the void bounced off the hull as he proceeded through the mass of bodies and wreckage swirling out of the hangar bay. He activated the ship's hyper coil and pushed away from the Baruk formation at speeds beyond light.
THE lush scenery that was common near the twelve cities had given way to the desolation of the territory around Nagon-Toth. Tiet was getting close now. The land itself was war torn and they had made no effort to revitalize it. No wonder the Horva were conducting raids for supplies. They might be starving to death otherwise.
He felt sure now of his motives for conducting this mission. The Horva were just trying to survive. They had their freedom from the Vorn military now, but this was a bad start.
The display showed another fifty miles before he would reach Grod's fortress. He made adjustments to the helm, as his small craft glided over the barren landscape. It was well-designed and fast. The mileage deficit clicked away rapidly on the display.
He slowed the fighter as he approached to within one mile of the facility. He realized that they must already know he was there, but he wasn't planning on a surprise visit; only a memorable one.
He brought the ship to a complete stop on a rise that overlooked Nagon-Toth in the distance. He got out of the cockpit and then strapped on his blade. He quickly checked his weaponry: two thigh mounted kemsticks and a few spicors in addition to his father's blade. He intentionally left his blasters in the ship. He didn't plan on killing anyone but Grod, if it came to that.
Tiet closed the cockpit of the ship and took a deep breath. This wasn't going to be easy. He had to get to Grod and then hope the general would listen to what he had to say. He had never even met the man, but he supposed it wouldn't be that difficult to distinguish him as the leader.
He began to walk toward the facility. He made no effort to conceal himself, but the same could not be said for his attackers. From an outcropping of rock nearby his path to the compound, no less than ten Horva jumped out to ambush him. Tiet was ready for them.
His E.M. shield hummed to life as the first pulse shot came at him. He blocked several more then dodged into the middle of the warriors. He swung his blade with absolute accuracy, cutting the pulse weapons through with the charged tip. Immediately he set off a kinetic burst that knocked the warriors to the ground around him as he replaced the blade in his scabbard. They were stunned but otherwise unharmed.
'I don't intend to harm you,' he said. 'I have business with General Grod.'
'You'll never see the General,' said one of the warriors as he leapt to his feet and charged. As he came toward him he drew a large dagger. Tiet grabbed the warrior's arm with one hand and with the other he brought two fingers to the warrior's throat and tapped a particular nerve with the right pressure to bring him down. He laid him down gently as the dagger slipped out of his hand. The warrior was unconscious; the others were staring at him with apprehension.
'As I said, my business is with your General Grod. This really doesn't have to be anymore difficult than you make it.'
They all looked at each other not knowing what to do next. Then one of them rushed him and the others followed. As they attacked he moved among them and created quick chaos, throwing some off balance and into the others while hitting them with blow after rapid fire blow with his hands and feet. Within twenty seconds they were on the ground again but less aware of their assailant than before. Tiet gathered himself and continued his trek toward the complex, leaving his victims to their induced slumber.
WYNN'S com-link blinked to life on his wrist. He set the fighter on automatic pilot as he answered. 'Wynn here.'
'Sir, we've picked up a ship entering our system. It's a Barudii ship, strider class.'
He was very surprised to hear this. 'What's the heading?'
'It's on a direct course for Castai-Rex sir.'
This was puzzling. It was almost certainly the ship that Kale had escaped the planet on months ago. So why would he return, and why now?
'Sir?'
'Yes?'
'We're receiving a transmission from the ship…it's an intent to surrender sir.'
Now he was very puzzled. Why in the world would he come back and then surrender? It didn't make sense, but he didn't have any time to deal with it personally.
'Captain, forward our acceptance of their surrender and meet the ship with a full squad of our best. Take the ship into custody. If you meet with any resistance from those aboard the ship, terminate them.'
'Yes sir.'
This was a twist Wynn hadn't counted on, but other matters were more pressing at the moment. He adjusted the controls again and the ship careened south toward Nagon-Toth. He quickly located Tiet's ship by scans. He hadn't put up a sensor cloak or anything. What was he up to?
Wynn brought his ship down in an area facing another side of the complex. He was out of the cockpit quickly and left the ship sensor cloaked and shielded. He wore his own Barudii cloak to keep him invisible to the Horva's sensor sweeps. He did not intend to be seen. If Tiet meant to boldly walk into a deathtrap, he was going to at least give him a fighting chance of getting out again.
KALE keyed off the display. The Command Center at Baeth Periege had formally accepted his surrender. He set the autopilot to the coordinates given to him to dock his ship. He almost felt relief at the thought of giving himself up. His long run from all he had known was almost over.
He wondered if Tiet would be there to meet him as he landed. Perhaps he will run Father's blade right through my heart, he thought. Even so, the running was over.
Perhaps Tiet would imprison him for life to watch his traitorous brother rot on a daily basis. It didn't matter. If that was God's will, then so be it. He knew he deserved it anyway.
'Father, Mother…forgive me.' Emotions, long pushed aside, threatened to flood in.
The computer soon sounded the alarm as the strider began to penetrate Castai's atmosphere. Turbulence was quick as the vessel passed through and came around on course for the city of Baeth Periege. He noticed on the approach how much damage had been repaired within the city. Even the surrounding area had begun some renewal as far as the destruction of the ecosphere during the battle for the city. He had not seen the ending of the battle. The city's defense shield was back in place and fully operational.
As he flew over the southeastern portion of the city he could see many large pulse laser batteries. They looked as though they were expecting a fight. And whether they knew it or not the Baruk would soon be here to give it to them.
A beacon flashed on his display showing him exactly where to bring the ship down on the huge landing platform near the Command Center. The building looked more imposing than before, with its added weaponry adorning the outside.
The area he was being led to below was being guarded by what looked to be an entire squad of troops. He did not recognize the uniforms they were wearing, but as he drew closer to the platform he could clearly see that the troops were a mix of Castillian and Vorn.
So they've formed an alliance, he thought. Maybe they stand some chance of survival with the Baruk this way; but it's going to be a terrible fight.
The strider touched down on the platform and the squad of Alliance troops surrounded the vessel. Kale looked out at the soldiers with their pulse rifles focused on him. It's not too late to fight, he thought. No, this was the right thing to do; no more running.
Kale lowered the platform and descended. Daooth met him with two armed escorts flanking him on either side.
'Kale Soone, I presume?'
'Yes.'
Kale recognized the insignia on the Vorn man's uniform distinguishing his rank.
'Commander, I offer my formal surrender to you,' said Kale.
'Your weapons, Kale.'
