Gray Panthers: Dixie (35 page)

New Richmond, planet Dixie

29 November 2128

News quickly spread of the captives being killed by the Libra The cry for revenge was mollified as news spread of the revenge fleet preparing to attack the Libra home world.

Crowds gathered in front of the spaceport and women were kissing crewmen who were rushing to return to their ships. Bottles of wine and champagne were passed around in jubilation of the coming destruction of their enemy.

The admiral looked down on the crowds and smiled. Turning back to his aide, he said, “I wish we had more time. There are a lot of excited beautiful women down there. I guess I’ll have to wait until I return home victorious. Hell, when I get home I can be the next president.”

“Sir, the admiral’s barge is ready to take you to your flagship.”

“Let’s go. Destiny calls. I will be a hero and the next president of Dixie.”

“Sir, the Galveston has just entered orbit. That was the ship that returned our allies to Earth. It is bringing the Libra prisoners they captured here.”

“Damn. Just tell them to keep them under stasis until we return from our mission. I wonder what we’ll do with them when they have no home world to return to.” The admiral entered the barge and began to focus again on the mission.

The admiral stepped off the barge and viewed all of the activity in the ship’s bay. A clicking sound at his tablet indicated that all ships were ready for departure. He set aside his thoughts of giving a speech to the fleet and signaled for the captain to launch the fleet, taking care to come up short. He didn’t want a recurrence of what had happened to the Virginia. 

Arizona Space Ship Beater, in the Hades Nebula

30 November 2128

Short Blade was uncomfortable under the captain’s scrutiny as he maneuvered the Beater through the Hades Nebula. The additional mass of the half-dozen artillery units on the hull was making things more difficult, with gravity pulling the ship more sharply than ever.

“Ensign Short Blade, I have confidence in your abilities, or I would have had Commander Poland replace you. I’m also pretty sure that the AI would step in if it thought it was in any danger.”

“Thank you, sir.” Short Blade felt a new sense of confidence as he continued to maneuver the ship through the nebula. Relief washed over him when the nebula was finally behind them.

“Ensign Short Blade, that was some good driving. I think you need a break, though. Commander Poland, please resume as pilot. Lieutenant Horton, please set the course for planet Glory. Commander Poland, please engage the FTL when you receive the navigation solution.

“Ensign Short Blade, would you like to take any shore leave while we’re on your home world?”

Short Blade looked at the captain in surprise. The thought that the captain had been thinking of his welfare made him feel even more as part of the crew.

“Sir, if it’s possible, I would like that.”

Arizona Space Ship Grub, orbiting planet Glory

30 November 2128

Daniels had been monitoring the different channels from the planet’s surface to gauge the mood of the council. The near destruction of the home fleet at the hands of the Libra had angered many and reaffirmed the argument of those who wanted a newer, more modern fleet.

Anger was directed at the Libra for their unprovoked attack, leaving the citizens demanding retribution. Most of the citizens hadn’t even understood that the reason for the attack was the recall of all mercenaries from the Libra war machine.

Dan realized that when he spoke to the council, he would have to stress that the new ships had saved the day and that additional ships would arrive in only a few days, providing enough firepower to keep the Libra at bay. He would also have to find a way to explain that the Dixians might attack their world.

“Grub, please prepare a shuttle for me. I will be leaving for the planet in fifteen minutes.”

“Will you want a security detail to accompany you?”

“I don’t think that will be necessary. Keep monitoring me with the faeries to see if I need help. After my last visit, I think they’ll be keeping a closer eye on me.”

Dan strolled to the bay and wondered if he should just turn around go back to Earth and sit behind all the new defenses that were being built. But, he knew he had to see this through, and he tried not to think about what would happen if he failed.

Colonel Blade met Dan as he exited the shuttle on the council grounds. Blade looked tired, but he was in good spirits.

“Dan Daniels, welcome to Glory. I have eagerly awaited your return.”

“It’s good to see you as well, Colonel Blade.” Dan could see that he was concerned. “You look like you need to tell me something. Please, go ahead.”

“I need help. Every council member has brought me plans and requisitions so they may begin to build and support the fleet and army. I am not a banker or builder, but I see much waste and potential fraud in what they ask for.”

“Is that all, Colonel? Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it. The League of Planets signed a contract, as I anticipated, so everything will be a go. Are there any problems from the Libra attacking the planet?”

