Space Brigade

“ Come on Jim, I reckon you’ve had enough!” Cap Beeta advised his intoxicated friend.

He, Jim Raga, and Pala Toms sat drinking in the Troopers Haven, located in the more precarious Eastern sector of Agaria. They had rented a small private alcove at the back to wile away the hours. The lighting was subdued, the mood sultry.

Five burly looking marines had been eyeing them allultrultrultrultrultrultrultrultratted idly to a Torokian rent girl, who hadn’t had any luck picking up a client. Periodically, he sucked on his Taloo shoot, a mild concoction of harmless narcotics, its heavy scent wafted across the night air filling the tavern.

Colonel Raga dealt with the loss of his men in his usual manner, drinking himself into a blinding stupor, trying to blur the images of his dead men’s faces, thinking if he’d read the situation clearer; perhaps more would of come back alive. He knew of course he had done his utmost, but nevertheless the faces still haunted him.

All three had been drinking Torokian star devils all night in the off limits tavern. Most men usually called it a day after downing two or three of the highly potent alien alcohol, but not Raga; he had already sunk six, and had ordered another. Raga seemed to like the murky surroundings of the Haven, most troopers avoided it, but if Raga wanted to go to the Haven, then that’s where they went.

Cap leaned closer and tried to prize the half empty tankard from Jim’s grip. Raga opened his eyes slightly; his breath stank of stale liquor.

“ Get your bloody hands off. I ain’t finished yet!” Raga slurred.

Pala leant over and whispered in Cap’s ear.

“ He did it again!”

“ What?”

“ That bloody big marine. He’s looking for trouble; he keeps looking at us. I think he’s gon’a start something!”

Cap glanced at the marines and remarked.

“ Ya could be right. We’d better get Jim out’a here.”

Grabbing an arm each they hefted the almost unconscious Raga to his feet. As they fought to get him up, one of the marines left his seat and staggered over. A stocky fellow with a full beard; he was obviously drunk and itching for a fight.

When he reached the alcove, he placed his large hairy hands on the back of a chair to steady himself, then pushed his face close to Cap’s and drawled.

“ You’re black scorpion scum.”

He referred to the black scorpion emblem on Cap’s lapel, although they wore no rank insignia.

Flecks of spittle splashed on Cap’ face as the marine let off a verbal assault.

“ Black scorpion scum are only good for shovelling puke and eating cadaver slime in the pits of Ormacronis. You’re not fit to lick shit off my boots. Pierce Force is a bunch of whining pussies who can be knocked out with a weak fart!”

“ Easy friend, we aren’t looking for trouble.” Pala interrupted as they again tried to pick up Raga, who had slipped from their grip.

Once again they got him to his feet and made a move to pass the marine who stood defiantly in the way, his arms outstretched to each side blocking their way.

“ I said you stupid bastard, you’re the dregs of the Galaxy. Your shit commander’s a stinking diseased infected coward. In fact I think I’ll rid the Galaxy of you personally.”

With this last comment, the marine lunged at Pala but missed. Cap was quick to intervene with a straight-fingered jab to the marine’ jugular. He wavered as he grabbed his painful throat and fought for breath. Pala shoved him aside and they moved forward and came face to face with the marine’ comrades. Quickly Cap and Pala placed Raga in the nearest seat as the marines advanced.

Cap punched the first full in the face then ducked as a fist flew at him. Pala was by now engrossed with the other two marines. As the wide punch missed Cap, he brought his fist up into the owner’s gut. Meanwhile the other had recovered from Cap’ punch in the face and again lunged out. Cap kicked out and sent him flying across a table. As he landed, he hit his head.

Pala had already dispatched one of his assailants, and was busily pummelling his fist into the bloodied face of the other marine. Cap grabbed the last conscious marine and brought his knee up hard into his nose, it exploded with a loud crunch. His nose broken and face covered in blood, he collapsed. Cap swung round to deal with any more, and

caught sight of Pala smashing a chair across the scull of the marine who had been sent flying by Cap’ kick

All five marines lay unconscious; the bar was in tatters. The barman still sucked on his Taloo shoot, apparently oblivious to what had gone on, or he just didn’t give a damn.

