The fleets reorganized. The most damaged ships were sent limping back to friendly space for repair and refit. The several support carriers that came to the front were only half staffed with competent pilots. The remaining NachtHexen were pooled into the wing building corps. I bid them all and fought to get all the women I could under my command, including stealing some from the units already constituted and stationed on the ships. We were assigned to the Djazen Sand Sea.

We were given bay four. I quickly set out to establish it as the NachtHexen bay. Admiral Danylov came and interrupted my labors, however.

“Sir!” I saluted him.

“We need to talk about your case.” He said. “Follow me.” We walked into the briefing room. He stood at the front of the room and I sat in one of the chairs. He rubbed his face and sighed deeply. “We, some other Admirals and I, have reviewed your case. We have decided on summary judgement and I, as the first admiral in your chain of command, am here to inform you of our findings. The case has been dropped for contravening evidence to the claims made by Captain Zorko.” He looked at me hard. I stared back, a bit dumbstruck. “Nothing to say to that?”

“I’ll be allowed to fly again then? This whole attack from him is over?” I asked.

“Fly?” He laughed. “No, no. You aren’t necessarily being grounded though. Admiral Regev needs a replacement, Major Gezzini.”

I shot up in my seat. “Major? I’m being promoted?” It shouldn’t have been possible but my gay spine straightened more but I felt the cracking. “Admiral Regev? He got promoted too?”

Admiral Danylov looked sad. “A lot of good people lost their lives in the last battle. And unlike this fleet we have a lot of practical experience so we decided it was best to promote survivors.” A tear rolled down his cheek. He took out a piece of paper from his pocket. “You will let your replacement know. Captain Karpkoza is the new commander of the NachtHexen. Give her my congratulations. I have a meeting to get to now, good luck, Major.” He left the room.

I sat with the news for several long moments. Acquitted and promoted. I slapped my knees. “Lifes weird sometimes.” I jumped out of the chair and poked my head into the bay. I saw her in the corner. “Karpkoza, come here! I need to talk to you for a moment.”

She entered the room and sat where I had as I stood before her this time. “Yes, Commander?” She said.

“Major. I got a promotion” I corrected.

“Congradulations, Major.”

“You should be congratulating Admiral Regev as well.” I said, smiling brightly. She clapped. “Oh and one more person. You should also congratulate the new commander of the NachtHexen, Captain Karpkoza.”

“Me? Captain? Promoted?” She said in disbelief. “Me? Why? What? Why me? What have I done to deserve being promoted?”

“Sometimes it's luck. Sometimes it's hard work. And sometimes it’s skill. You have a skill, combat experience, which is lacking at the moment since many of our people were lost in the latest battle. ‘Oh ye lucky few, you survivors. You will train my armies and lead us to victory. The dead have won the glory here. But you will invest yours into the army to come.’”

“The king of Frushka during the Heinas Wars.” She said. “After the battle of Mulwicks.”

Leztugh popped her head in. “Comm–Major. Major Gezzini, Commander Yorielsk is in the launch room and would like a word with you.”

“Get things organized, I want the flight ready for combat as soon as possible.” Karpkoza saluted and I made my way to the control room.

The man stood, sneering as I walked in. “Well finally. I’ve been waiting for you for an hour now.”

“What is wrong with your face?” I asked the man. He frowned immediately.

“Excuse me, Miss?” Now I frowned.

“That is Major to you, Commander.” I spat his rank. “You need to get your mind right, Commander. Now, what are you here for? What do you want?”

“You are being ridiculous right now, quite frankly.” He said. “You need to show some respect.”

I was gobsmacked, my mouth agape. “I, me. I need to be respectful to you? Is that what you are saying to me right now, Commander?”

“Of course. I’m bigger and stronger than you and I am a man. On top of those reasons, your loser outfit lost a battle and then you people get promoted over us who didn’t lose most of their ships?”

I tried to stay as calm as I could. “Commander, how many confirmed victories do you have? First of all. Two, I am an officer appointed over you and, necessarily, have authority over you. You are a subordinate and you came in here angry and bothered at me. As for your sexism put that right out of your fucking mind quick fast and in a hurry and if you treaten me again, you wont have another chance.” I poked him. “Do I make myself clear? Little man.”

“I had the most victories in the simulations, that's why I was assigned the rank of Commander. I’m not a sexist, I love good obedient women who know their place.” He stepped closer into my area and looked down at me. He was about a head taller. “And I’m not threatening you.” He stuck a finger in my face. “When I do you’ll know it, bitch.”

“Back up, zero victory McGee.”

He staggered back. “Zero?” He yelled angrily. “How dare you, hoe! I’ll go toe to toe with you in the vacuum, bitch. How many do you even have? One or two in bed?”

“Yeah, totally not sexist, how could anyone think you could be?” I dripped with sarcasm. “If you can beat me in sim, I’ll put in the paper work to fight you in the vacuum. My victories, well lets just count them, shall we?” I pulled up my Service member records and history account. “One, two, three, four, five.”

“Pfft, only five?” He laughed at me. “You only have five? And you’re talking down to me!”

I stared at him, biding my time until embarrassing him. “Are you done? That was just against the pirates before the war started. I’m going to continue now.” I continued to count my number of victories. “Seventy-eight.” I finally finished. “So, seventy-eight to your zero. If you want to get spanked in sim, I’m more than happy to slap you for a hundred days in a row. I have thousands of hours of flight time and effectively infinitely more experience than you on the battlefield. So what’ll it be?”

