Chapter XII
City of Kangka,
Carver V, Chaos March,
January 4, 3060
Kyle successfully negotiated with the Marik-supporters from Kangka. Although the Free-World League helped the Capellan Confedaration invading Sarna March in 3057, it was the Zhanzheng deGuang that destroyed most of Carver V infrastructure. The people of Kangka agreed to help Hastina civilians and fight the Zhanzheng deGuang if necessary, if they could claim all the salvage from the battle. It was a high price, but Kyle did not see any other way.
So the pro-Marik civilians nurtured the pro-Davion civilians at their houses, providing them with food and places to sleep. The pro-Marik civilians had three Scorpion tanks and some handheld missile launchers. The Shooting Stars gave them more missile launchers with their hi-tech ammunitions. Kyle assigned Evee and the Cavaliers to guard the civilians, while the Shooting Stars tried to figure out a way to get out of Carver V.
While nothing seemed to happen in the last 24 hours, Evee tried to keep her focus on the civilians. The traitor had not been found, and now the pro-Marik and pro-Davion masses were blended in, it was possible that he would try another attempt to hurt the Davions. She made it her personal responsibility that it would never happen. So she ordered Allison and Kangpae to raise their guard and keep a tight watch on the civilians.
"Miss Ridinghood," Mayor Systain approached her while she was collecting food and water. "Once again I would like to express my gratitude for the Cavaliers and the Shooting Stars for defending us."
"That's our job, Mayor," Evee replied. "We will get you out of here safe and sound, that's a promise."
"I agree," Systain said. "And I especially want to express my condolences. You lost a lot of friends. I can't imagine being in your place, losing friends and taking up responsibilities and all."
"Thank you, Mayor. It is hard, but we will make it. We will get you out of Carver V."
"You're brave for a girl your age," Systain sighed. "How could you end up here?"
Evee found it strange that the mayor was interested in her. She started feeling weird, but she remembered what Kyle said about the traitor, and she decided to play along with Systain.
"Well, I was young and stupid," she coined desperation. "I read the stories of many mercenaries, and I want to be like them. You know, quick fame and money. But I think I made a wrong choice. Hanson Roughriders is not a good unit. They made contract with lousy patrons. Look at Captain Kyle Garret. I think he's using us as shields. The Cavaliers suffered 85-percent casualties, while the Shooting Stars hardly had scratches on their mechs. They let us take the bullets, and when there's none of us left, they'll take the credit."
"I feel for you, girl," Systain tapped her shoulder. "If you see a simpler way, would you take it?"
"I don't see if it's possible, mayor, but I'll do anything to get out of this contract."
"I see," Systain paused to clear his throat. "I feel the same way. It's a shame that a bright girl like you is being abused by the Davions. I'll tell you what… Tonight, when it's your turn to watch, just walk north. You'll find a town. Show my card to the guards," Systain handed in a card with Liao crest and a barcode. "They'll take you to Acamar, where you can hitchhike a jumpship to any world you like. It's the best gift I can give you for taking care of me and my people."
"What about you?" Evee tried to be calm despite her spiking anxiety. "And what about the Shooting Stars? If Kyle Garret sees me walking away, he'll kill me."
"No," Systain smiled. "Trust me. Now listen to me carefully. We will not meet again, so everything it's up to you. If you do as I suggested you do, you'll get out of Carver V safely, but you'll lose the money and you may never work for any mercenary unit again. If you choose to stay with Garret, you'll get your money and an abundance of fame, but may lose your life. I believe you are wise enough to see your future, Miss Ridinghood."
"Then I spread the words to my crew," Evee said. "Once again, thank you for this help."
"Glad to help," Systain grinned. "I'm glad we talked."
"Same here," Evee forced a smile. She waited until Systain went around the building, then she rushed to an empty building. She drew her personal comlink and contacted Kyle, "Captain Garret, this is Evee Ridinghood. It's Systain. He's possibly a Liao double ag…"
Before she could finish her sentence, two loud bangs echoed, and she felt terrible pain stung her body. One bullet stabbed her just below her shoulder blade and exited right above her right breast, the other one hit her right arm. An agonizing cry escaped her lips as she slumped to the ground, coughing blood as she tried to get some air. She dragged her body to retrieve the comlink, but a big boot squashed it before she could reach it.
"Stupid bitch!" Systain hissed. "All you have to do is walk! But you think you can outsmart me, don't you? I know you were lying from the start, Miss Ridinghood. I am trained to tell lies from your body language. I know you never intend to betray the Shooting Stars!"
"You heartless pig," Evee wheezed. "Why? You're killing your own people. Why?"
"They are enemies to the Chancellor of Capellan Confederation, Sun Tzu Liao!" Systain cocked his gun. "Anybody that opposes the Chancellor must die, just like you are…"
Suddenly the room was filled with blasts. A dozen bullets carved Systain's torso, punching holes from his back and exited from the front. Blood rained down on Evee as Systain squirmed, then careened to the ground. He was dead long before his head grazed the dirt.
"Evee!" Natalie rushed to help her. "Hang on!" She checked Evee's wounds. "Two exit wounds, one on the chest, one on the arm. She has a punctured lung. We have to move her out of here."
"Evee, this is very important," Kyle crouched beside her. "What did Systain tell you? What did he want?"
"He want me to walk… north… when it's my turn to watch," Evee gasped. "Captain…"
"No, I'm not doing you any favor," Kyle grabbed her hand. "You will get better. You will get out of Carver V, and you will meet Parker again. Don't give up. We're here with you."
"Kyle, we have to move her," Natalie said.
"Right. Stay with her and do whatever you can to save her," Kyle tapped Natalie's shoulder. "Our darkest hour will come, and we need her. Eric, stay with her for a while."
"Walk north," Miguel mused. "What does it mean? I understand why Systain wanted her to leave us, but why north?"
"It means the Zhanzheng deGuang will attack us from the south," Kyle rattled his teeth. "Miguel, move the dropships to the southern perimeter. I want to use them as turrets."
"But if they're destroyed, we're stranded here for a very long time," Miguel said. "It's easier if we just get into the dropship and move someplace else while waiting for pickup."
"No, I'm done running," Kyle replied, rubbing his right fist with his left palm. "We end this tonight."
Next on Escape from Carver V:
"How are you feeling, Evee?"
"I'm fine. I can stay awake for another hour or two."
"I wish there's another way. But we need every good men."
"I understand, Captain. In case I don't make it, then it's a privilege fighting with you."
"The honor is mine, Evee. We'll finish this, or die trying."