Solbidyum Wars Saga Book 1: Battle of the New Orleans (12 page)

”I didn’t know there was a difference,” I volleyed back with a feigned innocence.  She laughed, and then got a strange look in her eyes as she stared into mine.  For a minute I thought we were going to kiss, but after a few moments, the spell was broken and she said, “We had better go.  The Captain will be waiting.”

The second debriefing was delayed. Kala and I sat alone in the meeting room for some time before Captain Maxette and Lieutenant Commander Wanoll arrived.  It was obvious from the scowl on the Captain’s face that something was not right.  The steward poured out drinks for everyone and departed before the Captain spoke. He addressed me first.

“Tibby are you feeling alright? I heard you had an incident earlier today.”

“Yes, sir, I’m feeling okay now.  I was simply overwhelmed at the sudden realization of the size of the Federation and the vast wealth you have been talking about.  I’ve never had anything like this happen before, of course.”

The Captain smiled briefly and said, “Actually, I was shocked that you didn’t pass out when we first told you.  I can see where it might have taken a while to sink in.”  The Captain’s countenance returned to its former severity.  “But now, I fear I have some disturbing news.  Just a few hours ago several of our own troopers – carefully selected and briefed troopers that were supposed to be guarding the
TRITYTE
– attempted to take the ship and its cargo by force. There were only three of them, but they managed to kill several of the other guards and gain entry into the
TRITYTE
.  Fortunately, we still have a lockout on the controls from the bridge of the
DUSTEN
and the rebels were not able to successfully override it; nor did they have the code to open the lock on the container in the hold.  We lost several more men when actions were taken to reclaim the
TRITYTE
, but in the end we were successful.  The problem now is that we believe these individuals may have been able to get word out to others on the
DUSTEN
and to at least one scout ship.  One of the patrol ships returned without one of its gravity wave message pods.  The crew tried to act as though they had no idea what happened to it; however, using mental probes and other detection methods, we were able to discover that the pod was sent to the Bunem System at about the same time that the
TRITYTE
was captured by the rebels. The Bunem System is the one major planetary system that has resisted rejoining the Federation and has spent the greatest amount of time and resources trying to find the
TRITYTE.
  The Bunemnites are also the original aggressors responsible for the destruction of the three planets that once had Solbidyum power capabilities.

We are now left with the terrible probability that the
pod will deliver its message successfully and, since the Bunem System is between us and the capitol, the Bunemnites will be able to mobilize their forces against the
DUSTEN
before the Federation even knows we have the
TRITYTE
and the Solbidyum.  I have dispatched a Gravity Wave message pod with a coded memorandum apprising those at the capitol of our situation and of the discovery of
TRITYTE
and its cargo.  I know they will immediately send every ship in the Federation to assist us; but the question at this point is to what degree the Federation leadership and military may be compromised by rebels and mutineers and on which ships. While this ship is equipped and staffed to present a formidable force, we do not know who or how many others there are here who might turn against the Federation to get a share of the wealth and power represented by the Solbidyum.  This area of the ship is the safest for you to be in Tibby, but we are increasing the guards in the area just the same.  We are rigorously testing all those we think are loyal using mental probes to determine where their loyalties lie before we assign them here.  We have about a week to prepare before the Bunem forces arrive; but honestly I don’t know what we will do if they attack us in full force.  Tibby, you mentioned that you were in your Earth’s Navy, I assume that you were trained in the use of hand weapons in both offensive and defensive situations?”

“Yes sir and I’ve also earned a master black belt in mixed martial arts and served as an instructor while in the Navy.” I replied.

“Martial arts?” the Captain said, “What sort of training is this.  I’m not familiar with the term.”

“Martial arts refers collectively to the codified systems and traditions of hand to hand combat practices that uses your opponent’s movements to your advantage and uses your own body as a weapon against him
.” I explained, but from the look on everyone’s faces, I may as well have said it in an Earth language.

“I still do not understand,” the Captain said, “
can you demonstrate this skill?”

I looked about, making a quick assessment of the room; it was large enough for a demonstration without risking any damage to anything, but I was pondering how we could do it without hurting someone.  I replied, “yes sir, I think I can, but without padding on the floor I’m afraid someone might be injured in the process.”

“The body armor our troopers wear provides cushioning that should protect them from hard falls.” the Captain said.  “Can you demonstrate using this trooper here?” He pointed at the trooper standing guard inside the briefing room.”

