Night Hawk: Storm Front

By Jolene Loraine

Book Four of the Night Hawk Series

The Oxyrans are gone. Unrest plagues the planet. Earthenia faces a deadly killer. For David Malard, the challenges he now faces will test trust and allegiances as his people battle to protect their freedom. But not all is what it seems. Though Candonians stand firm with the Humans, alliances begin to splinter as enemies battle to tear the planet’s civilizations apart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jolene Loraine
• Release date: Oct 26, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463295151

Jolene Loraine

Born with a passion for storytelling and influenced by film, author Jolene Loraine has begun her publication career with stories of fantasy and adventure, rich with deep character struggles and growth. In February of 2012, her first book, a short story series entitled, White Horse, was published through West Bow Press, chronicling the life of a white horse and the challenges she faces in a mountain realm. In June of 2014, Jolene launched her first full length novel series, Night Hawk, realizing a twenty year dream. Along with writing, Jolene Loraine is active in filmmaking, participating in the independent film community of the Pacific Northwest as everything from a grip to screenplay writer and performer. In October of 2016, she became the owner of White Horse Entertainment, LLC, an independent film company she works diligently at with great hopes for the future. With professional puppeteers for parents, she has developed skills as a puppeteer on the live stage and in film. She has also studied swordplay, performing for five years with the Seattle Knights. She plans to continue her work on the Night Hawk series for both publication and film.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Pounding hooves churned the snow. Massive bodies crashed through the trees, sending showers of leaves and ice tumbling among the frozen brush. Stealth no longer mattered – speed did. The prize was at hand for those fast enough to catch it. The Riders Corps had been well informed as to the importance of their mission, and for them, it was personal. Not long ago they had been cheated out of their chance to capture high-level Vairdec intelligence officers. No one felt like repeating history.

Barton Ro’deser and Gabriel led the way. They had come far since their first uncomfortable meeting on the fields near Eenosha. Though he had originally questioned David Malard’s recruitment, Ro’deser now proudly accepted his role as the Riders Corps’ commanding officer. Sharing equally in the task and commanding the Candonians was Gabriel, whose powerful strides carried Ro’deser through the Naharan’s deep woods. The value of the Candonians’ partnership could not be argued and their strength in the field was without equal.

Keeping pace at Gabriel’s shoulder were the youngest members of the team. Nathaniel Darson rode low over Black Ice’s neck as the colt’s long strides kept him close to the larger stallion. Though he would have preferred the teenagers staying further back, Ro’deser had long since resigned to their lack of military respect. Their unabashed recklessness in the field often unnerved their superiors, but each time they proved capable of coming through unscathed.

Site ETA two minutes, Ro’deser announced. Take positions. Watch for snipers.

Black Ice lengthened his stride, urged on by Nathan who pulled his rifle from his back. A sharp whinny from Gabriel drew the eager youngster back. As competent as the two proved, neither he nor Ro’deser were about to let the hotheaded youths be the first to charge into enemy territory. A screaming cry ripped through the trees. The Humans ducked low over their Candonians’ necks as showers of snow and twigs cascaded from above.

Larkrae, Ro’deser warned.

Slamming his feet into the ground, Black Ice slid to a halt while Nathan rotated in the saddle to seat himself backwards. His night vision band picked out the lithe movement of the carnivores as they scrambled through the trees. Raising his rifle into position he gave a cunning smile.

Got ‘em.

Two dropped from well-placed hits. One victim, still alive though fatally wounded, bounced off the shoulder of Ryneesha Colby to land squirming and hissing on her Candonian, Samalah’s, neck. With a squeal Samalah began to twist and buck, nearly unseating her rider in the process. Desperately Colby struck at the larkrae to dislodge it and leave it to bleed out in the snow.

Darson, she snapped as she righted herself in the saddle.

What? he snapped back, still firing into the trees.

Another larkrae tumbled under the churning hooves of the last two Riders to pass. The rest scattered, screeching as they went.

There goes a surprise attack, Gabriel grumbled.

Ro’deser shared his sentiment, but kept his focus on the mission. They were in good position and even with the larkrae raising an alarm, the likelihood of the Vairdec escaping was slim. The Riders had already spread out in accordance to the plans prepared back at base. With the Candonians’ speed and agility, the located camp would be quickly surrounded.

