002 The Captain Preposterous absolutely preposterous, thought Phalanx Commander Rham Vahld, insubordination such the one

the Captain was convicted for required a more severe punishment. Exile, is not severe enough to be considered punishment. Its not even anywhere near the pain of incarceration. Exile is a fresh start! How can that be punishment? Exile is simply not harsh enough. Rham took a mouthful rock brandy and tasted a fine grit of the residue of the filtering minerals before he winced in pain as the strong liquid sliced down his throat. He raised his glass as he swirled the clear gray liquid and decided that it still wasnt quite strong enough to get his mind off things. Special Infantry Taskforce Captain Wilgar Ronce, he muttered to himself. Slowly pronouncing every syllable of the rank and name with all the disdain he could instill in it. But no matter how he tried, he couldnt make it contemptuous enough to rid the name of dignity. It still sounded soso important. And that made him angrier. Wil Ronce was a decorated officer, so important it seems that his prison transfer required a small contingent of soldiers from his own Phalanx. He got angrier still and threw his glass hard against his door hoping that the sound of shattering glass would give release to his smoldering anger. But he was further disappointed at the unsatisfying thud of what might be mistaken as the sound of a rock hitting and rolling on the wooden floor. Moard! Once just once Id like to see my luck change on this ship! I cant even break a stupid wine glass! he grunted through clenched teeth. Commander? said a voice and a knock through the door. Is everything alright? No, nothings alright, Vahld mumbled inaudibly then he barked back at the voice, Come! Rather than opening the door wide, the soldier opened just a big enough gap to enter the room sideways and locked the door before turning around to face his commander afraid, slightly apprehensive at the object that hit the door. He looked around quickly and his eyes settled on the Tubalon shot glass. He realized his commander just tried to break the reputed unbreakable volcanic crystal shot glass. Pick that up, he glowered, gesturing to the wineglass on the floor. The soldier did as he was told, swiftly placed it within the commanders reach and snapped right back to attention. The commander puffed a big sigh and pressed his hands on the table to push himself upright. He tugged at the hem of his shirt to straighten it, and paced threateningly in front of the rigid man. He stopped close enough for the soldier to smell the alcohol in his breath. So a magnacled prisoner incapacitated two of you and was able to get away? began the Phalanx Commander in an even but menacing tone. He didnt get away sir we put him bac the soldiers head snapped back in a whiplash form the force of the Commanders backhanded slap.

You got him back because he was stopped by one Kaivee old man and two Heads. Two Heads mind you, and one of them was female, he continued in a scarily even tone. So I ask again how did he get away? He took us by surprise sir, replied the soldier, his voice now softer, more wary, less confident to justify himself. He was fast and unexpected. The commander considered for a moment, and gave an almost imperceptible nod. That he is, and you underestimated him. He iswas Infantry Special Task Force, theyre trained in adaptive combat. Fighting while bound is basic training for them. The other man considered his superior officers input and realized that it was correct. The Infantry Special Taskforce was good at what they did. And they did receive advanced combat training. Does it hurt? The commander touched the side of his own head indicating the place where the other man was elbowed earlier. Not so much now sir, still a little shaky though. He winced as he mirrored the commanders movements. How is the Sergeant? inquired Vahld, preparing to pour another shot of rock brandy but he stopped and put the bottle down. Hes not in any danger sir. He just cant talk for the next week or so. His tongue was badly wounded. At least hell be quiet. Perhaps we should get him to bite his tongue on a regular basis, the officer chuckled to himself. Anyhow this wasnt a complete waste; makes you appreciate why we have such protocols regarding the handling prisoners. He paused a moment but continued as the other man tried to respond. Ronce was easy on you, he still respected your station. He could have killed you if he wanted to. Any other prisoner of his caliber would have left you for dead, Vahlds voice took that level but deadly serious tone again. Phalanx Commander Rham Vahld stared the soldier down so close they could feel each others breaths. If the Captain ever escapes you again, and he doesnt finish you, I will. He said in a whisper. Is that understood? The soldier involuntarily swallowed, Yes sir, came the cracking reply. Good. Dismissed.

