Ronin (The Pike Chronicles Book 3) (10 page)

Bast’s left eye flickered. “I have advised the pilot of the situation. He is briefing the ship.”

“Through your brain chip?” said Jon.

“Yes. They are quite useful at times.”

“Okay, let’s hurry up and get to the shuttle,” said Jon, turning to leave.

“Unfortunately, that is not an option.”

“Why?” said Jon, turning back to face Bast.

“I ordered the pilot to return to the ship. He is flying up as we speak.”

“What? Why would you do that?”

“Because, we need to rescue Dr. Ellerbeck.”

“I should’ve shot you.”

“Sadly for you, you didn’t”

“I don’t know if you noticed, but there are only five of us. How the fuck are we supposed to break Dr. Ellerbeck out of jail in the middle of a goddamn coup d’etat?”

“Hang on a second,” said Seiben. “Are you telling me you sent our one and only way of getting off this planet back up to the ship?”

“Yes.”

“This is all your fault,” Seiben yelled, pointing at Jon. “I curse the day I rescued your damn life pod.”

“You’re right,” said Bast. “This is all his fault.”

“You’re just as bad as him,” Seiben shouted, his face turning as red as a ripe tomato. “The two of you are a couple of lunatics.

“I am sorry Mr. Seiben,” said Bast. “But we are not leaving this planet without Dr. Ellerbeck.”

“Here,” said Jarvi, handing Seiben a weapon.

“Oh that’s great. Thank you very much for making me even more of a target.”

“He’s right,” said Kevin. “We can’t just walk around the city looking like a team of mercenaries.”

Jon looked at the dead soldiers scattered across the floor. “Uniforms. We need to change into their military uniforms.”

“Agreed,” said Bast and started looking for a soldier similar to his size.

“Really?” said Seiben. “The blood doesn’t bother any of you? How about the bullet holes?”

“You’re right,” said Jon, giving Seiben a reassuring smile. “Concentrate on those who were shot in the head.”

“I don’t believe this,” said Seiben, covering his face with his hands.

“Come on, old man,” said Kevin, slapping Seiben on the back. “Let’s get you some new clothes.”

Seiben ran a hand along the smooth contours of the weapon, admiring its lethal simplicity. He had some experience with guns in his life, most recently on DLC station. He would likely get more experience before long. He tried to take a step forward and became airborne, lunging straight into the wall. His arms came up just in time, taking most of the impact.

“What are you doing?” said Jon, standing over a frightened looking soldier. “Don’t make any noise.”

“Right, because I was trying to slam my face into the wall,” said Seiben. The exoskeleton was more sophisticated than anything he had worn before and he hadn’t adapted to its sensitivity yet. He tried taking another step. This time he made a smaller movement, allowing the exoskeleton to take over and carry his leg through. It worked better, but he still moved farther than he expected. Another step, adjusting slightly once more, and he landed where he wanted. He took a few more steps around the room to be sure.

He heard a loud smack and turned to see the soldier crumple to the floor.

“Did you kill him too?” asked Seiben.

“No, he’s just going to take a little nap.”

“Very generous of you.”

“Thanks,” said Jon. “Are you ready?”

“I think so,” lied Seiben, not really ready for any of this, including the exoskeleton.

“Good. Our sleeping friend here told us where they took Dr. Ellerbeck. Let’s go.”

When he emerged from the Prime Minister’s office Seiben felt completely ridiculous. He had swapped his clothes for a military uniform that barely fit, and held a weapon he wasn’t sure he could fire straight. He stepped awkwardly, worried he might be thrown into another wall.

All Seiben had wanted was to talk to the Prime Minister about emigration for his family. Instead, he probably became an accomplice to a mass murder. Even worse, one of the dead was the new leader of the planet. Now here he was, playing soldier with a group of highly skilled killers. He could just hear Darla chewing him out.

“Don’t worry, old man,” said Kevin, striding beside him with an exoskeleton of his own. “We’ll get through this.”

“What makes you think I’m worried? And why do you keep calling me old man?” said Seiben, exasperation in his voice.

“I don’t mean anything by it,” said Kevin. “It kind of suits you.” He pointed at Jon, Bast and Jarvi walking in front of them. “Look, you saw how the three of them can move, right?”