Darson, Ro’deser called, remember, no killing. We need them alive.

"Why remind me?" Nathan returned with no amount of subtlety in the annoyed tone.

No killing, Ro’deser emphasized.

It was an order they had all been strictly given, though Ro’deser feared it was far easier to plan such things in the safety of a military base than on the battlefield. Regardless of orders, he would do what was necessary to protect his team. He just hoped he wouldn’t have to stand up for Nathan if the kid forgot during the frenzy. At least the larkrae gave him something to shoot at.

The vicious alien hunters of the Vairdec were already returning despite the death of several in their ranks. Since the war’s end, the larkrae were left to fend for themselves. Those lucky enough to have warming collars still around their necks managed to stave off the winter chill and survive in the Naharan. Already trained to attack, hunger drove them mad enough to try tearing into anything that moved. They made the woods all the more dangerous, and the current mission all the more difficult.

Black Ice held his ground on a small rise in the trail as Nathan continued to fire into the branches. The creatures were learning fast and began spreading out to avoid Nathan’s line of sight. Their screams echoed among the trees. Black Ice moaned. He longed to bolt up the trail and leave the horrid beasts behind. Standing quietly to allow Nathan the best chance of felling the larkrae went against his natural instincts. However, his bond with Nathan and the desire to do his part in the mission held him in his place.

As he stood, he scanned the woods, relying on his sense of smell and hearing more than sight despite wearing night vision of his own. A movement off to his right drew him around. It was much larger than a larkrae and was navigating the ground as opposed to the branches. Though upwind of them, the shape and sound did not match the creatures Black Ice was familiar with. Raising the alarm, he dropped back on his haunch, pivoting off the trail to dive in among the undergrowth. Nathan fell across the colt’s neck, gripping him tightly as he scanned the area. Before he could ask for an explanation, a shot passed close to Black Ice’s head. The Candonian reared.

Sliding purposefully down his back, Nathan dropped into the snow to take a position across from the shooter’s location. Black Ice also went down to lie flat among the foliage. Their decision came just in time as shots cut through the air above them. From where he lay, Nathan could see nothing beyond the trees and with the shots coming from two directions, it was clear he was dealing with numerous opponents.

Where are you, you pissin’ sobs, he whispered.

At the sound of gunfire, Gabriel wheeled about. His call alerted the other Candonians’ to where the danger had been located. Those in the back altered their course to swing wide. Their adversaries held their ground among the trees, staying out of sight as they took positions to target the oncoming force.

Talk to me, Nathan said, his focus never straying from the image provided by his scope. I need a target. Where are they?

Rising slowly, Black Ice slipped silently through the foliage in hopes of taking a small game trail up the other side of the path to provide Nathan with eyes on the Vairdec’s exact positioning. Nathan’s scope was specially programmed to recognize those of his own team, their locations appearing on the readout. Without moving his weapon, he switched to thermal imaging. It was not ideal in the cold forest, where every woodland creature, along with the Candonians and Humans, were visible. It would take careful discernment to decide which targets to fire on. Luckily the recognition system still functioned, although his view became all the busier.

A pair of unmarked bipeds appeared between his crosshairs.

Got you.

Nathan squeezed back the trigger to drop one of the two. The other dove out of the way, moving with incredible speed and agility. No wonder these Vairdec were so hard to catch. They were good at woodland stealth. However, Nathan wasn’t going to let that stop him. A shot burned past his head, the laser fire lighting up his scope. Squeezing his eyes shut he cursed the thermal imaging despite its accuracy in felling one of the enemy soldiers.

Fia. You going to help me out here? I can’t do this alone.

Ease it, Darson, Ro’deser snapped.

One of these days that kid would have to learn he was not the center of everything. Gabriel slid to a halt. Shots struck a nearby tree, sending Ro’deser to the ground to return fire while Gabriel retreated to better cover. As his team reported in, he could tell the enemy had split their forces into three units. The situation was growing tense. If they weren’t careful, they would be the ones surrounded instead of the other way around. He barked out orders to instruct the Humans to take stationary positions and let the Candonians take advantage of their stealth to create a wide circle enclosing the Vairdec.