Vahld wanted to get back to drinking but for the second time decided against it. He never was a drunkard. And there was no reason to start becoming one now. Ronce, you and I are going to have some talking to do, he thought. He left his stateroom and proceeded to go down another deck, to the room that

served as the Captains cell. As he neared the room he heard a hurried rustling. No doubt that it was the guards who were startled at his footsteps and were trying to make a good show of alertness. Sure enough, they were at attention and facing forward when he got there. He allowed himself an inward smile and decided to let it go just this once. Open it. The one with the keys turned the lock, opened the door and went back to attention. The commander wanted to command them to be at ease but decided not to. That would serve as their disciplinary action. Thats as far as he would go to punishing these guards today. He decided to let go of the rage he felt in his stateroom when he received the guards report. He wanted to have the air of control when he talks to the Captain who quickly rose up, sat at the edge of his bedside, placed his magnacled hands between his knees and straightened his back. Despite the show of toughness, the bruise under his left eye was swollen and closed that eye almost completely. Still acting like an officer, Vahld observed. He turned his head to one side and ordered the guards, Deactivate the magnacles. Sir? came a confused reply. Deactivate the magnacles, he repeated, Is there a problem with your hearing soldier? No sir, just that we put those on him so that he wont be I know why we put it on him I gave that order. And Im ordering now to deactivate it. I will not have him looking like a whipped child when Im talking to him. That wont be necessary Commander, suggested the Captain. I did not address you Captain, Vahld replied without looking at Vahld keeping his eyes still fixed at the squirming officer, only a pointing finger signaled that the remark was meant for the Captain. I want it deactivated now, he repeated in a firmer tone. Two beeps signaled the deactivation of the magnetic fields and the prisoners wrists finally separated. The guard kept his thumb on the remote and his partner brought out his Standard Issue Tactical Weapon and trained it on the Captain. Theres no need for that soldier, Vahld commanded, and then he turned to Ronce, and spoke with a softer voice, is there Captain? No there isnt, he replied, wincing at the slight pain caused by the sudden separation of his wrists which pulled on his injured chest muscles where he was rammed earlier back at the promenade deck by that female Head. He took a sharp deep breath and exhaled the pain slowly away. See? Now, holster that weapon, thats an order, instructed the Commander. Reluctantly, the gun was put away and neither Vahld nor Ronce stirred. Vahld took an involuntary deep breath which betrayed his relief. Ronce managed a thin smile. Right, so, uhm clean up and change your clothes. Wear

somethingnormal, anything but your uniform. Vahld raised a hand to squelch the beginnings of an objection. Dont worry I promise you can still have it later. And why would I need to dress up? the Captain asked. Were going to the galley. It felt good to be out of the room. It was good to have fresh clothes on and not have his hands bound. The magnacles were still there. But for the moment they have been turned off and there was no need for pretense or excessive caution. Right here right now in open sea, no one had anything to gain by doing something stupid. Despite their actual roles in the present, they shared a table and a decent dinner like two old friends would. The Captain got disturbing stares from fellow patrons and attendants in the galley upon seeing his battered face. Most of the observers immediately pulled their eyes away from him and went back to what was apparently normal conversation. It was obviously not normal since a third of them were quiet just before they came in and started muttering after he entered the galley. What are you having? asked Rham. Fish if they have it, with a dark sweet spicy sauce. Youre buying? Like you have money, reminded the commander. Anyway regulations state that we should be feeding you properly. Locked up or not, youd be eating food cooked from this galley anyway, paid for by our department. All I did was give you a choice, and a change in setting. So if thats it, Ill call an attendant already and well order, Im hungry, reminded the commander. Vahld clapped twice loudly, and immediately an attendant scurried over to his table, head bowed waiting for an order. Food was served half an hour later. A large but light fillet of fish was served to the Captain smothered in the dark sweet spicy sauce that he requested. The commander had a plate of succulent shrimp drizzled with a light oil and seasoned with spices served along a side of vegetables. The two men ate casually and were pleasantly surprised that the food was prepared excellently in Rylexan fashion. Were it not for the injuries that were irritating the Captain, as he chewed, his dinner would have been perfect. Let me ask you something Wilgar, Vahld cut and ate a section of shrimp, where do you think you were going, running away like that? The Captain Wilgar Ronce was annoyed at the commander using his first name. He took a big gulp at his glass of Tubalon Rum and made a face at the potency of the alcohol. Away, just away. Even I would agree that it was a stupid move. It just seemed right at the time. Vahld, Ronce shrugged and swirled a piece of the fish in the sauce and shoved it in his mouth obviously indicating his discomfort at the first name address. So you were aware that thered be no where to run on this ship?