“The council is so busy making sure their clans get a share of the profit, I wonder if they even noticed or care. At great cost, the home fleet was able to hold off the Libra long enough for the new ships to arrive. The council is hinting that it was their leadership that saved the planet.”

“I think I will have no problems with any of them. Do you think I’ll need my pocketknife this time?” Dan laughed at the expression on Blade’s face in response to his comment.

“No, as long as you did not bring any drinks with you. There were many who were sick for days. They even decided not to have another feast in your honor.”

“How long until they’ll be ready for me? I have a feeling they see me as Santa Claus.”

“We can go in now, Dan. They are waiting with their hands out.”

The walk was a short one, and Dan entered the great chamber, where there was a huge fire in the center of the ring.

“Congratulations on your first of many victories. When we were training the fleet, we didn’t know what to call them. Then I learned a little of your history and the memory of its greatness here at this fire, so we call your navy and army Fire Warriors, in honor of you around this fire. But you wish to know facts and figures, so I will get busy. I do not want to waste your time.

“In four days, the remainder of your fleet will arrive. The crews are being trained on their way here. You saw already how four of the ships scared away the Libra that they did not destroy.

“The League of Planets has agreed to pay for twenty-six ships and for outfitting one million soldiers. They also want Glory to have a permanent seat on the Great Council.

“On my next trip here I will bring bankers and technicians who will analyze what you will need to support the military. Exciting times are ahead. Glory will be seen as one of the most powerful and richest planets in the League.

“Does anyone have any questions for me?”
Bend over. Here it comes,
Dan thought.

“Dan Daniels, you honored us with the name of our military, and I agree with you that is the most honorable name for them. When will we be receiving the money and materials to begin the building of our infrastructure for the military and the increased government we will need to manage it?” A clan leader asked

“On my next trip I will bring shiploads of supplies and experts to see to it that the materials are used appropriately. I will also bring the funds needed to make it all happen.

“Within the next few days there may be visitors from the planet Dixie. I do not know their intent. They are angry over the Libra invading their planet and may try to take revenge on the Jacka for assisting them. I plan to remain here until I know what they intend to do.

“I want to see your Fire Warriors become the Dixians’ allies, as they are very powerful. If the Dixians and Fire Warriors work together to destroy the Libra, there will be less loss of life and fewer ships lost.”

“Thank you, Dan Daniels. You promise much and show us your wisdom. I support your plan for us to unite with the Dixians to destroy the Libra. The council needs to discuss these matters, so you may go.”

Dan followed an escort to a house that would be his for the duration of his visit. It was similar to the one he’d stayed in previously, except its windows were all barred. A ten-foot-high wall surrounded the building, and every twenty feet there was a warrior in full combat gear.

“Am I a prisoner or a guest? If I’m locked in that house, all an enemy would have to do is throw in a firebomb and I’d be trapped. I’ll go back to my ship until the council needs me. You may escort me to my shuttle if you wish.”

The escort looked at Dan in panic. He had his orders and didn’t know how to respond to this challenge from a friend of the council.

Seeing the perplexed look on the escort’s face, Dan offered a suggestion. “Would you like me to contact a member of the council to give you new orders?” He almost felt sympathetic for the escort as he used his comm device. “Colonel Blade, the council wants to protect me by putting me in a prison where I can easily be firebombed. I will instead go to my ship until they want me.”

“Dan, I am sorry. The council did not think this through. Tell the escort that you will be using the red house instead, and to provide external security only.”

“Did you hear that, son? Good. Okay, Colonel, we have everything worked out. We’ll talk later.” The escort was quite obviously relieved as they headed for the other location.

“Here is your residence, sir. We will have additional guards outside for your protection soon.” The building was a single-level concrete bungalow with only a few windows.
Blade beat me on this one it's barely bigger than a cell,
Dan thought as he entered the small house.

              “This is fine. You may leave me now,” Dan told the escort. He then sat down at a desk and began to check his messages.

Arizona Space Ship Beater, orbiting planet Glory

30 November 2128

Seeing the huge debris field around the planet and the four Fire Warrior warships, Johnson was glad he’d taken the precaution of dropping well away from the planet. After an initial scan, the warships paid him no attention as he approached and established orbit close to the Grub.

“Daniels, this is Beater.”

“Go ahead, Beater.” Dan wasn’t surprised at the communication.

“Sir, we have been tasked to back you up as you see fit and transfer some Abby Artillery to your ship’s hull.”

“Very well. Maintain orbit and transfer the artillery. Coordinate the displacement with Grub. Anything else, Beater?”