Black Ice slowed as he angled back toward the main path. Though he couldn’t see the Vairdec, he could hear and smell them through the trees just ahead and above Nathan’s position. Dropping his head low, he moved as close as he dared, quietly calling in his findings. A figure rose up from the bushes off Black Ice’s left shoulder. He wheeled around to strike but the sudden force of a large black form threw him back off his feet. He squealed in terror as he tried righting himself.

In the meantime, the newcomer turned back on the figure that had leaped out of the bushes. A numbing shot toppled him. Another rushed up from the side, but a shot drove him back as a surprising call flooded over everyone’s comlinks.

"Jyt avar. Jyt avar."

The Celehi order drew the two sides up. As it was not their native languages but one they both knew, it was clear the command was meant for all in the area. Black Ice scrambled to his feet and gave a quick whinnying call of recognition. Phantom swung his masked face toward his younger brother with ears pinned back. This was not the time. On Phantom’s back sat Night Hawk, gun raised and ready to fire again on the figures among the trees. His hawk-shaped mask provided superior vision that allowed him to see everything clearly.

Jyt avar, he said again as shots could be heard a short distance away.

Ro’deser’s voice quickly came over the comlinks. "Report."

Auh avar swaleet’na.

With a quick check of his intel-band, Ro’deser identified the speaker. He had orders to obey Night Hawk whenever the mysterious agent was in the area. If he was reporting that they were shooting at an allied force, he was ready to listen.

Cease fire, he told everyone. Hold positions.

The figures Night Hawk had shot were coming to. The numbing pulse was enough to knock them off their feet but not enough to drop them into unconsciousness. Black Ice pressed against Phantom’s side to see, to his great surprise, Teshian soldiers approach. Nathan hurried forward, his gun still aimed at those he had been shooting at moments earlier.

Lower your weapon, Night Hawk ordered.

He was thankful for the new comlink collar that not only changed his voice over the system but for those standing nearby. It was clearly a necessity after the close calls two nahms ago during the Oxyran attack on the Celehi colony.

Nathan hesitantly obeyed. After a quick assessment of Night Hawk, he moved cautiously toward the Teshians.

Fia. You? he said. What are you shooting at us for?

One of the Teshians eyed Nathan’s rifle before studying the location from which the youth had come. Spitting out a Teshian curse, he whipped his gun around. Nathan did the same. Phantom let out a fierce battle cry as he lounged in between the two and forced the Teshian aside. Black Ice staggered back to unintentionally block Nathan. Night Hawk swung his aim first to the Teshian, then to Nathan before returning his focus to the instigator.

Hold it. Hold it, he snapped. Jyt avar. Darvain.

Disregarding any formalities, the Teshian let out a stream of heated accusations in his own language. Luckily Night Hawk’s equipment included a translator, which let him clearly understand how Nathan had killed the Teshian’s fellow soldier. Nathan’s comlink also translated, causing the youth to try pushing his way under Black Ice’s neck to face his accuser.

Who shot first? he yelled. Don’t blame me for being a better shot.

Enough, Night Hawk snapped.

Gabriel slid to a halt nearby, adding to the muscle needed to keep a shootout from once again flaring up. Two more Candonians eased from the shadows behind the Teshians. Ro’deser jogged up with gun in hand. From further up the trail, more Teshians hurried to join.

Fia, Ro’deser exclaimed angrily. This is all friendly fire?

Unfortunately, Night Hawk confirmed.

With Candonians creating a wall between the still agitated Teshian and Nathan, the group moved across the main trail and into a small clearing in order to discuss the situation. The two sides converged, eying each other suspiciously, though much to Night Hawk’s relief, everyone kept their weapons down.

What brings you here? an apparent leader of the Teshians growled.

Us? Ro’deser returned just as harshly. What are you doing? This is our land, not yours.

Captain, Night Hawk said. He turned to the Teshian, repeating the pressing question with less force. What are you doing here?

High target Vairdec are supposed to be here. We were ordered to capture.

They belong to us, one of the Riders vehemently argued. You have no right…

Banlov, Ro’deser warned.

Night Hawk remained focused on the Teshian. The location. Where was it?

The Teshian pointed to his left. A narrow path through the thick underbrush led down to a lower clearing. Ro’deser checked his intel-band then looked to Night Hawk.

That’s the location we were given.

