Honor Among Pirates: Federation War, #6

By T.L. Rolston

Rei has grown tired of her status as the Federation's most wanted fugitive and has decided to take the fight to them. While fighting from the shadows is expensive work, the ship recieves intel about a new hot commodity: a jewel known as the Heart of the Galaxy. 

 

Stealing their prize will take skill and more than a bit of luck, but thankfully Rei knows some of the best pirates in galaxy. And if they succeed, will it be the solution they seek?

 

This title was published under Cianien Bloodstone.

• Language: English
• Publisher: T.L Rolston
• Release date: Mar 20, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224960484

Book preview

ONE

Footsteps thundered down the long, winding corridor. Panicked screams came from all directions, only barely discernible from the explosions that rent the air. Rei Phoenix eased the door to her hiding place open to peek on the other side as the noises faded. She stretched like a cat before moving aside to allow Yeke Kimain out. The taller man swung his rifle left, then right, before taking point. Rei rolled her eyes. Now that the bombing had chased them off there wasn’t another person for a few blocks, let alone in the building. It made perfect conditions to get what they were after despite the danger.

She strode past Yeke and positioned herself next to a doorway some distance from their hiding place. She looked around the corner only to snap back so she was flush against the wall, her eyes moved to Yeke. He glared at her for a moment before his expression mirrored the confusion in his cool, blue eyes.

Three, maybe four, she breathed.

Yeke nodded, withdrawing something from the many pockets of his dark jacket. Rei slid back to let him have access to the doorway. A small cylinder was held tight in his palm. He looked over at Rei, who nodded, then turned away and shut her eyes. Rei heard the telltale clink of metal against metal moments before a bright light flashed across the inside of her eyelids.

When Rei blinked her eyes open Yeke was already motioning for her to join him. Essence glowed around his hands. His power created a breeze that wove through the hall and into the room. The haze of smoke that still hung overhead slowly withdrew to reveal the still forms of the guards. Rei walked forward while the smoke continued to dissipate.

She nudged one of the motionless bodies on the ground with a booted foot. He rolled limply over. No blood or any other sign of harm. In fact, if she didn’t know better, she’d guess the man was just asleep.

Captain, I’m in their systems. Aede’s voice came from their earpieces.

Rei gave the air an exasperated look. Does that mean we don’t need to be in this room we just had to gas the occupants of?

There’s someone in that room? Thought they’d all be escaping the attack.

Can you blame them? If the info is here... Rei turned to face Yeke who shrugged. Her foot tapped against the floor while her free hand absently tucked her vivid red hair behind her ear. Well?

There were several minutes of silence. I’m sorry, Captain. Aede was quiet. I can’t get in. That server is isolated from the others.

We’ll stick to the plan then. Rei cut the comm. The building around them shook and threatened to collapse. Rei watched the lights dim and flicker back to full strength. Have to wonder if we’re really as opportunistic as we claim or just stupid for being here while the rebels attack.

When else would we get this chance? Yeke asked.

Dust cascaded down, coating them a in a fine layer of gray. Rei strode to their target, a massive console in the center of the chamber. Members of the President’s Council would gather around it. She knelt down; her gun was holstered while her hand prodded the underside of the controls. Yeke moved to stand between her and the door, rifle at the ready. Her fingers tripped a small, sliding compartment. She offered Yeke a toothy grin of victory while her hand fumbled around in one of the pouches on her belt. Her fingers found the edge of the crystalline chip Aede had given her.

The chip slid into the tray. Rei stood slightly to watch as all the data was copied over, her body rigid. So far it had gone smoothly, almost too smoothly for her liking. It made her uneasy, full of anticipation for the other shoe to drop despite everyone’s assurances. The plan had been insane, as Chia described it, at the very least. Rei had played the argument a hundred times over and over in her head in some meager attempt to make sure she wasn’t making a mistake.

What do you have for me? Rei swung through the doorway to the computer core, using the door frame to pivot.

Something I think we’ve been waiting for. Aede replied from the other side of the core. Nekose is mounting a major offensive.

When aren’t they mounting a so-called major offensive? Rei folded her arms over her chest.

It’s against Ireai, they’re targeting the President’s own center of power. Chia informed her. And Aede thinks that it might be beneficial to swing through while it happens.

What? Rei didn’t even bother to hide her bewilderment at the idea.

Hear me out, the businesswoman raised a hand. We need more information before we proceed. We need to know what they know about these caches and their plans. How do the caches fit? It’s something that’s bugged me for a while now. Plus, it never hurts to know what was fully done to you if we can. The nobles are a bunch of non-scientifics- anything on those servers will be in simple terms. All nice and neat.

And you want to break in while Nekose and every ship he has attacks? Rei’s eyebrow rose.

They’ll be too busy with the battle to worry about us slipping in and taking what we need.

We’d have to take the main ship in though. Our shuttle won’t be able to handle much bombardment.

Are you seriously considering this idea? Chia demanded. We’ll get blown apart!

Not if we do a fly and drop. Aede said. "The ship can then take shelter out of the way.

