask for it but I don't. I don't need rest. I need to find my daughter. We will be in Azathor in less than a Solar day. Now, go to the others and get yourself changed into something more appropriate."
His anger left him reeling and he leaned against the bulkhead.
Benim looked at him and realised that Crais would not appreciate his help in steadying him, "Captain, we will need your sound judgement once we get there. Your rest will be beneficial in our mission. You are in no condition to help us at present."
Crais glared at him and knew he was right. To Benim's surprise he conceded, "But I want to be alerted once we get near or when we get in a potential dangerous situation."
"Yes Sir!" Benim smiled at him.
With a growl Crais went to his quarters.
+++++
Azathor was almost a repeat performance of Salathor. The ferociousness of the attack now enhanced by six more men set on killing Scarrans. Yet, even Crais' new crew was appalled by Crais' viciousness when killing all Scarrans. Men and women alike, he made no distinction.
Two mining camps and one slave camp were liberated that day. Total tally: four-hundred-and-fifty-two people but Armelia wasn't among them.
Crais was wounded on the second raid but it did not deter him from leading the third raid. They did loose Metak on the third raid.
This time they managed to secure a Scarran transport ship to carry all the people. Crais and Talyn stayed long enough with the transport ship to alert the authorities of Rhagnor that he was sending in another load of refugees and only waited long enough for them to acknowledge their status before taking off with Talyn immediately.
On a secure channel to Levarthes, Crais left a signature: any Scarran or transport ship bearing the signature would carry freed refugees or messages from Crais, this way Talyn and Crais wouldn't have to accompany the refugees every time they freed another group.
+++++
Benim was worried for his new Captain. Once back in space Crais was to be found in Command to watch the stars, while Talyn plotted a new course.
Crais allowed the others to rest and bind their wounds; yet, he didn't rest himself. The loss of Metak didn't seem to touch him.
Benim followed him into Command. He noticed that Crais lurched with fatigue. The wound on his shoulder must give him grief too. His clothes were bloodstained with Scarran blood and his own.
"Captain..." Benim started.
"What," Crais growled in annoyance at the one who had been silently accepted as his second in command.
"It will take two solar days before we reach Avathor. You should change and rest. Let me tend to your injury. I can take over watch while you rest."
"I'm fine," growled Crais.
"I beg to differ, Captain. Your shoulder needs attending. You don't want to die of a simple infection."
Crais glared at him. Then, as if a switch was thrown, leaned on the console in exhaustion. He nodded and let Benim lead him to Medical.
When Crais shrugged out of his tunic, Benim couldn't suppress a gasp when he saw Crais' chest wound. It had not reopened but the area was fiery red as if a fever was burning there, "Captain..."
Crais lifted a weary head, "What?"
"Your injuries..."
"They are not debatable. You can treat the shoulder. I will use the Refresher and change into clothes and take a brief rest. I will relieve you soon in Command," his determination and secrecy was back in place.
Benim frowned but did not pursue the subject. He treated Crais' shoulder and then made sure he was going to his quarters to rest before returning to Command.
While Crais was resting Talyn flooded the room with purified air and added his energy to it. He could feel the easing of Crais' pain.
+++++
In the following cycle they liberated many. Valtor died on the fifth expedition, Dez'or was badly injured on their ninth and Maz'ir decided to stay with him on the last planet, where they left the last refugees, to wait until he had recuperated and then they would go to Rhagnor.
Dag'or and Benim stayed with Crais until well into the second cycle of his search. They had many replacements for the first four lost during that time.
Finally Dag'or announced he was leaving the crew to go in search of his own family. Crais provided him with enough credits to be able to do so and live comfortably for a while.
Benim knew why Dag'or had left. They had spoken of it previously when they were on their own. The voracity of their Captain had grown beyond proportion in the last cycles. The more disappointment he met in finding his daughter the stronger his hatred had become.
Dag'or had no problem with killing the slave-masters but when Crais, on a few of the raids, started killing every Scarran in sight, including children, it became too much for him.
Benim started to worry for Crais' sanity, as well as for his health.
Benim would walk into Command only to find his Captain talking, yelling and pleading with his ship. The ship had become just as crazed and obsessed as his Captain and would lash out at him even before the next group of refugees had left the ship.
Crais' health had deteriorated as well and it was on many occasions now that Benim would walk into Command after a raid and find his Captain unconscious on the floor. He knew by now that Crais was carrying medication for his condition in his sleeve pocket and it would give him a brief relief, yet he would refuse further help after Benim had carried him to his quarters.
On Benim's insistence Crais finally went to see a Healer on one of the Sebacean planets where the Healer confirmed the symptoms as Kevolek-syndrome but Benim had his doubts. Crais wouldn't listen to those doubts when Benim spoke with him.
Crais' mind only knew three overriding thoughts: Find Armelia, Free the slaves and Punish the injustices of the Scarrans.
Raiding the Scarran mining colonies became fraught with danger. They were now alerted by evidence rather than rumours, that a lone gunship and its crew were raiding the planets and freeing the slaves, more and more mining colonies were now protected by Scarran forces. This, however, did not deter Crais and Talyn to pursue their madness and Benim wondered whether to stay on or part company. He still felt bound to his Captain; someone had to look after him.
+++++
One evening, halfway in the third cycle, Crais came to Benim's quarters. This had happened on only two occasions before and Benim was surprised to see him.