Phantom cut through the group toward the path. He and Night Hawk worked together to assess the level of danger in the area. Between high-powered equipment and natural senses, they concluded all was quiet in the lower clearing. No Vairdec were in the area. Black Ice brushed his nose against his brother’s flank, getting a warning kick to stay back. It still paid to be cautious. Just because Vairdec were not detected didn’t mean danger didn’t lurk just beyond.

Night Hawk was not taking any chances. With a silent signal, he brought Phantom to a halt just before the break in the trees. His mask’s thermal imaging and radio wave detection worked to locate any threats. The woods remained quiet. He could see no indication of a camp. Not even the snow had been disturbed. Phantom eased forward a step.

A sudden forceful yank on his mane dropped him to his side. Super-heated lasers streaked overhead. The group behind scattered and took shelter. A Teshian leaped sideways to avoid Phantom, his foot knocking a rock aside in the process. It bounced away to strike a hidden mine. Less than a second later a horrifying explosion shook the ground and sent shrapnel ripping through the trees. Already flat on the ground, Night Hawk and Phantom avoided the potentially lethal projectiles. Several others weren’t as lucky. A Candonian buckled from several hits to the side. Two Teshians and a Human also went down.

Fall back, Ro’deser ordered.

Screams from above announced the return of the larkrae. They had retreated when fired upon, but with the sudden chaos and smell of blood, they abandoned caution for the hunt. Sweeping the area to be sure he would not stand up in line with another trap, Night Hawk rose to a knee and took aim on one of the incoming animals. It let out a piercing scream as it jerked in the air. Its glide thwarted, it flopped to the ground near Phantom’s head. Confirming it was safe to rise, the Candonian rose quickly, stomping the writhing creature as he did.

Across the clearing, Private Banlov and his Candonian partner Torzek scrambled up a small embankment to escape two more larkrae. The ground gave way beneath them, exposing a hidden trap below. Torzek dug into the earth to scramble out, barely avoiding setting off another mine at the bottom. Banlov had been thrown from the saddle and desperately grabbed at Torzek’s mane to keep from hitting the bottom himself. Night Hawk’s shots kept the larkrae from striking as the two pulled themselves free.

Watch the ground, Night Hawk warned less any more fell victim to hidden pits.

As Nathan and the Teshians took command of the larkrae problem, Night Hawk carefully scanned the clearing for more traps. Using his intel-band to control the mask’s settings, he honed in on the mechanical signatures of weapons placed among the trees. A few well-aimed shots took them out of commission. He and Phantom headed back the way they came, hoping to avoid any mines buried deep enough to thwart the mask’s abilities. Soon he and the rest of the two military units were safely back on the main path.

Somebody better have a good explanation for all of this, Darmalin growled as he pulled himself into Thunder’s saddle.

Night Hawk eyed the young man though said nothing. Instead he angled himself a little further behind Phantom. Darmalin and Ro’deser both knew him from their days in the CLE. In fact, all the Riders knew him, as he had overseen their initial training. Despite the well-designed disguise and voice changing comlink, he felt uncomfortably exposed with those familiar with his true identity. He was thankful the Candonians, though able to recognize him in ways Humans could not, were intuitive enough to say nothing. Black Ice especially took care, having moved to the other side of the group once Nathan was aboard.

Ro’deser eyed the Teshians suspiciously. Do you mind explaining why you are here?

We have orders, the apparent leader’s voice said over everyone’s translators. That is all.

Well somebody better get to the bottom of this, Ro’deser snapped.

Believe me, Night Hawk thought, I intend to.

CHAPTER TWO

Keven didn’t move. He figured he probably couldn’t, even if he wanted to. He was far too relaxed. Giving in to Stefany Tenner’s insistence on seeking physical therapy had indeed helped his recovery process, and the laser enhanced muscle treatment massages were certainly a welcome bonus. Keven figured Stefany was equally as pleased. There was little denying her infatuation with him, not to mention any other young single Human male on the planet. He stifled his amusement, hoping his eager therapist had missed seeing the smile. While he admitted to having a playfully flirtatious side, he wasn’t ready to become serious with anyone.

Stefany set the laser wand aside to work the muscles of Keven’s lower back by hand. It wasn’t exactly part of the lasmut massage treatment program, but she figured manual massage never hurt anyone. Keven prided himself in keeping fit, and his muscular form spoke volumes to that. With continued therapy she felt confident he would fully recover, making the evidence of falling nearly forty stories down a shaft a thing of the past.