“All that can be gained. I’ll be better than you in no time flat and you will be reporting to me, as Khavet intended.” His grin was insufferable.

I walked out onto the floor. “Get two ships ready for sim. The commander needs to be humbled. Cast it to the ship so all can see our battle.”

“Wait, what? I didn’t agree to that!” He came forward at me. “You can’t do that.”

I turned to him, with a shit eating grin on my face. “Scared of being embarrassed in front of the entire ship? Are you gonna be a little man child and cry to your mommy?” I purposely tried to goad him.

He started grinding his teeth. “Fine then. I’ll show you, little missy.”

For probably the last time I pulled on my flight suit. It felt like a bittersweet moment. I started to tear up a little. Nearly eight years of flying and fighting. Pirates, korveinians, they’ve all fallen to my expertise. A mock battle with a greenie should be no problem.

I jumped into my old girl and held back my sadness as best I could. The sim started and I locked in. He was terribly predictable. No finesse, no ruse, nothing except straight forward, frontal and fatal attack. We went twenty rounds, each time his approach became more erratic and desperate.

Embarrassing as it was. I decided not to continue the farce, so I disembarked.

“Get back in that fighter!” He yelled, trying to order me around. “I’m not done with you.”

“I’m not wasting my time on you anymore. Get out of that cockpit.” I said.

“Get back in there or I’ll do something to your cock pit.” He lashed out.

“You! That’s it!” I said, my ire burst to the Carmen line.

Admiral Regev came in. “I will win. I am the sim expert. You were cheating, you low life piece of filth.” He yelled. “You won’t take my victory from me! I’m better than you, you fucking whore. How worn is your sausage hole that you made it all the way to Major?”

“Out of line!” Regev yelled. The man flinched. “Get out of that fighter this instant.” He scampered out immediately. “You do not talk to your compatriots like that. We are in a war and you're a sorry excuse for an officer.”

“Sir, we are both men. We can be real with each other, right?” He asked in a decidedly more genial tone than anything he had used with me.

Regev folded his arms. “There ain't but one man in this bay right now. Me.” He stabbed his finger in the man’s face. “You are unfit to lead one of my squadrons.” He wrote something on his pad. “Leutnant, you are being busted down and we will find a better replacement.” He looked at his pad again. “Why are you wearing Commander’s rank? You were a captain before.”

“I’m dressing for the job I want, not the one I have.” He said meekly.

Regev grabbed him by the arm. “You are coming with me.” He dragged the man out of the bay.

I stood and looked around the bay. It felt so big and empty. I sighed. “Well that was something. Back to work everyone. I want this bay up and running as soon as possible. We are supposed to be moving forward soon.”

“Yes ma’am.” Captain Karpkoza saluted. “Well done, messing that guy up. I never had any doubt.”

 

I woke up and pushed myself out of bed. I was sweating. Disturbing events and images had harried my dreams all night. I used the wall to make my way to the bathroom, my tummy roiling. I flipped up the toilet seat and threw up, it was all dry heaving.

My remaining extremities shook violently as I tried to focus on breathing to calm myself. When I felt well enough to stand, I did my best to pull myself up. I hung onto the vanity for several minutes. I got into the shower and turned on the water as cold as it would go. My skin felt like it was on fire. I slumped and just allowed the water to wash over me. 

Several minutes later I was feeling well enough to towel myself off and dress. Before I slid my pants on I pulled my prosthetic on and fastened it where my missing leg was and pulled my pants on next.

I was trying my best to walk normally but I wasn’t used to the new leg yet. 

“Fucking korvys.” I said to myself. I made my way to the commanders meeting. The meeting was already in progress.

“Thank you for joining us, Major Rorke. You are late.” The general said.

“Yes, sir. I’m still trying to get used to the new leg. I’ll leave earlier next time.” I lied.

“Sit, we’ve just started. Kornel Premysil, please continue.” The general said.

“Yes, sir.” Premysil said. “The fleets are moving forward to the Visulat system. There is one habitable planet in there, though it is barely habitable. Seventy percent of Visulat four is covered in water and the land mass is ninety percent desert. There are no civilian korveinians on the planet though some are inmates at the prison colony there so be careful of who you are shooting.”

“We are here to fight against Korveinia, not to wipe out the people.” The General added. He checked his notes. “The duty roster says the fifth sky drop brigade is in the chute. The ninety-nineth SDB will be their back up. Once one of the two manages a bridge head the third brigade combat team and first artillery battalion will be sent in to exploit and reinforce breakthroughs.”

“Will there be any aerial support?” I asked, being a battalion commander in the fifth SDB.

“Good question.” The General said. “I’m glad you are paying attention. The naval forces are sending a few of their squads. Some were mentioned, the NachtHexen and Goriondel. Both top notch flights from what I understand.”

“I know the commander of the NachtHexen. We served together when she crashed on my home world. She is a quality pilot and commander.” I said.

“A glowing review. I’ll pass that on to the support carrier’s wing commander.”

When the meeting finished I limped away. I went to have a meeting with my captains. We went over the information I’d received at the other meetings.

“So all that being said.” I said. “We need a plan for attacking this place.” I pointed at the prison on the map.

“What are the defenses looking like?” Captain Urduz asked. “What sort of tactical scouting can we expect?”

“They sent a probe the other day, it should be arriving within the day. We will know more at that point, but I want a rough idea for an attack.”