“Yes, sir,
but I will not demonstrate any moves that could be lethal or break any bones; I would hate to injure him.”

The Captain and his officers laughed, “No offense, Tibby, but I doubt anything you could do with your body could break the bones of a trooper in body armor, so give it you
r all.” the Captain said.

“Ok, sir, but I still will not use any lethal moves.”

“Trooper, do whatever he tells you to do.  Just don’t kill him, we need him.” the Captain said with a grin.

“Yes, sir” the trooper said.

The trooper was a brute of a fellow – the perfect type for this sort of demonstration.  He was well muscled and at least a head taller than me.  Basically, he was built like an ox.  The first thing I told him to do was to try and place me in restraints; I had noticed that all the Federation guards carry them in their tactical belts.  The trooper approached me with a grin on his face, expecting to easily subdue and restrain me using nothing more than strength and physical intimidation.  As he grabbed my arm to pull it behind my back, I responded with the speed of practiced reflex to reverse the hold on his arms while at the same time twisting under his massive trunk. Simultaneously, I used my body as a lever to I lift him and then sent him flying across the room where he crashed into the wall.  Both Commander Thimas and Lt. Commander Wanoll jumped to their feet in amazement; the Captain simply sat with his jaw agape.  Kala also reacted with shock, but I was sure I detected a hint of a smile at the corner of her mouth.  The trooper slowly got to his feet, visibly shaken, but uninjured.

“Ok
ay,” I said.  Clearly these people had no knowledge of any martial arts at all.  With the next demonstration I needed to show them the true value of these skills in combat.  “I want you to take your knife and attack me with it.  Don’t hold back, I want you to seriously try to hurt me.”

“Wait a minute,” the Captain said, “
we can’t risk you getting hurt.  Trooper, leave the scabbard on your knife, but attack in full as though it were not there.”

I smiled and the trooper did as the Captain ordered.  He came at me swinging and stabbing with
his knife.  I evaded, baiting him into a direct thrust, which I countered with one disciplined, fluid movement body-slamming the trooper on his back and immobilizing him between his now contorted arm and my foot which was instantly leveraged against his shoulder.  I had restrained and disarmed him, holding his own knife to his exposed throat, all before anyone in the room had taken their next breath.

Holding this posture, I heard the Captain exclaim, “Unbelievable!  You were a blur of motion
.  It all happened so fast, Wanoll, have you ever seen anything like this?!   We need to have all our military personnel trained in these techniques as soon as possible.  Okay, Tibby, you have me convinced.  I would like to see more of these martial arts, as you call them, but right now we have more pressing matters.  Trooper I trust you are ok to resume you post here?”

“Yes sir,” the rattled trooper responded as I helped him to his feet and returned his knife.  “I’m just a bit shaken
.”  Before resuming his post by the door, he addressed me.  “Sir, I would consider it a great privilege if you could teach me some of those movements.”

“Regarding my original question about hand weapons
, though, after your demonstration I am wondering if you need one,” the Captain chuckled,  “we believe it might be in your, and our, best interest if we armed you with a weapon in addition to maintaining your current squad of bodyguards.  This goes for you, as well Major Kalana.  As long as you’re assigned to Tibby, my orders are that you remain armed at all times.  I know that an attaché doesn’t normally carry a weapon in diplomatic service; however, this situation is different and I know you’re well qualified.  I would suggest the weapon be something small and concealable for both of you.”

“Yes, sir,” Kala said, “I’ll see to it.”

“For now,” the Captain continued.  “Our primary focus is still much the same; to protect the Solbidyum, the
TRITYTE,
and Tibby.  Unfortunately, we now have the added task of avoiding the Bunem fleet, while expediting our course to the capitol. We do not know how much information has leaked out to the
DUSTEN’s
crews and passengers.  Word has already circulated about the quarantined area in the hangar and that a portion of the flight crew is under lockdown.  We’ve again released a statement, advising that there is cause for concern that the crew of one of the patrol ships has returned with symptoms indicating a possible outbreak of Distalarian Fever and that they are being held for treatment on their ship until the contagious periods have passed, which is generally around five weeks.  We’ve also announced that everyone who has been in contact with them the past few days has also been quarantined as a safety precaution.  Unfortunately, this approach hasn’t been working too well; friends and family are pressing for answers as to why they can’t at least speak with them. To keep the situation from escalating into a panic or media frenzy, we are allowing video conferencing with an officer present, out of camera range.  The officer will activate a video kill switch, in the event the traitor deviates from permitted topics of conversation. Let us all hope and pray that our fears are for nothing and that we get through this alright.  In the meantime we need everyone to be as vigilant as possible.”