Her careful kneading of Keven’s back slowed as she caught sight of the individual entering the therapy room. David Malard was a regular visitor to the Lasriet Medical Center, though Stefany never tired of having the famed Telamierian hero enter her domain. Flashing him a casual smile to belie her beating heart, she continued her work on Keven. David crossed to stand near Keven’s head.

You still alive? he asked.

Ask her, Keven mumbled.

Stefany answered with an awkward laugh. There were few times she was at a loss for words, but Keven had a fine way of befuddling her. David tapped Keven’s arm with the back of his hand.

I’m going to need you in the meeting at sixteen-oh.

Groaning, Keven slowly opened his eyes to glare up at his friend. I thought it was going to be on Vairdec movement. That’s military, not CLE.

You questioning your superior? David asked, his tone remaining casual.

Keven answered with a huff as he shut his eyes again. David shot Stefany a look, noticing her intense observation of him. She quickly averted her gaze to focus on Keven’s back.

There’s a few other things to discuss and I’d like you there, David continued. I value your input.

I’m flattered, oh great and wise superior.

Though he respected authority and strove to always conduct himself appropriately in the proper settings, Keven still found it pleasant to banter with his old friend whenever possible. David smirked. He liked Keven for his playful wit and casual ways. It made the high-tension of his job as director of defense easier to manage.

I’ll see you at sixteen, he said.

Keven moved just enough to glance at the time. There were still a few hours to go. That was good. He hated the thought of rushing through a massage.

You here for your session? he asked as David headed for the door.

Yeah, David answered. We have to do our part in keeping these lovely women employed.

Again, Stefany could only answer with a slight laugh. David found it impossible to hold back a smile. It felt good to begin relaxing again. The past year had torn his soul apart, leaving him empty and depressed. The road to recovery would be a long and difficult one, but he was grateful for those he now relied on for the much-needed support. One such person was waiting for him down the hall.

Doctor Juliana Meranser had proven herself not just a very competent physician, but a close friend and ally during David’s recovery. He found her in her office, fingering through daily reports. Even in the bright room, the computer managed to light up her delicate features and dark eyes. Her black hair was pulled up in the usual bun to expose the skin of her neck despite the higher collar of her medical jacket. For a moment David stood in the doorway watching her.

He had not forgotten their kiss. Futilely he had tried convincing himself there was nothing behind the action beyond the need to release some unnamed emotion. The memory and the affect the kiss had on him had yet to dissipate. He wasn’t sure he wanted to accept what it might mean. They had not yet spoken of the incident. David couldn’t tell if Julie was uncomfortable speaking about it or just giving him his space. One of these days they would have to talk, but what to say?

Are you coming in or not? Julie asked as she swung her chair around to look at him.

Giving a nonchalant shrug, David entered. Reporting in as ordered.

Ordered? Julie shot him a quizzical look as she gathered her exam equipment. I didn’t think you had to take orders.

All the time.

Well then.

She motioned to the side door leading into an exam room. David entered, removed his shirt and hopped up on the table. It was all routine. Without a word he allowed the examination to take place, going through the motions without fully hearing Julie’s requests to move one way or another or to breathe deeply. He had the sequence memorized.

What were you doing last night? Julie asked as she logged the results.

Last night? David sat perfectly still, not giving away the slightest hint of discomfort about the question. The usual exercise routine.

And?

What do you mean, ‘And’?

She tapped his forearm. David had already known she was questioning the cut, choosing to avoid jumping into an explanation too quickly to downplay the seriousness of its origins.

Oh that.

Yes, that, she answered, rolling her eyes. If I recall, the usual exercise doesn’t involve slicing your arm open.

It’s not that bad, David insisted. I went out riding and caught my arm on a sharp branch. That’s all.

Julie studied him in a way that made him wonder if she bought his story. He stared back with a calm expression, his training in espionage and interrogation allowing him to comfortably feign his innocence. With a sigh Julie gave in and headed for a locked cabinet.

You did fine cleaning and bandaging it, so I’ll leave it for now, she said. However, I’m giving you some hytoxion. You’ve got a low-level infection I’d hate to see grow.

Fair enough.

