Kiera walked onto the bridge of the Eclipse finding Tara sitting in the command chair and Calvin at the helm. “Morning,” she said, walking over and giving Tara a kiss “How’d it go with the Snowdens?”
“Locke hit them both for being condescending assholes,” Tara said, “Then he mistook Kinsley for you and kissed her, and I don’t mean a peck on the cheek. She kissed back and…” she trailed off with a grin.
“Locke and Kins?” Kiera asked sitting down, “Finally! Good for them!”
Calvin turned in his seat, “Aren’t you dating Locke? Aren’t you angry he’s cheating on you?”
“All my relationships are one hundred percent open,” Kiera said, “The idea of monogamy just doesn’t sit right with me and it’d be a total bitch move to demand that my partners let me have a harem without me letting them do the same.”
Calvin turned back to the controls, “Makes me wonder what Liandra’s thoughts on that were.”
Kiera looked at the moreau; he and Liandra had been unofficially dating, “She could see both sides of it. My father has consorts, but he was married once. My brother and his wife are married, but Captain Feren helped raise both her and Percival. What’s our status update? Has Ithyca station asked where we are yet?”
“No,” Calvin answered, “The request Tara sent in was for a long range trip including a gate jump. The order said it was an unknown engine that she wanted to test and do it away from anyplace that had people in it. The Satisfaction is ahead of us and we have had a tag along.”
“Tag along?” Kiera asked.
“Hitomi and Hiro are following us, probably Hitomi's choice," Tara said.
“Commandant we’re approaching the gate,” Calvin said, “I’m receiving a message, source unknown but it’s Red Moon encryption. It says to change our destination to the Polarity system. There’s a jumpgate there that’s only a couple hours away rather than three days. We have the codes for it. The message also says the gate patrol boats will ignore us.”
“Pig said that we wouldn’t get any coordinates for the drop off location until we left Imperial space,” Kiera said, “This sounds like a trap.”
“I have the same feeling,” Tara said
“Ignore it,” Kiera said, “We’re going to stick to the original plan, fly out of the Terdian system and hope that we can outrun the patrol boats. How fast is this boat, Tara?”
“After I tuned the Ion engine? Pretty fast.”
=+=
The Satisfaction approached the gate first when they arrived. Kiera had purchased a round trip gate pass when they returned to the Empire. The test pass that Tara acquired would let them pass through any gate that was already open and then return to Ithyca, making their theft that much easier. Kiera was still nervous, the Empire wasn’t incompetent. As they approached, gate Operations hailed the ship wanting to verify the work order. Tara handled it smoothly; since her name was on the request and her identity was verified, they wished her luck and didn’t find it necessary to perform any deep scans. Kiera gave a sigh of relief; they had a contingency to just run the gate if Operations discovered there were criminals on board. That would lead to the patrol ships from both sides of the gate following them. A space battle with a skeleton crew wasn’t something Kiera wanted to perform, especially with the Satisfaction involved.
“We’re through the gate, heading towards the border,” Calvin said, “We’ll be out of Imperial space in two and a half hours.”
“Sounds perfect,” Locke aid stepping onto the bridge, “Hey Kara, Kins needs to talk to you in private,”
“Everything okay?” Kiera asked, standing up. Locke was calm, tinges of joy and worry came off of him, not what she would expect from someone that just hooked up with a pretty woman.
“Yes and no,” Locke admitted, giving her a kiss.
Kiera made her way to the quarters Kinsley was in. The door opened immediately. Kinsley was sitting on the bed in her underwear with a myriad of emotions coming from her. She wrapped her arms around Kiera when the nymph sat down. Kiera returned the embrace releasing her Radiance to help calm her down. Kiera didn’t say anything, just held Kinsley and rubbed her back, giving the pink haired girl all the time she needed. Kinsley dyed her hair back on Albion and it suited her.