“Certainly, Major.” Captain Torlag said. “These mesas to the north could be used as the staging for the artillery. Our ground forces should surround the settlement. Pound the thing for a few days then move in to sweep away the rest of the trash that resides there and move on.” He sounded so confident.

“And what of the prisoners?” I asked. “You will just murder the victims of the Empire?”

He looked confused. Captain Lukonia gave him a pad. “Did you read the prelim intel at all, Ignio?” She asked, folding her arms. “This is a prison colony. It houses humans, khaveni, uthradiri and some korveinians that are considered unreliable by their government. Most of those people were forced to relocate to ‘Great’ Korveinia over a few hundred years. We cannot wantonly slaughter innocent people.”

“True enough.” Torlag said. “We could still surround the place and attack in an echelon style."

“I wonder if it wouldn’t be better to surround on all sides and send in a strong force to assault the inner yard. Liberate the cell blocks as we go.” I said. “I’m thinking, two companies to sweep through the prison, two to stay outside for cordon duties.”

“What about resistance?” Lukonia asked. “Ones that are uncrackable, I mean? Is it just going to be us?”

“Reinforcements will be sent, they can go in the prison with us, if it gets too crowded, the rest can stand guard on the perimeter as well. If the korveinian defense is really that strong we will just use artillery to bury them. I won't accept a high casualty rate.”

“I think the Major’s suggestion is made of success and strength.” Torlag said.

“Definately a plan that lends itself toward victory.” Lukonia said.

“Right, well you are all dismissed for now. We will be clearing rooms heavily, so room clearing tactics and urban warfare should be on the training regiment.” I said. They began to walk out. “Captain Lukonia, one more thing.”

She turned. “Yes ma’am?”

“There was a support carrier called the Castalan Lukonia. What is the connection there? Or is it just a coincidence?”

She smiled sweetly. “I am sort of a descendant of her.” She said. “She had a brother. My family came from his line but no one remembers the hero of Buzenshnit-Lauthgelag. Sometimes
I just tell people she is my ten times great grandmother. I’ve seen a painting of her and we look similar so it's not totally unbelievable.”

 

I observed the training sessions of my commanders. I did my best to stay back and allow them to do their thing. I wanted too much to jump in and correct deficiencies, but I held back and allowed mistakes to happen. I reported them to their particular captains who went and corrected their leutnants and sergeants and so on.

By the week's end, two companies were clearly ahead of the others. I stuck with them the most and watched as they drilled relentlessly. We finally shoved off and headed toward the prison planet. I gathered my captains again for a meeting.

They filed into the room and took their seats. “I’ll keep this short and sweet. Torlag and Lukonia, both of you will command my assault companies. Orduz and Smith, you two will be cordon and defense.” I pointed at the other two captains. “Does anyone have any questions?”

“When can we expect to have back up or artillery support?” Torlag asked.

“I’m pushing for within the first four hours. But to do that I need you all to take your objectives as quickly as possible. Once the guns can be secured they can land and start shelling.” I flipped through my paper work on Operation West-Anglin-Morris. “The NachtHexen is covering your landing, they will bomb the ADA. I am optimistic that things will go smoothly. We have to remember though,–”

“No plan survives contact with the enemy.” They all said in unison.

I smiled. “Oh, you all know me far too well. I’m going to hug every one of you.” I sat down when I had done so. “You have another good day and a half for training. Let them rest the days after, no terribly strenuous activity. I want everyone in decently fine shape to head down there. I’ll also arrange for a fine meal. There will be a mandatory dining event the night before.” I waited, nothing more to say. “Does anyone have anything else?” I asked. A long moment stretched out before me as I awaited anyone of my captains to ask a question. When I looked at all of them in turn I finally responded. “Whatever happens, it has been a pleasure serving with you all. Tell your soldiers I express the same to them.” They saluted and left the meeting room.

I walked the hall with my usual messed up gait. I was getting better at using the prosthetic but I was by no means perfect. Not that I think I would ever get used to it. Would my friend Tannen recognize me? Nothing good would come of dwelling on that. The eve of battle was no time for doubts.

I traversed the cold pitiless hall. The metal brutalist aesthetic was not helpful for my sullen mood. What could you do about a warship though?

I came into the mess hall and grabbed my afternoon meal. A fried eggplant Ma’ushka in a vlashisi sauce. The tart noodles mellowed nicely with the slightly sweeter sauce. The earthy eggplant complimented both flavors in a way that satisfied my taste buds like no other food ever did.

After my meal I went back to talk to the captain of the food service korps.

“Major, may I ask what you are doing in my kitchen?” The man asked as I walked in.

“I need to talk to you about impending deployments.” I responded. “Hand me a hair net or show me to your office, Captain.”

He tossed me the article and I wrapped my hair up. “So, let’s talk then, Ma’am.”

“I have twelve hundred soldiers going into battle in a few days. I need a predeployment meal plus the same amount delivered to the battlefield for the duration of the battle.”

“I am only authorized to deliver one hot a day, ma’am. You will have to make arrangements with your supply to get MREs daily to your troops.” He said, hands in the air. “Now there's nothing I can do about what I’m authorized to deliver, no matter how much you ask, I can only do one.”

“I am aware of the one hot directive. I’ve already notified supply of our forthcoming need. I just need my battalions one hot from you.” I said.

“As long as it is understood, ma’am.” He slid a piece of paper toward me. “Get this back to me before the end of the day. I’ve got to plan some people’s final meal.”

