Claimstake: Nova series, #4

Taken

The child was miserable as they bounced along. He was bound hand and foot, gagged, beaten, then thrown across a shoulder and carried off. Tears of fear and rage ran down his face as he moaned in pain for his mother. She would come for him; they all knew it.

Faster, dammit, growled the man in the lead.

I can’t, Borry. Damn kid’s too heavy, panted the second man. You carry him for a while. Better yet, make him run on his own two feet.

Don’t be stupid, Dunc, growled the leader, as he stopped to catch him breath. Gratefully, the second man dropped his squirming cargo on the hard ground. The brat killed two men and maimed a third. We can’t let him loose and we have to get away from here.

Where’ll we go? They’ll find the bodies and Jass will talk. You know the witch will make him talk. We’ll never get off the damn planet. We’re as good as dead right now; those freaks are probably already on our trail.

Just shut up and let me think. We need a new plan.

Well think fast, Borry; we’re running out of time.

All right, we’ll do the last thing they’d think of.

Oh yeah, what’s that?

They’ll be expecting us to try to get off planet. Instead, we’ll head for the eastern continent. We’ll go to my place and grab that old speeder I’ve been working on. Senni can come with us to look after the brat.

Are you nuts? That continent is nothing but scrub forest, rodents, and bugs.

There’s lots of abandoned mines and town sites there as well. We’ll find a hideout and then contact the slavers. They can send someone in to get us. We’ll still get rich and we’ll only have to split the money two ways.

Who knew anyone would pay that much for a Spawn brat?

That stung the child deeply. He knew that some people hated and feared the Guardians, but to be called Slime Spawn truly hurt. He was old enough to know that some people actually believed Lady Arlessa had made the Guardians out of slime worms. He squirmed and tried to kick at them, but the man danced away then delivered a kick to his belly, driving the air from his lungs and the hope from his heart.

The boy was hauled up and carried off. Later he was stuffed into the cargo space of a small speeder and whisked away.

IT HAD BEEN NEARLY twenty years since the Battle of the Gap, as it was called. When the witches of Nova exploded a star to keep the empire at bay, they had inadvertently created a gap between Sector Nine and the rest of the galaxy. It was a wide stretch of space riddled with pockets of radiation and Erratics, as the wandering planetoids were called. Other unexplainable things happened in the Gap as well; things that could drive a person insane.

A few hardy souls had found their way through that maze and often made trade runs. Others just worked salvage on the ones that failed, while still others stooped to outright piracy. Collectively these people were known as Gap Runners. The majority of the trade was conducted by the Runners' Guild; a company of traders on this side of the gap and a network of smugglers on the other.

The Guild was owned and operated by a woman named Kella. When the Guild made a run it was usually escorted by a crew of super mercenaries from Nova Prime. No one ever attacked one of their convoys. At least, none lived to tell of it.

In the Borelian Free States, things had soured somewhat for the Novans. At first Micha and crew were hailed as heroes, but Micha’s hard stance against slavery soon had the people divided. Nova, and the five nearest systems it claimed as protectorates, had become somewhat isolated.

Both Lady Marla and Chieftain Lortax had tried to stay out of it but failed. The new Chieftain of Sega Clan had pressured Lortax to command Lessa and Micha to reverse their stance. The next in line for High Priestess had backed them. They said it would keep peace in the sector; that the changes should come slowly over time, through diplomatic means.

Novans responded by removing their Nara tattoos and adding a Nova sunburst instead. Those people who chose not to remain were helped to relocate elsewhere.

Severing their ties with the Nara further isolated the Novans. After Lady Marla retired, the new High Priestess tried to enforce her will by calling on Nova Temple to comply. After a short but private conference with both Arlessa and Norlene, she rescinded that command.

Micha and the Guardians watched as politics and greed tore apart the sector while on Nova Prime things had begun to deteriorate as well.

It all began with the children. The offspring of the Guardians were far too strong physically to allow them to play with the normal children. That interaction only happened under strict supervision.

Worse yet, the Guardians taught their offspring to protect the other children and to both ignore and endure any and all taunts the others might throw at them. This only made things worse as the parents began to grumble. Damn things think themselves so superior, even their kids won’t tussle with ours, muttered one father. They just ignore them and treat them like they’re inferior.

Not everyone felt this way of course, some were just the opposite. I like the Guardians, said one man. "Yesterday my son and I were struggling to put the bull in the pen, but we couldn’t handle him. Rathbone was walking by. He grabbed the bull by the horns and dumped him on his back. That bull was a lot easier to handle when Rathbone let him up.