“I’m so confused,” Kinsley admitted, “He rescued me on Pantaurus and Tam teased me about liking him and I admitted that he was cute. Then I told him to come snuggle with us because it would make Tamalyn happy and he’d been doing so much for everyone. He’s been on my mind for months. I walked into the hangar because the Snowdens were there and you weren’t responding to your comms. He was seeming to be getting too into character so I walked over and mimicked your voice. Then he kissed me, thinking I was you. Twice. When he realized it wasn’t he froze, Tara suggested we kiss some more or come back to quarters and he carried me back here. We made out and started getting undressed when I panicked. I wanted to, but then I thought about you and Tam and questioned if I really wanted him since I don’t…I’ve never liked guys and…Kiera he didn’t pressure me, just stopped when I told him to, offered to just cuddle or that he could leave. I didn’t know what I wanted and he was just so patient.”
Kiera kissed Kinsley’s head, “Tamalyn understands that Locke is going to have more than her, he’s been crushing on you for a long time. Don’t get caught up with, “Do I don't I” because of whatever preferences you have. If you want to sleep with him then do it, if you just want to cuddle and kiss, that’s okay, too. I slept him in a wolf den on Pantaurus because I hit my limit for what I could handle. There is some trauma there so he’ll respect whatever you want. Lochlan Mickelson is a great guy. When he told me that you wanted to talk to me there was no disappointment in his emotions, just worry, and a little joy at seeing me, but that's normal.”
“Thanks, Kiera,” Kinsley said.
They stayed cuddling until an announcement from Tara asked her to head to the shuttle bay. Kiera and Kinsley exchanged a look and went to the bay together after Kinsley dressed. They were met by Tara and a sleek, fierce looking ship with fins on its top and its sides, cannons near the front of the ship and a very familiar coloration. The side of the shuttle opened and a ramp descended.
“I am so sorry,” Hiro said, stepping out of the ship, “Hitomi realized that you were on this ship and decided to follow you. I didn’t think anything of it because we were out for a flight, then she ran the gate and flew after you, depleting her energy reserves. I had to signal the distress call!”
“This is going to complicate things,” Kiera said. “When she doesn’t return to Ithyca…we are also not in a position where we can take her back.”
Hiro arched an eyebrow, “What do you mean, Kaleigh? You’re taking this ship back aren't you? There are those criminals that are coming to unlock your mecha.”
Kiera let out a small groan, “Let’s go to the mess hall, Hiro, we have a lot of things to discuss.”
Hiro took everything in stride considering the situation. Like most people in the Empire he had heard about the incident on Pantaurus but knew nothing about the details. His ears wrapped around both Kiera and Tara when they relayed what had happened on the planet and nodded solemnly when Kiera explained why they were “joining” the Red Moon.
“It seems like I am joining you,” Hrio said, “Well, we’re joining you. The Empire will be looking for all of us for what happened at Ithyca.” he gave a small laugh, “Hitomi will probably be happier out here as well and I’ll get to learn everything about her in a less hostile environment.”
“I thought you’d be more upset,” Kiera said.
“I’m a refugee from outside the Empire given custody of a lost soul. How could I be upset about getting to spend more time with my dear friend and the only colleague that I met who actually treated me with respect?” He smiled, “Also, didn’t you say your best friend played sai-tau?”
Kiera laughed, “ Good luck, she doesn’t really care for the game. If you do manage to convince her to play, go easy on her, she’s always been better at choura.”
"If she is half as friendly as you are, I am looking forward to meeting her," Hiro replied. I'm sure I'll like her, no matter what games she prefers!"
=+=
The ship rocked as it took another hit. Slowing down to let Hitomi dock had allowed the patrol boats to catch up to their ships. Kiera had been more worried about Hiro and Hitomi being on the run that she didn’t entirely process that Hiro said they had run the gate. Running a gate was a serious crime due to the amount of disruption and damage it could cause; it was an immediate alert to the exiting station and those ships were only offered one chance to surrender before they were fired upon. Their situation was slightly different; the patrol boat must not have seen Hitomi dock and their initial hail was polite, asking them if they had seen a strange ship pass by. Calvin told them no, and then the boat told them they were beyond their permit and to turn around and head back to the gate.