I filled out the paper then and there and handed it back to the  salty serviceman. I also sent the battalion’s food allergy registry from my pad and left the kitchen.

 

I sat back. The day had come, my captains, leutnants and first sergeants sat before me. A knock at the door interrupted me as I was about to speak. Leutnant Barros opened the door. A khaveni commander was in the doorway, a short man, his skin was the lightest than any I’d seen from his people before.

“Major Rorke?” He asked in an unusually high pitched nasally voice. I nodded. “I’ve been assigned as your XO, sir. I just arrived–”

“Major Rorke is a woman, sir.” 

The new commander stared at Captain Lukonia. “You will not speak out of turn, little girl. I will assign punishments later. In fact, you will be the vanguard of the attack for that outburst.” He decided.

“Commander, you are not in charge of this battalion. I am.” I said calmly. “Sit in the commander’s chair and keep quiet. You can observe but you will not hand out directives. We were a well working machine before your arrival and I will not allow your dickless flailing to jeopardize the lives of my soldiers. Do I make myself perfectly clear, commander?”

“Pfft, they said you were a tranny tyrant. I was hoping for better from you.” The whole room stood. Their knuckles as white Irajros, the whitest star ever measured. I remained seated and placid.

“All of you sit down, now.” I ordered. Everyone sat down except Lukonia and her crew. I patted the table with my palm. “Sit down Captain.” She and her crew slowly sat. I turned to the commander and looked at his name tag, it was written in standard khavenish. “Commander Lushkia, have a seat now. Keep your mouth shut. We will have more discussion on your behavior soon. In the meantime, observe.” 

I turned back to the table and turned on the AR sim. A complete map of the prison spread out before us. I added my units to the sim. I reached out and grabbed the resulting figures and handed them to each captain.

“Show me for the final time what the plan of attack is.” They proceeded to break their units into tactical pieces and moved them around the map pushing and sliding them around and attacking and overcoming strong points that were being piloted by the computer but extrapolated from a weeks worth of drone recon. Commander Lushkia looked displeased.

“You are having the tattooed one lead the attack like I said? You have no right to freak out against me, Major Tranny, SIR.” He folded his arms and sat back. Lukonia made an AR ball and threw it at his face.

He batted at the ball, as he flailed wildly he fell out of his chair. The entire room broke out in laughter. “Captain Lukonia!” He screeched. “You tattooed bitch! I’ll never forgive you for this or ANYTHING your people did to mine!”

“You are just being disruptive at this point.” I bent down as I looked at the man’s face. “Get out of my meeting now, commander.”

“I am the victim here! She threw something at me, sir!” He barred his teeth at me as he dragged himself to his feet. “I’m taking over this battalion, this outfit is clearly out of control and desperately needs righting expediently. You will all follow my orders now, do you understand?”

He was met with silence.

“Ma’am, may I have permission to speak freely to this man?” Captain Lukonia asked.

“Please do.” I sat back.

“My people did some messed up things in the past, your people did some messed up things in the past. I can’t change the aruzhli massecre. You can’t change the countless people crucified or otherwise murdered. I’ve accepted that both happened and I’ve moved forward because I don’t want those things to taint unified khaveni because we are stronger together. No matter what you, a shitty scummy bastard says, I know that most of the Ruzha people are decent just as most of Eukoria are mostly decent people.” She paused to take a breath. “You are the exception. An awful person and I will not, nor will anyone in my company follow you. Ever. So shut the fuck up and listen to the Major’s orders.”

He took a step toward her, I blocked him with my arm. “Out.” I ordered and pointed at the door. He picked up his chair and threw it at the wall. The chair bounced back and smashed him in the leg. The whole room laughed again. On the verge of tears, he ran out of the room.

“Don’t worry about him.” I said when the laughter had died down. “We’ll get a different one.”

 

I was baking, this was the hottest part of the day. It was days since I had been slammed roughly into the cage. One asshole had even snuck a quick finger in my cloaca. It made me feel violated and dirty. Not to mention a profound sense of shame, the way they laughed about it afterward.

After a week I began to hate, weakened though I’d become from, what I was told, was only a three hundred calorie a day diet. Every day I watched as the feeders would rub their genitals on my food or piss on my water. I had to eat and drink. As gross as it may be, survival meant doing what previously seemed an impossibility.

I would not let them defeat or break me so easily. If they wanted it, they would have to work for it.

The sweet relief of sunset began to cool things off. I sighed and kept trying to think of how best to disrupt and attack my enemy’s plans.

A figure was walking toward me, he had a swagger to his gait. It was probably the General. “Zhohash!” It was him after all. I sighed in annoyance. “I have good news. Tomorrow morning you will be let out of that cage. You even survived, well done for that by the way. We will play chess and I will see more of your survival skills.” He squawked and laughed as if he were having a manic episode. “I will see you later. Don’t you go dying now, my fag lad. I’m going to have so much fun with you.”

I said nothing, just stared back at him. His smile dropped after a minute. Finally he turned on his talons and left without another word.

I was exhausted. I had slept maybe fifteen hours out of the last two weeks. It was hard to tell. I settled and tried to catch a couple more hours of sleep at least.

I woke up suddenly to the sound of gun fire. I looked and twisted around as much as I could to see what was happening. Anti-air and space craft batteries were firing wildly into the air. At the apogee of their arc they exploded and silhouetted… ships? Many ships.