He saved us a lot of trouble and possible injuries. They keep the slave raiders away, help with the work, and lots more. Sorry friends, but I just can’t see the bad here.

What if they turn on us?

Why would they? They protect us and we provide the food. Everybody works together and we all prosper. Where’s the bad in that?

The arguments went on. Over the years they became more intense, and the population of Nova slowly became divided. The crew and families tried to ignore it, but that only emboldened the troublemakers. They began to shout insults openly and the Guardians had to break up many fights between the dissenters and their supporters.

It eventually began to wear thin as the Guardian’s younger children started to retaliate, at least verbally. It was in this environment that, with the promise of great riches ringing in their ears, five men kidnapped the youngest child of Micha and Edie. 

Micha and Edie had taken the older children to a celebration gathering at a farm about an hour away. The farmer was a friend and strong supporter of the Guardians.  He had invited them to see his daughter’s new son and they all went, all except Kon. The boy hadn’t felt well so Edie had asked a neighbor’s daughter to stay with him.

They arrived home late to find the girl injured and unconscious on the floor. In Kon’s sleeping room there were two dead bodies and a man trying to crawl out the window. He had failed. The man was too badly injured to escape but the boy was nowhere to be found. Micha shifted to warrior instantly.

Someone took him. Edie, tend the girl. Michella, find the trail. Allore, fetch my comm then go help Edie.

Everyone sprang into action. Michella, the eldest daughter at twenty was much like her father, and she had a real flair for the things Miriam taught them about tracking and survival. Allore, the second child, was thirteen and determined to be the greatest healer in the Sector.

Micha’s voice was steady, but barely controlled as he used the comm. Micha to Ravage, come in Ravage.

Ravage here, Sir. It was a child’s voice.

Ravage, order seven, inform your captain at once.

What’s up, Boss? Jorge was instantly on the comms. He often took his youngest son with him for a night patrol and Micha usually enjoyed hearing the boy, but not this time.

Kon’s been taken. Nothing leaves or lands on the planet until further notice. Nothing.

Understood. Jorge hit the ship-wide comm and informed the crew of the new orders. Gunners were at the controls in moments. Within an hour the Freedom should be home to help.

Micha to Zartah, wake up Zartah. At Micha’s second call he got a sleepy reply.

Zartah here, Boss. You been partying?

Kon’s been taken. Michella is finding the trail, but I want Miriam just in case.

Understood. Coming.

Please, I need a healer... begged the injured man, but Micha ignored him. Micha to Brenna.

Micha, what happened? Brenna knew he’d never disturb them late unless he had to.

Kon’s been taken. I may need a dispatcher.

On my way.

Please, a healer...

Shall I see to him, Micha? Edie had just returned to the room.

Not yet, my love. Report. His voice was gentle as he spoke, but his posture did not soften.

Allore is taking Nella home. She’ll be fine in a few days once the bump on her head goes down, but I’ll ask Lady Arlessa to check on her anyway. I’ll go help Michella now.

Not yet. Edie stopped but said nothing. Micha’s cold warrior stance was keeping her panic under control. As badly as she wanted to go find her son, she knew letting Micha take control was the fastest way to get him back. Reluctantly she held herself in check.

Have you questioned him yet? she asked.

No.

Are you going to?

Yes, as soon as Ena gets here.

You called Ena?

I called Zartah.

That’ll do it.

Just then Brenna came through the door with Lessa. Zartah and Ena were close behind. Miriam’s on the trail, Boss. Murtah, Rathbone, and Keira are with her. Gorda took a fighter up to start searching the area.

All right, you, said Micha, as he finally acknowledged the presence of the wounded man, I want to know the full story here. Lie to me and this woman will know. This woman is a dispatcher. Tell the truth and she’ll ease your passing. Lie and I’ll make your passing more painful than you can imagine. Now start talking.

The man was already in great pain. Lessa touched him lightly and the pain subsided. That will allow you some relief, she said gently. Suddenly she shifted into that terrible voice from a darker realm. "If you lie, Micha will let me play."

The man swallowed hard then started to talk. Suddenly he was babbling, and the full story came tumbling out of him. The old Empire was being rebuilt by Loran the Second. They called him the Iron Emperor. He’d sent agents to a slaver offering a princely sum for a live child of the Slime Spawn. Micha ground his teeth at that phrase, but he said nothing.

There were five of us, the man said. We were making plans when we heard you’d left the boy home. That was our chance.

What happened?