Locke drew a blaster pistol and shot twice into the floor while Calvin still had the channel open. The guard asked what happened and Calvin said nothing. After the second inquiry he had closed the channel and flew away. The patrol boat immediately pursued.
“That was to our engines,” Isaac called, “Speed’s decreased by five percent and they’re closing in. Was this really the best course of action?”
“It was our only course of action,” Locke replied. Kiera’s aura was keeping everyone on the bridge calm, which now included Isaac, Gargax, and Kinsley.
“Tara’s distress call was received,” Kinsley said, “They should believe that the Snowdens took over the ship. Especially since she sent it from one of the mecha.”
“Great, let’s add some more to the narrative. Gargax, fire a volley of missiles at the patrol boat, aiming for their engines,” Locke ordered.
“Okay,” Gargax replied, “Missiles hit engines.”
“Their speed is slowing,” Kinsley said, “Incoming fire.”
The ship shook again, “These guys are good, engine power is steadily decreasing, if we don’t do something then they’re going to have us,” Isaac reported, “Another hit like that and we’re done.”
“Kinsley, what’s their position relative to ours?” Kiera asked.
“Standard imperial, below us by five hundred feet,” Kinsley replied, slight confusion in her voice.
“Gargax, target their engines. Calvin, when Gargax has a lock, cuts all power to the engines. The moment they fly past us give me a full spread of the plasma cannons. Once we have a confirmed hit, get us out of here.”
“Have lock,” Gargax called. Calvin cut the engines as the ship shook again with another hit. A moment later the patrol boat flew past them. Kiera watched the plasma cannons strike the engines destroying one of them. “Confirmed hit, engine dead.” The Eclipse shot forward past the patrol boat. They waited a tense ten minutes.
“We have no signs of pursuit,” Kinsley said.
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“Engines are at twenty-five percent,” Isaac reported, “At this rate it’s going to take us five or six days to reach the jumpgate.”
“Plenty of time for an Imperial star cruiser to catch us,” Calvin commented, “What was that crazy maneuver?” He turned and looked at Kiera.
“We call it the Feren maneuver. If you’re being chased by an enemy, ensure they’re not directly behind you, stop your forward motions and attack with your energy sword as they pass you by,” Kiera said “I thought we could apply it here."
"Have any crazy maneuvers for the engines?" Issac asked.
"No, but we have an amazing team of engineers."
=+=
Ikkari came over from the Satisfaction, and between the three engineers they were able to get the engines restored before any more Imperial ships found them. Ikkari hit it off immediately with Hiro and she was fascinated with Hitomi.
With a three day space flight ahead of them, the crew decided to explore the Eclipse. When Ned said the Empire hadn’t touched the ship he wasn’t kidding. The moment Kiera stepped into the office she was attacked by a colorful eagle. It shot fire and wind at her and Kiea suffered the attacks and released her soothing, immediately recognizing it: a Bird of Paradise like Archimedes. Kiera's soothing calmed the bird down, and let it Kiera view the room.
It had destroyed the cage it was in and none of the plants that had been in the office had survived. Kiera retrieved some fruits and grains from the larder to feed her along with a cup of water. The bird ate and drank greedily, and after her meal allowed Kiera to pet her. It watched Kiera as she started to clean up the mess, and hopped on Kiera's shoulder when she left the office Kiera didn't mind. The rest of the crew was enamored by the Bird of Paradise when they saw her.
"We should let Uller know you found one," Locke said "Maybe Archimedes could have a friend."
The kitchen had a larder full of food, both cold stored, frozen, and dry goods. Most of the refrigerated goods had to be thrown out, but everything in the freezer and the dry storage was good. Trosk certainly seemed to have a rich taste with the grade of food they found. The armory was stocked with various weapons and light armor. There was no power armor, which coincided with the lack of power armor from the mercenaries on Pantaurus
The coordinates led them to a cloud nebula that looked like perpetual dawn, Kiera fell in love with it immediately and the small planet they found nestled inside of it. Their scans revealed that it was similar to Tortuga in several ways including a breathable atmosphere, sparkling lakes, a low mountain range but had a more temperate climate. When they entered the nebula, Hitomi asked to go out. She had detected something of interest to her. Kiera and Hiro took her out, and played sau-tai as she explored the nebula. Her power systems were fully charged after a few hours. She took Hiro and Kiera down to the planet, passing a moon that seemed to be made of silver and amethyst.