I relaxed. All my plans fell from my head. There was nothing left to do, I decided. Either my enemies would start shooting the prisoners of this concentration camp or whomever was invading would. In the best scenario the invaders would limit their strikes and save the prisoners. But this was war and war didn’t recognize a person’s status as a civilian, soldier or prisoner. Bullets, bombs, whatever, it didn’t matter, all could rinse me just as easily.

Our lives were in the hands of luck now.

I could hear the heavy sounds of ships landing and yelling of death. The fire and booms of war. The symphony of horrors that left people mangled and unrecognizable.

I watched the course of battle from my hated perch. The attackers, who seemed to be overwhelming, pushed the korveinian troops back easily. They were swept away violently and suddenly. Many surrendered quickly, the rest stood and fell to a flanking attack. It was almost a ballet, the movements of the invaders were so coordinated and precise. I was impressed.

They swept through the square outside the headquarters building and began assaulting it immediately. Grenades tossed into the building big booms, one came flying back out and some of the attackers fell to it. Other soldiers set up a perimeter and fought off attempted counter attacks. An hour later they exfilled and began pushing the line forward once more toward the detention barracks. I swung in my cage.

A few more soldiers came out of the headquarters with the general in tow. His wings were tied behind his back and he was forced to sit on the ground. I saw a couple korveinians making their way around the building.

“Hey you soldiers! There's some Korveinians coming around this way toward you, on the right side of the building!” I called out, my voice sounded gravelly and broke over the words themselves.

I started taking fire from the korveinians. The soldiers jumped into action immediately and without cover the korveinians were taken out quickly.

“Get that person down and out of that cage now!” A feminine voice said. Some soldiers came and released me. I was weak and could barely walk. I felt so sick. They sat me next to the General. “Thank you for the heads up Mr…?”

I tried to speak again but my voice caught in my throat. The General cut in. “He is Zhohash, a pirate that has been attacking my ships and stealing my prisoners.”

“Is that true bird man?” The woman said. I could see her name and rank. Captain Lukonia. I nodded at her. “Get this man some food and water. Also a blanket.” She turned back to the General. “What have you been doing to people here? My compatriot reported some suspicious smoke stacks and ovens.”

“Starvation. Random killings. Keeping these lesser beings as scared and destablized as possible. It was the job I was tasked with.” He smiled happily. “I was damn good at it and I had the courage for it.”

“You sound happy about the horrors you’ve apparently visited on the people here.” She said.

“Extreamly so, in fact. You lessers need to be put in your place. We are lords of this galaxy for a reason and so we shall remain for the rest of time.”

“Look where you are, captured.” She said.

“Great Korveinia will weather your insurrectionary efforts, my lesser.” The food, water and blanket came. I was aided in eating and drinking.

I cleared my throat and in a raspy voice, I managed. “Thank you, Captain Lukonia.”

The General looked at me. “I’m sad, Zhohash. An upstanding man such as myself against a fallen man could have gotten up to some very good chess.”

“I’m sad you didn’t die in the assault.” I said. “Air is wasted on you. What isn’t going to happen is these fine people are going to give you what you deserve, a bolt of plasma to the head. You are evil and the sooner you die the better off all living people will be.”

He smiled at me. No hint of satire or guile was in it. “That was beautiful, Zhohash. Thank you for speaking so eloquently to me.” He laid his head down on my chest. “You are truly a great man like me!”

“Get off of me! What are you doing?” I said with disgust. A soldier pulled him off of me and kicked the general in the side. “You deserved that.”

Other prisoners started streaming out of the barracks area and were gathered outside the headquarters. Several soldiers were captured and gathered with the general.

“Please! I didn’t even want to be here. I hated every minute of it!” One of the former guards protested.

“Just following orders?” One of the leutnants said. “I’ve heard that excuse before. Nuremberg may not have upheld it but the Baltimore trials refuted it as an excuse."

“No! I promise! I saved people's lives, please!” The man begged. A woman pushed forward into the circle. “Her! Her! I stopped one of those psychopaths from killing her!”

Everyone looked at the woman. She looked uncomfortable at all the sudden attention. She was nearly skeletal in appearance. Gaunt and boney. “It's true, he did stop them from killing me in the showers.” She looked at the General. “That one, however, is a rapist. He assaulted me several times, told me I’d die if I didn’t–” she flinched. The captain hugged her.

“It's ok. He won't hurt anyone else. We’ve got him and we won't let him go.” She reassured the woman. “XO, I need you to take all these people back to the safety of the ships. Keep the guards on lock down and arrange for food for the starving. Remember the 1812 protocols for refooding them.”

Many of us were put on litters and carried out beyond the fences that kept people out who had attempted to run away before. As we approached the transport ships we were gathered near them and given food.

The big guns, situated behind the ships, started firing. Some of the soldiers started handing out ear protection to the former prisoners when we had received ours they gave some to the guards.

After a quick meal we were taken onto some transport ships and brought to the hospital ship. The guards were taken too. The ones that weren't hurt were taken to the various brigs on the several ships, or so I was told.

One of the medics and his ‘security detail’ said I’d be treated then transferred to one of the brigs but the soldiers that took me in said I was a prisoner and my new guards seemed to relent on that point.

Years of battle and guerilla war had taken its toll before but now with the couple weeks trapped in a cage I really was not doing too well.