“ We’d better get the hell out’a here before the shore-cops show up!” Pala stated.

Grabbing Raga once again, they made their way to the rear exit.

“ What’s going on?” Raga mumbled as he regained minimal consciousness.

“ Just time to hit the road Jim, party’s over!” Cap answered.

Ambassador Morka sat silently in his cell, the drone of the energy shield doorway ever lurking in the background. He was well aware escape was virtually impossible. Even if he could deactivate the force field there was nowhere to run. Perhaps an opportunity would avail itself when they reached their destination, wherever that might be.

With all possibility of escape shelved for the moment, he turned his thoughts to what fate might be waiting for him. He had heard tall tales of the torture inflicted by Quat-tar inquisitors. It was said they could keep a captive alive and in great pain for days. He wondered if he could withstand such pain, or if he would eventually tell them what they wanted to know. He told himself repeatedly he would not break, his Nor-Trell training would hold him together, for the sake of his species he would not break.

The doorways drone stopped, making Morka jump. The Quat-tar captain, flanked by two others walked in. The captain glared at Morka disdainfully.

“ You will not last long. You are weak. Our inquisitors have broken stronger than you. You will give us what we want within hours, and be begging us to end your miserable existence!”

Morka sat looking at the deck, and answered.

“ I can only reiterate, you have the wrong person. I know nothing that could be to your advantage!”

“Not so. You could save yourself considerable pain and anguish by telling me your planets defence shield codes. Do so now, and I will see that you do not suffer.”

“ I am sorry, I cannot tell you what I have no knowledge of!”

The captain moved closer and put his face close to Morka’.

“ Then I will tell you what I know. I know you are Ambassador Morka, envoy of Tanteee, and member of the Imperial line. I know all Imperials are privy to Tanteee’ shield codes. I know you will eventually reveal those codes to us. I also know it was no accident we chose to attack the Pacificator. We knew you were aboard, you were given to us by the very species you would align yourself with.”

Morka did not reply, he didn’t want to chance verifying anything the captain thought he knew. Although the captains’ last statement shocked him greatly, why would the Coalition hand him to the Quat-tar, they would stand to gain nothing by such an act. No, he decided, it must be a ruse to get him to talk, something he would never do willingly.

“ I have nothing more to say, except your information is incorrect. I am a simple trader.”

“ Then you will die trader, die a most painful death. Many have tried to resist and failed. You will also fail!”

The captain turned abruptly on his heals and stormed out. The drone of the doorway re-activated, once again grating on Morka’ nerves.

In the narrow alley at the rear of the Troopers Haven, Cap propped the half conscious Raga against the wall. Pala hurried towards the corner, calling back.

“ Wait here, I’ll see if I can scrounge up some transport.”

Raga, oblivious to Pala’ calling, kept sliding towards the ground. Cap continuously tried to keep him on his feet.

“ Christ Jim you’re a bloody mess!” He said kicking Raga’ legs apart for better balance.

“ Hey! What’s going on here?” A voice called from the darkness.

Cap turned towards the voice, and saw the one thing he did not want to see right now. Approaching cautiously, stun baton in hand, was a rather large shore-cop.

“ I asked what’s going on here Trooper?” He said slapping the stun baton into his left hand.

The lighting in the alley was far too dim for the shore-cop to recognize Cap’ uniform insignia at that distance.

“ What regiment do you belong to? Who’s your commanding officer?” He inquired stopping short.

Cap steadied Raga with one hand, and replied.

“ Nothing officer, just on our way back to our billet!”

The shore-cop’s face broke into a small snide smile as he said.

“ I don’t think so. Your friend there is in breach of Network regulation one six four. I suggest you come quietly, or I’ll be forced to use this!” He gestured with his baton.

“ I don’t suppose we could come to some kind of err, arrangement?” Cap inquired, already knowing the answer.

The shore-cop shook his head and ignited the stun baton. Its tip glowed deep blue.

He had many hours experience dealing with drunken troopers and saw Cap’ move coming. He sidestepped neatly and brought down the stun baton hard on Cap’ left shoulder.

Cap, caught unawares fell and landed badly. It was then the shore-cop recognized his uniform insignia.