Crais was in a bad state but lucid. He clung to the doorjamb and didn't protest when Benim guided him to a chair.
"Benim," Crais spoke softly to him, "You have been with me for over two cycles. You have been a good friend and a good comrade. I know, I haven't said as much to you to appreciate your presence." Crais was pale and his breathing seemed to have taken a terrible turn.
"Captain..."
"Hear me out Benim. For over two cycles you have accepted my command, my madness. I realise I cannot continue killing like this. We have killed innocents, we have lost friends, yet you do not complain.
You have tended to my injuries. You have looked after my health, even when I had been reluctant to let you do so. If it hadn't been for you I could have died many times over. You have been more than a good Second in Command."
Benim was wondering where the Captain might be leading the conversation. He was surprised that his Captain was praising him now after so long and a small feeling of dread crept in.
Crais coughed and it left him speechless for a couple of microts. He continued with a small thoughtful frown, "You have been the only one who have never asked me for my name and still accepted my commands without questions. I feel you have a right to know who you are dealing with. It is only fair."
Crais took a deep breath, "I am Captain Bialar Crais and the ship is named Talyn."
"I know Captain," Benim said softly.
It was Crais' turn to look up in surprise," You knew?"
"I had my suspicions in the first monen. Over time this was strengthened. I used to serve on your Command Carrier. I was still serving her when you left. Serving under Scorpius was Hezmana. You couldn't tell who your friends or your comrades were anymore. You couldn't say what you thought anymore without the fear of disappearing. I was there when you blew up the Command Carrier and like many I found the courage to escape the Peacekeeper's regime."
Benim looked intently at Crais, "When you liberated the colony that was holding me, I thought you bore s strong resemblance to Captain Crais but like everyone I had believed you dead. Crais' gunship had been red, this one was black and I doubted my memory. The Captain Crais I knew would not have given a second thought about other species, as I used to do before I had to work in the mines. Yet, you accepted a mixed alien crew without knowing them, other than their names and the willingness to fight beside you.
Over the last two cycles I have come to respect you as a commander, I have been worried about your sanity and your health. Still, what you... What we have done over the last two and a half cycles are what the old Peacekeepers would have done. Fight injustice for whatever reasons."
"Yet you didn't say anything."
"You had your reasons to remain dead to everyone, I can understand that. The Captain is someone removed from the Captain Bialar Crais as we were believed him to be. Your secret is safe with me."
"I do not doubt that, Benim," said Crais softly, "I would not have told you, would I have believed otherwise."
"But there is something else on your mind also?"
"Yes," answered Crais, his brows pinched in thought, "I am going deeper in Scarran Territory. I do not know how long my search is going to last. I cannot expect you or the others to get killed."
"But Captain..."
Crais held up his hand, "I know that you are loyal to me, dear friend but I cannot bear the thought of losing you as well. We have already lost more than enough comrades. I have to go alone."
"But your health..."
"Is my concern."
"Who will help you..."
Crais stood up and took Benim by the shoulders, 'Benim, I have come to regard you as a brother in arms. I have already lost a brother. I do not want to loose another one. I have noticed the risks you are taking in protecting my back. There will come a day that your protection of me will cost you dearly.
I want you to leave Talyn and lead the others to safety. They have deserved that. You deserve that. I want you to take them to Rhagnor. I will give them and you credits to set up a new life. I want you to go to Levarthes. He will remember you, with a letter from me. In this letter I will ask him to set you up with a new life. He owes that to you and me for saving and returning his siblings to him. I don't know if I will ever have the chance to remind him of that favour but I want him to honour that to you. I don't think he will object."
Crais smiled, it was a sad smile, "I want you to be able to lead the life I might never have a chance to lead, please."
Benim was moved by Crais' words and at the same time torn between his loyalties to his Captain and the tempting offer, "I can't leave you..."
Crais' eyes bore sadly into his, "Benim don't make me beg you to do this for me. Don't make me go back on my resolve. Lead the others to safety!"
Benim squared his shoulders, "All right Captain, I will and I hope to see you again when this is over."
There was almost a look of gratitude in Crais' eyes. It saddened Benim. He didn't want to leave Crais alone on Talyn to search and fight on his own.
Crais reached inside his tunic and produced a roll, which held the letter to Levarthes, "Give this to Levarthes. Tell him it is from Captain Xercus. I will send word once my search is ended."
"There is one thing," Crais took Benim's shoulder, "Do not tell him that The Captain and Bialar Crais are the same person. I will remain "dead" until I see fit to come "alive" again."
He produced a pouch, which held the credits as a parting gift to the crew, "Divide this among you and the crew. Use the bigger transport. I have already put the supplies for your journey in there. Keep well and safe my friend."
Crais clasped Benim's forearm in the old military style of brothers in arms and left the room quickly. Benim didn't see him after that. It was left to him to gather the crew and break the news.
+++++
Benim guided the pod out of Talyn and set course for Rhagnor. He kept looking back at Talyn until he couldn't see the gunship anymore.
+++++
Crais stood in Command and watched the little pod getting smaller in Talyn's viewers and he wished them a silent goodbye.
Why did you let them leave Crais? Talyn asked in wonderment.
"I could not risk their lives as well, Talyn, especially Benim's. He had been a good friend to me... us."
I understand Crais. It is just you and me again
"Yes, my old friend, just you and me."
Crais stared at the pod until it was no more than a pinprick against the multitude of stars, "Just you and me."
To be continued
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