Scans of the planet showed that it was similar to Tortuga with a warm yet mild climate, a stream fed lake that came from a small group of mountains. There was a forest near the lake with tall trees that would be suitable for lumber. There were only two land masses on the small planet separated by a salt water ocean. Crag wolves were detected in the mountains, several herds of six-legged deer were found on both landmasses and there were giant sea turtles and dolphins in the fish abundant ocean. They landed and walked around the lake. It was cool and refreshing to the touch. The deer were skittish, which wasn't surprising. Birds sung from the trees, and the nebula cold be seen when they looked up into the purple-blue sky
"It is a Sarlassa," Hiro said.
"A what?" Kiera asked.
"A Sarlassa, a kurotaki term for a hidden gem. This would make a nice recovery point or headquarters. It feels like early spring, but I could be mistaken. Thos trees look suitable for lumber and there is plenty of space to construct dwellings or a central house."
"Sarlassa. That would make a pretty good name for this planet," Kiera commented.
=+=
The day after they arrived in the nebula, a heavy frigate hailed them, giving the ship instructions to meet them outside of the nebula. Kiera waited in the Captain’s Office while Kinsley took her place on Locke’s lap to meet the fifth Admiral. Both Snowdens were brought to the bridge still dressed in their prison jumpsuits. The viewscreen was streamed to Kiera on a console in the office.
The man who appeared on screen had the same snow white hair of their prisoners, at least Dalton’s, pale blue eyes, and the same facial structure as both boys. There was no question that he was the boy’s father. He was dressed in a white and red combat uniform and there was no obvious cybernetics on him, which they had learned was a requirement to be a Captain in the organization.
“Looks like I won the bet Iode,” Locke said, glancing over at Isaac who just took out a piece of gold latinum and tossed it to Isaac, “Admiral Balthazar Snowden. Iode didn’t think it would be you. I’d made a comment about bringing them to their daddy, and your boys confirmed it. Iode thought they were spouting typical parental defense. As you can see, I have your boys and Trosks’ ship."
“Impressive. Did my useless boys give you any trouble?” Snowden asked, his tone that of a superior officer.
“They mouthed off, nothing a bloodied nose and punch to the gut didn’t fix. Also helped that I tossed them into a room and left them there with some rations to share. The older one tried to protest but forgot that we never took the behavior collars off,” Locke said, smirking.
Snowden gave a short, humorless laugh, “Maybe I should leave them in your care, Malachite. I’m sending a shuttle to connect to your airlock, once my boys are aboard my ship then you’ll have passed my tests.”
“This is supposed to be my ship, Father!” Dalton said, “That’s what you promised if Trosk failed!”
“Did I? I must have forgotten that part. I’m quite impressed that you took the ship, Captain Malachite. Even more impressed that you managed to out maneuver the Imperial navy to keep it. You’ll receive coordinates where to deliver it after our meeting.”
The transfer only took half an hour. Snowden kept the communication open the entire time. How long had he worked for the Red Moon? The moment he appeared Kiera started recording everything. This man had been directly responsible for causing them to be shot down over Pantaurus. He had arranged the ships and the crews. He was also responsible for the Red Moon being on Pantarus. The investigations revealed nothing that he was actually involved in the attacks, just like Blake was found not to be involved in the attacks. But this evidence proved that he was a traitor. If she could get it to the Empire then one of Liandra's killers would be brought to justice. That still left finding the client.
The screen split into five equal parts, the other four Admiral appeared. Uller looked pleased to see them, Pugh sneered. Ruban Pol looked bored with the entire thing and like always, Kiera could get no read on Skorv.