“Yeah.”

“They’re augmented. Even with the exoskeletons we can’t match their speed. If anything happens just stay with me. How does your exoskeleton feel?”

“It’s different from the ones we use on the freighters. More sensitive.”

“Yeah, that’s cause it’s military grade. You think you can handle it?”

“I think so.”

“Good. See, things are looking better already,” said Kevin, slapping him on the back with a giant hand, emptying his lungs of air.

At the end of a long hallway Jon raised a fist and they all came to a stop behind him.

“Looks like an exit,” whispered Jon. “There are guards posted. I say we just act normal and walk out.”

They nodded their agreement and Jon stepped out first, followed by Bast and Jarvi. Seiben felt Kevin give him a nudge and he stepped out, his heart pounding like a jackhammer.

“Just relax,” whispered Kevin. “Act like you belong.”

Jon, Bast and Jarvi walked past the soldiers without any issues. Seiben walked beside Kevin, trying to act normal, but he already felt the soldiers’ eyes on him. It must be obvious he wasn’t a soldier. A bead of sweat dripped off his brow, stinging his eye. Without thinking he brought up a hand to wipe it away. The exoskeleton amplified the reaction, and he punched himself in the face. A thousand lights blinked on and off under his eyelid, and he staggered to a stop, holding a hand to his face. He heard laughter as he tried to open his eyelid. The lights started to fade and he saw Kevin looking back at him, with a frown on his face. Behind him stood the guards, still laughing in his direction.

“You okay?” said Kevin, grabbing him by the bicep and giving him a tug.

“Yeah,” said Seiben, taking a step forward. He scowled at the guards, who sported wide grins.

One of the guards said, “Can you believe they gave that guy an exo?”

“Nothing surprises me anymore,” said the other guard. “This whole planet is going to shit.”

They made it out of the building onto the street. A palpable tension filled the air. Throngs of people rushed around. Their movements fearful and urgent. Many were burdened with abnormal amounts of groceries, clearly stocking up. They nervously eyed the military presence around them, careful not to stare. Seiben was certain that most just wanted to get off the streets, back to the relative safety of their homes. Up ahead, Jon, Bast and Jarvi stood waiting for Seiben and Kevin to catch up.

“What happened?” asked Jon.

Kevin hooked a thumb toward Seiben, “The old man tried to knock himself out.”

“Really? Why?” asked Jon, trying to conceal a smirk.

“Piss off, the two of you,” said Seiben.

“You think you can run with that thing on?” asked Jon.

“I don’t know,” said Seiben.

“You don’t have a choice,” said Jon. “We need to get away from here fast. Sink or swim.” With that Jon took off down the street. Bast and Jarvi followed. The three men a blur.

“What the fuck?” said Seiben.

“Come on,” yelled Kevin, pulling his arm, almost yanking his shoulder out of its socket.

Seiben ran to keep from being thrown. He slammed into a pedestrian, knocking him onto the ground.

“Sorry,” he yelled, picking up speed. People and objects zipped by him. He was convinced he was going to accidentally kill someone, probably himself.

“Treat it like you’re piloting a fast ship,” yelled Kevin, still pulling him by the arm.

“I hate all of you!” said Seiben.

They took a few hard turns and raced down a quieter street, thankfully with less obstacles. Seiben felt like he was finally getting the hang of the exoskeleton. He felt the cool breeze on his face. The star’s warmth on his skin. Nothing artificial about any of it. Part of him began to enjoy the experience. A vehicle appeared in front of him and he jumped, clearing it in one stride. He laughed. Adrenalin coursed through him. Anxiety turned into thrill. Anger into joy.

A window in front of him exploded. He saw the shards scatter in the air as he ran by. Kevin’s hand seized him and pulled him sideways, off his feet. He tried to regain his footing, his shoes searching for purchase. Up ahead Jon, Bast and Jarvi had already disappeared from view. Kevin let go and Seiben crashed into a wall. He fell to the ground when the sound of gunfire interrupted him mid curse.