With that
, the Captain adjourned the meeting, confirming that we would meet again the following day at the same time.  He and Commander Thimas left together; Lt. Commander Wanoll remained behind, clearly wishing to speak with me. “Tibby that was quite some demonstration you put on.  Just how many of these martial moves are there?”

“
That’s some question,” I responded thinking heavily on the matter “on Earth we have many forms of martial arts, Karate, jiu-jitsu, Bok Fu, Taekwondo, and dozens of others.  Each tradition likely has several hundreds of moves.  What I practice is a hybrid of several techniques, all of which are highly effective for hand to hand combat in military and nonmilitary situations.”

“That sounds terribly complicated and time-consuming to learn.”
Lt. Commander Wanoll responded; his thoughts clearly visible on his face.

“It is a disciplined art that takes a lifetime to master.  It took me eight Earth years to achieve my current level of skill.”

“Hmm, we don’t have years for you to train a bunch of troopers.” Wanoll’s disappointment was as great as his former excitement.

“What about
using a teaching device like the one that was on the
TRITYTE
the headband?  Is there some way we can use that to teach them quickly?” This was the only avenue I could think of for accelerating the training.

“I only wish that were possible,”
Lt. Commander Wanoll replied.  “Unfortunately, while it is good for passing information such as language, math or history, it doesn’t work for physical skills, which the body must learn as well as the brain.  You could teach the moves using the headband, but the students would still have to physically practice and get the feel of each move and then, if I understand what you’ve demonstrated, perform the moves in context repeatedly until each situational response becomes automatic.  The headband would certainly improve the timeline, but I’m not confident that it would work fast enough to help us in this situation.  However, if you would be willing to give it a try, the ship’s medical experts and scientists may be able to locate the part of your brain where your martial arts skills reside.  If so, they can perhaps translate and download these synaptic memories into the headband units.  If that much is successful, we could certainly attempt to pass on your skills in tandem with direct training to see if learning is enhanced. Let me talk to our science team and get back to you.” 

As
Wanoll left the room I turned to see Kala standing slightly behind me with her arm crossed, looking at me appraisingly.

“That was quite the demonstration.  I would love it if you would show me a few of your moves.”

Okay, so we all know the first thought that crossed my mind, “A few of my moves.”  I know damn well that’s not what she meant, but it sure was what I was thinking.  Nevertheless, I replied like a gentleman.  “Anytime you like.  I’m at your disposal.  I would be most pleased to teach you a few moves.”

“Great,” she said, “Let’s eat quickly and then go to the gym.  I don’t want to waste any time
, if learning even a few of these skills will prevent the loss of more life and protect the
TRITYTE
and Solbidyum, we need to take advantage of the opportunity immediately.”

I used my
wrist com to advise Piesew that Kala and I were heading back to my quarters to eat.  Kala interjected with a suggestion for an appropriate meal.  As we walked back Kala voiced her concerns over the development that the Captain had related to us.  She thought the Captain should turn the ship around, head deeper into space and ultimately approach the capitol from a different direction. I pointed out that this strategy would consume precious time; time that would only facilitate a broader leak of information about the recovery of the Solbidyum.  This could, without a doubt, result in even more power hungry groups and governments dispatching their own ships in attempts to intercept the
DUSTEN,
regardless of its direction of approach.

I could see the Captain’s reasons for wanting to get us to
get to Megelleon as quickly as possible; chaos and war were almost a certainty and thousands, maybe millions of lives were at risk. The decimation of the original three Solbidyum powered planets was only a small example of what could happen. The fewer people that knew of the recovery of the lost Solbidyum in advance of the DUSTEN’s arrival at the capitol the better.  Once there and properly secured, official announcements of the Solbidyum recovery would assure governments that ample supply was available for all of the Federation membership, which would alleviate at least some of the motives for attack.  Kala said half-jokingly that maybe I should just hop in the
TRITYTE
and fly it straight to Megelleon, since it was a faster ship and would pass Bunem before anyone expected; besides the fact that they would be looking for the
DUSTEN
.  While it was a long shot, Kala’s though it did have some merit. It gave me another idea that I didn’t mention to her as I put it together in my mind.