“Luke Malachite, you and your crew have passed the trials that we set against you. Completing each one almost flawlessly and demonstrating the traits that embody the Red Moon Mercenaries,” Pol drolled, “There is one final trial that you must pass, and should you fail then we will destroy your ship and crew. You will hear from each of the High Moons, the Admirals of this organization. You require three votes to pass, and will be judged on the Hidden Traits of the Red Moon.
“I will go first. You have non-humans on your crew. Slaves or not, this is an organization for humans alone. Will you execute all your non-human crewmen by jettisoning them out of an airlock?” Pol asked.
“No,” Locke said. He wasn’t going to take the risk of that becoming an order if he said yes, “I thought there were trials from each phase of the moons.”
“Pity, I would have liked to see that,” Pol’s image turned white, “Maybe I still will. Uller, as the second highest rank, make your judgment.” Pol ignored Locke’s question.
Uller’s screen turned red, “I say yes and claim them to serve under me. They are willing to take risks and find the most interesting solutions to their tasks. I was most impressed with how they completed all of their contracts, scoring loot when it would otherwise be lost and willing to enter the worst environments in search of treasure. Snowden?”
Snowden smirked, “My idiot boys have complained about you using women to help accomplish your goals and that you even listened to one. They complained that you left them practically starving and called them ‘cargo’ and hit both of them. Even threatened to kill them,” he steepled his hands, “They also told me that you said ‘the task was to retrieve them, but it was never specified in what condition.’ That is the kind of cut throat ruthlessness that is required for success. My boys could learn from you.” His image turned red. Kiera shook her head, this man was more dangerous than she realized. How many more people like Roderick and Laney were loyal to him? “As for the fifth test, you successfully avoided a trap showing much cunning and not blindly following orders. Pugh.”
“This young punk doesn’t give respect to his betters and superiors. He wouldn’t give me what I asked him and mouthed off to me. Then he had the gall to be unphased by the contract I gave him! A contract that I thought would be the end of this little punk! He doesn't act like a true mercenary. Listening to women! Having non-humans on his ship! Sparing the lives of a contracted enemy and making his own, independent contract! He doesn’t respect the values of this organization at all!” Pugh sputtered, “We can make some good money by selling that Kingdom ship to the Vanatar! Don’t destroy it, Snowden!” His image turned white. Leaving only the quiet, domineering cyborg as the tie breaking vote.
He had been the one to give them the contract to destroy a station on the behalf of ‘the Empire of Strength’ during their feud with the ‘Empire of Might.’ Two of the three ships that backed them up had been destroyed, the third one fled. The Empire of Might’s station was in critical condition and they were trying to evacuate. In exchange for their three mecha, Kiera allowed them to evacuate. Once there were no more life signs on board she had the station destroyed. Skorv had asked them why. He had ended communication after they answered the question. Dalton had told Locke that unless they had killed someone Skorv would say no. There was no confirmation that they caused any deaths on the station, or that the man knew what he was talking about.
Steam poured out of Skorv as he shifted in his seat, his dead looking red eyes seemed to regard Locke. The ear wrenching sound of gears grinding on gears came over the comm with a terrible amount of feedback. Pugh shouted at him, but the other three Admiral didn’t respond. “I. Disagree, Pig.” he droned the same echoey rasping sound he spoke with before. “Cunning. To find. A way to. Make both. Sides pay. Adding to. Their strength. Valuing Life. Never said. To kill. Interesting. Interprets. His own. Perhaps with. Advice? Woman listen. Subtly communicate. Advise. Fairer. Sex. Always. More intelligent. Telling you. Pag’taks for. Years. To touch. A woman. Again. Cherish. Young Malachite.”
The light on his screen turned red. Kiera felt sympathy for the cyborg. He seemed cold and ruthless, but maybe there was a heart under all that steel and rusted chrome. She couldn’t feel his emotions over the viewscreen. Maybe the dead look in his eyes was sadness, or maybe she was just too sympathetic. Pugh and Pol’s screens vanished and were replaced by a new one.
