Chapter Forty-Nine
Delivery
Crush was happy to be free of the Imperial Line beacon ID, even if it had let them pass unnoticed through the systems they needed to cross.
Every time he saw the name I.L.S. Liberteen on the scan display, Crush felt the urge to have the ship scrubbed from top to bottom. It wasn’t that he was running under a disguise; they had been doing that for days before even getting the ID; it was more that there was something about the Line that made his skin crawl.
They didn’t see people as people, which was bad, or even as things, which was worse. It was that they saw people as walking numerical values representing their profit or loss to the Line that made him feel so uncomfortable.
It was beyond cold, beyond criminal. It was just plain wrong.
That wrongness grated against his nerves every time he saw the beacon, which is probably why he ended up sending the message.
There were no two ways about it that had been a bit petty.
Okay, so a lot petty.
Crush chuckled, imagining the First Assistant’s face when he finally got around to checking up on a ship that, it turned out, didn’t exist. Or rather, it had, but only for the crossing of a single system.
“You got a couple of visitors, Boss,” Cara said in her ‘this is going to be a problem’ voice.
“Bring ‘em in,” Crush sighed and turned to face the door, seeing a couple of the former hostages hovering there. He vaguely recognized the guy. He had been one of the people trying to hide behind the loudmouth and pretend they had nothing to do with him. So, at least the kid was clever. As for the woman, she was the one being threatened by the guards; at least, he thought so. There was something about these human women that just kind of blended them into each other in his mind.
“Marshall Crush?”
“That’s me,” Crush nodded. “Come on in, don’t just hang around in the doorway.”
“Thank you, Marshall.” He bowed, and they both stepped hesitantly onto the bridge. “My name is Vauban of the Falling Waters, and this is my fiance Marie Anjou.”
“Nice to meet you both, now, how can I help you?” Crush tried his best not to be impatient with them, but they would arrive in the Maiusarian system soon.
“There is no point wasting time, I suppose,” Vauban said, drawing himself up and jutting his jaw out as best he could. Nature had not been kind in that department. “We request asylum within the Nanite Imperium.”
“Your brother will be—” Crush stopped. “Wait, what?”
“Marie and I do not wish to return to the Confederacy, and we request asylum,” Vauban said stubbornly.
“There are reasons, I assume?” Crush asked.
“I am the youngest son of my family, and Marie’s family is not well off,” Vauban said. “In short, Marshall, we are expendable. And we are reasonably sure that we will be expended within days of returning to the Confederacy.”
“Expended?” Crush frowned. “In what way?”
“My stock has increased by being a hostage of the Line,” Marie said calmly. “My marriage to Vauban will be canceled as he is no longer of high enough standing as a third son. My father will gift me in marriage to a man of another family, most likely an older man or widower.”
“Did your stock not rise?” Crush asked Vauban.
“I am a third son,” Vauban smiled bitterly. “My stock does not rise unless my brothers both die.”
“I see,” Crush said. “Look. I would like to help, but I can not grant you asylum merely so you can remain together.”
“It is more than that!” Marie protested. “We do not ask as starry-eyed lovers! We have never even had a conversation before today. No, I ask you to accept our asylum so I am not sold like brood sow for some fat old man to impregnate. I can not decline the marriage, nor do our customs allow women to withhold consent in marriage. I will be taken and bred without my consent.”
“And I will be executed,” Vauban said with a shrug.
“Executed?” Crush asked. “What for?”
“For killing my fiance’s attacker,” Vauban said firmly. “They may take her hand from mine, but I know her mind, and that is all that matters. She does not consent, and the first to attempt to make her do so will die by my hand.”
Crush had seen a lot of brash statements and big talk in his time. Soldiers were somewhat known for it. In short, he knew the signs.
Vauban, however, was not angry or thought himself noble. The young idiot was a true believer. He saw a violation of rights, and he would act—even if it killed him.
“Fuck it, granted,” Crush sighed and sat back. “Nellie can sort it out later.”
“Really?” Marie seemed stunned.
“I offer my service to you and yours in thanks,” Vauban bowed.
“Just make sure your people know of your decisions and reasons,” Crush warned. “I want no misunderstandings.”
“We informed them before coming here,” Vauban said proudly. “A decision made in secret would not aid our cause or yours.”
“One final point,” Crush said coldly. “Understand that if this is an attempt to get a spy or two inside the Imperium, it would be a mistake.”
“A fatal one,” Cara added.
“We did not imagine any other possibility,” Marie said simply. “We will return to our quarters and not bother you further.”
“No, you won’t,” Andy said quickly. “Boss, if they are citizens now?”
“They are,” Crush smiled widely when he figured out what Andy had in mind.
“Well, it looks like we have two new hands to help out around the ship,” Cara said with a feral grin.
“We can move to crew quarters?” Marie asked. “Already?”