David figured one more drug in his system wouldn’t change much. With the cocktail running through him, he wondered if he could pass the mandatory drug tests government agents endured every year. Probably not, but at least he no longer had to choke down the dreaded concoction meant to protect his sensitive stomach. Silently he watched Julie take his arm and administer the shot. Before she could step away, he caught her by the wrist. She stood frozen in his grasp, unsure how to respond.

We need to talk, David said.

He had not planned any of this. It just happened, and since it had, he was determined to forge ahead.

Something happened a while back and I need to know where we stand.

Slowly Julie leaned against the table next to David, her eyes on the floor. I… I’m sorry about that. I’m a professional - a doctor. You’re my patient. I shouldn’t have crossed that line.

Really?

I should have acted more professionally.

If I recall, I kissed you.

Julie felt herself grow clammy. What was David getting at? Furthermore, how was she to proceed? It wasn’t as if she had never been in a relationship before, so she should be able to conduct herself with decorum. But this was David Malard. Did it really make a difference? Emboldened by the realization that it didn’t, she straightened and faced him.

So where do you think we stand?

David faltered. I don’t know.

Pushing off from the table, Julie returned to her work. Then we’re even. It was a simple kiss, that’s all. I don’t know what it means, but I don’t think either of us should torture ourselves with trying to find a meaning.

Is that your professional diagnosis?

She eyed him with sudden unease. One day at a time.

Can we keep our options open then?

Julie looked away. Secretly she wanted more than just a wayward kiss. She had surprised herself with how close she felt to David. Maybe it was meant to be. However, he was a very broken man, and not just physically. The last thing she wanted was to push too hard and scare him off. Suppressing any childish enthusiasm over his words she gave a curt nod before looking over her shoulder with a slight smile.

Sure. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have another schedule to keep.

David watched Julie go in silence. What had he done? Was he really ready for this? It had all happened so suddenly. Maybe he was ready. He admitted he found Julie very attractive, in both a physical and metaphysical sense. She was poised, graceful, intelligent and compassionate – everything he could want. So why the sudden unease? One day at a time. Yes, it was good advice. Many serious matters lay before him and relationships were not among them. It was time to refocus and get back to work. Grabbing his shirt, he hurriedly dressed and made for the door.

Movement in his peripheral vision caused David to glance up from his notes to watch Keven cross the conference chamber and seat himself in the adjacent chair.

Feeling better? David asked dryly, noting Keven’s relaxed posture.

You really should consider massage therapy, Keven answered. It’d do you good. Let’s face it, you are way too tense.

Tell me about it, Mike muttered.

David eyed his head of security, who refused to look up from his own set of notes.

Well, David said as he turned back to Keven, I suppose it would do Stephany some good.

Keven chuckled. Probably. How did your appointment go?

Usual, David mumbled.

Mike pulled himself away from his notes to study David along with Keven. David refused to acknowledge either as they looked to each other and shrugged. The arrival of the president drew them from any further conversation. Darkracer stepped to the center of the room, his head high and proud. His ears swiveled to note each person in the room as he waited for General Barius and Gabriel, who had entered with him, to take their respective places. The assemblage included key members of the defense department; Assistant Defense Director Gevlick, Colonel Tengali and Captain Ro’deser, the latter being present to relate the previous night’s events.

You may be seated. Captain Ro’deser, your report.

All in the room had grown accustom to Darkracer’s way of jumping right in on the day’s topic and Ro’deser began without hesitation.

At this time we cannot conclude the accuracy of our initial intel. The traps and presence of larkrae suggest the Vairdec recently occupied the area, but we believe they cleared out at least two days prior.

If indeed they were ever there, Gabriel added.

Ro’deser nodded in his direction. Exactly.

Would you elaborate? Tengali asked.

We Candonians failed to pick up any scent of Vairdec, Gabriel explained. If they had been there recently, the scent would have been detectable, even with the snowfall.

But they could have cleared out, Gipsy said, motioning toward Ro’deser, like you said. How else can we explain the traps?

How indeed? Barius muttered, his frustration over the event apparent in his voice.

How many casualties? Keven asked.

No deaths, thank all, Ro’deser answered. That could have been different if Night Hawk didn’t show up.

And how did he know? Keven wondered, careful not to look in David’s direction.