We’ll blow an engine or have a system completely shut down. Then, who knows when we’ll be able to get it back. That’s not even considering the fact we’ll likely be blown out of the sky before that! Why is it every time I fix something on this ship we keep trying to break it? Chia stamped her feet. And what will we gain? Information that’s just a repeat of what we’ve been told? This plan is insanity at its finest. If the worst doesn’t happen, then they’ll still be able to tell we were there.

We can and will take measures, Captain. Aede protested. I would just suggest sending a few volunteers, but I know better.

No, if we’re doing this than I go. I won’t ask anyone to risk more than they have to for this quest.

Chia scoffed. Insanity. She muttered one final time before leaving.

The chip popped out and startled Rei back to her senses. She palmed it, reset the tray, and ushered Yeke back the way they came. We have it Aede. She hissed in her earpiece.

In the hall, she turned in place to make sure their path remained clear. By now, the sirens that alerted everyone to the danger were the only things breaking noise from the bombardment. Rei swallowed the fear that rose from deep in her gut, her feet firmly planted on the ground.

She felt warmth wrap around her hand a second before she registered Yeke clutching it tight and pulling her after him. She drew even, but didn’t pull away. The ground shook; threatening to send them both to the ground. Bits of plaster and broken stone cascaded from a crumbling wall. Through the new opening Rei could see two massive fleets meeting above the city while other ships made a desperate bid for freedom. Columns of smoke rose to blot the sunlight that filtered through the clouds. Her arm pulled taunt only to quickly fall lax.

Rei? Yeke’s voice had a hint of urgency she hadn’t heard before.

Rei kept her eyes on the ships above. Lasers cut through the invading force before they lay waste to the city below. Missiles and other projectiles smashed into what the lasers failed to destroy.

We can’t bring the ship into this. Rei muttered. Her hand went to her earpiece. Aede, meet us in the main courtyard of this building. She vaulted over the wall into a small courtyard. In the center, a tree that once provided a nice sitting area crackled and smoked. Rei’s hand fumbled through the channels until she arrived back at the one the ship used. Foniac, we’re on our way back. Be ready to take off as soon as we get there.

We’ll get you, Boss.

No! Things fell apart here faster than we thought. Stay there. We’re coming to you.

Okay, Boss; you’re the one in charge, after all. Just take care in getting back, huh?

You bet.

The comm went silent. Rei slid through a doorway which the door half blocked. Smoke slowly filtered through the hallway here, but most had dissipated. Regardless, Rei broke into a sprint, Yeke soon overtaking her. A corner came up fast. They slid around it without missing a step. Rei found her hand in Yeke’s once more, her second pulling her along when he deemed her pace too slow for his liking. The pull wasn’t much, but enough to cause her to stumble when it caught her unawares.

The pair wound their way through the empty halls; even the security stations stood abandoned. Aede burst through the doors just ahead of them, her long, dark hair trailing behind. There you are! she exclaimed.

I thought you were going to meet us up ahead? Yeke cried.

Was, but that part of the building is gone. Looks like it took a direct hit. The building around them shuddered and quaked just after Aede spoke.

Well, if we don’t hurry, we’re going to be next, Rei looked around, unable to mask the concern from showing on her face.

Yeke pulled the two of them behind him. Ahead, the wall burst apart, though a quick shield from Aede protected them from harm. Rei withdrew to examine the path that was still unobstructed to find it rapidly filling with smoke. She glanced over her shoulder to see Yeke futilely trying to budge the rubble. Rei turned back. Flames had started to lick at the walls.

Move, Rei cried as she darted toward where the others waited.

Rei, what? Yeke withdrew, hands raised.

Essence coated the surface of her right hand. She wound her arm back, before punching forward. The energy burst from her closed fist, roaring toward the debris where it plowed a path through. Rei wound up again, in case more clearing was needed. Her nostrils twitched in irritation as the smoke from the fire started to reach them. She punched forward, relief flooding her at the scent of fresh air.

The three wasted no time in getting through. On the other side, they vaulted over another broken wall into what used to be an alley before the buildings around it collapsed. Yeke led them toward a small delivery truck. After a couple of attempts Yeke managed to get it to start. Rei pushed him out of the driver’s seat, barely waiting for everyone to get in before she squealed the tires in her bid to get them to safety. Imperial boomed from speakers set up around the city, informing the population of the planned evacuation. Several shop windows were smashed completely, the shelves cleaned out.

Opportunistic bastards, Yeke muttered beside her

Please, Rei rolled her eyes. If we didn’t have this to deal with, she gestured to where she had tucked the chip with the files. Then you would be out there looting with everyone else.

You know I would, but we both know the good stuff is long gone.

Then we should just keep moving, right? Aede suggested.

Yeke fiddled with the radio, no doubt in the hopes of catching some news on exactly how bad things were, only to find static. Rei careened the vehicle around a corner. Her arms ached as she held the wheel despite the fact she had done very little physical activity. Bits of building and earth burst across the road, Rei swerved to avoid colliding with the debris. Yeke fell heavily into her.

Watch where you’re going! he cried.