“Do we have any reason to mistrust you?” Crush asked.
“No, none at all,” Vauban insisted. “Still, we expected suspicion at the least.”
“We give people a chance in the Imperium,” Crush said. “One.”
Vauban smiled widely, and Marie looked determined.
“We are from a hard people, Marshall. You will not find us wanting,” Marie said proudly.
“Hah!” Prim burst out. “Ten creds says you complain before the day ends!”
“Done,” Marie said sweetly.
“Ooh,” Quad laughed. “Prim, I think you might lose those creds.”
“That’s okay,” Prim shrugged. “I took them off you.”
Quad patted his pockets and growled.
“People, we have guests!” Andy protested.
“No, you called them crew,” Prim said with a smile. “We don’t have to behave around the crew.”
Berenice looked over and coughed what sounded suspiciously like the word ‘daddy,’ and the cents immediately settled.
Crush decided he was much happier not knowing.
“Scans clearing,” Sec reported as they exited Transit Space and arrived back in the Maiusarian system again.
They were once more flying the ID beacon Taking Liberties, and almost immediately, their beacon was scanned by the ships on the far side of the system.
“Set course for the midpoint of the trade lane before we turn and approach,” Crush said, his eyes on the weapons readings on the Birdsong and her escort.
“On our way, crawling along,” Tri sighed. “I can’t wait not to be a trader anymore.”
“Aw, it wasn’t that bad, was it?” Berenice asked.
“It could have been fun,” Tri said thoughtfully. “If we didn’t have to crawl along all the time.”
“Express shipping, Tri,” Berenice suggested. “Timed loads, bonuses for faster delivery. Penalties for being late.”
“Doesn’t sound too bad,” Tri admitted.
“Passing through dangerous areas, dogfighting with pirates, or running for the jump point when ambushed, lasers flying past your hull by inches!” Berenice went on.
“Go on,” Tri said. “I’m listening…”
“Tri,” Crush said. “You are not starting an express shipping firm.”
“I mean….”
“We are fighting a war, Tri,” Crush reminded him. “Let’s survive that first, okay?”
“Fine, but next time we are undercover?” Tri asked.
“We’ll be an express trader,” Crush promised.
“Yes!”
The Taking Liberties moved along at a steady rate, moving toward the central part of the system as a single ship detached from the group at the Imperium Jump point and began to make its way toward the passing traffic.
Several ships ahead and behind accelerated, some even moving toward the station itself, although Crush would bet docking and undocking at that place would prove more expensive than whatever Hellena was taking from the passing traders.
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The credits she had provided after a week of hassling ships had barely been enough to pay their docking fees, not that they had needed it. Berenice had only needed the seed money for their first docking; from then on… well, Crush would be surprised if she didn’t end up with her own company before long.
“Here we go,” Cara said as the Ten Suns cruiser sent messages to three ships, including them, to move over to the ‘checkpoint’ for further questioning and search.
“Send that we will comply, under protest,” Crush told Prim, who nodded and sent the message.
“Sent,” Prim said happily. “Almost home now.”
“No one relaxes just yet,” Crush replied. “This is when things will go wrong.”
“Yes, Boss,” Prim sighed. “We could just micro-jump to the point and be home and dry. Just saying.”
“We made a deal; we stick to it,” Crush said firmly. “If they don’t… well, that’s their bad choice, not ours.”
They moved with the other two stopped ships, staying in the middle of the pack until ordered to separate. Each of the stopped ships was taken to a separate spot, and scattering fields were erected.
Finally, the Songbird pulled up alongside, and the comm line lit the moment the docking umbilical connected.
“Captain Cross, I sincerely hope you have my cargo,” Hellena appeared on the screen with a deep frown. “Half of the Galaxy is talking about the wholesale slaughter of the Ninth Wing, and if that included our people, you would not leave this system alive.”
“The cargo is intact and in perfect condition,” Crush replied with a lazy smile, “We had left the system before action against the Line was taken.”
“Impressive,” Hellena grinned. “We will expect them to be delivered promptly then and be on our way.”
“See you in five minutes,” Crush said, cutting the line.
“Everyone suit up!” Cara called immediately.
“You noticed it too?” Crush asked Cara.
“Been working with you for a while, Boss. I picked up a few things,” Cara nodded at the now blank screen, “She didn’t relax when she heard her people were alive. This is not over.”
“Permission to stay on the bridge, Boss?” Tri called. “Just in case we need to leave quickly.”
“You, Prim, and Sec,” Crush confirmed. “I doubt they will try anything until we have handed over their people.”
“We could always not,” Prim suggested. “I mean, if they want problems, we are good at problems.”
“We keep our word,” Crush said with finality. “Anything after that is up to them.”
The former hostages were looking excited, at least most of them. Some looked slightly uneasy at being handed over to the Falling Waters, but that was their issue, not Crush’s, and he had enough to worry about.