SIERA found new information as you were in the field, David answered, pointing to Ro’deser. There was a lot of interference on long-range communication. Whether this was part of the traps or from the Teshians or from something else, we’re still looking into it. However, Night Hawk was close enough to relay the news of the Teshians. As for the traps, reports say everyone was surprised by that.

Was there any sign of an actual encampment? Tengali wondered.

None that we saw, Ro’deser admitted.

And why would they deploy this tactic now? Tengali continued. No traps were set in Sard.

Two different units? Gipsy ventured.

Tengali was not convinced. But the intel said this was our primary target, as it was in Sard.

The intel also said they were going to be there, Mike pointed out.

Darkracer looked to Barius. General?

Our lead came from the Celehi’s military board. Unfortunately that puts us at a disadvantage. What’s our status on personally gaining access to the interceptions?

Still in negotiation, David admitted. The Celehi are not in favor of sharing. But let’s face it, we wouldn’t like giving them Vairdec communications either.

Perhaps we shouldn’t ask, Barius ventured. Our ECO agents are on hand.

David shook his head. I’d rather not risk it right now. The Oxrayt incident left everyone on edge. I don’t think it’s wise to strain international relations.

That’s only if we get caught, Barius reminded.

I agree with Malard, Darkracer said. This may prove too risky a move. I’ll continue speaking with Supreme Quay’lar.

For all we know the Celehi gave us everything they knew, David added.

Mike lifted his hand to draw attention to himself. I know the Vairdec employ traps in sensitive areas, but the middle of the woods?

Keven jumped into the conversation, motioning toward Mike in the desire to elaborate on his point. What I’d like to know is why traps at all? Obviously someone, we can assume the Vairdec, were there to set them, but how did they know we would intercept them? When did they find out we were coming?

They had to be tipped off somehow, Tengali noted.

By whom? Mike wondered.

Mister President, Barius jumped in, may I reiterate my position to employ the ECO? How can we be sure the Celehi are providing us with the correct information? Furthermore, if there is a double agent somewhere who is warning the Vairdec, it is in our best interest to know who that individual is as soon as possible.

Darkracer’s ears twitched as he thought. Blowing through his nostrils, he conceded to the general’s point.

You may put together a mission plan for review, which I will seriously consider. Malard, I’d like you to keep close watch on any undercurrent of distrust we might hold with the Celehi military. If we need to send ECO in, I need to know what level of repercussions we’d face.

Yes, sir.

Now what can you tell us about the traps’ specifics?

David didn’t have to glance at his notes. Firsthand experience was enough.

Motion shooters, land mines, nothing specifically Vairdec.

Specific to any species? Tengali wondered.

David shook his head. Celehi made, but standard issue to most of Telamier’s armies. It wouldn’t be hard to believe the Vairdec could have acquired such during the war. Weapons were changing hands pretty rapidly.

And if they didn’t get them during the war? Gipsy Gevlick wondered.

There’s always the black market, David reminded. We already know the Nengalis’ involvement with moving weapons. It wouldn’t be that surprising if others are out there doing the same.

Do the Teshians have any further information? Tengali asked.

David leaned forward in his seat. It looks like the Teshians were given the same intel we got.

Barius motioned with his head toward him. Which brings us to our next subject. Why did the Celehi give the intel to the Teshians? This was supposed to be a Human and Candonian joint operative. After all, this is Earthenia, not Antidine. The Teshians have no right crossing our borders without prior arrangement.

Agreed, Darkracer said with a dip of his head. And this, too, is being addressed. I will be speaking with the Teshian council this evening.

Keven lifted his hand from his temple, which he had been discretely rubbing as he leaned his head casually against his fingers.

May I? Can we be sure the Vairdec aren’t aware of their communications being intercepted? What if they weren’t tipped off by a double agent? This could be a case of them feeding misinformation to lure us into traps.

It’s a valid assumption, Darkracer admitted. One that has crossed my mind as well.

Which is yet another reason why I feel we need to gain control of these communications for ourselves, Barius insisted. If nothing else, we can validate their authenticity.

Darkracer blew heavily through his nostrils in thought. David carefully watched the Candonian’s subtle moves as he tried predicting what the president would decide. His gaze suddenly jumped to Barius.