 

I assigned my flights their objectives as the enemy fleet came near, they were still a half hour out at the shortest. I felt strange. I wanted to be suiting up right now. I observed as my NachtHexen got ready and went to the briefing room. I had started toward the locker room but when I opened it I remembered I wasn’t a flyer anymore and left.

I watched as they launched and waited. The screen offered an easy and safe way to watch. I felt useless and pensive. I was uncomfortable sitting on the sidelines.

Regev appeared at my side. “How are you holding up, Major?” He asked. “Congradulation on the promotion, by the way.” He was smiling brightly. “I meant to say that earlier but that man needed taking care of.”

“I am ok, thank you for that by the way. I am feeling a big strange need to be totally honest. I feel like I should be out there, fighting with my women. I miss the feeling of the cockpit, rocking and rolling and fighting.” I shook my head and looked at him. “I kinda miss the danger. Not that I had much to worry about, being able to see the Etherials and all.” I added quickly. “But that doesn’t guarantee safety.”

“Go on then. You are a front line type of woman. I’ll hold things down here.”

I turned to him suddenly. “Sir! That would be abandoning my post! I couldn’t do that.”

“If you are properly relieved there is no problem. I’m in a position to do that. And I’m offering, of course.” He said. “Go on, fly and fight. Look.” He pointed. “Captain Ortega just lost their ship.”

I walked to the door. I turned to look at him again. “Thanks, sir. I’ll go lead Ortega’s pilots to victory”

“I always promised you we would work things out, didn’t I?” He asked.

I ripped off my clothes as I headed toward the locker room and put the flight suit on. I got into my fighter and launched from the bay. I hit my burners to make up space into the fight. The etherials were thick in the middle of the fighting. Without hesitation, I headed in.

“Major Gezzini, is that you?” Captain Karpkoza asked over the radio.

“Correct, captain. I can’t stay off the battlefield.” I said. “I’m picking up command of the WidowMakers since Captain Ortega lost their ship.”

“Good hunting, Major.” She said almost relieved. I suppose she was happy I didn’t think so little of her as to take away her first battle command.

“Good hunting.” I said, then to the WidowMakers. “Alright, I want a good alemani front then we break into a korovendagier as we approach for the attack. Good copy?”

I got aknos from the pilots left in the squad and we went back in for the attack. We broke and fired and continually warned and fought for those with etherials near them. I did my best, but as usual, I couldn’t be everywhere at once. Some exploded into a quiet and unforgiving vacuum, others were lucky enough to have their pods intact. Some, as they were escaping, were attacked and blown up anyway.

This was not ok.

“NachtHexen Leader." I called out. “Pods are fair targets, they are targeting ours.”

“Akno, ma’am. Will relay. Over.” She responded. Shortly the enemy fighters were retreating.

“Pull back everyone!” I ordered. “We hold a kilometer from our lead ship. NachtHexen and WidowMakers. All back.”

“Check that order, Bay leader.” Regev said on my private channel. “I’m ordering all of you back to the carrier now. We have company.”

 I relayed the orders to my troops and I aimed for one of the catches in the NachtHexen bay. I went directly to the control room and looked at the radar screen. “What is happening, sir?” I asked as I entered.

“Another fleet is approaching.” He said, pointing at the interlopers. “There is a question as to who these new people are.”

“Another korveinian fleet?” I asked.

“Could be. Could also be those Uthradiri have finally decided to attack instead of just defending their own territory.” He rolled his eyes. The lazy leg of the revolution, they have started to be called among the humans and khaveni.

We sat and waited. Captains reported to me the numbers of dead, injured and lost ships. I noted them down and passed them to General Regev. We waited to see what this new force would bring. I hoped for the best.

 

The two battle fleets were before us. Both their flanks were angling toward us as if we would attack them both, but there was only one fleet we wanted to smash into a trillion pieces. Our fifty ships dropped out of uberlight on the approach and the three fleets made a cute little triangle shape that I noticed for a moment and it was quite satisfying to be totally honest with you.

Our ships paused, fleets staring at each other. You could cut through the tension with a swipe of the tail. I breathed and exhaled.

“Call the humans and khaveni, I believe it's time we had a little chat.” I steepled my fingers and watched as the screen came on. After a few moments a human Admiral was looking at me. “Hello, good sir.”

“This is Admiral Danylov of the Homo-Khaveni alliance. Who are you, sir?” The man asked.

“I am the Emperor of Uthradon and it would please me greatly if we were to make these korveinians submit to our will. Will you join me for this battle?” I said.

“Sir!” The communications man said. “The korveinians are calling.”

“Let us have a three way then!” I declared. “You don’t have a problem with that, I trust, admiral?” He nodded his accent. “Do it.”

The screen split and a bird man showed up. “This is Supreme Commander Go’urkin. I am authorized to give you clemency if you resubmit yourselves to Great Korveinia. Your leaders will be required to once more swear fealty to the Emperor.”

“Emperors do not swear fealty to other Emperors.” I said. “You birds are over and your country’s rot is fully exposed. We have knocked it hard and the final blow comes soon. History tells us a country that was, can never again come into being. We rise and you die. That is the way of things.” I said.

“We are the free people of humans and khaveni and we reject forever your people’s tyranny. We reject your authoritarianism and will forge ahead in love and freedom. Up your’s, Supreme Commander. And up your Emperor’s too!” The admiral said.