A man more robot than human appeared on the screen. Unlike Skorv, he retained his full head, albeit with an ocular implant dominating the left side of his face. He wore a blood red dress uniform with white epaulets and combed beard with a handlebar mustache. His cybernetic components were clean, but bulky making him appear to be large and intimidating.
“You have passed our trials, Captain Malachite. Congratulations. I am Grand Admiral Ulysses Lupin, the leader of the Red Moon Mercenary Guild. Three of my Admirals have decided that you are worthy to join us. You’ve brought your own prosthetic. Good, good. You have impressed Admirals Uller and Skorv very much, both have requested that you serve under them as your Amiral. It is unusual for Admiral Skorv to make such a request so I am going to grant it. You will also work with Admiral Uller. You have also impressed me by stealing back our ship and the equipment on it. Admiral Snowden has decided to allow you to keep it as a bonus reward for getting his wife off of his back. Continue to serve us well and you will move up through the ranks, gaining access to our growing fleet of ships, weapons and armor.
“For the next year you will perform all contracts that you are given, our metric of time will be sent to you. After that probationary period you will be made a Full member in Good standing and allowed to visit Sanguine Luna. Your garbage will have to remain on board. Keep in mind that they are not members, only your human male crew are members. The Red Moon Mercenary Group is a Human Fraternity.”
Kiera scoffed, a misogynistic racist leads the group, she assumed that but hearing him act so proud of it made her want to vomit. She was grateful that she was in the office. The Bird of Paradise was sitting on her shoulder.
“I will send you a contact, the moment you sign it is the moment that you will join a most elite organization,” Lupin said.
A few minutes passed and Locke spoke, “I’ve sent an addendum to the contract,” he said, “My women are mine. I have two ships now, I’ll choose my own crews and expect a bigger cut to finance them. I also want mecha jobs, I have pilots on board for a reason.”
“You dare negotiate with me!” Lupin roared, “Snowden! Bring me that man’s head!”
A horrible low clanking sound came from Skorv, steam bellowed from him, gears screeched, metal groaned. Kiera felt her blood run cold, goosebumps rose on her skin. Lupin’s anger seemed to deepen, “The boy. Has balls. No. Wonder. He has. So. Many. Beautiful. Women. They. also. Aren’t. Cybernetic. Like. yours. Lys. He. Has. Points.”
“I quite agree,” Uller said with a smirk.
“I’d rather execute Trosk. This boy is six times as competent as that man. Instead of an increased cut, I’ll give you Trosk’s account. The other things should stand,” Snowden said, “Is that acceptable, Captain Malachite?”
“It is, Admiral,” Locke said.
“Be lucky all three of them spoke up for you, Captain!” Lupus snarled. He ended communication.
“Bold,” Uller said before he shut off his as well, “I don’t envy the contracts you will be given. Contact me once you have settled with Admiral Skorv.”
“Expect the transfer within a few days of your own accounts being set up. Skorv will guide you through it,” Snowden said, his communication ended. Skorv’s did as well.
Kiera walked out of the office, “Well, Captain, Looks like we’re in.”
“Yeah, and pissed off the Leader. I wasn’t going to redistribute all my women between the six of them,” Locke said, “Giving us a thirty percent cut of all jobs seemed a little insulting.”
“After we get Snowden’s money, I’m sending proof that he belongs to the Red Moon to the Empire,” Kiera said, “I just can’t let him get away with being a mercenary and an admiral. Who knows how many of the officers under him are actually Red Moon, how much he’s infiltrated our government?”
“I get the feeling that with the exception of Pugh, the Admirals are the real power behind the Red Moon,” Kinsley said, “they handled Lupin far too easily. Skorv being ranked below the pig seems strange, considering his familiarity.”
“We’re going to get a lot more familiar with Admiral Skorv,” Calvin said, “We just got orders.”
“No going back now,” Locke said.
“No,” Kiera agreed. “Take us there, Sage.”