“ Well, well. I thought you black scorpion guys were supposed to be tough. I guess I was wrong!”

He shoved the baton into Cap’ spine. There was an orange blue flash as the baton discharged its energy. Cap grimaced as every muscle contracted. His eyes blurred, he became dizzy as a veil of darkness slipped over him. The cop gave him a final hard kick to his side, to check he was out, and then turned to Raga.

“ OK, your turn. Now stay where you are and this might not hurt too much”

The cop approached Raga’ slumped form. When he was close enough he reached out. Raga suddenly kicked out, his boot catching the cop in the crotch with almighty force. The cop bent forward and let out a small strained squeal. He dropped the stun baton as he grabbed his aching crotch.

Raga caught the baton in mid-air. The cop was now on his knees grasping his tender genitals, staring at Raga through watering eyes. Raga lifted the cop’s head slightly with one hand and said.

“ Funny, I thought you shore-cop’s were supposed to be tough. Well, guess I was wrong!”

Then slammed the hilt of the stun baton into the cop’s face. Blood spurted from the cop’s crushed nose landing on Raga’ cheek. The cop slid sideways to the ground, and unconscious. Raga kicked him again in the groin then moved to where Cap lay.

Fortunately the stuns effect only lasted a few moments, just enough time to get restraining cuffs in place, something the cop had not had time to do. Cap was just regaining consciousness. Raga bent and helped him to his feet, saying.

“ If that’s the best ya can bloody well do, I’d better send ya back to basic for a refresher.”

Cap looked at Jim in disbelief, his eyes still blurred.

“ I slipped!” Was all he replied.

As they staggered towards the corner, Pala came running back and almost stumbled into them.

“ Shit!” He said then noticed the unconscious cop.

“ I can’t leave you two alone for a few minutes without you almost killing some poor sod. Who is he anyway?”

“Oh only a shore-cop. Beat Cap though!” Raga answered sarcastically.

Cap opened his mouth to form some kind of defence, but thought better of it, and kept quiet.

“ Come on I’ve got a hover car waiting round the corner.” Pala said grabbing Cap’ other arm.

“ What about him?” Cap asked, referring to the cop.

“ Leave him. His mate’ll find him soon enough. We’d better get back to base, I only hope he doesn’t remember you two when he wakes up.” Pala answered.

The shuttle left the Rapacious and headed towards the surface of Secunda. She cut through the magnetic surveillance layer, which gave Secunda early warning of craft attempting to land.

Once through, they entered a raging storm. Wind buffeted the shuttle as the pilot fought with the controls. Ambassador Morka was tossed about, his wrist restraints cutting deeply into his flesh. The pilot threw the small shuttle into wild course changes as he dodged streaks of energized particles. It was like a roller coaster ride through hell. Finally the craft broke through the energized clouds into calm buff sky and descended easily to the surface.

Six other prisoners accompanied Morka on the shuttle, none Morka recognized. During his short time on the Pacificator, Idoo had supplied him with data on most passengers. These poor souls must have been taken captive before the raid on the Pacificator. He had thought to converse with one of them, but thought better of it when two others talked and received deep gouges across their ribbed cheeks as punishment. The others learned quickly and remained silent through out the journey.

The shuttle landed with a dull thud on the moist soil of Secunda, and the aft door opened with a hiss. The prisoners were un-coupled from their manacles; Morka rubbed his bleeding wrists as a guard shoved him aggressively towards the exit.

Outside it was bright, the sky was buff with streaks of grey sparking energy clouds. Morka turned his gaze from the sky to the drab surroundings. All around was vegetation, thick and haunting.

Two large metal doors protruded from a mound of vines, no locks or handles could be seen. The brown-green vegetation was virtually overgrowing the doors, and had been roughly cut back. Taking in all he could for future reference, Morka noted they had landed in a small clearing, not much bigger than the shuttle.

A hissing brought his attention back to the doors. They had opened slightly and a guard was jostling the prisoners through.

Inside was a long passage, lit only by a few dim glow-rods. Morka and the others were stood against the cold wall as a team of prison officers approached. One of them spoke to the shuttle guard. Morka presumed him to be the ranking officer.