The bird commander looked angry and was clearly seething. “Then I let loose the birds of war and as She did in centuries past GREAT KORVEINIA will subjugate you small races once more. Launch all fighters! The battle of prison 213 is joined, the final stand of the lesser people is now. Cut the transmission.”

“The bluster of these birds! I will say that for them.” I said. “Shall we take them on?” I asked.

“A hard fight, but winnable. I believe they are on their last leg.” Danylov said. “Good hunting, uthradiri Emperor.” The screen flickered off.

“Destroy the korveinian flag ship. Cut the head off the snake.” I ordered. We closed in on the enemy fleet, I opened the ship's comms. “How are we looking with our cables?”

“I’m hoping they will hold, but I must continue to stress that I cannot guarantee them continuing to work after any given firing event.”

“Understood.” I said. I sighed, please hold, please hold, please hold. I kept saying to myself.

I waited for the weapon to charge up. We crawled closer to the fleet. I could hear my blood rushing in my ear. Time felt distorted. I leaned forward and gritted my teeth. I heard the ding of the filled buffer. I smashed my arm rest with a fist.

“FIRE!” I ordered.

The arcing fire inched forward, the tendrils of lighting-esq flashes changed from moment to moment. I tried to keep my breathing as steady as I could. The beam shot forth and slammed against the shield of the korveinain ship. Slowly it chewed away at the protective layer.

It broke through. The ship lurched sideways and the beam ate at the haul when it finally dissipated the ruin left at the firing’s end was significant. A hole was left in the haul, if there had been air, it would have been a smoldering mess. I could see furniture and bodies slowly floating out into the vacuum.

“Prepare the next firing solution. Target their largest un-scathed ship. I want this battle dusted as early as is possible.” I said.

Though they had the larger fleet, the korveinians failed to coordinate their defense. We would go in for attack and their ships would stack on us, then the khaveni and humans would sweep in on the other side and we whittled them down. Their numbers were quickly reduced to even.

Our beam arced out once more and rinsed their next biggest ship. Internal explosions turned the wreck into a husk. I suppose it was all cooked bird and singed feathers in there. Their fire power severely reduced, they began to fall back. Like the battle of Oglonin, they pressed against each other and failed to efficiently escape the melee.

The allied fleet held back. I continued to pursue using my forces. We nearly encircled them but several were able to escape the slaughter.

 

I tried to focus on the personnel file in my hand. I was too distracted. We chased what was left of the korveinian fleet. The uthradiri had fallen back and now followed us at a distance. Another of our fleets was nearly ready to be put into service. Millions across the homo and khaveni worlds had signed up, simulation schools were running around every clock in both governorates. The wrights couldn’t build enough ships fast enough for all the volunteers. The populations had been sufficiently roused to action.

Spies said many korveinians were demoralized by our early victories and the grand fleet’s inability to prevent our movements. The media from the empire made me smile whenever I watched their songs.

A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. “Come in.” I said to the mystery person.

Regev walked into the room. “Admiral Danylov, good to see you sir!” He said with a salute. “I have official business, sir.” I offered salutations and put my hand out for the paper I saw in his other hand. I looked, it was a recommendation for a reward for Major Gezzini. “Her actions in the battle?” I flipped the page. “Took command of a subordinate unit when the leader of that unit was otherwise incapacitated.”

“I also have a posthumous award for them, sir.” He flashed another packet of paper.

I gestured before my computer. “Set it there. In fact, hand it here.” I signed it without reading. “They deserve one for sure. Here, file it properly.” I handed it back to him.

“Oh! You know, I remember when saw this brilliant flanking move. It was very impressive.” I rubbed my chin. “Yeah, ok. I’ll sign the recommendation.” I did so and handed it back as well. Another knock at the door.

“Come in.” I said. My secretary. “Yes, sergeant?”

“The bridge called, your presence is requested, sir.” She said.

I looked at Regev. “Join me for dinner later, Admiral.” He nodded and left and I headed for the bridge.

There was almost an electric feeling on the bridge. Everyone seemed in excited spirits. I went to the Kornel. He saw me. “Admiral! I have excellent news! The commander of the korveinian fleet wants to meet.”

“Meet? You mean he wants to talk over the communicator? Surely.” I said.

“We did.” He said. “He requested an in-person meeting. Apparently it's nearly mutiny over there. Wants to save himself and his mariners, I suppose.”

“You have the authority to accept surrender. The Admiral on the Revenge has the authority to accept it too. Why am I being called about this?” I questioned gently.

“He said he wanted to talk to the highest officer in the fleet.” He stared at me.

“Yeah, checks out. I want to command from the front and now they surrender to me. Sure, why not? It’s fine.” I said. “Have the arrangements been made?” 

“Admiral Bruning has and your ship is waiting in the NachtHexen bay. He also prepared a list of the government’s maximalist and minimum demands.”

“I have to send him a thank you.” I left for the bay. When I arrived I walked into the transport ship.

“Sir, welcome to the transport ship to peace.” Sergeant Orion said. “I have your peace packet here, sir.”

“So you are my assistant during these surrender negotiations?” I asked.

“I can certainly act as such. I am a slow typer and bad writer though.” He said. “Also we can’t leave yet, the pilot has gone for a quick tinkle.”

“Ok.” I poked my head out of the ship. “Captain Karpkoza, you will bring Major Gezzini and yourself onto this ship now. Hurry along.”

Both made their way on the ship shortly. “You needed us for something?” Gezzini asked.