Oh yeah, A fire cloud rose to their right. Rei threw the wheel sharply in that direction. The tires screamed, the sound buried under the collapsing building. She quickly corrected the vehicle and charged down an open side street. Because I’m able to control where the explosions are.

Just get us out of here! Aede shouted. The car rocketed forward on the wake of another missile landing. Then silence. They looked at one another with wide eyes. Yeke dove back to the radio search for information.

Attention citizens, Nekose’s voice dripped out loud and clear. Unlike your former masters we know how to conduct ourselves in battle. Surrender to us and no further harm will come to you or your planet. Failure to do so will continue our assault. You have one hour.

Oh, how nice of them, Rei quipped, sarcasm dripping from her voice.

The edge of the city was in sight. For a brief moment, Rei had a flashback to another flight; another planet they had left behind in the hand of the conquerors. They were in even less of a position to aid them now than they were then. She bit back the bitter taste in her mouth. Despite how she felt about the Federation and most who resided within it, she wasn’t heartless. The only consolation was that they were slowly getting into a better position to do a strike of their own.

Boss, where are you? The worry wasn’t hidden from Kuv’s voice.

We’re in route, eta, about ten minutes. Rei replied.

We’d like you in one piece if we can. Kuv commented. So don’t push your luck.

We don’t plan on it, Yeke said. Just have the cargo bay open when we get there.

We’ll be ready.

Rei careened around the next corner; the force close to pinning them against the sides of the vehicle. The land around them rose and fell in gentle hills that were dotted with farms in the distance. The winding of the road allowed the car to vanish from sight unless the ships were tracking them via their sensors. Rei doubted that would be the case; even the Federation would be too busy to care about one wayward car. She slowed their pace. While urgent, they no longer were forced to brace themselves whenever she took a corner.

The slower speed allowed her to take in the sights of the surrounding countryside. There was enough distance from the city that the people were still attempting to go about their day. A few cast worried glances at the ships and smoke. Some tried to wave them down, though Rei ignored the gesture. They would find out soon enough anyway; the only thing Rei stood to gain from answering their summons was losing ground.

The endless farmland returned to wild fields. The road eventually dipped into a low valley with their ship, the Yalitza, nestled in the center. Rei accelerated the vehicle though she made sure she remained within some measure of safety. Once they were within running distance she slid to a stop, grabbed her bag and leapt out. Together the trio raced toward the open ramp where Kuv, backed by a small security detachment, beckoned them inside. Rei’s mouth twisted into a smile at his unwarranted concern, though this far into enemy territory Rei didn’t blame his caution. Anything could and would likely happen. And as her hand slammed the ramp controls a feeling of dread flooded through her like ice water.

As though answering her unwanted desire a loud explosion rent the air. Rei whirled around to feel heat and wind wash over her face. A loud plume of smoke radiated from the right side of the ship just before the door shut.

What was that? she heard Yeke demand over the ship’s internal comm. Rei swore she heard a faint alarm beyond the bulkhead.

Nothing, nothing, Chia’s voice quickly assured them. Though I suggest we get out of here as fast as possible, though it might not be the fastest speed.

Why? Foniac’s tone was sharp.

Because you might be... well... you might be without one of the Ci engines.

What? The cry was so loud Rei was certain the whole ship had joined in. She winced, then an eyebrow rose at the silent response. Why, Chia? Chia, are you there?

Regardless of whatever technical problem had just happened the ship began its ascent through the atmosphere. Rei motioned for the others to follow her. If Chia was going to go silent than she would just have to see what happened with her own eyes. She noticed this area of the ship was deserted despite normally crawling with engineers. Odder still considering what they had just witnessed. In the engine room, Rei quickly found her answers. Sparks and smoke filled the air from the farthest Ci engine. The connected components of the engine sat dark and powerless.

Chia, Rei made sure her tone carried her displeasure at how the earlier conversation had ended.

I’ll have it going again momentarily. The engineer’s furred ears were visible just above one of the engines, moving along in a smooth motion as she spoke. There was no need to alarm you I just didn’t want our ace pilot to blow things up more.

As though I haven’t heard that before. Rei’s arms went across her chest. And just what exactly blew up now?

Nothing exploded per-say, we just... overloaded. Her face fully appeared. Dirt and grime streaked red cheeks. Dark eyes shone among the dullness it cast over her skin. I need more tubing here! she barked to the room in general.

Engineers scrambled to obey the command. Rei found herself knocked back against Yeke to clear a path for them to work. She noticed for the first time that somehow they had lost Kuv’s men, not that there was much room for them here anyway. The requested tubing appeared in Chia’s hand and she vanished. Rei could hear creaking and clanging on the other side while everyone in the room held their breath. Chia’s head reappeared.

Muscles! her gaze fell on Yeke and Kuv. Get over here and hold this in place so I can secure it.

Several of the engineers looked uncomfortable. But surely they’ll break it... one, Rei couldn’t see who precisely, asked. That tubing needs a gentle touch.

It also needs a bit of force to be put in place. Someone else commented.

Kuv and Yeke ignored the debate, pushing past the crowd to aid