More than a couple gave the armed and armored crew wide-eyed looks.
The airlock cycled, and in stepped Captain Hellena and ten crew… all armed and armored.
More than one of the former hostages was looking worried now.
Turenne stepped forward, arms held out to Hellena in greeting.
“My Hellena, I was not surprised to hear my favorite child had arranged this rescue,” She beamed at Crush and his crew. “Our hosts have been nothing but kind and caring. I am sure there is no need for all this weaponry.”
“Just being careful, Mother,” Hellena said coolly. “People often change their minds after making perfectly good deals.”
“We don’t,” Crush said simply, “Now, shall we get these people onto your ship?”
“Wait!” someone at the back called. “We demand to be taken to our people, not handed over to another family!”
“You would have the Captain shuttle you all over the confederacy?” Hellena laughed bitterly. “The Seven Families really have lost their way.”
Crush caught the shocked look from Turenne. Something had clearly pissed Hellena off, but he was starting to suspect it wasn’t him.
“There are a couple of things,” Crush said into the silence ringing after Hellena’s statement.
“What things?” Hellena shifted in front of her mother, subtly shielding her.
Things were not looking good.
“Your brother Catinal did not seem to understand the situation,” Crush said evenly. “We offered him alternative accommodation, and he insisted on it.”
“What?” Hellena frowned.
“They stuffed him in a barrel, sister,” Vauban said as he walked onto the deck in full gear, although unarmed. Crush liked Nellie’s approach to trusting people, but not that much.
“They did?” Hellena smiled widely for a second before catching herself and schooling her features. “I must protest such treatment.”
“The other matter, Hellena, is me and Marie,” Vauban said. “We claimed asylum in the Nanite Imperium.”
“You did FUCKING WHAT?” Hellena exploded in rage.
“Marie would not like what happens to her when she returns to the confederacy, sister. I will not have her suffer anymore because of betrothal to me. Nor will I send her into foreign lands alone.” Vauban explained patiently.
“Mother—” Hellena tried.
“I have given them both permission,” Turenne said with sudden finality. “It is settled.”
“Where is Marie? I would have her tell me herself,” Hellena insisted furiously.
“Cara?” Crush looked over at his second, who was smirking.
“She is currently busy, but I can get her here in a moment,” Cara said with a wide smile. “Marie? Report to the hold for a moment.”
“Yes, Boss,” Marie replied smartly.
The wait was awkward in the extreme. The entire Songbird crew glared while Crush and his people waited, their faces blank.
Marie arrived, but it took most of the people there a few moments to recognize her. She was wearing a shipsuit and goggles; her hair was streaked with oil and grease. More than that, she walked differently. Head up, shoulders back. She strode over the deck as if born to it.
“Marie?” Hellena asked, not quite sure.
“Hey, Hellena,” Marie waved. “Nice to see you again.”
“Marie, stop this foolishness and come aboard immediately,” Hellena glowered. “I won’t have—”
“Shut up, Hellena,” Marie said happily.
Crush winced.
“What?” Hellena asked in a voice like ice.
“I said, shut up,” Marie said again, even louder this time, but still with a smile. “I’m a citizen of the Imperium now. The Seven Families can kiss my ass, and you along with them if you try and order me about again.” She turned her back on Hellena, facing Cara, “Permission to return to work, Boss? I almost got the thing out!”
“Go ahead,” Cara nodded proudly.
Marie turned, flipped off the gathered hostages, and walked out.
Crush held his breath, subtly shifting his stance to be ready.
Finally, Hellena began to laugh.
“Good for her,” Hellena chuckled. “Okay, people. It’s my ship or the Imperium, your choice.”
The hostages filed aboard while Hellena gave Crush an accessing look.
“They will be okay? In the Imperium?” She asked.
“We take care of our own.” Crush shrugged.
“What did they give you?” Hellena asked. “To buy their way in?”
“A good argument that they would be better off with us,” Crush replied with a smile. “Just like everyone else.”
“Except Edwards,” Cara offered, getting a glare. “Well, he didn’t exactly get a choice at the time. He told me.”
“Wait, you know Edwards?” Andy asked.
“Yeah, nice guy. I met him when he resupplied us.” Cara said. “Weird, but nice.”
“I know, right? He always gets me a HyperDrive when Weasel is on duty.” Andy offered.
“Who is this Edwards?” Hellena asked.
“Enemy combatant,” Crush clarified. “Fell into the hands of our Princesses when your lot invaded one of the planets.”
“And he gets people beverages?” Hellena asked. “Is that all newcomers can do?”
“No, I mean he also works in Research,” Cara replied easily. “I mean, he’s dating Paren, so…”
“Paren?” Hellena asked again.