They were in a nook. Kevin crouched on one knee against a wall, weapon shouldered, pointing out toward the street. Seiben just sat there, in a daze, watching Kevin discharge multiple rounds. A bullet pinged against the wall beside him. He felt fear’s cold fingers squeeze his stomach, as the report of gunfire filled the streets.

There was a streak of movement. He hoped it was Jon, or one of the Chaanisar. He saw another. The gunfire intensified. Short, controlled bursts replaced by uninterrupted, frantic firing. Shouts. Screams. Then silence.

“Let’s go,” said Kevin, standing.

Sitting in that nook, he felt paralyzed. He didn’t think he could stand, let alone run again. Kevin looked back at him and seemed to understand. He bent down and gently tugged on his arm. “Come on. It’s over.”

Seiben nodded and tried to get up. Kevin’s grip firmed and he leaned against it to get to his feet. He stepped out onto the street and looked back to where he heard the shooting. Several bodies lay crumpled on the ground.

“They’re coming for us,” said Seiben, icicles forming up and down his spine.

“Yeah,” said Kevin, meeting his gaze. “They’re coming.”

“Have you maintained communication with your ship?” said Jon, crouching behind a wall, looking at the military hardware deployed before him. Across a road stood a menacing building, encircled by an impenetrable looking fence. Inside the fence’s perimeter was a military compound guarded by tanks, mechs, towers, and patrolling soldiers.

“Yes,” said Bast, crouching beside him. “It is still in orbit.”

“I’m assuming they can track us through your brain chips?”

“Yes, they know where we are.”

“Dr. Ellerbeck is in that building, but we need to get past all that armor.”

Bast nodded in understanding. “You want my ship to bomb the compound.”

“Yeah,” said Jon, still contemplating a bullet through Bast’s eye. “You remember how to bomb things from orbit, don’t you?”

“Captain, I never bombed Earth. And your hostility is not helping us achieve our objective.”

“Yeah? Fuck you. How’s that for hostility?”

“You two are like a couple of crying babies, you know that?” said Seiben. “You think you’re mad? You have no idea what mad is. So shut up and do what you have to do so we can all get out of here.”

“Did you grow a backbone when I wasn’t looking?” said Jon, smirking.

“I’m armed, remember?” Hushed laughter broke out, even from the Chaanisar. Seiben scowled at Jon.

“I’m sorry,” said Jon, holding his hands up in mock surrender.

“The ship is ready,” said Bast. “They have identified the defenses and will fire on my command.”

“Good. We use the chaos as cover and infiltrate the building,” said Jon.

“Agreed,” said Bast. Kevin and Jarvi both nodded.

“I don’t suppose I can just stay put and wait for you guys?” said Seiben.

“You’ll be in more danger here, than inside with us,” said Jon.

“I was afraid you were going to say that,” said Seiben, dejected.

“I suggest you cover your ears,” said Jon.

Seiben’s eyes widened. “Shit,” he said, clamping both hands around his ears and lowering his head.

Jon looked back at Bast. “Okay Chaanisar, make it rain.”

Bast’s left eye twitched, and a deafening, inhuman shriek followed. Jon looked away as massive bolts of blinding blue energy pounded the compound. The ground shook as each target was peppered with an unrelenting aerial onslaught. Explosions followed, but in many instances the targets simply disappeared. The blue lightning danced around the compound, obliterating its defenses. The guard towers crumbled, and the imposing fence collapsed. The building itself was struck, but with lighter, more focused bursts, targeting weapons in place on its roof and mounted on its walls. Soldiers foolishly poured out of the building, like ants out of a broken hill. They only made it a few feet before blazing sheets of energy engulfed them. Then they were gone.

The firing paused and Jon peered at the devastation in front of him. What had once been an intimidating array of war machinery now looked like the pock marked surface of an asteroid.

“Have the ship continue firing. We’ll use it as a distraction while we move in.”

Bast’s left eye twitched and the pounding resumed.

“Let’s go,” said Jon, and he led the group across the road into the devastated compound. When he saw the size of the craters left by the ship’s weapons, he was thankful that Kevin and Seiben had put on the exoskeletons. He leaped over one crater, clearing it easily, but had to run around another, its width too big for even him to clear. He jumped over a mound of molten metal, likely where a tank had stood. The ground between them and the building had become a burning obstacle course.