“Sir, I have one officer who has requested shore leave while we are here.”

“Who would want … I’m assuming you’re referring to Ensign Short Blade?” Dan was ecstatic with this new development.

“Permission is denied. Ensign Short Blade will be on temporary duty as my aide. Instruct him on how to pass the canapés, and tell him not to piss in the potted plants. He will also assume duty as my bodyguard. Length of the TDY is undetermined. I will see him at the shuttle pad by the council in one hour. Daniels out.”

“Son of a bitch!” Johnson’s outburst made the entire flight deck crew look up. “Commander Poland, find Ensign Short Blade and escort him to the bay. See that he gets to the surface in under an hour and that we get our shuttle back.”
No good deed ever goes unpunished. When will I learn better?
Johnson thought as he tried to control his anger at the loss of a good officer.

Short Blade was polishing his boots in anticipation of seeing his mother and the colonel. He was eager to let them see that he was now an officer. His only regret was that he didn’t have any of the traditional clothing worn by members of the Claw Clan. He would see a tailor and have some made during his visit.

“Ensign Short Blade, may I enter?”

“Yes, sir.”

Poland entered and saw the ensign’s clothing set out and ready for packing.

“You need to be on the surface in less than an hour. You will be TDY as Dan Daniels’s aide.”

Short Blade looked back at Poland, confused, and then replied, “Sir, will I need any special equipment or uniforms?”

“Take your duty uniform and your dress uniform. Have civilian clothing available in case of special events. Remember, when you’re with Daniels, you represent Earth. More important, you represent the Beater as well.”

Short Blade nodded as he zipped up his black flight suit and made sure his name tag and patches were on correctly, “I will not fail the Beater or the Gray Panthers of Earth.”

Poland watched as the ensign quickly packed a single seabag with all of his gear. Short Blade looked back at him in readiness.

“Okay, Ensign. I’ll walk you to the bay. The shuttle already has the location of where you are to be delivered.” The short walk to the bay was quiet.

Guns and Jimmy waited to wish Short Blade good luck, both looking slightly uncomfortable with Commander Poland present. Poland nodded to them, realizing they wanted to say goodbye in their own way.

“Gentlemen, I’ll leave Ensign Short Blade in your good hands, but please get him off this ship fast.” With that, the commander was gone.

“We heard you were going to be Daniels’s bodyguard and wanted to bring you a few presents.” Guns pulled out a switchblade and surprised everyone when he showed them the speed with which it opened and the size of the blade.

“Remember, never take a knife to a knife fight. Bring a gun,” Jimmy said as he pulled out an ancient .32 caliber double-barreled derringer and a small box of ammunition. “You will bring that back to me when your TDY is over.” Jimmy and Guns both turned solemn as they shook Short Blade’s paw, then saluted as he made his way to the shuttle. Short Blade felt like he was leaving home, not understanding why.

He was surprised that he didn’t feel any emotion at seeing his home world as he watched the shuttle close in on the planet and then enter the atmosphere.

“Welcome home, Short Blade.” Dan laughed at the surprised look on the ensign’s face. A pair of Jacka warriors looked at the runt warrior in disgust.

“I forgot that black is the color of the criminal. Thank you for welcoming me, Mr. Daniels.” Short Blade couldn’t believe he’d forgotten something so important. Dan just smiled and told Short Blade to walk with him.

“Short Blade, after you change out of your uniform, I want you to visit your family and friends. Tomorrow, I’ll put you to work. The security detail has been ordered to allow you free access to my quarters.”

Ten minutes later, they entered the house where Dan was staying.

“My sleeping room is straight through that door. I have quite a bit of work to do, so that’s where I’m headed,” Dan told Short Blade. “That’s the door to your room. Be careful. Libra assassins may try to kill you to make a point, since they can’t get to me. Have a good time this evening.”

Dan closed his door and Short Blade went to his room, where he changed into a custom-made pair of blue jeans and a blue denim cowboy shirt. After struggling into a pair of black cowboy boots, he slid the switchblade into the top of the boots and tucked the little derringer into his back pocket. Dumping a few coins into one pocket and cartridges in the other, he felt ready to go. He decided to leave his duty belt with his sword and beamer pistol behind.

He thought about surprising his family but decided to call instead. “Hello, Mother. I’m hungry and wanted to know what is for midday meal?” He laughed, and his mother told him to come home immediately. The short conversation had him feeling as excited as his mother.