I was surprised when the meal arrived because of its resemblance to cold
soba noodles and hot tea; just as it is served on Earth.  The similarity of the dishes was uncanny, light tan colored noodles, a rich, soy flavored sauce and some chopped greens that looked much like scallions.  For a moment I believed the dishes were identical, but there was a subtle difference in the noodles, which had more of a woodsy, fresh mushroom flavor.  The greens not only tasted like onion, but also had a cucumber-like taste as well. When I commented to Kala about the similarities, she explained the origin of the dish.

“The planet where this dish originated is called
Pinop, which is mostly covered with water.  The peoples of Pinop live on the planet’s many islands, which are of volcanic origin, and make their living from the sea.  The noodles are made from the nodules of seaweed that washes up on the beaches and is collected by the inhabitants.  The nodules are cut open to harvest the seeds, which the villagers dry in the sun and grind into flour that becomes the main ingredient in these noodles, they are prized all over the Federation for their flavor. The sauce is from an aquatic creature on the same planet that dispels clouds of this fluid into the water to confuse its enemies as it flees.”

“We have two similar creatures on
Earth that have a similar defense mechanism,” I said, “Octopus and squid.  Squid ink is edible, but as far as Earth’s version of this dish, the sauce is made from a bean, though the taste is similar.”

I noticed as we dined that Kala kept looking at me in a contemplative way, so I asked her if there was something on her mind.  She looked down at her plate a minute and then met my eyes.

“Tib,” Kala began, “You surprised me, first with your swimming skill and then with your display of martial arts.  You possess physical skill and agility that I didn’t expect and now I find myself wondering what other surprises you may hold for me.  When you were coming around after blacking out this morning, your mind still reeling from the event, you managed to immediately interpret my signal to you and quickly correct yourself before making a serious mistake by mentioning the Solbidyum.  You did it with so much skill that, even knowing the truth behind what you almost said, I found it easy to believe what you were saying.”

“What
? That I simply swooned at your beauty?”  I grinned and Kala’s head dipped as bit of color touched her cheek.  “If it makes you feel any better, it is true.  I do swoon at your beauty, Kala, and I find you to be most pleasurable company.  I also value your assistance highly.  I would be totally lost without your guidance.”

“Thank you, Tib.  I’m not sure what to make of what you’ve said, but I appreciate that you value my support.  As far as what the Captain said today, about us being armed, I want you to know that I am fully combat-certified and an expert with small arms as well as heavier arms.  I am as capable as any trooper.”

“Kala, I have the utmost trust in your abilities.  Now let’s go get our side arms issued as the Captain ordered, and then I will show you some martial arts moves.  Are there suitable gym clothes in my wardrobe, or will we be doing that naked also?”

“Special gear is available at the gym for us to wear.  Sizing is not an issue; the suits are form fitting and stretch to fit.  Our side
arms can be issued to us via Piesew.  I will familiarize you with their features and practice with you at the range here in our quarters.”

I thought to myself, “The suite has its own swimming pool, gym and firing range?  No wonder this ship is so damn big!”  I wondered whether all dignitary accommodations were this extensive and how many of these suites existed on the
DUSTEN.

The gym turned out to be right across the hall from the pool
. Kala led me to some small lockers by an open shower.  Inside the locker was a small compartment, from which she withdrew a package.  She said to hang my clothing in the locker and put on the suit contained in the package.  She then opened the locker next to mine, removed a similar package and began undressing.  The outfits reminded me of two piece dance leotards; very form fitting.  I felt a bit conspicuous with the bulge between my legs, but Kala didn’t seem to notice or, at least, pay any attention to it.  After we were changed, Kala directed me to a large room fitted with a padded floor mat.

“So…what do I need to do?” Kala asked

“We’ll, let’s start with the basics.  First watch as I go through a series of coordinated stances, blocks and strikes that form the foundation of all form and sparring techniques.  Then I will teach them to you.”

“Wow,
” Kala exclaimed, as I performed the choreographed basic,” it’s almost like a dance, a ballet, no wonder you said it took you years to learn.”

After introducing and practicing these basics, I showed Kala some simple, yet effective moves for dealing with attackers.  She was amazed at how one could use an attacker’s physical momentum and weight to a defensive advantage and how straightforward these initial moves were to execute.  I likewise
, was amazed at how quickly she learned as well as the strength her slim body seemed to disguise.  We were so engrossed in the lesson that we were both somewhat startled when we heard Piesew clear his throat.  He stood in his usual proper posture near the gym entrance holding a box.