Bast ran up beside him and said, “We should avoid the entrance those soldiers came from.”

“Agreed,” said Jon. “Probably more of them waiting inside.”

They raced past the entrance, relentless energy bursts accompanying them, the blinding light keeping the small group concealed from view. Jon felt the creature’s excitement. It thrived off combat and encouraged Jon to press forward.

They rounded the back of the building and a door came into view. Jon pointed to it and Bast nodded. The group approached the door and it slid open. They ran inside and stopped directly in front of a soldier. The man stared at group, a confused look on his face. He then lunged for a panel on the wall. Lieutenant Jarvi beat him to it, doubling the man over with a punch to the gut. Jarvi stripped away the man’s weapon and let him fall. The man writhed on the floor, hands gripping his stomach, gasping for air.

Colonel Bast stepped in, seized the man by the hair, and pulled him up to his feet. Bast’s hand grabbed him by the mouth. “Shout and I will crush your jaw.” Bast must have squeezed his fingers because the man whimpered in agony.

“Where is Dr. Ellerbeck,” said Jon, approaching the soldier.

“Who?” he said, and then cried out in pain as Bast squeezed again. “I don’t know any Dr. Ellerbeck,” he pleaded, when Bast loosened up.

Jon considered that he might be telling the truth and chose a different approach. “Where is the Prime Minister?”

Recognition spread across the man’s face. “He’s being held in detention.”

“Was a woman brought in with him?”

“Yes, I think so.”

“Very good. Take us to detention.”

“Please, just let me go. I won’t call for help.”

“That won’t be possible,” said Bast, letting go of the man’s jaw and turning him around. He gripped the man by the back of the neck, “Do not try anything foolish, or I will snap your neck in two. Do you understand?”

“Yes,” said the man, a solitary tear tracing its way down his cheek.

The soldier took the group to a lift. “No lift” said Jon. “Where are the stairs?”

“This way,” said the man, pointing down the corridor with a shaking finger. He led them to the staircase and said, “We have to go down several flights. Detention is five levels below ground.”

“I hope, for your survival, that you are telling the truth.”

“I am,” said the man. “I’m on your side.”

“What does that mean?” said Jon.

“I agree with General Calledonius. I am pro Sallas. Pro democracy.”

“General Calledonius?”

“Yes. Didn’t he send you to free Prime Minister Sallas?”

“I’m not at liberty to discuss that. Tell me what you know,” said Jon, prying for more information.

“Of course. I understand. General Calledonius is pro Sallas. He is fighting against the coup leaders for control of the planet.”

“You mean General Juneau,” said Jon.

“Juneau is dead. The Colonels are in charge now.”

“I see,” said Jon, shooting Bast a glance.

“When the bombing started we were all convinced that it was General Calledonius. Who else would have the means to strike from orbit?”

“Very perceptive of you.”

“So you see, we’re all on the same side.”

“Remember what I told you,” said Bast. The man looked back and Bast gave him a threatening look.

“Ok, I understand if you don’t believe me. The truth is, the last thing I want is to return to corporate rule. I have kids to think about. I want them to be free to choose their leaders, and not be governed solely by some cost-benefit analysis.”

“Has General Calledonius engaged the Colonels?”

“Calledonius attacked from the west only minutes ago. From what I’ve heard there is a full scale battle waging for control of the capital. Sending your team in to free the Prime Minister at the same time is sheer brilliance. But who is this Dr. Ellerbeck?”

“I’m not at liberty to discuss that either,” said Jon.

“I understand,” said the man, nodding.

“What’s your name?”

“Lieutenant Jannus.”

“Okay Jannus, don’t cause any trouble and you’ll get to go home to your kids,” said Jon.

Jannus nodded. “Only a couple more flights of stairs.”

They continued down the steps, weapons shouldered, ready for whatever might be waiting. Soon they reached a locked door.

“This is it,” said Jannus. “The scanner needs to verify my DNA in order to unlock the door.”

“Proceed,” said Bast, releasing his grip on Jannus’s neck.