Walking to the main street, he started to hail a cart but then decided on a motorized transport instead. He’d been away for so long, the smell of unburnt fuels mixed with animal droppings stung his eyes.

“Driver, how much to take me to the Claw Clan district?”

“Six coins.”

“I’ll pay four only.” The driver nodded for him to get in, happy that the runt didn’t know the prices. Short Blade was happy to no longer breathe the stench from the street and wondered how long before modernization would make the foul odor a thing of the past. The streets were crowded with transports and old women selling produce in the gutter. Maimed veterans stood on street corners holding a small pouch for any donations they might receive. Most still wore tattered old uniforms to evoke sympathy.

“We are at the Claw Clan district, sir.” Short Blade absently tossed six coins to the driver and headed down a street on which every building was painted blue. This was the part of the city where the delegation from his clan’s government resided.

Three large males, none of them in military uniforms, approached Short Blade. “You there. Who are you, and what are you doing in the Claw Clan’s area?”

“I am Short Blade, of the Claw Clan. I owe you no answers beyond that.” Short Blade saw that they were positioning themselves around him. “Who among you can tell me where Colonel Blade’s residence is?”

“How do you know Colonel Blade?” The three stopped maneuvering as they waited for the answer. Short Blade noticed and decided to answer their last question.

“I am here from the Gray Panthers. Colonel Blade is my father.”

“Colonel Blade would never sire a runt,” one of the three jeered. The others laughed and Short Blade decided he was done here.

“Pass out of my way. I have no time for street trash.”

The leader of the group charged straight at Short Blade, roaring in rage at the insult. Short Blade stood as though frozen in fear. When the leader got to him, he ducked and twirled, his pointed cowboy boot connecting below the belt of his attacker. The instigator rolled up into a ball, in agony from the contact.

“I said I have no time for fun. Maybe when I leave I will have time to play.”

The remaining pair of thugs roared at the insult and the bigger of the two pulled out a baton that snapped out to a six-foot staff. Short Blade saw that the thug had no skill and relaxed himself for the attack.

The thug swung the staff sideways, ensuring a clean hit. Short Blade jumped up and kicked the staff aside, and then managed to kick his opponent in the side of his head, dropping him instantly. Short Blade picked up the staff. Swirling it menacingly above his head from one paw to the other, appreciating its workmanship, he walking toward the third attacker, who decided to make a run for a side street.

Colonel Blade was impressed with his son’s abilities against the street vermin he had paid to attack him. He had a feeling this would make for an interesting visit.

“Short Blade, come into the house and stop fighting in the street like the lower castes,” he called from the window. He could see the insult had affected his son.

Short Blade collapsed the staff and stuck it in his back pocket as he walked toward the house. “I did not see an alternative when attacked by three enemies. What is your recommendation, Father?”

Blade liked his son’s refusal to be insulted and the technique he used to turn it around.

Short Blade’s mother hugged him when he reached the front door. “My two warriors both with me again. I am so blessed. It has been so long. The midday meal is ready.” The colonel was relieved for the save and decided to change the subject.

“I heard you’re an officer in the Gray Panthers. Have you been fired?”

“I did not want to start trouble by wearing a foreign uniform here in our district, especially since the uniform is black. I am on the planet as an aide to Dan Daniels. He has not told me why. I can assume, but that would be wrong to voice.”

Blade was as amazed at his son’s diplomacy as he was that Short Blade had been made an officer. He had been wrong about his son.

“You have done much better than I had expected, Short Blade. What are your plans for the future?”

“When the war is over, I plan to purchase a small ship and become a cargo ship captain. With my knowledge of the humans and what I have learned about being an officer, I think I should do well for myself.”

Blade waited to hear more, but Short Blade picked up a piece of nearly raw meat and began to chew on it.

“You have come far from where you began, Short Blade.”

“Do you mean, Father, when you sold me to the Libra? It was very hard, but I persevered and learned. The humans saved me, and for that they have my undying loyalty.”

Blade was shocked that his son knew he had been sold and was speaking of it.

“Son, the reason—”

“Thank you, Mother. I must return to duty. I will try to write.” Short Blade ignored his father. He had long suspected that he’d been sold into slavery but had not been able to prove it. His father’s failure to deny it told him it was true. He stormed out of the house and down the street, sadness soon overwhelming his anger.

He decided he must do his best in the Gray Panthers, as he no longer had a family. He had nothing to tie him to his own home world, since he would always be seen as nothing more than a runt there.