“We’re going to accept the enemy's surrender.” I told her. “Major, you will be my assistant. You will write down the particulars of the agreement. Sergeant, you will be my secretary, you will control the papers. Captain, you will be my pilot, get us there then get us back.” I opened the locker with pistols. “In case they try to pull something, everyone grab one of these.”

They did so and we were off. We docked with a well beat up ship. The scars of battle were clearly present. If this was the best ship they could bring for these proceedings, no wonder they were surrendering. We locked with them. I waited for their delegation when the door opened.

“I am commander of the battered grand fleet,  Admiral Taluv.” He put his hand out at me. “This is how you humans do your greetings, correct?”

I took his hand and shook it. “Indeed. I am Admiral Danylov of the Fighter-bomber Corps.” I directed him to our meeting room. Gezzini was already in the room taking notes. “I understand you wish to surrender.” I said as we sat at the table.

“I don’t want to.” He said defiantly. “I have recognized the futility of the situation and don’t want to waste my life or the lives of my sailors. Supreme Commander Go’urkin died the other day and I am left as the highest ranking person. And while the Emperor would like me to make a stand, it's just not on the cards. So here we are.”

“Very well. Shall we discuss terms?” I asked, Orion handed me the paper of demands. “We will accept the fuel cells of your weapons and shields. You will be escorted to Ungderfeg where your ships will be placed in impound and your military and civilians will be housed on the planet until such time as peace is concluded with the government of the Korveinian Empire, such as it is. Do you agree to these terms?”

“I agree in principle with your terms. I object in particular to the assignment of Ungderfeg as the site of our incarceration. We know that the planet is experiencing drought and starvation. We would prefer a human or khaveni planet to serve as a prison until the conclusion of hostilities, OR such time as exchanges are offered and accepted by both sides."

“I will do my best to satisfy that request, but we are shipping supplies into Ungderfeg and things have improved there somewhat.” I countered. “Now, how many of your military personnel fall into these categories? One, fit for service. Two, injured but fit for duty. Three, injured and not fit for duty. Four, conscripts or otherwise in involuntary service. Five, dead.”

“I can get a proper report to you on those accounts.” He said sheepishly. “May I ask for depleted shield cells, not more than thirty percent filled? Just for defense from meteors and such, you understand.”

“I want those numbers as soon as is practicable.” I said. “As for fuel cells, you may keep depleted ones to the aforementioned level for defensive purposes only. They will not be transferred to weapons arrays.”

“I will make sure of both accounts.” He said. “Is there anything else you would demand of us?”

“Sir!” Karpkoza’s voice came over the internal comms. “I need to talk to you for a quick moment, please. It’s urgent.”

I looked at the man in his eyes. His beak slowly opened. “Don’t let me keep you from your business, Admiral.” He said.

I left without a word and went to the cockpit. “What is it, captain?”

“The fleet received a message from the uthradiri, they are requesting to be part of the surrender negotiations. Their Emperor said they have a natural interest in the outcome of the meeting.”

 I leaned back against the wall and rubbed my temple. “Call our fleet back and tell them the terms have already been agreed to and the papers have already been signed.” I went to leave the bridge.

“Is that true, sir?”

I stopped and turned to look at her. “It doesn’t matter. I told you the message to send. Make it happen, Captain.” I walked back to the meeting. I couldn’t risk the lives of anyone for the ego of some upstart Emperor. This surrender was both too significant and too insignificant to allow them to get away now. I couldn’t be allowed. I reentered the room. “Now that I’ve taken care of that, Major, are the surrender papers ready for signing?”

“I’m finishing the terms editing right now, sir. Should be a few more minutes.”

“Get it done now.” I ordered. She looked at me for a moment then went back into the computer as if she were just punched. I shook my head. “Sorry, my wife’s water just broke and I’d like to be there for the birth of my kid, if possible. That’s what the call was about.”

“Understood, sir!” She said without taking her eyes off the screen. “I’m on it. Um, what is the korveinian year? I want to make sure I have it right.”

The Admiral looked at his pad. “Three, seven, nine-two-nine-nine-five, is today's date.” He said sadly.

The paper was printed and in my hand within two minutes. I handed him the paper to review and I did the same with mine. It seemed fine to me. I waited for him.

“Ok, everything looks good here.” He signed his copy and I signed mine. We traded and signed each other’s. “I’ll get those items to your flag ship, sir. Good day.” They retreated to their ship and we detached and flew back to the NachtHexen bay.

 

When I arrived back, Kornel Evenin was there to meet us at the bay. “Sir, the uthradiri Emperor wants to talk to you about the surrender instrument."

“Tell him to talk to the government. I follow their instructions, I am not under his command and I will not accept what recriminations he wants to lay at my feet.”

I walked by and headed back to my room. My wife was laying on the bed, reading a book. I smiled at her. “I have had a hell of a day.”

 She closed her book. “Tell me about it.” She got up and gave me a hug.

“That cute janitor seems to be pretty clean. If you will excuse the pun. I think we could approach him for a little fun.” I smiled. “I also lied about you being pregnant."

She slapped my chest playfully. “You told him I’m pregnant!" She exclaimed. 

I laughed. “No, no. I lied to the korveinian surrender delegation because the emperor of the uthradiri wanted to comin and fuck up the meeting! So I lied to get things done quickly.”

“You’re going to have to start from the beginning on this one, I think.” She said. “In fact, I think I would prefer to talk more about you fucking the cute janitor man.”

I kissed her and we went to have dinner together.