We got in easy and found them in here. The damned girl screamed and attacked us. The boy tried to help her. He stuck Zale with that stone spear thing and brained Egger with that ball bat. Monk grabbed him, but the kid got loose, grabbed Zale’s blaster and shot me. Thank the gods it was set on low stun.

Low stun?

We thought it would knock out the kid, but it didn’t even slow him down.

Where are they taking him?

Zale’s farm, the slavers will be waiting there to take him back through the Gap.

Zale’s farm, said Edie, as she nudged one of the bodies with her foot. It rolled onto its back, cold glassy eyes staring blindly at the ceiling. Kon’s stone dagger was still embedded in its chest. Kon had been proud of that knife and had kept it beside his bed. I’ve been to his farm several times to tend his sick children.

Take us there, said Micha, as he turned toward the door.

What about him? asked Brenna.

Dispatch him.

No, please...

I can’t Micha. He’s not attacking me, and he hasn’t asked for release.

I can change his mind, said Lessa.

Micha whipped out his blaster and shot the man. The body jerked hard then went limp. Quickly, Edie. She hurried outside and climbed into the fighter ship Micha always kept at the farm. The others were right on her heels. They had never seen Micha coldly kill a man like that and it frightened them.

Edie was at the controls as the ship leaped into the air. Micha grabbed the comms. Michella, they’re headed for Zale’s farm.

No they’re not, unless they’re going the long way around.

Stay on the track.

Understood.

MICHELLA, AFFECTIONATELY known to the other Guardians' children as Mamma Hen, leaped from the house at her father’s command. A shrill whistle brought a huge dog bounding toward her. There had been such a dog at her side from the time of her birth. This was the third such beast. Eyes shining and tail wagging, he was ready for whatever adventure she had in mind.

Find Kon, Jak, she urged, as she searched the ground for some sign of the intruders. The dog started for the house, but she called him back. Find Kon, boy. Find Kon. Getting the idea, he began to snuffle the ground near where she was searching. A moment later he bayed once, then set out on the trail, Michella close behind.

The two moons of Nova gave enough pale light for her to keep from falling, but only just. Several times she called for the dog to wait. Finally he stopped for a moment to search an area, and then he was off again. The trail had followed a path leading southwards, but now the dog was travelling in a new direction over broken land. They soon came out at a rundown farm.

Jak snuffled his way up to the house, but did not attempt to go in. Instead, he made his way towards the barn which stood silently with open doors. The trail ended there. After a few minutes of trying to find the scent again, the big dog sat down and howled once. He gazed at Michella with sad eyes. He had failed her.

The girl hugged the dog and reassured him that it was fine, and his tail began to wag. She was reaching for her small comm unit when a fighter ship swept in and landed in the farmyard. Miriam, Zartah, Keira, and Rathbone spilled out of it. They were armed and ready for battle.

Michella to Micha. Her voice was cold and tightly controlled; Edie didn’t like the sound of it. The girl was a lot like her father when she was under pressure.

Micha here. They were headed for Zale’s farm and so are we.

Negative. They came to a rundown farm to the east. They must have had a ship hidden in the barn. They’re gone.

Stay there. Learn what you can.

Understood.

Michella’s shoulders slumped as she turned to the new arrivals. How did you guys find me? Wait, Jak’s collar; you followed his signal.

Very good, Little Micha, smiled Miriam. She reached for her own comm unit. Miriam to Ravage; Jorge, are you still tracking that ship?

Ravage here. It’s well out over the ocean now and still headed east.

Stay with it, she replied as she passed the comm to Zartah.

Zartah to Micha.

Micha.

We’re with Michella. They had a ship of some kind. Jorge is tracking something that left this area headed east. It is well out over the water now.

Understood. Zartah passed the comm unit back to Miriam as he followed Michella towards the dilapidated farmhouse. Michella, what are you going to do?

I’m going to find my brother and kill the men who took him. She whirled around and faced them all. Don’t try to stop me or interfere.

I will hunt with you. Miriam stepped up to the angry, frustrated girl. Remember what you’ve learned; remember who you are.

Michella’s shoulders relaxed a bit as some of the defiance left her face. I will, Aunt Miriam.

Count us in. Rathbone and Keira stepped forward, as did Zartah.

This is Michella’s hunt, said Miriam. What do you want us to do?

Should we search the barn?

No, Uncle Zartah. If they were still there, Jak would have found them. No, they’re gone, but someone might be inside who knows where they’d go. I intend to ask, and I don’t plan to be gentle.

Michella?