“ Captain Nagriv has been in contact with home-world. The Tanteee is to be taken directly to interrogation.”

The shuttle guard nodded in acknowledgement as two prison guards grabbed Morka and led him away.

On Quat-tar Prime, Quat-tar Potentate Chief Mautur was pleased with the capture of the Tanteee. For years he had dreamt of conquering Tanteee. Its planetary riches would finance a new Quat-tar star-fleet, big enough to overthrow the Coalition. Once this was accomplished, he could turn his sights on the Executive.

Mautur sat proudly at the head of the crescent table of office with his joint chiefs of staff. They had been discussing the forthcoming aggression against Tanteee.

“ Soon we will be in the glorious position of being able to attack Tanteee. As we speak, the Tanteee captive is on his way to the interrogation chambers on Secunda.” Mautur announced.

“ I still think he should’ve been brought straight here, it would be safer!” Responded the officer immediately to Mautur’ left.

“ Inquisitor Zatch is the best there is. If the Tanteee had been interrogated here, he may have died before we gained the codes. You know Zatch can’t leave Secunda’ atmosphere.” Mautur answered, giving the officer a look of annoyance.

“ The Tanteee should’ve come here, and Zatch could’ve directed the interrogation via com-link. This Tanteee could be our only chance of invading their planet. I am in full agreement with General Antak!” Senior Admiral Targa, Chief of Quat-tar’ battle fleet stated.

“ That is ridiculous, the Tanteee is far safer on Secunda. Any attempt to rescue him is bound to fail. The magnetic layer would detect even the smallest craft. Zatch has far better extraction equipment there, where he can work his skills without interruption.” Admiral Keetor remarked.

Keetor would take any chance to make Targa look stupid. He wanted overall command of the battle fleet himself, and had ideas on eventually taking Chief Mautur’ place as Quat-tar Supremo. He had deviously fought his way up through the long line of officers before him, even having some of them assassinated when he could not find other less prominent ways of having them removed. He would chance anything to reach his ultimate goal.

“ There is a chance Zatch will fail and kill the Tanteee. After all, he has no knowledge of Tanteee psyche!” Targa emphasized, ignoring Keetor’ remarks.

Chief Mautur slammed his claw down hard on the table, making it vibrate.

“ That will not happen. I will not contemplate failure. Zatch will get the codes, if he doesn’t then he will die in pain even he couldn’t contrive!”

Targa and Keetor nodded in agreement, knowing that Targa had voiced something Mautur would not accept.

Jim Raga lay crashed out on his bunk. Pala had made Ventekian coffee for himself and Cap. Cap sipped at his mug gingerly as he rubbed his aching shoulder.

“ Painful?” Pala inquired.

“ Yeah, that cop sure had a swing to him!”

They both drank deeply. Cap licked his lips, and asked.

“ What time you got?”

Pala checked his chronometer and answered.

“ Time we got some shut-eye before Jim comes back to life.”

Cap smiled as he stifled a yawn, while Pala stretched out on the couch. Cap made himself as comfortable as he could on his chair. They had drawn straws earlier for the sleeping arrangements, and as usual Cap had lost.

Suddenly, in his half sleep, Cap felt a kicking in his out-stretched feet. Slowly he became aware someone was speaking.

“ Come on you lazy sod, get your arse into gear, we’ve got things to do.”

Cap forced his eyes apart. Raga was stood over him, and as usual no worse for the night before. It always annoyed Cap immensely that Raga could down buckets of alcohol and not suffer even a headache.

Raga’ uniform was immaculately pressed, and he was bright eyed and ready for anything. Cap on the other hand was a mess, his tunic was crumpled, his eyes stung, and his head thumped.

“ How come you never suffer?” He moaned as he slowly pulled himself up.

“ Never mind that, we’ve been recalled to the Phoenix!”

“ What’d ya mean recalled? We’ve still got three days left, and where the hell’s Pala?”

“ He’s out rounding up some transport. I suggest you get yourself cleaned up. In the meantime I’ll contact the Phoenix and see if I can find out why we’ve been recalled.” Raga answered as he moved to the billets COMM station.

Cap eventually managed to get to his feet and headed towards the bathroom, cussing to himself under his breath.