I did. That is classic Taskforce Captain Wilgar Ronce behavior isnt it, the commander recited the complete name and rank with mock enthusiasm and exaggerated cadence, gesticulating pompously like a politician driving home a point. You do what you want to do consequences be damned. I can take the consequences, Wilgar drained his glass meant to bring it down with great force but stopped within an inch of the table and firmly, quietly set it down. The Phalanx commander followed the empty glass with his eyes, winced slightly, anticipating a loud knock on the table and stared at the empty glass, then smiled wryly at his prisoner. You could have stomped on that glass and not break it. Believe me I tried, the commander paused. So, brilliant and decorated officer Ronce can do anything he wishes because he can take the consequences? Is that another one of your truisms from the famous ROR, the Rules of Ronce? Vahlds voice was taking one a contemptuous tone. The reason for this dinner and change of atmosphere was now becoming clear to Captain Ronce. Take that any way you like, replied Captain in clipped tones. The commander responded just as curtly. We havent met till this prisoner transport assignment, but Ive heard of you, Ive heard of Rocket Ronce the fastest rising star of the Rylexan Infantry Division, the commanding officer of Ronces Recruits. It was always Ronces this and Ronces that. More than a few officers were irritated at the fad that youve become. Ronce said nothing. Ive heard of your unique training methods that made your recruits score consistently higher than your fellow trainers. How you never shared any of these methods to anyone else to maintain your edge. Vahlds tone was obviously accusatory now. You know what, I dont believe any of that infantry poster boy image that you pretend to exude. I think youre a fraud and that you got that far by cheating. How original, Phalanx Commander. Ronce said with obvious sarcasm. Yes that must be the best explanation anyone has regarding somebody exceeding expectations. He must have cheated, very clever. He stared down the commander with his one open eye. However the fact remains that I didnt. All I did was get to know my recruits better and taught in a way suit the way they learn. And because my men did better than theirs, cheating is what theyyou come up with as an explanation. Everyone accepts it. Why? So that they wont need to face the possibility that this rookie, out did them. So youre a pioneer of modern military instruction, the Commander said with feigned admiration, I never knew how cutting edge you were. Look, being a soldier isnt about being user friendly. Its not about how you can turn a person into a soldier its about finding the soldier in the person and bringing it out. He poked the table with his finger in cadence to his speech to emphasize his point I wouldnt go so

far as saying as people are born to become soldiers. But the fact remains that we look for people with the disposition that we know makeup a good soldier. If they would fail they should fail as early as possible. I get them through training, meeting each and every objective set by the Curriculum Board at the Academy. I fulfill the syllabus in theoretical, practical and pressure testing exams. What is wrong with what Ive accomplished? Ronce countered. I cant put my finger on it, I really cant quite put my finger on it, but I have the feeling that by settling them in, into the system instead of rattling out their civilian antics out of them as weve always done, youve churned out recruits who maybe academically passable but deep down doesnt have the hardness required for duty. Your recruits are too soft. Rookie Frankly I dont know what makes a soldier tough or weak. And I dont see my methods making my trainees weaker. If the results say anything about it, its to the contrary, Ronce found himself raising his voice and didnt like that he fell of the commanders bait. Commander, I have no quarrel with you. Ronce said with an even controlled voice recovering from the earlier outburst. He didnt want another fight on his hands. You are the officer assigned to me and I respect your position and responsibility. But if thats all then dinner has been great. Could I return to my cell now please? Sit down, the commander said in response to the captain who was already half risen from his seat. I have not given you your leave nor have you requested it. You are forgetting your military courtesy, Captain. Is this what you teach to your recruits? Im sorry, sir Ronce forced a formal tone. Is there anything else sir? Look, we obviously dont like each other and this escort mission for your exile is the worst assignment Ive ever received. I dont like this ship, I dont like the people and I dont like where were going. Ive never cared for Kaivee territory or wooden passenger ships. But your sentence is unusual, exile. Vahld managed a snicker before tossing back a shot of the Rum down his throat. Dishonorable discharge would have been simpler. But I guess they were afraid you had too many loyal followers which may demoralize your unit. But you know what I think? He paused for effect. I think someone is looking out for you. Thats ridiculous. How does getting exiled come to mean that someone is looking out for me? Ronce asked not following the others logic. Well think about it, Vahld pointed a finger at Ronce while still holding his glass. They gave you awhat did they call it..a..an..an indefinite suspension of services. They even left you your rank, though you have no command. Think about it, in one way or another youre still in the fold. In the fold with complimentary magnacles, fancy jewelry Id say. Is it part of the new dress code? Youre not listening to me! The commander grunted through clenched teeth. They seem to want you disciplined but not thrown out. Dont take my word for it Im definitely not in the loop. But I smell

