Blade. Scrapper. Part 6.. Damantha Makarova
glanced at the bikes and the jetpacks and took a deep breath:
«Why do I get the feeling we’re getting into some shit storm of a situation again?»
Hunter looked over his shoulder, locking eyes with Serena:
«We are, aren’t we?» he asked.
Serena sighed heavily:
«Maybe.» she looked at the information tablet provided by the Empress. «Give me a little time to get my thoughts together and invite Cipher and his crew on board. All hands on deck meeting… let’s say… twenty minutes? By that time I’ll know exactly what kind of a shit storm we’ve been sent to face.»
As she walked off, the men exchanged worried glances, but said nothing.
Chapter 2. Briefing
Serena looked at the information tablet and sighed. She wasn’t sure if she should mention the possibility of Veluthian children being on the Kargalan planet. After all, even the Empress didn’t know if the Academy students reached it or not.
She remembered her own Academy days, when they would be subjected to months without any contact with the outside world – either training survival skills on distant planets or going through battle training with the older kids on designated training fields located all over – within the Laithorian Empire, and outside its borders on distant outposts.
Could the students be elsewhere? Maybe.
«Captain, the whole crew is gathered and awaiting your attendance…» Lyssa reported.
«Thank you. Tell them I’ll be right there.» Serena replied with a sigh.
She ran out of time to decide what she should tell them and what to conceal, so they won’t be worried ahead of time.
The woman stood from the couch and exited her quarters, still looking at the information on the tablet before her eyes. Reaching the dining area, she stepped to the wall, activating one of the larger screens and sending to it the map of the Karaleer system, where planet Kargalan was located:
«Alright…» she sighed, raising her eyes to her crew and seeing worried eyes aimed at her. «So… we… uh… were taken off the smuggling case.»
She fell silent, seeing surprise on her men’s faces.
«What do you mean we were taken off the case?» Wolfin frowned. «How so?»
«Well, the development of our case turned a little… sideways. As all the things we’ve found out made the Empress and Counsellors believe the Laithorian Empire is facing a direct threat from the Terran Company.» Serena took a deep breath. «And because of the high alert, our crew has been asked to investigate a Laithorian outpost in the Karaleer system that sent an emergency signal a couple of days ago and fell silent.»
She showed at the map and pointed out Kargalan.
«What do you mean the outpost went silent?» Lindon tensed up.
«I mean, the partial signal that was received stated that the outpost was under attack. Who attacked it is unknown. And since the Empress believes this could be connected to Terran Company’s efforts in obtaining Veluthian and Laithorian tech… we were ordered to check it out and report on the findings.»
In the heavy silence that hung among the crew everyone heard the tapping Dean made, and Hunter cleared his throat, translating his words:
«Does this mean we are no longer pursuing the Veluthian traitors?»
Serena shook her head:
«Unfortunately, not only Veluthian traitors are roaming about.» she said. «There are people from all four Laithorian planets that have been found connected with the smuggling… So their reach is wide. I suspect the attack could have also been made by forces of these traitors. But, unless we go to Kargalan and investigate, we can’t be sure. Whatever the case may be, this just got a lot more complicated than we’re used to. This isn’t a usual mercenary job, guys. And I’m afraid we can come upon something… even more disturbing than ever before.»
«What’s so special about this… Kargalan outpost?» Pher leaned over the table.
«Well…» Serena zoomed in on the map, showing the outpost’s location and its schematics. «This planet has long been used as a training ground for the Academy, and some research, including testing some new weaponry and other means of war. If the outpost has been, in fact, attacked by either Terran forces or Laithorian traitors, then they could have gotten their hands on some prototypes the Laithorian Empire hadn’t yet fully developed. This does pose threat not only to the Empire, but also to all other colonies that aren’t as close to Company government as the Company wants them to be.»
Serena looked at Dean, and saw him nod in understanding.
«You said it was used for Academy training…» Wolfin crossed his arms, leaning back on his seat. «Are there students on the planet?»
Their Captain shrugged:
«There shouldn’t be.» she said, realising she slipped and told them this information, even though she didn’t want to in the first place. «According to the schedule the last group should have left the planet two weeks ago to undergo battle training elsewhere.»
«This planet seems…» Taliesin took a moment, choosing his words. «Barren? What did the Academy do there at all?»
«Survival training.» Wolfin replied instead of Serena. «Kargalan is best in teaching our children how to survive in harsh environments. It looks barren, but it’s actually filled with places that are rich in animal life, water, shelter – everything you need to survive when left without your regiment somewhere. All you need is know where to look. And that’s exactly what the children are trained to do there.»
Serena nodded to this fact, because most Academy students went through Kargalan during their studies.
«Wait…» Dean tapped again. «So are those students or children?»
«Our Academy students wary in age, but we start teaching them early, Dean.» Wolfin glanced at the Ilarian. «These students can be… maybe twelve, thirteen years old.»
«Like I said…» Serena cleared her throat, catching everyone’s attention once more. «They should be off the planet already, according to the schedule. If you’re so worried, we can check the barracks as soon as we get there to make sure.»
Dean seemed to be satisfied with this answer.
«So what’s our plan when we do get there?» Cipher watched Serena closely, noting her tense posture.
«Our first objective is to get into the outpost and search it for survivors or any signs of battle.» Serena brought up the detailed schematics of the outpost. «We’ll have to split into two groups and enter from these points…»
She showed the two main gates of the outpost, surrounded by watch towers.
«Laneth, you will need to access the surveillance system remotely, however I was informed this could pose some difficulty, as the outpost might have been issued with prototype anti-hacking servers to test them. I am hoping the fact that Lyssa’s systems are marked with Royal Decrees and approvals will help us access the system without a problem, though.»
«I’m more of a mechanic, so if that fails, I’m ready to open the gates the old fashioned way.» Laneth smiled to her Captain.
«That too is an option.» Serena nodded to that thought.
«And if it comes to that, I can also take one of those amazing hover bikes to get around quicker if needed…»
«Question…» the Captain frowned. «Did you make yourself a set of Veluthian armour?»
Laneth opened her mouth, then closed it, but a moment later sighed:
«I did. I couldn’t force myself to try it out though…»
«Why?»
«I’m