Why not use SIERA’s status? David suggested. De’oolay’s skills must account for something. With SIERA being a joint unit, the Celehi wouldn’t exactly be handing over their findings, David paused as he thought, at least not entirely. I think what happened last night gives all of us a viable reason to check the interceptions’ validity. It would be in their best interest to do so anyway.

I agree with Malard, Barius said.

I second it, Tengali replied.

Mike, Keven and Gipsy did the same. Ro’deser and Gabriel also nodded in response despite their ranking giving them no legality in the vote. Ears twitching with approval, Darkracer dipped his head.

Very well. I shall present this proposal to Supreme Quay’lar immediately. Hopefully we will begin seeing results by tomorrow’s summons. In the…

The signal coming over everyone’s comlinks caused several to jump in surprise. David composed himself quickly to glance between Keven and Mike. They only glanced back, refraining from speaking as Darkracer took command of the situation.

Arzen, go. Tengali, Malard, keep watch. The rest of you, return to your duties. I shall keep watch from my office.

They all rose quickly. Keven exited at a jog with David and Mike close at his side. An eruption of a Faxon-Manogonite gang war was serious business. The fight being no more than a kilometer from the capitol was even more reason to worry.

CHAPTER THREE

Instead of heading for CLE Headquarters, Keven was obliged to join David in the director of defense office. Seating himself across from David at the main desk, he began scanning the barrage of information flashing into view. Mike stood apart, staring out the window with his hands clasped tightly behind his back.

Why did it have to be the Oxyrans who left? Keven muttered as David flipped reports around for him to read. I’d be very happy to say good-bye to the Faxons and Manogonites right now.

David refrained from speaking. He understood Keven spoke out of frustration, an emotion felt throughout the room, but David couldn’t deny the sense of unease over imagining yet more species forcibly removed from the planet. Of course removing the Faxons and Manogonites from Earthenia would be welcome. The two species had moved into the eastern district of San Terres, and with little law enforcement throughout the region, they were allowed to stay as long as they remained peaceful. Unfortunately, with gangs forming among their ranks, the two already temperamental species were fuses ready to be lit, and someone or something had managed to ignite them.

Listening quietly to the orders Keven gave his agents, David focused on a map of the city glowing in the center of the desk. His gaze followed the points of light indicating individuals on the streets the sensors tagged as hostile. With the main visual tracking system for the city still inoperable, sensors could only tag viewable weapons. The number of indicating lights was disturbing. Impatiently he tapped his finger on the edge of the desk as he waited for his authorization to activate one of the two remaining street drones left in San Terres. Built to focus on and report suspect actions throughout the city’s streets and parks, it would give David better eyes on the situation. Still he knew CLE’s agents would be able to provide the most accurate assessment once in place. They’d be at the site in just a couple minutes.

Do you really think we can keep this matter contained? he asked.

What choice do we have? Keven answered, never taking his eyes off the desk. We’ve got enough to hold the perimeter, but not execute precision takedowns and arrests – not on that scale. He waved his hand over the map to emphasize what David had already observed. Sit it out.

David wasn’t satisfied. To what end? How many are going to die out there?

They’re not our citizens.

No, David grudgingly admitted, but if they engage our agents? Do we have the fire power?

As long as both sides don’t turn on us at the same time, yes.

I can go airborne, Mike suggested.

Shaking his head, David pulled up another chart. Hold for now.

"Soerin, Darkracer’s voice said over David and Mike’s comlinks. To my office."

Mike immediately turned from the window and headed for the door.

On my way.

Well that took care of that decision, David thought, not looking up to watch Mike exit. Nor did he bother checking the president’s reasons for calling the pilot. He trusted Darkracer. Furthermore, there were too many things to occupy his mind at the moment.

This is too close to the capitol, David said, pointing toward a line of fighters moving up one of the city’s main streets. We need more to hold the north end.

Military’s your jurisdiction, Keven muttered between orders to CLE agents.

David needed no reminding. He was already looking at the charts, calculating whom he could have on the ground the fastest. Unfortunately he couldn’t easily pull forces from Haven Rock, where the majority of Earthenia’s citizens still lived. Vairdec or not, the traps discovered by the Riders the night before were too close to the city for David to justify pulling any protection – especially over a Faxon-Manogonite gang war. A flash from a notification drew his attention to his right.

Not now, he growled.

Copy, Keven said to his agents. Hold the west. Report when in position. He