higher powers at work here. Look for all its worth Im sorry for the beating my men gave you and off the record, thanks for setting them straight. Were it not for the Court Martials order which gives me specific authority over you, youd be commanding me Captain, we both know that. He paused again trying to make sure he was getting the Captains full attention now. Whatever is going on someone making sure you dont get too hurt. I have no idea why coz if it were up to me Id kick you out. But seeing that you do have this second chance I suggest you dont waste it. The Captain gave the commander a skeptical look. Id guess thats their idea of adding insult to injury, a rank with no command and no compensation. Its like being given a gun loaded with blanks or an empty scabbard. No commander, this is a mockery of my station I am sufficiently mocked. Bitterness was now obvious in the captains voice. You know as well as I that sentences arent ruled that way. You may be called many different names by your detractors, me included, but stupid is not a word I have ever heard used to describe you. So stop being stupid. Mark my words, Youll be back. Its been three nights since that dinner and he still couldnt take his mind out of that nights conversation. Hell be off this ship tomorrow, 3rd Pier of the south port of the Loovimine Peninsula, at least thats what they told him though that doesnt exactly mean anything to him. As far as hes concerned one port is as good as the next one. The conversation somehow still bothered him, the suggested reasons for his exile instead of his outright dismissal. Vahld suggested that someone was looking out for him. That seemed very farfetched. He couldnt recall anything exemplary enough to merit any attention. No. He was deluding himself if he was going to pin his hopes on the word of his jailer. He always did his best and prepared for the worst. Its served him well so far. Right now he was content to have this night under the stars. He looked up and found familiar constellations. He remembered how the sky looked when his father was teaching him about night navigation. He didnt understand what he was going on about, finding the guide star on the eastern sky. Keep that to your right and youll be facing north, his father said. He realized that the night sky is all he would have left that would remind him of home its the only thing that wouldnt be alien to him. He laid down on nearby bench there in the promenade, placed his hands behind his head, and tried to make himself comfortable. But it felt to him like resting his head on a pipe, his magnacles were still in place and he couldnt remove it. He decided to just ignore it and start getting used to it. It wouldnt be coming off anytime soon, so he lay down again and continued to gaze at the stars. It was good to be alone, he decided, without his guards. Well, not quite without them, they were still there he mused, in plain clothes and not in his immediate vicinity. He turned his head and saw them and

gave them a nod. They nodded back. They gave him a wide berth, content to maintain visual contact. Their orders were to watch him. They decided to follow that order to the letter, just watch and nothing else. These two guards assigned to him heard of what happened to the other two. They preferred to remain uninjured for one more night. His mind drifted again to his ever present magnacles and was glad that they have remained deactivated since that dinner. In return he gave them no reason to turn it on. He cooperated with his jailers made conversation and maintained a general good mood. For the time being, he stopped thinking of himself as a prisoner. At least now he can bring his arms behind his head. The Captain realized that even under these circumstances, this contingent was the last bit of contact hell ever have from the Rylexan military. Maybe hell even miss them. He closed his eyes and breathed the salty sea air. It was actually refreshing, and he took in as much of this time as he could for himself. The gentle breeze and the soft rocking of the ship on the waves lulled him into a light sleep. The Legal Officer Hiero Compahn paused to draw their attention to himself. This was his case. He was going to win it. He will have Ronce and it will be a big win. There will be a conviction. He turned to the stand and raised an eyebrow which looked like an arrowhead pointing to his amazing head of fiery red hair. He paced the courtroom pressing a finger to his lips. All eyes were on him now and Ronce was on the stand looking unperturbed. This was an intelligent, highly qualified and ultimately overconfident young officer. Overconfidence, youth and naivet that will be what hell appeal to, that will be Ronces downfall. And you believe you could disobey the order because he trailed his voice cuing the captain to fill in the blanks. Sir, I was trying to save my unit from getting decimated sir. Decimated? Such a loaded word dont you think Captain. Surely, while every mission has its share of dangers dont you think thats a bit overdramatic? Sir, I believe the situation we faced then required act in a most expedient manner us to modify the execution of our mission, Sir. Your mission was to rescue Lt. Mallors and secure the coded message. Correct? Sir, that is correct, sir. Then why did you evacuate without the Lieutenant? Sir the Lt. Mallors was not at the designated extraction point. We waited for three minutes for his arrival before we decided to withdraw, Sir. Did you know that the Lieutenant was about to make it to your extraction point just another minute later? Comm transcripts made that clear. And because you withdrew, his escape route was blocked and the enemy found him and executed him on the spot. stated the lawyer as he began his tirade, his voice following a crescendo. The enemy deserted their camp but left his body behind for us to find. The lieutenant is dead, we lost the information and the enemy got away. Tell me do you even have anything to show for it? Captain Ronce a man is dead because of your desertion. The prosecutor let the question hang certain that the answer to his question was obvious, which is why the Captains prompt reply staggered him. That is affirmative, sir. On cue Counsel for Captain Ronce sprang up from his seat grinning. Honorable Arbiter, I would like to present to this Court Martial the audio recording of Lt. Mallors inside contact from behind enemy