Just don’t let anyone escape. She spun and leaped up the rickety steps to the door and kicked it in. A block of firewood struck her chest as she entered. In the dim moonlight she could see a girl of about her own age standing in front of two small boys. The girl held up another piece of wood threateningly.

I won’t let you hurt them.

For a moment the rage flared in Michella’s heart, but she fought it down. She knew this girl, she’d had a crush on her for months, and could see she was only trying to protect her own brothers. Deann, you know me, and you know what I can do. I don't want to hurt you and I won’t, if you tell me where they took Kon.

The girl didn’t move or respond; she was too frightened. Michella picked up the stick that had been thrown at her. She twisted it in her hands until it shattered into a thousand splinters.

It’s over, Deann; I’m not a Guardian anymore. I won’t hold back, and I’ll kill anyone in my way. I want my brother back; you’d do the same. Please don't make me hurt you.

The girl’s shoulders slumped, and she dropped her stick of wood to the floor. Please don’t hurt them, Michella. They didn’t know what was going on.

Did you?

No, not until they dragged Kon in here tonight. I tried to call you, but Borry smashed my comm unit and said he’d kill me if I tried to contact anyone. He made my mother go with them to take care of the boy.

Where did they go?

They said they were going to the eastern continent to hide out and send for the slaver to come for them. They think they’re going to be rich, the fools. The slavers will take them too or kill them.

You’re a lot smarter than your father, Deann. That’s exactly what will happen. Who was the other man involved?

The girl hugged the two boys to her. There were four more. They were always out in the barn, working on that old speeder of his. He’s not our father, Michella; our father left us ten years ago or more.

Two of those men are dead and Poppa has the third.

Then Dunc is the only one with him. I heard his voice and he sounded scared.

He should be. Michella turned to go, but the girl’s voice called her back. There was a note of pleading there that touched her heart and cut through the rage.

She turned to see a teary-eyed Deann holding her brothers close. Michella, Borry isn’t our father. I don’t care what you do to him. Mamma had nothing to do with this; they made her go. Please don’t hurt her.

Michella’s cold rage melted in the warm glow of those tears. Dammit, this was no time for hormones or weakness. She turned away towards the door. I make no promises, but I’ll bring her back to you if I can. With that she was out the door.

Outside there were two more speeders on the ground and several of her friends waiting for her. All were the children of the Guardians. Did you find him? asked a tall muscular boy of about seventeen.

No, Palentine, I didn’t, but I will.

The boy flinched at the use of his full name. This was it; Michella was angry; the day had come. They all wanted it, but they had waited for Michella. He’d always known it would take a lot to shake her, but he knew it would happen. He was ready. I’m with you, Chella, and so are the others.

What’s going on, son? asked Rathbone, as he stepped up to the young giant.

Chella will explain, Poppa, but not now. Now we have to find Kon.

Agreed.

They’re headed for the eastern continent. They’ve taken Deann’s mother with them to look after Kon. I wonder if we can track them.

Jorge’s tracking something headed out over the ocean now, Michella, rumbled Rathbone. Probably them. Just then Micha’s ship landed and Edie leaped out.

Report, Micha barked as he reached the ground.

They’re headed for the eastern continent, said Michella. "They’ve taken a woman to care for him, so he is still alive. They plan to hide from us, and then call for the slavers to come pick them up. The Ravage is tracking them.

Father, this foolishness has to stop now.

The entire area fell silent under the pale moonlight as father turned to face daughter. Foolishness?

Michella took a deep breath then squared her shoulders. You’ve always taught us to defend the humans, to protect them. We’ve been forbidden to harm them in any way. We endure their blows and insults and still try to protect them. Because of this they don’t respect us. Father, it has to stop. Palentine and the others had stepped in behind her to show their support.

Micha gazed at her for a long moment without speaking.  Finally his shoulders sagged. You have your mother’s passion, Chella. I love that about you, but you must never let it take control. Sadly, I can see your point and must agree. I was wrong. However, we’re also humans; we need to bear that in mind. You’re right, this foolishness must stop. So, what do you suggest?

I suggest we be free to defend ourselves and our friends, but no others unless we choose to do so. I suggest you let me find my brother in my own way.

He didn’t respond for a long moment and not a sound was heard. Slowly, Micha began to nod his head. All right, Michella. You mission is to retrieve your brother; my crew and I have another errand. What do you need?

A ship and weapons.

Take my ship, said Micha, as he unbuckled his weapon’s belt and passed it to her, and my healer. Kon will want her when you find him. Do you need more crew?

I have a crew, she replied, nodding to Palentine. Silently he climbed aboard the fighter ship as she slung her father’s weapon’s belt over her