Jannus stood in front of the scanner and a band of emerald light swept across his body. The scan ceased and the door made a metallic clicking sound. Jon gripped the handle. Bast seized the back of Jannus’s neck again, while Jarvi and Kevin moved up alongside Jon. Jon held out three fingers and counted down to entry. Three. Two. One.

They burst through the door, surprising two guards. The men attempted to swing their weapons around. Jon fired off a round at one of the guards, hitting him in the neck. The man dropped his weapon and fell backward, his hands trying to stop the blood spraying out from his wound. Kevin and Jarvi each fired at the second guard, one round hitting the man in the chest, the other in the forehead. He was dead before he hit the floor.

Bast pushed Jannus through the door, with Seiben following close behind. Jannus looked aghast at the dead guards.

“You killed them. Why did you kill them?” said Jannus, his voice cracking.

“They would’ve fired on us,” said Jon.

“But I know them. They have kids. You shouldn’t have killed them.” Jannus trembled, visibly shaken by the sight of his dead friends.

“I’m sorry,” said Jon, a troubling pang of guilt taking hold. He felt the creature chastise him. It was right. This was no time for weakness. He had a job to do. He could wrestle with his conscience later.

“Where are they holding Prime Minister Sallas, and Dr. Ellerbeck?”

Jannus looked up at Jon, a hint of hatred in his eyes. “They’re down here,” he said, and started walking. “This better be worth it,” he hissed at Jon as he passed.

Bast stopped him, “Do not forget your circumstances. Your friends cannot be saved, but you can still survive this. Be smart.”

Jannus took a deep breath, and nodded.

“Are you authorized to open the cells?” said Jon.

“Yes,” said Jannus.

“You know what will happen to you if you’re lying?”

“I know.”

“Are there any more guards?”

“Yes. We will need to pass through another set of doors before reaching the cells. There will be two more guards stationed there.”

“Okay, lead the way.”

Jannus continued down the corridor until they reached the next set of doors. “Please try not to kill the guards.”

“No promises,” said Jon.

Jannus nodded and stood in front of the DNA scanner. The door unlocked and they moved in, again catching the guards by surprise.

“Drop your weapons,” yelled Jon, his finger tight on the trigger.

The men both looked stunned and he could see that their instincts were telling them to fight.

“Do as they say,” shouted Jannus, from behind.

They looked at Jannus and one of the men said, “Fucking traitor,” and raised his weapon. Jon squeezed his trigger and blew off the top of his head, covering his partner with bits of brain and blood. The second man watched with horror as his partner fell. He turned back to the group, rage filling his eyes.

“Don’t do it,” shouted Kevin.

But the man didn’t listen. Anger replaced reason and he raised his weapon. Three high powered rounds hit him simultaneously, launching him into the air. He hit the ground hard, his body slack.

“We tried,” said Jon.

Jannus just shook his head.

“The cells?” said Jon.

“Right. This way,” said Jannus. He led them down a narrow, gray corridor. Large, heavy looking doors stood every few meters. Each door had a long metal slat, likely for pushing food through.

Jannus stopped at one of the doors. “Prime Minister Sallas is in here.”

“Where is Dr. Ellerbeck?” said Bast.

Jannus looked confused. “I thought you were here for the Prime Minister?”

“Dr. Ellerbeck,” said Bast.

“I believe the woman is over here,” said Jannus, walking up to another door.

“Open it,” said Jon.

Jannus stood for another DNA scan and the door clicked unlocked. Jon pushed the door open and looked inside. A fair skinned woman, wearing civilian clothes, sat on a cot. She looked up and wiped a strand of red hair off her freckled face.

“Captain?” she said.

Jon smiled. “Hello Doctor.”

Ellerbeck jumped off the cot and threw her arms around Jon. “I can’t believe it. How are you here?”

Jon patted her on the back and gently pulled her away. “I’ll explain everything later, but right now we have to get you out of here.”

“What about Michael?” she said.

“Who’s Michael?”

“Prime Minister Sallas. We can’t leave him here.”

“Doctor, we aren’t here to rescue the Prime Minister. We’re here to rescue you.”

“I’m sorry, Captain, but I’m not leaving without Michael,” said Ellerbeck, defiance in her tone.