lines. The recording contains salvaged information the same information that was gathered and lost in that operation. The arbiter propped up from his seat and leaned forward and addressed the Captain. Do you mean to say that despite the death of Lt. Mallors his objective was accomplished? Sir yes sir. How was that possible? Sir, after the failed extraction we monitored the extraction point from a concealed location and decided to come back after the enemy left, sir. Mallors was briefed to hide the information and pass on to a contact the means of retrieving it in case of a failed extraction. The prosecution decided to press the line of questioning. And how did you know who had the Mallors information? Sir, I checked Mallors mission files sir. Had it been any other grilling he would have allowed himself a smile. But he knew how that would not go to well so he took a deep breath to compose himself for an entirely different reason than what the prosecution thought. Excuse me?the prosecutor obviously puzzled and now also obviously irritated at how smug this Captain, Who gave you access to Mallors operation logs and reports? Sir, I am authorized sir. As commanding officer of the rescue mission I had clearance to see the files of the objective, eyes only of course. His files contained details of his mission updates and the name of his contact was in his report sir. Hello?...Hello?, an unfamiliar invaded Ronces sleep and he was awake even before he opened his eyes. He still saw pin pricks of light in the sky so he knew he wasnt asleep for that long. When he did open his eyes, he saw the old man from earlier that week, the one that blocked his way and got him caught. Can I help you? Was the most polite thing he could think of saying showing no indication that he was about to rise from the bench he was lying down on. Im sorry to wake you young man but I need to talk to you. The fatherly tone of the man was beginning to irritate the Captain. He was a stranger that acted like they were already friends, they werent. And it wasnt likely that they would ever become friends. Oh come now young man, dont scowl, I did it for your own good. You obviously werent going anywhere and they would have beaten you worse if they caught you later if not sooner. You have skill and I suspect discipline, but your character needs a little more work. My name is Bahtid by the way. He gave that fatherly smile again. That irritated Ronce enough for him to throw himself forward to sit straight up. My character? You dont even know me, Ive never met you before. Ive met your kind before. My kind? Ronce made a face to show his disbelief at the remark. Is that some kind of racist remark from one of the people of the Sky Kissed Skin? referring to the self aggrandizing characterization that the Kaivee use to refer to themselves.

Oh no, I wasnt referring to your being Rylexan if thats what you though I meant. I was referring to the other obvious fact, you are an exile, a Rylexan exile, most probably a transferee to the Rylexan Foreign Contingent since you were sent here. The Foreign Contingent? the remark startled Ronce because the thought hadnt crossed his mind. He was doubly startled that it took a Kaivee to present that possibility to him. Yet strangely it made sense. It was a win-win for the High Command to reassign him there. It ensured them that he will still serve his Federation but far enough away from the motherland to get him out of sight. How do you know about the Foreign Contingent? He managed to ask. I know quite a bit about the unit which the men themselves like to call the Wicked Brew, anticipating the next question, they call themselves that because they think theyre the baddest mix ever to be put together as an armed unit and that everyones scared of them, the elder smirked with that last remark. Im sorry is this what you woke me up for, small talk about Wicked Brew? Captain he paused for effect and saw the other mans face look startled, Dont be so surprised. I have ears and theyve heard others calling you that. And the other dayduring the time we crossed paths, the elder smiled and the play on words amused the captain as well. And it was late, the stern officers countenance that he tried to put up would not recover from the smile that was seeping through. Ive come to apologize and welcome you to Loovimine. Forgive me if Im not so enthusiastic about your welcome Elder, it was the Captains turn to show off his powers of observation, inflecting the word in the Kaivee manner to show that he was referring to the mans title and not his age. Dont look so surprised, the Captain mimicked, I have eyes and I know the status of the clothes you wear albeit not an official uniform. The bearing, the confidence, the age and the wisdom, I may even venture a guess of High Elder if Im not mistaken. Gat isnt it? That is the formal term of respect? The elders eyes brightened as if in appreciation of a good student that understood an important lesson. Very good Captain, but I wish you wouldnt say that out loud, he smiled. I am trying to travel incognito.