Crush thought about interrupting, but it was quite amusing to watch someone else exposed to his crew's random conversational shifts.
“One of the Princesses,” Cara said. “The scary, smart one.”
“A former Imperial Line Marine is dating your princess?” Hellena asked, seeming to have difficulty getting her head around the idea.
“It sounds crazy,” Cara admitted. “But you have to know the guy.”
“Yeah,” Andy nodded. “I mean, even that Clutch Elder gave him a new internal organ after what? Five minutes?”
“Less I heard,” Cara nodded. “The guy is just…nice.”
“A member of the super secretive Clutch race gave him an internal organ?” Hellena asked and then just held up a hand. “I don’t need to know any of this!”
“You asked.” Cara chuckled.
The moment their guests left, Crush and the others raced for the bridge.
“Get underway,” Crush said as they came through the door. “Quad, get on the shields and raise them the moment a single weapon signature appears.”
The Songbird was putting out a scattering field, which would have blocked weapons signatures if they hadn’t physically docked with a ship crawling with nanites. At this point, Crush and his scanners could probably see inside the field better than the people in it.
No weapons were lit yet.
“Ten seconds to Jump,” Tri called.
“No need to hide our speed now,” Crush said. No weapons were showing yet, but he saw no reason to risk tempting Hellena.
“Three seconds, two, one… Jumping!”
===<<<>>>===
Encrypted Transmission
Source: Captain Hellena - Birdsong.
Destination: Admiral Cyrus - Ravenwing.
Dad,
Operation fledgling is complete. T, C, and R are all on board with the others. V did his usual and managed to make everything more complicated. V has joined the Imperium with M.
T gave him permission, and I verified he left out of his own stupid, stubborn will.
I declined to execute your order as it would have killed V and M in the process.
Once more, I have to advise against further action against the Imperium. I think that with their help, we can take the line fleet out for good.
Hellena.
Encrypted Transmission
Source: Admiral Cyrus - Ravenwing.
Destination: Captain Hellena - Birdsong.
Hellena,
You should have carried out my orders. V and M chose, and they chose poorly. As far as I am concerned, he is no longer my son. How dare he abandon his family?
Your continual arguing and second-guessing of my orders has finally pushed me too far. As of now, I am removing you from command of the Song Bird Wing.
As a Captain in my fleet, you had no right to question me.
Now, as my daughter, I will answer this one last question. The Line has agreed to cede the system to our family. Do you understand now? It will make us! The Confederacy will be ours to rule for generations as the only family with two systems.
If you repent your actions and turn over command of your ship to C, I will still arrange a suitable marriage for you. If not, I will send you back to the farm as its manager!
The choice is yours.
Dad.
Encrypted Transmission
Source: Captain Hellena - Birdsong.
Destination: Admiral Cyrus - Ravenwing.
Admiral Cyrus
I relayed your instructions to Turenne of the Falling Waters, who has told me she will contact you directly on this matter as soon as possible. Transfer of her and the others are underway.
Catinal has taken command of proceedings for their return to the Confederacy, but I urge you to contact him directly as I fear he intends to travel back across Sagacity space immediately. Despite everything, I wish no harm to come to my brothers.
They are currently moving into apartments on the Mauisarian Station which I have paid in advance for the next three months. I trust you will be able to arrange their safe passage before then.
In accordance with Confederacy and Ten Suns law, I have transmitted your order to have my brother assume command of the Song Bird Wing.
My ship, however, is one I own. I will not be turning it over to Catinal or anyone else while I still draw breath.
Captain Hellena
Encrypted Transmission
Source: Admiral Cyrus - Ravenwing.
Destination: Captain Hellena - Birdsong.
Hellena
You have tried my patience too far this time. I was always lenient with you as a child, but no more. You will return to the homeworld and be given in marriage to our foreman. He is a good man but a hard one, and he will teach you the humility you clearly lack.
If you had only followed my orders, you would have married like a queen.
I have ordered the Song Bird Wing to remove you from command immediately.
Do not resist, or they may be driven to use force, which I have authorized.
You have disappointed me greatly.
Cyrus of the Falling Waters.
Encrypted Transmission
Source: Captain Hellena - Birdsong.
Destination: Admiral Cyrus - Ravenwing.
Asshole!
Two of our ships burn in the black because of you and your greed. Because you arrogantly think to grasp what is not yours!
The Bird Song Wing is crippled. Not a ship is still capable of fighting in this entire system. Tell that to your new friends in the Imperial Line!
I will vent this fucking ship to vacuum before I allow myself to be taken and sold off like chattel!
Who do you think you are talking to?
I disappoint you? I think you are mistaken.
I am disgusted by your greed and avarice. By the cost that you are willing to pay!
You wanted a legacy, old man? You have one.
You are the man who will have ended the confederacy!
I relayed your deal to the hostages. All of them.
Hellena of no clan.